Reviews

MRR #37 • June 1986

76% Uncertain Nothing But Love Songs LP

One of Connecticut’s finest thrash bands pops up LP #2 full of whirling hardcore that packs an introspective message. Both celebrating the positive notion of the underground and also pointing a finger at its failures. Musically, it’s a little more melodic this time, something like the catchiness of the DESCENDENTS. A must.

Asta Kask Än Finns Det Hopp EP

This new one from ASTA KASK has that brisk, melodic, and powerful style, but with an added emphasis on power. This sacrifices a bit of accessibility, but makes for some great moments, especially on the steamroller, “Sexkomplex.” Another great one from these guys.

Avskum Live at Blitz cassette

Fast-paced basic thrash, Swedish style. Ten songs come forth with a good, steady beat and loud guitars. The vocals are harsh, but hard and heavy at the same time. Overall, the production is pretty good for a live recording and gives a healthy taste of what this intense band is all about.

B.R.Dreck Live cassette

Well-rounded musical influences play an important role in this German band’s sound which is a nice mixture of early punk, thrash, and pop. They switch off, and the combination of male and female vocals adds an interesting diversity to the arrangements and blends well with the mid-tempo, offbeat tunes.

Bedlam Lost in Space 12″

Expect the same abrasive uncompromising thrash you enjoyed on their debut 12″, but with an additional grunginess—almost a looseness—on their latest. The band is hot, no question about it, and I still enjoy their offbeat humor and personal commentaries represented in the lyrics.

BGK Nothing Can Go Wrogn! LP

The masters of Dutch political thrash strike the match and burn wildly with this new line-up. Tony’s gone over to guitar and he rips the pace to bleedin’ shreds as the drums smash over and over again with Rene’s forceful thrusted vocals. If you liked the first, the second will drive you mad with quickness, tight harmonies, and action-packed thrills.

Bluttat Cash, Invoice, or Credit Card LP

This fine band seems to have lost some of their steam and distinction from their previous two sparkling LPs—the songs here tend to run into each other without much differentiation, and the lack of real punch is a disappointment. Maybe I’m missing the subtleties, but I miss their power and speed.

Butthole Surfers Rembrandt Pussyhorse LP

I’ve thought the BUTTHOLES’ records frankly variable in quality to this point, but I am really enthusiastic about this one. More subdued than usual, at times boasting a pounding backbeat, this is their first attempt at “acid pop”—and it’s a real breakthrough. Absolutely fascinating from song to song. Get it.

Circle of Sig-Tiu Feuer + Asche LP

This powerful album combines some metallic touches with an urgent, dramatic compositional style. All of this results in memorable songs which really clear the air, and there’s a distinctiveness here that should be recognized, too. Very strongly recommended.

Clinik Jungle Town / Revolution Rap 7″

Switzerland produces some very mundane punk and some quite interesting experimental punk (such as the MANISCH DEPRESSIV 7″), and this release falls into the latter category. One side is indeed a politically biting rap song set to rhythm machine, while the other is a highly persuasive punk song. Interesting.

Cortex You Can’t Kill the Boogeyman LP

Swedish neo-psych band that relies heavily on dark guitar passages and gloomy percussion. Nice cover of ZAPPA s “Trouble Everyday.” Less psych here than just plain old guitar pop.

Crippled Youth Join the Fight EP

Tough young aggression hurling the handballs of power with that all-too-familiar Boston sound deliverance. Kicks into gear with a forceful driving beat that plunges into chunky thrash, as vocals scream and shout over the chaotic pace. Combine a mixture of DYS and SSD in their early prime, thrust the clutch down, and CRIPPLED YOUTH grind down hard and delightful.

DC Necros History of… cassette

Although this band was involved in the DC scene in the classic years of ’81-’83, they do not follow along the same musical line as many of the other bands. This band resorts to raw, good ol’ sloppy rockin’ punk, much in the vein of the GERMS, especially the vocal style. All seven songs do a good job of documenting this needlessly ignored outfit.

Disaccord Don’t Ask Me Why cassette

Buzzsaw guitar burns its way through 14 songs, all set to a classic, crazed, thrashed-out tempo. It’s produced by machine gun drumming, but the vocals are lost in the background and seem to be merely muffles. Nevertheless, the music makes up for it—fast and hot!

English Dogs Metalmorphosis 12″

Adie’s vox have a character that brings the great speedcore compositions of the ENGLISH DOGS to a thundering proportion, raw, uncompromising, and shouting. They blurt well with this crazed line-up. The DOGS really work the musical structure with award-winning appeal. A bit of work goes into these songs. Bang.

Feedtime Feedtime LP

Seems to be recorded somewhere between 33 and 45 RPM, cuz it seems plausible at both speeds. This is driving, bass-heavy guitar noise stuff, sometimes quietly mad, and at other times blatantly insane. Grunge with conscious intent but really well executed.

Gastunk Geronimo / Red Indians Rock 7″

Oh my, GASTUNK scalps the senses with another super release. This band is one of Japan’s best and scorches it out with this Indian-themed release. Excellent packaging opens you to intense echoing shrills. What you’d expect from this band that deserves, ’cause they perform well.

Gauze Equalizing Distort LP

Raw-edged straightforward thrash with gravel-laden vocals continuing the excitement on this second LP. Japan’s answer to non-stop chaotic destruction, finely tuned and well-mixed with great back-up choruses, throwing chunks of havoc everywhere. The first LP was good, this is a great one and melts my brain at every listen.

Happy World Jump for Joy EP

Diverse influences crop up on this four-track EP. The less urgent numbers on the “9” side didn’t capture my attention, owing more to a loose rock approach. Side “FF”, however, contains two dynamic, mid-tempo punkers which represent this band at their best. Not altogether catchy, but still respectable.

JFA My Movie EP

JFA present two lackluster instrumentals on one side of this EP, but the showcase for this band’s talents, “Desert Jewel,” demonstrates adeptness at a diverse punk approach: a haunting intro, bright guitars, and impassioned vocals make for their best track in a long time. Very good.

Karma Sutra Inside the Glassy Packages the Same Old Slut cassette

A six-song release, this is punk rock with a distinguishing guitar sound. For the most part, the band has a SUBHUMANS-type English sound, but the guitar has a post-punky tone, a combination that comes off well. Good thoughtful lyrics to boot.

Kids for Cash No More Walls EP

Good first effort from this Virginia band, who whips out six blazing melodic thrashers spliced with vocals that don’t rely on shouting, but on a harmonizing approach to communicate. The speed is kept to a moderate pace and catchy musical riffs and sing-alongs only add to the power.

Knock-Out James Knock-Out James cassette

Harkening back to punk’s melodic power days (and to punk’s less political lyrics), this band is in reaction to the metal direction many HC bands have gone—it’s done decently, thought the singing doesn’t really cut it (OK for thrash, but punk demands more in this department). Like the direction, though this beginning leaves room for growth.

Koel Family Village of the Darned cassette

Funnypunk, ’60s garage style. This original Bay Area group, which encompasses the acoustically oriented Koel Brothers and Metal Mike (ex-ANGRY SAMOANS, etc.) offers 20 songs satirizing American mores from “Floridah” to “Davenport, Iowa.” The lyrics are hilarious and some of the songs really kick ass.

Laughin’ Nose Laughin’ Nose LP

This group sticks to their early punk roots, relying on pop melodies, heavy on the high production vocals and mix (a bit too much so), and simple, catchy tunes. It can wear thin, but is an OK change of pace. Especially liked “Broken Generation.”

Les Garçons Bouchers La Biere EP

This outfit is a French equivalent of DER DURSTIGE MAN—a punk band whose material is most likely to appeal to those whose musical sensibilities have already been clouded by massive amounts of alcohol. Mid-tempo punk with shouted group choruses, and aggressively delivered; typically, the title track is translated, “Beer.”

Les Rats Violence / Allez Danser! 7″

This French outfit specializes in pop-punk with the traditional choruses, but emphasizing a more rootsy rock influence. “Allez Danser!” is an especially invigorating melodic track, while the flip connects with more energy. Basically good and solid.

Little Gentlemen Broken Toys LP

This is the second album by this group and again pushes for the UK punk sound similar to the DAMNED. Clean production shows how they opt for more melody than sweat in their sound. It’s OK, but it could move a little bit more.

Los Violadores Y Ahora Qué Pasa, Eh? LP

They’ve gone way pop since their PISTOLS-like debut LP, and would go over really well with nightclub punk acts, those “professional punk” bands. There’s still a spark of guts here and there, but mainly it’s power-pop music.

Manimal Manimal cassette

At breakneck speed or mid-tempo, this band turns out well-crafted, powerful punk and thrash. They have an almost SoCal sound, full of melody and hooks, lots of guitar, and neat vocals. An excellent tape, well worth picking up.

My Bloody Valentine Geek! 12″

More pop than JESUS AND THE MARY CHAIN, but utilizing their noise guitar. The singing isn’t well done or enigmatic, and the overly subdued nature of the playing leaves leaves a lot to be desired. One track (“No Place to Go”) has enough energy to overcome this, but a .250 average doesn’t make it.

Nick Toczek’s Britanarchists More to Hate… Than Meets the Eye 12″

One one side, it’s NICK TOCZEK backed up by a simple punk band (the BURIAL, who look more skin than punk), while on the flip he’s backed by a ska/reggae outfit called the SPECTRE. NICK’s bitter social commentary comes across well despite (or enhanced by) the music.

Os Replicantes O Futuro Á‰ VÁ³rtex LP

Decent but commercial-sounding punk. This pop punk style is not surprising, considering OS REPLICANTES are out on RCA Brazil, but what is unusual are the lyrics—attacking censorship, banks, and other problems common not only to the Third World, but the West as well. Interesting.

Psychotic Youth Devils Train EP

A “…Youth” band that’s not hardcore? Yep, pure psych/punk here, and though they’re hardly “psychotic,” they do rock pretty good. Do an ELEVATORS cover, as well as the FE-FI-FOUR PLUS 2’s “I Wanna Come Back From the World of LSD” and two originals. Not remarkable, but decent.

Public Enemy Wanted Dead or Alive cassette

CAPITOL PUNISHMENT crossed over with early STRETCH MARKS makes a good comparison of what this Canadian band has to offer. Eight songs that rage through your speakers at hyper speed. Catchy chords and high-pitch tapping beat.

Rabatz Irrenoffensive LP

Good driving punk but without much distinct personality. While the music’s plenty punk and there’s good power and vocals, they lack that special something which becomes evident on LPs more than EPs. Still, it’s not bad at all.

Ramones Something to Believe In 12″

Alas, the RAMONES, on their latest release, are heading back to their overproduced period of a few years back. Too many instruments (synth, horns, extraneous shlock and vocals) clutter it all up, absorb the power, and detract from their simple raw pop power. Disappointing three tunes.

Sacred Denial Extra-Strength Tylenol Anyone LP

I like this record a lot, with its straightforward powerful punk/thrash and teeny-nasty vocals. Nothing really unusual here, but its simple punch and power are really enjoyable. A no-frills treat from this now-defunct band.

Sponky Business So What…?! LP

This Belgian band relates commendable lyric concerns in a simple, riffy punk style that’s a mixed bag for me. I enjoyed the hard, stinging guitar sound, but the compositions seemed a bit “simple” and uninvolving. With better songwriting, this band could be a contender.

SS-20 More Government Now cassette

A lengthy but enjoyable tape of real good pop-punk thrash. Good production as well as way clear vocals makes this even more enjoyable. Good lyrics and neat back-up singing as well.

Stinky Rats Vergognati 12″

Thrash for the most part, but broken up with changes that are a bit jazz-rocky. Several Italian HC bands seem to have these varied influences, some of which I find distracting, however eclectic and broad their tastes. Others may appreciate the variety. When they rely on power, they really wail.

The Accüsed Return of Martha Splatterhead LP

You missed last time, so don’t miss this chance, ’cause this firebomb rips with that kind of crazed ferocity of speed, lightning-paced and raw deliverance that cranks the rug out from your feet. The dentist rips teeth from your jaw as Blaine tugs at his frenzied vocals in a passionate form of chaos, and the band giggles with nerve-smashing thrash. The original plus eight new tracks to light up your neighborhood.

The Brigade The Dividing Line LP

TEARS FOR FEARS meets the ALARM meets the CURE meets FRANK SINATRA. This new band, formerly called YOUTH BRIGADE, has a new sound which will take most by surprise. The classic YOUTH BRIGADE sing-alongs in a different character and well-executed lyrics are combined with very complex creative music that in my book spells—CHEESY! The slick production and studio trickery will play an important part in helping this record be a major radio hit. What’s next, an MTV video? Progress, growth, or change…you decide for yourself.

The Comes Power Never Die LP

Hallowed be the return of the COMES and orgasms does it create with splash ’n’ bash mayhem as the female singer twists buzzbomb of a sensation. Six tightly knit songs to grab down and charge up for an earful in flailing delight. Hot stuff that mixes well for both crowds.

The Cramps What’s Inside a Girl? 12″

The title is off their latest LP, and the other two tracks are nothing to rave about. “Get Off the Road” and “Give Me a Woman” are very simple tunes, but lack any special character or zip. Like the RAMONES’ new 12″, a poor follow-up to their recent LP.

The Dehumanizers Kill Lou Guzzo EP

The gut-crunching antics of this bizarre combo will take you on an insane journey into thrash, metallic mayhem, raw energy, and odd effects. Definitely a band with their own style, DEHUMANIZERS approach some new ground which works well sometimes. The vocals are heavy and growling, and the pace changes frequently, from speed to quaking riffs.

The Honeymoon Killers Love American Style LP

Hot damn, this is a great record and the best yet from this band. They surely can’t be labelled and shelved as SONIC YOUTH clones again. Raving vocals with the most fulfilling melodies and arrangements I’ve heard from them while maintaining a powerful, steady rhythmic backbeat. Eclectic post-punk at its finest.

The Smarties Whole Buncho Weirdos LP

Great combination of crisp, hard-hitting, fast punk and funny upbeat comedy tunes. All the music is produced by talented West German musicians who keep their musical roots present throughout every song. The clean, excellent production only helps this twelve-song LP’s attack become stronger. Good stuff!

Third Force Just a Little Screw cassette

Though the recording is just a bit on the thin side, there’s lots to pick up on here—lots of energy and tight as hell, quick changes and blazing yet melodic thrash, and some positive lyrics. Like the singing and harmonizing, too. A good start.

Tu-Do Hospital Patients of… LP

Flat-out the best new band out of Germany, combining a hardcore mind with metal fingers, pushing the sonic disruption into a rambunctious speedcore assault with all-together lyrics. Totally a US feel of hardcore to this grinding fury, with speed, melody, wailing riffs, and a continual careening force. Lots of unique ideas that bolt across with power and enthusiasm.

Uprising Screaming From the Inside cassette

Blazing, ear-shattering UK thrash attack. Four songs, all set to a hyper-organized hysteria. Clear vocals raging out against oppression and falsehood are combined with very well-produced powerful assaulting music. Short and sweet and well worth looking into!

V/A End the Warzone EP

A high-speed comp 7″ with such bands as LÄRM, PILLSBURY HARDCORE, STRAIGHT AHEAD, and ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT. All of this material is raging thrash topped off by a positive message. Extreme power and aggressiveness.

V/A Guest List cassette

A pretty cool comp featuring ten great Ohio HC bands, most of which have either been hiding or overlooked. Included are the talents of GUMBY’S REVENGE, PLASMA ALLIANCE, PPG, IDIOT HUMANS, NUMBSKULL, PLAGUE, and many more. Good Midwest sampler!

V/A Auf Tierfang Durch Die Welt Für Unseren Zoo EP

All three bands here (two tracks each) are in older punk styles. Recordings vary in quality (some live, some studio), but there is a sameness to it all. Includes: BLANKER HOHN, KIE ERBEN, and R.Z. AMOK, all from Hamburg.

V/A Consumer Blackmail cassette

An awesome comp of international scope, though the majority comes from Japan. This tape was put together by Roger Armstrong for the joy of it, and he encourages people to duplicate it rather than purchase it. Includes too many to name.

V/A Hits and Corruption! LP / Skin and Bones cassette

You get a record, a tape, a booklet, stickers some punks, and some refreshing “We’ll never sell out” literature. The record and tape are packed with diverse goodies (no hardcore, though). Classic crash and burn from the EX and SONIC YOUTH, bluesy dirge from CARLETON MORGAN, great garage stuff from UT and ETON CROP, and a lot more I’m pleased to hear from again or for the first time.

V/A Les Héros Du Peuple Sont Immortels LP

This compilation of French pop-punk bands contains all that we expect from this kind of band: songs with choruses, catchy melodies, and moderate tempos. While there are respectable tunes by THUGS, OTH, PARFUM DE FEMME, and BABYLON FIGHTERS (cool reggae), no song really stands out in my mind. Interesting.

V/A Kulturschock Attacke Vol. 1 LP

A really decent Germany comp. though the sound quality varies from band to band. Some of the included are: CRAPSCRAPPERS, CIRCLE OF SIG-TIU, EUTHANISIE, IM ZEICHEN DES KREUZES, and many more. An enjoyable slab.

V/A Stone the Flamin’ Crows!! double cassette

Two tapes, 44 bands, and a booklet—an amazing comp of some of Australia’s best of the last few years. Includes DEATH SENTENCE, CIVIL DISSIDENT, VICIOUS CIRCLE, and tons more. There are a lot of live tracks, most of decent sound quality, though not all.

V/A This is Oi!: A Streetpunk Compilation LP

A non-fascist skin (“street-punk” is what they call it) comp with the OPPRESSED, OI POLLOI, COMPLETE CONTROL, BARBED WIRE, and more. OI POLLOI and BARBED WIRE come off with the most energy and determination, while the rest sort of hang together undistinguishable.

V/A 24 Shit Kickin’ Classics cassette

A new European comp tape that stresses the need for original bands that don’t follow the latest metal trend. Such bands as L.A.W., the SECT, STALAG 17, DISTURBED, RED LETTER DAY, and so on are included, and most have a strong punk influence, making their songs raw and powerful. Sound is decent.

V/A We Can Do Whatever We Want LP

At last, the best of BCT’s cassettes. Quite a ripping collection of live and studio stuff, this LP includes European and North American bands. Some of the bands included are: RAW POWER, PSYCHO, RATTUS, TERVEET KÄDET, CCM, WRETCHED, DETENTION. A real testimony to Chris’s perseverance and dedication; I hope this will be the first of many vinyl efforts.

Vicious Circle Hidden Supervision? EP

A really diverse two-song EP from this powerful Aussie band. Side A represents a hard-hitting, melodic tune filtered with acoustic guitar and a slow pleasant rhythmic beat. The flipside, on the other hand, sports a speed-metal/punk thrash guitar riff and harsh vocals, and is kept to high-power fast pace. Catchy.

Warrior Kids Les Enfants De L’Espoir… LP

An uneven new LP. There are some irresistible melodic punk numbers here, and from the moment the trebly out-of-tune guitar chimes in, one gets that great rush that only comes from independent records. The production is not as slick as it is on most French releases, which can be good, but the album is somewhat marred by slower, rockier numbers and a typical skankin’ cut.

White Flag Feeding Frenzy LP

More goofiness from the FLAG. Their satirical songs recorded live all over the country with special “guest” artists and lame in-between song banter. This is supposed to be all-live but side two has a special groove cut to make it a three-sided record.

Wilmer X V-I-L-D! LP

A live (and hot one at that) recording of this power-pop band that feeds off both ’50s and ’60s roots, R’n’B, and pop and turns it into a rockin’ sound like early DR. FEELGOOD meets CHRIS SPEDDING.

Wimpy Dicks S.L.O. Bored LP

WIMPY DICKS incant growled vocals over a tough, uncompromising hardcore style that has unquestionable bite and power. The songs tend to be repetitive, however, both within and between cuts; but those who can ignore this will find all of the basics on this one. Adequate.