Reviews

MRR #44 • January 1987

Boys From Nowhere Jungle Boy / 1966 7″

Not quite up to the standards of their exceptional debut 45, the A-side still manages to cough up the requisite rockin’ 60’s punk energy to keep the toes tapping, though the melodic punch is largely absent. The flip is more poppish and less enjoyable. Pretty good.

Condemned? Humanoid or Biomechanoid? LP

Strange fuzz fusion metal core. All the typical metal speed changes are here and mixed in with high speed thrash that is accompanied by snarling vocals. The production helps create a spooky, dark sound that is too forced.

Death of Samantha Laughing in the Face of a Dead Man 12″

Citing the SAINTS and TELEVISION among their influences, one can hear it a bit. But those groups, despite sometimes extended length songs, always made them memorable, whereas DOS seldom leave traces of tunes re-emerging through the mind rubble. Undelivered promise.

Didjits Fizzjob LP

I admire this band for their hilarious lyrics and rich, hard guitar sound, and there’s certainly cause for interest in their punkish, rockin’ tunes. The problem is that the goofy vocals don’t hold down melodic interest, making the songs run into one another. Still, there’s talent and drive here; I want to hear more.

Divine Horsemen Devil’s River LP

When I first heard this, I thought it was a great mix of Chris D’s tough-as-nails lyrics with a good, classy production. But as I play it more and more, I’m afraid he must have left a lot of drive and fire of the early FLESH EATERS music for smoother production. Really commercial stuff.

DMZ Live!! 1978!! LP

Well, here it is 1986 and I finally discovered why people used to rave about DMZ. After hearing their other releases and being sorely disappointed, I thought the hype was underserved. But now that a tasteful purveyor of primitive raunch has managed to unearth a live DMZ recording that frankly blows away everything else they’ve put out, I’m convinced.

Chaos UK / Extreme Noise Terror Earslaughter split LP

This exceptional album features a load of dynamic uptempo thrash by two accomplished outfits. CHAOS UK, in possibly their best work to date, wins by a length for their thick vocals and layered guitar attack, but ENT have fascinating arrangements to recommend their side of the LP. A thunderous, exciting release.

Full Fathom Five Four Song EP

FULL FATHOM FIVE sounds like the better Homestead bands, with their powerful guitar sound, varied arrangements, and abstract vocal concerns. I liked their HUSKER-ish changes on “Why Their Faces Are So Worn,” and the other tracks are quite respectable.

Fuzzbox Love is the Slug 12″

The four tracks on this, FUZZBOX’s second record, demonstrates that this band has more in the way of a distinctive sound than great material. Cool synth bass with instrumental intrusions (sax, rhythm box, but no guitar I could hear) provide spare backdrops for vocals reminiscent of HAGAR THE WOMB. Nothing special.

Grey March Something’s Missing 12″

From Maryland, this nice little surprise carries an interesting and slightly mysterious sound. Some of their slower, more plodding tunes recall JOY DIVISION and DIE KREUZEN, and faster material has that murky, bewildered sound like DAS DAMEN. Very groovy.

The Hard-Ons By My Side / I’ll Come Again flexi 7″

Despite the rough sound, there are two classic tunes here. The HARD-ONS style mixes 60’s punk with a great pop-punk ’77 sound, and especially on the second track, really hits home (a cover of the LEGENDS). Available on Livin’ End zine #6, a mag dedicated to 60’s Aussie bands.

Heibel Yeah, Everything’s Great! LP

COC-like hardcore from Belgium. At times, the drumming seems to lag a bit, but overall, you’ll find some pretty inspired and aggressive power thrash. There are more weird guitar bits thrown in than you’d find on most such records, and the production is top notch.

Honor Role The Pretty Song LP

HONOR ROLE has devolved since their highly distinctive debut. Time seems to have eroded the vocal uniqueness and punky tightness of the past; while there’s good, hard guitarwork and some interesting ideas, not one song really stands out from the pack.

Inocentes Pânico Em S.P. 12″

Six finely crafted pop-punk tunes. Sounds like ’78, but not in a nostalgic way—just powerful but tuneful material. Despite signing to a major, they remain political (title tune, plus “El Salvador”), though there is perhaps a bit of overproduction.

Irha La Patria Chiama 12″

Three of the four tracks here adopt an upbeat pop-punky style with good energy, little discernible melody, and somewhat undisciplined vocals. The other song is a lilting reggae-tinged number that segues into ska. Adequate, but it doesn’t quite hit the mark.

Kiku Hyper Dream Collection flexi 8″

Quirky punk here — the vocals being the most abrasive aspect, though the music is pretty uptempo at times, too. Older punk styles predominate, often varying towards obnoxious pop, but veering away at the last second.

Heimat-Los / Kromozom 4 split EP

One serious and one fun band share this slab, and will share an LP early next year. HEIMAT-LOS have a modern thrash sound that is powerful but relatively uneventful musically. KROMOZOM 4 employs more imagination musically, making this more palatable for non-French speakers. Sounds good.

Meatmen Rock ‘N’ Roll Juggernaut LP

The best thing about all the MEATMEN recordings were the sharp, bullseye humor. Here, the MEN skimp on the humor in favor of the hard-fought macho-metal sound, and it just doesn’t sound like parody anymore. I’m sure if someone offered the spot between ACCEPT and TWISTED SISTER on the HM hierarchy, he’d jump. Me, I’m bailin’.

Mike Runnels Tell Her Again / I Never Stop 7″

More fun for the fuzz-heads. Here, MIKE RUNNELS overloads the guitar distortion with a really good, catchy melody and manages to get the JESUS AND MARY CHAIN sound without the wimpy melancholy — and though I don’t think I heard any drums, you don’t really miss it.

Minuteflag Fetch the Water 12″

This is one of those things that looks better on paper. Basically a jam between the MINUTEMEN and BLACK FLAG back in early 1985. The one song written by Boon manages to hold its own, mainly because of the structure there, but the rest end up like some late night jam fest with nothing getting accomplished.

Murphy’s Law Murphy’s Law LP

A supposedly “fun” album by this New York band, one of many that play good music (punk—as opposed to thrash metal—in this case) but who make it difficult to enjoy because of their advertised ignorance (homophobia, among others). Accompanying press release actually lauded singer Jimmy Gestapo for his “Donohue” performance, as well as containing his self-description as a “macho goon.” Real fun.

Naked Lady Wrestlers Accidents flexi 7″

One excellent song from these troopers, just to prove they still exist. Max Volume and Buzzsaw Iron Bill have been at it for years (only previous vinyl was on MRR’s Not So Quiet comp of ’82) and though this song doesn’t contain the humor of most of their material, it still rips. A freebie to Thrasher subscribers. More Max!!!

O.H.M. Cavecore EP

When they really get rolling, O.H.M. are an instrumental powerhouse, with loads of guitar abetting their thrashy tunes. The sung vocals definitely detract from the overall power, but this Danish band wins points for a sound that should be the envy of many a thrash ensemble.

OTH Sur Des Charbons Ardents LP

OTH combines a punky power chord song structure with cool rock’n’roll breaks to create a familiar and engaging instrumental sound. The individual tunes don’t leave much of an impression, and this is proven by the fact that the best song on this LP is a wonderful cover of “California Sun” called “Le Soleil du Midi.” Basically okay.

Paranoid Visions The Robot is Running Amok LP

This British band specializes in committed mid-tempo punk in an ’82 formula, sounding somewhat like a rawer DIRT with their alternating male/female vocals. Good nostalgia value here, but the formula is fueled with contemporary energy.

Peace Mob Collapse of the Empire cassette

Just a ranting poet and a guitarist — great lyrics, but the guitar has so many special effects that it doesn’t add to the rawness that would make the lyrics really come to life. Have seen them live and they had a lot more impact that way. Still, the words are worth hearing.

Pushtwangers Strangler from Behind / Coma 7″

One side is way too pop for my tastes (as are many of their releases), but the flip has much more of a rockin’ feel, with a sound reminiscent of many of the bands on this label (NOMADS, etc.)

Ratos De Porão Descanse em Paz LP

I’m always suspicious of records that only have song titles of three or less words. All the “tunes” here (except the title song) have just two words, and the music is equally imaginative. For the speed metal genre, it is pretty well done, but ultimately dulls the senses.

Razzia Ausflug mit Franziska LP

This album sees the genesis of a much cleaner and more defined RAZZIA sound, with synth even making an appearance. The best songs here are engaging and passionate, and contain a measure of accessibility to compensate for the loss of power. This band is still a force to be reckoned with. Very good.

Satanic Republicans Radioactive Roulette LP

A bunch of great country bumpkins with a swell sense of humor. There’s a goofy garage quality that made FLAMING LIPS so cool. They have a slight tendency to slip into ZZ TOP guitar riffs but the spirit of these guys make it forgivable.

Screaming Dizbüsters This Ain’t the Summer of Love / Out of the Frying Pan, Into the Fire 7″

More typically an “Amigo” band, there’s a “big” garage-type sound here, straightforward pounding rock’n’roll and snarled vocals. Both sides rock. Heard this is the NOMADS under an alias.

Screaming Trees Clairvoyance LP

This is a tough upbeat debut by an accomplished young band. There’s lots of heavy guitar sounds with swaggering melodies. At different times, I heard elements of the DOORS, LOVE, and the first record by the FLAMING LIPS.

SNFU If You Swear, You’ll Catch No Fish LP

The long awaited follow-up to their first LP is here and takes off where the other left. Classic SNFU songs are filled with catchy riffs, breaks, hooks, beats, howls, and laughs. These twelve songs rip from start to finish, and the band has yet to compromise their sound and ideas, and hopefully never will.

Soul Asylum While You Were Out LP

Live, these guys impress with their tunes, energy, and performance. Here, you get a well-crafted pop LP. I know the HÜSKER DÜ comparison is uncool, but it’s so obvious, along with a REPLACEMENTS touch, that I gotta do it. Power-pop.

Star Club Final Count LP

The STAR CLUB are at their best when playing their trademark ’78 sound, with good guitar hooks and catchy melodies. This album is not quite as consistent as their last two, but contains a few flashbacks of their former glory, albeit without the characteristic grunginess. Okay.

Suicide Suicide LP

A reissue of the ’77 classic by Martin Rev (rhythm) and Alan Vega (vocals). SUICIDE pioneered this experimental but raunchy early punk sound, using effects in a psychotic VELVETS meets THROBBING GRISTLE manner with a dab of rockabilly. Get it!

Texas Instruments The Thing in Apartment B / Good Times in Rhythm 7″

I liked this band’s debut EP last year for its twanginess and scruffy vocals. Here, they have kept just a little bit of that while concentrating on the musicianship. “Thing…” is basically a somber instrumental, and the flip has a charming shit-faced singalong feel to it.

The Coolies Dig..? LP

I guess if Joe POP-O-PIE could build a career on just one song (GRATEFUL DEAD’s “Truckin”), then the COOLIES certainly can with just one artist (PAUL SIMON…well, actually it’s SIMON & GARFUNKEL). Yep, most of the tunes here are rocked versions of S&G hits (“Scarborough Fare,” “I Am A Rock”, etc., etc.). Gets old fast.

The Flamin’ Groovies Way Over My Head / Shakin’ 7″

Recorded (I believe) during a recent incarnation of San Francisco’s GROOVIES when they played Australia, these two songs extend their folk pop direction even farther. Both tunes hold back, threaten to burst out, and never do. For collectors only.

The Gas Babies Headin’ for the Texas Border / DmF (Ready to Go) 7″

The homemade production sounds full and rockin’ just like all the good Aussie releases, especially on the powerful A-side. The flip has less punch, and frankly, neither track is particularly noticeable aside from the occasional instrumental punchiness.

The Kelpies Official Bootleg: The Dungeon Tapes, Live at 51 Stanley Street LP

This posthumous live recording of the KELPIES, a Sydney punk/rock outfit, shows real songwriting quality and makes me hungry for more. The inventive guitarwork recalls CHELSEA, and the tunes are subtly crafted pop-punk. Sound quality is respectable; this one definitely grows on you. Recommended.

The Marshmallow Overcoat Groovy Little Trip / Stop It Baby 7″

A groovy little neo-’60s psych band from Arizona that sports some great fuzz guitar. The A-side has a slight plodding feel to it but both tracks are redeemed by the anxious, crusty sound of their vocalist. Should be another 7″ out by this group.

The Varukers Prepare for the Attack LP

The VARUKERS’ usual style varies from ultra-intense thrash that rips, to a metal-tinged HC approach with occasional guitar breaks. The latter style predominates here, and although powerful, the song structures tend to become repetitious. Not up to their standard, but it’s still respectable speedcore.

Toys Went Berserk Guns at My Head / Don’t Run Away 7″

The female vocals here recall a mid-period SIOUXSIE, but not overtly, while the instrumental sound falls into that flanged British post-punk approach popularized by VIRGIN PRUNES et al. This is a good example of the genre, but by no means special.

Upright Citizens Kiss Me Now 12″

Despite the uninspiring cover art and the LED ZEPPELIN-like intro to the title song, this new release has all the UPRIGHT CITIZENS trademarks — tight, imaginative instrumental arrangements, plaintive lead vocals, memorable hooks, and generally on-target lyrics.

V/A Lima Esta Helada cassette

Here’s a Peruvian HC comp showcasing acts which range from frantic thrash to energetic ’77 punk, with varied sound quality. Most notable is LEUSEMIA, Peru’s answer to the RAMONES.

V/A The Great Rock n’ Raoul Swindle cassette

Another great effort from this king of punk satire, a great, fun-packed 15 band compilation. Features such notables as PLEASED YOUTH, DEAD MILKMEN, and F.O.D., to name a few.

V/A PML International Compilation cassette

This triple 60-minute cassette comp features 22 bands from around the world, all of which have good recording quality. Lots of favorites, such as: KGB, DEPRAVED, APOSTLES, KINA, and many more. Also includes a band info sheet.

V/A Splitting Headache on a Sunday Afternoon EP

Four British bands share this compilation 45. SATANIC MALFUNCTIONS and ACTIVE MINDS play hot and heavy thrash, while basic punk and folky approaches are mined by INDIAN DREAM and RADIO FREEDOM, respectively. A respectable, interesting EP made recommendable by S.M.

V/A Sounds of Now! LP

Another cool neo-60’s recording put together by YARD TRAUMA’s Lee Joseph, this one international in scope. Overall, it’s kind of uneven, but there’s some top notch stuff here, including AL PERRY’s funny garage cut, the LAST DRIVE’s raw, folk-psych offering, the BROOD’s haunting number, and so on.

V/A The Rise and Fall of Oma Hodel: Original Soundtrack EP

The soundtrack of a movie, I think, with six tunes, all in an older punk vein. All the bands were from Hamburg, including SPIEL 77, 100% DISKRETION and others. Liked MEINE SCHUPPEN the best.

V/A Tour de Farce EP

Six bands from around the world, one track each. AEMATRACK from New Zealand kicks it off with one of the better recordings, a slow/fast rocker. There are two GUERILLA URBANA’s here, one from the Canary Islands and one from Peru, both of whom turn in raw but exciting thrash. DOC WOR MIRRAN is from Germany, doing an experimental punk cut that works. NO LIP is from Japan with an okay tune albeit on the slick side, and BULK (Denmark) wraps it up with a post-punk CURE-ish song.

Wards Ripped Off in Boston cassette

Eleven medium to fast paced hardcore numbers featuring exceptional recording quality. Lyrics deal with society, personal problems, and the military. Recommended if you’re into East Coast HC.

World War XXIV World War XXIV LP

All 16 tracks were recorded from ’83-’85 and have finally made their way to vinyl. The music is hyper-melodic thrash that has the same roots as UK’s STUPIDS. A mixed bag of happy, silly, and serious lyrics only add to this record’s potential, making this a high energy surprise.

Wut Kapitalismus LP

WUT cruise with a basic HC style that’s either slow or moderate in pace, but spurt outbreaks of unbelievable fast thrash to add power and interest. This band only connects during these moments of instrumental fury; the reggae and mid-tempo HC doesn’t hit the spot. Uneven.