Reviews

MRR #54 • November 1987

Anti-Heroes …And The Government Laughs! EP

The package this band’s record comes in is actually a 36-page booklet, written in German, full of information on nukes, racism, censorship, etc. The songs are all mid-tempo punkers, most holding my interest. Obviously a committed band, definitely into it.

Arm the Insane Remember LP

As with their previous release, this one has some really excellent lyrics, but again fails to rise above the early 80’s UK plodpunk sound. Not that it doesn’t have power or guts, but if current bands are gonna play older styles, they should really present them with an approach that makes them sound fresh and exciting. Decent.

Big Black Songs About Fucking LP

Trendy title. And there is a song about fucking. (Plus a few anti-live ones too.) Meaning and trendiness…Oooh. Although they don’t instantly wow me this time, this LP is as demented, crunchy, and interesting as always. And the end. The end.

Big Stick Crack Attack 12″

This is a document of one of two BIG STICK members’ tragic family separation, daughter’s death and is as anti-poverty, drug, and racism as conceivable. Musically rap, scratch, noise-a-rama (a la “Cookie Puss”) and great in its repetitiveness. But it is one of the most lyrically powerful pieces witnessed in a long time. Real and frightening.

Cattle Escalator Stampede EP

Hmm, “Ghost Riders in the Sky”-type “western” instrumental, pulsing fuzz-guitar industrial punk, 77-type dumbo punk, and yet another instrumental—all on one slab. The styles clash, but the music hangs.

Civilised Society? Violence Sucks! LP

Musically, this is a big change from their first LP. Their sound is now in a crunching METALLICA vein, heavy on the power, while still maintaining their intelligent lyrical outlook. Although I like this album, I was expecting a little more creativity from these guys and girl, rather than the pedestrian speedmetal fare.

Crucial Youth Straight and Loud! EP

They exaggerated straight edge to an absurd extreme, and it’s amazing how many people took them seriously, both pro and con. With songs against littering, in favor of rewinding video cassettes, and a “positive dental outlook”, all done in imitation of Ian, Kevin, Pat and Ray, you’ve gotta lighten up. Lots of fun.

Dee Dee King Funky Man 12″

He’s Dee Dee Ramone and he’s soundin’ funky, havin’ some fun but he’s still bein’ punky, rappin’ down his philosophy, out right now on this maxi EP, don’t know if you dig it cuz it ain’t fast, but that DD man he had a blast.

Embrace Embrace LP

The long awaited album by this now defunct band and after listening to this record it’s a sad fact the band was so short-lived. They strike a lot of mid-tempo similarities with a clean, complex RITES OF SPRING sound and when combined with the diversely intense vocals, a lot of interesting sincere music is created. The lyrics are thoughtful, critical, concerned and right on! Overall, a great record that has a lot to offer!

Excel Split Image LP

Finally, the long-awaited album by this Venice band. Basically, this hot LP showcases EXCEL’s intense HC/metal sound in a good light: very powerful tunes with personal/anti-conformity themes. A really intense album from perhaps the only Venice act who reveals some intelligence.

Feedtime Don’t Tell Me / Small Talk 7″

Reworkings of their songs off the Why March When You Can Riot?! comp LP. The A-side rages, a powerful fast punk tune, while the flip is a mid-slow tempo tune with a sax that failed to move me.

Funeral Oration Funeration Oration LP

This new one, with a new guitar player, has a rich, pop-ish feel that the last few missed. But this polish and melody doesn’t mask the catchy hooks and rhythms these guys are capable of. Maybe it is the vocalist, but this reminds me a little of early GANG OF FOUR.

Gore / Henry Rollins split LP

Hank and Co. pound out a half dozen bone-breakers, and then Holland’s GORE return the compliments with their monotonous post-metal instrumental sound. Lots of crunch on both sides, but there’s an oppressive feel to the whole slab, a tedium to the non-melodic attack.

Human Zoo Human Zoo 12″

Hard to say exactly what this band is, but there’s a picture of a bedraggled IGGY-like character on the back cover, and in many ways the six songs here relate back to early ’70s rock as well as ’76-’77 type garage. Basic.

Husky Voice Fight Through the Life flexi EP

Japan is notorious for husky-voiced yellers, so it had to happen…a band with a name like this – who don’t have a husky-voiced singer. What they do have is a tight, melodic hardcore band with a slight metal guitar. OK.

The Vernon Walters / Indirekt Present History split 2xLP

Great concept, two split LPs packaged together with lotsa info, enclosures, and fine music. VERNON WALTERS play a highly political and intelligent form of pop punk, sung in English. INDIREKT hit back in Dutch with many punk forms, though there’s less really uptempo stuff then in the past. All in all, an excellent example of cooperation and DIY spirit, and good music to boot.

Insolents Spit in the Mirror LP

Decent but relatively unvaried hardcore here. The songs do indeed have melody to them, but the overriding impact is from the metal-heavy rhythms, the similarity of tempos, the gruff vocals. This LP is much like their previous EP, though not quite as clear in production.

Jello Biafra No More Cocoons 2xLP

Like all spoken word records, it may be hard to listen more than once, but a good listen it will be. Jello’s in great form here, doing his satirical Lenny Bruce approach to politics, punk, culture, etc. A very scathing attack causes thought and quite a bit of laughter, and gives a really good insight into how the DK’s former guiding light views the world. A wealth of information on most of today’s attacks on freedom.

L’Attentat Made in GDR LP

The first East German punk band to release vinyl, and decent it is. Much of the material is typically German older-style punk, while there are a few thrashers as well. Lyrics are translated into four languages and give a good insight into life in East Berlin, showing differences and similarities. A brave band.

MDC This Blood’s for You LP

A very well-rounded, powerful, humorous yet political release, much improved over the last one. Dave is really out there, and his character really comes across here, Experimentation usually works on this release, the lyrics are sharp, the cover art is a treat. Side Two lags at times, but I think the guts and sentiments come across really well. MDC is one of the few HC bands to really cut across time and cultures.

Negativland Escape From Noise LP

Fourth album by this very hard to describe East Bay group. Sound collection and sculpture at least gets you in the right neighborhood. Stellar line-up of guest stars includes the RESIDENTS, Garcia and Hart from the GRATEFUL DEAD and even JELLO BIAFRA. But the real stars are pieces which include an incredible punk tune, “Carbomb” and “Here.”

Oi Polloi Unite and Win! LP

Some serious Oi! produced by this dedicated Scottish band. Twelve great hard-edged melodic anthems backed by strong sing-a-longs and power production. The lyrics stick to an anti-government/pro-“skin and punk unity” stance and don’t even come close to right-wing bullshit. A good record by a band that keeps on going.

Pop Will Eat Itself Beaver Patrol 12″

“Attention young ladies. My favorite way of getting kicks—I go downtown, I hustle chicks. (Chorus) Beaver Patrol (Cruisin’ on my Beaver Patrol, I love that beaver). She’s trying to keep me happy with all her might – All you gotta do honey is make me feel alright. (Chorus) Beaver Patrol (Cruisin’ on my Beaver Patrol, I love that beaver).” Distributed by Rough Trade in the US, this is a four-song white rap/rock thing Á  la BEASTIES. How embarrassing for them.

Ramones Halfway to Sanity LP

I made the big mistake of listening to a lot of old Ramones recently, which put this new release into perspective—a bad one. The edge is gone, the wackiness wants, and the singing normal. Outside of “I Lost My Mind” and “I’m Not Jesus,” this is really inferior material, and one can only wish they were halfway to insanity.

RC Intestine Casserole With Cheese cassette

This is what suburbia does to people…forces them to form utterly psychotic thrash bands with totally deranged vocals. One question: why does the tape cover smell so fucking weird? On second thought, I don’t want to know.

Rim Shout A Walk Through the Big City 12″

Mid-to-fast tempo German punk abounds here, with catchy choruses (especially on “Your Escape”) and a powerful power chord guitar sound. The songs are pleasant, but there are no particular revelations here. Just good, basic, loud punk.

Scream Banging the Drum LP

Turn up the volume on this baby, and you won’t be sorry. Great production brings out the best here, and though the pace isn’t as frantic as before, the power is well directed, the hooks are there, and the energy flows hot. A welcome surprise.

Screaming Trees Even If and Especially When LP

This Ellensburg, WA band’s second LP is an exciting moment. They get more indulgent here, proving themselves a real ’80s psyche band. Intricate swooning and meaty jams with a few melodic ’60s influenced songs. But ravers like “The Pathway” make it worth living for.

Tar Babies Fried Milk LP

Less sludgy this time out—more jazz riffs creeping into the act here but still good enough to recommend to fans of midwest-wump like the APPLIANCES-SFB, COUCH FLAMBEAU and a little KILLDOZER. Also elements of pop and funk seeping in to draw comparisons to earlier MEAT PUPPETS and the MINUTEMEN. You decide.

The Burnt Social Disease / Plastic Girls 7″

A self-released 45 from NJ’s BURNT. “Social Disease” is a great garage punker with raunchy guitar, gruff but plaintive lead vocals, catchy melodies and entertaining serio-comic lyrics. The flipside is a faster anti-gurl rant with much less overall appeal. Good primitive sound.

The Deadly Hume Me, Grandma, Iliko, and Hilarian LP

You know what’s irresistible and charming about this record is that it reminds me of JOHN CALE during his best period, right down to the vocalist, and acoustic ballad and some of the crunchiest rock’n’roll with perceptive lyrics that I’ve heard since I bought Sabotage.

The Little Wretches One Chance in Hell / Born With a Gift 7″

Kind of a hard one to peg—their next record after this one will be on the CYNICS’ Get Hip label, which would give you the drift that they’re somewhat based in a tough garage sound. But actually there’s a more nice folk-rock influence with a touch of violin that reminds me in a good way of the MEKONS, VAN MORRISON and the POGUES.

The Obvious Home 12″

Great young, eager group with energy and a very good sense of melody. Makes you pine for the days when “punk” wasn’t afraid to show a little melody in their songs. File this right along with the first of the REPLACEMENTS and GENERATION X and stuff like the TV PERSONALITIES, SWELL MAPS and the FRESHIES.

The Pogo Hysteric Generation 12″

Let me guess—pop punk? Yup, five slow-medium tunes, one uptempo number. I can’t believe how many Japanese bands are going back to ’77 punk, but are showing no imagination or hindsight in how they regurgitate it.

The Purple Things Purple Things LP

This Irish band has been cranking out the records. Lucky for us too as even though they are kind ’60s-ish, they really rock out with a garage-y touch. Strong and slick with crunch, catchy hooks, a little of the ol reverb, and some incredible jams. This LP (and in fact the band) are a must for all garage enthusiasts.

The Royal Nonesuch Something Strange / You Need Love 7″

All the markings (long bowl-like hair, funny suits, fuzztone guitars) of a prime neo-’60s garage band. And here it’s less of the PLASTICLAND-type goofery more of slower CHOCOLATE WATCHBAND groove. No real “rave-ups,” but they’re rumoured to be a pretty hard-driving combo live so wise up, shorty.

The Stench Zigame Waw Spea Me Vt EP

Ah, finally a non-metal HC band out of Utah. Sounds like a great unknown band from ’82, but this is today and a welcome relief it is. Hot, inspired playing, tons of energy and hooks, catchy tunes and cool vocals. As you might guess, I like this a lot!

The Stomach Mouths In Orbit 12″

These guys had an extremely zany and attacking sound, deeply rooted in an early SEEDS mold, but rarely does that manic aspect surface anymore. Only one of the six tracks here really approaches that intensity. Instead, they settle for decent organ-dominated ’60s punk with no stinging guitar and no psychotic vocals. Too studied.

Thee Fourgiven Testify! LP

A plethora of ’60s styles can be found on this new FOURGIVEN release. Although there’s an occasional fast punker (“Call Me Animal”), most of the material is in the atmospheric mid-tempo vein. Nothing is really wrong with the songs, but in general they lack sufficient wild abandon, guitar power, or hooks to really hold my attention. Note: the MIRACLE WORKERS represent the definitive ’60s punk standard nowadays.

Trip Six Back With a Vengeance cassette

Containing members and ex-members of WARZONE, PSYCHOS, and ULTRAVIOLENCE, these boys churn out some raw HC with a distorted guitar sound and lyrics which analyze personal and social problems. Pretty good.

V/A 4 Bands That Could Change the World LP

Rully? OK, 7 SECONDS, AOD, WHITE FLAG and F come up with 4 or 5 tunes each, oddities, versions, live takes, etc. Pretty fun selection, plus bits of goofiness and experimentation.

V/A 1984 the Third 2xLP

Quite an accomplishment. An excellent sampler of mostly not-famous bands, but bands that really put out. Lots of differing punk styles, fine choice cuts, lots of listening and most all are invigorating. Bands from Czechoslovakia, Peru, South Africa, Hungary, and just about everywhere else. Hot.

V/A Brainwashed Into Submission cassette

Heaven (or hell?) is here if you’re a speedcore maniac, because those “jugga jugga” axes are here in full force. Acts include NO REBATE, BLOODCUM, GENERATION WASTE, and more.

V/A (F-R-5) LP

A weirdly conceived LP, because other than a hot and previously unreleased LAW & ORDER track, a so-so version of SCREAM’s “Solidarity,” and a live G.I. track, the rest is very commercial wave stuff. Given all the DC bands whom we haven’t seen on vinyl yet, I was disappointed with this selection.

V/A The Iowa Compilation LP

A statewide comp of varying alternative musics. There isn’t any hardcore, but most of the pop stuff here has an edge, and bands like CLAUDE PATE, HOUSE OF LARGE SIZES and SHELLGAME do have quite a bite.

V/A Mindless Slaughter LP

A 14 band benefit compilation where all profits go to the Hunt Saboteurs Association. There is a wide range of music here, which becomes obvious when you realize the contributing bands include CHUMBAWAMBA, ELECTRO HIPPIES, RUBELLA BALLET, MEKONS, STEVE LAKE, etc. Of course, all lyrical content is directed towards animal rights but the record itself lacks information concerning the topic, in fact there are only lyrics to five of the songs.

V/A Oversea Connection LP

Don’t be put off by the cheesy cover, this LP don’t smell. Bands like FEAR ITSELF, DEPRESSION, A.P.P.L.E. TH’ INBRED, ATTITUDE, DEAD SILENCE, G.A.S.H., LIFE SENTENCE, PSYCHO and lots more add both live and studio tracks. A good selection of many punk styles.

V/A Still Thinking Presents: Progress?! EP

A six (Canadian) band comp benefit for Aid To Nicaragua. Standouts include SONS OF ISHMAEL, M.S.I., and GUILT PARADE’s trashing of “Heartbreak Hotel.” A good record and an effort worth supporting. Cool.

V/A Psychotic Reactions Caused by External Influences cassette

All right! This is the most manic group I’ve heard in ages, featuring acts from W. Germany, Peru, UK, US, and Finland, the standouts being DESECRATION, THE ELECTRO HIPPIES, LAST OPTION, 7 IRSTAS. Amazing!!

V/A Raw Cuts, Volume Four: Australian Nitro LP

This edition covers Australian neo-’60s garage bands, and there’s quite a bit of psych/gloom stuff as well (too much). But bands like LIZ DEALEY & THE TWENTY SECOND SECT. CONEHEADS and ASSASSINS do kick ass, making it worthwhile.

V/A The Savages Are Loose LP

This compilation covers a side of the greater DC scene that we rarely hear about. Other than MADHOUSE, PHLEGM, SARCASTIC ORGASM and ASBESTOS ROCKPYLE, most of these bands are new to vinyl, and deliver a variety of garage punk, thrash and grunge. Featured are MOTOR MORONS, PLATINUM SLUGS, BAD VIBES, SYBIL PURE EVIL and many others. Only problem is no insert/no info on the bands.

V/A Skull Thrash Zone, Volume 1 LP

DOOM are terrible metal, SHELL SHOCK are decent metallic hardcore, X are enjoyable thrash, JURASSIC JADE are as bad as they sound, GROUND ZONE is boring metal, and ROSE ROSE make powerful thrash noise. And they all look like a punk version of KISS.

V/A Turn It Around! 2xEP

This package is a dedication to the spirit of the Gilman Street Project. Featuring 12 groups that participate regularly at Gilman (both as bands and individuals), there is plenty of music as well as a 14 page booklet. Bands include ISOCRACY, CORRUPTED MORALS, STIKKY, YEASTIE GIRLZ, NASAL SEX, SWEET BABY JESUS, RABID LASSIE, OPERATION IVY, CRIMPSHRINE, NO USE FOR A NAME, SEWER TROUT and BUGGERALL. My prejudiced view: hot!

V/A We Can Do Whatever We Believe In cassette

This tape features super hot stuff from STIKKY, ELECTRO HIPPIES, DESECRATION, RIPCORD & more, but the tape has completely atrocious sound quality: recorded too low with a loud hiss throughout the whole thing.

V/A What is Punk? cassette

Good question, don’t know if this will find the answer, but with righteous tuneage from DEVIATED INSTINCT, FRATRICIDE, LARM, & more, it certainly can’t hurt. Rad. All the proceeds go to the Toronto ALF Bust Fund.

Volcano Suns Bumper Crop LP

A new line-up for this Boston band. Though there are fits of rage here and there, and glimpses of real power and acceleration, too often the “corporate pop” sound predominates, an overproduction that homogenizes any eccentricities. Still, the tracks that do demonstrate genuine emotion are really good, just with that shone through more.

Zero Boys Vicious Circle LP

What can you say? You take one of the best all-time hardcore records, add 6 extra tracks (from previous comps and tapes) of equal quality, and you’ve got an awesome fucking record. Initially released in 1982, the singing and playing still outdoes most anything that’s happened since. Killer.