Eight-song release that captures their older sound (somewhere between FLIPPER and CRUCIFIX) and a faster-paced raging style. Very tight, with lots of distortion, lyrics of a vague, cryptic, humorous, and sometimes dubious nature.
There are two kinds of bands in this world—those that appreciate any help which others offer, and those that whine and complain when others don’t give them the attention they think they deserve. Unfortunately, FANG falls within the latter category, and it’s a mighty test of my fairness to say anything good about the spoiled, self-centered babies. Even so, their album contains the same humorous mixture of fast semi-thrashers (like “Road Kills”) and slower, droning numbers (like “Suck and Fuck”), so if you liked Landshark, you’ll go for this as well.
Album number four for these Berkeley knot-heads, and like the previous one, this was recorded in West Germany. There is lots of familiar ground—stupid joke songs, etc. But there is some great beefy production, a cover of “Puff the Magic Dragon,” and a duet with an uncredited female vocalist that actually sounds like prime X material. One of the best things here is the anti-drug song “Damaging Dose” because the sleepy psychedelic-tinged tune gives FANG a place to grow to.
Four pounding punk tunes with great, shouted vocals. From San Antonio, Texas, this bunch pokes fun at both Khomeni fanaticism and the US. Excellent recording.
An anti-violence band with a twist. Seems like the singer is a refugee from Iran, because just about all the songs deal with life in the current regime’s grip, with one song even sung in Farsi. Musically, hardcore with metal/power influences. Interesting.
A basic thrash album by a newer Berkeley band. It features a very tight instrumental attack, some catchy multi-voice choruses, anti-establishment lyrics, and standard gruff singing. The main problem here is a general lack of musical variation, something which will no doubt be overcome with time. Fun with beer.
Metal punk, both in music and attitude. Hey, if you’re one of those people that write into MRR saying we should cover more “rad” metal bands, buy this and leave us alone.
First NorCal comp in a while, this one features some East Bay bands (SPECIAL FORCES, BONELESS ONES, FANG), Sacto’s TALES OF TERROR, Santa Cruz’s BL’AST, and SF’s VERBAL ABUSE. Lots of metal or “heavy” punk, some thrash, and lots of power. Good recording brings out the best in these bands.
This band must-foots it down the metal and punk border while singing some pretty good lyrics and some pretty goofy ones. Nothing really startling, but they do what they do well.
