Real decent thumping pop-punk with post-punk undertones on the A-side, while the flip is a way lighter tune that’s a backdrop for a weird little story.
An early CLASH sound on both sides, though it’s not just limited to that early punk derivation. Good tunes, good playing, not too nostalgic.
In ’64, Liverpool ruled, but not anymore. Boring.
A new English group with a folk-rock sound closer to that of LA’s contemporary ’60s revival bands than the genuine ’60s article. Still, both sides are rather tasteful. “Cold Steel Gang” is an engaging little ditty with a nice folk-rock guitar; the B-side isn’t as good, but has a decent hook. Worth a listen.
Sort of like a CRAMPS-gone-funk meets JESUS AND MARY CHAIN. Lots of thumping beats, gruff vocals, and noise galore.
Most of the material here is psych-wanking in a BEEFHEART meets BIRTHDAY PARTY vein; post-punk inanity. But one of the two versions of “Happy Hour” that appear on the disc really cuts loose, with a great CRAMPS-like rock-out. The rest leaves me cold.
England’s raging noise rockers, sort of in a BIG BLACK vein. Lots of distortion on vocals and the music itself, which is usually churning and powerful and eccentric.
Another UK band returning to earlier punk, or rather what we now think of as post-punk, roots. Minimal melodies and rhythms, noisy and full of screeches and snarls. Reminds me of when the FALL, PERE UBU, CABARET VOLTAIRE, and THROBBING GRISTLE were “punk” bands. And just as good.
