Heard they rip live, but this debut LP is heavier than livelier, and the weight takes its toll. Lyrics fall into the “life sucks” category with little glimmer of imagination or hope beyond mere survival. They live up to their name.
Too horrible for words, this aggregation of the once-great DISCHARGE goes full-on metal sounding like LED ZEP (15 minute songs to boot!). No traces of punk at all, even to the point that the drummer Gary has covered over his CRASS tattoo with some metallish tattoo. Last DISCHARGE release we’ll be reviewing. (Unless we decide to ridicule them further. —Ed.)
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.
With music like this, they’ll be back in the pubs: highly produced, including synth and keyboards (usually unobtrusive), slow-paced tunes (only a couple rock much at all). Definitely going for the college radio market.
The NILS have maintained their pop sound since their 1985 debut 12”, but this Canadian band has edged closer to the border, taking on a HÜSKER DÜ overall feel and a more compressed sound that reduces any edge to homogenized pop.
