Reviews

Bloody Mannequin Orchestra Roadmap to Revolution LP

This is the third weird-ass art-damaged band I’ve reviewed lately, but I find them to be more hard-edged and unique (and less self-indulgent) than the others. They remind me at times of the CRUCIFUCKS, SWELL MAPS, SACCHARINE TRUST, etc., as they utilize many types of instruments, tempo changes, breaks, moods, and styles (including jazz and rock ’n’ roll). There are also lots of eclectic lyrics that parody soldiers, heads of state, and people that think they’re cool.

• Reviewer Ruth Schwartz
• Label WGNS / EPU
• Issue MRR #16 • August 1984

Bloody Mannequin Orchestra Streetlights in the Dark cassette

Ahhh yes, but ven dus dis arrt becum self-serving obnoxious gaff? Most certainly when these twits are about the prognosis ain’t beckoning bright. I mean—saxophone? I though they outlawed dem tings. They oughta outlaw this grunt…

• Reviewer Tesco Vee
• Label WGNS
• Issue MRR #20 • December 1984

V/A We Gots No Station cassette

This tape represents DC’s funky/arty/noise/psychedelic garage groups. The bands include HATE FROM IGNORANCE, BLOODY MANNEQUIN ORCHESTRA, CHALK CIRCLE, GREY MATTER, BLUE CROSS, the PSYCHODELIC TRASHCAN, etc. There’s a little something for almost everyone here.

• Reviewer Tim Yohannan
• Label WGNS
• Issue MRR #13 • April/May 1984

V/A Alive and Kicking EP

This mini-comp proves the D.C. scene is indeed alive and kicking with six tracks, all by different bands. The standards are solid all-around, though the songs by MARGINAL MAN, UNITED MUTATION, and GRAY MATTER seemed especially impassioned. Good record.

• Reviewer Steve Spinali
• Label WGNS
• Issue MRR #28 • September 1985