Best of 2008: There is no order. I am not going to compare H20 to Skare Tactic to Gutter Demons to Slackers. I will list them – cuz they rule. I may even say “I like this better than that”, but, I will not spend 6 hours over The Bronx being in slot 7 over Wretched Ones in slot 8, je refuse!!! Whatever – here’s my thoughts, review, whatever:
1. Cheech – “Ante Up” – Dank Records. This rules. Yeah, they’re my boys. But this CD kicks your and your crew’s ass. If I did not know these dudes, I would still love it. It is heavy as hell, some thrash riffs thrown in, evil breakdowns, some fancy bass lines, and more guest spots than recent ICE-T albums. Word. Lyrics are incredible – humor and hate meshed together perfectly. Wake up and get schooled with insightful social lyrics on “State of Fear”, “Dignity for Sale, “Expect to Get Hit”, or “Grinning Idiot”; have some fun with “Formula”, “Nerdcrusher”; and represent with “Suck at Life” and “MPB”. Anyway if you want a punk/old school rhythm with heavy riffs, mmmmm, makes an old man dance. So, raise a pint glass and sing along with guests like Shane Courage, Buddha BFB, and Dave Tree – and some other asshole buried deep in there…and they get a “Footloose” quote to be hardcore apropos...oh and a j-oi!-ful surprise to end it all. Delicious. Even wacky D can’t front on this. Buy It.
2. North Side Kings – “Suburban Royalty” – I Scream Records. Technically, this came out in ’06, I think. But it was vinyl only and exclusively from Danny NSK on the website. This finally saw the light of day in Fall ’08. and holy shit!!! This is evil. This could be their best to date. ’99 or 2000: I first heard “Autoscum” on the then ‘new’ Thorp website. I was blown away. Saw them live soon thereafter – and was upfront moshing away. Now, they rarely do shows out of AZ or really at all. But they consistently put out albums. And, fuck me, if they do not get better with each one. I loved “Organizing…”, their previous outing, and I replayed that again and again. Previously banging out covers by Anti-Nowhere League and Social D., this time they do Joan Jett and Anthrax. That should give you a notion of their blend of punk and thrash influences. And this album is definitely thrashing; their heaviest to date. And their first was quite heavy. Crushing breakdowns accent most songs. And as added fun – they collaborate with nearby relocated Coloradon DMS star, Puerto Rican Myke (District 9, Skarhead). Dude….adding a little rap to their repertoire: result = ILL!!! “Hustle Don’t Stop” and “Nice Girls Finish Last”. They kick the album off with a nod to RunDMC, and break into an instrumental called “Giving Emo Kids Something to Really Cry About”. Highlights are “Thugcore” and “My Sins” and “This Means War”. Any question where these guys are coming from? Heavy, fast, cleanly produced, sharp, crushing, abrasive NYC style Hardcore. These guys gave me some of the best punky/metal riffs that I have moshed in the mirror to in awhile. Cheers.
3. Evil Conduct – “King of Kings” – Knockout Records. So, along with Deadline, The Templars, On File, Veros, and Superyob – Evil Conduct rocks out mature Oi! These guys are older but still dress boots n braces. So, inspiring to see. This lo-fi, but well-produced outing is punk and catchy. Not heavy like Retaliate or Wretched Ones, “King of Kings” garnishes chords and melodies that make you want to grab a pint and sing-a-long. As with the aforementioned bands, I love this band for real, accurate, mature lyrics. I love the other two full lengths, and this lp keeps them going strong. Deriving their album title from Prince Buster’s monumental song, Evil Conduct hesitate none in respecting their roots. *(See also, the gigantic black-and-grey tattoo of the Trojan Label and a famous pic of skins canvassing the vocalist’s back). A song like “I Had Enough” or “Remember ‘81” does step it up in the aggro department, and they transition well. However, this trio’s strength is when it pumps out the great blend of witty, jaded, descriptive stories of city kids trapped in the sage of experienced men. Outstanding tracks – “One Day will Come”, “Dying for a Fag”, One For All”, and “Never Let You Down”. Beers, comraderie, street tales of hard living, and, ugh…”having a laugh”, if you will, over catchy tunes with a rough edge are the core of this band’s gift. If you think you listen anything remotely close to punk, track this down (
http://www.interpunk.com/; amazon.com) *again, this is technically released winter 2007, but by the time it gets stateside…
4. Superyob – “Quality Street” – Randale Records ahhhhh. You know that tension? When you get a good, strong album, in this case, “Machine Guns ‘n’ Alcohol”. Really good, with some standout gems. Then the band releases a next album; again, in this case, “Ghetto Blaster”. And the good band exceeds all expectations with outputting a great album; a perfect album. “Ghetto Blaster” was the best complete album I had heard in years. I’d say top 5 punk albums of 2000’s. So then, you hear that this amazing band has released a following album. You immediately rush to your keyboard to find out where in this crazy world you can find an independent distributor that will facilitate the exchange of money for this fine English Band’s new album. It happens….and then it hits you. What if it just doesn’t do it? What if they couldn’t reach the high benchmark they just set? This anxiety flounders in your belly for weeks and you wait everyday drooling over the mailbox. Well, would I have written all these sentences and wasted your time if Frankie and the boys didn’t deliver? Of course not! This CD fucking kills. Frankie Flame has been making skinhead music/pubrock/streetpunk – whatever you call it – for decades. And my god, these years of creating fine music has honed his writing into the perfect expression of the downtrodden, the kids of the street, the punks, the skins, the abused, the ignored. He illustrates great tales of his past through educated hindsight and modern stories from his cynical eye. The music is catchy with a punch – strong kicks and melodic licks. Add a piano, mandolin and acoustic guitar here and there – which I usually sigh at in frustration – but here I smile wider. McVicar and Flame know precisely when to accent great music with greater flare. Standout Tracks: all….but check out – “Charity…”, “Champagne Socialist”, “Navvy in a Kaftan” and “Timebomb”. *Again, 2007 trademark, but released over here in 2008. amazon and cduniverse have it for like $40; interpunk, no go. Check there site
http://www.superyob.com/ and their myspace. The uk’s punkrockcds.com has it too.
5. Victims - "Killer" - Combat Rock * see Feb 2009 Review
6. The Bronx – III – White Drugs/Original Signal
well, this maybe the ‘biggest’ cd I review. Along with Fucked Up, probably the most anticipated ‘punk’ cd of the year. *(See, the Superyob review to see the whole anxiety over a band’s album that follows their ‘Perfect’ album. Note the impotence of Street Dogs’ ‘State of Grace’) So, I loved Bronx I, and then Bronx II (Swami) was just the most incredible thing ever. It took me 2 months to listen to any other album and, like, a year and a half before I remembered The Bronx had another album besides this one. I hate glam, I hate fashion, I hate hype, I hate LA. Whatever – these cats kick ass. They are substance-filled fury wrapped in courageous song writing. These dudes were held high and stepped down to do what the fuck they wanted. Ferret to Island (huh?) to this Signal label that I never heard of – all while their own label, White Drugs, stay in control. They make the music they want to. And they want to make kick ass, loud, angry, smart punk rock. Overall, this album is turned down a notch on the “spastic ire-filled ferocity”, but songs are catchy, bass-centered, pummeling drummed, crashing, massive ball-rocking heavy punk ditties. They are talented musicians, and what seem to be down to earth dudes (while being high as kite…zing!). I have seen them interviewed; and they nod to the rock fans, the punk fans, but appreciate the hardcore kids the most – and god damn, I am swept off my feet. Driven by a Black Flag ethos and the cold heart of Poison Idea and brash playing of early G’n’R; and some how it fucking works. This album is a notch below Swami, but that’s like choosing the Sistine Chapel over ‘David’. Just be elated that we live in a world where we can listen to both. Rock – “Ships High in Transit” “Past Lives” and “Minutes in Night” * If you are on the fence – go to their myspace and you can hear the entire new album on their player.
7. Paint It Black –“New Lexicon” – JadeTree Records
Get to the point. That’s what Dan Yemin and the crew do. Musically and Lyrically. In opposition to the album cover – a serene, empty, still photo of an anonymous parking lot with a street lamps lit over it – there is a desperate urgency to this music. The rest of the inlay is comprised of other night scenes of varied constructed and industrial items. They sit at rest, like an army at night sleeping one last night before attacking at dawn and abolishing its victim (cue ‘us’). Screamed lyrics of the myriad of issues this plagued planet faces splatter your speakers. Wake up! People….you have been warned. I would say this album is more akin to ‘CVA’ then ‘Paradise’ – would have logically worked better in between them – but this goddamn cd is the shit. Bass centered pummeling short tunes with the occasional guitar wandering off. This is still a hardcore punk record – while a song may ring of Fugazi – do not worry; this is a hardcore album. Even though they are on Jade Tree, this is a hardcore album. Each song is like a climactic finish to a dramatic political film the ends in a street fight; and then, the hero stands up – tattered, wounded, older, wiser, beaten but not broken…still fighting, and fucking viciously at that. I leave you with a quote – “Live Fast (but don’t die young). Slow Down, but never, ever stop.” Word, my man.
8. Refuse/Resist – “Mind Yourself” – Rodent Popsicle Records
Real Boston Punk Rock. Like they used to make it. And no references to anything Irish! Holy Christ. This is hardcore punk rock. Mix The PIST, Minor Threat, Slapshot. A nice mix of KYI and Oi!. And the singer is dead ringer for Mike Cahill (ToeTag - ‘90’s Boston). They got the chops, the sound, the smarts, the anger, and the spirit. I hope these guys go far with this. Try “Don’t Get in My Way”, Young and Strong”, Still in Mass”, and “Fashion Show”.
9. This is Hell – “Misfortunes” – Trustkill Records – slept on this band for “Sundowning”. I thought they’d be another generic half-as-good-as-Bane fashion-core trustkill band with Jake B doing their layout. Hang your selves by your white belts! But then I got pushed off my high horse by people telling me how good they are. Then – through lastfm and Pandora, I actually heard them. Then, I picked up “Cripplers” and “(s/t)” 7”s. And I found myself going back and back. I was wrong! I will say it again, I was wrong! “Misfortunes” sees these guys keep their style, but jump leaps and bounds above their previous efforts. Crushing guitar and good time changes. Fast verses and breakdowns to revel in afterwards. Screaming till the larynx is bloody. While this is more like MLIW, Blacklisted, Count Me Out, Verse Have Heart stuff – there are some metal moments, some definite NYHC moments. I keep forgetting this is ex-Scraps and Heart Attacks, who was old The Heist. And I liked those band a lot, too. This shit is intense, raw, explosive, and honest. Phew, I‘m exhausted
10. Slang – “The Immortal Sin” – Schizophrenic/Straight Up Records
These Japanese dudes have been around forever (20 years, bitch!). From splits with 25 ta Life to Hardcore Ball Compilations and the like, tell you that they were hardcore with metal riffs, true nyhc. These Sapporo HC Kings busted out many a stomp tunes. Which, they were great at. But like ’94 Strong Intention to ’02 S.I.- Slang has changed. 5 Albums on and things change. Fast, low-tuned, heavy, crazed music. Think UK’82 – Discharge rules - down to the black n white album cover with crying children. Vying for peace and political change – these dudes still kill it. Even I can rock this despite the monkey holding a dove on the sleeve…oh, yes.
11. Violent Arrest – “Criminal Record” – No Way Records
Hardcore Punk. Old school. Fast. Noisy. Loud. English. Nods to Discharge, Black Flag, SSD. This definitely tides me over to a longer release. Cuuz I cannot get enough of these limeys. They Just Play it perfectly. Poison Idea and Combat ’84 had a love child. Punk tunes about the man and coppers and politicians over roaring blazing spurts of tough-as-nails music. Get everything they ever put out.
12. H2O – “Nothing to Prove” – Bridge Nine Records –
Preface -
ok, ok. They’re back. And I have loved H2O since the beginning…well, slightly passed the beginning. I had heard the first 7” – temperature/hi-lo (I think). My boy said he had seen them live and he loved them. As he was without a record player, he asked if I could tape it for him. My boy, Jud, liked Warzone, Reason Enough, Blitz, Bruisers – this “H2O” band sounded pretty ‘light’ to me. I did not get it. Then, I saw them live. And then I went to see them live again…and again. Holy Shit. This was old school hardcore with a refreshing surge of unlimited energy. I waited for that first 12” on Blackout! Records just as if James Brown was swinging by my apt for a visit. I got it(…on blue vinyl…scene points!) – and taped from the CD to a blank (with Warzone S.O.R on it too) so I could jump around in my room to it without skipping the lp. Saw them a bunch more times, bought everything they put out. Quick synopsis so that you know where I stand: 1.) Demo 7” – love those songs! And “Phone Song” 7” – all good . 2.) (s/t) incredible. One of the most heartfelt punk hardcore albums ever. 3.) Thicker Than Water – I know people who say that this is their best – not me. I like it, but it just does not grab me. Wait- I really liked it a lot, I played it a lot and saw them a bunch. But 10 yrs later, I do not go back and listen to it often. 4.) FTTW – this is the acme of HC for me – this is what Bad Brains had envisioned. Produced well, fast – harder than the other two; but still fast. The lyrics are amazing – I cry when I listen to this album. It’s just the way they dig below the surface of HC cliches – those clichés became so because they are what matters to us – but nothing is trite or token with H2O. These are true experiences. And the music is the best balance of aggressive, fast, emotional, melodic, moshable ever. Word. 5.) I loved a band from Blackout called Sheer Terror.When I heard their next album would be on MCA – I did not flinch. No way in hell they would adjust their sound or words. With H2O, I winced a little. I remember when TTW came out – seeing them at the Middle East – a friend who had some ‘connects in the biz’, said “H2O will be what CIV was supposed to be”. So here comes “GO!” I saw them on Conan – wearing Madball and Skarhead shirts, btw. They did the ‘softest’ song. But it was good. I bought the CD on the first day. There’s some music here. Good punk music. Still some danceable rhythms – actually – songs 1-9 I love – I would have produced and mixed them differently – but I can see how they would be proud of those tunes. I mean I really, really like those songs. “Ripe…”, “Forest King” being the best. But yeah, I got nervous about their future. There was some ep – still to this day that I have never heard “All We Want”. Moves to Cali – sporadic shows – Hazen St disaster – and bad associations with Chad Gilbert and Matt Skiba made me figure I had seen the glory days of this band. No ill will, just going to not be as interested in their new direction if they ever made another album……
“Nothing to Prove” –
Damn right. H2O has ‘Nothing to Prove. They’ve all got other things going on and already have toured the world and have mad street cred and made 2 classic NYHC albums and all while not being superstars, assholes, pretentious pricks, gossip dicks or revolving members. Same dudes. They kick it off with “1995” and they transport us right back there. The record has lots of sound bites in between songs and mad guest appearances (Roger AF, Freddy MB, Ezec, Lou SOIA, Kevin Seconds, CIV, John Joseph, Hoya and Mitts, plus some others) – just like album #1. The songs have the same vibe, energy, passion, groove, etc. These songs are incredible. Musically – they are on par with Thicker than Water – not quite as raw as #1, not as hard as FTTW – but a great blend. So yeah – there are a couple of tweaks I would have made….but mostly this is old school dudes making hc punk because it is in their hearts and they love it. Thank you guys for doing one more… Song By Song: “1995” – just like the title – fresh out the gates. No stopping. Good dance song. “NTP” – Continues with the same. I love this song. DMS on it to represent. Great friend song …..“Sunday” – a very personal song about being a part of generations – from toby’s dad’s death to the birth of his son. Singing more melodic, song a little slower. “A Thin Line” – keeping it real. Back to hardcore and “be who you are” message – don’t front and try to be what you are not. Mid paced, but tougher. “Unconditional” – more melodic again. Solid song. “Still Here” – HT,GT part II….S.E.O.G. this song is fuckin great. Heavier again with screaming about 38 yrs SXE! Much respect. “Fairweather Friend” awesome keeps the tougher midpace tune going with that, again, more personal touch than the average “knife in the back” song …”Heart on My Sleeve” – a little more accessible – bouncy, punky – great! …”MITTS” good avg H2O song keeps it rolling.
Ok, Bottom of the ninth and they comeback team has held a strong lead and everyone’s nervous. Last song, last chance to dance…..ok, guys – you guys have comeback after 7 years – and I am so impressed, back to my puppy love days of adoring you dudes, how will we end it? Will we start with an awesome bass line? Yep. Then, it gets into a great, gritty tone with Toby doing the toughguy hardcore talking voice – this rules! “Where did it go?” ahh, I am old grumpy guy too and I hate the state of ‘Marketable’ Hardcore. Toby sternly states: “Dress Code? FUCK NO!...We didn’t care/ about the brand of your jeans and all that shit in your HAIR!” Yeah! You tell ‘em, Toby! The bobbing head pace gets harder – and Oh?!?! Is That Lou Koller?!?! –
But now the biggest part is all about the image and not the artFashion before passion!*(lou and Toby back n Forth)
And at nights, it makes me mad that I should have to ask:(music erupts and I am moshing in the mirror occasionally poking up to finger point)
What happened to the passion? (passion!)What the reason for screaming?What happened the music and the message that I love?What happened to the hard work? (hard work!)And why does everybody look the same?What happened the music and the message that I love?
Verse 2 and Chorus 2 – Oh my god! This could be the greatest hardcore song since ‘Set It Off’! Then it happens, everything slows and gets trippy and Matt Stupid Skiba comes in waving a peace sign and sounding like he’s wearing a flower print moo-moo. And gets all abstract and whiny. That goes away and the song ends the good way. I’m being a dick and really fucking cranky – and going back again and again, the song is fine. It still carries a punk bounce through the Skiba part. But it’s just, like, why on the Lou SOIA song? And aren’t there exponential ironies having a song about this image ruining our scene and exploiting our love and the factory made formulaic “Punk” band, being sung by Matt Fucking Skiba??!?!?!?! Ugh – anyway – this album is awesome and these guys are on top of their game. I will always love them. And they hang out with the toughest dudes on the planet, so I guess they can hang out with AlkTrio and NFG too.
13. Koffin Kats – “Drunk in the Daylight” – Hairball 8 Records
I love psychobilly – and I love Koffin Kats. Their fist album was good – But “Inhumane” blew it out of the water, or, ah, …black lagoon as it may be. “Straying From the Pack” – delivered some doozies. But I kept returning to “Inhumane” as it is longer and more varied in tempo and style. “…Pack” was more of a chainsaw cutting through a meaty thigh and femur without hesitation. So, now it is time for another full-length. Well – it is awesome. SO these guys are not super fast or metal like Astro Zombies or Cenobites – But not traditional like Tombstone Brawlers or Zombie Ghost Train. They are darker and faster than the rockabilly– and when I have seen them live – they speed up even the slower, catchy songs. Great balance. So – “Drunk” does add a metal element – drawn out, moody, Sabbath-like feel – very atmospheric; also, adding a variable of more guitar fx in the mix; more haunting vocals, and some time changes, too. The main attraction – aside from the throat ripping music – is the elvis/danzig inspired, but not a rip off, vocals. Get this dark, catchy, punk/metal/psychobilly gem before you go out corpse raping tonight. You’ll need a pick me up after your disappointing fourth lifeless fuck. Hell yeah, the Kats get down to gloomy business and haul away like a tricked-out v-12 hearse spouting flames from a dual exhaust through Detroit on Devil’s Night.
14. Gutter Demons – “Misery, Madness, and Murder” – Wolverine Records
For why I love Koffin Kats, I love the Gutter Demons for the other aspects. Slower, more traditional and smooth. This is the group I use on a mix tape to woo people into the genre…must be the French part of these Canadians. Again – each album gets better – and I thought Room 209 was phenomenal. So this album is the subtle, swinging, seductive sound of a succubus serenading suicide suckers at their sepulchre. (that was a little self indulgent). Anyway – these guys are great musicians and again – its rockin, but creepy and a little more nuanced. Eerie sounds from a lapping projector, as this magnificent rock ‘n’ roll escapes from the dimmed theatre, is the vision I get when these gory, rockin’ dudes play there music. Rock this.
15. Crown of Kings –“Lifeline” – Reaper Records
Big hype on this one, being as its Wes from Death Threat. And it does not skip a beat. I won’t compare them to Death Threat. Cuz It stands alone. This is tough fast, short hardcore songs meant to scream and kick and fingerpoint to. 14 songs – 1 over the 2 and ½ minute mark – at a whopping, 2:39. 4 more tunes over 2 minutes. All else, under 2 minutes. Solos splash here and there to propel these songs forwards. Which match the lyrical spirit of getting shit done and being a warrior. There is a pressing vibe here. And I love it.
16. Bishop - “Drugs” – Dead Truth Records –
destructive and engaging – someone who actually puts some thought into lyrics, but can keep it simple. Music: Fast as fuck, blazing drums; heavy riffs, breakdown. This shit is great. Straight fuckin’ edge. Mean Pete can sing on RN shit, but he keeps this straight up core. He growls like I like it, even when I get scared.
17. Forfeit - “Visions” – Reaper Records
Heavy, Breakdowns a plenty. Straight up new school Hardcore, done very, very well. While Blacklisted is off expanding there sound, Forfeit is continuing the “beat” that goes on.
18. xTYRANTx – Prepare for Devastation. – Seventh Dagger Records
I did not get there first cd, seemed like 1 million other bands. Maybe it was, maybe not – I don’t know. What I DO know, is that this cd is awesome. In the true sense of the word. Dudes from Detroit with face tats. You do not get much harder than that. Breakdowns and beatings. They are SXE and do not veil it like some bands that got catapulted from Trustkill. These guys are keeping it real, keeping it street. Damn. Multi Vocalists who make you mosh to the soundtrack of killing this world. Oh, and if you did not know that they worship at the house of Earth Crisis, Karl has guest spot. This a great CD
19. Furious Styles – “Menace” – Eulogy Recordings -
again, skipped their first cd, seemed generic. But this cd is brilliant. Seattle FSU clique. Fast, anti-drug, anti-cop, anti-punk bitch lyrics. These guys come to crush! Not just short verses with catch phrases, some real lyrics in there. Stories with thought, detail, and introspection. Nice to see, so they do not get chucked into the tough guy genre blindly – not that they couldn’t and probably wouldn’t put themselves in it. But these guys bring more to the table. Short burst riffs – when they slow it down, they sound like newer Madball; but 90% of the time the have chaotic (ala Skare Tactic) fast, hard style. There are even solos in this – but not like, “Hey, I’m friggin’ Yngwie! Place all attention on me!”, just nice little accents to add to the frantic pace. They are mixed down, on par with the chugs. So they are not the center, but another element. Good mix of that new style to compliment big nods to early ‘90s NYHC. Lots of Gang vox and I’m right there screaming, “Dead Since Day One!!!” on ‘Stillbirth”. Not a concept album, but definitely a theme. Just talking about the drug-filled city they grew up in. And the police’s role in it – ending with an “A.C.A.B.” cover. You’ve won my heart.
20. Reign Supreme – American Violence – Malfunction/Deathwish inc
You know they’re huge. There’s a reason. They rule. Gang vox over blistering riffs and punishing drums. Fast and choppy chugga style.. Breakdowns too, hutch? Oh, yes! Mix Terror and Blacklisted and Guns Up! This is amazing. Just this wall of sound drowns you as you go – “Oh yeah, you can make heavy, tough ass music with passionate real lyrics about humility and isloation”. Word. Buy the 7” and get the digital download. Best of Both Worlds.
Honorable Mentions – i.e., Great fuckin cd’s!! –
Haggis – “The Beginning of the End”- STSHCP Records
Tight, clean, fast. Part hardcore, part catchy, part Motorhead, part Cash – All punk, all attitude. It is so good. Funny, fun lyrics – if you are a misanthropic, jaded, bitter, drunk fuck (which, uh, I am). Someitmes a little too frenetic – but The Vikings here have a solid 15 Track lp. I have their mini ep “Nation of Fools” and their other full-length, “The Impeccable Glory…” on vinyl. So this is nice to have on digital (courtesy of eMusic). If you like aggressive, hard punk/oi with a tongue in cheek – and a big middle finger to anything resembling the PC world – check it. Also, they are ridiculous live.
Matadors – Sweet Revenge – Stumble Records – Not quite the punch of the previous “Horrorbilly” but still smoking. Cocky swagger from Hooch and his crew – mixing Horror themes with Psycho/Surf music. Clean production, tight as hell band and a screaming guitar that mesmerizes like Uri Geller. This a romp through Dracula’s dirty closet, prepare for a raucous Rock ‘n’ Roll that will propel you to mimic the tryst of young Jerry Lee Lewis, Eddie Cochran and Elvira in the bar on your 13th whiskey, singing along with Louis Cypher. Buckle Up.
Tossers – On A Fine Spring Evening – Victory Records.
I love this band – yes early works are great – but lacked that hit that skilled production (and some money) brings. They may have gotten national after DKM and Flogging Molly – but T Duggins, his brother, and rest have been around for 15 years *(check my Adjusters cd from that era). Great Irish punk – well not entirely accurate. I mean they are more in vein of the Pogues than any of the others. They can certainly set up a rollicking tune for a drunken crowd – but mostly I indulge in some Middleton when they slow it down and weave a sad tale from Tony’s suffering heart. Introspection is the crux of these genuine and genius lyrical tales. Each song is an exploration into all the regrets and mistakes of his past (…and present) While I have not gotten into this CD as much as “Agony…” or “Valley” it is still great. Supreme storytelling and mastered musicianship will sweep you away. “Whiskey Makes Me Crazy”.
Wait in Vain – Seasons – ThinkFast!
I was a huge TRIAL fan. More of the same from the Vocalist Timm. (and other ‘ex-mambers of…’) Lyrics are the base here for an emotional adventure of the this Seattle straight edge group. Speedy, crunching mosh parts and blazing drums drive home the desperate cry for our society and earth, as we all burn. The lyrics are intelligent, critical and moving. Although, on this, there is a religious bend that I do not remember with Trial. That is disappointing to me, but lends it the posi sense. Great reading suggestions encapsulate each song. This is more than just a kid who wants to put out a ‘hawdcore’ cd – this is a man deadly serious about what this scene is and trying to help it meet its full potential. I love the passion. And big ups to TF! On a beautiful package. – and pick up the 7” and Trail reissues on Panic Records.
Toetag/Shattered Realm – Split – Eulogy Recordings
Toetag – I have always loved everything John Wylie has Done. This is no different. SXE metal Core I am picking up change as I write this. S.R.? – fuckin brutal. Their last lp was so much better (to me) than their first. This is more of the same – Joe HC had left, but wanted to do this release. Now, I get why. S.R. brings the crush. Heavy as concrete. All songs on this rule. It’s short, cheap….buy it.
Trash Talk – Plagues – Malfunction Records
Cali shred masters. This is metal and short under the cloak of Hardcore. Hectic and demanding, these songs wrap around your skull like an Alien baby and suck you into their death vision of this suckfest of a world. Try to sing along as these sonic burst stifle your pussy-ass cries. Stomp to the slower riffs as you do not even the notice the apocalypse that just passed you.
Verse – Aggression – Bridge Nine Records.
Passionate. Incendiary. Provocative. Challenging. These sentiments are sung to a soundtrack of sweeping chords and times of reflection in between the madness of fast chugs, and distorted stomp of midtempo hardcore. Definitely their best output thus far. Point that finger, get on stage, and dive off. Verse offers sweat and scathing retorts for a world that tries to suppress. And they let us know it is a world from which we should not recoil. Akin to Bane, Sinking Ships, Go It Alone, Have Heart. Angry. Informative. Dead on. Time changes and slow bits make it not my favorite style, but I cannot deny their dedication. This gets more points for content than execution. Providence represent!
Have Heart – Songs to Scream at the Sun – Bridge Nine Records.
Their Best release so far. Lots of ‘Heart’ (sorry) from these guys. Real songwriting – not afraid to get complex – while making catchy choruses and sing-along parts for all the kids. Story-like lyrics that draw you in. Not my favorite style, but I can’t deny their impact – in the sceneor my speakers. And of course, very danceable for the side-to-side lovers. Good Hardcore.
Unearth “The March” – MetalBlade Records - I do love this band. Well written Metalcore – less ‘core’ with each album. Thrash laden riffs and, yes, even solos. If something spawned from “our scene” is going to be popular and pack stadiums, I am glad it’s these guys. Better than their peers, I feel. Thing is, “…Storm” was unbelievable and “Eyes…” was classic – but this seems just more of the same. Which is great – Unearth does it awesome; but nothing too new here. But again I am much more of a HC dude than a metal guy.
Blacklisted – “Heavier than Heaven, Lonelier than God” - Deathwish, inc
One the best hc bands out there. No question. I loved the first 7”, “Unstoppable”; and “Beat Goes On” was insanely good. “Peace/War” threw me a little. This release is more expansive in their sound It is awesome, but it doesn’t grab me in their Cro-Mags worship of the earlier shit.
Lots of noise filler and transitions, which i guess brings a live element to the album, but i think it adds this pretentious, meditative facet too. There is a southern rock influence in the mid paced riffs, also. This is an album - when i am in the mood to hear this - i sit down and listen to the whole thing. it is one long experience (as opposed to 12 hardcore songs, any of which will go on the next mix, interchangeable) But when they pick it up and go for the throat, fast hardcore style, they nail it.Again – you should buy this album. I am glad I did.
Melvins – “Nude with Boots” – Ipecac Records. Awesome. “A (Senile) Animal” was their best since “StonerWitch”. This is just part II. Mmore incredible thick, tight, fast, heavy, groove-laden…with the rhythm section of Big Busines….yeah 2 drummers. So incredible. Buy It. If for some reason you are hesitant – pick up Jello Biafra and The Melvins (there’s 2 lps) from 2006 - that shit is glorious.
Fucked Up – “The Chemistry of Common Life” – Matador Records
Yeah….so much anticipation over this. I had picked up a couple of their 7”s. Then, “Hidden World” came out. I shivered at 5,6,7, minute long songs. I thought this was a punk band?? And then I listened to it. Holy Fuck!!! This may be the best punk band since Black Flag. They make riffs still potent after 5 minutes. The lyrics are incredible; lots of anti-religious stuff (which is like the bacon of verse to my ears). These guys have attitude and the impact of a stock market crash. So, here comes their big album – people have caught on – including Matador (they teased us with the “Year of the Pig” 7” series), and here we go. Again, a band ‘expanding their sound. They do it with all of their integrity intact. You can tell they are doing what they want. Again, this album is punk at its core, punk in its spirit – maybe a piano or a trumpet or a strewn out intro or mid-song break. Give it a couple listens and it grows. You will see its genius. Why then doesn’t it make the ‘best’ list? It’s more of music, than punk rock, maybe? Rolling stone or pitchfork or sputnik want to get their 2 or 3 ‘punk’ selects into their top 100, this needs to be in them. For me, not quite the ‘wow’ of “Hidden World”, just veers a little. Awesome band, awesome album. Solid. *if you want the short genius. Pick up the “Epics in Minutes” collection….damn.
Terror – “The Damned, The Shamed” - Century Media
Here we go again - A big band on a bigger label. Trustkill goes bye-bye; Add Buske to the all-star line-up; Frankie 3 Guns in and out; 9,000 shows a week. The band has been through a lot since “Always the Hard Way”. Not the ‘best of the year’, but a solid release. Opens with a blast of fury – the second song is my favorite track with the chorus “Believe in Nothing, Trust No One; Man, I’ve been there too. Believe in Nothing, Trust No One; Release that hate from inside of you!”. The third song has a mid song break with acoustic slow down. They do not delve into CenturyMedia metal or anything, but here and there the dabble with something a little different. 98% is just what Terror has always given us over the years. I still wanna stage dive and spinkick to this shit. I wouldn’t say they ‘dialed it in’, but it is a touch formulaic. But, it is their formula. This band is huge and they deserve it. Also, check tracks - “Let Me Sink”, “Still Believe?”, “Never Alone”, “Crush What’s Weak”.
The Haunted – Versus – Century Media.
Again, I am not the hugest metal Guy, but I friggin love this band. And ‘Versus’ continues the blistering metal of One Kill Wonder, Made Me Do It, Revolver, and Dead Eye. I know they add a touch of melody - but that makes it accesible to me, more so than some some death growl band. I like their previous efforts better - but this still represents. I hear the shock in your voice when I say “I can’t really get in to At the Gates”, but whatever, this shit is mad sweet. Heavy as sin, yet accessible.
