PETER KALAFATIS
"A Rebel Life - Murder by the Rich" Book
All & None Press
"A Rebel Life" is a true story based on writer Kalafatis own past, growing up in the streets of New York during the 80's where reputation is everything, and about the three days in 2005 that leads up to his own brother's funeral. After hearing about his younger brother the writer is forced into a battle within his own head. How should he deal with it?
This is a story about either conforming to the system that you hate or staying true to the streets where you will get killed sooner or later.
This is one of those books you won't put down once you've picked it up. Dealing with death, drugs, capitalism, classism, homelessness and violence this book is defnitely worth checking out since it's a true story lived by the author himself. This is his debut novel and it's very well written. I'm keeping my eyes open for further works by Peter Kalafatis.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"A Rebel Life - Murder by the Rich" Book
All & None Press
"A Rebel Life" is a true story based on writer Kalafatis own past, growing up in the streets of New York during the 80's where reputation is everything, and about the three days in 2005 that leads up to his own brother's funeral. After hearing about his younger brother the writer is forced into a battle within his own head. How should he deal with it?
This is a story about either conforming to the system that you hate or staying true to the streets where you will get killed sooner or later.
This is one of those books you won't put down once you've picked it up. Dealing with death, drugs, capitalism, classism, homelessness and violence this book is defnitely worth checking out since it's a true story lived by the author himself. This is his debut novel and it's very well written. I'm keeping my eyes open for further works by Peter Kalafatis.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
THE DRAFT
"The Draft" CDEP/2x7"
Epitaph/ No Idea
This one is fantastic! The Draft is a band that consists of 3/4 of the now demised Hot Water Music. I like some of their stuff a lot but not even close to how much I dig this new outfit. Along with the new addition guitarist Todd Rockhill, these guys have left the more complex sound that is HWM to become a more back to basics post hardcore/ punk rock band. The red thread through this 4-song EP is feeling. There's so much energy in the songs and the vocals. The sound is great, songs are very well-written and the lyrics are good. I can't believe the new levels of singing that Chris Wollard has reached since the days of HWM, it's actually a lot better now. This is the band's second release, their first album was put out by Epitaph last year. I can't believe I missed that one. Shame on me... I better get my hands on that one as soon as possible 'cause these are seriously some of the best songs I've heard. Yet another favorite band!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"The Draft" CDEP/2x7"
Epitaph/ No Idea
This one is fantastic! The Draft is a band that consists of 3/4 of the now demised Hot Water Music. I like some of their stuff a lot but not even close to how much I dig this new outfit. Along with the new addition guitarist Todd Rockhill, these guys have left the more complex sound that is HWM to become a more back to basics post hardcore/ punk rock band. The red thread through this 4-song EP is feeling. There's so much energy in the songs and the vocals. The sound is great, songs are very well-written and the lyrics are good. I can't believe the new levels of singing that Chris Wollard has reached since the days of HWM, it's actually a lot better now. This is the band's second release, their first album was put out by Epitaph last year. I can't believe I missed that one. Shame on me... I better get my hands on that one as soon as possible 'cause these are seriously some of the best songs I've heard. Yet another favorite band!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
THE UNSEEN
"Internal Salvation" CD
Hellcat Records
I haven't been listening all that much to The Unseen but I liked their last album pretty much. This one is pretty good to but I do get bored after a while. There aren't really any stand-out songs that sticks to my mind. Don't get me wrong, it's not at all a bad record, it's just not my cup of tea. Unseen fans will love this record for sure but I'm not sure I will be spinning it too much. If I have to name a favorite song it would have to be "Left For Dead". This one has a classic hardcore intro and some slow parts that are really cool. These 14 new songs will be out on Hellcat in July this year, so save some money for it all you Unseen fans.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Internal Salvation" CD
Hellcat Records
I haven't been listening all that much to The Unseen but I liked their last album pretty much. This one is pretty good to but I do get bored after a while. There aren't really any stand-out songs that sticks to my mind. Don't get me wrong, it's not at all a bad record, it's just not my cup of tea. Unseen fans will love this record for sure but I'm not sure I will be spinning it too much. If I have to name a favorite song it would have to be "Left For Dead". This one has a classic hardcore intro and some slow parts that are really cool. These 14 new songs will be out on Hellcat in July this year, so save some money for it all you Unseen fans.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
TASTE THE FLOOR
"Rules/ Possibilities" CDEP
Self-Released
Hardcore band Taste The Floor from Rome have sent in this 5-song EP for review and I'm glad they did. Even though I'm not to crazy about the layout of the record the songs are good as hell. These 5 italians really know how to play hardcore punk a la Good Riddance. Opening song "Broken Mind" got my attention right away and the following tracks are just as good. The most stand-out tune is "Altra Droga" which has a more old-school touch to it. A great little twist right before the end of the recording. Over all this is a very interesting record. It's always cool to hear new bands and I hope i'll get to hear more from these guys soon. Check 'em out!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Rules/ Possibilities" CDEP
Self-Released
Hardcore band Taste The Floor from Rome have sent in this 5-song EP for review and I'm glad they did. Even though I'm not to crazy about the layout of the record the songs are good as hell. These 5 italians really know how to play hardcore punk a la Good Riddance. Opening song "Broken Mind" got my attention right away and the following tracks are just as good. The most stand-out tune is "Altra Droga" which has a more old-school touch to it. A great little twist right before the end of the recording. Over all this is a very interesting record. It's always cool to hear new bands and I hope i'll get to hear more from these guys soon. Check 'em out!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
THE MEASURE [SA]
"Historical Fiction" CD
Team Science Records
This record, the band's first album, was actually released before the "Union Pool" 7" that we reviewed some time ago. As you know I loved that record and fact is that I like this one even more. I got this one in the mail this morning and I've listened to it a couple of times already and it really grows with every listen. The simplicity and honesty of The Measure's music is something that is not so easy to find nowadays and I'm glad to tell you that a couple of new releases are being released as I write this. Naturally this record has a couple of more songs on it than the 7" and the more songs I hear the more diversity in the band's songwriting is revealed. Mostly this is a mid-tempo record with a lot of great lyrics. Lauren's voice really fits the band's sound and so does Mike's. Having both female and male vocals lifts the songs yet another level and the parts where both Mike and Lauren sings are fantastic. Sound wise "Historical Fiction" is really rough and it's obvious that this is just how the band likes it. The Measure [SA] is all about energy and the raw sound is something that I've come to associate with the band. I'm not even gonna mention any specific songs 'cause it's all great. One of the best bands I know! Get yourself a copy of this album. Also available on LP from Salinas and Don Giovanni Records.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Historical Fiction" CD
Team Science Records
This record, the band's first album, was actually released before the "Union Pool" 7" that we reviewed some time ago. As you know I loved that record and fact is that I like this one even more. I got this one in the mail this morning and I've listened to it a couple of times already and it really grows with every listen. The simplicity and honesty of The Measure's music is something that is not so easy to find nowadays and I'm glad to tell you that a couple of new releases are being released as I write this. Naturally this record has a couple of more songs on it than the 7" and the more songs I hear the more diversity in the band's songwriting is revealed. Mostly this is a mid-tempo record with a lot of great lyrics. Lauren's voice really fits the band's sound and so does Mike's. Having both female and male vocals lifts the songs yet another level and the parts where both Mike and Lauren sings are fantastic. Sound wise "Historical Fiction" is really rough and it's obvious that this is just how the band likes it. The Measure [SA] is all about energy and the raw sound is something that I've come to associate with the band. I'm not even gonna mention any specific songs 'cause it's all great. One of the best bands I know! Get yourself a copy of this album. Also available on LP from Salinas and Don Giovanni Records.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
SUBSISTANCE
"Bleed, Sweat & Strive" CD
Arisen Records
Raw Canadian punk with a touch of hardcore! I've known about this band for quite some time but somehow I never got the chance to hear them until now. Subsistance remind me of the Casualties and at times I can relate the sound to Rancid's self-titled album from 2000. Apart from Propagandhi this is probably the best band I've heard from Canada in a long while. Political lyrics and fast, screamy punk rock goes hand in hand throughout the whole record and I really enjoy listening to it. Very well-played and extremely well-written songs keeps this recording interesting from start to finish. The band has only been together for a little more than two years and this album could be the start of something great...
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Bleed, Sweat & Strive" CD
Arisen Records
Raw Canadian punk with a touch of hardcore! I've known about this band for quite some time but somehow I never got the chance to hear them until now. Subsistance remind me of the Casualties and at times I can relate the sound to Rancid's self-titled album from 2000. Apart from Propagandhi this is probably the best band I've heard from Canada in a long while. Political lyrics and fast, screamy punk rock goes hand in hand throughout the whole record and I really enjoy listening to it. Very well-played and extremely well-written songs keeps this recording interesting from start to finish. The band has only been together for a little more than two years and this album could be the start of something great...
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
NAZI DOGS
"Good Vibrations & Vicious Transmissions Vol.1" CD
Drunk'N'Roll / No Front Teeth
Two of Europe's hardest working labels have teamed up to start a new series of live recordings and here's volume one! The record contains 8 songs and 3 live videos from the Nazi Dogs' show at The 12 Bar in London last year. This series is a great idea and it seems like it worked out fine. The sound is perhaps a bit rough at times but hey, it's the Nazi Dogs and this is how it's supposed to sound. "Old Habits Die Hard" & "Fade Away" are my two favorite songs on the CD and the video stuff is cool. Yet another great co-release from these labels and a great show by the band. Volume 2 is already on the way and this time it will feature Chip Hanna & The Berlin Three. Stay on the lookout!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Good Vibrations & Vicious Transmissions Vol.1" CD
Drunk'N'Roll / No Front Teeth
Two of Europe's hardest working labels have teamed up to start a new series of live recordings and here's volume one! The record contains 8 songs and 3 live videos from the Nazi Dogs' show at The 12 Bar in London last year. This series is a great idea and it seems like it worked out fine. The sound is perhaps a bit rough at times but hey, it's the Nazi Dogs and this is how it's supposed to sound. "Old Habits Die Hard" & "Fade Away" are my two favorite songs on the CD and the video stuff is cool. Yet another great co-release from these labels and a great show by the band. Volume 2 is already on the way and this time it will feature Chip Hanna & The Berlin Three. Stay on the lookout!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
KID DOWN
"And the Noble Art of Irony" CD
Burning Heart Records
Released in march this year, this is Kid Down's debut album. It's also their first record on Burning Heart, a label that has gone downhill for the last couple of years and this album is, in my opinion, just another step downwards. This is way too MTV friendly for my taste and I can't really say anything good about it. You should get it if you're into the likes of Fall Out Boy or Sum 41. Extremely produced, polished and just plain boring.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"And the Noble Art of Irony" CD
Burning Heart Records
Released in march this year, this is Kid Down's debut album. It's also their first record on Burning Heart, a label that has gone downhill for the last couple of years and this album is, in my opinion, just another step downwards. This is way too MTV friendly for my taste and I can't really say anything good about it. You should get it if you're into the likes of Fall Out Boy or Sum 41. Extremely produced, polished and just plain boring.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
THE FLAMING SIDEBURNS
"Keys to the Highway" CD
Bitz Core
These fellas from Finland play straight-on rock'n'roll. I'd put them somewhere between The Hellacopters and The Soundtrack of Our Lives. Not as good as those two bands but still good. This kind of retro rock'n'roll was really huge in Scandinavia a few years ago but I think it's gone more underground lately. This band is one of the more well-know in the genre up here in the north. The problem with this type of rock'n'roll is that it always tend to get boring after a while. I'm not gonna blame the band 'cause I guess it's just me. Anyhow, some of the tunes on this record are really good and if you're a rock'n'roller you'll probably like it. "Lost Generation" is the peak of the record.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Keys to the Highway" CD
Bitz Core
These fellas from Finland play straight-on rock'n'roll. I'd put them somewhere between The Hellacopters and The Soundtrack of Our Lives. Not as good as those two bands but still good. This kind of retro rock'n'roll was really huge in Scandinavia a few years ago but I think it's gone more underground lately. This band is one of the more well-know in the genre up here in the north. The problem with this type of rock'n'roll is that it always tend to get boring after a while. I'm not gonna blame the band 'cause I guess it's just me. Anyhow, some of the tunes on this record are really good and if you're a rock'n'roller you'll probably like it. "Lost Generation" is the peak of the record.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
TATORT TOILET
"Heil Hightech" CD
Matula/ No Front Teeth / Trashrock Records
These guys from Germany remind me of The Hatepinks or maybe even Situations. Twelve songs of dirty, screamy, snotty punk'n'roll have been recorded and put on record. I like most of it. My favorite tunes are "Down Syndrome" and "Robotrippin" in which singer Trendy T screams like a stuck pig. Most of all this record is a lot of fun. Seems like more and more bands are going this way with their music, especially in Germany. It's cool.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Heil Hightech" CD
Matula/ No Front Teeth / Trashrock Records
These guys from Germany remind me of The Hatepinks or maybe even Situations. Twelve songs of dirty, screamy, snotty punk'n'roll have been recorded and put on record. I like most of it. My favorite tunes are "Down Syndrome" and "Robotrippin" in which singer Trendy T screams like a stuck pig. Most of all this record is a lot of fun. Seems like more and more bands are going this way with their music, especially in Germany. It's cool.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
...SITUATIONS
"Pressure is a Pleasure" CD
Drunk'N'Roll/ No Front Teeth/ Wanda Records
Fourteen really good songs! Situations are from Berlin and play old-school punk rock. I really like these bands that are writing simple stripped-down punk rock songs. I think we need bands like this more than ever in a time where most bands put more effort into the recording than they do in the actual writing of the songs. Most of the lyrics on this album are in english but there are also a few german ones on here which is cool. My favorites are "Pressure is a Pleasure" and "Don't Believe in Yesterday". This record is really good and you should check it out. I don't know what else to say, it's all good! For fans of punk rock!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Pressure is a Pleasure" CD
Drunk'N'Roll/ No Front Teeth/ Wanda Records
Fourteen really good songs! Situations are from Berlin and play old-school punk rock. I really like these bands that are writing simple stripped-down punk rock songs. I think we need bands like this more than ever in a time where most bands put more effort into the recording than they do in the actual writing of the songs. Most of the lyrics on this album are in english but there are also a few german ones on here which is cool. My favorites are "Pressure is a Pleasure" and "Don't Believe in Yesterday". This record is really good and you should check it out. I don't know what else to say, it's all good! For fans of punk rock!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
STATIC RADIO NJ
"One For The Good Guys" 7"
Chunksaah Records
It seems like every damn band I hear from New Jersey is great. In fact, this 7" is one of the best hardcore records I have ever heard in my life! Static Radio NJ have recorded five straight-to-the-point hardcore tunes in the vein of Paint It Black or Kid Dynamite. The 7" is extremely energetic and well-played all the way through and the singer Mike has got a great voice for this kind of band. Over all the band has a positive approach to hardcore and none of that better-than-you macho crap is to be heard on this release. The record clocks in around 5 and a half minutes and then all you got to do is to put the needle back on and have another listen.
"One For The Good Guys" is the band's debut and I really hope that a cool label (maybe Chunksaah?) will release an album soon. The artwork is cool and the vinyl is on blue vinyl. Get a copy before they're gone 'cause hardcore doesn't get any better than this.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"One For The Good Guys" 7"
Chunksaah Records
It seems like every damn band I hear from New Jersey is great. In fact, this 7" is one of the best hardcore records I have ever heard in my life! Static Radio NJ have recorded five straight-to-the-point hardcore tunes in the vein of Paint It Black or Kid Dynamite. The 7" is extremely energetic and well-played all the way through and the singer Mike has got a great voice for this kind of band. Over all the band has a positive approach to hardcore and none of that better-than-you macho crap is to be heard on this release. The record clocks in around 5 and a half minutes and then all you got to do is to put the needle back on and have another listen.
"One For The Good Guys" is the band's debut and I really hope that a cool label (maybe Chunksaah?) will release an album soon. The artwork is cool and the vinyl is on blue vinyl. Get a copy before they're gone 'cause hardcore doesn't get any better than this.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
CHIP HANNA & THE BERLIN THREE
"Self Titled" LP/CD
People Like You Records
Chip Hanna, one of my favorite artists, is back with a brand new recording and this time he's not alone. His new band The Berlin Three (w/ members from Mad Sin) really have made a big impact on the sound of this record. Imagine Chip's older country-stuff and add the energy of the band's psycho-/rockabilly roots, speed it up a bit and you pretty much have an idea of what the new record is about.
Along with a lot of new originals there's a new version of "Louisiana" a new cut of "Drinkin' State of Mind" and a cover of the Bouncing Souls' classic anthem "True Believers". If I had to name a couple of favorite songs out of the new ones I'd say "Hell To Pay" and "Alexanderplatz Line" which truly shows how Chip's music has evolved during the last year. I really love the old 7-inches and the CD's and this new album will definitely be played as much as those ones have been, and that's a LOT! Chip continues to deliver amazing old-fashion music with a fresh touch that everyone who takes a listen will love. Fantastic stuff!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Self Titled" LP/CD
People Like You Records
Chip Hanna, one of my favorite artists, is back with a brand new recording and this time he's not alone. His new band The Berlin Three (w/ members from Mad Sin) really have made a big impact on the sound of this record. Imagine Chip's older country-stuff and add the energy of the band's psycho-/rockabilly roots, speed it up a bit and you pretty much have an idea of what the new record is about.
Along with a lot of new originals there's a new version of "Louisiana" a new cut of "Drinkin' State of Mind" and a cover of the Bouncing Souls' classic anthem "True Believers". If I had to name a couple of favorite songs out of the new ones I'd say "Hell To Pay" and "Alexanderplatz Line" which truly shows how Chip's music has evolved during the last year. I really love the old 7-inches and the CD's and this new album will definitely be played as much as those ones have been, and that's a LOT! Chip continues to deliver amazing old-fashion music with a fresh touch that everyone who takes a listen will love. Fantastic stuff!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
MAXIMUM RNR
"Horns Up" MCD
Self Released
Maximum RNR are from Toronto, Canada and play rock'n'roll. And by rock'n'roll I don't mean that crappy Backyard Babies sound, this is different. This band is a lot faster and more aggressive than most of the bands that label themselves rock'n'roll nowdays. The band's punk sounding rock'n'roll makes me think of Riverboat Gamblers at times, but faster, more raw and screamier. In the opening track "Trust Us" singer Louie Durant actually reminds me of Dennis Lyxén of Refused. Smart, catchy songs and a great sound of the recording makes this record brilliant. The whole record is about 7 minutes including the 10 second tune "I Turn My Back". My kind of rock'n'roll!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Horns Up" MCD
Self Released
Maximum RNR are from Toronto, Canada and play rock'n'roll. And by rock'n'roll I don't mean that crappy Backyard Babies sound, this is different. This band is a lot faster and more aggressive than most of the bands that label themselves rock'n'roll nowdays. The band's punk sounding rock'n'roll makes me think of Riverboat Gamblers at times, but faster, more raw and screamier. In the opening track "Trust Us" singer Louie Durant actually reminds me of Dennis Lyxén of Refused. Smart, catchy songs and a great sound of the recording makes this record brilliant. The whole record is about 7 minutes including the 10 second tune "I Turn My Back". My kind of rock'n'roll!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
STATIC THOUGHT
"In The Trenches" CD
Hellcat Records
I used to be a sucker for everything released on Hellcat back in the beginning as the U.S. Bombs released "The World" or when Choking Victim released their album. But I haven't been to excited about the punk releases from the label lately. The reggae bands are cool but Time Again, Left Alone or the Heart Attacks weren't exactly my kind of thing. But, then I heard Static Thought and I was really happy to hear a fresh sounding band on the label. Fast energetic punk rock with a touch of that good 'ol 80's sound. "Ignorance of the Youth" is such a good song and reminds me more of The Casualties than Rancid that I tend to drag up every time I review Hellcat bands. But make no mistake, I will mention Rancid this time as well. Lars Frederiksen is playing steel-guitar and singing some additional vocals on the album and if I'm going to compare this album to a Rancid record it would be the self-titled from 2000 which is the most aggressive and most punk of 'em all. Static Thought are a great band. In fact, the best band on Hellcat in a while so check 'em out.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"In The Trenches" CD
Hellcat Records
I used to be a sucker for everything released on Hellcat back in the beginning as the U.S. Bombs released "The World" or when Choking Victim released their album. But I haven't been to excited about the punk releases from the label lately. The reggae bands are cool but Time Again, Left Alone or the Heart Attacks weren't exactly my kind of thing. But, then I heard Static Thought and I was really happy to hear a fresh sounding band on the label. Fast energetic punk rock with a touch of that good 'ol 80's sound. "Ignorance of the Youth" is such a good song and reminds me more of The Casualties than Rancid that I tend to drag up every time I review Hellcat bands. But make no mistake, I will mention Rancid this time as well. Lars Frederiksen is playing steel-guitar and singing some additional vocals on the album and if I'm going to compare this album to a Rancid record it would be the self-titled from 2000 which is the most aggressive and most punk of 'em all. Static Thought are a great band. In fact, the best band on Hellcat in a while so check 'em out.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
JAMIE SOL BLACK
"Ready For Trouble" CD
Suma Records
Ex. Far From Finished member Jamie Sol Black has released his first solo record. The 8-track CD contains a wide range of styles including punk, rockabilly, blues and folk rock. All of these styles are combined into the sound that is Jamie Sol Black. The sound is a little to polished for my taste when it comes to this kind of music but all in all Jamie's a good songwriter and the songs are good. I'm not a huge fan of saxophones and in "Wild Wind" the sax bothers me but in the closing track "Country Boy" it actually sounds rather good. "Country Boy" as well as the more classic rock'n'roll tune "Go Boys Go" are my two favorite songs on this debut. Not exactly my kind of music but over it's pretty good!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Ready For Trouble" CD
Suma Records
Ex. Far From Finished member Jamie Sol Black has released his first solo record. The 8-track CD contains a wide range of styles including punk, rockabilly, blues and folk rock. All of these styles are combined into the sound that is Jamie Sol Black. The sound is a little to polished for my taste when it comes to this kind of music but all in all Jamie's a good songwriter and the songs are good. I'm not a huge fan of saxophones and in "Wild Wind" the sax bothers me but in the closing track "Country Boy" it actually sounds rather good. "Country Boy" as well as the more classic rock'n'roll tune "Go Boys Go" are my two favorite songs on this debut. Not exactly my kind of music but over it's pretty good!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
SUPREME COMMANDER
"120 Years in the Business" 7"
A389 Records
Washington D.C's Supreme Commander play hardcore with kind of a rock'n'roll touch to it. Lead singer Boo reminds me of H2O's Toby and so does the music at times. I like the fast tunes, especially "The Damage Done", and over all this 7" is good. Positive and melodic hardcore! Check 'em out!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"120 Years in the Business" 7"
A389 Records
Washington D.C's Supreme Commander play hardcore with kind of a rock'n'roll touch to it. Lead singer Boo reminds me of H2O's Toby and so does the music at times. I like the fast tunes, especially "The Damage Done", and over all this 7" is good. Positive and melodic hardcore! Check 'em out!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
SUPREME COMMANDER/ TWO MAN ADVANTAGE
"Split" 7"
Basement Records
Another record from Supreme Commander! This time it's a split with Two Man Advantage from New York. I like all of the three Supreme Commander songs more than the ones on the 7" reviewed above. Basically the style of music is the same I just like these songs better. "Blender" is the best tune on this side of the split and this release made me like Supreme Commander even more than before!
Two Man Advantage might be a little more experienced than SC with an album out on Go Kart and new one on the way. The band has been together for 10 years and plays hardcore pretty much in the same vein as Supreme Commander. Both "Bring it On" & "Rokkie Season" are great songs. This 7" is cool and you should get a copy!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Split" 7"
Basement Records
Another record from Supreme Commander! This time it's a split with Two Man Advantage from New York. I like all of the three Supreme Commander songs more than the ones on the 7" reviewed above. Basically the style of music is the same I just like these songs better. "Blender" is the best tune on this side of the split and this release made me like Supreme Commander even more than before!
Two Man Advantage might be a little more experienced than SC with an album out on Go Kart and new one on the way. The band has been together for 10 years and plays hardcore pretty much in the same vein as Supreme Commander. Both "Bring it On" & "Rokkie Season" are great songs. This 7" is cool and you should get a copy!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
STREET SMART CYCLIST
"Self Titled" 7"
Our Neighborhood Records
Listening to the Street Smart Cyclist demo brings the Get Up Kids to mind as well as a feeling of Hot Water Music. I like this 7" a lot but there's one thing that really bothers me. The vocals are mixed way to low and it's kind of hard to hear singer John Galm's voice. I hope this was not intentional bacause apart from this the record is really good. It's melodic & poppy and it's got a lot of energy. I'd like to hear some more from this band in the future. This demo 7" is limited to 300 on blue vinyl. Get a copy if this sounds interesting, it's really good.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Self Titled" 7"
Our Neighborhood Records
Listening to the Street Smart Cyclist demo brings the Get Up Kids to mind as well as a feeling of Hot Water Music. I like this 7" a lot but there's one thing that really bothers me. The vocals are mixed way to low and it's kind of hard to hear singer John Galm's voice. I hope this was not intentional bacause apart from this the record is really good. It's melodic & poppy and it's got a lot of energy. I'd like to hear some more from this band in the future. This demo 7" is limited to 300 on blue vinyl. Get a copy if this sounds interesting, it's really good.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
HUDSON FALCONS/ VIRUS NINE
"Split" 7"
Cityrat Records
New Jersey's Hudson Falcons contributes to this split with punk'n'roll tune "Dülmen Rock City" as well as a cover of Billy Bragg's "Power in the Union". The opening song is a tribute to the band's european label Cityrat and the town where it's located. The song is good but I like the cover more. It's not as good as the Street Dogs' version though.
Virus Nine is a new band to me and they play more of a hardcore sounding punk rock than the Hudson Falcons. Both "Ode To Roadracers" and "Urban Light" are great songs. Originally intended to end up on the bands A-F Records release "What Are You Afraid Of?" the tracks have been unreleased up until now. Good stuff! Limited to 1200.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Split" 7"
Cityrat Records
New Jersey's Hudson Falcons contributes to this split with punk'n'roll tune "Dülmen Rock City" as well as a cover of Billy Bragg's "Power in the Union". The opening song is a tribute to the band's european label Cityrat and the town where it's located. The song is good but I like the cover more. It's not as good as the Street Dogs' version though.
Virus Nine is a new band to me and they play more of a hardcore sounding punk rock than the Hudson Falcons. Both "Ode To Roadracers" and "Urban Light" are great songs. Originally intended to end up on the bands A-F Records release "What Are You Afraid Of?" the tracks have been unreleased up until now. Good stuff! Limited to 1200.
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
O PIONEERS!!!
"Black Mambas" CD
Team Sience Records
Putting a label on this bands' sound is quite hard. I don't really have anything to compare it to. It's not like anything I've heard really. O Pioneers! is a two-piece band from Texas that plays punk rock with nothing but an almost un-distorted guitar and a set of drums. A band with only two members might sound like a band with a weak sound but that's definitely not the case when it comes to these two people. Eric Solomon screams out the lyrics as if he was dying and combined with the energy that the guitar and the drums actually create the result is great. I like this record a lot. A record that has song-titles like "I Heard That the New Ashlee Simpson Record is Pretty Killer" and "Möley Crue Probably Saved My Life" might seem like a record full of comedy but the lyrics however are not as funny as the titles might imply. This record is very different but it's also really good! I'm really looking forward to the split with The Measure (SA) that is about to come out!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine
"Black Mambas" CD
Team Sience Records
Putting a label on this bands' sound is quite hard. I don't really have anything to compare it to. It's not like anything I've heard really. O Pioneers! is a two-piece band from Texas that plays punk rock with nothing but an almost un-distorted guitar and a set of drums. A band with only two members might sound like a band with a weak sound but that's definitely not the case when it comes to these two people. Eric Solomon screams out the lyrics as if he was dying and combined with the energy that the guitar and the drums actually create the result is great. I like this record a lot. A record that has song-titles like "I Heard That the New Ashlee Simpson Record is Pretty Killer" and "Möley Crue Probably Saved My Life" might seem like a record full of comedy but the lyrics however are not as funny as the titles might imply. This record is very different but it's also really good! I'm really looking forward to the split with The Measure (SA) that is about to come out!
/Christer, Mutiny Zine