STRAWBERRY BLONDES
"Rise Up "
CD Released by: Deck Cheese Records
Strawberry Blondes' debut record "Rise Up" is one of the best records I've heard from the UK this year. The band's sound is best decribed as a blend of the first album by The Clash and something by Rancid. Even though the energy and the sound that The Clash brought into music in the late 70's is pretty much impossible to top, Strawberry Blondes definitely gives it a good try. This band from Newport, England shows a great deal of skills when it comes to writing punk rock a la "the old days" but they do it all with a fresh touch. My favorites on "Rise Up" are the title-track, the really "Clashy" "Bricks Under The Westway" and trumpet backed "Rip It Up". There's also a really cool dub remix of the band's song "Beat Down Babylon" made by Don Letts himself. Great record!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Rise Up "
CD Released by: Deck Cheese Records
Strawberry Blondes' debut record "Rise Up" is one of the best records I've heard from the UK this year. The band's sound is best decribed as a blend of the first album by The Clash and something by Rancid. Even though the energy and the sound that The Clash brought into music in the late 70's is pretty much impossible to top, Strawberry Blondes definitely gives it a good try. This band from Newport, England shows a great deal of skills when it comes to writing punk rock a la "the old days" but they do it all with a fresh touch. My favorites on "Rise Up" are the title-track, the really "Clashy" "Bricks Under The Westway" and trumpet backed "Rip It Up". There's also a really cool dub remix of the band's song "Beat Down Babylon" made by Don Letts himself. Great record!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
MOTION CITY SOUNDTRACK
"Even If It Kills Me"
Cd Released by: Epitaph Records
"Even If It Kills Me" is the third time around for Motion City Soundtrack but to me the band is pretty new. I never really bothered to look up their stuff but I guess I didn't really miss that much after all. Extremely well-polished pop punk that would fit perfectly on MTV. They are better than Sum 41, Fall Out Boy and all those other bands but that doesn't really say much. This is lame... Buy it and put it in your CD-shelf next to your Avril Lavigne records.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Even If It Kills Me"
Cd Released by: Epitaph Records
"Even If It Kills Me" is the third time around for Motion City Soundtrack but to me the band is pretty new. I never really bothered to look up their stuff but I guess I didn't really miss that much after all. Extremely well-polished pop punk that would fit perfectly on MTV. They are better than Sum 41, Fall Out Boy and all those other bands but that doesn't really say much. This is lame... Buy it and put it in your CD-shelf next to your Avril Lavigne records.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
DISCO LEPERS
"The Girls of Cholera"
CD released by: No Front Teeth/ Matula Records
Even though the sound on this recording is pretty much crap the songs are pretty good. This is really old-school snotty punk/hardcore which has become the trademark of releases from No Front Teeth Records. The Disco Lepers step up to the plate with 22(!) super-fucking pissed punk songs with titles like "Supermarket Warfare" and "Hepatitis Holiday Inn". If you like short tunes, snotty vocals and a ton of attitude you'll love the Disco Lepers' new record.
/Christer, MUTINYZINE.COM
"The Girls of Cholera"
CD released by: No Front Teeth/ Matula Records
Even though the sound on this recording is pretty much crap the songs are pretty good. This is really old-school snotty punk/hardcore which has become the trademark of releases from No Front Teeth Records. The Disco Lepers step up to the plate with 22(!) super-fucking pissed punk songs with titles like "Supermarket Warfare" and "Hepatitis Holiday Inn". If you like short tunes, snotty vocals and a ton of attitude you'll love the Disco Lepers' new record.
/Christer, MUTINYZINE.COM
BIG VINNY & THE CATTLE THIEVES
"Addiction & Subtraction"
CD released by: May Cause Dizziness Records
Cool rock'n'roll from the Arizona desert. Big Vinny & the Cattle Thieves play stripped down classic dirty rock'n'roll with a lot of attitude & distortion. Normally I find this kind of music pretty un-interesting but Big Vinny and his thieves are pretty good. The peaks on the album are "Kiss My Fist" and the instrumental "Trouble On 13st St.". Rock'n'roll as pure and simple as it should be.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Addiction & Subtraction"
CD released by: May Cause Dizziness Records
Cool rock'n'roll from the Arizona desert. Big Vinny & the Cattle Thieves play stripped down classic dirty rock'n'roll with a lot of attitude & distortion. Normally I find this kind of music pretty un-interesting but Big Vinny and his thieves are pretty good. The peaks on the album are "Kiss My Fist" and the instrumental "Trouble On 13st St.". Rock'n'roll as pure and simple as it should be.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
THE FILTHIES
"Your Turn"
CD released by: Fallen Angel Records
This is the band that the guys from Westbeach Recorders spoke so highly of in the interview I did recently. I can see what they mean. This band is really good! I think I hear influences from both the old english stuff as well as the 90's FAT Wreck sound. The band's sound is a mix of straight on punk rock songs and good melodies. I really like the singers voice and the over-all production of the album. This might not be the best album I've heard but it is definitley worth checking out. My favorite song on the album is "Open Wounds" in which the intro makes me think of one of my old favorites Face To Face. There's also portion of the Bouncing Souls in that song.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Your Turn"
CD released by: Fallen Angel Records
This is the band that the guys from Westbeach Recorders spoke so highly of in the interview I did recently. I can see what they mean. This band is really good! I think I hear influences from both the old english stuff as well as the 90's FAT Wreck sound. The band's sound is a mix of straight on punk rock songs and good melodies. I really like the singers voice and the over-all production of the album. This might not be the best album I've heard but it is definitley worth checking out. My favorite song on the album is "Open Wounds" in which the intro makes me think of one of my old favorites Face To Face. There's also portion of the Bouncing Souls in that song.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
ERASE-HERS
"Out of My Mind"
CDEP released by: Not A Mongo Multimedia
This female fronted five-piece from New York play a brand of music that I'd compare to Blondie but with a bit more punk to it. The vocals are great and the songs are smart and sticks to your mind really fast. I especially like the last song "Clone You" which is the punkiest of the three but the other two which are a bit more New Wave are good as well. Normally I don't like band's with that electro sound on the organ but when it's the Erase-Hers it's cool.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Out of My Mind"
CDEP released by: Not A Mongo Multimedia
This female fronted five-piece from New York play a brand of music that I'd compare to Blondie but with a bit more punk to it. The vocals are great and the songs are smart and sticks to your mind really fast. I especially like the last song "Clone You" which is the punkiest of the three but the other two which are a bit more New Wave are good as well. Normally I don't like band's with that electro sound on the organ but when it's the Erase-Hers it's cool.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
KOVER
"Assembly"
CD released by: Engineer Records
Kover from Canada is a rocking post-hardcore outfit. This is the band's first album, I believe, and it's not a bad start. The intro is a pretty dull story at first but it picks up some speed after a while and sets the mood for what's to come. The first couple of songs are really good but when the song "Asphalt & Stone" starts playing I'm getting really interested. In this particular song the singer stop the screaming for a while and give the good old singing a try. It sounds great. Unfortunately the rest of the record is only ok but that one song is awesome. I'd like to hear more from this band with more straight on singing. One really great song, one ok record.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Assembly"
CD released by: Engineer Records
Kover from Canada is a rocking post-hardcore outfit. This is the band's first album, I believe, and it's not a bad start. The intro is a pretty dull story at first but it picks up some speed after a while and sets the mood for what's to come. The first couple of songs are really good but when the song "Asphalt & Stone" starts playing I'm getting really interested. In this particular song the singer stop the screaming for a while and give the good old singing a try. It sounds great. Unfortunately the rest of the record is only ok but that one song is awesome. I'd like to hear more from this band with more straight on singing. One really great song, one ok record.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
SPITZZ
"Touché Pussycats"
CD released by: No Front Teeth
I really like this record! Spitzz play punk rock with equal amounts of influences from 1977's Britain and the more modern SoCal sound a la The Pushers or The Stitches. There's whole bunch of great tunes on this release from No Front Teeth Records but the ones that really stick out are the rockin' "Chloroform Fun" and the cool laid-back track "Human Being". I also really like "Taco Bell's Cannon" which sounds like a mix of the mid 80's Ramones and Shock Nagasaki. I'm not sure if these guys have put out anything else but I'm sure gonna look it up!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Touché Pussycats"
CD released by: No Front Teeth
I really like this record! Spitzz play punk rock with equal amounts of influences from 1977's Britain and the more modern SoCal sound a la The Pushers or The Stitches. There's whole bunch of great tunes on this release from No Front Teeth Records but the ones that really stick out are the rockin' "Chloroform Fun" and the cool laid-back track "Human Being". I also really like "Taco Bell's Cannon" which sounds like a mix of the mid 80's Ramones and Shock Nagasaki. I'm not sure if these guys have put out anything else but I'm sure gonna look it up!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
MY SO CALLED LIFE
"On Phonelines And Letterheads"
CD released by: Engineer Records
Really unexciting emo-pop band from the UK. The singer sounds like he's 13 and the over all production is way to weak for this kind of music. How do I describe this record? I'm not sure. There's a lot of tempo changes throughout the recording which just makes the whole thing even more confusing and even harder to describe. Boring stuff...
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"On Phonelines And Letterheads"
CD released by: Engineer Records
Really unexciting emo-pop band from the UK. The singer sounds like he's 13 and the over all production is way to weak for this kind of music. How do I describe this record? I'm not sure. There's a lot of tempo changes throughout the recording which just makes the whole thing even more confusing and even harder to describe. Boring stuff...
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
MOUSE FIRE
"Wooden Teeth"
CD released by: Lujo Records
Mouse Fire is an indie rock quartet from Lakeland, FL and "Wooden Teeth" is the band's first record. I'm having some trouble with describing these indie-rock and pop bands since I'm not to involved with that whole thing but this is a good band. There are definitely similarities to The Dismemberment Plan and I think Mouse Fire's singer Joey Bruce reminds me of Stone Temple Pilots' Scott Weiland in certain parts. Overall this is a fresh sounding rock record with a bunch of great songs. Pretty easy to like and easy to get into. Look it up if it sounds like something you would like.
/Christer Davdisson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Wooden Teeth"
CD released by: Lujo Records
Mouse Fire is an indie rock quartet from Lakeland, FL and "Wooden Teeth" is the band's first record. I'm having some trouble with describing these indie-rock and pop bands since I'm not to involved with that whole thing but this is a good band. There are definitely similarities to The Dismemberment Plan and I think Mouse Fire's singer Joey Bruce reminds me of Stone Temple Pilots' Scott Weiland in certain parts. Overall this is a fresh sounding rock record with a bunch of great songs. Pretty easy to like and easy to get into. Look it up if it sounds like something you would like.
/Christer Davdisson, MUTINYZINE.COM
AMERICAN STEEL
"Destroy Their Future"
CD/LP released by FAT Wreck Chords
American Steel started playing back in '95 and reached more or less cult-status within the punk rock scene. But after the release of the 2001 album "Jagged Thoughts" the band unforunately decided to call it quits. Now, a few years later, the band is back with another piece of amazing music. I've read a bunch of reviews of this record and it seems like a lot of people don't like this one as much as the old stuff. But for me, who's not too fimiliar with the earlier stuff, this is one of the best records of 2007. I really liked "Jagged Thoughts" as well as the other two but this new album really got me hooked on the Steel. Sure, it's more polished than the early stuff but the song's are just fantastic. Ryan & Rory take turns behind the microhone, both adding their own flavour to the songs and lyrically this album is dealing with greed, love, religion and all in between. Overall the album has a dark feeling about it and it all feels really sincere, both musically and lyrically. There are so many good tunes on this release it's almost impossible to mention any favorite songs. But, I guess the chorus of "Sons of Avarice" and the cool bass in the verses on "Razorblades" are my favorite moments. You have to get this one 'cuz its just brilliant!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Destroy Their Future"
CD/LP released by FAT Wreck Chords
American Steel started playing back in '95 and reached more or less cult-status within the punk rock scene. But after the release of the 2001 album "Jagged Thoughts" the band unforunately decided to call it quits. Now, a few years later, the band is back with another piece of amazing music. I've read a bunch of reviews of this record and it seems like a lot of people don't like this one as much as the old stuff. But for me, who's not too fimiliar with the earlier stuff, this is one of the best records of 2007. I really liked "Jagged Thoughts" as well as the other two but this new album really got me hooked on the Steel. Sure, it's more polished than the early stuff but the song's are just fantastic. Ryan & Rory take turns behind the microhone, both adding their own flavour to the songs and lyrically this album is dealing with greed, love, religion and all in between. Overall the album has a dark feeling about it and it all feels really sincere, both musically and lyrically. There are so many good tunes on this release it's almost impossible to mention any favorite songs. But, I guess the chorus of "Sons of Avarice" and the cool bass in the verses on "Razorblades" are my favorite moments. You have to get this one 'cuz its just brilliant!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
THE DRAFT
"In A Million Pieces"
LP/CD released by No Idea/ Epitaph Records
Yeah I know, this one was released more than a year ago, but I just bought the LP version from No Idea and it's just way too good to be left un-reviewed. "In A Million Pieces" is the band's first album and I can't say enough good things about it. I wasn't really into Hot Water Music when they were around (the first time) so I had no high expectations on The Draft when they dropped this one. Well that was then, I'm totally in love with this band by now. The more you listen to this record the better it gets, it's a freakin' masterpiece! You might need to give it a few spins before it all sinks in but I can guarantee it's worth your time. The harsh vocals and the melodic guitars is the core of The Draft and the songwriting is exceptional. From the opening guitar squeeling on "New Eyes Open" to the last chord of "The Tide is Out" this record is fantastic. If you don't have this one yet you better get as soon as possible. It's for your own good...
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"In A Million Pieces"
LP/CD released by No Idea/ Epitaph Records
Yeah I know, this one was released more than a year ago, but I just bought the LP version from No Idea and it's just way too good to be left un-reviewed. "In A Million Pieces" is the band's first album and I can't say enough good things about it. I wasn't really into Hot Water Music when they were around (the first time) so I had no high expectations on The Draft when they dropped this one. Well that was then, I'm totally in love with this band by now. The more you listen to this record the better it gets, it's a freakin' masterpiece! You might need to give it a few spins before it all sinks in but I can guarantee it's worth your time. The harsh vocals and the melodic guitars is the core of The Draft and the songwriting is exceptional. From the opening guitar squeeling on "New Eyes Open" to the last chord of "The Tide is Out" this record is fantastic. If you don't have this one yet you better get as soon as possible. It's for your own good...
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
TOMMY GUN & THE BULLETS
"Self Titled"
CD/LP released by Piss Vinegar/ No Front Teeth
This is the first fullength from Tommy Gun and the Bullets and it's an ok record. There's a few very good songs on this record like the fast "On The Line" or the sing-a-long friendly "Not With You" but after a while it gets boring. I think this is one of those band's you should see live rather than listen to on a record.
The vocals are mixed too low on a few of the songs which sucks because the band's singer does a good job. At times I think of the swedish street rockers Voice Of A Generation and the way they sounded in the beginning. It's good, but 12 songs in a row from this band is too much for me. I'm sure I'd given this one a better review if it was a 7". Ok.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Self Titled"
CD/LP released by Piss Vinegar/ No Front Teeth
This is the first fullength from Tommy Gun and the Bullets and it's an ok record. There's a few very good songs on this record like the fast "On The Line" or the sing-a-long friendly "Not With You" but after a while it gets boring. I think this is one of those band's you should see live rather than listen to on a record.
The vocals are mixed too low on a few of the songs which sucks because the band's singer does a good job. At times I think of the swedish street rockers Voice Of A Generation and the way they sounded in the beginning. It's good, but 12 songs in a row from this band is too much for me. I'm sure I'd given this one a better review if it was a 7". Ok.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
THE DYNAMITE
"Corrupted Soundwaves"
CD released by Klownhouse Recordz
Here's another band from Sweden that I've totally missed. These four guys are from Gothenburg and play a brand punk rock that I'd place somewhere between Dead Kennedys and The Damned. That's two band's you shouldn't be ashamed of being compared to. The Dynamite are a good band. It's cool to hear a group with a bit different sound than your average swedish punk band. I like this record, I don't love it, but I like it. "Viagraville" is definitely the best song on the album next to the sarcastic "Welcome To My Crib". I also like how the down-tempo song "We're Being Robbed" brings a bit of variety to the band's sound. It's a bit more laid-back and closes the record in a cool way. Check 'em out.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Corrupted Soundwaves"
CD released by Klownhouse Recordz
Here's another band from Sweden that I've totally missed. These four guys are from Gothenburg and play a brand punk rock that I'd place somewhere between Dead Kennedys and The Damned. That's two band's you shouldn't be ashamed of being compared to. The Dynamite are a good band. It's cool to hear a group with a bit different sound than your average swedish punk band. I like this record, I don't love it, but I like it. "Viagraville" is definitely the best song on the album next to the sarcastic "Welcome To My Crib". I also like how the down-tempo song "We're Being Robbed" brings a bit of variety to the band's sound. It's a bit more laid-back and closes the record in a cool way. Check 'em out.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
THE IMPOSSIBLE ONES
"VS. The World"
CD released by May Cause Dizziness Records
When I first took a look at this album I thought it was another one of those boring psycho records. The cover's got that whole feeling about it. But, luckily I was wrong. The albums' intro sounds like something out of the old Clint flick "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly" but then it takes off. The Impossible Ones play fast, snotty punk rock and the band's singer, Neil Impossible, has got a very charismatic voice. I think of "Maximum Rock'N'Roll" by NOFX at times 'cuz The Impossible Ones has that same playful feeling. The catchy "Unlucky Me" is my favorite on the album. I'm glad I gave this one a serious chance 'cause it's a really good album.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"VS. The World"
CD released by May Cause Dizziness Records
When I first took a look at this album I thought it was another one of those boring psycho records. The cover's got that whole feeling about it. But, luckily I was wrong. The albums' intro sounds like something out of the old Clint flick "The Good, The Bad & The Ugly" but then it takes off. The Impossible Ones play fast, snotty punk rock and the band's singer, Neil Impossible, has got a very charismatic voice. I think of "Maximum Rock'N'Roll" by NOFX at times 'cuz The Impossible Ones has that same playful feeling. The catchy "Unlucky Me" is my favorite on the album. I'm glad I gave this one a serious chance 'cause it's a really good album.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
DETROIT 442
"Living In the Age of Fear"
CD released by Detroit Noise/ No Front Teeth
This is probably the first NFT release that I don't like. Its very low-budget production makes the whole recording extremely confusing and is not even charming. The songs are really strange to me since it's mostly just a big sound coming out of the speakers. The title-track is the best song on the record but unfortunatley it doesn't really help. The sound is so crappy I can't even tell if the band is good or not. Too bad...
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Living In the Age of Fear"
CD released by Detroit Noise/ No Front Teeth
This is probably the first NFT release that I don't like. Its very low-budget production makes the whole recording extremely confusing and is not even charming. The songs are really strange to me since it's mostly just a big sound coming out of the speakers. The title-track is the best song on the record but unfortunatley it doesn't really help. The sound is so crappy I can't even tell if the band is good or not. Too bad...
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
SEIZURE CRYPT
"Hello, My Name Is Madness"
CD released by: 3:16 Productions
Hmmm, how do I describe this one. Well, there's too much stuff going on which makes it kind of hard. Musically I'd put this band next to swedish Clawfinger (which is probably the one band you don't want to be compared to). This metal/hardcore crossover band is really bad and I can't really find anything cool about 'em. I hate to say it, but this is crap... It's actually one of the worst records I've heard this year.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Hello, My Name Is Madness"
CD released by: 3:16 Productions
Hmmm, how do I describe this one. Well, there's too much stuff going on which makes it kind of hard. Musically I'd put this band next to swedish Clawfinger (which is probably the one band you don't want to be compared to). This metal/hardcore crossover band is really bad and I can't really find anything cool about 'em. I hate to say it, but this is crap... It's actually one of the worst records I've heard this year.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
THE DRAFT
"We'll Never Know"
7" released by No Idea Records
My new favorite band's latest release "We'll Never Know" holds another couple of amazing tunes. Both songs on this 7" were recorded in 2005 which actually makes this one older than the album. The quality, however, is equal to the LP. The title-track on this 7" is one of the best tunes I've heard from The Draft so far and I wonder why it didn't make it on the fullength? But, who really cares now that's is out. The b-side "Hard To Be Around It" is not as good as the a-side but still a great song. Phenomenal songwriting and tons of feeling. Once again, The Draft prove themselves as one of the most interesting bands out there.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"We'll Never Know"
7" released by No Idea Records
My new favorite band's latest release "We'll Never Know" holds another couple of amazing tunes. Both songs on this 7" were recorded in 2005 which actually makes this one older than the album. The quality, however, is equal to the LP. The title-track on this 7" is one of the best tunes I've heard from The Draft so far and I wonder why it didn't make it on the fullength? But, who really cares now that's is out. The b-side "Hard To Be Around It" is not as good as the a-side but still a great song. Phenomenal songwriting and tons of feeling. Once again, The Draft prove themselves as one of the most interesting bands out there.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
NEW MEXICAN DISASTER SQUAD
"Peace With Nothing" (U.S. Version)
7" Released by Kiss of Death records
Finally! I've been waiting for this record ever since the band dropped their latest LP "Don't Believe" (Jade Tree, 2006) and I am not dissapointed. This 7" got some of the band's best songs to date on it. The a-side's "No Protection" and "Peace With Nothing" are two cuts of classic NMDS hardcore and I'm just loving it. The Florida quartet are better than ever! The b-side holds yet another original called "Abandoned" (which kicks ass), as well an amazing cover of 7 Seconds' "Here's Your Warning". Get this record while you still can! This one is definitely going in my top 10 of 2007. I can't wait for the sligthly different U.K. version! Damn this is good stuff!
/Christer Davdisson, MUTINYZINE.COM
THE SORE THUMBS
"Listen Up!!"
LP/CD released by May Cause Dizziness/ Radio Records
The Sore Thumbs are one of my favorite bands when it comes to classic-sounding San Fransisco punk rock. This band fits right in between the Swingin' Utters and One Man Army. It's catchy, simple and extremely well-written just the way I like it. The opening track "You Or Me" sets the standard for the whole record and the three-piece manages to keep me interested throughout the album. Really, really good! Definitely a band to look up if you like S.F. Punk Rock, and who doesn't? This LP version comes on clear vinyl with white splatter and is limited to 200 copies. Great record!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Listen Up!!"
LP/CD released by May Cause Dizziness/ Radio Records
The Sore Thumbs are one of my favorite bands when it comes to classic-sounding San Fransisco punk rock. This band fits right in between the Swingin' Utters and One Man Army. It's catchy, simple and extremely well-written just the way I like it. The opening track "You Or Me" sets the standard for the whole record and the three-piece manages to keep me interested throughout the album. Really, really good! Definitely a band to look up if you like S.F. Punk Rock, and who doesn't? This LP version comes on clear vinyl with white splatter and is limited to 200 copies. Great record!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CLOAK/DAGGER
"We Are"
CD released by Jade Tree/ Reflections Records
This is easily one of the best band's I've found out about this year. I loved their debut-EP "Piñata" and this one, their first album, is just as good, if not better. Cloak/Dagger's minimalistic hardcore punk is filled with influences from the 80's which will leave all of you old school lovers wanting more. But even if you're not a fan of the old stuff you'll probably find this one interesting since it has that fresh touch to it. Every single track on "We Are" is great but if I should mention a favorite it would have to be the fast "Sunburnt Mess" or the amazing "Set the Alarm" in which the frustration with everyday musts is the topic. The lyrics on the album, dealing with everyday life and sometimes political issues, are great and Mazolla's vocals and the band's noise are a perfect match. This record will be spinning a lot at the MUTINYZINE headquarters! Basically it's the raw energy and the simplicity that makes Cloak/Dagger so good and it's also what makes this record one of the best releases of the year. Exceptional!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"We Are"
CD released by Jade Tree/ Reflections Records
This is easily one of the best band's I've found out about this year. I loved their debut-EP "Piñata" and this one, their first album, is just as good, if not better. Cloak/Dagger's minimalistic hardcore punk is filled with influences from the 80's which will leave all of you old school lovers wanting more. But even if you're not a fan of the old stuff you'll probably find this one interesting since it has that fresh touch to it. Every single track on "We Are" is great but if I should mention a favorite it would have to be the fast "Sunburnt Mess" or the amazing "Set the Alarm" in which the frustration with everyday musts is the topic. The lyrics on the album, dealing with everyday life and sometimes political issues, are great and Mazolla's vocals and the band's noise are a perfect match. This record will be spinning a lot at the MUTINYZINE headquarters! Basically it's the raw energy and the simplicity that makes Cloak/Dagger so good and it's also what makes this record one of the best releases of the year. Exceptional!
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
CHIP HANNA / BROADWAY SQUAD
"Split"
7" released by May Cause Dizziness
Very cool new split release from the good folks at MCD. The Chip Hanna side was recorded live at the Last Exit in Tempe, AZ earlier this year and the sound is great. Chippy shows that he's just as good live as he is on tape. Both songs are covers and previously unreleased. First out is a tune called "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?" and I believe it's a Waylon Jennings song. I like that one a lot but I think Chippy's version of Hank Williams' "Long Gone Lonesome Blues" is the best one on this split. Anyway, Chip Hanna rules as always. The other side of this split holds two songs by punk rockers Broadway Squad from Phoenix. This is a rather new band but they do a good job. They play a song of their own called "Any Other Way" which is good but unforunately the sound of the recording is a bit poor. They also do a cover of the phenomenal One Man Army song "Have Nots & Heartbreaks". I like what I hear! Limited to 300 copies, white & brown vinyl.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Split"
7" released by May Cause Dizziness
Very cool new split release from the good folks at MCD. The Chip Hanna side was recorded live at the Last Exit in Tempe, AZ earlier this year and the sound is great. Chippy shows that he's just as good live as he is on tape. Both songs are covers and previously unreleased. First out is a tune called "Are You Sure Hank Done It This Way?" and I believe it's a Waylon Jennings song. I like that one a lot but I think Chippy's version of Hank Williams' "Long Gone Lonesome Blues" is the best one on this split. Anyway, Chip Hanna rules as always. The other side of this split holds two songs by punk rockers Broadway Squad from Phoenix. This is a rather new band but they do a good job. They play a song of their own called "Any Other Way" which is good but unforunately the sound of the recording is a bit poor. They also do a cover of the phenomenal One Man Army song "Have Nots & Heartbreaks". I like what I hear! Limited to 300 copies, white & brown vinyl.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
THE WONGS
"Self Titled"
7" released by May Cause Dizziness
I'm not sure if this band is still around 'cuz this one was recorded in 2002 and according to what I've found they broke up in '05. Anyway, The Wongs from Arizona have their roots in 60's rock'n'roll and 70's punk and have 3 songs of their own on this record that are all really good. There's a ton of energy and and it's hard not to tap your feet along to the songs. The opening track on the b-side, "All's I Got", is my favorite out of the three originals and there's also a great cover of the Consumers' "Media Ogre". Great garage punk'n'roll! Featuring members of Tokyo Electron and Digital Leather to name a few. Definitely worth looking up if you're a fan of garage.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Self Titled"
7" released by May Cause Dizziness
I'm not sure if this band is still around 'cuz this one was recorded in 2002 and according to what I've found they broke up in '05. Anyway, The Wongs from Arizona have their roots in 60's rock'n'roll and 70's punk and have 3 songs of their own on this record that are all really good. There's a ton of energy and and it's hard not to tap your feet along to the songs. The opening track on the b-side, "All's I Got", is my favorite out of the three originals and there's also a great cover of the Consumers' "Media Ogre". Great garage punk'n'roll! Featuring members of Tokyo Electron and Digital Leather to name a few. Definitely worth looking up if you're a fan of garage.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
TERROR
"Rythm Amongst the Chaos"
CDEP released by Reflections Records
I can't really say that I'm a huge fan of the tougher hardcore bands of today, I know almost nothing about the scene and I find most of the bands I've heard pretty boring. However, Terror, from Los Angeles, works fine for me and I like "Rhythm Amongst the Chaos" a lot. It's tough and hard as hell but without getting ridiculous like some of the hard bands tend to get nowadays. The truth is that Terror is a fantastic band both musically and lyrically. -You can steal my words / say what I say / but from you they're empty ("Vengeance Calls On You"). There's four original songs on the record which are all good, especially the title-track and "Vengeance Calls On You". The band also tems up with Vinnie Paz from Jedi Mind Tricks to do a cover of Brakdown's "Kickback". It takes about 10 minutes to listen this CD through and then it's just to press play again.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM
"Rythm Amongst the Chaos"
CDEP released by Reflections Records
I can't really say that I'm a huge fan of the tougher hardcore bands of today, I know almost nothing about the scene and I find most of the bands I've heard pretty boring. However, Terror, from Los Angeles, works fine for me and I like "Rhythm Amongst the Chaos" a lot. It's tough and hard as hell but without getting ridiculous like some of the hard bands tend to get nowadays. The truth is that Terror is a fantastic band both musically and lyrically. -You can steal my words / say what I say / but from you they're empty ("Vengeance Calls On You"). There's four original songs on the record which are all good, especially the title-track and "Vengeance Calls On You". The band also tems up with Vinnie Paz from Jedi Mind Tricks to do a cover of Brakdown's "Kickback". It takes about 10 minutes to listen this CD through and then it's just to press play again.
/Christer Davidsson, MUTINYZINE.COM