VARIOUS ARTISTS
"Montreal Localz Vol.1" CD
Arisen Records
The third compilation this month! This record is a collection of Montreal bands and rockabilly, punk rock, ska and hardcore are all styles that are represented on here. There are a few good bands as well as a bunch of really crappy ones. I really like Humanifesto, Inepsy (who sounds like Motörhead) and Subsistance. Unfortunately that's about it. The rest of the record is actually rather boring. Crappy sounding bands and bad recordings. I understand the idea of putting out a collection of bands from a specific area but most of the time the result is not that good. I guess you'll like this more than me if you live in Montreal.
/Christer
"Montreal Localz Vol.1" CD
Arisen Records
The third compilation this month! This record is a collection of Montreal bands and rockabilly, punk rock, ska and hardcore are all styles that are represented on here. There are a few good bands as well as a bunch of really crappy ones. I really like Humanifesto, Inepsy (who sounds like Motörhead) and Subsistance. Unfortunately that's about it. The rest of the record is actually rather boring. Crappy sounding bands and bad recordings. I understand the idea of putting out a collection of bands from a specific area but most of the time the result is not that good. I guess you'll like this more than me if you live in Montreal.
/Christer
OVER THE EDGE
"Tales From The Blacktop Burnout" CD
Self Released
This is the debut record from Over The Edge from Boston. A band that has ex-members from both Out Cold and Blood For Blood. Basically this is punk rock with a lot of rock'n'roll influences. The first seven songs on the record are new songs for this release while the rest of the songs are from previous demos (2005 & 2006). The sound on all tracks are really good but I like the new songs a lot more then the old ones. I would put this band somewhere between the Forgotten and old Dropkick Murphys, but with a lot more rock'n'roll hooks. It tends to be a bit boring at times and I get a feeling that the songs sound a lot alike. But over all it's an ok release.
Personally it's not my favorite kind of punk rock but it's a good debut and I hope it will work as a good start for the band.
/Christer
"Tales From The Blacktop Burnout" CD
Self Released
This is the debut record from Over The Edge from Boston. A band that has ex-members from both Out Cold and Blood For Blood. Basically this is punk rock with a lot of rock'n'roll influences. The first seven songs on the record are new songs for this release while the rest of the songs are from previous demos (2005 & 2006). The sound on all tracks are really good but I like the new songs a lot more then the old ones. I would put this band somewhere between the Forgotten and old Dropkick Murphys, but with a lot more rock'n'roll hooks. It tends to be a bit boring at times and I get a feeling that the songs sound a lot alike. But over all it's an ok release.
Personally it's not my favorite kind of punk rock but it's a good debut and I hope it will work as a good start for the band.
/Christer
VARIOUS ARTISTS
"L.A.'s Most Wanted" CD
Crimescene Records
Epitaph's latest sampler "Unsounds" was terrible and I wasn't to excited about the latest edition of "Give 'Em The Boot" either. So, of course I was really happy to find Crimescene Records' brand new compilation in the mail one morning. The record is actually the first release ever from this new label and a great way to get the label going. The comp is packed with punk rock and ska from Los Angeles and most of it is great. Most bands on the record are well-established names in punk rock and I guess you've heard most of them already. What about the U.S. Bombs, Civet, the Aggrolites, Clit 45, Blue Collar Special or Jugheads Revenge? The best songs on this comp are Throw Rag's "Swingset Superman" and After Hour's "Almost Home". I also really like Costello. They really remind me of Face To Face and their song "Live It Up" is great. I'm not sure but the singer of Costello sure sound a lot like Trever Keith. Good to hear a compilation with good music again!
/Christer
"L.A.'s Most Wanted" CD
Crimescene Records
Epitaph's latest sampler "Unsounds" was terrible and I wasn't to excited about the latest edition of "Give 'Em The Boot" either. So, of course I was really happy to find Crimescene Records' brand new compilation in the mail one morning. The record is actually the first release ever from this new label and a great way to get the label going. The comp is packed with punk rock and ska from Los Angeles and most of it is great. Most bands on the record are well-established names in punk rock and I guess you've heard most of them already. What about the U.S. Bombs, Civet, the Aggrolites, Clit 45, Blue Collar Special or Jugheads Revenge? The best songs on this comp are Throw Rag's "Swingset Superman" and After Hour's "Almost Home". I also really like Costello. They really remind me of Face To Face and their song "Live It Up" is great. I'm not sure but the singer of Costello sure sound a lot like Trever Keith. Good to hear a compilation with good music again!
/Christer
THE INDECISION ALARM
"Self Titled" MCD
Tic Tac Totally
The Indecision Alarm from Sweden have released their first record. Three out of the four members used to be in a more well-known band - Adhesive. So, you might know this band already. This record is a MCD with 8 songs on it. The first thing that came to mind when I listened to the first song "Time For The Big Guns, Baby" was Propagandhi. That song, except for the lyrics, brings "Less Talk, More Rock" to mind. Not bad, since I'm really into Propagandhi. The band also reminds me of Face To Face at times.
But, unfortunately, this record get boring after a few tracks. The songs aren't "fun" enough and I think there should be more hooks in this kind of punk. This record is a bit to "straight" to be interesting. Anyhow, the opening track is great and there are a few good ones on this record, so it's definitely worth checking out if you dig the bands I've mentioned or if you liked Adhesive when they were around.
/Christer
"Self Titled" MCD
Tic Tac Totally
The Indecision Alarm from Sweden have released their first record. Three out of the four members used to be in a more well-known band - Adhesive. So, you might know this band already. This record is a MCD with 8 songs on it. The first thing that came to mind when I listened to the first song "Time For The Big Guns, Baby" was Propagandhi. That song, except for the lyrics, brings "Less Talk, More Rock" to mind. Not bad, since I'm really into Propagandhi. The band also reminds me of Face To Face at times.
But, unfortunately, this record get boring after a few tracks. The songs aren't "fun" enough and I think there should be more hooks in this kind of punk. This record is a bit to "straight" to be interesting. Anyhow, the opening track is great and there are a few good ones on this record, so it's definitely worth checking out if you dig the bands I've mentioned or if you liked Adhesive when they were around.
/Christer
THE BRIGGS
"Back to Higher Ground" CD/LP
Side One Dummy Records
Every band aims for that “one” true album, the album that will ultimately leave a permanent stain on the brain’s of obsessive music fans world-wide. For Los Angeles, California’s THE BRIGGS this is the “one”. Being a fan of their previous releases I cracked open this disc with high-expectations. Unlike much of today’s music I was not let-down. It had everything I had hoped for. I was giddy like a child on Christmas Day! The band I had enjoyed for the past couple of years just sat me down, cocked the gun and blew my mind. It is a solid album through and through (in all aspects). I was even impressed by the design and layout of the album which is something that some bands overlook way too often. For me to write in words who they sound like and what they stand for would never do this album enough justice. Do whatever is in your power to get your hands on this album and find out for yourself…just don’t say I never warned you!
/Tar0n Cochrane
"Back to Higher Ground" CD/LP
Side One Dummy Records
Every band aims for that “one” true album, the album that will ultimately leave a permanent stain on the brain’s of obsessive music fans world-wide. For Los Angeles, California’s THE BRIGGS this is the “one”. Being a fan of their previous releases I cracked open this disc with high-expectations. Unlike much of today’s music I was not let-down. It had everything I had hoped for. I was giddy like a child on Christmas Day! The band I had enjoyed for the past couple of years just sat me down, cocked the gun and blew my mind. It is a solid album through and through (in all aspects). I was even impressed by the design and layout of the album which is something that some bands overlook way too often. For me to write in words who they sound like and what they stand for would never do this album enough justice. Do whatever is in your power to get your hands on this album and find out for yourself…just don’t say I never warned you!
/Tar0n Cochrane
VARIOUS ARTISTS
"Dance Hall Troops vol.2" DVD/CD
No Front Teeth/ Dogpile
The good people over at No Front Teeth have teamed up with Dogpile once again to release another volume of "Dance Hall Troops". Last time they got together the result was great and this time it's even better. The biggest difference from volume one is that this time the comp includes a DVD packed with musicvideos, live music and tons of skating! Bands on the DVD are Lars Frederiksen & The Bastards, Street Brats, Die Hunns, U.S. Bombs, District, The Skulls, The Breifs, Exploding Fuck Dolls, The Forgotten and Bullet Treatment just to name a few!
And that's just the beginning... Along with the DVD comes a 42(!) track CD featuring bands such as Deadones USA, Serial Kreepers, Radio Dead Ones, The Shivs, Dead End Kids, Killing California etc. There's over four hours of skating to watch and music to listen to. Get this stuff as fast as possible! This is the compilation of the year!
/Christer
"Dance Hall Troops vol.2" DVD/CD
No Front Teeth/ Dogpile
The good people over at No Front Teeth have teamed up with Dogpile once again to release another volume of "Dance Hall Troops". Last time they got together the result was great and this time it's even better. The biggest difference from volume one is that this time the comp includes a DVD packed with musicvideos, live music and tons of skating! Bands on the DVD are Lars Frederiksen & The Bastards, Street Brats, Die Hunns, U.S. Bombs, District, The Skulls, The Breifs, Exploding Fuck Dolls, The Forgotten and Bullet Treatment just to name a few!
And that's just the beginning... Along with the DVD comes a 42(!) track CD featuring bands such as Deadones USA, Serial Kreepers, Radio Dead Ones, The Shivs, Dead End Kids, Killing California etc. There's over four hours of skating to watch and music to listen to. Get this stuff as fast as possible! This is the compilation of the year!
/Christer
THE MEASURE [SA]
"Union Pool" 7"
Idiot Box Industries
Here's one of the best records I've heard in a while. A lot of people have told me about this band but this is actually the first thing that I've heard from them. Anyway, they're called The Measure, they're from New Jersey and they play punk rock. May sound like any band but they really got a thing of their own going on. I really like the female vocals, and the energy that this band has. Their mix of punk rock and fast pop is great and I can't really compare them to anything else I've heard. All I can say is that you will sing the chorus of "Union Pool" for the rest of the day after listening to this 7" just once!
Appearantly these guys just got their first LP out. I'm gonna get that one!
/Christer
"Union Pool" 7"
Idiot Box Industries
Here's one of the best records I've heard in a while. A lot of people have told me about this band but this is actually the first thing that I've heard from them. Anyway, they're called The Measure, they're from New Jersey and they play punk rock. May sound like any band but they really got a thing of their own going on. I really like the female vocals, and the energy that this band has. Their mix of punk rock and fast pop is great and I can't really compare them to anything else I've heard. All I can say is that you will sing the chorus of "Union Pool" for the rest of the day after listening to this 7" just once!
Appearantly these guys just got their first LP out. I'm gonna get that one!
/Christer
THE CONFESSION
"S/T" CDEP
Tuned In Records
I was really happy to get two records from The Confession in the mail a few weeks ago. This band is from Sweden but I've never really heard them before which is kind of strange 'cause they're really good. This is their record from 2005 and I like it a lot. Singer Adam, who is also the singer of Tysta Mari, has a great voice that fits the songs perfectly and the band is tight. This group plays old fashioned punk rock a la '77 but they somehow make it sound fresh. At times they remind me of Sweden's classic band Ebba Grön which is cool. I like all of the songs on this release but my favorites are "Take it Back" and "Problem With The Law". This is good punk rock!
/Christer
"S/T" CDEP
Tuned In Records
I was really happy to get two records from The Confession in the mail a few weeks ago. This band is from Sweden but I've never really heard them before which is kind of strange 'cause they're really good. This is their record from 2005 and I like it a lot. Singer Adam, who is also the singer of Tysta Mari, has a great voice that fits the songs perfectly and the band is tight. This group plays old fashioned punk rock a la '77 but they somehow make it sound fresh. At times they remind me of Sweden's classic band Ebba Grön which is cool. I like all of the songs on this release but my favorites are "Take it Back" and "Problem With The Law". This is good punk rock!
/Christer
THE CONFESSION
"What About The Kids?"
MSM1279 Records
The latest release from The Confession released by german label MSM 1279. The debut-album contains some of the songs from the band's EP and some new stuff. Over all this record is just as good as he last one. "Traitor Fuck You", "I Wanna Be Rich" and "Nowhere To Hide" are a few of the new songs that I really like a lot. I really hope this band will stick together 'cause there really aren't that many good bands in Sweden anymore. Check out The Confession, they're good!
/Christer
"What About The Kids?"
MSM1279 Records
The latest release from The Confession released by german label MSM 1279. The debut-album contains some of the songs from the band's EP and some new stuff. Over all this record is just as good as he last one. "Traitor Fuck You", "I Wanna Be Rich" and "Nowhere To Hide" are a few of the new songs that I really like a lot. I really hope this band will stick together 'cause there really aren't that many good bands in Sweden anymore. Check out The Confession, they're good!
/Christer
SMOGTOWN
"S/T" 7"
TKO Records
New 7" from Smogtown! Always great to hear these guys. This new record got three songs on it and was recorded in march last year at the legendary Adamo's. Songs on this record are "Ugly American Makeover", "Kids Got Beat Mom" and last but not least, my favorite "White Picket Electric Fence". Smogtown is a classic California band that you've probably heard about and they rock, what else can I say? Get this 7", it's great!
/Christer
"S/T" 7"
TKO Records
New 7" from Smogtown! Always great to hear these guys. This new record got three songs on it and was recorded in march last year at the legendary Adamo's. Songs on this record are "Ugly American Makeover", "Kids Got Beat Mom" and last but not least, my favorite "White Picket Electric Fence". Smogtown is a classic California band that you've probably heard about and they rock, what else can I say? Get this 7", it's great!
/Christer
FOR THE RECORD
"Demo 2006" MCD
Self Released
I don't know a lot about hardcore but what I do know is that For The Record have put together a bunch of great songs on their 2006 demo! I went to see a band called Ruiner a few months ago and For The Record was one of the support acts. I liked the band right away and I was really glad to get this demo sent to me just a few days later.
For The Record play old school hardcore with more shouting than screaming which is just how I like it. They write good songs with a positive edge and I'm really glad I found out about them! Check 'em out punk!
/Christer
"Demo 2006" MCD
Self Released
I don't know a lot about hardcore but what I do know is that For The Record have put together a bunch of great songs on their 2006 demo! I went to see a band called Ruiner a few months ago and For The Record was one of the support acts. I liked the band right away and I was really glad to get this demo sent to me just a few days later.
For The Record play old school hardcore with more shouting than screaming which is just how I like it. They write good songs with a positive edge and I'm really glad I found out about them! Check 'em out punk!
/Christer
CONSHITAS
"Wrecking Ball of Hate" MCD
Self Released
Yet another cool band from Sweden. Conshitas hails from Malmö and play fast energic punk rock. I think these guys have been together for about a year and they're doing a good job. I really like the songs on this demo and my favorite song is "Artsy Fartsy". The only problem with this recording is that the sound is terrible. Conshitas really need to find themselves another studio next time. I would really like to hear more stuff from this band with a better sound!
/Christer
"Wrecking Ball of Hate" MCD
Self Released
Yet another cool band from Sweden. Conshitas hails from Malmö and play fast energic punk rock. I think these guys have been together for about a year and they're doing a good job. I really like the songs on this demo and my favorite song is "Artsy Fartsy". The only problem with this recording is that the sound is terrible. Conshitas really need to find themselves another studio next time. I would really like to hear more stuff from this band with a better sound!
/Christer
NEUROSONIC
"Drama Queen" CD
Bodog Music
They sent this record to the wrong zine... Industrial rock with a touch of techno for kids...
/Christer
"Drama Queen" CD
Bodog Music
They sent this record to the wrong zine... Industrial rock with a touch of techno for kids...
/Christer
ASSHOLEPARADE
"Embers" LP/CD
No Idea Records
Really fast thrash or whatever you call it. Really good! There are about 20 tracks on this record and they are all around a minute long. I really like "Checklist Life", "The Cash In of the Christ" and "Hogtowne Anthem". This record is great not only musically but they have some great lyrics as well:
"Thrusting high into the air, with a Mike Vallely or a Frankie Hill. A little coping, I'll get my fill, so a fucking quarterpipe I'll build. Quarterpipe!!!! With a fucking layback, or lipslide revert, or hang-up on the coping, the older you get the more it fucking hurts!! Quarterpipe!!!
Doesn't get any harder than that! Check this record out!
/Christer
"Embers" LP/CD
No Idea Records
Really fast thrash or whatever you call it. Really good! There are about 20 tracks on this record and they are all around a minute long. I really like "Checklist Life", "The Cash In of the Christ" and "Hogtowne Anthem". This record is great not only musically but they have some great lyrics as well:
"Thrusting high into the air, with a Mike Vallely or a Frankie Hill. A little coping, I'll get my fill, so a fucking quarterpipe I'll build. Quarterpipe!!!! With a fucking layback, or lipslide revert, or hang-up on the coping, the older you get the more it fucking hurts!! Quarterpipe!!!
Doesn't get any harder than that! Check this record out!
/Christer
LOWER CLASS BRATS
"The New Seditionaries" CD
TKO Records
Texan's Lower Class Brats are back with a new street rock'n'roll album. I don't know why but I've never really listened the Lower Class Brats' music so I'm glad I got this one in the mail. This record really surprised me. The songs are very well-played with a lot of energy and the sound is great. Lyrically this is an in-your-face record and I like Bones' voice. "The Worst" and "Walking Into The Fire" was released a few years back on a french 7" so you might have heard those before. Otherwise the songs are really good. Opening track "Go Insane", the title-track and "I'm A Mess" are bright spots and the peak on this record is the chorus of "Two In The Heart". Great song, great record!
/Christer
"The New Seditionaries" CD
TKO Records
Texan's Lower Class Brats are back with a new street rock'n'roll album. I don't know why but I've never really listened the Lower Class Brats' music so I'm glad I got this one in the mail. This record really surprised me. The songs are very well-played with a lot of energy and the sound is great. Lyrically this is an in-your-face record and I like Bones' voice. "The Worst" and "Walking Into The Fire" was released a few years back on a french 7" so you might have heard those before. Otherwise the songs are really good. Opening track "Go Insane", the title-track and "I'm A Mess" are bright spots and the peak on this record is the chorus of "Two In The Heart". Great song, great record!
/Christer
THIS IS MY FIST
"A History of Rats" LP/CD
No Idea Records
As far as I know this is the long-playing debut from This Is My Fist and it's a good one. Straight on punk rock with female vocals from the bay area. What I like about this band is the simplicity of the songs and the aggressive yet melodic vocals. The lyrics are thoughtful and I think this is a very good debut. "Wooden Bullets" is my favorite song. Head over to No Idea's website and listen to it and you'll have a pretty good idea of what this band's up to. Good stuff...
/Christer
"A History of Rats" LP/CD
No Idea Records
As far as I know this is the long-playing debut from This Is My Fist and it's a good one. Straight on punk rock with female vocals from the bay area. What I like about this band is the simplicity of the songs and the aggressive yet melodic vocals. The lyrics are thoughtful and I think this is a very good debut. "Wooden Bullets" is my favorite song. Head over to No Idea's website and listen to it and you'll have a pretty good idea of what this band's up to. Good stuff...
/Christer
BILLY REESE PETERS
"Almost Heaven" CD
No Idea Records
Another cool band on No Idea Records. It seems like the bands on No Idea are in it for the music. Billy Reese Peters is no exception. There's no fucking around here, the songs are all great in their simplicity. It's good to hear some music from people who put more energy into the music they play instead of the way they dress and wear their make-up. Billy Reese Peters' got a great singer and the band is tight. Soundwise they remind me of the Lucky Stiffs at times. This is the bands first full length and not all songs are a 100% but it's good enough to be called a great debut! I'm looking forward to hear more stuff from this band.
/Christer
"Almost Heaven" CD
No Idea Records
Another cool band on No Idea Records. It seems like the bands on No Idea are in it for the music. Billy Reese Peters is no exception. There's no fucking around here, the songs are all great in their simplicity. It's good to hear some music from people who put more energy into the music they play instead of the way they dress and wear their make-up. Billy Reese Peters' got a great singer and the band is tight. Soundwise they remind me of the Lucky Stiffs at times. This is the bands first full length and not all songs are a 100% but it's good enough to be called a great debut! I'm looking forward to hear more stuff from this band.
/Christer