THE RATCHETS
"Glory Bound" LP/CD
Pirates Press Records
Finally! The debut album from the Ratchets! I fell in love with this band when I heard "Heart of Town" on the split with the Pervz. That one was released about a year ago and now they're finally back with their first full-length record - "Glory Bound".
These guys got something special going on. I can't quite put my finger on it, but the Ratchets' sound lets you know that this is the real thing. Jed Engine (vocals/ guitar) and Zak Kaplan (guitar) sure know how to write good songs, no matter if it's punk, rock'n'roll or reggae.
Opening track "Book of Law" sets the standard for the entire record I can't do anything but smile and listen to the whole thing over and over again. I'm amazed!
I know that it's been said before about this band, but the blend of different styles of music reminds me of The Clash, which is definitely a good thing. From punk & rock'n'roll songs like "Human Amplifiers", in the beggining of the record, to the reggae tune "Proclamation Time" to the piano intro of closing track "Born Wrong". It's all about good song-writing! It's all about great music! And yes, the lyrics are great too...
This is the best record I've heard in years! And don't even get me started on the artwork...
/Christer
(Special Colored 180 g LP's with gatefold sleeve are limited to 500 pcs! Click here to take a look!)
"Glory Bound" LP/CD
Pirates Press Records
Finally! The debut album from the Ratchets! I fell in love with this band when I heard "Heart of Town" on the split with the Pervz. That one was released about a year ago and now they're finally back with their first full-length record - "Glory Bound".
These guys got something special going on. I can't quite put my finger on it, but the Ratchets' sound lets you know that this is the real thing. Jed Engine (vocals/ guitar) and Zak Kaplan (guitar) sure know how to write good songs, no matter if it's punk, rock'n'roll or reggae.
Opening track "Book of Law" sets the standard for the entire record I can't do anything but smile and listen to the whole thing over and over again. I'm amazed!
I know that it's been said before about this band, but the blend of different styles of music reminds me of The Clash, which is definitely a good thing. From punk & rock'n'roll songs like "Human Amplifiers", in the beggining of the record, to the reggae tune "Proclamation Time" to the piano intro of closing track "Born Wrong". It's all about good song-writing! It's all about great music! And yes, the lyrics are great too...
This is the best record I've heard in years! And don't even get me started on the artwork...
/Christer
(Special Colored 180 g LP's with gatefold sleeve are limited to 500 pcs! Click here to take a look!)
THE LUCKY STIFFS
"Gold In Peace, Iron In War" LP/CD
Pirates Press Records
I'm a sucker for anything related to Pirates Press. Seems like everything these guys gets their hands on turns to gold. I mean, just have look on their websites and you'll see what I'm talking about. The Lucky Stiffs' first album "Gold In Peace, Iron In War" is no exception!
Here's another example of great music through diverse song-writing. I'm not gonna try to explain how this band sounds 'cuz it's hard, but basically it's about punk rock and thoughtful lyrics. It's hard to put a label on this band 'cause they really do sound different.
I've heard the songs "Wish You Well", "Black" and "Anza 9" before, but in other versions. For this record the songs have been re-recorded and I feel like the new versions make them stand out even more than they did before. The Stiffs' have become even more different. They even got sort-of a crust song on here! This is all good to hear! My new favorites are "Vacant City" and "Unglued". This record keeps getting better every time I play it. Definitely a record that grows with time, just like the band. The layout is amazing. The vinyl version comes on special colored vinyl and is limited to 500 psc. Check out the Lucky Stiffs and listen to their stuff more than once, 'cause it keeps getting better! Great Record!
/Christer
"Gold In Peace, Iron In War" LP/CD
Pirates Press Records
I'm a sucker for anything related to Pirates Press. Seems like everything these guys gets their hands on turns to gold. I mean, just have look on their websites and you'll see what I'm talking about. The Lucky Stiffs' first album "Gold In Peace, Iron In War" is no exception!
Here's another example of great music through diverse song-writing. I'm not gonna try to explain how this band sounds 'cuz it's hard, but basically it's about punk rock and thoughtful lyrics. It's hard to put a label on this band 'cause they really do sound different.
I've heard the songs "Wish You Well", "Black" and "Anza 9" before, but in other versions. For this record the songs have been re-recorded and I feel like the new versions make them stand out even more than they did before. The Stiffs' have become even more different. They even got sort-of a crust song on here! This is all good to hear! My new favorites are "Vacant City" and "Unglued". This record keeps getting better every time I play it. Definitely a record that grows with time, just like the band. The layout is amazing. The vinyl version comes on special colored vinyl and is limited to 500 psc. Check out the Lucky Stiffs and listen to their stuff more than once, 'cause it keeps getting better! Great Record!
/Christer
RADIO DEAD ONES
"Killers And Clowns" 12"
Wanda Records
I was really happy to get this one in the mail yesterday! This is a new six-track 12" from Berlins' punk rockers the Radio Dead Ones. The songs on this record are a lot better than the ones on the last record I reviewed. Sounds like the band have had more time to think the songs through before the recording. Bevery Crime's vocals are still raw but a bit more melodic I think. There's also a second guitar player on this record - Marti Neurotic of Frontkick! "They Won't Take A Note" & "Eastside of the City" are already classics! There's also an acoustic song on here called "Hate to Go Out" which is cool. I like this band more than ever!
/Christer
"Killers And Clowns" 12"
Wanda Records
I was really happy to get this one in the mail yesterday! This is a new six-track 12" from Berlins' punk rockers the Radio Dead Ones. The songs on this record are a lot better than the ones on the last record I reviewed. Sounds like the band have had more time to think the songs through before the recording. Bevery Crime's vocals are still raw but a bit more melodic I think. There's also a second guitar player on this record - Marti Neurotic of Frontkick! "They Won't Take A Note" & "Eastside of the City" are already classics! There's also an acoustic song on here called "Hate to Go Out" which is cool. I like this band more than ever!
/Christer
THE SHOEMAKERS
"Turn Me On" LP/CD
Wanda Records
Mathias of Drunk'n'Roll Records told me to check this band out and that they were great. Well, he was right. This record is their debut and contains 13 punk rock songs. At times the Shoemakers remind me a little bit of bands like the Stitches or Broken Bottles and "I Don't Care" reminds me of Swingin' Utters. Not bad at all. "Drink With Me" and "I Can't Control Myself" are my two favorite ones. There's a bonus track on the vinyl version called "Killer". The Shoemakers are another fine example of great german punk!
/Christer
"Turn Me On" LP/CD
Wanda Records
Mathias of Drunk'n'Roll Records told me to check this band out and that they were great. Well, he was right. This record is their debut and contains 13 punk rock songs. At times the Shoemakers remind me a little bit of bands like the Stitches or Broken Bottles and "I Don't Care" reminds me of Swingin' Utters. Not bad at all. "Drink With Me" and "I Can't Control Myself" are my two favorite ones. There's a bonus track on the vinyl version called "Killer". The Shoemakers are another fine example of great german punk!
/Christer
GOLDBLADE
"Rebel Songs" CD
Captain Oi!
Very well-played street punk 'n' roll on Captain Oi!. This is the first record I hear from Goldblade. Even though it ain't exactly my kind of music it's good. I like the sing-a-long choruses of "Psycho" and "Fighting in the Dancehall". The songs are very thought-through and I dig it. Not the best record I've heard but songs like "Cops & Robbers" and "Sick World" makes it interesting enough. The band have been touring this fall with SLF, the Misfits and the Damned, to name a few, so you might have heard of 'em! Check 'em out. "Rebel Songs" is a good record.
/Christer
"Rebel Songs" CD
Captain Oi!
Very well-played street punk 'n' roll on Captain Oi!. This is the first record I hear from Goldblade. Even though it ain't exactly my kind of music it's good. I like the sing-a-long choruses of "Psycho" and "Fighting in the Dancehall". The songs are very thought-through and I dig it. Not the best record I've heard but songs like "Cops & Robbers" and "Sick World" makes it interesting enough. The band have been touring this fall with SLF, the Misfits and the Damned, to name a few, so you might have heard of 'em! Check 'em out. "Rebel Songs" is a good record.
/Christer
"From Ashes To Life" LP
Wanda Records
Here's a good looking gatefold LP from a greman band called Jetset Radio. This record was actually released a year ago as a CD on Kamikaze Records but Wanda Records decided to release an LP version of it since they liked it so much. I'm not so sure I like it that much. Well, it has a few bright peaks that I dig. Sometimes I can't help but think of the Bouncing Souls, it lasts for about a second at a time but it makes the record interesting and worth listening to. According to the press-release this record is for fans of Alkaline Trio, the Ataris and Jimmy Eat World. I'll leave it up to you guys to decide whether it's good or not.
/Christer
THE BOMBDOLLS
"Explosive Lullabies" CD
Cityrat Records
This swedish band play punk rock with influences from the Ramones and Motörhead. They sound pretty good but the problem is that the songs don't really stand out from eachother. After listening to about 7 or 8 songs I can't remember anything special that I've heard so far. So, this band is good but they shouldn't have put so many songs on the record. There are a bunch of fast songs and those are the best ones. Not really my thing but ok.
/Christer
"Explosive Lullabies" CD
Cityrat Records
This swedish band play punk rock with influences from the Ramones and Motörhead. They sound pretty good but the problem is that the songs don't really stand out from eachother. After listening to about 7 or 8 songs I can't remember anything special that I've heard so far. So, this band is good but they shouldn't have put so many songs on the record. There are a bunch of fast songs and those are the best ones. Not really my thing but ok.
/Christer
GUNSMOKE
"The Kitchen Sessions" Demo CD
Self Released
Here's a band from Ottawa, Canada and this disc, "The Kitchen Sessions", is their debut demo. There are five songs on this record and I like the band's country/ rockabilly. The songs are simple which is a cool thing. The only thing I can complain about is that the sound of this recording is kind of lame...
The songs are a lot better and the band is far more original than all of these boring psycobilly bands popping up everywhere nowdays. "Not The One" is a killer song! Look this group up!
/Christer
"The Kitchen Sessions" Demo CD
Self Released
Here's a band from Ottawa, Canada and this disc, "The Kitchen Sessions", is their debut demo. There are five songs on this record and I like the band's country/ rockabilly. The songs are simple which is a cool thing. The only thing I can complain about is that the sound of this recording is kind of lame...
The songs are a lot better and the band is far more original than all of these boring psycobilly bands popping up everywhere nowdays. "Not The One" is a killer song! Look this group up!
/Christer
CHRIS BECKER
"Saints & Devils" CD
Self Released
Hmm, this one is just wierd... Strange record. Check it out and decide for yourself at www.beckermusic.com.
/Christer
"Saints & Devils" CD
Self Released
Hmm, this one is just wierd... Strange record. Check it out and decide for yourself at www.beckermusic.com.
/Christer
STREET DOGS
"Fading American Dream" CD
Brass Tacks Records
"Fading American Dream" CD
Brass Tacks Records
Now this is one album you can’t miss! And you might end up paying a bit more for this, but if you get the one with the dvd, you’ll get yer money’s worth. This album has an expanded Street Dogs line-up with the addition of Tobe Bean on guitar. The playing on this one is a little bit more polished than the last 2, but Mike the gang don’t let ya down.
The dvd is really cool too. It shows the band relaxing and having fun. Tobe also calls several phones asking to audition for their bands. It’s pretty funny. Mike sticks to the same song topics that have made the other Street Dogs albums great, and the music behind the lyrics is also really solid. This is one album you can’t miss!
/Josh Hyatt
/Josh Hyatt
RAMALLAH
"Kill A Celebrity" CD
Thorp Records
OK, this band is down right crazy. But in a good way. Rob Lind from Blood For Blood formed this band a few years ago and this is their 2nd release that has 16 right to the point songs about society’s ills and what makes Rob so mad. This release gets an 8 outta 10 and you should definitely check it out.
/Josh Hyatt
"Kill A Celebrity" CD
Thorp Records
OK, this band is down right crazy. But in a good way. Rob Lind from Blood For Blood formed this band a few years ago and this is their 2nd release that has 16 right to the point songs about society’s ills and what makes Rob so mad. This release gets an 8 outta 10 and you should definitely check it out.
/Josh Hyatt
VARIOUS ARTISTS
"Skins'n'Pinz Vol.3" CD
GMM Records
This is the 3rd installment of the Skins-N-Pinz and has 22 songs from all of your favorites. Including Discipline, Whiskey Rebels, Hudson Falcons, and of course the Anti-Heros. If you have most or all of these albums the songs are taken from then you know how good this compilation is. If you have never heard of GMM or any of the bands on here, this will be a great learning experience for you. Now sit down and shut up!
/Josh Hyatt
"Skins'n'Pinz Vol.3" CD
GMM Records
This is the 3rd installment of the Skins-N-Pinz and has 22 songs from all of your favorites. Including Discipline, Whiskey Rebels, Hudson Falcons, and of course the Anti-Heros. If you have most or all of these albums the songs are taken from then you know how good this compilation is. If you have never heard of GMM or any of the bands on here, this will be a great learning experience for you. Now sit down and shut up!
/Josh Hyatt
IRONBOUND NYC
"With A Brick" CD
Thorp Records
Ok, so I admit I am a little slow and very late with this one. I saw an ad for this album about a year ago and couldn’t wait for it to come out. Well, it came out and I got it about 9 months later. It was well worth the wait too I might add. This album is kind of like a NYHC super group with members of S.O.I.A., Maximum Penalty, and Killing Time. The album starts off with a short dialogue from Carlito’s Way and kicks ass from there on out. Some of my favorites are “With A Brick” and “Strength In Unity”. The only drawback to this album is Craig’s bass playing isn’t the same style as his S.O.I.A. bass playing is. But the album still kicks ass. I give it a 9 ½ outta 10. Nuff said!
/Josh Hyatt
"With A Brick" CD
Thorp Records
Ok, so I admit I am a little slow and very late with this one. I saw an ad for this album about a year ago and couldn’t wait for it to come out. Well, it came out and I got it about 9 months later. It was well worth the wait too I might add. This album is kind of like a NYHC super group with members of S.O.I.A., Maximum Penalty, and Killing Time. The album starts off with a short dialogue from Carlito’s Way and kicks ass from there on out. Some of my favorites are “With A Brick” and “Strength In Unity”. The only drawback to this album is Craig’s bass playing isn’t the same style as his S.O.I.A. bass playing is. But the album still kicks ass. I give it a 9 ½ outta 10. Nuff said!
/Josh Hyatt
EDGEWISE
"Complete Discography" CD
Thorp Records
This is not a new release per se, but it is a release that the world needs to hear. Edgewise was a great band in the mid 90’s and for some reason didn’t put out a lot of stuff. There was a few eps and some singles here and there, but never a full length release. So enter Andy Thorp King and a great idea he had. He rounded up all the Edgewise material and released a complete discography album with all the stuff this great band ever did. The first time I ever heard these guys was on the Area 51 comp put out back in 98’. They even do a couple of cover songs like “Lost In Space” by State Of Alert and “Half A Person” by The Smiths. You get yer money’s worth with this one. 28 tracks of great East Coast Hardcore
/Josh Hyatt
"Complete Discography" CD
Thorp Records
This is not a new release per se, but it is a release that the world needs to hear. Edgewise was a great band in the mid 90’s and for some reason didn’t put out a lot of stuff. There was a few eps and some singles here and there, but never a full length release. So enter Andy Thorp King and a great idea he had. He rounded up all the Edgewise material and released a complete discography album with all the stuff this great band ever did. The first time I ever heard these guys was on the Area 51 comp put out back in 98’. They even do a couple of cover songs like “Lost In Space” by State Of Alert and “Half A Person” by The Smiths. You get yer money’s worth with this one. 28 tracks of great East Coast Hardcore
/Josh Hyatt
DISCIPLINE
"Downfall of the Working Man" CD
Thorp Records
Yes, Yes, I know I am a little late with this review. So sue me. I have been busy working and finishing up school you shmucks. This is a great album from band Discipline. Some of the songs on here were on a split album done with Argy Bargy a few years ago and yes, it does include the great football anthem of the year-“Red And White Army” and “When I’m Dancin’ I ain’t Fightin” by Slade. Check this one out if you can. This band doesn’t disappoint at all.
/Josh Hyatt
"Downfall of the Working Man" CD
Thorp Records
Yes, Yes, I know I am a little late with this review. So sue me. I have been busy working and finishing up school you shmucks. This is a great album from band Discipline. Some of the songs on here were on a split album done with Argy Bargy a few years ago and yes, it does include the great football anthem of the year-“Red And White Army” and “When I’m Dancin’ I ain’t Fightin” by Slade. Check this one out if you can. This band doesn’t disappoint at all.
/Josh Hyatt
BORN TO LOSE
"Sweet Misery" CD
Sailor's Grave
This album was sent to me a short time ago for review from the great fellas at Sailor’s Grave Records. I had heard of this band before, but never heard anything from them. This is 12 songs full of great music to drink to, fight to, or whatever you want. I am looking around trying to find some of their older stuff to check out because I really liked this album. The cover of this album is pretty cool too. There is nothing like guns and bullets. Some of my favorites are “Not Alone”, “The Fallen”, “Paid Up” and “Bitter Streets”. Also, check out the Sailor’s Grave web site for more on this band and the other great bands that label has.
/Josh Hyatt
"Sweet Misery" CD
Sailor's Grave
This album was sent to me a short time ago for review from the great fellas at Sailor’s Grave Records. I had heard of this band before, but never heard anything from them. This is 12 songs full of great music to drink to, fight to, or whatever you want. I am looking around trying to find some of their older stuff to check out because I really liked this album. The cover of this album is pretty cool too. There is nothing like guns and bullets. Some of my favorites are “Not Alone”, “The Fallen”, “Paid Up” and “Bitter Streets”. Also, check out the Sailor’s Grave web site for more on this band and the other great bands that label has.
/Josh Hyatt
AIDEN
"Rain In Hell" MCD/DVD
Victory Records
What we have here is the brand new EP from Aiden. This band puts on one of the most intense live shows I have ever seen. I caught them on this summer’s Warp Tour and have to say that they were one of the better bands there this summer. This EP has two cover songs on here and 4 new songs. They do a great version of Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” and of course, The Misfits’ “Die Die My Darling”. This also includes a dvd that has 3 of their videos and 4 live videos from the Never Sleep Again Tour that they were on last year. One of the cool things that Victory Records is doing now with their new releases is including a dvd with bonus footage and other cool stuff. I haven’t heard the band’s last album, which was a re-issue of their first album, but when I get my hands on that one, you will definitely see a review here. Check this one out if you can.
/Josh Hyatt
"Rain In Hell" MCD/DVD
Victory Records
What we have here is the brand new EP from Aiden. This band puts on one of the most intense live shows I have ever seen. I caught them on this summer’s Warp Tour and have to say that they were one of the better bands there this summer. This EP has two cover songs on here and 4 new songs. They do a great version of Billy Idol’s “White Wedding” and of course, The Misfits’ “Die Die My Darling”. This also includes a dvd that has 3 of their videos and 4 live videos from the Never Sleep Again Tour that they were on last year. One of the cool things that Victory Records is doing now with their new releases is including a dvd with bonus footage and other cool stuff. I haven’t heard the band’s last album, which was a re-issue of their first album, but when I get my hands on that one, you will definitely see a review here. Check this one out if you can.
/Josh Hyatt
DEADONES U.S.A./ HOLLOWPOINTS
"Split" 7"
Drunk 'N' Roll/ No Front Teeth
The best stuff I've heard from Deadones U.S.A. so far! "City Lights" is a good down-tempo punk rock tune followed by a faster sing-a-long song called "Modern Day Vietnam". Definitely a good way to contribute to this split 7". I like this band!
The other side holds two great songs by the Hollowpoints. I really liked this band on their album "The Black Spot" and I'm glad to tell you that after hearing this one I like 'em even more. "Cell Block 21" is a really good song and "I See Darkness" is fantastic! This is a really cool split and you need it!
/CD
"Split" 7"
Drunk 'N' Roll/ No Front Teeth
The best stuff I've heard from Deadones U.S.A. so far! "City Lights" is a good down-tempo punk rock tune followed by a faster sing-a-long song called "Modern Day Vietnam". Definitely a good way to contribute to this split 7". I like this band!
The other side holds two great songs by the Hollowpoints. I really liked this band on their album "The Black Spot" and I'm glad to tell you that after hearing this one I like 'em even more. "Cell Block 21" is a really good song and "I See Darkness" is fantastic! This is a really cool split and you need it!
/CD
VARIOUS ARTISTS
"Killed By A One Man Band" 7"
Drunk 'n' Roll/ Squoodge!!
Let's try to get 15 one man bands onto one compilation 7"! May sound a bit hard but Drunk'n'Roll and Squoodge managed to do it. Of course, the songs are quite short and of different quality but over-all it's a good record, and a fun idea!
Opening song "Do The Deadwalk" by Dead Elvis and his One Man Grave is the best one! There's some blues, some rock'n'roll, some garage and even some kind of electronica on here.
Bloodshot Bills' "Hot Spring Baby" is another good song and El Bastardo's bluesy version of "Hound Dog" is really cool. This is a fun record! Everything is really low-fi and most of the songs are fast. Look it up!
/CD
"Killed By A One Man Band" 7"
Drunk 'n' Roll/ Squoodge!!
Let's try to get 15 one man bands onto one compilation 7"! May sound a bit hard but Drunk'n'Roll and Squoodge managed to do it. Of course, the songs are quite short and of different quality but over-all it's a good record, and a fun idea!
Opening song "Do The Deadwalk" by Dead Elvis and his One Man Grave is the best one! There's some blues, some rock'n'roll, some garage and even some kind of electronica on here.
Bloodshot Bills' "Hot Spring Baby" is another good song and El Bastardo's bluesy version of "Hound Dog" is really cool. This is a fun record! Everything is really low-fi and most of the songs are fast. Look it up!
/CD
ASHTONES
"A She-Devil Is My Dope Fiend" 10"
Ashtones Real Raw Rock
I'm not a huge fan of this type of sleazy rock'n'roll but the Ashtones are pretty good. This is a nine track 10" with some good stuff on it. These guys are form France and have been together for six years. The songs are fast and well-played. My favorites are punky "Hate Me", opening track "Youngblood Fuck Off" and the very good cover of the Dead Boys' "What Love Is". Get this one if you're into the really dirty garage punk rock'n'roll stuff. The Ashtones also gets a few extra points since 10" vinyl is such a cool format! Pretty good!
/CD
"A She-Devil Is My Dope Fiend" 10"
Ashtones Real Raw Rock
I'm not a huge fan of this type of sleazy rock'n'roll but the Ashtones are pretty good. This is a nine track 10" with some good stuff on it. These guys are form France and have been together for six years. The songs are fast and well-played. My favorites are punky "Hate Me", opening track "Youngblood Fuck Off" and the very good cover of the Dead Boys' "What Love Is". Get this one if you're into the really dirty garage punk rock'n'roll stuff. The Ashtones also gets a few extra points since 10" vinyl is such a cool format! Pretty good!
/CD
CHIP HANNA
"KDAV Sunday Party" 7"
Drunk 'N' Roll/ May Cause Dizziness
Chip's latest vinyl! This 5 song 7" has got four songs from the self-released CD we reviewed last month, including the fantastic cover of Deadline's "The Way We Were". The only song I haven't heard before is "Neighbor". A new original, more laid-back than the orther tunes, written by Chip and guitarist Jimmy Moore. Great as usual!
The intro's on each side and the outro gives you the feeling of listening to an 'ol time radio show which is a cool thing. Cool layout as well! Get it whether you're a country-fan or not, 'cause this is good stuff!
/CD
"KDAV Sunday Party" 7"
Drunk 'N' Roll/ May Cause Dizziness
Chip's latest vinyl! This 5 song 7" has got four songs from the self-released CD we reviewed last month, including the fantastic cover of Deadline's "The Way We Were". The only song I haven't heard before is "Neighbor". A new original, more laid-back than the orther tunes, written by Chip and guitarist Jimmy Moore. Great as usual!
The intro's on each side and the outro gives you the feeling of listening to an 'ol time radio show which is a cool thing. Cool layout as well! Get it whether you're a country-fan or not, 'cause this is good stuff!
/CD
BULLET TREATMENT
"The Mistake" 12"
Basement Records
California has alot to be proud of. Miles of beautiful scenery, months of warm weather and now, thanks to their album hitting the streets, Bullet Treatment.
Here's the story (in a nutshell): Punk rock music has become stale. What was once was, now isn't. Everything is "punk". Nothing really shocks or breaks ground like it used to.
So, I get this record in the mail called, "The Mistake". I have listened to these guys before but I don't recognize the vocals. You see this band's line-up isn't set in stone. Whomever has the time comes in helps out and then goes back to working on other projects. Cool! Anyways, I start to listen to this record and I am absolutely blown away. Every song is short, fast and pure. No filler and no garbage. Now this is what I call "punk rock"! Prepare yourself. In closing: You really got to hear this album!
/Tar0n
"The Mistake" 12"
Basement Records
California has alot to be proud of. Miles of beautiful scenery, months of warm weather and now, thanks to their album hitting the streets, Bullet Treatment.
Here's the story (in a nutshell): Punk rock music has become stale. What was once was, now isn't. Everything is "punk". Nothing really shocks or breaks ground like it used to.
So, I get this record in the mail called, "The Mistake". I have listened to these guys before but I don't recognize the vocals. You see this band's line-up isn't set in stone. Whomever has the time comes in helps out and then goes back to working on other projects. Cool! Anyways, I start to listen to this record and I am absolutely blown away. Every song is short, fast and pure. No filler and no garbage. Now this is what I call "punk rock"! Prepare yourself. In closing: You really got to hear this album!
/Tar0n
MOSKITO SPEZIAL
"Kung Fu Fighting" LP
Drunk'n'Roll/ Riot Noise Music/ An'na Nadel Records etc.
To be honest with you, this record looks like crap, but it sounds pretty good. Obviously this band is really into the whole kung-fu thing which can be heard in samples throughout the whole record. I'd describe the music as some sort of punky rockabilly. The song "Mystik" is my favorite. The fact that all songs are in german makes it hard for me to review this album. To sum it up - Not the best I've heard but definitely not the worst. There's a limited (200 copies) version of the LP that includes a free bonus-CD as well.
/CD
"Kung Fu Fighting" LP
Drunk'n'Roll/ Riot Noise Music/ An'na Nadel Records etc.
To be honest with you, this record looks like crap, but it sounds pretty good. Obviously this band is really into the whole kung-fu thing which can be heard in samples throughout the whole record. I'd describe the music as some sort of punky rockabilly. The song "Mystik" is my favorite. The fact that all songs are in german makes it hard for me to review this album. To sum it up - Not the best I've heard but definitely not the worst. There's a limited (200 copies) version of the LP that includes a free bonus-CD as well.
/CD
GLASS HEROES
"Glass Heroes " CD
Malt Soda Records
The Glass Heroes are one of those bands I've found out about through doing this zine. I did an interview with Keith a few month ago that you might have read. This album has been out for quite a while now and a follow-up is being released by TKO really soon. The Glass Heroes are the real thing. They have been together for more than 15 years and they play straight up '77 punk rock'n'roll. This record has 14 songs on it, including covers of The Saints' "Stranded", Chelsea's "I'm On Fire" and The Professionals "Kick Down The Doors". All those bands have truly had a huge influence on the Glass Heroes as they remind me of all those groups. This is so good! I love Keith's voice and that "the-way-it-was-meant-to-be-simplicity" sound of songs such as "Get Out Alive", "It's Alright" and "Last Farewell". My number one favorite is "Better Now Than Later". Look this band up if you haven't already! This is a classic!
/CD
"Glass Heroes " CD
Malt Soda Records
The Glass Heroes are one of those bands I've found out about through doing this zine. I did an interview with Keith a few month ago that you might have read. This album has been out for quite a while now and a follow-up is being released by TKO really soon. The Glass Heroes are the real thing. They have been together for more than 15 years and they play straight up '77 punk rock'n'roll. This record has 14 songs on it, including covers of The Saints' "Stranded", Chelsea's "I'm On Fire" and The Professionals "Kick Down The Doors". All those bands have truly had a huge influence on the Glass Heroes as they remind me of all those groups. This is so good! I love Keith's voice and that "the-way-it-was-meant-to-be-simplicity" sound of songs such as "Get Out Alive", "It's Alright" and "Last Farewell". My number one favorite is "Better Now Than Later". Look this band up if you haven't already! This is a classic!
/CD
I AM GHOST
"Lovers' Requiem" CD
Epitaph
From Long Beach, California comes I Am Ghost. This is another one of those bands that will be appriciated by fans of AFI, Evanescence and My Chemical Romance. Another one of those emo-hardcore-goth-rock'n'roll outfits that I don't quite get. Sure, they know how to play their instruments but that's about it. Soon on MTV for sure.
/CD
"Lovers' Requiem" CD
Epitaph
From Long Beach, California comes I Am Ghost. This is another one of those bands that will be appriciated by fans of AFI, Evanescence and My Chemical Romance. Another one of those emo-hardcore-goth-rock'n'roll outfits that I don't quite get. Sure, they know how to play their instruments but that's about it. Soon on MTV for sure.
/CD
BUSTED HEARTS
"Sin, Sorrow & Salvation" CD
Fundamental Records
When I first heard the "Bluegrass" e.p. it blew me away. Chip Hanna is one of the best singers I've heard and the Busted Hearts is such a great band. This CD includes all the songs that were on the e.p. and whole bunch of more stuff.
Traditional bluegrass tunes "Lisa's Joy" and "Wild Bill Jones" are just amazing. Keith Jackson (guitar) is a great songwriter when it comes to both punk (Glass Heroes) and folk music. His songs "Cold Virginia Mist" and "Charlotte Clay" are my favorites on this album. Bruce Cannole (banjo/ vocals) also brings his share of songs to this recording. His songs "Heaven On Earth", "It's OK" and "Hooker's Lament" have a more mellow sound to it than the rest of the record which keeps it interesting the whole way through. This is a must have if you like back to basics music! One of the best records released this year! Bluegrass & Murder Ballads baby! Get it!!!
/CD
"Sin, Sorrow & Salvation" CD
Fundamental Records
When I first heard the "Bluegrass" e.p. it blew me away. Chip Hanna is one of the best singers I've heard and the Busted Hearts is such a great band. This CD includes all the songs that were on the e.p. and whole bunch of more stuff.
Traditional bluegrass tunes "Lisa's Joy" and "Wild Bill Jones" are just amazing. Keith Jackson (guitar) is a great songwriter when it comes to both punk (Glass Heroes) and folk music. His songs "Cold Virginia Mist" and "Charlotte Clay" are my favorites on this album. Bruce Cannole (banjo/ vocals) also brings his share of songs to this recording. His songs "Heaven On Earth", "It's OK" and "Hooker's Lament" have a more mellow sound to it than the rest of the record which keeps it interesting the whole way through. This is a must have if you like back to basics music! One of the best records released this year! Bluegrass & Murder Ballads baby! Get it!!!
/CD