ANCIENT FILTH
As always, no excuses. 2024 SUUUUUCKED for so many reasons. Some of you know why, more probably don't but I'm alive and so are those who I'm closest to and that's all anyone needs to know. Let's get down to business here. Top 10 records etc. of 2024, in alphabetical order, followed by a selection of other stuff I liked. Some of the records in the "more" section could very easily be in the top ten, too. Also, no fucking A.I. or ChatGPT was used for one word written here. My thoughts only. Fuck that weak shit. Do your own work.
THE TOP TEN
ANCIENT
FILTH-No More Hiding (Shock To The System, 12”)
I knew if I kept bugging Ancient Filth to put out an album, they'd finally get around to it. And, after over a decade of being a band, here it is. "No More Hiding" technically came out in September of 2023 but the record release show was earlier this year and that's when I got it. So it's going into this year's top ten. Ancient Filth have always played frenetic, energetic punk filled with passion and fury. The lyrical themes are candid, whether about mental health issues (and how the so-called cures are sometimes worse than the affliction) or all sorts of societal oppression and authoritarianism. A couple songs mention ways of coping--"Purge," urging to let out what drags you down and "What We Do Is Sacred," which is an affirmation of the life-saving qualities of punk. It starts with a voice saying "How long do you think punk is going to last?" and the reply is a repetitive echo of "forever!" I really hope that's the case and I hope Ancient Filth will also be here for a long time. It's something we need. I don't give a fuck if that sounds corny or not.
DE(
)T-Think Of Your Future (Simp, 12")
Wavo-post-punk with an edgy ambiance. Synth flourishes to go along with a heady guitar/bass/drums mesh. The opening synth line make one think they're about to listen to the sirens of early Gary Numan (sorry) but De( )t have a manic, hard-driving sound that will worm its way into your skull. Vocals seething with sarcasm and unsettling, angry emanations. The music is equally unsettling and that's meant in a good way.
Wavo-post-punk with an edgy ambiance. Synth flourishes to go along with a heady guitar/bass/drums mesh. The opening synth line make one think they're about to listen to the sirens of early Gary Numan (sorry) but De( )t have a manic, hard-driving sound that will worm its way into your skull. Vocals seething with sarcasm and unsettling, angry emanations. The music is equally unsettling and that's meant in a good way.
DIDJITS-Strictly
Dynamite: The Best of the Didjits (Touch and Go, 2x12")
Let's face it--Record Store Day has become an opportunity for labels to put out expensive reissues of albums you'd often pass over in the used bin or barrel-scraping slabs by popular artists that the diehards have to get no matter how crappy. And, of course, it's all a target for the flippers. But there's the occasional exception and this Didjits double album definitely falls into that category--one of which is a best-of compendium and the second features unreleased material and rarities.
If you've never heard of this butt-kicking Illinois band, I really pity you because they were one of the high points of the late 1980s into the 1990s. All-American punk rock 'n roll that was always high on showmanship but also had the musical smarts, clever lyrics and hookcraft to pull it off. In retrospect, they took a page from another Illinois band, Cheap Trick, who had the same attributes. That was especially true on their second and third albums, "Hey Judester" and "Hornet Pinata," and both are well-represented here. The surging mania of "Killboy Powerhead" and "Max Wedge," to the floor-rattling bash of "Under The Christmas Fish" to the careening thrust of "Gold Eldorado" and "Joliet." By itself, that's more than enough.
But, as I said earlier, there's more! The rarities disc is titled "Bring Me The Head of Jaco Pastorius" (not sure what they have against Jaco). Songs by earlier incarnations of the Didjits and affiliated band UXB, recorded throughout the 1980s. Definitely a different kettle of fish at times. Proto-punk, artier new wave emanations, even some hardcore (especially "Wuh," by UXB) and songs that were the embryo for what would follow during the prime years. Not 100% successful but still a pretty cool audio scrapbook. On lovely puke green vinyl.
Let's face it--Record Store Day has become an opportunity for labels to put out expensive reissues of albums you'd often pass over in the used bin or barrel-scraping slabs by popular artists that the diehards have to get no matter how crappy. And, of course, it's all a target for the flippers. But there's the occasional exception and this Didjits double album definitely falls into that category--one of which is a best-of compendium and the second features unreleased material and rarities.
If you've never heard of this butt-kicking Illinois band, I really pity you because they were one of the high points of the late 1980s into the 1990s. All-American punk rock 'n roll that was always high on showmanship but also had the musical smarts, clever lyrics and hookcraft to pull it off. In retrospect, they took a page from another Illinois band, Cheap Trick, who had the same attributes. That was especially true on their second and third albums, "Hey Judester" and "Hornet Pinata," and both are well-represented here. The surging mania of "Killboy Powerhead" and "Max Wedge," to the floor-rattling bash of "Under The Christmas Fish" to the careening thrust of "Gold Eldorado" and "Joliet." By itself, that's more than enough.
But, as I said earlier, there's more! The rarities disc is titled "Bring Me The Head of Jaco Pastorius" (not sure what they have against Jaco). Songs by earlier incarnations of the Didjits and affiliated band UXB, recorded throughout the 1980s. Definitely a different kettle of fish at times. Proto-punk, artier new wave emanations, even some hardcore (especially "Wuh," by UXB) and songs that were the embryo for what would follow during the prime years. Not 100% successful but still a pretty cool audio scrapbook. On lovely puke green vinyl.
GEN
GAP-Hanging Out With... (MF, 7")
Three members of Philly wreckers Delco MF's play in this band. We're speaking in relative terms but Gen Gap are a little more accessible. Stomping hardcore punk not relying purely on speed and it's not mosh-core either. The songs are imbued with rockin' and rollin' fury and their vocalist Izzy sounds like she doesn't take any shit.
Three members of Philly wreckers Delco MF's play in this band. We're speaking in relative terms but Gen Gap are a little more accessible. Stomping hardcore punk not relying purely on speed and it's not mosh-core either. The songs are imbued with rockin' and rollin' fury and their vocalist Izzy sounds like she doesn't take any shit.
INNUENDO-Peace
& Love (Roachleg/Unlawful Assembly, 12")
Milwaukee band Innuendo have a bare-knuckled old-school hardcore sound with trebly guitar buzz, a knee-to-the-groin, floor stomping rhythm and rage-filled vocals. They stick to a mainly mid-paced tempo without a mosh breakdown in sight, although "Burn" ups the velocity. Some catchy guitar licks, as with "Poison Pill." What the world needs now might not be so peaceful or loving. I mean, it's a nice sentiment but in these fucked up times, give me this sort of pissed-off hardcore punk. Especially pissed-off hardcore punk that talks about these fucked up times. That's what Innuendo provide.
Milwaukee band Innuendo have a bare-knuckled old-school hardcore sound with trebly guitar buzz, a knee-to-the-groin, floor stomping rhythm and rage-filled vocals. They stick to a mainly mid-paced tempo without a mosh breakdown in sight, although "Burn" ups the velocity. Some catchy guitar licks, as with "Poison Pill." What the world needs now might not be so peaceful or loving. I mean, it's a nice sentiment but in these fucked up times, give me this sort of pissed-off hardcore punk. Especially pissed-off hardcore punk that talks about these fucked up times. That's what Innuendo provide.
JESUS
LIZARD-Rack (Ipecac, 12")
Let's
face it--when a band puts out a new album after a long layoff, expectations are
fairly low. Jesus Lizard haven't been completely inactive, getting back
together to tour from time to time but "Rack" is their first album in
over 25 years, the last one being the not-so-great "Blue." This one
won't make you forget the likes of "Head," "Goat" or
"Pure" but it's a lot better than expected. No major shift in
sound--still the same ravenous, hard-hitting sonic fury, perhaps a tad more
streamlined. Production smooths off the rough edges a bit and Yow doesn't yowl
like he did in the 90s but this is still a keeper. Rabid rockers like
"Hide & Seek," "Lord Godiva" and "Moto(R)"
show no sign of softening with age. Other songs have a creepy, snaky vibe,
including the closer "Swan The Dog." Circumstances beyond my control
meant I couldn't go see them recently and I hope they come back at some point
because Jesus Lizard are still a vital band in 2024.
KRIEGSHÖG-Love & Revenge (La Vida Es Un Mus, 12")
And
another band who haven't had a new release in quite some time. It's only Kriegshög's
second ever album, the first since 2010 and there have been just a few EPs
during the past 14 or so years. Definitely worth the wait. The rain 'n thunder
that introduce things gives a good indication what lies ahead. This Japanese
band deliver a ferocious roar--Motörcharged ragers, hammering mid-tempo rawkers
and good 'ol fashioned d-beat. Rabid vocal howlings and meat-cleaver guitar and
bass buzz. It's all been done before but, as I always say, when it's done right,
it's still capable of hitting you right where it counts.
LOTHARIO-Hogtied
(Under The Gun, 12")
Minimalist
punk by this mainly one-woman project (Annaliese Redlich), joined by various
drummers and some of these songs have already appeared on various vinyl
releases. Anyway, the songs mainly follow a similar pattern--distorted vocals
and bass, with stinging guitar shadings and a mechanized rhythm at a
mid-to-fast pace (a few songs are thrashers). She sometimes veers into a
slightly more melodic realm but there's still an edge. And an odd choice for a
cover version--Gerry Rafferty's easy listening hit "Right Down The
Line," given a deadpan treatment. I imagine it works better than if she'd
covered "Baker Street."
PISSED
JEANS-Half Divorced (Sub Pop, 12")
Is
this a tantrum or a mid-life crisis? I'm not all that sure but this is one
bile-filled album and that's how I like it. "Alive With Hate" indeed,
as one song is titled. Only their second album in the last 11 years, this is a
furious assault from the opening blast of "Killing All The Wrong
People" and I'd say that's a very accurate assessment about the state of
the world as we crawl into 2025. Pissed Jeans go back to their hardcore roots
(pssst... most of 'em were in the Gatecrashers back around the turn of the
century) albeit sometimes filtered through a thorny, high energy rock attack,
such as "Junktime" and "Moving On." Saddled with college
debt, annoyed by obnoxious helicopter parents and the myth that working harder
means you'll get anywhere. And an out-of-nowhere cover of Florida punk band
Pink Lincolns ("Monsters"). Not getting mellower with age, that's for
sure.
VAXINE-Frontal
Lobotomy (Toxic State, 12")
Finally, a 12" from these NYC purveyors of full-throttle UK82-style punk. A driving bottom end, powered by Anya's massive bass lines, which really stand out here. So simple but so effective, as they bash their way through the songs with scrappy aplomb. Proud outcasts--stating "ever get the feeling you don't belong?" Nope, still don't. Loud, (mostly) fast and very catchy but this ain't pop, just punk.
Finally, a 12" from these NYC purveyors of full-throttle UK82-style punk. A driving bottom end, powered by Anya's massive bass lines, which really stand out here. So simple but so effective, as they bash their way through the songs with scrappy aplomb. Proud outcasts--stating "ever get the feeling you don't belong?" Nope, still don't. Loud, (mostly) fast and very catchy but this ain't pop, just punk.
MORE
FROM '24:
(photo: Piotr Krolikiewicz)
I
couldn't review every record sent but I always try to give airplay to the good
ones. I appreciate the labels that still very good care of me and support my
endeavors. So consider this a sampling of discs that I've played several times
over the past year and will likely continue to get played on the show in the
future.
ASSISTERT
SJØLMORD-s/t (Static Shock, 7”)
There's
something evil sounding about Sig's grunting and laughing that starts this
record. I'm not sure if the music is evil but it certainly sounds angry and it
kicks ass. Hardcore punk from Oslo that obliterates all in its path but has a
hint of catchiness, too. Some older Japanese and American influences.
Ultimately, though, it doesn't require in-depth analysis. Just play it loud. (staticshockrecords.bandcamp.com)
BAD ANXIETY-s/t (Feral Kid/Refuse, 7")
Hardcore punk out of Hattiesburg, MS which, as I've noted before, has a thriving scene. Ten songs in under 8 minutes and with the tongue planted in cheek a bit. They throw just about every lyrical punk cliche out there and the songs are sharp 'n snappy. Taken from two recording sessions in 2020 and 2023. (feralkidrecords.storenvy.com)
BEEF-Il
Manzo (Goodbye Boozy, 7")
Cincinnati
band Beef follow up last year's album on Feel It with four new tracks on
Italian label Goodbye Boozy. Anyway, loud 'n boisterous garage punk with a
beefy (sorry) sound and slight hint of post-punk. A coalescence of psych-swill
with something headier and rhythmic. (goodbyeboozydigital.com)
BOOTLICKER-1000
Yd. Stare (Neon Taste, 12")
Mean
'n raw, as always. No change in approach for these British Columbia hardcore
punk bangers. Trebly guitar, agitated vocals and a blunt, distorted sound. The
last time I saw them, I was pounding the wall with my fist. Probably not the
most-advisable behavior and I avoid such activity at home because I'm not good
at repairing the damage and too cheap to hire someone else to do it. So I'll
just stomp the floor along to their ass-whupping sound. It's concrete under the
carpet so no problems anticipated. (neontasterecords.ca)
BRUTE
SPRING-Turquoise Window (Swimming Faith, 12")
Swimming
Faith honcho John Toohill has had many different musical projects and
collaborations. In recent years, his two main solo ones have been the
off-kilter hardcore punk of Science Man and this one, although it's only his
second release under the Brute Spring moniker. Brute Spring have an immersive,
sense-enveloping sound. There's a forcefulness to songs like "Through The
Window," which has the coldness of early Nine Inch Nails and New Order
mixed together. "A Vision of War" sounds like a sped-up version of
the latter. "Engines of Hate" percolates with seething anger and
there's an ear grabbing hook on "Living Unseen." "The
Crash" ends things with a psych-ish drone. Definitely looking to the past
but bringing a freshness to it. (swimmingfaithrecords.com)
CANAL
IRREAL-Someone Else's Dance (Beach Impediment, 12")
Second album for Canal Irreal, the first in three years. As with the first one, it's a punk-driven post-punk-gothy sound. The guitars have plenty of bite and Martin's (yes, the Martin from Los Crudos and Limpwrist) vocals add a harsh edge. Hooks and burn, with pulsating bass lines carrying the melodic undertow--that's the case for opening song "Withdrawal," "40 Chairs" and others. "Whispers" and "I Failed" are damned close to poppy but there's no let-up in intensity. "Chicago" follows a narrative route, with Martin describing the real nitty gritty of his home city to someone he meets in a bar. In that song, it perhaps unconsciously describes the variety of sounds that percolate through Canal Irreal's potent surge, (beachimpedimentrecords.com
Second album for Canal Irreal, the first in three years. As with the first one, it's a punk-driven post-punk-gothy sound. The guitars have plenty of bite and Martin's (yes, the Martin from Los Crudos and Limpwrist) vocals add a harsh edge. Hooks and burn, with pulsating bass lines carrying the melodic undertow--that's the case for opening song "Withdrawal," "40 Chairs" and others. "Whispers" and "I Failed" are damned close to poppy but there's no let-up in intensity. "Chicago" follows a narrative route, with Martin describing the real nitty gritty of his home city to someone he meets in a bar. In that song, it perhaps unconsciously describes the variety of sounds that percolate through Canal Irreal's potent surge, (beachimpedimentrecords.com
CHAOS OK-Demo (Sorry State)
Not some UK-82 trip but raw, ravenous hardcore punk with a darker twist.
Spearheaded by Nick Goode, late of Brain F≠ and Joint D≠, both of
whom put out some crucial records in the previous decade. Chaos OK
definitely echo the manic fervor of Nick's previous bands, particularly on
"See" and "Flowering" but the velocity is a larger part of
the equation here. That makes sense since the drummer Corey Long used to play
in hardcore rippers Bukkake Boys. There was always a blurry intensity with
Nick's older bands and that's still present here. (sorrystaterecords.com)
CITRIC DUMMIES-Trapped In A Parking Garage (Feel It, 7")
The Dummies had a pretty damned good 12" in 2023 and follow it up with four more scorchers about daily life's trials and tribulations. Lousy cars, jobs, fast food and perhaps thinking spending the night on the couch watching YouTube videos of bands instead of going to see them live might be a better plan. Maybe not. Maybe I missed the point. They keep it loud enough to catch your ear, anyway. (feelitrecordshop.com)
The Dummies had a pretty damned good 12" in 2023 and follow it up with four more scorchers about daily life's trials and tribulations. Lousy cars, jobs, fast food and perhaps thinking spending the night on the couch watching YouTube videos of bands instead of going to see them live might be a better plan. Maybe not. Maybe I missed the point. They keep it loud enough to catch your ear, anyway. (feelitrecordshop.com)
CORKER-Hallways of Grey (Feel It, 12")
Moody, melodic post-punk that both surges and soothes. The surge comes on songs like "Distant Dawn" and "Sunken Submarine," the latter sounding a bit like The Sound. One of the best songs, "Forever Silent," is written and sung by Angie Willcutt from Artificial Go (who also have an album on Feel It), with a textured ambiance and churning bass/drum combo, along with her beneath the surface, semi-spoken vocal. Corker do a good job flowing from the jarring to something more expansive. (feelitrecordshop.com)
DOLLHOUSE-I
Hate You Don't Leave Me (Toxic State, 7")
First new music from this NYC band in a few years and only their second 7". It definitely has that 2010s bung punk sound, to an extent--nasally vocals, buzzy guitar and twisted thoughts. Makes sense since vocalist Michelle and guitarist Tye used to play in together in Mommy nearly a decade ago and drummer Hank Wood manned the sticks in Crazy Spirit. The title track sounds almost poppy but with thorns around the heart. The bashing "So Hollow" is standout, with the guitar burn and bashing drums underpinned by mellifluous bass. (toxicstaterecords.com)
First new music from this NYC band in a few years and only their second 7". It definitely has that 2010s bung punk sound, to an extent--nasally vocals, buzzy guitar and twisted thoughts. Makes sense since vocalist Michelle and guitarist Tye used to play in together in Mommy nearly a decade ago and drummer Hank Wood manned the sticks in Crazy Spirit. The title track sounds almost poppy but with thorns around the heart. The bashing "So Hollow" is standout, with the guitar burn and bashing drums underpinned by mellifluous bass. (toxicstaterecords.com)
EJACULATORS-Wank Generation (General Speech, 7")
Subtle? Sensitive? Yeah, about as subtle and sensitive as a toilet seat. Yeah, I'm quoting Salinger (sort of). I could easily make all sorts of childish jokes about this record but I'll resist the temptation. Besides, these guys do a good enough job of that on their own. Ain't no resisting this Chicago band's dirty, scuzzy lo-fi garage punk and "Desperate Housepunks" might be one of the best song titles of the year. (generalspeech.com)
FEN FEN-National Threat (Sweet Time, 12")
Detroit band with a penchant for playing scuzzy west coast style punk ala TSOL and DKs mixed with garagey rock 'n roll--definitely a bit of Jello in the vocals and a whole bunch of snappy riffs to go along with it. Their 2022 self-titled album was more a straight-forward punk rock 'n roll album and they've definitely sped things up here. Raucous sounds with a wise-assed, sarcastic sense of humor. (www.sweettimerecords.com)
Detroit band with a penchant for playing scuzzy west coast style punk ala TSOL and DKs mixed with garagey rock 'n roll--definitely a bit of Jello in the vocals and a whole bunch of snappy riffs to go along with it. Their 2022 self-titled album was more a straight-forward punk rock 'n roll album and they've definitely sped things up here. Raucous sounds with a wise-assed, sarcastic sense of humor. (www.sweettimerecords.com)
GOSSIP COLLAR-Spinning Silk For Parasites (No Norms, 12")
A long time ago and in a scene not so far away, two members of Gossip
Collar (Victoria and Tom) were in The Showcase Showdown, one of Boston's best-ever
punk bands. In the 2020s, though, they're playing something a lot
different--80s-inspired goth/dark wave punk. Victoria has switched from
bass to guitar and her lead vocals are sweet and passionate without being
overbearing, Definitely a somber feel and there are quieter moments but there's
presence and power in most of the songs here, especially opener "BREAKFAST
(for the baby)" and "Dead Flies." (nonormsrecords.com)
INVERTEBRATES-Sick To Survive (Beach Impediment, 12")
Some people from Public Acid playing in more of a straight-forward hardcore punk vein. Nothing you haven't heard before, of course, but the energy level is consistently high from start to finish. The title track states that mankind is in its final chapter. Given how things have been for the last several years, there might be something to that. Perhaps turning up the volume will help a bit. (beachimpedimentrecords.com)
Some people from Public Acid playing in more of a straight-forward hardcore punk vein. Nothing you haven't heard before, of course, but the energy level is consistently high from start to finish. The title track states that mankind is in its final chapter. Given how things have been for the last several years, there might be something to that. Perhaps turning up the volume will help a bit. (beachimpedimentrecords.com)
(photo: Darren Plank)
LAZER BULLET-Spirit Suck Shit (Black Water, 7")
Crazed hardcore with sneering, nasally vocals and done at warp speed, without crossing over into powerviolence. Just relentless and you have to love a title like "Demon Semen." Hurling itself towards oblivion without going completely over the cliff but it's still a full-tilt hellride.
LYSOL-Down
The Street (Feel It, 7')
Lysol
have changed their name to Fan Club and these songs were released as a demo
tape last year. Fired up and raucous rock-punk-roll. "Sonic Thrill"
sounds like it's about to cause a nervous breakdown--well, that's what the
opening drum rolls and riff feel like, anyway. "15mg" has a dark and
nasty strut. Getting straight to the point, and with a whole lot of attitude.
That works. (feelitrecordshop.com)
THE MASSACRED-Death March (Active-8, 7")
No-nonsense hardcore punk, a combination of old-school Scandi and UK styles. The members of The Massacred have been around the block a few times, playing in different Boston area bands and they continue to ply what they know best--tight, succinct arrangements, rough-sounding vocals and buzzsaw guitar. (active8records.bigcartel.com)
THE PIST-Is Risen (Havoc/multi-label, 12")
First Pist album since 1995's "Ideas Are Bulletproof" and only their second one ever (not counting compilations, etc). One thing that's never changed is the timeliness of The Pist's thoughtful anti-authoritarian message and they still play the same sort of catchy, bruising oi-tinged punk. "Risen" mentions the same old right-wing bullshit coming to eat people's brains or at least make them ignorant and voting against their self-interest. So I imagine that still having the outlet that punk provides can keep us relatively sane, as "Let It All Go" mentions: "because we're in it for life and these songs are all we got." Still pist/pissed. If you're not, you're not paying attention. (www.havocrecords.com)
PUBLIC ACID-Deadly Struggle (Beach Impediment, 12")
A blown-out, relentless and scalding assault. Plenty of velocity, rumble
and guitar feedback/pyrotechnics. Side one closer, the pounding
"Ignorance" keeps getting noisier and crazier until it's abruptly cut
off. And, for the last track, "Deadly Struggle," it ends up a locked
groove. I sometimes fall asleep when playing vinyl. Good thing this one doesn't make me fall asleep so I don't risk ruining the stylus. A nailbomb blast. (beachimpedimentrecords.bigcartel.com)
RIXE-Tir Groupé (La Vida Es Un Mus, 7")
Another band--or project, at least on record--not heard from in awhile.
Rixe, masterminded by Maxime, are back with four new songs that mainly favor a
minimalist sound, especially with the mechanized rhythm. There's certainly a
Metal Urbain influence, especially on the speedier "Diktat," but it's
fused with the classic tuneful French punk sound. It's most-successful with the
title track, with a catchy-as-fuck chorus. The rest is pretty good and it's a
keeper but, to be honest, the earlier records are better. (lavidaesunmus.com)
SILICON HEARTBEAT-2889 (Feral Kid, 7")
More new wavish/punk with buzzing guitar, synth and distorted,
dispassionate vocals. A-Frames meet the Spits in a parallel universe? Maybe.
Includes a rocked-up version of Kraftwerk's "The Model." (feralkidrecords.storenvy.com)
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(photo: Sam Picture)
S.O.H.-Cost To Live (Shitkicker/No Norms, 12")
The band's full name is System of Hate and they hammer out some walloping
hardcore punk. Bass rumbles, drums smash, guitar blazes and vocalist Kristine
emits her words in a similar fashion/cadence as Dru from Criaturas
and Kurrakä. There's also the occasional anarcho-punk flair, as with
"Annihilate." Not too cheery an agenda, of course, and it's delivered
with passion and anger. (nonormsrecords.com)
STABBING JABS-s/t (Reptilian, 12")
New band with Peter Aaron and William Weber from Chrome Cranks plus other
people who have logged time in the Murder Junkies, Sluggo, Gang Green and
others. So, needless to say, this rocks pretty hard. Some definite Stooges
moves, much in the same way Easy Action does it, which is to say it's an
influence but not only part of the sound. Some brain burners here,
starting with the 1-2 opening punch of "Broken Brain" (heh!) and
"Bad Slime." "Radiation Love" quotes Black Flag's
"Police Story" ("you take the rights away from all the
kids") but this is nastier-sounding. A few slower bluesy tracks don't
really catch my ear as much but this is a mainly raucous excursion. (www.reptilianrecords.com)
TOTAL SHAM-s/t (Under The Gun, 12")
Raw, ranting and raving hardcore punk that boils over with energy and
threatens to fly apart at the seams but holds together. Slashing
squealing guitars, shifting from fast to slow and back with vocals spat out
with twisted malevolence and buried a bit into the fray. For a slight change of
pace, closing song ""Tired of Life," is a fired-up rocker. No
poetic lyricism. This is pure hate--"Murder On My Mind" kind of sums
things up. From KC and something tells me they won't be performing at Chiefs
games any time soon. (utgrecords.com)
