Pages from the new issue...

Above are pages from the first issue. Thanks for checking them out. Not show is the Total Abuse spread, which for some reason is not working right in here...

Perhaps the best punk rock podcast around.

Lately I'm really hooked on listening to podcasts. A steady diet of the MRR podcast, Equalizing Distort, and my favorite of all, Punk Rock Record Party, hosted by the legendary Bob Suren (Sound Idea, Failure Face, Burrito Records, Murder Suicide Pact).

If you haven't started listening yet, now's the time. Check the flyer below, or just go to the link:
http://punkrockrecordparty.blogspot.com/

FIRST ISSUE of TASTEMAKER pre-orders open.

  The first issue of Tastemaker is being released on Friday, November 4, 2011. Below is an image of the cover (which features Chadwick from the Secret Society Of The Sonic Six).
  Inside are interviews with Total Abuse, the Secret Society Of The Sonic Six, Timebombs, Gary Panter, and Glass Candy.
  Page count is 38 total, cover price is $4, or if you want one sent to you direct, then it's $5 with shipping. Outside the US, get in touch for rates.
  Only 100 copies are being made. Once it's gone it's gone.

The second issue is under way and should be out in late January/early February.

Contact information is to your right.

Thanks,
M.Avrg

PRINT ISSUE UPDATE

Quick note, the first print issue is looking to be out in 2 weeks. Interviews with TOTAL ABUSE, THE SECRET SOCIETY OF THE SONIC SIX, TIMEBOMBS, GARY PANTER, and GLASS CANDY. Then some assorted things to round it out.
I'll post images and ordering details when it's here, and will post information about issue #2 at that time as well.

REVIEWS: CERVIX, DEFECT DEFECT, PSYCHO, SECRET SOCIETY OF THE SONIC SIX, etc

Here's the latest batch of stuff for review. I have more coming over the next couple weeks (Night Birds, Big Crux, Brain F≠, Executioner, Insult, Crusades, etc etc). Thanks to everyone who has sent stuff in. Much appreciated. 

Getting ready to head out for the No Babies show at the Smell. But before I go, just wanted to let you know the first print issue of Tastemaker should be out by the end of this month. Or mid November at the very latest. I'll post more details on that in the next week or so. 

CERVIX - Life Fucker EP

Blown out noisy stuff from this NYC outfit that takes it cues from Japanese bands like Confuse, Comes, Disclose, etc. I like the fact that singer is female, as it breaks slightly away from the formula of this style (usually some dude grunting and burping into to microphone). It sounds like it was recorded in a storm cellar. There's a lot of space in the sound. The vocals have reverb, the bass sounds a little distant, and there's the grinding noise of the guitar that hangs above the din. That might sound like some put down, but it's not. It works well with this style. I like the opening of "Death Culture" where it starts off sort of quiet, then the drums pick up the pace, and the guitar come screeching in to set everything off. This stuff is fast without being thrash. (videodiseaserecords.com)

DEFECT DEFECT / DAYLIGHT ROBBERY / FOREIGN OBJECTS - split 12" EP

The idea of a three way split is a little off putting for myself. But this has two bands I really like; Defect Defect and Daylight Robbery, then there's Foreign Object, who I'm starting to warm to. This is also a one sided affair, so all bands are on one side. Two songs each. Stylistically they're all pretty similar. Heavily influenced by the late 70s/early 80s California punk sound. And they all pull it off with finesse. 

Defect Defect kick things off with the raging "People My Age", detailing how dull people who should know better become as they 'get older'. Such a great song, and definitely something I've been thinking about a lot lately, as I slide further into middle age wondering where a lot of my friends have gone off to. The delivery is awesome, and delivered with believable attitude and disgust. Not over done or dramatic. Just straight up and honest. "Napalmed Babies And New Palm Trees" follows up with an attack on complacency and alienation. I'll go as far to say Defect Defect get better and better with every new release. 

Daylight Robbery slow things down a smidge with their two cuts, but keep the energy up just the same, though a little darker and more forlorn. The dual male/female vocals remind me of X, and the music is somewhat similar, though more on the Wipers side of things. Very well done, and I really like the mood they create. Hoping they have more records out very soon. Both songs on here are awesome. Can't decide which I like more. "Flat City" or "Patience Loser"... I'll just have to keep listening for a few weeks longer. 

Foreign Objects are starting to generate some buzz. I have the first single, and found it okay. The two songs here ("The Numbers" and "Problems") are a little more to my liking. I'm thinking this band may be more impressive on a LP format. I say this because once they set the tone, the songs are suddenly over, and I'm feeling like, "Wait, things are just getting started. Come back!" The delivery is snotty, and convincing. Of the three bands on there, Foreign Objects is the most raw and verging on chaos. Just a little more push it sounds and they could completely blow apart. And I mean that in a good way.  "Problems" is their standout of the two. I'll have to get their LP now. (Dirt Cult, 713 Stagecoach Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88011 / dirtcultrecords@gmail.com) 

PSYCHO - s/t EP

Finally a buzzsaw shaped record I'll own. Pyscho have been around for nearly 30 years (I interviewed them once for a zine I used to put out in junior high circa 1985), cranking away at their raw sound that mixes hardcore with metal elements. Sometimes grind, sometimes not. This time around they're more on the hardcore side of things. At least to my ears. The second side is my favorite; the cover of G.G. Allin's "Legalize Murder" is great, and the original "Religious" stands out, as it slows down a bit and lets the darkness in a bit more. Not to mention, anti-religion songs tend to win me over pretty easily. Nice to know Psycho haven't softened over the years. (Patac, patacrecords.com)

THE SECRET SOCIETY OF THE SONIC SIX - Isolated Incidents 1.3 12"

I believe this is the final installment of the  "Isolated Incidents" series. The Secret Society of The Sonic Six are easily one of my favorite bands. Perhaps that's not ethical or 'professional' to admit to having a favorite band in reviewing records, but it's not like I'm getting paid to right this stuff. Anywhoo... But one of the many reasons I'm so into this band is that they are constantly evolving. You sort of know what you're going to get from each record, but there's always a twist somewhere in the sound. For those of you who have been attending their live shows over the years, you may have noticed even the earlier songs are sounding a bit different these days. 

No easy comparison can be made to this outfit. Which is a plus. The music resides somewhere on another plane between electronic music similar to early Cabaret Voltaire and Ike Yard, as well as Goth. But never too much in one camp to get classified. The sound is dark, at points dancey, sometimes minimal, all with noir undercurrents. "Terminal" sounds like something you would hear in the soundtrack of an late 70s / early 80s independent crime movie. Listening to it I get visions of  empty midnight streets, save for a couple people up to no good entangling their desperate lives into further desperation. "Reservation" picks up the pace and mood slightly to a more dancey and lively style. Lyrics are kept to a minimum, though just as effective as a long tirade from most bands. "Strangers" closing this record out with a semi Euro disco feel. Estara's vocals pull you in and the music does the rest. 

This record is really limited, and comes with a CD that collects the entire "Isolated Incidents" series. Buy now or cry later. (www.sssonicsix.com)

SLIMY CUNT AND THE FISTFUCKS - Bastards EP

I'm of the opinion that if you're going to choose an offensive name you better have the sound to back it up. All too often I'll pick up a record or tape of a band with a name like Cum Stain, or something along those lines, and it turns out to be wimpy pop shit. Fortunately that's not the case here. These scums play some dirty and vile punk rock in the vein of Fang. The vocals are growled with venom, and makes everything sound convincing. Sounds like he really doesn't  give a fuck that he was kicked out of everywhere they go as illustrated in the song "Kicked Out". The total scorcher on here is "I Did It". Short and to the point. Again, it's the vocals delivery backed by the crushing drum beat, that really makes this cook. This is also the song that I find myself listening to a lot. This is a band that's not concerned with acceptance, saying the nice things and towing the line. I like that, and I like this record. (Patac, patacrecords.com)

Reviews: BRAIN F≠ / BIRTH DEFORMITIES / SHIRKS / WET HAIR / COKE BUST etc

Okay, it has been some time since last post. Busy with school finals, then having family visit for 2 weeks left me with little time to listen to music, much less get on the computer. My mind was complete mush to be honest. 

It's hot as hell, and summer is here, and I have some free time again, so that means time to listen to music, and obsess about music, and wonder what's coming out next, etc. Catching up with the stuff I've received, as well as purchased over the past couple months. Here's the latest. I will post more reviews in the next week. 

BIRTH DEFORMITIES - tape

Midwestern Hardcore early 80s style. Raw and unhinged, as only that region can produce (seems the coasts are too self-aware to make music this good, among other things). Lyrically it's to the point, no political sloganeering, just angst and insolence. "My Walls" and "Hate Group" are my favorites on here. Sound wise, think Necros meets Vilently Ill. This is members from Cülo, and Nick from Cowabunga, so you should have an idea what lies in wait. Proceed with haste. (Cowabunga c/o Nick Lovro, 311 Stearn Dr, Genoa, IL 60135 / cowabungarecords.com)

BRAIN F ≠ - So Dim 7"

Lo-fi punk rock that hearkens back to the days of yore, and yet is very much of the moment. For some reason I can't quite figure out, I'm reminded of the Tyrades. Anyhow, these two songs are raw, fuzzed out, and straight to the point. The energy is up, but they never get thrashy or wild. Slightly hyper and focused, you could say. I like the dual vocals, and the female vocals is what really gives the sound a distinct edge. The title track is my favorite, and the second song, "Symptom Set" t'aint bad either. Makes me want to hear more, fer sure.  Need to pick up the previous single now... (Grave Mistake, PO Box 12482, Richmond, VA 23241 / gravemistakerecords.com)

COKE BUST - Degradation EP

First time I heard these guys was on the A Product of Six Cents II compilation. For a band that plays it hard and fast to stand out on a collection of other bands who aim to break speed records, says something. I still have yet to hear the LP though. Which I'm told is pretty good. So for now, I have this EP to crank. Which I think is pretty damn good. Obvious comparisons are Infest and Ripcord. I also hear some early NYHC in there as well, in particular the breakdowns. A bit of feedback between songs give this a feel that everything was done in one take. Makes me look forward to their potential West Coast tour later this year. The majority of the songs are speed fests, with "Deathbed" being the slowest, and maybe because of that, also the standout track. Not to say any of the other songs suck, because they're all good. But it's "Deathbed" that really grabs your attention. Mid-tempo, with heavy percussion, and repetitive riff that recalls classic hardcore of twenty-five plus years ago. (Grave Mistake, PO Box 12482, Richmond, VA 23241 / gravemistakerecords.com)

INSTANGD - Drag Utan Drog EP

Picks up where their second EP, "Konkret Och Brutal", left off. Straight forward no frills hardcore punk that mixes US and Scandanavian influences seamlessly. Short, raw, and largely quick tempo blasts, throwing in time changes, pauses, and more to keep it interesting. Really like introduction to "Primitiv Energi". Sounds like it's going to be post-punk, then they let it rip with some full on hardcore. "Instangd/Fri?" is another stand out, with it's catchy rhythm, and over in seconds. The whole record is pretty good I should point out. Comes pressed on orange vinyl. I keep wondering when they're going to fly out and play some shows in Los Angeles. (Sorry State, 111 Old Pittsboro Rd, Carrboro, NC 27510 / sorrystaterecords.com) 

NIGHT BIRDS - Fresh Kills Vol. 1 CD

So a couple years ago I wrote a snarky asshole review of this band's demo for Razorcake. Fuck, was I a prick. Now I'm  eating crow like no tomorrow. A complete change of opinion. Listening to this, I am now of the opinion Night Birds are one of the best bands in the US. Certainly a band I'm going to push on my friends as I embark on my "super awesome summer". This disc is the perfect soundtrack for this warm season. These guys sound like they stepped straight out of late 70s / early 80s OC punk. Definite Adolescents and Agent Orange influences. This is the music that the Adolescents should have been cranking out after their classic blue album. Fast tempos, catchy as hell, a lot of attitude in the delivery, and the guitar playing is top notch with it's surf-esque style - just check out "Prognosis: Negative". This disc collects their "Killer Waves" 7", "Midnight Movies" EP, self-titled EP, and the aformentioned demo from 2009.

THE SHIRKS - Cry Cry Cry EP

Fuck yeah!!! This is some high energy Pee-unk rawk right here. Think of the Saints bred with the Stitches. It's driving as hell, catchy, and there's a slightly sketchy  edge that really puts this over the top. The title track has a chorus that reeks of a future classic. "On Time" is just as ripping, and if anything, ups the energy even more. Can't get enough of the line, "I'm on time for a good time", and how it's delivered. "Prostitution Summer" slows down sightly, giving the song more swagger and attitude. Live, these guys must rip it up. They better! Reminds me of the late 90s/early 00s when there were some good bands playing places like Al's Bar, Bar Deluxe, and to a lesser degree, the Garage here in LA. (Grave Mistake, PO Box 12482, Richmond, VA 23241 / gravemistakerecords.com)

WET HAIR - Radiant Lines 7"

This is well worth your time to seek out. Wet Hair remind me a lot of Suicide, with just a little more going on. Synth driven, with layers underneath the shimmery drone. Music for late afternoons. The title track has a slight swagger to it. The drums shuffle, while the synthesizer climbs and rolls around, and the vocals sit somewhere in the back corner.  "Decay" buries the vocals underneath the synthesizers, which have a layer of drone on one level, and a poppier/playful layer riding over the top. Comes packaged in a 7" x 7" booklet of color collages constructed by Wet Hair: Shawn Reed and Ryan Garbes. One time pressing of 500. I checked the Not Not Fun site, and it's out of print. So check their distributors. You can find that information here: http://notnotfun.com/past.html

REVIEWS (Big Crux, Cülo, School Jerks)

I should have posted this a while back. But with daily life and all it entails, things get in the way of allowing me to sit and listen to music uninterrupted. So, apologies to anyone who sent stuff and expected a review much sooner. I have a few tapes and a couple CDs to review, which I'm working on now. Should have those posted in the next couple weeks. 

BIG CRUX - Compromise Crisis EP

Whoa!!! Better than what I was expecting. This sounds like something SST would have released in their heyday. A lot of people say that about current bands, and what they fail to mention is the SST they're referencing is the later 80s period when they released garbage. I'm referencing the era of SST that had the greats: Hüsker Dü, Minutemen, Black Flag, and Meat Puppets, and Saccharine Trust. Big Crux have the sparse sound of Minutemen, where the bass figures prominently, and the guitar is unadorned. Then throw in the funk elements of Big Boys. The songs are catchy and instantly memorable. The musicianship is tight and the songs are solid as hell. "Big Funk" is the definite A-side, with "Boys To Men" which really goes into Minutemen territory sandwiched in between the other slice, "No Stars", which ends with the same energy as the opener. I hear they're talking about an album. Please please please!!! (Iron Lung, PO Box 95521, Seattle, WA 98145 / lifeironlungdeath.blogspot.com)

CüLO - Toxic Vision  EP

Easily one of thee best hardcore punk bands out there these days, and perhaps any day, before, and in the future. This is their third EP, and they show no signs of sucking. "Toxic Vision" is their best yet. Gnarled sounds that have the subtlety of a cinder block through your window shield. Fast as fuck, the guitar sounds like hell, and the drums are chopped to bits. Lyrically nihilistic to boot. If this record was released back in 1981, it would be on every collector's list, and fetching rent on eBay. So, get it now and blow your fucking mind!!! (Deranged, c/o Gordon Defresne, 2700 Lower Rd, Roberts Creek, BC V0N 2W4, Canada / derangedrecords.com)

SCHOOL JERKS - Control EP

Can this band do no wrong?!? Here's their third release and they show no signs of losing intensity. Think of Dez-era Black Flag and that's close to what these guys sound like. School Jerks have a little less polish though. The songs and delivery are fast and manic. Everything sounds like it's about to come flying apart in one glorious mess. Six songs with a raw and dirty sound. The drums sound like hell, the guitar sounds like it's played with a jagged piece of rusted metal, and the vocalist sounds disgusted with everything. Can't choose one track over the other. They're all good. Get the other two records and play them in conjunction with this. (Cowabunga, 311 Stearn Dr, Genoa, IL 60135 / cowabungarecords.com)