New Post at the Usundthem site

Just posted new reviews at the usundthem site:
http://usundthem.blogspot.com

Fanzine update stuff

Alright, I've changed the name of Taste Maker fanzine to Us & Them, or Us Und Them. All depending... So, for a while, this site will stay up to inform the few followers of what's up, and direct them all over to the new site, which is here:
http://usundthem.blogspot.com/

I just posted three photos of NASA Space Universe. Working on getting some reviews up there in the next week or so as well.

IRRITONES White Wires video

I was beginning to wonder about the Irritones lately. When could we expect something new from them? Then recently, this landed in my email. Hell yeah!!! 

BLOOD BUDDIES at 5676 York Blvd

The other night, after the Street Eaters set, a local band called Blood Buddies played. At first I thought people were saying the Blood Brothers were playing. My immediate reaction was, Yuck, who still wants to listen to screamo shit in this day and age? Fortunately, it was Blood Buddies and not Blood Brothers. As Blood Buddies are a far better band, or actually duo. Featuring members of Swallowing Swords, and Touch Me Satan, their sound is definitely hard rock that goes over into punk territory. I thought they were pretty good, and they have a three song demo I'm listening to quite a bit these days. For more information go here.
And now, here's some photos...

STREET EATERS at 5676 York Blvd

The name Street Eaters had worked its way into my mind a while back. No idea how it got there. Then sometime later I heard a song from them on a Maximum Rocknroll podcast and became hooked. So, when I found out they were playing here in town, I jumped at the chance to see them. And it was better than I had expected. Tuneful punk/post punk type stuff delivered by two people who fill the room with their sound. Not to mention they have a great stage presence. They have a new LP out on Bakery Outlet called "Rusty Eyes and Hydrocarbons" that I recommend picking up.
 Here's but a few photos from the show...

ROUGH KIDS at The Spot!!!!

As promised yesterday, here's photos of the Rough Kids at the Spot. I hear they're playing with the Night Birds later this summer. For now, you can get more information here.

TRENCH ROT at The Spot 1.20.12

Finally was able to get out to a great show this past Friday. After catching NASA Space Universe at Pehrspace a week before I had to see them again. However, due to bad directions from Google Maps, I ended up missing them by a couple minutes by the time I found the secret location of The Spot.
However, all was not lost. Trench Rot, Stressors (Bay Area), and Rough Kids were also on the bill. Which made for a great night.
Below are three shots of Trench Rot. I'll post the Rough Kids as soon as possible.

Trench Rot have a EP out now, and I was told are recording for an LP now. Check them out here. 

Reviews: NEIGHBORHOOD BRATS, SOKEA PISTE, NEO CONS, EXECUTIONER, etc

Catching up on the reviews. I still have a few more to go. Doing this while working on the second issue, and few other ongoing projects, so time is being juggled. 

In a couple days, or so, I'll post a something or other about a giveaway with ordering copies of the first issue of Tastemaker. 

EXECUTIONER - s/t EP

Every time I listen to this, and it's on a frequent basis, I wonder why this took nearly 30 years to come out on vinyl. Recorded in 1982, this San Jose outfit definitely had the chops to make an impact. Seriously. If you like bands like Social Unrest, early Corrosion Of Conformity, and Christ On Parade, then you will want this. A little bit of metal mixed into their hardcore punk sound to give them more character. The music ranges from fast to mid tempo, but never a blinding tuneless rage. The kind of songs that stay with you after the record is over. "Hellbound" is a burner that switches from fast to near slow, holding on to your attention until the record glides across the matrix. Then there's "Flatlands", which is a mid tempo deal that lurks and winds, followed by the closer "Marked To Die", that gets thrashy, and has all the traits of classic hardcore. I highly recommend getting this record. A definite keeper. (Patac, patacrecords.com) 

NEIGHBORHOOD BRATS - We Own The Night 7" single

As much as I think their five song deal from a while back was pretty good, this single is better. There's more of a drive in these two songs (the flip being a faithful cover of VKTMS  controversial "100% White Girl"). The way the guitar kicks off with a snarled surf riff in "We Own The Night", and how the drums build tension as the bass fills everything in and brings it all down low to the ground with a crawling and winding pace. A lot of tension throughout to keep you on edge, while the beat is catchy and pulls you in for the ride before kicking your ass out at the very last second. Their cover of the VKTMS, as mentioned at the top,  is pretty faithful to the original, although I believe these folks put a little more fire into the song. I know, I know, it's sacrilege to say a new band does something better than an old band, but these things have been known to happen. Here's physical proof. (Abscess, abscesstrax.com)

NEO CONS - Hardcore Elite 7" single

Hmmmm.... I want more than two songs from these guys!! Yes, I know this is a single. I'm just saying these guys are one of those bands where two songs are not enough. The title track takes aim at old dudes who hang around punk too long and complain instead of doing anything of note. And here I thought it was about smarmy little shits and their elitist cliques. The flip is a Jezus and the Gospelfuckers cover of "Kill The Police", which is pretty damn good. Love the drums on this one. So, can we expect more in the near future? (Abscess, abscesstrax.com)

RAINBOW PERSON - Trade. Labour. Vocation EP

Not a band to easily pigeonhole. Are they hardcore? Noise? Experimental? Who fucking knows? But this is pretty good no matter how you opt to chop and dissect it. If you like 80s hardcore when things started to slow down, and also like bands like Brainbombs, Flipper, and No Trend, then you would very likely find this record to your liking. One moment the music is heading fast and loose down the track, then they slow it down to a pace akin to late summer afternoons in blistering heat - near lethargic, yet there's a real intention and desire to move forward. Very all over the place, which creates a live feel. Chaotic, and subdued here and there.  I find the second side most interesting. It's a slow and methodic burner. Guitars shimmer like a mirage in the distance, vocals are half mumbled, while the bass keeps moving ever forward.  (Margin Mouth, 5676 York Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90042, marginmouth.com)

ROUGH KIDS - Into The 00s 7"

These guys remind me a lot of Red Dons, only less polished. Which I like! The songs are tuneful, and instantly memorable. There's a nervous, yet cool, energy in the delivery. I really like the song "So Sophisticated". It's hyper, and possesses a few layers. There's the jumpy beat, then the guitars add a few things that counter it, giving you more to grab on. Not to mention the vocal delivery, and how they cut up some of the words. Then it's over in a blink. The title track is pretty good as well, and one I can imagine people singing along to at live shows. I have to hunt down more stuff from these guys. I have the split they did with the Irritones, but the material on here is much better. (marginmouth.com)

SOKEA PISTE - Oire EP

Whoa!!! This is f'n great!! Members of Manifesto Jukebox and Kyklooppien Sukupuutto make up this band, and if you're familiar with either band, then the expectations may run high.  The music has an incredible drive to it. A little bit post punk, with some goth touches. Sort of like Appendix (who the vocalist sounds a lot like). They create tension with plodding parts that switch to a noisy somewhat quicker pace. "Imbesillie Jättiläinen" has a dark air about it The bass lumbers over everything, while the guitar bleeds and slashes, and the vocals sound agonized and distracted. But, my favorite song of the three is definitely Älä Ajattele Kuolemaa", which follows the opene, "Kollektiiveninen Paniikki", which is a great songs as well. But "Älä..." is a great follow up, that switches to a slightly down mood, where the bass comes more forward, creating a feeling of despair that is undeniable. (Peterwalkee, peterwalkeerecords.com)

Issue #2 progress

Cranking away at issue #2. Hoping to have it out around the first of February. Interviews are with Cülo, UX Vileheads, Nomos, Big Crux, and Matt Plezier. Then there's a massive photo tour diary of the first Oath European tour from the year 2000. I know, over eleven years ago. But hey, good things sometimes take time. Consider it a look back at a gone by era in hardcore punk. Then there's the columns. Stay tuned...

POISON PLANET South Coast Tour dates!!!

Okay, so I finally get around to fixing this post. Blame it on the holidays. I do. 


POISON PLANET South Coast Tour 2012


Starts in January, and here we go:


Friday 1/6 TBA
Saturday 1/7 Baltimore, MD and WDC
Sunday 1/8 Richmond, VA
Monday 1/9 Raleigh, NC
Tuesday 1/10 Jacksonville, FL
Wednesday 1/11 Orlando, FL
Thursday 1/12 Tampa, FL
Friday 1/13 Tallahassee, FL
Saturday 1/14 *Pensacola, FL / Mobile, AL and Birmingham, AL (get in  touch)
Sunday 1/15 Houston, TX
Monday 1/15 Laredo, TX
Tuesday 1/17 McAllen, TX 
Wednesday 1/18 Austin, TX
Thursday 1/19 Fort Worth, TX 
Friday 1/20 Kansas City, MO 
Saturday 1/21 Springfield, IL and Indianapolis, IN


For more information go to:
http://www.thirdxparty.blogspot.com 

REVIEWS: BIG CRUX 12", NIGHT BIRDS LP, "Noise Ordinance" comp LP, C.R.A.S.H. EP, REVILERS EP, NO BABIES LP, etc etc

Here's the latest batch of reviews. As always, more in a couple weeks. Thanks to everyone who has sent records for review. I greatly appreciate it.

Also, the first print issue is out and about. Check later posts for ordering information. I started work on issue #2, which I hope to have out in late January.

As I type this I'm listening to the INFINITE BODY Carve Out The Face Of My God LP on PPM. Excellent ambient music. I guess that was a micro review. Anyway, check it out. The contact information can be found at the end of the C.R.A.S.H. review.

BIG CRUX - Nature Cruising 12" EP

The influence of the Minutemen is definitely prominent on this outing. However, as the songs play out Big Crux are allowing more of their own personality to come through, which has me anxiously anticipating the next record, and all subsequent. But since I'm living in the present, or at the very least, trying, let's focus on this record that is presently on the turntable. The first two tracks, "Don't Drink The Tea" and "Warship" definitely invoke Pedro and flannel. It's on the title track that more of their own style starts to shine through. While the first two songs are pretty damn good, it's here on the third where things get really interesting. Amid the jumpy rhythm and quick tempo there's a strong tuneful side that I would imagine will become more prominent over time. This carries over to the remaining songs on this one-sider. "Protocore" is definitely my favorite on here, and the chorus "Young hearts and minds vying for some time, another lesson learned, and other book burned..." has permanently worked itself into my mind. Something I find myself singing as I sit in LA traffic. Another great record from this band that's just getting started, really. ((SD)F Records, bigcrux[at]gmail.com / ironlungrecords/bigcartel.com)

BRAIN F ≠ - Sleep Rough LP

Brain F≠ are definitely one of the more original sounding bands happening. Their sound, while certainly punk, is not too easy to describe. There's the noisy edge that is hard to nail down. The songs are quick without being blinding thrash, and there's a tunefulness despite the chaotic side they posses. Sometimes it sounds like there are two different songs going on ( such as "Fou Raide", "Connerie", at the same time, yet it's cohesive. This is the type of music that requires you to pay close attention. This is not meant to be background noise, or passively consumed. Even with the design of the cover and the lyric sheet, everything is buried in layers that you have to take the time to decipher with your eyes and ears. In the music I hear bits of rocknroll, cowpunk, and some dirty experimentation mashed up and crammed into the rambling shambling punk body. Elise Anderson's vocals are at the top of it all, which I like, and is one of my favorite aspects of this band. There's a confidence and playfulness in the delivery that is undeniable. The guitar has a snarling bite that doesn't rely on being a wall of distortion. Check out "Sleep Rough", the guitars open up with a hard strum that almost rings, then it builds and everything else falls in behind. I'm reminded of the early 80s California sound, but these guys are not a neo-retro punk band. They have the brains to be their own band and are creating their own style. (Grave Mistake, gravemistakerecords.com)

BUFFALO BANGERS - Blockader 7"

Interesting. Verrry interesting. I get the sense this band has shut out all contemporary influences and have aimed at attaining their own sound. There's the definite punk crossed with Goth sound. I do hear traces of Christian Death and Bauhaus, with some surf-esque guitars. There is also a rough and unpolished quality to this. Which is part of the appeal for me. The drums are rudimentary, keeping the time, but no frills, giving the music a slight minimal vibe. Of the two tracks, "Granite Grandma" is the standout. The guitar is more prominent, with more low end from the bass right there, and the vocals have a bit more range. There's a slight melancholy in the music that is effective in putting you in the mood. (Private Leisure Industries, privateliesureindustries[a]gmail.com)

C.R.A.S.H. - A War On All Fronts EP

Soon to set the world ablaze. Instantly likeable. This new super group from the LA area is here and ready to lay it the fuck down. C.R.A.S.H. consists of members from Nazti Skinz, Born Against, No Age, Mika Miko, Wrangler Brutes, and Fast Forward. Raw no-frills hardcore punk that has a early 80s feel in the basic approach to the song writing and delivery. There's a looseness about this that retains the energy and is not so polished and tightened up that any air is sucked out of the room. Listening to this I sort of envision the band in their practice space hammering the songs out with urgency and making sure they keep that urgency when it's recorded. "Life To Live" is my favorite of the five. The tempo is slower than the rest (they never stray over into thrash territory, choosing to keep it mainly mid paced), with some time changes, and the vocal delivery sounds stronger. But, the best lyrics are found/heard in "Cult Merch", with "You think you worry about creating culture / But you really worry about tooth decay / You think you worry about creating culture / But you're worried about your weight". Hoping there is more from these folks. (Post Present Medium, PO Box 291301, Los Angeles, CA 90029, postpresentmedium.com)

CROOKED CROSS - s/t EP

Talk about noisy!! Sounds like this was recorded in a air plane hangar. The guitar sounds like it was played with a shard of tin, the vocals sound like "bleararrgghhhh", and the drums are a complete mess. In short, this is awesome. The kind of record that grabs your attention, whether you want it to or not. You'll either love it, or leave the room. I'm sticking around for a few more listens. Amid the chaos you will hear a song structure that actually has some catchy elements you can hang on to as you go careening through the melee. "Free Chapel" sounds like the gates of Hell flung wide open and all the misery and rot unleashed. But the tracks that really stick with me the most are "The Law" with it's repetitive structure, and "Communion" which shifts tempos and gives the bass some room to come to the top. A few more spins of this are in order for today. (videodiseaserecords.com)

INSULT / RAMPANT DECAY - split EP

I had no idea Insult were playing music again. Still wished I was able to catch them when they played Los Angeles in 1997. Anyway, this is some pretty good stuff here. Short sharp blasts of hardcore thrash. Some liken them to Infest, and I hear a smidge of that here, but not enough to be a clone band like many others.  Six ragers and not a stinker in the bunch. After having a laugh at the title of the final track "Diddler On Parole" I found this to be the best song of the collection. The tempo slows down a bit, which allows them to give their sound a more twisted feel in the guitar part, and hearkens back to a more early 80s sound. 

Rampant Decay are a little more thrashy. Growly death metal style vocals, a wall of guitar, and the approach of "Go! Go! Go!". A nice record to throw in the middle of a bunch of more tuneful melodic stuff when you're sitting around the house playing records. (Patac, patacrecords.com)

NIGHT BIRDS - The Other Side Of Darkness LP

Better than you can imagine!! This is completely fuggin' awesome!! F'n flawless!! Night Birds get better and better with every new release. I have been listening to their "Fresh Kills" CD for a better part of the year now, and have made a point to spread the gospel to others. Even at Sunday night skate sessions of the middle-aged, where suddenly everyone was transported back to their youth and skated like it. Perhaps because this band is so damn good, and also it could be because they do a pretty damn good job of getting the early hardcore punk sound down, and making it sound as fresh and vibrant as it did one hundred years ago. The surf instrumental "Day After Trinity" is a burner, sounding like something Dick Dale would write. In fact, one of the strongest facets of the Night Birds is the guitar player can play quite well. Makes some of the OC bands sound amateur. No joke. The guitar has the classic surf sound, plays fast and clean (check out the song "Paranoid Times", and notice your jaw has hit the floor at the beginning), and the drums and bass hold it all together and it sounds effortless, despite the precision of the craft. 

A couple old tracks, "Can't Get Clean", and "Paranoid Times" are re-recorded, and have more fire than before. The eleven new tracks are killer; "Sex Tape", "Born Of Man And Woman", the title track, "Neon Gray", and "One Eye" to name a few. You could waste your time with reunited Adolescents and the Dickies, or you could spend your remaining time on this planet wisely and listen to the Night Birds instead. (Grave Mistake, gravemistakerecords.com)

NO BABIES - s/t  LP

Caught this outfit live at the Smell the other night. In a stroke of pure luck I walked into the space as soon as they were setting up. Their live show is one of those 'must see' events. Nothing but non-stop explosive energy. Everyone in the band is spazzing out and throwing themselves around the room with abandon. I took photos, and we'll see how they come out in a few weeks (I shoot on film when I can, and it's what I prefer...). Made sure to pick this record up and their split tape with Shearing Pinx. The cover art here is interesting. A photo of hand made dolls with a bank made of cardboard bricks going up in paper flames. The music is pressed on gorgeous red with glitter vinyl. The music is total no wave skronk meets the hyper tempo of Melt Banana. Guitars scrape, blurp, and go 'wromph' here and there, while the vocals are delivered with often rapid fire cadence. The saxophone mimics a tea kettle on boil with high pitched and long drawn blasts. It may sound like complete chaos, but listen closer and you will hear that this stuff is planned out and measured. Maybe not exact in the math, but it sounds good. It's complex, and you know they knew what they're doing. Sometimes the rhythms lurch, and everything sounds crammed in, then the music will suddenly open up for a few moments, then it's back at it with the jammed in guitars, blasting saxophone, crashing and rolling drums that sometimes pull off some free jazz bits, and I'm of the opinion hold the songs together. If you were to take them out, then perhaps everything else would implode, or explode outward and make a glorious mess. I think I love this band... (Upet! The Rhythm, upsettherhythm.co.uk)

REVILERS - Stand or Fall EP

Decent street punk in the vein of Workin' Stiffs, and Swingin' Utters (fortunately Revilers are much less polished). Favorite song on here is "Tried And True" with the lines "I get the feeling I'm being marginalized / And downsized". The song "Road Rage" sounds like it has a little bit of Motorhead in it. Hmmm... (Patac, patacrecords.com)

SVARTENBRANDT - Dollarogön EP

Whoa!! This is some pretty damn good punk from Sweden. Definitely European in style. How to back that statement up... Hmmm... Well, you know it when you hear it. There's qualities that regions have over other regions. For one, this is pretty damn tuneful, but raw and driving as well. Not to mention passion in the vocals with a hint of desperation in the delivery. At times the music sounds busy with the guitars playing different parts that almost sound like their off time. I hear some early Hüsker Dü in their sound. Mainly in the melody. The most tuneful of the five is "Sälj Ut Din Själ", and so happens to be the song that stayed in my mind most long after the record was finished. But, just so you know, the whole damn record is worth repeated listens. (Gaphals, www.gaphals.se) 

V/A- "Noise Ordinance" LP

Considering the pull and influence of Maximum Rocknroll, I have high expectations for any record they put out. For all their resources they have no excuse to put out some half-baked compilation, and though they may have released some clunkers in the past (the split double EPs of the 90s, the "They Don't Get Paid..." comp), this one is pretty damn good. Worthy of sharing shelf space next to the first two comps, for sure. I'm really surprised at how good this to be honest. Mostly because there seems to be a lot of really good bands in the Bay Area at the moment. Something their well-known neighbor six hours south can not boast of. 

This collection covers a good range of bands that fall under the punk umbrella. You have the the rough and nasty style, the crust and metallic stuff, thrash, post punk, etc. The bands that really stood out for me are: Airfix Kits, Rank/Xerox, NN, Year One, Shotwell, Hunx and His Punx, Fleshies, and Face The Rail. (Maximum Rocknroll, PO Box 460760, San Francisco, CA 94146 / maximumrocknroll.com)

preview of new Timebombs song.

Hey, if you're interested, here's a track that Timebombs are working on that may be on their upcoming album.


http://soundcloud.com/t_b-1/the-timebombs-ravens

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