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Record Reviews
- August, 2000 Assailants "Modern Technology" CD The
Assailants are a frenzy of fast and aggressive 80’s punk rock. These
guys could have fit right in with one of those V/A "Louder, Faster,
Hardcore Punk" compilations. They have a lot of heart and give it
all for the kids. There’re 12 tracks including, "Pigs",
"Not Impressed", and "Same Old Shit." (JD) Chixdiggit! "From Scene to Shining Scene" CD/LP Boy,
what happened to these guys? Their first album on Sub Pop was an exquisite
merging of early rock ‘n’ roll and pop punk. Now their records
are just boring and flavorless pop punk. I guess selling out will do that
to ya. What-everrr, like you need to spend your hard-earned dough on this
factory designed bullshit! (JD) Clit 45 "Tales From the Clit" CD
Fireballs of Freedom "Total Fucking Blowout" CD This
Montana band can really deliver the chops -- live, they come across as
a sped up 'n quirky Quadrajets. That means "good." Tight and
powerful, grafting unexpected twists and turns onto the rock, y'all need
to check 'em out. The first album... slick overproduced something. I never
took to it. "Total Fucking Blowout" is a great album, though
-- rough where it needs to be yet loud 'n clear. The songs sound better,
too. Best Estrus thing in a coon's age. (TK) Flipsides "S/T" CDEP
Forced Reality "13 Years Of…" CD Forced
Reality is an all-round good punk band. Their songs are real catchy and
remind me of well-known punk groups like the Business and Dropkicks. Hooligans
till the end, these boys like to bring on the ruckus. If you want to go
to a punk show and chant along to some good old punk rock this is your
band. There’re 10 tracks including, "Never Forget", "15
Pints (and I’m Still Standing)", and "We’re Not Alone."
(JD) GC5 "Kisses From Hanoi" CD
Gruesomes "Cave-In!" CD/LP The
Gruesomes were great Montreal garage punkers in the mid-late 80’s
and after 10 years on ice, they’ve bestowed upon us the dreaded "reunion"
album. Most reunion albums as expected, fucking blow, but surprisingly,
this is actually quite different here because the songs on this record
sound almost EXACTLY like what The Gruesomes were doing 15 years ago…
And yes, that’s a GOOD thing. For those who missed out on this band
the first time, they were a fun, snotty, fuzz driven garage punk band
bent on copying their 60’s garage idols. All of their stuff went
out of print shortly after they broke up and in the last few years, people
have been paying like $50 or more for some of their original records and
because these cats could not find most of the masters for their old records,
they made a whole new record instead. While it is an obvious cash-in on
renewed interest, this is cool and fun 60’s influenced garage punk
and fans of Billy Childish or The Makers should dig this. (SA) Guilty Pleasures "Trash Bag" 7" Snotty
Heartbreakers punk from Nowhere, IL. Been lucky enough to see these guys
a few times up here in Green Bay, and I'm happy to report that this here
single measures up to the live caterwaul. The tall/skinny guitarist is
the one of the best post-Thunders chuckberry worshippers I've ever seen.
The two songs included are good, but they have better ones in the cannon.
Can't wait to hear 'em. (TK) Henry Fiat's Open Sore "Gnarly" 7" Whacked
6-songer, more goof ball and less rockin' than the stuff I'd previously
heard. Dunno' if it's just me or the fact that this release is on Charlie
"Rancid Hell Spawn" Chainsaw's label, but yeah -- sorta' reminds
me of the anything-goes pre-metal hardcore of the early 80’s, lo-fi
and mean. "Dee Dee Ramone" & "Desto in Ms Fiat"
are both chucklesome and tap-toe. I like it, but I'm also disappointed.
(TK) JP5 "Hotbox" CD/LP JP5
gets compared to Nashville Pussy a lot, but that’s based on looks.
Ya see, the band is lead by a couple of hot chicks, backed up by redneck
looking wild-men and their live sets include a strip show and assorted
nudity, so the NP comparison is inevitable, but JP5 are far from clones.
Unlike Nashville Pussy, the female leads in this band are also the lead
vocalists and through that, JP5 brings great girlie-pop-punk elements
together with the wild punk n’ roll sound. This is a fun, fast, beer
fueled rock n’ roll record with a cool femme touch. Think of the
Chubbies singing songs about getting fucked and loaded, then cross them
with Motorhead and you’ll get the picture. (SA) Le Shock "We Are Electrocution" LP
Lower Class Brats "Psycho" 7" This
rekid ain’t so hot. Yeah you get more pogo punk rock from these wildly
popular kids but it’s not interesting! I liked their album on Punkcore
but I can’t give it to ‘em this time, especially when they murder
"Situations." (JD) Midnight Evils "Ain't Got Time For Love" 7" The
Midnight Evils are about as original as yer feet. Speedealer, Zeke, Nashville
Pussy, AC/DC - we've heard it all before. But fuck if they ain't a great
live band. Tight, rockin', balls-out heavy...too bad their first single
blew. Here's offering numero dos and it works pretty damn hard to bridge
the gap. Doesn't quite make it, but it's still a good listen and points
'em in the right direction. I'll bet you the next one smokes. Much recommended
for anyone into the aforementioned bands. (TK) Morticia's Lovers "My Baby MMMMHH!" 7" Cool
'billy-ish party shit from Italy. Similar to the Panther Burns, if that's
any help. Nuthin' original or heart-stopping here, but the A-side is a
boppin' original, and the B is a competent cover of one of Crime's best
moments ("Rockabilly Drugstore"). Only 300 pressed, so if this’s
yer thing, get on it. (TK) Naked Eye "Instinct/Through a Keyhole" 7"
Rancid "S/T 2000" CD/LP Ok,
Rancid’s back to their old self. Their new record is like a combination
of the "S/T" and "Let’s Go" albums. Lint’s
lost his tired, cigarette ridden wail and has gained enough energy to
pump out a pretty rockin’ record. Their Clash inspired punk is long
gone and their original California-ized speed punk is back, hopefully
for good. Yes folks, it’s actually not too bad. (JD) Reds "S/T" CD/LP The
Teengenerate effect has finally hit the USA! Yes boys and girls the Reds
have all the fire and fury of the Registrators. Moreover, if you look
at the key components of bands like Teengenerate and the Registrators
you’ll hear the pioneers of punk Devo and the Vibrators. But don’t
take my word for it, go out and get this amazing record to hear what the
rest of us already know. There’re 14 songs including such hot tunes
as, "Ready Steady Reds", "Don’t Wake Me Up",
and "Move Around." This is gonna be on my top ten for the year,
oh yeah! (JD) Reds "S/T" CD/LP Absolutely
KILLER Texas punk 'n roll from a band that just keeps upping the ante
with every new release. Unorthodox rhythm fuckery meets the Ramones, Registrators
and Chinese Millionaires in a singular stew that explodes at right angles.
They cover the Urinals, blast a few at rocket speed and display a pop
sense ("Ready Steady Reds," "Don't Wake Me Up") not
fully evident on the three singles. Right up there with the top Rip Off
full lengths (Infections, Chinese Millionaires, Rip Offs). The best one-two
lead-punch in recent memory. Hands-down primo album of 2000. (TK) Riverboat Gamblers "Mean Motor Machine" 7" Don’t
skimp on the rock ma’ boy! The Riverboat Gamblers just wanna have
their fun! The guitars are as thick as a chocolate milkshake and just
as smooth. Their brand of punk ‘n’ roll has teeth as sharp as
razors. These Texas punks must have cactus stuck up their ass to have
so much energy. There’s only one problem with this 45, two songs
ain’t enough! Get your asses into the studio and put out an album
motherfuckers! (JD) River City Rebels "Racism, Religion, and War" CD/LP These
guys could blow up in a big way. With proper marketing these boys could
be another Dropkick Murphys. They sound hungry for it and can transmit
incredibly catchy songs with lots of energy. The only thing that agitates
me about this band is their brass section. They are used in the interludes
for the most part, which is unnecessary. Other than that this is a solid
CD that features 14 tracks including, "Army Boy" and "Make
A Stand." (JD) Safety Pins "Invite Us to Your Funeral" CD/LP Straight
outta Spain is the Safety Pins! Those of you looking for more rock action
will have to go some where else. These Spaniards have strayed even further
away from the heavy guitars to more of a ’79 punk era sound with
big distortion. They are even trying out some synthesized sounds and lots
more keyboards. This can work real well for them like in the tune, "Living
the Right Way" and can hinder their music like in the tune, "Evil
Song." Overall I think this album was very rushed and would have
worked better in a 10" or 7" EP format. There are only 13 tracks
including 3 covers and a song of their first album, "Strychnine."
(JD) Screeching Weasel "Teen Punks In Heat" CD/LP Together
again, Screeching Weasel are the kings of Ramones influenced pop punk.
They whine about girls, their shitty lives, and the usual junk. If you
liked the Screeching Weasel records from the early 90’s you’ll
like this album. It’s certainly not anything new but at least they’re
still pissed about something. There’re 20 songs including, "Pauline",
"Gotta Girlfriend" and "I Wanna Fuck." The promo says
it’ll be out sometime in September. (JD) Shrubbers "Bomb Threat" CD Jesus...
I've seen this Milwaukee band countless times over the last few years,
so I don't really know where to start. They sorta' cross the Teen Idols
with the Teen Idles or something; and then toss in some Crimpshrine. Pop-crust?
I dunno'. Not my normal thing at all, but over the years some of Nate's
songs have crawled into my ear like that ear-crawling bug-thing in Star
Trek. And now I'm infected, thanks Nate. "People I Know" is
a wonderful song by any yardstick, "Maggie's Wasting My Time"
is a cool hardcore ditty, "Stay the Same" sounds like it came
offa' Zen Arcade. Sure, there's alotta' dumb stuff on here, but I'm glad
I can pull it out at any time. Snuh. (TK) Shutups "...Haul Off and Smack Your Ass" 7" This
4-song EP, along with the Kill-A-Watts single that just came out on Rip
Off, were gonna' be Trick Knee #4 or 5, so you know I like the band. Teen
rockers from Sheboygan, inhabiting the netherworld between Electric Frankenstein
rock, Junk Records roll/nod and the Rip Off amphetamine rush. Like Junk
scratched into the inner groove -- "Young, loud, and snoddy (sic)."
Not the ideal production for the band, me-sez, but "Baby Come On"
is a hit any way you look at it. Limited amount on red, geeks. (TK) Smuts/Evolutions "Split" 7" It’s
a fuckin’ Kryptonite record. You should know what to expect by now.
The Smuts are living distortion. They are just fuzzy all over with catchy
little ditties like "Punk Rock Girl" and "Suprize Package
for Mr. Lowery", I won’t give the "suprize" away,
but it’s arousing to say the least. The Evolutions are another trashy,
clamorous bunch of fucks. If you’re prone to garbage can recordings
like I am you have to check out every Kryptonite release, you… you
fuckin’ kids! (JD) Starvations "Church of the Double Cross" 7" A
band that has been a hit or miss with me is the Starvations. Their first
single on Vinyl Dog was a masterpiece of garage punk and blues. This here
record shows the Starvations are back on the trail to rock ‘n’
roll stardom. They’re writing more from the heart and were recorded
better. I can’t wait for their forthcoming album. (JD) Teen Idols "Full Leather Jacket" CD/LP The
Teen Idols are ultra pop. As a matter of fact, I was debating whether
or not I should even review this disc for Blank Generation. Well they
used to be a pop punk band; now they’re just a step away from the
Backstreet Boys. I’m sorry, these guys fuckin’ blow! (JD) Trailer Trash U.K. "Go Head and Sue Us You Mouse Lovin Bastards" CD These
boys are some irate motherfuckers, even more irate than I am. This would
be standard punk rock if it weren’t for the unusually catchy guitars
and well thought-out lyrics. Trailer Trash U.K. are hardcore punk rock
with a snotty attitude towards everything! So, these guys are fuckin’
good and if you don’t think so you’re a tool! There’re
14 tracks, half of which are live, but I couldn’t tell the difference.
(JD) Upsets/Richmond Sluts 7" Recently
got another batch of Pelado singles. Y'know, Patrick never puts out shit,
but out of any 5 Pelado releases, you get one classic. Since I'm too lazy
to go back and see what Joe already reviewed, I'm just gonna' talk about
the one great record in the stack. The Richmond Sluts are a Heartbreakers/Joneses
type of band (song title -- "Junky Queen"). Good 'n catchy,
a definite keeper. The REAL action, however, is on the Upsets side. Powerful
and raw mid-paced punk with a capital "P." Up there with the
Beez, Epileptix, and the Prostitutes. This one's definitely worth picking
up. (TK) V/A "Greasers, Punks & Skins #2" CD For
a small sum of money you can hear the latest in punk, oi, and rockabilly
from all over the world. This is a decent comp featuring 28 bands! There
are some fine punks, skins, and rockers on this CD including, The Wretched
Ones, Anti-Socials, and Slap N the Cats. Punk ‘N’ Oi fans should
take note. (JD) V/A "Mission #651" 7" EP This
is a 4-band 7" comp. I’ve never heard any of these bands and
there’s no information included with the 7". Most of the bands
on here have a progressive rock sound. I really like the vocals in Grotto’s
song, "Van Gogh and Me", they’re like a female Ian MacKaye.
The only punk band on this thing is Superhopper, an average pop punk band
with an added brass section. If you’re a fan of bands like Fugazi
and that crew you might be into this. I’m not but I give ‘em
credit for the low budget recording. (JD) V/A "Rockin’ Jelly Bean’s Jumpin’ Jukebox!" CD/LP
V/A – Teenage Shutdown "I’m Gonna Stay" CD/LP The
subtitle of the comp is "Target: Fuzz", so you know what to
expect – 17 ace fuzz-punk singles from the 60’s garage era courtesy
of our friends at Crypt Records. Like with any comp in the Teenage Shutdown
series, several of the singles here are available on earlier Pebbles and
Highs in the Mid-Sixties comps (like The Modds "Leave My House"
and The Moxies "I’m Gonna Stay"), but with 11 never compiled
songs, the much improved sound quality of the re-comped ones and cool
liner notes, who the fuck cares what inferior comp with shitty sound quality
it originally came from? One of the best in the entire TS series and fans
of the "Back from the Grave" sound will especially dig the fuzz
drenched crunchers on this one. (SA) Vice Squad "Lavender Hill Mob" 7" What
is this, new Vice Squad? I never even liked old Vice Squad! This isn’t
punk, it’s wanky pop rock that features decrepit and in much need
of a face lift punk rockers. Those looking to regain their youth should
search somewhere else. (JD) Victims "No Thanks to the Human Turd" 7"
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blankgeneration.com 2003 |
Punks
and skins come on out, Clit 45 are about to offer you some first class
political pogo punk rock. Hailing from Long Beach, CA this Casualties
influenced punk band has gained a lot of recognition in the scene. If
you’re into a lot of "We’re not gonna take it" punk
rock you have to hear Clit 45! (JD)
The
Flipsides are coated in sugar with all kindsa hooks and melodies. They
are quite intense; filling my room with infectious power pop punk that’ll
get your head boppin’ to the beat. Sabrina’s silvery vocals
can only do the Flipsides justice. If you are into ultra catchy power
pop and lots of energy you will have to look into the Flipsides! There’re
5 tracks including, "The Best of Times" and "Punk Underwood."
(JD)
Skinheads
rejoice! Outsider has come to save your pathetic minds from the dreaded
TKO Records monotony. GC5 is a thrilling new punk/oi band that combines
the rage of old school Rancid with mother->fucking catchy rock ‘n’
roll tunes. The rough vocals have plenty of soul and the desire to be
heard. This 14-song disc is a definite keeper so check it out or go and
listen to the Righteous! (JD)
Le
Shock are a straight-forward, "Killed By Death" type punk band.
They seem to hit all the right notes on their guitars and keyboards, but
something is missing. There isn’t any excitement in their music.
They have nothing to express and no way to keep my attention from wandering
off into space. Overall they are not bad, just not something I’d
spend money on. They give ya 13 tunes at 45 RPMs. (JD)
Located
some where deep in the Australian Outback the Naked Eye are a shimmying
and a shaking to their rock ‘n’ roll. The Naked Eye’s hit
song "Instinct" is a powerful mix of DMZ and a certain other
Ausie band, the Spoilers! The b-side features a slower, trippy psychedelic
jaunt into the abyss. Not a bad release, I’m anxious to hear more.
(JD)
America
has been suffering a lack of Japanese punk. It’s really sad kids
today can’t reach the level of excitement that I felt when Fink and
the gang invade our shores in the early 90’s and preceded to blow
our minds. I encourage everyone to go out a pick this record up. It symbolizes,
in a manner of speaking, a majestic era in rock ‘n’ roll when
I was a lad and I hope it will do the same for you. There are 12 bands
on this comp including such heavyweights as The Jet Boys, Tweezers, and
Guitar Wolf, in addition to some newcomers like, The Teeny Cheetahs and
The Money Spyders. (JD)
Most
certainly one of the best Australian punk rock bands to ever grace my
stereo. The Victims are just the perfect 1977 punk band. Their songs have
an enormous amount of personality to them and they write their tunes with
such candor; I’m just crazy about them. This is their 2nd
7" and it’s almost as good as their first, "Television
Addict." If you’re a vinyl nut get this immediately; but if
I were you I’d just pick up the V/A "Murder Punk" volumes
1 and 2 that contains this 7" plus loads more great 70’s Aussie
punk. (JD)