Custom Tripus toy

I had gotten this clear Tripus by Max Toy Co. a while ago, and kind of stared at it, not wanting to ruin it until I had the right idea. It's about 9" tall, and has 7 parts. I based the colors off the Kraken from the old Clash of the Titans movie. After taking it apart, I noticed that the face tentacles were glued on, and not a part of the head. I had to cut a hole, and use a straw to paint the inside. Once I painted the inside green, I made masks out of tape on the chest and legs for the gold spray paint. I was a little worried, since the vinyl is a little different than what I'm used to, but the paint stayed perfectly. For the arms and top of the legs I went a little more free form, and did a more Kaiju style spray. For the face, I used a gold paint marker for the horns and eyes. Once painted, I went over it all with a black rub technique. This really brought out a lot of hiding detail, especially in the scales. I couldn't be happier with how this came out.
More pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bleedingedges/sets/72157627161316251

Record/Zine Reviews (early summer 2011)

The bulk of this batch or reviews post is going to be zines, since I picked up a bunch recently. In today's instant gratification culture, it's real good that people are still making zines. Also, you may notice that I changed the format of my reviews slightly. I want people to go out and buy the good releases for sure, and support new bands releasing demos. After being basically called an elitist on a local message board for wanting to wait until I got a record in the mail before passing judgment on some mp3s, I feel like actually buying releases is more important. Downloading is convenient, but it devalues the efforts of the bands you claim to like. Before publishing this, I came across a (self-proclaimed) hardcore blog where the write said "I'm not a fan of the physical format." Fuck off asshole, I actually own all of the things I review. If this is the future of the HC scene, what's the point of even dropping out? What will you do, delete your hard drive?

7":

Waste Management- Power Abuse (Painkiller Records)
So these songs came out last year on a cassette, which also had a live set. These new songs were too good to fade into obscurity. If you have ears, you no doubt loved their first record, which blended SSD with early AF. The new record has that, but adds some Discharge elements. "Too Much Unity" is about keeping hardcore for the weirdos, which I can definitely support. The cover art is a crazy full color illustration that reminds me of Agnostic Front's Cause for Alarm LP. If you only get one record this month, it should be this. Includes a digital download.


Ripcord- The Damage is Done (Boss Tuneage Records)
So to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Ripcord's first 7", the fine folks at Boss Tuneage were cool enough to re-press this record. The original was on a flexi, so even if you found an original, it probably is in some rough shape. The re-press is on a nice thick piece of vinyl, so it will last another 25 years. This is Ripcord at their most raw. Their sound was heavily influenced by the early 80's USHC, though filtered through Discharge's raw intensity and anger. Some of these songs were re-recorded later, but I prefer these versions better. The version of "Furder" is by far superior w/o the opening mosh part being ruined by a sample. 3/4 of Ripcord now play in Violent Arrest, who are also awesome.


Night Fever- Transparent (No Way Records)
I LOVED Night Fever's New Blood LP, so not only was I psyched to get this new 7", but I get to see/play with them twice on their US tour. In the past, I described them as Youth of Today mixed with Guns N Roses. This new 7" has 3 songs, which display a bit more Thin Lizzy style rock n roll vibe, though the lyrics are still hateful and vocals still ridiculous. Hopefully you caught them on their US tour, pick up this record for sure, and get the reissue of New Blood if you don't have it already.


No Statik- Clarified, Distilled, Recomposed b/w We All Die In The End (Iron Lung Records)
Picked this up based on the ex-members of What Happens Next? and Look Back and Laugh, expecting it to be pretty good. Unfortunately this 2 song single is insanely boring. The A-side is an ok song, but pales in comparison to LBAL. The B-side is some boring instrumental that turns into some techno crap. I don't know if their LP on Prank is any better, and frankly I don't want to find out.


Criaturas- Aranas En El Corazon (Lengua Armada Records)
Cariaturas is a band from TX, who are female fronted and sing in Spanish. I believe there's some Deskonocidos members involved in this. The music is a melodic early 80's punk, sort of like a Spnish version of the Comes. The vocals are screamed, while the music is a reverb drenched D-beat. Not too bad, into it.


Poison x Planet- Bleed For Me (Third Party Records)
Here's a record I'm sure was fun to make. For Poison Planet's recent European tour, they decided to release a 7" consisting of 2 Dead Kennedys covers that they recorded with their last 2 EPs. Unfortunately for us, the lyrics of both of those songs still hold true today as much as they did in the 80's The government is still underhanded, and nazi punks still need to fuck off. Nick sings in his own way, and doesn't try to emulate Jello's signature style. The lyrics are printed inside along with how they relate to us almost 30 years later. If you like Poison planet and Dead Kennedys, then this is a fun release. If not, then you're fuckin' up. I would have like the see a PxP take on the old DK logo for that B-side label though.


Remission -Winds of Promise (React! Records)
Reission is a band from Chile, a country not generally known for their hardcore output. Not really knowing what to expect, I was pleasantly surprised. Their sound reminds me of the mid-80's DC sound like Dag Nasty and Swiz, however not treading into pop-punk or boring indie rock. The songs have a lot of punch to them. Coincidentally, they have a split with Police and Thieves that just came out, and I feel like both bands play a similar style. This 3 song 7" definitely left me wanting more. Includes a digital download.


Street Sweeper- s/t (Shoe City Records)
Street Sweeper is a new band from MA who plays a style of HC more like bands from NY. I get a Leeway or Killing Time vibe from this. The music is mid-paced and heavy, however straying from metal guitar tone in favor of heavy riffing. While not my favorite style, this is actually done very well. My only peeve is that the songs don't flow into each other, it seems like the feedback could have easily been blended between songs without a break. That may just be something I notice, but an overall impressive debut.


Villain- Trouble At Home (Shoe City Records)
Villain is another band from MA, who also play a harder style of HC, similar to bands like Think I Care and Tarpit. They balance the slower mosh parts with the faster HC/punk parts. I kind of wish there were more fast parts, as I think they're more interesting. I could see someone into the Ceremony style being into this. Includes a digital download.

12":

Soul Swallower- Devoured (Painkiller Records)
Soul Swallower was a side project that released a 7" back in like 2005, that sort of flew under the radar when it was released. Though it was good, Mind Eraser related bands have a lot more interest nowadays. Musically, the LP is a bit more dark, taking cues from Taste of Fear, and mixing black metal elements with fast hardcore. There's a good balance of fast and heavy parts here. Would have been nice to have a lyric sheet, but it's pretty decent. Includes a digital download.


Poison Planet- Ugly Truths Vol. 1 (Carry the Weight Records)
Another Poison Planet record to coincide with their European tour. This LP compiles their first and second 7"s, along with 2 covers and some new songs. Since I've already reviewed their 7"s, I'll keep it brief. Poison Planet is a politically conscious vegan straight edge band, who plays hardcore similar to bands from the early 80's. I thought it was interesting that they chose to cover Get It Away and Cold Shoulder, 2 bands from recent years that are local to them. One of the new songs, "Who's to Blame" takes the intro to "Eyes Wide Open" and has an animal rights speech that sounds like it's through a megaphone. Kinds reminds me of the LP version of "Furder" by Ripcord. However both songs open each side of the LP, so the A and B sides both start with the same music. This LP is a good way for newcomers to PxP to catch up on their releases, and get some new stuff.


Pure Hell- Noise Addiction (Welfare Records)
This reissue came out like 2 years ago, but was recorded in the 70's, so it's still relevant in my eyes. Remember the Death LP that everyone went crazy for? Here's another all African American punk band from the 70's who's material went largely unreleased. Pure Hell's music is more along the lines of the New York Dolls and Sex Pistols, with a lot of attitude.


Get The Most- s/t (React! Records)
I had never checked out Get The Most before, but this LP compiles their 2 7"s and demo, so it's a perfect refresher course. I was really surprised, because this is a pretty faithful youth crew style HC, complete with Ray of Today style growls. More bands need to do that, you can say it's goofy, but you're wrong. The main riff in "Pass It On" reminds me of the mosh part in the A-Team TV show theme song, which is not a bad thing for sure. They also cover my favorite Abused song on here. Unfortunately the band is breaking up soon, and now I feel stupid for sleeping on them this long. Includes a digital download.

CD:

Villain- It’s Rough
This is Villain's first release, and while not as good as their recent 7", it's not too bad either. Lyrically is seems a lot less serious, while musically it's not as fast. I kind of liked how their 7" had a balance of fast and mid-paced mosh parts, but this isn't very fast. A bit too much focus on the mid-paced mosh for my liking. Not a bad debut, but I prefer the direction that their 7" is showing.


Snake Face- Ignorant Youth
From what I can tell, Snakeface is a band from Australia. The CD packaging has some of the worst art I've ever seen, and I thought it'd be some sort of ironic hipster indie rock crap. Thank god they had that crude drawing of a dick on the inside cover instead of, oh I don't know, lyrics/contact info? Musically though it's pretty fast/heavy hardcore in the same style as bands like Ceremony. Most of the songs clock in under a minute, but it's not enough to hold my interest.

Demos:
Stab (tape) (Painkiller Records)
I had seen a write up about Stab on a blog that referred to them as a UK straight edge band that sounded like Ripcord. Welp, I was sold. Lucky for me, Painkiller re-pressed it and had copies in the store (now sold out) when I placed my order. No false advertising here, I get a definite Ripcord, where it's fast, but not venturing into grind territory. The production is real raw and distorted, like Discharge. Overall an awesome demo. Also, it turns out that I met some of these dudes while in the UK, and this was the band they told me about. Wish I was able to see them.

File 13- Generation Lost (pro-tape)
File 13 is a new band from Richmond, VA. Their sound reminds me of recent bands like Wasted Time, Crispus Attucks or Rations; in that they play fast but with a heavier/ thicker sound. The vocalist also reminds me of No Justice. Not enough bands play this style, and I think it makes them stand out. Smart lyrics and a cool cover graphic make this a demo worth your time. Definitely looking forward to what they do next.

Beware (tape)
This is a new band from PA, with the former singer of Let Down and some other folks from other bands. They remind me a lot of Mouthpiece, or Chain Of Strength w/o the fast parts. The music is somewhat mid-paced, but powerful. When I saw them they covered my favorite Turning Point song, so that rules. This will be a band to keep an eye on for sure.
*I should note that I had to review this based on mp3s, since my tape had the first song repeated 3 times. It starts about half through the song, then repeats twice and cuts off in the middle of the 4th time. I don't even know how this could happen, who was dubbing these? Bands: just pay the extra money to get your tapes pro-duplicated, so we don't have these problems. Thanks!

Zines:
Got Myself #5
This is a zine based out of VA, which I've picked up before. The inside layout is some top notch cut and paste. Not too sloppy and easy to read, but the layout has no boring white spaces. There's interviews with Wasted Time Double Negative and Night Birds. I like that there's more than just a page of reviews, I wish more zines dedicated 1/3 of their content to reviews. The writer also makes numerous references to how much they hate VA. I hear ya dude, try living in NJ.

Seven Inches to Freedom No. 9
SITF is a nice little half page zine from FL. The inside layout looks like it's been run through a photocopier from the 80's, but is very clean and easy to read. The content is similar to MRR in that there's a good amount of guest columns, interviews and reviews. I'm not really into any of the reviews or interviews, but some of the articles a real interesting. The how-to guide to creating a successful straight dge band, ot crust band was funny. The retrospective look at Sound Idea records was good as well. My old band wound up playing our last show there. Great store. Pretty cool zine overall, but probably wouldn't pick up another.

Litmus Test Issue 2
Picked this one up on a whim, I figured a straight edge zine may be cool. Not really into Bracewar or Let Down, so the interviews weren't of much interest and the reviews were very minimal and mainly focused on Richmond bands. The article on women in straight edge was kind of interesting, though I would have liked to see more quotes or interviews with actual women. Oddly, I found the political writings more interesting (which isn't a good thing). Clean computer looking layout, but not really anything special. Did the thanks list really require the whole back cover?

Punks! Punks! Punks! Volume 3
This zine reads like it was written for the high school newspaper. The layout is an ugly computerized look, but trying (and failing) to look cut and paste. Did you really ask one of the Casualties about what's punk or not? Did you really reference Have Heart in the Ian Mackaye interview? The best part is when the singer of Reckless Aggression tells him these are the worst questions he's ever read. This reads like the B9 board or the Youth Attack jerkbooth. .

Chunks Issues 2+3
Town of Hardcore was arguably the best zine of the 00's, but Chunks just became my top contender to carry their torch. I picked up issues 2 and 3 recently, and loved them. There's well written interviews with good questions, short and to the point reviews (I don't need 3 paragraphs on a 7 minute record) and packed with photos and a cut and paste layout. The interviews are probably the best part, since they read like someone who knows the bands personally and genuinely gets them. They stray far from the typical "who's in the band," "tell us about your touring plans" type boring questions. These 2 issues have interviews with Waste Management, Reckless Aggression, Rival Mob and Omegas- you you know they're good. Both zines are kind of thin, but are packed with nothing but quality material. Not for the weak, hardcore zine for the hardcore.

Counterfeit Garbage #5
Another great issue of this zine, a little thinner than the previous issue, but still high quality for sure. Good interviews with No Class and Devour, as well as reviews and rants. The highlight for me is Matt's review of a terrible show he went to in China, where he talks about hating white people numerous times. Great zine, probably the best in the states.

Social Hardcore Issue 2
This one's interesting, an Australian zine, but written based on a trip to the good ol' USA. It's kinda cool to see a foreign take on the bands we maybe take for granted. There's a focus on the NYC and Boston bands. The zine is only 8 pages (2 pages folded,) and the inside is all photos. Not the best photos, but cool bands for sure. Pretty cool despite its size. Would pick up again.

custom Skulloctopus toy

I had gotten this clear Skulloctopus by Plaseebo a while back to paint. I painted the inside of the bottom and did black rub, which gives it a bright yet gritty look. I treated the head a little different though. I sprayed the front white with a little ivory, and left the back clear. I painted in the metal components with a paint marker, and did a black rub all over. I also got some fake eyes and drilled holes inside the eye sockets. It gives it a much creepier look than just painting them black. Lastly, I got a handful of glow in the dark snakes off eBay, and filled the skull with them, so that they glow would appear in the unpainted part. Unfortunately the snakes don't glow very brightly (w/o the aid of a black light), so I may replace them w/ some pink worms to look more like brains.(click to get a better view of the turn around)

Record Scores: WarZone- DFTS,DFTS

WarZone was one of those bands I discovered from the NYHC: The Way It Is comp. They did a bunch of crappy later records, but I liked the early stuff. By the time I got into them around 2000, even the CD with Don't Forget The Struggle, Don't Forget The Streets and Open Your Eyes was out of print and hard to find. In the early days of Napster, I remember downloading a few songs off this record and loving them. I made it a mission to find it on vinyl, only to find out they were going for a lot more than I could afford as a 20 year old. Luckily one boring Sunday I went to my favorite local record store, Curmudgeon Records (RIP), and there it was at the top of the LP wall. Not behind glass, or anywhere special, just on the wall with other records of note that had come in used. I really wanted it, but being not the tallest dude in the world, I couldn't reach it. At the time 2 other hardcore dudes were talking about it, and I figured it was a lost cause. Those 2 would go on to do a high profile record label, and book the majority of good shows in NYC. Luckily they decided to pass on it that day, and my friend at the time Brian was working there. Dude's like 7 ft tall, so he got the record with no problem. It was marked at $20, which was amazing, and was also in awesome condition.
After a little bit of research, I found out that I had scored a first pressing copy of this record. Holy crap, right? The major difference is the song titles on the back cover. This is referred to as the "graffiti lettering," as opposed to later pressings' computer lettering. However, keep in mind in the late 80's computer lettering was extremely pixelated, and looks like garbage. Another difference was that later pressings are on Caroline, and this is on Fist Records. I wonder if that label did anything else... This was one of the first rare records I ever owned, and it definitely holds a special place in my collection.
Also check out that thanks list... WarZone: God warriors.

Chairman Mouser for Shell Shock art show

The Autumn Society has put together a tribute art show to the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles called "Shell Shock." Here is my piece for it, as you can see it's a Mouser. It was done with stencils and spray paint. I made a pattern of rats for the background in metallic silver and gold paint, using one stencil and tiled. I think it kind of looks like camouflage. The blue in the mouser is also metallic, but looks more electric blue.
You are invited to one of the most EPIC pop-culture art shows we've ever put together! The Autumn Society & Brave New Worlds Comics (Old City, Philadelphia) join forces once more to bring you SHELL SHOCK (A TMNT ART SHOW & TRIBUTE).
Please join us in celebration to these heroes in a half shell that made our childhoods and the past 25+ years radical! Not only will the event be filled with most outstanding TMNT art, but we will be visited by Brittney Schneck's TURTLE VAN!!! Other super-rad surprises are planned as well.
You do not want to miss this one! COWABUNGA DUDES!
For updates on SHELL-SHOCK, CLICK HERE

*Side rant: Why were they called Mousers when they were clearly designed to kill rats.

Record Reviews (spring 2011)

So this post took longer than I expected. Between getting busy with work and life, and getting too many records in a short period of time. Lots of killer releases, particularly Omegas and Culo. If those 2 don't end up on my top 5 of 2011, I'd be shocked. I made sure to pick up 3 of the new Lengua Armada Records releases, since they seem to be hard to find and sell out real quick. Unfortunately only one of them is worth tracking down. Sorry if some reviews are shorter than others. there were a lot to get through.

7":

Citizens Arrest- A Light In the Darkness
CA had these 7"s made to coincide with their recent (and subsequent) reunion shows. This is maybe the 3rd or 4th time these songs were reissued, but to my knowledge the first on its original format. As an added bonus, you get 2 bonus tracks from the same session that were used on comps. The layout has also been updated to a gatefold, which looks great. For anyone not familiar with Citizens Arrest, they were a HC band from NYC in the late 80's/early 90's. They played fast hardcore influenced by the early 80's bands, but played way faster and harder. More similar in style to Infest than Madball. Available on 3 colors of vinyl for the collector scum, and absolutely mandatory NYHC.


Authorites- Soundtrack for Trouble
One of my favorite early 80 punk 7"s gets reissued with 2 bonus tracks? Sign me up! I love the Authorities, who I first discovered through the first Killed By Death comp. All 4 of the songs from the original 7" are hits for sure. "I Hate Cops" and "Radiation Masturbation" are the best. The artwork is an exact copy of the original, adding the 2 bonus tracks of course. One of the 2 were on the Puppy Love LP, while the other is new to me. In all honesty, they're not as strong as the others, and probably could have been left on the cutting room floor. However it is cool that it's got more music for your buck. Someone sell/trade me a copy of the "Puppy Love" LP.


Cülo- Toxic Vision
Some bands slow down and fall into a pattern after a few 7"s... Not Culo. This is by far their best 7". The recording quality is good, it's faster and just overall a fucking killer record. They even slow it down to a Zero Boys pace on "Toxic Vision." I love this shit. Funny story, when they played in NJ last year, I missed the show because I was baking a wedding cake. That cake sucked, I should have gone to the show.


Sorry Excuse- s/t
I liked Sorry Excuse's previous record, so I jumped at pre-ordering the new one. They play a fast almost Infest speed of hardcore, though not straying into power violence territory. More just fast as shit HC with gruff vocals. The recording is a lot more raw, and faster than their first 7". Their sound is almost like a tougher version of Coke Bust. Try to check em out on their summer tour w/ Kicked In (who also rule).


Reckless Aggression- Demo
This is Reckless Aggression's demo pressed to vinyl. Seemed like a lot of people had this record on their best of 2010 lists, and after getting it in my hands, I can see why. They are a skinhead band from Australia, and play oi influenced hardcore, not unlike 86 Mentality. The best thing about this is that there's 9 songs (one's a 4-Skins cover), so it's not one of those lame 4 song demo 7"s. Definitely try to find this quick, because there's only 500 pressed. Includes a digital download.


Vacant State- Internal Conflict
I literally know nothing about this band, or when this record came out. I read a writeup in a distro, and it seemed cool, so I gave it a shot. Boy am I glad I did, this thing is incredible. It starts out fast and raw hardcore, reminiscent of Cardiac Arrest of Black SS in the vocals. As the record goes on, the music slows down more an more, ending in a slow dirge that takes up the whole B-side. At times it's like Slapshot, other times My War era Black Flag. This is apparently their 2nd 7", so it looks like I have to hunt down the 1st now. Don't judge it on the weak cover art, check this out, because it's fucking awesome.


Born Bad / Duress
It's a shame these 7"s didn't come out in time for their tour over the summer, because now both bands are dead. Born Bad's sound is more focused, and some of their best songs.I remember hearing that they recorded an LP worth of songs, but decided to break them up into a 7", a tape and this split. Duress's side is ugly feedback drenched fast hardcore. With only 3 songs on here, it's over before you get a chance to catch your breath. I always loved Duress, so it's kind of a bummer that this is the last new songs to come out.


School Jerks- Control
I loved School Jerks' previous 2 7"s, so I was psyched to pick this up. SJ really nail that early Black Flag vibe, complete with a raw 80's style recording quality. On this record, I get a Necros vibe as well. Funny how the record is called "Control," but there's only lyrics to one song, and it's not "Control." Considering their other 7"s had no lyrics at all, I guess it's better than nothing. Hopefully they do an LP soon.


Slobs- Look Busy, Do Nothing
I had seen the Slobs last year with the Omegas (who they share a member or 2 with), and didn't think much of them. This EP however is a big improvement. I get a vibe of the Fix and Necros, mixed with good era Career Suicide. Pretty cool.


Sweet Tooth- Japanese Void
I know nothing about this band, I just ordered all of the new Cowabunga releases. This is some really fast distorted HC, somewhat similar to Duress. Great debut EP. The Mid-West continues to crank out awesome HC bands.


Not Sorry- Our Choices
I had liked Not Sorry's first 7", so I ordered their follow up. They've definitely progressed as a band, and they definitely nail that late 80's west coast straight edge sound. I always got a strong Chain of Strength influence from these guys. I feel like there's a lot more intensity in the vocals and playing. Their first 7" was their demo, plus 2 new ones, so they've had some time to get comfortable playing together. Fans of the straight edge and youth crew won't be let down that's for sure. Includes a digital download.


Common Cause- s/t
I saw these guys when I went to Europe, and they played an Edge Day show in Sweden. I liked them, so when I got home I ordered this record. It's pretty good late 80's youth crew influenced, but definitely not by the numbers. At times I get a more Supertouch/ Burn vibe, in some of the more heavy riffs, but only in small doses. Definitely spans the early REV catalog for influence. The last song has a kind of groovy breakdown, that would make the Bad Brains proud. I actually think ending the 7" on a slower groove is awesome. I'd like to hear their other records for sure. Includes a digital download.


Noose- It's Your Time.
I know I already reviewed their demo HERE, and this is their demo on a 7". I just wanted to add that for this they recorded a 2nd guitar track, which makes the recording sound way more full. If you liked the demo, get this! If you didn't get the demo, get this! Includes a digital download.


Night Birds- Midnight Movies
Night Birds' first record for No Way is a lot faster than their previous record. "Midnight Movies" is the clear hit of the record, similar to "Prognosis Negative" from the previous. The 3 songs on the b-side are a faster as well. "Bad Biology" has a catchy chorus that will get stuck in your head. Similar to the Ergs, they play all of their songs 2x faster live, which I think makes them better. Excellent 7", bring on the LP!


Much Worse- Absolute Nightmare
I liked Much Worse's first 7", it combined 80's style US HC, with the huge tight loud sound of Japanese HC. This new 7" is also really good. Somewhat similar in approach to Stripmines, though maybe nodding more to the Fix than Negative Approach. I also get a vibe of almost a more stripped down version of Raw Nerve as well. I'm not really into the cover art, but the inside type layout rules. Pretty cool record overall.


Porcodio- Nessun Posto Per Me
This is a kind of weird project, half of Government Warning plus the drummer of Anti You on vocals. The songs are sung in Italian, and they're going for that Italian HC sound. It's no Indigesti or Negazione clone, but it is real fast and killer. The vocals have this high pitched whine to them, kinda like HR (Bad Brains). This is a really cool 7", but being as it's on Lengua Armada, it probably sold out months ago.


Totsugeki Sensya- Chain Of Tragedy
Another record I took a chance on being on Lengua Armada and Japanese. Pretty good hardcore in a style similar to early DSB. Nothing amazing, but pretty decent.


Vaccuum- s/t
I had no idea what to expect from this record, I just bought it because usually the Lengua Armada releases don't stay available very long. Now I'm all for a raw recording, but holy fuck I can't hear anything. The recording quality is that of a live tape, or practice tape. You can barely make out any music, aside from a few guitar leads, but otherwise it's a solid wall of noise. Fuck you Vaccuum, fuck you Lengua Armada, I want my $5 back.


Murder-Suicide Pact- Do It Or Don't
Remember these guys? An ex-Failure Face band from FL, who was more productive in the late 90's/early 2000's. Last year they recorded a demo, which had 12 songs. Those songs were released as this 7" and another. Murder-Suicide Pact play HC along the lines of My War era Black Flag, but unlike a lot of artsy weirdos jocking later Flag, these guys sound meaner. Most of the songs are mid-paced, but they're powerful. Give it a shot.


The Shirks- Cry, Cry, Cry
I actually have no prior knowledge of the Shirks, but got this from Grave Mistake. Based on the illustration on the cover, I was expecting a more indie/ power-pop sound, but it's actually a bit more garage rock. The song "Prostitution Summer" on the b-side reminds me a lot of The Kids. This is actually a real good 7". Probably more for fans of The Ladies and Night Birds in the Grave Mistake catalog. This is really good, and apparently they have 3 other records out there. Includes a digital download.

10":

Short Fast & Loud 10 Year comp
This comp comes with the new issue of S,F & L, and has some of today's higher caliber fast bands. Coke Bust, Extortion and Seein Red are the real standouts. A lot of the songs kind of blend together, but overall I think Fastcore freaks will love it. The zine is also awesome, and it's priced so cheap that it's almost like the zine is free.

12":

Cock Sparrer- Shock Troops
Pirates Press is where all the labels go to press their records when they need some crazy printing or vinyl color. Now Pirates Press has taken the task of re-pressing the Cock Sparrer discography, and doing a killer job at it. The cover is a nice thick stock, the dust sleeve is embossed, and the vinyl (2nd press) is a tri-split of red, white and black. Since this record is like 25+ years old, I won't go too in dept on the music. They play a mid-paced style of British punk, similar to Sham 69. "Watch Your Back" has always been a particular favorite. This would make an excellent upgrade to an old beat copy, or a great opportunity to get this on vinyl if you don't have it already. I hope Pirates Press doesn't do a camo patterned vinyl, because I'd have to buy it again.


Omegas- Blasts of Lunacy
I absolutely LOVED Omegas' demo, but thought the 7" wasn't as good, so I had high hopes for the LP. Luckily I wasn't let down, and the LP seems to fit more with the demo sound than the 7". They've perfectly captured the sound of obscure early 80's NY and NJ hardcore/punk bands. A perfect soundtrack for riding dingy NYC subways. The songs vary pace- some fast, some slow, some long, some short - the perfect way to write an LP. The cover art looks like some sort of Euro techno LP, but I guess it fits the simplified circular art of their other releases. This will easily be a top contender for best LP of 2011.


Slang- Life Made Me Hardcore
I missed Slag on their recent tour of the US, and after this LP, I'm really kicking myself. Apparently their earlier stuff is more along the line of Madball, but this record is basically Burning Spirits style with breakdowns. I suppose balancing the NYHC with Japanese style HC to give them their own unique sound. Luckily I like both styles. I got the European pressing, which has a different (better) cover and gatefold with lyrics inside. This is real good, damn good in fact.


Vaaska- Ruido Hasta La Muerte + s/t
This record was on a lot of people's top tens last year. Luckily I was able to snag the Hardware pressing, which has the new LP and first LP all on one 12". Vaaska play a style of fast D-beat with Spanish vocals, and have a cool guitar tone. I believe they have members of Desconocidos or BSA, as they are from TX. The first 7" is a bit more raw, but also killer. This record is fucking awesome, try to track down the Euro pressing to get both LPs at once, but get it any way you can.


Shards- s/t
I saw these guys on tour a few months ago, and picked up this LP. Prior to this they did 2 tapes, which I slept on, so this is my first exposure to NC's Shards. Their sound is a mix of No Idea style folky punk with doubled up vocals, mixed with early 80's California goth punk. It has a dark atmospheric feel to it, and the cover art is real obscure. I think there are members of Sorry State Records alumni Whatever Brains, Logic Problem and Crossed Eyes. The LP is pretty cool, but I liked them more live. Includes a digital download.

CD:

Night Birds- Fresh Kills vol. 1
This compact disc contains Night Birds' 3 7"s and demo. Since I already reviewed their s/t 7" HERE, and their "Midnight Movies" 7" above, I'll focus on the other releases. The CD starts out with Killer Waves, which was on a 2 song 7". The song is real good, and I thought their decision to start the CD with the A side of that 7", and end the CD with the B side. The demo I felt doesn't have the same punch of their EPs, and the surfy guitar isn't as present. For those new to Night Birds, this is a perfect way to catch up before their LP comes out. The hits on here are Killer Waves, Midnight Movies and Prognosis : Negative. Between the B side of the s/t 7", the demo and the instrumental, the CD ends a bit slower. I am glad that the more recent songs I like the most though. I like the cover art, it looks like someone's dirty floor who's really into Night Birds.

demo/tape:
Birth Deformities (tape)
I LOVE this demo. Members of Culo and Nick (of Cowabunga Records) belt out 7 fast hardcore/ punk tunes. Taking influence from early 80's NY/NJ bands, similar to the approach of Omegas. This is probably one of my favorite demos, and gets a lot of spins around here. I liked it so much, I offered to re-press it, but the band opted to continue making their own copies. Definitely track this down though.

Black and Blue- Make Way (tape)
It seems like every post I'm mentioning some killer new Chicago area band, but I'll be damned if there isn't a steady stream of awesome bands coming from there. This band has current members of Noose, RazorXFade, and Thought Crusade; but remind me more of Wasted Time. The music is fast, but heavy, and the vocals are intense in a Poison Idea sort of way. Before this tape was released, a version was on the internet with some samples, but the tape rages straight through. Keep an eye on these kids.

X=- Seeing Grey (tape)
Damn, let me first talk about this crazy packaging. It comes in a ziplock bag w/ dots, which came from punching holes through the eyes of the faces on each panel of the wrap around cover. The holes line up to the spools of the cassette, and a screw and bold hold the whole thing together with a tiny lyric booklet stapled to the inside. Art4Punks has a nice writeup about the cover, but it makes me feel like I need to step up my design ASAP. The band is a studio side project between 2 people, but the music is killer. Musically it sorta reminds me of OFF, in an old dudes playing fast punk kinda way. It's really good, I look forward to future releases, but mainly to see how they'll top that packaging.

RazorXFade- tour LP (tape)
I got this tape of the RXF LP when they came through on tour. I'll do a full review once I get the LP version, but I can say that if you liked the demo, this will blow you away. If you didn't like the demo, this will make a believer out of you. Pre-order it HERE, it should be out in July.