STUNT KITES - The Action 5 EP 2018

Now original recordings from 1979 which were made in Sheffield and we meet there the Stunt Kites, a four piece formed around 1978; while there were still some line-up changes during the very early phase (1977/78), a solid, classic core quickly emerged: John (vocals), Nigel (guitars/piano), Andrew (bass), and Tony (drums). Musically, Stunt Kites began with a wild dirty Punk sound which you can here on this little dittie, but they evolved extremely quickly into a solid dynamic PostPunk sound with dark, gothic undertones. Contemporaries describe their early live shows in Sheffield as a "Steamroller" of concentrated energy. Although they never achieved a major commercial breakthrough, they held an almost legendary status in their hometown. Their records were primarily released via small independent labels or self-published; today, they are extremely rare and highly sought-after by collectors. In 1980, they released their first demo, packed with raw, brilliant songs. A year later, their first vinyl release on Pax Records followed, marking their shift toward a classic, atmospherically dark sound. Two years after that came the final 7Inch of their active period, released on Criminal Damage Records, which stands as another collector's item, shining with a typically driving bassline and cutting guitars. The Action EP is a legacy project and a labor for collectors; it was issued (1000 copies via Do It Thissen Records) as a fanzine insert accompanying the premiere edition of the relaunched magazine Safety Pin, which features a major historical article on the origins of Sheffield’s subculture scene, written by Martin X Russian, a legendary figure in the British music press and the former editor of the renowned late seventies music publication NMX (New Musickal Excess). That's the background info. So this wonderful EP features five songs from the band's very first creative phase and shines with an aggressive '77 sound. You're going to like it.

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A.P.B. - Shoot You Down 7'' 1981

Right now, I’m looking for suitable songs for a new compilation, and the vast ocean known as World Wide Web washed the following band my way: A.P.B. - Formed in 1979 in the small rural town of Ellon, near Aberdeen, as a trio comprising Iain (vocals/bass), Glenn (guitar) and George (drums), they had no interest in the local music scene. Instead, they embraced the DIY spirit, and the local independent label Oily Records discovered them through their live performances and their first 7Inch Chain Reaction was released. A two and a half minute nugget with fuzzy distorted guitar and Scottish inflected vocals. A change in their sound first became evident with their second single Shoot You Down and the record did well and was quick sold out its first pressing. Numerous singles followed, plus two albums and drained by constant touring and the pressure of the music industry, the band parted ways temporarily in 1989. 2006, the three reunited, released the album Three, and once again played occasional concerts. In Great Britain, their music was something of a well-kept secret. In the US especially in the alternative clubs of New York, New Jersey &d Long Island, they became a favourite act of the underground scene. US radio stations played their songs constantly. So this beauty features two essential PostPunkies with funky rhythms. Side A stands out with its distinctive, driving bassline, and the funky guitar makes the track perfect for moving your hips & the flip is the one which will be on the next Compi, I hope, it will be finished in autumn.

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NOBODYS - Politically Incorrect EP 1995

The second revelation today is a real blast and let me tell you, I only had to hear one song to know I had to buy this record. Convinced?... let's dig deeper: the Nobodys formed in Colorado Springs in 1994, and their musical formula was simple yet effective: they blended a fast, three-chord sound with humorous, deliberately provocative, and often absurdly realistic lyrics. From the very beginning, J.J. Nobody was the foundation and driving force behind the band. The lineup changed frequently over the years; the founding members were J.J. Nobody (vocals/bass), the only constant member, Rodney (guitar), and Justin "Lurch" Disease (drums), who later also served as a touring drummer for the Queers. The Nobodys and The Queers maintained an extremely close partnership; the musicians often helped each other out and would even play instruments for the other band while on tour. Released in 1995 via Just Add Water Records, the Politically Incorrect EP is their second one and is a prime example of raw, aggressive, and brash Punkrock which was typical in the 1980s; the record could easily have originated in that era. Originally pressed as a limited edition, it features seven refreshing songs that deliver a full-on blast in under ten minutes at 33 RPM, letting you know you’re hearing, and living the right kind of music and attitude. It is high energy and embodies exactly the kind of brash, gritty music I love; I’d almost call it a highlight of the Nineties. Shortly after this EP, the band signed with Hopeless Records. Much of the experience gained there, along with the raw sound of the Politically Incorrect era, fed directly into their well known 1996 debut album, Short Songs For Short Attention Spans. And then came five more albums, the last released in 2016, and numerous 7Inches. Featured on numerous Compilations, and that means they are loved. Final words: a fantastic record you’ll want to play over & over again!

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KRAMP - YF 7'' 1982

Let’s turn to a rare 7Inch by the Swedish band Kramp, a quartet hailing from Hallstahammar/Västerås comprising Fredrik (vocals/keyboards), Leif (guitar), Pelle (bass), and Örjan (drums), which was self-released in 1982. The record is considered a quirky cult item among collectors (known as "Skrattlåten," or the "Laughing Song"), while the B-side features a truly punky scorcher. Since the band didn't release any records at the time, only private rehearsal recordings remained for a long period. In 1978, the band recorded some jams using a simple, small cassette recorder, and these raw gems have stood the test of time. The Swedish record label Subliminal Sounds, known for unearthing psychedelic rarities, officially released these historic rehearsals on vinyl and via streaming services, thereby making Kramp’s music accessible to a wider audience for the first time. You can find them on the ultra-rare Killed By Death #50 Compilation, which I can, of course, highly recommend. And a fwe others. Kramp are unusual, experimental, and humorous. Give them your ears!

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SLUTS'N - Teddybär EP 1995

In early 1980, three guys and a girl from Braunschweig banded together, deciding to make some noise, marking the birth of Sluts. The original line-up featured Schlampe (vocals), Pelle (guitar), Kat (bass) & Peter (drums). Over the next two years, the band performed frequently in and around Braunschweig and released one great album via AGR, but the end came quickly. Sluts disbanded in 1982. In 1983, Schlampe & Peter joined Aktive Notwehr (coming soon), a band that was being reactivated in Braunschweig at the time. Pelle moved to Heidelberg and reformed Sluts in 1986. To distinguish the group from the original band, an "N" (for "neu"/"new") was added to the name. Since then, the name has been Sluts'n. This second line-up featured Tille (vocals), Ali & Pelle (guitars), Dirk (bass) and Jogi (drums). While the style of the old Sluts leaned more towards classic mid-tempo German Punk, the sound of Sluts'n evolved further, yet retained that characteristic, brash attitude. Several years of line-up changes followed; only Pelle remained a constant presence. Vocalists changed particularly often, though Klaus held the position for many years. Ali left in 1988, and Martin took over on drums. In 1991, Jürgen stepped in on bass, replacing Dirk; the band played as a trio until 1994, with Pelle handling vocals during that period. In 1994, Diesel joined as the vocalist; at just sixteen years old, she was the youngest member of the band. They continued making noise as a quartet for eight years until Jürgen left in 2002. Diesel then took over bass duties as well, and the trio line-up remains in place to this day. Teddybär is their latest release to date; issued on Impact Records in two versions, it marks a stylistic shift away from raw, minimalist '82-style PogoPunk toward a sound that is more melodic yet still aggressive. This EP delivers five highly catchy, dynamic, and hate-filled tracks, complete with humorous, sarcastic broadsides and three-chord structures without sacrificing that signature Punk grit; it is a raw In-Your-Face experience, delivered with significantly more punch and clarity. For fans of classic Nineties German Punk and collectors of rare 7Inch records, this EP is a real find. It captures an exciting transitional phase of the band before things went quiet for them in the years that followed.

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DREAM 6 - s/t 12'' 1983

Today is one of those days that I don't really need, and I don’t want to burden you with details. Everyone knows what happened on August 6th, 86 years ago, but that is merely a footnote, but typical of today. I won’t go into specifics; suffice it to say: death comes when it chooses to come (a really shitty intro), but anyone who knows me knows I’m an emotional Fuckhead, hence this fucking prolog. I presumably also chose the record that follows now. I first heard Dream 6 in a movie called The Party Animal from 1984, an absolute must watch. A classic Eighties film with an excellent Soundtrack and I recommend you watch this beauty; you'll have a lot of FUN! The band was formed in 1982 by Johnette (vocals/bass), Jim (guitars), Michael (drums) within the vibrant Los Angeles scene and they released only this 12'' on Happy Hermit Co. before later changing their name to Concrete Blonde. The driving forces behind the band were Johnette & James an they were both very active on the fringes of the L.A. Punk scene. They initially called themselves the Dreamers (later L.A. Dreamers) and contributed a song to a Compilation (don't know which) in 1982. One year later they booked the legendary Gold Star Studios in Los Angeles and together with Michael, they recorded a few songs. Since the final work comprised exactly six awesome goodies, the trio promptly renamed themselves Dream 6. Their musical style ranks between as a blend of PostPunk, Alternative & New Wave. Compared to the later, more polished sound of Concrete Blonde, the music here was significantly rawer and edgier. The sound is driven by a no-frills, propulsive guitar and a dominant bassline. Critics describe the work as a "pretty cool and dark" affair. The lyrics often reflect the melancholy, frustration, and gritty atmosphere of that era. Even in these early recordings, Johnette’s powerful vocal prowess shines through; her voice shifts effortlessly between emotional vulnerability and an aggressive rock roar, a captivating experience. 'Rain' is the absolute standout track (from the soundtrack), and I don't know how many times I rewound and replayed it... and believe me, back then, it wasn't easy to get hold of the record. Get ready for a raw, emotional sound and an uncut gem you’ll want to listen to again and again, featuring one of the most distinctive and emotive vocalists of her generation.

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MOUSER - ¡No Pasarán! EP 2025

I first heard the following band on the Current Affairs Compilation and was immediately captivated by their powerful sound and I’m sure, you’ll like them too. From Delft comes the Punk combo Mouser. The idea for the name came from guitarist Bas. He saw a sketch of a mouse wearing Dr. Hannibal Lecter’s iconic face mask and promptly named the character "Mouser." In English, the word is an official term for cats used to hunt mice, like the famous Chief Mouser to the Cabinet Office at 10 Downing Street. At the same time, it sounds phonetically similar to the well-known Mauser pistol brand. The band features a classic four piece configuration: Léon (vocals/guitar), Bas (guitar), Sander (bass) and Marcel (drums), their first drummer Frank unfortunately died after the first gig from heart failure. They call their music “Old School Punk”. They say they write fast, to the point, catchy, sharp, sometimes very short songs, with uncompromising lyrics which expose our derailed society.

They embodies the true D.I.Y. spirit and in their early years, the band rehearsed in a squat in Delft. After the building was cleared by authorities, they found a new home at SPOD, a well-known alternative music and cultural center in Delft that provides rehearsal spaces for local underground bands. For their recordings, the band headed in April 2025 to the renowned Studio 195 in the Netherlands, a facility with a legendary reputation in the European Punk & Hardcore scene for its raw, analog sound. Mouser recorded there during two major sessions: January 2024 (recording six songs) and August 2025 (recording five additional songs). The debut EP was released by their own and features four punchy, fast, old-school tracks. They say they write fast, to the point, catchy, sharp, sometimes very short songs, with uncompromising lyrics which expose our derailed society.

Final words: Mouser waste no time on their EP; ¡No Pasarán! is a fast-paced, gritty punch to the gut that breathes the raw energy of 80s HardcorePunk. Unpolished and boundlessly energetic. A quick look at the tracks: the title track is an angry, anti-fascist anthem featuring razor sharp riffs, a perfect opener that instantly invites to Pogo. "Smartphone Zombie" is a biting, tongue-in-cheek takedown of modern digital isolation; "Shadows Over Disneyland" is a darkly sarcastic number that tears down the facade of the slick consumerist world; and finally, "Hail Hail Hail!" shines with a furious finale that floors the gas pedal, bringing the EP to a furious close after barely eight minutes. Mouser deliver exactly what the label promises: fresh fast, high octane Punkrock that demands repeated listening.

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THE SIMONS - Stink With Pleasure EP 1992

After a long hiatus, I'm back, and the first post I’m doing today is fulfilling a request. Let's get know the Simons, a band whom surely no one know unless you lived in their region. The Simons came from Sindelfingen and this four piece consisted of Bob (vocals), Mirco (guitars), Olli (bass), Carsten (drums) and they were active in the Nineties and relaesed two EP's and a Cassette. Due to their niche status at the time, there are few documented details about the band, but the key facts can be reconstructed from their releases: "Stink With Pleasure" is their debut EP, released via Bellaforte Records with five solid dirty numbers. The band adhered closely to the traditional Punk sound: three chords, high speed, and maximum energy. It was evident that they were not concerned with highly complex musical structures or technical perfection, but rather with directly conveying the raw joy of playing. The EP was aptly summarized at the time via the Punk fanzine Trust: the band underscored its motto, "Stink With Pleasure," with "tried-and-tested Punkrock," and one could simply hear that they "enjoyed playing." Raw, gritty guitar sound which were heavily distorted, sounding tinny and unpolished. Minimalist drumming, the rhythm section drove the songs forward uncompromisingly, free of unnecessary flourishes or breaks. The vocals were brash, direct, and often characterized by a palpable "We Don't Give A Damn" attitude, far removed from slick, professional studio productions. Instead of melancholic, crushing riffs, they played fast, humorous music designed for partying. This is also evident in titles like their later demo release Punkrock Party, which underscores the carefree, party-loving nature of their style. In short, they can be described as "snot-nosed" Punk with a feel-good factor, music that eschewed political preaching in favor of capturing the raw energy of small, sweaty club shows on vinyl. They can boast a surprisingly large number of invitations to appear on Compilations, which shows that they were in demand. So if anyone has their second record, please come in touch. Enjoy!

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84 FLESH - Salted City 7'' 1978

Let’s wrap up June with raw, gritty, and uncompromising Punkrock and unfortunately only two are immortalized on this little jewel. The protagonists from Paris was originally formed under the name 1984 and consisted of Henri (vocals), Michel & Pierre (guitars), Luis (bass), Frederik (drums) and later changed it to 84 Flesh. They were part of the first wave of French Punkrock in the late Seventies. Despite a very brief existence of barely a year, their only 7Inch was released via Skydog and is highly sought after by collectors nowadays. Both songs are featured on relevant Compilations, which shows how great the tracks are... an honorable gesture. After a quick break-up, the musicians regrouped as Suicide Roméo which leans more towards New Wave. An excellent record or a defining, ultra-short bolt of lightning.

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PQ ROCKERS - The Lost Generation EP 1985

The PQ Rockers, Filip (vocals/guitars), Häck (bass), Magnus (drums), were a trio from Varberg on the west coast. Known for their raw sound, they recorded their only EP in the mid Eighties at the studios of the legendary Punk band Asta Kask and was released via Street Rock'n'Roll Records. Four solid songs, aggressive and anthemic vocals, raw, gritty guitar work with strong solos, and driving bass and drums. Since the songs are sung in Swedish, the music makes its impact primarily through melody and energy. The whole package is a real pleasure. On the back cover, the band cheekily thanks their manager Lasse McLaren and jokingly announces a fictional single titled "Kalle Kanin," which has not yet been released. I rather doubt that the 7Inch is a sought after collector's item nowadays, aside from a contribution to a tape Compilation, the band didn't really make any further mark, but for fans of the Scandinavian 80s sound, it is certainly a fitting choice.

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