V/A - Killed By Death British D.I.Y. - Vol.1 1998

I think it's the last KBD Compilation that's missing here and this slab isn't that bad as the title suggests. From Lo-Fi to decent songs, the range is amazingly diverse and anyone who likes things a bit easier will get their money's worth with this cutie. Liner Notes: "Hello & welcome to the newest installment of Killed By Death series. There is now so many, who knows for all of them? So we start over with #1 in an offshoot to pay tribute to all great British D.I.Y. bands from the late 70's & early 80's. Sure everyone to have recordings by SWELL MAPS & TVP'S, but how about the SODS & all the rest of most excellent sounds on this record? We start off with LONDON PX & their classic handclap singalong 'Orders' from '81. Next are two cuts from the fantastic EP 'Deadbeat Revival' by HORNSEY AT WAR which came out in 1979. The PETTICOATS do 'Normal', then it's the MUD HUTTERS with 'Water Torture' off their spazzed out 1979 EP, 'The Declaration'. My mother says they are to sound like Punk version of legendary Stardust cowboy. It's true! PURITAN GUITARS '£100 In 15 Minutes' from their 1980 handstamped Riverside label. The DISCO ZOMBIES did three 45ers I know of, all are to kill for. 'Drums Over London" was the 2nd one I found & was in amazing silscreened wraparound sleeve. The SODS end side one with their organ driven classic 'No Pictures' from 1979 on Stortbeat. FUN 4 were Scottish & drummer Steven Daly later was to be in Orange Juice. Why is this record dedicated to Simon Weisenthal. To much! Another Stortbeat band SPELLING MISSTEAKS follow with 'Popstar'. Do not confuse them w/New Zealand band of the same name. ONE GANG LOGIC ask the question 'Who Killed Sex'? It wasn't me. Maybe you? The ATOMS do the great & goofy 'Beatlejacket'. The wirdo sounds of 012 are next w/'Fish From Tahiti' which is on the Weird Noise comp on Fuck Off Records. SHOES THIS HIGH were from New Zealand not England but they were great. 'The Nose One' is the best from their rare EP. Were they British, they would have made many records for Step Forward. It's true! Now go out, buy fish & chips & bottles of lager & crank this the fuck up. It's great! Thanks to Spider for all help."  That should be enough to make the vinyl interesting and a second part is possible in the foreseeable future, maybe.

1.Orders - LONDON PX

2.Hornsey At War - HORNSEY AT WAR

3.U.C.2. Much 4 Me - HORNSEY AT WAR

4.Normal - PETTICOATS

5.Water Torture - MUD HUTTERS

6.100£ In 15 Minutes - PURITAN GUITARS

7.Drums Over London - DISCO ZOMBIES

8.No Pictures - THE SODS

9.Singin In The Shower - FUN 4

10.Pop Star - SPELLING MISSTEAKS

11.Who Killed Sex? - ONE GANG LOGIC

12.Beetlejacket - THE ATOMS

13.Fish From Tahiti - 012

14.The Nose One - SHOES THIS HIGH

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V/A - Bloodstains Across The World #7 2022

Well it's time for one more Bloodstains Compilation and this one is cheap like the other "from all over the world" (from #3) and kept in a simple CD-R format, but I'm pleased that there are always maniacs who share their things, in contrast to other arrogant Assholes who defame such small people even though they don't know them at all and believe that they contribute a part of underground culture with their so-called professional Compilations (hahaha...), they just have to get their ass kicked and I give them a big Fuck You! I prefer to take these because the originals aren't tangible and I am grateful for this and everyone who thinks the same way will be enthusiastic with this cheap but cool one.

1.Tomorrow - QUIZZ KIDS

2.Kill Me Now - LA PESTE

3.T.V. Eyes - THE TOOLS

4.I Died Four Times - THE MANSONS

5.True Love - MARCHING GIRLS

6.Living In The 80's - TRUE PETER

7.I Don't Like Girls - MINOR CLASSICS

8.Teenager In Love (Live) - RADIATORS FROM SPACE

9.Berlin - IDEAL

10.Trop Tard - ROTTERS

11.No Rule - THIRD WORLD CHAOS

12.Get The Glory - LAUGHIN' NOSE

13.An Ather Day - THE VOPO'S

14.Ogro De Ciudad - ALMEN T.N.T.

15.London - TAPPI TÍKRRASS

16.She's So Fine - STRAIGHTSHOOTER

17.Baarissa - SOS

18.What's Going On Inside Ronald Reagan's Brain? - DEFORMED!

19.Anarchy & Peace - ABGAS

20.Du Er Eit Svin - NOREGS PUNKLAG

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V/A - Oi! Rare & Exotica 1997

Twenty-two Oi! presents from 1981-1996, wrapped and shipped from all over the world and in time for fucking Christmas we're travel to every corner of this beautiful planet to show our gratitude. Brought to us by Teenage Rebel Records, this unofficial release certainly doesn't make the bells ring sweet. On this decent compilation you will find some gems, that you may have passed in all those wasted years but now, within reach of you again and this selection describes a fantastic period in the musical Oi! history. With that, the curtain closes for today, the lights go out and now I'm going to cuddle with the Christ Child.

1.Futur Pour Tous - REICH ORGASM

2.Working Class - HOPE & GLORY

3.Eternos Amigos - CENTRAL DO BRASIL

4.Standerds Rule - COCKNEY COCKS

5.Dead Hero - 12 POINTBUCK

6.Rezystencja - REZYSTENCJA

7.Muz S Kozusinoym Rimcom - ZÓNA A

8.Let's Oi! - PSYCHOTERROR

9.Eu Tenho Um Pobre - MATA-RATOS

10.Los Planetas - LA LECHE

11.Ultimos Rockers - ANTISOCIALES

12.Hoffnung - STROMBERG POLKA

13.Modern Trouble - BIRTHWARD '82

14.Lautaro Rocanrol - OCHO BOLAS

15.Grito Proletario - COMANDO SUICIDA

16.Unite - MANIACS

17.Pyramid Party - QUICK & THE DEAD

18.Justitienmord - AGENT BULLDOGG

19.Kulttuuriarmeija - KOHU 63

20.Guido Und Anne - MICKY & DIE MÄUSE

21.No Tag - NO TAG

22.Concrete Jungle Jive - DIMINISHED RETURN

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V/A - Enjoy The Gift Of Life EP 1990

This is supposed to be a limited Promo 7Inch, but I'm not sure. Fact is; four bands from three continents have come together to delight your heart with their refreshing art. Opener are the Badtown Boys from LA, who have been around since 1986, have released five albums and convince with melodic singalong songs, Channel 3 from Cerritos, established 1980, are certainly well known and play hard, fast stuff that even made it onto some European compilations, numerous records from the boys are available. The b-side starts with Sticky Filth from New Plymouth, NZ and the trio released four quality albums. Their evocations of provincial Punk and working class life are among New Zealand’s finest and most honest and the powersound they make is raining down to a howling vocal and constant beat, one of the most distinct, Electric Blue Peggy Sue & The Revolutionions From Mars were from Oulu, active from 1986 to 1996, long band name with many members, six in total. Seven albums exist and the only unknown combo to me but a worthy conclusion on this little piece of vinyl which came in various different cover colors.

1.We're Through - BADTWON BOYS

2.What About Me - CHANNEL 3

3.Weep Woman Weep - STICKY FILTH

4.I Do It All The Time - ELECTRIC BLUE PEGGY SUE & THE REVOLUTIONIONS FROM MARS

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V/A - Powerpearls Vol.1 1998

🎸 In spring, I wowed you (and me) with another great collector series that some detectives created in the late 90s and this beauty focuses on PowerPop rather than Punk though a few goodies featured wouldn't be out of place on a Punk compilation; We're talking about the Powerpearls Explosion and each Volume has a healthy serving of the best from this genre (those were Hans Knut Hohlhand's words, an avowed four chord lover whose inspiration brought many hermits together to form great bands). Decent selection for the first part in my opinion and the eighteen time travelers shoot you into the weekend, and I'm sure that even the annoying corona virus will shrink back on this foamy wave and shut up for a while. 🎸

1.Everyday, Everyway - REALLY 3RD'S

2.One Out All Out - STRAIGHT UP

3.Feel The Pain - THE BUREAUCRATS

4.Language School - TOURS

5.Modern Time - THE GENTS

6.One Last Night - THE ATLANTICS

7.Nora's Diary - JIMMY EDWARDS

8.That Girl - TECHTONES

9.Who's Kissing You - FAMOUS PLAYERS

10.Fashion - TWEED

11.It Doesn't Bother Me - THE DISTRACTIONS

12.Playing With Fire - TV 21

13.The Kids Are Dancing - THE NEWS

14.It's Your Birthday - FASTBACKS

15.Susan's Day - THE ROUSERS

16.No Fear - THE SQUARES

17.Liberty - SMALL WORLD

18.Blast The Pop! - LOCAL HEROES

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NOCTURNAL PROJECTIONS - Studio Recordings 2018

All right friends, for the weekend a band that I appreciate very much and whose music is extra class, a few basics: Formed in Stratford, near New Plymouth, New Zealand in 1981, Nocturnal Projections was the explosive project of legendary and prolific brothers Graeme and Peter Jefferies (who would later form This Kind of Punishment before launching their solo careers), who along with friends Brett Jones and Gordon Rutherford, created some of the most energetic and influential avant-garde punk rock to emerge from the country.

Largely ignored during their tenure (but revered and referenced in the years after their breakup) and often compared to UK contemporaries like Joy Division, Comsat Angels, The Fall, or Wire, Nocturnal Projections stood well apart - never enjoying the luxuries of unlimited studio time, music videos or international fame, the NPs possessed a driven, rough-hewn serrated edge that cut through the lot comparisons to the UK post-punk exports of the era. They were ahead of their time, completely singular, and for those that had the benefit of seeing Nocturnal Projections play live – formative, with a dedicated cult following to this day.

As residents of New Plymouth’s Lion Tavern during their first year as a band, they perfected their soaring, impactful live set locally (often as the only band, without an opener and 3 hours to fill!) before heading off to Auckland in January of 1982, performing with bands like The Fall, John Cooper Clarke, and New Order at venues like The Mainstreet Cabaret, The Rumba Bar and Reverb Room. *The band recorded three EPs at Stebbing Studios in Auckland: The self-titled and self-released 7” single released April 1st of 1982, with the “Another Year” 12Inch following later that year. Their self-titled three song 12” was recorded in 1983, and released by the band posthumously that June, after the band called it quits. The Jefferies would move on and regroup with Rutherford and sound engineer Andrew Frengley shortly after the NPs fell apart to work under the This Kind of Punishment banner.

“Complete Studio Recordings” comprises the three original Nocturnal Projections studio records, direct to board recordings on a 24 track and not a synthesizer to be found! This release is a crucial part of New Zealand’s punk history, remastered and collected for existing fans and new audiences. Frantic and fast punk anthems like Nerve Ends In Power Lines, Isn’t That Strange, and In Purgatory are a shot in the gut, while slower, more introspective tracks like Difficult Days and You’ll Never Know reveal what the band had in store later with TKP. Nocturnal Projections are hard to pin down: bright, slashing, and prominent guitars with driving solid basslines and drums in tight lockstep, all with Peter Jefferies’ urgent signature baritone vocals soaring alongside – the result is still perhaps the most energetic, unique, and fresh music to ever emerge from the post-punk scene. 

One more great album Inmates In Images was released in 2018 and comprises the band’s best and rare material recorded right off the board at key gigs, capturing the unique and unbridled energy of Nocturnal Projections. And now: ENJOY!!

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THIS SPORTING LIFE - In Limbo 12'' 1983

Today one more rare filet from the wanted list, and I think it's the last of it for now, and I am grateful to my friends for searching, finding and sending. ❤ Final release by This Sporting Life, a four piece from Auckland and I promise, just as fantastic as their Show Me To The Bellrope album. A small excerpt: When In Limbo arrived in early 1984, having been lost for over a year amid the clutter of Chris Knox’s living room, it sported four new songs and received indifferent reviews. “The four songs here range from spritely & cheeky (‘Difference’) to hackneyed (‘Too Proud’), but it couldn’t be described as inspired.” This Sporting Life was happy with the recording, which was a conscious attempt to make the sound “poppier.” I like the band and their catchy music and I can only recommend you to listen carefully here, it's every note worth. In July 2018 Failsafe Records issued a compilation of the band's work.

- Great Thx to Reinhard -

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TECHTONES - That Girl 7'' 1980 + State Of Mind 7'' 1981

More nuggets from the wanted list late in the evening and I'm thrilled. Nothing for a long time and now one rarity after the other. This time an awesome double pack from the other end of the world and as a little intro a few words from the necessary and great Audioculture site whose countless information about the New Zealand underground scene, bands and culture alyways excites me. Be sure to have a look! "Auckland’s music community was going through a major transition in 1980. Emerging from the healthy (if you could call it that) punk scene, it seemed like every week there was a band replacing their safety pins with snappy suits in the manner of England’s “new wave” of popsters. One of the more promising and high-profile at the time, but strangely forgotten since, was Techtones. Techtones was essentially a re-invention of very popular but rapidly disintegrating five-piece, Sheerlux. In early 1980, bassist Peter Solomon joined Sheerlux’s remaining members Steve Roach (guitar/vocals), Jimmy Juricevich (guitar/vocals) and Graeme Schnell (drums) for the band’s last gasp. A few weeks later Schnell had left, and Chris Burt was recruited from hard-working covers outfit Picture This. “I thought I was joining Sheerlux,” Burt recalls. “Picture This was also falling apart, so it seemed like a great offer.” That Girl is probably their well-known track and the band's first single on the legendary Propeller label, which is also featured on several compilations. A classic Powerpop goodie without question, catchy punky melody. The flip is a nice instrumental one. State Of Mind was the second slab and is considerably different, more poppy and already too much for my taste, the flip kicks a bit but both songs are miles away from the first. Egal, listen and enjoy.

- Great Thx to Reinhard -

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V/A - Kiwi By Death (NZ Punk Rarities 1977-1983) 2010

Hello March and we stay in Oceania and come to new old stuff from an pseudo "label" which made limited CD-R compilations in very small editions (mostly 50 copies & with a small but useful booklet) with rare Punk classics worldwide. As you can easily see, this edition is dedicated to the musical orgasms of New Zealand, and most of the songs are almost all represented on other relevant compis and you can ask, who needs that? I would say why not. Since most of the slabs are no longer accessible (as a side note, many records are offline, at least in my blog) and the selcetion is different as well and I can promise you, this one is high explosive! I like the music from there and the scene was pretty broad with good bands and I recommend you visit audioculture for more infos about New Zealand's subculture.

1.Let There Be Noise - DUM DUM BOYS

2.1978 - THE ENEMY

3.Money In The Bank - SCAVENGERS

4.Suicide - PROUD SCUM

5.Non-Event - NOCTURNAL PROJECTIONS

6.Out Of Control - THE STEROIDS

7.Metro Blues - THE HENCHMEN

8.Police Wheels - THE PRIMMERS

9.Ergophobia - SPELLING MISTAKES

10.Joe 90 - BORED GAMES

11.Sheep - TOY LOVE

12.Mistaken Identity - NO TAG

13.Never Been To Borstal - TERRORWAYS

14.Supported By The State - SCAVENGERS

15.You Were The One - CHANNEL 4

16.Pull Down The Shades - THE ENEMY

17.Dead Inside - DUM DUM BOYS

18.Everybody's Got The Answers - MARCHING GIRLS

19.Rabbit - PROUD SCUM

20.Auckland Tonight - THE ANDROIDSS

21.That Girl - NOCTURNAL PROJECTIONS

22.Funny Stories - THE PRIMMERS

23.Police Wheels - FEATURES

24.Let's Go To Australia - VIVID MILITIA

25.Death Machine - THE HENCHMEN

26.Who Killed Johnny? - THE JOHNNIES

27.T.V. - SMASHED EXECUTIVE

28.Hate Me, Hate Me - SPELLING MISTAKES

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V/A - Bloodstains Across The World #5 2019

Early hour on this Friday, I pack another Bloodstains compilation out with more rare early sounds from all over the world, and Volume 3 is once again as CD-R in vinyl look released and by the same detectives, I think. Half of the twenty songs are known to me and are always welcome, while the 'new' material is sometimes questionable and I personally would have made a different selection. But with so many unknown bands/songs I'm always amazed where music was made with sometimes first-class nuggets. And I don't hesitate long, as soon as a new release of this brilliant series is available. It's a shame that Killed By Death doesn't go any further. Maybe there comes one more hype like in the 90s, who knows. 100 copies exist and watch out for #6 next year. Have fun discovering new musical highlights!

1.Wanted - STRUGGLER

2.Riot Riot - BOMB SQUAD

3.Hippie Japa - ALERTA ROJA

4.Skizzo Skizzo - JO SQUILLO ELETRIX

5.Radiomania - SNEEX

6.Shoot' Zem - KESSLER JUGEND GMBH

7.Damned Money - THE RAVES

8.Urbanitrops - EARTHLING

9.Scheiss Kibarei - DIE BÖSLINGE

10.Crazy Life - THE TERRORISTS

11.1981 - RIOT 111

12.Demolition Beat - THE INCREDIBLE HOGS

13.Überblick - MITTAGSPAUSE

14.Desert Patrol - SUBURBAN REPTILES

15.Runaway Train - THE DECADENTS

16.Ne Haluu Unohtaa - POIS

17.Söngull - KUKL

18.All I Want - GENOCIDE EXIT

19.Dreamland - THE TAPES

20.No Time - CHRONIC

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ARMATRAK - Inner Space EP 1987

A frosty, misty good morning from the beautiful Wetterau and I'm still not awake after two strong coffees. Now catchy music from Auckland and this is Armatrak's third record which came out via the German label Gift Of Life. The band that existed through the mid to late 80's and who were one of NZ's first forays into the American Hardcore sound of the mid 80's. Armatrak put out some very solid releases on their label, called "Positive Youth Promotions", which put out tapes, did 'zines and put on shows, contributing a lot to the NZ scene. I guess, that's it for today, re-ups will follow later, use the day and stay vertical ↑

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THE HENCHMEN - Lust For Glory 2000

I'm a bit through today because yesterday I've been busy until late at night and I'll be brief. "Great eighties stuff from New Zealand and this punk combo is at home in Auckland, formed 1982 (previously know as Dum Dum Boys) and active till 1985. After moving to Sydney, the band changed its name to Reptiles At Dawn to avoid conflict with The Henchmen. Underappreciated but never underproductive, the Henchmen had grit and belief. They played and recorded when and where they could, releasing We’ve Come To Play (Cadaver Records), one of the great New Zealand punk rock albums, in 1983. There are some things you don’t do without expecting some kind of menace. Like invoke the spirit of Iggy Pop. But invoke Iggy’s spirit they did and whatever pact The Henchmen signed with punk’s dark prince, it ensured the West Auckland Detroit-punk outfit were never forgotten." There is much more info about the four in the web so I don't have to add anything.

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FLESH D-VICE - Hamburger II, The Nite She Returned 12'' 1988

3rd EP in form of a 12Inch on Jayrem/Hardedge Records by Wellington’s Flesh D-Vice and they picked up punk rock’s torch in the early 1980s and carried it proudly through the decade. As the capital’s punk-heavy indie scene gathered strength and New Zealand’s punk rock community raised its head in the provinces the raw rocking quartet of Gerald (vocals), Eugene (guitar), Brent (drums), and Richard Watts then Dwayne Yule (bass) remained active central figures, both live and on record. Flesh D-Vice formed in 1982 and quickly gained themselves a large following in the punk and boot-boy scene. The band's hard-edged attitude made no concessions to the arty post-punk sound which had characterised the Wellington scene only a few years earlier. “We are the fastest rock and roll band in the land. Our mission is to keep rock and roll alive. We operate without restraint. We don't appeal to the mainstream but we aren't going to compromise to get popular.” (Truth, December 24, 1984) 

The band quickly became a central band in the Wellington scene and in 1983 they organised the Easter weekend punk festival Golden Showers at the Newtown Community Hall and accompanied this with the release of their first album '12Inches Of Hard Flesh'. Their music and imagery drew heavily on the schlock horror genre within popular culture in a way that openly courted accusations of sexism and the glorification of violence. Songs like “Kill That Girl” and “Friday Nights (Are For Fighting)” became anthems within the new Wellington Oi! scene and sit some distance away from the politicized anarcho-punk that was emerging in the mid-80s from bands like Compos Mentis. The 'Fleshies' heavy boot-boy followin often led to violence at gigs with the band gaining a reputation that had them banned from a number of local venues. Releasing a further three albums along with a number of singles and EPs during the 1980s and into 1991 the always resourceful Dwyer set up his own record label called Hardedge Records to promote “certain bands with a certain approach to their music... basically wild, wild rock.”(Dwyer, Submission zine, 1985).

In 1985 the new label released the compilation “The Harder The Edge...The Rocka The Roll” which featuring Dwyers pick of the best thrash, metal, punk and rock in New Zealand at the time. Gerald Dwyer later became manager and mentor for a number of new up and coming bands, most notably Shihad and Head Like A Hole, until his death in 1996. The band has since reformed sporadically with Vas Deferens lead singer Steve Andrews on vocal duties. (source: upthepunks)

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V/A - Hate Your Neighbours #1 1997

The last weekend before my vacation and let's ring this in with an unofficial compilation by Pussy Muncher and first the question: is there a sequel? As far as I know: No! It doesn't matter either... Eighteen rare New Zealand punk smasher from 1978 to 1983 convince even the deepest forest dwellers, muesli eaters and felt heads, with top insert, band-notes and other useful infos (more background a click away on audioculture), exactly my cup of tea. What more can I say? You Can't Kick Our Arse But You Can Lick It! In this sense, enjoy the nuggets with a cold drink and don't go to bed late.

1.I Am A Rabbit - PROUD SCUM

2.Suicide - PROUD SCUM

3.True Love - THE SCAVENGERS

4.Mysterex - THE SCAVENGERS

5.Suicide 2 - PROUD SCUM

6.Saturday Night Stay At Home - SUBURBAN REPTILES

7.We Got A Stage - SUPERETTES

8.Love Sprouts - THE PRIMMERS

9.Police Wheels - FEATURES

10.My Neighbours - NOCTURNAL PROJECTIONS

11.Marlene's Fish Shop - NOCTURNAL PROJECTIONS

12.Hate Me Hate Me - SPELLING MISTAKES

13.Sheep - TOY LOVE

14.Routine - THE SCAVENGERS

15.T.V. - SMASHED EXECUTIVE

16.Out Of Control - THE STEROIDS

17.Let There Be Noise - DUM DUM BOYS

18.Bitch Goddess - THE HENCHMEN

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V/A - Doobie Do Disc 1982

Pioneering New Zealand independent label Propeller, active 1980-1983, is regarded as the first of the wave of post-punk NZ indies and lots of great records were released. Another witness is this compilation, a label retrospective and brings Propeller’s early releases and two unreleased songs from the Features into the light. This shows that at that time the original singles were hard to get (especially outside of the Kiwi region), most were published in small editions, so this slab was probably due to the high demand, and was not easy to get as well, nor cheap. Anyway, all excellent songs from great bands and a timeless sound document of the oceania underground scene, a must have!

1.City Scenes - THE FEATURES

2.Feel So Good - SPELLING MISTAKES

3.First In Line - THE MARCHING GIRLS

4.True Love - THE MARCHING GIRLS

5.Party - THE FEATURES

6.Victim - THE FEATURES

7.Police Wheels (Demo) - THE FEATURES

8.That Girl - TECHTONES

9.There Is No Depression In NZ - BLAM BLAM BLAM

10.See Me Go - SCREAMING MEEMEES

11.Doobie Do Boy - THE NEWMATICS

12.Nick The Stripper - BIRTHDAY PARTY

13.At At - SCREAMING MEEMEES

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RIOT 111 - Subversive Radicals EP 1982

Wellington's Riot 111 were active from 1981-1983 and it consisted of John & Geoff (vocals), Nick (guitars), Mark (bass) & Roger (drums). In their lifespan they released two 7Inches. A bit info: "RIOT 111 appeared during the fractious Springbok tour of 1981 and can lay claim to being one of the first New Zealand punk bands to deal with overtly political content in their music and imagery. With members of the band active in the anti-tour marches Riot 111 was conceived following the infamous Molesworth Street baton charge on July 29. “Here's these people supposed to be protecting what's right and they're hitting old ladies over the heads with batons.” (Roger Allen With Geoff Ludbrooke on vocals as John Void, Riot 111 was formed along with Roger Allen on drums and Mark Crawford on bass. Nick Swan formerly of Life In the Fridge Exists on guitar was the only member recognised as having any serious musical ability and like his former band RIOT 111 was intended as more of a performance happening than a radio friendly unit shifter. Their first single 1981 was recorded in a couple of hours released on 7” as a pressing of 500. The song ‘’1981’’ is based on an English interpretation of Ngati Toa’s Te Rauparaha's haka 'Ka Mate', and made famous by the All Blacks. Shouted by Void over searing guitars and pounding drum beats. It is an anthemic call to arms that Void intended to be played as anti-tour protesters marched into battle with police and pro-tour rugby heads.Following the tour the single was repressed and entered the national charts at number 46. '1981' was recently declared the 12th most important song in New Zealand history by the documentary series, “Rocked The Nation”. The success of '1981' spurred them to play their first gig at an anti-tour party in late September. In keeping with their agit-punk ‘manifesto’ the band's set featured songs about police violence, drugs, state power and impending revolution. The second single, “Subversive Radicals”, released in early 1982 paints a grim picture of New Zealand, under then prime minister Robert Muldoon, as an Orwellian 'East Berlin of the South Pacific' with social freedom progressively eroded by a violent 'police state'. The single charted at 19 and the band's increasing popularity/notoriety saw them open for big overseas acts such as The Birthday Party and Having already shown their interest in creating sensationalist media stories RIOT 111 upped the ante in 1982 when TVNZ refused to play a video for “Writing On The Wall”. The band transported their gear along with a horde of Wellington's punks and skins out to Avalon studios in Lower Hutt. Parked at the front door RIOT 111 played a set off the back of a truck, besieging New Zealand's castle of state broadcasting with an aural barrage and raising the anarchist flag. RIOT 111's confrontational music and style made them a favourite with the boot-boy scene and gigs were often marred by violence in the audience and through police actions to break up shows. By the end of 1982 the Wellington punk scene filmed in Chris Knox's Terrace Scene documentary only a couple of years earlier as a co-operative, playful, avant-garde movement was fast disintegrating into a nihilistic mess. In Easter 1983, RIOT 111 played at Golden Showers, a punk gathering in Newtown, Wellington, featuring bands from around New Zealand. A live recording of the show was released the following year as Capitol Kaos with RIOT 111 contributing three songs to the mix. By October 1983 the band members had had enough, Roger took off to Auckland and Void recast himself as an actor based in Sydney." (source: upthepunks)

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POWERAGE & COMPOS MENTIS - Backlash! EP 1987

Influenced by overseas bands such as Crass, Discharge and Chaos UK, Compos Mentis wrote politically charged songs that critiqued both mainstream New Zealand and the cliquey factions within the alternative music scene. Described by Simon Cottle of Anti-System zine as “New Zealand's ultimate political thrash band” Compos Mentis lasted for a good half of the 1980s at a time when a more politicised punk scene was emerging in Wellington. Compos Mentis began life in 1982 as the short lived Destructive Adolescents, a teenage punk band from the Hutt Valley suburb of Silverstream, formed by Craig and David A.. After the D.A's vocalist quit Peter Stitt and Heather joined the band playing their first gig at Craig's work Christmas do. By all accounts this went down with the largely older audience like a bucket of cold sick and they were forced to stop after a few songs. Shortly after this the band changed it's name to World War III for a brief period before opting for Compos Mentis which translates from Latin as “of sound mind”. Following this Peter left the band due to personality differences and Ben and Sean were recruited into the band briefly. At this time two other members, Simon and Grant, of Hutt Valley band Gotham City joined. The input from these two new members led to a tighter musical direction for the band and during 1986-1987 Compos Mentis released three 7” singles (one here), a tape compilation of early work dating back to 1984 and appeared on a number of compilations. Compos Mentis were a central band in the emergence of an openly politicized anarcho-punk scene that emerged in the 1980s. Songs such as Run for Shelter railed against Nazi-punks while Patricia Bartlett is an inspired rant against Lower Hutt's then self-appointed leader of the 'moral majority'. The band were also active in producing their own zine, Communicade.

Power Age formed in Durban, South Africa in June 1981. The first line-up was Spike (vocals), Brett & Brian (guitars), Dave (bass), Mark Pills (drums) & their first gig was on 3rd October 1981 supporting the Gay Marines. It was their first encounter with the police as well, as Spike got taken in, because some policemen didn't like his pink mohawk. In June '82 Spike arranged a benefit show and 6 punk bands played. The show was a great success. Straight after this show Brian and Dave left. Midge joined on bass and it proved better with one guitar, so it was kept to a four piece. In November '82 Mark left to go live in England. Rubin Rose (previously from South Africa’s first punk band Wild Youth and later Warspike) replaced him immediately and the band really started moving. In April '83 they put out their first 7" release ‘World War III/ Vengeance Of Youth’. At the same time Midge left the band due to musical differences. The band was stagnant for two months until Paddy joined on bass. He was a good friend of the band but had never played before, so it was like starting again. In '84 the two songs off the first 7" were released on the UK compilation ‘Beating The Meat’. At this time in Durban (and the whole of South Africa) the scene was virtually dead - Power Age were the only punk band. In June '84 they played the ‘Punk '84’ show with new bands Wild Justice and State Control. It was a fantastic success and the owner of the venue let them run it for punk shows. Things went well and a good number of bands sprung up and the scene started moving. In June '85 they put out a C-60 tape ‘Who Are You?’ - one side studio, the other live and also succeeded in getting a track ‘System’ onto a French compilation EP entitled ‘Single Ticket To Paradise’. November '85 saw the release of the now legendary 4-track EP ‘Stop Apartheid’ in France by Neg-FX Records. In May '86 the band put out another C-60 tape release ‘Ripe For Terror’. At the same time they did a benefit show for a friend in jail. The venue owner somehow heard that it was a benefit for the ANC, and called the police. The police came, smashed up the gig and it was over. Luckily no one was arrested. Then the saddest moment came... Rubin quit the band in June '86. He had warned he might have to leave due to mounting pressure from his bosses. Peter then joined on drums, but couldn't play, so the band were stagnant again for 3 months. In February '87 they put out the two song 7" tribute to Rubin ‘World Today/Waiting for the War’ (recorded in '84) on their new label Power Noize Records. At the same time Peter left to play with Screaming Foetus and their good friend Choppy replaced him. In April '87 Power Age released a 5-track EP entitled ‘The Last Dove’. June '87 saw the release of the EP ‘Backlash’, a split EP with New Zealand-band Compos Mentis released on Out Of Order Records as well as one track ‘Eat Wheat Not Meat’ on a USA compilation LP entitled ‘The ALF Is Watching And You Can't Escape’. Having played only 77 shows in their 7 year existence Powerage played their last show on the 29th of July 1988. This show was recorded and made available as the ‘Live In Durban’ LP. (source: upthepunks & discogs)

1.This Is South Africa - POWERAGE

2.Disgrace - POWERAGE

3.Lies - POWERAGE

4.Chase Corpse - COMPOS MENTIS

5.Rock Stars - COMPOS MENTIS

6.Patricia Bartlett - COMPOS MENTIS

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ARMATRAK - Demo 1985

Kick off weekend and say hello to this four piece demo by Armatrak from Auckland, a band which was founded in the early 80s by Steve (vocals), Trevor (guitar), Peter (bass), Geoff (drums) and had their active time in the mid-1980s and were one of NZ's first forays into the American Hardcore/Emo sound of the mid 80's. Three cool singles were created in these years, in 2008 the band released a CD compilation A Wall That Has Art Has Life with recordings from 1984-1985 at Last Laugh Studios. Three years later one more self-released 10'' as a collector's item (60 copies) for die-hard fans. On numerous compilations as well, two of that Life Is A Joke Vol.2 & Death Pays All Debts within reach. Excellent stuff in any way and now.... woman, sun & beer!

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STICKY FILTH - Weep Woman Weep 1988

A visit to New Zealand is always worthwhile and over there to the west of the North Island to New Plymouth, the home of Sticky Filth and the three Craig (vocals/bass), Chris (guitars), Dave (drums) released their debut album on Ima Hitt with eight solid grooves. Three albums followed, a few singles and the band's still active to my knowledge. Also represented on compilations, which I'm unfortunately not familiar with, so I have to keep an eye out. Off to the weekend with you!

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V/A - Bloodstains Across The World #4 2019

The coldest month in this country knocks and to leave it outside, we heat up the first day with more rarities of the glory years 1977-1985 from across the world. Successful selection again, but it's a shame that the presentation is very sparse. Of course, the lack of money is responsible, but always using the same artwork and just changing the titles is not particularly creative. This could be better as well with little resources in my opinion. Well, I don't wanna complain, but criticizing is allowed. Meanwhile there are #5 and #6 out and will surely follow this year. We can be curious how long the world will continue to supply us with material. Enjoy!

1.Rock & Roll Death Camp - ANGLE

2.Death To Disco - DAVE & THE DERROS

3.Demokrati - LES CLOCHARDS

4.Kuken Är Mitt Redskap - HOMY HOGS

5.Orrore - KANDEGGINA GANG

6.La Fille De L' Infirmerie - GLOIRES LOCALES

7.200 Voices - NO COVER

8.Back To The Wall - SPIDER

9.Mr Twist - SS

10.I'm Punk - THE SWANKY'S

11.Hvítar Grafir - TAUGADEILDIN

12.Celibate - HAEMORRHOIDS

13.We've Come To Play - THE HENCHMEN

14.One Way Love - THE INNOCENTS

15.Your Face A Fucking Disgrace - PORNO CASSETTES

16.Stay - THE RAGE

17.Small Town Rockers - THE REST

18.City Cowboys - THE SQUATS

19.Anytime At All - THEATRE

20.Moviola - VIDEO

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