Showing posts sorted by date for query OFF!. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query OFF!. Sort by relevance Show all posts

Thursday, December 12, 2024

CÓLERA - É Natal​!​!​? EP 1988

Now my only contribution to the fucking Christmas time and this year it is the second EP by Cólera from São Paulo on Ataque Frontal with four excellent numbers. The band is known for their aggressive sound and socially critical lyrics. They are one of the most influential bands of the Brazilian Underground scene. Their EP "É Natal!!?" is a delicious example and deals with themes such as social injustice and problems that prevailed in Brazilian society during the 1980s. The title of the EP alludes to the contradictions and challenges that exist during the Christmas season and in the context of Brazilian reality. Cólera has released several albums and EPs throughout their career and remains active today, continuing to perform concerts and release new records. Overall a very nice record with their typical aggressive style combined with catchy melodies, Cólera has gained a loyal fan base over the years and is often considered one of the key figures in the development of Punk in Brazil. And now off to the fucking TV and to Lyon.... Hallelujah!


Sunday, December 08, 2024

WALPURGIS VOLTA - Violence Des Chocs 1989

Second and final record by Walpurgis Volta which came via La Rage and I've been a little out of it since yesterday and can't think straight because I've been a bit put out by damn love. The second album by the Belgians from Brussels continues seamlessly where the first one left off. After the break-up they formed PPz30 and they very quickly achieved in France and Benelux the reputation of a terrific live band thanks to the astonishing performance of front man Bruce and to the musicianship of Daniel. I know I've written this before but I can't write any further because my arm fell off. Their music combines elements from various genres, including Punk and experimental sounds, resulting in a distinctive sound. This album received praise from critics and fans alike and is often addresses social and political issues and is known for its powerful lyrics and dynamic melodies. The production highlights the intensity of the music and offers a deep insight into the band's creative ideas. The band has carved out a solid place for themselves in the Belgian music scene, attracting a wide audience with their music and live performances. Reviewers says the band's artistic development and experimental approach. The band's lyrics are often described as provocative and socially critical. They address relevant topics that make you think and connect to the current social situation. The sound density and careful arrangement of the instruments add to the intensity of the music. Critics emphasize that the band's energy is palpable in the studio recordings and many of the songs are great for live performances. This could make the band an exciting live act. While many old fans of the band appreciate the new direction, there are also voices that say that some of the experimental elements may not appeal to every listener. The band could be taking a certain risk by moving away from their original style. Overall, "Violence Des Chocs" is considered a bold step in Walpurgis Volta's career, pushing musical boundaries and presenting the band in its second stage.


Saturday, November 23, 2024

LOOKOUTS! - Spy Rock Road & Other Stories 2015

Now that I'm home at the weekend and have nothing better to do, here's an excellent compilation and I'm quoting the band bio from the band's own homepage, I'm too drunk to write anything, just one thing, excellent material is on offer: "The Lookouts were a three piece that existed from 1985 to 1990 from Iron Peak, a remote rural mountain community outside Laytonville, California. Members were Larry (vocals/guitar), Kain (bass/vocals) and Tré (drums/vocals). Thirty years ago, long before there was such a thing as Gilman Street, Green Day, or the East Bay pop punk explosion, three guys got together in an off-the-grid hippie wilderness known as Spy Rock, at the heart of Northern California’s legendary Emerald Triangle. They hooked their amps up to their solar panels, made up a couple songs about living on the backside of nowhere, and The Lookouts were born. It would be the first time 12-year-old Tre Cool ever laid hands on a drumstick or a set of drums, but over the following five and a half years he would hone the skills that would see him headlining amphitheatres and stadiums, winning Grammy Awards, and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with his second band, Green Day. Guitarist and singer Larry Livermore would go on to co-found Lookout Records, the indie label that introduced Green Day and many other bands to the world.

Together with bassist (and future forest ranger) Kain Kong, and with guest appearances by Operation Ivy’s Tim Armstrong and Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, The Lookouts produced a legacy of two albums, two EPs, and several compilation tracks, the best of which are featured here. Also included is a track from The Lookouts’ very first demo tape, recorded in 1985, which features Tre singing backups in his as yet unbroken three-and-a-half-octave soprano.

One of the greatest (and, some say, worst) legacies of the Punk movement was the notion that anyone can be in a band. Even me, as it turned out. When I formed the Lookouts, I quickly became the laughingstock (I should amend that to “an even greater laughingstock”) of the remote mountain community where I was living at the time. Already well into my 30s, I was playing music (to use the term very loosely) with a 14 year old bassist who had never played bass before and a 12 year old drummer who had never laid hands on a drum set. The abuse wasn’t limited to the verbal variety, either; there was the matter of the legendary black eye I received when a local lunkhead tried to physically restrain us from playing at a town dance, a black eye which I wore semi-proudly (the other guys in the band used makeup to draw their own in solidarity) at our first record release party at Gilman Street the next night. The Lookouts, even several years down the road, were never noted primarily for their technical skill, but we did manage to get a good bit better. We never got a chance to tour, but we were privileged to play at some truly awesome shows, by far the most memorable being the last Operation Ivy show. Maybe even more important, we had the honor of being part of the Gilman Street phenomenon from pretty much the ground up. We first played at Gilman only a couple weeks after it opened, and our next to last show, opening for Bad Religion in June of 1990, was there as well. When we finally split up the next month, it wasn’t so much that we were tired of the band or each other. In fact we all felt as though we had finally hit our stride, and were capable of playing together as a pretty darn good band. But we were living in three widely separate places and it was next to impossible to get together for shows or even practice, so we reluctantly called it quits. Later that year, Tre was asked to join Green Day and started making a new kind of history. Since those days I’ve learned a lot more about music and played with a lot of other musicians, but your first band, like your first love, is always special beyond anything words can tell. No doubt we embarrassed ourselves many times while we were struggling to master our instruments and figure out what it meant to be in a band, but we were too dumb and too sincere to know it. We just kept on bashing away and howling at the moon, and by the time we were finished, well, we’d fashioned some of the best days of our lives." (Larry Livermore, homebase)


Saturday, November 09, 2024

ATTANAS - Rokki EP 1985

Well, since the wonderful German railway ruined my weekend yesterday by not running, I am condemned to stay here alone and not with my girlfriend. Good for the blog, so I can be a bit active and first off to the far cold north of Europe and a visit to Tampere were we meet a four piece called Attanas, they made three 7Inches in the mid-eighties and the band consisted of Ronne (vocals), Tumppi (guitars), Wennari (bass), Maso (drums) and influences were drawn first mainly from '77 style. Their music is simple and the lyrics deal with social issues and personal experiences, they didn't really play much live but that's okay. In addition to their singles, they are featured on several Compilations, one of those is the famous Maanalainen Vuosikerta record from 1989. This record was released via Lentsun Klupi and has five solid, cozy numbers and is a good start into this fucking gray day.


Wednesday, November 06, 2024

BAGS - Survive 7'' 1978

The Bags (also known as Bags or Alice Bag Band) were an American band formed in 1977, one of the first generation of Punk combos to emerge from Los Angeles. Formed by Alicia Armendariz & Patricia Morrison, who had met while waiting in line to see Elton John guest on Cher. The two became fast friends and eventually decided to form a band called Femme Fatale. Kim Fowley heard about their band and asked the members to audition for Venus & The Razorblades, Fowley's next attempt at creating a band after the Runaways had left him. Femme Fatale eventually morphed into a new band, which became Bags. They took the band's name and their stage names "Alice Bag" and "Pat Bag" from a gimmick that the band used during early performances where they performed with grocery bags over their heads (the practice did not last, in part due to an incident where Darby Crash of the Germs got on stage and ripped the bag off Alice's head). Alice Bag was the vocalist and Pat Bag played bass, and the rest of the band comprised guitar players Craig Lee and Rob Ritter, and Terry Graham on drums. The Bags played their first concert at The Masque on September 10, 1977. Their concerts were often accompanied by disorderly scenes, including altercations with celebrities, such as one between singer Tom Waits and drummer Nicky Beat at The Troubadour. In 1978, they released their only record, a single called 'Survive' which was released by independent record label Dangerhouse Records. 'We Don't Need The English' was included on the Yes L.A. Compilation (1979) released by the same label.


Tuesday, November 05, 2024

THE RAVES - Damned Money 7'' 1981

The Raves were a Belgian five piece from Roeselare and consisted of Jacques (vocals), Patrick & Gilbert (guitars), Alain (bass), Patrick (drums). This is their only piece with two dynamic and catchy cocktails. Their music combines elements of rock, pop and indie, which has earned them a little fan base. It looks at first glance like a shabby hippie rock record but I have to say, this bloody sucker (200 copies exist) is an outstanding example of the versatility style of the five and the title song addresses the negative effects of money and materialism on life and interpersonal relationships (I'm feeling this very strongly at the moment because a dear friend is closing off her emotional world in favor of the material world and possibly becoming blunted, sad sad story). - With powerful riffs and a catchy chorus, the slab has quickly gained popularity and shows the band's musical ability and creative energy. The Raves have made a strong statement and invite their listeners to think about the influence of damn money on dear friends or society. The flip has a superb half Reggae companion. Featured on Bloodstains Across The World #5.


Saturday, October 26, 2024

RESISTORS - Force Of Habit 7'' 1991

Long off the wanted list and now available: the second 7Inch by the Resistors, released via WeBite Records. "Force Of Habit" starts with powerful guitar riffs and energetic vocals that are immediately catchy and exude pure power. The song grabs you from the first second and kicks every fucking lame ass. The flip "Ride To Get You" follows seamlessly and brings a slightly calmer, more melodic note into play without losing any of its intensity. The driving drum playing plus the catchy chorus make the song a real insider tip. Overall, the guys are extremely versatile and you can't deny the fact that they are talented. A perfect mix of Punk and Rock that sounds cool, and not everyone can do.... and thus I disappear from the stage.


Friday, October 04, 2024

V/A - Positive Energie #2 2024

Well, Teddy was constantly urging me to finally create a sequel to Positive Energie and I finally gave in and wasted my valuable time on this and set out on the long journey to create a worthy second part.... and today after six years, dear friends, the time has come: Another example by interesting bands, this time looking a little bit beyond Germany to the rest of the continent where I live but remaining in Europe, a healthy mix of new Post-Punk and Punk sounds that deserve a mention because on the one hand they put a lot of effort and money into their records and on the other hand they conjure up dynamic songs from their repertoire that are driving and rousing in my opinion and I am overall very satisfied with this selection. Without the support of some dear friends this compilation wouldn't have been possible and my sincere thanks are lovingly mentioned in the booklet. If you are more interested in the bands' sound, check out the relevant sites on the internet and look for more information and records, it is a lively ride through new discoveries and passionate energy. And Teddy was right again, get off your ass and do something smart, it's never wrong to create something beautiful. With that in mind, enjoy this CD and maybe I'll see your Fucker here.

1.Something To Look Forward To - CLOCK OF TIME
2.Maybe I Should Leave Neukölln - GLAAS
3.Unvollendet - SCHWIMMEN
4.Dritte Klasse - MOMMY BOYS
5.EwigGestrig - DIE BITTERE PILLE
6.Alveg Sama - BÖRN
7.Ausgeliefert - L'APPEL DU VIDE
8.Boys Don't Cry - YACØPSÆ
9.The Laundry - NOWAVES
10.Concrete Wind - CHAIN CULT
11.Excommunication - VOYVODA
12.Intrige & Libido - DIE VERLIERER
13.Cave Of Misery - CLAVV
14.Wände - MOLOCH
15.Der Schöne Schein - AUS
16.Zähne - LAMINAT.SNYDER
17.Nichts - MORGEN TEUER TÖTEN
18.Permanent Quest - PIGEON
19.Fitted & Lost - LIIEK
20.The Sack - CLAVV
21.Dr.Murkes - GWEN DOLYN & TOYBOYS
22.Kunsthochschule - REHASH
23.Returning - PLEXI STAD
24.Dunkel In Mir - VON HÖLLE
25.The Sound (Live) - JE T'AIME
26.Strafe - KALTE HAND
27.Mampe - MOLOCH
28.Dusty Economy - GO LAMBORGHINI GO


Saturday, August 31, 2024

MOLOTOW SODA - Keine Träume 1989

A real revelation is the debut of Molotow Soda on Day-Glo and the quartett has partly emerged from the ashes of the grandiose Canal Terror. A short bio of the beginning from their homepage: "In 1986, bassist Heiner from Bonn was offered the opportunity to appear on the Sampler Kulturschock Attacke 2 with a song from his band. The problem was that his band had just broken up. In order to take up the opportunity, he convinced musician friends to take part in the project and, together with Tommy (vocals), Volker (guitars) and Tommes (drums), the song “Just A Lie” was recorded in some semi-professional recording studio (actually it was more of a hobby cellar on the very edge of civilization). A little later, in a boozy gathering, the band name Molotow Soda was born, along with the drink of the same name (1 bottle of Blue Curacao, 1 bottle of eggnog, 1 bottle of rum and lots of lemon concentrate were mixed in a 5-liter canister) and, due to the pleasant “collaboration”, it was agreed that the band would continue." This album bites with every song and must infect everyone (if not, Fuck Off!), such fantastic lyrics (not nearly as obviously political as they were in the Canal Terror days, most of them still had a socially critical view), seventeen dynamic blasts and Tommy's characteristically distinctive voice is the crown to all and with a record like this, posting is fun again. Musically, they were clearly different from the rousing sound of most D-Punk bands at the time, they mastered their instruments excellently and remained true to the rough sound of the glory early days: hard & loud and always worth a visit live!


Friday, August 30, 2024

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


Tuesday, August 27, 2024

V/A - Chaos In Basque Country 2021

Another Chaos In Compilation from Tough Ain't Enough which came out in an edition of 600 copies in different colored vinyl and this time with thirteen bands from the Basque Country. In the usual excellent presentation, but since this is unfortunately not my rip, the infos aren't within, but I deceide this because I listen now to this cool record and that's reason enough. Catchy melodic songs on the whole, hardly Hardcore but vehemently dust-free and very pleasant. I am always amazed by the fantastic music that is created from all parts of our planet and never stops. It's never too late to get off your ass and not accept everything. This also applies to me. Well, nice record, every tone a hit! Click Chaos In for more stuff.

1.Nire Amaren Etxera - ROTTEN XIII
2.Erregien Zaldidxe - STA. CRUZ
3.Bihotz Motel - TATXERS
4.Gerrara - KOLPEKA
5.Pour La Mémoire - BLESSURE
6.Skinhead Abertzaleak - IRMO
7.Herio - ORREAGA 778
8.Beldurra - KALEKO URDANGAK
9.Izua - ATTURRI
10.Amerria - IRAMO
11.1,2 Amen Gauz - REVERTT
12.Besterik Gabe - OLDARKOR
13.Indarra Eta Ohorea - DOUBLING BOYS


Wednesday, July 31, 2024

AGENT ORANGE - s/t EP 1980

The following band, who wrote an immortal classic with their debut EP, deserves definitely a fucking gold medal. I'm talking about BLOODSTAINS. Part of this 7Inch and a song like an orgasm: short, intense and lasting. The inspiration for the famous and brilliant bootleg Compilation series from the Nineties, which are now highly sought after and highly traded, and each one is a real gem. And I still enjoy listening to it because the trio, because they also one of my favorite bands. But the other two songs, America & Bored Of You, are also masterpieces and their content describes the current situation exactly forty years later and makes me feel young again. Nothing has changed! Small Bio: "Orange County Punk combo Agent Orange were the pioneers of surf Punk, melding the guitar figures of classic surf music with the fast-and-loud attack of dynamic Hardcore/Punkrock, and they became one of the truly enduring bands in the West Coast Punk community. Formed in 1979 by guitarist/vocalist Mike and completed by James (bass) and Scott (drums), they became one of the leading acts in West Coast Punk with the release of the awesome Bloodstains record in 1980, which received extensive radio support from iconic DJ Rodney Bingenheimer. The group's debut album, -Living In Darkness- (1981), became a touchstone in the skate Punk underground, and -This Is The Voice- (1986) found them adding some polish to their sound without robbing their music of its intensity. The group's recording activities dropped off in the mid-'90s after the release of third album -Virtually Indestructible- (1996), but Palm kept Agent Orange busy as a live act well into the 2010s, touring the world (look) and pleasing fans despite numerous lineup changes." (Mark Deming) Enough of the unnecessary words, give yourself the stuff, buy the record and enjoy life, hooray!


Wednesday, July 10, 2024

V/A - Heroes Of The Night Vol.2 2023

Now comes a recommendation, so don't be surprised if there's no download link available, but it is important to mention this brilliant record, because who has an overview of when and where which gem is released??? Not me, and since a lot of time and love is involved in this big nugget, it is worth to buy the stuff and enjoy the wonderful presentation, sound/bands and the essential liner notes. A few official words: Welcome to the second installment of the “Heroes Of The Night” compilation and this is picking up exactly where the first volume left off and featuring a cast of twelve of the best and scarcest D.I.Y., Powerpop/Punk and New Wave 45ers, all damn rare and released in a small edition. This litte sunshine continues Reminder Records’ campaign to showcase the talents of Post-Punk’s female musical innovators and pioneers. - Best regards to Olga!

1.Secret Love - SHELLY STEVENS
2.I Want To Be You - BRENDA PRESCOTT
3.Wonder Wonder - TERESA DEL FUEGO
4.I Should Have Kissed Him Then - CHOIRGIRLS
5.Who's George - WHO'S GEORGE
6.I Didn't Catch Your Name - THE WALK
7.July Girl - JACKIE
8.Get A Grip - L'HOMME DE TERRE
9.Fall - AQUILA
10.Edelweiss - THE ROCHDALE FAIRIES
11.Heavens Daughter - PLEASURE DOME
12.Fireball XL5 - THE KADETTES


Thursday, May 09, 2024

THE DICKIES - Stukas Over Disneyland 1983

An enjoyable and recommended listen is the third mini album by the Dickies which was released after a four-year silence by PVC Records with eight wonderful nuggets. I quote a perfect review: the Dickies first vinyl in almost four years ranks up there near their previous funnypunk triumphs. Most of the eight songs here veer toward amphetamine pop, with irresistible layered choruses to boot, but the highlights include the poppish “Rosemary,” “She’s a Hunchback,” and an incredibly fast cover of LED ZEP’s “Communication Breakdown.” Buoyant and entertaining as hell! (Steve Spinali, MRR #12 • March 1984) I undoubtedly go along with that and start this warm day off, which will follow with a second post shortly. Re-upps are also finished if anyone asks.


Saturday, May 04, 2024

SUBURBAN STUDS - Slam 1978

Formed in 1976 and hailing from Birmingham, the Suburban Studs consisted of Eddy Zipps (vocals/guitar), Keith Owen (guitar), Paul Morton (bass), Steve Pool (drums) and with their already punky sounding name were one of the first bands to be signed to an independent, the equally punky sounding Pogo Records, and marketed through the major label WEA Records. In their time they released two 7Inches and even an album within a year, a feat not reached by many a Punk band of the time. Originally featuring the sax antics of Steve Heart the instrument was felt to be inappropriate to their sound and he left to start the Neon Hearts.

The Suburban Studs were active live throughout 1976 but were a different looking proposition then with a more glam look. Supports at the time included The Runaways. They played their first London gig at the 100 Club on the 31st August '76 supporting the Sex Pistols and The Clash. A quote from a Sounds review by John Ingham appears The Clash book "Last Gang In Town" where he describes their set as 'a laughable mixture of tacky jumpsuits, tacky make-up, tacky props and tacky music'. The Studs also headlined over the Clash on the 27th of October '76 at Barbarellas in Birmingham, this time complete with haircuts and a more Punk image, though still playing the same dated glam set as they did at the 100 Club. Gigs at the usual suspects like the Marquee, Vortex, Roxy Club and Barbarellas and tours even supporting the likes of AC/DC and The Runaways did nothing to break the band. Not even a John Peel session broadcast in December 1977 or appearing in a Punkrock special on ATV helped.

WEA supported with marketing and also helped land them on the double Live At The Hope And Anchor album with a live version of 'I Hate School' along with The Stranglers, 999, X-Ray Spex & The Saints among others. Their WEA Press release which accompanied their album Slam l is suitably hyperbolic and manages to sadly spell the bands name wrong in the first sentence! WEA Press Release Born in the slums of the Midlands and educated with street level certificates, the Surburban Studs are deeply involved with their music. "We're fed up with rock superstars", said lead vocalist Eddie Zipps. Their music has got fuck all to do with living on the street today. We live in a slum... You've got to play music, that's life, that creates a situation. Their debut album 'Slam' reflects the seamier side of life and focuses on Suburban Studs instinct. Unfortunately the music didn't live up to the hype. Mediocre album reviews in the music weeklies didn't help either. PR was reduced to occasional gossip including the singer being subject to random Punk violence which was prevalent at the time and the shenanigans of their fans when two girls at their Thames Poly gig flashed their breasts on stage, daubed graffiti & set off fire extinguishers. With no sales the band who were astute enough to jump on the Punk bandwagon couldn't progress further and just fell off the Punk map.

Having said that however, the single Questions/No Faith (1977 Pogo Records) is a peach as good as any. Classic driving overdriven punk at a frenetic and heart attack inducing pace. Steve Harrington (sax) who was later in the Neon Hearts played on the first version of Questions/No Faith (July 1977) which was withdrawn, both tracks were re-recorded when Harrington left to start the New Hearts and e-released in November 1977, this time with "No Faith" as the A-side. Slam their album feels like Punk by numbers. All the ingredients are there but there's something missing and that's a spark. For once I think the reviews of the time got it right. Like the art work on Slam below? They couldn't get straight jackets from anywhere and in the end had to have them tailor made. Their only other single was I Hate School/Young Power (1978 Pogo Records) pulled from their album and this time reusing the album over in monochrome. They are also on the Live at the Hope & Anchor Compilation (March 1978) again singing I Hate School in the company of The Stranglers, 999 and X Ray Spex. Ironic as one of them went on to become a teacher.

While bands like Eater and Menace never got a John Peel radio show, the Suburban Studs did which aired on 22.11.77 and which featured "Suburban Stud, I Hate School, Necro, No Faith" and that was it! (source: punk77)


Wednesday, May 01, 2024

V/A - United Skins 1982

Today a nice Compilation that was released on the Boots & Braces record label in the early Eighties and the album title has a fundamental meaning. At that time there were significant fights or conflicts in the skinhead scene that were rather stupid and unnecessary. Of course also because of the right-wing scums who called themselves skinheads and had no idea where the culture came from (unfortunately it remains unchanged to this day). I think I don't have to use my mental cells any further, you know the stories, but you don't know where I got the record from. I bought them at a flea market in Berlin many many years ago and I was quite surprised to see them offered for so little bucks, apparently the record god meant well for me. Today you'll have a hard time getting the original because it's banned through the usual channels, which I think is absolutely ridiculous. All seven bands were by no means right-wing at the time and their songs are good and belong to Oi like alcohol to beer. Of course, everyone knows today that Skrewdriver took a broken path and that's the only reason why the slab has become a rarity. Crazy, right! But that is humanity: stupid and extremely stupid. Well, I'm open now an alcoholic drink, enjoy the day off and see what else can happen here today. Enjoy the music!

1.Bloody Bouncers - CONTROL ZONE
2.Anti-Social - SKREWDRIVER
3.Life In A Plastic Bag - T-D-A
4.Swearing Session - ACCUSED
5.Take Him Away - SEDATED
6.Wicked Women - WARRIOR
7.Boots & Braces - SKREWDRIVER
8.Lament Of The Terraces - MICK FURBANK
9.T-D-A - T-D-A
10.I Hate You - ACCUSED
11.Rebel - SEDATED
12.Johnny Johnny - CONTROL ZONE


Friday, December 15, 2023

HALF LIFE - Under The Knife EP 1986

Four piece from Pittsburgh who were active in the Eighties and Half Life consisted of Jeff (vocals), Vince (guitar), Mike (bass), Damon (drums) and this is their debut 7Inch on Mind Cure Records with four perfect smasher. A review: "One of the better sounding domestic HC releases in a while. Good power and production on all four tracks, and although it’s mainly generic metal-influenced hardcore, there’s a gripping urgency that carries it off. Lyrics are pretty bleak, although “Consider The Alternative” offers some hopeful thought." (Tim Yohannan, MRR #45 • February 1987) In addition to their first demo from 1985, they have each released two 7Inches and albums, featured on some good Compilations as well, and in 2002 the last testament was brought via Stab Wound in form of a CD with the nostalgic name All Our Yesterdays which definitely sounds interesting. Fazit: cool record in every way and I hope, I can spend more time with the blog this fucking weekend.


Tuesday, October 24, 2023

BASTA! - Abortus Vrij, De Vrouw Beslist! 7'' 1977

Rib inflammation and a sore throat, I'm thrilled, all this shit that's extremely annoying and pisses me off. Well, there's time to post if I can crawl out of bed, and it's time again for a little 7 fucking Inch, the only piece by this Belgian combo called Basta! on Agitat and this little dittie was one of the first Belgian Punk releases of any sort. The band consisted of Eric (vocals), Marc (guitars), Luc (bass), Johan (drums) and Peter (sax) and the song refers to the 'national demonstration against the abortion ban' of March 4, 1977 in Ghent, which the Young Socialists (JS) called for with the same slogan. The song posthumously gained international recognition in 2017 when it was included in a list of influential anti-fascist Punk songs by the American music site Pitchfork. The music website mainly praised the saxophone line which is said to be reminiscent of Lora Logic's dissonant contributions to X-Ray Spex and Essential Logic. The flip is a reggae tune which is in my opinion a little bit too long. A short background: "The Radio 1 program Wonderland called a stunned Eric, singer of Basta, last night. "It's unbelievable what is happening now, because there are few people who remember that song from fourty years ago," he says: "Although the fight over abortion is a fight that has not yet been fought in many countries, which makes the song still relevant." The way the song was created appeals to the imagination. "We created abortion free, the woman decides" in response to a similar demonstration under the same name. That demonstration was to take place in Ghent. As occasionalPpunks, we created a soundtrack for it," says Eric. "That all happened in one day: we made a song from scratch in a community center. The lyrics were written there on the spot, the music is pure improvisation. That evening we were already in the studio for the recording. My voice was completely destroyed by then (laughs). Until that day we had never played music together."


Sunday, October 15, 2023

COLD I - Cliff Flowers 2018

Now I want to introduce you to an interesting Greek band called Cold I and this four piece plays a catchy Eighties Post-Punk & Dark Wave sound. Founded 2015 in Athens by Fotis (vocals), Vostron (guitar), Mitsos (bass) and Christos (drums). Άνθη Γκρεμού (Cliff Flowers) is already their second album which was released via Bat-Cave Productions and has six melodic and atmospheric highlights to offer. I can really say, that their music transforms all your stress and anger into positive energy, at least that's how I feel, and it's just nice to listen to. Although their noises are very melancholic and dark, but it's the perfect sound to calm down, collect yourself, reset and gain new momentum. Just stop and think, take a look at the world and yourself and ask, if all of this is okay. That's what I do with such stress-free music. Well, all of us have shit on our legs and need an outlet to shake that off, Cold I is an excellent help for that. Try them, it's perfect when you need a holiday from yourself and check out their other records, the last one came out this year and I hope they stay with us for a while. Cheers & have a nice Sunday!


Wednesday, August 30, 2023

V/A - Compulsive Agitation EP 2023

The tenth and latest release from dutch D.I.Y. Subunderground Compulsive Agitation’s, Compulsive Agitation, is an excellent EP Compilation featuring six songs from five bands, hailing from the Netherlands as well as the UK. Edition of 400 copies on black vinyl. Well, the label should be familiar to you as it is the home base of the talented school of fuzzpunk, or in short: Ford's Fuzz Inferno whose contribution has not yet been published. This also applies to the other songs (except for Waste). Nun, this little 7Inch is a real grenade with short loud impacts that absolutely smash me into the past when Hardcore became my driving force and I was flashed by the aggressive fast sound. And once infected, it stays in your heart and you know what's good for you. With Hans & Co. you know what you're getting and all ten records aren't late bloomers or lame copies of old heroes, NO! Honest straight pissed off Hardcore with appealing words rolling over you and rousing every lame ass to participate, and to that always an informative artwork. This litle goodies comes with an insert featuring alternative front cover designs and infos about the bands.

"Overall, 'Compulsive Agitation' is a fantastic EP release that showcases the strength and diversity of the old school Do It Yourself Punk scene. Each band brings its unique sound and style, creating a compilation full of energy and attitude." (THOUGHTS WORDS ACTION - 8th June, 2023)

Since the edition is very limited, it will be difficult to get hold of a copy, I have one and if you find one, grab it! Pushes anytime, especially with back pain.
Five Killer Punk Bands! - Six Killer Punk Hits! Enjoy!

1.Protect & Serve - KRUST WORTHY
2.Everything Is Grey - WASTE
3.Reptile Brain - SCOUNDRELS
4.Sab The Hunters - KRUST WORTHY
5.A Messed Up Situation - FORD'S FUZZ INFERNO
6.Urban Disease - RHI & THE RELICS