DÄMMERATTACKE - Das Märchen EP 1981

Damn, I'm late with this slab, it was requested seven years ago and I said yes. Sorry for the extreme delay, but I'll take care of it today. Not many records exist from this combo which were formed by school friends 1979 in the Wiener Neustadt called Dämmerattacke and the line-up were Walter (vocals/guitar), Thomas (bass), Wolfgang (drums), Erich (keys), Michael (sax/vocals) and 1980 they performed together with X-Beliebig @ the Vienna Amerlingbeisl and gained attraction of Austrian Punk pioneer Panza who released this fucking 7Inch on his Panza-Platte label (200 copies) and we enjoy four shallow New Wave goodies and if you want to get the original EP you have to dig deep into your pockets, which of course is completely exaggerated in my opinion, there is no re-release either (their only album Tausend Seen was reissued in 2012 in an limited edition, if that interests you). The album received unfortunately not much attention (I think the Punk community wasn't open to this kind of music) and after this commercial failure the band was dropped by distributor Ariola and folded by its members. Thomas and Wolfgang later formed the Bates Men.

I have to admit, I can't listen to their songs all the time, I have to be in the right mood and it may sound clichéd, but this is exactly the right music for gray November days like today. But it's all a matter of taste, as always. Dämmerattacke is a clinical term for states of short-term altered consciousness and now decide whether you wanted to do this to yourself or not... I say: you can do it!

- Great Thx to Reinhard -

here

OX - Monkey Public EP 1981

Second and final 7Inch by Ox from Le Havre on SMAP Records. Line-up on this rare piece were Sylvain (vocals), Jean-Philippe & Eric (guitars), Alain (bass), Claude (drums), Buffalo (harmonica) and three rocking numbers were recorded, catchy and solid and not as rough as on their first single Drugs. Well, no further info can be found, nor any compilation invitations, but on Je Suis Né Dans Une Poubelle you can enjoy them alongside other cool French combos with a song from their first record. Let's continue with the Soccer World Cup, which I enjoy a lot, and tonight it will be clear who gets to go home.

here

8TH ROUTE ARMY - Think For Yourself EP 1982

Now a small package of three 7Inches (Think For Yourself '82, No Leaders '84 & Outside My Window '85) for you by the Eighth Route Army, a four piece from Northampton, formed in early Eighties and lasting until the end of the decade and the band consisted of Johnny (vocals), Mark (guitars/synth), Jim (bass/vocals), John (drums) and all were released via 1 Dimensional Records. While the first two are quite decent mid-tempo goodies, the third becomes extremely poppy and almost boring, really amazing what motives such a change entails. I can't explain myself with the best will in the world, especially the album Nihilist Olympics ('85) doesn't even come close to going in this direction. And a solid review confirms the debut EP as really strong: "This EP features an eclectic mix of material, Clash rock with horns and slick backing vocals; biting Punk with clever lyrics about future "Punk" politicians ("Vice Presidente"); and a scathing critique of military recruitment set on slower, Chelsea-style material ("Professional Killer"). Multidimensional and thoughtful." (Jeff Bale, MRR #7 • July/August 1983) You see, change is not always an advantage but still necessary, it just needs to be considered accordingly. Enough philosophizing, I want to look for a new desktop today, otherwise I'll turn off.

here

SAGA - Silent Knight 1980

It's always a pleasure to put on a Saga record, on the one hand I like their music and a lot of good vibes start to flow, on the other hand it takes my mind off things. Silent Knight is their third album and after Chadd was out, Jim became the band's new keyboarder and with him they found the right musician and in this formation their level of awareness also swept over to Europe, not with this album, which was excellently received in Canada (is certified Gold there and reached #42 in the charts), but finally with the following one. The fuller production, which in my opinion is too flat in the predecessor, can be clearly heard in the eight goodies, and the songs themselves are catchier and more dynamic, rock more succinctly, and show the evidence of the group's virtuosity. Three more albums followed for me, before they aroused my disinterest with Behaviour (1985). Have a relaxed weekend!

here

THE KRIXHJÄLTERS - Hjälter Skelter 12'' 1988

Second release by this four piece from Stockholm on Chicken Brain Records (541 handnumbered copies) and was the debut Guineapig Assasinator more in the Hardcore/Punk sector at home is now the sound clearly slipped into the metal/crossover genre and all lyrics are performed in English. There are five songs for your ears and a saxophone can also be heard which is an interesting acoustic addition, I don't know any metal band that uses this instrument. Check this out.

- Great Thx to Fredrik -

here

VKTMS - Compilation 1997

Terrific compilation by Broken Rekids and this is a solid tribute for VKTMS from San Francisco and this little dittie features their three 7Inches and one LP along with three bonus live tracks, plus the track off of the SF Underground EP. Allow me excellent info from discogs: "VKTMS got together in 1978 when Mohammed Obead introduced Louis (drums) to Jay (guitar). After a while they added George (bass) and began searching for a singer. Nyna (R.I.P.) answered a bulletin board ad. Her intense energy and already developed lyric skills impressed them immediately.The band began gigging and shortly after put out what has become to be called the Midget EP, a highly collectible four song record. Shortly afterward bass player Steve joined. He is on the SF Underground EP. Right after that John joined on guitar and occasional keyboard. Few bands played the Mabuhay Gardens more times, and most other Northern California venues too. Playing a lot of gigs with relevant renowned American Punk bands in winter of 1981-1982 after releasing a single on 415 Records VKTMS began recording an album which sat in the can until 1994 when the band reunited. Re-releasing the album and previous recordings on CD on Broken Rekids (1997) helped give validation around the world.

VKTMS continued until Nyna passed away from cancer in 2000 after a very brave five year battle. In 2010 they started up again with Terry and Sophie on vocals. First came a Benefit for the San Francisco Homeless Youth Alliance which acted as springboard for the band's current state. In September 2012 they were booked to play the SF Punk Reunion with fifteen bands from the original era. This opened up a floodgate of show offers. In 2013 alone VKTMS did awesome shows with the Dead Kennedys, T.S.O.L., and the Weirdos. 2014 brought shows with the Sonics, The Members and more. 2015 brought a return show at a SF punk reunion concert, called this time SF Punk Renaissance, this time with even more bands, with Cheetah Chrome headlining. In 2016, they made it into the legendary Fillmore Auditorium, playing once again with the Dead Kennedys. Just before Covid hit VKTMS played an incredible show with the Avengers. Then right afterward with another close band MDC."

Now enjoy this explosive anthology by a great Punk combo!

here

LOIKAEMIE - III 2002

Thomas (vocals/guitars), Paul (bass) & Mischa (drums) = Loikaemie. This Skinhead band stands for honest, straight, critical and hard Streetpunk. This is their third album on KnockOut Records with a Studio Side and a Live Goodie which were recorded 2000 @ Conne Island in Leipzig. The boys bring their lyrics straight out without hiding behind any phrases and confusing the listener. This album put them to the top position in the German Oi! League and pushed their friend & foe potential. Shone Wir Sind Die Skins, III is an excellent increase. Since 2022, delayed by the Covid-19 shit, active again and playing regular concerts, including at the Sternburg Fanfest in Leipzig, where new music/record was also announced. A few weeks ago their latest 7Inch Lumpenmann came out via Fettfleck Records with two new songs after more than fourteen years, keep going boys!

Intro/Wir Sind Die Skins/Es Gibt Beim Fernsehen Leute//Sonntag/Das Haar Im Bier/Oi! That's Yer Lot!/Ihr Für Uns Und Wir Für Euch/Remember/Mädchen/Skinhead Ohne Stiefel/So Sehen Wir Euch/Haut Dem Volk Auf's Maul/Ich Komme Auf Die Welt/Ich Lieb Mich/Irgendwann

here

FINAL CONFLICT - Ashes To Ashes 1987

Wild spirit and rage, these two characteristics are distinctive for the furious sound of Final Conflict, a southern California Hardcore combo which were founded 1985 by Ron (vocals), Jeff (guitars), Warren (bass), Dave (drums) and their first demo War?War?War? is considered an important artifact and they produced a cassette containing the kind of blazing riffs and politically-charged lyrics many punks thought were over and done after being abandoned by the previous, spiky-haired generation. No wonder, a certain gentleman named Pushead wanted the band for his little label and so it happened that in 1987 their crushing debut Ashes To Ashes was released on Pusmort. Their perseverance and dedicated fan base helped spark a Los Angeles and Orange County Punkrock revival of sorts during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Unfortunately it is one of the records that are no longer in my closet and so you have to use this rip, but I guarantee unlimited listening pleasure. The band has released two more albums and as far as I know are still on the road.

here

V/A - Electrocute Your Cock! Vol.1 2021

It's finally starting today, the 2022 World Cup, and I'm a little happy because I'm a big fan of this ball sport, even if it's going to be the most controversial. On the other hand, the following compilation, which you can now enjoy, is not controversial and there is a suitable description for it that sums it all up. "Taking its title from the legendary brainless anthem by Vom, it's not hard to imagine the contents of this compilation. On offer are eighteen tracks of pure, untamed, moronic, KBD-style-Punk in all its glorious rawness. Focusing mainly on the US - but also presenting bands from the UK, Denmark and the Philippines - and spanning the period between 1977 and 1984, this is an absolute must for all Killed By Death enthusiasts. Punkrock done the way it was meant to, shameless, raw and annoying. You know you need it!" That's the way it is folks, maybe there will be a second Volume coming and until then enjoy the frosty sunday with hot lost nuggets.

1.The Things That You Do - BOB

2.Electrocute Your Cock - VOM

3.Life Is Cheap - TEENAGE POPEYE

4.Do You Have A Job For A Girl Like Me? - THE DELINQUENTS

5.No End - ELECTRIC VOMIT

6.Testing - A.D.S.

7.Think Naturally - LOWLIFE

8.Seize The Middle East - HATED

9.City Streets - LAST FOUR DIGITS

10.USANRK - ART OBJECT

11.Unwritten Laws - MEDIA DISEASE

12.Insult Useless People - THIRD WORLD CHAOS

13.Primitive - THE TESTORS

14.Magnetic Heart - VS.

15.Too Late - 5.0.5.1

16.Dangerboy - ROUGH CUT

17.Don't Get Angry - THE ODDS

18.Spectator - GATECRASHERS

here

CHAOTIK TH & TIP-EX - Split EP 1983

Now an early Swiss-Punk record on Gülden-Broduggt and this is all both bands ever released. First Chaotik TH from Schaffhausen and they are a garagy Punk band with crude instrumentation, inept drumming, and satirical themes. Founded 1980 as Der Pein and this formation breaks up in winter of 1981. After that, the former members found these two bands with new comrades-in-arms. The new line-up consisted of Hägi (vocals), Nert (guitars), Galle (bass), Seppi (drums) and they played the first concert at the AJZ Basel four weeks later as the opening act for Freiwillige Selbstkontrolle and on the same evening in Wetzikon at the Monster Festival with other Punk bands from the time who were well-known. 

Tip-Ex were Lenz (vocals/bass), Stefan R. (guitars), Stefan Winiger (keys), Maurus (sax) and played an experimental Punk-Pop outfit and were a short-lived project and became later the Der Böse Bub Eugen in 1983. Shortly before that in the same year they released this extremely rare split-7Inch together and everything unraveled... meaning, everything just started to make sense now! Both bands are not represented anywhere on Compilations and the original single can be purchased for cheap €180. You can analyze for yourself whether it's worth it. Now a little personal opinion, tomorrow the World Cup starts in Qatar and I have to say I'm not in World Cup fever and I never thought I'd see a World Cup game on my birthday, which is soon. It's all kinda weird. Of course I look at what I can see and maybe the spirit will come along, but the alignment there remains doubtful. Well, may it be an interesting and exciting four weeks. Enjoy this rare oddity!

here