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.

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THE CURE - Live @ Whiskey A Go Go 27.07.1981

Another interesting work on vinyl is the following two record set by Casino Records Entertainment, 350 hand numbered copies in yelloy splatter colors features a fine quality recording from the 1981 Picture tour with plenty of gloomy numbers. Has already been published several times and now again with rare photos and decent format. The sound is rich and full and extremely well recorded. I've heard a few bootlegs from the Cure, some of them extremely unfunny, but with this release everything is just right and if you like the band's early works, you've come to the right place. Eighteen Songs, Eighteen Nuggets! Dinner salmon is waiting. Cheers!

The Holy Hour/In Your House/The Drowning Man/10:15 Saturday Night/Accuracy/The Funeral Party/M/Primary/Other Voices/All Cats Are Grey/Three Imaginary Boys/At Night/Fire In Cairo/Play For Today/Grinding Halt/Splintered In My Head/A Forest/Faith

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V/A - France Profonde #1 2006

France Profonde was a mini-series and the first Compilation was originally released in 1984 by Banzai Records/A.P.P.R.A. Unfortunately I don't own this record and when I bought this re-release I didn't look carefully. I thought it had the same songs on it, but the CD contains not the whole old songs, which doesn't mean that it's necessarily worse, but the mix on it is different with either newly mixed versions and some with nineties material. Let's see if I can get the original slab at some point, or if one of you can send it to me. One thing is for sure: I won't be buying another volume from this label, CDs are SHIT!, but musically there's nothing to complain about, I love French Oi!/Punk and the cream of the crop is filled with plenty of attractive bands/songs. I give full marks for the music, but the poor, sad booklet loses points, absolutely no information is given apart from the recording dates. A real disgrace! But enough words, I am forced to start the backgammon tournament and so I say goodbye for today, buy new tickets for this theater today because the doors will be open again tomorrow. Santé!

1.La Bombe Et Moi - PARABELLUM

2.Couleur Sur Paris - OBERKAMPF

3.A Ça Ira - LES PORTE-MENTAUX

4.C'Est Des Moutons - LES RATS

5.Vive La Guerre - LES VAMPIRES

6.R.A.S. - R.A.S.

7.Les Poings Levés Mais Les Poings Liés - L'INFANTERIE SAUVAGE

8.Syphilis M'Etait Contée - KIDNAP

9.Vingt-Deux - LES CADAVRES

10.Samedi Soir - PANIK

11.Bop Pap Labidoup - LES COLLABOS

12.Valstar Superstar - 13ÈME SECTION

13.Les Rois - AUSWEIS

14.Kazimir - VATICAN

15.Raddaren I Moden - HEIMAT-LOS

16.Désarmement - KRONSTADT

17.La Tête De Veau - DEAD GREGORY'S

18.Allo Le Monde - ICI PARIS

19.L'Hymne A L'Amour - CYCLOPS

20.As-Tu Déjà Oublié - LA SOURIS DÉGLINGUÉE

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CULTURE SHOCK - Forever + Ever 2012

When I heard this band for the first time I was totally excited. Back then the music came out on the airwaves via KBD Records and I was immediately interested in more material from the boys. And the Japanese reissue label 1977 Records released this fantastic compilation twelve years ago with all their few studio songs plus live nuggets, the recordings of which are acceptable. This neat piece features not only great music but also a few pictures and a short biography and is really worth every damn cent. A bit info: Culture Shock was a four piece PowerPop/Punk from Vancouver and consisted of Brian (vocals), Steve (guitars), Gordon (bass), Rob (drums). They peppered their own material with energetic cover versions (especially during live performances) and initially gigging as The Zoo back in 1979, they changed their name to Culture Shock and in 1983 they recorded their only 7Inch (300 cpoies) which is today extremely rare and highly sought after. Overall, this CD is a joy to listen to and the incomparably emotional lyrics are worthy of all praise. Killer!

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SLOBOBANS UNDERGÅNG - Stål Och Styrka 1993

Today is my first day of vacation, out of seven, and this morning I went to the dentist and he fixed four of my teeth. My face is completely numb as if I had just been through a big streetfight and only the costs are significantly higher than that. I don't want to bore you with any more details, but why do I have health insurance if it doesn't pay anything? Well, these are the extraordinary everyday intros that are completely useless, you just get fooled, every day. And there less you can do about it. (This example of my broken teeth). That's really sad. You have only ever put more into it, no matter what the situation, they all just want your damn money and that's what the world is about. If you have too much of it, you can buy everything, people, things, contracts, climate protection or elections, and in this vicious circle, there are always two involved: those who pay and those who let themselves be bought. People are shit, and this  since the dawn of humanity! - Let me get to today’s post: Slobobans Undergång were Gothenburg and one of Sweden's finest Punk combos and released a couple of excellent 7inches in the early Eighties. This Compilation on Nonstop Records offers a fine selection of their best and most significant pieces, and is a great way to get an overview of the band's work, while long-time fans have the opportunity to enjoy their favorites on one collection. The band uses a direct and sometimes provocative language to convey their messages. Each track has its own character and contributes to the overall mood of the album. Overall, the band has a significant place in the history of the Swedish Underground scene and this CD is a powerful and remarkable piece that perfectly captures the essence of Slobobans Undergång. I Love It!

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BIG BOYS & THE DICKS - Recorded Live @ Raul's Club 1980

Phew, December greets me with freezing temperatures and I am not a friend of the cold, grey season, Fuck Winter! This means I have to let it get hot and since the heating already contributes a part to this, follows now the other in form of this very rare split album by Rat Race Records with two great Texas bands: Big Boys & The Dicks. Both bands were part of the early Punk scene in Texas and spread their influence on the development of the genre in the USA. The record captures the raw energy and spirit of the bands during this time. The Big Boys are known for their mix of Punk, Funk & Hardcore, while the Dicks are known for their provocative lyrics and aggressive style. Both have tackled social and political issues and are highly regarded for their unconventional approaches. The record contains some of their best known songs and offers a glimpse into the bands' live intensive performances, which are often characterized by a passionate and energetic atmosphere. Recorded live at Raul's in Austin on September 19th & 20th, 1980. These recordings are not only a musical experience, but also an important historical document that perfectly underlines the creative explosion and emotions of the early eighties and the still young underground scene of that era. Superb!

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THE NIKOTEENS - Aloah-Oehh! 1983

I thought the album was already on the blog, but I don't see it. And since I digitized their second LP today (Thx iNgo), it wasn't difficult to decide which post must now follow. Welcome to the debut by The Nikoteens. Formed as a trio mid-1979 in Ingolstadt and in March 1981, the first recordings were made in Berlin, which were intended for the Soundtracks Zum Untergang Sampler. However, the producer had a problem with the song "Bombs Over Russia", so the tapes were bought and the legendary first EP which was produced in-house. They expanded to a fourth member and released the Hardcore milestone Aloah-Oehh in 1983 on the obscure Rock-O-Rama label. The legendary "Skateboard Tape" then broke the speed barrier in 1984. The second LP "Hardcore Holocaust-Slamdance Party Vol.3" followed in 1986. After that, the band broke up. With new members, the drummer continued as Nikoteens for a while. This formation then released the underground hit "Leader Of The Rotten Corpse" on the Brain Attack EP. At the end of the 80s, the band was renamed "SHOTGUN". In 2002, the Nikoteens were revived in a large oxygen tent by a mad scientist. Since then, they have played various gigs as a trio again. The band was strongly motivated by the extremely positive response from old and new fans. At Christmas 2007, they went into the studio to record a few new songs and the whole thing was mixed in spring and on October 1, 2008, five useful ones appeared as the Full Speed Ahead 12Inch which released in a small edition of 300 hand-numbered copies. At the end of Summer 2010, a 4-song EP follows on Höhnie Records. And for the first time, the whole thing will be available digitally and the CD contains all the songs from the 12Inch and the yet-to-be-released Outsider EP newly remastered. Aloha-Oehh! is a small explosion, even if the recordings are typically creaky due to the unambitious producer, but it's definitely a milestone of the German Hardcore Underground Scene.

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BLACK FLAG - TV Party EP 1982

Before I dedicate myself to the Euro-League game of the SGE, a quick trip to California where we meet a well-known band that surely everyone should know and we come to the fourth EP by Black Flag which was self-produced and originally released by SST Records. There have been several variations on the release of the record. They include one released by SST Records, one as a split between SST and Unicorn Records, and another simply by Unicorn. All three versions have the same track listing. The title track is a satire of boredom, drinking and America's obsession with television; the original version was also released on the band's 1981 debut album Damaged. "TV Party" is considered an important contribution to the development of HardcorePunk and influenced many later bands. Black Flag themselves were one of the central figures of the Punk movement of the early Eighties and are one of the most important bands from the USA and the slab is a must listen. Enjoy the three songs and maybe the game afterwards! 

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THE ESTRANGED - The Subliminal Man 2010

This is the second record by Portland's The Estranged on Dirtnap Records and involved are Derek (vocals/bass), Mark (guitar/keyboards/vocals), Keith (drums), known for their unique mix of PostPunk, shoegaze, Sage-inspired Punk and experimental sounds. They continue their musical journey and show how they have evolved while maintaining their signature sound. Static Thoughts was a great debut and this beauty opens with an immediately immerses listeners in a dense, atmospheric soundscape. The combination of melancholic guitar riffs and hypnotic rhythms creates a haunting mood that runs throughout the album. The vocals are often layered, giving the nuggets an emotional depth that captivates the listener. They catch your ear with its driving beat and shimmering guitar sounds and the combination of fine melodies and introspective lyrics shows the band's talent for incorporating complex emotions into their music. The lyrics are well thought out and not at all naivepoetic and invite interpretation. They deal with themes such as identity, alienation and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Sometimes addresses the protagonist’s inner conflict, while otherwise deals with the difficulties of interpersonal communication. The lyrical depth of the songs contributes to the overall effect of the album and makes it an experience that goes beyond the music. The production is clear and balanced, which gives the individual instruments and vocals space to unfold. The band has managed to find a balance between a powerful sound and a gloomy, almost ethereal atmosphere. The use of effects and sound layers contribute to the hypnotic quality of the record. Really an impressive album that embodies the bands artistic vision in an impressive way. With its mix of catchy melodies, profound lyrics and atmospheric sounds, the slab offers a captivating listening experience. The Estranged prove once again that they are one of the most innovative bands of their generation and set another milestone of Portland's Undergound. Brilliant Stuff!

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SPRINGTOIFEL - Tanz Der Teufel 1985

Now the debut by Springtoifel from Mainz on New Age Records. Founded in 1981, Springtoifel, whose founding members Olaf (vocals/organ) and Paule (bass) can still be found in the quintet's line-up today, was one of the very first German-speaking Oi-Punk bands ever. From the beginning, the band stood out clearly in the young Oi! scene with their then still quite exotic passion for ska, fluffy, offbeat hits with organ backing. Since then, the 'Mainzeldroogs' have not only stood for unforgettable, lively, first-class Punkrock sing-along anthems crowned by Olaf's roaring organ, but also for exotic musical quotes from completely foreign genres such as tango, bossa nova or even folk music, in addition to the obligatory brilliant ska songs. At a time when the music scene was dominated by New Wave, Punk and the emerging electronic music, the band managed to create a unique sound that combines both traditional and modern elements. The album is a fascinating work that takes listeners on a journey through various musical styles and themes, a remarkable example of the fusion of rock, folk and experimental music. The band combines catchy melodies with powerful guitar riffs and a driving rhythm. The use of traditional instruments, such as accordion and violin, gives the sound a folkloric touch, while the electric guitars and synthesizers underline the contemporary influence. This mix creates a dynamic soundscape that is both nostalgic and innovative. The lyrics are quite funny, sometimes poetic and invite interpretation. Themes such as love, loss, freedom and the fight against societal norms are treated in a way that is both personal and universal. The title track, "Tanz Der Teufel," is particularly notable as it offers a dark yet captivating narrative that draws the listener in. The imagery is powerful, creating an atmosphere that is both mystical and challenging. The production of the album is well done, with the sound being clear and balanced. The instruments are well-matched, and the vocals come through clearly. The mix of acoustic and electric elements is cleverly used to underline the different moods of the songs. The production reflects the experimental nature of the band and adds to the overall impact of the album. A review: ... the music and the feel, a strong early sing-song Oi! feel, like Sham 69 are both driving & passionate. Most of the stuff marches along at a good clip, both the harder thrash tunes and the slower bigger Punk sounds. (Dogtowne, MRR #40 • September 1986) This debut is an impressive record and leaves a strong first impression. Both thumbs up!

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