Before I dedicate myself to another self-made Compilation, we travel to England and visit a band that likes to be guests in my four walls: Penetration, known for its powerful sound and the distinctive voice of frontwoman Pauline Murray. The band was part of the emerging Punk scene & characterized itself through a blend of Punk, New Wave, and Post-Punk. "Danger Signs" is one more great record with three goodies, two of them live on the flip. Opens with the energetic title track which immediately captures your ears and demands your full attention. Murray's haunting vocals and dynamic instrumentation immediately create an enthralling atmosphere. The next highlight are the live pieces which impresses with its catchy melody and powerful rhythm. This showcases the band's ability to combine catchy hooks with an aggressive sound. The guitar work is concise and driving, while the bass and drums provide a solid foundation. Penetration manages to strike a balance between a raw Punk sound and melodic elements. Overall a strong 12Inch that showcases Penetration's evolution as a band. It cements their place in British Punk history and highlights their ability to create both powerful and insightful music. They're a band that capable of expressing the complexity of human emotions through their music.
Hotter than hell is the following rare 7Inch on No Wonder Records by a three piece from Brussels which consisted of three members: Erik (vocals/guitars), Philippe (bass), Giovanni (drums) - I'll quote a few info from the Bloodstains Compilation II: "Spermicide from Brussels was short-lived and this time we present you the title track of their 7Inch 'Femme Prothèse' (note how many punk bands were inspired by this shitty country we live in; one of them was even simply called "Belgium"). Most copies were released without a sleeve, but with an insert. They never released anything else, but a (demo) tape is circulating somewhere. "They never had a political agenda, nor was there any fighting against the police in squats. It's all a fable." (Guy Delcroix, brother of singer Eric) After Spermicide, singer/guitarist Eric, together with a new drummer and bassist, formed another band: Neo Arya, which released an mini album, Entre L'Amour Et La Haine, in 1984. Neo Arya's rhythm section remained active in various bands over the years and today plays in Europe's leading instrumental band, the Vice Barons (three albums on Demolition Derby), as well as in the mod band Supersonic." - Delicious record!
I hope the Easter holidays are pleasant and you can relax and unwind from the drudgery of everyday life and enjoy some good music. Today I'm coming to a rare record that's not without interest. Not necessarily a Punk classic, but an important building block of the Hanover underground scene. After the debut Inkubationszeit lead singer Bernie left the band, and the previous drummer Micha, took the mic. Thomas "Tier" Wolff of the Cretins and Blut+Eisen became the new drummer, and the second and final album was finally released on Frostschutz Records and represents a significant step in the band's development. Musically, the album oscillates between Punk, NewWave, and Post-Punk, making it an interesting document of the early Eighties. Thirteen rough and unpolished songs with an energetic guitar riffs and driving rhythms. They shine with a variety of sound textures to convey their messages, with the use of synthesizers in some tracks adding a futuristic touch. Particularly noteworthy are the catchy melodies, which exude a certain optimism despite the often dark lyrics. The words are characterized by a mixture of irony and seriousness. Topics such as alienation, social norms, and dealing with one's own identity are addressed in a direct and often provocative way. The band manages to create a connection between personal experiences and social observations, making the lyrics both relatable and thought-provoking. It sounds very authentic and passionate, which is also reflected in the energy of the recordings. Overall, a very good record with catchy melodies and a valuable piece of German music history from the early rebel years.
As part of The BBC Punk Sessions series on Captain Oi!, a Compilation featuring four Lurkers Peel Sessions from 1977 - 1979 and yeah, the west London boys kicking ass, as they were already harder and faster than most of their peers in '77 and they were part of the first wave of British Punk bands to emerge in the mid-'70s, playing tough, meat-and-potatoes rock & roll with plenty of attitude and a jaundiced eye toward the world around them. The Lurkers are one of the bands that embody the heart of British Punkrock. This Compilation offers a fascinating look at the band's musical development and influence and not only a nostalgic trip down memory lane, but also a powerful testament to the timeless energy and relevance of early UK Punk. The recordings are taken from the legendary BBC Sessions, which allowed the band to present their raw, unpolished energy in a slightly different light. The live atmosphere captured in these recordings conveys a sense of immediacy and authenticity. You can practically feel the excitement of that time, when Punk was still in its infancy and turning the music world upside down. Musically, the Lurkers are unmistakable. Their blend of catchy melodies and powerful riffs immediately captivates you. Songs like "Ain't Got A Clue" and "I Don't Need To Tell Her" are timeless earworms that still captivate even the most discerning listener today. The lyrics are direct, unvarnished, and authentic. It's this honesty that sets the Londoners apart from other bands of their time. The CD's production is of high quality, as you would expect from Captain Oi! - Another plus is the variety of songs. Their best-known hits and deep cuts, give everyone a comprehensive insight into their work. This selection is an interesting experience. Overall, a successful homage and an important documentation of Punk history. It shows how this band was not only part of a movement, but also developed its own distinctive style. A timeless piece that has lost none of its power even after all these years.
Second vinyl and only 7Inch by Rotzkotz from Hanover (active 1977-1982) on Welt-Rekord. The band emerged in the late Seventies, made a significant contribution to the German Punk & New Wave scene with their album "Much Funny." However, as with many releases from this era, there are both positives and negatives. It is characterized by a raw, energetic sound, and the instrumentation is simple but effective, distorted guitar riffs, driving drum rhythms, and a concise bass create an atmosphere that invites you to sing along and dance, complemented by the direct and forthright vocals. However, one could criticize the lack of musical complexity in some places. The melodies are catchy but often predictable, which calls into question the longevity of the songs. The lyrics reflect the spirit of the time and address everyday problems and frustrations that we are all familiar with. Nevertheless, the lyrical content sometimes remains superficial and offers little deeper insight. One could argue that the band gets lost in clichés instead of offering new perspectives. Overall, this little sunshine is an interesting time capsule, and with its energy and attitude, Rotzkotz succeeds in conveying a message that remains relevant today. However, the piece lacks the musical depth and lyrical substance to make it a timeless work in the annals of music history. For fans, the single is certainly worth a look, while other listeners may not get their money's worth.
Nice litte record by this four piece - Scott (vocals), Kurt (guitars), Al (bass) & Dave (drums) - from Seattle and we enjoy three brilliant tracks, their only official record released on No Threes Records. In 2015 a Compilation, See You Next Year, Fuckbrains, was released, featuring additional recordings from 1978/1979, all previously unreleased. It came in a limited edition of 200 copies on blue vinyl and a four-page picture book. The info is used from this slab: "The Cheaters began in late 1977, like many other bands of their time, high school friends who wanted to “form a band” and finding their outlet in Punkrock music. Brothers Kurt & Al Bloch writing songs and practicing in their parents’ basement. With no money to record properly, they began a year of basement tapes, very crude to begin with, but as the playing improved, so did their “one-track” recordings. Saving up enough money to record and release a Single in late 1979, they promptly disintegrated live on stage in October of that year." - They are represented on a few Compis and all essential.
It's have been come a little quiet on wdthtc, but I really have little time or muse to continue forward. Partly because of the summer weather, and partly because life is priority. So, your patience is required. But now a interesting combo from far far away and I quote some info from Discogs for you: "The Gordons formed in Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1980 and were comprised of Alister Parker (vocals/guitars), John Halvorsen (bass) and Brent McLachlan (drums). With a sound both edgy Post-Punk and semi-industrial, they toured and recorded throughout 1980, and in December released their first EP Future Shock. In late 1981, they recorded their first album The Gordons, which was voted album of 1981 in music magazine Ripitup, and subsequently split up. In late 1983, though, they re-emerged with Alister Parker replaced by new singer/guitarist Vince Pinker, and released their second album "Volume Two" in 1984. From late 1984 to 1986, the original line-up of The Gordons reformed and began recording material, which they later refused to release. During this late period, John Halvorsen joined the Skeptics, while in 1986, Alister Parker formed a new band initially called Nelsh Bailter Space. Halvorsen joined the now truncated Bailter Space in 1987, and in 1989, the original Gordans line-up was reunited when Brent McLachlan also joined the band. In 2013 The Gordons' debut was named a New Zealand Classic album at the annual Taite Awards." In any case, it takes a bit of getting used to than what you know from this country, but it's still worth listening to!
Zounds is one of my favorite UK Punk band and this is one of their last single before they took a long break in 1982 (back 2001). A review: "Reputedly the last release from Zounds, this 45 showcases an appealing change of musical direction. From punk origins to their rather post-punk phase to this, an ennui-filled variety of pop music particular to the English." (Jeff Bale, MRR #3 • November/December 1982) I also think that the steam of the early tones has subsided a bit, much calmer and softer, almost like fabric softener, but still audible and just Zounds. Compare their other works in the blog and I don't want to babble too much, because a week of vacation is starting and I'll be spending it in the countryside, but stay tuned friends, the thread continues to spin.
Formed 1978 in Vancouver this short-lived five piece called Active Dog and only one record is out with two brilliant goodies. Members were Bill (vocals), Chris & Terry (guitars), Ross (bass), Robert (drums) and they released this beauty by their own label. Besides this single they had two more songs on the Vancouver Complication slab, but by the time it was released the band had split up. Two members went to the Pointed Sticks and the band never recovered. In an era characterized by musical experimentation and the search for new sounds and stands out like a sparkling diamond in the musical ocean of the late 70s. This energetic anthem is not only a catchy tune, but also a powerful manifesto against the monotony of everyday life and the treadmill. From the very first notes, the listener is transported into a dynamic soundscape featuring pulsating rhythms and catchy melodies. The singer's distinctive voice immediately captivates, conveying a blend of determination and optimism. The powerful guitar riffs and driving bass give the track a distinctive energy that invites you to dance and sing along. What makes "Rat Race" special is the deeper message behind the catchy melody. The lyrics reflect the frustrations and challenges of modern life while offering an encouraging perspective. Active Dog succeeds in inspiring the listener to defy societal expectations and find their own path. It's a call to cast off the shackles of everyday life and live life to the fullest. The single's production is remarkable, it captures the spirit of the times without succumbing to nostalgia. Instead it sounds fresh and timeless, as if it could still serve as a soundtrack for a generation striving for authenticity and freedom. A fantastic record that encourages you to pursue your dreams and not be constrained by life's routine and a hidden gem that instills a sense of hope and courage. Magic!
