EXTERNAL MENACE - Youth Of Today EP 1982 & No Views EP 1983 & Seize The Day EP 1997

Triple pack for the weekend start by this awesome band from the suburbs of Glasgow. Their debut from 1982 Youth Of Today is a classic record and one year later it was followed by their second EP called No Views. Again four smash hits and you get what you're lookin' for. The band went through a few alter ego moments over the following years - playing External Menace songs at gigs but under different names. Beat The System!! had folded and the band released a few compilation tracks on Rot Records. In 1987 Wullie (vocals) was taking a short cut across the M8 when he was hit by a car and killed. A decade on, the band were revived when Captain Oi! records began to show an interest in releasing a compilation album of all the bands previous releases. The band continued to chop and change over the following two years. In 1997 the Seize The Day EP was released. They toured Europe three times, toured the UK, played countless festivals and recorded the Process Of Elimination LP. Again many line-up changes but the band is still active and with their good basic Britpunk sound always a pleasure guest in my house.

Details: External Menace formed from the same youthful energy that gave birth to many of the "second wave"of British punk bands. Put together by vocalist Wullie Hammill and John Sneddon in the summer of 1979, the band were typical of the 1979/1980 punk bands, faster and rougher than the class of 77, but not an all out UK82-style attack. The band played out as often as they could, evolving fully into the UK82 mold, and released two singles and also putting in an appearance on the Total Anarchy compilation (1982). Their sound was typical of the era, kinda speedy punk with gruff vocals and anarcho-inspired lyrics abour war, the evil governments and nonconformism. That was the side of External Menace that most people knew best, but towards the middle of the 80's they branched out in a more melodic (but still hardcore) direction, playing reggae inspired tunes like "Rude Awakening" and "Killing Me Asylum". While the band recorded two or three more demos, putting some of their new tracks down, they didn't manage to get any more vinyl out, and finally broke up in 1985. Fast forward to 1994 Ian Welsh of Swine Flu harassed John Sneddon to get External Menace back together, and start kicking some more punk rock ass. Sneddy agreed, but only if Welshy (what is it with Scots and diminutive names ending in Y?) joined the band as vocalist, since Wullie Hamill had died in 1987. Swine Flu disappeared shortly after their first single was released, and re-emerged with a new name and a new guitarist. External Menace was back.

Their first new release was Pure Punkrock on Captain Oi! in 1995, which featured all the band's Beat The System!! recordings, plus a handful of early demos, and re-recorded versions of some old songs, the release didn't attract the interest of anyone except the UK82 completists. The band were invited to play the first Holidays In The Sun festival in August of 1996, and accepted. The entire festival was recorded (very poorly) and released on video by Barn End, and selections were released on two CDs by Anagram records. The band were invited back for HITS 1997, and (again) accepted. Around the same time the first of the HITS compilations appeared (early to mid 1997), External Menace finally released their first new single, the Process Of Elimination EP. The five track single was a completely unexpected, it featured some serious punk rock/reggae fusion, in the shape of "Rude Awakening", and was a drastic step AWAY from their UK82 roots. Later that year they also released a split 7" with Rectify, and their first album. The songs were a mix of old and new Ex Menace songs, with a few hold-overs from Swine Flu. It was a refreshing blend of UK82 hardcore and more straightforward midtempo punk, with a healthy dose of reggae thrown in for good measure. The album really made people sit up and pay attention, these guys weren't just another 80's punk band back for a few quick bucks, they were talented musicians with something interesting to offer the punk community. Unfortunately they only managed to release on more 7" (a split w/Recharge) before breaking up again in 1999. Puhh, a lot of words again but good infos are part of it!

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V/A - Total Anarchy 1982

Pretty cool label compilation by Beat The System/Lightbeat Records with their house bands and in 1982 they have published of those their first 7Inches and pressed some here plus a few rare tracks I think. The result can be compared with other UK slabs of that time and that were some. Fourteen, two from each band, spiky short goodies which will not die out. Let's see what else I pack today at the buffet!

1.What The Hell - EXTERNAL MENACE

2.Riot Torn City - ONE WAY SYSTEM

3.Soldier Boy - UPROAR

4.Your Choice - ANTISOCIAL

5.I Hate - THE FITS

6.Out Of Order - CHAOTIC YOUTH

7.Die A Hero - DEATH SENTENCE

8.Me And You - ONE WAY SYSTEM

9.Don't Take Their S___ ! - CHAOTIC YOUTH

10.Death Sentence - DEATH SENTENCE

11.Lights - THE FITS

12.Boring Senseless Violence - UPROAR

13.Screw U - ANTISOCIAL

14.External Menace - EXTERNAL MENACE

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V/A - A Kick Up The Arse Volume 1 1985

Splendid limited compilation from Rot Records and all tracks are unavailable elsewhere and the title can't be more appropriate. It starts with the Cult Maniax and one of their best songs, I think, Butcher increase the stroke rate with their snotty ones, Last Rites give Oi Oi Oi a fresh look and become addicted, External Menace find the blues in Vietnam, Picture Frame Seduction call for pogo with sulphate, Reality take speed out with a cuddle song with mad Harry, the Expelled give themselves with cider the full ecstasy and on the free 7Inch drawn the Enemy last but not least, a few images in eccentric cubic colors. Sixteen nuggets that will not cause boredom, Guaranteed!

1.Cities - CULT MANIAX

2.Leave Alive - BUTCHER

3.Oi Oi Oi - LAST RITES

4.Coalition Blues - EXTERNAL MENACE

5.3, 2, 1, Go - PICTURE FRAME SEDUCTION

6.To Know Her - REALITY

7.Cider - THE EXPELLED

8.Vietnam - EXTERNAL MENACE

9.Drugs - CULT MANIAX

10.Violent Minds - THE EXPELLED

11.Addict - LAST RITES

12.Ballad Of Mad Harry - REALITY

13.Time Will Tell - BUTCHER

14.My Mate Sulphate - PICTURE FRAME SEDUCTION

15.Last But Not Least - THE ENEMY

16.Images (Live) - THE ENEMY

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THE SUBHUMANS - No Wishes, No Prayers 1983

Second and final album by the Subhumans, a Vancouver band, on SST Records, a bit info about this record: In 1981, just back from a gruelling tour across the continent which included a full-scale police riot in LA and other harrowing events, Gerry and Jim left the band. They were replaced by bassist Ron Allan and drummer Randy Bowman for more gigs and touring, working up for this album with twelve catchy punkies and like their debut Incorrect Thoughts highly recommended. A good review for you: "An aggressive ’77-punk style melds with strong lyrics to create brilliant cuts like “America Commits Suicide” and a very catchy version of “Googolplex”; there’s even a killer cover of MENACE’s “Screwed Up” to satisfy Britpunk enthusiasts. All we can do now is hope that they get back together and tour." (Steve Spinali, MRR) - There's nothing to add and all those who asked for re-upps, will come tomorrow.

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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)

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V/A - Halt! 2023

All right! Now, after a long time, one more selfmade Compilation is coming and there are songs on a certain topic that I don't usually do, but this time it was a need for me and it's quite possible that a second one will follow. It's about society & people, and I took thirty-seven killers which I like and think, they're fit. This manipulated society that is trapped in those systems and marches along tightly without following their own emotions and demands, that others hate because of a pimple on their forehead and let themselves be fooled every day and are numbed by the guidelines that are presented to them. Frightening & Incomprehensible this mass social control... I'm so sick of them! Certainly not just here but everywhere and I guess you know what I'm talking about, you see it every day. Anyway, this is my small contribution from the WDM Records headquarters with a lot of help by friends. Enjoy!

1.Bullshit Society - CRUMBSUCKERS

2.Fuck The Media - ANTIDOTE

3.Schmetterling - TEAM SCHEISSE

4.I Don't Wanna Work - QUEERS

5.Cremation In Belsen - THE GROUT

6.Knowledge - NYAM NYAM

7.One And One Is Two - BADBEATS

8.Punk's Not A Fashion - STRAIN

9.Don't Classify Me - TAZERS

10.A Year Without Summer - THE DICEMEN

11.I Don't Love You - DISHRAGS

12.Get Out Of My Life - VIOLATORS

13.Und So Weiter - DIE TOTEN HOSEN

14.Sick Society - HANGOVER

15.System - CRASS

16.Ihr Nennt Es Leben - INZEST

17.Society - THE RUTS

18.Nazi School - CRACKED ACTOR

19.Linke Spießer - SLIME

20.Don't Care - BLITZ

21.Sad Society - CHAOTIC YOUTH

22.I Hate People - ANTI-NOWHERE LEAGUE

23.Money Talks - PENETRATION

24.Dead Serious - ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT

25.Sick Society - DEEP SIX

26.Police Brutality - VICIOUS CIRCLE

27.World's Going Insane - THE INSANE

28.Society Rules - VIOLENT APATHY

29.Fuck You - THE STIFFS

30.I Like Drugs - SIMPLETONES

31.Essential Services - HERCO PILOTS

32.I'm So Sick Of It - BILLY SYNTH & THE TURN UPS

33.Just Be Yourself - NEGATIVE ELEMENT

34.Kill Someone You Hate - RED CROSS

35.Don't Believe - KRAUT

36.Insane Society - MENACE

37.Halt! - RAMMSTEIN

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SKROTEEZ - Overspill EP 1982

Skroteez was a Scottish four piece from Craigshill (known to locals as 'Crazyhill'), Livingston, formed 1980 by Hendo (vocals), Bill (guitars), Tony (bass), Stu (drums) and they were the first Livi band to release a record, the 1982 three track Overspill EP on Square Anarchy Music and is a reference to their hometown Livingston. A bit background: "Livingston was a "new town", which refers to a set of towns created under acts of parliament to reduce overcrowding in urban centers (also known as an "overspill estate"). Livingston was the result of the government's Glasgow slum clearance policy. The band's song 'Newtown' references to this, and the word -Livi- in the song title 'Livi Punks' is a reference to those town. For a time, there were violent rivalries between the Livi punks, and Punks in nearby cities, described by Welshy of External Menace in his account ("The Pish between Two Shittys"), and the song "Livi Punks" seems to indicate that the Skroteez were a part of this." The 7Inch wasn't the best Punk slab of 1982 but it was also far from the worst - got a decent review in 'Sounds' Punk section.

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7 SECONDS - One Plus One (Live!) 1987

Before I dedicate myself to the second semi-final in Bremen comes this little slab by the 7 Seconds, a punk band from Reno/Nevada. The band started out playing hardcore but have changed their sound throughout the years, touching on emo-core, alternative rock and pop-punk. Formed on January 17, 1980, by the Marvelli brothers, who used the punk names Kevin Seconds and Steve Youth, and the Borghino brothers, who took the names Tom Munist and Dim Menace. The band has gone through numerous lineup changes over the subsequent years, with only Kevin and Steve remaining constant members. In 2018 the band finally broke up. This is their fifth album and was recorded @ Club Can't Tell, Sacto 15.02.1987 and El Dorado Saloon, Sacto 06.06.1987, released via Giant Records/Positive Force Records and equipped with twelve cool numbers.

You Live And Die for Freedom/Siren/Catching/Praise/Somebody Help Me Scream/Opinion Of Feelings/Trust/Calendar/Regress, No Way!/The Save Ourselves/Walk Together, Rock Together/99 Red Balloons

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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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PATROL - Unknown Soldiers EP 2000/The Revolution EP 2020

December knocks, cold outside and the first snow has fallen, bäh!... better I let the warmth flow in with two rare brilliant 7inches and I'm glad to feed you with excellent infos about them: "The Fab Four come from the cultural centre of the UK - Leven/Methil and apart from playing music, they are heavily involved in drinking. Musical influences range from Marie Osmond to Donnie Osmond. Patrol will consider all offers of recording contracts and will accept donations gratefully. The band's main ambition for the future is to make lots of money." That's what Patrol said on the insert for their second demo cassette, "Another Fiasco", in 1982. The bit about the money came true when in January 1997 each member made £12.50 from a live gig! Patrol organised and played many gigs in and around God's Kingdom (Fife) throughout the '80s - with bands such as The Actives, Alternative, Crimedesk, Brain Damage and loads more. After a "break" in 1987 there was a brief reformation in 1992 for a party gig with another local band "Backlash". In October 1996 Patrol got together again and supported Canadian band The McCrackins along with External Menace. This led to several other gigs around that time. From 2008-2014 Patrol played many gigs in Fife, Dundee & Edinburgh with local bands. The last gig that Jock Hart played was @ the Rebellion Festival in 2012. After Jock left, Kyle McAulay took over on drums and played with the band until the final gig - the Tam Dignan Memorial on 1st February 2014. Patrol were a part of the punk rock scene in Fife for more than thirty-five years, during this time two tapes (1981+82), two 7Inches (2000+2020) and a compilation CD, Never Say Never (2011, which was only available to purchase at gigs), with twenty tracks of re-recordings of old favorites plus some new material, are their official releases, on compilations as well.

- Great Thx to Fredrik & Bristolboy -

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V/A - Raised On Punk Vol.1 1997

Puhhh, back home and safely arrived I have found decent for me and am satisfied with my booty. The sun still shines and I treat myself to a shower and then to the Berger Straßenfest, there is much to eat, international forage, always traditional much beer and even more fun. And yet another delicious compilation with early rare punk pies from Europe and so you wait for Volume 2 so it's up to you to conjure this by yourself. Quickly a Jever, a cigarette, small drugs and that was it for today. Live and don't listen to what the lollys tell you, stay strong and believe in yourself - Amen!

1.Kill The Pigs - THE BUTTOCKS

2.Bereslecht - PANIC

3.Tommies Gang - RAZORS

4.La Fille De Ma Concierge - CONTIGENT

5.P'tit Coeur Noir - MOKO

6.G.L.C. - MENACE

7.Tonight She's By My Side - SHITH

8.Koningin - DE STRAKS

9.Mir Reicht's - CONDOM

10.Rock Ist Rock - DISCOLOKOSST

11.Paris S'ennuie - JUSTIFIÉ X

12.Rape Her - PINCHERS

13.Jacotte Masturbette - YODLER KILLERS

14.This Reality - SUSPECTS

15.We Are Normal - THE REDUCERS

16.Vrije Wereld - DE STRAKS

17.Loony - SLIME

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V/A - Als Je Haar Maar Goed Zit 1982

This compilation from the Netherlands features seven bands, the hottest in my opinion are the Outlaws, Nitwitz and Amsterdamned. Runs the gamut from '77 punk to full-tilt thrash. Recorded between April 5th and April 8th, 1982 @ Joke's Koeienverhuurbedrijf, Schellingwoude, six hours per band. Released by the legendary label Vögelspin Records, a garant for pretty cool punkrock. In 1983 the label released Volume 2 which is also a classic one. - Pick this up you Fuckers! -

1.Ballroom Dancing - AMSTERDAMNED

2.Blind & Doof - PISTACHE B.V.

3.Artificial Smile - THE NITWITZ

4.Dummy - OUTLAWZ

5.Desert - RAKKETAX

6.Deo Volente - FRITES MODERN

7.Menace - A4

8.Vacuum - RAKKETAX

9.Traditie Amme Balle - AMSTERDAMNED

10.Philips - PISTACHE B.V.

11.General - OUTLAWZ

12.Ammunition - A4

13.Television Games - RAKKETAX

14.Genocide - THE NITWITZ

15.Chocomel - OUTLAWZ

16.OSL - PISTACHE B.V.

17.Formulier - FRITES MODERN

18.Dope - AMSTERDAMNED

19.Security Service - THE NITWITZ

20.Blind - A4

21.Ayatollah - AMSTERDAMNED

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D.O.A. - The Menace Lives 7'' 1982

Yet a rare record which is an unoffical one on Sudden Death Records and I don't think you need no further words for D.O.A., my favourite canadian punk band which exist since 1980 and they're still active. They celebrate excellent punk rock and their music is still even after thirty years rough and first league. Here two killer outtakes which did not make it on the first album Something Better Change, my guess. Last year I think or was ist 2015, I don't know it excatly, I finally saw them live and it was a fuckin' great experience. I have a few classics from Shithead & Co. which I would like to post soon if I'm not become a victim of a heart attack.

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V/A - A Fresh Selection 1981

A not uninteresting record is this gem from the house Fresh Records, a small label founded by Alex Howe's Wretched Records stall in London's Soho Market in 1978. Bands such as the Art Attacks, Second Layer, UK Decay and Manufactured Romance came to the stall looking for an outlet for their records. The label existed until 1982, at which point it became part of the Jungle Records family. This is Fresh 14 and shows a very cool overview of good bands which were not quite unimportant in the English underground scene and their singles are nowadays rare and still audible. Fourteen goodies, including some classics and a decent mix of new wave and punk.... undiluted, proper, tidy, preppy and of course... fresh!

1.Sorrow - DUMB BLONDES

2.Someone's Crying - CUDDLY TOYS

3.Octopus - THE IGLOOS

4.Savoir Faire - FAMILY FODDER

5.Madman - CUDDLY TOYS

6.All Day And All Of The Night - BERNIE TORME

7.Back In The Night - WILKO JOHNSON

8.Unwind - UK DECAY

9.Time Of My Life - MANUFACTURED ROMANCE

10.Hawaii Five-O - THE DARK

11.Ghetto - THE WALL

12.Earbending - J.C.'s MAINMEN

13.The Young Ones - MENACE

14.Punk Rock Stars - THE ART ATTACKS

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V/A - Bloodstains Across Scotland 2003

When the Bloodstains series had its hype in the mid Nineties they were posted on a lot of blogs and I've sucked quite a few too and there were some selfmade cuts by people that didn't come out on vinyl and this compilation is one of them. I went to the trouble of revising the Scottish version again, created a nice back cover and now present it to you and of course a big thx goes to whoever had the idea twenty years ago, should you see this feel honored. Now enjoy this fine music and the weekend!

1.Helicopter Honeymoon - SCROTUM POLES

2.Stuck With You - ZONES

3.No Views - EXTERNAL MENACE

4.Linda Vindaloo - THE VALVES

5.Adultery - SCARS

6.War Of Ignorants - A.O.A.

7.Good Sculptures - REZILLOS

8.The Real People - THE EXILE

9.Put You In The Picture - P.V.C.2

10.Newtown - SKROTEEZ

11.Night & Day - SKIDS

12.Production - THE FAKES

13.UK 82 - THE EXPLOITED

14.Jerkin - THE DRIVE

15.Disco Pope - THE PRATS

16.Saints & Sinners - JOHNNY & THE SELF ABUSERS

17.Someone Else's War - DEFIANT POSE

18.Mill Street Law & Order - FEGS

19.We Ain't Dead (Yet) - STRAW DOGS

20.Route 66 - THE JOLT

21.Radio-Active - CHEETAHS

22.Go To Hell - THREATS

23.Where's The Boy For Me - REVILLOS

24.You Gotta Know Girl - BEE BEE CEE

25.Warfear - ALTERNATIVE

26.I'm In Love - THE ZIPS

27.Radio Tay - SCROTUM POLES

28.General Davis - THE PRATS

29.Gimme Your Heart - SUBS

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THE DARK - The Living End 1982

Second and last output by The Dark, a quartet from Islington, on Fallout Records and this captures the band playing their last ever gig (June 1982). Allow me a short info from PunkyGibbon: Formed in late 1978, it took them a year or so to hit their stride. Their first lineup - John Flannagan (vocals), Billy O'Neil (guitar), Phil Langham (bass) and Jim Kane (drums) - lasted long enough to play just two gigs and record a demo. At this point Andy Riff (ex-Rotting Klits and The Suspects) joined on rhythm guitar and O'Neil played lead. The Rotting Klits had played a total of eight gigs (including several with Menace) and The Suspects had played four. After a few 7Inches they recorded the outlandishly Chemical Warfare album which is my opinion a Top UK punk record and everybody should have heard that and also the Captain Oi! compilation The Best Of The Dark ('95) with all their recordings, awesome.

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ACTIVES - Kick It Down 1983

Puhhhh, the long fucking work weed is over and now four days off, Yeah! Now the Actives, hailing from the north of the British Isle and this is their great debut on Quiet Records and they were actice from 1981-1987. - I'm extreme exhausted and therefore now a little info which I found in the web from musicmetason: "this quartet had links with Alternative, sharing their instruments and gigging together. Dougie McHale joined Alternative in 1983 (he was replaced with Smed) and Eric 'Rice' Beveridge from Alternative joined the Actives in 1984, after the release of their third and final release, the Wait & See 12"! The band's manager Sconey took over vocals at this point. Although the Kick It Down album won a rave review in MRR, they are still pretty obscure. Mole (of Skeptix and Shattered Family) was also a member at some point. Here's how the liner notes to Reactivated tells the story: The Actives were actually born of frustrated roadies and followers of "The Alternative" in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland in December '81. The Alternative shared their practice pad, instruments and social life with the Actives, indeed the original Actives guitarist, Dougie, joined the Alternative in mid '82. A number of support gigs with the Alternative followed but it soon became apparent both bands were playing to different sections of the punk audience. Difference of opinions, especially over lyrical content, saw the Actives being asked to leave the shared practice pad in late '82. A high degree of musical mediocrity fused with an uncontrolled desire to play very loud and very fast led to a publishing contract deal in 1982 with ex Menace member Charlie Casey. A record deal followed in early '83. Two months later the single 'Riot' EP was released. The only cloud on the horizon was the recording of the album Kick It Down which was mixed by an uninterested old shit of a hippy - giving the album the unique sound of shouting a lot whilst your mum is vacuuming directly behind you. The much more musically satisfying (and last) single Wait '& See!' was released late '83. In early 1984 the singer, Lewis, left the band and the ex "Alternative" member, Rice, joined on lead vocals. A number of demo tapes followed but no further records were released. Local gigs followed, especially memorable was a support slot with the Toy Dolls. Rice left the band in '85. The ex-manager, Sconey, then took on the mantle of singer. Further demo tapes were made but the band eventually called it a day in late 1987. Where are they now? Lewis (vocals) - last seen Dunfermline bumming free beer at Budgie's house Budgie (bass) - last seen Dunfermline talking about how well his tomatoes were doing this year Kirky (drums) - last sighted Japan Rice (vocals) - often seen in America and at Punk gigs especially around females." - Fantastic record in every way and I'm sure you like it.

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