V/A - Børnepunk 2008

A short trip north to our Danish friends leads us to this amazing compilation, limited to 500 copies, with six bands that unfortunately only made it on this slab and released no or only tapes which were presumably distributed locally only. The baby is called Børnepunk (Childrenpunk) and was released via R98 and seventeen songs in just under thirty minutes embody catchy punkrock with a decent hardcore touch as well as flair and pretension, a very interesting area and I can't spot any weak ones. The only drawback is the short playing time and if it were twice as long, I wouldn't be bored listening. Fazit: short, but crisp and authentic record.

1.Danmark - PSYKISK HÅRDT

2.Ind I Kampen - PSYKISK HÅRDT

3.Træt - HØJSPÆNDING

4.Langsomme Reaktioner - HØJSPÆNDING

5.DSB - HØJSPÆNDING

6.Ål - SKRALD

7.Grønlændersex - SKRALD

8.Ritt Bjerregaard-Sangen - SKRALD

9.Raversvin - SKRALD

10.Genbrugsbutikker - REAKTION

11.Drop Søndage - REAKTION

12.Forurening - REAKTION

13.Nul Og Fis - GODMORGEN DANMARK

14.Sofus Syvsover - GODMORGEN DANMARK

15.Grineren - UNMODERNE

16.Faak Anders Faak - UNMODERNE

17.Kun For Sjov - UNMODERNE

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PROBLEMI - Nije Po Jus-U 2014

Holiday friends, bad weather, good times for blog visitors. I open the treasure chest with a compilation nuggets by Problemi. Founded in Zagreb, August 1978 as a result of the social economic situation and new trends (punk) spreading rapidly over the world and the first line-up consisted of Marino (vocals), Valter and Žarko (guitars), Maurizio (bass), Milenko (drums). After some line-up changes they played their first gig in September 1978 at a youth center with several young bands. Interestingly, Marino, as the youngest member, is responsible for the created punk expression of the group, in which he involved slightly older members who grew up on a fiercer, but more classical understanding of rock music. Initially, the band included in the repertoire arrangements of songs by bands such as the Sex Pistols, but they soon focused on their own songs. The music is mostly created by new guitarist Boris, while the lyrics are written by Marino. So, absolute enthusiasm and more than necessary musical foreknowledge blended into the youthful rebellion with a good dose of banter and the Pula legend was created. The band lyrically expressed itself as a voice of the people by saying publically what people thought, and encountered a resistance from the authorities.

Even though art shouldn't have boundaries, the government did a lot of silence the band by restricting public gigs and recordings. Despite this, Problemi survived for several years by changing band members, and consequently, styles of performing. However, they never compromised the message they were bringing to the public. Numerous gigs throughout Croatia and Slovenia are still remembered by fans and members of other well established bands of the time. A month after their first gig, Problemi get their first chance to play in the hottest club at the time Uljanik, which Pero remembers as a big part of that time because only the best were invited by Uljanik. 

At the beginning of the eighties they finally got the chance to record a handfull of songs at Truli, Zagreb which were published on the essential Novi Punk Val 78-80 compilation. They stopped working late 1980 (singer Marino passed away on February 2, 1981) because some members were drafted to the compulsory army, marking a period of silence for the band. 

Nije Po Jus-U is full with their complete former studio sessions and rare pieces recorded at home in Pula, June 1979, a total of fourteen rough smasher. Released via Rest In Punk in an edition of 250 copies with glossy black/white insert featuring liner notes, photos, lyrics. Fine Work!

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HOSTAGES OF AYATOLLAH - Hallo Nachbar EP 1985

Probably the first German combo that tried to translate the ideas and sound of the US hardcore and skate punk into their own songs and strongly influenced by this style were Hostages Of Ayatollah, founded 1981 in Velbert and eventually played in its permanent line-up with Jah-Jah (vocals), Jacho (guitars), Micha (bass) and Torso (drums). In 1983 the band recorded their first demo tape Aha; a year later their first EP Hallo Nachbar. In the following time the group played many concerts until the split album Kaaba Kaaba Hey, together with Manson Youth, came out on Zorro 1986. The success, however, was not what the band expected so a short temporary time out followed. In 1987 then they came back together and changed their music style and English-language words were now used. In the following year, they recorded their second slab Simply Too Much Nothing, which, however, led to some great discontent among the members. In addition, bassist Micha repeatedly had drug problems, which ultimately led to the band's final breakup in 1989.

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STOPP - Håll Käft (Demo) 1991

Obscure two man combo from Mjölby with their only recordings, I guess and Stopp were Michael (vocals/bass) and Jonny (guitars/drums) and we enjoy five rough tracks with a voice which enjoy lots of alcoholica. Håll Käft means shut up and under this motto the other songs seem to follow, but I don't. My last visit there was about twenty-five years ago and my Swedish has been rusting ever since... well, there is not much to say about the two musicians, probably a fun project, google the band themselves and you will find little and nothing. Certainly not a musical virtuosity or highlight of excessive influence and probably distributed in small editions at concerts, I think. Overall not uninteresting and for tape collectors another welcome extra. Check it out!

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ISCHJAZZ - La Kælven Leve 7'' 1981

Unfortunately only a draw yesterday and now it's going to be difficult if the SGE wants to play the Champions League, damn... nun, warten wir's ab, noch zwei Spiele und sehen welche Liga es anschließend wird. Continue with good news: It gets less on the Wanted-List and today with the second and last 7Inch by this four piece from Drangedal on Maza Records and they recorded two more difficult to classify songs. Not punk or Powerpop so remains New Wave, and I think this genre fits best into it, drawer or not. I think, they are a bit different on the way as on the debut Nyføtt, which is more powerful and I almost think the four didn't want to do dirty, snotty punkrock the way it was also created in Norway in the early eighties, and we all know Punk is emotional, colorful, versatile, impulsive, flexible, different... I guess they implemented that with their music, and back then many played fast, aggressive and loud and we like it so. Well, fact is: Ischjazz have a preference for country life; is an interesting band that immortalized music of a special kind with their both slabs for the upcoming generations; are not a warm stale beer.

- Great Thx to Reinhard -

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Halftime Analysis

Well, it's not going optimal, 0:1 behind and I hope something will work in the second half. But as you can see, my breakfast is ready. Bon Appétit!

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PSYCHOTIC TANKS - Security Idiots 7'' 1981

It'll be time in fifteen minutes, but first an obscure single with two interesting pieces. A band that only appeared briefly and didn't create anything earth-shattering or spectacular either, I guess the gathering was more of a spontaneous mood. The baby is called Psychotic Tanks, a short-lived post-punk combo that tried to live in London and this is their only, a Conny Plank produced, single which issued 1980 on the bands equally obscure Idiot label. They consisted of Robert (vocals/guitars), Schengel (bass), Björn (keys), Schruuv (drums). Two members of seminal German punkband Charley's Girls in a new outfit, after CG had disbanded to become Mittagspause. But both songs are absolutely good, sharp guitar in a pounding rhythm and amazingly catchy. The flip a little more restrained but just as brilliant, both lyrically great. Besides, I ask myself how I should prepare my breakfast now...

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FILM NOIR - Never Ending Dream 1986

A day of rest without a computer is a real relaxation and today I'm fully back, because the important match versus Mainz starts in good six hours. Now to a band that didn't much leave behind, but whose music shouldn't be forgotten: Film Noir, a new wave band from Athens and formed circa 1985 and one year later they released their debut mini-album Never Ending Dream on the essential Wipe Out Records label and it was the label's third release and the line-up consisted of: Maria (vocals), Costas (guitars/keyboards/vocals), Constantinos (bass), Vassilis (keyboards) and Spyros (drums). In 1987 Maria leaves the band in order to pursue a modeling career in Australia. 1990 the band released their second and final album entitled Portrait Of A Child via Aural Art Music Productions and the main vocals was done by Costas Sokialis. After this release the band disappeared. Unfortunately in 1996 Maria dies of cancer and the world has lost another beautiful voice which she impressively demonstrates on the six wonderful and darkly atmospheric songs. I think a woman's voice goes better with melodies like this, I listen more closely and float faster into my fantasy world, I hope, you do as well. In 2013 Eirkti re-released the debut with an extra 7Inch. Before I continue, I cycle to the farmer and get fresh strawberries.

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TECHTONES - That Girl 7'' 1980 + State Of Mind 7'' 1981

More nuggets from the wanted list late in the evening and I'm thrilled. Nothing for a long time and now one rarity after the other. This time an awesome double pack from the other end of the world and as a little intro a few words from the necessary and great Audioculture site whose countless information about the New Zealand underground scene, bands and culture alyways excites me. Be sure to have a look! "Auckland’s music community was going through a major transition in 1980. Emerging from the healthy (if you could call it that) punk scene, it seemed like every week there was a band replacing their safety pins with snappy suits in the manner of England’s “new wave” of popsters. One of the more promising and high-profile at the time, but strangely forgotten since, was Techtones. Techtones was essentially a re-invention of very popular but rapidly disintegrating five-piece, Sheerlux. In early 1980, bassist Peter Solomon joined Sheerlux’s remaining members Steve Roach (guitar/vocals), Jimmy Juricevich (guitar/vocals) and Graeme Schnell (drums) for the band’s last gasp. A few weeks later Schnell had left, and Chris Burt was recruited from hard-working covers outfit Picture This. “I thought I was joining Sheerlux,” Burt recalls. “Picture This was also falling apart, so it seemed like a great offer.” That Girl is probably their well-known track and the band's first single on the legendary Propeller label, which is also featured on several compilations. A classic Powerpop goodie without question, catchy punky melody. The flip is a nice instrumental one. State Of Mind was the second slab and is considerably different, more poppy and already too much for my taste, the flip kicks a bit but both songs are miles away from the first. Egal, listen and enjoy.

- Great Thx to Reinhard -

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RUS - Pop Stars 7'' 1980

Rejoice with me because after a long time follows now a rare piece from the Wanted-List. A friend's request comes true, and I hope he's happy about it. About Rus I can only say; from the U.K. and only release on Adventure Records. This unique slab is not a punk record, but with two early British NewWave goodies with a lot of electronic jingling. The A-side has a bit more beat as the flip and lyrically you can imagine what it's about while second track didn't get stuck on the first run (certainly because I took out the garbage). But in principle I don't want to mess around, who and how many are at work in Rus is unknown, neither do any compilation songs, I guess, Rus was a spontaneous project to kick the lame pop stars' asses and show in which artificial suction they swam. If you know more, illuminate us!

- Great Thx to Bristolboy -

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