Jakal - Kick the Debris (2010) [DIY]
This 5 track EP from the 5 piece London based Reggae bunch starts off with the suttle and soothing "All over London Town". "Kingdom" starts off just as suttle, but hits the chorus and bring us up a level. Not being the biggest fan of Reggae, I do love it's nourishing nature and sense of roots but I don't own an awful lot, it's difficult for me to give a good representation, but having just the slightest injection of punk rock thrown into gives it a new edge on life. "Panopticon" starts off completely different and throughout has a distinct harder feel to it. Rough Reggae if you will, which sounds like it would come across brilliant live, especially in a small crowded DIY venue. The dash to the finish is good as well. We're thrown back into a state of relaxation by "Sundown Roots". I'm trying to bop my head in delight, but my head is used to going faster and I'm miles out of time! This song is more ska than anything else and it's another good tune. At the start of the next song "Border" I can hear the spirit of the Specials creeping through them and then the walk away from it and make it their own. Overall this EP is a great example of British Reggae, but again not being the biggest fan I'm not falling head over heels for it, but for Reggae fans, more than well worth a listen. 7.5/10
Thursday, 27 October 2011
Anti-Venom - As Soon as There is Justice (2010)
Anti-Venom - As Soon as There is Justice (2010) [Riot Ska Records]
Right from the get go this band want you attention and your gonna give em it! The echoing vocals and the dynamic riffs between ska (in some sections), street punk and melodic punk rock with an oozing sense of East Coast, that would be true, if this lot we're the hottest punk band I've heard out of Mexico. The band bring something to the table that some other bands just don't have, they're unique, they have their own personal edge and most importantly it's not repetitive and at 16 tracks plus a cover, that's very important! They can slow it down, they can speed it, they can put the fucker in reverse and run over your cat and do it all blindfolded. The problem is, and this is gonna sound stupid as fuck, the album has too many good songs on it at the same level. There's not that song that 2 clicks more desired that the rest. For example... Smells like Teen Spirit on Nevermind. All great songs, one stand out! The song "Looking for the Answer" completely changes the pace, tone, attitude, everything on this record for this one song and it is very melodically aurally pleasing. Then they go and turn everything upside down again with some techno dodger mix thrown in, which incredibly, even that ain't half bad either! That was their 'Midtro' as the put it and this stupid cunt was trying to think back to my Spanish vocab to think, what does that translate as into English, well just that! Finishing off with "Satan vs Cops" was also a treat as well for a great ska tune infused with a mix of 90s west coast pop punk rock, these boys literally do it all and they do it with style. 9/10
Right from the get go this band want you attention and your gonna give em it! The echoing vocals and the dynamic riffs between ska (in some sections), street punk and melodic punk rock with an oozing sense of East Coast, that would be true, if this lot we're the hottest punk band I've heard out of Mexico. The band bring something to the table that some other bands just don't have, they're unique, they have their own personal edge and most importantly it's not repetitive and at 16 tracks plus a cover, that's very important! They can slow it down, they can speed it, they can put the fucker in reverse and run over your cat and do it all blindfolded. The problem is, and this is gonna sound stupid as fuck, the album has too many good songs on it at the same level. There's not that song that 2 clicks more desired that the rest. For example... Smells like Teen Spirit on Nevermind. All great songs, one stand out! The song "Looking for the Answer" completely changes the pace, tone, attitude, everything on this record for this one song and it is very melodically aurally pleasing. Then they go and turn everything upside down again with some techno dodger mix thrown in, which incredibly, even that ain't half bad either! That was their 'Midtro' as the put it and this stupid cunt was trying to think back to my Spanish vocab to think, what does that translate as into English, well just that! Finishing off with "Satan vs Cops" was also a treat as well for a great ska tune infused with a mix of 90s west coast pop punk rock, these boys literally do it all and they do it with style. 9/10
The InCiders - Megakill v2 Turbo (2011)
The InCiders - Megakill v2 Turbo (2011) [DIY]
Their opening track, the album name, is quite explosive with an element of heavy metal in there. It gathers your attention to throw you into the next song "Blood Will Be Spilt", which while lyrically is pretty good, and musically infact, the vocalist needs to bring more attention to himself and let everyone hear who's boss. The song finishes of with typically screamcore riffs and slowed down vocals. "XH558" however has excellent bridge and chorus riffs, with the emphasis placed on build up on the guitar during the verses. "God Bless Frank Gorshin" is good fast punk rock song, but it doesn't stand out too much from the others, that's not taking anything away from them, it's still a good song, but too much of the same thing can be a bad thing. "Cheyne-Stokes" starts off very slow and doomey with an audio clip and carrys on that.... and still.... and only at 3 minutes in does this song seem to even begin to launch. This sounds like it would be good in a movie while some lonely victim out to avenge the death of his family walks thrown the rain with a blood dripping knife in his hands, for an album though, terrible idea, it goes nowhere. "Windmills and Sidekicks" gives us one of the bands very long build ups, they push them too much in my opinion. But when the song does kick in theres no denying the talent of show and they power through it, but again the vocalist needs to make his presence known! Then the breakdown section at the end, it's too much emo hardcore sounding for me. "Fatal Mistake" sounds very much the same sadly and it doesn't stand out too much. "Moose's Tears" has a very big build up with a new audio clip about a school shooting and then the song seems to be looking at the incident from the shooters point of you to start with, the song is slow and not one of the best on the album.
Overall: In the end I was left a bit disappointed. There are section of this that is pretty good, but they ruin it by trying to do this metal and so called hardcore bits. When they do pull things together it starts to sound very similar and the vocalist really needs to stand up and be counted. He's supposed to be the glue, people go to shows that's who they look at, he needs to stand up and be counted cause right now he's just background noise. So much potential, little delivery I'm afraid. 5/10
Their opening track, the album name, is quite explosive with an element of heavy metal in there. It gathers your attention to throw you into the next song "Blood Will Be Spilt", which while lyrically is pretty good, and musically infact, the vocalist needs to bring more attention to himself and let everyone hear who's boss. The song finishes of with typically screamcore riffs and slowed down vocals. "XH558" however has excellent bridge and chorus riffs, with the emphasis placed on build up on the guitar during the verses. "God Bless Frank Gorshin" is good fast punk rock song, but it doesn't stand out too much from the others, that's not taking anything away from them, it's still a good song, but too much of the same thing can be a bad thing. "Cheyne-Stokes" starts off very slow and doomey with an audio clip and carrys on that.... and still.... and only at 3 minutes in does this song seem to even begin to launch. This sounds like it would be good in a movie while some lonely victim out to avenge the death of his family walks thrown the rain with a blood dripping knife in his hands, for an album though, terrible idea, it goes nowhere. "Windmills and Sidekicks" gives us one of the bands very long build ups, they push them too much in my opinion. But when the song does kick in theres no denying the talent of show and they power through it, but again the vocalist needs to make his presence known! Then the breakdown section at the end, it's too much emo hardcore sounding for me. "Fatal Mistake" sounds very much the same sadly and it doesn't stand out too much. "Moose's Tears" has a very big build up with a new audio clip about a school shooting and then the song seems to be looking at the incident from the shooters point of you to start with, the song is slow and not one of the best on the album.
Overall: In the end I was left a bit disappointed. There are section of this that is pretty good, but they ruin it by trying to do this metal and so called hardcore bits. When they do pull things together it starts to sound very similar and the vocalist really needs to stand up and be counted. He's supposed to be the glue, people go to shows that's who they look at, he needs to stand up and be counted cause right now he's just background noise. So much potential, little delivery I'm afraid. 5/10
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Ear Infection Volume 1 Compilation
Ear Infection Volume 1 Compilation (2011) [DIY]
Holy fucking shit. 42 tracks! However at this length it doesn't make it onto a CD and is exclusively a free online download, which the link to can be found at the bottom. Right off the bat however I'm annoyed. The presentation in this is pityful. This person has went to all the difficulty of attaining tracks from all of these bands, but then never bothered to do a track listing, instead opting for alphabetical order by song title and then not even numbering these. Pretty poor. So after sorting that, cause am I fuck letting that fuck up the order of things on my laptop we're off. I am very excited about this compilation, it could be something really special!!! Track names, followed by the artist and their location
All I Need – Death Punch/Los Angeles, California - An explosion to start us off with rhythmic punk n roll with Davey Havoc inspired vocals. An excellent example of the LA scene.
Anti-social – Distortion UK/Truro southwest, UK - Distortion UK's offering to the comp is an brilliant fast paced and heavy bass line song, hitting hard as it progresses through with a drumming pace that you'd never want your heart to beat at!
Blood Stained Decks – Rodents Of Unusual Size/La Habra, California - Screwed up face chanting lyrics at you with an element of drunken chaos. Simple guitar riffs however, which doesn't stand out too much, with an element of up and down bass riffs.
Cancerous Gold – Fiction Reform/Los Angeles, California - Progressive sound with female fronted vocals which sounds not unlike the voice fronting physcobilly band The Creepshow. Musically a very misfits sound to it, but more advanced.
Cemetery Shuffle – Stupid In Stereo/Kennewick, Washington - Physcoabilly. Talks about Cadillacs and sounds like country music. Look at the title, will Physcobilly ever write anything other than this? Not a fan of this genre at all, few people can pull it off.
Chameleon – Grandpa’s Porno Collection/Upton, California - Possibly one of the worst band names I've ever heard! A very Bad Religion sounding band and while not a bad song, doesn't really stand out for me.
Changes – Saints Of Sorrow/York, Pennsylvania - Heavy handed bass lines right from the off set with this one from Saints of Sorrow and with a very early Rancid style to them they're not half bad, but again not a stand out for me.
Cheers To Beers – For Fuck Sake/Riverside, California - This is more like! Hardcore duel vocal (female and male) that screams brilliance. A drunken sing along anthem, which you'd expect with the song title, that I'd love to hear more of. Do I detect a hint of Aus-Rotten? yes, yes I fuckin do. Lyrically it's simple, but when you're singing about beer, you don't need to be a fuckin poet.
Criticized – Pipes And Pints/Prague, Czech Republic - To say they're not influenced by the Dropkicks I'd be an idiot, but boy do they make it their own. As good as any Murphys song going and a rival for the, so-to-speak, number 2 spot of bagpipe punk with the Real McKenzies.
D.U.I. – Beantown Boozehounds/Boston, Massachusetts - A relaxed but catchy drum start to this song and as it hits.... it's not what I expected! What sounds like a banjo kicks in instead of the heavy guitar I was expecting, but it's still pretty good. The vocals kick in however and this guys voice sounds like he's trying to sound gruff, but just doesn't quite get there. The songs about drink driving home.....
Diamond Geezer – Bin Laden’s Daughter/Elgin, Scotland - The only band on this compilation I've seen live and had the pleasure of putting on. A weird offering from the band, with purpose no doubt, but the verse sounds a bit.... shit I don't know how to describe it, like it belongs in a 70s disco of sorts! Still, a good track somehow!
Domestic – Husbands N Knives/Newton Abbot, UK - All I can see in my head is that band that way on the Young Ones, Amazulu! Its a nice song though and the women's voice is too die for, I just hope she's able to diversify it with their other songs and be as good as she is on this track. Musically it's simple, but effective.
Drinking Beer – K.I.L./Apple Valley, Colorado - The drums and bass will keep you bouncing when you see this live, the guitar will tell you what to do next and the vocalist will be yer best pal for 2 minutes as you share a beer and sing about it. Quite interested to follow up on this band.
Eat Sleep Work Repeat – Dorm Patrol/Stromstad, Sweden - Heavy pop punk... you read that right, heavy ass pop punk. And it's not half bad either. The quick repetitive bass lines in the chorus allow this song to remain heavy with the vocalist's voice being very pre-puberty sounding, but it works for them and if you're into pop punk, you should check this lot out.
First In Line – Throb Zombie/Tempe, Arizona - Light hearted sound of pop punk returns with a lovely bit of technical guitar playing and the vocals are strange as well, but again they seem to work quite well though, and again if you're into pop punk, they're not bad. They need to lose the backing vocals though on the chorus.
The Foremost – Into The Morning Sky/Bogor, Indonesia - Emo hardcore with an Enter Shikari
Friendshit – Stereodaze/Roanoke, Virginia - The vocalist sounds confused, like he's just been handed a lyric sheet and a microphone and told to go for it. Very slow pop punk, but to be honest there's a slight detection that the guitarist won't be able to play any quicker or better even if he wanted to.
Goldfish Think Tank – God Given Ass/Helsinki, Finland - Hints of Anti-Flag and Punk n Roll combined together make this band a not bad listen, but to be there's just too much ripped off of anti-flag in the verse riffs.
Incisor – 20 Days In/Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - This is very slow grunge rock more than anything else. Alice in Chains and Soundgarden sort of stuff, with a drummer that wants to go faster, but his bandmates won't let him, but that doesn't stop him from throwing in some random double bass pieces. Not that bad if you're into grunge.
Maggie – Mouth/Falmouth, UK Excellent street punk stuff without being lyrically over zealous as most bands are. The women on vocals sounds a mix between a good old English lass and Avril Lavigne, strange but for reason unbeknown to me, sounds fuckin ace! If this lot get a decent quality recording of their music they'd be very damn good. Go see them Live if you can, they sound like they'd be amazing.
Mother Theresa – Dead Sara/Los Angeles, California - From sounding like Avril Lavigne, to musically sounding like Avril Lavigne. To be honest this doesn't sound like it would be out of place in Hugh Grant's next RomCom. The vocalist trys to drag it into punk with her vocals, but where Brody Dalle sounds like a gravel truck, she sounds like she's a got a bit of sand on her burger by mistake and ate it.
My Hometown – Baldwin Park Disasters/Baldwin Park, California - This is some good hardcore music. Another duel vocal combination, they seem to be all the rage these days. A good song to get chased in a car by the cops too, screams energy and demands that you do something about it!
My World – The Marksmen/Bury St.Edmonds, UK - Finally some Physcobilly/Rockabilly that doesn't involve talk of zombies or a shit Elvis vocal impersonation. I'm afraid for all those positive points, the sound is rather mono tone sounding and although a nice wee solo in the middle there, the drummer doesn't sound like he's even playing with two hands.
Nation Of Sedation – Girlfixer/Nottingham, UK - Punk n motherfuckin Roll here baby with the ever impressive Girlfixer. Good enough to rip apart any local venue in Britian and still good enough to compete on the main stages. Would love to get my hands on their album, this is punk n roll at it's finest.
Necromaniac – The Horny Bitches/Montreal, Canada - It takes a while, but once we get there it's 100mph. There's something about an all female band, I'm hoping, called the Horny Bitches that just screams "Fucking cool!!" and guess what, they're fuckin quality. The 3 separate vocals work well. With the main vocalist sounding pretty rough in the throat and it adds a great edge to an already musically awesome band. Again, would love to hear more from this lot!
The New Censorship – Static Anthem/(???) - I kept waiting for something to happen. It's like 70s Beatles style rock n roll from California. Horrible. Worst track on the record so far, so out of place and mind numbingly boring.
No Escape – Stench/Wolverhampton, UK - Holy Shit, when and how was this recorded! Asides from sounding like on a tape deck player in someones concrete garage in 1977, it's not that bad. Vocally it's very "I wanna beeeeeeeeeeeeeee..." but musically it's very car chase style riffs and the snot nosed in your faceness of this band are not bad. I can see this band throwing their instruments around an awful on stage, and so they fuckin should.
Nothing Happened – Johnathan Mitchell/Madison, Alabama - What is this? Another snorefest, what happened to this being a punk compilation, this is just some rock music with a guy on vocals who wants to sound like a very proficient vocalist, but simply isn't. Next!
Nothing To Do – The Mustard Men/Joliet, Illinois - These lads sound fun. A punk and rock combination, with some bleeding throat lyrics, there's a wee fast bit at the end for a bout a second, that sounds like it's about to spiral out of control, then .... it doesn't!
Paralyzed Glue – No!/Baltimore, Maryland - Right from the start these guys sound odd and then the opening line of "I tried to call you" and then that seems to set the standard for this song. It doesn't even sound very pop punky either it's outwith of that, it's just... music for 14 year old girls. It's just.... yeah, that!
Patty Melted – The Ashamed/Richland, Washington - Fast everything! However it sounds a bit mono-tone of the opening verse. The chorus then sounds rockabilly, then death metal drums for 2 seconds and back to rockabilly. What the fuck is going on here! This lot are covering all areas, then into the verse again and fuck the monotone bit, that's out the window now, this lot are fuckin crazy, and I like it!
Pigs Equals Bacon – Chaos Confusion/Linkoping, Sweden -Street punk, chant along, you know the drill. It's all very repetitive and to be honest the chorus doesn't sound like it was recorded properly, like one guy was holding off on it and couldn't quite find his cue. Not bad, but not great.
Pogo And Provocation – Vision Days/Svitavy, Czech Republic - These boys sound like proper boot boy nutjobs and that's good for me. And one of the best songs on this album. It's got everything, the speed, the beat, the drunken sing along, as well as the na na na na. haha! I don't give a fuck what you think, this song is fuckin brilliant. I want more of their stuff. The sounds like a great band to go and see!
Reality – Narcolaptic/Hamburg, Germany - I don't really know what to make of this, it's punk n roll, it's got a tiny rockabilly edge in there that works well and real rockstar sounding vocalist. The sort of guys who's way to thin and where his trousers as low as Iggy used, wears a cowboy hat and fucks all the women on the tour bus. This is good bloody punk n roll folks!
Shut Your Mouth – Boobie Trap/Orange County, California - It's very repetitive and the women on vocals stays at the same level all the time only changing to extend the word at the end of almost every verse line, just cause you've a women on vocals doesn't make her Beki Bondage folks, there's a few bands out there, big ones who'll remain nameless, that try this. Not a great track.
Sliver Bullet – Within Our Sins/Cleveland, Ohio - Pop punk, too start with that starts in the with the, in my opinion, too loud kick drum recordings. With a soft reassuring voice, before the heavy screaming voice comes in to show that "remember, this is a hardcore song" with the guy trying to rip off In Flames. Another aimed at the mid teen female.
Skaters Haters – Scrap Monsters/Izhevsk, Russia - Now your fuckin talking! Heavy handed, well co-ordinated attack of the senses. Get up and bump into everyone in the crowd with your trophy, your beer, held high in your hand. Proper street punk and the first I've heard from Russia, here's hoping their compatriots have risen to the same standard they've set for themselves. Another band I will definitely follow up on!
Something For The Weekend – Mispelt/Northhampton, UK - This is pretty damn good! The guitar sounds a bit all over the place during the verse, but the lyrics are fantastic as is the vocalist at delivering them, however the part with the backing vocals, doesn't sound good with someone else, their main singer should stick to it. The one with the rougher voice. Very unique sound and something I'm all about finding more of!
Sticks And Stones – Twenty-Nineteen/Rittman, Ohio - While a not bad punk rock song musically, although it's not standing out that much, it's a very whiney voice and it doesn't sound that great. I can hear what they're trying to do, but it just doesn't seem to be coming together for them in my opinion.
Walking On – Combat 77/Hannover Hildesheim, Germany - Musically fantastic, this sounds like a great punk oi band. The guitar riffs, the drums are a bit simple, but they need to be for this song and the bass. But good god, that vocalist has to go or do something drastically different. It sounds like a cabaret act over the top of some proper hardcore skinhead music. It's just all wrong. The lyrics are pretty bad as well. Sorry guys. You're 75% brilliant.
Wanna Scream – The Benwahs/Birmingham, UK - Musically they don't sound unlike The Transplants, with the crazy cracking up lyric adventure of the female vocalist, but it's all very thrown in together and while it just about fits, I can't help but feel like someone has taken a pair of scissors to the jigsaw to get that last piece in.
What’s In The Big Black Bag? – Standard And Poor/Riverside, California - Musically it's rock n roll, with a wee rockabilly bridge thrown in with a standard rock solo. Lyrically it's one of the worst songs I've ever heard.
Overall: In the end this compilation was not that bad. I managed to find at least 5 bands I'll be following up on and 10 more that would not be turned off if they were playing at a party if peoples attention had been drawn to it. But there are some crap tracks on here. Like fuckin horrible. 5 or so. And the rest to be honest is quite generic, neither here nor there, just.... available. 7/10
Thanks: Regardless of what I thought of your track, a big thank you goes out to every single musician who donated a track to this compilation and a thank you to the guy who put it together. It takes a lot of work to get so many bands together. Well Done.
If you would like to download this compilation please visit this link : http://blakow.wordpress.com/2011/10/16/ear-infection-volume-1-a-free-punk-rock-compilation/
Holy fucking shit. 42 tracks! However at this length it doesn't make it onto a CD and is exclusively a free online download, which the link to can be found at the bottom. Right off the bat however I'm annoyed. The presentation in this is pityful. This person has went to all the difficulty of attaining tracks from all of these bands, but then never bothered to do a track listing, instead opting for alphabetical order by song title and then not even numbering these. Pretty poor. So after sorting that, cause am I fuck letting that fuck up the order of things on my laptop we're off. I am very excited about this compilation, it could be something really special!!! Track names, followed by the artist and their location
All I Need – Death Punch/Los Angeles, California - An explosion to start us off with rhythmic punk n roll with Davey Havoc inspired vocals. An excellent example of the LA scene.
Anti-social – Distortion UK/Truro southwest, UK - Distortion UK's offering to the comp is an brilliant fast paced and heavy bass line song, hitting hard as it progresses through with a drumming pace that you'd never want your heart to beat at!
Blood Stained Decks – Rodents Of Unusual Size/La Habra, California - Screwed up face chanting lyrics at you with an element of drunken chaos. Simple guitar riffs however, which doesn't stand out too much, with an element of up and down bass riffs.
Cancerous Gold – Fiction Reform/Los Angeles, California - Progressive sound with female fronted vocals which sounds not unlike the voice fronting physcobilly band The Creepshow. Musically a very misfits sound to it, but more advanced.
Cemetery Shuffle – Stupid In Stereo/Kennewick, Washington - Physcoabilly. Talks about Cadillacs and sounds like country music. Look at the title, will Physcobilly ever write anything other than this? Not a fan of this genre at all, few people can pull it off.
Chameleon – Grandpa’s Porno Collection/Upton, California - Possibly one of the worst band names I've ever heard! A very Bad Religion sounding band and while not a bad song, doesn't really stand out for me.
Changes – Saints Of Sorrow/York, Pennsylvania - Heavy handed bass lines right from the off set with this one from Saints of Sorrow and with a very early Rancid style to them they're not half bad, but again not a stand out for me.
Cheers To Beers – For Fuck Sake/Riverside, California - This is more like! Hardcore duel vocal (female and male) that screams brilliance. A drunken sing along anthem, which you'd expect with the song title, that I'd love to hear more of. Do I detect a hint of Aus-Rotten? yes, yes I fuckin do. Lyrically it's simple, but when you're singing about beer, you don't need to be a fuckin poet.
Criticized – Pipes And Pints/Prague, Czech Republic - To say they're not influenced by the Dropkicks I'd be an idiot, but boy do they make it their own. As good as any Murphys song going and a rival for the, so-to-speak, number 2 spot of bagpipe punk with the Real McKenzies.
D.U.I. – Beantown Boozehounds/Boston, Massachusetts - A relaxed but catchy drum start to this song and as it hits.... it's not what I expected! What sounds like a banjo kicks in instead of the heavy guitar I was expecting, but it's still pretty good. The vocals kick in however and this guys voice sounds like he's trying to sound gruff, but just doesn't quite get there. The songs about drink driving home.....
Diamond Geezer – Bin Laden’s Daughter/Elgin, Scotland - The only band on this compilation I've seen live and had the pleasure of putting on. A weird offering from the band, with purpose no doubt, but the verse sounds a bit.... shit I don't know how to describe it, like it belongs in a 70s disco of sorts! Still, a good track somehow!
Domestic – Husbands N Knives/Newton Abbot, UK - All I can see in my head is that band that way on the Young Ones, Amazulu! Its a nice song though and the women's voice is too die for, I just hope she's able to diversify it with their other songs and be as good as she is on this track. Musically it's simple, but effective.
Drinking Beer – K.I.L./Apple Valley, Colorado - The drums and bass will keep you bouncing when you see this live, the guitar will tell you what to do next and the vocalist will be yer best pal for 2 minutes as you share a beer and sing about it. Quite interested to follow up on this band.
Eat Sleep Work Repeat – Dorm Patrol/Stromstad, Sweden - Heavy pop punk... you read that right, heavy ass pop punk. And it's not half bad either. The quick repetitive bass lines in the chorus allow this song to remain heavy with the vocalist's voice being very pre-puberty sounding, but it works for them and if you're into pop punk, you should check this lot out.
First In Line – Throb Zombie/Tempe, Arizona - Light hearted sound of pop punk returns with a lovely bit of technical guitar playing and the vocals are strange as well, but again they seem to work quite well though, and again if you're into pop punk, they're not bad. They need to lose the backing vocals though on the chorus.
The Foremost – Into The Morning Sky/Bogor, Indonesia - Emo hardcore with an Enter Shikari
Friendshit – Stereodaze/Roanoke, Virginia - The vocalist sounds confused, like he's just been handed a lyric sheet and a microphone and told to go for it. Very slow pop punk, but to be honest there's a slight detection that the guitarist won't be able to play any quicker or better even if he wanted to.
Goldfish Think Tank – God Given Ass/Helsinki, Finland - Hints of Anti-Flag and Punk n Roll combined together make this band a not bad listen, but to be there's just too much ripped off of anti-flag in the verse riffs.
Incisor – 20 Days In/Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - This is very slow grunge rock more than anything else. Alice in Chains and Soundgarden sort of stuff, with a drummer that wants to go faster, but his bandmates won't let him, but that doesn't stop him from throwing in some random double bass pieces. Not that bad if you're into grunge.
Maggie – Mouth/Falmouth, UK Excellent street punk stuff without being lyrically over zealous as most bands are. The women on vocals sounds a mix between a good old English lass and Avril Lavigne, strange but for reason unbeknown to me, sounds fuckin ace! If this lot get a decent quality recording of their music they'd be very damn good. Go see them Live if you can, they sound like they'd be amazing.
Mother Theresa – Dead Sara/Los Angeles, California - From sounding like Avril Lavigne, to musically sounding like Avril Lavigne. To be honest this doesn't sound like it would be out of place in Hugh Grant's next RomCom. The vocalist trys to drag it into punk with her vocals, but where Brody Dalle sounds like a gravel truck, she sounds like she's a got a bit of sand on her burger by mistake and ate it.
My Hometown – Baldwin Park Disasters/Baldwin Park, California - This is some good hardcore music. Another duel vocal combination, they seem to be all the rage these days. A good song to get chased in a car by the cops too, screams energy and demands that you do something about it!
My World – The Marksmen/Bury St.Edmonds, UK - Finally some Physcobilly/Rockabilly that doesn't involve talk of zombies or a shit Elvis vocal impersonation. I'm afraid for all those positive points, the sound is rather mono tone sounding and although a nice wee solo in the middle there, the drummer doesn't sound like he's even playing with two hands.
Nation Of Sedation – Girlfixer/Nottingham, UK - Punk n motherfuckin Roll here baby with the ever impressive Girlfixer. Good enough to rip apart any local venue in Britian and still good enough to compete on the main stages. Would love to get my hands on their album, this is punk n roll at it's finest.
Necromaniac – The Horny Bitches/Montreal, Canada - It takes a while, but once we get there it's 100mph. There's something about an all female band, I'm hoping, called the Horny Bitches that just screams "Fucking cool!!" and guess what, they're fuckin quality. The 3 separate vocals work well. With the main vocalist sounding pretty rough in the throat and it adds a great edge to an already musically awesome band. Again, would love to hear more from this lot!
The New Censorship – Static Anthem/(???) - I kept waiting for something to happen. It's like 70s Beatles style rock n roll from California. Horrible. Worst track on the record so far, so out of place and mind numbingly boring.
No Escape – Stench/Wolverhampton, UK - Holy Shit, when and how was this recorded! Asides from sounding like on a tape deck player in someones concrete garage in 1977, it's not that bad. Vocally it's very "I wanna beeeeeeeeeeeeeee..." but musically it's very car chase style riffs and the snot nosed in your faceness of this band are not bad. I can see this band throwing their instruments around an awful on stage, and so they fuckin should.
Nothing Happened – Johnathan Mitchell/Madison, Alabama - What is this? Another snorefest, what happened to this being a punk compilation, this is just some rock music with a guy on vocals who wants to sound like a very proficient vocalist, but simply isn't. Next!
Nothing To Do – The Mustard Men/Joliet, Illinois - These lads sound fun. A punk and rock combination, with some bleeding throat lyrics, there's a wee fast bit at the end for a bout a second, that sounds like it's about to spiral out of control, then .... it doesn't!
Paralyzed Glue – No!/Baltimore, Maryland - Right from the start these guys sound odd and then the opening line of "I tried to call you" and then that seems to set the standard for this song. It doesn't even sound very pop punky either it's outwith of that, it's just... music for 14 year old girls. It's just.... yeah, that!
Patty Melted – The Ashamed/Richland, Washington - Fast everything! However it sounds a bit mono-tone of the opening verse. The chorus then sounds rockabilly, then death metal drums for 2 seconds and back to rockabilly. What the fuck is going on here! This lot are covering all areas, then into the verse again and fuck the monotone bit, that's out the window now, this lot are fuckin crazy, and I like it!
Pigs Equals Bacon – Chaos Confusion/Linkoping, Sweden -Street punk, chant along, you know the drill. It's all very repetitive and to be honest the chorus doesn't sound like it was recorded properly, like one guy was holding off on it and couldn't quite find his cue. Not bad, but not great.
Pogo And Provocation – Vision Days/Svitavy, Czech Republic - These boys sound like proper boot boy nutjobs and that's good for me. And one of the best songs on this album. It's got everything, the speed, the beat, the drunken sing along, as well as the na na na na. haha! I don't give a fuck what you think, this song is fuckin brilliant. I want more of their stuff. The sounds like a great band to go and see!
Reality – Narcolaptic/Hamburg, Germany - I don't really know what to make of this, it's punk n roll, it's got a tiny rockabilly edge in there that works well and real rockstar sounding vocalist. The sort of guys who's way to thin and where his trousers as low as Iggy used, wears a cowboy hat and fucks all the women on the tour bus. This is good bloody punk n roll folks!
Shut Your Mouth – Boobie Trap/Orange County, California - It's very repetitive and the women on vocals stays at the same level all the time only changing to extend the word at the end of almost every verse line, just cause you've a women on vocals doesn't make her Beki Bondage folks, there's a few bands out there, big ones who'll remain nameless, that try this. Not a great track.
Sliver Bullet – Within Our Sins/Cleveland, Ohio - Pop punk, too start with that starts in the with the, in my opinion, too loud kick drum recordings. With a soft reassuring voice, before the heavy screaming voice comes in to show that "remember, this is a hardcore song" with the guy trying to rip off In Flames. Another aimed at the mid teen female.
Skaters Haters – Scrap Monsters/Izhevsk, Russia - Now your fuckin talking! Heavy handed, well co-ordinated attack of the senses. Get up and bump into everyone in the crowd with your trophy, your beer, held high in your hand. Proper street punk and the first I've heard from Russia, here's hoping their compatriots have risen to the same standard they've set for themselves. Another band I will definitely follow up on!
Something For The Weekend – Mispelt/Northhampton, UK - This is pretty damn good! The guitar sounds a bit all over the place during the verse, but the lyrics are fantastic as is the vocalist at delivering them, however the part with the backing vocals, doesn't sound good with someone else, their main singer should stick to it. The one with the rougher voice. Very unique sound and something I'm all about finding more of!
Sticks And Stones – Twenty-Nineteen/Rittman, Ohio - While a not bad punk rock song musically, although it's not standing out that much, it's a very whiney voice and it doesn't sound that great. I can hear what they're trying to do, but it just doesn't seem to be coming together for them in my opinion.
Walking On – Combat 77/Hannover Hildesheim, Germany - Musically fantastic, this sounds like a great punk oi band. The guitar riffs, the drums are a bit simple, but they need to be for this song and the bass. But good god, that vocalist has to go or do something drastically different. It sounds like a cabaret act over the top of some proper hardcore skinhead music. It's just all wrong. The lyrics are pretty bad as well. Sorry guys. You're 75% brilliant.
Wanna Scream – The Benwahs/Birmingham, UK - Musically they don't sound unlike The Transplants, with the crazy cracking up lyric adventure of the female vocalist, but it's all very thrown in together and while it just about fits, I can't help but feel like someone has taken a pair of scissors to the jigsaw to get that last piece in.
What’s In The Big Black Bag? – Standard And Poor/Riverside, California - Musically it's rock n roll, with a wee rockabilly bridge thrown in with a standard rock solo. Lyrically it's one of the worst songs I've ever heard.
Overall: In the end this compilation was not that bad. I managed to find at least 5 bands I'll be following up on and 10 more that would not be turned off if they were playing at a party if peoples attention had been drawn to it. But there are some crap tracks on here. Like fuckin horrible. 5 or so. And the rest to be honest is quite generic, neither here nor there, just.... available. 7/10
Thanks: Regardless of what I thought of your track, a big thank you goes out to every single musician who donated a track to this compilation and a thank you to the guy who put it together. It takes a lot of work to get so many bands together. Well Done.
If you would like to download this compilation please visit this link : http://blakow.wordpress.com/2011/10/16/ear-infection-volume-1-a-free-punk-rock-compilation/
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Ghetto Blaster - Think For Yourself Promo (2011)
Ghetto Blaster - Think For Yourself Promo (2011) [Riotska Records]
Old school ska meets rap in an all out breakdown confrontation of urban life and don't you dare tell me I over did that because that is exactly what I saw when I heard "Beloved GTA". Follow this up with "Whatchu Gunna Do" and we hit harder into the riffs that will have us stomping the streets around us well into the night. "Unite" brings us back again to the old school ska with something that sounds very much like a church organ with the quick as a hiccup lyrical breeze through. An almost reggae chilled out atmosphere surrounds the song. The sound quality of the last song makes me scream at this band! Granted I have the unmastered version of this particular song, so fuck it, throw that excuse out the window. The song itself, "Bank Korrupt" is a brilliant warp-speed-move-yer-fucking-arse of a tune. Even with the slow bits in it, you know where it's heading and while tension build up in a song is something I'm not a big of (and it's a long one), it is necessary, for that furious dart to the finish line, which we all know, we live, is the epitome of how it should be done. 7.5/10
Old school ska meets rap in an all out breakdown confrontation of urban life and don't you dare tell me I over did that because that is exactly what I saw when I heard "Beloved GTA". Follow this up with "Whatchu Gunna Do" and we hit harder into the riffs that will have us stomping the streets around us well into the night. "Unite" brings us back again to the old school ska with something that sounds very much like a church organ with the quick as a hiccup lyrical breeze through. An almost reggae chilled out atmosphere surrounds the song. The sound quality of the last song makes me scream at this band! Granted I have the unmastered version of this particular song, so fuck it, throw that excuse out the window. The song itself, "Bank Korrupt" is a brilliant warp-speed-move-yer-fucking-arse of a tune. Even with the slow bits in it, you know where it's heading and while tension build up in a song is something I'm not a big of (and it's a long one), it is necessary, for that furious dart to the finish line, which we all know, we live, is the epitome of how it should be done. 7.5/10
No Choice Left - Self Titled EP (2011)
"No Choice Left - Self Titled EP (2011) [ Riotska Records]
Me being the cheeky bastard that I am downloaded the Limited Edition version. Granted I don't know what the entails like. The band start us off with "Wasted Minds" and it's hard to describe the sound these guys are pulling off. Progressive punk rock. It's not scared to slow down and make things a bit dramatic when it's needed, but neither are they afraid to Drop it down (obviously so they can Pick it up). "Kill The Truth" is the dramatic powerhouse taken from the Riotska Records Sampler. It sounds like the sort of reverberation you'd get if you played on the edge of a cliff to no one in particular, just an entire city in the distance. "Knowledge is Pain" is a little emo of a title for me, but I can see exactly where it's coming from. It sucks knowing too much, it can keep you awake at night. This song however is very mellow and while it has a message that's pretty clear and meaningful, I do prefer the rest of the EP. Like the song "Riot Now!", which wants you to.... well ye know, but still the music is fast and while not as dynamic as the first 2 songs, still commands a certain amount of "Pay fucking attention!". 7.5/10
Me being the cheeky bastard that I am downloaded the Limited Edition version. Granted I don't know what the entails like. The band start us off with "Wasted Minds" and it's hard to describe the sound these guys are pulling off. Progressive punk rock. It's not scared to slow down and make things a bit dramatic when it's needed, but neither are they afraid to Drop it down (obviously so they can Pick it up). "Kill The Truth" is the dramatic powerhouse taken from the Riotska Records Sampler. It sounds like the sort of reverberation you'd get if you played on the edge of a cliff to no one in particular, just an entire city in the distance. "Knowledge is Pain" is a little emo of a title for me, but I can see exactly where it's coming from. It sucks knowing too much, it can keep you awake at night. This song however is very mellow and while it has a message that's pretty clear and meaningful, I do prefer the rest of the EP. Like the song "Riot Now!", which wants you to.... well ye know, but still the music is fast and while not as dynamic as the first 2 songs, still commands a certain amount of "Pay fucking attention!". 7.5/10
LUVDUMP - Information is Power (2011)
LUVDUMP - Information is Power (2011) [Riotska Records]
After finding these guys on the Riotska Records Sampler, I had to get my mits on some more of their stuff. Luckily the band got int touch and pointed me in the direction of their 5 track EP. The EP starts off with the already reviewed (From the Riotska Sampler) title track "Information is Power" and echoing anthem of resistance and revolution. This is followed by "Gaza (Stop The War)", a melodic multi-person "woooo-ooooo" sing along song with ska roots and small protest video snippet thrown into the middle to reiterate what their saying. A powerful and fast tune designed to make you think! "Live For Today" is more west coast punk rock intro before switching to the east! Think NOFX and then bang Leftover Crack. Short with a simple message. Now after a speedy start to the song we can slow it right down with two-tone cruncher "Burn The Bank$", but don't get used to it, this band are more than happy to go from one extreme to the other when speed is involved and it works perfectly for them. A tranquil start sounds in the beginning of the slowest track on the EP. "This is England" has an almost reggae feel to it and throughout the song maintains the message of Anti-Racial Intolerance, which is thrown in our face like shit from a great height by the "I'm not Racist, but...." crowd. When I said it was the slowest track on the EP though, that's true, but they still need to do a 100mph sprint to the finish line, it what seems to be true LUVDUMP fashion. And I like it! This is followed by a secret track late on (I fuckin hate secret tracks, they do nothing but ruin the jukebox during a party and I don't want to sit in silence for 8 minutes before someone all of sudden screams blue fucking murder in my ear). This one isn't like that though. It's very calm and while it's a nice tune. It's way too out of place and not suited to the EP, in my very humble snot drenched, migraine ridden opinion right now! I look forward to their album release next year which I believe they are recording January 2012. 9/10
After finding these guys on the Riotska Records Sampler, I had to get my mits on some more of their stuff. Luckily the band got int touch and pointed me in the direction of their 5 track EP. The EP starts off with the already reviewed (From the Riotska Sampler) title track "Information is Power" and echoing anthem of resistance and revolution. This is followed by "Gaza (Stop The War)", a melodic multi-person "woooo-ooooo" sing along song with ska roots and small protest video snippet thrown into the middle to reiterate what their saying. A powerful and fast tune designed to make you think! "Live For Today" is more west coast punk rock intro before switching to the east! Think NOFX and then bang Leftover Crack. Short with a simple message. Now after a speedy start to the song we can slow it right down with two-tone cruncher "Burn The Bank$", but don't get used to it, this band are more than happy to go from one extreme to the other when speed is involved and it works perfectly for them. A tranquil start sounds in the beginning of the slowest track on the EP. "This is England" has an almost reggae feel to it and throughout the song maintains the message of Anti-Racial Intolerance, which is thrown in our face like shit from a great height by the "I'm not Racist, but...." crowd. When I said it was the slowest track on the EP though, that's true, but they still need to do a 100mph sprint to the finish line, it what seems to be true LUVDUMP fashion. And I like it! This is followed by a secret track late on (I fuckin hate secret tracks, they do nothing but ruin the jukebox during a party and I don't want to sit in silence for 8 minutes before someone all of sudden screams blue fucking murder in my ear). This one isn't like that though. It's very calm and while it's a nice tune. It's way too out of place and not suited to the EP, in my very humble snot drenched, migraine ridden opinion right now! I look forward to their album release next year which I believe they are recording January 2012. 9/10
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Patrol - Never Say Never (2011)
Patrol - Never Say Never (2011) [DIY]
Essentially the band's Best of album, which includes everything they've released. re-recorded for this century, with all the digital doowinkles of modern music and it sounds pretty damn good to me. At 20 tracks long its one of these albums that you'll still be finding bits you like later down the line. A personal favourite being "SS Officer", as well as this strangely enticing "Innocence", not quite sure why but a ballad of a distorted life and surreal echoing chorus. The basis is that all of the song's on this album are all good songs, you don't get the reputation these guys have without writing at least a couple, but several of them are simply stand outs that just need to be listened to over and over or thrown into the playlist entitled "Pure Bangin' Choons". The thing is I get the feeling that no matter who you are, with this album, you're not going to like the 3 or 4 stand out songs I will, or your mates will or anyone will. It's that diverse that it offers you the option of more options! For instance I also found the song "Nite Life" quite interesting, but I've no doubt I could go back in a few months and pick something else out. "Unknown Soldiers" sounds pretty damn good to myself as well. In the end I'm glad I bought this album its good old school punk rock with a purpose! 8.5/10
Essentially the band's Best of album, which includes everything they've released. re-recorded for this century, with all the digital doowinkles of modern music and it sounds pretty damn good to me. At 20 tracks long its one of these albums that you'll still be finding bits you like later down the line. A personal favourite being "SS Officer", as well as this strangely enticing "Innocence", not quite sure why but a ballad of a distorted life and surreal echoing chorus. The basis is that all of the song's on this album are all good songs, you don't get the reputation these guys have without writing at least a couple, but several of them are simply stand outs that just need to be listened to over and over or thrown into the playlist entitled "Pure Bangin' Choons". The thing is I get the feeling that no matter who you are, with this album, you're not going to like the 3 or 4 stand out songs I will, or your mates will or anyone will. It's that diverse that it offers you the option of more options! For instance I also found the song "Nite Life" quite interesting, but I've no doubt I could go back in a few months and pick something else out. "Unknown Soldiers" sounds pretty damn good to myself as well. In the end I'm glad I bought this album its good old school punk rock with a purpose! 8.5/10
Daddy No! - Self Titled EP (2011)
Daddy No! - Self Titled EP (2011) [Chipped Teeth]
At 5:47 long and the sheer speed and complete fucking violence of this EP, nobody has an excuse not to listen to this EP. Female fronted with vocals that sound like a gravel truck full of dynamite, you'll get the fear right off the bat. With 15 second solos (they way they were bloody meant to be done) they power through each song with the determination of an infection they must rid themselves of, but by all means spread, because it's greatly needed by everyone. The intro to "Get Down" makes me think transmission to the masses. My only problem with the EP is it does come together a bit too much with only "Get Down" and "Jakey Shakes" standing out. The other 3 sounds a bit too similar, but hey, they're brilliant. 9/10
Track Listing:
1) Under The Pavement Stones... The Beach
2) You've Been Dupt
3) Get Down
4) Cruisin' For a Bruisin'
5) Jakey Shakes
Download:
http://daddyno.bandcamp.com/album/daddy-no-ep
At 5:47 long and the sheer speed and complete fucking violence of this EP, nobody has an excuse not to listen to this EP. Female fronted with vocals that sound like a gravel truck full of dynamite, you'll get the fear right off the bat. With 15 second solos (they way they were bloody meant to be done) they power through each song with the determination of an infection they must rid themselves of, but by all means spread, because it's greatly needed by everyone. The intro to "Get Down" makes me think transmission to the masses. My only problem with the EP is it does come together a bit too much with only "Get Down" and "Jakey Shakes" standing out. The other 3 sounds a bit too similar, but hey, they're brilliant. 9/10
Track Listing:
1) Under The Pavement Stones... The Beach
2) You've Been Dupt
3) Get Down
4) Cruisin' For a Bruisin'
5) Jakey Shakes
Download:
http://daddyno.bandcamp.com/album/daddy-no-ep
Monday, 17 October 2011
Joey Terrifying - Complete Collection (2008-2010)
Joey Terrifying - Complete Collection (2008-2010) [DIY]
Wtih Joey Terrifying now in the history books, well they've played more "Last Show Ever"s that I can remember, the time came to throw everything together and leave it as the lasting impression that the band made. It is a shame that the band only have 3 years together and release only 9 tracks because these are all incredibly good hardcore ska punk songs. Explains why they played over 150 shows in their time, plus 300 "Last ever shows". Honest this time, promise! haha.
So we start of with "National Insecurities" taken from their first release "The First Demo". A fast paced, sing along, pop punk number that sets us down the path of hardcore emo pop punk. "A Girl Called Mary" is very a slow rocky ska number and sounds very much like the sound of defeat in a relationship. "Troubled Times" starts off very pink floyd guitar string plucking/wanking before finally breaking into an almost funk bass line with a melodic a chorus line. Not bad. 6/10
Off of the "This is your Future" EP comes the song "What Treachery Is This?" within 10 months they've managed to kick it up several gears. The quality of the lyrics, riffs, recording, everything is much better and the ska is even more skankin! It sounds alot better that you can hear the thickness in Deeker's accent, it gives it some back bone. And the continuation of this into the song "Express Yourself Clearly" that breaks down the door every time the chorus hits. But the perfect end here was the song "Getaway Driver" the story of child expected to end up in the gutter. The guitar parts in this song are brilliant and the bass has it's fair share of mental bits and the lyrics are brilliant. 8/10
The final 3 sets are taken from "Triple Threat" split record released on Ska Mutiny Records. "National Insecurities II" is re-recorded and seemingly faster version of the original and vocalist Deeker does well to keep up with himself. A breakdown bit at the end thrown in, before the 100mph race to the finish line. "Actual Factual" reeks of the words ska and core. In one burst you have a military style snare drumming, in the next you've got the slowed down stereotypical skank riff, the kind that when you dance to it, while still skankin', you're only changing feet every 3 seconds instead of every 0.12 seconds. "Bomb 'Em Back" starts of with a riff that doesn't sound too unfamiliar from 28 Days Later. A very fitting end to this, their final release, the end is nigh so to speak. Before bang, and they're running at you with a lance under the arm aiming directly at your face. The echoing verse microphone manipulation, allows for the deception of a soldier at peace in a war field. 7/10
Overall: Well in all fairness I would have liked to see Joey T playing for another few years and do a full length release, and then ask themselves, should we stop playing? because I don't think they'd agree with the decision they've made just now. A great asset to the Scottish punk scene. 8/10
Download: http://makethatatakerecords.bandcamp.com/album/complete-collection-2008-2010
Wtih Joey Terrifying now in the history books, well they've played more "Last Show Ever"s that I can remember, the time came to throw everything together and leave it as the lasting impression that the band made. It is a shame that the band only have 3 years together and release only 9 tracks because these are all incredibly good hardcore ska punk songs. Explains why they played over 150 shows in their time, plus 300 "Last ever shows". Honest this time, promise! haha.
So we start of with "National Insecurities" taken from their first release "The First Demo". A fast paced, sing along, pop punk number that sets us down the path of hardcore emo pop punk. "A Girl Called Mary" is very a slow rocky ska number and sounds very much like the sound of defeat in a relationship. "Troubled Times" starts off very pink floyd guitar string plucking/wanking before finally breaking into an almost funk bass line with a melodic a chorus line. Not bad. 6/10
Off of the "This is your Future" EP comes the song "What Treachery Is This?" within 10 months they've managed to kick it up several gears. The quality of the lyrics, riffs, recording, everything is much better and the ska is even more skankin! It sounds alot better that you can hear the thickness in Deeker's accent, it gives it some back bone. And the continuation of this into the song "Express Yourself Clearly" that breaks down the door every time the chorus hits. But the perfect end here was the song "Getaway Driver" the story of child expected to end up in the gutter. The guitar parts in this song are brilliant and the bass has it's fair share of mental bits and the lyrics are brilliant. 8/10
The final 3 sets are taken from "Triple Threat" split record released on Ska Mutiny Records. "National Insecurities II" is re-recorded and seemingly faster version of the original and vocalist Deeker does well to keep up with himself. A breakdown bit at the end thrown in, before the 100mph race to the finish line. "Actual Factual" reeks of the words ska and core. In one burst you have a military style snare drumming, in the next you've got the slowed down stereotypical skank riff, the kind that when you dance to it, while still skankin', you're only changing feet every 3 seconds instead of every 0.12 seconds. "Bomb 'Em Back" starts of with a riff that doesn't sound too unfamiliar from 28 Days Later. A very fitting end to this, their final release, the end is nigh so to speak. Before bang, and they're running at you with a lance under the arm aiming directly at your face. The echoing verse microphone manipulation, allows for the deception of a soldier at peace in a war field. 7/10
Overall: Well in all fairness I would have liked to see Joey T playing for another few years and do a full length release, and then ask themselves, should we stop playing? because I don't think they'd agree with the decision they've made just now. A great asset to the Scottish punk scene. 8/10
Download: http://makethatatakerecords.bandcamp.com/album/complete-collection-2008-2010
Vega's Loft - Hotrod (2011)
Vega's Loft - Hotrod (2011) [DIY]
Right from the Get go this album explodes into action with "Partner in Crime". It's almost a cross breed into metal in areas and it's heavy and it's pissed off. Another heavy hitter with "XX Syndrome", followed up by the energetic and in some places a bit experimental "Leightweight", the song seems to encompass a few bits of everything and it's very well put together. "Something's Come Up" is a more pop punk song and not too bad, but their version of "Irish Rover" is pretty damn good. "Urban Decay" is duel vocal conversation and I can't help but feel that if this song was recorded a bit better it would be a great anthem. I must admit I wasn't a fan of the track "RIP", the middle was too preoccupied with short bursts of string wanking, but the the drumming when it speeds up sounded very good. "Hotrod" comes out the gate like a the world's shortest hurricane and they descends into a bit of an Unseen style vibe vocally, it's not bad. "London Lives" is a not bad wee tune either, but I start to feel that by the end of the album, everything starts to come together a little too closely and I definatly prefer the first half of the album to the second. I do think with better recording, everything might become a bit more clearer so to speak, but the band have definitely thrown a lot of work into this album and deserve the credit for writing a not bad wee album, a defiant boost if you like you're pop punk rock. 7.5/10
Note: This band play very well live, I suggest you catch them at a show if you can.
Track Listing:
1. Partner In Crime Intro
2. Partner In Crime
3. XX Syndrome
4. Lightweight
5. Something's Come Up
6. Irish Rover
7. Urban Decay
8. R.I.P
9. Hotrod Intro
10. Hotrod
11. London Lives
Right from the Get go this album explodes into action with "Partner in Crime". It's almost a cross breed into metal in areas and it's heavy and it's pissed off. Another heavy hitter with "XX Syndrome", followed up by the energetic and in some places a bit experimental "Leightweight", the song seems to encompass a few bits of everything and it's very well put together. "Something's Come Up" is a more pop punk song and not too bad, but their version of "Irish Rover" is pretty damn good. "Urban Decay" is duel vocal conversation and I can't help but feel that if this song was recorded a bit better it would be a great anthem. I must admit I wasn't a fan of the track "RIP", the middle was too preoccupied with short bursts of string wanking, but the the drumming when it speeds up sounded very good. "Hotrod" comes out the gate like a the world's shortest hurricane and they descends into a bit of an Unseen style vibe vocally, it's not bad. "London Lives" is a not bad wee tune either, but I start to feel that by the end of the album, everything starts to come together a little too closely and I definatly prefer the first half of the album to the second. I do think with better recording, everything might become a bit more clearer so to speak, but the band have definitely thrown a lot of work into this album and deserve the credit for writing a not bad wee album, a defiant boost if you like you're pop punk rock. 7.5/10
Note: This band play very well live, I suggest you catch them at a show if you can.
Track Listing:
1. Partner In Crime Intro
2. Partner In Crime
3. XX Syndrome
4. Lightweight
5. Something's Come Up
6. Irish Rover
7. Urban Decay
8. R.I.P
9. Hotrod Intro
10. Hotrod
11. London Lives
Sunday, 16 October 2011
Punktoberfest @ Beat Generator, Dundee
Punktoberfest @ Beat Generator, Dundee (Saturday October 15th 2011)
After making the wee one hour journey from Aberdeen down to Dundee I headed for the Beat Generator on Dundee's North Lindsay Street. Need a special mention here for this: Is that not the coolest gig ticket you've ever seen!? It's printed on see-through plastic! It's a crackin venue of about 300. Every drink I bought seemed to be £2.50 so it was affordable and the sound was pretty damn good. Outside there was kebab shops wherever I looked so I was never going to go wrong for munch either. The only problem with the venue was the heat! Jesus Christ is was a boiler room in there and the venue was only half full! I'd imagine you'd be struggling to breath at full capacity. It was that hot it made me tired! Enough of the venue, it's the bands we're here to see....
Maze McPunklet: One of Dundee's local promoters (Punklet Promotions) heads to the stage to open up the day with her acoustic ballads and poetry. She plays well and with her confidence growing evermore each times she takes to the stage, you can see this lass has a bright future. In my opinion, a few stand out songs and she'll be ready to start the rounds with her set around the UK. As usual, the crowd loved "Osama's the Man", which you can find on the fanzine, kindly donated by the lady herself. 7.5/10
Bobby Stickah: It was nice to see Bobby again, after seeing him at Slaughterfest, and to be honest I didn't realize how weird the lad is. Some dodgy tunes and dodgy vocals but an all round experience. He definitely puts everything he has into his set and it shows with his onstage antics. 7/10
Vega's Loft: I remember seeing the band in Aberdeen a few years back and loving their set, but I failed to follow up on it. Today was no different. They played brilliant. Pop Punk Rock with some bollocks, fast as hell and great to see live, this band has a good sound to them, they just need that little bit extra, but I'll be fucked if I know what it is, they've played well to me! 8/10
Crimedesk: In all fairness to the band, musically they weren't too bad. I liked the bass riffs, but I couldn't help but feel that all the songs started to sound the same and a wee bit bland once you put them all together. Vocally the band seemed mono-tone with no sense of anything behind it, I just couldn't get into it. 5/10
The Cundeez: These boys obviously are from Dundee, and sing about, being from Dundee, but they're much more than that. They were brilliant. I've always liked their recorded stuff, but it seemed a bit jokey to me, but live, this band played so much higher than my expectations. Get them seen! 8/10
Panic By Flare: The band played a not bad set actually, they were just a bit too pop punky skater punk for me, sadly there was only 2 or 3 songs that stood out for me, but like I said they gave it some welly. Check out their myspace for a few tunes if your into that sorta thing, it's well done for what they're aiming for. 7/10
R.P.G.: A not bad set from the guys, but they were a bit bland in my opinion. Good enough to bop your head along to but I just couldn't get excited about it, hopefully I'll see them again and I'll be mistaken like. 6/10
Overspill: What an absolute treat to finally see this band play live after years of seeing their t-shirts darted about Scotland. 2 singers. One Hardman, One nutter, two fuckin mad men. The music was varied between almost street punk in places, reggae in at least one song and musically they were fuckin brilliant. A smaller packed venue would have seen them get the full whack, that's where I reckon they'd be at their best. Can't wait to see this band again. 9/10
The Dot Cottens: In all fairness, they had a tough act to follow, but they gave it a blast. The songs were another set of head bouncers, but I'm afraid it was just impossible to live up to the bar that had just been set. Points for onstage banter and generally being nice lads like, but musically they seems a wee bit out of place, although they'll probably tell me to go fuck masel. 7/10
Pissed On Pissed Off: Holy fucking shit! First time I've seen them, every time I meant to something came up, but listening to their EP online with two blokes on vocals and it's good, but with the new line up, with a bloke and lass on vocals. Spectacular! The sheer dominating menace of Jim "Intimidation" Brown, when he's onstage with a mic in his hand is just that, Intimidating. The raw anger of this ENTIRE band however is something I've been missing from the bands I've seen in the last few months and the sheer heart, soul, sweat, blood and puke thrown into this band's performance is everything this scene needs. 10/10
Killing for Religion: Let me get something of my chest here. Apart from the last 2 songs, I don't class this band as a punk band at all. Vocally yes, but musically, they were clearly a metal band to me. Regardless, the burst onto the stage with a fair amount of raw power through the speakers and desire, but a bit more stage presence is definitely needed here. They gave it their all, much respect for that. 6.5/10
The Rotten Apples: I like a bit of Oi every now and again and in my opinion there's a lot of it that sounds very similar, it's the same with every genre. Sadly the lads, just didn't cut it for me. They were still good for the gig and no doubt they played well, the tunes just seemed to lack that slight edge and the stage presence was a bit lacking as well, but I reckon if they read this, get angry, and go tits on stage, It might just work!! 7/10
Patrol: I was looking forward to seeing Patrol, again a first time (you'd think I've been to a gig before), and they played pretty well in my opinion. To be honest by this stage I was fucking knackered and was dying for ma bed and clapping them was using up the last of my energy, but they deserved because they played well and I look forward to seeing them again, the crowd loved them. 8/10
Conclusion: I didn't catch The Eddies has I had to get a lift back to Arbroath, so apologies to the band for that. The word that floated about was that Middle Finger Salute didn't even bother telling anyone they weren't playing and just didn't show up, but they did post up on their facebook that they've had to pull out of the Scotland dates due to personal reasons. However whether the promoter got word of this is another story, which I know nothing about.
All in all some great performances, but a few average ones as well. Well Done to the lad that put this on, didn't manage to catch him to say Thank You, and bravo to the Dundee scene for showing up in good numbers. Was a decent day out. 8/10
Best Band: Pissed On Pissed Off
Thanks: To all the bands who played, regardless of my opinion, thank you for playing. The lad who put this on, Andy I'm told, it's people like you who keep the scene alive. Again to the Dundonians for coming out and to the Beat Generator for being a cool venue. Also to Maze McPunklet for letting me crash on her sofa and her old man for the Veggie fry up in the morning. Much Appreciated.
After making the wee one hour journey from Aberdeen down to Dundee I headed for the Beat Generator on Dundee's North Lindsay Street. Need a special mention here for this: Is that not the coolest gig ticket you've ever seen!? It's printed on see-through plastic! It's a crackin venue of about 300. Every drink I bought seemed to be £2.50 so it was affordable and the sound was pretty damn good. Outside there was kebab shops wherever I looked so I was never going to go wrong for munch either. The only problem with the venue was the heat! Jesus Christ is was a boiler room in there and the venue was only half full! I'd imagine you'd be struggling to breath at full capacity. It was that hot it made me tired! Enough of the venue, it's the bands we're here to see....
Maze McPunklet: One of Dundee's local promoters (Punklet Promotions) heads to the stage to open up the day with her acoustic ballads and poetry. She plays well and with her confidence growing evermore each times she takes to the stage, you can see this lass has a bright future. In my opinion, a few stand out songs and she'll be ready to start the rounds with her set around the UK. As usual, the crowd loved "Osama's the Man", which you can find on the fanzine, kindly donated by the lady herself. 7.5/10
Bobby Stickah: It was nice to see Bobby again, after seeing him at Slaughterfest, and to be honest I didn't realize how weird the lad is. Some dodgy tunes and dodgy vocals but an all round experience. He definitely puts everything he has into his set and it shows with his onstage antics. 7/10
Vega's Loft: I remember seeing the band in Aberdeen a few years back and loving their set, but I failed to follow up on it. Today was no different. They played brilliant. Pop Punk Rock with some bollocks, fast as hell and great to see live, this band has a good sound to them, they just need that little bit extra, but I'll be fucked if I know what it is, they've played well to me! 8/10
Crimedesk: In all fairness to the band, musically they weren't too bad. I liked the bass riffs, but I couldn't help but feel that all the songs started to sound the same and a wee bit bland once you put them all together. Vocally the band seemed mono-tone with no sense of anything behind it, I just couldn't get into it. 5/10
The Cundeez: These boys obviously are from Dundee, and sing about, being from Dundee, but they're much more than that. They were brilliant. I've always liked their recorded stuff, but it seemed a bit jokey to me, but live, this band played so much higher than my expectations. Get them seen! 8/10
Panic By Flare: The band played a not bad set actually, they were just a bit too pop punky skater punk for me, sadly there was only 2 or 3 songs that stood out for me, but like I said they gave it some welly. Check out their myspace for a few tunes if your into that sorta thing, it's well done for what they're aiming for. 7/10
R.P.G.: A not bad set from the guys, but they were a bit bland in my opinion. Good enough to bop your head along to but I just couldn't get excited about it, hopefully I'll see them again and I'll be mistaken like. 6/10
Overspill: What an absolute treat to finally see this band play live after years of seeing their t-shirts darted about Scotland. 2 singers. One Hardman, One nutter, two fuckin mad men. The music was varied between almost street punk in places, reggae in at least one song and musically they were fuckin brilliant. A smaller packed venue would have seen them get the full whack, that's where I reckon they'd be at their best. Can't wait to see this band again. 9/10
The Dot Cottens: In all fairness, they had a tough act to follow, but they gave it a blast. The songs were another set of head bouncers, but I'm afraid it was just impossible to live up to the bar that had just been set. Points for onstage banter and generally being nice lads like, but musically they seems a wee bit out of place, although they'll probably tell me to go fuck masel. 7/10
Pissed On Pissed Off: Holy fucking shit! First time I've seen them, every time I meant to something came up, but listening to their EP online with two blokes on vocals and it's good, but with the new line up, with a bloke and lass on vocals. Spectacular! The sheer dominating menace of Jim "Intimidation" Brown, when he's onstage with a mic in his hand is just that, Intimidating. The raw anger of this ENTIRE band however is something I've been missing from the bands I've seen in the last few months and the sheer heart, soul, sweat, blood and puke thrown into this band's performance is everything this scene needs. 10/10
Killing for Religion: Let me get something of my chest here. Apart from the last 2 songs, I don't class this band as a punk band at all. Vocally yes, but musically, they were clearly a metal band to me. Regardless, the burst onto the stage with a fair amount of raw power through the speakers and desire, but a bit more stage presence is definitely needed here. They gave it their all, much respect for that. 6.5/10
The Rotten Apples: I like a bit of Oi every now and again and in my opinion there's a lot of it that sounds very similar, it's the same with every genre. Sadly the lads, just didn't cut it for me. They were still good for the gig and no doubt they played well, the tunes just seemed to lack that slight edge and the stage presence was a bit lacking as well, but I reckon if they read this, get angry, and go tits on stage, It might just work!! 7/10
Patrol: I was looking forward to seeing Patrol, again a first time (you'd think I've been to a gig before), and they played pretty well in my opinion. To be honest by this stage I was fucking knackered and was dying for ma bed and clapping them was using up the last of my energy, but they deserved because they played well and I look forward to seeing them again, the crowd loved them. 8/10
Conclusion: I didn't catch The Eddies has I had to get a lift back to Arbroath, so apologies to the band for that. The word that floated about was that Middle Finger Salute didn't even bother telling anyone they weren't playing and just didn't show up, but they did post up on their facebook that they've had to pull out of the Scotland dates due to personal reasons. However whether the promoter got word of this is another story, which I know nothing about.
All in all some great performances, but a few average ones as well. Well Done to the lad that put this on, didn't manage to catch him to say Thank You, and bravo to the Dundee scene for showing up in good numbers. Was a decent day out. 8/10
Best Band: Pissed On Pissed Off
Thanks: To all the bands who played, regardless of my opinion, thank you for playing. The lad who put this on, Andy I'm told, it's people like you who keep the scene alive. Again to the Dundonians for coming out and to the Beat Generator for being a cool venue. Also to Maze McPunklet for letting me crash on her sofa and her old man for the Veggie fry up in the morning. Much Appreciated.
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