Punk Reviews from MRR #33 During the early years, MRR had two sections for reviews. The first part was for North American bands. All international bands were in the second part. To save time, I left this section as it was printed (and my alphabetizing skills suck). REVIEWERS (JB) Jeff Bale - (Dog) Dogtowne (Pus) Pushead - (RS) Ruth Schwartz (SS) Steve Spinall - (MH) Max Hechter (MS) Martin Sprouse - (TY) Tim Yohannan North America A.O.D./BEDLAM - split EP Originally planned as a live flexi (rejected by Eva-tone monopolist flexi-pressers in the U.S., because of language), this limited edition comes out as a 7" with no plc cover. The A.O.D. stuff shreds as always, including a thrash version of "We Will Rock You." BEDLAM's side is rawer, but still rips. Well worth sending for. (TY) (Buy Our Records, P. O. Box 363, Vauxhall, NJ 07088) ALIEN NATION - "Anhedonia" EP Dark punk with rock overtones, reminding me a bit of some ROY ERICKSON. At times, it's too "rock" for me, but there are some songs with late-STOOGES influences ("Agents of Faith") that make up for it. (TY) (31575 Ever green, Birmingham, MI 48010) BLOODSPORT - "I Am the Game" 12" From Chicago, high-production post-punk with good power, occasionally delivering straightforward punches, but like the robot boxers on the cover, there isn't an overwhelming sense of identity or heart. Maybe I'm just O.D.-ing on all these major 'indie" releases that rely on major-type production, making them sound homogenized to me. (TY) (Homestead, P. O. Box 570, Rockville Centre, NY 11571) BLEACHED BLACK - "Wrist Slashing Romance" 12" This Connecticut band sometimes sounds like one of those tedious UK post-punk outfits, then they turn around and produce rockin' 60's-tined guitar-heavy numbers. The best of the latter is probably 'Trey for Me," but the lack of slickness on the production makes this debut pretty enjoyable in an early MISSION OF BURMA-type a way. (JB) (Rigid Records, Box 798, Trumbull, CT 06611) THE BODEANS - cassette A change of pace from the typical thrash snydrome with the new 12-song demo from this Grand Rapids outfit. Overall, a PROLETARIAT comparison comes to my mind but this band keeps a stronger guitar-oriented sound. The vocals sing right along with every beat, which after a couple of songs becomes annoying. The speed is fast but stills falls short of a lasting impression. (MS) (434 Cherry Suite 22, Grand Rapids MI 49503) CANCEROUS GROWTH - "Back from the Grave" cassette A live tape that has its pluses and minuses. The drumming is really strong, the guitar raw, and the vocalist rivals CAPITOL PUNISHMENT's for lowest range around. Drawbacks include the mix, and the somewhat "heavy" aspects of many tunes. Still, it's crude and powerful. (TY) (Ax/ction Records, P.O. Box 623, Kendall Sq., Cambridge, MA 02142) CHESTERFIELD KINGS - "Stop!" LP If it were 1966, this record would be cool. But alas... Anyway, most of the tunes here are originals (and decent at that, including the classic "She Told Me" from their last 45), breaking away from their cover syndrome which spans back many years. Now if they could only break into the '80's thematically... (TY) (Mirror 645 Titus Ave., Rochester, NY 14617) CHILDREN IN ADULT JAILS - "Man Overcome By Waffle Iron-LP Fans of early NO TREND will appreciate this rockin' noise. With Funk, jazz and experimental leanings, this screamin' combo raucously slash their way onto vinyl. Angry yet absurd. (TY) (Buy Our Records, P.O. Box 363, Vauxhall, NJ 07088) CLYNG-ONZ - "Hey Twerp" cassette A combination of new studio and live tracks keeping with a basic medium paced thrash sound. The lyrics have a warped sense of humor and a predictable satirical flavor. The new vocalist adds more_power, but the music could use a little more development. The covers are fun. (MS) (P. O. Box 253, 2(a E. 4th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501) CLOWN ALLEY - cassette A 7-song release from this up-and-coming S.F. band, most of which are thrash. There's a heavyness to their sound, which becomes even more apparent on the two slower numbers, powerful post-punk dirges. Dave (ex-JERRY'S KIDZ from Albuquerque) sounds good, and the band is tight and strong, though I think the super-clean production here detracts a bit from their normally noise-intense live performance standard. A band to watch. (TY) ($3.50 to Ste. 428, P. O. Box 597004, San Francisco, CA 41159) D.I. - "Horse Bites Dog Cries" LP Simply great. Classic SoCal pop thrash with hot Agnew guitar and Casey vocals. Hot production, too. Rips completely. (TY) (Reject Records, P. O. Box 4, Placentia, CA 92670) DESECRATION - "Damaged by Decibels" cassette A 4-song "death metal core band" that zips along at a frantic pace, isn't as metal as it is thrash, and avoids lame lyrics and sticks to political/social subjects. A pretty hot debut. (TY) ($2.50 to P.O. Box 195, Mesa, AZ 85201) DRUNK INJUNS - "Live" 10" LP DRUNK INJUNS -- the greatest enigma of our times. Can you afford to miss the classic, rockin' S.F. garage band who apart from a hard to find cassette and a few comp tracks, are treating us to decent (not great) live recording which includes their greatest energy and material? There's only 1000. Get it! (RS) (Deluxe, P. O. Box 883311, San Francisco, CA 94188) DEFOLIANTS - "How Much Would You Pay" LP One of the best sounding tapes I've heard in a while, these guys utilize 60's punk, surf, and old punk, but weld it into a very modern hard-driving punk sound, not unlike AGENT ORANGE running headlong into NAKED RAYGUN. Very tight, Lux powerful, intelligent, and not cliche at all. Plus there's tons of tunes. Dynamite. (TY) (1645 W. Estes, Chicago, IL 60626) 8TH ROUTE ARMY - "Nihilist Olympics" LP A schizophrenic album with a melodic "then" punk side that includes material from their previous 7" releases, and a semi-commercial "now" side with recent post-punky material. I much prefer the former, though there's not a total separation. This is a decent record with some good lyrics, but only "No Leaders" is really irresistible. (JB) (Dimensional Records, Box 461, Easthampton, MA 01027) ED GEIN'S CAR - "Making Dick Dance" LP '77 punk, both musically and lyrically. I mean it's fun stuff, retarded lyrics, old punk format, but there's not an overwheming power behind it or special wit. Decent regressive venture. (TY) (Fred Argenziano, 617 46th St, Brooklyn, NY 11220) EMG - "History of..." casette Slow screeching noise guitar and pounding drums become the background for chanting vocals, together there are a lot of similarities to the WITCH TRIALS and CRASS type bands. There are 51 songs on this cassette which really shows the growth of this band but the muffled production takes away a lot and can become the main concern when listening. (MS) ($3.50 to 704 E. Park, Carbondale IL 62901) FAIR WARNING - "You Are the Scene" LP The first comparison that comes to mind is early SSD or NECROS. The music is a power-punching concrete wall-of-sound strengthened by gravelly vocals. The speed is kept under control, which creates an echoing, pounding effect on your body. Cool stuff! (MS) (Psyche Industry Records 2002 St. Dominique, Montreal, Quebec, CANADA H2X 2k1) FANDUS CHEEZCAKE - "Live" cassette Basic funny rockin' punk thrash that blends a lot of diversity and metal leads with satirical humor resulting in an entertaining collection of songs. The recording is live, and the cover of "Wild Thing" breaks new ground-for that song alone. (CIS) (5 Windsor Terrace, Holmoel, NJ 07733) GNP - "Grossest National Product" cassette Somewhat garagy and loose, but more than made up for by the sheer zest and crunch. Cool guitar and goo d drumming center this ripper. Lots of thrash and a good cover of "I Wanna Be Your Dog," all done with lots of power. Good punk lyrics as well. (TY) ($5 to Spike Rogers, 4679 Wooddale Ln., Pelham, AL 35124) GOVERNMENT ISSUE - "Live" LP This pretty cool collection of songs contains all their hits, all of which were recorded live though 1982 - 5. The production varies from song to song but does a good job of re-creating the experience that this band brings across live. Worth looking into. (MS) (Mystic Record, P. O. Box 1596, San Marcos, CA 92069) INSURGENCY - cassette Very well-produced power thrash. This is hard-hitting, head-on, stop-and-go hardcore. No frills no innovations, and lots of tight meat-cleaver stuff. Good lyrics, too. (TY) (c/o Bret Dickson, 3765 Live Oak Ct., Morgan Hill, CA 95037) KARNIVAL SEASON - "I Won't Get Hurt" EP Great psych cover, but the music is more of that quasi-folkv L.A. style '60's pop than the trashy punk or the mindbending sound. "Camp 9-0-9" is faster, rawer, and by far the best song on this EP. Personally, I'll take the STOMACH MOUTHS or MORLOCKS any day. (JB) ($2 to Rat's Bane, Box 550279, Burlingham, AL 35255) LEFT - "Last Train to Hagerstown" 12" The stick-on label says "Iggy-esque post-punk." Forget that shit, this is full-on punk. While the vocals do remind me of IGGY, the music is raving punk stuff, not unlike early SAINTS. Excellent. (TY) (Bonafide, P. O. Box 185, Red Lion, PA 17356) LIQUID GENERATION - "I Love You/ 1/4 to Zen" A-side sounds like ANIMALS meets LEMON PIPERS, while the flip is less bluesy and more poppy. Okay bandwagon stuff. (TY) (Green Monkey Records, P. O. Box 31983, Seattle, WA 98103) MANGOS - "Audio Obstacle Course" EP Variable quality mid-tempo punk/rock on this one, and none of the five tracks left any impression on me. I'll credit their aggressive guitar sound and the total absence of metal tendencies, but the songs and performances just lack punch.(SS) (Angry Red Records, P. O. Box 9, East Detroit, MI 48021) M.J.B. - "How to Abandon Earth" LP Around for a while but finally out with vinyl, this highly eclectic band debuts their sounds: post-punk, industrial, folk-punk and more. Following in the footsteps of TOILING MIDGETS, SLEEPERS and even FLIPPER, you'll find musicianship and intelligence at work here. Comes with booklet. (TY) (P. O. Box 590564, San Francisco, CA 94159) MAIMED FOR LIFE - "What Happened" cassette An excellent political thrash/metal crossover that's a mixture of polished riffs, leads and speed changes resulting in a sound like early DISCHARGE, yet still original. The production has a slightly tinny sound to it, but thoughtful lyrics gives this one quality. Recommended. (MS) ($3 to 1494 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City, UT) MINUTEMEN - "Three Way Tie for Last Place" LP This is the most blatant, consciously political effort yet by the MINUTEMEN. From the painting on the cover to their choice of covers (CCR's "Have You Ever Seen the Rain"), they attack war, Central American repression and political apathy -- and all the while still pumping out, fast and furious, the thrash/pop/jazz/rock sound they've honed to an edge. (Dog) (SST, P. O. box 1, Lawndale, CA 90260) NO MEANS NO - "You Kill ME" 12" Fusing punk, metal, rock, and other forms, this second release by NO MEANS NO is delivered with lots of power and punch. Their experimentation hangs together pretty well too, sort of like what BLACK FLAG could do with a bit more imagination. (TY) (Undergrowth Records, 456 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC C6B 3H2, CANADA) NECROS - "Tangled Up/Nile Song" More of the muscle/hair punk rock that they approached on the Flipside comp. Doesn't really bother me, but those who are rebelling against the NUGENT guitar riffs might want to stay clear. PINK FLOYD cover on the flip...hmmm. (Dog) (Gasatanka Records, 1241 N. Harper, Suite #6, Hollywood, CA 90046) NILS - "Sell Out Young" EP On the NILS debut solo release, their music is distinguished in that they can easily shift from all-out ripping hardcore to a more poppy song with cool harmonies and nifty melodies. A very good record from a band that doesn't sound like anybody else. (Dog) (Psyche Industry Records, 2002 St. Dominique, Montreal, Quebec, CANADA H2X 21) OUR NEIGHBORS SUCK - "Isolation" LP Most of the songs by the Arizona-based band are in the medium-paced punk vein; with a few slower or more rapid-fire. The production sound is thick here and combined with their rock influences, makes for a lot of listening. Not awesome, but well done. Question remains though why they chose this label often accused by German punks of pro-Nazi connections. (TY) (Rock-O-Rama, W. GERMANY) PEOPLE'S FRONT - "Speeches of Articulate Poison" cassette The recording is pretty rough, but that won't stop you from enjoying this. Intelligent lyrics are propelled by tough and loud thrash. Noisy but controlled, with plenty of energy and determination. Good start. (TY) ($4 to Pudgi Gaszynski, 89 Seel Acres, Dunkirk, NY 14048) PERE UBU - "Terminal Tower" LP This is an ambitious overview of the lifespan of PERE UBU. From the early acid garage sound of their early singles, to the final, more jazz-influenced release, this labor of love contains extensive liner notes about each phase of the band and each recording. (Dog) (Twin/Tone Records, 445 Oliver Ave South, Minneapolis, IN 55405) VARIOUS ARTISTS - "More...Hardcore!" cassette Mostly SoCal bands like ENTROPY, ILL REPUTE, SCARED STRAIGHT, STUKAS OVER BEDROCK, DOGGY STYLE, DON'T NO as well as G.I., DRILLS, and ANETEUR GYNECOLOGISTS. Sound quality varies but everything rips... good listening. This label has also just released in the U.S. the INSTIGATORS live tape. (TY) ($3.50 to P&S Productions, 403 Greenbriar Rd., Carterville, IL 62918) VARIOUS ARTISTS - "They Pelted Us With Rocks and Garbage" LP A Cleveland area comp of varied underground bands. There's hot punk/HC from SPIKE IN VAIN OFFBEATS, DARK, GUNS, IDIOT HUMANS as well as moodier post-punk from SHADOW OF FEAR, FAITH ACADEMY, DEATH OF SAMANTHA, and others. Outside of just a couple of tedious cuts, this record is fine listening. (TY) (After Hours Records, 300 Prospect Ave., Cleveland, OH 44115) VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Mr. Beautiful Presents 'All Hard"' LP Mr. Beautiful must have his head up his butt, cuz outside of the FREEZE's "Warped Confessional," OYSTER's "Headhunter," and GANG GREEN's "Let's Drink Some Beer" (previously unreleased), you get mostly MTV quality rock from a slew of groups. Occasionally okay moments, but overall it's hurtin'. (TY) (Modern Method, Ste. 7, 1318 Beacon St., Brookline, MA 02146) VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Ripping Headaches" cassette Crazed thrash attack, compliments of this 15 band international compilation. With the likes of CONCRETE SOX, SACRILEDGE, WAR OF DESTRUCTION, and CRYPTIC SLAUGHTER you might of guessed that a majority of the material is in the hard-hitting speed metal style. But also there are several great thrash moments brought to you by STUPIDS, ENTROPY and LARM. If this sounds like your bag of tricks, then pay it loud and I assure you that your ears will smile. (MS) (Generic Tapes 37 Macklingate Ct, Agin Court, Ont. M1V 1EG CANADA) VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Target You" cassette This excellent 90-minute tape will strike the fancies of the thrash speed metal, post-punk, and alternative music fanatic. The majority of the material comes from demo tapes and exposes several new bands, which makes it worth looking into. Book included. (MS) ($4 to Wally and the Beavers, P O. Box 39275, North Cont. Station, Charleston, SC 29407) VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Them Boners Be Poppin"' LP First NorCal comp in a while, this one features some East Bay bands (SPECIAL FORCES, BONELESS ONES, FANG, Sacto's TALES OF TERROR, Santa Cruz's BLAST, and S.F.'s VERBAL ABUSE). Lots of metal or "heavy' punk, some thrash, and lots of power. Good recording brings out the best in these bands. (TY) (Boner Records, P. O. Box 2081, Berkeley, CA 94702) VIRUS X- 12" The primitive compositions on this EP reminded me of the late great CHILD MOLESTERS, a similarity which even extends to the sick lyrics. Unfortunately the songs lack that essential catchiness that made the MOLESTERS so great. There's good spirit here, but the music veers toward genericness. (Not to be confused with VIRUS, the NY band who's test press we reviewed 8 months ago, but who's LP is yet to come out!).(SS) (Univag Records, no address) VOMIT LAUNCH - "Fishbutt" cassette Interesting schizo release. Simultaneously rough garage and well-done moody post-punk, and lyrically both sensitive and crude. Female vocals (with echo or harmony?) sound cool Sounds like LOU REED meets SIOUXSTE meets GIRLS AT OUR BEST. (TY) ($3 to P. O. Box 4527, Chico, CA 95927) WE THE LIVING - "Renaissance Man" cassette A change from this band's earlier HC thrash release. This time, the band leans toward a very melodic, underground big-beat sound much along the same lines as KILLING JOKE. Two of five songs are instrumentals and really show the band's musical ability. (MS) (Subversive Records, P. O. Box 552, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 3302) WOMEN IN DRAG - "Metal Memories" cassette Not metal at all, but a sort of psychedelicized heavy punk sound. Very well-produced, this 11 song tape is both "different" and vet still powerful. Most of the lyrics are a cut above, too. Worth checking out. (TY) ($2 to Tom, 2604 Muriel NE #, Albuquerque, NM 87112) ZOOGZ RIFT - "Amputees in Limbo" LP Imagine mixing FRANK ZAPPA, CAPT. BEEFHEART, TESCO VEE, EUGENE CHADBOURNE, DOC DART, and SACCHARINE TRUST down to one demented guy and his musician buddies. Jazzy dischordant, pun filled, at times melodic and/or rockin' with horns, various percussion and tape effects. Original and weird enough to be recommended. (RS) (Rift/Snoot, 19119 Victory Blvd., #16, Reseda, CA 91335) International A.Y.S. - "Expect No Mercy" EP Fuckin' kick-ass English thrash with blatant early D.C. hardcore influences; they even do a great cover of MINOR THREAT's "In My Eyes." Great emotional personal/political lyrics that shed new light for a lot of English bands. Powerful as hell! Simply one hell of a record. (MS) (Mortarhate Records, P. O. Box 448, Eltham, London SE9, ENGLAND) ADICTS - "Bar Room Bop" 12" The ADICTS show the return to their hallmark pop-punk style, replete with snappy arrangements and solid hooks in three of the four songs here. Almost up to the quality of their first few records, though admittedly they have softened their sound. (SS) (Fall Out Records, 24 Gaskm St., London, Ni ENGLAND) AUSAHME ZUSTAND - "Fur Mehr Phantasie..." cassette Pretty decent older punk styles, both live and studio. Lots of melody, raw rhythm guitar,choruses, etc. Good music to file records to. (TY) ($5 to Apocalypse Now, I. O. Box 392, 4008 Basel, SWITZERLAND) BEKI - "Don't Turn Away" 12" BEKI Bondage, formerly of VICE SQUAD and LIGOTAGE, falls flat on her face on this EP. She has a great voice, but the music is completely characterless and bland pop and rock. TOYAH has done music in this vein infinitely better. (SS) (Communique Records, ENGLAND) BUSINESS - "Drinkin' and Drivin"/H-Bomb" Both tracks are from previous LP's, and while both are okay punk, they certainy aren't so superior to warrant separate release. "H-Bomb" captures live energy, though. (Diamond Records, ENGLAND) GASH - cassette GIRLS AGAINST SEXIST HYPE aren't fuckin' around at all! Great smashing hardcore, sharp lyrics owerful production -- too much. Imagine a POISON GIRLS approach with thrash power, and you got it. Get it. (TY) ($6 to Hardcore House 25 Momosa Road, Carnegie 3163, ictoria, AUSTRALIA) BONES - "In a Sick Society They Won't Stop" EP The EXPLOITED of Japan, believe it or not. The music has a simple marching, pounding beat and the vocals have a nice gravely flavor to them. Some of the song titles include "Insanity", "Sex", and "Barmy Rat". Get the picture? Nothing too exciting that already hasn't been done. (MS) (Noise Room Records, c/o Yuraku So, 1-25-11 Kouenji, Minami, Suginami-ku, Tokyo 166, JAPAN) CANNIBALS - "Christmas Rock 'n' Roll/New Year's Eve Song" This year's Original Packaging Award winner, this single comes in a cardboard X-mas stocking. Is the music as zany? No, but it's rockin' R'n'B-type '60's stuff, especially on the B-side. Fun. (TY) (Hit Records, ENGLAND) CERESIT - "Three Gallons" LP The debut vinyl from this German band has eleven hard, tight, melodic thrashers, and a good steady fast beat with several speed changes that give the music a memorable identity. There are some serious metal-edged guitar leads, but the sons are structured well so they're not overpowering. Excellent production creates the impression of the music being in 3-D. Worth looking into. (MS) (Marcel Kery, ronbergstr. Ga, 1000 Berlin 44, W. GERMANY) CRIMSON SHADOWS - "Even I Tell Lies/You Can't Come Down" The A-side sounds like the SAINTS (2nd LP) meets '60's pop-punk -- okay. B-side is way rad, a snarling '60's punker with SKY SAXON-ish vocals and nasty Instrumentation. Once again, Sweden leads the way in this genre. (TY) (Sunlight Records, SWEDEN) CRUCIFIED TRUTH - "Death Sports (A Political Game)" cassette A wonderful noisy and crude assault on your ears. While the musicianship is basic and loud, there is structure, changes, and thou ht behind it all. Good and intense, _political as well. (TY) ($5 to P. O. Box 558, Hamilton 4007, Brisbane, Qld, AUSTRALIA) CLAIR OBSCURE - "Santa Maria/Toundra" This French band has put together an impressive package with photo cards and cover booklet. The single is right in the JOY DIVISION, early NEW ORDER, experimental vein, although "Santa Maria" is a little more rockin'. I know this doesn't sound great, but they're not bad. Needs more edge to make me happy, though. (RS) (Danien Chalaud, 7 topiary Sq., Rlchmond, Surrey, TW9 2DB ENGLAND) DEPRAVED - "Come On Down" LP Great! Who are these guys? Awesomely powerful English-style thrash meets almost a D.C.-like hardcore Tp_roach meets DOA at their best! Great lyrics to boot.(TY) (COR, Box 333, 37 Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS2 3PY, ENGLAND) DEPRESSION - "Australia Australia" 12" Maniac accelerated speedcore and the bites are intense. Their third release has head-choppin' activity which never backs off, their best yet. Laced with metallic thrash and abrasive vocals, and produced with a booming sound, this Grosso, Ir iwa to tes to dto drive you mad. Take off this buckled jacket, I want to flail. (Pus) (Reactor Recoards, P. O. ox 623, Camberwell 3124, Vic. AUSTRALIA) FUN THINGS - "Lipstick/Savage" Both sides are typically rockin' Aussie stuff, with a DOLLS sound updated by Motor-City-type late '60's rock. Rock'n'roll, dudes. (TY) (Citadel mfg. by Sonics, 53 Rue J.J. Rousseau, 76 600 Le Havre, FRANCE) FIXED UP - "On Your Line/New Two" Sounding a lot like the FLAMIN' GROOVIES in both their early '70's "Slow Death" sound and their later janglry guitar stage, this single is pretty rockin'. While they don t especially the B-side. (TY) (Closer Records, 100 Rue Dicquemarc, 76 000 Le Havre, FRANCE) GAS - "Sweet Emotion" 12" Rock punk with crooning female vocals, metalish rock guitar, and overall late-PENETRATION sound. Singer ugs me a lot with her "sweet" singing. (TY) (No address, JAPAN) GNA GNA - "Crawling Chaos" EP In reality just two songs, both highlighted by melodic punk a la PENETRATION, complete with a clear singgin female vocalist. Quite good, actually, with excellent production and simple but well-done mid-tempo instrumentation. (TY) (Ramon Gonzalez, Gundeldingerstr. 125, 4053 Basel, SWTIZERLAND) GNOMES - LP Fans of eclectic hard punk should appreciate this release. Combining funk, rock, and jazz influences. Les GNOMES have a punchy and herky-jerky sound which could have been too distracting had they not delivered it with such force. (TY) (20 Bd. Arago, 70133, FRANCE) HEX - "Poison in the System" cassette Containing, both live and studio material, this tape demonstrates HEX's powerful anti-state message as well There isn't as much bass as I'd like to hear, the soun quality is good and there's plenty of powerful music, as well as chants rants, intersperced sound effects, and literature. Concerns are predictible: bomb, anti-vivisection, politicians. Good chaps. (TY) ($3 to Karl, 50 Ronald Rd., Newport, Gwent, NP9 76F, WW ales, UK) HINOMAYA - EP Both A-side tunes are slick, mainstream punk (if that's not a contradiction in terms), and are to be played at 33 RPM. The flip is a 45er, though and is thrashy, making it hard to believe this is the same band. That song rips, and the cover is also a grabber. (TY) (No address, JAPAN) HOT PANTS - "So Many Nites/Lover Alone" Both sides are rockabilly-influenced punk, decently done but pretty country-fried. Definite CARL PERKINS influence. (TY) (D.R.A.J., BP 33, 91 261 Juvisy Cedex, FRANCE) HOOLIGAN - "Low Position" EP Melodic early British punk influence. Two songs, both with upbeat tempos and singalong chorus. The vocals are done with a perfected sluring techinque which gives this record a lowdown party punk feeling. Good.(MS) (no address, JAPAN) INJEKTION - "Nar Kommer Jesus?" EP This Swedish four song EP is more than a little influenced by new speedmetal bands. However, the rough, crunchy production helps to overcome that avenue. (Dog) (LEM Records, no address) IKKASHINJYU - "Dead Section" flexi A three-song one-sided effort, this bands' name translates as "A Whole Family Suicide." Fans of fast-paced UK thrash will like this one, as it's well-produced and crunches. Good debut. (TY) (Premium Records, JAPAN) JESUS AND MARYCHAIN - "Psychocandy" LP Their first album contains three previously released tracks and eleven newies. And like their other recent material, this new stuff contains numbers that melt perfect simple pop melodies with a wall of guitar noise -- a sublime combination only approached before by the VELVETS. (TY) (Blanco y Negro, ENGLAND) KILL TIME - "The First" EP Actually, this is a 45. Both are fast punk with fuzzy guitar, a bit experimental sounding at times, but by no means groundbreaking. Decent. (TY) (Time Killer Records, JAPAN) KIKU - "Total-Noiz" flexi Schmaltzy '50's R'n'R meets DOORS meets simple punk -- and I don't think I like the results very much. Total noise it ain't. (TY) (Incect Records, JAPAN) LAST ROUGH CAUSE - "Violent Few" EP An interesting 4-song effort, featuring an almost folky pop-punk sound like the 'EWTOWN NEUROTICS. And, as with that band, you'll find thoughtful lyrics and punchy delivery. Subjects covered are skinheads, glue and standing up for your dignity. Fine-spirited punk. (TY) (Andy Nears, 8 Bates Ave., Darlington, Co. Durham, ENGLAND) LEATHER NUN - "Alive" LP While I've liked a lot of their earlier releases, this one didn't grab me. It's real rock-heavy punk and post-punk that rarely cuts loose. On some of the slower stuff they mount good power ("Lollipop"), but it's not enough. (TY) (Wire Records, P. O. Box 3257, 103 65 Stockholm, SWEDEN) MIGHTY CAESERS - "Ten Bears of the Comanches/Baby What's Wrong" Thee MIGHTY CAESERS sound a lot like the MILKSHAKES on the A-side instrumental, and a lot like '62 UK R'n'B on their cover of JIMMY REED's classic. Beat/surf/R'n'B stuff with a cool but simple trebly guitar lead. Basic, crude, and lightly produced rock'n'roll. (TY) (Empire, UK) LA MUERTE - "Surrealist Mystery" 12" & "And the Mystery Goes On" 12" Both of these EP's are fairly crazed post-punk meets 60's punk meets NAKED RAYGUN mets BUTTHOLE SURFERS meets BIRTHDAY PARTY etc., etc. I made the mistake of playing one record at 45 RPM instead of 33, and it sounded even better. Incredible production doesn't hurt a bit either. Find these. (TY) (Soundwork, Rue de la Justice, 1070 Brussels, BELGIUM) MUSHROOM PLANET - "Take Me Away/The Chair" Heavy rockin' Aussie stuff with plenty of late '60's and mid "70's influences and since the Detroit sound seems permanently ensconced Down Under, it should come as no surprise. Okay. (TY) (Hot Records, AUSTRALIA) NINGEN HORMONE - flexi Eccentric hardcore, ranging from FLIPPER-like dirges to weirdness that I thought only comes from Arizona or Texas. Pretty garage at times too on this five-song job. (TY) (Joker Records, JAPAN) PART ONE - "Pictures of Pain" 12" Slow to mid-tempo post-punk. Haunting and flowing mood music bordering on Gothic but not as trite. Weaving but simple melodies. The title track is the star by far. If you've been following the bountiful post-sunk bands from the East Coast, you'll-love these Brits. (RS) (Pusmort, P. O. Box 701, San Francisco, CA 94191) PERDITION - "The Intoxicated" 12" This is a 12" reissue of PERDITION's earlier release. Obviously, the catchy Britpunk musical style hasn't changed, but the sound quality is a whole lot better. (JB) ($8 toR acto Records, Box 623, Camberwell, Vic 3124, AUSTRALIA) PETER & THE TEST TUBE BABIES - "Wimpeez" 45 Two routine Britpunk entries on their latest, but at least there's rudimentary songwriting skill and punky energy in evidence. Adequate, though hardly up to the standards of their first two singles. (SS) (Trapper Records, 39-43 Wharfdale Rd., London, Ni, ENGLAND) PICTURE FRAME SEDUCTION - "Hand of a Rider" LP An English release that mixes bits of thrash with the sound similarities of GBH and ENGLISH DOGS, get with not the same amount of punch. Musically, it has a lot going for it, but nothing that makes it shine past the slack. Enjoyable and better than some UK releases, but needs that unique gusto to kick the brain around. (Pus) (P.F.S., 14 Merlin's Terr., Haverford West, Dyfed, Wales, UK FA61 1PH) PISSED SPITZELS - "13 song" cassette Thirteen mayhem raging tunes surface from the basement of this West German band. Vicious stop-and-go thrash compounded with several mid-tempo speed changovers. fhe harsh bash/smash parts have a hard time keeping time, but the more melodic parts are quite enjoyable. (MS) (Horst Barthel, Rienest 17 300, Hannomt 81, W. GERMANY) PURPLE THINGS - "Deep in the Mind of..." 12" An above average neo-'60's disc that mixes Lux-type CRAMPS vocals with slightly more tight '60's punk instrumentation. Maybe its the hot production, but the five songs here really stick out including a cool cover of "Wild Man" and RED CRAY'OLA's classic "Hurricane Fighter Plane" (another CRAMPS rediscovery). (TY) (Media Burn Record, ENGLAND) R.A.K. - "Live" cassette If you're a fan of that raw, early PISTOLS punk, as well as fast well-done punk you'll want to locate this. Although it's a live recording (good sound, though), there's plenty of ower and clarity, as well as excitement. Great guitar. (TY) ($5 to Apocalypse Now, P. O. Box 392, 4008 Basel, 1VIT SWITZERLAND) MARC RILEY WITH THE CREEPERS - "4 Air from Manda Vale" 12" While the FALL seems to be suffocating in their own style, MARC RILEY exploits the sound of his former mates and adds gusto to make a quartet of first-rate songs. Imagine "Witch Trial" FALL with an added dimension of life and catchiness and you get an idea of what this fab disc is like. Get it! (SS) (In Tape Records, ENGLAND) REVELLS - "Oct '85" cassette Pretty cool and raw '60's-type punk. Tight and had and' hawith an ve a obvious singer. Hot)rocktn'roll. (TV) (Marc Kohlen, Sloot 13, 5912 Es Venlo, HOLLAND) RUNNING SYSTEM - LP This Austrian band mines the same territory that the NOMADS do, and well-thought out originals, but they do it on a less frantic level. There's an overall enthusiasm that helps with the sound, but it might come over a little bit better if they'd work up a sweat. (Dog) (TUT Records, Ludeng. 32, 1070 Vienna, AUSTRIA) SEKAANNUS - "Kutsu" EP Medium-slow paced but powerful, combining some of the better aspects of post-punk with the raw power of PISTOLS type punk. Lyrically, the three songs deal poetically and philosophically with aleination, religion, etc. Good sound. (TY) (PL 33, 34801 Virret, FINLAND) SHONEN KNIFE - 8" LP A ten-song follow-up to their cassette (released in the U.S.), continuing with ultra-simple and basic (primitive?) pop ditties. Well, the music is at least... but with song titles like "Banana Leaf," "Chinese Song." "Flying Jelly Attack," and "Insect Collector," I have a feeling these girls are not at all as sweet and innocent as they sound. (TY) (No address, JAPAN) SLAM - "Tragedies" 45 This Swedish combo fail to enliven their mid-tempo punk format on their latest single. "Tragedy" is an uneventful ditty with lackluster hooks, and the flip sadly rates only as a mishmash of bad production and songwriting. SLAM has done much better than this. (SS) (Slam Records, Myrkansv. 1, 802 38 Gavle, SWEDEN) S.A. - "I Get Position" 8" flexi Grungy thrash with hints of oi, oi, oi choruses but not falling into the sometimes wimpy charactor of a lot of oi music. The good mixture of abasive, distorted guitar and fast speed keep this record flowing smooth. Grade "A" thrash = Good stuff! (MS) (Club Star Records, JAPAN) TDK - "La Farmacia de Mi Barrio/Maleta Para Moscu" The A-side is decent but uninspiring '77 punk, but the flip is a thrash ripper with cool choruses, though the lead singer doesn't quite grab me -- too clean sounding. (TY) (Fonomusic, Garcia de Paredes 12, 18010 Madrid, SPAIN) VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Are You Ready to Be Interogated!" cassette This comp contains primarily demo tracks from the likes of AD NAUSEUM, STUPIDS, OI POLLOI, CHRONIC DISORDER, and a variety of less well-known bands, in appealing (and consistently political) songs. Very solid sampling of good bands. (SS) ($3 to dot So Mental Tapes, Beddi,s 68 Hoskin St., Shaftsbury, Newport, Gwent, S. Wales) VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Have A Rotten Christmas, Vol.2" A compilation which features some well-established names in European punk and HC. With bands like the VARUKERS, NO CHOICE, RATTUS, and ENGLISH DOGS, you would think this would be a very powerful piece of vinyl. Well, it's not, and most of the tracks are at the most average and leave no lasting impression. Nothing outstanding. (MS) (Rot Records 39- Boisover St., Mansfield, Notts, NG18 2PS, ENGLAND) VARIOUS ARTISTS - "The Hardcore House" cassette Some new Aussic bands show their stuff on this new comp. Excellent effort courtesy of: GASH: FILTHY TRASH, MIMOSA TRIBE, LONERS OF STENCH, and DEPRESSION. This is one diverse thrash compilation that will keep you on the edge of your seat! Recommeded. (MS) (P. O. Box 623, Camberwell 3124, Victoria, AUSTRALIA) VARIOUS ARTISTS - "1984 the Second" double LP Spit out that raging energy with 38 bands delivering a wad of good slugs. This two-LP French comp but features a- few international acts. This collection will separate the spine into sections with the likes of S.O.D., PSYCHO, HEIMATLOS, SOLUCION MORTAL, MELAKKA, BUTCHER, and more. For thrash-mongers and punk-harbours. (Pus) (New Wave, Aline Richard, BP 6, 75462 Paris Cedex 10, FRANCE) VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Spiegel Derzett" cassette A good German HC sampler featurin many under-exposed hands like MOTTEK, CERESIf, DIE RUSSEN, INTERSCHROTT, and many more. Sound quality varies but still the music is listenable and enjoyable. (MS) WILLARD - "Good Evening Wonderful Fiend" LP I think maybe I could handle this super-produced punk-derived rock if it weren't for the singer. He plays it totally straight vocally, sounding real mainstream and that puts me over the edge. Maybe LOU REED or DAMNED fans could get by, though. Comes with a three-song flexi. (TY) (Captain Records, JAPAN) Y CYRFF - "Yr Haint/AR Goll" Well produced eccentric pop punk. The B-side is a bit pop for me, but most of the A-side is interesting (save for some of the breaks, which get a bit "wavy"). Not run of the mill at all. (TY) ($3 to Karl, 50 Ronald Rd., Newport, Gwent, NP9 76F, UK) YR ANHREFN - "Dim Heddwch/Priodas Hapus" Raw punk guitar and almost UNDERTONES-like pop-punk add up to enjoyable listening. Both tunes are very straightforward and its the simplicity and the power that are so catchy. Weird as shit language, though. (TY) ($3 Karl 50 Ronald Rd., Newport, Gwent, NP9 76F, Vales, UK) This stuff was printed in Maximumrocknroll #33, February 1986.