PunkRockReview.org- Band Review

The Dispicables – “Punk Rock Goon’s”- Sincere, well-intentioned, back to the roots, old school punk rock. Sadly, heart only takes a band so far; memorable music needs to carry the music for the remainder of the journey and that's where this stumbles. It's not bad, but it also isn't memorable. It's pretty much punk by numbers lyrics, periodically melodic / interesting guitar riffs, but for the most part, this sounds like any other punk rock garage band in America. Pass. www.mohawkradio.com/newgoonorder  www.myspace.com/thedispicables  

Posted by Jonny Taint at 04:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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No Thrills - “Off The Rails” – Off The Rails may only be a 21 minutes and 13 seconds long, However, in that short period of time adds to a long lasting effect after you’ve listened to the CD. It is not quite catchy, but it soaks into your mind in a way that you cannot stop thinking about or bopping along to it way after the fact. The lyrics are so simple and straight to the point; any drunken punk would enjoy the easiness of this album. It has that 80’s English punk-n-Roll sound with some much like The Vibrators. With this debut record, they seem to show off all the aggression and energy they are willing to put out there in the punk scene. Do not get worried if you get addicted to these guys, it is worth the pain of addiction.

Posted by Jonny Taint at 04:04 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Kick To Tha Head – “As We Think…So We Are” - Sometimes, when lyrics are incomprehensible due to a moaning death metal influenced vocalist, the music produced can seem like nothing more than muffled words with background noise. Some people connect to this type of music--music where one must dig deeper to understand the meanings of the song, music where a fan must read the lyrics to the songs to even understand the music at all.

    Really this shit just mad me laugh and not in a… "that was so funny" kind of way. I can’t believe someone could seriously listen to this amateur death metal crap and say “Yes that rocks! Let’s send this out to be reviewed!”  Alright so I’m not a fan of this style of music, but even I can recognize that this is just complete useless noise. Put it this way, the band makes dogs barking all night sound like Frank Sinatra. The “singer” just barks out what I guess are lyrics in a mono-tone drill sergeant voice with generic metal riffs and double bass drums going to town in the background. So… um…yeah…www.mohawkradio.com/kicktothahead

Posted by Jonny Taint at 04:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Fight United – “Self Titled” - Those who are faint of heart or hearing shouldn't listen to this, simply because the noise, the reconstructions of pop and punk The Fight United engages in, are likely to shred eardrums of the uninitiated, tearing them apart. Maybe this is anesthesia, maybe it's some unusual narcotic designed to make people feel sensations and emotions more intensely. Maybe..just maybe, it's a band trying to strip punk rock back down to its absolute essential & rawest form. The Fight United does what many bands haven’t done in a long time and play straight forward in your face punk rock with no hidden agendas. They do it the way it was intended, with piss & vinegar without worrying about hurting your feelings or what the trend of punk is today. This is the kind of band that has the attitude & chip on their shoulders that got you into punk rock in the first place.                                                                                                                                     Ironically as I write this review their song “Whiskey Pride” comes on and puts it better then I ever could. So go buy this 15 song DIY punk as Fuck CD and listen to “Whiskey Pride” to see what I mean.  www.mohawkradio.com/fightunite_d   www.myspace.com/fightunited 

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Emersons - "Closet Homosapiens" - A few weeks ago I'm trolling through MySpace and I came a cross this bands page on a pop punk fan club page. I hadn't ever heard them or of them, so what the fuck I'll give them a listen. I liked what I heard and actually later on that day told one of my friends I had heard a good pop punk band I had never heard before. The very next day these guys contact me and ask how to get their CD reviewed. I must have been a good boy this year and Santa let them know I was diggin' their sound.

       Ok,ok.. you've read all the pop punk descriptions before ..3 chords ….Blah…Blah…Blah. The Emersons aren't much different from other good punk bands other than I would call them a River-Core band (similar in style to The Riverdales), rather than the typical Ramones-Core, Weasel-Core or Queers-core band comparisons. "Closet Homosapiens" is a 12 song CD that boasts catchy hooks and punchy melodies that together make for a considerably strong pop-punk release. My favorite song on "Closet Homosapiens" would have to be "Creepo Pervo" or "Degenerate", but there are 12 good ones to choose from, so go buy it and find out for yourself.    www.myspace.com/theemersons

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Sexhead - "Operation 3 Way" -  Angular, dissonant punk rock from the secret planet Geosynchronous in the lost solar system of PunkTopia, beaming down messages of rebellion, resistance and revolution into your skull with all the subtlety of Lindsay Lohan in a liquor store. Sexhead is a melodic, up-tempo pop punk Comet snaking its way from side to side, twisting and turning through the Canadian punk rock solar system. Fuckin' rad.                                        Alright to put it in English or your lazy punk asses, Sexhead is an up-tempo pop punk band with a sound similar to The Creeps with a little bit less of the throaty/scratchy vocals. Still Fuckin' Rad!   www.myspace.com/sexheadmusic 

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:54 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Mapes - "Demo" - There is nothing deliquite or complicated to The Mapes. They are just a goofy mid-tempo punk band who sounds like they are having a lot of fun goofing around on stage and making politically incorrect goofy punk songs. They obviously don't take themselves seriously and you shouldn't either, but that seems to be the intentions. Don't get me wrong their not Bozo the fucking punk rock clown, but they’re also not as serious as say Fifteen either.   www.myspace.com/themapes

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Gullibles - "Demo" - Since the first time I heard them, I've had nothing but the greatest respect for The Gullibles pop sensibilities and gleefully youthful exuberance. They actually LIKE what they're doing and it's pretty damn obvious on this album. Ok, so the recording is a little murky, but that kids adds to the mystique of their sound. Do you remember the Dead Milkmen? Of course you do, how could you not right? Well these guys have a similar sound & presence that the Dead Milkmen did. For these guys, it's all about lyrics. The songs are short, fast pop-punk and, like the Dead Milkmen, the music takes a backseat to the words.  What more can you ask for? Their best song by far would have to be "Gay Parade" and once you hear it you'll being singing it all day long.  www.myspace.com/thegullibles

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Fist of the North Star - "Get Fisted" - Snarling, nasty-assed, energetic, fresh and rockin' good old school style hardcore punk rock. If this music doesn't make you want to mosh, I don't know what does. The band has attitude, super fast guitar work and harsh vocals. Fist of the North Star really rock it out without leaving a bad taste in your mouth or your ears ringing. Yeah, they're simple, but the songs are damn good - quick, catchy, high-octane and bad-ass. The only thing I found as a slight turn off is that the singer has a tendency on a few of the songs to reach for a few notes that he can't reach and screams a little more than I really like. During those screaming parts it reminds me of Death Metal and that's not a good thing. Yeah, it's a personal thing that I hate Death Metal, but it's my review right?...Right!

www.myspace.com/fistofthenorthstarmusic

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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False Alarm - "Fuck 'em all we've already (now) won - If you dig old school garage rock, the type recorded with the boom box sitting on the hood of a rusty primer gray 1967 Chevy Camero.  Then grab this blast from the past inspired CD while you can. False Alarm summons influences from the last 30 odd years of bands who sat amidst gas cans and lawnmowers while writing instant garage rock classics no one would ever hear. This form of old school hard rock with influences from bands such as MC5, The Stooges & other late 60's garage classics is not my cup of coffee. That's not to say that they're not a solid band, I just never could get into that style of music (I do however like the song "Youth Gone Mad" on this CD quite a bit). All in all, False Alarm plays their instruments extremely well and the singer has great range to his voice, so if you're into that garage rock sound this is the band for you.   www.myspace.com/falsealarmrecords

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:47 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Dukes Up - "Self Titled" - This album wouldn’t be half bad if it weren’t for the lead singer. I really can’t get past how horrible his voice sounds. He just destroys each song by screaming through the lyrics at a level that his voice doesn't really want to go. I mean this guy strains his vocal chords too much; he’s reaching for a note that just doesn’t want to be there. I’m not trying to sound overly harsh and mean, it’s just that this could be a very good band if the singer just stopped screaming and actually sang the lyrics. (Sometimes I look in the mirror and see Simon Cowell and it frightens me.)  If he took it down a notch they could have a sound similar (but not in a cover band kind of way) to a Kid Dynamite style of hardcore band. Anyway, the worst tracks would have to include “Dukes Up” and “Worth the Fight”  “Inside” sounds almost decent at times, because the singer drops his voice down an octave to a range he can actually attain. Really the instrumental part of Dukes Up is great and found myself getting into them, until the screaming started.  www.myspace.com/dukesuphc

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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ButterFace - "Homeland Conspiracy" - To be honest.... first listen.... not too impressed, it just sounded like random noise. Second time around I realized the uniqueness of this band, and how truly Punk Rock they are. The singer changed his style of singing and vocal presence with each song and is just straight up gutter punk. After listening to the lyrics you realize that they’re not just some crazy for effect gutter punk band. You realize that they are a deeply anti-establishment/politically based that requires you to listen to the lyrics to fully appreciate what they have to offer. By no means do I think that Butterface will appeal to everybody because of their brash style, but I think that any true punk can appreciate their song "Indie Song". www.myspace.com/butterface209  

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Atlantic Lag - "4 song Demo" - You know when you're in your car and you're playing music, you're not really paying that much attention to it? You kind of get into it as much as you can, but not fully pay attention, because you don't want to get into an accident?                                                This is the kind of album that you should listen to in the car. If you're not paying attention it doesn't seem too bad, but once you start to focus in on the songs it's just really boring.  The singers voice is just too mono-tone for me and it doesn’t sound like there is one hook in any of the 4 songs. It just seems like Atlantic Lag is going for a Jawbreaker sound, but lacks the talent to pull it off.  If you've been having trouble falling a sleep I would suggest listening to this demo and you will be fast a sleep in 3- 4 minutes. www.myspace.com/atlanticlag  

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Loose Screws - “Have Another Brew” (4/5) I can honestly say that this is tough, drunk, slap your momma, bad ass punk rock. The Loose Screws puts together raw, fast, hard and drunk rock songs. This is what punk is supposed to sound like, raw and lawless. Think DRI, Circle Jerks or The Meatmen, throw in a case of your cheapest beer and there you are – The Loose Screws. “Have Another Brew “has me digging up all the stuff I haven't listened to in along time. Punk should be angry and fast, it shouldn’t sound like, Grateful Dead or Rod Stewart. So dig up your Doc Martins, pop open a few beers, punch a hippy in the teeth and dance your ass off to this CD.

Posted by Jonny Taint at 01:25 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Posted by Jonny Taint at 01:22 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Ridicules – “Demo” (5/5) Hands down the best weasel-core  band to hit the pop punk scene since the original version. I have four of their songs and I swear I’ve mistaken them for Screeching Weasel on more than one occasion. When I listen to them the conspiracy theorist is my head swears that The Ridicules are actually Ben & Jughead messing with peoples heads.

   Ok,...so you might be thinking at this point that I’m exaggerating how much The Ridicules sound like Screeching Weasel. I know I’d be thinking it if I hadn’t heard them before reading this review. Each has an up tempo pop punk formatted band with golden hooks, solid addictive beats & throaty tongue in cheek lyrics. Yeah I know that there at least 3000 other bands that fit that description, but don’t sound a thing like SW. The only way you will believe me is to check them out for yourself how much The Ridicules sound like Screeching Weasel during the middle years. Just listen to “Beer Goggles”, Give Up On You” or “You Don’t Mean Shit To Me”, the guitar, the drums, the vocals, and the lyrics are just sick. They can be found for your personal review at,

www.theridicules.com

Posted by Jonny Taint at 01:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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20 Pound Shovel – “The Act Your Age EP” (2/5) – Maybe this album was made for a VH1 Teenage Drama soundtrack. Maybe this is an album for boring people. Or maybe the band is just really stupid and believe what Hot Topic is telling them is Pop Punk. Yeah I'm going to go with the really stupid excuse. I honestly don't even know how to review such a boring piece of crap. The music was dull; the lyrics are crap mainly on the fact that the lead voice is very annoying with that stupid whine. So you know what I say buy this album then go burn it! Bring Punk back to the scene, protest crappy music!!!!

Posted by Jonny Taint at 01:19 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Tail – “Greater Than You” (3/5) Mid Tempo Punk-n-Roll with punk’77 influences. When I first started to listen to “Greater Than You”  I was a little surprised to find myself tapping along to “Everybody is stupid”. Unfortunately, before the song was over I found my self daydreaming about some upcoming shows, what we were having for dinner and thinking about Christmas. After the fourth song from this EP I noticed that I was tapping along to the beat, but also noticed that the songs had lost my attention.

    So to sum up this EP, it is a pleasant finger tapping CD that makes for good background music with each song sounding similar enough that you don’t notice that they have changed and don’t hold your attention for more than 1 song.

( Two Free downloads of their songs at www.MohawkRadio.com )

Posted by Jonny Taint at 01:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Knuckle Samich & the Blackeyes – “demo” (4/5) If reviews were based upon band names only, I would have to nominate these guys for a life time achievement award. Knuckle Samich & the Blackeyes, are a blue collar, acoustic, Irish drinking style punk band. They sound like a couple of friends throwing back some cold ones and enjoying a good time. There isn’t really much else to say other than if you enjoy punk influenced Irish drinking songs you will really enjoy these guys.  If you don’t like well written and well played drunk bastard Irish punk, then keep moving there is nothing for you to see here.

(Four Free downloads of their songs at www.MohawkRadio.com )

Posted by Jonny Taint at 01:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Try Hards – “..a good night out EP” (4/5) I really enjoy The Try Hards, they remind me of a snottier/poppier Murphy’s Law. Like Murphy’s Law, The Try Hards singer blurts out the lyrics randomly, but somehow they fall perfectly into place for each song. Their songs change speeds more than Atlanta traffic. The Song “Scrap” is my favorite from “..a good night out EP”. It goes balls out fast, slows down & then unleashes a fist to the face one more time. Each song on “…a good night out EP” is done in a sped up, quirky, punchy fashion that gets your blood flowing and is a fun CD to listen to.

Posted by Jonny Taint at 01:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Memphis Creeps – “Frustration & Lies Sex Songs” (3/5) I’ve been struggling with my review of this CD for a few months now. Chico Loco of the Memphis Creeps was previously in The Sentiments, a good European pop punk band that I really enjoyed. So when I got this CD I was expecting something similar. The first time I listened to Memphis Creeps I have to say I just flat out hated it. Instead of writing a review I decided to put it away and listen again at a later date in the hopes that I was having a bad listening day.

    So six months later here we are again with this self titled debute release from the Memphis Creeps. Many things have changed in the last six months. It’s now winter, opposed to summer, I have a new dog and I no longer hate this album. I now merely dislike the album. That might not seem like a big change, but trust me it is.

What is it that I don’t like? I really don’t like the heavy metal grease monkey sound to it. I guess I’d call the sound a mix of psychobilly, hardcore and metal. There are a few songs I don’t think are too bad, “Pizza Schnitzel” & “Dangerous Love” are the two notable songs that are more Hardcore than psychobilly or metal. Other than those two songs I wouldn’t recommend this album to you unless you had a mullet or drove a 1982 Camero.

http://www.myspace.com/memphiscreeps  

Posted by Jonny Taint at 01:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Doggfight U.S. – “Self Titled” (4/5) another great punk band from the Boston, MA area. These guys have a tight kick ass street/hardcore punk knock your dick into the dirt sound. The vocals really stick out as the singer sings very clear and very strong, while incorporating a nice mix of gang vocals. If you like classic Dropkick Murphy's, The Bruisers or The Boils you will love these guys. The Focus of "Doggfight U.S." is about the working class hero, working to death for either honor or glory. This is a true punk CD, a punk CD for the people, and not some phony bitches at the frat houses getting in on the “Drunk Punk” trend that’s all the rage.

http://www.myspace.com/doggfightus

Posted by Jonny Taint at 01:05 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Zatopeks –“Damn Fool Music” – (5/5) The Zatopeks newest CD has to be the best Power Pop album of 2007. This record shows more diversity then the United Nations and more maturity then a 90 year old man. On previous releases, The Zatopeks have always had a tight unique sound, but this time they stepped it up to a new level. Don’t get me wrong this album is not for everybody. If you’re a die hard Hardcore, Oi or Street punk fan who doesn’t stray far from your favorites you probably won’t be into “Damn Fool Music”. If you are an avid or fringe Pop Punk or Power Pop fan there is no way in hell that you won’t find “Damn Fool Music” to be one of the best Power Pop releases of 2007.

Not to take away from the talent of any member of The Zatopeks (which all are incredible), but their lead singer Will DeNiro sets them miles ahead of most other Power Pop bands with his voice and charisma. Will DeNiro has one of the most unique and endearing voices I have ever heard. On this album he shows that he can lay down a melodic acoustic ballad like “Courtyard Blues” and then dig up his punk roots with an upbeat Pop Punk delight like “Culture Of Control”, which will just rock your face off. 

Instead of taking my word for it get your McDonalds filled ass up and go check this sit out.         www.myspace.com/zatopeks
www.zatopeks.com
www.whoaohrecords.com
Or ITUNES

Posted by Jonny Taint at 01:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Jerry Atricks and the High Tops - Demo" ( www.myspace.com/jerryatricksandthehightops ) Everyday I get a few requests from bands to review their songs. As you can imagine each person has a different approach to getting reviewed. Some say "We have songs on MySpace, go listen to them and tell us what you think", there are the ass kissing ones, and of course the regular request for sending the bands music etc... Why do I mention this? I got an E-mail from Jerry Atrick it was just funny and I loved it.

Subject Line - OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

(Typed in the biggest font possible)

I ONLY WRITE TO YOU IN ALL CAPS BECAUSE I'M AN OLD FUCK. PLEASE TELL US WHAT YOU THINK; CAUSE NO ONE ELSE KNOWS FUCK ALL ABOUT PUNK MUSIC THAN YOU!!!!!!

THEN GO PLAY WITH YOUR WANKER.

JERRY ATRICKS AND THE HIGH TOPS

What I told old wrinkle sack Jerry was,

I think it’s really awful!

For some reason though, I find it strangely entertaining. Reminds me off some old 80's garage punk bands I used to be in.

Alright seriously the music is awful! The singing is completely off timing with the beat and none of the band seems to be very good at their instruments or they're just not good at playing with each other, just themselves. Either way they are still awful. All that being said I couldn’t help, but be reminded of being in a terrible 80's garage punk band that wasn't far off these guys and had the time of my life. So yeah they are really bad, but also thoroughly entertaining...Like watching really bad amateur porn.

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:55 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Cummies - "Lame" ( www.myspace.com/thecummiessuck )( 3/5 ) This is speedy punk rock with sneering vocals, a heavy dose of snotty punk and hooks just catchy enough to grab your attention. It grabs your attention yes, but doesn't do enough to maintain that attention longer than 2-3 songs. The lyrics are a little muffled, so if I could get into the lyrics more this CD may have held my attention longer. This CD is one of those that you listen to and think it's good, but you keep waiting for a song to be in love with. Unfortunately, I was stood up and never fell in love on this one. All that being said I can see The Cummies being a great live act or coming out with a great album that would blow me away in the near future.

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Hear The Sirens - "...anywhere but home" ( www.myspace.com/hearthesirensband ) (7" yellow & black splatter)(4/5) - Who needs coffee or energy drinks when you could just put on this record. WOW! - This is a melodically high energy record that has a concoction of punk influences that combine into quite a manic attack of fun sound. There's two scoops of Kid Dynamite, a scoop of Strike Anywhere, sprinkled with a touch of Crime in Stereo. Not only is this record jam packed with great music, it is packaged nicely in a yellow and black splattered wax (a great addition for any record collector).

Also at their record label - www.myspace.com/sillygirlrecords

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:52 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Anti Social Degenerates -"From Chaos To Whenever" (4/5) This album arrived just in time. I was seriously starting to think that real punk bands had gone the way of the Do-Do bird. This album's sound brings me back to the days of DRI, Angry Samoans, The Meatmen, etc... The guitar has a dark sinister sound on most of the songs, the lyrics are harsh and politically incorrect, while the beats lead the band in full speed frenzy. This album is distorted and dissonant music, full of anger and attitude. If you're like me and miss this type of no holds bar style of punk or want to experience it get this CD ASAP. Once you get it put it into your stereo and blast the motherfucker as loud as it will go. Before you know it there will be a full blown circle pit in your living room.

Check for yourself at www.myspace.com/antisocialdegeneratesdetroit 

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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PG-13's - "Operation: 3-way" (5/5) - Yes. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes! High energy, poppy and melodic pop punk that appeals to every fan of pop punk out there. As simply as possible, they embody the DIY spirit of pop punk and capture the feel of the early days of rock -n- roll when Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry were committing nightly affronts to America and good ol' Elvis shook his pelvis on national TV. This has all the hell-raising fury of the early days, the same Pop punk tried to get back to in the first place and lost when it became a reflexive medium which simply ripped itself off and became increasingly inbred. This changes all that, at least for the 20 odd minutes it lasts, and what a blissful, foot tapping, sing along 20 minutes it is.

Listen for yourself at - www.myspace.com/thepg13s

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:49 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Klush Klamath - "Self Titled" (4/5) - Klush Klamath - "S/T" - This is a manic, balls to the walls, punk band that sets no boundaries with sub-genre rules. They are just good old-fashioned Punk Rock. Klush Klamath, remind me of some of the mid to late 80's skate punk bands like (Cro-Mags, DRI and/or The Circle Jerks). Their sound is fast, gruff & truck stop bathroom floor filthy. The singer screams, yells, sings & talks his way through the lyrics, but does it in a way that makes it work. While I was listening to this album I found myself wanting to break things and start a circle pit in my cubicle. A few of the songs do slow down for a minute, just long enough to catch your breath, and then SMACK! they jump back into it as quickly as they stopped. This CD is jam packed with 19 excellent punk rock anthems. "Hey Zeus", is just a fucking brilliant song! It's fast, it's slow & mixed with great lyrics. Some other stand out songs are; "Fuck The Police"(not a Public Enemy cover), "The Great Escape" & "The Emoest shit Geoff 5 ever heard ever" just to name a few.

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Angleworm - "This is propaganda"-(Cassette-Acoustic) (4/5) Alright If you're a constant reader of Punk Rock Review you know Angleworm is one of my favorite new bands. With that being said I didn't know what to expect from this Acoustic release. I'm a big fan of acoustic punk, but the majority of "acoustic punk" is just acoustic music played/sung by someone in a punk band or folk music with a Mohawk.

"This Is Propaganda" is exactly what I have always wanted to find in Acoustic Punk. The difference is that Angleworm is a punk band who seems to have written their song first and then just play them acoustically. A good example of that is "I sell Crack For The CIA", they continue to keep their degenerate values without sounding like a bunch of stinking hippies. Also unlike many other bands they incorporate more than an acoustic guitar and the occasional harmonica. Yes, Angleworm does incorporate the two aforementioned instruments, but also drums, a bass of some sorts, and a ukulele. This cassette is a good addition for any fan of Acoustic Punk, Fifteen or Crimpshine.

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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Fugue - "Demo" (4/5) This is a really good demo CD especially for an unknown band, seeing as it’s very critical to have your debut leave a good impression on people. Other wise if your debut material is bad, you might be branded as sounding like shit forever. I really love this CD and their sound just makes me happy! It’s one of those CDs that puts you in the happy mood, so everyone I review after these guys should thank them for putting me in a good mood, because if you suck, hey I won’t trash you so bad!

I cannot wait to hear what these guys have to offer once they spend some more time in the studio and I can’t wait see them live.

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The BloodReds - "Mister Mess" (7" Clear Red) (4/5). When you first put this album on, The BloodReds let you know that they're here, with an audio ninja kick to the face that will drop you to the floor, but leave you coming back for more. I would cite this as an album for fans of Face To Face, Kid Dynamite or Good Riddance. This CD will get you excited about punk rock again, and wake you up from your depression due to listening to the same old bands (or their offspring) over and over again. I find a lot of new punk these days blends together, leaving me with a feeling of having heard that song before. This is not the case with “Mister Mess”, the debut album from The BloodReds. The BloodReds were kind enough to send along a CD-R demo of their songs along with the great 7" "Just in case I like the record" Well, yes I did like the 7" and the demo disk is full of short, punchy songs, and the lyrics are simple without being shallow, observing the state of the world today without shoving dissent down your throat.

Listen to them yourself at; www.myspace.com/thebloodreds

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Hollywood Nightmares - "Self Titled Demo" (3/5) Poppy Punk about girls and the usual pop punk subjects (you know ... like, everyday life and stuff). There's nothing really noteworthy about this album -nothing hugely special. This demo is melodic and has a few endearing songs, but also nothing that jumps out saying this is the next great pop punk band. Again there is nothing wrong with them, but they fall victim to their own genre like many pop punk bands and each song sounds very similar. I love pop punk, but also think that there are a ton of bands that don't add enough of their own touch to be a stand out band.

Listen for yourself at  http://www.myspace.com/thehollywoodnightmares

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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The Uglysticks - "Mike's House" (4/5) It's amazing how something as simple as five songs can restore someone’s faith in Punk. I had never heard The Uglysticks before seeing a bulletin on Myspace that they sent out. On a lark I responded to their bulletin and asked them if I could review their demo.

 I had no idea what to expect, but soon found myself ecstatically, overjoyed, bouncing around my room with my stereo turned up so loud the walls and windows are shaking like a magnitude 5.6 earthquake just hit. What a way to wind up 2007, listening to one of the most energetic records I've heard this year. It's emotional, energetic, powerful and was just what I needed to pull myself out of a serious case of robotically walking through the day. This demonstrates music's true power - the ability to kick your ass out of a rut and get you excited about life again.

Download for yourself at www.myspace.com/theuglysticks

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:37 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

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