PunkRockReview.org- Band Review: September 2008 Archives

Bear Lake – “DEMO”

Bear Lake – “DEMO” – It’s hard to provide a full on review of Bear Lake, the demo they provided consists of 3 songs, two of which are long instrumentals. I’m not the biggest fan of instrumentals, unless of course the music can over-power you with emotion and unfortunately these didn’t do anything for me. Otherwise Bear Lake provided me with one non instrumental Pennywise sounding skate punk, political minded song “Matters”. It too is heavily incarcerated by the love of instrumental solos and the same drum back beat as the other two songs. Sorry this isn’t much of a review, but it’s about in-depth as the demo I was asked to review.

www.myspace.com/bearlake

Posted by Jonny Taint at 02:30 AM | Permalink

Specifically Toast - “Fear Of A Bot Planet “

Specifically Toast - “Fear Of A Bot Planet “- On their introduction demo, Specfically Toast sharpen their pop hooks and instrumental prowess, though admittedly, they are still a far cry from being Screeching Weasel, The Queers, or MTX. Based on "Aluminium Bats and the Seventh Inning Grope.” obnoxiously long song title and references to and obvious MTX rhythm & hand clap rip off, one might dismiss Specifically Toast as another pop-culture damaged hipster-doofus Mr. T Experience wannabe band, but their song " No! It is the bad kind of puppy." erases any notion that Specifically Toast is just another stupid English, Mr. T Experience wannabe band. It just solidifies that they are an English band of young chaps that are heavily influenced almost to the point of fanatically by the power pop punk of the 90’s bands of Lookout records. A kind of pop punk thesis set to a catchy beat, " So long, suckers!...uh...hello, suckers! " comes as close as any other pop punk song to explain why the band members are so sad about girls. Catchy and irresistible, the song has a touch of every pop punk mix tape through the 90’s. Although the rest of the five song demo is pumped up with other catchy tunes, Specifically Toast has not yet reached their own creative peak. This Demo is a good start for Specifically Toast, now all they need to do is decide what direction they want to go; Mr. T Experience wannabe band or a solid pop punk band influenced, but not defined by their musical heroes. After written the review I saw that Specifically Toast broken up, so much for the good start.

www.purevolume.com/specificallytoast

Posted by Jonny Taint at 02:28 AM | Permalink

Braindead- “No Consequences”

Braindead- “No Consequences”- Braindead forge out a dense, metallic grind that sounds like a more streamlined version of Quicksand. The band's debut, “No Consequences”, relies as much upon metal as it does punk, but that makes the music all the more effective. Braindead’s attempt at punky fury simply isn’t as strong as their brutal, gut-level heavy riff-rockers. Vocalist, Stevie spews out enough angst-ridden lyrics, but what is important is how his voice fits into the dense wall of sound. Braindeads's music is about powerful anger and persistent hammering of dark riffs and “No Consequences” delivers the goods. Braindead's heavy metal influence is distinguished not by the band's hooks but by its precision -- they grind their riffs into the ground, never alleviating their intensity. “No Consequences” isn't as murky as say a Slayer album and it contains tighter, better-constructed songs, all of which makes for a deliberate lack of melody excusable. Then again, the point isn't melody -- Braindead is about sheer sound, in all of its distorted glory. If you like that sound, the album delivers the goods. post-hardcore heroes Braindead is a far cry from wildly compressed rock but its reliance on hardcore sensibilities and metallic guitars makes perfect sense in the context of the band's formation. Led by their singer Stevie & Drummer Chico, Braindead takes a familiar hardcore stance, with plenty of chunky breakdowns and rousing vocal yelps. Giving this album a bit more credibility is the influence of complicated metal structures throughout the ten tracks, mostly in the form of wailing guitars with alternately pummeling chord structures. Stevie's voice may not be in its best form here, but he can handle the stretches and he certainly puts his entire heart into every word he sings and screams. Braindead is unbelievably tight and there is not an inconsistent moment on this album, from the abrasive opening of "Sure Is Lonely Down Here” to the squealing harmonics of "Exercise In Bad Taste". Braindead starts out angry and loud and ends just as angry and loud, is all the proof I need to tell me they never hold back a thing.

www.myspace.com/braindeadhxc

Posted by Jonny Taint at 02:24 AM | Permalink

Static Radio NJ – “An Evening of Bad Decisions...“

Static Radio NJ – “An Evening of Bad Decisions...“ This album isn’t made up of sounds that nobody has heard before, but sometimes it's better not to totally reinvent the wheel anyway. Although a bit uneven, Static Radio’s debut is still superior to many of the pop-punk/hardcore/emo cross-over releases that have come out since the late 90’s. At their best, Static Radio brings first-class power pop sensitivity to the table - their blend of loud, fast punk aggression and poppy melodies are especially appealing on "Wake Up" & "Who’s Laughing Now" Also noteworthy is the bass driven hardcore-ish tune "In Your Dreams" which finds the band combining heavy guitar licks with a jaw dropping early Kid Dynamite sound. Not all of the tunes are memorable as the aforementioned songs and “An Evening of Bad Decisions...“has a few weak, pedestrian tracks. But when Static Radio are genuinely inspired, the listener hears their potential to be a top of the line punk band for years to come. Is this CD a five-star masterpiece? No, but it's a generally likable debut that has many more pluses than minuses.

www.myspace.com/staticradio

Posted by Jonny Taint at 02:22 AM | Permalink

Dead On Friday – “Hope It Was Worth It”

Dead On Friday – “Hope It Was Worth It” The kids in the drive-thru and hanging out at half-pipes need to see that the graybeards are bringing the big issue pain train. But it helps if those issues are bound to strong melodies, and in this department, Dead On Friday doesn't disappoint. "The Man Who Refused To Die" features a stinging lead guitar stature and a powerfully built chugging chorus; Opener "Every Day" is an ominous song with the sound of punk in a sterilized future. “Hope It Was Worth It” bursts into a million pieces with in the thrusting fist sound of "It Ain't A Party Till You Leave It" and "So Much Fun" The Dead On Friday harmonies rise and fall behind a pleadingly angry Dave in "Sonofabitchmustpay" and “Going To Hell”. The best song on this album might be "A Damn Shame" not surprisingly inspired by how the world and society in general hasn’t learned anything from it’s past and is destine to repeat it ‘s past mistakes. The track is as powerfully melodic as it is pissed off and angry. “Dead On Friday has a lot of similarity to Bad Religion at their most venomous and unstoppable. It seems to me that with the demise of Bad Religion, Dead On Friday might be ready to take off were BR left off. Whether that ambitious challenge should really happen is undecided, and probably unnecessary. Unnecessary, because Dead On Friday seems to be at their best when standing defiant in the way of whatever hate and high jinks are currently inhabiting our collective psyche. Their tone and message aren’t much different from Bad Religion and based upon their musical style and ability to stand up for the common man, they are ready to have the torch passed their way. Watch out, evildoers – Dead On Friday is in your rear-view, and they're gaining.

www.myspace.com/deadonafriday

Posted by Jonny Taint at 02:20 AM | Permalink

V/A - Merry X-Mas Dammit From The Double Down Saloon

V/A - Merry X-Mas Dammit From The Double Down Saloon – As far as Christmas compilations go, usually they are just like a poor kids Christmas dreams, filled with potential and anticipation, but when the day comes the finished results leave you disappointed and thinking “That’s It?”. Well this Christmas compilation is a poor kids dream. The album starts off with a solid blast from the past with punk rock legends Murphy’s Law and their happy holiday song “Sock It To Me Santa” , which is the best song I’ve heard from since “Back With A Bong“, The rest of the 41 minute album is jam packed with a full mix of original punk rock Christmas classics and some great punked up Christmas cover songs. Of the 17 songs there are many stand outs, but the top five for me (other than “Sock It To Me Santa”) would be in no particular order;

“Santa Baby” by The Dirty Panties

“Santa Was A Cross Dressing Nazi” – The Vermin

“I’m Getting Nothing For Christmas” – Peccadilloes

“Christmas In Las Vegas” – Richard Cheese

“X-Mas Medley” – The Las Vegas Allstars

This album needs to be a stocking stuffer for every punk rocker on your Christmas list. If not, go ass fuck yourself with Frosty’s frozen carrot.

www.myspace.com/woodshampoorecords

www.myspace.com/thevermin

Posted by Jonny Taint at 02:17 AM | Permalink

Varsity Weirdos – “High School Teen Party”

Varsity Weirdos – “High School Teen Party” - It strange for a 7 inch to provide such an impactful taste of a bands sound. Every one of the songs on this record shows the bands influences, the bands musical range, and the ability expands from one particular sound without it sounding forced. Paying tribute to the genius of the Ramones and picking up where the Riverdales left off, Varsity Weirdos kick out some catchy, straight-up punk & roll of their own. The major difference they have from The Riverdales is that Varsity Weirdos doesn’t stick to a cookie cutter song structure and their songs show enough variance and energy you can listen to the full record with out yawning. Maybe it’s the pitch of the singer’s voice, the deliberate stop and start of frantic riffs or the small touches of individuality, but I would have to say my favorite song on this record would be “Lost Control”. With that being said this is a can’t miss record for any fan of The Ramones or great music in general.

www.myspace.com/thevarsityweirdos

Also, I just want to add that It’s Alive Records does something that needs to be commended. Not only do they continue to put out a variety of great albums, but also make sure to include at least a cd-r of their records for reviewers. This may seem silly, but when I review albums I love to listen to them all the time and having the ability to put the songs on my ipod without converting them from vinyl is a nice touch. Not all record companies do this and where I personally am happy to receive anything for review, this little touch makes it that much more enjoyable.

www.myspace.com/itsaliverecords

Posted by Jonny Taint at 02:14 AM | Permalink

Up For Nothing -“We’re Singing Our Last Breath”

Up For Nothing -“We’re Singing Our Last Breath” - In all honesty, maturity in Up For Nothing terms seems to just mean that the songs on this album skip much of the juvenile humor and have a noticeably bitter feel than past more lighthearted efforts. Even the album's title and accompanying artwork suggest sunny times are over. However, just because the guys appear to be past their teenage immaturity days, it doesn't mean that the songs on this record are any less catchy, driving, or sing along-able as past efforts. The opener, "We’re singing our last breath” aptly sets the album's pace, as frustration and doubt weave their way through most every song on “We’re singing our last breath”; but no matter how dark the aesthetic, the Up For Nothing that listeners know shines through regardless. Girls are still breaking their hearts multiple times over ("I feel you’ve witnessed all I am and all you wanted me to be, I guess that that’s the price I pay for wanting you to be here singing every fucking word with me” " from "Until Then"), and the band still loves rock & roll (note the standout, guitar-driven "Zero to Sixty"). Up For Nothing also takes aim at the state of music (the rollicking "Hell’s A Bottomless Pit”) and influences of pop culture ("Rob The Minister"), while packing plenty of personal introspection along the way. Despite its shadowy exterior, “We’re singing or last breath” doesn't really tread into any strikingly new ground but; it's still an album of well-executed, enjoyable punk that should please all concerned parties.

www.myspace.com/upfornothing1

Posted by Jonny Taint at 02:12 AM | Permalink

Courtesy Murder – “Population Control”

Courtesy Murder – “Population Control” A perfect way to hear their development from the early punk days to their more "mature" melodic punk period Hal Haney goes from shouter to singer, hooks and riffs replace simple walls of distorted guitars, the southern rock influence becomes stronger and is played with greater dexterity; all and all, you simply can't go wrong here. Courtesy Murder have long treaded the same waters as The Loose Screws and The Carry Ons-- put their Clash loyalties on ice and look to the sound of vintage southern rock melodic punk. Defying expectations on album number three, Courtesy Murder doesn’t come out of the starting gate with a riotous chant-along as they have on previous efforts, but instead offer the unguarded, mid-tempo "Population Control." It's a brave approach that succeeds with the help of front-man Hal Haney, who sings with a previously unheard sincerity that also finds its way to the bluesy "Die Young." It's an engaging homage to the hard living ways of rockers through the years, but soon enough the pain gives way to raw, rollicking numbers like "Captain America" and "Across The Tracks." These southern fried punks sing and yell with a voracity that makes up for the fact that their sonic rendition of “Hot for Teacher” isn’t listed on the albums play list, but did make it onto the CD.

4/5

www.myspace.com/courtesymurder

Posted by Jonny Taint at 02:08 AM | Permalink

Off With Their Heads – “From The Bottom”

Off With Their Heads – “From The Bottom” While it still sounds like Ryan Young has been clearing his throat with gravel and whiskey allowing for his singing style to not budge much beyond a defined rant, Off With Their Heads takes quite a few melodic back roads during its trip down the Power Pop highway. After a relatively powerfully conventional opening salvo, OWTH launches into the enormous power chords of "1612 Havenhurst." that makes your heart flutter and mind race. "Until The Day.." becomes the first of quite a few of Off With There Heads tunes to hammer almost incessantly on one churning guitar note as the rhythm section stops, starts, or rolls with fury underneath Ryan’s often impactful lyrical limericks. The formula never grows old, especially when it's paced with more tuneful moments and thought, it’s a 12 song album, that leaves you wanting more. Off With Their Heads certainly hasn't softened on this album. If anything, they play harder, louder and faster, the tunes detonate, one after another, like a volley of mortar fire. Still, the band knows how to incorporate pure pop sweetness into their relentless assault without ever coming close to cheesiness; rather, the broken-heart sentiments of songs like "Ten Years Trouble" and "For The Four" are made more poignant by their gruff delivery. All the intangibles are there: energy, conviction, and sincerity. Singer Ryan Young, always deeply guarded and skeptical of the government, apathy, and conformity, attacks those targets with articulate enthusiasm as usual. This album is so well written it takes a lot more intellect then the usual punk album to fully digest the lyrics and how deep they truly are. This album is without a doubt on the top of my year end top whatever lists.

5/5 Stars

www.myspace.com/offwiththeirheads

Posted by Jonny Taint at 02:04 AM | Permalink

Dirt Mall – “Got The Goat By The Horns”

Dirt Mall – “Got The Goat By The Horns” – I have to admit my expectation were very low for this album, soley based upon the name and cover art. Anything with goat heads on the cover makes me think of insane religious cults, well that and that awful remake of “Dragnet” with Dan Akroid, where they staked out a cult motorcycle gang.
Dirt Malls’ one sheet states;
“Dirt Mall is a rock & roll band. If we had to elaborate, we’d mention something about the hyper garage punk of The Hellacopters or the drive of AC/DC. If pressed further, a love for the heavy riffs of Black Sabbath and the reckless abandon of The Replacements would surely come up. However, if we mentioned all of those bands, we’d be setting exceptions way too high.”
For them to even hint at the fact they might have 10 seconds worth of any of the bands sound is an extreme hyperbole. I wouldn’t say they’re a bad band, but I can’t really say their in anyway a punk band either. I guess the closest comparison to the above listed bands would be an extremely watered down AC/DC-ish band, filled with simple solo’s & 80’s rock hooks. Really I could find one song on this disc that held my interest for more than 5 seconds. If you’re in the mood to be bored into a comatosed state of mind get this disc. Otherwise, don’t waste you time or money this stinker. www.myspace.com/dirtmall , dirtmallofamerica.com

Posted by Jonny Taint at 05:04 AM | Permalink

Safety – “A Season Of Bad Dreams”

Safety – “A Season Of Bad Dreams” - The melodic acoustic melody that opens Safety’s “A Season Of Bad Dreams, suggests a thoughtful side of a band that produces song full of raw energy and aggression than introspection. The almost melancholy intro barely winds down before Safety launches full bore into “A book of one-liners” with synchronized fury and precision. Safety hits a new level of controlled chaos on “A Season Of Bad Dreams “with a finely tuned, tightly wound musical attack. Grayum Vickers’ caffeine-fueled, angst-ridden diatribes on lost time and personal responsibility mesh seamlessly with Andy Diaz’s brutally primal, yet melodic guitar crunch. Scorching personal anthems like "Piece Of Mind" and "Through The Window" showcase the concept of the do it yourself ideal that has been alive and kicking since the inception of punk. Safety adds high-test fuel to the fire of Andy Diaz’s screaming riffs and daringly accommodates dizzying time changes. The band hits their collective stride on "The Blizzard of The Century" and "Time's Up" combining their musical prowess and intensity with forceful personal messages. The ferociously introspective songs of Safety push to reinforce their dedication to inspiring their listeners to embrace life from an enthusiastic perspective. Their message of optimism, however, is tempered with a stern dose of reality. While these are somewhat common themes in more insightful punk and hardcore, they are rarely as well crafted and delivered. Their coiled aural assault provides a dynamic tension that aptly punctuates the ideas within the songs. “A Season Of Bad Dreams” is an inspired effort by the energetic and invigorated band Safety, their first consistently solid release of their musical careers.
safetyflorida.com & www.myspace.com/safetyfl

Posted by Jonny Taint at 05:00 AM | Permalink

The Kill Pride – “How To walk through fire”

The Kill Pride – “How To walk through fire” – When will someone tells these Emo/Screamo bands that they are not punk rock and to stop sending this poor excuse for music my way. This fucking bullshit they call entertainments sounds like a melodic duet of a wanna-be Morrissey style singer and the singer of Napalm Death, singing lovingly into each others eyes with deep passion. Maybe, I’m just old and set in my ways, but I can’t get into this spastic deep throat screamo. The melodic new wave drivel is one thing and I know that teenage girls get into it, but come on what person in their right mind would want to listen to this kind of crap-o-la. Please take note that I would rather shave my balls with a broken beer bottle and dip my razor burn balls in a bucket of lemon juice, than put my ears through the torture of listening to The Kill Pride again. They're apparently having a CD release party in my hometown of Doylestown, Pa on September 20th and I have never been more sad for D-town.

www.myspace.com/thekillpride

Posted by Jonny Taint at 04:57 AM | Permalink

SOK! – “Demo”

SOK! – “Demo” – The recording of this demo is a little rough and the volume is on the low side, Even with all the recording imperfections you can hear that SOK! is a band that is full of energetic & fierce promise. The bass lines bounce like a porn stars fake tits, the guitar riffs are a loose blast of revved up Weasel-core, while the drums are a full charged head on assault trash pop beats. This demo is a full on teen angst-ridden skate-punk sound lacking in production. Not to the point that the songs are unlistenable; they just don't compare to the clear recordings that most snotty pop-punk bands are known for. So once these guys get a chance to master their songs and enhance their already energetic sound, SOK! Sounds like a band I would want to hear much more from.

www.myspace.com/sokexclamation

Posted by Jonny Taint at 04:44 AM | Permalink

Empty Grave – “The Dark EP”

Empty Grave – “The Dark EP” This five song 7” is a straight up punk rock punch you in the face with a heavy knock to the head with an even heavier, quicker right hand. Empty Grave pushes their sound harder and faster (not in tempo, in aggressive feel) than most bands have pushed in a long time. While mostly accurate, dismissing “The Dark EP” as simply a series of loud, ragged high octane cuts with a harsh, grating vocalist and not much melody would be a terrible error. Already anthemic songs are positively transcendent by rabid, foaming delivery. The bitterly sarcastic attacks on pretentious habit and the very foundations of society are all carried out in the most confrontational, impolite manner possible. Most scensters or fringe punk miss the point: underneath the shock tactics and melodramatic negativity are social critiques carefully designed for maximum impact. Empty Grave articulates the frustration, rage, and dissatisfaction of a spirit quick to convert itself to strictly Punk Rock terms. It's easy to see how the band's roaring energy, overwhelmingly snotty attitude, and furious ranting sparks comparisons to some of the classic punk bands such as; DOA, DRI, The Germs, Side by Side & The Anti-Heros. Those qualities that make those and Empty Grave great bands are something of personal spirit and won’t diminish one bit over time. This record just simply rips from start to finish. Gruff, dog-growl, big-man vocals lead the outbreak with recurrent assortment of sarcastic humor and sociopolitical commitment. www.myspace.com/emptygraverva

Posted by Jonny Taint at 04:38 AM | Permalink

MR IRISH BASTARD - "The Bastard Brotherhood" by Dick Nothing

MR IRISH BASTARD - "The Bastard Brotherhood" (Reedo Records) by Dick Nothing

I must admit that I was thrown back somewhat when I first heard "The Bastard Brotherhood," the latest album from this German (but Irish style) folk-punk band. The soothing Irish bagpipes of instruments only introduction "Triocha Piosa D'Airgead Geal" lulled me into a false sense of tranquility; the sudden flurry of anticipation in the menacing drum roll of "Let Go" was a positive indicator that I was in for an exhilarating experience. As well as the misleading opening tracks, there are twists and turns throughout the entire album. The serenity of the calming folk song "Walk With Me" is soon replaced by the anxious, almost panicked mood of the rockier "One Second Away." Also, a punked up rendition of Ricky Martin's

"Livin' La Vida Loco" came as a shock to the system upon first listen, but I've since learned to accept it - now it doesn't annoy me nearly as much as the original. The unexpected closer "Killybegs" is a slow, booze soaked song, which ends the album on a sentimental and cathartic high: "I know we'll never make it back to the places we used to be, but thank you so much for being there, and thanks for being my friend, and I'll raise my glass to you..."

At this sophomore release stage, it's unclear exactly where their hearts lie, but they seem comfortable enough to churn out fifteen (sixteen including the bonus track) faultless tracks, without sounding too overcomplicated. More often that not, they utilize their influences wisely, incorporating with them their own quirked up aggressive attitude. Examples of this are the highlight "Let Go" - which will be the product of merging the lairy, anthemic rushing of early Slaughter and the Dogs with the Irish folk sound of Fairport Convention - and "Christmas In Hell" sounds so familiar that I had to check the liners to make sure it wasn't a cover of the Pogues.

"The Bastard Brotherhood" is a thoroughly contemplated album, and the smart, well considered sequencing and production pays tribute to this. Mr Irish Bastard could well be the Dropkick Murphys of Germany if they maintain the integrity and straight up high standard of musicianship this album presents. – Review by Dick Nothing of Punk or Nothing www.punkornothing.com

Posted by Jonny Taint at 04:36 AM | Permalink

The Meatmen – “The Devil’s In The Details Volume 1” (DVD)

The Meatmen – “The Devil’s In The Details Volume 1” (DVD) I’ve probably been waiting for this DVD since 1986, when my friend in Jr. High, Andy Mulligan (still the punkest person I have met to this day) wore his “We’re the Meatmen and you suck” t-shirt to school in 8^th grade. When I saw that shirt with the cartoon Tesco Vee spitting out pissed off lyrics and the mob of fans throwing shit at them, I had to know what they could spew into my juvenile delinquent, yet still developing mind. Once I heard the rebellious punk rock poetry that Tesco Vee preached in raw and explosive manner I was hooked and always will be a huge Meatmen fan. I have so many fond memories that involve Meatmen songs as a sound track to those moments; The Gaff, City Gardens, The Cabin…. wow the human mind is incredible. Now fast forward 22 years, many things about me have changes. I’m married, I have kids, I’m not so angry at the world, but one thing that hasn’t changed is my love for
For those unaware, The Meatmen had one of the nastiest, most offensive senses of humor in all of punk rock — and that's saying something for a genre of music that is known for it’s wildness. Politically incorrect before the term existed, frontman Tesco Vee — the one constant in the band's lineup — kept things as cheerfully dim-witted and tasteless as possible, cracking graphic jokes about various sexual functions while baiting everone and anyone.regardless of there background or short comings including but not limited to; handicapped children, The French, Hillbillies, Pervs, etc…. The Meatmen's music was by and large, standard-issue hardcore punk, with nods to heavy metal in their latter years; much more important, however, was their utter outrageousness & obnoxiousness, which was the real foundation for their cult like following.
This DVD is filled with tons of raw footage from shows, behind the scenes interviews, random Testco Vee nonsense and or course an ass full of great Meatmen songs. Of course The Meatmen aren’t for everyone, their humor pisses of many, but for those who don’t care about political correctness, mocking the religious cults of society, and of course a lot of cock & pussy talk, then you will enjoy this DVD in all of its entirety.

The sound track alone is reason enough to buy this DVD, but the video itself is a 3 hour sexcapade of many nostalgic & hilarious moments. There are outtakes of video interviews with Satan, live clips from shows all over the world, unauthorized interview clips with ABBA, and of course many references to the enormous size of Tesco Vee’s love muscle. Personally, they were many highlights to me in the video including the Centurions of Rome video, the tour of Tesco’s studio, and the live clip from a Meatmen show I attended in 1989 at one of the best, but less talked about punk venues, City Garden, NJ (Which in the video is mistakenly labeled as City Garden, DC) So Weenbags of anal desire, loosen up your sphincters and get ready for a 3 hour bucking bronco ride or song, Satan and sodomy. This DVD is going rock you so hard you will relinquish all of your lovely coconut oil all over your TV scene. www.mvdaudio.com , www.tescovee.com

Posted by Jonny Taint at 04:30 AM | Permalink

The Frantic – “Audio & Murder”

The Frantic – “Audio & Murder” Obviously, stylistically, “The Frantics” hover moderately close to the latter-day Rancid formula with tons of tuneful gang vocals and solid musicianship that touches on all of the sub genre’s of punk music. Whatever The Frantic may lack in an innovative musical template, they make up with sheer energy and solid song writing. The album crackles with the exhilaration of early adulthood, when all things seem possible, and one can get away with anything via the virtues of youth alone, fed by heightened emotions, frustrations, and occasional lapses into hopeless judgment. It's a fine tribute to Kyle Driscoll’s old friend and comrade in arms, the message is in the buzzing guitars and speeding rhythms. It doesn't hurt that The Frantic can throw out the occasional memorable hook or melody, like in songs such as; "Rock N Roll Renegade", “Big Poppa” and “Fast Girl” . All but one (“Movin’ Along”) of the songs on “Audio & Murder” is right on point and even that is more just my personal hatred for country music. I love the lyrics of Movin’ Along, it’s just the country inspired execution that I dislike.

www.sinistermusic.com , www.thefrantic.com , www.myspace.com/thefrantic

Posted by Jonny Taint at 04:26 AM | Permalink

Organized Kaos – “Self titled EP”

Organized Kaos – “Self titled EP” This is a really rough and raw “EP” to say the least. It’s obvious that it’s a DIY recording and based upon the raw sound of their music I wouldn’t have it any other way. Organized Chaos definitely isn’t a band that’s going to get a record deal or go on a national tour any time soon. It seems that their just doing the music think for the pure enjoyment and the ability to tell the ladies their in a band. Oh, but never fear, these boys prove that they are entirely capable of thrashing and, what's more, they are eager to thrash. Nothing new in the grand scheme of punk rock in general, “Ecstasy” is equivalent too punk rock comfort food. www.myspace.com/organizedkaos610

Posted by Jonny Taint at 04:23 AM | Permalink

V/A – “Dangerous Games”

V/A – “Dangerous Games” – This is a nice little 3 way – 12 song split of; Way To Go!, The Underhills, & The Killdaddies brought to you by Cabana One Records. The first thing I noticed was that the sound quality is a little murky which mutes some of the personality that is represented in the songs. Looking past possible production flaws, this CD overall is an upbeat sample of what each band brings to the table (see below for what that is);

Way To Go! – Being a pop punk band from New Hampshire it would be difficult to get through a review with out some comparison to The Guts or The Leftovers. So let’s just say they aren’t like either of those bands, but rather a cousin who is from the same family that you can see the resemblance once you’re told their related. I think Way To Go! Gets comparisons to the Guts because they’re from New Hampshire and have subtle similarities, but honestly they don’t sound much like The Guts at all. Instead they use buzz-saw riffs along with harmonious bubblegum vocals and decent (but not extremely memorable) hooks to blaze their own trail in the world of pop punk. (The murky production affected Way To Go! The most and gave the tracks a more somber tone than I believe they were intended)

The Underhills – Now the Underhills on the other hand have a strong similarity to better know pop punk band, The Copyrights. Strangely I actually enjoy The Underhills more than I do The Copyrights. Where The Copyrights come off to me as too busy and over-produced at times, The Underhills keep a similar melodic, but still bouncy sound, simple with just enough hooks and variance to keep your toes bouncing and head bopping without going over the top. The songs on this split are a bright representation of speedy heartfelt melodic pop-punk delivered with crisp hooky riffs and spunky oomph.

The Killdaddies – The typical pop punk with decent hooks, but nothing that really stands out as special. I don’t know if it was just me, but there seems to be a lack of chemistry from the singer to the rest of the band. It’s not bad music in anyway, just not especially good either, for example some of the bridge’s come off awkwardly on “Not A Saint, Not A Whore” & “My Cats” and the vocals just didn’t do anything for me. The first song on the disc, “Eyes Of Ice” is a decent song, I just feel like I’ve heard 27 other bands follow the same formula, so it didn’t even give me a semi. One of songs that I did enjoy of the four on this disc was “Just another stupid song” which is done with much more passion and attitude than the three aforementioned songs on “Dangerous Games”

cabana1records.com,www.myspace.com/cabana1records , www.punknjunkdistro.com ,

www.myspace.com/wtgnh , www.myspace.com/killdaddies , killdaddies.com

Posted by Jonny Taint at 04:16 AM | Permalink

The Rydells – “Rock N Roll Is The Answer”

The Rydells – “Rock N Roll Is The Answer” - Only 30 seconds into “Rock N Roll Is The Answer” and it's pretty apparent that this has all been heard before -- more times than one could possibly count. The Rydells play unabashedly intense and summery pop-punk like The Ramones used to play before they took a stab at adulthood and experienced severe growing pains. The band's Cabana1 debut is bright, energetic, catchy, and practically pleading to be repeatedly blared from the car stereo over that last high-school summer before senior year starts. Their music reeks of youthful energy and fleeting innocence. So while there's nothing really new or ground-breaking among the albums fourteen songs, it's at least refreshing that The Rydells make no stabs at pretending to be something they're not. Sure, they may sound & look like a Ramones tribute band, but at least they cite the aforementioned bands as influences instead of reaching for some obscure point of reference. And, well, that's gotta be worth at least a few points in their favor. Like the rambunctious lost love children of Dee Dee Ramone, still figuring things out, The Rydells still have plenty of room to grow sonically and lyrically past the stereotypical characteristics of most one-off tribute bands. But even so, there's already plenty here to satisfy scores of under-saturated ears.

www.myspace.com/rydells, www.cabana1records.com, www.myspace.com/cabana1records

Posted by Jonny Taint at 04:10 AM | Permalink

Plan 9 – “ManMade Monster”

Plan 9 – “ManMade Monster” - Being the best, most exciting Misfits-core album to hit my stereo in over a decade is no small feat. Just think about how many have been made in that time! However, Plan 9’s “Manmade Monster” is the real McCoy all the way down to their shirtless devil-lock look. So these songs are rip to shreds and dripping with the mandatory drive, energy, tight power, muscle, attitude, smacking chops that the punk scene has been fiending after for years. This is punk rock built on guitar riffs – mean, angry, and measured – paired with the clean dense production that was seldom ever heard on any of the good Misfits albums and in fact Aaron Fuller’s vocals recall the aggressive yelps of The Misfit’s Glenn Danzig (including the crooning) and I have to say I have never heard someone with a voice so close and mind penetrating as Danzig’s it’s really incredible. I know this might be blasphemy to many but, Plan 9’s cover of Teenagers From Mars/We Bite, may even be better than the original. From the first track “War Of The Worlds” (excluding the short instrumental intro) through to the final song “Samhain” there’s no letup, just dark and sinister mid-tempo rockin’ hard-as-nails punk-n-roll that is so similar to the Misfits you would think that Glen Danzig himself pulled this lost album from a secret vault in his hidden lair. If you’re a fan of The Misfits, Samhain, Danzig, The Bones or any other hardcore influenced horror-punk, than you’ll fall head over heals in love with the devil-lock boys of Plan 9.

www.myspace.com/plan9

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:56 AM | Permalink

The Hard Richards – “Self Titled”

The Hard Richards – “Self Titled” Talk about crap, Jesus Christ, this CD stinks worse than a day labors port-a-potty on a 100 degree day in July! Someone please tell me why the fuck would someone want to send me this shitty burned out wannabe Rastafarian fratboy keg stand party anthem CD? This CD is like a poorly thrown together Smash Mouth revival band, just without the energy of the awful band Smash Mouth. I swear I heard this band before this CD and thought they weren’t too bad, but I think either there is another band with the same name or they’ve changed their style of music from punk to turd sandwich. Whichever it is doesn’t really matter; because this self titled disaster is fucking awful and I would much rather let crotch crickets munch on my scrotum for months, than endure this shit-tastic CD ever again.

www.myspace.com/thehardrichards

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:54 AM | Permalink

Outsiders Joy: Sonnengebräunter Anabolikamutant

Outsiders Joy: Sonnengebräunter Anabolikamutant (Hulk Räckorz)
"This band is from Cologne in Germany, and most of the songs are sung in German, which classifies them as "Deutschpunk". I haven't really listened to a lot of Deutschpunk, only the more melodic bands like WIZO, TERRORGRUPPE, LOST LYRICS and DIE ÄRZTE. These bands are a good place to start, because Outsiders Joy sound a lot like WIZO in particular, even more with the English lyrics thrown in from time to time. So Hulk Räckorz is the perfect label for them. After a short intro, the second songs kicks in and shows the direction: melodic and, more important, actually varied. This was a problem I had with many Deutschpunk bands, but this here is not boring at all: fast poppy punk, 90's Fat Wreck-core, ska and from time to time weirder rhythms. Add to this the typical political, critical, and in this case good, lyrics and you get a really good punk rock album. Keeping in mind that this is an American review site, this album might be rather exotic, but if you can get behind the point that you don't understand most of the lyrics, or if you're even a fan of WIZO (yes, they had an album on Fat Wreck), you should give this album a serious listen. I really like it." www.myspace.com/outsidersjoy

– Review by Hot Rod of The Barbecuties -

(CheckThe Barbecuties out at the following website, they like to give away their music)

www.thebarbecuties.de & www.myspace.com/thebarbecuties

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:50 AM | Permalink

Banner Pilot - “Resignation Day”

Banner Pilot - “Resignation Day” is a phenomenal account of a band riding the thin line between Indie rock and pop punk while retaining a trademark sound that stands out from the crowd. Incredibly catchy while retaining a shred of independent integrity, Banner Pilot brings with them a familiar sound that speaks of years of finely tuned development and maturity, yet in all reality Banner Pilot has only been together a few years. This young band builds on the style they introduced themselves to the pop punk world with on the debut album “Pass The Poison”, further establishing Banner Pilot as one of the most promising bands inhabiting the pop punk scene in 2008. Nick Johnson’s vocals ooze with passion and drip with expected punk rock angst, yet where other bands fail at making an emotional connection with the listener, Banner Pilot excels at it. The band’s melodies woven between the harmonic guitars drills holes into you mind and soul with Jawbreaker-ish tenacity. Banner Pilot isn’t just another pop punk band, as for every “Baltimore Knot” or “Wired Wrong” that adheres to the classic pop punk stereotype, there are such songs as “Barker” or “Shell Game” which are an opus or programming enjoyment. “Resignation Day” is an album that exemplifies the uplifting and vigorous sound of pop punk at a high level. Banner Pilot’s “Resignation Day” has exceeded any possible expectations where their debut album “Pass The Poison” left you craving for more.
www.banner-pilot.com

Posted by Jonny Taint at 03:42 AM | Permalink

PunkRockReview.org- Band Review

Reviews of punk bands around the world

September 29, 2008