Review: ECOLI - Rape EP

Here's the debut EP from El Granada, California's ECOLI. A great-sounding bedroom recording offering almost exclusively sub-minute blasts of fast hardcore punk. It's rooted in the sounds of 80's US hardcore but at the same time, there is some solid lead guitar work and actual song-writing that saves this EP from hardcore generica and lifts it beyond genre exercise, yielding 8 songs that are all immediately identifiable from each other. Lyrical topics, as the sleeve might (or might not) suggest, focus on racism, urban decay, police brutality and the evil US killing machine. Noam Chomsky it ain't but a record worth picking up and giving a spin it is.
(Stress Domain Records - http://www.stressdomainrecords.tk)

Track Listing:
A: "Big Stupid Ape (Police Test)" "Whites Will Inherit The World" "The Order" "Trammel"
B: "Social Anxiety" "Warts On My Dick" "Metropolis" "Shoot 'Em All And Let God Sort 'Em Out"

Review: DAVE E AND THE COOL MARRIAGE COUNSELLORS - s/t EP

Here's a bootlegged gem capturing the legendary Dave E with a post-ELECTRIC EELS endeavor. What you have is a studio cut ("Searching Through Sears", a spontaneous live performance sans band "Love Meant To Die", and a live cut "Psychology 101". All three tracks are equally brilliant, and not just for a passing novelty value chuckle. "Searching Through Sears" was originally featured on CLE Magazine #3's 8" flexi insert. 2000 copies were issued in 1981. The flexi showcased several Cleveland underground bands, including PERE UBU. Back to the first cut: An utterly depraved zombie suburban odyssey featuring heaping spoonfuls of xylophone; the instrument of choice for the infirm. Ingredients include: social commentary, children's TV show theme song, alcohol and electro shock therapy. Next up is the live and spontaneous radio performance of "Love Meant To Die". He performs a cappella, providing "doo dee doos" for instrumentation between verses. As off-the-cuff and incomplete as it is, I can only imagine this being a perfect rendition of the song, which somehow manages to yield a complete vision of what the song was to become, as well as a perfect display of Dave E's creative potential and a balance of humor and nihilism. "Psychology 101" continues this formula on the live stage. A laid-back jazzy number accompanied by saxophone. A tangled and tragic tale of man and woman. I haven't been able to dig up much information on this 7". My guess is that this is not a reissue but something that was assembled out of scraps of the band's ephemeral existence (even more so than the ELECTRIC EELS, who only performed live a half dozen times before imploding). Dave E does talk in the radio recording an upcoming release on his to-be label, Christmas Pets Records, but I gather this never came to be. A friend told me that Dave is now Born Again and performing in a church band. No clue as to this story's validity.
(bootleg)

Track Listing:
A: "Searching Through Sears"
B: "Love Meant To Die" "Psychology 101"

Review: DEATH TOKEN - 4 Track Attack EP

Even without a clue as who these Danish punks are, DEATH TOKEN give you a good idea of what to expect based on face value alone. The sleeve cover depicts a 4-track recorder immersed in a haunted swamp. And sure enough; throw the disk on and what you have is a tastefully raw and punishing recording of enraged old school hardcore that wouldn't have been out of place on Pusmort Records back in the day. You can hear the greats (SEPTIC DEATH, DISCHARGE, early CORROSION OF CONFORMITY) contributing to their metallic sound. The echo thrown on the manic vocals sends them even further over the top into derangement. Seven monstrous blasts are sealed off within the confines of rotting and mutating swampland with an atmospheric acoustic outro. I wonder if these guys will get around to doing a slightly longer recording; I'd like to hear more of these moody interludes contrasting with aggro thrash.
(2007, Even Worse Records - http://www.geocities.com/evenworserecords)

Track Listing:
A: "Behind The Mask" "Holy Shit" "4 Track Attack" "Horrified"
B: "Self Infliction" "Dead End" "Black Seeds" "Eye Hardly Exist"

Review: EPISODE - s/t EP

I heard a rumor that there was a rumor that this band was some "all-star" lineup of today's hardcore punkers and/or garage rockers. There isn't any information printed anywhere. Shrouded in mystery (of the band's own design?) and received with praise from friends and peers, I decided to give this one a shot. Who are these guys? Well, THE RESIDENTS they are not, although their recording is similarly thin and trebly. These characteristics are compatible with the Japanese hardcore worship that encompasses all of the songwriting on this EP, and so this EP is not a high concept but a singular one. The riffs are there and they're quite obviously doing as intended; performing a successful genre exercise. There is an enclosed lyric sheet with run-on comical (well, attempting to be) punk propaganda that I didn't bother trying to match with the vocals to see if they were lyrics. The songs here are definitely worth checking out if you aren't tired of bands not from Japan trying to pretend they are from Japan; bands that aren't concerned with leaving their own mark. I have a feeling I might enjoy this record a lot more when I happen to be in not such a grumpy and judgemental mood.
(2007, unknown)

Track Listing:
A: 2 untitled songs
B: 2 untitled songs

Review: VEE DEE - Glimpses Of Another World EP

I assumed Chicago's VEE DEE had broken up. It's been awfully quiet since the release of the Further LP and Blood Zombie EP in 2004. I'm glad they're back at it because VEE DEE are one of my favorites to have emerged in the past few years. With their earlier releases I could easily summon up their sound as bearing similarities with THE TESTORS. Singer/guitarist Nick's vocals don't quite have the range or power of Sonny Vincent but that is no knock on their ability to play with and build on the bountiful trashed-out guitar licks and wonderfully thick, throbbing, fuzzed-out bass lines. The bass in particular really pounds an imprint of a song in my head and keeps it there. Although not without a sense of humor, there is a darker edge to VEE DEE's sound that isn't often present in other similar acts of today. Now having said all of that, this EP is a bit of a departure. But just a bit. Understandable, especially after 3 years of studio inactivity. The TESTORS similarities aren't as prevalent--the title track, clocking in at over 5 minutes, comes closest in similarity to the older material--and there appears to be more of a psychedelic garage feel, particularly with the track "What We See". As a result there aren't any instant punk rock anthems like "TV Police" present but instead a progressing display of skillful songwriting. I have to wonder if this is a taste of what is yet to come on a forthcoming 2nd full length. I'm eager to find out. I just hope the wait isn't another 3 years.
(2007, Criminal IQ - http://www.criminaliq.com)

Track Listing:
A: "Glimpses Of Another World"
B: "Death Cult Kissing Booth" "What We See"

Review: BORN BAD - Moron Music EP

Released just in time for the Winnipeg band's 2007 X-mas tour spreading ill cheer throughout the US, Moron Music is BORN BAD's sophomore effort, and a solid one at that. Six tracks of nihilistic mosh-inducing hardcore punk, featuring UNDER PRESSURE guitarist Mike Requiema on vocals and Paul Phillips from SEARCH + DESTROY handling double duty behind the kit. The recording is improved over the first self-titled EP. I was fortunate enough to gt a copy of the tour press, which includes the standard issue sleeve but also a great layout illustrated by Ryan Trudeau (SEARCH + DESTROY). This is gruff and to-the-point shit. The first comparison that comes to mind is DEAD NATION. I think that has to do with its bountiful negativity towards everything. BORN BAD started off more of a studio project but has become more serious and is now a staple of the Winnipeg live experience. If you get a chance, check them out. They throw down with plenty of comedy and tragedy.
(2007, Fashionable Idiots - http://www.fashionableidiots.com)

Track Listing:
A: "Society Bullshit" "Follower" "Kill The Punks"
B: "Intro/Excessive Force" "No Tomorrow" "Washed Up"

Review: KYKLOOPPIEN SUKUPUUTTO - s/t LP

KYKLOOPPIEN SUKUPUUTTO translates to "extinction of the cyclops", and according to the band, is suggestive of the destruction of bigotry. Everything about KS, particularly with this release, their first full length, is suggestive that a lot of inspiration and hard work was invested. Recorded by themselves on a 16-track analog machine in their Tampere practice space, 12 songs and 28 minutes don't offer any reprieve. The first comparison that came to mind in taking in their sound was GAUZE. Now KS don't sound like GAUZE and aren't nearly as fast... but at times they have a similar mechanical jackhammer quality to them. A controlled chaos that's powerful and infectious; this isn't just noise and blinding speed but a unique array of chord progressions and tempo changes that is executed with precision. Perhaps that is also where I come up with a comparison to the Japanese legends. The results of this self-recorded effort are perfect; rawness can be well-engineered, mixed and entirely legible. Talented musicianship isn't hidden or muffled but is instead given a serrated edge to do even more damage. This isn't the ghetto blaster recording that has become so desirable with many bands of today. The bass tone in particular has a terrific filthy quality to it. The album's embossed illustrated sleeve and tediously-handwritten lyrics (sang in Finnish but also translated into English) make this one of the nicest-looking punk records I've seen in years. Subject matter is not relegated to cliché punk mantras; instead there is an evocation of nihilism, struggle and even hope that is, dare I say, poetic. Along with relatively new bands like KIELTOLAKI, KYKLOOPPIEN SUKUPUUTTO is leading a resurgence of great, perhaps even soon-to-be legendary Finnish punk bands.
(2007, Spild Af Vinyl - http://www.spildafvinyl.dk and Tuska Ja Ahdistus - http://www.elisanet.fi/tuskajaahdistus)

Track Listing:
A: "Kaikki valinnat Jäädytetty" "Yksi Mies, Yksi Valmistusaine" "Pintakosketusta Vailla" "Meitä Yliajetaan" "Mun Pää On Pommi" "Äänenvaimennin"
B: "1% Vai 100%" "M/T Drepanum '57" "Purkujätteen Valtakunta/Pyhäjärvi/Sanelukone 'MANSE'" "Tästä Puhutaan Vielä (Muttei Varmasti Kuunnella)" "Olen, Siis Olen" untitled

Review: DRY ROT - Subordinate EP

What an oddity this band is. In my humble opinion one of the best kept secrets of 2007. Unhinged, both on their recordings and in the live arena. An attempt to describe their sound: The deranged release of VOID, the spasmodic tempo changes and psychedelic dirges of UNITED MUTATION, the atonal fuzzed-out blues of BLACK FLAG... All these elements are present in this southern California band. Singer Drew Wardlaw's lyrics are cryptic and nightmarish, revolving around Subordinate's theme of enslavement and release through self-destruction. The six songs are interspersed with interview recordings that I at first thought were referring to the Manson cult. I'm fairly certain they're not but have been unable to place them with any other cult figure. A beautiful sleeve/booklet was illustrated by guitarist Jordan Darby. Christian imagery pops up and adds a mysterious undertone in contrast. If you're into the current wave of bands like SNAKE APARTMENT or PISSED JEANS, I can't recommend this highly enough, although DRY ROT are a band all unto their own. They're now working on a full length slated to be released on Parts Unknown Records sometime in 2008. With so many bands this format results in filler material or failed ambition that doesn't maintain perspective or outstretches ability. With the unpredictability of this band, I think it could expose something great that we've only had hints of so far.
(2007, Painkiller Records - http://www.painkillerrecords.com)

Track Listing:
A: "Skin Debt" "Trench Diggers" "Enslaved"
B: "Points Of Force" "Bind And Salt" "Release"

Review: OUT COLD/THE BILL BONDSMEN split 7"

In my humble opinion, both bands featured on this split are criminally underrated. Dracut, Massachusetts' OUT COLD have been around since 1989 and have stayed true to their roots of old school hardcore, consistently releasing rock solid material. Why they aren't an established name amongst purists is anybody's guess. Three ragers are served up; infectious, straight-ahead hardcore that will get you thirsty for violence. I love bands that sparingly use really tasteful leads to help make their songs all that more memorable, and this band does it. Detroit, Michigan's THE BILL BONDSMEN throw down hard on their side as well, with one original and a tribute to Japanese hardcore. The original ("ATS 909") has a great narrative, depicting a complete mental breakdown set off by after-hours TV static. As with OUT COLD, the solid guitar work makes all the difference between mediocrity and greatness. Boo hoo, so they're not the youngest guys in the newest band playing the latest craze. This band destroys most bands that North America currently has to offer.
(2007, Schizophrenic Records - http://www.schizophrenicrex.com)

Track Listing:
OUT COLD: "Instinct" "You Have My Word" "Make It Disturbing"
THE BILL BONDSMEN: "ATS 909" "Awaranai Wa"

Review: SEARCH + DESTROY - s/t EP

Awesome sleeve, drawn by the band's singer. Shouldn't be too hard to spot in a store or distro. Just look for the shower room cocks. SEARCH + DESTROY have been a staple of Winnipeg's thriving punk scene for the last few years but have really elevated their game more recently with the addition of Alex on bass and Guy's move from bass to guitar. This is their debut; 8 tracks of raw hardcore punk with attitude. Much of that attitude if fueled by Ryan's snotty vocals, and lively stage presence. He comes across as something of a cross between Joey Ramone (well, in appearance, with his long hair) and BLACK FLAG-era Keith Morris. Songs deal with staples; isolation, disillusionment, violence, being stuck in monotony. I can't wait to hear this band's next record. And for anyone interested in checking out Winnipeg's punk scene, give this record a shot.
(2007, Clarence Thomas Records - http://www.bistrodistro.com)

Track Listing:
A: "Room To Breathe" "Growing Paints" "You'll Get Yours" "Fear"
B: "Nervous Wreck" "Last Gasp" "Sleep Walking" "Box Spring"

Review: WALLS - s/t 7"

WALLS are a new Seattle band, formed from the ashes of COLD SWEAT. 3/4 of the band are in tact, including drummer Jensen (who's also in the sludgy guitar/drum duo IRON LUNG). Gone is Sean, who went on to sing briefly in the Austin band REPERCUSSIONS. The brute force that comes across in the recording of Jensen's drums really makes this band work. WALLS could be considered a continuation of COLD SWEAT in many ways but gone is the speed. Sounds a bit like RORSCHACH with the plodding heavy-handed rhythms that early 90's MELVINS recordings were characterized with. Apparently WALLS' singer used to be in SOCIETY OF FRIENDS. His vocals flow well with the slow tempo of their songs and add to tension and nihilism. At least one of these songs, "The Crawl", is featured on their self-titled full length, which just came out on Painkiller Records. Recommended.
(2007, Iron Lung Records)

Track Listing:
A: "Hands & Knees"
B: "The Crawl"

Review: ORDER - Saru EP

Japan's ORDER have evolved considerably since 2002's full length Taep'o-dong, which was for the most part a direct tribute to late 70's UK punk. The Japanese take on UK punk was nothing new, nor was it's perfect execution but there was no DISCHARGE or MOTORHEAD to be heard, as is often the case. Instead there was snotty, bouncy sing-along fun. But there was a side that was willing to experiment and sound different, and I'm glad that the band has decided to move forward and develop a sound all their own. Instead of rip-off camp, ORDER have exhibited tendencies that verge on being over-the-top in delivery, such as on the amazing anthem "Space Junk", on 2003's split 7" with legendary punk thrashers WARHEAD. Many Japanese bands have a unique ability to make excess work in their music. "Space Junk" came out of nowhere and stood alone as the band's greatest work. Although there isn't such excess on this two-song EP, there are hints, such as in tastefully-used vocal effects used in "Sirokiru". Their WARHEAD split doesn't seem to be a one-off or fluke; ORDER seems confident and secure in a developed sound now made all their own. All the elements of UK punk are still there but there is no longer any copying but instead a unique interpretation. Thangzaru's bass leads the way with his infectious bouncing lines that are the core of the band's sound. Kohsukezaru's vocals snarl and bark, meshing perfectly with the band. ORDER have yet another EP coming soon, titled Toyota, and I'll look forward to hearing what they'll come up with next. With all the noted enduring bands that have recently either gone on hiatus or have been brought tragically to an end, I'd dare to say that ORDER has risen to the occasion and are at the pinnacle of today's Japanese punk scene.
(2007, HG Fact - http://www.interq.or.jp/japan/hgfact)

Track Listing:
A: "Sirokiru"
B: "Zero"

MP3 blog coming soon...

Thanks to one of these, I'll be posting vinyl reviews with MP3 downloads shortly.