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4ft Fingers - A Cause for Concern CD (Golf/Plastic Head/Target
Distribution)
An evolution in hardcore can be read out of the title of 4ft
Fingers' third album: While just about 20 years ago Agnostic
Front with their boot stomping, crypto-fascist proto-N.Y.H.C.
were "Cause for Alarm", 4ft Fingers' sensible, mature
emo core is but "A Cause for Concern", a frown,
a raised eyebrow, and a sigh, confident that it this is just
a phase that will blow over. Post MTV jerkoffs Offspring,
Sum 41, Green Day, A, and whatever, this kind of music is
the soundtrack to fratboys breaking open the keg. Which is
understandable, though, because however sensible, mature,
and, well, concerned 4ft Fingers are, however misty eyed they
get on beer anthems like "Back on the Wagon... Again"
and "Irish Eyes", these Brits understand the basic
principles of skater hardcore: Fast riffing, furious double
pedal drumming, big, shouty singalong choruses and the inevitable
call to "Unite or Fall", and as such, it's not bad
at all, a good, positive, summery record, if you can stomach
the emo. http://www.plastichead.com
Jon A
Barra Head - Arrival 12"/CD EP (Play/Rec / Target)
Copenhagen's Barra Head made a real promising debut album
a few years ago followed by shows that displayed their proficiency
for hardhitting stop-start mechanisms in the vein of Fugazi.
Outspoken left wing agitators on top of that, I have counted
this band among my favourite Danish bands and praised them
endlessly at every opportunity. However, the weepy Play/Rec
allstar combo The Kind Of Bitter, comprised of members of
The Magic Bullet Theory, The Violet Hour, The Unit, and Barra
Head, with it's droll indierock had me fearing for the future
direction of Barra Head. And this taster for second album
"We Are Your Numbers", due this September, definitely
leans toward the melodic side, thus hightlighting their weaker
points: Mikkel's strained vocals, the overly poetic lyrics,
and some not very engaging melodies, while their best asset,
the sharp, aggressive bursts of noise, is reserved for accentuating
points that seem to be missing. Jakob's jazzy, syncopated
drumming is still baffling, Arvid's bass is kept at the front
of the sound, but the ballsiness unfortunately has been dropped
for a more mature, and thus less engaging, sound. Next month
in the Play/Rec family: Menfolk go emo. http://www.playrec.dk/barrahead
Jon A
Branded Women - Velvet Hours - Stolen Moments CD (Ranch)
I can't remember the Finnish term for that special Finnish
state of mind that occurs when winter comes and everything
turns dark and weary way up north. But I know this album is
the sound of that term I can't remember. Branded Women from
Helsinki consists of 4 girls and a guy and have so far released
a 7" and had a track on the 3rd Bad Afro compilation.
This is their debut album and it is indeed dark and gloomy
and yet they have instro/easy listening touch as well. Really
hard to explain and Branded Women are quite original in that
sense. One or two songs works fine with me but in the end
it gets too depressing for this happy boy. People with broken
hearts would definitely find a companion in Velvet Hours though.
Produced by Jürgen Hendlmeier.
Don K
Dennis Most & Audiolove : Live At The El Cid, December
1976 CD (Captain Trip)
Wow! This is beyound obscure. I've never heard of Dennis and
this live recording (with atrocious drum sound in several
tracks) from some restaurant/bar in Ludlow, Massachusetts,
with like 20 people who's trying to eat, probably ain't the
best introduction, haha. It's proto-punk mixed with hardrock
and not bad at all, Detroit meets New York? They do covers
of very different artists like Syd Barret, Standells, Frank
Zappa, Love and Stooges, but it works! The Japanese label
Captain Trip got a lotta nerve putting this out, but I'm sorta
glad they did. If you wanna impress your know-it-all r'n'r
friends this might just be the ticket.
http://www.captaintrip.co.jp
Jens
The Detonations : Static Vision CD (Alive Records)
This release is one of the most exciting I've heard for this
issue. The New Orleans trio with 2 members of Rock Antagonists
Sex Hunter and the ex-drummer of The Drags has a hard-as-nails
raw and noisy approach to rock'n'roll, yet it's very sharp
and crisp. The odd tunings of the guitars are quite unique,
singer/guitarist John Henry's Fender can apparently play both
bass and guitar tones since it's hooked in a bi-amp system.
Fans of bands like Oblivians, Reatards, Cramps, and Revelators
will surely cream their pants over this fresh and sexy debut
album which greatly benefits from an excellent production
job by Jerry Teel. I'll bet they absolutely kill on a stage!
There's 1 extra track on the vinyl version.
http://www.thedetonations.com
http://www.alive-totalenergy.com
Jens
Electric Wizard- We Live (Rise Above Records RISECD48)
Well, I think that most people thought that this band had
died and gone to Hell, but no! Justin Oborn was determined
to continue on the legacy of Electric Wizard and he recruited
in some new blood in the form of Justin Greaves, Liz Buckingham
and Rob Al-Issa. A complete new band. Well, what does it sound
like? The band have not compromised their sound in anyway
and the CD opens with the nearly 11 minutes Eko Eko Azarak.
It is brutal slow psychedelic doom music. Brutal stuff! We
Live is next and this reminds me of the first Melvins records
a lot! The production is quite good and not so thick. Flowers
of Evil, is another slow masterpiece with some nice melodic
passages sewn into the mix. Another Perfect Day speeds things
up and is an unusual rocker for this dark sludge band but
it slows to a crawl and is very Sabbath like at the end. The
Sun has turned to Black takes a while before getting going
but pounds in the same way that Warhorse does. The CD ends
with Saturn's Children, a 15 minute long psychedelic nightmare.
Wow…
If you were a fan of the previous records you will not be
disappointed here. The band are as heavy and awesome as before
but a bit more melodic at times, which is good. Maybe the
best CD the band has made.
www.electricwizard.net
www.riseaboverecords.com
Scott
Five Fifteen- The Man who sold Himself (Ranch Records
RANCH26)
Five Fifteen is a great Finnish rock and roll band with a
long history. The band has released numerous Eps and 6 studio
CDs since they began their journey. This compilation CD takes
tracks from all the CDs and features the title tracks from
the bands CD singles. In addition, you get several unreleased
tracks either live (Call the Doctor) or studio with Brian
Robertson from Thin Lizzy fame adding extra guitar. Mika,
leader of 5.15 also includes personal notes at the bottom
of the lyrics for most all the songs. A short history of the
band is also included in the extensive liner notes. All in
all, if you don't know this band you deserve to pick up this
excellent compilation. 5.15 are one of the truly unique sounding
rock bands of our time and the legend and the myth will continue
on……
http://
www.novision.fi/fivefifteen
Scott
Gob Squad - Call for Response CD (Horror Business Records/Eye
Spy Records)
Powerpop isn't quite my ballgame, but at least Danish Gob
Squad emphasize the power and thus makes the pop more endurable.
A very muscular and bass-heavy production helps even more,
and fast, hard songs like "8-Balls of Fire", "Steady
Pulse", and "Reunion" are fistpumpingly cool.
Even more than in the case of Ten Foot Pole, reviewed elsewhere,
it's hard to stomach at times, and a song like "Monday
Morning Radio" is so cliché it hurts (and who
in their right mind wants to listen to morning radio?), but
again the overall message is positive, and with summer here
and exams nearly over, hey, we can allow them some space.
Just hold back on the big singalong choruses, OK? Good.
http://www.gobsquad.dk
http://www.horrorbiz.de
http://www.eyespyrecords.com
Jon A
Hitch - Trails Are Ablaze! LP/CD (Kinky Star Records)
At last, a band from Belgian label Kinky Star I thought I
might like after having slagged all previous releases sent
to me. Citing Fugazi, Helmet, At The Drive-In, and Trans Am
as references made me optimistic, while the line about "explor[ing]
more what it's like to drop the volume and crank up the mood"
made me vary of yet another case watering down the expression
in favour of a more mature - read: conservative, traditional
- sound, as with Barra Head (reviewed elsewhere). However,
not being familiar with any previous material to hold this
album up against, other than the sorry remainder of the the
Kinky Star stable, this one is surprisingly OK. Nowhere near
as hard or engaging as any of the abovementioned, Hitch at
their best seem to take their cues from "Daydream Nation"-era
Sonic Youth with grandiose compositions and fast bursts of
guitarnoise, not unlike a few of the British alternative guitarrock
bands of the late 90's like Hirameka Hi-Fi, with a few good
efforts here and there, like "Escape From Squaresville",
"Stop Picking on the Fat Kid", and the majestic
"Mount Vernon". Nothing too overwhelming or memorable,
but a step in the right direction for the speccy Belgian label.
http://www.hitch.be
http://www.kinkystar.com
Jon A
Los Mockers : Complete Recordings CD (Munster)
Los Mockers could be called Uruguay's version of The Stones
or The Pretty Things, a sharp hardrockin' beat combo with
some very skilled musicians. I've heard many South American
60s r'n'r acts who just do British Invasion songs with Spanish
lyrics, but Los Mockers do 18 originals and 2 covers (Willie
Dixon's "I Just Wanna Make Love To You" and Stones'
"Paint It Black") which is quite impressive. Besides
from a great booklet on the history of the band, there's also
rare b&w footage from Argentinian TV shows (they were
more popular in Argentina than Uruguay), both live and lip
synced. The 5 songs have so-so quality and their 'fancy' suits
look a little like surgeon coats, haha. Anyway, Munster deserve
mucho credit for releasing this exotic cd which is an absolute
must for fans of obscure mid60s r'n'r.
http://www.munster-records.com
Jens
Los Natas- Toba Trance 1&2 (Nasoni Records 027)
This music was previously released on the Finnish label, Ektro,
in 2002 and 2003 but this is the limited edition double vinyl
version from Nasoni Records in Germany. The copy I have is
Toba Trance I on red vinyl and II on purple vinyl. I also
believe they were pressed on black vinyl. I never really heard
these records before now and this is quite impressive material
from the Argentinean band, who have really moved forward in
their sound since the days of sounding like Kyuss. The second
side of the Toba Trance 1 is really brilliant stuff. Toba
Trance II begins with acoustic guitar piece and some of the
only singing. Toba Trance I was completely instrumental. The
next track is like a south American raga or sorts, quite cool.
Side 2 begins with a really cool wah wah tranced out sound
and just gets into a heavy flow. Wow… cool stuff…
I highly recommend everyone who likes experimental spaced
out rock to check this stuff out. It is not like any other
Natas stuff I have ever heard.
http://www.nasoni-records.com
http://www.natasrock.com
Scott
The Lucifer Star Machine - Death Baby CD (The Lucifer
Star Machine)
The Lucifer Star Machine don't care much for any sweet luvin',
baby, they just want to ream you good, whatever sex or species
you are. Welcome to gay metal r'n'r. Shame then, that these
Brits aren't half as sexy as they purport, but instead come
off looking a bit like Good Charlotte, and though they play
hard and sleazy, it's all a bit tame and stadium rock-like
for my tastes or for it to make any real impact beyond the
NME.
http://www.luciferstarmachine.com
Jon A
Los Plantronics - La Orchestra Diabolica CD (Mariachi
Productions)
Ai Caramba! ¡Qué Estilo! This is the closest
you'll come to Mexican party music, delivered fresh (2003)
from Norway! Even though the band is from Oslo, you'd think
they were border sneaking, cigar smoking, gun swinging, truck
hogging, and surf playing Mexicans! This fresh take on Mexican
mariachi music, which they themselves call "Mariachi
Death Surf", with a hint of rock/surfabilly, obviously
borrows heavily from names such as Dick Dale, and Herb Albert,
but influences don't stop there. Even though you can hear
Dick Dales surf influence in practically every number, these
guys have managed to make the CD reek of Mexican chilli and
Piña Coladas, yet still retain some of that summer
California/Mexico feel. This is good stuff!
The self financed CD also includes a couple of covers, including
an excellent brass band/western bluesy version of Woodie Guthrie's
- Lonesome Traveller, and a kick ass brass section on Dick
Dales - Shake N Stomp. The brass section on most of the tracks
just gives that final touch to the surf guitars that make
you feel like throwing a beach party and popping on these
fellows - but beware! Though some of the music may be "throw
me a towel, throw me a piña colada and let me dance
naked on the beach in the moonlight"-style music, some
of the tracks actually live up the "Orchestra
Diabolica" title, and make you feel like these guys would,
and could, kick your ass Mexico-style. All in all, a wonderful
CD - dare I say - once again from Norway? Is it something
in the water? This CD is well worth the buy, if not for the
musical style which blows you away, then for the funny sound
bites that start each track, or the cool vintage Mexico graphics
on the cover.
Go buy this!
www.los-plantronics.com
Kristian
Mermaid- Red Led of Death (Munster Records MRCD 253)
Wow….. this has to be the best band I have heard from
Spain in along time. I recently got the bands Tomorrow never
Knows/1000 Light years from Home 7" and really loved
it. Well, the bands latest full length CD, rocks!!!!!!!! The
CD opens with the excellent psych rock track, Silver Bullet.
I Roch sounds like a Spanish version of Cato Salsa Experience
meets Grand Funk! Boots Nights is an awesome funk rock tune
that just gets you fired up! Believe my Diamonds are Forever
but Betrayers is another classic rocking tune with some cool
acoustic layers and melodic psychy parts. Gravity Goes reminds
me of Nebula at times and kicks it up a notch. Woman Mahing
Machine is a slower groover. Southheaven Girl begins with
some samples of like marching music before the bass line,
damn catchy, get things rolling. This is very much influenced
by the classic 60s sounds and has a bit of Spanish influence.
Cool song. Forgiven in the Awakening of Sand is a 60's inspired
instrumental track and excellent, including some fast strumming
Spanish guitar and organ and horns. Very original. The last
two tracks are back to the hard rocking sounds of Mermaid!
What a surprise to hear a damn excellent band like this. I
look forward for them to come to Denmark someday.
http://
www.munster-records.com
Scott
Maryslim - Split/Vision CD (Wild Kingdom/Sound Pollution
Distribution)
Hey, I try to be a nice, positive guy, but this one really
does it: Big, über-Scandinavian glammy r'n'r. Nice production,
well-crafted songwiting, people who love Backyard Babies,
Gluecifer, Turbonegro and the like will probably dig Swedish
Maryslim, but to me music like this is the reason why punkrock
happened.
http://www.maryslim.com
Jon A
Modey Lemon - Thunder + Lightning CD (Mute Records)
Well this is something. A duo out of Pittsburgh, playing -
well how shall I put it - damn loud and noisy punk-rock-blues,
with touchy feely backings. The duo, apparently, is inspired
by the Fat Possum line of blues artists, and some obscure
mix of mythology and The Doors (I thought they were mythology
inspired too?) according to their press release. And you can
sense the blues in there, somewhere anyway, but playing blues
chords doesn't make you a blues artist - and singing like
a punker doesn't make you a punk rocker either, these guys
are fusion, and at times - they do fusion pretty well. Some
of their tracks are almost pure noise, with tone generators,
and synthesisers mixed in between the fuzzy guitar and jazzy
drumming, making it tough to decipher exactly what it is they
want to achieve with their music. Other tracks have more dedication
and drive, but those tracks also expose their influences a
little too much, making them sound like something that could
have been published on Fat Possum with a little extra mixing
and cutting. But these guys
aren't FP material, and I doubt they really want to be. They
have that dark and mysterious feel that scares you a bit at
first, and makes you reach for your Black Keys or Burnside
records, but then eventually they grow just a little on you,
after having gotten used to their obscure angry singing, heavy
blues riffs, noisy synths, jazzy drums, and at time - oddly
misplaced cuddly organ fills. This is a creepy crawly CD,
which leaves you with a feeling of having heard something
different, but personally I felt left hanging there - waiting
for their actual idea to unfold. As far as fusion blues-rock-punk-noise
goes, this is definitely something to look at, but don't expect
it to unfold for you the first time you listen to it, an enigma
of music and lyrics probably await me after 1000 replays.
But with all the other good stuff out there at the moment,
I'm not sure I can spare them that much time. Three razors
because I have a feeling there is untapped potential in there,
but if I could give two and a broken blade, I'd probably do
it.
www.themodeylemon.com
Kristian
Motörhead : Inferno CD/DVD (Steamhamer/SPV)
Puritists will always argue that nothing can beat the godlike
2nd line-up of the late 70s/early 80s with Lemmy/Animal/Eddie,
and I absolutely understand r'n'r fundamentalists since I'm
one myself. That said I must state that "Inferno"
is the best since "Iron Fist", I really loved "We
Are Motörhead" and "Hammered" since it
was a return to form for Lemmy & Co., but this is even
better, trust me! Mickey Dee, Phil Campbell and Lemmy, the
longest lasting line-up, should be extremely proud of this
album since it's as close to perfection as Motörhead's
been in 20 fuckin' years! The production is so raw and crisp
it defies words, the craftmanship of the songs is immaculate,
the lyrics are stronger than ever; dealing with topics like
war ("Fight"), pollution ("Suicide"),
religion ("Keys To The Kingdom"), anti-social nightmares
("Smiling Like A Killers" & "In The Year
Of The Wolf") and even vulnerabiltiy ("Down On Me"
& "In The Black"). What? Lemmy's gone deep?
Fuck yeah, this r'n'r icon might be the ultimate sex, drugs
& rock'n'roll machine, but there's definitely some wisdom
to be learned from this old geezer. Just last weekend at a
party I claimed that Lemmy is a better songwriter than Bob
Dylan and Bruce Springsteen combined! Prove me wrong, motherfuckers,
I don't care, Lemmy is the last trust-worthy man left in this
fakeass game called rock'n'roll!! What also makes "Inferno"
a goddamn masterpiece is the sublime mix of fast and mid-tempo
ragers, the selection of songs is pure genius. Phil's ferocious
guitarplaying has never been better, Mickey is tighter than
ant's rectum and Lemmy's voice is in superperfect gutsy shape.
It all ends in a surprising acoustic killer blues tune called
"Whorehouse Blues" that equals vintage John Lee
Hooker. Call me a wuss (and see if I care) - "Inferno"
is so outstanding it made me cry like a girl at one time!!
Lemmy IS the voice of all us damned rock'n'roll misfits around
the world, lemme quote "Terminal Show"; "We
are demented, everyone knows/Misreprented, coming to blows".
You better believe it, baby!
The limited edition of "Inferno" includes a 25 min.
dvd with a 'making of Inferno' and 3 videos. Phil has a truly
great line from the docu; "Rock is the only religion
that never lets you down", hell yeah, brother! The 2
videos, "Brand New World" and "Serial Killer"
(both of the "Hammered" album) are essential Motörhead
packed with electric chairs, war, social unrest and the trio
flippin' the bird to Bush, Blair, Saddam and the Pope. Us
against the world, baby! The live video, "We Are Motörhead",
is from the "Boneshaker 25 & Alive" dvd I think.
Remember to celebrate Lemmy's 60th birthday next year, 24th
of December, Lemmy is fuckin' Father Christmas, so ya better
be on yer best r'n'r behavior all through 2005, okay kids?
http://www.imotorhead.com
Jens
Neurosis - The Eye of Every Storm CD (Relapse)
In 1991 these guys released their landmark album "Souls
at Zero" on Alternative Tentacles. That album, in my
opinion, remains their masterpiece. They have produced many
really good records since - and this is another - but never
as good as that. This time they have worked a much more pure
post-rock sound into the music. The tendencies have always
been there but not as obviously as here. Parts of the album
sounds almost like Slint's "Spiderland" and combined
with the usual sophisticated use of electronics and samples
and the massive, heavy as shit riffing these guys are famous
for, it does make this a more diverse and varied experience.
Maybe not as directly catchy as many of their other releases
and with 8 songs in 70 minutes you don't get much hit material.
Long, dark songs with whispering vocals and some excellent
build-ups to harsh noise explosions are the deal here. A brilliant
album and if it wasn't for the aforementioned "Souls
at Zero" - which is better - I would have given the full
score. It might be kinda unfair but I know they can do even
better, even though I really can't imagine any other band
in this genre topping this. Definitely better than the last
many super boring, whimpering post rock albums I've heard
lately. http://www.relapse.com
http://www.neurosis.com
SN
Nine Pound Hammer : Kentucky Breakdown CD (Acetate Records)
HOT FUCKIN' DAMN!!! I was beyond ecstatic when I heard Blaine
(Nashville Pussy) and singer Scott Luallen toured last year
with a reformed Nine Pound Hammer, one of my ALL time fave
punk'n'roll combos. And fortunately it sounds like not one
day have passed since their 1994 masterpiece "Hayseed
Timebomb". "Kentucky Breakdown" is burstin'
with fast, fucked-up and furious countrypunk redneck anthems
about crazy women, alcohol, guns, shitty jobs and violence
(all delivered with tongue firmly in cheek). Blaine's buzzsaw
guitar molestin' has never been rougher and more raw sounding,
and Scott's awesome 'good old boy' southern vocals connects
it all so perfectly that it (almost) made me forgot the shitty
weather and program at Roskilde 2004. Songs like "Dead
Dog Highway", "Rub Yer Daddy's Lucky Belly",
"Don't Remember Lovin' You Last Night", "Go-3-Go"
and "Chicken Hi, Chicken Lo" are pure fuckin' therapy
for an ol' angry rock'n'roll boozehound like me! By the way,
the album kicks off with a delirious intro from Sam Peckinpah's
classic gore western "The Wild Bunch", what more
do you want?? BUY OR I WILL KILL YOUR ASS, MOTHERFUCKER!!!!
http://www.ninepoundhammer.net
http://www.acetate.com
Jens
No Hope For The Kids - No Hope For The Kids LP (Kick N'Punch)
/ CD (Hjernespind)
Danish No Hope For The Kids play an old school melodic punkrock
that I happily confess to have just about no reference points
for, but it's cool no less. Loads of guitar hooks and brazen
Misfits-style vocal harmonies plus naïve but catchy lyrics
make this album sound instantly classic, with especially the
Danish-language songs "Jeg Så Dem Dø",
"Kolyma", "Meningsløs Vold", and
"Gasangreb" being played all the time around my
place. As they told in last issue's interview, this album
has already fared way better than anyone had expected, and
with a tour of the American West Coast this summer, NHFTK
could well be on their way towards underground hero status.
They get all the support we can give them from here anyway.
nhftk@ofir.dk
hjernespind@hotmail.com
Jon A
Pod People- Doom Saloon (Rise Above Records RISECD49)
Pod People are an Australian Doom metal band. I have not heard
the band before but they have released 3 CDs and a few EPs
as well and have toured with Entombed and Cathedral. The CD
starts with Filling the Void, a pretty heavy but uninspiring
track. The Missed is a bit more upbeat but the horrible vocals
really take away from the song despite the cool groove. Roadblock
starts with a bass solo and slowly builds things up and the
vocalist sings in the background but sounds ok and makes it
more melodic. Subterranean is a 10 minute track that takes
some patience to get into. A bit like the Subhuman by Carnivore
but not nearly as cool! After that they need to speed things
up with Look Beneath. The CD ends with the Non Prophet, one
of the best tracks on the CD.
The band play some heavy stuff but fail to mix it up enough
for me and I really disliked the poor vocal delivery. For
me, the band does not do anything to stand out from the crowd…
http://www.riseaboverecords.com
Scott
Psychopunch : Smashed On Arrival CD (Silverdust/Target)
Supergeneric melodic punkrock'n'roll which is as sleepinducing
as the incredibly overrated The Bones and The Peepshows, but
if these bands are yer thang then go for it. To me Sweden
seems to be goin' through a r'n'r crisis at the moment cuz
the uninspired flood of bands like these just doesn't cut
it anymore. Sorry, if my pecker ain't hard it ain't rockin'.
http://www.psychopunch.com
http://www.silverdust.de
Jens
The Real Kids : The New Rose Years 2LP (Munster)
Norton and Munster seem to be competing over this classic
Boston punk/powerpop band. The very skilled and criminally
underrated 4-piece was formed in the punk explosion year of
1976, and while you can definitely hear some Ramones influences
in their tunes, their love for previous r'n'r artists like
Buddy Holly, Bobby Fuller, Kinks, and Eddie Cochran is even
more present through out their 3 albums. The tracklist of
this Munster release is pretty chaotic but utterly essential
for hardcore Real Kids fans. You get their 2nd album, "Outta
Place" (1982), plus the ultra rare 3rd "Hit You
Hard" (1983), and a French live record "All Kinda
Jerks Live" from the same year. The last one includes
track from their Bomp mini LP of 1981 when they were called
Taxi Boys, but I must say I prefer their Norton live album
"Grown Up Wrong" (recorded in 1978/79) cuz it has
better sound quality. Beginners should start with their 1977
selftitled debut album (also available from Norton) which
captures Real Kids at their rawest and most superior, one
of the very best American rock'n'roll records of the 20th
century! Still "The New Rose Years" is a must for
fanatics of this cultband which sounds like the missing link
between Flamin Groovies and The Undertones. 2 x 220 grams
of glorious vinyl.
http://www.munster-records.com
Jens
The Solution - Communicate! CD (Wild Kingdom/Kick)
I have a passion for mid 60's soul of the Stax/Motown ilk
and apparently I share that passion with Nicke Royal. Maybe
that shouldn't come as that big of a surprise since The Hellacopters
have recorded 3 Smokey Robinson covers the past couple of
years. Anyway, The Solution is Nicke and Scott Morgans (Sonic's
Rendezvous Band/The Rationals) soul project. The album was
recorded in Stockholm after 7 days of rehearsal, 9 days of
recording and mixed in 3 days so it all sound fresh and groovy.
Morgan has a cool soul voice and The Solution really capture
the essence of soul in way I haven't heard in a long time.
Smooth female backing vocals and a swinging horn section adds
to the fun and songs like Would You Change Your Mind and Widow
Wemberly are outstanding! This should teach the RnB kids of
today a lesson in what soul really is about.
Don K
The Solution : Communicate! CD (Wild Kingdom/Kick Music)
Nicke Royale and Detroit rock legend Scott Morgan continue
their healthy relationship from Hydromatics, but this time
they are on a different mission. It's called soul, baby. And
"Communicate!" surely evokes the very best of vintage
mid60s southern artists like Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding.
It's so packed with vitality that any bozo talking 'bout a
"The Commitments" or "Blues Brothers"
revival should be shot on sight! Unlike Dirtbombs, Jon Spencer
and others this ain't no deconstruction of blues and soul,
but a honest fullblooded loveletter to those times. Armed
with over a dozen musicians incl. horns and female backup
singers, Nicke (drums and production) and Scott haved created
the ultimate feel-good party record of this decade so far.
Scott is truly one the greatest singers of his generation.
What's even more impressive is that 10 outta the 12 tunes
are originals penned by Scott and Nicke. Songs like "Get
On Back", "Soul Mover" and "Phoenix"
left me twistin' like a cretin in the mud at this year Roskilde,
a little supersonic sunshine in the darkness. No more talk,
just dance, motherfucker, DANCE! (see interview elsewhere
in this issue)
http://www.scottmorganmusic.com
http://www.kick.dk
Jens
Snuffed by the Yakuza (Magictones Recordings MTR007)
Snuffed by the Yakuza is a full on punk band in the vein of
the rawest of the Stooges material and lead by David Berlin,
formerly of Mother Superior, a now legend band from Uppsala,
Sweden. He is joined by two brothers on bass and drums and
Lee De Parade on guitar. The CD starts with two really short
and very raw punkers that last about 3 mintues total! In fact,
the whole CD is 8 tracks in about 15 minutes. I wouldn't say
the band are offering anything new to the world but if you
want a quick blast of Iggy inspired punk madness delivered
in a very raw sound, this will rock your world!
http://www.listen.to/snuffedbytheyakuza
Scott
Spiha- Icebreaker (Low Frequency Records)
This is the latest CD single from the excellent Spiha. The
CD single also includes the first track the band ever recorded
back in 1998 and 3 videos you can see on your computer or
most DVD players. Icebreaker is a pretty damn commercial rock
track to begin with but then it gets heavy and jams out at
the end much like the original version. A really cool song.
Multiperspective is a very strange song with weird synths,
funky bass lines, eerie keyboards to start the track. It actually
reminds me of a bit like Pink Floyd meets David Bowie or something
of that nature. A very cool experimental psychedelic rock
track. All three tracks are from the Egoreactor CD and this
includes Altamont, If I ever let you go and Samurai of Sound.
All 3 songs are taken from a live gig and use a single camera
video but very high quality and good audio as well. It looks
like it was filmed at Tavastia Club in Helsinki. Great stuff!
http://www.spiha.net
http://www.lowfrequencyrecords.fi
Scott
Ten Foot Pole - Subliminable Messages CD (Go Kart Records
Europe)
Not really sure how to feel about this record: On the one
hand it's got all the speed, youthfulness, positive attitude,
and politics that all those hooligan beer punk records make
me long for. On the other hand, though, it does lean dangerously
towards MTV's idea of punkrock. Then again, if you don't necessarily
flick away when Sum 41 comes on even though you can't really
dig it either, this album comes in handy, being that bit harder
and less contrived. The melodic parts might make you cringe,
the powerpop elements are abominable, but there's a fresh,
summery spirit here that's applaudable and should be encouraged.
5 albums down, I'd like to hear which direction this band
will take in the future, while this album might turn into
a guilty pleasure for the summer. That's 1 razorblade for
playing pop and 5 for playing fast, landing Ten Foot Pole
at an even 3.
http://www.GoKartRecords.de
Jon A
Terminal Confusion - Scenes From Acts Of Violence CD (Terminal
Confusion)
Dirty, messy, evil, probably satanic, likely childeating death
metal. It's a shame it sucks, because describing it, it sounds
good. A bad production hinders them some, but the material
too is tame and underworked. This sounds a bit like half an
idea, but no will to carry it through. And Terminal Confusion
is a shitty name for a band, just as a questionmark-shaped
skull is shitty for a logo. Sorry. Now go curse me!
http://www.terminalconfusion.com
Jon A
This Illusion - This Illusion CDEP (Casket Records)
Of the emo core bands reviwed in this issue, This Illusion
are by far the wimpiest. A bunch of session musicians brought
together, the main purpose of this band seems to be to make
it as commercially big as possibe a.s.a.p., before they go
back to their dayjobs. Thus, it takes all of 10 seconds of
really hard, edgy, and aggressive N.Y.H.C. style before they
break into those damn sensitive melodic vocals that just about
ruin everything. This Illusion, though, are heavy and professional
enough in both playing and songwriting to excuse them some.
http://www.thisillusion.com
Jon A
Today is the Day - Kiss the Pig CD (Relapse)
This is the seventh album from Steve Austin and company. The
first three - and still the best - was on Amphetamine Reptile
in the halcyon days of that once splendid label. In 1997 their
fourth album was released by Relapse and the band have been
on this label ever since. They have become increasingly more
hardcore and trashmetal inspired over the years, but the first
two albums on Relapse "Temple of the Morning Star"
and "In the Eyes of God" delivered a perfect mix
of the old super aggressive, twisted and severely fucked up
style combined with wild hardcore tendencies. Sadly things
got out of hands it seemed with their previous release, the
double CD "Sadness will Prevail". Recorded during
a 3-year period the album sounded like a mish-mash of out-takes
of which many should've never been released. A single CD could've
been OK but not on par with the earlier stuff. I'm happy to
say that with "Kiss the Pig" Today is the Day is
back on track. Considerably more straightforward grindcore
than ever, it starts out with the sound of a pump gun getting
loaded, and hits you in the face exactly like one. Lasting
36 minutes they rip their way through 11 tracks of fierce,
fast and fucked up hatecore with screaming vocals and quirky
breaks and weird parts enough to keep it interesting and varied
throughout. The lyrics deal with weapon and shooting and violence.
Fans of other Relapse acts like Nile, Nasum and The Dillinger
Escape Plan will probably dig this too. This is a mean motherfucker
and Steve Austin is probably insane and on drugs and thank
god for that! Maybe armed too and that's probably not good.
Buy this and show it to him for self-protection or buy it
because it kicks ass!
http://www.relapse.com
http://www.todayistheday.org
SN
Tumbleweeds : Dead Man's Hand CD (El Toro)
Hmm...an instru combo who brags of having played with boring
bands like Tremolo Beer Gut and Robert Johnson & The Punchdrunks
(Zzzz). Well, fortunately they ain't as bad as those overrated
bands. They add a little Link Wray rock'n'roll, Mexican folk/Spaghetti
western, and r&b flavor to overcrowded surf formular which
is nice. Too bad the rhythm section ain't that powerful and
energetic. Still "Dead Man's Hand" is a pretty decent
release. From Malmoe, Sweden.
http://www.eltorerecords.com
http://www.surf.to/the.tumbelweeds
Jens
High Volume: The Stoner Rock Collection (High Times Records
HTR-116)
High Times, the marijuana magazine in the US, and a long time
supporter of the Stoner rock scene has finally released its
first compilation CD. It features some of the big names in
the scene like COC, Nebula, Clutch, Orange Goblin, Unida and
High on Fire as well as lesser know bands like Bottom, Bad
Wizard, Suplecs, Sea of Green and Gas Giant. Gas Giant, from
Denmark start off the CD with the stoner classic, Too Stoned.
What a way to start the CD and hard to top that. Bad Wizard
offer up a slab of ROCK. Clutch play the cool lo fi, Willie
Nelson. You have to love the chorus on this one, "Only
thing that is certain is that Willie Nelson only smokes killer
weed". Nebula lay down a really unreleased psychedelic
track called The Void. The Hidden Hand deliver the goods as
well. I was really blown away with the Unida track, Left us
to Mold. I think this is the best song they have ever done.
Orange Goblin….cool band but not that great of a track.
Suplecs I had never heard of and this track starts really
spaced out and then rocks. Killer stuff… To Cross the
Bridge by High on Fire is next and just plain heavy but not
much soul in it. High for the Ride is a crusing stoned rocker
by Sea of Green. Ed Mundell blows it out with a band called
the Formula. Excellent stuff. I was really disappointed with
the COC track, It is the Way. The Mystick Krewe of Clearlight
sound like they always do and deliver the goods. The CD closes
with the heavy female band Bottom. Solid stoned stuff. An
excellent compilation CD. Few will be disappointed!
Scott
Wedensday 13's Frankenstein Drag Queens : 6 Years, 6 Feet
Under The Influence CD (People Like You)
I know most here at Lowcut probably don't give a fuck about
Frankenstein Drag Queens From Planet 13 (who existed from
1996 and 2002) or Murderdolls, and yes it's crude and cheesy
horror punkmetal with cartoonish 'evil' B-movie lyrics and
tacky ghoul/transvestite makeup, but me and the missus think
it's some of the best music to get drunk to. Bands like Misfits
has done it all before, but there's just something about Wedenday
13's gutsy and screaming vocals that totally connects with
an ol' crusty headbanger like me. I mean, what the hell can
beat singing along to "Your Mother Sucks Cocks In Hell"
while gettin' toasted?!? Unfortunately this 18 track release
has way too many 'spooky' non-tunes/intros and the quality
ain't up to standard of FDQFP13's killer debut album from
which there are 3 re-recordings. Wedensday 13 will do a tour
this year and in 2005 backed by Florida's Death Becomes You
where our demonic crossdresser will sell his new merchandise
of The Thirteen Dead Kids, he's also writing a book based
on the characters. You gotta pay the rent, I guess, haha.
http://www.wedensday13.com
http://www.peoplelikeyourecords.com
Jens
Zebulon- Troubled Ground (People like you Records 046)
This is the 3rd release by Zebulon since the crash of their
previous band, Desultory. I had not heard this Stockholm,
Sweden based band before. The CD begins with the excellent
track Take it like a Man. It is really great hard driving
stuff with strong vocals and a BIG sound. The singer really
reminds me of another Swedish singer but I can't place it
(Boogieman, Spiritual Beggars??? I don't know). Stitched up
goes for the throat like the first number and sounds quite
similar actually. Drain you starts more slowly but then the
band get into their groove and rock! Daytrip to Hell, has
a more foot stomping riff and an excellent melodic line. I
should also mention that the band writes really excellent
thoughtful lyrics that had me almost singing along. A few
tracks really get me going like the old Hellacopters stuff,
an obvious influence. The main problem with Zebulon, on this
release is that most of the songs sound very similar. While,
I really love the hard driving and rocking approach the band
have on this release and they write some damn good songs,
but there is very little variety here.
http://www.zebulon.nu
Scott
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