|
 The
Action Swingers - Complete London Toe Rag Session CD (Reptillian)
Ned Hayden is an asshole, offensive, aggressive, violent,
drunk, according to lots of people who have met him. He's
also the leadsinger, songwriter and extremely loud focal point
in The Action Swingers. This album is from 1999, but sounds
as though it was recorded on the bad side of a long depressing
nuclear winter, by lunatic terrorist punkrockers on an amphetamine-ridden
4-week bender. Its simply SO in your face. Or up your ass,
with no other pretentions than to ROCK your ass off. If you
know other Action Swingers-albums, like Decimation Blvd, or
the EP More Fast Numbers (which contained the infamous underground
mini-hit, Courtney Love) you'd know what to expect: loud,
fast aggression like nobody else can deliver it. One-two-three-four:
you're dead already! http://www.reptilianrecords.com
Keith
 A
Perfect Circle - Emotive (Virgin Records)
Now this band has a politically charged web site. This new
CD is a collection of songs about War, Love, peace and Greed
and is mostly cover songs but some are performed in very different
ways from the original, which is great! I have never heard
the bands other material so this was fresh for me. I know
the singer is the guy from TOOL, a very cool band. Several
of the cover songs come from punk bands like Crucifix, Fear,
and Black Flag. Covers by John Lennon, Joni Mitchell and Marvin
Gaye show the softer side of the band. Imagine, the John Lennon
song rather than the happy feeling of the original, has a
very dark piano line instead. Passive, one of the original
tunes has a great bass line and guitar and some potent lyrics.
It could be a TOOL song, nearly but it is too commercial standard
format rock in the end when it comes to the chorus. Why??
Freedom of Choice by Devo is a killer choice of a song and
a great unique take on the original. While, you would think
the would go for the throat with Fear's Let's have a war,
it is a strange electropercusssion strange track.. Counting
bodies like sheep to the rhythm of the war Drums, the only
other original track, and very original it is! This one will
not be on the radio, that is for sure. More like Ministry
in some ways… When the levee Breaks by Led Zeppelin is
like a new age track. Strange. The CD closes with the Joni
Mitchell track, Fiddle and the Drum. This is a pretty bold
effort for the band and makes a big political statement. It
caught me by surprise!
http://www.aperfectcircle.com
Scott
 American
Heartbreak - Postcards From Hell / You Will Not Get Paid!
CD (People Like You Records)
These two records is sort of a compilation of most of the
stuff that the American Heartbreak has released since they
were formed in 1996. On the first CD we get their debut album
"Postcards From Hell". The other disk contains a
live recording and a remix from an old EP. I gotta warn you
cause this band is so boring. American Heartbreak plays some
kinda well performed but totally harmless and uninteresting
glam/pop/sleaze rock. But don't be surprised if you will hear
more from this band soon thouh. The got it all - an attitude,
a slick production and a sound like the crap that you hear
on MTV. They also got a heart with the stars and stripes as
a cover that makes me sick. If lousy bands like Good Charlotte
can become a success then American Heartbreak can. Wonder
why the label People Like You releases stuff like this?
http://www.americanheartbreak.com
http://www.peoplelikeyourecords.com
Pär
 The
Automatics - Forty Virgins In The Afterlife CD (Trash 2001
Records)
The story of this punkband is a pretty strange one. 25 years
ago they topped the UK alternative charts with "When
The Tanks Roll (Over Poland Again)", and they were about
to sign a major deal with Island Records, but sadly the CEOs
picked another band instead called U2. The Automatics then
vanished, only to reappear in 2001 with singer/guitarist Dave
Philp and some Japanese musicians on the grounds of the growing
interest from record collectors and rabid fans of this cult
band. Later Dave got the original line-up back together again
and "Forty Virgins In The Afterlife", a brand new
album, is the result. Their melodic sound is like a fusion
of singalong punkrock like Die Toten Hosen, Vibrators and
Social Distortion, and powerpop not unlike Cheap Trick. The
lyrics are pretty sarcastic ("The Currency Of Rock'n'Roll"
and "Farewell And Fuck You"), I guess they've a
lot to be pissed about. The ol' Pistols legend Steve Jones
appears as guest musician, so this release is a near-must
for '77 punk fans. Some of the tunes are a bit too laidback
for my taste, but all in all it's pretty damn fine release.
http://www.trash2001.de
http://www.theautomatics.com
Jens
 The
Bamboo Kids - S/T CD (Get Hip)
The Real Kids meets Swingin' Neckbreakers graced with Richard
Hell & The Voidoids and Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers'
urban swagger and grit could be a way of describing this new
young and superexciting trio of the Big Apple. Their infectious
brand of r'n'r also reeks of vintage UK punkacts like Vibrators
and The Boys, and like those blokes melody'n'hooks go hand
in hand in the universe of Bamboo Kids. Just listen to "Continuous
Go-Go", "No Sympathy", "She Got Off"
and "Caught In New York" (video incl. on the CD)
and start polishing your dancing shoes. "Right On"
differs a bit with riff-laden hardrockin' Stooges-like assault,
while "Good Boy" and "Don't Get Better"
are more dark slow haunting tunes. NY Press named the group
'Best unsigned band in New York', so hold on to'em, Get Hip,
you got yourself a winner!
http://www.gethip.com
http://www.thebambookids.com
Jens
 Bjørn
Berge - St. Slide CD (Farmen/Kick Music)
Delta swamp blues outta Norway?! Well, this big dude is something
of an institution in his home country (he won lotsa blues
awards) and after his 5th uneven "Illustrated Man"
album he's back again on with with his one-man 'stringmachine'.
Berge superbly masters the 12 string slide guitar and stomps
his electrified flightcase-top through the 12 tunes like some
possessed viking from hell. Like his previous records it's
an odd mix of originals and covers with Zappa's "Keep
It Greasy" and Motörhead's "Ace Of Spades being
the highlights. The only 'problem' is that his ultra 'white'
voice can get a bit monotonous at times, since he sings in
the same 'hardrock' way through most of the album. Next time,
more soul and less tattooes, okay? haha. Anyway, I dig it.
See live review elsewhere in this issue.
http://www.stringmachine.net
http://www.kick.dk
Jens
 The
Blind Robins - Origin Of The Wasteland CD (Rolling Blackout
Records)
The 'value based' and godfearing 'Middle America' might have
given Bush Jr. another 4 years in the White House, but these
rootsrockers sure as hell ain't among them! Armed with an
unashamed working class pride and some sarcastic earthy lyrics
these Midwesterners are right now kickin' up a storm in the
clubs and bars around the Chicago area. They're based in Rockford,
IL, a town mostly known for two things; porn star Ginger Lynn
and hardrock/powerpopsters Cheap Trick, but that's about to
change, my friend. Musically Blind Robins command a wide range
of genres; from almost cowpunk-ish rockers like "That
Goddamn Herbert Hoover" and "Richard Burton"
(echos of Long Ryders and Sadies), straight forward CCR-like
r'n'r ("Buy Sell Pawn"), Hank/Cash-ish C&W ("Matthew
Hopkins Blues") to dark slow ballads like "Landscape"
and "The Ruthless Phase". The 4-piece is led by
roots veteran singer/guitarist Michael Whyte who has been
in numerous bands (The Box Elders, Pine Cone) and written
songs for The Blasters and the "Henry: Portrait Of A
Serial Killer" movie. The lush pedal/lap steel guitar
from Adam Davis and Whyte's down-to-earth vocals really gives
the band a distinguished 'Western Swing' sound. "Origin
Of The Wasteland" is the best album never released on
Blootshot Records! Basically, its a killer debut that all
rootsrock addicts should invest in. Lowcut # 21 will feature
an interview with The Blind Robins.
http://www.theblindrobins.com
Jens
 The
Brimstone Solar Radiation Band - S/T CD (Big Dipper Records
BDRCD043)
This is one hell of a debut CD by this band from Bergen in
Norway. It begins with a quiet acoustic song and then the
groove kicks in and the band is flying. It is a great mixture
of 60's (Doors inspired), 70's (UK Folk-rock style stuff)
and raw energy. R. Edwards has a very special voice but after
awhile, it grows on you. The music is very heavily based on
organ and acoustic guitar but also you hear some sitar, mandolin
and Rhoads piano. While most of the music is very melodic,
that band can get psyched out on occasion, and jam a bit as
well. I can't wait to catch the band at Stengade 30 on January
20th!
http://www.brimstone.no
http://www.bigdipper.no
Scott
 R.L.
Burnside - A Bothered Mind CD (Fat Possum/Bonnier)
Phew, good old Mr. Burnside keeps a busy schedule when it
comes to releasing records. At least I have lost track after
my first encounter with him on his excellent collaboration
with the Blues Explosion on A Asspocket of Whiskey from 1996.
Burnside has never been afraid of working with a vide range
of artists, be it hip hop or rock, and they all put their
flavour to his records. Including Kid Rock on this record
might not be the coolest choice (what a prat without talent!)
but the 2 songs with Lyrics Born work pretty good. I have
heard more scorching records by Burnside in the past but his
level is high so A Bothered Mind is still recommended.
http://www.fatpossum.com
Don K
 Charles
Caldwell - Remember Me CD (Fat Possum/Bonnier)
There's a curse among bands on the excellent Fat Possum label.
Half of the artists seem to die shortly after they have recorded
a new album. Of cource that has something something to do
with all the old blues geezers connected to the label. But
still….take Charles Caldwell for instance…he makes
this one album and then he dies of cancer. And what a shame
it is. Remember Me is just about the coolest blues record
I have heard in years. It's mostly just Caldwell playing his
guitar and singing the blues although there is drums on a
few songs. But this is just so soulful and honest it's hard
not to be amazed. There is a lot of Fat Possum records reviewed
in this issue and Charles Caldwell is definitely my bet for
the coolest cat on the label.
http://www.fatpossum.com
Don K
 The
Divine Brown - The Dirty Gospel According To... CD (Wrecked)
If you think The Flaming Sideburns kinda lost some of their
edge during their last release (I sure hope they get their
mojo back soon), then The Divine Brown is definitely a potent
muscular new kid on the block. The London outfit has the same
'soulrockbrother' thang goin' on and they kick up a storm
with some lethal fiery guitar licks which recalls MC5, Rose
Tattoo, Dictators and early Hellacopters/Gluecifer. And combined
with the get-ready-to-party lyrics the album might contain
r'n'r clichés you heard a zillion times before, but
as Eddie Spaghetti once stated; you say cliché - I
say classic. England is right now a fertile breeding ground
for tons of new kickass r'n'r act who of course never get
any respect in trendwhore zines like NME, but here's two thumps
up from Lowcut to The Divine Brown. I wonder if Hugh Grant
or his backseat 'date' ever heard this band, haha.
http://www.thedivinebrown.com
http://www.wrecked-em.com
Jens
 Dungen
- Ta de Lugnt CD (Subliminal Sounds SUBCD10)
What can I say……. This is a very special psychedelic
experience. The band is lead by Gustav Ejstes. This is the
bands 3rd release and most psychedelic effort. It features
a very raw production, with the drums having a very special
raw sound and guitars just in your face. The CD opens with
the amazing Panda. All the lyrics are sung in Swedish but
the music totally from the roots of 60's psychedelia with
some interesting harmonies and strange excursions into the
unknown. A bit jazzy at times actually some totally free form
freakout stuff as well as more acoustic. Quite an amazing
release that really grows on you. It has also been released
on vinyl in a limited 500 copies.
http://www.subliminalsounds.se
Scott
 Flame
On - Overkill CD (Flame On)
This is the debut album from Danish quintet, Flame On. The
album was recorded in their own studio, and took them about
2 years to finish - with all the producing, mixing, layout
etc. done by the band - and I say well done. The album sounds
very professional, and nicely produced, and the cover is not
as un-original as it could have been. All in all, a very nice
debut album, as a product. As a piece of musical legacy however,
I'm not that convinced. Flame On are former punk-rockers,
but have turned down the energy a notch, testifying in their
bio - that they are controlling it a lot more, challenging
it I suppose. And the music is very challenging, bursts of
energy - but with a melodic, read pop, edge that makes it
quite mainstream. This kind of music has always been a blind-spot
for me - I just don't get the idea with it! Bands like Good
Charlotte, Blink 182, and yes - even Green Day, have attempted
to make punk user-friendly, but as far as I am concerned,
if they succeed in that - the entire musical project looses
every single bit of interest. That's kind of how I feel about
Flame On. They have managed to make a CD which is professional,
melodic, and ready to be released to hoards of 14 year old
hormone-bombs. There is absolutely no punk-edge left in this
music, its been polished off with the biggest sander they
could find. All that's left to testify of Flame On's history,
is the characteristic guitar riffs/burps. On a more Flame
On have managed to merge a few styles in with their puny version
of punk-pop. Tracks including death-metal singing (Linkin
Park you say), or industrial sounds (Incubus anyone?) are
spread out over the album. But it doesn't impress me, and
seeing as I am the one who gives out blades, I get the last
say. But I can't deny that this album is tight, well produced,
and a very good candidate for favourite album of anyone still
in high-school, or with frustrations inside that can't be
vented otherwise. My advise, if you're really mad, listen
to real punk, if your just a little mad, try football. Three
blades, only because they have done such a great job in producing
this thing themselves.
http://www.flameon.dk
Kristian
The Groovies - Wants You ... 7" (Big Bongo)
The Groovies have been called Luleå's most promising
band. Seeing as I
have no idea where Luleå is, other than its in Sweden,
I took that
information with a grain of salt. And at first glance, this
band is not that special, this four track EP is a nice collection
of tracks, where you can hear a little of the punk inspiration
The Groovies have. But its not a lot, and most of the real
punk inspired tracks are found on the A-side. The strongest
track on that side is definitely "Money Maker" which
is an upbeat shout-and-twist track (all their tracks are upbeat
really). But flip the vinyl, and you get The Groovies they
way I want them - powerful, wonderful riffs! The first B-side
track, "On The Radio" is just that - a radio track,
and one they can be proud of. The punk inspiration is obvious,
don't be fooled, but the lyrics and melody
is more garagerock than anything else - and the guitarline
is delightfully crisp and original. Actually, the guitarline
is what I like most about this song, and luckily, it can be
found on almost all tracks - even if it is just snippets of
it. Then again, finding segments of the same riff on other
tracks doesn't exactly make you scream with joy - except for
this one, cause it really is fucking
great! This is real driving music, something a modern James
Bond could
cruise around in his Austin Martin to - if playing this EP
on your deck
doesn't make you cool, I don't know what will! These guys
started out
playing AC/DC - but they've made it a long way since then,
and I'd love
to listen to some of their albums. Not a bad product of Luleå
- I'll
need to check that out on a map for future reference.
http://thegroovies.cjb.net
Kristian
 The
Guv'nors - Yob-Pop 7" (Trash 2001 Records)
Now here's a nice surprise, looking at the cover I expected
generic oi punk with singalong soccer choruses but fortunately
The Guv'nors don't stick to that formular, no mate, they crank
out some delicious 70s hardrock riffs along with the catchy
beersoaked tunes, and blimey, this shit fuckin' rocks! 4 cool
mid-tempo rockin' punk anthems and one furious Motörhead
rager, "Get The World To Me", left this geezer one
happy and satisfied customer! The lads are based in Aarhus,
Denmark, and this release is more than welcome since 2004
has been kind of a slow year for Danish r'n'r compared to
2003. Have a drink on me, fellas!
http://www.theguvnors.dk
http://www.trash2001.de
Jens
 Josiah
- O.B.N 7" (Molten Records 008)
This is a limited edition 7" record (300 copies only)
that was released to be sold on the European tour of On Trial
and Josiah. It features the track O.B.N from the bands latest
effort, Into the Outside. In addition, you get three tracks
from a BBC session recorded in May 2004. The highlight is
the live version of Malpaso. Worth the money alone! Cool..
Boring artwork though.
http://www.molten-records.com
http://www.josiahrock.co.uk
Scott
 Furry
Lewis - Good Morning Judge CD (Fat Possum Records/Bonnier)
The release of this record is a good deed. How often do a
record company release some good old painful blues from the
early sixties just for fun? Well, the label Fat Possum does
and that's just great. I guess that you haven't heard about
Furry Lewis before? He was born in the year 1900 and this
recording was made in 1962. I'm not that familiar with old
thrashy blues but in my world Lewis sounds a bit like a blend
between Hank Williams, Howlin' Wolf and R.L. Burnside. This
recording is a forgotten jewel and it's just brilliant. It's
only Lewis and a ragged old guitar and a lot of feelings.
His story telling really makes you listen and the naked sound
creeps under the skin. The ironic title track "Good Morning
Judge" is awesome. Lewis did leave this world in 1981
but his music is still alive. Well, as you know blues is the
backbone to all decent rawk'n'roll. So check it out punk.
http://www.fatpossum.com
Pär
 Los
Natas - München Sessions 2CD (Elektrohasch 104)
The Argentinean band, Los Natas did their first tour of Europe
last year and when they were in München, they had one
day in the studio (arranged by Stefan Koglek) and recorded
2CDs worth of material. All recorded live and direct to tape
in one day. The band started in 1994 and has produced a load
of material. The CD1 is two long tracks broken up into five
parts each. Soma (Holy Mountain) is somewhat like the older
material and heavy groove like song. A lot of the rest of
the material is very moody, slow, stoned stuff but quite cool.
The band takes off later with a strange version of Brainstorm
by Hawkwind thrown in. The second CD begins with some bass
tuning of sorts before the guitar cuts into the mix and heavy
groove takes over and some cool wah guitar and long jam. The
highlight of the double CD is the cool 19 minute jam with
Colour Haze guitarist, Stefan. This is amazing stuff. While
Los Natas were very much like a Kyuss copy band not unlike
Lowrider from Sweden, this band has really take off into their
own unique space, with this release and the Toba Trance double
vinyl on Nasoni Records. I highly recommend that people investigate
this as this band is really experimenting and going in new
places, while still maintaining a heavy element.
http://www.elektrohasch.de
http://www.natasrock.com
Scott
 Loxley
Beade - ..of Transient thoughts and Iridescence LP (Nasoni
Records 028)
Loxley Beade is the brainchild of UK born, singer songwriter
Patrick OJ Moore. He and his band are based in Umstadt, Germany
now and have played a few hundred gigs over their 7 year existence.
This is their first LP and a great one it is. This is melodic
mood rock with a cool psychedelic edge. It is presented in
a brilliant gatefold sleeve with all the lyrics and insight
into the themes behind the lyrics. The band play a number
of cool instruments including mandolin, saz, flute and harmonica.
The music is mostly pretty laid back with cool melodies and
interesting song themes. The band have a few small improvised
jams in a couple of tracks and some great psych guitar. This
is a wonderful LP that I have enjoyed hearing many times since
I got. I think those who enjoy the wide scope of psychedelic
music that Nasoni release will also enjoy it!
http://www.nasoni-records.com
http://www.loxleybeade.de
Scott
 Nathaniel
Mayer - I Just Want To Be Held CD (Fat Possum)
This strays from the usual Fat Possum delta blues records,
but its more than an obligatory album for any fans of The
Solution, Mitch Ryder, Andre Williams and Otis and Booker
T. In fact, this is one of the very best soul releases I've
heard so far in this decade. The 60 year-old Detroit hepcat
howls and growls his heart out through the 10 sensational
tracks with such force and rawness that it completely floored
me. R&B rockers like "I Wanna Dance With You",
"Leave Me Alone", "I Found Out" (a superraw
take on Lennon's tune) and "You Gotta Work" are
destined to become showstoppers on the dancefloor, well, in
a perfect world, that is. The last one is pretty unsentimental;
"You gotta work if you wanna get paid/you gotta work
if you wanna get laid", same goes for "Stick It
Or Lick It", Mr. Williams have sure been through some
rough times. There's some great tender soulful moments like
"You Are The One" and Jack Oblivian's "Satisfied
Fool". His ever changing backup band consists of folks
from The Shanks and Detroit Cobras, and they keep it dirty,
sweaty and swinging. "I Just Want To Be Held" is
definitely on my top 10 of 2004. This ol' geezer would scare
the hell out of Joss Stone if they ever met, haha. A goddamn
masterpiece!!!
http://www.fatpossum.com
Jens
 Music
Mafia - København Brænder CD (Return Of Happiness)
I have mixed feelings about this debut album by Music Mafia
from Copenhagen. They play so-called revolutionary rock with
Danish lyrics with a very bleak view on things and sings about
anarchy and throwing stones at people. It's very easy to ridicule
their radical political views and quite simple lyrics about
how bad it is living in Denmark….or living at all. On
the other hand the songs are performed with great conviction
and they obviously really mean what they are saying and they
are saying it in a direct way we are not really used to from
Danish bands. And yes, there is definitely something rotten
in Denmark so we need this kick in the ass!! Music wise it's
organ driven rebellious rock with punk energy and a lot of
nerve. The title means Copenhagen Is Burning by the way.
Don K
 The
Nitwitz - Totalitarian Rock'n'Roll 10" (Cargo) + Nibble
The Biblet 10" (Pitshark)
Remember when "Supershitty To The Max", "Ass
Cobra" and "Dick Disguised As Pussy" came out?
If those are some of your favorite albums then Tony Slug &
Co. are one horny wet r'n'r dream come through, motherfucker!
Happy Tom even co-written "Nuke Rock City" on the
4 track "Totalitarian R'n'R" picture 10" (hilarious
fat Caesar cover!) but Tony ain't no rookie to scene since
he has been a force to be reckon with in the Dutch punkscene
since 1977! "Benito Gasolini", a hymn to their guitarist,
sounds like a lost Dictators song, totally outstanding! The
"Nibble The Biblet" 10" (limited to 500 copies)
almost blew a hole in my roof with the frenzy meanspirited
assault of "Rohypnol Lovedoll", but then "Get
There First" burnt down house completely, imagine The
Pagans and Poison Idea in a bloody knife fight and you're
halfway there! The Nervous Eaters' "Just Head" has
been covered by Columbian Neckties, and, I hate to say it,
but Nitwitz's version totally tops my friends' take on the
song. Some of the 9 tracks have been on the "Dark Side
Of The Spoon" (Tony sez Ministry stole his title) Get
Hip album in different versions, but get everything Nitwitz
has released if you know whats good for ya, okay? Fuck the
weak shit and get totalitarian, baby, its the only way!! Lowcut
# 21 will feature a Nitwitz interview. If you're interested
in more hardass Dutch r'n'r mayhem then by all means check
out Nitwitz's pervert brothers The Felchers (http://www.lowcut.dk/004_lc/front/index.htm)
who's members have been in several line-ups of The Nitwitz.
Amsterdam ain't just hippies, hookers, potheads and coffeeshops,
there's some serious vicious r'n'r monsters lurkin' in the
dark alleys!!
http://nitwitz.dimestore.de
Jens
 NOFX
- The Greatest Songs Ever Written (by us) CD (Fat Wreck)
My friend Tim came home from a trip to America back in the
eighties, and gave me S/M Airlines by NOFX, everybody dug
it and the album was one of that years most popular. While
bands like Green Day and The Offspring won a certain fame
(and, of course, angry accusations of being sell-outs) NOFX
steared clear of bigtime MTV-fame, and managed to keep some
kind of punk-wise respectability. These 27 songs comprises
all 21 years of NOFX's existence, and its a pretty sweet selection
- although, nowadays, it really makes my cojones crimp, when
I hear certain nasal-voiced leadsingers give their interpretation
of "punkrock". That's the whole problem with bands
like Blink 182 and what not; they have tattoos, attitude,
the right hair - but none of it matters, when the singer sounds
like he's a 14-year old asthmatic, whose testicles still haven't
dropped, its fashionista-punk, and its boring. NOFX have had
different singers as you can read in the leaflet, among others
"a guy named Dave, who joined the band sometime in 86,
but died 2 months later", and NOFX is definitely not
crappy like most of those "punkbands" you'll see
and hear today. And a title like "The Separation Of Church
And Skate" still have lots of oomph to me, so I'll go
for:
http://www.nofxofficialwebsite.com
Keith
 The
Meteors - These Evil Things CD (People Like You/Target)
The oldest psychobilly act in the world is back again, and
this must be their 30th album (!) or something, and the press
claims that the Brits have played over 4500 shows in the last
25 years! Must be a world record of some kind. Singer/guitarist
Paul Fenech is the only original members and the band kinda
sounds the way they always have, well, maybe there's more
twang to their horror tunes this time around. The trio does
a pretty fun version of "Breaking The Law", but
on the whole the album is sure ain't breaking any new ground
which probably is a blessing for diehard fans. "These
Evil Things" is a decent release from one the 'dinosaurs'
of the genre, but I find bands like Mad Sin and Nekromantix
a bit more exciting.
http://www.kingsofpsychobilly.com
http://www.peoplelikeyourecords.com
Jens
 The
Priests - Tall Tales CD (Get Hip Records)
Cool stuff. "Tall Tales" is the third album from
the unholy The Priests from New York. This is their first
record at the cool label Get Hip Records. I haven't heard
the Priests before so this is truly a pleasant surprise. They
sound like a garage rock hybrid of other American acts like
the Fuzztones, Makers and Seeds. Add some shocking B-movies,
love and anxiety and you get The Priests. The singer Matt
Allyn sounds pretty much like Sky Saxon from the great Seeds
and that's not bad at all. Believe me. My favourites on "Tall
Tales" are stompin' "Wayward Waltz" and the
hypnotic sounds of the last song "Take What You Bring".
They got some really strong tunes and I hope they'll drag
their asses to Scandinavia really soon. It would be great
to see this band live and I'm convinced that they can put
up a really cool show.
http://www.thepriests.net
Pär
 Radar
Station - Spirit of Desire CD (Wanton)
I'm starting to get a little worried. I've reviewed a Finnish
rock record, almost every single issue - so when I got this
one from Radar Station, I started getting worried. I loved
all the other Finnish releases I'd received for reviewing,
surely I was bound to be disappointed some time? Probably,
but Spirit of Desire sure as hell isn't it! This is, if possible,
one of the best, most innovative underground records I've
heard come out of Finland for a long time. Released on the
all-new underground record label Wanton, these five guys (all
with names I'm not even going to bother trying with) have
made a killer 6-track demo release. Unlike most other Finnish
music I've heard, this is more blues, read Rolling Stones,
than most other way-north rock. They use both blues harp and
saxophone, with perfect results - just like in advertisement!
The CD starts you off slow, with a typical Rolling Stones
inspired track, nice riff, nice base line - cool lyrics and
singing, spot on. But as the album progresses, you sense theres
more to this band than just Rolling Stones interpretations.
Covering a few more tracks you find yourself in the middle
of Finnish rock fusion, with elements of blues, jazz and swing
(no kidding!). Heavier guitar lines, almost psychotic saxophone
staccatos, all build up, and you think you have them pinned
down. But then, oh no - they revert back to something so rootsy
it could have been pre-Rolling Stones (or rather, Rolling
Stones when they played blues clubs), and still with a modern
drive and momentum you might better find in Kravitz, or AC/DC
- hell, I even hear Chuck Berry in there somewhere! They even
find room for an acoustic opening, a track with TSOOL potential.
The final track is the tell-tell sign of musical genius. Pulling
you through five tracks of blues, rock, psych, all of it with
one purpose - to land you smack in the middle of their master
plan: a noise-rock indie track! Ye-Haw is all I can say. This
is a top notch release, from a debut label - I hope they have
lots more! The only problem with this record, even with all
Finnish records, is that we have no chance in hell to pronounce
their names - so you wont be getting a fanclub here! (I would
like a signed picture though).
http://www.radarstation.net
http://www.wantonrecords.net
Kristian
 Thee
Shams - Please yourself CD/LP (Fat Possum)
When Fat Possum releases new stuff, I listen. The wonderful
blues label that brought us names such as R. L. Burnside,
The Black Keys, and most recently Nathanial Mayer, have a
long tradition for quality releases. But don't be fooled,
just as Nathanial Mayer isn't typical Fat Possum material,
neither are Thee Shams. Luckily for us, the good people at
Fat Possum have an ear for good music. The twelve track CD/LP
is a priceless tour of Thee Shams musical universe, where
classical blues-rock tracks like "On My Mind" pay
homage to great bands like The Kinks, Spencer Davis etc. But
Thee Shams have more up their sleeve than just good solid
rock tracks, the album is stuffed with solid rock-ballads,
wild blues tracks, blues harp - incendiary slide guitar, and
the likes, for all the nostalgic music lovers out there. Specifically
the ballads are brave, and well executed. Where most bands
either refuse to make ballads, which is a shame, or make them
too mushy, Thee Shams manage to infuse them with a raw vocal,
and at times simple instrumental arrangement, like "Love
me all the time" where vocalist Gabbard spills his guts,
over a simple chord tapping piano - perfection. Much less
California than The Thrills, but still with a talent for beautiful
music, and melodies - The Thrills versus The Kinks, on a riverboat
on the Mississippi river. I own this record on both CD and
LP, and I'd gladly purchase it on 8-track, MC, and DVD if
I could. A must-have addition to any record collection. And
the cover rocks!
http://www.theeshams.com
Kristian
 Skambankt!
S/t CD (Kick Music)
Wow! Another great record from Norway! (What else is new?)
The Guitarist from famous Norwegian band Kaizers Orchestra
(yeah - I know, kinda stupid to always compare and write about
other bands, but hey - it sells!) has a "sideproject"
called Skambankt! (difficult to translate but something like:
Beaten to a pulp!?). Hard punk rock and brutal vocals with
a slight touch of that "Turbonegro sound". The angry,
somewhat political, lyrics are in Norwegian and it sounds
great! There is not a single boring or so-so song on this
album. "Me Sa Nei!", "Alarm!" and "Skambankt!"
are pure hits and after two listenings I just loved the whole
album! I recommend this a 100%! Play it extreme loud with
a raised fist! Hey Roskilde Festival: Get Skambankt! to play
2005 or you will be Skambankt!
JT
 Stry
& Florin - Sjunger Kriminella Gitarrer MCD (Heptown Records)
Stry Terrarie is something of a living legend in the Swedish
punk scene. So was his first band "Kriminella Gitarrer".
Their first single "Vårdad Klädel / Förbjudna
Ljud" from 1978 is considered a punk classic. Later on
they recorded hits like their most recognized and fabulous
tune "Knugen Skuk" which was a pun and can be translated
as "The Kings Dick". That song was banned on Swedish
National Radio for some reason when it was released. The funny
thing is that we still do have a king and monarchy in Sweden
2004, weird huh? And we still doesn't know more about our
kings dick, strange huh? Wonder if it's still hanging? Does
it smell? Well, Stry did later on join Swedish punk acts as
the great "Ebba Grön" and later on "Imperiet".
This record thou is a new recording on that first single "Vårdad
Klädsel / Förbjudna Ljud" and it's released
in 2004. I'm not really sure why Stry and the new guys did
this one? But I guess that they just felt for it. Nevertheless,
it's two great punk songs and the lyrics are still interesting
today. A suggestion is to check out this recording if you
can't find the original single from '78 (which you most likely
won't).
http://www.stry.kajen.com
http://www.heptown.com
Pär
 Super
Galore - Talentshows, from advance cd.
(E.S.P Recordings)
This is a track taken from Danish Super Galores debut album
which will be out January 27th. It's a real cool and catchy
song with a haunting guitar riff, groovy pounding bass and
with vocal harmonies that sounds if they caught a cold. It
sounds just great! People who dig BRMC, The Raveonettes and
The Kills should defenitely give these guys a listen! You
won't be disappointed! Talentshows is mixed by Ed Stasium
whose merits include Ramones, Talking Heads, Misfits and many
more. I eagerly awaits the full album!
JT
 Jimmy
Lee Williams - Hoot Your Belly CD (Fat Possum/Bonnier)
"Hoot Your Belly" consists of recordings from 1977
and 1982, but Mr. Williams' brand of Delta blues could've
easily been released in the early 50s. It's cut-to-the-bones
stripped down country folk blues not unlike early Johnny Lee
Hooker, Muddy Waters or Mississippi Fred McDowell, with a
guy and his cheap guitar, stompin' the floor with his foot
and howlin' out his worries with a lotta soul. Nothing new
or ground breaking but this Georgia cat has a certain irrisistable
charm and he sure knows how to make that 6-stringer work.
Blues fanatics should take note because since when the hell
has Fat Possum ever disappointed you? File under; 'I-lost-my-woman-the-rent-is-due-so-now-I-am-drinking-cheap-liquor
music'.
http://www.fatpossum.com
Jens
V/A Not Psycho Enough!? Vol. 1 7" (Dull City)
If there ever was a band which deserves some respect it's
the legendary roughneck Aussie punks in Cosmic Psychos. The
tribute features three great combos who do noisy rockin' versions
of "Down On The Farm" (Superhelicopter Ltd./Germany),
"Alright Tonight" (The Mormones/Norway) and "Custom
Woman" (Bad Preachers/Belgium). The last one is actually
a mix of "Custom Woman" and "Crazy Woman".
All three tracks really do justice to the original songs,
but then there's Sloggy, a horrible drum machine/punk duo
(YIKES!) from Luxembourg, who's take on the classic "Lost
Cause" is a fuckin' insult to this fine project. There's
some great words from Dr. Knighty himself: "When I learned
that bands got their beers for free, I was desperate to form
a band!". CHEERS, ROSS! There's a vol. 2 planned from
Dull City which I hope won't feature any drum machine bands.
gt-john@online.no
Jens
V/A Death Rattle & Roll Vol. 1 CD (Wundertaker)
Now here's a fuckin' solid punk/rock'n'roll comp of 15 US/Dutch
bands each doin' 2 tracks. There's some bloody fine contributions
by more known acts like Hydromatics, Nitwitz, Jack Saints
and Jack Endino's Earthworm as well as more obscure kickass
r'n'r. Oakland's Bottles & Skulls is a bit Zeke sounding,
fuckin' lethal! Ain't comes off as a nastier version of Creamers,
Motorhome recalls The Weaklings, while Reid Paley differs
a bit from the bunch, imagine Mojo Nixon meets Anti-Seen!
Midnight Bombers sounds like fine tuned angry mid80s Black
Flag. Dirty Power do a stonerrock-ish instru and the wonderful
Dwarves-like "Drag You Down". Yeah, there's plenty
o' more cool nuggets from the likes of Black Furies and The
Grannies, please check out the website for more info on bands.
I'm anxiously awaiting vol. 2 of "Death Rattle &
Roll" from Wundertaker Records who's set a very standard
with this boneshakin' disc.
http://www.wundertaker.com
Jens
 V/A
Colour Haze - Hypnos69- Split 10" (Elektrohasch 091)
This is quite a cool 10" records with excellent artwork
and exclusive tracks by both bands. It is limited to 1000
numbered copies. Both bands provide long numbers that slowly
build and groove but in very different ways. Colour Haze's
grooves are built on the bass lines, while Hypnos69, are more
circular! Colour Haze starts with Flowers (also on the new
self titled CD), and it is a mostly acoustic number that is
built on a fantastic bass line. Amo Te, is exclusive to this
release and like a follow up to the "Where the skies
End" track from Los Sounds de Krauts. Stefan plays some
fantastic guitar on this one. The Hypnos69 provide The Forrest
of Illusion in two parts. When Fire makes you Dance starts
it off and it is a slowly building track with a fantastic
sound production. It creates a great mood this music. I think
this band is highly influenced by Motorpsycho and fans of
Motorpsycho should for sure check out the bands latest material.
A fantastic side of music that slowly builds and keeps a great
melodic line as it gets heavier! Cool stuff.
http://www.elektrohasch.de
Scott
 V/A
- Fat Possum Records - Not The Same Old Blues Crap vol. 3
CD (Fat Possum)
Somebody once said, that "writing about music is like
dancing about architecture", I don't know what the fuck
that means, but being able to write a little about this album
is a pure and simple joy, so I guess the architecture will
survive, somehow. Because this surely isn't "the same
old blues crap". Millions of people can't tell "blues"
from yet another dull Eric Clapton-radiohit, and that's a
crying shame. If there WAS a God of music, Fat Possum would
be enormously more popular and regarded than they are, and
people would be tearing their releases off the shelves, around
the world. But they are not, and as WE know: people doesn't
have neither style nor taste anyways. This album would be
a good place to get to know the kind of true swampy bluesrock,
that Fat Possum have been pushing to the world for years.
From the energetic Stooges-tribute to Junior Kimbrough, You
Better Run - to Kenny Browns Cocaine Bill, Nathaniel Mayer's
hoarse rusty sneer on I Found Out - it's simply impossible
to find a dull moment in any of these 18 songs. Like when
you listen to Fred McDowell's Mama Says I'm Crazy, and his
voice is so filled with southern despair and proud sadness,
and you could kick yourself for not having listened to that
song forever. And that's a damn long time. http://www.fatpossum.com
Keith
 Voodoo
Glow Skulls - Addición, Tradición y Revolución
CD
These seven Californians have made their trademark-punkrock
for about 16 years now, and nothing seems to be stopping them,
and I, for one, praise them for their stamina and longevity.
Because this highly energetic music, with its excessive and
powerful force, its raw humour and tongue-in-cheek forwardness,
is just what the rockdoctor ordered. So wrap your tinnitus-infested
ears around song like Bastard Music or the feisty DD Dont
Like Ska: "DD don't like ska/yes its true/she likes to
party like Motley Crüe" - and make that party happening!
http://www.voodooglowskulls.com
Keith
|
