Adam West - Vex Me Hex Me 7" (Bootleg Booze)

If you dig: Gluecifer, Rainbow (Dio period), Bible Of The Devil

Jens

Asteroid B-612 - Reading between the Lines (No Tomorrow rec. 2005)
This is the fourth and last album by Australian band Asteroid B-612, who decided to give this album another chance after being turned down by their label. Fortunately for the four guys No Tomorrow Records were ready to give it a chance anyway. These guys are not really young dudes any longer, but they can still rock it seems. It's a bit like hearing an Aussie, more wild, version of The Rolling Stones meeting a young Tom Petty meeting some sort of Americana-sound (or rather: Aussiecana sound?!)... They don't really re-invent the round wheel on this album, but there's still some sort of straight ever lasting thing about their songs that makes it quite ok. Strange thing is their cover version of the good old Pere Ubu song Final Solution: It's like they didn't get the point of this song - it's too straight in the hands of Asteroid B-612. No other cover version but the one by Bob Hund (Et Fall och en Lösning) can match Pere Ubu's original version! But anyway... It's not a bad records over all this one. Pretty rocking most of the time.
http://www.notomorrowrecords.com

If you dig: Early Tom Petty, Uncle Tupelo, Rolling Stones

Foxy

Capricorns - Ruder Forms Survive
(Rise above Records)
Capricorns is a new band formed in 2003 by people who play in or have played in Orange Goblin, Iron Monkey, The Dukes of Nothing, Bridge and Tunnel, and others. IT is a four piece band who played tuned down heavy riffing rock. NO solos, no effects, just simple straight forward heavy riffing and very boring it is… I like the raw sound production but almost nothing happens in most of their songs. IT was quite boring and this surprised me as I usually like almost all the Rise Above stuff…. (where's my Heavy CDs to review Don K??)
http://www.riseaboverecords.com

If you dig: Iron Monkey, Dead Meadow, ….

Scott

Captive Audio - Psycho State CD (Construction Records)
It's shit luck that for the second time in 30 LowCut issues have to refer to Skunk Anansie, but that's all I can come up with trying to find reference points here. If you liked Skunk Anansie, you probably wouldn't be reading this page in the first place, but if you did and you still lament their demise, hey, this is for you. Send me a stamped envelope, and this record is yours, good luck with it, I'm sure you won't be disappointed, but be quick, because this is going out the window any second now! Yuck! http://www.constructionrecords.com
http://captiveaudio.co.uk

If you dig: Skunk Anansie, Silverfish

Jon A

Cenobites - Snakepit Vibrations CD (Drunkabilly)
Wasn't to crazy with these psychobillies' previous "Demons To Some" record, but this is WAY better! The songs are superior, the singin' is more inspired, they're tighter, the production is topnotch, and they've infused more rock'n'roll into the mix. And they're pals of Powergrill, so I bet they like beer, haha. Plus they're from my new fave Euro city; Rotterdam. Cenobites ROCKS! http://www.cenobites.net/
http://www.drunkabilly.com/

If you dig: Godless Wicked Creeps, Mad Sin, Heartbreak Engines

Jens

Chili Cold Blood - Rock'n'roll Motherfucker Redux CD/Why Baby Why 7"
(Shake Your Ass)
Ah yes, this is good stuff. Chili Cold Blood is a trio (guitar, pedal steel and drums) from Austin, Texas. This album was originally released by the band themselves in 2004 and was recorded with two different drummers. Not many copies was pressed and they were all sold at gigs. When a steady drummer was found the band re-recorded the album for Shake Your Ass in one single day adding a few more songs for good measure. And I am glad they did cuz this is cool as in John Lee Hooker on double speed with songs about drinkin' and bad women. The Why Baby Why 7" is more of the same and none of these two tracks are to be found on the album. Both releases are well worth seeking out.
http://www.syarecords.it

If you dig: John Lee Hooker, R.L. Burnside, Fat Possum

Don K

The Colombia - I Will Follow CD
"The time has come, for the omnipotent concept-bands, and destructive
divas, must see themselves overrun by real music written by real
people - about real people - to real people". Thus spoke The Colombia,
and I can only assume they meant themselves. A band has to be pretty
freaking good to stand and deliver after a comment like that. The
Colombia are good, but not that good. I mean, seriously: I review
artists every single day (and have been doing so for years now), and
almost all of them feel the same way. It's the whole Indie music idea.
Of all the bands I've reviewed, I don't think a single one of them
will ever get a fan base as big as Britney Spears; but who cares?
There's always been real music, written by real people, for real
people - that's just not what you see on MTV. And as far as The
Colombia go, I don't know what people you wrote this EP for, but it
sure as hell wasn't me. There's nothing spectacular or groundbreaking
about this. It's Oasis with mediocre musicians, especially the title
track sounds like an oasis demo track. We don't need another Oasis,
thank you very much! I know this has just as much to do with the
comment as the music, but when will musicians learn to put their money
where their mouth is? Now THAT would save Rock'n'Roll!
http://www.thecolombia.dk

If you dig: Utah, Oasis, Dandy Warhols

Kristian

The Defilers - Metal Mountains CD (Dry Run)
No-nonsense uptempo Stoner rock'n'roll from Louiseville, Kentucky. This outfit sounds like more fun than a bag of spider monkies; amped-to-max wall of sludge geetars mixed with a lets-throw-a-punkrock-party-and-get-drunk-and-naked. Early loose Mudhoney jammin' with Sabbath in Blue Cheer's backyard, you get the picture. From full frontal rage to slow hardrock grooves, "Metal Mountains" is a very varied album that I won't get tired of anytime soon. For those about to rock...get this record, NOW!
http://thedefilers.net/

If you dig: Mudhoney, Nebula, Blue Cheer

Jens

Dogtown Tunes - CD EP
Dogtown tunes is a new Copenhagen punk-ish rockabilly outfit, which I've experienced twice within a month. The guys ain't too pleased with this debut ep recorded on a 4 tracker in their rehearsal room, but they got nothing to be ashamed of. Sure they pack a lot more energy in their live performances (check live reviews) which are way rawer than this disc, but its damn fine CD. "Bye Bye" is the tune which represent this talented band best, I think. There's a new EP planned to be released in February, so stay tuned and try catch one of their excellent shows.
http://www.dogtowntunes.dk

If you dig: The Untamed, Wild Wax Combo, Johnny Burnette

Jens

The Dust Bugs - 2005 demo CD
Holy Hemorrhoid! Aalborg r'n'r royalty Simon (ex-Shake Appeal, Columbian Neckties) and Jan (ex-Shake Appeal) are back with another trashrock outfit, and fortunately they haven't aged gracefully. Simon now plays caveman drums, and Jan still howls like a drunken loon. Dirty fuzzed-out lo-fi primal rock'n'roll noise that's one huge up-yours middle finger to the Danish rockscene and music industry. "Hot Pants", "Henry Lee", "I'm A Ramone", "We Are The Dust Bugs", "Call Me Dick" etc., all 9 tracks tear a new asshole in the ozonelayer. Hope these fuckers make over to Copenhagen soon, I wanna see this shit live!
shove@tele2adsl.dk

If you dig: Electric Eels, Oblivians, The Gories

Jens

The Gecko Brothers - Demolition Of The Rehabilitation CD (Drunkabilly)
Got a couple of tunes with this Dutch speedpunk'n'roll combo on a Drunkabilly comp, and this is more of the same cockrock-on-amphetamines. It's pretty fuckin' easy, either you hate or love this kind of my-dick-is-bigger-than-yours rawk'n'roll, and since I'm a hog for roughneck caveman-on-crack shit, I dig it. I dig it a lot! No-frills 200 mph crude motorpunk with songs about the usual stuff; alcohol, drugs, crazy wimmin and a cool cover of "Speedfreak". Last track is a neat boozy bluegrass party tune. "Demolition Of The Rehabilitation" is subtle as a sledgehammer up between your butt cheeks. I can see why my editor gave me this, haha. BUY!
http://www.drunkabilly.com
http://www.thegeckobrothers.sucks.nl/

If you dig: Motörhead, Puffball, Zeke

Jens

Gemini Five - Black Anthem
(Wild Kingdom Records, 2005)
In the press material there's a quote from Calle Schewen who owns Wild Kingdom Records: He's a very thrilled man who compares his exitement for this band with his eager about bands like Glucifer and Hellacopters - not that there are many similarities between Gemini Five and the before mentioned bands, but good for them! This is Swedish glam-rock'n'roll with a taste of new metal and a styling on the cover that says: Blaaaack metaaaal! But this is not really black metal, it's more pop with glam and metal reminicenses. And that explains how this album went straight to the Swedish Top20 when it was released a few months back. This is designed music that is sure to be a success and with the right combination of ballads, kick ass rock and pompous neo-glam, with band member cover names like Tin Star and Hot Rod, with a lot of make-up and a well produced studio sound on the tracks. Hmmm. Well, it works and it's real smooth, but I'm sorry... I prefere a little more dirt!
http://www.gemini5.net

If you dig: Light metal on MTV

Foxy

Gemini Five - Black:Anthem CD (Kick/Wild Kingdom)
Their previous album was the worst record I ever heard by any band in my entire life. Limpdicked 'glam' (a grave insult to the genre I grew up on when I was a kid in the 70s) heavy pop crud taken to new lows. Well, "Black:Anthem" is even worse! This time they spiced it up with some lightweight industrial shit, remember that awful Nine Inch Nails hit, "Head Like A Hole"? Gemini Five is so horrible it can turn any rock'n'roller sterile by listening to it for 10 seconds. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!! P.S. My lawyer adviced me to erase my original review, so here's the 'friendly' version.
http://www.gemini5.net

If you dig: Marilyn Manson, Mötley Crüe, Nine Inch Nails

Jens

Hermano - Live at W2 (Suburban Records BURBCD039)
Ok… John Garcia (Kyuss, Unida) is back with, what seems to be his main band these days, Hermano. This is a pretty kick ass show recorded back in 2004 and it features a good selection of the bands best tracks from both studio albums, but somehow the material just rocks more in this setting.. I don't know if it is the guitar sound, they play a bit faster or what but it is a great release. Let Hermano kick your stoner butt…
http://www.hermanorocks.com
http://www.suburban.nl

If you dig: Unida, Kyuss, Lowrider, Nebula

Scott

Honey B & The T-Bones - Terrifying Stories From
T-Bone Town CD (Bluelight)
For some strange reason I haven't heard of this Helsinki blues/roots trio, I mean, they have been around for 23 goddamn years! Well, better late than never cuz Honey B. and her T-Bones excel in superb slide geetar-infested groovy blooze executed with atmospheric hooks and raw melodies. The missing link between latter days electric Chicago blues and newer names like Black Keys? Fans of rootsy labels like Fat Possum and Yep Roc should get a slice of the shithot dish of Americana.
http://www.hbtb.net

If you dig: Black Keys, Dave Alvin, Hound Dog Taylor

Jens

Hoods - The King Is Dead CD (Alveran Records/Target Distribution)
Shattered Realm - From the Dead End Blocks Where Life Means Nothing CD (Alveran Records/Target Distribution)
Calico System - They Live CD (Alveran Records/Target Distribution)

My wife doesn't understand my record collection. It's how it's categorized that baffles her, and though I'm mostly able to explain the reasoning behind it to her, at times it becomes just a little bit blurry, like, does metal core belong under metal or hardcore? If you take Pantera and hold them against Sick Of It All, the difference is obvious to most, but then take a band like Shattered Realm: There's a hardcore vibe to it, they dress like hoodlums on the cover photo, and the singer goes by the name of Joe Hardcore, but the music? Pure death metal in the vein of our own HateSphere. That, of course, doesn't mean it's not great, which it is, just that fans of Bad Brains and Bad Religion should be warned, while baggy trousered, Hatebreed-digging skaters in desperate need of letting off some steam will definitely want this, as it's absolutely world class.
From the West Coast, Hoods swear by a more traditional old school / NYHC of the kind you have a ton of bands playing all over the USA and Europe. Which doesn't mean it's not worth the while, though, because 9 albums and 10 years in, Hoods know how to do this, how to make a good riff, make it sound beefy, and they have lost none of the aggression. Yes, a lot of bands play in this style - on Alveran Records alone you have Settle The Score and Donnybrooks doing more or less exactly the same thing - and very few of them innovate at all or digress from the formula that Sick Of It All and Agnostic Front created some 20 years ago, but shit, it's still energetic and captivating. It's even funny to see how lately Agnostic Front themselves have tried to appropriate the sound of those young bands aping them, and how a lot of said bands, like Hoods, do it a lot better than AF. That, plus it's excellent music for lifting weights.
Calico System, on the other hand, immediately had me worrying, since their press states that they "play music that adheres to no rules", and that they have "created a sound that is distinct and recognizable as their own". For some reason, around these parts this always means that they've added some ill advised singing to the barking and thrown in a few pop melodies among the fast stuff, and Calico System are no exception to that rule. Which is a pity, since the hard parts with growling are good enough to have me giving this album several tries before I had to turn it down. Pity.
http://www.alveranrecords.com

Hoods:
If you dig: Hatebreed, Madball, Sick Of It All

Shattered Realm:
If you dig: Hatebreed, Pantera, Slayer

Calico System:
If you dig: Diecast, Slipknot, A

Jon A

The Intelligence - Icky Baby (In The Red Records)
This one is for all the headphone wearing mofos out there, going on about avantgarde this and avantgarde that, electronica my hapsichord drum'n'whatever flavour of the moment, punk rock is stuck in the past, get over Kraftwerk, I've got the Düsseldorff white label blues blues blues blues blues is blues blues blues is blues blues blues. The Intelligence! Choke on it!
http://www.intheredrecords.com

If you dig: A-FRAMES, Country Teasers and HIIIIIIIGH fidelity

Morten

Inspiteofme - You can't stop me (demo, 2005)
This is a self produced demo containing six songs from the Danish band Inspiteofme, it's recorded at Tonekontrol Studio and it's produced and mixed by the band itself. The sound is quite fine, the levels are well-balanced and I quite like the drum sound - it's kind of organic. The songs reminds me a bit of some early Kashmir composition-wise, but Inspiteofme works with a dominating synth-sound also - which is unfortunately not always successful e.g. on the song "Breaking Out" that starts with a sort of heavy-riff on the guitar but falls apart due to the too straight up-tempo drums and the before mentioned synth. Too many genres mixed on this track. It's a little hard to put a label on this band, which is of course not always bad, but I sit back with the feeling that they maybe should define what they wanna play and with which sound they wanna play anyway... Sounds like their force is on more dreamy synth-tracks like "Waiting for the dawn" or the very straight song "I don't know".
http://www.inspiteofme.com

If you dig: The Danish scene in the nineties...

Foxy

King Louie One Man Band - Chinese Crawfish
(Goner Records)
Royal Pendletons, Kajun SS, The Persuaders, Exploding Hearts and then some. King Louie has been around the block and his knack for penning songs that flat out rock is known around the world. This LP doesn't dissapoint, but it might surprice you a little. It's more laid back and kind of intimate and emotional in a way. No screaming and aggressive strumming the guitar like a nutter with distortion all over the place. It's an album full of open chords and refined arpeggio picking along with insightful lyrics like Everybody in a Hurry (Ain't Going Nowhere), I'm So Sick of Your Headgear and Dust the Grib just to name a few. There's a cover of Kool & the Gang's Get Down On It as well, so get down on this album, because you deserve it.
http://www.goner-records.com

If You dig: music from the heart of the real America

Morten

Kussekannibalerne 7" EP (Rabalder Records)
Denmark's new gorepunk teen sensation! 6 in-you-face ragers that reek of 80's hardcore and punkmetal, nothing new, but Kussekannibalerne (Vagina Cannibals) possess an irrisistable desperate charm that's hard to explain, you probably also have to be Danish to get their hilarious gross fuck-you horror lyrics. "Traktormanden" has been one of my favorite songs this year, "Den Slags" got a killer catchy chorus, and "Blod Død Blod" is a live fave of mine though Lana's double bass drums is almost a bit too much at times. The production is violent but crisp, Martin sounds like he's about to lose it any minute, there's soundclips of "Last House On The Left" and Ilsa...what's not to like? Go see'em live - they'll blow you away! Buy their t-shirts and show the world that you refuse to grow up!! See interview and live review elsewhere in the issue.
http://kussekannibalerne.funus.dk/

If you dig: The Accüsed, Minor Threat, (early) Gwar

Jens

Jack Saints - Rock And Roll Saved Our Lives...But Now It's Trying To Kill Us! CD (Scarey)
One of my fondest Gutter Island memories was seeing this SF combo in 2000. Their "Rock'n'Roll Holocausto" album has been glued to my turntable ever since, and fortunately this fucker is more of same. Full-on snotty classic punk/rock'n'roll though this time they're a bit more tight and melodic. Topics still circle around drugs, vice, horror flicks, violence and general insanity. Former New Bomb Turks drummer handles the stix'n'skins. Another winner from Scarey Records! 20 outbursts of good unclean anti-social rawk'n'roll...nuff said.
http://www.scareyrecords.com

If you dig: Devil Dogs, New Bomb Turks, B-Movie Rats

Jens

Los Plantronics - La Orchestra Diabolica CD (Mariachi/Tuba)
For some strange reason I thought this Norwegain combo would be a boring bland surf experience at the recent Club Mau Mau show. Sure they got some surf influences (NOT my fave kind of music), they call their music 'Mariachi Death Surf', but it's so much more. Spaghetti westerns (inc. horns), Link Wray twang, tex mex, Cramps, exotica, and garagepunk are all tossed into one redhot stew, and one third of the tunes features vocals from their masked drummer, one badass dude. Crazyass version of The Osmonds' "Crazy Horses". The perfect Halloween soundtrack!
http://www.los-plantronics.com

If you dig: Ennio Morricone, The Trashmen, Link Wray

Jens

Low Point Drains - Bottle 'O' Whiskey 7" (Kuriso)
After the Primitive festival I went to a free open air concert in another part of Rotterdam and saw these fuckers. After 3 days of well behaved garagerock ('cept for Black Lips) it was refreshing to see this chaotic, obnoxious but highly entertaining combo. People either loved them or hated their guts, haha. It's basically fucked up blues punk'n'roll with a lotta slide strummin' and reverb, Crypt style. Fuckin' awesome, made my pink torpedo stand up and salute! The best kept r'n'r secret of the Netherlands. Some of the 4 songs are also on their full length album.
http://www.lowpointdrains.nl/ http://schuurman.ikzorgdatjeopeenhoogte.com/

If you dig: Revelators, Oblivians, Cramps

Jens

My Midnight Creeps - S/T CD (Tuba records)
A fine record from these new Norwegian rockers. Well, new and new, the guitarists from Madrugada and Ricochets are doing their escapades here. 10 intense songs, spanning from garage stomp soul á la Dirtbombs to more laidback 'rock ballads'. The overall style and sound has a cool and dark feeling written all over the record. It's noisy, it's beautiful and raw. Some of the songs could be some kind of a bastard twin of Ricochets. Usually I'm not into saxophone but here it is so fucked up that it actually sounds cool.
This is Rock Noir, dig it baby!

JT

Tim Scott McConell - 13 Songs CD (Kick)
This dude's got his r'n'r credentials down; hung with Johnny Thunders, nailed Billy Idol's wife, played rockabilly with Rockats, then moved to Olso formed The MoMac Trio. This singer/songwriter acoustic solo album is pleasant and easy on the ears, but he sure ain't no Paul Westerberg. His pretty boy voice and lightweight guitarpicking are bland and a dime-a-dozen among his peers. No real guts, heart or soul despite all his 'badass' tattooes. Listen to Townes Van Zandt instead.
http://www.kick.dk
http://www.tim-scott.com

Jens

Tim Scott Mcconnell - 13 Songs (Farmen rec. 2005)
A man and his guitar. Naked, bold, beautiful! Tim Scott Mcconnell started his carreer on the punk rock scene in New York under the supervising wings of legendary Johnny Thunders back in the 70'ies, where he formed the quite successful The Rockats, who were competing with bands like Stray Cats back in those days. After scoring the wife of Billy Idol, who threatened to curl up his lip, he had to flee NY and went to LA where he started The Havalinas. Many years later love brought him to Oslo, where big fan and record label-manager Remo Rehder (who also found Kaizers Orchestra) hooked him up with The Momac Trio. Later Mcconnell toured with Norwegian blues king Bjørn Berge and he has recently been to Denmark with Norwegian band Madrugada. All this to tell you that this is a man with experience, with a good story and with an outstanding talent! Wow! 13 Songs is an excellent album full of feeling, honesty, boldness and maturity. This is 13 stories told by a man who has given life a thought or two. Good and intimate lyrics, a very naked acoustic guitar and a few helping hands on his side. Veeeery nice indeed and perfect for a quiet rainy afternoon. A man and his guitar. Check it out!
http://www.kick.dk
http://www.tim-scott.com

If you dig: Bold & beautiful storytelling about life!

Foxy

Mastica - Uomini 7" (Crusher Records CR004)
Lets take you back about 37 years to the era of the Italian beat psych for a trip! This 5 piece Italian psych band really have come up with two cool dancing tracks. The a-side features some really cool guitar freak outs and a great but short jam. The b-side, Scemo Chi Spara is a killer number with some cool harmonica and organ. The production is raw and this is quite cool stuff. I hope they make a full length record.. very promising stuff. http://www.crusherrecords.com

If you dig: The Blue Van, Baby Woodrose, The Seeds

Scott

Maximum RnR - Horns Up CD EP
Full-on speedy punk'n'roll with hardrock licks and testosterone rage galore. 6 tracks, 6 punches in the faces, this shit hurts but in a good way, baby! This Toronto combo sure ain't that clever with names; prior to this they were called Maximum RnB, but since they didn't play Rhythm & Blues, our fellas changed their name to avoid confusion, but when I popped the disc into my stereo I was of course expecting a cd comp from the famous Maximum RnR zine, haha. Anyway, they rock like Lee Marvin on crystal meth in a fist fight! http://www.maximumrnr.com

If you dig: Bottomfeeders, Zeke, (early) Hookers

Jens

Menfolk - Colossus CD
(Play/Rec / Target Distribution)
Those of us in the know have been waiting for this debut for some time now, since Menfolk already got some interest for their anarchic math rock with their "Double Date" split 7" with The Unit in 2001, and their absolutely insane live shows only helped increase that interest. Even so, every time I've asked around for an album, the answers from the Play/Rec camp have always been along the lines of "they're not writing music at the moment / they're replacing members / they're recording an album, but they won't let us hear it." So, how is it, the debut album? Well, at first listen it's not as wild and noisy as one might have expected: Even though there's plenty of screaming, constant rhythm changes, and two basses tearing away, Menfolk have gone for a more poetic tone on this album, somewhat along the lines of label mates Barra Head. That may be a tad disappointing for those, like myself, expecting absolute mayhem à la Converge or Dillinger Escape Plan, but I have a feeling this is an album that's gonna grow on you, and along with The Psyke Project and label mates Lack's respective offerings, this is one of the best Danish albums this year in my opinion.
http://www.playrec.dk

If you dig: Helmet, No Means No, Fugazi

Jon A

Mostros - Feed The Rockin' Soul CD (Flying Peluca)
These punx hail all way the from Buenos Aires, Argentina, and man, do these amigos kick ass. Like a speedpunk version of the Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers fronted by Texas Terri, Mostros go for the jugular through all 14 tracks. Macky spew out lyrics in both english, portuguese, catalan and spainish with a vicious passion, and the boys back her up with a wall of classic NYC punkrock. Mucho impressed!
http://mostros.8m.com/

If you dig: Texas Terri, Pagans, The Gits

Jens

The Mutants - Mutants Death Cult CD (Ranch)
I'm no huge fan of instrumental groups, but of course there's always exceptions to the rule. And I'm more than happy to inform you that Helsinki's The Mutants are one of the exceptions. Man, this is in-ya-face PARTY rock'n'roll which draws influences from rhythm & blues, rootsy twang, funky soul, exotica, garagefuzz, and even James Bond flicks. It's all drenched in blisterin' saxophones and the most groovy organ this side of Booker T. This stuff has Club Mau Mau written all over it, so ya know it's hip shit! Where's the Tiki Bar?
http://run.to/mutants

If you dig: Vice Barons, 50 Ft. Combo, King Khan

Jens

Nikkeby Lufthavn - Babes In Space CD (Kaos)
First, I'd like to make a complaint to the band. Why aren't there more
pictures of babes on this record? I mean, you can't call a record
Babes In Space, and not have pictures of babes littered over the
cover - can you? Next release, make sure you include plenty of
pictures - it gives this critic peace of mind. So, now to the review.
At first, I wondered if Jet had ever made it to Norway. "Rawk Guitars"
has a 10 second intro that is an exact, and I mean exact, copy of the
intro to "Are you going to be my girl". Even though that track is
excellent, it automatically disqualifies it from review. I'll have
none of that here! The style is - straight down rock, and I could not
care less. What saves this record for me, is the use of female vocals
- supplied beautifully by Mona Helleland Varde (aka Super Vixen, and
they're not kidding... hubba hubba). Her vocals are what distinguishes
otherwise mediocre songs. I like.

If you dig: Maximum R'n'R, Jet

Kristian

Odd Shaped Head - Odd 2 CD (Construction Records)
First it was London, then Liverpool, then London again - and now it
seems like its all happening in Newcastle. At least if you ask Odd
Shaped Head. Recently back from a tour with Danish band Wild Evil
Entertainment Department, this single could very much be their road to
fame. Their art-punk approach to rock, with weird childish lyrics, is
pleasing - even for this punk-hating critic. It's quintessentially
British - just like The Beatles are rock, but aren't, Odd Shaped Head
are punk, but aren't. The song "The Multi-Coloured Ket Song" is so
incredibly childish, it sounds like they are taunting the range of
(sickening) political songs out there. The simplicity of "I want the
yellow one, I want the green one ... you can't always get what you
want" makes you realize (if you'd forgotten), that rock and roll may
be setting out to save the world, but it certainly doesn't have to.
What's wrong with fun, (and undoubtedly true) lyrics like Odd Shaped
Head's? Nothing! And every half-baked crap band in the world (which
would make it 99% of all bands) could learn something from these guys.
If you haven't got anything decent to say - don't!
The killer track on this CD, for me anyway, is the 80s homage "Great
Googli Moogli" which sets off with an ingenious cassette tape joke,
and then reverts into a stylish, pounding, Chuck Berry-ish rock
anthem. Excellent!
http://www.oddshapedhead.com

If you dig: Wild Evil Entertainment Dept. The Strokes, Chuck Berry

Kristian

The Original Three - Been Dealt a Losing Hand (Empty Records)
Total destruction dork ROCK of the nastiest kind. A mutated version of the heavy metal of the Persuaders, the early Oblivians and Jay Reatard at his most aggressive. Not too fast, not too slow, but always too ugly. Nice songs though. A string of hits going right for the feet. Oh shit, gotta move those feet. Wanna dance? Come on! Let's dance… It's a keeper. I've gotta get a copy of this on vinyl, though. Not this piece of crap promo CD!
http://www.emptyrecords.com

If you dig: see above, Lost Sounds, French noise

Morten

The Original Three - New Orleans Born 7" (Shake Your Ass)
Mo' Memphis madness building on the legazy of The Oblivians and trash rock in general. Ugly, unhealthy and unfriendly as it's supposed to be. One of the songs is recorded by Alicja Trout and Jay Reatard is also involved somehow which should give you an idea about the madness involved. Not for the faint at heart.
http://www.syarecords.it

If you dig: Oblivians, Lost Sounds

Don K

Pé Skewer - Nietzsche Blessed Dioniso CD (Kaskadura Records)
Pé Skewer - Both Singles Collection 2004 CD (Pé Skewer)
Pé Skewer Group - Práxis & Dialetikha CD (Pé Skewer Group)
This reminds me of these demo tapes I used to receive around 1990 from some wanna-be guitar hero called David La Duke, who wore a bandana and sent tape after tape with hilarious titles like "Rock Hard Rocker", "Ball Bustin Guitar Rock", and, my personal favourite, "Axe Break". No big surprise, La Duke never made it out of the demo circuit, and I fear a similar destiny awaits this eager and ambitious Brazilian band called Cleber "Pé" Skewer. I'm amazed someone can actually get themselves to release stuff like this, since the quality is so bad, it's hard to hear if Pé wants to be crust or if he just can't help it, as the dull rock would suggest. The press sheet doesn't help much, stating as it does that Pé Skewer is a "philosophic band" that has "got influences about history and philosophy - antropology" and is "going ahead featuring the maximum metal guitar". "Everything is great and powerfull," it also says somewhere, and "wise is only a word." Settled, then. cleberpeskewer@ig.com.br

If you dig: Black Flag, The Who

Jon A

The Reatards - Not Fucked Enough (Empty Records)
notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough notfuckedenough
http://www.emptyrecords.com

If you dig: take a wild guess!

Morten

The Pushtwangers - And You're Not CD (Kooljunk/Arena International)
Ain't too familiar with this Swedish combo. First track, "Boyfriend", is pretty powerpopunk-ish, the rest is classic 80s garagerock with a 60s psych pop feel, which ain't so weird since Pushtwangers was born in the early 80s. "And You're Not" consists of re-recorded old tracks and new ones. Lush vocal harmonies, raw guitar strummin', farfisa organ and an excellent knack for writing catchy tunes, The Pushtwangers are seasoned rockers who celebrate the forgotten art of craftmanship. The press release sez they're 'the missing link between Sex Pistols and Beach Boys', and Mike Blood of the glorious Lime Spiders wrote "3rd Season" just for The Pushtwangers. Highly recommended. http://www.pushtwangers.com

If you dig: Easybeats, Fleshtones, Lime Spiders

Jens

Rancid Vat - Vs. The Rest Of The World 2CD (Steel Cage)
'25 Years Of Rulebreaking', man, it's been a long journey for Whiskey Rebel & Co., I was only familiar with the newer stuff, so it was a bit of shock to hear when Rancid Vat lived on the west coast. Crude noise (?) punk which isn't exactly helped by Scott Wilson's tuneless hollerin'. Disc 2 is the shit, especially with madman The Cosmic Commander screaming out offensive anti-social obscenities. Sublime scumpunk meets southern rock. ACE! There's also a hilarious video with Whiskey Rebel talking to his own image in a mirror, while he sums up the 25 years of being in Rancid Vat; "We are the cockroach your kitchen you just can't kill!". Check out my interview for more info: http://www.lowcut.dk/027_lc/interview/8.asp
http://www.rancidvat.com/

Disc 1 : disc 2 : = if I do my math, its 3 razors.

If you dig: Anti-Seen, Hammerlock, GG Allin

Jens

Taint- The Ruin of Nová Roma CD (Rise Above Records / Target Distribution)
Fingerspitzengefühl - Fingerspitzengefühl CD (Kooljunk Communications / Area International / VME)
To me, one of the best things that has happened in rock recently, was a lot of stoners re-discovering their metal roots - like High On Fire and Mastodon - thereby bringing it all full circle in a way, what with metal originating in stoner rock and all.
Such a band is Taint from South Wales. The earth is shaking from the drums and bass grinding ahead, while the guitar adds fills and catchy riffs to the Neurosis-style barks. Hints of Neurosis can be found throughout the album, especially in the vocals, but Taint are more of a rock band in the vein of Clutch and Saint Vitus, which comes through in the song writing and probably makes it more bearable to many than the former's tortured nihilism. Think "Master Of Reality" as played by Bathory, and you more or less have it. Great!
Fingerspitzengefühl, who, despite the name, hail from the deep fir woods of Sweden, appear to enter the game from the other end. I don't know too much about their history, but to me, this sounds like a metal band playing rock, and as such, they lack some of the grooviness and vibes of Taint, even though in many ways they're more traditional stoner-/rock. A lot of the songs remind me of Soundgarden circa "Louder Than Love"/"Badmotorfinger", others of Fu-Manchu, but even so, it sounds a bit forced to me. That said, it's Viking heavy with a raw production that captures all the screeching guitars and the hammering bass, and I imagine these guys might be cooler live than on album.
http://www.riseaboverecords.com
http://www.fsg.nu

If you dig: Mastodon, Saint Vitus, Neurosis

Taint
Fingerspitzengefühl

Jon A

Thin Line Men - Hitchhiker CD
We don't get a lot of electronica at Lowcut, and this is the first
electronica record I've had up for review - ever. The Thin Line Men
are an American band who, in their own words, have "one foot firmly
planted in the great rock'n'roll tradition, and the other one stepping
into the sounds of electronic dance music". No shit, but it works.
Popping in the CD, I turned on the first track - which starts off like
a Stereolab track, and boy was I scared. But then, something magical
happened - a guitar. Ok, so it had a lot of wow-wow, but it actually
seemed to fit in! "You're a big grown-up" now is the first rock track
on the CD, with a pure guitar (overdrive fuzz - yeeeehaw) intro. And
the band was right, they haven't forgotten their roots. The music is
oddly compelling - with a dreamy vocal. The entire CD produced to
perfection, not intruding or thumping in any way. It's one of those
CD's you can have on repeat, and just listen to it. Endless landscapes
of sound, layer upon layer. They dive into both 90s rock and
electronica, but manage to maintain a drive and force, that makes
their sound special. Other bands like Mahad Jalal have tried the same
thing, but these Americans get away with it in excellent form. And
just as in the review of Odd Shaped Head elsewhere in this issue,
their lyrics are not overly complicated. Where the music is grand and
voluminous, their lyrics are calm, precise, and rewarding. Oh, and the
packaging is some of the prettiest I've seen in a long time.
http://www.thinlinemen.com

If you dig: Mahad Jalal, Stereolab, Air

Kristian

This Damn Town 7" (Shake Your Ass Records)
Debut 7" from Alex Cuervo's new group also feat. Jeremy Diaz, Kari Luna and Dillon Strange. AC's CV makes R'n'R headhunters cream their pants. Cuervo has played with Blacktop, Now Time Delegation, Gospel Swingers and Feast of Snakes and This Damn Town proudly carries on in the same crude tradition. The group sounds like some punk stole the hillbilly from a late 50s Sun session and borrowed the drummer a real drum kit, added an organ and told everybody to CRANK it up and forget about radio play. Nothing new under the moon, but taking the best parts of some of the best music and rocking the fuck out is not such a bad thing, when pulled off by talents like these. Definitely an act worth getting aquainted with, so start collecting today.
http://www.syarecords.it

If you dig: Knoxville Girls, Chrome Cranks and the voice of young Glen Danzig

Morten

Tokyo Electron - S/T CD (Empty)
Question is, can you out-Oblivians The Oblivians? Maybe not, but Tokyo Elektron gets pretty damn close on their self-titled debut album. Tokyo Electron is Ryan Wongs (The Wongs, The Reatards, Destruction Unit, Digital Leather) new band which released singles on Shattered and Solid Sex Lovie Doll before this album. As one could expect it's full on feedback-ridden trash punk that does absolutely nothing to please anyone..…except for dorks like me who claim to actually like this kind of aural mindfuck. Mixed and mastered by Jay Retard.
http://www.emptyrecords.com

If you dig: The Oblivians, Reatards

Don K

Tæve - Homocore Aus Dänemark 7" & 7" EP (Audio Fellatio Records)
Both 7"s are from a recording sessions by Henrik Overdrive (Columbian Neckties), I must say the sound ain't that good, especially Mad's vocals, and it's a shame since Tæve (means 'to beat up') is probably Denmark's best live combo at the moment. Try to be more sober next time you're in a studio, okay guys? Haha. Fucked-up (but tight) aggressive hardcore punk delivered with venomous fuck-you wrath with tunes (in Danish) about drinkin' & fightin' and fightin' & drinkin'. Highlights are "Tit Stiv", "Steven Se Gal Ud" (Steven Segal Look Mad, haha), and "Skrid". Each limited to 300 copies, so hurry up. I received a 5 track demo from Mads earlier this year with a topnotch crisp production, that will be released on a 7" anytime soon. This 7" will blow everybody's mind, mark my words! Punks from Aarhus are a lot more wacky than the ones of Copenhagen, read my Tæve interview for further proof:
http://www.lowcut.dk/018_lc/interview/1.asp
http://www.taeve.dk

If you dig: early Black Flag, drinkin' and fightin'

Jens

The Unfinished Sympathy - Rock for Food CD (BCore Disc)
Sibyl Vane - Mermelada de tomate + 3 (BCore Disc)
On account of the other bands I had heard from this Barcelonese label, No More Lies and Tokyo Sex Destruction, plus the general buzz about the label, I had expected a lot more from these two records. Several times throughout their 3rd album, The Unfinished Sympathy sound like they're on their way towards something good , emo in the vein of Fugazi, or even just the melodic punk rock of Millencolin, but nah, it's too melodic, too post-grunge. Shame.
On the back of this, I was hoping for the female trio Sibyl Vane to be something along the lines of Sleater-Kinney, and they almost go there a few times, like in "Arde Puente" or the OK "Invisible sin desaparecer del todo", but then everything is ruined by drab pop motifs and the singing. I mean, if they had been just the least bit punk, some off-key vocals would've have fine with me, but in power pop - without two much power, even - it hurts my ears. Double shame.
http://www.bcoredisc.com

The Unfinished Sympathy:
If you dig: Millencolin, Fugazi, Bush

Sibyl Vane:
If you dig: Sleater-Kinney, early Cat Power

Jon A

V/A Reatards/Tokyo Electron/Angry Angels - Totally Shattered Euro Tour 7" (Shattered)
Got this 7" in Aarhus (thanks to Tæve Mads) at probably the best fuckin' punkrock show all year. Goner Memphis legends Reatards chaos r'n'r is perfectly represented by "I Need You", Angry Angels' "You Lied" (also with Jay Reatard on guitar) is irrisistable shitraw lo-fi powerpoppunk with some inspired female vocals by Alix. If a more fucked up Monomen mutated with The Hard Feelings you might come up with Arizona's Tokyo Electron. Best split 7" I've heard in 2005!!! Limited to 500 and probably already sold out. See live review elsewhere.
http://www.shatteredrecords.net/

Jens

V/A Sick56/Higgins++ : New Day New Enemy EP 7" (JSNTGM)
I reviewed a split 7" with these Blackpool blokes some time ago, and now they've joined forces again. Sick56's "Losing The War" is solid working class oi/streetpunk with shouted singalong vocals (sounds like Claus Danger of Powergrill?!?) and memorable geetar hooks. Higgins++ is political charged punk, which sorta draws from the same influences as Sick56; Clash and Stiff Little Fingers. Another fine release from Just Say No To Government Music. http://www.jsntgm.com

Jens

V/A Supersuckers/Zeke 7" (Bootleg Booze)
What a scoop for Bootleg Booze, two of my all time faves on one 7", neat-o! "Cato Negro" is vintage Supersuckers, a hardrockin' powerhouse of a song. Catchy, fast, loud, tight...y'know, it's Eddie and the boys, man! "Chinatown" (not a Thin Lizzy cover) is Zeke showing off their Motörhead influences; raw, ballsy, pissed off angry cockpunk'n'roll with a notnotch production to boot. This split is a no-brainer, so get it now, motherfuckers! According to Bootleg Booze it's limited to 700 black, 200 yellow, 100 Vinyl Club ONLY black-yellow splatter.
http://bootlegbooze.com/

Jens

V/A The Ugly Truth About Blackpool Vol. 1 CD (JSNTGM)
This comp goes back to 1977 and to present, so naturally it's a very mixed picture of Blackpool's punkrock scene. Never own any Skrewdriver records (for obvious reasons), but the CD kicks off in style with a killer track, "An-ti-so-cial", from back before the nazi bullshit started. Other highlights include Kenneth Turner Sect (echos of Eddie & The Hotrods and Peter & The Testtube Babies), One Way System, Membranes, Phantom Creeps, and King Mob Echo. 27 tracks, a worthy punkrock document of Blackpool, thanks to Just Say No To Government Music's never ending dedication to the local scene. Respect. http://www.jsntgm.com

Jens

V/A - Explosivos. Deep-Soul from the Latin Heart CD (Vampisoul)
This time Vampisoul have hit pay dirt with a collection of the cream of the latin soul wave from Spanish Harlem. Culled from that genre's leading label Fania and sublabels from the golden years of 1966-70, this CD walks the line between cheesy cow bells and great soul songs. Goes well with margaritas, tropical heat, and block parties.
http://www.vampisoul.com

If you dig: Tito Puente, Bobby Valentin, Harvey Averne

Jon A

V/A - Our Small Tribute to Blondie CD (Trash 2001 Records)
I like Blondie as much as the next guy, but that doesn't mean I wasn't not wary about this German power pop tribute to the band. Luckily, rather than just getting a bunch of bands to play replicas of the original versions, the label has experimented a lot in their selection, including a traditional ska band like Die Tornados, ska goth (!) from Skeptic Eleptic, and even neo folk from Wet Your Whistle. That's a good initiative, but it doesn't necessarily make for a good listening experience, and the majority of the bands go for the safe and boring straight ahead punk rock version.
http://www.trash2001.de

If you dig: Blondie, obviously!

Jon A