July 2000
• Got A Disc You Want Us To Review? Click Me Baby! •

Recent Releases:

The Bouncing

"The Bad The Worse and The Out Of Print"
Chunksaah Records

Rating: 9/10

 

Okay, don't let this CD title throw you off.  In no way, shape, or form is this CD bad or for that matter worse.  Now, if you are one of the lucky few to go see the Punk O Rama tour (see review) you have the unique opportunity to buy this CD.  See, it's not available at your local record store, at least not yet, although the merch guy at the show told me that you may be able to get it online soon.  One special feature of this CD is that the Bouncing Souls bared their souls (sorry for the pun!!!) on here.  They included songs that are long out of print, songs that they believe suck, but that make you love them even more.  They're pulling shit out from way back in 1989.  They do some killer covers including Misfits "Mommy can I go out and kill tonight" Descendents "Pervert" and Simple Minds "Don't forget about me"  off the comp.  Before They Were Punk 2, and of course from The Breakfast Club fame.  One of my personal favorites "I started drinking again" its a touching tale where you feel like you're right there in the studio, listening to them laugh and light up smokes.  I cant say enough about this CD, other than it just fucking rocks.  Its 22 songs clocking in at almost 1 hour.  Get to the Punk O Rama tour and get this CD!

Aimee Schwartz  

The Distillers

"The Distillers"
HellCat Records

Rating: 10/10

 

Oh shit! Man I love this CD! This CD makes me want to grab a six pack of Lucky Lager beer and smash it over my head and start a one man pit in my living room! If you like the true roots of punk then the Distillers are for you! With 3 out of 4 bands members being girls make me like this band even better! See, sometimes when a punk band has a girl front man, they tend to put off an annoying scream rather than strong punk vocals. Well The Distillers are not one of those type of bands! Brody's voice is the best punk voice I have heard from a girl since 4-Gasm! Take Janis Joplin and Stevie Nicks then take Johnny Rotten and Wattie from the Exploited. Now take mix them together in a huge melting pot of voice and add some speed then you have the sound of Brody's voice! But a singer can't make the band by themselves, that's where Kim Rose and Matt come in. Together this foursome make the spectacle of punk called The Distillers!

Frank Rizzo

 

Primer 55

"Introduction To Mayheim"
Island Records

Rating: 7/10

When I first got the indiscriminate manila envelope from Island records, I didn’t know what to expect. Coming from a label that has such heavy weights as Elton John, Bon Jovi, and the hard-hitting trio Hanson. But Primer 55 is off the hook shit. This four piece is of the vain of hard-core, hip-hop, metal with a lot of intensity and attitude. With the tuned down bass sound and some furious energy these guys are going to be a force after sharpening their collective teeth at this years Oz-fest 2000. Singer and songwriter J. Sin has the pissed of angst flowing as he builds the fury within. The Album’s opening track and upcoming video is a call out to all the kids that go crazy and freak out at their shows. It’s unfortunate, due to the fact that primer is signed to a heavyweight, hopefully they don’t start carrying around the “sell-out” tag. Because these guys appeared to be worried more about the music and their fans, than about the almighty dollar, Hell they even accept demos, that’s way cooler than KroQ will ever be.

Scott Wulfetsieg

 

98 Mute

"Slow Motion Riot"
Epitaph Records

Rating: 9/10

I can see why these guys are getting so popular! 98 Mute does it again on this new CD put out not by Theologian Records but this time on Epitaph! "Slow Motion Riot" is a very well rounded punk album. Their almost singalong songs keep you coming back for more. I have to admit when I first listened to this CD I had mixed feelings about it. But now I can't seem to get enough of it! 98 Mute keeps the classic hardcore punk sound alive through the speedy drum rolls and the thunderous guitar and bass. But sound alone doesn't make the album. I like to hear what the band has to say. 98 Mute has a lot to say about many real subjects that just about any punk can relate to. So with that and the vivacious sounds force me to give this CD an 9! 

Frank Rizzo

 

Mad Caddies

"The Holiday Has Been Cancelled"
Fat Wreck Chords

Rating 7/10

One thing I have to say about this EP is I wish if was a full length!  Five tracks, stuffed with an irresistible ska factor, brought to you by quite talented musicians. I don't think the world of this band, but on the other hand I cannot see why anyone would not like this music. Can anyone sit still when hearing "Falling Down", "Something's Wrong At The Playground" or the ABBA cover at the end of the record? "Falling Down" is the first song on this EP and I think it's very original. It shows how versatile the Mad Caddies can be and still kick some Ska butt. Do yourself a favor and check out this EP and hopefully a full-length cd will be on it's way!

Frank Rizzo

 

Mad Ball

"Hold It Down"
Epitaph Records

Rating 7/10

 

When you talk about top of the line hardcore coming from the seedy streets of New York City, it would be foolish not to include the name MADBALL. Hold It Down is the bands next step towards showing the world what time it really is. A heartfelt streetwise effort from a band that doesn't know the meaning of giving up or giving in, Hold It Down serves as a sonic slap in the face that is a wake up call for all those who still don't know the deal about this 4 man demolition crew. So, you wanna find out what it's like to have your ass kicked while in the comfort of your own home, New York City style?? Slip in a copy of Hold it Down and find out once and for all. Might be the only time in your life that you'll wanna come back for a second beat down!!!

Frank Rizzo

 

Avail

"One Wrench"
Fat Wreck Chords

Rating: 8/10

 

 Avail is a band that just keeps coming out with great music. "One Wrench" is the new releases by these punk icons. Their first release on Fat Wreck Chords (their fifth full length) and it does not disappoint. Climbing up the latter of punk success these southern punk rockers have produced 14 songs of pure hard core genius! Not only do these songs rip it up but their lyrics are intelligent and meaningful. From pollution to making a difference in yours and other's lives, Avail covers it all in this new CD.

Frank Rizzo

Cashmere

"Cashmere"
Demo

Rating: 7/10

 

This short but oh so sweet demo, left me wanting more. As creamy soft as cashmere, this talented trio has a poppy early go-go’s like sound. The band is tight and compact. Not trying to do too much, they play to their strengths. Catchy vocals. And clean musicianship.  Though you really cant get a good feel for a band off of two songs. But what I did hear has me waiting to see them live. Hopefully I don’t have to wait to long!

Tim Buctoo

The Workhorse Movement

"Sons Of The Pioneers"
Roadrunner Records

Rating: 8/10

 This band comes to us from Roadrunner Records, the record company that brings us the new Misfits, Slipknot, Deicide, Fear Factory and more hard hitting bands. Although this is not their first release, it is the first release that is on Roadrunner records. What I like most about these guys is that they make Limp Bizkit look like the big pussys they are! Backed by striking bass and shredding drums, the tone of the guitar on this CD gives the feel of energy and force. Another thing I like about this CD is that it has an interactive "get to know the band" deal on it if you pop this ditty in you computer. Band interviews, live shots and more! If you are a fan of cutting edge metal funk, then The Workhorse Movement is for you! 

Frank Rizzo

 

Boiler Room

"Can't Breathe"
Roadrunner Records

Rating: 6/10

 

Yet another release from Roadrunner records. Boiler Room is a band that I haven't heard of before I checked out this release. Straight from New York these guys portray a sound that seems to be big on the radio. Along the tunes of other bands like Incubus and Korn, Boiler Room has what it takes to compete with these bands. Although I am not a big fan this type of music, I feel that these guys are very talented and stand a chance to be the next big thing. Mixing metal with almost an industrial sound set them apart from other bands in their genre. So if you are a fan of the radio play bands then maybe this band is for you. If you are the type that prefer something more indy then I suggest maybe checking out another one of Roadrunner Records bands at www.roadrunnerrecords.com.

Frank Rizzo

 

Discs you might have forgotten about:

The Damned

"Machine Gun Etiquette"
Ace Records Ltd.

Rating: 10/10

 

 This reissue of the original 1979 album with totally different artwork and 4 bonus tracks not available on the original LP has to be the best damn The Damned CD in print. If you are one of those sorry bastards that haven't heard anything by the Damned (God pity you) then this is the one to get to hear what this band is all about. You same people that haven't heard them might know their song "Smash It Up" because it was badly redone by The Offspring a few years back. Well the original and much better version of this classic can be found on this album! Some of my favorite songs on this are "Melody Lee" and "I just can't be happy today". There is something about David Vivian's dark style of singing that appeals to both the punks and the goths. But I do have to say their later stuff isn't at all like this album so make sure when you go to Tower Records to pay $20 for a Damned CD, be sure it's Machine Gun Etiquette!

Scott Harding

 

Lagwagon

"DUH"
Fat Wreck Chords 

Rating: 10/10

 

 Fat Mike had to start his label with another band besides his own, and what better band to do it with than Lagwagon?! As you all know, Lagwagon kicks some serious ass but I have to say that they don't get much better than this CD. "DUH" is easy for anyone to relate to because it contains songs about real topics such as; the need for caffeine, realizing not everything on T.V. is reality and how too much consumption of alcohol can be a bad and good thing! Not only this, they have a great cover of "Bad Moon Rising" by CCR and a nice rendition of the theme to Inspector Gadget. If you listen closely you can also hear some celebrity backing vocals of a few of the songs on this CD. That's right, Fat Mike and El Hefe both contribute to "DUH" with their amazing voices. So it comes down to this, if you think you like Lagwagon and only have Trashed or Let's Talk About Feelings well think again, you might even love theses guys!

Scott Harding

 

NOFX

"Ribbed"
Epitaph Records

Rating: 10/10

 NOFX's third release on Epitaph turns out to be one of my favorites! Although El Hefe is not present in this recording, I feel it has something that was lacking in their first two releases. Maybe it was the way Mike was singing or maybe it's because they sing a song about my favorite thing on earth, BOOBS! But his CD certainly stands out from their other releases. Lets take "The Moron Brothers" and "Green Corn", although released over a full decade ago, these songs are the top songs requested by the crowd when NOFX plays live even today! 

Scott Harding