The Xiles-No comply

Self-produced
2017

I recently went to this DIY place up the road from me that has shows about twice a month for the CD release party of Frederick's The Xiles. This young band just started playing shows this week and they've been busy gigging around in the area. They just released this seven song disc. After watching them deliver an energetic and tight set in front a small, but enthusiastic audience I shelled out $3 for the CD and $10 for one of their shirts. Add to that the show cost $7 and I was shocked in this day and age to see a show, get a CD and a shirt for $20. Back to the music at hand here. I'm assuming everyone in this band was born in the last 18-22 years, but their sound has more of an influence form more like thirty plus. The songs here remind me of early 80's punk rock when it mostly about attitude and bands like the Dead Kennedys, Minor Threat and the Angry Samoans just cranked this often brief yet charged up bursts. The Xiles have efforts like the title track and "Wrong Direction" that you saying yes, I can relate to or understand that either now or years ago. While "I'm fine" reminds me a touch of Suicidal Tendencies classic "Institutionalized" with a tale of someone being or at least being perceived as being unhinged. I found this album to be instantly addictive and it was car's player for a while. My only gripe might is that with seven tracks and a total running time around 20 minutes it ends too quickly and I there more. Hopefully there is more coming from this band in the near future. Facebook and band camp links are below.

https://www.facebook.com/thexilesband/
https://thexiles.bandcamp.com/releases

Free Metal Monday: Truthdealer-Dousing The Fire

Self-Release/Independent
2015


Falling somewhere between punk rock and metal & hardcore and hard rock, Milwaukee, Wisconsin's Truthdealer put out a couple of weird releases before they folded. This album was their last one and (genre-wise and theme-wise) it is all over the place! It's a name-your-price-download with a couple of  good songs sprinkled throughout.

Free Metal Monday: The Lizzies-Play to get laid

See note below...

She Does Records
1999

The Lizzies (who should not be confused with the four-piece band from Madrid that gave us the killer "Good Luck"!) are a raw as f**k punk rock/riot grrrl band from New York. While not heavy metal per say, this 17-track album (which was released way back on June 1st of 1999!) is flat-out LOUD and ANGRY and it puts a lot of hard & heavy acts to shame! Available as a name-your-price download by clicking here, "Play to get laid" pretty much sums up the frustration and bitterness that many of us have had with the U.S. over the past twenty plus years. With songs like "All The Scum", "Pay to get laid". "Die Motherf**ker", "Love and Anarchy", and "Police State"(!) this great collection of old school punk is not for the faint of heart or those who are easily offended. In other words, "Play to get laid" is a hell of a good time and most-definitely recommended!


*Just like the band and it's actual songs, "Pay to get laid" features artwork that might not be suited for all of our readers. Parental guidance is suggested...

Free Metal Monday: The Buzzkills-"Leftover Pot" Single

Self-Release/Independent
2014

More Free Metal Monday love from Texas? Why not? First we had Dallas-Ft Worth blackened crust rockers Wildspeaker and now we have Fort Worth punk rockers The Buzzkills."Leftover Pot" is the band's latest single and you can download it and the band's full-length album, "Shoot Your Radio" for free by clicking on the band's highlighted name! Even more old-school in it's approach than this band's long list of influences would seem to suggest, "Leftover Pot" reminds me of stripped to the bare minimum Social Distortion as envisioned by a road-tested Less than Jake! And that's a good thing friends....
 

The Giggitys-Songs In the Key Of Awesome

Loserheart Records
2014

For as far-back as anyone can recall (we're talking about the swinging-seventies at the very least kids) Cleveland and Akron have been involved in a ménage à trois with punk rock. As a matter of fact my home-state the of Ohio as a whole can lay claim to such legendary artists as Devo, The Dead Boys, The Cramps, Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders, Rocket From The Tombs, Pere Ubu and electric eels. And that's just to touch upon a  few of the more recognized names to come riff rocking out of our ever-expanding scene! If you really want to see how deep down Ohio's punk rock roots go you should over to the following link (http://www.clepunk.com/bands.htm), but that's after we get done talking about punk rock's new darlings The Giggitys! Formed out of the blood and guts of legendary Akron, Ohio punk band The Nimrods, with Ric Nimrod himself handling vocals and guitars(!), this cleverly-titled band takes it's name from Family Guy character Glenn Quagmire's catch-phrase while their sound is old-school punk rock 101! Prior to this fun full-length album the band released a demo version of the pop-punk instant classic "Balls Deep In Love With You", but it's actually the Ramones-tinged "Not With You (Winter Moon)" that gleefully opens The Giggitys debut offering! But it's not just The Ramones that The Giggitys pay homage to on this ten-track album. Everyone from All to Zero Boys gets a subtle shout-out with "Songs In The Key Of Awesome" carrying on much of the same joyous racket as these top-tier punk bands once did! Fuzzed-out craziness is on full display with "Goodbye Cruel Girl" as is classic, mid-eighties melodic punk while "15 minutes" is the uglier side of yesteryear's crusty punk scene! Through-out the album the band effectively utilities background chants as easily as buzz-saw guitars with "Talk To The Hand" finding that sweet common ground between The Ramones and Sloppy Seconds! "Don't Think" is gnarly L.A. punk while "Take Control" has New York City written all over it! Craving punk that's a little snotty? How about taking "She's Gone" for a ride? This short and sweet number channels The Misfits just as easier as a few other songs here on "Songs In the Key Of Awesome" echo the likes of 7 Seconds and Fear! And speaking of snotty numbers do you remember that pop-punk instant classic "Balls Deep In Love With You" we were just chatting about? Yeah? Well here it is in it's glorious LP version and it's a total kick in the ass my friends! "Balls Deep In Love With You" (along with "Not With You (Winter Moon)" and this album's rabble-rousser closing number!) have all the hallmarks of classic scene of old all but transforming The Giggitys into tomorrows newest punk rock hero squad! What's more we find The Giggitys taking on the failed promises of yesterday as "Total D" is actually where a lot of us wish a certain "Dookie" band would have gone next (here's a hint, it's got grit and integrity unlike the modern day spank fest that is Green Day!). All of which brings us to this album's real deal of a closer and my new favorite love song, "It's Not Me, It's You". I can think of a few "special" ladies from my past who could benefit from this song's timeless message, but that's another story for another night friends! With it's splendid mixture of all things classic punk and modern day pop punk "Songs In the Key Of Awesome" is as good as it gets kids! Hear it right here ladies and gents: http://thegiggitys.bandcamp.com/album/songs-in-the-key-of-awesome

Luicidal-Luicidal

1-800 Prime CD
2014

Luicidal is a punk rock band from Venice, California that was formed in 2012 by ex-Suicidal Tendencies' bassist, Louiche Mayorga.  Prior to releasing their self-tiled, 12-track debut-album here the group (which also features former Suicidal Tendencies' drummer RJ Herrera) apparently spent it's time playing songs from Suicidal Tendencies' first three studio albums ("Suicidal Tendencies", "Join the Army" and "How Will I Laugh Tomorrow When I Can't Even Smile Today"). Lest you think the cleverly-titled Luicidal is simply Suicidal Tendencies version 2.0 let's clear the air out of that bubble. This is old-school (as in early eighties friends) punk rock first and foremost and other than let's say "Live For Today" and "Least to Succeed" this particular disc doesn't sound at all like Suicidal Tendencies. And no, that is not a bad thing. Not in the least. Sure, it is more than a little  surprising considering all of the former Suicidal Tendencies members that play of "Luicidal". In addition to Mayorga and Herrera you've got Rocky George (coolness!), Amery Smith and Grant Estes. Naturally One would think that an album featuring all of these one-time Suicidal Tendencies members would have a similar flow. But no. Instead we are treated (and I mean treated!) to great punk rock and that starts the very moment that "Westside Familia" kicks in! This frenzied slab of California punk clocks in at under two minutes, but man alive is it ever a banger! The previously mentioned "Live For Today" comes out to bat next followed by the band's punk rock cover of "Kumbaya"! The first of two covers of this track on this one album(!), "Kumbaya" might seem like a odd cover choice, but in hands of Luicidal it actually works rather well! From there it's a mash-up of slow crushers like "Changed World" (featuring Dale Henderson of Beowülf on vocals and guitar!), "Knife Fight" and "Least to Succeed" and fast thrashers like "Green Light" and "Killing Skating Machine". Besides featuring former members of Suicidal Tendencies and the aforementioned Dale Henderson, "Luicidal" is blessed by appearances from the likes of Keven Guercio (No Mercy), Mando Ochoa (Sick Sense) and the one and only HR of Bad Brains fame! It's actually the second version of "Kumbaya" where we find HR doing his thing and this cool reggae/hip-hop fusion piece closes out "Luicidal" on a high note! While hard copies of this album will not be released until mid-October you can download it right now off of iTunes and Amazon. "Luicidal" is a great first-step for bassist Louiche Mayorga and his band-mates and for fans of Venice Beach punk rock or old-school punk in general this one is a real no-brainer!


https://www.facebook.com/LuicidalOffical

Chrome-Feel It Like A Scientist

King of Spades Records
2014

Forgive me father for I have sinned. I've gone and sold my soul to Chrome. Not that I had much choice. All it took was one play of the group's long-overdo new album (long-overdo as in over 12 years since the release of "Angels in the Clouds"!) and I was done for! One play. Just one play. That's the power of  "Feel It Like A Scientist" though and for Chrome (a band which started out in 1975 as solo project of musician Damon Edge) this soon to be released new album marks a glorious return for this San Francisco-based experimental rock band! Produced by guitarist, vocalist (and since drummer/vocalist Damon Edge's untimely passing in August of 1995) and bandleader Helios Creed "Feel It Like A Scientist" is as close to greatness as one can come! Or at least as close as Chrome can come to the brilliance of albums like 1977’s "Alien Soundtracks" and 1979’s "Half Machine Lip Moves" (both of which come HIGHLY recommend!). For the uninitiated Chrome were early pioneers of what's come to be known as industrial rock. At the time of it's formation Chrome (or if you will founder Damon Edge) took inspiration from a variety of different sources. On one hand Edge drew from sound art experimentation (with the works of Jon Cage and Allan Kaprow apparently serving as source material) while he was also inspired by the proto-punk sound of The Stooges! Over time and over the course of several albums (as well as the result of vocalist/heavy rock guitarist Helios Creed joining the group in 1976) this experimental rock band fine-tuned their sound until finally excelling at their sport! With the unique convergence of punk rock, psychedelic rock, heavy rock and industrial rock Chrome became the band that stands before mankind now. Original in every sense of the word, both lyrically and in over-stylized execution of their oft-abrasive and avant garde take on punk, this experimental rock band can admittedly be an acquired taste. That should be understood before any hipsters come along and try to claim Chrome as the latest and greatest "thing". Not that Chrome deserves anything less than world-wide status and acclaim. It's more to do with Chrome's long-standing appeal to those who live life on the outside. For as long as there have been tape-traders Chrome's music has appeared on the underground scene and even as a younger man approaching the end of his teenage years I remember this uniquely experimental rock band finding it's way into many homemade mix tapes. I have a girlfriend of old to thank for turning me onto this punk-favorite act (amongst other "experimental" things not to be discussed at this time and place!) and to this day I regret having disposed of not only those mix-tapes, but basket-fulls of others (and yes, it is a BIG regret as there was a lot of underground punk/hardcore, pop punk, goth and industrial rock that I parted with). Still, "Feel It Like A Scientist" has all the appeal of those tape-trading days while finding Creed and company (vocalist Anne Dromeda, guitarist Keith Thompson, bassists Lux Vibratus and Steve Fishman, synthist Tommy Grenas and drummer Aleph Omega) moving onward and upward with style and class! "Feel It Like A Scientist" is a great return for Chrome and one that should make the late great Damon Edge smile where he might be! As a final note these tracks should be heard as a whole even if there are numerous occasions through-out "Feel It Like A Scientist" that almost feel like singles. Collectively these numbers paint a bigger picture and for Chrome this is a sign that the band doesn't need modern society so much as modern society is in desperate need of Chrome!

Straightline- Alteration of the Rules

Self-Release/Independent
2014

Confession time. Sometimes I'm a moron. OK, there are lots of times when I come across as a moron. You got me there. But in this case we're talking about Munich-based Straightline. There I was last week having typed up a review of their last album "Final Redemption". The key word there is last. I could blame it on having both digital recordings come in one e-mail package, but no, this one is all on me! Somehow I skipped right over this EP and downloaded the group's 2013 album to review. What's worse is I actually had this EP in my music collection already! After the fact, thinking to myself that the band's name was familiar, I checked through my whole collection. Lo and beyond I looked through my iTunes catalog and there it was. Then I went back and looked at "Final Redemption" again. How it is that I missed the whole 2013 bit about "Final Redemption" I'll never understand. I mean other than the whole bit about being a moron! So anyway, I scrapped that review and decided to just come back to this EP after a "cooling off" period! Having heard this EP then MORE than a FEW TIMES already I can say that I definitely enjoyed it enough to snag it and bag it at some point in time. My problem is there is simply TOO MUCH good music out there to remember it all! Whether we are talking about heavy metal, thrash or in this case punk there always seems to be cool new bands on the scene that push my memory of other bands out of the way. Not that Straightline is new mind you. Forming under the name of Softcore back in the late nineties the group recorded a demo in 99 and a demo EP in 2000. After everyone but Bart (Guitars of Steel and Voices from Hell!) bailed out of the project Straightline was born with the full-length debut album "No Way Out" appearing in 2005. In and out members went and now (with bassist Herzna, drummer Randy and a second guitarist named Enrice on board) we find ourselves back to the original reason for all of my rambling: "Alteration of the Rules". Remember when I said that Straightline were punk? Well, yes and no. It's true that the band is rooted in punk rock ideology. Turn on "Alteration of the Rules" and the first thing you're likely to notice is the classic punk rock lines. Of course I'm loving that and it made me remember why I dug this 4-track EP the first time around. It's snarly and a bit snotty and has that whole early eighties punk rock vibe going for it. But wait for it as there is so much more! What's that you hear? Late eighties/early nineties crossover? GBH-style punk metal? Napalm Death influences? Yes to all of the above my friends! Straightline might start off sounding very much like a familiar and fun punk rock four-piece, but by the time you hear the blast-beat of "Blistering Attack" come from out of nowhere you'll have realized how much ground Straightline covers! Fast melodic punk rock/hardcore turns into speed metal-tinged anarchy and it sounds so righteous that you can't help but want to go back and revisit it all over again! Please don't let me lack of consistent brain power keep you from checking this group out. Between 27 years of headbanging, the onset of "old man syndrome" and all of the various meds I take for my health my mental capacities just aren't what they used to be LOL! That the maker then that when it comes to good music there is consistency to be found with bands like Straightline! Find out more about these German rockers at their Facebook page below. Meanwhile you can hear this EP for yourself right here:
http://straightline.bandcamp.com/album/alteration-of-the-rules

https://www.facebook.com/straightlinemunich

Free Metal Monday: Boripunk Asso-Sampler #6 (May - Aug 2014)

For those interested in punk rock in all of  it's various different forms (straight edge to pop punk to punk hardcore, etc.) Belgium punk label Boripunk Asso has recently released "Sampler #6" (the sixth, duh, sampler of punk bands from all of the world!). With 11 songs it's actually a fair bit shorter (in terms of contributions) then some of heir other samplers, but it is nonetheless a cool sampler and, you guessed it, it's free! Find it here: http://boripunkasso.bandcamp.com/album/boripunk-asso-sampler-6-may-aug-2014

Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico-No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes: An Oral History of the Legendary City Gardens

DiWulf Publishing
2014

Authored by Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico, "No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes: An Oral History of the Legendary City Gardens" is a (recently-released) book covering the history of New Jersey's unheralded music venue, City Gardens. As someone though who has amassed quite the collection of post-punk and alternative rock encyclopedias, history books, reference sources and even pocket companions, and (incidental) someone who actually lived through the time period this covers (eighties to nineties), I will say that whether or not you were at all familiar with the (should have been legendary!) City Gardens is of little to no concern when it comes to this exhaustive novel. For "No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes" makes you see City Gardens as if it could have been any club in any city. Or rather your favorite club in your local town! And even if it wasn't your club, authors Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico make you feel as if you are right there, right in the heart of the action as they have crafted a work of art in regards to an era that many of us will always hold firm to and consider to be the defining moment in the history of punk, hardcore and heavy metal! Working your way through the pages of this book you find yourself transported back to a time when music was exploding and the scene, both national and local, held endless possibilities and there was always some new sound to discover! As far as actual coverage of this well-loved and highly-respected club is concerned the book is broken down into different time periods even if the sentiment is all the same! Through interviews with a who's who of the alternative rock, punk rock and hardcore scene (as well as club workers and club goers!) we're given insight into a live venue which hosted some absolutely amazing talent during it's run! And yes it wasn't just about post-punk rockers and slam-dancing hardcore kids as this was a club which never discriminated (music-wise). Whether it was the punk and hardcore scene, heavy metal or hip-hop, pop-rock or reggae it was all fair game and treated equally! And in the confines of this book it's all entertainment as you read about a club which would go on to become the life-blood of New Jersey. No spoilers of course, as this one should be read in the comfort of one's own home (suggestively-speaking) with a glass of wine for maximum enjoyment, but the huge array of interviews (from the Butthole Surfers to Black Flag) and personal memories from shows (everyone from the Lords Of The New Church to the Circle Jerks played there and man alive, what I wouldn't have given to have seen both!) is just crazy making "No Slam Dancing, No Stage Diving, No Spikes: An Oral History of the Legendary City Gardens" another book that I will be adding to my personal collection  as soon as humanly possibly! This is one book which deserves special mention and should hold a special spot in any self-respecting collection of music-related material. With that I say kudos to Amy Yates Wuelfing and Steven DiLodovico for what amounts to a well-researched and highly-informative book and one which I have no reservations whatsoever about recommending!

Turbo Lovers-Hopelessly Addicted

Cracked Piston Recordings
2013

Let me see if I've got this straight. We've got a Youngstown, Ohio band that's named after a Judas Priest track, plays like Danko Jones-lead punk rock and roll version of AC/DC and is signed to a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania record label? Is that what you're telling me? Yes? OK, works for me! With B.J. Lisko on guitar/vocals this Youngstown-based trio is rounded out by bassist Keith Colclough and drummer Christian DeSantis. "Hopelessly Addicted" is the latest release from a band that has been going at it for like 10 years now and has played with the likes of Electric Frankenstein, Whiskey Daredevils, Cadaver Dogs, Foxy Shazam, Kevin DuBrow (which is interesting as Quiet Riot is one of the group's on the band's diverse list of influences!), Boss Mustangs,The Hookers, The Cheats and The Queers! But the highlight for this Ohio rock and roll band would have to be the fact that the group has already made two separate appearances on Classic Rock Magazine compilations with their latest appearance being is the December 2013! Not too shabby right? The band's latest appearance is in a issue that is dedicated to the almighty AC/DC (imagine that kiddos) and finds the band sharing their awesome cut "Typhoon Killer" with the whole world! Talk about representing our scene and all!  That track, along with eight other cool cuts, can be found on the 30 minutes or so long "Hopelessly Addicted"  and is perfectly suited for those of us who just want to keep on rocking and rolling no matter how old or grey we get! Now, Besides AC/DC (who are reference all over this great album!) Turbo lovers have paid tribute to Zodiac Mindwarp and the Love Reaction as well as (at least live in one form or another) Huey Lewis! That is weirdly wonderful! But, back to this album or rather more of what makes Turbo Lover so unique. Besides AC/DC, Danko Jones and apparently Quiet Riot (!) the band lists the likes of Supersuckers, Iron Maiden, Blaze Bayley, The Unband, Krokus, Kiss, Wolfsbane, Gaza Strippers, Backyard Babies, Electric Frankenstein, Hanoi Rocks, Zeke, Speedealer, Hookers, Raven, Ratt, Danzig, Butch Walker, Motley Crue, Jackyl, Guns 'N' Roses, Metallica, The Dragons, Gluecifer, New Bomb Turks, Streetwalkin' Cheetahs, Bible of the Devil and White Wizzard as influences. That's more then a mouthful and a hell of a lot to wade through I realize. Check it though as this 9-track ripper is mostly preaching out a rock and roll sermon that (besides AC/DC and Danko Jones) rings the bells of hell for acts like the Dead Boys, Ramones, Green Day and Motörhead. Turbo Lovers' frontman B.J. Lisko is a little punk rock and a whole lot garage rocker and his band-mates Christian DeSantis and Keith Colclough help roll out the welcome mat for those people who are "Looking for nothing but a good time"! And a good time is what you will find of this 9-track release that is way too much fun to keep all to myself. As this is a "local" act for yours truly my next priority will be to see these three rockers live and in person! To that end I'll be looking to like their Facebook page while you all (wow, sounding kinda country there!) can find this one on iTunes and other sites that cater to digital downloads!

Wet Nuns-Wet Nuns

Throng Of Nobs
2013

Here I am writing a review for an album that I just discovered from a band that has already called it quits. What's up with that I ask? "Sittin' on a boat, eatin' some oat, makin' a coat outta dead coyote". Those are the words that are plastered on this group's Facebook page as far as a biography goes. Alright...well, I guess that's fair enough in the grand scheme of things. I mean who am I to complain right? Then again, what exactly are we to make of this band when they lists their interests as "Women, booze, death. Enya"? The first two I can get behind and maybe I'll even level a bit of understanding for the third part there, "death". But Enya? Even I have to draw the line there. I mean sure, I've got some Enya buried deep down in my iTunes play-list, but that's a secret that no one is supposed to know about. So mums the word. Alright? Thanks. Anyway, in spite of the little bit of info we have about Wet Nuns, whose name does sound like a bad seventies porno, let's just roll on. The easiest way to describe this one would be punk blues. That's right, punk blues. Take the underbelly of blues and the attitude and anger of punk rock (and it's "three cords and the truth" outlook) and shake it up and down in a bag filled with the dirty syringes, cheap-ass beer and the rotting remains of various sewer "critters" and you've got this self-titled album just about all figured out. Sometimes it's sloppy and sometimes it's right on. It's every bit as ugly as you can imagine it would be and yet it still strikes the right cords far more often then it reasonably should have the ability to do. And even if it gets a little too far ahead of itself and threatens to descend into a bath salt-induced, "I'm gonna eat your face off sucker!", psychotic breakdown it does have it's charms. Buyer beware as always though....  

Räjäyttäjät-Awopbopaloopop Alopbam RÄJÄ!

Ektro
2013

 

Räjäyttäjät, which supposedly means "Detonators", are a 3-piece rock 'n roll/punk rock n' roll outfit from Jytäskylä, Finland. Formed at the start of 2011, with their early releases ("Räjä & Roll All Night Long" and "Jytä Menot Päälläwere") being issued on cassettes, the band features in their ranks Rapa (lead vocals, guitar), Sisse (bass, vocals) and Muuni (drums, vocals). Somewhere between Iggy Pop and The Stooges, The Ramones, The Monkees, Die Toten Hosen and MC5 is where I envision this group falling, but the band is also said to be influenced by a couple of  80's northern rock bands (Radiopuhelimet and Jolly Jumpers) as well as a Finnish form of rock from the '70s called Jytä. With those last couple of influences I'll just have to take their word for it as my knowledge of classic Finnish rock and roll is a wee bit limited. For the record the promo also lists such bands as Sleepy Sleepers, Popeda and The Hurriganes (all of which apparently play Jytä) along with the likes of Faust, Dr. Feelgood, ZZ Top and "the odd surprise attack of The Fall". OK. Again, that's probably all fine and dandy, but to these ears it's some old-school punk and a toke or two of classic rock and roll that keeps these three going on the right track. To makes things simple on everyone involved though let's just say that 3-piece act, who the Finnish music press apparently believe could be the saviors of rock 'n' roll (OK), plays garage-like rock n' roll or, as they call it in Finalnd, "Räjä 'n' roll". Yes, it's doubtful that any of that simplifies what lies at the core of Räjäyttäjät, but when it comes right down to it aren't bands like this playing a universal tune anyway? Perhaps Billy Joel put it all in perspective the best when he sang (in regards to all the different nuances that make up what we call rock music) "It's still rock and roll to me". Even if it's not so easy for someone like me to follow along with lyric-wise (as it rocks out to a different native tongue) it's still easy as all get out to embrace a band like this if for no other reason then their high-energy style. These three really get into the swing of things and you can tell their having some serious fun tearing things up track by track. If punk rock and roll is your bag or even if you just enjoy 60's laced garage rock then chances are you'll dig what these three are laying down.

www.rajayttajat.net

www.ektrorecords.com

Doll-The Rag Doll Diaries

Cargo Records
2013

Formed in 2005, and not to be confused with the old London punk rock/new wave band named "The Doll", Ottawa-based Doll are a female-fronted alternative rock and roll band. This 11-track album, which originally saw the light of day back in late November of 2011, was meet with critical and commercial praise with units moving at a steady pace in not only their native country, but here in the U.S. as well. This was no doubt a result of Doll spending 2012 on the road. With several tours having taken place across Canada and then numerous appearances being made at such festivals as Ottawa Bluesfest, IndieWeek Canada, NXNE, and D-Tox Rockfest it was almost inevitable that Doll would become a break-out group. The band even managed to bring their own blend of punk-fueled heavy rock and roll to America which translated into even more copies being sold of this particular album. With reviews popping up in magazines such as Revolver and Outburn, and again with all the road shows that Doll had put on, new fans from across the globe eagerly went looking to buy the album. Sticker shock set in though when people went to pick up what was then an import-only recording. Thanks to Cargo Records "The Rag Doll Diaries" will now be released in the UK meaning no more ridiculous import prices for those seeking out this 4-piece act's sophomore album.

Recorded by Jason Jaknunas and mastered by David Cain, which has given the group the perfect canvas on which they were able to paint this work of art, the group's latest recording is the perfect follow-up to Doll's 2009 award-nominated debut album, "Inside The Dollhouse". Fronted by Christina Kasper, who also handles some of the guitar work, this Canadian act manages to carve out their own niche even as they draw from a host of different bands and artists. Taking center stage among those influences is a list of who's who from the heyday of alternative rock/power pop (The Breeders, Bikini Kill, Sonic Youth, Material Issue) and punk rock/grunge (L7, Veruca Salt, Babes In Toyland, 7Year Bitch, The Gits, Hole, Fastbacks) although one should be quick to point out that in Doll's capable hands the material in question rocks it's own pathway to greatness! With 3 separate guests handling bass duties (Alex Vance reportedly plays bass for the band in a live setting) the remaining band members Peter Kasper (guitars) and Nick Richer (drums) help complete this every man, back alley, rock-steady outfit. Listening to this album is like visiting with an old friend. As you sit there in conversation, and you revel in the warm feeling of beers having been tossed back over the course of the evening, it's with a feeling of openness that everything gets laid upon the table in front of you. Doll tackles it all in good spirits even when the topic at hand is one of frustration or even anger. Lead singer Christina Kasper doesn't hold back on her emotions as the group (highlighted by the gripping solos of Peter Kasper)  tangles itself in a beautiful arranged net of punk rock, alternative rock, heavy metal and grunge. There's few bands that can pull off this style of street-level rock and roll anymore without sounding terribly out of fashion and out of date. The danger in looking back for your rock instead of looking forward is that the music can often sound hollow and uninspired. Doll never seems to fall into that trap as their music is intensely personal and honest in the most raw way possible. "The Rag Doll Diaries" is the story of a road weary/world weary band with so much to say and share. Its the combination on heartache and despair offered with a hand meant for holding. In other words here is real music for the real world.

http://doll.bandcamp.com/music

TELEVISION60'S - CELEBR-HATE

Street Symphonies Records/Andromeda Dischi
2012

Straight-up this release is close to a year old. Just in case you wanted to get it a little present or something. What to get it? Well, this Italian 4-piece seems to enjoy the finer things in life like sex, alcohol and rock n' roll (not necessarily in that order!) and they're all about having fun. That translates to a debut-album with 8 tracks of hard & heavy rock that's more punk then anything. As the band cuts a path across the highways and byways, dive bars and seedy clubs, it's acts like The New York Dolls, Hanoi Rocks and Lords Of The New Church that spring to mind. I'm willing to admit that the last one there (featuring the late great Stiv Bators) might just be popping in my head because of the fact that I had been listening to them previous to this review. Still, there is no denying that they same life blood found in bands like those three mentioned runs it's course straight to the hearts of modern acts like this bunch. Of course comparisons/influences have been made/attributed to the likes of more modern acts like The Hellacopters and Backyard Babies. It's there of course, but again these 4, lead by  vocalist/bassist Mikki, march along to the beat of their own drummer (which, in this case at least, is member Cioxxx) while the guitarists here, Frizz and Mark, rip shit up with squealing ax's going all kinds of crazy. It all makes for a bona fide rock and roll circus where the animals run the show!

Splatters-Fear Of The Park

Atomic Stuff
2012

Forgive the late date at which this one is getting reviewed. The thing is "Fear Of The Park" was released W-A-Y back in late-March of 2012. Yeah, this ones a little past due and no, scout's honor (even if I was never in the Boy Scouts!), it has nothing to do with the scary clown face that adorns this album! My Coulrophobia aside I've just been way too busy to keep track of every promo that pops up in my virtual or physical mailbox! All that aside, here we have a 4-piece act whose band members have names like Alex Damned, Mr. Sprinkler and Paul Destroyer! That's the backing crew though as our lead singer/other guitarist (Alex Damned handles the lead guitars here) goes by Drow and yes, we do find ourselves with song titles like "Welcome To Zombieland" and "Why Do They Always Die In This Way?". Even before I slid this one into my car's CD player I would have guessed we would be looking at some sort of Gwar/Lordi/Green Jelly act. Color me surprised then when old-school punk can rattling out of the speakers! No, not Misfits style either which would have been my guess as well, but punk rock that is more in tune with the likes of Stiff Little Fingers, The Avengers, Sex Pistols, Dead Boys and Peter and the Test Tube Babies. Maybe it's not remarkable punk rock in any shape or fashion, but it's punk rock non-the-less. As it appealed to not only these ears, but my teenage son's ears as well (while he likes classic stuff like The Beatles he also likes a lot of Top 40 stuff as well) this 11-track album had more to offer then previously expected. Again, it might be fairly typical punk (if there really is such a thing?), but it has it's own charm  about it so why not?