First and foremost, Happy New Year to everyone! I hope 2013 is
shaping up to be a good year for all of you! 2012 was a pretty eventful
year over here at GMHQ, but in all honesty I'm glad to be done with it.
Still, thank you ALL for your continued support as I probably wouldn't
have survived last year without you all!
This year is shaping up to be the busiest one the label has seen yet,
and I couldn't be more excited. I'm not going to go into detail in this
update, but next Wednesday I'm going to send out a long overdue update
covering ALL of the killer new releases GRAVE MISTAKE has planned for
2013 so far!
This update, we'll keep it strictly to the new webstore titles (which is
good because there are a lot of them!). However before I forget, I'm
not sure how many of you have heard but there are going to be some
pretty drastic US Postal Service rate increases at the end of the month!
From what I've read, these will have the biggest impact on
international customers. It might also mean I might have to raise prices
a little on imports in the webstore that I get from trading, but I'll
try and find a way to keep everything as affordable as possible!
Anyways, enough bad news, here is some GOOD news ... what's new in the webstore for this week!!!
http://www.gravemistakerecords.com/catalog/
WHAT'S NEW FOR 1/11/2013:
http://www.gravemistakerecords.com/catalog/products_new.php
First update of the year and I'm stoked because it's a pretty good one.
First off, I'm thrilled to have some new releases from a couple of Grave
Mistake bands! We've got the brand spankin' new BIG EYES / MEAN JEANS
split 7" on Dirtnap, and the semi-new COKE BUST / VACCINE 7" on
Refuse!! The debut single from CA's CATHOLIC SPIT is definitely highly
recommended, as well as the newest single from Spain's BELGRADO (be sure
to check out their LP too!). I also grabbed the newest 7"s from
RATIONAL ANIMALS, INSERVIBLES, ALTERED BOYS, RECIDE, FRACASO, KURRAKA
(restocked on their demo as well), HASSLER, and MORE! I also picked up a
few reissues (some legit, some uh, "not so" legit) - FINALLY was able
to get my hands on some copies of the reissue of the classic CRUDE SS 7"
(the batch I ordered when this record was first repressed never made it
over here); a sweet new 7" with some unearthed tracks from early 80's
VA band GOD'S WILL; plus some other killer reissued singles from LSD,
VICTIMS, LOOSE PRICK, MOSKAWA, and GO!
On the LP front, the new LP from LA URSS is pretty rad, that one has
been getting some heavy plays here at GMHQ; grabbed a few copies of the
US pressing of the SYNTHETIC ID LP (the Euro version I stocked up on
last month went FAST); the Sing Sing label has delivered a few more
quality reissues - LP reissues from COLOURED BALLS, SLEAZE, and McELROY
BROS; a handful of new LPs from SPHC including the new LOTUS FUCKER LP,
new WANKYS LP, and MERDA LP; finally picked up that newest TRAGEDY LP
which is a fuckin' crusher; and grabbed some sweet imports from Sweden's
Skrammel Records including LPs from RAS, MAKABERT FYND,
SEXPISTOLSTANTEN OCH MOCKFJARDSVAPNET, and a pretty rad reissue from
MISSBRUKARNA!
On the tape front, I have a couple copies left of the BLOODKROW BUTCHER /
GASMASK TERROR split tape; demos from METH LAB, NO MISTAKE (ex-GO!),
RATAS RABIOSAS, DISTEMPER, a pretty interesting tape release from
VULTURES UNITED, and a few copies of the GREATEST CITY IN THE WORLD tape
zine! I also grabbed some nice reading material, including the latest
MAXIMUMROCKNROLL issue, the newest issue of long running UK zine SUSPECT
DEVICE (featuring interviews w/ GM bands BLOODY GEARS and VIOLENT
ARREST!), and an awesome new zine from right here in VA, LIMITED
CONTRITION. And if you like nice funny drawings to go along with your
words, you're in luck because I have the newest book from the one and
only BRIAN WALSBY!!!!
That's all for now, thanks for reading and expect a FULL label update
from me next week! 2013 is going to be the best year this label has seen
even if it KILLS me!!!
Alex / GRAVE MISTAKE RECORDS
SITE:
www.gravemistakerecords.com
STORE:
www.gravemistakerecords.com/catalog
BANDCAMP:
gravemistakerecords.bandcamp.com
FACEBOOK:
www.facebook.com/gravemistakerecords
TWITTER:
www.twitter.com/gravemistakerex
NEW IN THE WEBSTORE FOR 1/11/2013:
BIG EYES / MEAN JEANS - SPLIT 7" (DIRTNAP)
Fresh off a joint West Coast tour, two of our favorite bands proceed to
team up for a split 7". We probably should have put this out BEFORE the
tour, but whatever! One new original song from each band, plus they each
cover a song from the other band as well. We're psyched to finally be
releasing something from Big Eyes, and we've released many things from
Mean Jeans, with more on the way in 2013! If I know both of these bands,
look for much touring in the near future! All copies come with download
coupon.
COKE BUST / VACCINE - SPLIT 7" (REFUSE)
One of the most important release on Refuse in 2012 and also one of the
most anticipated split release of the year. This is just killer
combination of both incredible bands and there's no way that you'll be
left dissapointed after listening this 9 loud assaults. This is
ultra-fast ultra-raging straight-edge hardcore coming from Washington DC
and Massachusets. Mindblowing and devastating. This is second release
of COKE BUST on Refuse after incredible "Degradation" 7". This way the
band broke their their policy of working out with different label with
every release and so we're stoked and proud!. Super tight, unstoppable
machine influenced by Heresy, Ripcord, early DRI and Infest. VACCINE is
known from their three eps and this plain sonic, raw, noisy
uncompromising attack. Members were in the bands like ORCHID, AMPERE,
THINK I CARE, RELICS or involved in other things since over decade.
BELGRADO "VICIOUS CIRCLE" 7" (LA VIDA ES UN MUS)
BELGRADO are back following an immense debut album from 2011. Based in
Barcelona and with members from Venezuela, Poland and Spain BELGRADO
have been turning heads for those listening to contemporary anarcho DIY
post punk. This two track single, released on time for their Canada and
USA tour is a sample of what is to come on their second full length, to
be recorded as soon as they return from tour. Sonically more dynamic
than previous recordings the two tracks of this single sound extremely
busy yet solid on the rhythm section with their trademark echoplex
filled guitar riffs and distant female voice. Bringing to mind SKELETAL
FAMILY, BRIGANDAGE or BLOOD AND ROSES. Running between goth and post
punk while keeping a foot firmly in the DIY anarchist scene. IMPORT!
INSERVIBLES "UNA VIDA DE TRISTEZA" 7" (SPHC)
Inservibles is probably coolest, most relevant Mexican band of the past
10-20 years. Hyper negative/realistic attitude with a well-informed and
loose sound that brings to mind United Mutation, or Cheetah Chrome
Motherfuckers, or garage, or Terveet Kadet with longer songs, recorded
via 4-track with access to a delay pedal. Everybody always says
"deranged", "weird", "disturbed", "menacing", yeah probably, it always
helps to have something to be pissed about. But one should also note
their keen abilities as songwriters, to write powerful and memorable
hardcore songs that never stray inappropriately into rock or metal or
speed. Just straight-forward mastery of all the things we love about
'hardcore punk'.
RATIONAL ANIMALS "CROSS EYED DELIGHTS" 7" (KATORGA WORKS)
The Bad Boys of Katorga Works, Rational Animals, follow up their 2011 LP
and a 2012 7" single on Cowabunga with the Cross Eyed Delights b/w Way
After Midnight 7", their last release as a band. This 7" signals a new
direction for the band, one that was made clear by their aforementioned
Bock Rock Parade LP. In hindsight, that LP exists in a clear
transitional state between the late-era Black Flag worship of their
first two 7"s and their new sound on these 7" singles, which is more
informed by the 90s underground than Greg Ginn's loneliness. "Cross
Eyed Delights" ranks as both Rational Animals' most beautiful moment and
their crowning achievement-to-date. "Way After Midnight" compliments
its flipside perfectly, acting as a lurching, creeping, classically
bluesy stroll through late night longing. A perfect single, a perfect
way to go out.
ALTERED BOYS "S/T" 7" (KATORGA WORKS)
Originating from Newbridge, NJ, Altered Boys plays a supreme brand of
hardcore that's heavily-inspired by fast, early 2000s NJHC that has
helped rejuvenate a once (temporarily) stagnant scene into something
that is once more interesting and vital. This EP, their vinyl debut,
builds upon the sound of their demo and their appearance on the
legendary Omegas' Joy Boy, Vol. 3 comp with superior recording quality
and songwriting.
RECIDE "STATUES" 7" (EVEN WORSE)
A stellar young hardcore band from Austin, TX featuring ex members of
CREAMERS. Even Worse says Recide are "A new band kicking the jams 80's
style. get this or die unhappy!"
FRACASO "S/T" 7" (SELF RELEASED)
"Fracaso is a band from Caracas, Venezuela. Fracaso play a dirty, raw,
and frustrated style of hardcore and anarcho style punk. Musically, the
band employs pummeling/stripped down riffs, d-beat style drumming, and
raw/reverb soaked vocals. As far as influences are concerned I pick up
hints of Infest, Poison Idea, and Cervix within the band's sound. Great
primitive sounding music to say the least. Overall, Fracaso have brought
the goods with their demo. Great stuff. Enjoy!" -
elementaryrevolt.blogspot.com
CATHOLIC SPIT "I'M YOUR GOD NOW" 7" (BAD TOUCH)
"Whoa, This is really cool Goth/Death Punk, Kind of like 45 Grave’s and
T.S.O.L’s Long forgotten Grandbaby, A healthy dose of tempo changes,
Female vocals, Synth‘s, Its dark, If it didn’t come with a digital
download I would have had to have bought another one already!! Highly
recommended!!!"
VIIMEINEN KOLONNA "TOTUUDEN KITKERA SIEMEN" 7" (HAVOC)
Latest relase from this long running Finnish hardcore band. Gritty
hardcore that draws on the early 80's Finnish hardcore legacy mixing in a
bit of the bombastic Japanese hardcore influence.
WARCHILD "BLEAK REALITY" 7" (SIGNALER FRAN OVAN)
Marcus of Regulations, Tristess etc. turns his talents to d beat and
creates a Swedish raw punk feast on this 7". Hard hitting
Discharge/Cimex style hardcore.
KURRAKÄ "HERMANAS DE LA OSCURIDAD" 7" (TODO DESTRUIDO)
After a great demo, KURRAKÄ is back with a debut 7". If you have not
heard them yet, KURRAKÄ is an all female, dark, raw punk band from
Austin, TX. With influence ranging from obscure European punk to South
American HC, Kurraka still manage to keep it fresh and original. On this
release you get 2 darker/melodic songs and 2 fast HC/Punk songs. Expect
more catchy riffs/vocals and noisey guitars. 3 new songs and 1 off the
demo. Viva el ruido!
HAZARDOUS WASTE "DESTROY" 7" (SCHIZOPHRENIC)
Destroy is the second 7-inch’ from HAZARDOUS WASTE, who draw their
influence from traditional East and West Coast hardcore. A rabid blend
of Jerry’s Kids, Urban Waste, and Adolescents, while still maintaining
their own sound. Fast, angry, and snotty, this record features four
catchy songs, 100% bullshit free. Destroy, is a good follow up to their
first release, the Pay 7-inch, and shows further progression from their
songs featured on the Toronto’s Burning compilation LP.
HASSLER "S/T" 7" (SCHIZOPHRENIC)
Ripping fast, meat and potatoes hardcore debut EP from this new Toronto
outfit featuring members of Reprobates, Toxic Holocaust, Brutal Knights,
Career suicide and bad skin. Thrashing HC punk madness! Recorded by Jon
Drew.
SHORTS, THE "HANG EM, FLOG EM" 7" (SUSPECT DEVICE)
"I’ve seen this band a number of times in the past couple of years, so
it’s great to hear their songs being committed to vinyl. What’s to say
about The Shorts; they are 4 guys who have been playing in South-Coast
bands forever (and ever) but still have the anger and passion to get up
and play short/fast hardcore, and sing real loud about shit that bothers
them. The songs delivery and attitude is spot on, with an early Minor
Threat/7Seconds sound, fused by a politically minded message, that keeps
politicians, bankers and Bear Grylls firmly in the crosshairs, bang!
Clenched fists (bald heads) dodgy eyes… and still fighting 'til the old
ways are dead!" - ZONKED ZINE
ASH TO DUST "S/T" 7" (VIDEO DISEASE)
Very dark and striking HC from the depths of central California,
ASHtoDUST is a band that refuses to adhere to genre limitations. Taking
elements of dark punk and HC along the lines of Rudimentary Peni and
then pairing it with brooding and complex metallic riffs, the band
breathes new life into a stale HC scene by offering something different.
The songs on this record even have a bit of an early Neurosis or later
Black Flag feel at times because of the dark and depressing riffs. Truly
one of the more interesting HC records I have heard in the past few
years, it blends it's influences so well it's pretty hard to nail down
what exactly the band is going for, but it's very clear that they are
doing it very well. All copies come on colored vinyl.
GOD'S WILL "THIS IS GOD'S WILL" 7" (SIGNALER FRAN OVAN)
"Man, they don't make them like this anymore! Sweden's SFO Records has
unearthed the 1983 demo tape from Norfolk, VA's God's Will. If you
picked up the Front Line 7" reissue on Beach Impediment a while back,
God's Will is actually pretty much the same band with some of the people
shuffled around, and like Front Line they play straight up USHC,
'82-style. By the time they recorded this demo the band had matured just
a hair, writing slightly more complex riffs and changes, but really
this is akin to the transition from Darby Crash Rides Again to Pick Your
King... in other words, incremental. Anyway, if you dig vintage early
80s USHC from the south like Clitboys or Catatonics you're gonna flip
for this. A real keeper." -
sorrystaterecords.com
CRUDE SS "WHO'LL SURVIVE" 7" (VOLTAGE)
Official repress of this classic swedish Hardcore EP! Early 80’s saw
several bands emerging from here that were more or less drawing on
DISCHARGE, but mostly went even more hardcore. We’re talking about ANTI
CIMEX among the first, then also about AVSKUM, MOB 47, MODERAT
LIKVIDATION, DISARM and – of course – about CRUDE SOCIETY SYSTEM. Apart
from a demo and numerous compilation tracks Crude SS officially released
just one 7” EP. This appeared in 1983 on "Uproar Records" and has
become an undisputed classic of Swedish hardcore. It carries six
blasting tracks of unique, aggressive and furious hardcore punk thrash
with clear roots in DISCHARGE, GBH and UK punk in genreral, but also
with obvious influence of Californian CRUCIFIX etc. Raw sound,
elaborated yet still straight-forward riffs completed with angry English
lyrics against arms race, capitalism, animal abuse or destruction of
nature. If you’re wondering where did such bands like MASSKONTROLL or
FRAMTID get inspiration from, you should listen to this EP. Coming out
after 28 years as a band-authorised official reissue, its whole layout
sticks as close as possible to the original issue, including such
details as runout groove engravings or typing errors on labels.
LOOSE PRICK "MUA POTKITAAN PAAHAN" 7" (SVART)
1979 Finnish punk, limited re issue on Svart records. Some might
recognize this band from the Bloodstains Across Finland comp. Leans a
bit more to the melodic and catchy UK influence than the raw and snotty
end of late 70's punk.
VICTIMS, THE "TELEVISION ADDICT" 7" (FANCLUB)
Without question, the Victims debut 45 is one of the 5 best Australian
punk singles ever recorded, not to mention one of the greatest punk
singles ever. Originally self-released in 1977 in a highly limited
edition, "Television Addict" is an absolute classic. Snotty garage punk
at it's finest with perhaps the first ever hardcore track "(I'm) Flipped
Out Over You" (predating the BAD BRAINS, BLACK FLAG, & MIDDLE CLASS
by a few years) on the flip side. It's Even 35 years after it was
released, it still stands up as one of the best examples of Australian
punk rock. This single is right up there with the SAINTS' "(I'm)
Stranded" or anything that Radio Birdman ever did. The cult status of
these Perth punks continues to grow enormously as original copies of the
“Television Addict” 45 have sold for between $750-$2000 recently. This
limited reissue features excellent sound quality with an accurate
reproduction of the original printed labels. The original cover art is
reproduced on a cardstock sleeve. This comes pressed on colored vinyl in
a limited edition of 375 copies. Australian import.
LSD "DESTROY" 7" (FANCLUB)
Originally released in 1984, this 7” EP is LSD’s first release and is a
prime example of Japanese hardcore at it’s finest. The original pressing
of this EP was only available as a limited flexi 7” and has been a
highly coveted favorite of many Japanese hardcore fans and collectors
for decades, regularly selling for more than $100+. This 5 track EP is
highly respected for it’s distorted and extreme edge, comparable to such
Japanese hardcore legends as GISM, LIP CREAM, & DEATH SIDE. This
classic 7” EP is packaged in a high quality printed glued sleeve that
faithfully reproduces the original stark black & white artwork. This
is the first time this record has been available as a hard vinyl EP
with it’s original artwork. Limited edition of 444 copies.
GO "YOUR POWER MEANS NOTHING" 7" (REFUSE)
GO! was a New York Hardcore band that existed from 1989 to1991. This is
their first 11 song single from 1990. Positive NYHC with Pro-Gay and
Lesbian, Feminist and anti-Sexism, anti-Racism and Violence as well as
Standard issue punk Lyrics... with No apologies, all delivered with a
keen sense of sarcasm and humor. Gorilla Biscuits, MDC, Negative
Approach are references of where this starts from, but was also a
signifier of the late 80's and early 90's NYHC scene. This Re-issue was
released by several European labels was limited to 500 copies.
TINNITUS "GEHENNA" 7" (TO LIVE A LIE)
Boston area powerviolence and hardcore has been on the upswing the last
few years. Tinnitus are involved in that surge of SPAZZ and DESPISE YOU
worshiping powerviolence that is tinged with the ever-present hardcore
that you could only find in the Boston area. This record is limited to
300 and isn't expected to last too long. All copies are on a random
color.
CURMUDGEON "S/T" 7" (TO LIVE A LIE)
The second EP from our flagship band cannot come with a high enough
recommendation. You get four more tracks of the riff-heavy,
message-heavy, all-around heavy powerviolence HC that made you love
"Human Ouroboros" on the A-side, and one of their most powerful,
churning, noise-drenched tunes yet on the B. This band has achieved a
musical, aesthetic and lyrical unity and continuity in such a short
period that I would not take my eye off them for a minute. With colored
vinyl and a screen-printed obi-strip
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST "DEMO" 7" (TO LIVE A LIE)
Blistering grindcore from DC. DxOxCx contains members from the ranks of
MAGRUDERGRIND, COKE BUST, JUICE TIME, and more. Better description
coming sometime. This is the repress, 500 on mixed color vinyl. Hand
screened green or black covers.
CHEST PAIN "S/T" 7" (TO LIVE A LIE)
Chest Pain is a fairly new hardcore/PV band out of Austin that shares
members with fellow Austin band, For Want Of. Chest Pain has a familiar
style, very similar to Iron Lung and Weekend Nachos, but they perform it
so well that it never becomes stale or boring. If you enjoy fast,
heavy, and pissed hardcore you will undoubtedly enjoy this.
MOSKWA "STUDIO 84" 7" (WARSAW PACT)
One of the most important Hardcore Punk bands from Poland and their best
and most raging recording ever! Four songs recorded with the original
line up. No doubt it's one of the most crucial recordings of Polish
Hardcore Punk from behind the Iron Curtain and grey hopeless reality. A
time when it was illegal and impossible for the bands to produce a DIY
record and dealing with censorship and constraint of the system was on a
daily basis. If this 7" had been released back in the day, it would now
be considered a classic 80s European Hardcore release in the same
league as Scandinavian, UK, Dutch or Italian Hardcore of this period.
Two of the songs from this session ("Stan i walcz" and "Anarchia") were
originally released on "Smelling just another bad breath" comp LP in
Germany (1986, Double A Records). Two others appear for the first time
on vinyl. These 1984 recordings were mastered from the original tapes
by Smok (Post Regiment) at As One Studio, Warsaw.
LA URSS "SONIDOS DE UN DERRUMBE" LP (TODO DESTRUIDO)
After the "Producto" Lp, La URSS released a 7" called "Mecanismo". On
this Ep I felt the band had grown and finally got a sound all of there
own so I was curious to what the new Lp would sound like. As soon as I
heard the new Lp it clicked immediatley. It was better than anything
they had done before and even catchier than before. This has alot to do
with the back-up vocals added, something they usually don't do. The
songs get a little darker on this Lp without getting into the Post
Punk/Goth realm. Great guitar work, catchy bass lines/back up vocals can
be expected on this release. Amazing record, highly recommended!
LOW CULTURE "SCREENS" LP (DIRTNAP)
Scrappy, melodic garagepunk from Las Cruces, NM. Members of The Marked
Men and Shang-A-Lang! In late 2011, when it was clear that Shang-A-Lang
was coming to an end, Chris asked Sam and Cade (of Total Jock) if they
wanted to start a new band. Low Culture practiced a few times as a
three-piece, but a few weeks later Joe (Marked Men/Shang-A-Lang) moved
back to Las Cruces and joined the band. Low Culture’s first show was in
early November 2011 was at Shang-A-Lang’s last show and the band's been
moving full steam ahead ever since. With a few short regional trips and
a tour of the Northeast and Canada with Iron Chic in support of their
debut 7" under their belt, they're showing no signs of slowing down. A
European tour is in the works for March of 2013 as well as many US dates
as their work schedules will allow. Low Culture plays catchy garage
punk that while not far removed from some of the members' previous
projects, Shang-A-Lang, has a lot less emphasis on riffs and blown out
recordings, and more emphasis on melody and crisp (while not necessarily
“over-produced”) recordings. Produced by Mark Ryan (Marked Men/Mind
Spiders) in Fort Worth, mastered by Dave Williams (Crusades, Steve
Adamyk Band) in Ottawa. This is their debut LP, with the promise of
more to come.
SYNTHETIC ID "APERTURES" LP (1234GO)
Widely heralded as one of the best new bands in the SF Bay Area.
Synethtic ID play taught, angular, aggressive post punk oft compared to
The Wipers, Gang of Four, Wire and Mission of Burma. This record uses
tension to level whatever is put in front of it. Use it to flatten your
neighbor's house. Don't believe us? Check out some of the reviews for
their debut 7": "There’s a new best band in San Francisco. I know I say
that a lot, but I mean it every time. SYNTHETIC ID play jerky and
genuine jams for fans of WIPERS, THE FALL, PERE UBU and OBSERVERS.
“Throwaway” is among the greatest songs I’ve heard in years - this three
song banger is angular and deliberate, and the guitars are brilliant.
Speaking of guitars, they are handled by the most understated and
prolific musicians I’ve ever come across, who is also a contributing
member of FACE THE RAIL, ECOLI, YADOKAI, and HUNTING PARTY." - Terminal
Escape
COLOURED BALLS "BALL POWER" LP (SING SING)
Coloured Balls were one of the best pure rock n roll groups to emerge
from the early 70s Australian scene. Sure, The Saints and Radio Birdman
stayed together longer and released a slew of fine albums during the
punk era but it was the Coloured Balls who pioneered the proto punk
sound earlier in the decade. Their wildcard was Lobby Loyde,
Australia's premier guitar hero whose pivotal roles in beat/psych/blues
rock groups The Purple Hearts, The Wild Cherries and Billy Thorpe's
Aztecs made him a major home-grown star down under. Ball Power is full
of raw, hard guitar rock and proto-punk. It's not only the Coloured
Balls' greatest album but also the finest music of Lobby Loyde's long,
fabled career.
SLEAZE "S/T" LP (SING SING)
1975 pre-Adverts LP from punk legend TV Smith. Originally released in an edition of only 50 copies. TV Smith says...
14th June, 1975. It was a studio, a proper studio - just like the ones
the proper bands recorded in. At least, it was the nearest I’d ever been
to one and now my band Sleaze, that had so far had to make do with
playing support slots at local clubs and discos - as well as the
occasional “headline” gig in local school halls - was about to record
some of our songs, just like a proper band. Torquay in the mid seventies
was not the easiest place and time to have a band, particularly a band
that performed all its own material. The only group that anyone knew
who’d ever made it out of this tourist backwater in the South West of
England to any kind of international success was a rock band called
Wishbone Ash, and the local audiences wanted to boogie away their
evenings to music like that - or live bands playing covers of Status Quo
or Free - not us, with our peculiar lengthy songs that sounded like a
crossover between glam à la Bowie or Cockney Rebel and prog bands like
Genesis or Van Der Graaf Generator. Around these parts, such pretensions
were frowned upon. But here we were, determined to get our music down
on record whether anyone was interested or not. The family of our rhythm
guitarist owned a large house in nearby Newton Abbot and for the
preceding months had tolerated us taking over their music room for
regular rehearsals. We were tight, we’d played a few gigs and now it was
time to make a record. I’d spotted an advert in the local paper for a
recording studio in Torquay being run by an ex-BBC engineer that looked
like it could be what we needed. Even better, the studio could be hired
for just a short period rather than a whole day, which made it just
about affordable. We set up our equipment, the engineer placed the
microphones and recorded a few minutes to check the sound, then we put
the whole album straight onto tape, song by song, playing live with no
overdubs. Two hours recording time, twenty pounds for the lot, plus
another half hour for the engineer’s time splicing the tracks together,
and the price of the two reels of tape. All in all, the Sleaze album
cost the princely sum of £38.88. We went on to press up fifty copies
onto vinyl, most of which we gave away to family and friends. If we’d
been a bit more savvy, we might have pressed more copies and tried to
sell them at gigs, although as it turned out the band wasn’t to play
many more of those. To be honest, we knew that this record was to be
more of a swan song than the launch of a career. I’d gone to Torquay
Polytechnic at the end of summer 1974, straight out of school, to take a
year-long Art Foundation course and had been spending most of my time
forming and playing with Sleaze rather than doing the course work, but
the fact was that the college year was nearing the end, and soon the
individual band members would be going their separate ways. In addition,
I’d met a new girlfriend in the art department and not only did she
have the same Iggy and New York Dolls records in her collection as I
did, she’d shown an interest in learning bass guitar and wanted me to
teach her. Within a year we’d moved to London together and started
rehearsing a new band, she’d changed her name to Gaye Advert...and the
rest is history. I was no longer a solitary musical rebel pushing
against a door that refused to budge. I was one of a multitude of rebels
who felt the same way I did. This record is the sound of that rebellion
trying to find its way, the door creaking against its hinges - a year
before punk exploded, the door finally blew open and the music scene
changed forever.
MCELROY BROS "CAN'T YOU SEE ME SMILIN'" LP (SING SING)
The McElroy Bros.' Can't You See Me Smilin' LP is a private-press pop
masterpiece recorded in 1977 in rural Vermont by identical twin
brothers, Brian and Bruce McElroy. Using familiar 60's British-invasion
song structures, the album is somehow instantly familiar while the
recording and instrumentation are both totally unique -- perhaps, it's
the unrivaled keyboard playing... or the harmonizing vocals that only
twins could deliver. Whatever it is, this album is extremely sought
after by pop and powerpop fans alike and has managed to eluded many
others for too long now! (Repressed in an edition of 500 copies only, LP
includes 18x24 poster!!)
NECROS "IQ 32 PLUS LIVE '81" LP (FANCLUB)
The Necros were one of the greatest bands to emerge from the golden age
of American hardcore. Their shining moment was undoubtedly their “IQ 32”
7” EP, originally released in 1981. Along with their Midwest
contemporaries NEGATIVE APPROACH, THE FIX, & THE MEATMEN, the Necros
perfected the teenage hardcore sound with their short blasts of outcast
aggression. Also included on this release is a fierce performance
recorded live in Chicago during the summer of ’81 right after “IQ 32”
was released. This scarcely seen live document was recorded directly off
the mixing board so the sound quality is quite good. Packaged in a high
quality jacket that beautifully depicts the EPs original artwork in a
larger format. Features a repro of the original EP lyric insert as well
as custom printed labels. Dutch import.
BLOODSTAINS ACROSS THE UK VOL. 1 - V/A - COMP LP (BLOODSTAINS)
Right up there with the fantastic “Killed By Death” series, the
“Bloodstains Across” compilations feature the absolute best rare punk
tracks from a specific geographical region and have a rabid following
amongst collectors. Of all of these comps, “Bloodstains Across the U.K.”
is undoubtedly one of the best in the entire series. Out of print and
unavailable for over a decade, this is worth it alone for the inclusion
of the complete MACHINES & BLANKS EPs but also for great tracks from
THE VALVES, XS ENERGY, ART ATTACKS, PSUEDO EXISTORS, STIFFS, RIVALS,
& KLIPS 1988. The heavy cardstock jacket features liner notes about
the bands as well as where each of the tracks were taken from. Back in
print for a short time only, this comes in a limited edition pressing of
only 500 copies. UK import.
WANKYS, THE "KNOCK ONE OUT" LP (SPHC)
Third LP by these lovely arseholes. A little less noisy than past
efforts, and a little more silly. Three English gentlemen, ex-members of
all your favorite UK bands, goof off and have a bit of pervy old guy
fun. But despite all the silliness, they manage to write both really
catchy mid-tempo snotty punk anthems and really chaotic, harsh
short/fast/loud hardcore numbers that capture their noise spirit.
Obviously to be filed next to your Swankys records, but I think the
Wankys have found their own noise-punk niche in the past few years,
developing their own unique sound, style, and attitude unlike any other.
I guess that's what the insight of age/experience can give you.
LOTUS FUCKER "FOREVER MY FIGHTING SPIRIT" LP (SPHC)
We make noise that's fire. We put our souls through the wire. We don't
care what people say. Noise forever. Cover art by Wes Samples.
MERDA "INDIO COCALERO" LP (SPHC)
Merda is perhaps best known as the brother-band of the legendary Mukeka
di Rato, but they certainly don’t live in that shadow after ten years of
worldwide touring and plenty of releases. Their newest LP finds them
further perfecting their own mix of sloppy fast hardcore, snotty
pop-punk, and the occasional samba part. It almost sounds like if Razors
Edge did a ton of drugs and was more of a mustaches-and-FYP kinda crew.
Perfect for sunny afternoons and skateboarding.
WHITE WALLS "KEVIN" 12" (VIDEO DISEASE)
The newest 12" from Ohio's White Walls show's the band revisiting and
reinventing a song that was released on tape by Life Rot a few years
ago. The recording on the tape however did not do the song justice, and
the band decided it was time to enter into a new studio for a sound
different than their previous releases. The results are quite possibly
the bands best, most powerful statement yet. As stated before "Kevin"
has been re-recorded in the full glory that it was intended.
Accompanying "Kevin" are two new songs that find the band at their peak.
Somewhere between Black Flag, Shellac, and Nirvana, they've managed to
find an incredibly great disjointed sound that represents all of their
talents. I really think they hit their stride on this record, and the
recording and mastering on this record is of the highest quality.
Rounding out the record is a jaw dropping cover of The Pixies "Bone
Machine" which rivals, if not surpasses the original. This cover is not
simply filler material, it is done with the utmost care and precision
and represents what the band is capable of and what things may come. All
copies come on colored vinyl, split release with Torn Light Records.
RITES OF SPRING "SIX SONG DEMO" 10" (DISCHORD)
Rites of Spring were among the most important and beloved bands to
emerge from the DC underground music scene in the mid-80s. Formed by Guy
Picciotto (vocals/guitar), Michael Fellows (bass), Brendan Canty
(drums), and Eddie Janney (guitar) in 1984, the quartet released a
self-titled LP and a 7" single before breaking up in 1986. Before that
the band recorded a demo tape at Inner Ear Studios with Don Zientara and
Ian MacKaye. Though widely bootlegged, this session has never been
released and captures Rites of Spring in the band's earliest stages.
BANNLYST "DISCOGRAPHY" LP (NORWEGIAN LEATHER)
After years of planning - blood, sweat and tears, this norwegian classic
recordings found their way on good old vinyl. The discography
full-length contains all ever recorded material including the tracks
from the rare "na eller adri" compilation, the "la dem ikke lure deg" 7"
(both original released on X-Port in 1985). On top you'll get the
tracks from the split tape with ANGOR WAT (from 1984) and as a goody a
nice coverversion of "louie louie". Well compiled, well designed! If
you're into early european/scandinavian hardcore-punk you should listen
to BANNLYST immediately!
MORNINGTON CRESCENT "STILL SHOCKING" LP (GUMMOPUNX)
Old Amsterdam punk/hardcore! Contains their 82 demo, their 'Greetings
from Amsterdam' EP, and a previously unreleased first mix of their EP
with 3 unreleased songs from that session! All in great sound quality.
ZYKLOME A "MADE IN BELGIUM" LP (A2O)
Official reissue of this Belgian band, here is a review from Pushead in
1984: 'Belgian speedcore at its finest! Fast, electifiying guitar laced
with quick drumming and hi-hat smashings. Rapid vocals keep the pace
moving at 1000 RPM as ZYKLOME A roars through one besetment to the next
blast. This is crazed and frenzied, and put out on the Punk Etc. label.
Another European release to sit up take notice of. It has scorching
potential."
POISON IDEA "BLANK BLACKOUT VACANT" LP (FANCLUB)
‘Blank Blackout Vacant’ is an ample testimony to Poison Idea's unbridled
power and force. Fused with enough hate, pain, and rage to fuel an
entire army, Jerry A.'s vocals, positively dripping with bile and venom,
certainly cement his ideas with passion and force. "Understated" is not
a word that is possible to use with this band, because from their
inception in the very early '80s, they’ve fused tough biting riffs with
angry venomous words to hammer out some of the most angry music your
ears will ever hear. And for that, you gotta respect Poison Idea.
NEUROOT "RIGHT IS MIGHT" LP (HAVOC)
Havoc Records presents a deluxe re issue of this long lost material from
1980's Dutch hardcore band Neuroot. Many people know this band from
their killer 7" and appearance on the PEACE comp. Recorded 1985 at Emma
in Amsterdam, this studio session was meant to be the Neuroot side of
the split LP with Fratricide on Pusmort. Pushead pressed 25 test
pressings of this Lp but never put it into production, making it one of
the rarest hardcore records of the 1980s. This is re pressed as a 45 rpm
12", gatefold sleeve and sweet 80's style layout (no half assed
pixelated cover art here) Neuroots demos were re issues by Coaltion a
few years ago as well.
TRAGEDY "DARKER DAYS AHEAD" LP (TRAGEDY)
Finally, after a long delay the US pressing of Tragedy’s new LP is
finally released!! The 4th album from this well respected DIY hardcore
band that features ex-members of His Hero Is Gone, From Ashes Rise,
Copout, Severed Head of State, Call The Police, Criminal Damage,
Deathreat, Well Away, Uranus, etc, etc… The legendary Tragedy
SEXPISTOLSTANTEN OCH MOCKFJARDSVAPNET "DET..." LP (SKRAMMEL)
Music by idiots for idiots. This is most probably the best punk records
that will be released in Sweden 2011. In the world, actually. Forever.
With members from Local Oafs, Skitsystem, Henry Fiats Open Sore, it
would be easier to point out which Swedish punk band that isn't involved
in this mess in one way or another.
RAS "RAS1" LP (SKRAMMEL)
Catchy 77ish Swedish punk rock. Retro sounding, still refreshingly fresh
Swedish punk with all attitude needed. Members of Manikins, Henry
Fiat's Open Sore, and Unabombers. First (the yellow one) album out of
the two that were released simultaneously.
RAS "RAS2" LP (SKRAMMEL)
Catchy 77ish Swedish punk rock. Retro sounding, still refreshingly fresh
Swedish punk with all attitude needed. Members of Manikins, Henry
Fiat's Open Sore, and Unabombers. Second (the blue one) album out of the
two that were released simultaneously.
MAKABERT FYND "S/T" LP (SKRAMMEL)
"The productivity of this Swedish HC-band is hard to find an equivalent
to. Even though they haven't been around for that many years they have
already released enough albums to have a solid and non-debatable place
on the punk scene, not only in Sweden but in all places where Poffen
from Totalitär and Mattis been screaming their lungs out at the stage."
MISSBRUKARNA "ZOOMA IN EN ZOMBIE" LP (SKRAMMEL)
Many have wished for it and tried, but we finally managed to convince
Rolf Revålt to do it. Here it is, the complete Missbrukarna compilation
on grand vinyl and fancy packaging. Swedish punk in its cradle, or
actually before it was born and put into a cradle.Gatefold, more than 20
tracks and a biography. "Finally, at long last, a collection LP for
this incredible early Swedish HC/punk band! Missbrukarna are perhaps
most famous for being a huge influence on Totalitär, and if that's the
only way you know them you may be surprised how catchy and punk the
material on this double LP is. While bands like Anti-Cimex and
s***lickers were pioneering the raw punk sound in the very same country,
Missbrukarna kept the catchiness of '77 punk and oi!, sounding quite a
lot like their Finnish compatriots in bands like Appendix, Melakka, and
(early) Rattus, or even more melodic Europunk like Ivy Green in places.
Still, despite the presence of something almost resembling melody, this
is blindingly fast, supremely catchy, and exhilaratingly intense. In
terms of packaging, this is how a reissue should be done... gatefold
sleeve featuring a TON of photos reproduced beautifully in full color, a
rad essay by Andreas of Totalitär about the band's history and
importance, and mastering that makes this sound just as good as any
bigger punk releases of the day. Seriously, I cannot stress enough how
essential this package is... highest possible recommendation!" -
sorrystaterecords.com
BLOODKROW BUTCHER / GASMASK TERROR - SPLIT TAPE
Split tape between a two hardcore punk bands playing raw and distorted
music. Bloodkrow Butcher from Lowell, Massachusetts are heavily
influenced by Discharge and 1980s Scandinavian hardcore like Anti-Cimex.
I think the thing that what sets BKB apart from many bands doing this
style is that they use catchy riffs with hooks to convey an urgency and
power in their music instead of just beating the listener over the head
with a pounding drum beat. Their side contains a live on the radio set
as well as a four song demo. Gasmask Terrör from France has been around
for a while with several releases including a 12" EP already out. This
tape compiles their out of print "Architects Of Death" 7", an unreleased
four track recording, and a live show recording. I think their gem here
is the ripping unreleased song that reminds me a lot of No Security and
Totalitär.
METH LAB - DEMO TAPE
Five tracks of heavy, primitive hardcore/powerviolence played by kids
from rva who have no attention span and an affinity for blast beats and
sludge riffs.
VULTURES UNITED "GIRLS" TAPE
On “Girls” Vultures United pay tribute to some of their favorite female
artists, covering the likes of The Ting Tings, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Bjork,
Nico, X-Ray Spex and more. The Cassette version contains two exclusive
tracks not found on either the vinyl or CD versions (Nico and These
Days). With the collaborative help of their friends Vultures United also
wrote a few original instrumental arrangements to bridge the gaps
between the tunes they chose to pay homage too. It’s not every day that
Hardcore Punk bands use things like organs and glockenspiels, but maybe
it should be.
DISTEMPER "NUNCA HA DE MORIR EL DIS" TAPE
Distemper plays d-beat as expected. But don’t get me wrong, these guys
don’t want to be Discharge copycats. They bet on a rougher, inept and
defiantly low-fi sound. Distemper reminds me the almighty Destruccion or
Sida from Spain, for their honesty and simplicity. With direct lyrics
and basic sound, these punks in love with radical hardcore are in war
with Lima’s society. What can you say about a band that puts a clip of
Discharge at the end of the title track to the demo? Great tape and here
in Cvrecs we expect more recordings from this punks soon. Front covers
printed in various paper colors.
RATAS RABIOSAS - DEMO
If Distemper aims for musical destruction, Ratas Rabiosas are not far
behind. If you like the aberrant hardcore of Ataque Frontal, Herejia or
M.E.L.I. you’ll love this band. With a poor recording that captures the
energy of the band in a dark Lima in full 2012; these guys are not meant
to sound like the bands from the 80s, these guys do not have good
quality instruments, their amplifiers are really small if they even have
one, but these punks have attitude as no other. They grew up listening
to classic hardcore on the streets of Lima and it shows. Screenprinted
cover. Beware, this is hardcore.
NO MISTAKE - DEMO TAPE
"Once upon a time hardcore had no metal influence. It was as poppy as
homicide. Great dinosaurs roamed the earth with names like SSD, YDI,
Jerry's Kids, Negative Approach, and so on. You could honestly feel the
bands were actually straining themselves terribly if the song made it to
TWO WHOLE MINUTES?!?!?!?! This sounds EXACTLY like that. You aren’t
going to make guitar poses, fall in love, dance in a quirky cute manner.
Yer gonna SLAM and yer gonna dig it. Good production, straight ahead
attack hard core, just like your mamma used to cook up.”
GREATEST CITY IN THE WORLD #5 - TAPE ZINE
NYC's shit hawk punk Mr. Deed Runlea smashes our stereos into oblivion
with another Chaos In Tejas special edition of GCITW zine. This cassette
tape issue features live-in-person interviews and selected
live/unreleased/studio tracks from four of the best American bands to
play Chaos '12: WICCANS, CULO, CREAMERS, and PIERCED ARROWS. The
interviews come off a bit more enthusiastic than a transcription to
paper would and they're downright hilarious, yet informative. I'd say
the Pierced Arrows interview may just be my favorite for Fred and
Toody's responses but shit, you'll also get to hear some tracks from the
upcoming CULO LP and jam out with two of Texas' finest punk groups.
Limited to 300!
MAXIMUMROCKNROLL #357 - FEBRUARY 2013
Kapow! There’s no stopping us, I tell you! Another exciting month here
at the Maximum Rocknroll compound… A new issue is hot off the press and
MRR #357, the February 2013 issue, is brimming with the best from
hardcore and punk worldwide. In this issue, legends of Japanese hardcore
FORWARD discuss Burning Spirits, touring, recording and everything in
between; LUNATIC FRINGE look back and discuss their gritty, gruff days
as early British punk pioneers in Bristol during the 1980s; while Bay
Area locals KICKER ponder their journey and talk about what it means to
them to be punk in 2013. Swedish D-beat ladies CONTORTURE tell us about
their inspirations and why people shouldn’t be surprised anymore by
all-girl hardcore bands; we get the inside scoop on Denmark’s prominent
Detonate Records and check in with some of the bands on their roster,
including EXITHIPPIES and the WANKYS; plus, we catch Berlin-based
hardcore outfit NOTHING just before they head east on a Chinese tour.
Pennsylvanian straightedge hardcore band HOUNDS OF HATE talk about their
home-recording processes and share future plans; Ohio’s BEATNIK
TERMITES discuss their long-running pop-punk calling and how the ride
has been so far, and a Detroit scene report fills us in on all the Motor
City punk rock action… the excitement never ends! Plus, Shitworker of
the Month: Kat Smith, all your favorite columnists, news and the most
extensive review section in punk print.
SUSPECT DEVICE ZINE - ISSUE #54
Newest issue of this long running UK zine! This one features interviews
with VIOLENT ARREST, BLOODY GEARS, PUNCH, BURNT CROSS, EXTERNAL MENACE,
and more! Plus the regular columns, reviews, and photos!!! 40 pgs, full
size!!
LIMITED CONTRITION ZINE - VOLUME #1
Premiere issue of this new half-size fanzine from right here in
Richmond. The four guys behind this are all a bit younger and highly
interested in the bands featured, making for super enthusiastic and well
informed interviews. Bands featured are RAW/NERVE (final interview?),
PINK REASON, MERCHANDISE, RANK/XEROX, TV GHOST, and SALVATION. A pretty
veritable selection, eh? Also includes over ten pages of reviews and
exclusive live photos. Simplistic layout avoids clumsiness, as this
comes off real professional-looking overall. I'd like to see future
issues feel a bit less academic, but this is a nice starting point.
Worth picking up to fans of any of the bands featured.
BRIAN WALSBY "MANCHILD 6: BYE BYE PUNK ROCK ... HELLO ADULTHOOD" BOOK
After finally being suckered into fatherhood with the birth of his
daughter Willow, Brian Walsby finally says, "goodbye punk rock, hello
adulthood" with the release of MANCHILD 6. Joining the ride is new
publisher Will Butler of To Live a Lie Records. Will somehow believed in
Brian enough to spend his own money on someone who obviously is out of
touch, has betrayed the scene (any scene, take your pick) and has more
or less moved on. Or has he? Despite the nonstop demands of diapers,
real life responsibilities and taking the six year old Noble to school
most of the time Brian has still somehow found precious time in coming
up with new work. Filling out MANCHILD 6 are exclusive interviews
straight from Brian's blog (INTROVERTED LOUDMOUTH) from the last couple
of years with lengthy interviews with Richmond's TANNON PENLAND
(LOINCLOTH), Raleigh's own incredible songwriter KENNY ROBY, The split
personality of SCOTT RADINSKY (PULLEY, TEN FOOT POLE, SCARED STRAIGHT) ,
guitarist for the DESCENDENTS and ALL STEPHEN EGERTON and a lengthy
tour diary on the road with MELVINS right before Willow was born. Lots
of good reading. So if you are at all interested in punk rock,
fatherhood, MELVINS, potshots at people who deserve it, Mad magazine
type satire and all of the other things that Brian Walsby is known for,
MANCHILD 6 is a must have and a fine addition to a growing collection of
hard work.
RESTOCKS FOR 1/11/13:
AMBULANCE - IT'S ALL UP TO YOU 7"
BAD BRAINS - 171A SESSIONS 7"
BLITZ BOYS, THE - EDDY'S NEW SHOES 7"
CONFINES - SOME SICK JOKE 7"
CONFUSE - SPENDING LOUD NIGHT 7"
CONFUSE - NUCLEAR ADDICTS 7"
CULO - TOXIC VISION 7"
D.O.C. / MIND AS PRISON - SPLIT 7"
EXTORTION - CONTROL 7"
FRONT LINE - BASIC TRAINING 7"
GO - WHAT WE BUILD TOGETHER 7"
HOAX - 2ND S/T 7"
LIQUID STONE - HERE COMES THE WEEKEND 7"
MINOR THREAT - SALAD DAYS 7"
97A - BETTER OFF DEAD 7"
NEO CONS - S/T 7"
NOOSE - DEPRAVED INDIFFERENCE 7"
PENETRATORS - GOTTA HAVE HER 7"
PREGNANCY SCARES - FACELIFT 7"
PURITY CONTROL - COPING 7"
RAZAR - STAMP OUT DISCO 7"
ROPES - S/T 7"
SCREAMING URGE - HOMEWORK 7"
SHIRKS, THE - DC IS DOOMED 7"
SOCIAL CIRCKLE - EXPIRATION DATE 7"
SPELLING MISTAKES - FEELS SO GOOD 7"
TRENCH ROT - TYRANT 7"
URBAN BLIGHT - S/T 7"
VAGINORS - TOTAL NONSENSE 7"
VICTIMS - NO THANKS TO THE HUMAN TURD 7"
WEEKEND NACHOS / LACK OF INTEREST - SPLIT 7"
WHITE LUNG / NU SENSAE - SPLIT 7"
ARCTIC FLOWERS "REVERIES" LP
ASTA KASK - MED IS I MAGEN LP
B-LINES - S/T LP
COLUMN OF HEAVEN - MISSION FROM GOD LP
CONFUSE - INDIGNATION LP
CREEM - S/T LP
CRUSHED BUTLER - UNCRUSHED LP
CULO - LIFE IS VILE AND SO ARE WE LP
DISCHARGE - HEAR NOTHING SEE NOTHING SAY NOTHING LP
DRY HUMP - FUCKS YOUR EARS LP
EMBRACE - S/T LP
FAITH / VOID - SPLIT LP
FRANCIS HAROLD AND THE HOLOGRAMS - THE WHITE BULL WEEPS FROM VALHALLA 12"
GG KING - ESOTERIC LORE LP
GRAY MATTER - TAKE IT BACK 12"
GREEN BERET - VIOLENCE IS THEIR CURRENCY LP
HAYMAKER - IT ONLY GETS WORSE LP
HUBBLE BUBBLE - FAKING LP
HUBBLE BUBBLE - S/T LP
INVASION - S/T LP
MARVELOUS DARLINGS - SINGLE LIFE LP
MERCHANDISE - CHILDREN OF DESIRE LP
NEON PISS - S/T LP
NO - S/T LP
POISON IDEA - FEELTHE DARKNESS LP
RAXOLA - S/T LP
RUDIMENTARY PENI - DEATH CHURCH LP
SHIPWRECKED - THE LAST PAGANS LP
SICKOIDS - S/T LP
SPAZZ - CRUSH KILL DESTROY LP
SPAZZ - LA REVANCHA LP
TEAR IT UP - NOTHING TO NOTHING LP
VACANT STATE - FILL THE VOID LP
VAGINORS - NUCLEAR PAP SMEAR LP
VOID - SESSIONS 1981-1983 LP
V/A - NO T.O. FUCK TORONTO - COMP. LP
WHITE LUNG - SORRY LP
WICCANS - II LP
WICCANS - SKULLDUGGERY LP
KURRAKA - DEMO TAPE
