Cold War

Top Ten of 2011 as seen in MRR no. 345

2012-01-27T05:46:00.001-08:00

LP’s:
BRAINOIL - “Death in this Dry Season” LP (20 Buck Spin)

It’s been a long wait for these guys to release a new record and this one is full of all sorts of energy, as well as some of the heaviest riffs you will ever hear in underground punk. I’m totally floored by the sheer power of this record. listen

WARSONG-”Ancient Times” LP (The Pression)

Really catchy melodic punk rock from Zaragoza Spain. These guys have been pretty busy in past bands, but in my opinion this is more varied musically than any of their previous bands, and therefore more notable than any of their past efforts. This record is really solid all the way through in the same way that bands like NO HOPE FOR THE KIDS, or PELIGRO SOCIAL, have managed to be. listen

BELGRADO-”s/t” LP (Static Shock)

This is the quintessential death rock record made by punks in the 2000’s. It has tons of hooks that are reminiscent of all the 80’s favorites, but has enough energy and musical ability to come away sounding fresh and super danceable, and heartfelt. listen

SMART COPS-”Per Proteggere E Sevile” LP (Sorry State)

This band is so blatantly overlooked it should be criminal. This record is probably one of the best hardcore records in years. Totally saturated in garage-style hooks but with enough speed and energy to remain totally modern and powerful. listen

RIPPER-”Into Oblivion” LP (Black Water)

This is the best marriage of punk and metallic rock n’roll since INEPSY. The hooks fill every nook and cranny that hasn’t been taken by the pummeling rhythm section. listen

NO PROBLEM -”And Now This” LP (Deranged)

This record has to be up there with GOVERNMENT WARNING “No Moderation” and “Arrested”, and a slew of records by CAREER SUICIDE, as the top of the game hardcore bands going these days. NO PROBLEM play flawless hardcore that doesn’t sound like any other band and is easily recognizable. listen

DEATH TOKEN-”All Dreams are Nightmares” LP (Adult Crash)

This record has been in the works for a long time. Well, it was worth the wait. The sounds of this record harken back to those of thrash bands like B.G.K. and VENOM, while mixing in some great mid tempo rage-rs in the haunting style of RUDIMENTARY PENI. Need I say more? listen

HARDA TIDER-”Gatan Kallar” LP (Instigate)

This is the best Hardcore band since CRO MAGS! See them live anywhere in Sweden and you will become a believer. The record just pummels the listener the entire way through. Scathing Scandi style riffs with brutal breakdowns and gang vocals. Don’t think this is a tough guy macho hardcore band though. This is as underground as it gets. You will find the band members at every DIY show in the Malmo area. listen

UNLEARN-”s/t” LP (Deranged)

This record is everything you want from a apocalyptic punk record. Screaming vocals about antisocial behavior and a world without a future. All the while accompanied by searing raw guitars and charging drums. sample

GOVERNMENT FLU-”Are You Sorry Now” LP (Nikt Nic Nie Wie)

This record reminds me that talented kids still get together and make hardcore music which won’t stay trapped in easy definitions of what a 80’s style hardcore band should sound like. The LP is recorded with the perfect amount of ferocity and perfection. It’s a shame so many people will overlook this band because they aren’t from a big city where there are tons of great bands releasing records all the time. Check this out. Listen

PELIGRO!-”s/t” LP

This is the closest a band has come to playing ANNIHILATION TIME style hardcore with rock n’roll riffage that doesn’t rip every single element of theirs off. PELIGRO! keep a firm foot planted in their Spanish hardcore roots, but with tons of BLACK SABBATH and MOTORHEAD guitar noodling. The songs are energetic and filled with passion. Really great! listen

EP’s & Demos:

CULO-”Life is Vile...So are We” EP (Deranged)
LOS MONJO/RULETA RUSA-”Split” EP (Solo Para Punks)
NIGHT FEVER- “Transparent” EP (No Way)
FY FAN-”Ingen Framtid for Alltid” EP (No Way)
TERRIBLE FEELINGS-”Impending Doom” EP (Sabotage)
THE WAR GOES ON-”Demo”-Cassette (self released)
CAREER SUICIDE-”Cherry Beach” EP (Dirtnap)
INFERNOH-”Demo” Cassette (self released)
DOPECHARGE-”Kill Cops Dead” EP (Roehrs Records)
BLANK PAGES- “Unseen” EP (Taken By Surprise)

Re-Issues & Bootlegs:

TOZIBABE-”s/t” EP
LA PESTE-”Better Off Dead” EP
THE STIFFS-Innocent Bystander” EP
THE FEELIES-”Crazy Rhythms” LP
BASTARD-”Controlled In the Frame” EP
SVART FRAMTID-”1984” EP
DEATHSIDE-”Bet On the Possibility” LP
T.N.T.-”Manifesto Guernica” LP
ETAE-”All Possibilities Will Come” LP
AXEGRINDER-”Grind the Enemy” LP
VOID-”Sessions 1981-83” LP

Live Bands:

PELIGRO! (Spain)
NIGHT BIRDS (USA)
THE ESTRANGED (USA)
HARDA TIDER (Sweden)
LOS MONJO (Mexico)
WARSONG (Spain)
OUT ON A LIMB (Germany)
HOT SNAKES (USA)
INFERNOH (Sweden)
JEMEK JEMOWIT (Germany)

No More Art -"Peripeteia b/w Evil Eyes" EP

2011-12-20T19:21:00.000-08:00

No More Art -"Peripeteia b/w Evil Eyes" EP
This is my new band from Hamburg. This is a description from Erste Theke who released this plate:
No More Art is comprised of people from rather dissimilar backgrounds in music, but the elements are easy enough to lay out. There are the surf-drenched guitars, the complementary female vocals, and the rock ‘n’ roll frenzy of X (Los Angeles), some of what has been brewing in Denmark and Sweden over the last decades with bands like MASSHYSTERI / VICIOUS, and NO HOPE FOR THE KIDS, but also with lots of melody and leads that is reminiscent of 80's LA bands like SOCIAL DISTORTION and ADOLESCENTS, but with a unique sound of their own as well. Lead singer Milo has been paying her dues for some years now as a singer song writer in her own solo project ROSIE TIE. Drummer Juan Miguel has been busy on the heavier side of music, playing guitar in bands like LOS DOLARES, ETACARINAE, and PELIGRO!, in Barcelona over the past decade. Will has also done time in many bands over the past decade with groups BORN/DEAD, DESOLATION, SUICIDE BOMB, DOPECHARGE, and most recently Portland's RED DONS. Recorded by Dennis Rux at Yeah Yeah Yeah Studios and mastered by RED DONS Hajji Husayn in a 80s sound that made you KBD fans out there forget the modern world. Enjoy the first No More Art songs!

Download Here

No More Art -"Demos Vol.1" cassette tape

2011-12-07T19:21:00.000-08:00

No More Art is my new band in Hamburg Germany. This is our first demo after playing for a very short while together. It was recorded in HH at Yeah Yeah Yeah Studios with Dennis Rux and mastered by Hajji Husayn of Red Dons. We tried to go for a warm sound that you can hear every instrument, the end result is pretty good I think.This tape is available through Kink Records here in Europe.

Download

Column for Ox Fanzine #98

2011-10-12T08:57:00.002-07:00

Continuing where I left off last time with values. I want to talk about activism and divisions within the punk scene. This is a difficult topic because everyone has different opinions of what kind of activism works. Some people also have differences on the exact definition of activism. For this column I’m going to broadly define activism as anything from setting up a show, releasing records, making a zine, along the more traditional efforts like organizing protests, distributing propaganda, or organizing within your district.

What is the end goal of activism? I think it should be to change something in this world for the better. We can debate all we want which tactics work, there are so many ways to confront different issues. I would say that non-violent actions are usually the most powerful. I also sometimes ask myself where to put my energy because no one person can take on every issue in this miserable world.

On the topic of larger issues that confront political change, or the reform of laws, ect, I will admit that punk has been pretty ineffective as a movement. In a larger sense though it can help. What I mean is that if you show regular people that even though you look different and live different that you have morals and standards that are important to you and strong, then you can effect their views and eventually their politics. Sure not everyone is gonna be accepting and open minded but those people have kids that might think differently someday. When punks segregate themselves from everyone else in society they will remain ineffective activists.

When I go out here, I usually see a lot of people talking together with other people who have the same dress code. Spiky punks together, Crusties together, Hipster punks all with their own kind. I like hanging around with people not involved in a particular subculture sometimes, and when I go out with those people I feel like punks in the scene here will ignore them if they don’t have the look. I don’t hang out with lame, shallow, conservative minded people, so I assume that the reason that they don’t care about these people, my friends, is because they haven’t adopted the dress code. This comes back to what I was saying earlier which is that you will never change anything if you can’t even accept people who are different than you, it’s a form of reverse discrimination. Popular struggle is the only way to change government and last I looked punks aren’t exactly a large portion of the population.

It has been said to me that many Europeans look at Americans as unpolitical and by in large uneducated about the world. This may be true in a lot of cases but remember that America has 307 million people, and Germany a bit less than 81 million. This means that Americans have 74.2% more ignorant people representing us. I’m sure most Germans wouldn’t want the average Bavarian representing them on political issues. Sure Europeans have a firm grasp on politics but I also see the populations as being somewhat introverted when it comes to world politics. People care about things which affect Germany but a lot of issues are bigger than just one country and I see a lot of focus going into directions I feel are a bit less important than major events that are effecting the whole planet.

Punk is about counter-culture and should remain so. Everyone knows that the mainstream has subverted the style, but they can’t subvert the politics which make people punks inside which is what is important no matter which sub-genre you like most. The best way to remain a threat to society is to put aside the differences between people and use the common goals as a basis for activism and change. People will have alternate views of what works, and which issues are most important to them, but if we put aside petty differences than we make a bigger group of opposition.

Here we stand with a passion for life, a world without hate, no violence no strife, see all there is to see, hear all there is to hear, know all there is to know, feel all there is to feel, a world without war where we can be free, our future, our earth begins with you and me, a search for life in this dirty world, a cry of pain and anguish for love. -Crucifix “Search for the Sun”

INFERNÖH-"Demo" Tape 2011

2011-09-13T10:07:00.001-07:00

INFERNÖH-"Demo" Tape 2011

Released as a cassette on Distort the World (Sweden), and Atomic Age (Australia), this tape showcases the bands strength at creating memorable riffs of Cacophonous Scandinavian raw punk. With members of SKIT KIDS, FY FAN, HERATYS, and SKIPLICKERS, you should get an idea of what this band is about. Don't go getting too ahead of yourself though because this band is a different kind of animal. Check it out. Great first output.

Demo

Amebix Interview for MRR #316

2011-09-05T13:55:00.000-07:00

It is 5pm in San Francisco as I wade my way through the TL with a bottle of Jamison in one hand and a tape recorder in the other on my way to interview the legendary Amebix. To say the least I’m nervous. Their lyrics, artwork, and primal sound have sent chills through my spine so many numerous times it is incalculable. After soundcheck we make our way to the green room below the club. This is my third night with them on tour and although I have become quite comfortable with them as people, I’m racking my brain for the right questions. The questions where written in such a rush I am second guessing myself. Roy is still soundchecking so we decide to get underway without him. The show is sold out so tons of people are filtering through and yet I somehow manage to get an hour of them on tape although a lot of it is unintelligible. Here is what we salvaged…

Interview conducted by: Will Kinser

MRR: How is it for Amebix to have reformed with a lot of these kids have grown up listening to you guys who’ve never even imagined what it was like to see you play live?

Rob: Like for us, seein’ Black Sabbath with Iommi and Geezer Butler…

MRR: Amebix is a band with a very distinct sound. You’ve mentioned in other interviews that you’re not really happy with some of the recording qualities? I’m of the opinion that recording quality or lack thereof helped define the band and only added to your cult status. What were some of the problems you had with each record?

.....The rest of the interview Here

My Column in Ox Fanzine #97

2011-08-03T05:56:00.001-07:00

This is my first column in OX. It is just a jumping off point but at least I have started to try to articulate my thought here.

I would like to start this column off by quickly introducing myself. I am 30 years old and I have been involved with the punk scene for over 16 years. I’m a native of California, but recently moved to Hamburg Germany. I have played in many bands, toured around the world, booked tours, hosted people from all over the map, distributed records, distributed books for AK press, write columns, interviews, and reviews for MRR, and most recently started a new record label in Germany called New Dark Age. I also ran a DIY label and Distro called No Options Records for the past 10 years that in theory still exists. The subject of this column will be about the differences between Deutschland and my home country the United States of America, but hopefully it can also shed some light on our similarities, as well as serve as a diary of my thoughts here. So what are the differences? In short, Everything. That is not necessarily a bad thing though. Where do I start I wonder?

There is something that has been bothering me since moving here that is sort of a hard subject to tackle and that is the lack of new people, mainly young people, that are involved in the inner workings of the scene. This is of course my perspective in the North and does not cover all of Germany, or Europe, but from what I’ve seen it applies to a lot of places. The fundamentals of punk rock are supposed to be based on individualism, activism, and cooperation, along with a whole slough of other ideals, but lets just concentrate on individualism for now.

Individualism is an interesting topic because the longer I live here the more that I realize there seems to be no such thing in the punk scene. It never ceases to amaze me when I hear people saying that they don’t like someone because of their views on some political topic, or who they hang out with, or worst reason ever, the way they dress, or even where they choose to hang out. Since when did politics in punk become so hardline that people can’t have their own opinions and outlook, much less style. It seems that all the different opinions have now been boiled down to one viewpoint and if you don’t share that viewpoint then you won’t fit in with whichever stereotypical punk sub-genre you may want to be part of. I don’t mean things like racism, sexism, or homophobia. I’m talking about world politics, personal politics, or even just morality issues! I would like to hear people discussing unpopular views without being ostracized or put down, and without having there opinions belittled. I still remember when punks were provocative and real, and people would argue over a topic and then still hang out afterwards.

I’m very aware that the DIY movement here is based on people trying to live outside of societal norms, but I also have become increasingly aware that if those so-called abnormalities don’t fit into a preset code of views and style then people are not made welcome in many cases. I have always considered myself a free thinking person from the time I was very young which is what drew me to punk in the first place. When people are really rigid and unwilling to see an alternate view I feel stifled and unchallenged. I feel that the scene here has become very dogmatic and to a lesser extent closed to the outside. The lack of individualism makes people unwilling to respect people who are younger and may not have all the informed opinions that the older generation thinks they posses.

Let me give you some examples. If a kid walks into a well established DIY space here dressed in a Rancid t-shirt and baggy pants do you think they will be treated with respect and welcomed in by the older generation? Would they be ignored entirely? Most likely ignored. Do you think kids which have been around a lot longer in the scene and have adopted the uniform will be asked to join in at meetings, working at a show, or doing the bar at a squat or club? From my experience these places have a sort of old guard mentality to them. If you weren’t there in the beginning then you don’t matter as much. This is a huge difference in the United States where people are needed because of their youth and energy and DIY spaces are fleeting which means more people are welcome to help and contribute. The hard facts are also that these new people bring vibrance and life to an otherwise boring old jaded scene. I don’t see anyone dancing at shows and having fun. Is it because they are all too busy worrying what everyone thinks? Maybe they have become exactly what they hated in the first place? Leftist with rules and regulations that mirror conservative social values. To me it is not enough to just espouse slogans that preach the ideals that you believe, they need to be lived and grow with each person .

This all ties into individuality in a way that some people don’t think about anymore it seems, because punk has become an institution, and that is the fact that we where all young once and no one was born cool. Individuality is the most important part of the punk scene but to be an individual you have to think for yourself. Whether it is world politics, human relations, or punk rock. I would like to see people looking at the world through other peoples perspectives more the world over. When you actually want to change something in society you must first respect the people that have opposing views. This means a working class struggle. I would like to see more youth in the scene here involved in doing stuff, feeling welcome to participate, and making things interesting. So next time you are putting up posters for the next gig be sure to hit the schools. New people in the scene makes it exciting and interesting.

“The Future of the world is up to us, but the older generation will only fuck it up. The problem is they just can’t see what us little kids wanna be. We’re making room for youth. Let’s make some room for youth!” -Making Room for Youth, Social Unrest 1981

LOS MONJO EUROPEAN TOUR 2011

2011-07-27T09:45:00.000-07:00

LOS MONJO EURO TOUR 2011

Thurs - September 1st - Bordeaux

Fri - September 2nd - Paris - ????

Sat - September 3rd - Nancy

Sun - September 4th - Mannheim

Mon - September 5th - mülheim - ????

Tues - September 6th - Munster

Wed - September 7th - Flensburg

Thurs -September 8th - copenhagen

Fri - September 9th - Malmo -????

Sat - September 10th - Hamburg

Sun - September 11th - Berlin

Mon - September 12th - Leipzig

Tues - September 13th - Munich

Wed - September 14th - Freiburg -????

Thurs - September 15th - St. Etienne

Fri - September 16th - Barcelona

These are the dates for the LOS MONJO tour. The dates with question marks are still open so if you or anyone you know in these areas would like to book them (doesn't have to be exact city listed) please contact borndeadpunx@gmail.com LOS MONJO are a great band rom Guadalajara Mexico. I released an EP for them some years back and they remain one of my favorite current bands live and recorded.

LOS MONJO-"Cobardes" EP (No Options Records)

download

PELIGRO!-"s/t" LP (Discos Enfermos Records)

2011-07-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

PELIGRO!-"s/t" LP
This is a new band from members of HORROR, LOS DOLARES, ETACARINAE, PRIMATES, but brings a fresh sound not heard from any of their previous bands. The music is a heavy dose of BLACK SABBATH mixed with MOTORHEAD, and ANNIHILATION TIME comes to mind as well, but the real treat is that they keep it hardcore with the drive that many heavier bands can't keep up. I really liked these guys live and this record is testament to their skills. I first heard this 5% faster than the LP was recorded at, and I must say I really liked that speed too.

the record w/ art & insert

Top Ten of 2010 as seen in MRR no. 334

2011-06-29T07:23:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of my favorite Long Players from 2010. Quite a few have already been featured on this blog so I will keep my opinions short.

THE ESTRANGED-"Subliminal Man" LP

Perfect post punk.
Download

SPECTRES-"Last Days" LP

Elements of Joy Division and Sisters of Mercy.
Download

YOUNG OFFENDERS-"Leaders of the Followers" LP

Perfect power pop which stands up to the 70's originals.
Download
RED DONS-"Fake Meets Failure" LP

Wish I was in the band for this recording.
Download

HERATYS-"s/t" LP

Glad to have seen this band so many times.
Download

MASSHYSTERI-"s/t" LP

Unique style, great record
Download

COMPLICATIONS-"s/t" LP

4 years in the making and worth the wait.
Download

KNUSTE RUTER-"Gjennom Veggene" LP

Not the best cover but great record.
Download

DOUBLE NEGATIVE-"Daydream Nation" LP

Hardcore with the venom and cut of Poison Idea.
Download

EL BANDA-"Skutki Uboczne" 2xLP

Way too long but really great.
Download

THE ENERGY-"The Energy's first Album" LP

2011-05-31T10:34:00.000-07:00

THE ENERGY- "The Energy's first Album" LP
THE ENERGY from Houston Texas have one of the freshest punk sounds that I have heard in a really long while. This record has been on constant play for me in the past 4 months and I felt like I have to share it. They mix elements of KBD punk with old school hardcore ala 80's LA scene and also throw in a good measure of psyche to make things interesting. Don't let that description fool you though this is dark stuff as well. The vocals are sung like a storyline and are some of the catchiest I've heard in a long time. I give this record a 10 or 10 rating for the fact that it is flawlessly executed and sounds nothing like any other bands playing these days. If more bands would show this kind of originality and inventiveness the punk scene would be a whole lot better. Supposedly this record is limited to 300 copies, I didn't have much trouble finding it but I think in the coming months it will be increasingly harder to find.

Download here

RED DONS-"A Forced Turning Point" EP

2011-05-23T17:07:00.000-07:00

RED DONS - A FORCED TURNING POINT EP

2 new songs recorded on the last US tour in Chicago. First songs with me on guitar. Stoked to be apart of this band now! Housed in a beautiful screenprinted sleeve, finally available! 1000 copies pressed on black wax. 200 have blank hand stamped and handnumbered center labels and slightly different sleeves available from the band and the TBSR mailorder only.

US PRESS: New Dark Age
EURO PRESS: Taken By Surprise

Download here

RED DONS EUROPEAN TOUR 2011

2011-03-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

4/4- M- Hamburg @ Hafenklang
7/4 – Th- Bremen @ Spedition
8/4 – F – The Revisions @ Green Hell Records
8/4 – F – Münster @ Gleis 22
9/4 – Sa – Hannover @ UJZ Korn
10/4 – Sun – The Revisions @ Static Shock Records
10/4 – Sun – Berlin @ Kopi
11/4 – M – Leipzig @ Zoro (w/ The Revisions)
12/4 – Tu – Prague @ 007
13/4 – W – Vienna @ Arena/3 Raum
14/4 – Th – Budapest @ Trafik Klub (w/ The Revisions)
15/4 – F – Brno @ Melodka (w/ The Revisions)
16/4 – Sa – Revisions on Szene M on m94.5 Radio 3pm
16/4 – Sa – Munich @ Kafe Kult
18/4 – M – Erlangen @ Jugendhaus Erlangen
19/4 – Tu – Tübingen @ Epplehaus
20/4 – W – Brussels @ DNA
21/4 – Th – St. Etienne @ Assammoir
22/4 – F – Barcelona @ La Fabriketa
23/4 – Sa – Madrid @ Wurlitzer Ball Room
24/4 – Su – Valencia @ La Residencia
25/4 – M – Zaragoza @ Alberque Juvenil
26/4 – Tu – San Sebastian @ Mogambo
27/4 – W – Bordeux @ Saint Ex
28/4 – Th – Paris @ Belushi’s
29/4 – F – London @ Garage
30/4 – Sa – London @ Lexington
1/5 – Su – Brighton @ The Hydrant
2/5 – M – Nijmengen @ Onderbroke
3/5 – Tu – Groningen @ Crowbar
4/5 – W – Aalborg @ 1000 Fryd
5/5 – Th – Oslo @ Blitz
6/5 – F – Gothenburg
7/5 – Sa – Stockholm @ Grundbulden
12/5 – Th – Copenhagen @ Bakken
13/5 – F – Malmö @ Punks Only
14/5 – Sa – Hamburg @ Storte
15/5 – Su – Hamburg @ MS Hedi

HARDA TIDER-"Gatan Kaller" LP

2011-02-12T06:58:00.000-08:00

HARDA TIDER-"Gatan Kaller" LP
This is the best hardcore record I have heard in years. I'm not talking about 80's hardcore either, this is tough as nails hardcore with youth crew breakdowns and mosh parts. The thing that sets this record apart from a lot of the jocular HC bands is the fact that this music is played by punks and you can hear a distinct swedish kang influence here. I have to say Harda Tider (Hard Times) are one of the best live bands I've seen in quite some time as well.That puts their guitarist in three of my favorite bands going currently (Skitkids, Heratys, Harda Tider).

download here

Guest Column in MRR # 332

2011-01-18T20:54:00.000-08:00

(This is the header I wanted them to use. I guess they have a generic header for all guests though.)

I agree with Marissa Magic's guest column last month. Punk is no longer a threat to mainstream society. Hell, it may have never been a relevant political statement? We could debate whether rock music has ever been a valid political forum. It seems to me that punk no longer embodies its original spirit which I think first and foremost was angst and rebellion against the unjust world. Corporate interests have subverted every subculture this world has produced that I am aware of by now anyhow. Naomi Klein wrote a book some ten odd years ago about this phenomenon called "No Logo" which I'm sure most of you are aware of at this point. I think we can learn a great deal from her research and insight about the implications in the branding of culture. Many of us have conformed to the mainstream society, ironically giving in, knowingly using the system because we are a scene of first world privilege. For others it has been a gradual backslide, little by little we settle into a more comfortable lifestyle of conformity. Whenever I feel like I'm starting to slip I try asking myself a series of questions that will help me to regain my direction.

Where has the post modernist punk ideal of fatalism and futilism left our current scene? When I think about the state of the current punk scene I see a hollow facade of what was once idealism and radical thought. It feels like there is a rule book which everyone has read and no one has a actual honest opinion of their own. What can we do to create something more authentic but still with the original spirit of counter culture? What can I do in my life to change what I see as a hollow existence of consumerism and self deprecation?

The way I see it punk rock has become just another consumerist culture of "cool". Whether we are talking about who is mimicking the best retro punk/hardcore/garage band of 25 years ago, to who is looking fashionable in their studs, spikes, and all black leather clad road warrior garb. Of course I'm not leaving out those trendy hipster post punk uniformists. Where is the non conformist lifestyle, the direct opposition to societies dictates? Why have we not protected our scene from the possibilities of selling out? It seems that the artistic nature of our culture has been strip mined for every other subculture the world over. Taking all the danger out of being a punk.

There is a new trend every other day and it can be adopted instantaneously. Gone are the times when kids would sew, paint, and piece together their own unique outfit. Lets face it in the 2000's time is racing ahead of what a normal teenager 20 years ago could possibly imagine. Who has time to be an individual when we can all order our punk gear from Hot Topic? It comes down to the fact that this instant gratification is hollow. I can read an article on my iphone at lunch about an obscure artist and by 5pm 2 million other people have read the same thing. There is nothing obscure anymore that one would actually have to dig to find it seems. Without struggle there is emptiness. There is nothing to talk about anymore, and the lack of dialog has become a huge brain drain on our scene.

Can you remember the last time a punk that was in a popular band talked to you about foreign policies? When was the last time a popular band wrote something that was halfway politically aware and current? Has a popular punk ever even talked with you? Oh shit, no, you're not cool enough. That band shirt your wearing is so 3 years ago. I miss critical thinkers like Sam Mcpheeters, or even more current interesting figures like Damian Abraham aka Pink Eyes. Where have they gone? To write for Vice Magazine, or record records for Vice/Matador Records. Why you ask? Maybe because the creative freedom of the original movement has been stifled. Maybe the people who are left just want to be spoon fed retro garbage for the rest of their lives? I know I don't. I want to open my mind to new sounds and new thoughts.

Sometimes I feel punk has lost its soul. It has become an easy way to access the mainstream and build street cred from a smaller scene. It has for some time been a sort of alternate microcosm, where all the stupid stereotypes, cliches, and clicks of high school still exist. And I dare say MRR is not above it all in many cases.

So, this is what I ask myself now. Do I want to be a part of a scene which by in large mirrors the exact society system which I hate? Do I want to change the scene I love and have given the larger portion of my life in involvement to? I've come to the conclusion long ago that I would rather change it than abandon it to hipster elites who never really cared about it in the first place. So what are the solutions to the problems we face? I no longer want to talk about the problems. I want to talk about something which hasn't been discussed enough in our scene. Solutions.

My next guest column will hopefully be about positive change. You can contact me with ideas/hatemail at: nooptionsrecords@gmail.com

Playlist: Heratys-Helvettiin Ja Takaisin-EP , Doom Town-Demo-Cassette, Neva-Fausse Conscience-LP, The Estranged-Subliminal Man LP, Complications s/t LP

Doom Town "Demo"

2010-10-26T16:56:00.000-07:00

Doom Town "Demo" tape This is Doom Town from St. Louis Missouri not to be confused with the Doomtown from Germany. This group is relatively new. I will be releasing a record for them soon. Here is a preview of what you will hear. I'm really excited about working with them.e
Demo

Photo: Mateus Mondini

NIGHT FEVER - "New Blood" LP

2010-10-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

NIGHT FEVER - "New Blood" LP
This a great newer band out of Copenhagen, Denmark. Nice mix up of styles, great vocals. Saw them last night and it seems they have added a second guitarist. None other than Nicolaj from HJERTESTOP. One of europe's finest just got better.

New Blood

CHRON GEN-Nowhere to Run-12"

2010-08-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

CHRON GEN-Nowhere to Run-12"
This is for all you folks that like the more melodic new wave side of UK punk. Towards the mid 80's a lot of the UK 82' bands had changed there sound drastically from that of their earlier records. It took awhile to see past the total 180 turn they had taken towards mainstream but here and there it worked. Being a fan of Post Punk/New Wave/Deathrock it isn't hard to tell why I like these changes when they work. Chron Gen are a band that in my opinion never put out a bad song.

Nowhere to Run

KMBT Radio Show

2010-08-18T15:14:00.000-07:00

I had been back in the Bay literally one day and my friend Ben Sizemore makes me do his radio show with him. It's was fun as hell and I sound like an idiot but here it is anyway. All the songs on the show can be found on this blog. Ben does a great job check out his show every week.
Combat Music Radio

THE ESTRANGED -Subliminal Man - LP

2010-08-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

THE ESTRANGED -Subliminal Man - LP (New Dark Age Records/Sabotage Records)
Anyone who hasn't heard this band has been living under a rock for the past 3 years. Think early WIRE, JOY DIVISION, and WIPERS of course, and then add musicians with the skill to bring something interesting and exciting to the sound. I used the limited edition Silkscreen cover wraparound that I designed for this great follow-up to their " Static Thought" LP.

Digital Download

For more info on where to get vinyl versions in Europe and the USA click here

The AUTHORITIES - Puppy Love LP

2010-08-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

The AUTHORITIES - Puppy Love LP
Another one of my all time favorites. This came out in '93 which was the year after I discovered punk. The Authorities kind of dropped in my lap. There I was about to buy some other seminal record that everyone owns, and instead because of my lack of cash I picked up this gem instead. Ever since the needle hit the wax I have worshiped this band. The simply never gets old, the music is layered and complex. See for yourself
Puppy Love

MOSKWA - s/t - LP

2010-08-08T16:50:00.000-07:00

MOSKWA - s/t - LP
One of my all time favorite records. The drums on this record are phenomenal, the singing is catchy as hell, and guitar and bass have hooks like no other band can hope for. If you haven't heard this record please download it. I think this is due for a re-issue on vinyl. Anyone contacted them about it yet?
Moskwa

TRISTESS - Hog and Lag Blues - LP

2010-07-16T10:53:00.000-07:00

Reminds me of THE KIDS mixed with any other good early Danish or Swedish punk you can name off. This record fucking rules!

Tristess

Current favorites in Europe

2010-07-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

There seems to be a lull in good bands these days in Europe but make no mistake there are still some standouts. First up is KNUSTE RUTER from Oslo Norway.

KNUSTE RUTER-"Var Det Bare En Løgn" EP

Great traditional Norwegian Hardcore in the tradition of bands like SO MUCH HATE, STENGTE DORER, and KAFKA PROCESS. One of the finest sounding bands I've seen on a consistent basis and always fun to watch . Their new LP Gjennmo Veggene is another modern classic.

download

2010-07-07T04:09:00.000-07:00

7/08 - Milwaukee @ Ground Zero

7/09 – Chicago @ Ronny’s
7/10 – Kansas City @ Studded Bird
7/11 – St. Louis @ Atomic Cowboy
7/12 – Carbondale (Afternoon Show) @ Plaza Records
7/12 – Memphis @ The Hitone
7/13 – Denton @ Rubber Gloves
7/14 – Ft. Worth @ 1919 Hemphill
7/15 – San Antonio @ The Pedicab
7/16 – Austin @ Beerland
7/17 – Houston @ The MINK
7/18 – New Orleans @ Saturn Bar
7/19 – Gainesville @ Wayward Council
7/20 – HELP!
7/21 – Raleigh/Durham @ TBA
7/22 – Richmond @ Gallery 5
7/23 – Washington D.C. @ St. Stephens Church
7/24 – Baltimore (Afternoon show) @ TBA
7/24 – Philadelphia @ TBA
7/25 – New York City @ Death By Audio 49
7/26 – Providence @ 17 Mules
7/27 – Boston @ Gay Gardens
7/28 – Albany @ Valentines
7/29 – Montreal @ Katacombes
7/30 – Ottawa @ Babylon
7/31 – Toronto @ Parts & Labour
8/1 – Buffalo @ Sugar City
8/2 – Pittsburgh @ Helter Sheler
8/6 – Chicago @ TBA
8/7 – Chicago @ TBA

SPECTRES - Last Days LP

2010-07-01T10:11:00.001-07:00

New Dark Age/ Sabotage Records

Spectres were originally formed in 2006 by Brian Gustavson and Steve Hanker in a small town called Coombs, British Columbia. The pair wanted to experiment with peace punk and post punk influences and made a few demos that were mailed out and given away to various friends. Whisper in Darkness label heard one of these demos and expressed an interest in what eventually became the "Cold War" 7". At this point Brian and Steve set about putting together a band to start playing shows, and Heather Szilagyi (drums), Nathan Szilagyi (bass) and Zach Batalden (guitar) were added to the band's roster. Not long after Heather left the band and Steve Gerencer joined to fill in on drums, and this line up went on to make the "Visions of a New World" 7" later that year. The band toured to support this release in the spring of 2008 and Steve Hanker left the band after the tour to persue other projects. Tyler Pilling joined shortly after to play guitar in Steve's place and this line up has been consistently playing shows in the Pacific North West ever since. The band's first LP, "Last Days" began when Spectres partnered with Felix Fung of Little Red Sounds in January of 2009, working in multiple sessions through the next few months to complete their debut full length album. The new record expands the song writing skills from their two previous ep's to include some more angular writing abilies. The vocals are more dynamic and overall better thought out. Being compared to bands like JOY DIVISION and SISTERS OF MERCY is a hard thing to live up to, but they have definitely taken those influences and molded them into something heartfelt and profound. This release is being jointly released by Whisper In Darkness Label in North America and Sabotage Records/New Dark Age in Europe.

Last Days digital download

visit our online shop at sabotagerecords.net/shop

Sabotagerecords/New Dark Age
PoBox105824
28058 Bremen
Germany
www.Sabotagerecords.net

if you are in bremen come to our record/book shop: the goldenshop
Fehrfeld 4
28203 bremen
www.thegoldenshop.org

RED DONS - Fake meets Failure LP

2010-07-01T10:10:00.001-07:00

The '00s or whatever you wanna call the last decade are over, the results are in. Honorable independent publications and the ever growing "blogosphere" outdid themselves with Top 5, Top 10, and Top 100 lists of records that were issued in the last ten years. A common find among these lists was the seminal SO WHAT'S LEFT NOW? LP by Portland, Oregon's THE OBSERVERS released on VINYL WARNING in 2004. The dawn of a new decade is upon us and Doug Burns (Lead singer/songwriter/artist of THE OBSERVERS) has a new band, the RED DONS, featuring Daniel Hajji Husayn, Richard Joachim Preinesberger, and a rotating cast of characters including Justin Maurer (Clorox Girls), Will Kinser (Born/Dead), Zack Brooks (Soda Pop Kids), and Andy Foote (The Physical Challenge). Named after a group of Cambridge professors that operated as spies for the Soviet Union in WW2, the RED DONS continue where the OBSERVERS left off with added elements of Arabic themes in both the artwork and sound. After the much lauded release of their debut album and successfully touring the US, Canada, Europe, and Brazil, the RED DONS entered a Portland studio to record ten new tracks. On this new album FAKE MEETS FAILURE (DERANGED RECORDS / TAKEN BY SURPRISE RECORDS) due to be released in July 2010, the band successfully develops their unique style even further. Coded lyrics about vagabond characters moving back and forth between the lines of the current climate of fear and suspicion that has been brought upon the USA by the war on terror. Again, consistent songwriting and a great production make this record stand out among the current competition. Combining TSOL-like vocals, SoCal punk rage, and the defiant melancholy of Pacific Northwesterners like the WIPERS this powerful release rises above the stack of contemporaries that take on the early 80s punk sound. No retro fashion hype, no flavor of the month. When this year turns, be sure to find this LP in the leading spots of Top 5, Top 10 and Top 100 lists of 2010. This allbum will prove to be unsurpassed in the underground realm of indie, punk, hardcore, and the DIY Rock'N'Roll of today. Though members are now scattered across the globe, the RED DONS will tour the USA in July 2010 and set sail for Europe in the spring of 2010. So What's Left Now? A hell of an aftermath to follow...one hell of a followup record, and one great, fierce force of a touring machine known as RED DONS.

Fake Meets Failure digital download

order in the USA at http://www.derangedrecords.com

order in Europe at Taken By Surprise Records

RED DONS updates

DJing at the Cobra Bar in St. Pauli, Hamburg for the next 4 Tuesdays

2010-04-27T00:19:00.000-07:00

Dienstag 27.4
Dienstag 4.5
Dienstag 11.5
Dienstag 18.5

Continuing with the best records of last decade..

2010-04-20T12:06:00.000-07:00

BRAINOIL-"s/t" LP
One of the heaviest acts ever in the Bay Area. Louder and thicker than probably any band I've seen from Oakland other than High On Fire. This record was recorded at Polymorph studios and really is a great representation of their sound. This band has been playing here and there lately so hopefully sometime soon they have another record ready to release.

Brainoil

Fliehende Stürme (the best Deutsch band)

2010-03-26T06:27:00.000-07:00

Fliehende Stürme-"Kaleidoskop" EP
saw them last night and they where totally amazing. Totally great show!

kaleidoskop

La vida de tes nuits photo show.

2010-03-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

here are some of the photos that i submitted for this show. I will try to do a show in Hamburg before I leave for tour in July. I'm gonna be working on presentation this time around.
As usual click on the images to view full scale.

R.I.P Bruce Roehrs

2010-03-18T07:24:00.000-07:00

I am really sad to hear that Bruce Roehrs is dead. What awful news. He was always someone I looked forward to seeing when I went to MRR ,at shows, or at the bar. In a world of despair he was always so inspiring and upbeat about things, and seemed to shrug everything off and rock out no matter what. He was a pure music fanatic that rarely ever had anything bad to say about a band. He was always someone I handed every new record I released first, I will be very sad to never be able to introduce him to a new record again. What a loss for all of his friends. I consider it an honor to have been one of the many.

Bruce at Chaos in Tejas 2009 watching Young Offenders.
Click on image to view large version.

One of my favorite records of all time. WIRE-Pink Flag

2010-03-04T18:22:00.000-08:00

WIRE-"Pink Flag"

This record gets my vote for top 5 best all around recordings. Every little extra layer that they added is so brilliant. The snare sound is incredible as well as everything else. Great. Great. Great!

Wire-pf

TERMINAL ESCAPE: SOCIETY'S VICTIMS

2010-02-20T09:35:00.000-08:00

TERMINAL ESCAPE: SOCIETY'S VICTIMS

San Francisco Bay area show 4.3.10

2010-02-17T02:58:00.000-08:00

One of the bands didn't like the first version of the flyer so I made another one. Besides the date is wrong on the first one.

Flyer 2-Photos: Mateus Mondini, Will Kinser

Flyer 1-Photo: Mateus Mondini

Layout: Will Kinser

click on image to view full size

On the Darker side of the spectrum

2010-02-17T01:33:00.000-08:00

SIEKIERA-"Nowa Aleksandria" LP (Tonpress KAW)
This is one of the best post punk records ever. SIEKIERA came from Poland and had a very cold war era sound. A lot of bands progressed away from punkrock into utter crap but there are some which nailed a new sound and created something classic.
siekiera

THE SOUND-"From the Lion's Mouth" LP
THE SOUND-"Jeapordy" LP
THE SOUND-"Propaganda" LP

THE SOUND
Here are 3 records by THE SOUND, a great band from the UK with dark personal lyrics and a somewhat monotone approach. The music is sometimes a bit dated, but still comes off sounding very unique and genuine.

Propaganda
From the Lions Mouth (re-issue) & Jeopardy(re-issue)

HERÄTYS-'s/t' 12" & demo

2010-02-16T07:05:00.000-08:00

HERÄTYS-'s/t' 12" & demo
Your new favorite band. Following in the tradition of Scandi hardcore bands like NO SECURITY and TOTALITAR.

s/t 12"
demo

click on image to view large

Skitkids-Live in Stockholm

2010-02-16T04:07:00.000-08:00

Skitkids, Stockholm Sweden

This show was in the hull of a boat. The lineup was amazing and of course Skitkids delivered the goods once again. I won't deny that it was a party and I was really lucky to snap this picture of Love bleeding from his mouth. We had a great time on the road with them. Can't wait to go again.

click on image to view large

Best records from 2000-2010....more on the way.

2010-02-15T09:43:00.000-08:00

SKITKIDS-"Onna For Pleasure" LP (Kick n' Punch/Not Enough Records)

Scandinavian hardcore at its very finest. The guitar work on this and every other release of theirs is phenomenal. This record stands above all else in pure adrenalin fueled scathing hardcore. Not since DEATHSIDE's "Bet on The Possibility" LP have I heard such a manic record. Great cover art too...haha.

Onna for Pleasure

INEPSY-"Rock n' Roll Babylon" LP (Feral Ward)

Mix Motorhead/Hellammer with Discharge and G.B.H. and do I really need to say more? This record reminds me of good times with these guys and a lot of hilarious situations and stories from tours with them.

Inepsy-Rn'R Babylon

TYRADES-"s/t" LP (Broken ReKids)

This band from Chicago was the embodiment of punk. The songs are short, fast, and rough. The vocals are delivered with an air of frustration and total disillusionment. I like this record because I can play it in front of any straight person and they think it is noise and don't get it at all.That is the formula which made the classic bands shock people. Few other records have done that in the past decade.

Tyrades-Lp

TRAGEDY-"s/t" LP (Tragedy Records)

This record is perfect from start to finish, a total bulldozer of a recording. This sets a standard that no one else could get close to although many tried to replicate this sound. For better or worse TRAGEDY changed the sound of Punk/Crust with this groundbreaking record. All of their records are really good but this is perhaps the most varied and therefore my favorite. Although I can't name one band that play the same style of melodic crust that I like, I continue to listen to TRAGEDY possibly because they still have the punk fire mixed in with their own unique style. Millineum crust at it's finest.

Tbird-st

PESD-"Politikarepoizonekurvae" LP (Prank Records)

Yea just try to pronounce the title of this record in English, I dare you. The guitarist from Post Regiment started a one man (playing all the instruments) band with the singer of Tragedia and it sounds like a mix of classic Polish punk and Killing Joke. This record is good on so many levels. I highly urge people to check it out if they haven't by now.

PESD

TOTALITAR-"Vi Ar Eliten" LP (Prank Records)

What can I say? Not many bands can combine the raw fury of Discharge and the hardcore speed and diverity of bands like Minor Threat and Jerry's Kids. Living legends.

Totalitar-VaE

NO HOPE FOR THE KIDS-"s/t" LP (Kick n' Punch Records)

Every single song this band released is outstanding. I can't think of any band who has written such great timeless music in a long while. Here is their entire discography.

NHFTK-Discography

THE OBSERVERS-"So What's Left Now" LP (Deranged)

THE OBSERVERS where a great band all around. They had amazing personal lyrics, old school punk style whilst still remaining fresh and ground breaking. This LP is as near to perfect as it gets. If you like THE OBSERVERS then check out Doug's new band THE RED DONS. They are equally as good but may not have recorded as good a record so far. That being said I have heard the new recordings and I'm sure the upcoming record will make the list for 2010-2020 if we make it that long.

THE OBSERVERS-SWLN

RED DONS-"Death to Idealism" LP

DEATHREAT-"The Severing of the Last Barred Window" LP

(Parners in Crime Records)

This just makes the cut as it was recorded in the 90's but not released until 2000. Truly one of the best records. Members are all solid musicians and actually seem to add something to the genre with awesome lyrics and riffs which are raw and catchy.

This is the CD version available for download here with bonus tracks from the EP's which proceeded this LP.

Deathreat "The Severing of the Last Barred Window

PELIGRO SOCIAL -"No Religion" LP (No Options Records)

SF's PELIGRO SOCIAL may have been a short lived band, but they made their mark in a very big way and will be remembered. I had the distinct honor of helping release this LP and it will always remind me of great friends and amazing shows. Check out the new bands by these guys.

Mackey & Nathan-Dopecharge

Jose-Ruleta Rusa

Manny-Clandesto DE (Germany)

PS- No Religion

Best Non-Punk records

KILLING JOKE-"Hosannas from the Basement of Hell" LP (Cooking Vinyl)

Absolutely brilliant. I can't believe that this band is still making great music after all these years, and they are still evolving as a band.

link

THE VANISHING-"In the Bat Haus" EP

This band perfectly taps into the early Death Rock style without being retro or cheesy. It most likely has to do with the fact that they weren't goths just weirdos making dark music. This is their debut record.

In the Bat Haus

DAN SARTAIN- "Dan Sartain Vs. The Serpientes" LP (One Little Indian)

I like this record because it apeals to more than one different style. Someone special recommended this to me and although I hadn't heard of DAN SARTAIN before, I was surprised by how fast it grew on me.

DSvsS

THE RICHMOND SLUTS-"S/t" LP

This band is super retro, certainly the best sound since Iggy Pop and Johnny Thunders. This record could have been recorded in the same studio as far as I'm concerned. This is mainly due to the fact that their guitarist singer Shay Rocker recorded this record with attention to every detail. Shay and Chris B where childhood friends and we certainly had some crazy times together. I'm very proud of them for pulling off such a great record. Definitely a lost gem. Listen to "Sad City" its the heart and soul of this album.

sluts

Rudimentary Peni-Death Church

2010-02-15T05:11:00.000-08:00

Quite Possibly one of the best recordings ever put to vinyl. Any self respecting punker should own this masterpiece, if not for the music then for the art alone. Still an all time favorite after 17 years.

RP-Death Church

Climbing the Walls

2010-02-15T03:39:00.000-08:00

This picture was taken in Venice, Italy. Goran, Padde, and I went there to visit some friends and relax for a bit. We stayed in Bologna most of the time. However, we did venture out to Venice as well as some other towns to take some pictures. These 3 frames are the sort of spontaneous kind of shots I feel make up the core of my work in photography. click on the image to see a larger version