Renae Bryant 10/10/11
I heard of Fester Youth from Socialized Crucifixion, after they had played some shows together. I was happy to receive their full-length cd in the mail. The songs on the release were recorded from 2003-2011. The lyrical subject matter broaches the topics of challenging people's apathy, to directing women to stand up for their rights (as a father would say to his daughter…which goes to prove that any father of a daughter should be a feminist), to injustices against humanity, to working class struggles and more. I am a huge fan bands singing writing and singing in multiple languages, so I was really pleased to hear songs sang in Spanish. This is for fans of: Los Crudos, Toxic Narcotic, Phobia, and Born Dead. Go to tracks: "Women's Rights," "Protest," "Injusticias Humanas," "No Hay Futuro," and "Open Eyes." Listen for yourself at www.facebook.com/festeryouth. I look forward to seeing them live.
The Potential Lunatics Well Trained Youngsters
Renae Bryant 10/1/11
The first time I saw this brother and sister pair [real brother and sisters…unlike the White Stripes, who first began their band billed as brother and sister], called Potential Lunatics, was when we played Lady Fest LA with them in 2008. I think they were perhaps eleven or twelve years old then. I got to see them again in August 2011 at Lady Fest IE. Now in their official teens, they have their first release out. We all stood with mouths agape in 2008, when we saw them rock it as "tweens." Now we danced along with big smiles on our face, super happy to hear just how amazing they are. Their first cd captures it. Loaded onto my IPod dock, I listened to the disc at least ten times in a row. Potential Lunatics have the chops and the charm that the White Stripes had, when they first arrived on the scene on Sympathy for the Record Industry. What makes Potential Lunatics better is that I don't hear the White Stripes…I hear Babes in Toyland meets PJ Harvey meets Patti Smith meets Bikini Kill. Listen for yourself: www.thepotentiallunatics.com. Stand out tracks are: "Witch Cakes," "Boy Colours," "Deranged Love Song," "Big Hit," and "Kool Boyz."
Fiction Reform Revelation in the Palms of the Weak
Renae Bryant 10/1/11
I don't really care when a release gets to my hands. I am still going to write a review, if I like it. So…I like this. After playing with Fiction Reform in August 2011, I became a fan. I was also happy to finally be able to buy their full length, which I couldn't find at my local independent record stores. See I'm old fashioned in few ways, but I still like to support record stores when I can. This is a very solid release from a very tight band. All the other reviews are correct, but I would like to add that it is a very good mixture of rock n roll and punk. The comparisons are true: Distillers meets L7, meets The Street Dogs, meets the Man Handlers, finally meets Johnny Cash. Something like that, but don't take my word for it. Listen at www.facebook.com/fictionreform. Stand out tracks are: "Whites of their Eyes," "Sins of the Father," Cancerous Gold," and "Come Back Home."
Socialized Crucifixion For You and Me 2011 Demo
By Renae Bryant & Jen Ramirez 7/16/11
After a three year hiatus, Socialized Crucifixion is back and not fucking around. First formed in 2004, when the members were still in high school, lasting until 2008 the band was a local favorite playing anarcho-crust-straight-edge punk (playing amazing shows all over California, like the Showcase Theatre with Leftover Crack). They released a classic seven inch, "More Than a Glance" on New Eden Records. Three years later, the band has reformed, adding Dave to bass and Alex to second guitar. All band members sing, scream, yell and growl. Losing the militant sxe/vegan stance, the band "explore(s) different avenues of rebellion," plays punk rock, and tries to make a positive difference. The demo (recorded at Eddie Voodoo's Dogrun Studios) perfectly captures this energy. The sound is reminiscent of F-Minus (specifically "Suburban Blight"-Jen Ramirez), Toxic Narcotic, and Aus Rotten. Favorite tracks: "For You and Me" and "Feel the Bomb Drop."
Horror Squad 24” Sonic Vampire
Fallen Angel Records
By Renae Bryant 2/22/11
With this band, it was love at first site. Some bands can take some time to fall for, but not this one. From the first time I saw them, live at Chain Reaction, I knew there was something special about them. They combined three of my favorite things (that only the greatest of punk bands can actually pull off): punk rock, a love of horror, and a d.i.y. spirit. They have thrown their own So. Cal., all ages’ shows in a small space (but just big enough to house a skate ramp) for over a year, helping to keep the local band and all ages’ scenes alive. Their first full length, recorded at Westbeach delivers all the energy, fun, and fury of their live shows. My favorite tracks are: “Young Wolves,” “Trashy Living,” “Buffalo of Lies,” and (believe it or not) “Greenthumb Girl.” My advice is to buy the cd, so you can have the sixteen page booklet of lyrics and cool artwork done by artist/guitarist Paul Aguilera.
Battle Flask
Pledge Your Allegiance 6 song cd
Fallen Angel Records
By Renae Bryant
Battle Flask caught my attention opening for The Stitches, with their very tight, energy filled live show. I immediately asked to trade cds, so I could spread the good news of their band. Their live show sold me, and their cd sealed the deal. Intelligent lyrics paired with fast punk, with a hint of Clash style rock n roll. Fans of the Dropkick Murphys, Street Dogs and Rancid will find a new favorite band. I think the singer, Philippe, said he was from France. I would love to hear a song in French on their next cd.
Ashers
Cold Dark Place
Concrete Jungle Records
By Renae Bryant
So, I picked this up at the Ashers show at Angelos’ Pizza. The only thing wrong with the release is that it’s only a six song ep. I would have rather preferred a full length [I know…that’s what she said…]. Anyway, great songs, the lyrics are angry and tortured, but in a good way. How many of us, in our lifetime, have wanted to say, “it’s no use, fuck you, I hate you, and sooner or later I’m coming to get you…” An open ended threat without a deadline…nice. The pairing of musicians from A Global Threat and The Unseen are more than worth the effort it will require you to get your ass in your car drive to your local independent record store and buy this release (or press the keys of your computer to order or download it). Please do the prior.
The Insurgence
Never Surrender
Basement Records
By Renae Bryant
I bought this cd at Gonzo’s birthday show, that we played with the Lower Class Brats and the Insurgence. I hadn’t done my homework before we played with them, so I had no idea what they sounded like. I figured they were street punk, but I was way wrong. This is a hardcore band in vein of Agnostic Front and Sick of it All. I was pretty stoked on their music and their live show. Lucky for them, this four song demo captures that energy. Once again I was left wishing for a full-length [yes…that’s what she said..].
Civet
Hell Hath No Fury
Hellcat Records
By Renae Bryant
I first saw Civet back in 2004. We played a boys v. girls show with them at the Allen Theatre. I was excited about their band. Back then they reminded me of Babes In Toyland with a bit of Red Aunts mixed in. They seemed, even back then, to really hungry for it. Hungry for “making it.” They even sold pictures of themselves with their merch. That’s a gutsy move in the punk scene. [“So much clit she don’t need balls”-L7.] Good for them. Moving from Disaster Records to Hellcat, their band, music and lyrics are matured. I appreciate their quest to have an all female band that rocks, not an easy feat to accomplish. I also appreciate the fact that they are conscious of being roll models for other punk gals. I don’t know how they rock in high heels, but more power to them if they can pull it off. “Hell Hath No Fury’ is an excellent effort. I hear the Hellcat influence and they’re definitely better for it. Civet has morphed into a mixture of the Lunachicks meets Motorhead. It sounds like a rockin’ good time. A stand out track is the gal anthem “All I Want.” Lucky for Civet bands like L7, 7 Year Bitch, Babes in Toyland, Bikini Kill, Hole, Lunachicks, Red Aunts, The Slits, and of course The Runaways paved the way for them.
Fucked Up
The Chemistry Of Common Life
Matador Records
By Renae Bryant
Wow! What a pleasant surprise this band is. We almost missed them at Angelo’s Pizza, and that would have been a shame. This was my first Fucked Up experience, and I could immediately tell what all of the fuss was about. There is some fucked up shit that occurs on that stage when said name performs. First, it was great to see Angelo’s filled up. Second, think Poison Idea singer, pinch of punk rock lyrics, but indie super complicated music (eighteen + guitar tracks). Now add to that image said singer swallowing black pepper while singing. Next, almost down to chones singing on top of the bar. So rad. So “The Chemistry of Common Life” can’t capture the live show, but it is awesome. Don’t be fooled by the tom-foolery, the shit is deep. I thought my vocabulary was advanced until I read these lyrics. Wow!
Eagles Of Death Metal
Heart On
Downtown Music
By Jen Ramirez
Jesse Hughes and Josh Homme, otherwise known as Boots Electric and Baby Duck, have done it again with their 3rd ass shakin’ Eagles of Death Metal installment Heart On. With songs like “Wannabe In L.A.” and “High Voltage”, the EoMD spirit is alive and kicking ass. Jesse slows it down some on “Now I’m A Fool”, a tune that expresses a Hollywood love of his gone bad. Overall, the whole album is a damn fine Rock n’ Roll good time.
Eagles of Death Metal are on tour! Check out their website for dates and venues.