David Dondero “Shooting at the Sun with a Water Gun…” (Future Farmer) According to the press sheet, Ex-Sunbrain member David Dondero is now some kind of folky, beat wanderer. The first thing you’re going to think when you hear this…
Dogwood “This is not a New Album” (Facedown) The title of this CD is particularly fitting, as any of the music on it could’ve been on any generic pop-punk record of the last 10+ years. Fortunately, Dogwood has got a ready…
Ebony Tears “Evil As Hell” (Century Media) Ebony Tears play speedy Swedish metal with vocals along the lines of Sodom’s Tom Angelripper, rather than out and out death roaring. There is definitely a non-Black Metal Swedish sound emerging with the…
Fleshies “Kill the Dreamers Dream” (Alternative Tentacles) MC5-flavored, old school, punk rock ‘n’ roll that’s actually head and shoulders above the rest of the bands doing that kind of thing right now. Could’ve come out 15 or more years ago…
Fu Manchu“California Crossing”(Mammoth Records) Consistently achieving their vision of pure rock, Fu Manchu returns with their 7th (!) full length of dirt on the gears, blood on the grill rock and roll. Four count riff rock done by masters of…
Czolgosz “Liberation” (Rodent Popsicle) Czolgosz plays old school political punk, and it’s more dorky than crusty. Typical, uninsightful, anti-American statements from the comfort of a trite, played-out musical format. To completely contradict and discredit any liberal ideas they might promote,…
Alchemist “Organasm” (Relapse Records) Alchemist kicks off their album sounding like Godflesh run through a standard nineteen sixties’ PsychedelicizerTM. What the PsychedelicizerTM does is add surreal space age keyboards, sitars, random East Indian influences, didgeridoo and other sparkling crystal sounds.…
Arma Angelus “Where Sleeplessness is Rest From Nightmares” (Eulogy Recordings) If you’re squeamish, then don’t look at the cover art for this CD. The front panel consists of a woman in bed, freshly murdered and soaked in blood. The rest…
Badlands “Self-Titled” (Koch Records) This is a reissue of Badlands 1989 release. The band released two albums, their self-titled debut, and another in 1991 before disbanding. Most of the fellows are still involved in the music industry except vocalist Ray…
Choking Victim “Crack Rock Steady EP/Squatta’s Paradise” (Tent City Records) Okay. I’m afraid to admit this, but these guys are pretty good. Why the hell they are just now releasing this album, since both EPs were recorded around 1996, is…