1981 – An obviously incomplete discography from this still-active peace punk act from Finland, this compiles one full-length with two EPs including a split with fellow revivalists SURRENDER. Never veering into folk-punk territory, 1981 instead make a compelling case for anarcho-punk as folk music, incorporating some rather poppy vocals into a sound that is at once retro and very now-sounding. Beautifully packaged with a lengthy booklet that includes lyrics and an interview in both French and English. (Will) (13-song CD-R, lyrics included, plusquedesmois@free.fr)
Circus of Lamia – I don't even know where to begin with one…somewhere near the nexus of gothic metal, bar rock and goofball thrash lies the CIRCUS OF LAMIA, who apparently hail from Sweden. Operatic female vocals theoretically tie everything together, but aside from that there's little unity to these songs. In all seriousness, this reeks of juggalos and Myspace. Gross. (Will) (3-song CD, no lyrics, circusoflamia.com)
Nervosas – Sharp, angular punk from Columbus, OH, this sounds like it was recorded to tape no later than 1982 (meant as a compliment). At first glance this might be mistaken for simple garage punk, but a closer listen reveals a serious debt to the pantheon of quirky, art-school bands like WIRE and Australia's THOUGHT CRIMINALS. The warped, idiosyncratically-effected guitars add another awesome layer to this tape, as do dual-gender vocals when they occasional surface. “Unstable” is seriously one of the best songs I've ever heard, instantly becoming ingrained into my musical subconsciousness for the foreseeable future. This totally, fully rips. (11-song cassette, no lyrics, nervosas.com)
Not on Tour – Fast, tight, and face-punchingly catchy female-fronted pop-punk/melodic hardcore from Israel. What this is doing on Halo of Flies, I have no idea (pun seriously not intended!), but with lyrics like "wanna puke wanna puke on you/wanna puke on people just like you" it's hard to go wrong. Oh, and it comes wrapped in a patch…sick! (Will) (8-song cassette, lyrics included, halooffliesrcds@hotmail.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment