REVIEWS

The music....

THE APOSTLES - There Can Be No Spectators LP - Grow Your Own
Although always being aware of The Apostles they were, unfortunately, one of those bands from the early 1980s who slipped through the net for me and apart from a tape I didn’t get anything they did. There is no reason for this, they aren’t the only band I missed out on at the time, so reissues like this are a great way for me to catch up on some music I missed. This double album (one red vinyl, one black) features four of the first five Apostles EPs, the fourth is missing as it was essentially an Andy Martin solo release, so you get the first, second, third and fifth EPs here, the ones recorded and released by a full band (there are a few previously unreleased songs included too). The Apostles were not one of the “peace punk” bands associated with the anarcho punk scene, they called for a more “by any means necessary” approach, and didn’t care who that pissed off. Drummer Chris Lowe has been the instigator of this and has done a great job, along side GYO who have ensured, as always, that what you get here is another quality package, with remastered music that sounds pretty damn good and a wrap around poster sleeve that has all the lyrics, pictures and info you need. Not only that there is a 32-page compendium of the infamous Pigs For Slaughter fanzine. 

ARMOURED FLU UNIT - Carnyx LP - Grow Your Own
A new album by one of my favourite bands will always raise my excitement levels. Obviously I know these guys and I love what they’ve done before, but the opening tracks took me a little by surprise as they charged out of the blocks at breakneck speed. So blistering, musically, that there was a point I was reminded of Crucifix, while lyrically they rage against domestic abuse, then the way so many people are happy to know their place and bow to those they assume are their betters and also encourage us to “Be the change we want to see”. And that’s just the first three songs. After that comes ‘Thorn In The Claw’, a song that’s more in the AFU sound I was expecting; it’s not quite as fast, but still hard hitting and powerful as it encourages us to fight back against capitalist system in any little way we can. These lyrics I found particularly important at a time where it can seem hopeless, that the rich capitalists have won, but we can still fight back and if we all do a little bit to disrupt and rebel it can lead to change. It may seem hopeless, but there are more off us. Side one finishes with ‘Hostile Environment’, which is what the UK has become for anyone deemed the wrong sort of person, where people can be treated as less than human by an uncaring system, while the language in common use by the government and on TV just reinforces these attitudes. Side two doesn’t let up as ‘Nothing Sticks’ is another song about how profit is deemed more important than people no matter how harmful the products may be. Next they endorse the healing properties of nature, the fact that it is better for our wellbeing and mental health if we take time to go out side and reconnect with nature, rather than being stuck inside staring at screens. It’s something I have experienced, being out in the sun and nature really is so beneficial. The only problem with that is our land has been given to the rich, who fence it off and keep it for themselves as ‘Feudal County’ points out. Why should this land not be accessible to us all? And if we are stuck behind a screen, how do we know if we are interacting with another human and not an AI bot? AFU wonder the same thing in the chilling ‘Artificial Intelligence’. A song with a serious message, but I do like to think the pronunciation of “art I facial” is a nod to X-Ray Spex (knowing Nath, I’m sure it is). The title track closes this album; a carnyx was a Celtic war horn that terrified the Roman invaders, and this song starts in very menacing style, building up like an army of freedom fighters ready to repel and invading army. The song then stamps its way to the end like warriors thumping their shields in defiance. The sound of this album is slightly different to their previous releases and I love it, while the sleeve art is fantastic, wrapping up what I think is the best thing they’ve done so far. And when you think of how good their previous releases have been, that’s quite an achievement.

C-30s - No.6 CDEP - Abused
The colour sleeve may have the look of Hüsker Dü’s “Warehouse: Songs & Stories’ album, but  although the music does have a definite Hüskers feel, this had me thinking more of ‘Flip wYour Wig’, especially the opener, ‘Pleased To Meet You’. In fact I would go as far as saying that these songs are  better than anything the Hüskers did after the first song on ‘New Day Rising’. I’m not just saying that because singer/guitarist Andy Nazer is a friend, I really do prefer these songs, the sound they have here is very impressive. The songs don’t rely on speed, but they are still dynamic and even epic sounding, not in length, but in the way the sound seems huge and all encompassing. The songs quickly lodged themselves in my brain and, funny enough, the line “I quit, yeah I quit, don’t need your shit, I quit” was playing on repeat in head while I was working. The five tracks conclude with the rocking ‘It’s On”, a fine finale to a great EP. When I first heard this song I thought of Brian James, so it seems sadly fitting that I'm finishing this review the day after his death was announced. It’s available from Saturday 8th March from their bandcamp page, and it’ll only cost you a fiver (plus £2 postage).
C-30s (Tony)

COLD WAR - Illusion: The Complete Studio Sessions LP - Grow Your Own
The great thing about the anarcho punk scene of the early 1980s was that bands could be politically aligned but sounding very different. Like a couple of other bands of the time, Cold War took their influences from bands like Bauhaus, Siouxsie & The Banshees and, at times, I also hear a bit of Charge, early Cure and early Adam & The Ants too, which all adds up to a wonderful, very melodic sound of the sort that I’ve always liked. It’s a shame that Cold War weren’t more widely appreciated at the time, but after putting out some tapes and a 7” single, they split up and a couple of them went on to join Hagar The Womb. Being a GYO release a lot of care an attention has been put into this and it comes with a 20 page A4 booklet including a band biography, flyers, fanzine articles, photos and memorabilia. I didn’t know anything about this band, and only had one track, ‘The Machinist’, on the ‘Anti-Capitalist’ compilation CD, so this is a great release for me, and I love it. GYO keep delivering the goods.

CONFLICT – This Is Conflict 7” Mortarhate
With the split of Crass in 1984 it is my view that Conflict stepped in and became the standard bearers for the Anarcho Punk side of Punk. This two-track single sees them step back into the vanguard after a recording absence of over 20 years. I have to say that this release is a return to class for Colin and his new found cohorts, especially with Fiona Friel backing Colin up on vocals. ‘This Much Remains’ , which is also the title track of the new album, is intense and angry as the lyrics focus on not taking shit from our elected leaders and trying things another way. Flip the disc and ‘A Mothers Milk’ reminds us of the importance of animal welfare and the abuse that continues as it did when Conflict first took up the gauntlet. Challenging lyrics on this track for sure and pure Conflict musically. I’m looking forward to the album based on this release.
Bandcamp (Gaz)    

DEATHTRAPS – The Lust for Likes EP – Deathtrap
South Wales' Deathtraps have been knocking around for some years, and I previously picked up a disc of their ‘Gotta Get Some’ album after a gig in Brighton. It’s good to see they are still with us. On this new 6 track digital EP (love the title incidentally) they carry the torch of gruff Motörheavy rockNroll laced with a Turbonegro throb. Yeah, no complaints. With songs about battling adversity, picking yourself up when you’re down, and making the most of life, Deathtraps is no doubt a useful outlet for these guys to focus their energies on and stay focussed when things turn rough. And that is great.

EASTFIELD/DIE SPANGLE – Split EP
The Eastfield train remains firmly on the rails as their recording resurgence continues with this first class offering about keeping the band on the road. Cornish outfit Die Spangle contribute two very Oi Oi sounding tracks as they deal with the locals being priced out of their own town ‘Seaside Town’ and ‘Couch Potato’ deals with someone who is just that! Musically spot on and I bet they entertain live! I’m gonna check em’ out! Support the bands and buy this record. 

F-EMASCULATA - Bright Lights, Drilled Teeth LP - Dead Invoices/Serial Bowl/Pumpkin/No Time Records
Despite, or more likely, because of Cornwall’s relative isolation it seems to be a hotbed of creativity and punk rock shenanigans. Featuring people involved with Rash Decision, Swansong and Dead Invoices records, F-Emasculata are unique in that their noisy punk songs are X-Files themed, their lyrics and the way the look on stage are all a celebration of Mulder, Scully and the strange people and phenomena they investigated. Musically they are a powerful force of nature, mixing up fast hardcore punk, heavy riffing and great, strong vocals. I’m also reminded of Nirvana, Hole and L7 in places, with all these different elements combining to male ‘Bright Lights, Drilled Teeth’ a very hard hitting release. F-Emasculata were fantastic live and this LP does a good job in capturing that furious intensity. The X-Files was once a firm favourite in our house, but I have to admit I haven’t watched it in years, however various references in the lyrics and the samples from the show make me want to watch it again. But not before I've listened to this again.

HAEST – Wild Fires + Sight Unseen – TNS/No Time/5Feet Under
This record is a neat little squeezing together of two Eps Haest have recorded since their last LP ‘Belabor’ in 2023. Each sits perfectly with the other and they sound like they were always meant to be that way, with perhaps a slightly heavier approach to side 2. Haest’s sound has come a long way since I last saw them (I can’t even remember how far back that was and don’t know how I have not seen them since as they are always busy ripping the roof off somewhere), the evolution has been helped and invigorated in no small part by a line-up change including Rich replacing Dan as their new drummer. There is a still a DIY hardcore element here from their early days, which has soaked into their roots since day one, and luminaries such as Circle Jerks and Black flag are in evidence, but Haest have never been a band to stand still and redo the same old thing, and this release shows their inventiveness on every track. What they have evolved into is distinctly their own beast. There are overtones of 90’s emo and Grunge, (Fugazi for example in the wonderful ‘You can’t here Canoe’, and ‘Erotic Waffle’ which power along with discordant menace), and even Nomeansno (especially evident in the opening track ‘If You Don't Think Killing This Planet Is Worth 7 Jesus Lizard Albums Then You're An Idiot’, which carries the same lurking fear of the great  Jello/Nomeansno colab ‘Chew’). But there were two reference points I kept hearing weave in and out of a number of the tracks – Therapy? and, probably less expectedly, New Model Army. I am sure these weren’t direct inspirations, but there is something about the bluntness of delivery and big ol’ crunchy riffs that drives the record along in a way both of these bands are masters at (check out ‘Another Good Word is Homeowner’ if your are struggling for the Therapy? vibe). None of the songs are blazingly fast, (well perhaps with the exception of ‘You Look Like How Ketchup Smells’) but they are weighty and often steeped in a sparce bleakness that I think evoked the NMA part of my brain in particular. Another reason to buy this record (if you need one) is for the song titles alone, as you might have noticed above. With titles like ‘Did They Ever Find Out Who Let The Dogs Out?’ and ‘I Was Bullied By A Horse Once (Really Bad)’ (last parentheses theirs not mine) they are not immune to a bit of silliness to lighten the riff pummelling. All in all, a cracking listen. Not as hardcore as I might have expected but that is not to its detriment. Haest have explored  and expanded while my back was turned and come up with a whole batch of cracking noises I can whole heartedly endorse. I need to pay more attention!
TNS (Alan)

JAILCELL RECIPES - Artefacts from an Empty Tank World LP - First Strike 
Wow, we are fully back in the time machine here, with one of my choice ‘80’s UK hardcore bands. Where some groups of the era focussed on hammering out a bleak blunt/harsh racket, the Jailcell’s were on a more upward, thoughtful/melodic trip, even at their thrashiest; it was great witnessing their development. I first saw ‘em Summer’88 at… where else… The Richmond, Brighton, with Electro Hippies, mid-week, playing to a sparsely occupied room. There was an appeal to the scrawny/skater Jailcell’s enthusiasm from the get-go. A few months later they returned to The Richmond, this time for a packed-out Saturday night gig, as main support to Joyce McKinney Experience. An awesome double bill! With their new guitarist Jailcell’s had rapidly evolved into a leaner/meaner proposition all together. I’ll go as far as to say I was blown away. They’d firmly hit their stride with a line-up that would cement their reputation. 
Anyways, enough of my misty-eyed reflective ramblings… because here we are, many decades later, and there is a rich backstory to this album (that I’m not even gonna get into) where the band, and their great mate/early champion, Alan Woods of First Strike Records, have agreed on a format that collectively represents, and draws a firm line under, their legacy. A standard best-of/reissue, this isn’t.
Side One contains remixed tracks from their first album, that finally do ‘em justice. On the flipside selected ‘Poulton Road’ EP and second LP tracks give way to 3 previously unreleased songs from their latter days. They’re top notch. In the (ace 40 page) booklet sleeve notes/reminisces, Jamie reckons closer ‘Take the Long Walk’ is a ‘personal favourite’. It is excellent. The concluding blast of friends who’ve been in it for the fun of it, had a righteous time, pushed themselves hard, but are ready to move on to fresh ventures. Stacks of care and love has gone into this package, cannot recommend it enough. Kudos everyone involved making it happen. Gave me a Big Smile. “Yes, Happy is the way to be” ….   

LICKSPIT / CRIPPLED FOX - split 7” - Correctional Facility & others
After their split 12” with Negative Path, Czechia’s Lickspit are back with five more super fast, super good songs. They sing about national and international politics as well as the current state of life in the 21st century, while their speedy songs help to hammer home their message. It’s great stuff. On the other side, Crippled Fox, a trio from Budapest, Hungary blast out 8 rapid-fire, thrashcore songs that speed past in a hail of crashing drums, slashing guitar and pummelling bass bringing to mind early D.R.I. It’s breathless and quite compelling; ‘Thrash Me Baby One More Time’! One great EP, two great bands and the good news is that Correctional Facility are releasing this in the UK.

THE MISTAKES – Set Yourself Free cassette - Alternative Dorsette 
I'm feeling a bit ironic writing this seeing as it's a review of a cassette, in an issue of Suspect Device which has a Compilation tape special section about home taping and I haven't got a tape deck......... however. After listening to the first cassette of the Mistakes put out by Alternative Dorsette, you can immediately tell that they were rapidly becoming a more polished band and more accomplished in how they play their songs on this Second part of the set. There are some really good songs here, toe tappers, singalong choruses and plenty of Whoahs!! The difference between the first tape and this one is there are more backing vocals and you can really tell that they are finding their own sound. The first cassette had a real raw feel to it and plenty of similarities to a lot of the early punk bands of the late '70s. The songs on here cover a multitude of different topics going from mindless violence and anti-religion, plus the story of getting caught on CCTV in some rather uncompromising positions. There is a really good, in-depth PDF Fanzine that comes with the tape which gives a great insight to all the songs and the band themselves. Great well written lyrics are a major part of the tracks on here.  During the period of this demo being recorded you can see where the bands influences were going, there's a heavy Swinging Utters, Bouncing Souls sound to quite a few of the tracks and they carry it off really well, it also has a, to me, quite a strong Oi! Style to some of the songs. ASBO Generation certainly has a chorus that Cock Sparrer would be proud of. Raise a glass reminds a little of the Dickies but with a more gravel sounding singer.  A stand out track for me is Think It Over, this I really like. To be honest, it's good, honest proper punk rock. My only criticism is that this doesn't have that same kind of rawness that the first cassette did, this is more polished and for some reason that takes the excitement of it away for me. For those of you (like me) who have a fondness for all The Mistakes releases, this is worth getting. Not only does it show how they have matured in their sound over the years but you'd also be helping a small independent label out as well as supporting the band. Go on, do yourselves a favour, don't make a mistake, buy a cassette of them.
Alternative Dorsette (Stuart Armstrong)

NEGATIVE PATH / LICKSPIT split LP - Correctional Facility
This is a blistering split album. Negative Path, from Palermo in Sicily offer up 8 ragers that remind me of Rome’s Anti You, with lyrics about trying to survive the modern world’s life sucking stupidity, ending with an Indigesti cover, it's great stuff. If that wasn’t enough to make you want this record, then Czechia’s Lickspit keep up the intensity and speed as they blast though ten adrenaline fulled attacks on the ravages of Capitalism and the way it ruins lives and has even infiltrated the punk scene (Merchcore), plus they highlight the abuses suffered by the Islands of Nauru (phosphate mining) and Chacos (UK and US military occupation). Both bands are great and have something to say, backing up their words with ferocious music, making this a brilliant release that you really need to investigate. Correctional Facility have made this available in the UK, co-operating with several other labels in Europe.

NEGATIVE PATH / MEXOFF split LP - Correctional Facility
Mexoff, from Cagliari on the Italian island of Sardinia don’t mess about, they attack their 12 songs with power, speed and fury. Mixing fastcore with blast beats, their short, sharp socks of unleashed anger have titles like ‘Bullshit’, Corrupted Empires’, Scars Of Greed, ‘Wake Up Rise Up’ and ‘Digital Chains’ making it clear they are not on board with the current state of the world. Their side of the record clocks in at 11 minutes! Negative Path blast through their 13 songs in just ten minutes, but each single second is one to savour as they spit more venom at the way our lives are controlled and brushed aside by the capitalist military machine over an exhilarating audio assault that has elements of early Italian hardcore as well as early USHC. It’s breathless and brilliant stuff. Once again Correctional Facility have collaborated with several other DIY labels to make sure this record is easily available.

PATROL – S/T EP – Drunken Sailor
Patrol, from Barcelona, go Rock/Hard on this 4 track EP, firing-off high volumes of smoking riffage and beer slamming/fist pumping tunes. Packing a tough adrenalized edge these lads stray deep into NWOBHM territory, channelling Maiden ‘n Girlschool… with sparks of prime-time Lizzy, for optimal results. Are you still with me Punkers??!! Take my word, it’s damn catchy music. I can imagine they’re a lot of fun on stage, turned up to 11, cranking it out. As a wise man once sang… “I'd love to watch my ears drop off, ‘cause I'm headbanging all night”…. 

PREY - Loathing 12” - Doom And Gloom
As 2024 draws to a close, coloured lights are going up and the season of greed, excess and forced jollity is upon us, but never fear, Prey are here to save us with another 14 tracks of furious mayhem. For 16 minutes they’ll make you forget any outside nonsense as they pummel your brain in such a way that you’ll thank them and go back for more. Straight from the off, with a whirlwind of machine gun drums and thrashed guitar, the quick fire chant and response attacks you, there’s no polite introduction, they get straight to the point. Laura’s vocals are fantastic, perfectly matched by those from Eddie and Pete, spitting out lyrics dealing with inner turmoil and outward rage at the capitalist and military machines that do so much to bring pain and suffering to everyone. Blistering and brilliant from start to finish.
Bandcamp (Tony)

ROTARY CLUB – Sphere of Service LP – Iron Lung
Reno’s Rotary Club first got my attention with their 2023 ‘American Tower’ single, containing a pair of sizzling Dangerhouse infused numbers. Didn’t hear anything from ‘em since until I noticed they had an album coming out in late ‘24 on Iron Lung. Coolio. Count me in. ‘Sphere of Service’ is 12 new energised songs of buzzing tuneage from start to finish. Totally delivers. Their lyrical world is entirely dominated by a celebration/obsession with old-school telecommunication, and a now disappearing world of landline’s, modems, answering machines, switchboards, desk phones, etc. Rotary Club take ‘dialling it in’ to a whole new level. 

THE SAMPLES – Speak Truth To Power LP – Self Release
I’m sure the band are sick of reading this, but after the 1982 promise that their ‘Dead Hero’ single release on the No Future label brought, we all thought an album was bound to follow and I guess they did too! Well 43 years later and coping with the sad loss of original member Badger they produce the gem we’ve all been waiting for. Powerful tunes and meaningful lyrics that many of us of a certain age will all agree with, this album delivers with the maturity that their age brings. All those wrongs of the 1980’s expelled in one 12 track masterpiece of splattered green vinyl and artwork that completes a Punk comeback to end all Punk comebacks. 
Bandcamp (Gaz)

SKAEMA - Stratoferric cassette - Alternative Dorsette
It was 2015 when the idea that became Skaema was floated, but the songs sound like they could be from the late 1970s, when punk rock opened its doors to likes of Wire, Gang Of Four, Au Pairs etc, bands that would come to be known as post punk, or maybe even new wave, and the same categorisation could could also fit for Skaema. A lot of these songs started life as just guitar and drum machine, with bass added later and, eventually live drums. It’s more laid back than previous Alternative Dorssette releases, but no less worthy of your attention. These songs are mostly from demos, but there are some live songs too, and that is where you get to hear the band at their best, especially as there’s something of a Stranglers feel to a couple of the live songs. Comes with a lovely PDF zine as usual.

SPLIT DOGS - Here To Destroy CD - Venn
This band have certainly been making a name for themselves recently, and this album shows just why they are creating quite a stir. No nonsense, in your face punk rock n roll that was recorded live, including the vocals, so it really does capture everything that is great about their infectious high energy songs. A lot of the early UK punk bands were playing speeded up and stripped back rock n roll that felt super exciting to young kids like me, well Split Dogs are treading a similar path, they're just harder, faster, louder and even more exciting, so are hopefully shining a light for a new generation, as well as giving us oldies what we’ve always craved. They deserve all the accolades that are coming their way at the moment.
Bandcamp (Tony)

VAN RUIN - Jails, Death and Institutions EP - crankinhaus 
After reading a feature about these Aussies at the ace i-94 Bar website I quickly checked them out, and liked what I was hearing enough to pony up for a download of this 5 song EP. I know, pure decadence. Made up of seasoned lags from the Northern Beaches of Sydney they invoke ‘Birdman, New Christs, Celibate Rifles, Seminal Rats… in other words; classic hi-energy Oz Garage Rock of the type I’ve had a longtime love affair with. They’re alright by me. 
Bandcamp (Pete) 

THE WAR GOES ON – Death Wish LP - Hasiok Records
I took a social media hiatus for a few weeks a while back, partly to minimise/block out the U.S. Elections, and its predictably dystopian outcome. There was some other weirdness too that encouraged my need to create distance with unnecessary inner’net creepy crawl. Mentally, I’d have to say it was a worthy break. The downside (because there usually is one) was its ‘on-line’ where nowadays you get news on bands, gigs ‘n latest releases. Like this new album (their 3rd) by Copenhagen’s The War Goes On which I remained oblivious to. Ack! I’m there now though, and it’s a cracker. Driving, hard-hitting ‘n rousing numbers, heavy on the melancholy, recalling ‘Change Today’ era T.S.O.L., Social D, Toxic Reasons, Leatherface, and even flashes of The Wipers. And let’s not forget, with singer/guitarist Ronni Dybdahl there’s clear lineage to the mighty No Hope For The Kids. ‘Death Wish’ offers up 9 new songs, plus a fresh take on ‘Discount Hope’ (that first emerged on an EP in 2202) and multiple spins in I can declare it an A+ anthemic banger. Would have been in my 2024 Year End round up if I’d not gotten so hung up on trying to bury my head in the sand. Needs must ‘n all that, I guess. 
Hasiok (Pete)  

ZERO AGAIN - Ever-Changing Is The Art Of Death LP - Sanctus Propaganda 
For me, Zero Again’s first album, ‘A Deep Appreciation Of Suffering’ is up there with the best punk albums, ever, so following up a masterpiece like that would seem a daunting, if not impossible prospect, after all there is that old tired cliche of the “difficult second album”. But not for Zero Again, they are an exceptional band and where others may falter, they have delivered another stunningly brilliant album. It has everything their first album had, but also sees a slightly different sound, maybe a bit brighter but it still has all the elements you want, it’s fast, in places heavy but always full of rage. Payney’s guitar playing is fantastic, at times rivalling Geordie’s swirling firestorm in Killing Joke. Glenn and Ian are such a forceful rhythm section, tight, powerful and driving, but still enabling each of their talents to stand out in their own right. Then there’s Dean’s vocals; anguished, snarling and pissed off, angry at today’s world, at racism and the rise of the right, homophobia, war, trophy hunting, the human race’s apathy in averting environmental destruction and the many injustices we face under capitalism (“There ain’t no billionaires with a moral compass / There ain’t no billionaires that give a fuck…”). This phenomenal album is driven by rage at the state of the world and the ability of four talented individuals coming together to make the most wonderful racket. I’ve only had this a short while, but these songs are already lodged into my brain. Difficult second album my arse! Get your orders in now from Sanctus Propaganda.

...The Message

A KISS IN THE DREAMHOUSE by Mike Head - Inherit The Earth
Tangled Lines, Mike’s “punk lit” zine is always a good read. It’s a gloriously back to basics, cut and paste zine that works as a perfect vehicle for Mike’s writing, but this is a proper book. It has a colour cover and while the layout is cleaner and uniform, Mike’s distinctive style is still there. As it says in the Preface, this is part memoir, part prose but it’s all true (well, most of it). The first part covers the early life of someone who doesn’t really fit in at school and is bullied, but finds punk rock. When something happens to his main tormenter, he finds romance, of sorts, and eventually his tribe. From then on we get short pieces of thoughts, memories and little stories. It’s less structured than the first part, but still flows well. It’s the sort of book that you can read in one sitting, but then feel disappointed because you have finished it. Mike’s writing is honest, heartfelt and down to earth and I hope he gets to have more of his stuff properly published, as well as continuing with Tangled Lines.

ANARCHO-PUNK: MUSIC AND RESISTANCE IN LONDON 1977-1988 by David Insurrection - Earth Island
I have always thought that Anarcho Punk is the thing that saved punk rock. By proving that you could put in to action the ideas that The Clash and Sex Pistols spouted, Crass, and the bands that they inspired, proved that if you take control and ignore the mainstream things are better when you do them yourself. Things naturally grow and evolve that way, continuing to inspire along the way. Gaz and me were soaking up the records released on Crass, Spiderleg, Mortarhate etc and although our lives were completely different to the lives of those living in London and forming bands, zines, newspapers we were becoming inspired and our politics were evolving, although we weren’t squatting and living with the constant threat of attacks by right wing skins or the police. So, this book is an interesting read and it was good to see pictures of the venues and locations we’d seen mentioned on record sleeves and in fanzines and read about the people and bands involved too, how they interacted and moved around as well as their links with older, non-punk anarchists. Dave Insurrection also lists many of the gigs, and who played at each venue covered. One or two of these people get a chance to tell their own stories too. It was a different time and although this book covers just 11 years, the impact this period had is still being felt today, the small, DIY scenes that emerged in the mid to late 1980s were directly, or indirectly, inspired by anarcho punk and forged friendships that have endured. I’d put this alongside Ian Glasper’s books as an important historical document of our punk scene. And it is our scene, it’s not one championed or created by the music press, it’s created by punks for punks and although things have changed, the spirit remains. Musical styles ebb and throw, but the attitude stays the same, forged in the years covered in this book.
Earth Island (Tony)

DIMINISHED RESPONSIBILITY: MY LIFE AS A U.K. SUB, AND OTHER STRANGE STORIES - VOL 3 by Alvin Gibbs - Tome & Metre
Volume three, which has a forward by Gaye (Advert) Black, brings things up to date, as far as the UK Subs are concerned, and along the way we get a bit of history, some politics and lots of touring. Alvin is honest and forthright and isn’t afraid to ruffle feathers either, if someone pisses Alvin off then we hear about it, yes, even when that person is Charlie Harper. Like Volume one, this was more UK Subs focussed, which makes it more interesting for me as they are the band that made me want to read about Alvin’s life. From time to time while reading this I was left wondering how the UK Subs have stayed an active band for so long, but Charlie kept it going and Alvin kept going back so, thankfully, the story continued and left Alvin with so many stories to tell, and it’s certainly been a bit of a rollercoaster. It was interesting reading about the recording of the final few Subs albums, the musicians who’ve come in and out of the story and the controversies that sprang up from time to time. There are some good photos along the way too. So, if you only have a passing interested in the UK Subs, this is still a good, interesting read about a touring musician in a band who are very popular, very well known, but far from being rich megastars.

DOWN THE PUNK ROCK HIGHWAY: 35 Years of writing & interviews
By Jared Forman - Earth Island Books
I love the look of this book, it’s not full text but has reproduced interviews, cuttings and photos from zines Jared Forman has done over the last 35 years. There is a ton of stuff in here, including chats with Channel 3, Subhumans, Toxic Reasons, Doom, MDC, Icons Of Filth, Mission Of Burma, Reagan Youth, A.P.P.L.E, The Avengers and loads more, including bits on ABC NO Rio, Dangerhouse Records and Gilman Street. It’s all presented in a cut and paste style, reminding me of all those great zines of the mid-1980s and it gives a real first hand snapshot of, mainly, US punk rock history. It’s a book I keep picking up and flicking through the pages to find another cool photo or interview to take me back and make me want to dig out the records of that particular band.  

EATEN ALIVE #85 & #86 – A4 - £1.50 + SAE    
The prolific Eaten Alive team keeps cranking them out and I for one give that the thumbs up as they have actually introduced me to quite a few bands I’ve taken a better look at. This is the classic case of a zine doing what it was meant to do! Issue 85 has interviews with Criminal Damage, The Deckchairs and Order #227. It also starts part one of the 2 Tone Story as well as loads of other great articles. Issue 86 has an interview with Gene Loves Jezebel. A band I know little about and at the time of writing I haven’t read it yet. The rest of the zine continues with the 2 Tone Story part two, Eaten Alive’s campaign – Old Lives Matter and loads, loads more. 
All info: Derrick Moore, 152 Heath End Road, Nuneaton, CV10 7JG

THE FIRE STILL BURNS: MUSIC INSPIRED BY THE POST-PUNK MESSAGE by David Gamage - Earth Island Books
On first glance this book wouldn’t appear to appeal to me too much, outside of the fact that David is a longstanding friend. But, there are bands here I’ve head of, seen live and even featured in SD. None of that really matters though as this massive book, almost 700 pages, could be seen as a companion book to Ian Glasper’s books documenting the punk scene from the 1980s onwards, being just as important for people interested in bands you could call post-emo. The fact that the music most of the bands featured here is not to my taste is unimportant, the fact is that the roots of what they play stretch back to punk rock; there is a line to be drawn from bands like Gang Of Four, Magazine or Wire, Dag Nasty, Rites Of Spring or Fugazi through 1990s Emo to these more melodic bands David writes about here. They are younger, so their entry to alternative music wasn’t Crass or Discharge, Minor Threat or Dead Kennedys, it was a generation after that, but they still found a home in a scene that was born out of those times where they could start bands, play gigs and release their music making use of labels, zines and promoters that sprung up out of the DIY network that existed because of the older punk scenes. Some of their stories are interesting and certainly worth telling, obviously I was drawn to Rites and Zero Again, but I remember Si Briggs interviewing Speedwell and them appearing on one of our compilations, so that was one of the first chapters I read. As with Ian Glasper’s books, this is an historical reference book, making sure these bands are not forgotten and just because I’m not a fan of their music doesn’t mean I instantly dismiss their stories or their worth, in fact I’m pleased these kids found somewhere to play music with people who shared their passion in what was, at least initially, outside of the mainstream music industry.
Earth Island (Tony)

RACCOON STARTS A BAND by Alex CF - Earth Island Books
Following on from Alex CF’s Punks In The Willows book, Earth Island now allows Alex to tell the story I’m sure a lot of us can relate to, of punk rock giving us a purpose, a community, an education and a feeling of security. Along the way there’s a run through of a lot of punk rock’s offshoots and sub genres, as Raccoon finds his way, told in short verse form. The main attraction of this is Alex’s great drawings, putting animals in place of humans, all covered in band patches and t-shirts and all the looks and styles of punks through the ages. It looks like children’s book, but is it? Who’s to say, but I did enjoy it.

RAISING HELL #31 / A5 / £1
I get excited when the email arrives saying that there is a new Issue of Raising Hell on the way. It’s a proper punk zine, it’s packed with interesting stuff, the layouts are great with an authentic cut and paste look. It comes with a warm glow of nostalgia, while the content is nothing of the sort, it’s about what’s going on now, in 2025. Even when long standing bands The Restarts and Sanctus Iuda are interviewed, it’s because both are out there creating new music and spreading the word around the world. Both the South London Scum and South London Punk Collective are featured along with Rifle and, from Russia, Artemy Volynsky. There’s also part 2 of the Italian Hardcore Punk The Furious Years feature, and a piece by Andy Shocker taking in the Cockney Rejects and Poppies! Lots of variety and a great read, as ever. 

...The vision...

Concrete Elite/ The Drowns / Lower Class Brats / Koffin Kats - Come And Take It Live, Austin, Texas 15/2/2025
Michelle managed to score a cheap flight and hotel deal for Austin, Texas so off we went, and between sampling an array of vegan tacos, margaritas and local brew Lone Star we got the chance to attend a punk gig. We were in touch with Rut, the Indiana based Totton legend, via Messenger and he said I should review it for SD so here goes.
The venue had a weird arse name and was interesting. Outside was like a branch of ToolStation. It's the first time I've been through a metal detector at a gig - to keep weapons out cos you don't want anyone shooting off their Colt on the dancefloor, y'all.

Inside was all done out in faux log cabin style and their logo was a cannon. The bloke doing the door explained that the weird venue name related to a big cannon the Mexican government wanted back when Texas declared itself a republic (before being then subsumed into USA). They said "Come and Take It" and used it on the Mexican forces who turned up to claim the prized gun.
First up were local Texan band Concrete Elite. They had a great sound that mixed Oi and hardcore. The best of Riot City or No Future with a modern twist. The vocalist prowled the stage like a caged animal.  With really raw shouty vocals they reminded me at times of early Oi Polloi with an extra guitar. They ticked off most of the Oi boxes in their songs with words like Fight, Victim and Never Surrender proliferating. The singer dedicated a song to his fellow "brown skinned people" and they clearly had the anti-immigrant rhetoric of Trump and Musk in their sights when they shouted "Fuck ICE and Fuck The Police" to a great cheer.

The Drowns from Seattle were up next and although they had a Fred Perry style logo sounded like a pop punk band to me with a touch of Eddie and The Hot Rods or something. They were pretty slick and very "rock N roll" which doesn't really do it for me. Good at what they do but I've seen hundreds of bands do this whose names I've forgotten.

Despite not being the headliner, Lower Class Brats were clearly the star of tonight's show. I was aware of them and have heard a few tunes but not paid too much attention. They dished out a menacing Clockwork Skinhead street punk with a dual guitar attack. The singer explained it was their first Austin gig in 10 years and a lot of their old mates were there. He went on to explain that while they had upped and left Austin for California and Vegas "cos we have to look after our families" they are and always will be an Austin band. I guess the same could be said of MDC (one of whose t-shirts I made sure I was wearing at the gig).  
We tried to get a better position and I thought "this big space in the middle is weird" until we got smashed out of the way by a circle pit that came out of nowhere. LCB whipped the crowd up into a frenzy and it made me laugh that with a quick swirl of his fingers, the singer could start another hurricane style circle pit, like a puppet master. However, the funniest thing was that someone started doing press ups in the middle of the pit, several times.  Great band and highly amusing crowd antics. 

Psychobilly band Koffin Kats were last band on and while there was a hint of hardcore in their sound it was all about the twangy guitar and rumbling double bass. Michelle pointed out that their onstage antics had a slight similarity to The Restarts, and she was right, they put a lot of effort in which made for a dynamic performance. I'm always impressed by folks who can play a double bass but didn't really do it for either of us.

The crowd were diverse and friendly and we had a few chats with people between bands so it was a great night all round. Punks are the same the world over, and we kept spotting the Austin equivalents of people who we know from Southampton and Portsmouth gigs.

For both me and Michelle, Concrete Elite were the band of the night and we told them as much when we bought a copy of their split LP. 
Nath Haywire


No comments:

Post a Comment

Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)