THE FANNY PADS - TWO SIDES TO EVERY STORY

A straight forward political riot opens up this well-packaged and well produced CD that really does blaze an opening trail of melodic upheaval and sing-a-long punk rock. 'A Better Life' is perfectly chosen as the starter track as it grabs attention and thunders along ideally and precedes the tuneful and may it be said very catchy 'No Confidence' with excellent efficiency.

'When It Ends' blows and slows in fantastic orchestrated fashion and highlights the fact that we have another flavour to savour as another great underdog band produce some belligerent ball busting stuff equal to anything the so-called top bands get away with.

A perusal of the enclosed booklet is typically punkesque in design with lunatic band pictures, thanx and vital lyrical matter that all comes together to be impressive to any reviewer. Adding lyrics is a definite 'MUST' for all bands as it increases the catchiness of each song and immediately helps involve the listener. Why bands omit a lyric sheet is baffling but there you go!

Anyway the CD does the job on all fronts and being overdue in its release backs up the argument of 'better to wait for quality than to overdose on crap'. Other highs are the brilliant 'Why' a real misfit comes good tune and the comically defeatist 'Disillusioned' that all the labouring army can relate to.

A good CD with the first half outweighing the second but all in all no real faults to find. These lot are on the SAS 3 dayer coming soon and I am well proud to include em'.

FLAT BACK FOUR - WHO DARES PENGUINS

With pace, clarity and a definite Punk 'o' Rama/Epitath feel this recording is a study in musical excellence. Very polished and wonderfully mastered we have here an offering of carefully orchestrated music that instantaneously captures the admiration of one who deals with a wide and varied influx of efforts. The vocals are distinct and compliment the superb background cacophony quite accurately. To me this sounds like a band who know their music inside, outside, upside and back to front.

From the opening 'I Told You I Was Ill' (Milligan version me suspects) to the finale of 'The Wind Still Blows Down Webb Street' we have a considerable abundance of quality that reaches its zenith during tracks 5 (Psalm 23) and track 10 (English Civil War (Clash Cover)). In fact 'Psalm 23' could easily be found on the aforementioned Epitath label and no-one would question why, such is the brilliance of delivery. The Clash cover outdoes the original which I'm sure is compliment enough even though I was never a Clash fan.

To sum up - a refreshingly well thought out and executed piece of joy that comes from a band deserving of greater credit. The only criticism would be to suggest a more basic approach to some of the songs so as to appeal to a wider audience as the punk scene (especially in Britain) can be quite critical of busy, US sounding styles. Other than that - a treat to listen to.

REVENGE OF THE PSYCHOTRONIC MAN - PARTY IN THE VAN

A bloody good effort here from a band who certainly put the work in. After the first CD 'Shitty Zombies' (which I didn't like) this really shows that perspiration and enthusiasm indeed do pay off. The up-tempo 'Awful, Awful Business' opens in flamboyant style and the belief and conviction of delivery is almost tangible and a pure delight for fans of this fine band. 'Magic Monkey Juice' is the most incessant track on the CD and these 4 young punkers deal with it well and stay focused and direct throughout. The variations in speed are classically timed and show a disconcerting maturity for ones so young. 'Who's Tom Donaldson' will please the the lovers of Irish sounding music with definite Dropkicks overtones here. Next the three pearlers with 'No Sleep Till Guildford' a drinking cum gigging passionate piece of punk done in the most carefree way possible but played by guys who obviously want it, mean it and love it. 'Fuckers England' is loud, brash and has a fuckin' great chorus that really gets the pogoing juices flowing but for me, the finale 'Becky Want And The Daytime TV Blues' embraces everything the band is about and indicates that the bands future lies in the writing of songs of this ilk, songs with spot on production, an abundance of aggression yet staying controlled in all departments yet saturating the song with a plethora of seething guitar chords. The wall of sound is admirable and a track of this standard could find its way onto any compilation and hold its own from offerings of any band on this planet. Overall I love this CD but do you know what - these guys have more to offer - frightening or what? I hope they can deliver the goods but if they don't it won't be through want of trying. You ain't got a copy of this - then why the hell not?

NORTHERN GUNS – RADIO RIOT EP

5 songs here from Leeds rockers Northern Guns with emphasis placed on composition and style rather than an all out blast.  The opener is classily contrived and expertly combines great melodies and rhythm with restrained vocals that really sets a good standard and promises much.  ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ merges well and is again an adept creation that has all the trimmings of being delivered by a polished outfit.  ‘Ruptured Encounters’ continues the tone but ‘Generation’ is let down by some ridiculous back-ground moaning and a few iffy moments in the final arrangement.  The finale is ‘Suicide Dog’ which could be better and needs an overall angrier sound that would enhance the whole arrangement tremendously.  In truth a pretty decent CD that is let down by the odd faux pas and lack of aggression in the final mix.  More fuzz, more aggression and a removal of dodgy backings and this band could well produce an absolute belter.  Still worth checking out and another that I suspect are a good live act.

THE FRACTIONS - MATANZA

And yet another offering from ska/punksters The Fractions with this 5 tracker a lesson in quality. This is a very well produced effort with all songs having a certain instrumental clarity that exhibits know how and patience. The first two tracks are the pick for me namely 'Missing Piece' and 'What Happened' with emphasis on melody and a controlled rawness. The final 3 tracks are of a similar vein with a few punky moments that highlight The Fractions versatility and ever growing experimental nature. The one criticism I do have is that all songs are a bit too long and like a potential choice dish are marred by too many ingredients. Despite this I feel the CD will go down well with fans of the band and ska and should be appreciated for the skill and dedication of a band who work the scene hard.

PUMPKIN RECORDS - UK PUNKS VOL 1 COMPILATION

The second compilation I have been requested to review by DIY enthusiasts Pumpkin Records with the initial impact made by the wider variety on offer and the use of allegedly bigger names.  Add to this a professionally packed product with a ‘to-the-point’ information based colour booklet and things look mighty promising.

All Aboard!

The first port of call is a choice spot as Conflict produce one of their finer moments with the blazing aggression of ‘Mighty and Superior’.  A more contained effort from this crusty crew and one which I am sure will arouse punters curiosity to other ditties.

The Pumpkin Express rattles forth with the next noteworthy destination at ‘The Blacksmiths Arms’ courtesy of the obviously unhinged Bus Station Loonies.  A real bunch of crackpots here but a nice sing-a-long moment before a brief excursion to the land of Citizen Fish.  ‘Getting Used To It’ is a typical cut from this outfit but continues the first class journey quite satisfactorily.

The picking up of 2 Sick Monkeys on the way shows good route planning and the song ‘24/7’ is one of the albums highs as it refuels the fire and lets rip – full steam ahead.  Things nearly derail next as the crazed Rabies Babies and their wonderful screaming madhouse along with the Kamikaze Sperm brigade suffering from the effects of an ‘Identity Crisis’ both add a decadent charm to proceedings that will no doubt please many a subversive character loitering around the platforms after midnight.

Eastfield beautifully toy with the idea that ‘Burt Reynolds Rides Again’ but the all American meat head is promptly told to ‘Fuck Off’ and we are all saved an egocentric tirade from dreaded second rate actor.  Carrying on regardless and irrespective of the odd hold-up along this turbulent track at the next station we meet 3CR who welcome us with toilets flushed and trousers down and the vulgar melody ‘Spit Roasted Groupies’.  The comedic karsi brigade will love this and the ‘I Bummed Thomas The Tank Engine’ t-shirts will be worn by all fans who board the approaching 3 Cornered Rug Inter Titty Special to Clitsville.

The Hypocrites add some on-board entertainment with the excellent ‘Rave Ska’ before we race home in first-class style with a glorious bounty of top notch tunes.  The Upstarts propel us ‘Off The Ground’  with the crescendo of sounds given a good stoking (no not by 3CR) by The Strait Jackets who dish out ‘Blood On My Hands’ in fervent style and The Dead Pets who sum up the DIY approach to this whole CD with ‘If It Sells It Sells’.  Just enjoy and go with the flow – not entirely what the song is about but a title that can be read in a more appropriate sense.

Opposing platforms at the journeys end offer punters the ska-styled ‘Take The Blame’ by The Extinguishers and the rougher edged punk ‘n’ thunk explosion ‘Better Way’ by the excellent Filaments.

Several excursions along this route give the impression of a gradual build up in quality and speed after a somewhat hit and miss beginning.  The home stretch is a real treat and leaves memories of an adventure well enjoyed.  There’s time to trash the bogs and slash a few seats but if you like your tours both mysterious and magical then not too much mischief can be indulged in as you will be too preoccupied by all the choice moments.  If you are a fan of Jones the Steam then take a chance on this but get that psychiatric help first.  For £5 a ticket you would be hard pushed to get a better deal.  Next stop ‘Volume 2’.

KREOSOTE - DIRTY PINT

As raw as the blistered eardrums you are likely to recieve when viewing this raucous crew on one of their live outings, this CD packs an adequate punch and is only restrained by the dubious production. Having said that, this is a journey into the more melodic side of hardcore you may find yourself enjoying especially after a shite day at work and a few beers (good to get rid of some of the angst you know). The 8 tracks on offer are similar in style and you can't help but wonder at whether or not there is a certain tongue-in-cheek approach here as some of the lyrical content does lean towards the deviantly comedic.

'Ratatat' opens up in hard edged style with 'Some Basic Do's etc' hurtling quickly behind and maintaining the rough and machine-like noise. Even at this point lovers of melodic retro punk and the headbanging brigade will be divided with 'Retail Cyst', Muppets and Fuckwits' etc only adding fuel to the debating fire. So what? This is not at all bad and the rapid firepower does the business.

'Pleasurable Discharge' is my personal fave with the fine ' Arrogant Wankers In Suits' being lyrically simple and to the point which will surely piss up the arses of the more allegedly literate and analytical music reviewers but which pleases this one just fine. The last 2 tracks 'Yeehaa We're All Going To Die' and 'Eight A Tribute' follow the set standard and if you are thinking of getting ballooned on booze and kneecapping your granny then listen to this assembly of melodies then go forth with your lump hammer. I guess its just one of those CD's.

MAFAFI - MON DOON THE DANCIN' DEMO

A hardcore offering here from North of the Border as Scottish powermongers jump straight out of the recording flat and into yer face with several outpourings of unchained aggression and misadventure. Like well sand papered flesh this raw and bleeding effort twangs every nerve. As with most rattling raucousness it is an acquired taste but you can't help but admire the basic urgency and uncontrolled angst that go into the overall composition of discordancy. 'Hold It', 'Soccer Mum' and 'Dirty Pillows' are the pick as each track brutally bleeds into the next. For me what we have here is a good CD of honest, low-budget, no-shit music that just lacks the final blow. A few more chant 'n' rant breaks mixed with some extensive simplistic guitar rhythms and solos and you have the finished article. Overall though this is a must for the hardcore brigade and definitely worthy of a listen by any lover of punk. By the way the energy and zeal also makes fantastic viewing as Mafafi show during their excellent live sets.

COPROLITE - TAKING DOWN TYRANTS

Well if you ask me a more apt title for this musical offering would be ' How To Play A Storming First Gig And Ruin The Good Vibes By Buying This...'. A tad lengthy but for me very, very accurate indeed and very disappointing. Having watched these guys on their debut gig I was quite taken aback at how good they actually were and therefore bought the CD which we have here under the spotlight. Having listened to the CD I was dramatically underwhelmed by the overall muffled sound and constipated vocal noise that seemed hardly bearable. Like a flashing fruit machine that pays out actual fruit instead of the promised and expected rewards this was a real deflating moment. Recorded in a bedroom I think and done in true, admirable DIY spirit the desire to get something 'out there' is in itself worthy of praise but when the end product is of this standard then you have to question what good it does. It is blatantly obvious here that urgency has overridden integrity and despite the CD having some promising moments these are lost in a maelstrom of injustice to the bands talents.

Musical ability and song construction are plain to hear but are hampered by sub-standard production. Not enough seasoning on an adequate dish and the potential flavour is lost.

The highs are the slow ska-style snippets that intercut well with the overly busy rants that again need more attention to detail. For music this intricate time and patience is required and the production has to be spot on. A real, real shame as this band are a lot better than this but for a nugget the CD is still worth a shot. The next one should be a hundred times better and if you get the chance go and give this lot a look.

Oh as a footnote I have played this CD a few more times and it does sound a bit better than initial feelings so there you go - maybe in a hundred years I may deem it a classic.

BEST OF BRITISH OI VOL 1 - COMPILATION

Typically British in sound and presentation this compilation is reminiscent of those collectable Oi albums every shaven headed 'erbert should have had in his festering record collection in the early 80's. Some familiar names are included here with each one banging out their own particular brand of street music. 'The Land of Hope and Glory' intro is unashamedly patriotic and typical of this genre with the ensuing eruption of Condemned 84's 'The Sound Of Oi' a perfect start to an all round decent CD. Hard and rough edged the approach is continued with T.M.F and the excellent ditty called 'Another Scar'.

The themes of violence, drinking, disgruntlement, law hating, and questioning continue with efforts by The Gonads, Scum and Churchill worthy of a mention.

For me the best track of the lot is the superb and darkly sinister offering from Superyob, namely 'Rough Justice'. A classic example of the zero-tolerance view of this musical mode and one that deserves more credit than it gets. This song is a gem both lyrically and musically and the cockney preaching of frontman Frankie Flame does his usual vocal delivery with a natural aplomb second to none. One of the most overlooked bands hopefully this quality CD will give them a bit more publicity.

This won't be everyone's cup of tea but I would recommend a few listens by all and sundrie. Personally as good as the early Oi offerings if not better.