Crooked Cross-S/T 7"

Graded: MOIST/DRY

Black metal mixed with hardcore, more the former though. You could say this is hardcore but with all the noise and aesthetics the bm is more prominent. Crooked Cross play out of Georgia and are members of other bands similar to this. The recording is blown out and has that demo like quality to it.

The songs that had the most going for them where FIRST REDEEMER and COMMUNION, I felt like the rest just seemed typical to this genre. Not bad but not anything to write home about. Personally I'm not really a black metal guy, I like some of it here and there but I wasn't crazy about this. I feel like good black metal has to have solid riffs or is just completely over the top.

Ever since I heard these are the same guys that did the 性交 7" I feel like that maybe these little side project bands should stay in the demo cassette stage or should of been self released. Thats just my opinion though, it is my blog after all.

I would feel wrong not saying this is a little DRY but that shouldn't bother the label cause this shit is SOLD OUT.

VIDEO DISEASE records.

Nasa Space Universe- Across The Wounded Galaxies

Graded: MOIST

These are the weird kids you never talked to in high school, you always heard they were on acid and played with knives but you never knew their band was this good. Nasa Space are in their own world as far as hardcore goes, they don't make noise tracks or mess around with recording tricks though. Their off kilter and quirky attitude comes strictly from solid musicianship and from being themselves.

The recording sound differs from the last two records. The first 7" had a reel to reel warmth to it(whether it was recorded that way or not I don't know) the second 7" was louder and crisp and this the first LP falls more toward the sound of the first record. Its a little on the quiet side and I feel this hurts the band slightly.

This is a decent collection of songs. Only a few really stood out and grabbed me though, as different as this bands style is some of the songs sound too much alike after awhile. 14 Nasa Space tracks is a little bit much to take in though.

Those little things aside this record is still very well done, and without bands like Nasa Space Universe, bands that do what they want and apply what they love most about music to their songs, punk and hardcore would be very boring. Still an amazing live band and one of the only So. Cal bands I give a shit about.

Far from DRY but not quite WET

Only for those interested in wild hardcore weirdness.

Shogun Records.

http://shogunrecordings.pagesperso-orange.fr/

NEW RATING SYSTEM

A new system for rating records will be added to the blog. Hopefully this system will help make sense of my sometimes senseless rantings and allow you to enjoy your blogging experience to the fullest. Records will be rated as such:

WET - This record is near perfection and you must rush out to by it as it will make you cool.

MOIST - This record is good but not great, may not be a contender for the prestigious and coveted RECORD OF THE YEAR AWARD.

DRY - This record is lacking in multiple areas. This band should rethink their formula or approach.


The WET SYSTEM will take effect immediately. Thank you for your time.

SHAMELESS SELF PROMOTION

My band THE TIMEBOMBS has just finished up recording our 2nd LP. Ive always made sure to keep what I do in that band separate from what I do on this blog, but that band means a lot to me and has shown me what will probably be the best times of my life. So having said all that I am proud to post this, a rough mix track from said LP.

For those interested We expect to have a final mix done by the end of next week. This thing has been in the making for a long time and We are all very happy with the way it has come out. I don't think the band will accomplish anything like this again.

This particular track is probably the most "straight up" we have recorded for the album, which I think is why we chose to share this one first, we gotta keep some secrets. As of right now there is no label set up to release this but the band is open to working with(mostly)anyone.

Well the rant is over. Enjoy the song and feel free to contact us at our email

(thetimebombs69[at]gmail[dot]com)

with any questions or just find us on VLV. More reviews soon.

The Timebombs-Ravens by T_B

Condominium-Warm Home LP

Feels like I have been waiting a very long time for this thing to come out. Condominium in my opinion is the best and most interesting hardcore band playing today. Each of their records is different and in a way better then the last, I cant stress enough how important this band is and how they stand alone in a genre that is supposed to be full of surprises but is not. Warm Home, the bands first LP captures Condominium in their element playing some of their best songs.

I will admit there was an adjustment period, there isn't too many songs like GAG or BARRICADE but there are songs that impact you just the same. I wouldn't say the band didn't take risks with this album or that they gave up experimenting because that is certainly not the case. There is plenty of noise and other kinds of mischief that add an element of deconstruction to the record. So having said that it is weird listening to an LP without a normal flow or story line if you will, but after a couple listens you realize with this band you don't need any of that.

Songs like LIFE IS AMAZING, TEETH and UNDER GLASS show that Condominium still has their sound on lock. Honestly though it would of been cool to hear songs like the A-sides to the singles on this record and see where they take that kind of song on the full length format but I wouldn't say the record is a disappointment because of that.

Another great release from a great band.

Self released.
http://condominium-hellotomorrow.blogspot.com/

Perdition/Nerveskade-Split 7"

Perdition:
Static lased glue huffing D-beat played by kids who live it. Perdition radiate the power and energy only seen by some of the Swedish hardcore greats. POLICE POWER!

Nerveskade:
Wow a DISCHARGE worship band that actually reminds me of DISCHARGE. Its about time! The distant vocals pace themselves letting the music do most of the work and chime in to shout slogans a la first wave D-beat.

Summary:
Both sides of this record will have you hunting down every release by these two heavy weights.

Suburbanite-S/T 7"

Tough and heavy sounding hardcore with traditional and catchy riffs. This is slightly different from whats becoming the YOUTH ATTACK! norm, and shows the label is still willing to mix things up.

Suburbanite anthems will get stuck in your head and have you flipping this thing over again and again, trying to hold on to the adrenaline. Do not turn to this release looking for weirdness. Just a hardcore bruiser.

YOUTH ATTACK! records. Neat fold out sleeve.

Raw Nerve-Midnight 7"

The latest offering from Chicago's hardcore noise makers. Raw Nerve do what they do best and make quick work of this 8 song 7".

This EP marks some progress from their LP but still holds on tightly to the core of the band. I would love to hear more songs like REST though, with its deconstructed intro that builds up to the completely manic rager RELAXATION. Aside from this track and the opener, DATING PROBLEM, the songs are similar to their earlier material.

All in all this is another solid release from Raw Nerve. They did an excellent job on making each track flow together perfectly to form the big picture.

Released on YOUTH ATTACK! records and comes with deluxe packaging of course. Sold out.

http://www.rawnervenoise.blogspot.com/