Doorway

Putting Calamitous Being on hold for a few weeks. Probably won't be back to regular activity until the new year but will definitely have an update by December.

State Violence-S/T 7"

Graded: WET

Members of other DC bands come together to form probably the best band in DC. State Violence is blown out, laced with static and pulls out the best moves from hardcore, raw punk, and d-beat alike. Just a textbook performance that puts other bands playing this kind of stuff to shame. Everything just gels from the over powering, cutting guitar to the solid drumming. These guys have great energy and can fucking play and that puts them a cut above the rest.

Hesitation Wound Records

http://hesitationwound.storenvy.com/

Social Circkle-Expiration Date 7"

Graded: DRY

Social Circkle's final 7" falls short. All the elements that made this band great just seem to be echos on this record. It really feels like they just gave up, not even one song really stands out, theres no anthems and the fast songs are just fast punk songs with no flare or style, something Social Circkle was once known for.

Really bummed to have to say all of this but I just can't get into this 7", its OK at best. Don't get me wrong, when this band was good it was REALLY fucking good but I just can't settle on this one. Get this thing if you feel you really need to complete your discography otherwise you can probably just skip it.

Night Birds- The Other Side Of Darkness LP

Graded:MOIST

The full length album from the Night Birds is here and fans of this band will be foaming at the mouth while this thing is playing. It is easily their best collection of songs from the lyrics about horror movies to the flawless execution of the surf punk guitar work. Having said that, know that this album will most likely only please those who are into this kinda of stuff. So before you read on just know that if you can't dig the pop or surf vibes then this thing isn't for you.

The Other Side Of Darkness shows the band pulling out all the stops. The short fast tunes with some nods to hardcore chime in now and again, as those are good, the real meat and potatoes comes from the longer tunes where we see the band expand their sound(only slightly though) as well as knock out the familiar surf riffs. The first song on the album DEMON HAUNTED WORLD is probably the band at their best, its a mixture of what they do best along with just a glimmer of something new and different. More songs like that and this band could do know wrong.

Outside the handful of stand out songs, I feel like there is a little too much filler on the album. I mean it flows nice and everything but again unless this is the sound you live for you may get bored. It just seems like the energy isn't there the whole time. I will say though if you love AGENT ORANGE and other O.C. bands from that era than this band is the second coming.

Grave Mistake Records.

www.gravemistakerecords.com
http://night-birds.bandcamp.com/

Brain F≠ - Sleep Rough LP

Graded: WET

I never picked up the Brain Flannel 7"'s, there I said. Just never got around to it, plus I never read anything about them that made me want to jump up and check them out I don't know if they played out here either, if they did I missed it. So I just bought this along with some other stuff cause I figured why not, been doing that a lot lately, so far its worked out in my favor. As I listened to this album for the first time I felt almost instantly that I was going to love it. I really don't know where to begin.

Brain F≠ hail from NC and sound more progressive than most hardcore coming out of NY or LA. One could just say this is melodic hardcore and leave it at that, but theres something more going on that makes this bands sound unique. The Album has a subtle garage sound going on, it was recorded in a garage after all though. The guitars have that sharp hardcore hugeness going on but when placed with this front woman's vocals there is somewhat of a clash happening. She sings so casual its almost unsettling at times, it just works though. I can honestly say I can't remember hearing anything like it. Saying this is all hardcore would be misleading though, there are some rock inspired riffs in the mix as well and it can't go unmentioned because I feel it completes the bands style, and keeps things catchy.

I could keep going on about this band but I think you get it, this shit is great. A solid listen all the way AND the first record to be rated WET(!) by the blog. Not too shabby for a debut LP.

Grave Mistake and Sorry State records.
http://sorrystaterecords.com/
http://gravemistakerecords.com
http://disdisdistort.com/brainf/

Passive Aggressor-S/T 7"

Graded: MOIST

Didn't really know what to expect going into this record, felt like it could of gone either way but these three tracks did not disappoint. Passive Aggressor's style is super disconnected and brings to mind the later and more broken sounding FLAG songs such as THE SWINGING MAN. Theres also a heavy weird rock vibe a la THE JESUS LIZARD, this uncomfortable noise is very much in the foreground and brings the record together nicely.

I would like to see this band do more though, since they seem to have their musical chops down, I mean the three tracks on here are great but the record as a whole lacks variety. All in all though, I'd say this 7" makes for a great and unique listen and is definitely worth your time.

Though this record is only graded MOIST I would like to say a few words about the label. 16OH is the label that put out the first SLICES 7". They could of very well rode that train and released tons of music just like that and attempt to cater to the crowd that would eventually grow to eat that kind of stuff up. Instead 16OH does whatever the hell they want and puts out neat gems like this. In short "Good label, Backed hard".

http://16oh.bigcartel.com/
http://paggressor.blogspot.com/

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/

Jackman-demo 2010

Blown out punk. This record has nothing to offer you but loudness, static, and hate. Music for the reckless and careless by the reckless and careless. not for the weak of heart.

Originally a cassette by POSH ISOLATION.

Cervix-Life Fucker 7"

Reverb drenched D-beat from NYC. All of these songs sound so huge you'd swear there was full stacks in your room.

What separates Cervix from the rest of the pack(D-beat wolf pack) is the female vocals and the guitar work, the solos take you back to a 1984 UK when all the bands starting infusing elements of metal into their music. It would be cool to see more of this from Cervix. I feel like D-beat can be a "safe" genre with a lack of experimenting. It only takes a little step forward to make great strides musically.

My ranting aside, this loud brief record is fantastic and will get many plays for sometime to come. Released on VIDEO DISEASE records.

http://videodiseaserecords.com/

Rational Animals-Bock Rock Parade LP

First word that comes to mind is POWER. This record is fucking powerful and its the best songwriting from these guys to date. This stuff is light years ahead of their previous releases.

The Comparisons to BLACK FLAG have always been mentioned but this shit is straight ROLLINS BAND, its like a more demented LIFE TIME....well maybe not 100% but it has that same unhinged wildness that Rollins was famous for. Zach Gray's howls will have you believe that this bands insanity is very real.

As a whole the album has a great flow which is always a plus. It only helps that most of these songs are so strong that they probably could of made it as singles. This record is also the animals loudest and biggest sounding, it truly is a huge step forward for this band but it comes to no surprise as we all knew they had it in them all along.

Katorga Works.
http://katorgaworks.bigcartel.com/

Leather-Sterile 7" EP

Leather play out of Philly, a cockroach infested dirty pile of land. Their first 7" showed little straight up hardcore influence but a more metalish/dirty rock style that only contributed to the awkward off kilter style of the band. The end result was their own brand of hardcore that reflected their nasty town too perfectly.

Sterile picks up where the first record left off, not too much is different although the band comes off with more angst and the overall sound of the record is a little more cutting. The vocalist still has the wild wails and screams that make this band stand out so much but they feel like they hit the mark better this time around. The song ZEK is the band at their most fierce and really sets the tone for the record as well as bring forward a more hardcore vibe.

With another 7" on the way Leather are gaining momentum and I feel like that soon we will see this band at their finest. STERILE was released on JADE TREE records look for WRETCH out later this month on FAN DEATH.

http://www.havefunstayinghard.net/

Lower-Demo Cassette

Five moody and dark tracks with an atmosphere similar to that of a dark well. Some similarities to the recently exploding ICEAGE, Lower also hail from Denmark but this is no clone band.

Lowers sound may be in the same vein as ICEAGE but they take it a little slower and create a listen best suited for a rainy day. You wont find any up beat punk riffs on this demo. Lower wield static feedback and a sound that is reminiscent of a stripped down JOY DIVISION.

I don't know too much more about this band. Would be cool to hear more from them. A great demo.

http://lowercph.bandcamp.com/

性交- S/T 7"

Japanese worship in American Hardcore has been going on for some time now but trends aside, if you're going to attempt something like this full on you should make sure its done right. 性交 are on top of things as far as sound goes. This demo quality 7" brings to mind the Japanese greats.

The blown out recording suits the mid tempo beats. The bands overall style and approach is what makes this thing though, you could very well convince one of your friends that this is a reissue of some 80's Japanese band. There are a few small extra touches, some noises here and there and they only compliment the overall experience.

This 7" is a great listen but it didn't really jump out at me too much. Honestly though, as by the book this thing is it still stands out amongst other current releases. Fans of GAUZE and other Japcore bands will probably go nuts over this, and it is deserving of that.

Out August 24th on Video Disease.