Culo-Nuke Abuse 7"

You could have gave me this 7" and told me it was a 1980s gem from some forgotten midwest band and i probably would of believed you. Culo's debut 7" sounds like its from the golden era of hardcore, the aesthetics fit perfectly and remind me of when i was a wild ass kid without a care in the world. the songs are short and to the point but still manage to be keep things catchy. There is also just a hint of a straight forward punk influence. Comparisons have been made to Direct Control and i can see that because both bands have a high energy level that transfers to vinyl perfectly and both have intricate guitar work. Culo plays with no bass player though instead they use two guitar players and the result is a louder and fuller sound.

For fans of hardcore old and new. Nuke Abuse was released on Punks Before Profits and is either sold out or close to it.

Inepsy-Madness and Overkill

After hearing their last release(No Speed Limit For Destruction) I was a little skeptical about picking up this picture disc but as soon as the needle dropped I let out a sigh of relief Inepsy were back to sound and doing it better then ever. Sure this release isn't a huge deal like City Weapons was but that record was the band firmly placing their feet on both sides of the spectrum(hard rock and punk).

Madness and Overkill is damn near perfect and echos of Lemmy and Discharge ring proud and true. The second song sounds like it could rival the best on The Ace of Spades. If rock music was still a powerhouse in the mainstream this band would be playing sold out stadiums. In the words of Stan Lee "Nuff said".

Released by Feral Ward records, but Im sure you can find it in any distro.

http://www.feralward.com/

Nasa Space Universe-Brain Railer 7"

Nasa Space Universe return to us with a 2nd 7" ep displaying more of their trademark violence, quirkiness and musicianship. The production value on this one seems to be a cut above their debut 7" that came out a couple years back though its not dramatically different i feel it suits this material better. The songs this time around come off heavier and a little more crisp. The music still reminds me of "Animosity" era C.O.C but the tracks on this 7" have a slight(very slight) hard rock edge. Long story short: Greg Ginn abrasiveness + hard rock hooks + No Trend weirdness = a band worth your time.

Released by Shogun records.

Volcanic Slut-Blasphemaster 7"

Members of Horrid Cross and Nazi Dust come together and unleash this textbook onslaught of thrash metal. No frills or filler just 3 tracks that put other bands in this genre to shame. Solos and pick scratches are perfectly placed while the drums never let up.

Cool packaging complete with skulls and tits. Vinyl Rites.

Bloodshot Year(Nothings Changed)

Calamitous Being was started a year ago today. Offering nothing but opinion I will continue posting reviews as long as records compel me to do so.

This time of year people like to recap everything and talk about "The Best Of The Year", even though the same 5 records make it on every list. I don't believe this is because everyone is following hype or trends but because those bands really did accomplish something special.

A Few Honorable Mentions:
Condominium-Gag
Raw Nerve-LP
Crazy Spirit-7"
Merchandise-Strange Songs
Urban Blight-Total War
Insubordinates-LP
Pollution-Registered Smut

Brain Car-Rock N Roll Bologna 7"

More Rochester stuff. Catchy stripped down melodies that are extremely manic to say the least. Screeching vocals that cry out against everyday normality that brings to mind early O.C. punk with a touch of extra weirdness. Play this thing and I'm sure a few songs will get stuck in your head. Recommended for fans of Holy Shit! and KBD madness.

Record actually comes with bologna(not stoked) and super thick cardboard glue pockets(stoked). Another Reel Time production and i cant wait for more.

Oral Fixations-Audio Zine CS

I really like the idea of this tape, its a great concept and something you don't see everyday. 14 stories in 2 hours, its a lot to take in all at once and is a bit on the long side. At times these stories are hilarious, interesting, gross or extremely dark. There a few on here that I will never forget and probably give more then one listen and then there are some that are just not interesting at all. Not everyone makes a good story teller and some of them tend to just rant. Members of Loser Life and Coke Bust contribute stories to keep things punk.

The best part about all this is that it reminded me of all the crazy shit I did when I was a kid and insane things that happen on tour. Once again though this is a great concept. While the packaging is not insane it suits the format.

Released by Vinyl Rites.

http://www.vinylrites.net/