Anti-Nowhere League – The Cage

© 2016 Cleopatra Records
[rating:8/10]

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the_cageFile under old punks don’t die. For the second time this week, I’m listening to brand new music by an old school Brit band. Yesterday I was checking out a new track by trash stalwarts, Lawnmower Deth, and now I’m rocking a brand new album from veteran punk rockers, Anti-Nowhere league.

If you’re like me, your familiarity with ANL is from Metallica’s cover of So What off of Garage Days. Outside of that I had very little knowledge of the band until this new album. Kinda crazy how times changes and influence circles around. Now I’m listening to the bands that influenced the sounds I liked in the day instead of the bands that were under the influence, so to speak.

At any rate, I’m listening to a brand new album, The Cage by Anti-Nowhere League, out today (05/13/2016) and I’m digging it. 13 tracks of energetic punk rock with enough maturity under its belt that you know that it says what it means and means what it says. Tracks are tight and well produced. The songs are well balanced sonically. Vocals don’t overpower the backing tracks and the bass isn’t drowned out by the guitar. It’s got guts; quality guts!

As much as I’m enjoying it, there is some wanking solos that I could totally live without. Sometimes I dislike (ok, most of the time) when punks grow up, learn how to play and then have to prove it. … God damn punks! I trade the guitar solos for more songs for more awesome alcohol fueled sing-a-long tracks like #9 God Bless Alcohol!

For reals though, this release is some solid brand new punk rock by some serious veterans of the game. Look for them live at some of the upcoming Punk Rock Bowling events.

On a side note, WTF festival franchises? Festival events used to be cool and almost mythical. Now there’s a dozen in every town. Perhaps I’m being a bit of a snob, but I think it waters down the scene.

Cheers!
Jerry Actually

Exalter – Obituary For The Living

© 2016 Transcending Obscurity

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[rating:8.5/10]

exalter-coverOk, so funny thing. I’ve been waxing nostalgic a bit lately and listening to a lot of the 80s Thrash Metal that I grew up on. I still love it, but it kind of went away when Metallica and Megadeth got so damn popular. Well outta nowhere and into my inbox comes some brand new Thrash that sounds like it’s from the days of old. Freaking awesome! Wilder still these cats are cranking the volume and firing metal missiles from Dhaka, Bangladesh! Crazy. Oh yeah, it happens that the new album drops today.

Obituary For The Living busts it out old school correct with rampant riffs, shred solos, and guts and gristle vocals. The songs certainly run a bit longer than my more recent short attention span can contend with, but the intensity is so high that I’m not left feeling bored. I may be off base, but I can hear influences of Sacred Reich, Nuclear Assault, Exodus, Testament and the whole core sound of late 80’s Bay area (and beyond) Thrash scene.

exalter

Don’t think that this is just a rehash of yesteryear though. The songs are all legit in their own right and writhe and undulate with their own dark energy. If I weren’t sitting at a desk typing this right now, I’d be bouncing off the walls making my own circle pit with the house cats, for realz.

So if you’re a fan of the old school of thrash, do yourself (and the band) a big ol’ favor and checkout “Obituary For The Living” the brand new release from Exalter.

Cheers!
Jerry Actually

Tracks:
1. Tortured Innocents
2. Surrounded by Evil
3. Sacrificial Immolation
4. Nuclear Punishment
5. Throat Cutters
6. Thrash Resurgence
7. White Phosphorus Shell

UGLYBoNES – Growing Concerns

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[rating:8.5/10]

uglybonesUGLYBoNES is a four piece hardcore/thrash punk outfit running out of the Windy City, (Chicago for those of you living under rocks) They’ve got a new album to jam up into your earholes. It’s entitled Growing Concerns and it will crush you.

The release contains 10 tracks, ninety percent of which clock in well under the two minute mark. Rapid bursts of sonic aggression without being over the top ear bleed screamo assault. (totally up my alley as screamo razer vocals are fn lame)

The tracks are all solidly constructed on a foundation of the angst of fading youth. The lyrical delivery is drenched with intensity and the musical accompaniment is fraught with urgency. The overall effect is a cavalcade of pretty rad hardcore punk.

The only downside I can think of is that the tracks have a very consistent pattern of insisting on a slower breakdown segment. Not saying they don’t have merit, but it can get a bit formulaic by the end.

Any downside aside, this band deserves a little bit of your attentions. Go check out their tracks and kick ‘em down some dough so they can continue to rip this shit up.

http://uglybones.bandcamp.com/

Cheers!
Jerry Actually

Tracks:
1. Set Off 01:44
2. PCAF 01:20
3. Not The Same 01:39
4. Obscene 01:17
5. Grown Up 00:54
6. Office Destroyer 00:30
7. SUX 01:20
8. Took Too Much 01:19
9. Bendz 02:25
10. Lazy 01:38

The Coffin Daggers – Aggravatin’ Rhythms

The Coffin Daggers
Agravattin’ Rhythms
© 2016 Cleopatra Records

[rating: 9/10]

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coffin-daggersI’m am giddy to no end listening to a fully instrumental Surf album by a band that has Viktor Venom (of Reagan Youth and Nausea) on lead guitar. Why wouldn’t I be? The idea that a vestige of 80’s East coast hardcore punk can transmute into some of the best “dark” surf music that I’ve heard in some time is, to say the least, incredible.

The one-sheet lets me know that all the tracks were recorded on 16-track 2” analog. How sweet is that? I kinda wish I would have had the album to review instead of the CD. If the digital version sounds this good, I can only imagine the vinyl is phenomonal!

Aggravatin’ Rhythms abely drops a lush soundscape of 14 tracks of riff-laden surf rock, the likes of which are rarely heard in this day and age. It’s strikingly reminiscent of foundational work from artists such as Link Wray and legendary guitarist Dick Dale. A more modern surf sensibility is certainly present as well and I can’t help but draw comparisons to by Man or Astro-man and Phantom Surfers.

I was listening to this album the other night and a description kept bubbling to the surface as I listened to track four, The Sinister Urge, “boozy apreggiated dive bombs are reverberating around the interior of my car only to launch into Gilmour-esqe soulful leads. Brilliant!” Sure it lacks some context in the middle of this, but I assure you that when you arrive upon said track, you’ll totally understand.

I’m not sure that I’ve done a write-up for an instrumental release in the past. This very well may be a first for me. So without knowing fully where to go with this, I’m going to go suggest that Aggravatin’ Rhythms by the Coffin Daggers is one of the finest surf albums I’ve heard to date. Seriously this album rocks. Get some!

https://cleorecs.com/store/shop/the-coffin-daggers-aggravatin-rhythms-cd/

Cheers,
Jerry Actually

Get Aggravated With The New Album From Surf Rock Masters The Coffin Daggers!

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Coffin Daggers med res.jpg
For Immediate Release
 
Get Aggravated With The New Album From Surf Rock Masters The Coffin Daggers!
 
Los Angeles, CA – New York’s premiere instrumental surf punk band returns with a brand new album of insanely catchy grooves and hip-shaking rhythms that are sure to get the hep cats dancing in the aisles! Aggravatin’ Rhythms, The Daggers third full-length album since 2002, ain’t your daddy’s surf rock, though the group certainly bares the influence of seminal surf legends, Dick Dale and Link Wray. But The Coffin Daggers deliver a more modern, punk-inspired brand of surf heard best on tracks such as the rollicking “Instigator,” the spooky “Sinister Urge,” or the bluesy swagger of “Concussion.” All of those tracks and more can be heard on Aggravatin’ Rhythms, will be available on both CD and on groovy green vinyl starting February 12 courtesy of Cleopatra Records!
 
Founding member and lead guitarist for The Coffin Daggers Viktor Venom hails from the vaunted East Coast ‘80s punk scene as a founder of crust punk band Nausea as well as a previous turn as bass player for Reagan Youth. Venom is joined by keyboardist extraordinaire and rhythm guitarist Rob Morrison, bassist Peter Klarnet and drummer Pete Martinez. Together this quartet are simply one of the most unique groups around. Speaking about the new album, bassist Klarnet declares, “We decided to go all out with this LP, so we recorded it over 16 tracks on 2 inch tape at Metrosonic Studios in Brooklyn—resulting in a deep, lush sound. It’s certainly not the cheapest way to record these days, but we all firmly believe that if you’re going to record something for posterity, it might as well be the highest quality possible. The proof of course is in the final product which we believe is our finest effort to date.” Previous releases by the band have been praised by Guitar Player who observed that Venom “moves proceedings beyond mere era emulation by unleashing a rude and vicious riff that would have made Link Wray smile.” Meanwhile, the group’s live performances have floored both European and American audiences from start to finish, prompting Chart magazine to declare “no one comes close to The Coffin Daggers when it comes to all-out intensity…they will stomp a mudhole into your fragile minds.”
 
A release party for Aggravatin’ Rhythms is planned for February 19 at the Lucky 13 Saloon in Brooklyn with special guests Black Flamingos and a rare performance by the legendary Purple K’nif!
 
Track List:
1. Aggravatin’ Rhythms
2. Instigator
3. Ghost Train
4. The Sinister Urge
5. Uprising!
6. The Spy
7. Kreepy Krawl
8. Wake Up Screaming
9. Three Blue Stars
10. Concussion
11. Head One
12. Side Arm
13. Five-Five
14. The Thing

Unwritten Law Announce Digital Preorder Via Cyber Tracks

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New Album ‘Acoustic’ – Out April 1st 2016
Feat. 2 New Songs & Acoustic Versions Of Fan Favourites

Preorder Here: http://www.cyber-tracks.com/store/music/unwritten-law-acoustic/
LOS ANGELES || February 9, 2016
Formed in San Diego in the early 90’s Unwritten Law has undeniably paved the way for Rock/Alternative musicians around the world with staple Multi­Platinum releases like Elva, Unwritten Law and Live and Lawless. Last month, the band announced their highly anticipated eighth studio album, Acoustic due out April 1, 2016, via Cyber Tracks, owned by El Hefe (guitarist of NOFX) and wife Jen Abeyta.

Today, fans are able to pre­order a digital copy of Acoustic for $9 via Cyber Tracks website here and sample 30 second clips of all 13 tracks.
Upon initial purchase of the pre­order, fans will receive an instant surprise gratification track immediately with two additional surprise tracks to be rewarded on March 1st and March 22nd which are before  the actual release date.
Fans can be on the lookout for more exciting announcements to come soon!

Acoustic is a masterful 13­track record filled with newly re­recorded Unwritten Law hits from Unwritten Law, Elva, Here’s To The Mourning, Swan, and The Hit List into flawless acoustic renditions. The emotionally rich album will also feature two brand new tracks including “Huartbreaker” a cover originally performed by John Legend and MSTRKRFT and “Belongs To You,” written by Scott Russo. The album features Scott Russo (Vocals/Guitar), Chris Lewis (Guitar, currently in Fenix TX), Jonny Grill (Bass), and original drummer Wade Youman; produced by Jim Perkins and Scott Russo, Additional production by Chris Lewis and Joe Marlett, Mixed by Joe Marlett, and Mastered by Tom Baker of Baker Mastering.

TRACKLISTING:
1. “Celebration” (Originally “Celebration Song” Here’s to the Mourning, 2005)
2. “Nevermind”  ( Swan, 2011)
3. “Oblivion” (Originally “Welcome to Oblivion” The Hit List, 2007  (also on Live and Lawless, 2008))
4. “Huartbreaker” (Originally performed by John Legend and MSTRKRFT)
5. “Up All Night” ( Elva, 2002)
6. “ Seeing Red”  ( Elva, 2002)
7. “Teenage” (Originally “Teenage Suicide” Unwritten Law, 98)
8. “Starships” (Originally“Starships and Apocalypse” Swan, 2011)
9. “Shoulda” (Originally “I Shoulda Known Better” Live and Lawless, 08)
10. “I Like The Way”  ( Here’s To The Mourning, 2005)
11. “Save Me” (Originally “Save Me (Wake Up Call)” Here’s To The Mourning, 2005)
12. “ Cailin”  ( Unwritten Law, 1998)
13. “Belongs To You”

Unwritten Law will be hitting the road with Fenix TX this March kicking off their tour Pomona, CA at The Glass House and hitting Los Angeles, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Boston, New York City, and Las Vegas to name a few.

In addition, the band has two VIP options for fans:
(1) Band Hangout (ticket not included): includes early entry, first access to merch, exclusive CD featuring tracks by both bands, intimate soundcheck performance, M&G with Unwritten Law and Fenix TX, photo opportunity, signings and VIP Laminate.
(2) Band Hangout & Access (ticket not included): includes early entry, first access to merch, exclusive CD featuring tracks by both bands, intimate soundcheck performance, M&G with Unwritten Law and Fenix TX, photo opportunity, signings, VIP Laminate and watch the show from the stage (NOTE only 2 available per show)!
VIP ticket packages can be ordered here: http://ticketspin.com/ul­ftx

Unwritten Law Tour Dates 
All dates are with Fenix TX except for the shows marked
March
9 ­ Pomona, CA @ Glass House
10 ­ Los Angeles, CA. @ The Palladium (with Pennywise)
11 ­ Scottsdale, AZ @ Pub Rock Live
13 ­ Flagstaff, AZ @ The Green Room (No Fenix TX)
15 ­ Kansas City, KS @ Riot Room (No Fenix TX)
16 ­ Nashville, TN @ City Winery (No Fenix TX)
18 ­ Austin, TX @ SXSW
19 ­ Dallas, TX @ So What?! Music Festival
20 ­ Houston, TX @ House of Blues (with NOFX)
21 ­ San Antonio, TX @ 502 Bar
24 ­ St. Petersburg, FL. @ The State Theatre
25 ­ Cape Canaveral, FL. @Millikens Reef
26 ­ Fort Pierce, FL @ The Inlet
27 ­ Cape Coral, FL @ Dixie Roadhouse
28 ­ Jacksonville, FL. @ Freebird Live
29 ­ Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
30 ­ Baltimore, MD @ Soundstage
31 ­ Philadelphia, PA @ Underground Arts

April
1 — Boston, MA @ Middle East Downstairs
2 — New York City, NY @ Marlin Room (Webster Hall)
4 — Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
5 — Cleveland, OH @ The Grog Shop
6 — Columbus, OH @ A&R Music Bar
7 —­ Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
8 — Omaha, NE @ Slowdown
9 — Denver, CO @ Marquis Theatre
10 — Colorado Springs, CO @ The Black Sheep
11 — Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
12 — Reno, NV. @ PB & J’s
13 — Las Vegas, NV @ Backstage Bar
14 — Long Beach, CA @ The Federal (No Fenix TX)
15— ­Santa Ana, CA @ The Ritz (No Fenix TX)
16 — Santa Cruz, CA @ The Catalyst (No Fenix TX)

UNWRITTEN LAW SOCIAL MEDIA:  
http://facebook.com/unwrittenlaw.music
http://twitter.com/unwritten_law  
youtube.com/unwrittenlaw

JAYA THE CAT – ‘FAKE CARRERAS’

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[youtube v=US8CDs4-Qlo]

Originating from Boston and currently based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, Jaya The Cat are one of the premiere bands on the European live circuit.
The quartet, who coin their style as “Drunk Reggae Punk” have shared the new video for ‘Fake Carreras’, taken from the 2012 album, ‘The New International Sound Of Hedonism’.
Speaking on the video, vocalist Geoff Lagadec says, “So, we took a little time off from working on our new album to make this sweet tour video for ‘Fake Carreras’. We hope you love it as much as we love you!“

PEARS – GREEN STAR – OUT APRIL 1!

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(San Francisco, CA, January 20, 2016) –PEARS laid siege to the punk world with their 2014 debut release, Go To Prison, and have been on a buzz-generating rampage ever since. After spending the better part of two years turning the hardcore scene on its ear, PEARS continue along the warpath with their hotly anticipated second full-length, Green Star, out April 1st (no joke!). Green Star rages with 16 tracks that are loaded with blazingly fast spurts of aggression. Re-recorded versions of “Snowflake” and “Anhedonia” (previously heard on last year’s Letters to Memaw 7-inch) take on new life, thanks in part to A Wilhelm Scream guitarist Mike Supina, who helped engineer the album. Alongside Supina, James Whitten, who also helped produce Go To Prison, works his magic on 14 new tracks of unstoppable hardcore.

To elaborate on how PEARS approached recording their latest full-length, singer Zach Quinn says, “The biggest difference was Go To Prison was a fast thing—we just threw it together. This, we slaved over it. We wrote songs and cut songs and cut parts of songs and put them into other songs. It was a nightmare, but I’ve never been more proud of anything. Even though it was a completely different process, it feels like the next step.”

PEARS are already tackling 2016 with vigor. Expect PEARS to continue to bring that energy to stages around the world, starting with Australia in March, followed by North America and Europe.

 

Tracklisting:

1. Christmas ‘91
2. Hinged by Spine
3. Cumshots
4. I Love My Kennel
5. Anhedonia
6. The Flu
7. Green Star
8. Bug Aware
9. Partridge
10. Dizzy Is Drunk
11. Snowflake
12. Cloverleaf
13. The Tile of St. Stewart 14. Doorbell
15. Jump the Fuckin’ Ship 16. Great Mt. Ida