HorrorPops – Kiss Kiss Kill Kill (c) 2008 HellCat RecordsHere we are in the still wee months of ’08 and here at !upstarter, we already have amassed a collection of great releases for the new year. Among them is the soon to be released, (Feb. 5th) HorrPops record “Kiss Kiss Kill Kill”. What started as a bit of an experimental side project for Kim Nekroman and wife Patricia Day has turned into an alt-psycho-surf-punk-pop-wave juggernaut. “Kiss Kiss…” follows somewhat behind the heels of 2005’s “Bring it On” and returns to the three-piece roots of the bands debut “Hell Yeah!”. The new disc features 12 tracks of goodies including: Track 2 “Missfit” an snotty attribution against the “right side of the tracks” society. Track 4 “Disco” an affront on current day 80’s disco whores and Track 11 “My Picture” a pining tale of breakups and cheaters. Despite being a slower release than I was hoping for, HorrorPops have taken a step back closer to home. I think the trio formula works for them, in so far as they can worry more about the music than an unecessarily extravagant production. That being said “Kiss Kiss Kill Kill” is a solid release. If you dig New Wave with Rockabilly underpinnings and vocals much akin to Siouxsie Sioux, pick this up when you can get your hot little hands on it. –Jerry Actually
The Loved Ones – Build and Burn
(c) 2008 Fat Wreck Chords
[rating: 2.5/5]
Following up 2006’s “Keep Your Heart”, The Loved Ones are back with 10 news tracks on “Build & Burn”. I wasn’t familiar with the band prior to this release, but I like what I hear. They have a blue collar, american anthemic rock’n punk sound akin to the Street Dogs and Hudson Falcons. Mix that with riffs akin to No Use For A Name and a vocalist that reminds me a bit of Milo (Aukerman) and you get a pretty damn well rounded punk band. So cheers for the sophomore effort of The Loved Ones. 10 songs of choices and consequence to help you through your dreary workaday life.
–Jerry Actually
The Loved Ones [Build & Burn]
The Loved Ones – Build & Burn(c) 2008 Fat Wreck ChordsFollowing up 2006’s “Keep Your Heart”, The Loved Ones are back with 10 news tracks on “Build & Burn”. I wasn’t familiar with the band prior to this release, but I like what I hear. They have a blue collar, american anthemic rock’n punk sound akin to the Street Dogs and Hudson Falcons. Mix that with riffs akin to No Use For A Name and a vocalist that reminds me a bit of Milo (Aukerman) and you get a pretty damn well rounded punk band. So cheers for the sophomore effort of The Loved Ones. 10 songs of choices and consequence to help you through your dreary workaday life.–Jerry Actually
Primasonic [Denver]
Primasonic – Denver (c) 2008Primasonic, Denver based Punk (and/or) Rock outfit shakes it like a rock band, not unlike The Strokes, The Hives, The Vines (monosyllabic names ad infinitum) They, however, have some things going on for them that the aforementioned bands do not. Namely, they have four syllables in their band name, and if you don’t count the word “the” (and I dont) that makes them at least four times as good as any of those other bands I mentioned. Seriously though, Primasonic has their roots firmly planted in Rock n’ Roll but with plenty of Punk attitude. Similar to the resurgent sounds of The Humpers or US Bombs. Their new release due out sometime this year packs 13 tracks of spit and vitriol as well as one “radio edit” (we will scratch that one from the record) Hijinks and facetiousness aside Primasonic has got the rock and they bring the chops. Good new music with and old music vibe comein’ at ya straight outta Denver, CO. Plus to prove their mystical combining of the elements, you get the requisite covers of Paint it Black and Something to Do … Bonus!–Jerry Actually
Teenage Bottlerocket – Warning Device
(c) 2008 Red Scare Industries
[rating:3/5]
Teenage Bottlerocket – Warning Device
Destination: Laramie, Wyoming.
Object of interest: Teenage Bottlerocket.
Release: Warning Device.
It seems that things have come full circle again. This time, in of all places, Laramie Wyoming. Who would have thought that this smallish cow town could be harboring its own DIY scene and the current Ramones-core heir apparent, Teenage Bottlerocket. I’ll tell you. It wasn’t me.
Never the less, Teenage Bottlerocket’s sophomore release on Red Scare, “Warning Device” is an instant pop punk hit. Despite, or more likely because of the heavy Ramones influence, fans of The Ramones, Screeching Weasel, The Queers and the like should go totally stupid over the 13 pogo-inducing punk songs. I especially enjoy how much track six, “Social Life” is reminiscent of “I don’t Wanna Grow Up”.
I look forward to more quality punk rock in Teenage Bottlerocket’s future. And when you listen to “Warning Device”, and you will, think about this. There is awesome old school punk rock and a DIY scene coming out of Wyoming. What did you do today?
–Jerry Actually
Arson Anthem
Arson Anthem – S/T (c) 2007 Housecore RecordsFrom the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina arises the legacy of hardcore brutality. Mike Williams lost a lot, including his home, in the post Katrina riots. Phil Anselmo just happened to have a spare apartment. The two sat around spending hours listening to Phil’s early hardcore music collection. Throw Hank III and Collin Yeo into the equation and you’ve got Arson Anthem. The self-titled debut has eight track of old school, raw as all get out, hardcore reminiscent of bands like Negative Approach and early Agnostic Front. On top of the brutality, you can still hear the southern roots. It makes for an interesting sound, like the Allman Brothers in an alternate universe or something. My personal imaginings aside, you too can find something old in something new when you rock the paint off the sonofabitchin’ walls with Arson Anthem.–Jerry Actually
NOFX [They’ve Actually Gotten Worse Live]
NOFX – They've Actually Gotten Worse Live! (c) 2007 Fat Wreck Chords In a bit of a hometown homage, venerable punksters NOFX play and record over several drunken nights (for some) at Slims in San Francisco. The culmination of these efforts (or lack of) hath wrought, "They've Actually Gotten Worse Live!" What you get is 24 tracks of live NOFX filled with half-assed comedy and, ironic titling aside, full-assed punk rock music. You'll laugh. You'll cry. You'll appreciate that none of the songs on this live CD are on the prior live CD. Many even have altered arrangements. Though I've never been gungho for the "live CD", this one hits pretty high on my charts. Seeing as I'm in the states and NOFX is busy conquering most of Europe, this disc is about as close as I'm getting to a live NOFX show anytime soon. So, if like me, you're itchin' to see NOFX again, heed their own advice and while listening to the CD "cram 600 of your best pals into a small room, drink 8 beers and turn the heat up to 95" You'll never know that you weren't there.–Jerry Actually
Siouxsie [Mantaray]
Siouxsie Sioux – Mantaray (c) 2007 Decca Records “Mantaray” is the first solo album from Siouxsie [No Banshees. No Creatures.] [Despite it being a solo release it still has everything] from the [familiar] tribal beats to the original sounds of Siouxsie and the Banshees. If you like the creatures and all of Siouxsie Sue, I guarantee you’ll like this cd. So go get it!–Super Leslie
The Wonder Years [Get Stoked On It!]
The Wonder Years – Get Stocked On It! (c) 2007 No Sleep Records Ok, I can't say that I'm totally "Stoked On It!". It isn't unpleasant, but it didn't really grab me and shake me by the neck either. I think maybe the middle of the road tempo kind of put me into a lull. Sure there are faster bits, and some hardcore backing vocals, but if you apply an average across the tracks it all kind of sets a course for rock. That being said, the song content is tongue in cheek and I do enjoy that. Bottom line, The Wonder Years aren't so bad, but I'd like to see them commit to one direction or the other a bit more.–Jerry Actually
The Briefs [The Greatest Story Ever Told]
The Briefs – The Greatest Story Ever Told (c) 2007 BYO RecordsBehold as the history of The Briefs unfolds before you very eyes. Formed in the wee young year of 2000 in a post grunge Seattle, The Briefs kick out ’77 style fun loving punk rock. If you’re into this sort thing, the DVD comes jam packed w/ over two hours of Briefs footage including live, practice and studio footage and of course, the complete history of The Briefs. Along w/ the video you also get a bonus eight track live CD. Incidentally, The Lawrence Arms may have already tried to tell you the greatest story ever, but did they give you a DVD to go with it? No! I didn’t think so! So kick back and watch and listen to the greatest story ever told.–Jerry Actually