Carrying the torch of rock, Hungary’s Drunken Bastard pull out all of the stops. Reminiscent of a GG Allin Judas Priest team up the Drunken Bastards lyrics focus on drinking, drinking with Satan, and violence. As stated on their Myspace, “they don’t give a fuck as long as they’re on the Horns of the Wasted! Expect NO sweetie melodies and NO gushy lyrics, just pure metal exekution straight from fuckin’ hell.” If you wear leather and hate your liver listen to Drunken Bastards.
Talk is Poison-Rage to Infinity
In a genre as overcrowded as Hardcore Punk one has to wade through a sea of average bands in order to find one truly great band. Talk is Poison is one of those true Punk bands that has developed a distinctive sound. These are adults that have honed their sound over years of playing together. Everything is in perfect synchronicity, the vocals, guitars, bass and drums all play exactly what they need to. The song structures are well thought out. The lyrics consist of genuine pleas for peace and vicious condemnations of a society that thrives on war. Talk is Poison define what it is to be Punk.
40oz. Folklore-Something’s Wrong With This Picture
Chattanooga, TN has produced one of the more interesting punk bands that has floated across my radar recently. 40oz. is very much inspired by old-school punk but is not shackled by its cliches. Biting riffs give way to well thought out, almost Sonic Youthlike solos backed by a ballsy rhythm section, which sports an awesome bass tone. ErikkA’s has more growl and venom than a crackhead with throat cancer. Stark verses and catchy choruses make me want to sing along and pump my fist. This is a solid musical entity that will continue to develop a unique sound.
The Dead Boys-Young Loud and Snotty
The Dead Boys Young Loud and Snotty:
If you like you rock and roll loud anthemic, and filled with sex and drugs, than this is the album for you. Musically focused on catchy attitude laden riffs. Vocalist Stiv Bators snarls and yells his anthems of debauchery with an abandon that most singers can’t muster. I just wish most punk was as good as this album
Rating: 14/15 rates of diminishing returns
Wayne Kramer-The Hard Stuff+
Wayne Kramer The Hard Stuff+:
A clever mix of fuzzed out punk and soul. The lyrics cover a wide range of topics, from Kramer’s personal life, to a mournful farewell to Charles Bukowski. The music is simple enough to be catchy, but intricate enough to hold your interest. As always Kramer’s guitar soloing is loud and passionate, complimenting his songs wonderfully whenever he decides to let loose. Can’t find a fault in this one.
Rating: 15/15 MC5′s
Dexter Romweber Duo-Ruins of Berlin
Dexter Romweber Duo Ruins of Berlin:
Punked up versions of surf-rock and Rockabilly. Good songwriting and guitar playing, excellent drumming. More varied than the singer/guitarists previous outfit Flat Duo Jets.
Rating 12/15 Chrome rims
Fugazi-The Argument
Fugazi The Argument:
Musically pretty good, but not as good as previous Fugazi releases. Lyrically one of their weakest. Not an awful album, but I’m glad they chose to shove off after this one.
Rating: 10/15 I want outs
The Misfits – Walk Among Us
The Misfits Walk Among Us:
You own this album. If you don’t, what the fuck is wrong with you? This album is what pop punk should be. When I say pop, I mean catchy and fun. Take note that not one song is about a lame relationship or something equally inane. Rather they are singing about hacking skulls off girls and turning into Martians to rape people. Even those these songs are about the most absurd shit, they are still catchy with the ability to be lodged into your head for days. Very few albums I would call a necessity, but this is one of them.
15/15 Devillocks
