Review: The fantastic James Taylor Quartet delivers a punk-infused track with a powerhouse chorus here that channels the energy of Taylor's time with The Prisoners when supporting The Ramones during their 1986 UK tour. Of that time he has said The Ramones were "incredible-watching their three-hour sets every night at 21 had a huge impact on me. It took until I was 60 to find a way to act on that inspiration." Though The James Taylor Quartet has always had a punky rock 'n' roll vibe in their live shows, this feels fresh and like a new discovery, despite the influence always being present on some level.
Review: Originally founded by former members of Youth Of Today and Gorilla Biscuits, Judge would become another legendary example of the 1980s New York hardcore scene, with their 1989 Bringin' It Down LP widely considered to be one of the most vital cornerstones. At the dawn of 1990, a year on from their album release and a year before their official disbanding, the group dropped the There Will Be Quiet 7", boasting two of their most monstrous cuts, 'Forget This Time' and 'The Storm II', and now for the first time in over three decades, their ever-faithful label-home Revelation Records have authentically reissued the OG 7" single for both lifers who've likely parted ways with their copy, and newcomers still unearthing the plethora of classic material that built the bedrock for the scene's current moment in the sun. Militant straight-edge hardcore, delivered with beastly metallic riffs and a message so earnest, sincere and palpable, it'll convert you if you're not careful.
Jello Biafra & The Guantanamo School Of Medicine - "Blunder Blubber" (2:23)
Review: With the absolute debacle that is the present day US political landscape, Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra has opted to press his The Guantanamo School of Medicine (originally digital-only) single 'Blunder Blubber' to wax. Originally penned to mark the passing of right-wing scare monger Rush Limbaugh and recorded in 2020 during the Tea Party Revenge Porn sessions, the track served as a major critique of the rise of right-wing extremism, tracing its roots back to Limbaugh's influence and the repeal of the Fairness Doctrine under President Reagan in 1987, a policy change that allowed one-sided political commentary on public airwaves, which Biafra perceives as the floodgates opening to the MAGA mayhem of today, with the vocalist even noting - "I wrote [the song] back when Clinton was president, seeing the writing on the wall. I was hoping never to use it, but we had no choice but to update and perform it now." On the flip is the debut single from The November 3 with their aptly titled 'I Fucked A Republican', dropped during the 2020 Republican National Convention. As both groups and the American left at large are largely shocked and deflated that they're right back where they were this time four years ago, it appears a doubling down of refusal is now vital with this double whammy of sonic middle-fingers now finding a tangible, vinyl home to keep their message permanent and enduring in such worrisome times.
Review: Recorded in 1975 after the disintegration of The Stooges and eventually released, albeit in altered form, in 1977, the album saw Iggy recording his vocal contributions at weekends, on leave from the mental institution at which he was recovering from heroin addiction. With the addition of pianos, acoustic guitars and saxophones to the musical palate it's a different beast from the raw power - and Raw Power - of the Stooges, a bridge between his garage rock roots and the classier pop offerings he'd soon become known for. A fascinating document, regardless, it's well worth a listen.
Review: Jah Wobble has taken his musicianship far and wide since he first rose to prominence in the glory days of post-punk and new wave. He's more readily associated with dub and international musical fusions than rock, but on this new album for Cleopatra he's returned his focus to the spiky energy bursts of his earlier work with Public Image Ltd. Produced with Jon Klein of Siouxsie & The Banshees, A Brief History Of Now covers a lot of ground and revels in allowing all kinds of influences in without losing focus. This is a set of kick ass rock tunes first and foremost, but there's space for subtlety and humour to make sure you know it's Wobble at the controls.
Review: The Task Has Overwhelmed Us is the fourth and final volume in The Jeffrey Lee Pierce Sessions Project series, a tribute to the late singer and guitarist of The Gun Club. The project was initiated by Pierce's friend and collaborator Cypress Grove, who invited various artists to reinterpret or complete Pierce's songs, using his original demos, lyrics, and notes. The project features a stellar cast of musicians, including Nick Cave, Debbie Harry, Mark Lanegan, Lydia Lunch, Warren Ellis, Hugo Race, and many more. The Task Has Overwhelmed Us contains 20 tracks, some of which are covers of Gun Club classics - such as 'Mother of Earth' by Dave Gahan and 'Fire Spirit' by Mark Stewart. Some are new compositions based on Pierce's unfinished ideas, such as 'On the Other Side' by Nick Cave and Debbie Harry, 'Lucky Jim' by Chris Eckman and Chantal Acda.
Review: Dead Kennedys' best frontman Jello Biafra's onetime collaboration with the band D.O.A. produced this hardcore punk gem - 'Last Scream Of The Missing Neighbours' - which fused the best of both bands' sounds, while namechecking every popular and/or political scandal at the time, such as Willie Horton, the Iran-Contra Affair, Oliver North, and the US crack epidemic. Just six tracks on this indelible EP, now reissued via original label, Alternative Tentacle do well to satirize the powers that be in true punk fashion, culminating in the 14-minute military meat-grinder that is 'Full Metal Jackoff'.
Review: Revered as one of U.S. hardcore punk's most humorous, yet politically outraged projects, Last Scream Of The Missing Neighbours is a gem by Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys) and the band D.O.A., in a collaborative effort that spans every blood-boiler from the gentrification of Colorado to the then nascent (putatively C.I.A.-fuelled) crack epidemic. Less concerned with a piercing sonic aesthetic than getting its lyrical point across, this mini-album was a conduit and awareness-raising exercise in the battle against capitalist doublespeak and is best known for its culminating in the closing fourteen-minute dramaturgy 'Full Metal Jackoff', decrying everything from racial scapegoating to the U.S. military-everything complex.
Review: The Jesus Lizard's return with Rack marks a significant moment for fans of post-hardcore. Their first album since 1998's Blue, this release is a testament to their enduring influence and sound. 'Hide & Seek,' the lead single, is a vibrant track that showcases the band's signature style, with David Yow's vocals leading the charge. The album as a whole feels fresh yet familiar, with nods to their past but a clear focus on new directions. Recorded with producer Paul Allen, the band sounds as tight and energetic as ever, showcasing their remarkable chemistry. Overall, Rack is a welcome return from a band that has left an indelible mark on the post-hardcore genre.
Review: Grunge heroes The Jesus Lizard return after 26 years with Rack, a raw and intense experience reminiscent of their early 90s work with Steve Albini with plenty of the chaotic energy and tight musicianship that defined the band's legacy. The lead track, 'Hide and Seek,' is a rampaging opener filled with hooks that showcase the band's ability to merge aggressive rock with catchy elements. Other tracks, like 'Moto(R)' and 'Lord Godiva,' blend humor and grit, while 'What If?' and 'Armistice Day' explore moodier, more introspective territories. The album maintains a polished yet raw sound, balancing sophistication with pure, punk-rock mayhem. David Yow's vocals remain as unhinged as ever, supported by Duane Denison's piercing guitar riffs, David Wm. Sims' powerful bass lines, and Mac McNeilly's thunderous drumming.
Review: The Jesus Lizard's first new music in 26 years,' Hide & Seek', is out now via Ipecac Recordings, and it's turning heads everywhere. Produced by Paul Allen, the track is a thrilling precursor to their forthcoming album, Rack.. The Chicago noise rock iconsiDavid Yow, Duane Denison, David Wm. Sims, and Mac McNeillyirecapture their legendary raw energy and chaotic brilliance. 'Hide & Seek' boasts hooks and an abrasive edge that Yow humorously questions as "pop." Recorded live at Black Keys drummer Patrick Carney's Audio Eagle studio, Rack features 11 tracks that blend lunging momentum, nuanced instrumentation, and Yow's signature unhinged vocals. The band's chemistry shines, with Yow's confessional lyrics and Denison's piercing leads delivering emotional punch. Embodying the balance between sophistication and punk-rock abandon, Rack will excited 90s rock fans without a doubt. The Jesus Lizard's return is more than a nostalgia trip; it's a reaffirmation of their influential legacy and a thrilling addition to it.
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