2 SICK MONKEYS - CURSE OF THE MONKEYS

Genuine stuff here from two regular 'erberts who work their asses off and rely on bass, drums and vocals for almost their entire sound.The CD starts menacingly with an ominous heartbeat and a sudden smashing of glass that burst through into the albums best track namely 'Live It Up'. A full on heavy drilling that is brief, basic and top drawer stuff. A real crackerjack. 'Too Many Secrets' is another stunner with 'Can't Deny' yet another above average effort that is disappointingly followed by the bloody awful 'Built To Win'. A horrible moment for me and I'm sure which fans of the Monkeys will love or hate. Thankfully the rest of the CD gets back on track with '24/7' a bloomin' marvellous number. There are a couple of others I'm not over keen on but in general the album is not bad. There is an experimental touch there which sometimes works and sometimes fails but which should be applauded nonetheless. The result is a very individualistic sound that is a credit to the bands know-how and talent. The best way for me to sum up the album would be to liken it to a packet of Opal Fruits. There's some flavours we love, some we don't mind and some we just can't work out if we love or hate but its always worth buying another packet. Finally the instrumental 'Jemima Pooka' is a good orchestrated instrumental and worthy of a mention too.

IN LIARS WE TRUST

My neighbour popped around and said the postman had delivered a package by mistake. I checked the envelope and saw the sender was from Hollywood. Hey up - some superstar wanting me to do a body double again? Thousands of miles to reach its destination only to fall at the last - close but not quite. Bloody postmen. Never mind. Anyway the CD was duly popped in the player and I was met with a truly wonderful opening track that questioned, protested and yet skipped along like a retro punk rave that had been juiced up with an abundance of focused annoyance and angst. The review from thereon in was as easy as A, B,C.

A startling clarity of vocals and musical background with a certain staccato guitar feel are obvious and the theme is incessant throughout the whole CD which really makes the listening experience a delight. The blurb backed up my initial thoughts of disillusionment and disgruntlement with government, war, religious ignorance and establishment. The dissenting democratic deliverance is rabid and blatantly fires up this entire recording yet doesn't detract from some supreme musicianship. 'Change It' is a personal fave from a complete package of great songs. Punk can become too preachy at times but with this kind of conviction and song arrangement there can be no such gripe. The palpable belief here and lack of expected crustiness is refreshing in a music scene drenched in phoneys and fans of Conflict, Crass etc. will surely find something to savour here. The chant 'n' rant protest style ravings have, in recent times, become stereotyped to some extent and its nice to listen to a CD that bucks this trend. Anyone with a preference for this mode of punk or anyone wishing to support a worthy cause should get this. It may miss your letter box but it doesn't miss the point. More please.

FROM THE STREETS - COMPILATION

One of the easier CD's I have had the pleasure to review with a musical ménage à trois of bands with each offering 4 tracks apiece on this first, in what plans to be many, 3 way split CD's from promoters of streetpunk Noize Anoize. The 3 bands in question here are The Kirks, The Strait Jackets and Flat Back Four all of whom have a good pedigree and reputation as regards their output. All 3 are different yet similar enough to compliment each other and the CD works well with each bands tracks grouped together rather than just mixed in any old how. There's some good tunes to be had here with 'Over The Top', 'My Baby Got Killed By A Landmine' and 'The Thatto Heath Song' standing out from a very fine mix. The Kirks add the urgent youthful touch, The Strait Jackets add a dark, psychobilly edge and Flat Back Four contribute their expected expertise in song construction. A great chance for those involved to promote their own and others stuff and if future gatherings are of this standard then we could have much to look forward to.

STRAIT JACKETS - KILLERS CALL

A 5 track CD that has a hauntingly gothic feel which gives a good diverse appeal and will surely draw in admirers from various genres. For a DIY effort this is very good indeed with visons of sneering apocalyptic cum psychobilly zombies filling ones head as the disturbed opening track 'My Baby Got Killed By A Landmine' mine gets underway. A peach of a number that has the toe tapping with its venomous vocals and catchy melody. There is an urgency here that stays on track yet is given enough rope to cause a chaotic edge and unbridled output. Nice.

The psychobilly theme continues with the up-tempo 'Killers Call' which is more typical in approach but smacks of talent and insight and a band that understands the complexity of song arrangement and production. 'Blood On My Hands' is of a similar thread with a no-nonsense delivery that I personally love and the retainment of good rhythm and vocal accompaniment is well dealt with. The finale of 'Fire In My Heart' has a tribal/jungle feel reminiscent of a primitive Adam And or a King Kurt outburst and is well worthy of this comparison. A great 5 tracker and a band I need to catch up with real soon.

BOREDOM AD – UNSOILED ENTERTAINMENT

If you prefer your punk polished, tuneful and delivered in old-school style with emphasis on melody rather than mayhem then Boredom AD are your choice of cha.  Revitalised and repackaged from a stagnating Boredom (literally) that seemed intent on playing for playings sake this new outfit is the same except frontman Danny has been replaced by Bri ‘Slutcher’ Barnes (UK Subs long time bassist, Slutch frontman etc).  The change in desire, delivery and determination is a real eye opener as Barnsey’s general lunacy, enthusiasm and general musical ability has dragged all members to a new level resulting in a band that want it and want it bad.  With focus and a more assiduous approach to detail we have been given 6 tracks that show unlimited promise and excellent musical know how.  All 6 songs are high calibre affairs with great tunes, great vocals and solid overall composition that retro rockers will adore.  Personally ‘Its All About Me’, ‘Lowlife 07’, ‘Vincent Price’ and ‘I Want More’ are quality efforts in all departments and the rehash of ‘Lowlife’ encapsulates the new found spirit and style of this band perfectly.  Fantastically easy listening and one hopes this lot capture the chance to achieve their potential rather than, as is too occurent on the punk scene, piss it into the wind.

LUCIEN – LUCIEN

From almost the opening riff this CD reeks of elaborate metal and intricate rock that displays a band who can certainly play some darn fine shit but stray too far away from what I personally deem to be enjoyable.  This is by no means my chosen listening matter but will no doubt appeal to adorers of technical metal and bands who reside in the almost obscure niche between the unstable mountains of punk and rock.

I really struggled to find any high point during several listenings to this effort but that should not be blamed on the band who obviously are appealing to people interested in different genres.  For me punk should have no boundaries but that doesn’t mean that any bands can parade under its banner.  This isn’t what I’d expect something branded as punk to sound like and maybe the target area needs addressing so as to maximise the potential of a band who would be wasted within the confines of a circuit whose fans can be brutally critical.

From a neutral standpoint I would check Lucien out because it seems a lot of work as gone into this CD and the band are committed to the cause.  The verdict is open and I leave you to decide and expect you to agree and disagree in equal proportion.

KONCEPT - LIVE AT OPBLAASPOP

As DIY as you like and reminiscent in atmosphere to an early UK Subs release namely 'Live Kicks'. Despite the low budget approach and crappy edits this is still worth a listen by Belgiums finest street punks. 'Jonnie Boy' is one of the early highs with an overflow of energy and vitality adding edge to an already solid track. There is enough British influence here as well as Koncepts unique intent to make this offering cross borders with 'ACAB', 'Protest' and 'Wasted' fuelling this thought.

The banter between tracks is frustrating for the non-speakers of the Belgian lingo but it does display Koncept's willingness to participate with the crowd and their approachable attitudes. Its cheap, cheerful and honest and personally thats all I can ask. There's better and there's worse but one thing is evident - Koncept are a very fine band indeed.

INSANE SOCIETY - UPSIDE DOWN

Hailing from Brighton Insane Society are a band of four experienced, mature 'erberts who are obviously well versed in all areas of the punk rock genre. This debut CD reflects this opening statement and the true punk egghead will take double delight in not just enjoying the fine retro feel but in relating each individual track to one of its more than apparent influences.

'Fat Chick' opens proceedings and is instantaneously catchy with a chorus set to thrill drunken audiences all over this beer-sodden land who understand the overlooked intricacies of postcard humour. The very British sound of this CD is blatant and in this instance it is a very welcome ingredient that makes this lot at once recognisable and comfortingly familiar. 'Send in the Troops' next and its a real 'Chronic Generation' affair which intensely drips with a moody, almost threatening atmosphere and leading perfectly into the more Oi based 'Bastard'. A right Skinbo track which displays Insane Society's versality to a tee. And so the tracks of everyday life both personal and global continue with 'Paranoia', 'Made In China', 'Johnny Holmes' and 'Evicted' being my personal pick.

A very 'laddish' CD and this lot should go down well wherever they play as the simplicity of the immediate vibe and adhesive quality of each ditty will surely please the most awkward of punk listeners. I can thinks of loads of bands this lot could play with and compliment perfectly so no doubt big festival slots await. The commercial appeal is there and whether its a sell-out that awaits is dependant on the bands attitude but I for one hope thay stick to this real approach and continue the honest and well delivered standard they have set here. A very good debut indeed.

SOCIAL SCHISM - CONFLICTING MASS OF MEDIA...

An 8 track debut from Southend 3-piece Social Schism who have a lot to say and go about it in their own stylish and forthright way. This CD has been a real thorn in my side and for some reason has been rather difficult to assess. It seems straightforward at first with good and bad tracks categorised easily but being never one to judge a CD on a few spins this octet of melodies really had me thinking about each and every verdict.

The opening 'Social Disease' sets a fist flying tone that snarls and convulses in genuine youthful annoyance. It is brief, to the point and very solid. The follow up is a brave ditty called 'Nick Griffin's Guilty' that continues the jackhammer approach and reflects the vocal opinions of a band willing to say what they think rather than stay bland and neutral to win fans. 'Masculine Bullshit' and 'Battle For Cable Street' take patience in the listener so as to appreciate various subtleties and characterising idiosyncracies that give Social Schism their identity. The 2 songs are split by a moment of remarkable brilliance and technical simplicity that is outstanding for such a relatively young band. The song 'They Shall Not Pass' is mainly instrumental with a wonderful reggae slant and throat ripping finale that disagrees and agrees in perfect discordant harmony. Just beautiful. Earlier misgivings about this gem were totally unfounded and for me a musical high perfectly positioned in a well worked contrasting CD.

The final 3 tracks are the transient and explosive 'Hate Trip', the excellent sing-a-long number 'Fight' and the crudely entitled but accurately written 'Biff Molests Girls'.

Overall a very good outspoken CD that has passion, urgency and variety to cater to many palates. Social Schism have further potential and will really fit into the more politically orientated circuit with ease. As far as the wider punk scene goes - well with stuff produced of this ilk I can see no problems whatsoever.

RIOT SQUAD – PERSECUTE THE WEAK, CONTROL THE STRONG

For a full throttle assault of insatiable aggression and raging endeavour you need look no further than this incredible piece of punk rock.  This CD is certainly an epic of its kind as its untiring and incessant attack epitomizes the sub-genre that embraces the musical/hardcore crossover with astounding ease and clarity.  This is proper no-bullshit punk that places emphasis on violent guitar and throat tearing vocals and a 100mph final delivery.  Track after track the quality and spirit flows as this CD simply bursts through the eardrum and kicks fuck out of your brain.  Punk lovers who like their dish served raw and oozing pure, honest blood then this is par excellence as the no-holds barred approach and meaty delivery will surely leave them drooling for seconds.  ‘Riot Squad’ opens up and is just the perfect body blow that will commence a full scale onslaught of the highest order.  ‘CCTV’, ‘Pressure’, ‘No Escape’ and ‘Mind Control’ are skull crushing blows in an avalanche of unremitting fuckin’ angst in which you will be really tested to find a bum tune.  ‘12xu’ and ‘Wasted’ are two covers which close proceedings and end a classic album in superb style.

For me Riot Squad have improved immensely over the last 12 months or so and are surely one of the best bands around on today’s punk circuit.  This album will be one of the best purchases you make this year and for me personally it’s up there with some of the best.  If you get a chance to see this lot then do so and buy a CD whilst your there – you will not be disappointed.  A memorable masterpiece.