Four song 7 inch from Melbourne's Right Mind, who play a fast paced, melodic youth crew sound, inspired by the likes of In My Eyes and Carry On. While the recording on this 7 inch is a bit low fi in sound quality, the songs are strong enough to shine through and really impress. Vocals are very listenable, in that almost kind of spoken style rather than yelled, with some strong gang back ups to boot. Lyrically this is pretty intelligent with themes of self worth, understanding, equality and consumerism touched on. Musically this reminds me of a lot of mid 90s Australian hardcore bands, when melodic riffs were more popular than hard riffs. I'm looking forward to more from these guys.
Impressive looking five song, picture disc 7 inch for Melbourne band, Declaration that features the landmark Flinders Station on the front. Sounding like a mix of bands like Bane, Comeback Kid and Good Riddance, this is some really well written and structured uplifting, anthemic music. Plenty of gang vocals, octaves and driving riffs on show here that add to the urgency of the band's sound. Vocally this is a little high pitched in sound and really reminds me of Rob from By The Grace Of God. Great to hear local bands combining flat out drumming with melody again. This is a really cool release and yet another local band to add to the list to check out.
Nothing like a tribute album to one of the world’s greatest bands by some of the world’s shittiest, to make you realise how much current music trends really do suck. How do you turn an unforgettably catchy and heartfelt song into a boring, mundane pile of shit? Simply add some electronica. Besides efforts from The Bronx, Good Riddance, Mike Watt and semi listenable covers from Tijuana Panthers, Band Of Horses and Fidlar, this is easily the most infuriating record you'll hear all year. But just when you think things can’t possibly get any fucking worse, Yacht deliver a four minute version of the 4 second track “All” that sounds like a scratched CD. Well done Filter magazine, take a bow.
Apparently BR decided to make a faster record than previous outings largely inspired by the latest Pennywise effort. True to their word, this is exactly what they have delivered. The three part harmonies are still present, as is the thesaurus of lyrics. Noticeably different however, is that the tempo is more upbeat, often masqueraded in the catchy melodies. But focus on Brook’s drumming, especially in tracks like “Vanity”, and you’ll hear this sped up influence really shine through. Of these 16 new tracks, I count maybe 2 as filler and there is the odd strange bit of vocal effect going on here and there. This is easily their best album in a very long time, could easily have followed “Generator”.
If you’ve seen Defeater live then you already know they are well and truly capable of reproducing their recorded sound on stage. So whatever you do don’t judge this release by the first track, a horrible country and western sounding version of “But Breathing”. By the second track “Warm Blood Rush” the band you love and are more familiar with returns and sound more like you'd expect them too. They also offer up an acoustic version of “Brothers” and round off with a blazing rendition of “Empty Glass”. In all a pretty cool release that is sure to keep fans tied over till their next album.
Four-song demo form this Sydney band made up of members from Extortion, Massappeal, Grand Fatal and Twin City Faction, taking a bit of an older hardcore punk and at times thrashy approach. HO features Rod Hunt from Murder/Blasting Process, Persecution and Terrible Virtue on vocals. At times Rod’s vocals have a bit of a gruff sound to how they usually appear, but this is partly due to the recording, as they don’t really sound like that live. Their sound varies from track to track, touching on elements of early Poison Idea and Toe To Toe to even mid era Massappeal and the Accused, all woven together in their own unique way. Hit the band up here to grab a copy.
I'm a sucker for cover albums, I always seem to be drawn to them for some reason. Perhaps its a fear of the unknown and the comfort of sticking to what you know. The appeal to this album for me, is the awesome choice of covers from First Blood as they celebrate their ten year anniversary by taking on Hatebreed, SOIA, Earth Crisis, AF, Cro Mags, Biohazard, ST, Madball, All Out War and Path Of Resistance. If you were into hardcore in the 90s then chances are you'll know every song on here. Most covers don't deviate from the norm and are presented as if First Blood first recorded them. You can also download this album for free by clicking here.
Perth band, Agitated drop their debut 7 song, 7 inch that clocks in at under the 10 minute mark. This has that flat out, minimalised distortion guitar sound one would associate with the Southern California skate core sound of bands like JFA, the Angry Samoans or the Adolescents even, but with a modern edge kind of like what Night Birds and Government Warning do. Lyrically this is pretty goofy and immature and fits in perfectly with the sound the band are striving for. The whole release is rounded out with some more awesome artwork from Glenno Smith who sure has been busy this year. Click here to listen and here to order.
Debut 4 song, 7inch from this Sydney band that took a long time to finally see the light of day. Featuring three former members of Persist, this is a much heavier approach than their previous band. Drawing on a range of influences both new and old, this definitely sounds like the more metal tinged approach of 90s NYHC bands. There is a strong sense of urgency and passion that shines through with the vocal delivery, while musically there is a solid mix of melody and power. While this recording doesn’t quite capture the intensity of the band live, its still very, very damn impressive. As a band they have already progressed and evolved beyond this release.
After the flop of "Build A Nation" I had little to no expectations for this album. First listen, I hated it. Second try, I was less disappointed. A few listens later and I've learnt to just accept the Bad Brains for who they are these days. There are some songs on here that are probably the best thing Bad Brains have done since Quickness days. Their dub/reggae tracks are still world class and a real strength for the band. I think back to watching the doco when there is talk of the band dropping the whole punk hardcore thing and just going reggae. Maybe they should have? But then you hear a glimmer of hope in a riff or lead in one of the more upbeat songs. Then you get to a song like "Fun" and you can't help but laugh. The modern day Bad Brains are a real roller coaster ride.
Four song 7 inch from Melbourne's Right Mind, who play a fast paced, melodic youth crew sound, inspired by the likes of In My Eyes and Carry On. While the recording on this 7 inch is a bit low fi in sound quality, the songs are strong enough to shine through and really impress. Vocals are very listenable, in that almost kind of spoken style rather than yelled, with some strong gang back ups to boot. Lyrically this is pretty intelligent with themes of self worth, understanding, equality and consumerism touched on. Musically this reminds me of a lot of mid 90s Australian hardcore bands, when melodic riffs were more popular than hard riffs. I'm looking forward to more from these guys.
Impressive looking five song, picture disc 7 inch for Melbourne band, Declaration that features the landmark Flinders Station on the front. Sounding like a mix of bands like Bane, Comeback Kid and Good Riddance, this is some really well written and structured uplifting, anthemic music. Plenty of gang vocals, octaves and driving riffs on show here that add to the urgency of the band's sound. Vocally this is a little high pitched in sound and really reminds me of Rob from By The Grace Of God. Great to hear local bands combining flat out drumming with melody again. This is a really cool release and yet another local band to add to the list to check out.
Nothing like a tribute album to one of the world’s greatest bands by some of the world’s shittiest, to make you realise how much current music trends really do suck. How do you turn an unforgettably catchy and heartfelt song into a boring, mundane pile of shit? Simply add some electronica. Besides efforts from The Bronx, Good Riddance, Mike Watt and semi listenable covers from Tijuana Panthers, Band Of Horses and Fidlar, this is easily the most infuriating record you'll hear all year. But just when you think things can’t possibly get any fucking worse, Yacht deliver a four minute version of the 4 second track “All” that sounds like a scratched CD. Well done Filter magazine, take a bow.
Apparently BR decided to make a faster record than previous outings largely inspired by the latest Pennywise effort. True to their word, this is exactly what they have delivered. The three part harmonies are still present, as is the thesaurus of lyrics. Noticeably different however, is that the tempo is more upbeat, often masqueraded in the catchy melodies. But focus on Brook’s drumming, especially in tracks like “Vanity”, and you’ll hear this sped up influence really shine through. Of these 16 new tracks, I count maybe 2 as filler and there is the odd strange bit of vocal effect going on here and there. This is easily their best album in a very long time, could easily have followed “Generator”.
If you’ve seen Defeater live then you already know they are well and truly capable of reproducing their recorded sound on stage. So whatever you do don’t judge this release by the first track, a horrible country and western sounding version of “But Breathing”. By the second track “Warm Blood Rush” the band you love and are more familiar with returns and sound more like you'd expect them too. They also offer up an acoustic version of “Brothers” and round off with a blazing rendition of “Empty Glass”. In all a pretty cool release that is sure to keep fans tied over till their next album.
Four-song demo form this Sydney band made up of members from Extortion, Massappeal, Grand Fatal and Twin City Faction, taking a bit of an older hardcore punk and at times thrashy approach. HO features Rod Hunt from Murder/Blasting Process, Persecution and Terrible Virtue on vocals. At times Rod’s vocals have a bit of a gruff sound to how they usually appear, but this is partly due to the recording, as they don’t really sound like that live. Their sound varies from track to track, touching on elements of early Poison Idea and Toe To Toe to even mid era Massappeal and the Accused, all woven together in their own unique way. Hit the band up 
I'm a sucker for cover albums, I always seem to be drawn to them for some reason. Perhaps its a fear of the unknown and the comfort of sticking to what you know. The appeal to this album for me, is the awesome choice of covers from First Blood as they celebrate their ten year anniversary by taking on Hatebreed, SOIA, Earth Crisis, AF, Cro Mags, Biohazard, ST, Madball, All Out War and Path Of Resistance. If you were into hardcore in the 90s then chances are you'll know every song on here. Most covers don't deviate from the norm and are presented as if First Blood first recorded them. You can also download this album for free by clicking 
Perth band, Agitated drop their debut 7 song, 7 inch that clocks in at under the 10 minute mark. This has that flat out, minimalised distortion guitar sound one would associate with the Southern California skate core sound of bands like JFA, the Angry Samoans or the Adolescents even, but with a modern edge kind of like what Night Birds and Government Warning do. Lyrically this is pretty goofy and immature and fits in perfectly with the sound the band are striving for. The whole release is rounded out with some more awesome artwork from Glenno Smith who sure has been busy this year. Click 
Debut 4 song, 7inch from this Sydney band that took a long time to finally see the light of day. Featuring three former members of Persist, this is a much heavier approach than their previous band. Drawing on a range of influences both new and old, this definitely sounds like the more metal tinged approach of 90s NYHC bands. There is a strong sense of urgency and passion that shines through with the vocal delivery, while musically there is a solid mix of melody and power. While this recording doesn’t quite capture the intensity of the band live, its still very, very damn impressive. As a band they have already progressed and evolved beyond this release.
After the flop of "Build A Nation" I had little to no expectations for this album. First listen, I hated it. Second try, I was less disappointed. A few listens later and I've learnt to just accept the Bad Brains for who they are these days. There are some songs on here that are probably the best thing Bad Brains have done since Quickness days. Their dub/reggae tracks are still world class and a real strength for the band. I think back to watching the doco when there is talk of the band dropping the whole punk hardcore thing and just going reggae. Maybe they should have? But then you hear a glimmer of hope in a riff or lead in one of the more upbeat songs. Then you get to a song like "Fun" and you can't help but laugh. The modern day Bad Brains are a real roller coaster ride.