Creating your sleeve art from public domain photos certainly saves on costs, but who knew the kid with the colander on his head was so popular? This EP marks at least the second time in the first quarter of 2016 he’s put in an appearance. To be fair, though, there’s a big musical gulf between the work of Rick Springfield and New Jersey pop-punks Nine Eighteen. Each one hugely talented, but never the twain shall meet, as they say.
Tag Archives: punk
THE POSEURS/KUNG FU DEVILS – Dancehell Music (split EP)
This 2009 split release from Riotska Records brings together otherwise unavailable recordings from two Russian bands – The Poseurs and Kung Fu Devils. Five songs from each is enough to give more than a taste, and more than enough to demonstrate that both acts have their strengths while tackling punk-rooted music from different angles.
THE SHAPERS – Reckless Youth EP
Since their formation in 2009, French punks The Shapers seemed to constantly be on the road. Their high energy melodic sound saw them travel the globe – including a visit to Thailand – and also score high profile support slots with classic bands Pennywise, NOFX, Face To Face and others, all without the aid of an extensive back-catalogue.
ANGRY SNOWMANS – What Makes An Elf Build Toys? EP
Angry Snowmans are potentially the funniest thing to emerge on the punk scene since Butt Trumpet released their debut LP in the mid 90s. This Victoria, BC based band have been dropping festive EP releases with tunes satirising Poison Idea, Adolescents and The Germs and reworking familiar punk tunes for yuletide amusement since 2008. There has been much to enjoy, but their twisting of Buzzcocks ‘Orgasm Addict’ into an ode to the Toblerone was particularly inspired. You’d think they’d have run out of steam after six years – let’s face it, most of Me First & The Gimme Gimmes stuff after album three is either pretty shoddy or just plain tired – but the Angry Snowmans’ 2015 release ‘What Makes An Elf Build Toys?’ could be their one of their best yet. While Brian Setzer is the undisputed crowd-pleaser when it comes to snow, sleigh bells, guitars and all-round xmas jollity, your holidays aren’t complete without this.
MEGA – May The Force Be With You
On their 2012 mini-album ‘May The Force Be With You’, Italian punks Mega blend hooky choruses with a garage rock charm. Whereas their label-mates The Snookys focus their garage chops on upbeat rock ‘n’ roll, these eight tracks show the Milan-based four piece to have a bigger fixation with the Ramones. The raw sound of these recordings, however, ensures there’s always a stronger DIY element compared to the results from your average Ramonescore outfit, particularly in relation to many of their US counterparts.