LPs & 12"
Culo - My Life Sucks - Deranged Records
After a long, long delay, Culo's debut lp is finally released. Fast USHC punk, no surprises just all good. This record leaked a year and a half ago and made a lot of peoples 2012 year end list, but I waited.
No Sir, I Won't - The Door 12" - Framework Records
Coming off a great 7" from last year, Boston peace punk throwback band No Sir, I Won't continue their artistic and CRASS inspired sound taken to levels not heard for some time. The spoken vocal parts can come off a bit akin to Jello Biafra, but the style works here. Interesting and good.
Stoic Violence - s/t 12" - Katorga Works/Video Disease
Short yet powerful, this LA hardcore band brings 6 tracks for their debut 12" that is all fast. A great live band too.
7"s
Altered Boys - s/t 7" - Katorga Works
Lots of variety from this NJ hardcore band with good mix of speeds, and plenty of mosh to spare.
Gas Rag - Human Rights - Beach Impediment Records
Modern old school hardcore from Chicago here. The first tracks song structure and riffs are strong enough to carry this 7". I want to see live.
Green Beret - The Cult Of State - Side Two Records
This Boston hardcore band is coming back strong off of their debut 12" last year to release a 7" that continues in the same direction. Slightly modernized d-beat hardcore with a political edge lyrically.
Perdition - 3rd 7" - Hardcore Survives
Total throwback early Discharge worship complete with minimalist lyrics and the same Cal vocal patterns. Not reinventing the wheel, but played tried and true.
Replica - s/t 7" - Prank Records
Female fronted modern US hardcore from the Bay that features No Statik's drummer. Powerful and good song writing, but I feel the vocals are way too high in the mix.
I bought a lot of tapes, but not gonna list ‘em. Bite me.
Favorite Shows:
Chest Pain, Sick/Tired, Sea Of Shit @ Mousetrap in Chicago
The best show I attended this year. Sea Of Shit brought the PV style hard that night. Lots of people in attendance, good mosh, no bullshit, no drama.
Condominium @ West Wing
I have all their records, and they can pull it off live. Super tight live.
Local Noise Scene @ Multiple Shows
So many local noise acts between Omaha and Lincoln now, and it’s good shit.
NE Hardcore Showcase 4 @ Sweatshop Gallery
Every band played great, no bullshit. Sadly, shit music played between sets, and attendance way down this year.
Stoic Violence @ West Wing
Love the 12”, and fuck were they tight live. I hope they come back next tour. A great USHC band.
