Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Victim's Coffin- Family Break



Seattle's Coffin Break are Californian dreaming taking in small but noticable melodic punk chunks from Bad Religion and Big Drill Car. This evil twin of this 7" features the jazz punk of Californians Victims Family and if you shut your eyes and pretend not to know they are different, we forgive you for confusing them with NoMeansNo. Now, open your eyes and listen to my evil twin again.

Twin

Monday, December 28, 2009

Flesh D-vice- Secrets of the Estranged



The capital city that houses New Zealand's politician was also home to punk band, Flesh D-vice. This 1985 album was reviewed in the US punk fanzine, Maximum Rock and Roll by Pushead who stated: "Reminiscent of the first RED ROCKERS LP, this changes and burns with a strong medium-paced feel. Grinding twangs from the guitar are the focal point in the mix and the work's choice. Well-delivered with a fluid drive, the compositions are musically thought out and catch harmonious notes soon to bounce around the brain."
The band were looking for international release of this album according to this old MRR New Zealand scene report by Neil Cartwright.

This album is probably best known for containing the song "Flaming Soul" but that's hardly the only worthy song here. With songs titles such as "Legends of Lugosi" and "Science Faction" plus that cover you know these guys all have a healthy interest in horror.


Flesh

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Grant Hart 2010 New Zealand tour

Hit your head sent us this info about Grant Hart's New Zealand tour in a couple of months

GRANT HART (USA - Husker Du/Nova Mob) NZ TOUR 2010 w/ DEVILS ELBOW
American punk icon, Husker Du’s Grant Hart is heading to NZ for first time this February to tour the country in support of his latest solo album, Hot Wax.

His NZ dates are:
Wednesday, 3rd February, KING'S ARMS, AUCKLAND, 8pm
Thursday, 4th February, THE CABANA, NAPIER, 8pm
Friday, 5th February, SAN FRANCISCO BATH HOUSE, WELLINGTON, 8pm
Saturday, 6th February, AL'S BAR, CHRISTCHURCH, 8pm
Sunday, 7th February, CHICKS HOTEL, DUNEDIN, 8pm

Support at all shows by DEVILS ELBOW www.myspace.com/devilselbowofficial

Tickets for all shows are on sale now from .www.Undertheradar.co.nz

Known as one third of the legendary Husker Du, who were hailed as one of the most important and influential US bands of the 1980s. Following their break up in 1987, Grant Hart has continued to pursue his musical and artistic vision. His records have been eclectic, subtle, thematic affairs. ‘Hot Wax’ was recorded largely as a one-man affair in Montreal and Minneapolis studios, features guests including members of Godspeed You! Black Emperor, Silver Mt. Zion and Rank Strangers.

Grant Hart has created an organic rock album using classic tools to make modern art, creating psychedelic pop/rock soundscapes loaded with strong melodies, vintage instrumentation and a style that he admittedly owes in parts to his devotion for his friend Patti Smith. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to see acclaimed visual artist, singer, songwriter and punk icon, Grant Hart, play exclusive solo shows this February.

Thursday, December 10, 2009

Reptiles At Dawn - Naked In The Wilderness



Back in the late eighties while staying in Taupo with a great aunt, I first read of Reptiles At Dawn in the UK Heavy Metal magazine, Metal Hammer, in an issue which came free with a huge foldout poster of Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickinson holding a box of the game Risk whilst surrounded by topless women. The review stated that they were a New Zealand band who had moved their reptile house to France. Back then, I had no idea they were the same band as The Henchmen and The Dum Dum Boys whose records I would often see for sale new in the local second hand record and book shop. The Stooges sound stayed and a dedication to Radio Birdman mixes things up just a little. All the references to reptiles and lizards would have made Jim Morrison's leather pants tighten as the blood rushed from his brain to another place or at least made him smile. Jimmy Dean would just drive his death machine.

Get this cold blooded creature

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Dead Wrong

Vorpal Blade are a hardcore from Christchurch, New Zealand. They really like American bands such as Converge, Dillinger Escape Plan and some guys from years back who called themselves Black Flag. Vorpal Blade made a video for their song "Sticks and Stones"






This year they made an album entitled "Dead Wrong"this year and made it available for download.

Get it here.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Dum Dum Boys - Let There Be Noise




As you can probaly tell from their name alone, New Zealand's Dum Dum Boys wore their influences on their sleeves. This '81 release was possibly the first NZ release to be more influenced by US punk than the UK stuff. The story goes that the band sold their beds and whatever else they owned and could sell to get this vinyl record released. These guys liked The Stooges a lot and there's certainly nothing at all wrong with that.

Get their noise.

Beastwars - IV

After over a year off for various reasons, we have returned solely because we wanted to review the new Beastwars album. I really w...