This is the follow up to 3 Chords... which we reviewed in the last issue. The album starts off with two cracking tracks "Aint Ashamed" and "Cops ’N’ Robbers". The music follows on from the previous album and it seems my grievance about the last album has been rectified as nearly all the tracks on this are great. Lyrically The Babys talk in rhymes about everyday life, fruit machines, music, Nazis, sex and there’s even a love song for good measure and a hilarious cover of the Sweets’ "Blockbuster" with their own lyrics and re-titled "Dolebusters". The Babys play cranked up melodious punk in the vein of SLF and their songs are catchy, happy and reminiscent of the late’70s & ’80s. A fine tape.

ASTREAM - Woodfish CD (Bad Taste Records)

Have you ever come across those funny birthday cards which you stick your finger through the hole to produce a dick inside the card, well this is a variation on that theme with a CD hole you put your finger through to signify Champ’s (the Singer/bassist) tool. Astream are from Sweden and despite been around for 5 years Woodfish is their debut album. There are some good non-generically written, articulate lyrics about human nuances with respect to racism, political apathy and hypocrisy, the big deal about the Seattle scene/Mr Cobain, homelessness,’ friendships and more besides. Mia, who plays guitar has great vocals and "Miss Universe" and "Attila The Bum" are classic tracks which reminds me of one of my favourite bands The Creamers. Astream are a fast, melodic punk band that write catchy, energetic music and get straight ’A’s from us anyday.

BAD INFLUENCE - Afterbirth CD (Self Released)

This is a band that come from Belgium, Bad Influence have been around for quiet some time and they play a wild cacophony of dark atmospheric noise and pounding tribal drums. The music is not generically metal and therefore is hard to compare as some of the guitars are quite punky. With some nice voice overs and 6 interesting tracks that do literally send shivers down your spine this release is certainly one worth having a listen to.

BAMBI - S/T EP 7" (Rejected Records/Treasure Island Discs)

This is another record from Ireland and it’s rather mental. It’s kinda a hard to describe but it’s good. Take Minor Threat, the Inspiral Carpets and the Doors chuck them in a blender and switch on! Weird, huh? It’s kinda raw punk wrapped up in the ethereal haze of a Hammond organ. Five tracks grace this little, piece of black plastic and the packaging is well smart - a kind of three-fold gatefolded sleeve with a lovely cartoon pic of a punk Bambi on the front- bless his cotton socks!

BASEBALL ANNIE - S/T MCD (Lost & Found Records)

Baseball Annie claim ex-members of Millencolin and No Fun At All but they don’t sound like either, in fact Baseball Annie have a very punk sound with some almost Propaghandhi sounding vocals. There’s 6 tracks of up-tempo melodic punk with some get pop twists and even though this has a very raw feel to it, there are some excellent ideas on here like the Ruts-sounding mid 8 in "What About Us". Good Stuff.

BENDER - Jehovas Allstars CD (W.O. W Communications, PO Box 703, Bristol BS99 5LV, UK)

I love the title of this CD and the beautiful cover with Mr H Christ sporting a Bender Tee-shirt! On to the music well it’s pretty bloody top stuff, well produced funked-up, punked up, skanked-up music with attitude and excellent lyrics. "Over Emotional" is my favourite track with a great chorus that could well have been written by the Descendents but Bender hit hardest with their intense rhythms and tracks like "Breaking The Law". It’s nice to hear bands like Bender who’ve taken punk forward with their own progression and produce a great album that’s only limitations are the band's ability and not some pre-ordained idea of a punk sound.

THE BRUISERS - Up In Flames CD (Lost & Found Records)

When I read the press release and saw the Social Distortion influences I was really looking forward to playing this. What struck me first was how much it didn’t sound like SD. The vocals are extremely Frankie Stubbs and the band look more like Rocket From The Crypt. After you get a few tracks down the CD you start to see the SD influences coming through in the songwriting and guitar work. The Bruisers are a great street punk band and the combination of Leatherface and Social Distortion has me in heaven with songs like "Hard Line", "Up in Flames", "All Messed Up" and "Forty Miles of Bad Road", "In fact", "End of The Line" and "The Gates of Hell" are so SD it could have come straight from the Prison Bound LP. Just put this on in your car and hit the road...

BUCK WILD - Beat Me Silly CD (Lobster Records)

This is a side project from members of Lagwagon namely Shawn and Chris and is one fine CD. It takes all the poppier side of the ’wagon and produces a powerful Pop-punk slab of anthems about getting pickled by alcohol, relationships and family problems. This album is catchy as hell and I can’t help but think of the Dickies when I play it. I love Lagwagon but I really think this is better; the production is so powerful and enhances tracks like "That's the Problem". There’s even a cool cover of "Happy Together" where the harmonies are just brilliant. Top CD, top band what more can I say except get you kit off and thrash about your room to the uplifting sounds of Buck Wild.

BY THE GRACE OF GOD - For the Love Of lndie Rock CDEP (Victory Records)

According to the Press Release "BTGOG’s sole intention is to bring back fun and belief into the HC scene as so many bands within the scene seek mainstream viability through adding indie and college rock in influences!!!" Well I don't know that or whether they'll succeed seeing as 90% of their stuff is metal-based NYHC which is mainstream metal influence - so where’s the difference, surely only a contradiction in terms. As for the review BTGOG includes ex members of Guilt, Endpoint, Enkindle, Falling Forward and Empathy and this is an average CDEP and includes a cover of Poison Idea's classic "Plastic Bomb". I couldn’t get too hyped up over this at all I’m afraid there’s just too much stuff like this around for it to sound different.

CAESARS PALACE- Rock De Puta Mierda MCD (Dolores Records)

Garage punk rock which sounds like some of those very early ’77 bands like Subway Sect and the Killjoys. 7 tracks of raw rock ’n’ roll energy and distorted vocals all centred around 3 chords and a two and a half minute song . Dolores kick out some fine stuff and Caesars Palace is one of them not as cool as Starmarket but still good and comes in a nice little digi-pac thing.

CHOPPER - Porcelain 7" (Crackle Records, PO Box HP49, Leeds, LS6 4XL, UK)

I really like the title track it could have been a Snuff song it is so catchy. Chopper kick out sing along poppy-punky stuff that brings a grin to your face. I saw Chopper live at the Duchess (Leeds) a long while ago and remember not thinking a great deal about them but I have to say that I’m hooked. The flipside has two tracks "Static" and "Josephine" which are good tracks but don’t come near "Porcelain". The sleeve is also great with a clip from Star Wars with Han Solo and Chewbacca charging through the Death Star.

CORPUS VILE/ LOST IN THE SUPERMARKET - Split MC (Bad Apple Tapes,5 St George's Close, Evesham, Surrey, WR11 IJA, UK)

You just know from the name that Corpus Vile are going to be death metal protagonists in dire need of some cough linctus. Actually C.V. are very good at what they do, the recording is good and the whole side really grips you with a sense melody (yep, not usually found in this genre) within a dark growling background. To sum this band up they are original in their music and sound sort of like Civilised Society meets Doom with a faint smell of Carcass. L.I.T.S grace the other side with some studio tracks and a rather ropy live set. This German 3-piece certainly kick up a racket that wails like a banshee to a background of discordant metallic feedback. An interesting tape of better than average stuff and only a couple of quid from Bad Apple.

COWBOY KILLERS/ RECTIFY - Split Benefit MC (MUT TAPES, PO Box 152, Burton-Upon-Trent, Staffs, DE14 1XY, UK)

This tape represents great quality, value for money, cool bands and what’s more the proceeds from this tape goes to the worthy HSA. The first side has the Cowboy Killers churning out 16 class, fast, punked-up hardcore tunes, including the "Deeply Dippy" sessions and various tracks from limited releases and there’s a cool dance mix of "Toffee Hammer". On the flip Rectify blast out their punky racket. 15 ditties made up of demos, live tracks and LP cuts of political observation delivered with more bite than a pitbull. A worthy benefit, a great selection of tracks and comes with a printed inlay and lyric sheet all for a mere £2.50 (inc postage. Cheques to: S C Buxton) buy this now.

CRANC - Someone Told You Someday CDEP (Guttersnipe Records)

Cranc are from Ireland and played with Lithium Joe on some of their Irish tour dates and this is their latest EP. Five tracks of poppy stuff has some nice tracks which sound like a punkier version of the Psychedelic Furs. I imagine that Cranc will be more prolific live as this CD shows promise but just doesn’t quite deliver the goods. This is the first I’ve heard of Cranc so maybe future releases will show Cranc’s obvious talents in a better light.

CROCODILE GOD- Boss EP 7" (Crackle/Rumblestrip)

This is a Leeds-Sunderland collaboration and what a release. I first clapped my ears on this 3-piece when I saw them support Tilt in Leeds I thought they were great then and I haven’t changed my mind on hearing this EP. Crocodile God play cool pop- scouser-punk that could be compared to the Senseless Things with the hybrid vocals of the Bluetones and Social Distortion. There’s 5 tracks and with titles like "Dogs Trousers", "Napper Nine" and "Wurlitzer" you just know you're in for some great stuff. Buy this now before it’s sold out, this certainly is BOSS!

DESCENDENTS - Everything Sucks (Promo) CD (Epitaph)

When I got a Press Release saying the Descendents were reforming and going to record a new LP I nearly wet my pants, the following week I got this CD in the mail and I thought I’d died and gone to heaven! Recorded in the band’s own studio and 9 years after Milo swapped a mic for a lab coat the Descendents are back!!! The title track unleashes the album with a raging number that has the feel and guitar sound of Black Flag, a real cruncher with more angst in the vocals than I’ve ever heard from the Descendents. The whole album is progressive Descendents, in that it IS the Descendents of old and it ISNT!!! The best way to describe it is take ALL’s sound like "Just Perfect" or "She's My Ex") with Milo signing and add a bit of speed! I personally think this is better than any previous stuff because it has a good all round selection of fast tracks and pop tracks like "When I grow old" and the whole album is just bloody excellent. In fact since I got it I’ve played it so much that I have had to force myself to play something different, but still those cool tunes float around my head at work, etc.. If you buy one album this year make it this, right? Coolidge!

DOUGHNUTS - Feel Me Bleed CD (Victory Records)

The press release with this says that they are the 'hardest All-girl band on the planet" and who am I to argue with that. The Doughnuts are heavier than L7 and this stuff doesn’t do much for me I can see their appeal - the music is metal but with some fine diversity that holds more in common with No Means No than Metallica. The vocals are extremely tight and have a feeling of eternal pain to them. What they put across is crunching power and a dark atmosphere enwrapped in a cloak of pained emotion.

ENGLISH DOG/SANITY ASSASINS - Split Benefit MC (MUT Tapes)

Another cool benefit from Ripping Thrash, English Dogs grace the first side with a string of live trade and a rehearsal. These are excellent, well played catchy tunes, and there’s also some cool covers on here like the Kennedy’s "Let's Lynch The Landlord" and my favourite Subs’ song "Emotional Blackmail". Sanity Assasins are just so cool and this is a complete studio side with 10 great tracks with a faint leaning towards TSOL and they rock in so much style. Good sound and a great tape for only £2,20 (inc. postage Address in Cowboy Killers review)

ERASE TODAY - A Big Yes And A Little No EP 7" (JSNTGM, 64 Sedburgh Ave, Blackpool, FY4 4DQ, UK)

Three cool as a cucumber tracks from Blackpool’s finest with a great UFO sleeve. The title track has a great ’70s punk feel to it with a lovely chanting chorus. The flip features Erase Todays’ all too familiar Husker influenced punk-a-tune-a-rama with roller coaster pace and harmonies as large as the Big One (that's the dipper at Blackpool not any reference to Andy's manhood). It’s good to see these buggers back at it as they are one of the finest UK outfits. So A Big Yes or a Little No?! Well the man del Happy House he say Yes!

FALLOUT- Evacuate Demo MC (Lee, Top Flat, 390 Henege Road, Grimsby, NE Lincs.)

This is a new band from where we use to live, Grimsby and even though the quality of the recording isn’t fantastic there is sorry promise on here. Fallout play fast US influenced hardcore punky stuff which is basic but along similar lines to early Minor Threat. The lyrics have been nicely written and of the 4 tracks "Don't You See?" and "I love My Boss" are the two tacks that show the most potential. Good first effort.

FREEZE/BOLLWEEVILS - Split (Promo)CDEP (Dr Strange)

This copy came mis-printed and therefore no track listing. Saying that, this CD rips I have loved the Freeze since the days of Rabid Reaction and the 4 tracks by them on this are sheer class. Fast, melodic hardcore punk - how I like it and what’s more it sounds as fresh as they did many aeons ago. The Bollweevils supply the next 4tracks and they follow on from the excellent "Heavyweight" album. Great guitars, great vocals... hell what a great CDEP!!!

GAN - Water Powered Teenies EP 7" (Vinyl Japan)

A mighty fine 7" from the Gan boys. 4 cuts of class pop-punk that can only be Gan, unfortunately this release and the long awaited Blink 7" sees probably the last releases from this great band which is such a fucking shame. Dave’s presently working on a new band which I’ll looking forward to hearing. The "Water Powered Teenies" EP includes a cover of Klamydia’s "Al LAW YUU" and the three Gan numbers. "Good Intentions", "Stupid Thing" and "Here It Comes" are so good that we thoroughly recommend you get them or else!

GBH - Punk Junkies CD (We Bite)

When this baby dropped through the door I have to admit to having a faint chuckle to myself as I thought of days gone by of foot-long pronged hair, painted leather jackets and listening to "City Baby Attacked By Rats" at full blast on my turntable. GBH had been one of my favourite bands at the time and I still have most of their records from those days on Clay. Actually GBH haven’t changed much at all over the years and the 17 tracks on here are pretty similar to classics like "Catch 22", "No Survivors" and "Give Me Fire". There’s some additional metal in the guitars but it doesn’t hinder the songs too much, the basic punk essence is still there. This is a good album and it was nice to hear those Brummy lads cranking it up really high.

GUTTERMOUTH - Full Length LP. CD (Dr Strange)

This CD contains 9 extra tracks which make up their 2 EPs "Balls" and "Puke". Guttermouth come across as a fast punky band with the feel of old bands like the Adolescents and Dl. Fast catchy three chord punk with chanting choruses that make you want to punch the air as you stage dive from the nearest bookcase. Guttermouth are not lyrically exciting and offer no originality just a good laugh and some fine adrenaline pumping songs that should kill live.

HARD TO SWALLOW/UNDERCLASS - Split EP 7" (Days Of Fury, PO Box 65, Wallasey, L45 3QE, UK)

I feel a pains to slate this EP because I believe that Days of Fury are a good label and like many DIY labels should be supported. Th first band Hard To Swallow unfortunately live up to their name and across as a carbon copy of Unseen Terror (if any one remembers them ?) with rather Carcass-like vocals - pretty unoriginal metal. Underclass are somewhat better with a Crass-style Anarcho slant and some fine music and riffs which are a little simple. Unfortunately the OTT Wretched-style vocals mare an otherwise good set of fast hardcore tracks. The packaging is really nice, Brain told me that it is selling well and I don’t wish to deter people from this as I think this will be up alot of people’s street, only not mine.

IGNITE- Past Our Means CD (Revelation Records)

Following a long line of early Rev bands Ignite can be grouped with the likes of Gorilla Biscuits and Chain of Strength except Ignite do have a more ’90s sound. In places it reminded me of some early Dagnasty material, but with its full throttle hardcore you can help but feel motivated and sucked into these. Fortunately this album is not overtaken with boring metal riffs and some of the lyrics are well written, some of the ilk of the bands mentioned at the start of this review and they seem not to have not lost their essence by becoming generic and boring and safe. I can understand why Ignite are one of the most popular live bands around Europe. In fact anyone who likes fast, aggressive, chanting hardcore will be ready for hum with this one. Shame that there's only two tracks

IMBALANCE - Are You In A Good Mood? Demo MC (Andy, 232 Willingham Street. Grimsby, DV32 9PY, UK)

Another new band from Grimsby, Imbalance are a bloody good band and this demo really shows that off to the full. The good production brings this ragin’ angst-fuelled Hardcore out really well and the 6 tracks that grace this demo offer a good selection of music. Imbalance can be best described as tight, crunching HC riffola with Fugazi-style vocals, in fact there are some lovely riffs on here and the songs really convey some passion. There were no lyrics with this but from what I gather they're of the social comment through personal experience slant and my favourite tracks were the two cool melodic numbers "Inconsiderate" and "Best Intentions". Good Demo and it's yours for a blank tape and an SAE!

INTER- Product Demo MC (lnter, C/O 29 Busk Crescent, Cove, Farnborough, Hampshire, GUI4 OBL, UK)

Four tracks from a new band called Inter who are managed by former Home & Away newsletter writer Peter Cole. This is a decent demo with an Indie-type of feel to it but the packaging was a little bland. Anyway Inter come across as the Wonder Stuff with Husker Du and punky influence, the first track really holds on Husker-type choruses and the whole tape is well played and sounds good. The only gripe is that it didn't jump out at me except for the hook chorus on the first track that embedded itself after a couple of plays.

KING PRAWN - First Offence CD (WOW Communications)

This is another new band to me and the first track "Doledrums" cranks it up with a cool stop-start hardcore number that verges off to a Bad Brains’ bit and then hits the chanting rap of the Beastie Boys - what an opener. King Prawn sound generally very like the the Beastie Boys with the rap cum hardcore type of thang and at times you’d be mistaken to think that Jello Biafia was on vocals! This mini-album is really different and full of interesting ideas and powerful music which I really liked.

LIBERATOR - This is Liberator CD (Burning Heart Records)

Take Madness and the Specials excellent skanking music and stick Adam Ant and Captain Sensible on vocals and what you get is the fantastic Liberator. Not only do Liberator have classic bouncing skanking numbers but it is all backed up with the full instrumentation of Hammond organ and sax. This CD has been playing on our stereo non-stop. It is that good, if you like Ska and all that stuff buy this you won’t regret it in the slightest.

MAN DINGO - Macho Grande CD (Dr Strange Records)

This is the second album from Man Dingo on the Doc’s label and Man Dingo seem to have either taken a course of speed or cranked up the pace of their music ten fold. Macho Grande rips from start to finish along the lines of No Use For A Name or Rhythm Collision and only slows down to cover the UK Subs "Limo Life". Quite an album and a rather fetching pic CD too.

MILLENCOLIN- The Story Of My life EP 7" (Rugger Bugger, PO Box 357, London, SEI9 14D, UK)

The title track is taken from the awesome LP "Life on A Plate" and is a fine skanked-up punky number that shows Millencolin’s excellence. The flip offers a cover of Dolly Parton’s "9 to 5" and there's also "Dragster" which is a slower track and neither of the flip tracks are on the LP. If you've still not heard this band this is a great introduction to them so buy it!

MINISTRY OF IGNORANCE/LOUD PIRES - Split Demo Benefit MC (MUT Tapes)

MOI hail from Japan and supply 8 tracks following in the footsteps of bands like Gauze, Outo and Lip Cream. Except that they supply a variety of different styles which only serves to make them sound like any other band in which ever style they decide to play. Unfortunately MOI didn’t do alot for me but I’m sure there are plenty of people who will like this. The Loud Pipes are as there name suggests LOUD, aggressive and reminded me a bit of Psycho or even GG Allin crossed with Poison Idea and they come from Sweden. There’s only 4 tracks on here which is a bit of a shame but the 4 on here are good. Well presented as with all the MUT tapes and only for £2.20(inc post. Address see Cowboy Killers Review)

MONKHOUSE/STRIKNIEN DC - Split CD (Rejected Records, 9 Woodlands Ave, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, Ireland.)

This is a bloody great CD from over Dublin way two fine albums on one CD totalling in all 24 tracks. First up are Monkhouse and their half is called "Glue Bag". We love Monkhouse, they play punk rock like it should be played loud, aggressive and yet still melodic with the feeling of Leatherface and vocals to match. Striknien DC’s half is called "...From The Dead Room" and is just as cool with their great brand of skanking punk that reminds me of the Subhumans/Citizen Fish. Again good lyrics and this whole CD gives round 70 mins of top sounds that you’d be a complete gimp to miss out on. Also I recommend you send old Mero about 7 quid to cover everything and ask him for his newsletter too. Be smart, buy this now.

PASSAGE 4 - Something To Start With CDEP (Wounded Records)

Yet another Swedish band to grace my ears and this lot remind me of some hybrid fusion between the great UK band HDQ (pre-Leatherface to those too young to remember) and Bad Religion. This is Passage 4’s debut and boy does it rock, great harmonies, catchy tunes and that pounding beat just gets you jumping about like a lune. The lyrics are well written and come from a personal experience slant. A fine debut.

PATH OF RESISTANCE - Who Dares... Wins CD (Victory Records)

The back sleeve of this CD has some closing comments "The Path would like to dedicate this album to those who have had the to overcome their addiction to drugs - legal & illegal" also there’s a photo of a sad guy having the back of both hands tattooed with an "X" (Duh!). The Path is a side project of members of Earth Crisis featuring three vocalists, the lyrics are extremely generic ’True ’till Death’ of thing and supported with crunching hard metal riffs and gang-style chanting choruses. The Path were OK but give me Upfront, Judge or Uniform Choice any day.

PETER & THE TEST TUBE BABIES - Schwein Lake Live CD (We Bite)

I nearly didn’t review this because of the pretentious attitude I got from Peter regarding an interview with the band which I was asked to do for their distribution company. But because the Test tubes were a band that l was really into many moons ago and the fact that life is too short to hold grudges I stuck this in the old CD player and I don’t usually like live stuff as it invariably sounds crap or is badly recorded and half expecting P&TTB to sound dated and sloppy I got quite a surprise. This is a great live recording and has tracks from their new LP "Super models" on plus some old classics like "The Jinx", !Run Like Hell", "Banned From the Pubs" and "Transvestite". Despite my obvious reticence to like this I found myself listening to a tight fast band who’s old songs sounded as fresh as the first time I bought those 7"s on No Future and who’s new stuff has progressed somewhat. So all I can say is great music, great CD but the band maybe a little up their own arse.

PRIDEBOWL - Soft Song CDEP (Bad Taste Records)

Pridebowl have that American-cum-Euro pop-punk sound which pays homage to labels like Epitaph, Fat and now Burning Heart and Bad Taste. What makes Pridebowl different is the fact that their singer Aaron is actually from the States and their music is fast, melodic punk with extremely emotive songs. Pridebowl have just finished recording their first LP for Bad Taste and if these 4 tracks are anything to go by, and the title track is taken from the new LP, it should be a fucking stormer, I can’t wait far more.

RHYTHM COLLLSION - Now CD (Dr Strange)

Even though this is a little old now it deserves a mention. I love Rhythm Collision and this little number came out before the great "Clobberer" and includes the excellent debut LP "Pressure" from 1991. "Now" has a lovely raw feel to it with a more poppier sound and great little melodic punchy songs. This doesn’t match the speed of "Clobberer" but has the foundations and is a great LP which shows where the band came from.

RUTH RUTH - The Little Death(Promo) CD (Epitaph)

I couldn't really get to grips with this 6 tracker firstly it’s very rocky and sort of like Urge Overkill mixed with Neil Young and then it's a bit like the Who and then Skin Yard. I just couldn't find any outstanding tracks or anything it just sort of passed me by. I had to play it again because I couldn’t remember any one track, so a bit of a lame review really. It was well recorded and the guitar sound was nice and gutsy but unfortunately the songs just weren’t there. It was like listen to a pub band.

SCRAPER - Built With Hate (Promo) MC (Household Name Records)

This is the latest release from Household Name and will take the format of a 10" LP on (alien) blue vinyl. Scraper initially remind me of Travis Cut - fast ’n’ furious hardcore except at times they sound either slightly out of time or just playing too fast for the vocals except "Seven Years" and "Anxiety" which are tracks that shows that Scraper are capable of good tuneful hardcore. "Reach For The Bar" and "Leave It" are given the Snuff treatment and shows the bands humour. Overall with only the above mentioned tracks and two others on, it would have made a great 10" EP instead you get an average 7 tracks and 4 great tracks on a 10" LP which for me marred this release.

SKANKIN' PICKLE- Sing-a-long... CD (Dr Strange)

This is a re-issue on Dr Strange and there’s a new LP due at (now?!). People are saying that the Pickle are the replacement band for the Glowskulls since there recent switch to Epitaph but I wouldn't really agree with the assumption that the two bands are alike. Personally I wasn’t too hit by the Glowskulls but I love the Pickle, why ? because Skankin’ Pickle write brilliant ska-a-long-punk songs with a host of cool instruments that makes them sound great. Very proficient musicians too and great vocals that give a Madness type of feel. I really like this LP and look forward to the new one.

SKIMMER - All I Know Is Wrong EP 7" (Crackle Records)

This is their second release on Crackle and Skimmer blast out three more harmonious pop-punky happy tracks. Skimmer are similar to Funbug, Mega City 4 and that kind of ilk, the title track is a fine track and so is "Sad". Crackle are knocking out some great stuff at the moment and each band in the stable has a similar kind of happy poppy sound which I really like, the UK is looking up and producing some great bands so support these bands and labels. If these bands were from the States you’d be flocking to see them in your droves!

SNFU- FYU LABA (Promo) CD (Epitaph)

SNFU have been a favourite of mine for a long, long long time and this CD is no exception. Mr Chi Pig and the gang crank out another great album that really shows how the band has progressed over their punk sentence. Anyone who doesn’t know what SNFU sound like - where have you been ? SNFU are up to their usual standard on "FYU LABA", fast melodic punk that makes you want to thrash about madly. From the bass intro on the first track to the chanting on the final track passing through the exceptional lyric "...Dean Martin was a Martian..." Chi Pig and his piggies treat us to a top album of witty, abstract lyrics (including an ode to John ’Where’s my dick’ Bobbit) that are great US punk. I just can’t wait to see them live again, this band rock live like no other!

STAMPIN’ GROUND - S/T CD (We Bite)

This is a kind of a combined re-issue, re-release, Stampin’ Ground have now signed to We Bite and this mini CD album is the tracks from the Days of Fury Records 7",which we reviewed in Issue 4, and the Too Damn Hype Records 7" . Stampin’ Ground consist of ex-members of Decadence Within and can be best described as hard edged metallic hardcore. You certainly can't fail to miss the brutal aggression and power coming from their songs and at least they have something to say. Even though I’m not too keen on this kind of thing, these days, it’s all done very well. Stampin’ Ground have really been getting themselves about and making a name for themselves and this mini-CD is the forerunner for a full length album "Second To None" which is expected to be released sometime in January next year.

SWINGIN' UTTERS - A Juvenile Product Of The Working Class CD (Fat Wreck Chords)

Who said Punk was Dead? This just fucking rules, sad I know, but it’s just so reminiscent of the late 70s early ’80s punk rock; The Clash, Stiff Little Fingers, Sham 69, etc. Class bands that I grew up on and am still a complete sucker for, this is just instant addiction. In no way are the Utters original but who cares, when they’re knocking out corking anthem-laden punk numbers like this. This has been permanently on my CD player and what more can I say it was fucking great. There’s even a Pogues-ish song and a cool acoustic number thrown in for good measure. A trip down memory lane and a fistful of bouncy tunes makes this one fine release for me, "So come on, come on hurry up Harry come on..."

THREE O’ CLOCK HEREOS - Songs & Nail CD (We Bite)

Three O’ Clock Heroes have been around for some 6 years unfortunately for me this is the first time I’ve heard them. But boy, does this German trio write some great songs all with nails in them too! From the opening chords of this album I was well hooked by the Roger Daultry vocals and the ’77 slash chord guitar style popularised by SLF and the Jam. The Heroes have a raw attitude and energy that creates these fine tunes and interesting lyrics that have a beautiful sense of irony. This is a bloody great album and features 13 cutting numbers, so go out and see for yourself what a great band they are.

THIRD LUNG - Full Leather Interior (Promo) MC (Vegas Recordings, PO Box HP72, Leeds, LS6 1XT, UK)

What a cool title. Third Lung are quiet a nice little outfit and supply 4 tracks of industrial, Big Black kinda stuff that I quiet like. Good sound too, this demo has a well chunky bass and drum machine over-dubbed with sirens and all manner of TV and Film samples, fairly slow, not metally though, but well atmospheric and a nice change from some of the stuff we get for review. If you like something a bit different send £1.50 (inc post) to the address above. Fine tape.

TRAVlS CUT/SPITHEAD - Split EP 7" (SD Records)

Travis Cut deliver 2 top tracks which are much slower in pace than their usual fire - but on reflection they are better songs and certainly very catchy. "Mork and Mindy" reminds me of Stiff Little Fingers meets the Dickies and is a great melodic number. The other track "Blister In The Sun" is a Violent Femmes cover and is given the TC treatment. Spithead are on the flip and they are skanky in the old sense of the word and remind me of The Beat, Selector and Specials. Their own song is "Porky" which is mighty fine and they also serve up a cover in the form of an old Blind’ Mole Rat song "Some People Want Shootin'" which has a great Specials kinda feel to it ala "Too much to young...". Another excellent release from the fantastic Suspect Device fanzine people.

TURTLEHEAD - Go CDEP (Bad Taste Records)

Another great release from the new Swedish pop-punk factory Bad Taste. Turtlehead are from Scotland (not Sweden) and are only a mere year old, but they have all the hooks, mid-paced guitar riffs, harmony laden vocals and simple but catchy tunes. So the 4 tracks on this EP are top and the line "...you’re just a wall tie" swims around your head for days. Turtlehead sound like the Buzzcocks with Dave Smalley on vocals! In my books that’s not bad taste it’s sheer class..2,3,4, Go!

VANILLA POD - Rebound 7" (Offshoot Records)

The Press Release claims that Vanilla Pod fall from the same territory as Green Day and Offspring which is to say that it’s heads-down good time punk rock! This band certainly, have an edge but not towards the mentioned bands, they have a US influence but they sound more like Naked Ragun to me. "Rebound" has a great vocal and though this band don’t immediately drag you to your feet, I feel there’s something there that can be developed. After all they've been together for 6 months and they are still formulating their sound, in a couple of releases time this band will be something to talk about. Send £2.50 to:

Steve Pitcher,36 Marshland Street, Terrington, St Clement, Kings Lynn, PE344 4NE UK.

VARIOUS - Cheap Shots II CD (Burning Heart)

The second edition of Burning Hearts’ Cheapshots sampler which showcases two tracks from all their cool bands. Anyone whose been reading HH for any significant length of time will have come across our admiration of bands on this comp. like Millencolin, No Fun At All, Body Jar, Liberator. The other bands on here are the excellent Home Grown - B.Ks answer to Rancid, 59 Times The Pain who cover Black Flag’s "Nervous Breakdown", Puffball who are similar to Poison Idea, Satanic Surfers who are melodic with pace and hooks, Mindjive are sort of like the Cardiacs mixed with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Chicken Pox are cool and like Liberator in the ska department with really infectious Madness-like choruses, Breach are the only BH band I haven’t liked and they’re the token grind/metal band, Raised Fist are "X on the hand" NYHC stylee and bringing up the rear are the Hives who are similar to Sloppy Seconds. As far as I’m concerned Burning Heart can do no wrong.

VARIOUS - Dr Strange Sampler CD (Dr Strange)

A fine sampler of all the bands on the label. With a couple of tracks by each band this makes for a great introduction to the label and what’s more it’s free as a bird. Bands on here are Bollweevils, Skankin’ Pickle, Guttermouth, Rhythm Collision, Game Face, Brown Lobster Tank, Man Dingo, Ill Repute, Sinkhole, Voodoo Glow Skulls, Schleprock, and Zoinks. A great sampler of all the Doc’s cool bands. You can get a free copy from Dr Strange or when you buy Suspect Device #26 or Mad Monks fanzines.

VARIOUS - Offside CD (Wounded Records)

Lucky Seven kick off this sampler with a mid-paced Nirvana number. The wacky Devo-esque music of Allena are next up. Wounded Knee supply a ropy shouty number. Bizzarre Scums crank it up with two fast GBH-style 80’s punk numbers followed by Pre-historic with 3 rough cuts of fast HC with some crazy titles like "Wino Santa Claus!". Public Vision supply the next 2 and have some lovely riffs that remind of the UK Subs. Brainsquashed Puppies pump it up with NOFX style riffs but not much else. 16 Blasare Utan Hjarna play boring rock, Strobe follow with some basic HC and The Sun hit out with some metallic noise. Millencolin save the day with some early less polished recording. Screed play great punky tunes, Fireside blast it like Skin Yard and Quarterledge deliver a melodic Indie track that loses itself. Svart Sno growl out two HC tracks and Hur Flux play some experimental weird stuff and bringing this comp to an end Palimpsest who could have been in a Eurovision song contest with their track. Overall this CD was a let down, the production was generally bad and with the exception of a couple of tracks there was nothing that made me sit up and listen.

VARIOUS - Penalty CD (Wounded Records)

This is another comp from Wounded and this is much better than "Offside" and includes unreleased bands which I think is highly commendable. The bands on here are a good cross-section of the ever growing Swedish punk/HC scene. Bands that stood out for me were Scaremonger, Jones ATP, Within Reach, Why Do I, New Deal, First In Line, and Jeff Inc.

WHO MOVED THE GROUND? - If Pleasure Was Illegal CDEP (Riot/Clone Records)

WMTG have had two EPs under their belts and this makes their CD and Riot/ Clone debut "If Pleasure was Illegal" is a great title and fully supports the Happy House ethos on life, WMTG are a happy poppy band that have a bit of Mega City 4 washing about in their veins and their brains have been soak in the comedy of Goober Patrol or Funbug. This EP is a nice change from everyone shouting at you on record and is very refreshing including a fine reggae-punk number "4 Steps" that wouldn’t be out of place on a Citizen Fish LP. The J-card pays homage to a bad acid trip with it’s very bright coloured orange, yellow and white kids-drawing artwork. The press release says "Smile!!! Now you’ve got one too" about this CD and we certainly did!