THROW RAG - 2nd Place {Acetate} This latest release from THROW RAG sees the band heading down a more traditional Punk Rock road - but not losing any of its addictive innovation. While all the influences from the album below are still viable (especially on the Countrified freak out that is ‘Devil Gone Good’), this platter infuses those with the likes of APOCALYPSE HOBOKEN and SUPERSUCKERS while ‘Demons In A Row’ blasts out some serious brass that only ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT has equalled before. ‘Bag Of Glue’, ‘Hollywood’, ‘Hang Up’ and a rousing take on THE GEARS’ ‘Don’t Be Afraid To Pogo’ all provide highlights, but this is one intoxicated and tenacious listen from start to finish, so packed full with dirty rock ‘n’ roll it’s more likely to give you a rash than provide something as contrived, clean and sterile as a No Use For A Name album. As with the album below, you get a full lyrics and a bunch of photos. (16.01.09)

THROW RAG - Tee-tot {Acetate} Timely re-issue for this long out of print debut from one of America’s funnest outfits. This was the band’s debut album, recorded by Mickey Petralia (who worked with BEASTIE BOYS) back in 1999. Previously it was only available at the band’s live shows. The sound is rooted in Americana rock ‘n’ roll with a hefty dose of Hillbilly; think SLIM CESSNA meeting the tortured Blues of GUN CLUB but rocking out via AGENT ORANGE surf and the powerhouse tuneage of X. The album is laden with highlights, be it the opening and closing live banter or the songs ‘Beast In Me’, ‘Race With The Devil’ and ‘Days That End In Y’ that are particular standouts. For added value, this has been totally remixed with a couple of extra tracks added. There seems to be a bit of a voodoo obsession going on too - all adding to the mystic of the band. Rocking stuff - but stuff that will particularly appeal to those who realise that to be Punk Rock, you don’t need to sound like the Exploited! (16.01.09)

TRUSTY - Demo {DC-Jam} Hailing from Arkansas, this 11-tracker was the band’s first recording and dates back to 1989. Besides the fact the band went onto record an album for Dischord, I know very little about them. The whole DC influence is incontestable but it’s mixed with an approach akin to the stripped down barrage of D.O.A. and THE EFFIGIES. Song arrangements also offer more than basic Hardcore with ‘Soulmate’ incorporating some groovy BEEFEATER dynamics and ‘String’ bordering AGENT ORANGE-esque rock ‘n’ roll. The whole band sounds incredibly confident considering this is a demo recording and even flat-out Hardcore tracks like ‘Barney’ and ‘Trusty’ add tempo changes that (most importantly) do not ruin the song - the sludgy intro to the blistering ‘Voices’ is another example. Well worth checking out for those who like their Punk Rock infused with the anger of USHC and vocal in calling shit when they see it - go listen to closer ‘Totally Blind’ for evidence. (08.11.09)

Hit HERE for material reviewed prior to 2009 including:
TEMPER TEMPER, TEMPO 38 (2 reviews), TERMINALS, THIS IS A STANDOFF, THIS NIGHT CREEPS, THREATS, THREE MINUTE MOVIE, THROBBIN URGES, TOTALITAR, TOY LOVE, TOYS THAT KILL (3 reviews),  TRACTOR SEX FATALITY, TV SMITH (3 reviews)