Top Sounds - C

CANDY SNATCHERS - Moronic Pleasures {Hound Gawd} First I’ve heard from this Virginian band since ‘Human Zoo’ sometime in the late 90s, and if I read the press blurb correctly, these 19 tracks were recorded around the same time - making them 20 years old and something akin to the band's lost album. Have to say, they don’t sound it!! If sneering Garage Punk - a’la NEW BOMB TURKS and GAUNT but played with the vintage vibe of DEAD BOYS and CRIME - is your thing, this is for you. Nothing lasts more than three minutes, with most tracks under two and each one is an incendiary slice of noxious, rip-roaring, spit-in-your-eye Punk Fucking Rock. With titles like ‘You Make Me Hard’, ‘Real Thick Head’ (probably my fave track in fact, along with the virtual pop hooks of ‘Fresh Rag’), ‘Ass Casserole’ and ‘Pissed Off, Ripped Off’ you know this ain’t gonna be preaching politics; instead it’s just a raucous, beer-filled, speed-fuelled party of a record. Production sounds stunning, it’s raw but kicks like a mule at a rodeo. A beautifully belligerent banger!! (28.12.19)
CAPE, JOEY - Just Let Me Know When You Give Up {Fat Wreck} Fifth solo album from LAGWAGON’s front man and, oddly, I think it’s the first one I have heard in full. I enjoyed it too, with most of the songs pivoting around Joey’s acoustic guitar and expanding out to a band setting recalling a fusion of WILCO, CHAMBERLAIN, DREAM SYNDICATE and AGAINST ME! While this is much more sedate than LAGWAGON, those distinctive vocals and quality lyrics Cape is renowned for are still in evidence. Plenty of highlights be it ‘Andalusia’ that brought to mind GRANT HART, the snappy and lyrically portentous ‘I Know How To Run’ and ‘Fall Down’ that could be a LAGWGON tune but instead is infused with keyboards and Americana melody while highlight has to be ‘Possession’ that starts with subtle guitar, some quasi-flamenco flourishes and then broadens to a include some wonderful female vocals and a full on band, or the rather epic opening title track. Really pleasant stuff - will have to check out his other solo material. (18.12.19)
CAS PRAWDE - Last Hour Of Warning {TCBYML} Digital only release of this EP for this band outta Netherlands. You get five tracks, which hurtle along in a fine ‘82 style. The band formed outta the ashes of STATIEGELD (with other members going onto form FUNERAL ORATION). Of the five tracks, the stop-start riffage of ‘You’re A Liar’ which is about a religious magistrate from Rome and ‘A Last Salute For Mother Nature’ stand out while ‘No Reason To Complain’ could easily have held its own with any UK82 band and been a standout single for No Future Records. I kept thinking early SUBHUMANS during a lot of these tracks, if coupled with ABRASIVE WHEELS and RED ALERT. Seems the band split up just after this was recorded, with members going onto form UNION MORBIDE. The original release has been remastered for this and while it’s great that TCBYML is making these rare and rather essential slabs of Dutch Punk available digitally, a limited edition vinyl version would great to see. (18.01.20)

CASTRO - Infidelity {Boss Tuneage} PODCAST PLAYED It’s been over three years since the debut album by this band outta Norway but, without a doubt, the wait was worth it as this is easily gonna be among the best releases of 2018. You get 12 tracks (11 on vinyl, which comes with a CD anyway) that are just monumental examples of quality songwriting. Each song grows and swells but unlike many others that do this, these songs also pummel. Highlights are plenty after the opening, concise title track you get ‘The Great Escape’ that pivots around a hypnotic, cyclic guitar lead, both ‘Personal Question’ and ‘Living The Dream’ that are faster and feature a vitriolic vocal which are juxtaposed against both ‘Ironimo Is Dead’ that’s brooding, rolling and majestic in a TEXAS IS THE REASON vain and album highlight ‘Scandinavian’ that’s restrained and understated before opening into an expansive well of epic guitars and yearning vocal melodies. Vocalist Katja (ex- LIFE...BUT HOW TO LIVE IT) is in stunning form, particularly on ‘A Girl That Sleeps Alone’ and the stunningly brave album closer, ‘Long Story Short’, that appears to be just guitar and vocal before the band enter one by one to create something epic and impressive. Great production, awesome arrangements and stunning performances. I can’t recommend this enough and if you dig TEXAS IS THE REASON, SAMUEL, JAWBOX or SAMIAM, do yourself a massive fucking favour and go get this now. (31.05.18)

CASTRO - Personal EP {Boss Tuneage} Three track 7" from this Norwegian band, and one which acts as a precursor for the band’s new album and it's a rollicking snappy slice of Euro-Punk loaded with some cutting guitars and controlled yet bilious vocals. The lead track is brisk, no unnecessary flabby bits and driven by those great vocals of former LIFE...BUT HOW TO LIVE IT vocalist Katja. ‘Ting’ is a cover of the KROHN track while the solitary track on the flip, ‘Pacific’, is much more of a slower, grinding track pushed along on a taut, dense riff. All tracks are relatively short and provide an impressive appetizer for the album. Best track? ‘Pacific’ probably gets my vote, but the lead track is more instant. Artwork is a bit of a CRASS homage, with the catalogue number being ANOK4US2, a neat reference to John Loder and a twist on the ‘Pay no more than...’ legend. Grey vinyl, great sounds. What more do you need? (10.04.18)

CASUAL NAUSEA - Demons {Uncomfortable Beach Party/ TNS} PODCAST PLAYED Debut album from this band outta my hometown of Ipswich, England and bruising, caustic Punk Rock with capital fucking letters it is! If ya didn’t know, the band feature’s Ed formerly of Scanner faves I.C.H. in a triple vocal attack that’s both confrontational yet singalong and frantic yet structured. Plenty of highlights among the 20 tracks (that fly by in about 40 minutes) with ‘DIY Or Die’ featuring some neat guitar lines, ‘Terminator’ that starts with a Country-Punk riff MDC would be proud of and that three-pronged vocal attack at its most effective, ‘Fuck Up’ that appropriates a bit of ADOLESCENTS tuneage, the frantic ‘Corruption’, and ‘Zombie’ that brought to mind AUTONOMADS at their best while best on the album is a dual between the title track that features a dramatic arrangement and superb melodic backing vocals that really lift the track and the aggro Ska lurch of ‘Blood In The Oil’ which is on par with PARANOID VISIONS. The latter also closes the album in acoustic form. Stellar stuff - maybe the surprise release of 2019 so far in fact. It’s Punk as fuck, angry, political but also melodic, intelligent and fun. If the likes of SUBHUMANS, CHOKING VICTIM and THE RESTARTS appeal, you might just have found your new favourite band. (23.08.19)

CHAIN WHIP - s/t {Dirt Cult} PODCAST PLAYED Totally blazing five-track EP from this four piece outta Vancouver, Canada. Think that unique Oi!/Punk fusion of CREEM mixed with CIRCLE JERKS, CRIMINALS and the TKO Records sound of something like LOWER CLASS BRATS and you’re there. Most noticeable however is the production which is a bit vocal-heavy, leaving some of the guitars sounding a bit thin. Of the five tracks, only closer ‘How Many Chances/ These Eyes’ breaks the two-minute barrier while disc highlight is ‘Overstimulated’ that zips along with a big, singalong chorus. The remaining three tracks only just break the one-minute barrier with the sneering opener, ‘Self-Destruct’ not even hitting 60 seconds. Pretty raging gear from a band I’d like to hear more of - and hopefully with some slightly more cutting production.  (04.11.18)

CHANNEL 3 - The Bellwether {Hostage} New CH3 always makes for a joyous day and this is no exception! In fact, this is a total cracker being a Red Hot coloured 12”, 45rpm five-track EP complete with vintage Posh Boy-sylee labels and a lyric insert which also includes a short essay from Mike Magrann that looks back to a 1983 riot. If that’s not enough to make you wanna buy it, the music itself is classic CH3 Punk - solid, melodic and perfectly executed. Side A features three tracks which have all the pace and Hardcore intensity of the ‘I’ve Got A Gun’/ ‘Fear Of Life’ ea. Of those, opener ‘What You Need’ is the most intense while the title track is a tad more structured with some great guitar interplay. ‘Mendiolas 1983’, named after the venue which Mike’s essay is about, is a vaguely surf-influenced instrumental. Flip the disc and you get the highlight - ‘Blackballed’. It’s a mid-paced cracker, with one of those classic, big, anthemic CH3 choruses and could well be considered among the band’s best tunes already. Closer is a smoking take on PLIMSOULS ‘How Long Will It Take’. So - whatcha waiting for? This is a strong contender for 2019’s best record - go get it. (20.07.19)

CHARACTER ACTOR - s/t {Dirt Cult} PODCAST PLAYED A rather smart, brisk four track 7" from this band that includes members of NIGHT BIRDS, THE ERGS and BLACK WINE. There’s a lot of the melodic structure of BUZZCOCKS but played with the bite of SMOGTOWN and the vintage class of THE CROWD. Lead track, ‘Out Of Hands’ is certainly the most accessible track with a RAMONES pace, soaring singalong chorus and clever but uncomplicated arrangement. Of the remaining tracks it’s ‘72 Paperbacks’ that stands out; it’s a bit more sedate with a vague RADIO BIRDMAN vibe. Vocalist Jeff really impresses, and it’s fucking great to hear a vocal that is clear and melodic but with a bit of grit behind it. All four tracks impressed though, and have been in constant rotation here at the House Of Scanner. Dunno if this is a one-off given the band members’ other projects - but I’m hoping for an album. (30.09.18)

CHARGER - s/t {Pirates Press} Seven track debut EP from this new project featuring RANCID’s Matt Freeman. From the opener, ‘Crackdown’ it’s clear this is a total MOTORHEAD homage; the track could easily have been on ‘Overkill’. The second track, ‘Victim’, emphasises the point even further taking a ‘Bomber’ vibe. Sure there are traits unique to CHARGER; as great as Lemmy was, his bass style was distinctly different from Freeman’s and some of the manic bass runs here are among his best ever - check his frenetic fretwork in ‘All Kings Must Die’. Elsewhere ‘Damage’ pivots around a SABBATH-style groove before ending in rather neat THIN LIZZY-esque guitar jams.  Highlight is probably ‘Pray For Light’ which has a slightly less MOTORHEAD vibe (although check the guitar solo) with its almost sea-shanty vibe and double-tracked vocal. While the band clearly wears its influences on its sleeve, there’s enough here to hold the attention - and seven songs is just right. And - did I mention MOTORHEAD??? (20.12.19)
CHATHAM SINGERS, THE - Kings Of The Medway Delta {Damaged Goods} If ya didn’t know, this is one of the many projects of BILLY CHILDISH. It’s the band’s third album (I think) and you get 12 tracks of harmonica-laden, swampy Delta Blues with those inimitable slightly distorted, lo-fi vocals. Have to say, it’s not my most favourite CHILDISH project and no doubt this works better live when the listener is a bit loaded. It has its moments for sure - ‘Main Line’ has a sassy kinda swagger, the dual-vocalled ‘The Double Axe’ that has some very pointed lyrics and could be the best on the album and closer ‘You Wonder They I’m Hurting’ that has a vague CRAMPS-vibe about it. Made an interesting listen but it’s not one I’ll be returning to too often. (30.09.20)
CHILDISH, BILLY - Punk Rock Ist Nicht Tot! {Damaged Goods} It may surprise you, but over the 40-year career of BILLY CHILDISH, his output and I haven’t really crossed too many paths. So, I am abso-fucking-lutely over-joyed at the release of this: a 48-track double CD/ triple vinyl compilation taking the best bits from a career that has apparently spawned 150 albums! It’s great stuff too, taking in over a dozen different projects with one thing as a constant: CHILDISH’s love for Garage Punk that nearly all of his work is rooted in. Best bits for me include the Punk from 1977s POP RIVETS, THE BUFF MEDWAYS that’s distinctly 60s-esque KINKS meets WHO and the MILKSHAKES that is among the most melodic stuff here while THEE MIGHTY CAESARS are the most raucous. THEE HEADCOATS, which is possibly his most renowned work, is represented as is work with HOLLY GOLIGHTLY right up to his current project with CTMF. It’s a dazzling and mind-boggling back catalogue with extensive liner notes from Stewart Lee and the ideal go-to package for the CHILDISH beginners. Bit of a warning though; you may have to spend a small fortune if you become an obsessive fan and need to own all his output. I’m on the lookout as of now! (25.08.19)

CIVILISED SOCIETY? - War In My Head {Boss Tuneage} Crickey - here’s a name I never thought I’d hear new stuff from! Seems this Yorkshire band, that did that Metal/ Punk crossover back in the 80s, are back having played Rebellion and a UK tour. This limited four-track CD EP has been released for a European Tour and features three old tracks re-recorded and a new song, which is a taster for the upcoming new album, ‘The Third (Dimension)’. Have to say, they were always a bit too close to the Metal world for me - and this is still evident as the double bass drums beat and the guitarist chugs along with the occasional wild, whopping solo. Bev’s vocals and lyrics however have always impressed and this is no different, with strong, Anarcho lyrics and an impressive, soaring voice. Of the songs, it’s actually the newest, ‘War In My Head’ that did least for me, with its sub-MINISTRY riffing and Metal beats. ‘Fireball Finale’, originally on the band’s second album, ‘Violence Sucks’, ‘Alone On A Hill’ and ‘Why?’ make up the re-recorded tracks with the last of those coming over best. Still too Metal for me - and the new track really does not bode well. (24.11.18)

CLEVELAND STEAMERS - Maga Maga Maga {Smog Veil} Two track 7” pressed on rather smart multi-colour splatter vinyl. The whole package is an anti-Trump deal with ‘Trump Up The Jam’ being a mid-paced saunter through a clever track that features distorted vocals, some B-52s-esque backing vocals and en masse chorus. What you can’t miss however is its sentiment which berates the archetypal Trump supporter and also points out, rather wittily, several of the man’s traits. Flip the disc and you get the main track ‘Maga Maga Maga’ which is a more high-paced track, with a great ascending guitar refrain and verses that brought to mind ANGRY SAMOANS. The center hole of the record is placed in inspiring places on both sides of the disc and it includes a postcard and a sticker. If you heard last year’s ‘Best Record Ever’ (and you should - it’s a killer) then this is a bit different - bit poppier, much more political but no less impressive. (06.04.20)

CLEVELAND STEAMERS - Best Record Ever {Smog Veil} PODCAST PLAYED Let’s not beat about the bush; this is the third album from this band made up of Cleveland identities and you know what? I can’t imagine hearing a better album all fucking year. Imagine if THE DAMNED had done an album between ‘The Black Album’ and ‘Strawberries’ but channelled X circa ‘Big Black Sun’ and you’d be close. Ten tracks in total on rich blue vinyl and each side kicks off with a decidedly rocking cracker - particularly ‘See You Tonight’ which is addictive on every level. Elsewhere you get ‘Dream Of Me’ that evokes SIOUXSIE’s ‘Playground Twist’ while adding something darker to it, ‘Maple Leaf Girl’ that’s got some very Billy Zoom-esque guitar licks, ‘Never Saw You Again’ that’s dramatic and hypnotic, ‘My Asshole Cousin’ that’s a riot of witty lyrics while the closing ‘Shut Up!’ states exactly that in an uncompromising way! The tracks I haven’t mentioned all deserve close attention too as there isn’t a single duff track here and when put together the way they are here, well, you have a modern day classic. Yep, that’s a big claim but this is a big fucking album and one that can carry the weight of the ‘C’ word. Only negative is the cover vaunted ‘printer inner sleeve’ - which is essentially ads. Pics and lyrics woulda been preferable. However, when the tunes are this good, I can overlook that. Stunning... Album of the Year by a country mile!! Go out and get it, shit-kickers!! (24.08.18)

CLOWN SOUNDS - Preacher Maker {Recess} PODCAST PLAYED Latest project from Recess mainman Todd Congelliere. This time he is joined by a multitude of others for this eight track album. I got a big 60s Garage/ ‘Nuggets’ vibe from this, if enhanced by Todd’s unique soaring and slightly sneering vocal. Plenty of highlights too be it the chiming, hypnotic opener ‘Nah AH ah Ah’, closer ‘Work And Wait’ that’s most direct track on here and would’ve fit well on a TOYS THAT KILL album, ‘Wrong Side’ that’s a rolling, churning down-tempo track with a great psychedelic freakout, and the KINKSish ‘Lucy Oh Lucy’ that lifts and twists the ‘I Fought The Law’ riff, throws in a tambourine and results in a prime ‘Nuggets’ jam. This is decidedly a euphoric party album that’s less sneering than TOYS THAT KILL and more direct than UNDERGROUND RAILROAD TO CANDYLAND. Another genuinely interesting and thrilling disc from the Recess gang. (08.10.18)

CLOWNS - Nature/ Nurture {Fat Wreck} PODCAST PLAYED Fourth album (and debut Fat album) for this hairy five-piece outta Melbourne, Australia and it’s a pretty raging 11 tracks that somehow fuse ANTI-FLAG Punk, FUCKED UP twisted, psychedelic Hardcore and the raw, political rage of NAKED AGGRESSION yet still comes up sounding original and relevant. There’s plenty of highlights be it ‘Freezing In The Sun’ that has an ethereal vocal line, neat riff and power-packed rhythm, ‘I Shaved My Legs For You’ that barrels along on a bass-heavy Hardcore bile that plays PEARS at their own game and comes out on top and ‘Prick’ that starts with a manic lead guitar line before a tonal riff surges under a bellowed, enraged vocal against the separation of musician and music while highlight has to be the epic closer, ‘Nurture’ that takes all of the above and a JANE’S ADDICTION vibe to lengths not heard on a Fat album before. A genuinely inventive album that’s got something to say and doesn’t shy away from saying it. Nice to see some Melbourne references in some songs too! (05.05.20)
COCKTAILS - Catastrophic Entertainment {Wizards And Potions/ Alien Snatch} Mine’s a large one, landlord!! Oh - COCKTAILS is a band - a five-piece outta San Francisco that plays effortless, fantastically fuzzed and irascible Power Pop with a big injection of New Wave punch. In fact, opener of this, the band’s third album, ‘Bun E Carlos’ says and sounds exactly where their influence is. Think CHEAP TRICK, TEENAGE FANCLUB (at their very best) and a distinct Dirtnap Recs vibe in many places.  There’s plenty of highlights including ‘Janeland’ that has an undeniable REPLACEMENTS vibe circa ‘Pleased To Meet Me’, ‘Washoe County’ that’s a deadringer for the energised  Americana Country of LONG RYDERS and the swaggering semi-psychedelia of ‘Oversaturated’ while highlight could well be ‘Those Changes’ that starts with a Joe Strummer vibe before blossoming into an effervescent slice of ringing guitars, sultry keyboards and an instantly addictive vocal. Production is crisp and bold and if I hear a better ‘Power Pop’ album all year I’ll be amazed. Great record. (30.11.20)
COKIE THE CLOWN - You’re Welcome {Fat Wreck} If you’re unaware, this is the alter-ego (emphasis on the latter) of NOFX’s Fat Mike. You get lots of piano, cello, horns and acoustic guitars played by a bunch of guest musicians (from the likes of Blink 18turd, Nine Inch Nail and even Guns ‘n’ Roses) and, I have to say, it doesn’t really convince. I get that this is a totally different project from NOFX but the songs just seem to drag without holding the attention and Cokie’s voice just grates by disc end. It does have its moments - ‘Fair Leather Friends’ had enough depth and cohesion to hold the attention and ‘Negative Feel’ deals with (Mike’s?) sexual kinks while the highlight is the closing ‘Punk Rock Saved My Life’ but generally it doesn’t work in the same way as ‘Home Street home’ did. Sure it’s personal, sure it’s confrontational... sure it’s also pretty boring. (14.12.19) 
COLUMNA - Las Cosas Que Perdemo {Dirt Cult} Pretty damn solid and soaring melodic Punk from this quartet outta Zaragoza, Spain. You get seven tracks which combine the musical chops of THE RUTS with the post-Punk elements of ARCTIC FLOWERS and SPECTRES. Plenty of highlights be it ‘Cemento Y Piedra’ that got subtle verses and a power-surge chorus, opener ‘Manada’ that sets out the band’s sound fantastically while ‘El Infiltrado’ proves to be the highlight with a fractured arrangement and impressive vocal harmonies. Not too sure what the lyrics refer to as they are all in Spanish but through Paola’s delivery, they sound searching and to the fore, bringing comparisons with Katja from CASTRO. Props must be given to bassist Jorge who’s adventurous playing both looks down the rhythm and brings in those RUTS comparisons. Well worth checking out, especially if you understand Spanish! (19.05.19)
CORNER BOYS - Love Tourist {Dirt Cult} PODCAST PLAYED Latest slice of Dirt Cult Punk Rock fantasticness from this trio outta Vancouver, Canada. Lead track of the four (all of which score bonus points for being under two-minutes in duration) is a spritely, sneering slice of ‘77 Punk-Pop - think DICKIES, SNIVELLING SHITS, BUZZCOCKS etc but brought up-to-date via a BRIEFS vibe. ‘Where Did I Go’ could actually be the highlight, pogoing along on a driving bass line, choppy guitars, early Pete Shelley vocals and a killer chorus. Flip the wax and we have ‘(It’s A) Mystery’ and ‘TV Love’ that continue those traits with the latter of the two being the stronger with a seriously boisterous CUTE LEPERS/ TV EYES-esque chorus. Fantastic cover art too - you know instantly that this is going to be snappy, fun, New Wave tinged Punk Rock. What's not to like?? What else has this band done? I need more - and we need an album ASAP too please. Until then... Here comes ‘Love Tourist’ again. (22.05.19)
COUNTRY DARK, THE - Cookie Trail {Humu} PODCAST PLAYED First time I’ve come across this band outta Kuopio, Finland but I like them!! Think BIRTHDAY PARTY fused with GUN CLUB and cranking out jams that are equal parts BEAST OF BOURBON and SLIM CESSNA while chronicling the very, very darkest recesses of Jim Morrison. Highlights are plenty amidst the nine tracks, be it the rollicking Rockabilly of ‘Every Skull Has A Story’, the atmospheric opener ‘Death Of Kay Kent’, the stark, dark ‘Beauty Queen Sodomized’ or the Voodoo Blues of closer ‘Magic Empire’. As you can tell from those few song titles, subject matter is dark and borderline offensive, but within the context of the song, within the album, lyrical content comes across more as a grim fairytale from the darkest of places. Creepy but enthralling stuff that is sonically closer to THE DOORS than the EXPLOITED (so gets a positive from me instantly!) and one I’ve found myself returning to often. (14.12.18)
COURETTES, THE - Want You... Like A Cigarette {Damaged Goods} What a fantastic name for an EP!! This is a two-track 7” from this two-piece Garage band from Brazil and Denmark. It’s not your normal garage band deal though; this gent and lady employ that Spector-ish wall of sound and deliver vocals like the best of the 60s girl bands (think SHANGRI-LAS, CRYSTALS) but with a bit of gnarled guitar beneath. The fantastically titled title track instantly captivates while the flip, ‘Night Time (The Boy Of Mine)’ is equally as impressive and proves the a-side was no fluke. Apparently they are working on their third album - and I can’t wait. Totally thrilling, exciting, vibrant and so needed now. This is limited to 500 essential pieces of vinyl. If Rock ‘n’ Roll in all its forms, but especially SPECTOR gone a tad gnarly is your thing, you really, REALLY should be buying this ASAP. (26.08.20)
COVENTRY AUTOMATICS, THE -     Dawning Of A New Era {Free Range Product} If ya didn’t know, COVENTRY AUTOMATICS was the precursor to the legend that became THE SPECIALS. This 12-track album features the original band’s demos recorded in 1978, predating drummer John Bradbury and toaster Neville Staples joining the band. There are formative versions of ‘Nite Klub’, ‘Concrete Jungle’, ‘Blank Expression’, ‘Too Much Too Young’ and ‘(Dawning Of A) New Era’ among others which are obviously rawer and slightly more sedate than THE SPECIALS released versions. What’s of equal (if not more) interest is a number of tracks that THE SPECIALS never released - opening instrumental ‘Wake Up’, ‘Raquel’ that’s stuck onto the end of ‘Nite Klub’, the swaggering ‘Jay Walker’ and, my personal favourite, ‘Rock And Roll Nightmare’ that features some great seaside organ keyboards from Jerry Dammers. Hard to believe ‘Look But Don’t Touch’ was never recorded either as it’s got that classic groove and claustrophobic menace THE SPECIALS made their own. Packaging has a neat, aged sepia tone resplendent with vintage ‘78 photos and only a small blurb. Given the record’s importance, I would have thought an inner sleeve with more recording details and reminiscences of the era would have been in order. As it is, it’s still an essential snapshot of the founding days of what became one of the UK’s most important and influential bands ever. (16.02.18)
CRAVATS, THE - Hoorahland {Overground} Three years on from the previous ‘Dustbin Of Sound’ album comes 12 new tracks from The Shend and co. It’s the usual (did I really say usual? NOTHING is ‘usual’ about THE CRAVATS!) mix of dominant STRANGLERS bass, CARDIACS craziness, SLAB alt-funk and twisted Jazz jams while The Shend talks, whispers, bellows and accentuates his anarchic vision. Something else that is ‘usual’ about this - it’s as good as usual! Plenty of highlights be it ‘Shy’ that emphasises THE CARDIACS vibe, ‘Now The Magic Has Gone’ which is not only in Waltz-time with some damaging bass-dominated stabs but is also a duet with one JELLO BIAFRA and ‘Good For You’ that’s unsettling psychedelia like HAWKWIND have peddled while highlight is the Punk-Funk of ‘There Is No God’ with needling, sinewy guitar/sax lines. Then there’s the title track, that is like all of that in one song. The whole experience of THE CRAVATS is unlike that of any other band - that bass gnaws at you while that sax plays the riffs with the weight of a metallic baseball bat. Not easy listening - and better for it. (15.05.20)

CRIMINAL KIDS - s/t {Spaghetty Town} Six track 12" EP which, considering opener ‘Outcast’ that has three fucking guitar solos, you’d be forgiven for thinking this was some Lynyrd Skynyrd outtakes. However, there’s some heavy duty riffage here a’la ROSE TATTOO or ELECTRIC FRANKENSTIEN which saves it. It is a bit too Rock of the Heavy kind for my liking and those guitar solos really get in the way, but good moments include the bass lead ‘Life’ and the boisterous riff monster that is ‘Vanity’ Have to say though, this Chicago band’s vocalist sounds a tad too close to Axle Rose too. Yep, heavy on the riffage but not really for me. (08.09.18)

CRIPPENS, THE - The Minnow And The Pike {Boss Tuneage} If ya didn’t realise, this is the 21st Century reincarnation of 80s UKHC jesters, DOCTOR AND THE CRIPPINS. I was never a big fan of the band back in the 80s - certainly never enough to buy their records but saw them (and their exploding cabbages) a few times. This is a six-track 12” which apparently mixes the old with the new and it kicks off with the best track here - ‘Double Knit’. Great riff, strong vocals and it bode well. The remaining five tracks didn’t quite hit the heady heights of that though with ‘They Froze Disney’ having a bit of a wig-out almost Dischordian guitar breakdown, ‘Pampass Grass’ reminds me most of the band’s original sound while ‘Under T’ Bridge’ could be the other standout track. The initial pressing of 100 copies on red vinyl is long gone, but the humble black vinyl is still available with a neat lyric insert and download code. Have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. Still unsure how often I’ll return to it though. (18.01.19)
CROCODILE GOD - Thirteen {Brassneck} PODCAST PLAYED Album number five from these scallywags outta Liverpool, England. You get 13 (surprise!) tracks and it’s the first album with the original line-up since the excellent ‘Stellar’ back in 1999. It starts in bombastic style too, with a barrel of drums before the speedy, snappy, effervescence of ‘Around’ kicks in. It’s a track that instantly had me onside. ‘Clown’ follows with a thunderous bass line and from there, the remaining 11 tracks keep tempos high, songwriting skills deft and melodies memorable. Think early MEGA CITY FOUR, hint of DESCENDENTS and a splash of MARKED MEN and you’re kinda close to the quality Punk Rock these three guys are currently churning out. Other highlights include the ramalama riff mania of ‘Crossed’, ‘Run’ that could be the fastest track on the album but with killer hooks and stellar vocal harmonies, while the frantic ‘Simon’ could be the best on the whole thing. Nothing lasts more than two-and-a-half minutes, with many under two, production is punchy without being polished slick, there’s not a duffer in sight and really, from a perspective of someone who loves melody within raucous Punk, this is just just the bees knees!
CRO-MAGS - In The Beginning {Mission Two} So, Shorty Flanagan is back (after 20 too-short years) with the band that made him (in)famous for another 13 tracks of leaden thrash metal... Opps... I mean ‘New Yawk Hardcore’. Yeah, it’s pretty brutal, pretty punishing and opener features more pretty twiddle-widdle guitar leads than you’ll find in any perm-haired Metal combo. Song two, ‘Drag You Under’ features a riff of sub-Black Sabbath chugginess and the use of ‘motherfucker’ a great deal... fantastically insightful y'know mofo?! And so it continues, guitar wanking, dampened chug-a-lug riffs and a load of tough-guy machismo gang vocals. Yawn. ‘No One’s Coming’ started rather promising, with a gnarly distorto bass and opened up into something akin to SICK OF IT ALL (although at over four-and-a-half mins it got a bit, umm, tiresome - and those guitar leads... Gawd... Give me the first Metallica album please...). Never really rated this lot - I know lots do and that’s cool. I’d rather listen to The Wombles... while having my nuts shaved with a chainsaw...  (29.12.20)
CTMF - Marc Riley Session 2019 {Damaged Goods} If ya didn’t know, this is one of BILLY CHILDISH’s projects. It’s a neat four-track 7” recorded in April 2019 for Marc Riley’s radio show and loaded with 60s Garage vibes and Punk attitude. Lead track ‘When You Stop Loving Me’ (originally a THEE HEADCOATS track released by Sub Pop) fuses KINKS riffs, lo-fi semi-distorted vocals and the vibe of the NAZ NOMAD album. ‘Hurt Me’ follows and is more sedate and could easily have been the highlight of any early ROLLING STONES album. It’s probably the standout track here for me too, with some really effective female backing vocals adding a bit of smoothness to BILLY’s slightly more abrasive tone. Of the remaining tracks, ‘My Love Was Felled’ features those tough KINKS-esque riffs again, while closer ‘Pretend’ is a trippy, psychedelic saunter with orchestral samples, similar again to the STONES but more ‘1,000 Light Years’ style. As always with CHILDISH, it’s fascinating and thrilling listening. (19.05.20)
Hit HERE for material reviewed prior to 2018 including:
CAMPAIGN, CAREER SUICIDE, CASTRO (2 reviews), CENTURY PALM, CHANNEL 3, CHELSEA (4 reviews), CHEWED UP/ CASUAL NAUSEA split, CHIXDIGGIT, CHRON GEN, CITIZEN FISH, CLOSET FRIENDS, COLOR TV, TODD CONGELLIERE, COPYRIGHTS, COUCH POTATOES, COWS (2 reviews), CRAVATS (3 reviews), CRIM, CULTURE SHOCK, CULT VALUES and CYANIDE PILLS