The first real Cro-Mags new full length record is out and the wait is finally over! Harley Flanagan, one of the iconic men and legends of New York hardcore scene is back in big style with this one. I will not venture into talking about all the hardships Harley had to endure with band splitting up in two camps, all the problems and fuck ups he had in his life. I just listen and let the music speak for itself.
On this record we get 13 songs in the best NYHC way, metalic and nostalgic in a way, reminding me a lot of Best Wishes, my personally favorite Mags album, but also sounding fresh and ready for the 21st century and Harley´s angry deep voice spitting rage in the lyrics with song titles like One Bad Decision, Don´t Talk About It or PTSD. The album is very dark, fast and almost apocalyptic in its vibe, being great soundtrack to the anger, anguish and despair, but also hope, never giving up and fighting the world. The musicianship is fantastic, that can especially be heard in all the awesome guitar hooks and solos, also in the instrumental song called Between Wars. I knew by the e.p. that came out prior to this record, that we are in for a treat. But, this is great, energy filled street hardcore. Welcome back, Harley and the crew!
Guilhem, singer of Montreal-based punk rock unit Lost Love, is thrilled to announce the vinyl release of his debut full-length album, Born & Bored.
Available since March via the most popular digital platforms, the album received the vinyl treatment in classic black vinyl, limited to 300. It can now be pre-ordered online through Thousand Islands Records, who is distributing the physical release via its Canada and USA webstores, with worldwide shipping options available.
Here’s what Guilhem stated about Born & Bored:
This album was recorded in December 2019 at Mountain City Studio in Montreal, QC. After playing 150+ solo shows, I thought it’d be a great idea to record a full-length album but I didn’t want to stick to an acoustic guitar and my voice so I decided to build these songs in “full-band” mode. “Born & Bored” is 94% DIY (see credits for the remaining 6%) and is released 100% independently by yours truly.
In this album, I talk about stressful stuff, hopeful stuff, depressing stuff, death and love. The excitement of feeling young and the disappointment of being bored.
About Guilhem:
A singer-songwriter whose style is hard to put in a box, Guilhem makes infectious pop rock that reflects his punk roots and eclectic musical influences. From mournful ballads to rollicking feel good anthems, his sound is unified by his deeply personal lyrics and keen ear for catchy melodies. A founding member of Lost Love, Guilhem has been performing solo since 2012; between the two projects he has performed over 500 times. After self-recording two EPs at home, 2017’s “Songs Songs of Lost Love” and 2018’s “Bad Art”, he released his debut full length in March of 2020. “Born & Bored”, recorded at Mountain City Studio by Adrian Popovich and produced by Hugo Mudie, but released 100% independently, sees Guilhem’s coming into his own as a solo artist, experimenting with more complex arrangements without compromising his distinctive sound.
Round Eye, the experimental, sax wielding, freak punk outfit have accrued a loud and controversial name for themselves since forming in 2012. The Shanghai based group has as of late been a crucial force in bridging a wide gap between the eastern and western hemispheres of DIY punk rock. Along with blazing a trail all over the globe they’ve played host to visiting western punks and some legends as well sharing stages with acts such as Descendents, The Fleshtones, MDC, Verbal Abuse, Mike Watt + The Missingmen, D.O.A., The FUs, The Boys (UK), Paul Collins Beat, Twink, Ceremony, Iceage, and eastern notables such as P.K.14, SMZB, SUBS, Hang on the Box, and during a mainland tour of China with UK punk legends The Boys, they were forced to literally move the tour underground after being banned by the Ministry of Culture for lewd artwork on a tour poster. VICE magazine documented one of their ‘bunker’ gigs in Beijing in glorious baijiu filled detail.
They’ve won the “Best Local Band” title from Shanghai’s City Weekend magazine two years in a row. They’ve released several acclaimed music videos: “Suntan” starring famed Chinese actress Wang Lin (Xue Yi), best known for her role in the Chinese soap opera Romance in the Rain and appearances in Academy Award winning Ang Lee films such as Lust / Caution, the politically and critically charged nightmare “Billy” and “Sifter” which was entirely filmed in Pyongyang North Korea making it the very first punk video ever filmed in the DPRK. They’ve played numerous festivals around the world and honed their unconventional blend of 50s R&B, Free Jazz and Punk with a critically acclaimed EP Full Circle on Ripping Records which featured Greg Ginn (Black Flag), LP Round Eye which featured Steve Mackay (Iggy Pop & the Stooges, Violent Femmes) & Lo-fi legend R. Stevie Moore, LP Monstervision, on Joey Shithead of DOA’s Vancouver-based Sudden Death Records produced by Yang Haisong of PK14 and featured horror movie host icon Joe Bob Briggs as narrator.
With their new album Culture Shock Treatment produced by Mike Watt (Minutemen), mixed by Bill Stevenson (Black Flag / Descendents / ALL) and released by Vincent Fiorello (Less Than Jake)‘s Paper and Plastick Records, Round Eye turn their demented focus to their own place of residence, The People’s Republic of China, and fire on all cylinders.
They have drawn comparisons to the Stooges, Captain Beefheart, Dr. Feelgood and The Fall but have more often fallen into a category all their own. This summer had plans for a tour of Europe, Japan, and China along with an appearance at the UK’s Rebellion Festival but due to COVID-19, all plans have been delayed to 2021. This year will instead see the release of Culture Shock Treatment, 2 new music videos and select dates in the mainland of China.
KRAYKULLA-WEBZINE 