Time for a band from my homeland scene, Croatia to grace the pages of this zine. Sukob are from Zagreb, capitol of Croatia and they are relatively new band, this being their first release. But members of Sukob are veterans of this scene with decades of playing in bands such as Verbalni Delikt, AK-47, Ljubiša Samardžić….also some of the band members have been anarcho activists and releasing diy tapes, cd-s and vinyls for decades now. So, when I heard about this band, I was eager to hear their songs when they recorded something and here it is. 10 songs of hardcore punk with Croatian language screamed from the top of the lungs of singer Fistra. Music is mid tempo to d beat Scandinavian influenced old school hardcore punk with dark overtones and almost apocalyptic sounding atmosphere because situation in the world is nothing to be happy for. This band reminds us that punk is more than fun, beers, riding unicorns and partying all day long. Songs are short and to the point and this whole e.p. is around a bit more than 15 minutes long. Songs are a bit similar to one another for my taste, but no matter this is healthy dose of hardcore punk telling us the current state of things here in our country and in the world. Go check it out!
Chicago has always been a fertile ground for pop punk and melodic punk/skate punk and Counterpunch just released their new full length album and it is an instant classic! This one contains twelve songs and it is a lesson in melodic skate punk. After instrumental intro, Avarice leads us in with anthemic chorus, great melody and uplifting vibe. Fascinating how vocals vary from nice harmonies to scream more in a hardcore way. One of my personal favorites is Calling All Scars, being fast straightforward short but sweet song. One of the highlights that I must mention also is Waiting In The Wings, for me the best song on this record. Who likes their punk rock more slower and gentler will find their love in Judgement Day, being such beautiful song. But, in order for you to discover this record and previous records by this awesome band, go listen and check it out. Find your favorite. I recommend this one.
Punk Rock Factory is a skatepunk/melodic punk cover band formed in South Wales. Concept of melodic punk cover bands is no unknown constant, thanks for example to Me First And The Gimme Gimmes, punk rock supergroup who play covers. Well. Punk Rock Factory are a bit different, because this album is a part two featuring covers of songs from Disney and I think Pixar feature length cartoon hit movies like Little Mermaid, Encanto, Goofy and similar. Since I am not so keen on watching such cartoons, these 13 songs are a bunch of beautiful melodic punk rock songs with awesome melodies, nice vocals, backing vocal harmonies and although they are covers, these songs are instant hits in my ear making me explore this band´s back catalogue immediately. I mean, I listened to couple of songs, but never listened to their whole albums, I mean to correct that mistake now. My personal favorites: We Don´t Talk About Bruno, Almost There. All I Want. Fun album and good band.
KRAYKULLA-WEBZINE 