Don't let the cover fool you. Although
this CD DOES have quite a bit of politics involved, it's not JUST entirely
that. This is streetpunk from punx who know how it's done right!
This is the fourth full-length release
from Portland punk rock band DEFIANCE. This band has been around for a
while, and as a matter of fact, I saw them years ago (about 7 years...?)
at Gilman Street in Berkeley, Ca. Now on a new label (PUNKCORE),
it seems that their sound has changed from their A-typical hardcore onslaught
to a somewhat more traditional streetpunk, punk ROCK sound. Which is pretty
cool.
When I first heard this CD, my initial
thought was, "Shit, this is exactly what I think of when I think of 'Pub-Rock'
or 'Street-punk' "!! Despite the excessive "anti-war" songs & lyrics
(the first three songs are just that), they do a fine job at bringing the
spirit of '77 to this disc.
Now, although, A LOT of the lyrical content
deals with tired punk cliches, such as oppression, boredom, and angst;
This album is pretty rockin'!! It's definitely a CD to do some drinkin'
too when you're with your mates! "RISE or FALL" breathes punk rock solidarity
& unity with its catchy beer raising & mug clanging anthems.
It's by the punks, for the punks!
With songs like, "Still Got F*ck All", you know these blokes are in it
for the long haul.
Defiance
- Rise or Fall Label: Punkcore
Records
Rating:
I was pretty excited to hear that they
had a new album out, so when I noticed that a buddy of mine had purchased
this CD(before I got my promo copy), I was anxious to get his take on it.
I asked him, "Hey, how's the new Blood for Blood album?".
He responded a lackluster, "It's alright."
....
Man, that guy's a F*CKEN IDIOT!!!
"SERENITY" is BLOOD FOR BLOOD at their
finest. This album takes "OUTLAW ANTHEMS" and steps it up a notch. It is
the perfect mixture of hardcore, punk rock, & rock-n-roll. They are
speaking their truths, from their world, from their points of view.
As you've come to expect from BFB, it's abrasive, rash, & true to form,
yet(!) there is so much melody here!
BFB is honestly one of my favorite groups
out there today. I don't hear too many bands that lay it out there the
way they do (at least not in contemporary terms), with compassion AND anger.
Hate, yet vulnerability. It's something MOST of us can relate too, that
is, if you've got warm blood pumping in your veins! Many of us have experienced
the pain of rejection. Many of us know what it is to live in despair!
While most modern day bands either whine
about some out-of-reach political bullshit, swoon over some girl, or are
just simply too "tough" too touch. BLOOD FOR BLOOD are f*ckin' solid. They're
relatable, straight-up, and ain't taking shit from no one! I recommend
this disc to anyone interested in the purest form of hardcore available
today.
Blood
For Blood - Serenity Label: Thorp
Records
Rating:
Ok, the liner notes for this CD says that
it's been 6 years since their last release. I was never really into this
band but have heard about them in the "scene". I was under the impression
that they were some sort of an Oi! band.
I was wrong.
When I popped this in my player, I wasn't
really impressed. I usually spin a review disc a few times before I make
a judgment. I figured this would grow on me.
Again, I was wrong.
Simply put, I didn't like it. This shit
just isn't my style. They reminded me of RANCID.. and personally, I think
RANCID sucks. These guys croon and throw the "ooh's" & "aah's" around
way too much. This is something a girl driving a Passat would jam. Not
me. Just not my cup of tea.
The
Ducky Boys - Three Chords and the Truth Label: Thorp
Records
Rating:
ATTENTION BANDS and RECORD LABELS! If you want to be reviewed at STREETCORE,
simply send an email. I'm always looking for new bands! My taste varies
from punk rock, to hardcore, to metal. As long as it has an edge and is
"core" enough. Send an email with band info, etc. and we'll go from there.
Send all emails to : streetcore@antimusic.net
with the subject line as "submissions". Thanx, Opie.
( p.s. any personal email with comments, etc, opie@antimusic.net
)
Posted by Karl Bakla:
I like Opie not Blood for Blood!
Posted by Karl Bakla:
sorry Opie, but Serenity sucks!!!
Posted by Hobo: Yeah mate, Serenity is a solid album,
though I would not go as so far as to put it above Outlaw Anthems. And
as for 'melody' - sure there are vocal dynamics and guitar harmonies, but
no vocal melodies as such. This album is right up there with TERROR's One
With The Underdogs for the best hardcore release of 04. Speaking of, I
saw Terror but 5 days ago. Blew me away.
Posted by
Anuj: I know Hobo must be stoked as he adores
BFB.
..
Defiance
- Rise or Fall
Blood
For Blood - Serenity
The
Ducky Boys - Three Chords and the Truth
