XYRESIC - DEMO (2018)

We continue this week with more punk from Singapore! I believe we shared the stage twice with XYRESIC (once in Malaysia and again in Singapore). I hope my brain hasn't gotten so fried that I can't remember that exactly, but I'm pretty sure about that. This band is pretty sick. They came out on stage all geared up and masked and played some ripping hardcore! At times, it has a bit of a metallic edge, but it gets the blood pumping all the same. Watching young punks get out there and put out some solid tupa-tupa style punk always reminds me of why I love this shit in the first place. One thing I didn't notice then was the song titles are in Spanish. I don't know if the lyrics are in Spanish too (it's a bit hard to decipher with the reverb. Also, I'm pretty sure I'm going deaf). Anyway, this is a solid release and you can check it out here

URGENT MATTER - 2019 CS

Hell yeah, let's keep this ball rolling! Today, we have URGENT MATTER from Singapore. When I first heard them, I jokingly told them that they are the grindcore of punk. That's because most of their songs are under a minute long and are as fast as they can be (for a garage-y, Ramones-y style at least). Seriously tho, these guys are great fun live. We managed to play with them in both Singapore and Malaysia, and both times were an incredibly hot, sweaty, fun mess. They especially tore it up in Singapore, where I'm sure they are local heroes. The lyrics and music are both fast and short and this tape is over relatively quickly. But that's OK, because that just means you can hear it on repeat a couple of times! They just released a new tape for 2019 and you can check it out here
Seriously. Great band, great people, great music. Keep an eye on this one!

SS/BLOCK - DEMO & PROMO

We're going to keep moving across South East Asia this week. Today we have the might SS/BLOCK from Malaysia. We were lucky enough to tour with them through Malaysia when we were down there. What we have here is a kind of US inspired HC for lack of a better description. Do you like GLUE? Then you'll dig this. At times the drumming reminds me of UK82 styles beats with the pedal and snare striking at the same time. Doesn't matter what I describe this as, just know that it rips!! If you're anything like me, you'll probably find yourself headbanging in your cubicle while you listen to this at work (which is what I'm currently doing).

Check them out on their bandcamp here

Here's a short video of their set when we played together in Georgetown. Cool space with a skate ramp and tons of kids just ripping it up:

GAZE DREAD - DEMO 2018

Been gone for about 2 years, which in the grand scheme of things isn't really so long (although in internet years, it's almost like being gone 100 years)! I've been travelling and doing so much that to be honest, I even forgot about this site.Well, I'm back! And fresh off a trip from South East Asia. Today we have Gaze Dread from Jakarta, Indonesia. I was lucky enough to catch them while we were in Jakarta (which was a wild show and in general is just a wild town!). I've never seen so many motorbikes in my life in a single town. The traffic reminded me of an old joke my Dad use to tell me: A guy is trying to cross the street, but the traffic is non stop persistent. He yells at a guy across the street, "hey buddy, where's the cross walk to get over there"? The guy replies, "I don't know. I was born on this side"! Anyways, this demo is just straight up sick hardcore. Real quick and aggressive and reminds me of bands like SIEGE. This demo is good, but live this shit will blow your mind (and ears) out. Hope someday they can come to the West Coast and make all our ears bleed.
You can download and listen to their demo on their bandcamp.

LINK

SAVAGES - TOMORROW'S VIEW

Japan is an incredible country. The food is delicious, the scenery is beautiful, you can buy beer from vending machines, and they have some of the best punk bands in the world! When most people in the US think of punk from Japan, they tend to think of raw noisey stuff (like FRAMTID or ZYANOSE). That's not the case with THE SAVAGES, however. What we have here is melodic and catchy. It's infectious and it'll get in your brain and you want this in your brain! Download this stuff and sing along the best you can (I've also included their side of the split EP they did with BLACK AND WHITE).

You can download it here.

WOUNDS - MMXIV

I finally had the time to recover from Manic Relapse weekend... Kind of. It was honestly one of the best weekends in a long time, and not just because of all the awesome bands that played, but because of all the good friends from all over that I got to hang out with! I wish it could have lasted a little longer...


Anyways, I first got this tape about a month or 2 ago off of STEEL CHAINS when they played LA (and if you missed them, then you're a bozo). This is Kiwi's favorite tape and she plays it all the time. I can't really blame her, because it really is that good! It's got a melodic punk vibe similar to bands like RED DONS or DEFECT DEFECT. I think the most unique aspect of this tape is the vocals. They give it an almost post punk feel. But what do I know? Nothing, that's what. From what I've been told, this band was pretty short lived and is no longer active, which is a shame. At least we still have this tape *tape player chews up tape*


No worries if it chews up your tape tho, just download it here.

XM2 - EL GRAN RECHAZO

This one was a bit of a mystery to me. When ORDEN MUNDIAL played the Dog Haus, the next day was a bit of a mess. Someone had locked the garage door and taken the key, locking all of the gear inside the garage. Also, the singer was missing and no one knew where to even begin looking for him. To make things a bit more urgent, some of the members had a flight to catch in a few hours. It was a hectic morning to say the least. Once everything had been settled and the missing people were found, everyone rushed out of the house (I never got my garage key back though). Later that same day, I was looking thru my tapes and I noticed a tape that wasn't there before. XM2, I can only assume, was left as a gift... Or maybe it fell out of someones pocket. In any case, thanks for the tape! Raging hardcore from Barcelona. It's similar to bands like BARCELONA or ORDEN MUNDIAL. Thru a random email many months later, I found out that Hector from ABSURDO sings in this band (although he doesn't sing on this tape). As everyone I'm sure already knows, Barcelona has some of the best hardcore bands in the world, and this is no exception.

You can download the demo here and you can stream and follow the band here.

SLIMY MEMBER

About 2 years ago, I was in Denton, Texas. If you've never been, let me describe it to you: It was really cold, really lonely, and really quiet. It was one of those cities on tour where you get out and everyone (whoever is actually outside that is) looks at you weird because you either look punk, you're not from there, or both. Some random lady even tried to take a pic of us as we walked into a book store. I mean, really get in our face for an extreme close up photo! I don't really know where I'm going with this story, other than later that night we played a cool show in the basement of a pizza place in Denton. It was a pretty cool show and better than I expected. One of the highlights from that show was SLIMY MEMBER. A lot of people use terms like "dark punk" so I guess that's what we can use for this. It doesn't sound anything like post-punk or anything like that. It's more of a heavy dark hardcore... Whatever. The point is IT'S GOOD! I'm always super grateful to catch amazing bands when I'm on tour and this day was no exception... Even with the outside world being so cold and lonely.

You can download and check out all their stuff here

GENERACION SUICIDA - INSEGURIDAD

I stayed up all night setting up my next post: Ripping the record, scanning the covers, thinking what I want to say. Then today right before I post it up, I realized that I had already posted it 2 years ago. Rather than let that deter me from posting today, I'll share this: A track off our new split we're doing with ESPERANZA and SOLPAATOS from Japan. We'll be touring down there in June of this year. In the meantime, you can check out the track below.

MÜLLTÜTE - FIRST 3 EP'S

This morning was one of those rare days where nothing seemed to faze me. Forgot my work bus pass at home? No worries, I'll just buy a pass! I forgot my work badge? No worries, I'll just buzz myself in all day! Vacation denied? No worries, I'll just fake my own death! Ya see? there's a solution to almost all of life's little problems. One of the main things that keeps me feeling upbeat when the world is trying to beat me up are bands like MÜLLTÜTE. I love this band! I first ran into them during our tour of Germany back in 2013. It sucks that I missed them when they played (I can't remember what I was doing. Probably being a bozo though). The next day after the show, I managed to get a hold of their 3 current Ep's. Since then, they've been a constant piece of wax on my turntable. They sound like a mix of RAZZIA and GAUZE. Lots of good stuff coming out of just a 2 piece band. They also have an LP that came out not too long ago, but unfortunately I haven't been able to get my hands on that (yet).

You can download their 3 Ep's here. You can get the demo over here

EDIT: I've re-uploaded a better download link for yall. I guess it's back to mediafire!

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DAME - CHARM SCHOOL

All day today, I've been hearing stories by people twice my age. Most of these stories are regarding bathroom habits and old hangouts that are no longer there. To be honest, I usually ignore everything and zone out for 8 hours a day. One of them today told me "I used to know this dame a long time ago. She used to always get mad at me because my handwriting looks like scribble..." At this moment, I zoned out and I just thought "who uses the term 'dame' anymore"? DAME from Boston of course! Ahhhh, this band is great. I don't think that they are obscure or not well known, but just in case you should check it out. This is the kind of band that can brighten up your day with their new-wavey / post-punk synth driven tunes. Don't be fooled though, they can be hard as fuck too. You can stream their stuff here and you can download their demo here.

..."and there I was in the cab when I realized I had forgotten my wallet at home. What a wild weekend!" Yes, I know. Even I envy my own life sometimes...

BUTCHER BOYS

Yesterday was pretty painful. I threw my back out lifting something heavy in the middle of the day at work. As I lay there on the floor contemplating where it all went wrong, it hit me. The meaning of life is do what you want, listen to punk, and fuck all this heavy shit! Actually, I take that back. Here's something good that's heavy: BUTCHER BOYS. They played a couple of weeks ago in South Central with UNDERPASS, MORNING COUPE, and PELUZA. They showed up at the very end because one of the members got out of work late. At this point in the show, the neighbors had already complained about the noise because they were having their own party and our party was louder than theirs (go figure). BUTCHER BOYS were given a short but sweet set and it blew everyone that was there away. At times this reminds me of CATHOLIC SPIT without all the little guitar and drum intricacies. I don't know too much about this band except they'll be playing on May 7 with LOS MONJO, RULETA RUSA, and NO PEACE. You can check preview what they sound like before then by checking them out here.

Here's the flyer for that May 7 show. Be there or don't!

SYNDROME 81 - DESERT URBAIN

I just spent the weekend traversing areas of California I had never seen. I fed ostriches and emus and saw colorful valleys and giant elephant seals. Along the way, there was one point where the fog just rolled in out of nowhere and it completely obstructed my view. Rather than panicking at the thought of just flying off the highway, I started bumping SYNDROME 81. Tough, melodic, Oi with a hint of post-punk. It goes perfect with any near death experience or gloomy weather! I'm not too sure who is in this band, but I think it may have members of LITOVSK (you can check them out over here). Both bands sound pretty alike in my opinion. Anyways, now everyone can download this stuff and scuff their boots, cuz the oi is back in town! (that joke is terrible. I will go cry in shame now which is awkward cuz I'm at work and everyone will see).

Check out and download everything of SYNDROME 81 here.

DESPERFECTO/REHUSAR SPLIT

While digging thru my emails, I came across an email from Atacho, who does the Crisis Total zine in Chile. I have a horrible memory, and I don't think I ever even read this email when it came in (sad to admit). To anyone else I haven't replied to yet, I'm sorry!


Anyways, in his email he sent me a link to check out his band DESPERFECTO. I'm super glad he did too, as this stuff rips (I need to come up with more adjectives to describe good punk). Hardcore/pogo-ish punk that reminds me of bands like AS MERCENARIAS or LA MISMA, but in Spanish. I've heard that Chile has an amazing punk scene and if this band is any indication, then yeah I can believe that. As an added bonus, they have a split with REHUSAR on their bandcamp. I don't know much about REHUSAR other than they sound way heavier and angrier than DESPERFECTO. A cool split and something that would go great with doing things that require venting (like washing the dishes or folding clothes. I hate crusted forks)!


Check out their stuff here.

GENERACION BASURA - DEMO

You know, I've come to the conclusion that I'm pretty spoiled when it comes to punk. There's never a lack of bands to find, whether here in LA or elsewhere in the world...

I got an email last May from GENERACION BASURA asking me if I can take a listen to their demo and share their music. Although it's been about a year since that email, I've always believed it's better late than never. So check this out, punk from Seville, Spain that's in the vein of old US hardcore. Not really anything surprising really, as a lot of old Spanish bands were influenced by bands from the USA. So, this could be influenced by old US bands or old Spanish bands. You decide! This reminds me of bands like TDK or ESCORBUTO CRONICO (who in turn remind of DEAD KENNEDY'S and MDC). Yes, things really do seem to come around full circle some times.
PS look at that cover art! It reminds me of early 90's MTV Oddities cartoons like THE MAXX or THE HEAD. Maybe it's the purple, maybe it's the mouth, or maybe it's this glue I'm sniffing, but it gives me that vibe.

Anyways, check them out right here

BLOOD VISIONS

This past weekend, we went up to the Bay Area to Manic Relapse. It was a good time had by all (although I don't remember much of Saturday night). Anyways, Mario was there with his trusty camera to take a few pics of some of the bands. Here's a few of  the ones he managed to take. 

Apriori , Manic Relapse III @ WRC

Apriori, Manic Relapse III @ WRC

Ausencia, Manic Relapse III @ WRC

Korrosive @ Los Globos

Apriori, Manic Relapse III @ WRC

Morpheme, Manic Relapse III @ WRC

Somebody take me back in time to this weekend! Normal life is just too boring at times...

BLOOD VISIONS

I'm fairly new to the photography thing, but I do enjoy snapping pictures of Punx doing their thing. Also pictures of other cool stuff I see in LA or On tour in other cities. I'll try to be consistent with my posts, that's if I'm not too busy being a BOZO. - Mario

Bed Bugs @ The Dog Haus.

Orden Mundial @ The Dog Haus.

Orden Mundial @ The Dog Haus

Lumpy and The Dumpers @ Mangos

BED BUGS - DEMO TAPE

I've written about BED BUGS before (you can see what I had to say about that here), but was unable to upload anything really, because their demo had not been officially released yet. Well, I finally managed to pick up their demo tape at their last show with ORDEN MUNDIAL in South Central LA. Killer hardcore that's hard as fuck and never really lets go. While this tape is really good, to really appreciate this band, you just have to see them live. Luckily, they have several shows coming up and they play somewhat often around LA. Check them out March 4 w/ WHO KILLED SPIKEY JACKET?, SSYNDROM, PRIMITIVE PACT, and MUTANT ITCH in Temple City.

Download the BED BUGS tape here

GENERACION SUICIDA - MINI GIRA POR MEXICO

GENERACION SUICIDA will be doing a mini tour through Mexico this upcoming week. Venues and info below:

Feb 12 - Tijuana @ Mods Bar
Feb 13 - Guadalajara @ La Kalaka Bar
Feb 14 - DF @ Libelula

We're pretty stoked about this upcoming tour. Mexico has been in the spotlight these past few years thanks in part to a bunch of awesome bands that have been coming out of there. Here a few of my favorites:

TERCER MUNDO

Brutal hardcore! I feel like pretty much everyone loves this band, and for good reason! Too bad I missed them when they played LA, but at least we got to see them when we played together in DF last year. I'm sure you've probably heard this already, but in case you haven't, check them out here.

MUJERCITOS

More raw hardcore from Mexico. This band has members of Inservibles and Muerte. Pretty excited about playing with this band on the 14. It's going to be an unforgettable Valentines Day with MUJERCITOS! You can listen to them (and download their great 2014 demo) here

INSERVIBLES

Speaking of Inservibles... This band is amazing! Hardcore with super reverbed out vocals. Think of nasty, noisy hardcore, mix it with the CRAMPS, and turn it all extra gloomy and you get INSERVIBLES. I'm extremely happy I got to see them play last year in DF. I haven't wanted to puke after seeing a band in so long, but INSERVIBLES got me to that point haha. You can download the 2011 LP here (now you can puke at home too!)

LOS MONJO

Lets not forget this band! LOS MONJO have been doing the whole ESKORBUTO style punk thing for a couple of years now, and they are the masters at what they do. But to compare them just to ESKORBUTO would be a disservice! These guys play a style that is essentially dirty rock n roll that is both melodic and catchy. To really experience it though, you just have to see it live. The closest they've gotten to the states is Tijuana, but rumor has it they may finally be crossing into the USA this year. Lets keep our fingers crossed... Download their LP here

That's just 4 bands, but really there are so many more and I just don't have time to list every single one. Here's a couple of more that I can think of real quick: PUTAS MADRES, MUERTE, AVICHINES, CREMALLERAS, CRIMEN, ZOTZ, NARCOESTADO, etc...

Before I leave, check out this amazing video of MASSACRE 68 and ATOXXXICO in 1994. Sooooo epic!

Hell yeah...

PLEASURE LEFTISTS - DISCOGRAPHY TAPE

This fog's got me in a cool post-punk groove, as of late. You know the feeling. The kind where you just want to wear your sunglasses after dark and listen to upbeat (yet gloomy) music. Enter PLEASURE LEFTISTS to fill the void for that music. This tape compiles everything they've released up to 2013 and it's great! Dark post-punk that's both at times brooding and upbeat. They played in South Central about a year ago (which is when I get this tape)  and they were great (except for a few minor technical difficulties). I saw them again recently and they were even better the 2nd time around. Anyways, slick your hair back, put on your peacoat and walk into the fog with this tape in your walkman.

Download the tape here