Yes there is still a punk scene emanating out of England. Yes Rudimentary Peni is one such band. And while some miscreants were declaring the group dead since ‘04’s “Archaic” EP, they weren’t. In fact, “No More Pain” shows just how alive and kicking the group is. With simple-line drawing artwork that is so much more than that at closer glance designed by Nick Blinco (cult punk hero), Rudimentary Peni gouges out eyeballs straight from their sockets only to skull fuck the remains with their unique brand of late ‘70s punk-metal. No one will ever accuse these punk heroes of being anything more than latch-key urban punks who want a little anarchy for brunch to alleviate the hangover blues.
August 2008 sees the 25 year anniversary of Adrenalin O.D.’s debut LP now out for the first time on CD on Chunksaah Records. The pride of Jersey speed-punk originally formed in 1981 and their first vinyl release was recorded on their label aptly called Buy Our Records with a mere 15 minutes of studio time. All of the songs were done in one take with no overdubs and their label eventually grew into one of Jersey’s most respected indie punk labels. This album was dripping wet with sarcasm and the hardcore punk comedy act was always known for their on stage banter and quickly became cited as an influence for better known bands such as Screeching Weasel, NOFX, Bouncing Souls, Anthrax, Stormtroopers of Death, and Lifetime. The first disc on this anniversary edition features the remastered version of the 15 track original while the second disc complements the first with thirty-three tracks including their aforementioned debut EP “Let’s Barbeque” as well as their first live session on WFMU’s Pat Duncan show, live tracks from City Gardens, and several b-sides. Toss in a nice 12-page booklet and you’ve got a fine collection of energetic hardcore punk.
Indie dancey punk gouges out eyeballs amid guy and girl vocals that explode with intensity. Energetic hooks with fantastic synth and frenetic guitar stabs are just part of the assault off of Johnny Foreigner’s debut album finally available stateside. Hailing from Birmingham U.K., the trio has been making waves among indie circles in the know. Chaotic choruses that are true barn burners have hoisted this group to the forefront of critical praise lately. Recorded with Machine (Fall Out Boy, Armor For Sleep), “Waited Up ‘Til It Was Light” is out in October on Nettwerk Records. Check it out.
