Category: International punk rock

Scottish Punks, Red Lite District, Release New EP, “Bang Gang”, And Bring Back That Legendary Punk Sound

Posted on by SkaBones in DCC Records, International punk rock
Photo by Pat McGuire

Release Date: 9/12/2019

Format: Digital 

Label: DCC Records

Photos: Pat McGuire; except for the album cover. Be sure to check out Pat’s blog here, https://riffsnspliffs.wordpress.com/2019/10/15/article-4-the-red-lite-district-the-bang-gang-ep-review/?fbclid=IwAR38l3pvSOinl9wbV4rSReEAMaD88yjfrr-0BenXVmg3meK1E4x5XLvkSqk

Location: Lanarkshire, Scotland

Favorite Tracks:  Dizzy, Oklahoma Girl, Psycho, Man! and Trump, Tories and Other Relics from Middle Earth

Sounds Like: The Damned, FEAR, Buzzcocks, Stiff Little Fingers, The Vibrators, and The Clash 

I was born during the rise of punk legends like The Clash, Damned, and the Sex Pistols. My Dad is a huge Clash fan and instilled in me a love for 70’s and 80’s punk. Although he likes their disco crap, so that’s where we split ways musically. I kid of course, love ya da! So while checking my email I ran across a band from Lanarkshire, Scotland called the Red Lite District. 

As of publication date of this article they are currently with DCC Records. So let’s take a listen. The first track and introduction to the band is, “Dizzy”. The song totally reminds me of FEAR. It could be that the lead singer’s voice sounds a little like Lee Ving. It’s the fast hooks, quick change ups, and simple, but kick ass lyrics that really drag the listener in. 

The next track is, “Oklahoma Girl”. If you have never seen,Peepshow I highly recommend it. It’s currently streaming on Amazon Prime. The show is hilarious and features a female on the show that fits this track to a T. She’s an American gal and quite mental. Everything about this track kicks ass! 

“She’s just a dirty f@#ken Oklahoma girl, 

She’s just a dirty Oklahoma, 

She’s such a beautiful sadomasochist”

The third track up is, “Psycho, Man!”. This track has some addicting lyrics. The simple drum beats seem to lead this track, before the bass and guitar join into the fray. The song reminds me a bit of Johnny Thunders and The Heartbreakers or even the New York Dolls. I feel this track perfectly fits the state of the world, where every day it drives people madder and madder. 

Photo by Pat McGuire

The next track is gets dark with, “Trump, Tories and Other Relics from Middle Earth”. Holy crap is this track amazing. This song has a sweet garage rock like sound. It’s a bit on the heavier side, which lends towards its message to question authority and those in power. Head to pit when this comes on! 

The last track on the EP is, “Lanarkshire Uber Alles”. It pays homage obviously to the Dead Kennedys song, “California Uber Alles”. The chants of “OI, OI, OI,” heard through the chorus provide that extra burst of energy to make this an incredible song. It calls for change and doing whatever is needed to make that change come true. 

In conclusion, “Bang Gang, by Red Lite District” has proven to me. That the legendary punk sound will never die, but continues to evolve, be a catalyst for political change, and stay relevant in the age of overproduced sampled audio. Tracks like “Dizzy”, “Psycho Man”,  “Trump, Tories and Other Relics from Middle Earth” and “Lanarkshire Uber Alles” tell the age old story “Punk Isn’t Dead”.

Tracks: (Per Amazon UK)

  1. Dizzy
  2. Oklahoma Girl
  3. Psycho, Man!
  4. Trump, Tories and Other Relics from Middle Earth 
  5. Lanarkshire Uber Alles

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Laughing In The Face Of Drops First New Video Single since 2011, ‘Running With Coffee”

Posted on by SkaBones in International punk rock, Lockjaw Records

Release Date: 2019

Label: Lockjaw Records                                       

Format: Digital 

Location: Birmingham UK

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Steve: Vocals / Guitar
  • Jon: Guitar / Backing Vocals
  • Jim: Bass 
  • Andy: Drums / Backing Vocals

Favorite Tracks: Running With Coffee

Sounds Like: New Narrative, Voice of Addiction, No Use For A Name, and Face To Face

You need some new skatepunk in your life! In fact we all need new skatepunk in our lives. Birmingham, UK based, Laughing In The Face Of dropped a brand new video for “Running With Coffee”. Check it out below and stay tuned for more news as we get it! 

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

Track List 

  1. Running With Coffee

Links:

Netherlands Punks Ink Bomb Drop “Fiction” To Explode Ear Holes

Posted on by SkaBones in International punk rock

Release Date: August 23, 2019                                     

Format: Digital 

Location: Nijmegen (NL).

Favorite Tracks: Griefwalker, Brittle, Rerun, Ploughshares, 

Sounds Like: Voice of Addiction, Bitter Grounds, Off The Marks, FOL, New Narrative, Teenage Bottlerocket, and Good Riddance

Photo By Arian Stoetzer

You know what’s rad? Ink Bomb is based in Nijmegen (NL). So that means CPRA is reaching all over the world! I check our stats almost daily. I find it interesting when we are getting website visits from places like Hong Kong, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, and etc. Now this review is not about web data, it’s about Inkbomb’s, “Fiction”! 

The record starts with my favorite song, “Griefwalker”. The drum intro is the perfect introduction to the album and Inkbomb. The chorus is quick to get stuck in your head. The bass plays a minor role, but adds that extra dark edge as the guitar playfully joins in. “Brittle” is the next track. 

This track could have easily ended up on a Pro Skater soundtrack. The overall progression has that old school skate sound. The lyrics have a message of confidence and unity. I know here in the states all of watching things go down the drain. The drums and lyrical content are the stars on the track. 

“So say your piece , 
Grit your teeth, 
Let them all blow, 
As you find your feet”

Griefwalker by Ink Bomb

Are you ready to pull out your rad air guitar skills? “Anchors” will have you doing just that. The lead singer’s voice is powerful as he slams poetry along with a heavy skate punk sound. “Sternschanze” is next and I may be wrong, but mentions the infamous Reeperbahn in Germany.

 “Scourge” is next and opens with a slower progression before it builds into a giant crescendo. The mix of perfect melodic, “Whoas”, combined with some amazing guitar skills is fantastic. “Count to Ten” follows with some powerful lyrics. This may be the slowest track on the record. “Rerun” bounces back with a fast progression. I am doing kickflips in my head as this track plays!  

Pop punk fans will love, “Midnight In The Desert” with its melodic and hopeful sound. This chorus is bound to get stuck in your mind. “Leap Of Faith” brings back the harder skate punk sound. This track seems to be more focused on the instrumental versus the vocal. 

“Cauterize”, slows down the album with an acoustic and flawless sound. This is beautifully written song as it dances through the shadows. Where did my skate punk go? Don’t worry though, “Ploughshares” brings it back with a vengeance as it is the final track. The drums and casual notes on guitar set up a revolution of sorts. While the chord strikes kick in to send the message. 

In summation, Ink Bomb’s, “Fiction”, is a masterful blend of pop and skate punk. Don’t overlook this little diamond in the rough. The album is currently up on major streamers and for purchase here, https://inkbomb.bandcamp.com/album/fiction.

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

Track List (Per Bandcamp)

  1. Griefwalker
  2. Brittle
  3. Anchors 
  4. Sternschanze 
  5. Scourge 
  6. Count to Ten 
  7. Rerun 
  8. Midnight in the Desert 
  9. Leap of Faith 
  10. Cauterize 
  11. Ploughshares

Links:

Screaming At Traffic – “I Don’t Like Sports”, (Neither Does CPRA)

Posted on by SkaBones in Emo Punk, International punk rock, Punk Rock

Release Date:  June 7th, 2019                                                

Format: Record/Vinyl/Digital Album

Location: Winnipeg, CAN

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Jacques Richer – Vocals, Guitar
  • Duncan Murta – Vocals, Guitar
  • Paul Colman – Vocals, Bass
  • Stefan St. Godard – Drums 

Label: Little Rocket Records

Favorite Tracks: They Call Me “Thrillhouse”, I Don’t Like Sports, Bitter, Broken Teeth, and Weekend Cartoons

Sounds Like: Filthy Hearts, Descendants, Neck Deep, Penske File, Eat Defeat, and The Flatliners

Photo Cred Winston Smith

Do you like sports? Well here at CPRA we really don’t like any of the major sporting activities. Ok so maybe some roller derby or some hockey, but none of that NBA or NFL stuff. So when Winnipeg based, Screaming At Traffic dropped, “I Don’t Like Sports”. I knew I had to check the album out. And yes in pure CPRA fashion this album review is super late! We are still playing catch up. 

The album starts with They Call Me “Thrillhouse”. This track is deep with extremely well written lyrics, great drums, and a catchy guitar riff. Check out the video below!

“Y.B.F.” rolls in next keeping up the progression. “I wish you would say something instead of shutting down like you always do”. What does Ybf mean? Someone, anyone, Buehler? This song kickass! The next track is “Pantomime”. This is a personal favorite for me. The changing hooks, and melody drive this one home.

“I Don’t Like Sports”, is the next song. Obviously this track has nothing to do with sports. The track starts out on a somber note as the progression kicks in. We’ve all been in that relationship where you can never win. It sucks to lose, but sometimes you have to lose in order to win. I love this song! “Bitter” is another kick ass song. The drums are powerful when combined with the anthem like lyrics. 

Photo cred Kiwi Photography

“Broken Teeth” follows slowing down a bit. I love the subtle bass line that accompanies the guitar. This track hit home for me. After a bad relationship in 2012 I went down a never ending rabbit hole of drinking and self doubt. I finally pulled myself up. This is a great, “Break Up Punk” track! The guitar rocks on in a Flatliners like tone. 

“And I should never go out drinking before I eat, 

and I know I never looked so good with broken teeth”

“Monstrosity” is the next song. The change ups and hooks are wicked good. “Hey, Koyuki”, follows with a strong bass line intro. Not sure, but I think this track relates to musicians struggling to survive. I am not a musician, but my passion isn’t working the 9-5 rat race. It’s writing and talking about music, but it really doesn’t pay the bills. 

The next track, “Weekend Cartoons”, while starting out in a slow fashion. The track builds into an angry climatic driven ballad. “Naproxen” follows slowing the progression, yet retaining the wonderfully written lyrics. The last track on the record is, “People Pay Good Money For Secrets”. Personally I’m a bit sad to see this record end. 

In reflection Screaming At Traffic’s, “I Don’t Like Sports” is 11 tracks of emotion, intense musicianship, located in an introverts heart shaped box. With tracks like, “They Call Me “Thrillhouse””, “Bitter”, and Broken Teeth. I’ll be playing this record on repeat.

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Photo By:  It’s A Music Thing

Track List (Per Bandcamp)

  1. They Call Me “Thrillhouse” (feat. Bleed American)
  2. Y.B.F. 
  3. Pantomime
  4. I Don’t Like Sports 
  5. Bitter 
  6. Broken Teeth
  7. Monstrosity (feat. Alex Guidry)
  8. Hey, Koyuki
  9. Weekend Cartoons (feat. Jenna Priestner)
  10. Naproxen 
  11. People Pay Good Money For Secrets 

Links:

Horror/Scifi Punks The Follows Ups To Drop New Record “…Don’t Like You Either” on 10/31/2019”

Posted on by SkaBones in CPRA Music News, CPRA New Music Alert, diy, International punk rock

Release Date: 10/31/2019                                                    

Format: Digital, Physical, Vinyl 

Location: Moncton New Brunswick Canada

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Mike K – Guitar/Vox
  • Tyler A – Guitar/Vox
  • Jamie O – Bass
  • Greg M – Drums/Vox 

Favorite Tracks: Love Letters From The Black Lagoon, Idiocracy, Crystal Lake, Monsters, 

Sounds Like: Ramones, The Queers, NOFX, Aimless Again, and the The Lillingtons

CPRA fan favorites The Follow Ups are back again with a response to “The Half Of It”. The Ramonescore boys are dropping, “…Don’t Like You Either” on 10/31/2019. We couldn’t be more excited! This release is currently in pre-order stage. For the best copy be sure to pick it up on vinyl here, https://punkdisorderlyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/dont-like-you-either. 

Let’s take a look at the new record. The first track is, “Nancy Pelosi”. This song is hilarious with some great drum work, and pure Ramones core melodies. Damn do they know how to write tracks with addicting melodies. The next track is, “Love Letters From The Black Lagoon”. 

Have you ever been in love with a person and felt not good enough? Based on the famous 1954 movie, “Creature From The Black Lagoon”. This track is written from the perspective of the monster. 

“I’m lurking just below the surface, 
Patiently waiting for you”

I love the theme and the killer backbeat. The midway guitar solo kills! The whoas are perfectly timed and well placed. “Crystal Lake” follows as a nod to, “Friday The 13th”. The track is like a frontal lobe assault of punk rock. If Jason Voorhees was a punk, this would be on his iPhone playlist. This track is not so much Ramonescore, yet still kicks ass with an original sound. 

The next song is “Idiocracy”. The Ramonescore sound returns with a punch. This track may be related to the movie with the same name. Since the 1980’s the United States has become a “Consumer” based nation. Feeding off the nipples of corporate and political entities. We have allowed them to dictate morality and it will be the end of this country. Will you stand up or join the “Idiocracy”?  Don’t believe me? Just take a look at our president. 

The next track is “Depth Of Character” comes flying in with a heavy bass line. Are we as humans losing our depth? Are we losing the “Humanist” inside all of us? This track will be a fun one in the pit! “Hey Ho (The Ballad Of Razor Ramon)” follows with definite tribute to the Ramones, “Blitzkrieg Bop” and wrestler, Razor Ramon aka Scott Hall. 

“Monsters” is next and from the “The Half Of It” EP. I still listen to this track frequently from my purchase back in 2019. The track is still a favorite, but I’m even more excited to listen on vinyl now. The minute I started the track I was like, “Hell Yeah”! “No Remedy” is the next song and also a favorite from, “The Half Of It”.

The last song is “Burn It Down”. Now I have to admit this song surprised me. This song seems to be one of the faster paced tracks. It’s sounds like 10 FT Pole with a skatepunk sound, leaving their traditional Ramonescore sound. I would love to hear more tracks like this! This is a perfect ending to an even better album! 


Overall, The Follow Ups, “Don’t Like You Either” is 100% punk satisfying. Not only will it appeal to hardcore Ramones fans, but the pop/skate punks looking for something new. As stated above the record will be best listened to via vinyl. So hit that preorder link here, https://punkdisorderlyrecords.bandcamp.com/album/dont-like-you-either.

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Track List (Per Bandcamp)

  1. Nancy Pelosi
  2. Love Letters From The Black Lagoon
  3. Crystal Lake
  4. Idiocracy
  5. Depth Of Character
  6. Hey Ho (The Ballad Of Razor Ramon)
  7. Monsters 
  8. No Remedy
  9. Judy’s Got A Boyfriend
  10. Burn It Down

Links:

Skate Punk From Greece? Yep, Raised Wrong Drops, “Shut Up Already”

Posted on by SkaBones in diy, International punk rock, melodic hardcore, Melodic Punk, skatepunk

Release Date:  July 18, 2019                                                                                               

Format: Digital

Location: Loannina, GR

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Guitar, vox: Leo
  • Guitar: Fanis
  • Bass, vox: Kwstas
  • Drums: Andronikos

Favorite Tracks: 82 Street, Far From Now, Nutcracker, 21st Century, You’re Not Alone, Natural Disasters

Sounds Like: New Narrative, Teenage Bottlerocket, Sunset Silhouette, Voice of Addiction, PID, and Jerkswitch.

I love it when we get reviews in from across the world! It’s exciting to see it punk thriving. Sure our numbers may be small, but our army grows larger. So today let’s check out the new album released by Grecian punks, Raised Wrong, called “Shut Up Already”. 

This album kicks serious ass! From the start with 82 Street with its hardcore guttural style. The best description I can think of would be The Adolescents meet Teenage Bottlerocket. The cross over from skate to street punk is amazing on “Unknown Relatives”. Overall I cannot recommend this record more! 

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Track List (Per Bandcamp)

  1. 82 Street
  2. What’s Left Of Me 
  3. Far From Now 
  4. Nutcracker 
  5. 21st Century 
  6. You’re Not Alone 
  7. Confused 
  8. Natural Disasters
  9. Years 
  10. Unknown Relatives 

Links:

Spewers, Drop New Ep,“A New Disappointment”, And It’s…

Posted on by SkaBones in diy, International punk rock

Release Date: 7/5/2019                                                       

Format: Digital 

Label: DIY

Location: Chilliwack B.C., CAN

Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)

  • Blake Pinder
  • Brandon Roper
  • Tony Fehr

Favorite Tracks: Change, Citizen, Slime Category, and I Feel Gray

Sounds Like: Almataha, Dirty Work, Crass, Circle Jerks, Sniper 66, and Zipperz

Photo by Out of Step Productions

Canada seems to be bursting at the seams with tons of great new music. In the last few months we’ve reviewed some other Canadian bands such as Jerkswitch, Hangtime, and Trashed Ambulance. All of them I have really enjoyed listening and singing along. Today we’re going to check out the latest release from, Spewers, “A New Disappointment”. 

“No Change” is the first track up. This song is heavy on bass with an old school punk sound. “Citizen” is the next up. Bring your pogo and jump in the pit. It’s fast and fun, like early Black Flag or DK. “I Feel Gray” rolls in next. This track is pure street punk. The bass and drum throw in a disturbing perfect darkness. 

“Sensitive Punks”, follows with a fast heavy progression. Watch out for the pit! It’s gonna get nasty. Now “Slime Category”, is the last track on the EP. The song has a wicked buildup intro into the vocals. This one speaks to all of us that bust our asses. Only to be left with pennies come pay day. This is by far my favorite track as it crosses back and forth with an almost metal sound. 

In review, “A New Disappointment” by Spewers is a fantastic little EP. I honestly wish it was a bit longer. It’s also NYP in the bandcamp store currently, although toss them at least $1.00 a track! You can listen and download here, https://thespewers.bandcamp.com/album/a-new-disappointment

Help CPRA stay up and running! Hit that donate button below!

Track List (Per Bandcamp)

  1. No Change
  2. Citizen
  3. I Feel Gray
  4. Sensitive Punks 
  5. Slime Company 

Links: