WRUV Reviews

Third joint effort of “Americana” from the sweet voiced Campbell and the raspy Lanegan, mostly written by Campbell. Their previous albums moved me more, had more of a haunting and wistful atmosphere. This one falls a little flat. My favorite track is #1 and it has a bad word.

Montreal rockers Land of Talk give a nice variety of anthemic power pop (in that Canadian indie rock sort of way) and a couple of mellow, but still layered with sound, tracks. Hooks abound! Try 1, 2

Melodic and a bit experimental, enchanting and whimsical, folky and freaky and wonderful. Try 1, 9,11, or any.

Psycho- Pain Addict Pigs
Release date: 2011Jan25 (US)
Label: Moribund Records
Rating: 3.5/5

Psycho hails from Singapore and plays a mix of thrash/death/black metal similar to Bathory, Toxic Holocaust and Nasum.  “Intro (The First Incantation)” sets the mood with dark, eerie noises that make me wonder if el chupacabra is going to jump out at any minute. “Pain Addict Pigs” serves up a steaming plate of old-school death with lots of screams and side of thrash. “Meat Slit Grinder” breaks up the monotony with coordinated riffs between Bryan J (guitar) and JY (bass). Quite possibly the best track on this album. Other tracks of note include “Revenge Of The Raging Whore” (more excellent riffs and well-defined drumming) and “Mater Lachyrmarum…Mother Of Tears”. My only gripe is that the vocals are primitive by nature. Regardless, if you enjoy all three genres, you will enjoy this album.

FCC:
Try: 1, 4, 6, 8

01. Intro (The First Incantation)
02. Pain Addict Pigs
03. All are Dead
04. Meat Slit Grinder
05. Dr. Satan
06. Revenge of the Raging Whore
07. Lords of Slaughter
08. Mater Lachrymarum…Mother of Tears
09. Demon Deathtrance

G.G Allin & Antiseen- Murder Junkies
Release date: 2007Jan08
Label: TKO
Rating: 2/5 (to be fair to Antiseen)

This is one of those moments when I have to ask myself why I’d want to even review anything by the infamous G.G Allin, especially something that was re-released on vinyl in 2004 and on CD in 2007. I suppose it’s for old times sake, since I’m sure that most younger WRUV listeners (and likely some older ones as well) have never heard of or seen the antics of G.G Allin. That is probably a good thing. Regardless, in the interest of documenting musical history and promoting the DIY-as-fuck attitude of WRUV, I am reviewing this album. This album was recorded with Antiseen and judging by the song titles, they didn’t aim very high. “Murder For The Mission” starts things off with caustic punk rock that could certainly dissolve your teeth, peppered with G.G’s ill-tempered vocals. “I Love Nothing” is peppered with lyrics that would make your mother and FCC director Julius Genachowski blush.  Make no mistake, this was G.G’s schtick, other than rolling around in his own feces and other candid actions.

Other than reviewing this CD, I would definitely not recommend playing it over the air, unless you’re interested in coughing up a fine. The point of this review is to show you the ugly side of punk rock. G.G Allin didn’t take any prisoners and certainly didn’t care about who he offended.  He’s certainly an interesting case study on what not to do as far as making music goes. I’m sure that their association with G.G Allin didn’t do much for Antiseen. I would still recommend you check out their standalone albums because they’re quite brutal.

FCC: Everything. Do not play.
Try: Nothing.

Revilers- Stand Or Fall
Release date: 2009Aug07
Label: PATAC Records
Rating: 3.5/5

This is another release from Boston street punk/oi band, the Revilers. Originally released in 7″ format, there is one track missing from my promo (”Runnin Out”). “Stand Or Fall” starts things off with rousing street punk with a touch of oi. Nothing but a rousing blend of street punk with slight oi overtones. “Tried And True” is highly reminiscent of early-Dropkick Murphys (before they incorporated folk into their sound) and NJ’s Plan A Project. “State Of Fear” has a strong resemblance to the Misfits. “Road Rage” closes things off on a high note. Overall, if you’re a fan of any of the bands mentioned, you will enjoy the Revilers. I would look for the actual 7″ in order to get the full experience.

FCC:
Try: 2,3

01. Stand Or Fall
02. Tried And True
03. State Of Fear
04. Road Rage

Revilers- Isolation
Release year: 2009
Label: PATAC Records
Rating: 4/5

Boston’s Revilers play a melodic mix of oi and street punk. These tracks are from the Isolation 7″ EP that was released last year. “Isolation” starts things off with what sounds like a stylistic cross between The Misfits and Sham 69. It’s certainly a great track that harkens back to punk rock when it was still punk rock and not some dolled up genre like it is today. “Next In Line” is similar as well. I like “Dead End” because of the stronger emphasis on street punk/oi. “On The Outside” closes things off but doesn’t really differ too much from the other tracks. My first impression is that the Revilers are a band to watch and personally, I’ve always been a fan of Boston bands with similar approaches to the style. Check it out if you’re looking for something new and different.

FCC:
Try: 1, 3

01.  Isolation
02.  Next In Line
03.  Dead End
04.  On The Outside

Works for the unusual combination of horn, piano and violin. Brahm’s Trio in E fl. maj Op. 40 is considered to be the model for other works with this instrumental combination. Beautiful. Trk 5 is particularly somber.

File: Classical collections: Romantic

Contemporary works for wind ensemble/percussion, ranging from boisterous (1-3, 9) to more mellow (4-6).

File: Classical collections: Indiana University of Pennsylvania Wind Ensemble