Riverboat Gamblers / Dead To Me / Off With Their Heads – 3 Way Split 7” (black / ????)

This split was released by Fat Wreck Chords for a tour with all three bands in 2011.

I bought this for the Off With Their Heads track, the Riverboat Gamblers and Dead To Me tracks were just an added bonus. Each band has a track each of solid punk rock.

Website: http://www.facebook.com/owth42069

            http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dead-To-Me/176196740742

            http://deadtomesf.com/

            http://www.facebook.com/riverboatgamblers

            http://www.theriverboatgamblers.com/

Captain, We’re Sinking – With Joe Riley 7” (black / ???)

Captain, We’re Sinking have to be one of my favourite band at the moment. Melodic, catchy and gets you singing along in no time. The type of punk rock that you sing along to with a beer in hand and mates by your sides. I’m so excited that I’m getting a chance to see Captain, We’re Sinking at Fest 11 this year!

‘With Joe Riley’ is released by Evil Weevil and is also up for free download at the label’sbandcamp. The only issue with this 7” is that three songs is simply not enough! I need more!

FFO: Iron Chic and Campaign

Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/captain-were-sinking/217608628767?ref=ts

            http://www.myspace.com/captainweresinking

            http://evilweevilrecords.blogspot.com.au/

            http://evilweevilrecords.bandcamp.com/album/captain-were-sinking-with-joe-riley

            http://captainweresinking.tumblr.com/

            http://captainweresinking.bigcartel.com/

Hostage Life – Centre Of The Universe

Juiceboxdotcom exposed me to a bunch of great Canadian bands. One of them being Hostage Life. Hailing from Ontario, Hostage Life play Clash styled punk rock. The band experienced mild success in Canada with radio play and award nominations. The band unfortunately broke up in 2009, before this album was released.

You can download ‘Centre Of The Universe’ for free from Juiceboxdotcom.

FFO: The Clash and One Man Army

Website: http://juiceboxdotcom.com/jbv001/

            http://hostage-life.blogspot.com.au/

            http://www.myspace.com/hostagelife

Horsell Common – For Laughter, For Drama

When Horsell Common broke up they released this compilation album, collecting ‘Lost A lot Of Blood’, their side of the ‘Birds and the Bees’ split with Trial Kennedy, ‘Satellite Wonderland’ and some other songs. I bought this off my friend Kyle. Apparently it was only available at their last shows. This is a great collection to commemorate a great band. The stories around the material found on this CD by the band is also pretty neat.

FFO: Trial Kennedy, Blueline Medic and Gyroscope

Website: http://horsellcommon.blogspot.com.au/

Horsell Common – The Rescue

Horsell Common’s debut full length ‘The Rescue’ was worth the wait. After releasing a bunch of EPs, an album was well overdue. Each song is full of melodies and hooks that have you singing along and gets stuck in your head. I can happily listen to this album on repeat.

FFO: Trial Kennedy, Blueline Medic and Gyroscope

Website: http://horsellcommon.blogspot.com.au/

Hostage Calm – Hostage Calm

Making a departure from their hardcore influenced sound and aiming their sights in a more melodic direction, Hostage Calm’s self titled full length is an interesting listen. Combining pop punk and indie rock with a shit tonne of melody and hooks.

FFO: Crime In Stereo, Saves The Day, I Am The Avalanche and Fireworks

Website: http://www.facebook.com/HostageCalm

            http://hostagecalm.net/

            http://twitter.com/#!/hostagecalm

http://www.hostagecalm.bigcartel.com/

            http://runforcoverrecords.bandcamp.com/album/hostage-calm

Horsell Common / Trial Kennedy – The Birds and The Bees

2006 split between Melbourne’s Horsell Common and Trial Kennedy. Each band offers two originals and a cover of each others songs. If you liked these band’s previous releases you’ll eat this up.

Website: http://horsellcommon.blogspot.com.au/

            http://www.facebook.com/trialkennedy

            http://www.trialkennedy.com.au/

Horses – Brotherly Love

Hailing from Toronto, Canada, Horses play rock n’ roll tinged country punk. It’s good and it’s up for free download at Juiceboxdotcom.

FFO: Lucero

Website: http://www.myspace.com/horsesrunwildtonight

            http://juiceboxdotcom.com/recordingco/jb013/

OFF! – Live at Generation Records 7” (black/ 1200)

This OFF 7” was an exclusive Record Store Day 2011 release. Stepping back to the early days of hardcore in order to take leaps forward, OFF rip through four tracks of back to basics hardcore.

FFO: Circle Jerks, Black Flag and 80’s hardcore

Website: http://www.generationrecords.com/

            http://www.facebook.com/offband

            http://www.youtube.com/offofficial

            http://twitter.com/#!/offofficial

            http://offofficial.com/

HORSE The Band – A Natural Death

Frenetic and heavy metalcore mixed with samples and Nintendo!

I’m not really into this that much. Some people swear by this band, but I’m not convinced. Maybe I’m too late as this is the bands fourth full length. I really liked the instrumental songs the most I think. That being said, I really like the 8 bit addition to the songs.  

I thought the liner notes were particularly funny. They directed people to head to their Myspace for ringtones and credited some dude as playing Gameboy (don’t remember the name. Drunk).

FFO: Playing Gameboy

Website: http://www.facebook.com/horsetheband

            http://www.asssnake.com/horsetheband/

            http://horsetheband.blogspot.com.au/

            http://www.flickr.com/photos/horsetheband

            http://new.merchnow.com/catalogs/horse-the-band

Horsell Common – Satellite Wonderland

2006 EP from now defunct Melbourne band Horsell Common. Catchy melodic rock. You missed out.

This EP can also be found on the compilation album ‘For Laughter, For Drama’

FFO: Trial Kennedy, Blueline Medic and Gyroscope

Website: http://horsellcommon.blogspot.com.au/

HorrorPops – Bring It On!

The second album from Danish psychobilly band HorrorPops. ‘Bring It On!’ picks it up from where ‘Hell Yeah!’ left off. If you liked ‘Hell Yeah!’, you’ll like this, if you didn’t then buy something else I guess.

FFO: Nekromantix, Tiger Army and B-grade horror movies

Website: http://www.facebook.com/horrorpops

            http://www.hell-cat.com/

Eminem – The Slim Shady LP

White, angry and offensive. I found this album getting on my nerves at times. The skits are annoying and at times it gets too corny. I also found myself getting into a few songs as well. I don’t know. I haven’t got time to try and get into this.

FFO: ICP

Website: http://www.eminem.com/

HorrorPops – Hell Yeah!

I was really into HorrorPops when I was in high school. I still like them, but not as much. HorrorPops are a female fronted psychobilly band from Denmark, featuring Kim Nekroman of The Nekromantix. Released in 2004 via Hellcat Records, this debut album is pretty good. I managed to catch the HorrorPops when they toured Australia supporting this album. When I saw them I knew nothing of the band, let alone psychobilly. I think it was my second show (my first being Hardcore ’05 at The Gaelic) as well, so it was a bit of a shock and a hell of alotta fun. They have go-go dancers!

I lost the insert for this CD after lending it to an ex girlfriend which pisses me off abit.

FFO: Nekromantix, Tiger Army and B-grade horror movies

Website: http://www.facebook.com/horrorpops

            http://www.hell-cat.com/

Hopeless – Dear World

Full length from Melbourne’s Hopeless. Melodic hardcore with passion and emotion. This full length features the three tracks found in the ’08 demo. There has been a vinyl pressing of this album now.

FFO: Miles Away, Ruiner and Carpathian

Website: http://www.facebook.com/hopelessmelbourne

            http://hopelesshumans.tumblr.com/

Hopeless – Demo ‘08

Melodic hardcore from Melbourne featuring members of Carpathian, The Stallion and Bear Trap.

FFO: Miles Away, Ruiner and Carpathian

Website: http://www.facebook.com/hopelessmelbourne

            http://hopelesshumans.tumblr.com/

The Hope Conspiracy – Death Knows Your Name

‘Death Knows Your Name’ is the third album from Boston, Massachusetts’ The Hope Conspiracy.  

Stark and aggressive hardcore with hints of raw melody thrown in. I can imagine that these songs live would’ve been amazing.

FFO: American Nightmare, Bars and Suicide File

The Holy Mountain – Enemies

Brutal crusted out thrash from Tampa, Florida. ‘Enemies’ is a collection of songs featuring six new tracks, the ‘Wrath’ 7” and two live songs recorded at Fest 4.

FFO: His Hero Is Gone and Combat Wounded Veteran

Website: http://www.myspace.com/theholymountain

http://mountainofenemies.blogspot.com.au/

Hop Along, Queen Ansleis – Freshman Year

Hop Along’s full length ‘Freshman Year’ is a quirky and cute listen while also being passionate and intimate. Frances Quinlan’s style of folk pop is fun and full of energy and irresistibly sweet.

Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hop-Along-the-band/303587787250

            http://hopalong.bandcamp.com/

            http://hopalongband.tumblr.com/

           

Hop Along, Queen Ansleis – Wretches

Hop Along is the project of Frances Quinlan, a rather talented musician and song writer. Hop Along plays folk pop with a high energy and passionate edge. This EP is a pretty interesting and engaging listen. I think Salinas Records put this EP out on 10” vinyl. If I wasn’t saving to travel to Fest I would snap it up.  

Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Hop-Along-the-band/303587787250

            http://hopalong.bandcamp.com/

            http://hopalongband.tumblr.com/

            http://www.salinasrecords.com/

Crucifixion Squad/Bladder Spasms - Stigmata and Incontinence: Canberra hardcore punk '89 - '94

Hardcore punk from Canberra from the late 80’s and early 90’s. Crucifixion Squad and Bladder Spasms are basically the same band but had a name change. There are 29 tracks in total clocking in over an hour. I think that’s a little too much for me.

The Disables – The Lacky Country

Street punk from Brisbane. Good stuff. I have no clue if they are still around anymore.

FFO: Rancid, The Dropkick Murphys and The Clash

Website: http://www.myspace.com/thedisablesaustralia

            http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Disables/7714659169

Deputy Dipshit – 04 2 09

Snotty as fuck punx from Brisbane. Songs on this CD are compiled from 2004 and 2009, as the album title states. This doesn’t really do much for me.

Website: http://www.myspace.com/deputydipshit

Rex Banner/Homewrecker – Split

This split is between two now defunct Sydney bands, Rex Banner and Homewrecker. Rex Banner play melodic punk rock with a little pop punk and hardcore thrown in.

Homewrecker play hardcore in the vein of bands on Deathwish Inc.

FFO: Rex Banner – Bad Day Down, A Wilhelm Scream and Just Say Go

            Homewrecker – Miles Away and American Nightmare

Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HOMEWRECKER/235117660111

            http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rex-Banner/6015137435

            http://www.homewrecker.bigcartel.com/

            http://www.rexbanner.com/

Hoods – Ghetto Blaster

Hoods have been around for a while. Maybe this isn’t the best album to be introduced to their mix of street level hardcore and beatdown hardcore. I found this really boring.

FFO: Death Before Dishonour and Madball

Website: http://www.facebook.com/pages/HOODS/397176290321

The Holy Mess – Dismount

Another IfYou Make It free download. As you would expect, this rules! Fast punk rock/pop punk that whips you into a frenzy of booze, party and fun.

FFO: The Lawrence Arms, The Loved Ones and The Falcon

Website: http://www.facebook.com/theholymess

            http://fucktheholymess.tumblr.com/

            http://fucktheholymess.bandcamp.com/

            http://www.ifyoumakeit.com/album/the-holy-mess/dismount/

Various Artists – Down The Road: A Compilation of Bands from Melbourne, Sydney and Asia

I picked this up when I saw The Smith Street Band play at Dirty Shirlows in Marrickville. There are some really good tunes on here Some highlights include The Optionals (melodic punk from Sydney who have since broken up) and The Smith Street Band (story telling punk from Melbourne).

Track listing:

1. Foxtrot - The Point
2. Foxtrot – Garters
3. The Optionals – It’s called destruction
4. The Optionals – Nothing Short Of Lose Your Breath
5. The Smith Street Band - Public Transport
6. The Smith Street Band – My New Dress Up Shoes
7. Surprise Wasp – Look Mum, He’s Stomping The Yard
8. Surprise Wasp – Moonwalking For Jesus
9. The Union Pacific – 20 Years
10. The Union Pacific – A World Behind
11. Steppin’ Razor – Disorder
12. Steppin’ Razor – Black Storm
13. The Bennies – Acid On My Brain
14. The Bennies – Livin’ Sleazy
15. March of the real fly – Morning Man
16. March of the Real Fly – Mystery (To You)
17. Shadow league – Fall Where You Do
18. Shadow League – Never Quite Enough
19. Dividers – Another Exit
20. Dividers – Take The Next Train
21. Doing life (Jpn) – Working Class Hero
22. Amterible (Sing) – Small Victories

Website: http://www.mediafire.com/?4g1jpj5hczls3ij

            http://www.facebook.com/downtheroadcomp

Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck – Living Weakness b/w Ignescent 7” (maroon / 150)

7” four in the Run For Cover Subscription Singles Series. Mockingbird, Wish Me Luck play gruff punk rock inspired rock n’ roll. These two downbeat songs are full off raspy melody, giving me a pretty good incentive to find some more recordings by this band.

FFO: The Gaslight Anthem and Leatherface

Website: http://www.facebook.com/mockingbirdwishmeluck

            http://mockingbirdwishmeluck.bandcamp.com/

            http://mockingbirdwml.tumblr.com/

            http://www.runforcoverrecords.com/

The Hollow – The Hollow

The Hollow come from Newcastle and play heavy metallic hardcore that sounds pretty similar to bands on Deathwish Records. I started to warm to this after a few listens.

FFO: Carpathian, Ghost Town and Rise and Fall

Website: http://www.facebook.com/thehollownc

            http://www.thehollownc.bigcartel.com/

            http://thehollownc.bandcamp.com/

Hole – Live Through This

Hole’s second album, released just four days after Kurt Cobain’s body was found, is a lot more melodic and accessible than their 1991 debut ‘Pretty On The Inside’. There are more pop melodies mixed in with their pissed off grunge. Damn good.  

FFO: Nirvana, The Pixies and Sonic Youth

Website: http://www.facebook.com/Hole

            http://holerock.net/

Hole – Pretty On The Inside

Courtney Love may be bat shit crazy, but she sure does write some great songs. Hole’s 1991 debut album is raw, noisy and pissed off. ‘Pretty On The Inside’ really is a great album and worth owing.

FFO: Nirvana, L7 and Sonic Youth

Website: http://www.facebook.com/Hole

            http://holerock.net/

Tigers Jaw – Chemicals flexi 7” (clear / 500)

Due to a delay in the Tigers Jaw 7” which was part of the Run For Cover Records subscription series, Run For Cover sent out this to make up for the delay. This flexi was originally made up for the first two hundred people admitted to a showcase which they were putting on. This alternate version of ‘Chemicals’ is stripped down (I’m assuming, I’ve never herd the original) with Brianna singing and playing piano.  

FFO: Balance and Composure

Website: http://www.facebook.com/tigersjaw

            http://tigersjaw.tumblr.com/

            http://www.runforcoverrecords.com