Labels: 625 Thrash Records
Review by: Andy Malcolm
Well, apparently this comp was going to be “Bandana Thrash Vol. II” but it appears the ‘tag’ has been misappropriated (according to the inlay here), much in the same way as ’emo’ has. So 625 have decreed that calling something “Bandana Thrash” is dumb, hence this is barbaric instead (maybe Deep Elm will follow suit). Musically, it’s not that barbaric though really, just fast.
Discarga are the first band on here and they have the honour of being the only band to get two tracks on the record. They are from Brazil, and I can’t read their lyrics. Anyway, they play fast hardcore pretty well. Wahey! Following them is Esperanza, who have a more punk rock sound to their thrash, with a guitar solo and an absolute rampant bass line. The vocals are out of breathe screamy style and work really well. Lyrics are about hating the cops. Up the punx!
Jellyroll Rockheads from Japan steal the show on side B with a crazy 48 second song. It starts off like a Snuffy Smile pop punk band, and then suddenly mutates into blazing hardcore on the shout of GO! Fucking amazing! After that is Limpwrist, and they are just playing fast old school hardcore. I found this kinda below average musically, but hey. Anti-Christianity in HC lyrics and it’s a very short song. Life’s Halt are the last band and they are playing”¦ wait for it… fast hardcore. It’s pretty simplistic, but done really well with great shouty vocals and has lots of excellent parts to run around to, pointing your finger in the air as you go. In their bit on the insert there is a picture of a dude whacking ‘Uncle Sam’ over the head with a skateboard. Rock!
I want to hear more Jellyroll Rockheads and Esperanza is pretty hot too. Anyway, overall, this is a great comp 7″ of hyperactive music to go nuts to in your bedroom. The kind of stuff that makes me get up and do something. Which has to be good. FUCKING GO!