The Independent Punk

Issue No. 1

December 2012

DIGI-ZINE

Featuring Reviews and commentary from: Critical Mass Blog, Sam PInola, Pookie Rodriguez Jacks Insanity, Special Offers from PoDunk Records, and Much, Much, More!

A Letter from the Head Idiot at PoDunk Radio

s we approach the A end of 2012 we decided

to broaden out beyond the realm of mere radio station/blog and are venturing into dark and scary world of digi-zine publishing. This first issue will be sloppy, unorganized, and mostly pathetic. If ya dig it, good, if ya don’t, good.

We’re going to do this anyway; with or without your approval - the way we do pretty much everything around here.

As is the case with most people we find the end of the year is a good time to stop and take a look around in an attempt to figure out where in the we are and what we did to get here. Like most of the bands and independent record labels we promote on our station we have BIG IDEAS, but tiny budgets.

We have the passion but not the cash. We never let that stop us. We love punk rock and we recognize the necessity of the service that we provide.

We don’t get paid for this, we do it because we love it.

For me, this station is indeed a labor of love. At times it seems it’s more labor than love, but in the end the real pay off is in knowing that I had a hand in helping connect a band with a label or promotion company that was able to in turn help that band get more attention and a larger audience. THAT boys and girls is why I do this, it’s why the DJs here do this. Every day we get up and go to our day jobs put out time in towards the grind and come home to what we truly love. Punk rock. Radio. Podcasts. Zines.

Over the past year we have kept pretty busy preparing podcasts, interacting with bands, going to shows and supporting the punk scene in any way that we can. The outpouring of response to what we do here is simply incredible. I never in my wildest dreams imagined that something I created from nothing would have such an impact on people across the world. I’ve learned a lot about this thing called radio over the past year or so and I hope that you guys dig what we here at PoDunk Radio are doing.

Love, Peace, & Bacon Grease, Bitches,

ji*

www.podunkrecords.bandcamp.com

Bush League - Discography (Re-Release) Little Heart Records - April 2011

Bush League's entire discography of songs before their 2010 reformation is available on this disc. Tracks off Fetor 7" (Better Days Records), Sicko 7" (Better Days Records), Smut 7" (Better Days Records) is now available as a re-release from Little Heart Records.

To be perfectly honest; I had never heard of Bush League until I got this cd in the mail so I did a little research on the band and discovered that they hail from the Louisville KY area and have been performing since the late 80's and releasing records; starting with Fetor since 1991 and that they have been likened to other Louisville bands such as Maurice, Kinghorse, and Fading Out. I popped the cd into the laptop and my first thought was "Oh, shit, here's a Metallica rip-off band." I almost ejected the disc and tossed it right then but had second thoughts and let it continue to spin. Good fucking thing that I did. Once I got beyond the initial mid 80's style intro riffs the band began to sound more like something I'd like to hear more from. A word of advise kids; DO NOT LET THE SLUGGISH RIFFS FOOL YOU! There's a lot more to this band than just deep crunching guitars. Black Flag starts to come to mind, John the Baker's band Fucktard comes to mind. Each E.P. has it's own distinct sound and style to it that just gets better with each progressing track. I went from "Fuck this" to "This is a keeper" really quickly and I promise you that you will hear few hardcore punk rock guitar solos better than the ones in Close. Genius fucking guitar work on this one. Polluted Sky brings the heavy riff back and just makes me want to be a teenager on a skateboard again.

I'll tell ya, the more I listen to this disc, the more I appreciate it. I find something new that I didn't hear before.

The lyrics just make better sense and I find myself wanting to pack my bong and take a trip into space with these songs. The twists from riff to hooks, the throaty, strained vocals, the flawless bass lines and ball shaking drums just combine to make some god damned good music.

I really hope that this re-release is an indicator that the band has reformed (at least for a while) and working on touring (I know they recently performed live with the Lickers and Stealing Volume) and a new album sometime in 2013.

This is a great discography and priced at just 10 bucks for the physical copy or $9.99 on iTunes. Trust me kids, this is money well spent!

Give them a listen and hear it for yourself here at http://www.reverbnation.com/bushleaguelouisville

Rex 84 - You Are The Enemy - Released on BHJ Records December 2012 I’m always down to hear anything new out of Rex 84 so when Stevie Bastard passed me a copy of his upcoming release You Are The Enemy I knew I’d be happy with it; and as usual I was very impressed.

This full-length has twenty tracks totaling just over thirty two minutes of how the fuck did this come out of Kentucky. Stevie gets real busy, real quick crunching the shit out of his guitars on this one. Typical of Rex 84 these songs are short, angry and at times a wee bit shit your pants scary.

Some of the tracks on this album are mulligans of previous Rex releases.

Apparently once your out of the band you’re fucking out and the tracks get re-recorded without your ass, which is fine by me as the fresher recordings have more edge to them.

The newest line-up for Rex 84 is Stevie on guitar and vocals, Spooky on bass and backing vocals, Token is on drums and backing vocals and Romie guests on backing vocals. This album makes me wonder if Stevie didn't eat GG Allin. His lyrics are crafted from genuine hate and tossed about in a gritty sauce of frustration. It is obvious from the sound on this album that Stevie Bastard has a truly large and fearsome cock. It makes men want to be him and women want fuck him. ( I wasn't going to add that part in this review but Mr. Bastard offered to give me a handy after eating a bag of pork rinds and that is just too fucking Kentucky to pass up!)

In all seriousness though, this is another great raw power punk album from a band that is notorious for putting out albums so raw you could get salmonella just from listening to them. Check them out on facebook.

The Hairlips - Self Titled Self Released - March 2012

Claiming Chicago as their home, The Hairlips play a powerful pop punk style of music that heavily influenced by the sound of yesteryears 50's doo-wop with a just a touch of surf rock mixed in to added ear pleasure.

These tracks are tight and will keep you hopping, yes even my half-crippled ass.

The music is reminiscent of a simpler time, a happy time in American music history. A time when radio was real and bands were genuine but they add a unique modern twist and touch of a devil may care punk rock attitude that I feel is best displayed on the track Fuck You Darlin' These kids have their shit together and I believe that this album is the best display of their abilities to date. The first track off the album, Always Loved You, lets you know right up front that this isn't your typical pop punk album and each successive track reiterates that fact.

This album is a great mix of bubblegum and spit and will help to round out any music collection. The only thing negative thing I have to say about this release is that it's not on hot pink vinyl, or any vinyl that I can tell. Priced at just 5 bucks for immediate download it's a great deal and sure to provide you with many hours of enjoyment. This release is solid, not a dud on it. Preview the tracks by clicking here and then do these guys a good up and spend the mere 5 to own this for yourself.

Animal Train - Steel Rail Rider 7" Released September 12, 2011 on Soggy Dreams Music First off, I’d like to state that Animal Train (formerly from Darby, PA; presently located in Austin, TX) is by far one of my favorite independent bands. I highly respect that Rich and CJ maintain a strong D.I.Y. attitude and still manage to release records worth listening to.

Yes, this review is a over a year late, but in my defense my mailman just handed it to me along with an apology for just getting it to me.

Seems he found it under the seat of his truck last week while cleaning it up. Go, Go Gadget Postal Service! Fuckers.

I was happy to find that side A begins with N.R.A. - my favorite track from Animal Train.

A three minute and seventeen second ditty that explodes from the get go with thundering drums and roaring guitar work centered around gun control or the lack thereof. CJ’s vocals are classic CJ, raspy and and filled with passion and energy and i totally get off every time the band goes “OOOeeeOOOOOHH”

riffs and the heavy drum you expect from Jeremy.

Off the Track is an expertly delivered tale all too familiar with pretty much every kid in the punk scene backed by simple easy to follow

Missed Adventures gallops onto Side B - a quick paced number with yet another good story told.

I think ending the record with Evil Behind the Wheel was a good call for AT i know from talking to Rich leading up to the recording of this album that he had been experimenting with new styles and sounds on his guitar work and I think he really nailed it on the Wah-Wah/Slide combo.

I love this band and always look forward to a new release from them. They work hard at what they do and they do it rather well. Keep Rocking, Animal Train - I see good things for you guys in the future.

Overall - my opinion of this record is fucking great! if you don’t own it, you should. AT are damn good at making punk rock records and you need at least one of theirs in your collection and it should be this one right here. Grab a copy today and enjoy the shit out of it, I know I certainly have!

Kramer - Here We Go Self Released September 1, 2012 There’s these 3 kids out of the Tacoma/ Olympia WA area named Brandon, Travis, and Spencer in a band called Kramer.

They recently sent me a sweet little nugget of vinyl titled Here We Go; a 6 track E.P. Here We Go is the second release for this band; it is a follow up to their full length self-titled album that was released in 2011. Being familiar with the bands music and raw rock and roll sound I was happy as a pig in shit when I got this new E.P. in the mail.

From the get-go the title track of this record starts with big sound and only gets bigger and more dynamic as it plays along. Despite the bands disdain for being labeled, it is clear that these kids are a formidable garage-punk band. You just can’t have out of this world reverb and custom crafted vocals like these kids do without recognizing the influence behind it.

I LOVE this record! It’s just not something that you can sit still while listening to it; it implores you to get up and move. The guitars jangle appropriately, the cymbals crash just when you need them to, and Travis has that bass guitar smoking fucking hot! If you’re like me as soon as the closing track of the record, a surf inspired instrumental piece, is over you’ll be flipping this record over to have another go at it. Overall opinion of this record is that it is damn fine piece of rock and roll with each song complementing the others. Everything just fits on this one.

Nothing sounds out of place, It’s just a damn good, fun record to have.

I have just one problem with this record. It just isn’t long enough! I can’t wait until the next full length comes out!

You can pick this E.P. up for free (as well as their full length) over at bandcamp but I tell ya, this is something you will WANT to pay for! Do yourself a huge favor and order a copy on vinyl! At just 5 bucks you can’t go wrong and they throw in the digital download along with the price of the vinyl - it’s shit like this that makes for a real stand up kinda act!

Give these guys a like on their facebook page and tell them that PoDunk Radio sent ya!

Animal Train - Zebra Crossing Released 2012 on BHJ Records I recently reviewed a 7” record from Animal Train titled Steel Rail Rider. Apparently the kids in AT were so happy and impressed by my lackluster style of review that they invited me to review their latest album released on BHJ Records titled Zebra Crossing.

This full length contains 12 tracks; a couple of which (N.R.A, and Drunk, Punk & Pissed Off) can be found on PoDunk radios first free compilation digi-release (as well as the Steel Rail Rider 7”) and are both quality fucking tunes.

Missed Adventures and Off the Tracks were both on the Steel Rail Rider 7” as well and as previously reported these two songs are great listening. The remainder of the tracks on this CD are right on par with the aforementioned tracks. AT has a way of throwing a bit of dirt and grit onto a pop-punk sound and coming up with something that’s well, just plain raw, punk rock goodness. CJ covers the vocals on this one, Rich does his guitar thing (he makes it seem easy) while Jeremy bangs out the drums and offers up backing vocals, and Chris keeps the steady bassline bumping along while throwing out the occasional backing vocal as well. I’m beginning to think that AT isn’t capable of putting out a bad release and the guys at Spitshine Studios did a great production job on this one.

Thanks for another great album Animal Train. I look forward to many, many more.

Find out more about Animal Train at their new website

ing with each listen. Since Baroness were in a horrific bus crash in the UK and although they all survived, Yellow & Green will have to hold you for a while. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=4V0N1x675FQ

By: Sam Pinola I don’t like pop music. I wish I did. It’s been a long time since terrestrial radio played what I wanted to hear and I am losing faith in college stations as I type this. I live to far from any college stations to still appreciate what the kids might be playing.

None of the bands on my list, at least to my knowledge, are getting regular air play. If they are, well that would be some good news.

2011 was a tough year for new music and 2012 faired a lot better. In 2011 I had a tough time making a list of 10 albums that I thought were really impressive. In 2012 I had a hard time keeping the list to 10 albums, so this year the list is 15. None of these albums were free. I bought all of them with the exception of one that was a free download from the band. I buy music, I still like CD’s and I think compressed MP3’s sound like crap half of the time. Your ear buds sound worse.

2012 was the year of the 3rd albums from a lot of bands; many albums on this list are from people I have been following for a long time. There are some newer bands on my list, and I wish that I had picked up The Code Orange Kids album before I started this list. New music does exist, and as you will see if you keep reading that I discovered a few new bands that weren’t so new.

A few things: 1) Live shows. This is a great way to see new music. This is also a great way to rediscover music you passed over or forgot about.

2) Get off the couch and go see bands.

3) Tell people about what you are listening to or do your best to drag your friends off of the couch.

4) I am biased. If you disagree make your own list and send it to me. Show me what I missed.

My picks for the 15 best albums of 2012: 15. Baroness – Yellow & Green Hey I like this album. I got it a week after everyone else did, and I don’t know what record you were complaining about and then trashed on your Facebook page because the Baroness record I bought was stunningly beautiful. It’s a sprawling 2 disc Prog-Metal wonderland. Take My Bones Away finds main man John Baizley at his most commanding. It’s complex, dense and even soothing at times. There is an air of calm remorse on Yellow & Green. This isn’t a casual listen or audio wallpaper to hang behind your couch. This is an album that is meant to be listened to from start to finish. And you better listen to it on good speakers in wooden cabinets and not on some crappy ear buds or shitty laptop speakers. Although Baroness have relocated to Philly, these Savannah guys haven’t lost touch with their southern brothers. Yellow & Green is dense ride that gets more reward-

14. The Melvins - Bulls & Bees E.P. You could have downloaded this EP for free from the Melvins. If you didn’t, you could have picked up a limited edition 10”.

If you missed both chances to get this I don’t know what to tell you except watch my postings for stuff like this or hope they issue this E.P. again. The opener, The War On Wisdom, is now one of my favorite songs that Buzzo has ever written. I know that one of the few problems with The Melvins is you never know what version of The Melvins you are getting. This is the King Buzzo/Dale Crover/Big Business version of The Melvins, the version that has made a string of albums that are consistently scaring your neighbors. The first time I played this EP a crown popped out of my mouth because it rocks so much. It’s just a bone shaking good time. I’d say more but it’s only an EP. http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=R6ggvDpEvvc 13. Mission of Burma – Unsound I’m going to borrow a phrase from my friend, Mission of Burma are the “Band behind the Band”. Unsound is proof that life is still moving forward for Mission of Burma who have made more consistently tight interesting albums since reforming than anyone expected. Semi-Pseudo Sort Of Plan ranks among the best tunes that have ever come out of Mission of Burma. Jagged guitar lines that cross just as jagged bass lines, and those 3 part harmonies. This is a band at the peak of their game, and I think they have a few more albums left in them. Every member of this band carries their own wait. I saw them on tour this past year.

The turnout for the show was really disappointing and sparsely attended. I’d also swear that 80% of the people at that show are in local bands or have heavy ties to the local music community. You are missing out on something: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=pzkCV5gijsY 12. Disappears – Pre Language Replicate, the first track off of Pre Language is deceptive Track. As you get sucked into a Kraut Rock groove and when you don’t expect it the song explodes.

This is the 3rd album for Disappears and it was a tough sell for me personally. I didn’t care for their earlier work because I really thought it was boring like the way I find Interpol boring (and disappointing). I was curious when I read that Steve Shelly (Sonic Youth, Crucifucks) had joined Disappears as their new drummer. Well that tom-pounding veteran must have whipped the rest of Disappears into shape.

Pre Language is a focused dark Post Punk album with an obvious nod to the explosive side of 80’s American Indie rock.

That means squalls of guitar noise from time to time. The two guitar players manage to give each other plenty of room while the propulsive bass works its way right down the middle. Steve Shelly holds the whole thing together. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=tgANNJDFoME

11. OFF! – s/t This is Franks Hot Sauce for your ears. It’s your brand, you know that you like it before you buy it and that is exactly why you buy it. So if this is your brand of hot sauce you know what you are getting. Paired with other things on your plate everything is improved. If you don’t like hot sauce then don’t buy OFF! Yes this sounds like Black Flag and the Circle Jerks. Yes Keith Morris never sounded better. The bar-chord hasn’t been done this kind of justice in years. This is high velocity Punk Rock made by middle aged men. Yes it is possible. Will the kids like it? Fuck if I care. I like hot sauce. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o873-vSIau4 10.Vilipend – Inamorta Hello Canada. Thank you for sending us Vilipend on tour. I went to Kung-Fu Necktie in Philadelphia earlier this past summer to catch my favorite local band, Carved-Up. On the same show was Canada’s Vilipend.

What an experience that was. If your band is talented I will watch you play. If you are really good I will buy your album. If your album floors me I will include it in my year end album list. Inamorta is a dark intense slab of hardcore.

Vilipend are heavy on the mid-temp grooves. This is angry music, and it goes well with black coffee and driving before dawn.

Inamorta takes no prisoners as the songs unfold. It’s only 8 songs long, but what a complete song cycle and accurate representation of the live show. The album closer, Meant To Be, has the year’s best guitar solo. It’s the kind of harmonized solo that is not usually found on a hardcore album. Talk about taste, they only let the solo last for 2 bars so it never gets tired.

I have a feeling that this guy could shred for a while but has enough control to keep it tight. Inamorta is brutal and sad. This isn’t a feel good album but it is an excellent example of what heavy music can be when it stays smart and angry. http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=GegIXCi60io 9. Torche – Harmonicraft I saw Torche initially as an opening band a few years ago supporting Kylesa and High on Fire. They have been making me happy with the non-stop hooks and riffs ever since. (I make a big deal out of this, and I will always point this out: Go to shows.

See live bands. Discover new music.

Repeat.) Torche pull off something that is tricky: Fist pumping anthems on detuned guitars with tunes that stand out over other heavy bands because they are so melodic.

I’m still not sure how a band can be this poppy and heavy at the same time. Right after I picked up Harmonicraft, someone asked me what I thought of it. “Disgustingly good”. That was my first response. My opinion has never changed. I’m a sucker for arpeggios and riffs intertwined, and Harmonicraft has no short supply of either of these things. It’s Butt Rock for the new millennium. This by far is the best record to drive to for 2012. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1obEt5dmmo

8. Dinosaur Jr. – I Bet On Sky I bet on Dinosaur Jr. In a parallel universe J. Mascis is revered by guitar nerds around the globe. It’s a universe where I Bet On Sky goes platinum and you can’t walk into a Guitar Center without hearing some kid trying to play Watch The Corners on an out of tune guitar while his parents just stand there smiling. 3 albums into a reunion of the original line-up, J. Murph and Lou are still giving me hope for middle age. I Bet On Sky is a little sadder at times than the previous albums, but that doesn’t mean that the hooks aren’t strong. Dinosaur Jr. get as close as I will ever come to liking a jam band. On I Know It So Well the band stretches out a little, the cowbell starts pounding and the wah-wah guitar is raging the whole time. It’s not “the Phish” but thank God for that fact.

I don’t through this around lightly, but the guitars on I Bet On Sky cascade like mountain ranges full of gain and reverb from all of the majestic riffing. The interplay between the guitar and bass is just critical. The bass is just as distorted as the guitar and you can’t tell who is playing what chord. And thank you for letting Lou sing a little more on this album. http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=FpsGcnLEZbk 7. Corrosion of Conformity – s/t Go to shows, see live music and get knocked on your ass by a band that you kind of forgot about. Technocracy (which still spends plenty of time on my turntable) and Animosity are the albums that I think are timeless examples of Metal and Hardcore . . . Thrash if you will. Some of their 90’s output like Blind and Deliverance are swampy Metal classics too but I must be honest with you and tell you I have paid attention to them in a while ignoring their recent albums. Seeing them blow away 4 other bands this summer changed that. Here is another album I bought right at the show. This self-titled album was made by C.O.C. stripped down to a trio of Woody Weatherman, Reed Mullin and Mike Dean. When I saw them in Philadelphia they put all of the other bands to shame. 3 guys moving in and out of different tempos, hardcore one minute, straight up Sabbath the next without even trying and sometimes all within the same song. Mike Dean is an outstanding bass player, like a more fluid Geezer Butler. Serpentine bass lines highlight this album and the rhythm section makes all of the difference. C.O.C. understands that you need to temper the thrashy moments with a groove and here is an example of just that: http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=BBam9Hx_PSw 6. Cancer Bats – Dead Set On Living Go to shows. Go to show if someone invites you, even if you don’t know the band.

The Cancer Bats caught me off-guard as an opening band at a show I went to this year; they were not even the band we were there to see. They were the best band of the night so I bought their most recent album from their merch table. I asked the kid on the other side which album had the most songs from tonight’s set and I went home a copy of Dead Set On Living.

See when I was watching them just kill it on stage; I kept think-

ing that the singer was an old Hardcore kid. No Opera-Hand for this guy. I was struck by the mixture of Sludge Metal, Hardcore and Southern Rock that I was getting assaulted by from a singer who just couldn’t stand still. Cancer Bats are another great Canadian band to show up on my radar this year. Dead Set On Living has something else going for it that is lacking in a lot of heavy music because it’s one of the most positive records I’ve heard in a while. It’s a cycle of songs about surviving, hope recovery and faith. This isn’t evident on your first spin but the title of the album should give you a hint. Also, the guitar player just kicks ass. He packs more pinched harmonics into his riffs than Tommy Victor in his prime. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=E6tJUlx51sw 5. Ceremony – Zoo Ceremony used to play Hardcore. I had no idea. They were not on my radar, and I never heard any of their other albums before Zoo. Zoo isn’t Hardcore so I imagine that this album has derailed longtime fans but not me. (Subjective note: My idea of what Hardcore sounds like is different from what the kids right now are calling Hardcore. This gets pointed out to me on a regular basis.) At times Zoo sounds like East Bay Ray joined The Ruts. It’s been a long time since I have heard a band use reverb, chorus and tremolo on the guitar leads in such a frantic menacing way like the Dead Kennedys did. Bowie once said the “Rock ‘n Roll is such a bastard because it is always stealing from itself”, and Ceremony are robbing the tape reels of late 70’s England and Los Angeles. There is a certain tense authority on these tracks that is distinctively modern, so this isn’t a full throttle attempt at a retro school of 77’ album. Zoo is one of those albums that grew on me with each pass and when I looked back at what I was listening to this year, this album spent a lot of time playing. I also went out and found their earlier albums. http://www. youtube.com/watch?v=cg3ckPtlWFw 4. Bob Mould – Silver Age I like new music, I really do and I look for it all of the time but man the old-heads can just surprise you sometimes. It’s hard to talk about Bob Mould like so many of the other artists that made my list this year because they all have been making music for such a long time that their songs has become part of my lexicon. When someone we adore makes an album we buy it and when they make something that does not suit or taste we forgive them and keep hoping for the “next” album. After the Bob’s “Moby” phase a lot of my friends lost interest. I tried to tell people about Life and Times when that came out and like the 2 post-electronic albums before that, no one was listening. Longtime fans having been turned off by a misunderstood electronic outing and time spent working on wrestling scripts. This alienated a lot of people. I understand your skepticism, and you haven’t lived with the Silver Age like other Bob Mould albums you have spent so much time with. You haven’t spent the night getting over a break-up playing Beaster or Candy Apple Grey all night.

In time you will because the Silver Age is about getting over the gray hairs on your head, getting on with life has dealt you, remembering to crank up your amp and belt it out because you still can. Take a seat junior, this album is going to show you it’s time to step aside and let the man who laid the groundwork for

your teenage rebellion stand up and show you just how you got here with that guitar and half-stack. Plaid shirts are back in style: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ieb_T9ylY4o 3. The Evens – The Odds There has been a void in the music world, at least for me personally stemming from Fugazi mustarding out. Ever since the internet sawed the last leg off of the regional sound I have found myself waiting for the next seminal “DC” band to emerge. I had a lot of money ridding on The Evens and The Odds have worked in my favor. Stepping out of the shadow of your previous band is challenging for many artists. How do you progress forward and separate yourself from your previous efforts? You can’t unless you hit your audience with a left field techno album. If your name is Ian MacKaye no one will ever forget you were a member of Minor Threat and Fugazi. When you help shape the musical landscape not once but twice you legacy is hard to avoid. Like his former band mate Joe Lally who also found his stride on his 3rd album last year, The Evens have come into their own.

I have been waiting for The Evens to make this album. The less people you have in your band the more weight you have to pull, and if you are not resorting to laptop trickery or mass layering in the studio the harder it gets to retain your live sound.

One baritone guitar, one drum set and 2 powerful voices are not a lot to work with. This is all that they need. The kicker here is the singing and the call and response of the 2 voices.

The male/female textures weave in and out like the fret work of MacKaye’s previous band. On The Odds, The Evens sound like a band, a full band, not a combo or some arty studio project but a band who can be tender one minute and fierce the next. It’s like a well thought out controlled sound with a backbone and there is nothing minimal about this combo. http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=6P13Y-sOOUU 2. Jimmy Cliff – Rebirth Recorded live in a studio…. a novel concept right? If you are bothering to read this list then I’m preaching to the choir. This record sounds like Kinston in 1974. This record makes up for every Dance Hall/ Electro-Dub headache that has passed itself off as Reggae for the last 20 years.

Jimmy Cliff has once again made a timeless album. None of the dated trappings of modern Jamaican music happen on Rebirth. Don’t get me wrong Rebirth swings through many moods, Rocksteady, straight up Roots-Reggae, 60’s American Soul and Ska without ever sounding forced. I can’t go much farther without mentioning that Tim Armstrong co-wrote this record with Jimmy Cliff, and Armstrong was very careful to not stand in the spotlight. No thunder stolen here.

(Okay I will admit that the 2 cover songs on the album, the sweet soulful version of Rancid’s Ruby SoHo and the powerful version of The Guns of Brixton by The Clash were probably Armstrong’s idea.) This album is the Reggae equivalent to Rick Rubin dusting off Johnny Cash and letting him do his thing.

Strip away the modern elements that have ruined the genera and let the man show you why he is truly a legend. When was the last time an artist worked a television studio audience like this? Here is a clip of Jimmy Cliff owning the crowd on Letterman: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAGIG5gORtI

1. Future of the Left – The Plot Against Common Sense Strong Words. I don’t usually co­mment on the words to songs. A lot of good songs can be ruined, flat out ruined by the lyrics.

The Plot Against Common Sense is a brilliant but snarky self-examination of our own beliefs that will make you smile and think at the same time. All of this is delivered by a very snotty but catchy voice over a bed of distorted bass that drives right-angles against jagged guitar stabs on top of clockwork tight drumming. This band is unmistakably British, and yet so American at the same time. There is an obvious debt to the Buzzcocks, PiL and the first Killing Joke album but I would be willing to bet that this band also grew up on the Touch & Go catalog from the early 1990’s too. Abrasive, gritty and yet not lacking in a smart sense of humor makes The Plot Against Common Sense warrant repeated listening. This is the 3rd outing for the Future of the Left and they have filed down a few (not all) of the extra rough edges of the shadow of their former project, Mclusky. Give this a track a spin and then go get the album: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkCUREHnpyo.

BONUS: Some kind person posted a high quality video of their entire Philadelphia Show from November: http://www.youtube. com/watch?v=mvJtKEWeq70

The Enders - The Ruins of Ambition

Infested Records is a small independent punk rock record label and distribution located in North Central West Virginia

V/A - Music To Bleed To (1, 2, 3)

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With 2012 winding down, it’s time to look back on our year in music. We’ve had a pretty great year as far as legends putting out solid releases as well as underground faves and some great new up and comers!

That’s right folks. It’s time for the 2nd annual Critical Mass Best Of series.

We’re gonna break things down into different categories again this year. We’ll have Splits, 7” singles, EP’s, debuts, full length records and of course, the Album of the year! So, let’s get right to it!

Top Splits of 2012 1 - The Homewreckers/City Mouse Hands down, the BEST split from 2012 goes to these 2 amazing bands! The Homewreckers from NYC play DIY inspired punk rock. Dirty and rough around the edges, but also high octane and rowdy, this self described “Queer-Core” band give it to you straight (no pun), hard, fast and to the point on their 2 songs, “Nervous Wrecks” and “Uncontrolable Decay”.

And City Mouse who hail from Riverside, CA. are the perfect combination of sweet and salty on their tracks “Gemini” and “Jughead Jones”. This is a band whopop out at you, grab you by the shoulders and shake you to the core with it’s awesomeness!

2 - Dan Vapid & The Cheats/The Jetty Boys Everything we loved about pop punk and power pop is all wrapped up in this neat little package. What

sets Dan Vapid & The Cheats apart from other bands is in this band Dan is bringing different styles of singing and playing to the table on the songs “One More Chance” and the Pointed Sticks cover “Part Of The Noise”.

Then we have the Jetty Boys and their brand of Wisconsin punk rock. The first track “Not Even Close” kicks off with a truly infectious guitar riff that would make even the most seasoned punk rock vet wish they would have come up with this line. I am very much impressed.

3 - The Jetty Boys/Boys Club Back for seconds is The Jetty Boys who’s latest split with Boys Club has the Jetty’s doing 2 tracks of super catchy pop punk. Mad riffs abound and sing along lyrics all over this release. It’s straight up Ramones style punk rock. With a short blast of fun they really makes me wanna hear more and more from this Sheyboygan, WI trio.

The Boys Club offer up a cover of the Warren Zevon classic “Excitable Boy”. It’s not a bad cover. It has the deadpan vocal approach that made Zevon’s tune about rape and mayhem such a gem back in the 70’s.A great split here folks!

Now onto the Top 3 Singles of 2012 1 - Sonny Vincent & The Bad Reactions - S/T This record sounds like a freight train headed straight for a brick wall on tunes like “Replica” and “Jokers & Clowns”. It’s a played with such inten-

sity that you feel like the bands gonna implode at any given second. Sonny still sounds vibrant vocally, and his guitar playing is still flawless. The man never seems to age. He’s playing at his best here, soloing like his life depends on it. And who knows...maybe it does! Maybe THAT’S why after close to 40 years the man has never stopped recording music and touring the world. It’s in his DNA, this thing called punk rock.

And he’s not afraid to let loose on that old Gibson Les Paul and melt faces along the way.

2 - Val Ventura - “Sun Down California” Val is a rare breed in this day and age of punk rock.

Not only does she write and sing all the music on this record, but she also plays drums and guitar. Oh yeah, she also produced it and released it on her own label, Astro Girl Records. The record was recorded back in 2007 at Sonic Iguana Studios with a little help fromMass Giorgini (who plays bass on this release) mixing and Luke McNeill (Copyrights fame) engineering. Other than that, it’s all about Val’s sunny pop punk tunes. And what gems they are. The title track alone is worth the price of admission. I don’t know why it took 5 years for this amazing piece of wax to finally hit the streets...but it was well worth the wait.

3 - Kurt Baker - “Want You Around” What can be said about Kurt Baker that hasn’t already been said? This guy is a modern day version of what was so great about late 70’s early 80’s post punk and new wave mixed in with major amounts of power pop for added effect. And you can hear this all over “Want You Around”. The title track is another great example of Kurt having fun and sharing it, via song, with all his fans. Rounding out the record are 3 covers from The Vapors, Billy Joel and Thin Lizzy.

All great tunes by bands who have influenced Kurt’s style of writing and playing. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again...Kurt Baker has a a lot to bring to the music world. And I feel this guy’s gonna be BIG at some point.

The Top 3 E.P.’s of 2012 1 - The Jetbirds - “The Jetbirds” The Jetbirds play straight ahead rock n roll with a dash of punk rock thrown into the mix. Big on riffs and harmonious sing along choruses, “Suicide Love Songs” is a stellar release from this Chicago quar-

tet in the vein of The Dictators or even early Hanoi Rocks. Each song, from “New Set Of Wheels” to “Suicide Love” has a way of getting you more and more excited as the seconds tick on. It’s such a powerful debut, one of the best I’ve heard in recent history. No word of a lie. “Without You” keeps the excitement going with great harmonies and more stacked riffs. This band is definitely a powerhouse riff machine. They just keep pulling em out of their hat like there’s no tomorrow.

2 - P.T.’s Revenge - “Never Let Her Go” After a decade of being off the scene and doing other projects Detroit’s P.T.’s Revenge are back with “Never Let Her Go” (Whoa! Records). Even though last year saw the release of “Save The Drama” this is actually the first release of ALL NEW material by this amazing band. This 4 song EP is a sure fire sign of things to come.

Singer Kevin Sierzega is hitting each note perfectly and is truly a force to be reckoned with. He’s a great singer with a passion for his craft. “Coo Later Bye” is definitely the “heart on sleeve” track of the year. It’s a tribute to the common bond these guys have and they’re mutual love of the music they play and the fans they play for. I’m sure I speak for all the fans when I say “welcome back gentlemen!”

3 - The Zits - “Breakout” The 4 tracks on “Breakout” are meat and potatoes punk rock. Strong on harmony vocals with thick riffs and a dirty back beat. The production is a little less than desirable. But it’s punk rock, so who cares.

Kicking things off is “Bloody Knuckles In Loserville”.

It’s got the major opening riff in place as well as the 4 chord structure you’d expect from students of the Joe King school of punk rock.

The Zits if the creation of Heath Benson. One man waging war on all things pop and pretty. He’s singlehandedly bringing back the ugliness of DIY punk music. And it’s working out well for him. I like this EP. It reminds me of how great things were back in the day when I was younger. And it also shows me how things can be again if handled the right way. Let’s put the music back in the hands of the young who are willing to do it themselves and release it independently.

Top 3 Debut Albums on 2012

percent.

1 - The Hairlips - “The Hairlips”

3 - Casablanca - “Apocalyptic Youth”

When it comes to music, I’m pretty open minded. If it can grab me on the first listen and not let go, it’s good! And upon hearing the Hairlips self titled album, my soul lit up like Christmas! This is definitely a band who’ve cut their teeth on generous amounts of Screeching Weasel, Queers, Ramones, 50’s doo wop groups and maybe even a few 60’s girl groups!

What happened to all those kick ass, straight on rock n roll bands that I loved so much back in the 80’s? Bands like Hanoi Rocks, Kix and Rose Tattoo?

Well, outside of Kix, they all seemed to only exist in Europe. Well, thanks to the internet I’ve found a new band that brings back all that excitement and stellar music that made me feel like I could take on the world as a young man. The band is called Casablanca and their new album “Apocalyptic Youth” is so full of power and passion, it brings me back to 1985 again.

“Fuck You Darlin’ “ Is such a great track that reminds me of Grease on acid! It’s got the great harmonies and sing along chorus. But it’s also twisted with singer/bassist Johnny Wabich repeating the line “I’m gonna fuck all of your friends”. If you can’t find the humor in that, than you’re way too uptight. This is just fun music played by 4 really talented guys.

And if “Denise” isn’t a hit, I don’t know what is! With the Beach Boy style high harmonies and the whole “shooby doo” sing along, you can’t help but wanna dance and twist the night away. I LOVE this song!

All in all Hairlips have a sound and style all too familiar, but very much their own as well. Pure listening satisfaction is on the docket for today! Grab a copy of this album now! Your ears will thank you later!

2 - The Enders - “The Ruins Of Ambition”

“Secret Agents Of Lust” is a rocking tune that’s got the killer back up vocals and big power chord riffs that make this style of music so enjoyable. I can’t say enough good about this tune. It’s retro, but at the same time very much a modern day rocker. Not many bands can pull that off, but Casablanca can!

And they do it well.

“Downtown” is a modern day anthem about lighting up the night, hitting up a rock show and maybe finding love along the way. Big on harmonies and super catchy in it approach, it just grabs you right from the start and never lets you go until the final guitar strings are hit.

“Apocalyptic Youth” may not be groundbreaking like “Nevermind” or Sabbath’s first album. But it’s still a solid album by a great up and coming band. I truly enjoy what Casablanca are doing to save this dying breed of REAL rockers.

Hardcore music is either a hit or a miss. It could be limitless in it’s approach with a real message about society and trying times. Or it could be some mumbo jumbo made up to SOUND like there’s a message there, when in actuality it’s just some words that sound alike put to music that should have not been recorded in the first place. So, it’s great to hear a Top 5 Full Length Albums of 2012... band with a true talent for writing songs they feel because there was just too much strongly about and who can create timeless albums good stuff this year. that will be just as hard and inspirational 30 years from now as it is in today’s society. The Enders are 1 - Kurt Baker - “Brand New Beat” that band and “The Ruins Of Ambition” is that album!

The time frame per song is around the 2 minute mark. But they pack quite a punch in that time. “My Television”, “Resist Resist” and “Take Control” are stand out tracks that feature intense, yet precise, playing meshed with smart, honest lyrics about staying true to what you believe in and not being part of the human machine that society wants you to be. Individuality is the heart and soul of The Enders songs and that’s something I can stand behind 100

Kurt Baker pumps out records like old people pump coins into the slot machines at the casino. The only difference is that, unlike the slots, you can almost bet your last nickel that Kurt’s record is gonna be a winner! And he’s made the record of his career with his full length, “Brand New Beat”.

“Hit The Ground” kicks things off in high gear. Catchy guitar riffs aplenty, lots of background harmonies and another amazing sing along chorus shows that

this guy KNOWS how to write hit after hit. There are your typical power pop gems that Kurt’s known for, like “Everybody Knows”, “Weekend Girls” and “Qualified”. But there is also “She’s Not Sorry”, which is one of the best ballads I’ve heard in quite some time. It’s a Dear John letter style song that shows off Kurt’s ability to slow things down and get serious for a little while. Hey, even the biggest party animals have a soft spot. And Kurt’s no different. The way the acoustic guitars and organ play off each other, it’s pure heaven.

This is the album Kurt Baker was born to make. It’s nothing you were expecting and everything you’ve wanted all wrapped up in a tight little package. With his masterpiece upon us, I have to ask...where will Kurt Baker go from here? If the world is listening and there’s room for one more rock star out there, then superstardom isn’t far from reach for this young man.

2 - Rush - “Clockwork Angles” Canadian power trio Rush have been on the music scene for close to 40 years. But now the band is back with their first ever full length concept album.

Not only is it a return to form, but it very well may be the bands best album in years. Maybe even their best EVER! The album is 12 songs telling the story of a young man’s journey through his life and the people, places and things he encounters along the way. From the “Caravan” that takes him from his home to start his journey to working with the “Carnies” until his final days in “The Garden”, this is the Rush album die hard fans have been waiting for all these years.

When the band released the Caravan/BU2B single back in 2010 as a teaser to coincide with a world tour, it was easy for fans of all generations to get excited about the possibility of a full conceptual piece.

We wondered if the band could pull it off after many years of steering away from long intricate pieces of music in favor of shorter more concise songs. But after listening to CA it’s easy to see the band hasn’t lost it’s touch as far as story telling. And the playing is top notch as well. This is Rush playing at their all time best.

The albums brightest rocking moments are in the tunes “Headlong Flight”. With it’s musical ode to “Bastille Day”, to it’s lyrics about looking back on the past with no regrets. It’s a real barn burner. “Wish

Them Well” is the other straight up rocker. Simple it it’s approach but still powerful and imaginative at the same time. You can tell the band is having fun here.

And when I hear them having this much fun, it brings a smile to my face. This is a band nearly 40 years in, and they can still enjoy what they do. And it really comes through in the music.

3 - Teenage Bottlerocket - “Freak Out!” Teenage Bottlerocket have a system for making great albums. They never take themselves too seriously and make fun albums full of fist in the air singa-longs. So it’s no surprise the bands latest album “Freak Out” is jam packed with some of the best punk rock songs to come out this year.

While the album doesn’t steer away from the sound and lyrical content we’re used to getting from Laramie, Wyoming’s finest, there is one track that’s, shall we say, a little bit more mature as far as lyrics and subject matter go. “Done With Love” was written by Kody Templeman after he and his wife divorced. It’s one of the best tracks on the album and very well could be Kody’s finest moment as a lyricist. He may have a “heart of stone”, but he’s still got a knack for writing great songs. Just an awesome track!

Kody’s not the only one at the top of his game. Ray Carlisle also has a couple monsters on the album in the forms of “Cruising For Chicks”, with it’s simple lyrical approach and a heavy palm muted chugging guitar riff, it really sets the mood for a Friday night out looking for that special someone to spend a few short hours with. And “Go With The Flow” is a great way to end an album full of high notes ON a high note. Ray’s vocals are so great when paired with Kody’s backing vocals, and this track really brings the most out of these two singers. This song is such a gem that I can see it as a possible single.

Teenage Bottlerocket are at the top of their game on “Freak Out”. And the sky’s the limit for this band who continue to put out quality punk rock, album after album. And for Pete’s sake, get the bands back catalog if you don’t already have it. You won’t regret it.

4 - Dan Vapid & The Cheats - “Dan Vapid & The Cheats” The debut from Dan Vapid & The Cheats is jam

packed with some of the best material Mr. Vapid has ever recorded. And with his track list of legendary material, that’s saying something. The album features 15 tracks that range in style from Ramones style pop punk (“What Do You Wanna Do Tonight”) to doo wop (“Girl Group”) and even some new wave (“Devo On Speed”). This records is an all around party! Vapid has a band that brings out not only the best in his playing, but also his songwriting as well. Dan sounds more comfortable on this record than on anything else he’s done up to this point. And by comfortable I mean he’s not afraid to mix styles of songwriting and playing.

The album is book ended with what very well could be 2 of the best songs Dan has ever written in the forms of “Torture Chamber” and “It Lives By Night”.

But to be honest, any of the other 13 tracks could be put up with the best of em. This is the feel GREAT record of 2012. Bravo to Mr. Vapid and his band of Cheats on making not only a great album, but a record that will stand the test of time as one of Vapid’s greatest musical accomplishments.

“Don’t Let Me Lose Ya” is a comforting album by a truly gifted singer, songwriter and musician. It just goes to show even the hardest of punks can show us another side of them. A side more sensitive and mellow, but equally as powerful as anything on “The Crew” or “Walk Together Rock Together”. This is one of the best records to come out this year, in my opinion.

Album Of The Year Masked Intruder - “Masked Intruder”

5 - Kevin Seconds - “Don’t Let Me Lose Ya” I’ve been a fan of Reno Nevada’s 7 Seconds for more years than I can remember. I always loved the bands sense on unity and staying true to what they believe in. So going into Kevin Seconds new solo album, having not heard any of his past solo material, I wasn’t sure what to expect. But I gotta tell ya, in all honesty, the new disc is one hell of a ride. It’s NOT a hardcore punk album at all. It’s an acoustic style singer/songwriter offering showcasing Kev’s guitar playing, smart lyrics and wonderful vocal approach.

But just so we’re clear, this ISN’T your daddy’s folk record, I’ll tell ya that much.

“Forever Try” is a song about youth and innocence.

Remembering our childhood where we used to “go out and get our hands dirty” while finding a little bit of trouble...but on a much smaller scale than by today’s standards. “Only Drug” is a nice little tune. It seems that Kev is confessing that even when times were tough he still found hope. But what did he find hope in? His wife? His music? The music scene that he’s so much a part of? All the above? It doesn’t matter! It can be about anything and everything all at once. It’s a song about all the good and bad in our life. Sometimes the good outweighs the bad. Sometimes it’s the other way around. But to stay focused and true to yourself are what will get you through til tomorrow.

Masked Intruder is a band that consists of 4 guys in colored ski masks who sing about break ins, knife wielding robbery and having your heart broken. Not a bad combination for song ideas.

“25 To Life” sets the pace for the record. This is one of those tunes that upon first listen you just simply fall in love with the song. It’s catchy sing along chorus and lyrics like “in a world of nightmares you’re a sweet sweet dream. Just about the prettiest thing that I’ve ever seen.”, it’s just pure pop genius in the form of a punk rock tune! I love it!

“How Do I Get To You” keeps it going with slashing riffs and another big sing along chorus. Harmonies galore, this is a damn fine song. The band, Intruder Blue (vocals/guitar), Intruder Green (guitar), Intruder

Orange (bass) and Intruder Red (drums), are rooted in pop punk with a splash of 50’s doo wop in certain areas. Everything they touch turns to gold on this album. There’s not a bad, or even sub par, track on this release. It’s just a great record front to back.

Closing out this album are 2 of my favorites. “Wish You Were Mine”, with it’s 50’s doo wop sing along I mentioned earlier, is just a fun track with lyrics like “I want ya to show me romance. Won’t you give a lonely masked man a chance”. How can you go wrong?

It shows the full potential this band has going for them. And “Crazy”is equally as good. Riffs galore and a great beat make it hard to not like this song.

Go ahead, just TRY not singing along with the chorus...if you can honestly do it, I’ll pay you $50! But I’ll keep that fifty snug in my wallet because you won’t be able to NOT sing along.

Masked Intruder are a band that will achieve greatness in the years to come. It’s not just schtick with the masks...this is a band with talent, drive and a commitment to it’s craft. Show some love for these knife carrying, B&E loving goofballs and pick this album up. It’s a must have for all you pop punk fanatics.

THE P.O.X. - Insanity is no disgrace CD/LP Germanys darkest Psychobilly Legend is back!

A dark ride through the Soul of a serial Killer! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e86t5GMCD0 ADRIANO BATOLBA ORCHESTRA Live'n'Loud CD Germanys King of Rockabilly with his 13 piece Orchestra! Brian Setzer Orchestra Fans will love it! https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=YJtATd4brcc BONSAI KITTEN have a brandnew Video for the Song "Don't you get too drunk to f*ck" from there actual CD "Welcome to my World" also available as Split LP with the great Graveyard Johnnys! Check it out and see how many "famous2 people you can spot in it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sV3A_niGLdM And the GRAVEYARD JOHNNYS also have a fantastic new Clip for the Song "Won't back out" from the "Songs from better days" CD (and the Split LP with Bonsai Kitten). http:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=ynORuDj0Fq4

death dealer- silence speaks volumes Holy shit. This is fast pissed off and in your face with hard as hell breakdowns. if you like hardcore, crust, punk, or thrash this is something you should check out as soon as possible.

The mix on this is so well done. The drums are right on the guitar is hard as hell, the bass just adds more to it. The vocals have a great sense of urgency. Don't take my word for it check this shit out and make your own fucking mind up already. If you like hellmouth, bitter end, integrity, negative approach or bands like this this is the band for you.

FB: What’s your name and what do you do in the band? How long has the band been around?

step aside- reaching out

FB: For those who haven't heard you yet what bands might you sound similar to?

Fast youthcrew hardcore done right. If you like youth of today this is a band to check out. Straight forward and does not hold much back. special duties- 77 in 82 from start to finish this is something that grabbed me and didn't let go. Mid paced punk with hard vocals and a bit of an oi influence. The mix is good the quality is a little rough recording wise. This is a band you need to check out for yourself it does not hold back or let up. "rise and fight" is going to be stuck in m head for days. sacred shock- demo The recording is rough but the music isn't. Oldschool hardcore period with some solos thrown in. The drumming is solid and attacking, The bass is on point, the guitar does not let up for a second, and the vocals are raw. If you like oldschool give it a listen already.

J: My name is J.Sin. I am the vocalist in Citizen Useless.

I formed Citizen Useless at the beginning of 2006… so it will soon be 7 years that we’ve been kicking around Jakarta.

J: Shit man… I don’t really like to pigeonhole.

Once you mention another band, people who haven’t heard you will already have expectations… like “Hey, they said they sound like “Dropkick Murphys… but this ain’t DKM… fuck these guys!”. Hahaha. Basically we just want potential fans to do a search, download some of our songs and either love it or hate it. We’re Hard Porn Drunk Core… a mix of everything we like… we try to take a bit from everyone and make our own sound.

FB: What is the main message of your music if you have one?

J: Work Hard. Have fun. Live like there’s no tomorrow.

FB: Who are some bands that we should check out that we may have not heard of yet?

J: There’s so much fucking great shit floating around out there that it would take a thousand pages to print. Right now, both Rhetoric States (http://www. facebook.com/rhetoricstates) and Roots (http://www. facebook.com/bayu.roots) from Indonesia are pretty fucking close to the top of my list. They are the coolest bunch of guys and they have a lot of fun playing music.

FB: What made you want to start playing music?

J: It sort of just happened. I’ve always been obsessed with music so it just seemed like something I was meant to do.

FB: What is the most memorable show you have played so far?

J: Every show is memorable, whether it’s been playing in front of 5 people or 5000 people… every show we have ever played has kicked major ass and has had so much energy and power coming at us from the fans that it was palpable… you could feel their energy slam into you with every beat.

FB: What have you seen change in the scene over the years? What if anything would you like to see change?

J: The Punk scene has kind of been overwhelmed and diluted by Pop Punk and EMO. They came in and took over the punk scene and toned everything down… pacifying the whole genre with their soft melodies and weak lyrics… not saying anything important and lacking any strong emotion. They put the 3 minute solo back in, the 4 bridges where they can sway and cry over things like not having a Lexus to take their girlfriends out in, or how their Mom and Dad won’t let them get that new smart phone at the mall. It’s pathetic really. The true punks have taken to the streets and sort of went under the underground.

The good thing about that is, when you DO find a true punk gig, the bands are fucking incredible and the songs are truly inspired. The only change I’d like to see is for bands to get back out there and fight the system, and destroy these soft bands who call themselves punk. Bring anarchy and protest back to the scene… not crying over a girl or bitching about their parents not giving them enough money. Get a fucking job and stop whining.

FB: Do you have any advice for someone that is in their first band or about to start their first band?

J: Don’t think about it… just fucking do it. Get some friends together, experiment with a few chords and chord progressions and just throw a couple of songs together. Practice, have fun, write more and just fucking enjoy the process of creating. Don’t plan on being the next “Green Day” or some shit like that… find your sound, respect the people you play with, and just make art.

FB: Do you have any plans to record or tour coming up?

J: We have recorded 2 full albums already and we are finishing up our third. We are constantly writing new songs and recording them. Some evolve to be sick songs… others are tossed in the “maybe” pile and may or may not get used. The point is, we record every practice with a little Sony voice recorder and go to the studio ever couple of weeks and lay down the tracks to see what happens. We want to tour sometime, but we’re already so busy in Jakarta… I guess we’re just waiting for a time when we can get a few shows overseas and go on tour… it just hasn’t happened yet.

FB: What is the best way to get in touch with you in case someone wants you to play a show or something like that?

J: In this day and age of Social Networking and Worldwide computer addiction, the best way to contact us is email and any of our sites.

Email: citizenuseless@hotmail.com Bandcamp: citizenuseless.bandcamp.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/citizenuseless Free Songs: http://soundcloud.com/citizenuseless Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/citizenuseless MySpace: www.myspace.com/citizenuseless

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