Sign Language

I've got another artifact here from the time when extreme idealism was prerequisite for starting a hardcore band or label. "Sign Language" was a triple 7" box set compilation Allied Recordings put out in the early '90's. According to his blurb, Yates liked the result but hated the process of assembling this thing. Like many contemporaneous comps, it includes a ton of graphics and writing, and fairly diverse selection of music (for similar comps, go here and here). Most of the standout bands' material would be compiled elsewhere in later years, but this is a pretty awesome line-up in an equally awesome package. (Note: the records were mastered at a really low volume, so you'll have to crank up your stereo for this one).

Bands & Tracks:
1. Scarecrow- "Walls Of Vacaville"
2. Sawhorse- "Twice Removed"
3. Seein' Red- "Man-Trap"
4. Political Asylum- "Sentenced"
5. Spitboy- "Motivated By Fear"
6. 411- "Life Minus Me"
7. Christ On A Crutch- "Fish People"
8. Suckerpunch- "Pain Never Dies"
9. The Fixtures- "Support The Troops?"
10. Sleep- "Numb"
11. Econochrist- "18 And Free"
12. Jawbox- "Dreamless"

Sign Language

Gutter Songs For The Godless

I'm in a compilations-that-don't-blow kind of mood, so I've got a couple of good ones today. The bands mainly fall into the new old school category in case that's your thing. The connection between the two comps is the appearance of one of my faves, Out Cold, although both tracks posted here are NOT exclusives. The first, "Bands That Don't Give A Shit About Being God," was pretty limited, but still might be in print. I don't know, so check with the label. In addition to Out Cold, it showcases some of best Massachusetts has to offer, including another favorite, The Conversions. The rest of the bands kick ass as well, and range from old school hardcore, to poppy punk. All of 'em are good.

Tracks & Bands:

1. Out Cold- "Doomsday Guy"
2. Violent Nuns- "The CIA Is After Me"
3. Sgt. Slaughter- "Wildman"
4. Social Circkle"- Private World"
5. Witches With Dicks" - It's Not You, It's Me"
6. The Conversions- "Chosen Few"


Keep scrolling for D/L link

In the folder below you'll also find this impressive, slightly older comp put out by Kangaroo Records, "Songs From The Gutter." Once again there's an Out Cold track that appears on one of their albums, but it's one of my favorites, so you won't hear me complain. Other bands that may perk up your antennae would be Brother Inferior, Final Conflict, and Seein' Red. The other bands compliment the awesomeness nicely.

Tracks & Bands:

1. Brother Inferior- "Collective Conscience"

2. Out Cold- "No Solution"

3. Yawp!- Inhuman Attrocity"

4. Brezhnev- "District 72"

5. Final Conflict- "Abort"

6. Boils- "Anthem 4 This Generation"

7. Seein' Red- "Dream"

Both Comps Are Here

"Red! Red! I'm Seein' Red!"

This post concerns two split 10 inchers involving veteran post-Lärm Dutch thrashers and socialist propaganda machine, Seein' Red. It would seem that these gents have been putting out the same record for years, but in no way is that bad. It's completely inspirational to see and hear a band that can stick to their principles and maintain their aggression consistently for so long. Not to mention, after hearing a few Seein' Red songs, I'm so amped I wanna pick up some red flags and start a general strike! Seriously, I totally respect this band's convictions, and split 10's are the best way to enjoy their noise-- if you're missing either of these records, download away!. First up is their split with Catweazle. On this one Seein' Red offer eleven whopping tracks of the fast as hell, feedback infused hardcore you can't help but love. There's a bit more variation than usual on these tracks, making this possibly my favorite Seein' Red release. Their fellow countrymen, Catweazle offer a different kind of punk: metallic, cleanly played, mid-paced hardcore. Lots of energy and talent from all the musicians in this band, some of whom played in an array of other Dutch bands, including Fleas and Lice.


Download HERE (256 Kbps)

Up next is the Seein' Red's split with yet another very different Dutch band, Shikari. Seein' Red offer eight originals and a cover of "Myth Of Freedom" by Manliftingbanner (the "other" post-Lärm band). The band's reliability comes through again- all the tracks are fast, angry, and noisy! So throw on your Ché beret, start a pit, then start a revolution!

Shikari are fairly "popular" in various hardcore circles, but in case you're not familiar, they played a heavy version of the screamy hardcore that broke out in the nineties. Stylistic similarities point to such bands as (Union of) Uranus, One Eyed God Prophecy, and perhaps mid-period Envy (Japan). Tons of emotional despondency on these four tracks, which are also available on the band's discography CD.

Get it HERE (256 Kbps)

Get a real copy HERE