August 2007 Reviews

Internal Salvation (Hellcat Records)

by The Unseen

Reviewed by: Jick
I’ve been listening to the Unseen almost as long as I’ve been listening to punk. They’ve seen many different permutations, styles, and members. They’ve also been accused of "selling out" by cred-obsessed 17-year olds almost as much as the Casualties. I’ve always liked The Unseen for their ability to try new styles. People may criticize them for it, but I’ve always appreciated the way the band was always growing and evolving. The Listener could always expect something different from a new Unseen album. That said, Internal Salvation” could be proving the elitists right. The production quality on this CD is so good you’d think it was released on a bigger label than even Hellcat. The production quality is so good even, it hazards on making the band sound vanilla. Each track practically blends into the other. Chock full of muted chords, microphone effects, and group choruses, “Internal Salvation” has 13 tracks I’ve already heard before. The Freeze cover at the end (something I was excited about) is played in the most boring fashion I could even reasonably justify. I was hoping The Unseen would move away from the near radio-friendly direction on “State of Discontent” but that doesn’t seem to be happening any time soon. For what was one of the most scathing punk bands of the mid nineties and early two-thousands, The Unseen have become something different. Let’s forget the corporations in their thank you list. Let’s forget the fact that they feel the need to explain their opening track in the liner notes. Let’s forget for a second that this band is even the now-classic Unseen. This CD is still only mediocre. Unless you’re a die-hard Unseen fan, gamble the money on a band you’ve never heard of before committing to "Internal Salvation."

Super Taranta! (Side One Dummy)

by Gogol Bordello

Reviewed by: Mook
This is the single greatest gypsy punk CD I have ever heard, since Gogol Bordello’s “Gypsy Punks”. Gogol Bordello is back with a brand new CD and they haven’t changed a bit, but don’t worry that is a good thing. If you enjoyed any of their other stuff you enjoy this. The most memorable of songs would be “Ultimate”, “Wonderlust King”, “Supertheory of Supereverything”, “Tribal Connections”, “Alcohol” and “American Wedding”. This CD is punk mixed with folk in the best way possible. Hurry up and buy this CD its Fuckin’ GREEN!

Keep Their Day Jobs (Mob Front Records)

by The Disabled

Reviewed by: Mick
Wisconsin’s favorite sons (and daughter) of classesless punk rock and roll have returned to the studio to record and present to the public their sophomore effort “Keep Their Day Jobs”. As the title implies, the band does not take it’s self seriously, reminding us that the best things in life are simple… and tone deaf. On this release the group sticks to it’s usually formula and style of brief, irritating, brutal, and highly distorted punk anthems that are sure to please the perverted 15 year old in all of us. From the wacky titled Paris Hilton v Bear, to the lude escapades described in Sunshine Happy Rainbows, the band successfully maintains it’s sense of humor while rocking out. The creative streak they exhibit on the album has a charming naivety to it, similar to that of the Promise Ring, early Weezer or select material by Screeching Weasels, ushering in a welcome change from the generally aggressive grind of today’s underground punk scene. Also included are some highly entertaining untitled bonus tracks, featuring an entirely amusing cover of The Misfits Astro Zombies and the very jah Dayo, some jam session outtakes, absurd conversations, and even a punk rock sing along session. All these elements combine to cementing this release as another irritating, quirky, mind-numbing, and truly enjoyable album from one of Wisconsin’s more true to form punk outfits. It’ll be sure to amuse and delight listeners of all ages… or make them scream and tare their hair out in a fitful spasm. Either or, they could probably care less.

Rating: 3 ½ out of 5
Recommended: Yes
Where can I get a copy? At a show, or contact the band directly at Mob Front Records

Deadline (Fat Wreck Chords)

by Citizen Fish / Leftover Crack (Split)

Reviewed by: Mook
This is a great combination of punk meets ska from two bands that have really defined and revolutionized the genre of riot ska. This is a great CD, amazing music and astonishing lyrics. The Citizen Fish side of this CD is my personal favorite, the songs that really stand out are ‘Working on the Inside’, ‘Meltdown’, and ‘Back to Square One’. They also cover the Choking Victim song ‘Money’ and the Leftover Crack song ‘Clear Channel(Fuck Off)’ both of which are done very well. The Leftover Crack side starts off with a BANG, with the song ‘Baby-Punchers’ which has guest vocals by Jello Biafra. After that everything seems to slow down. The songs are good, but not their best, the most notable are ‘…And out comes the N-bomb’ and their cover of the Citizen Fish song ‘Supermarket Song’. They also cover the Subhumans song ‘Reason for Existence’. All in all this is a great CD and a great buy for anyone who like either of these bands or just wants some punk fuckin’ ska!

BUY THIS FUCKIN’ CD!!!!!