Leather- Sterile EP

Leather
Sterile EP
Jade Tree
2011


1. No Motivation
2. Zek
3. Relapse
4. Novitiate

Probably one of the more recent releases I've came across that startled, but excited me. I remember Leather fondly, seeing them at the Nazi Dust show in August. They're were one of two bands (the other being Culo) that made more of an impression that night, playing with a fury unmatched by the rest of the lineup that evening. I even purchased their Anchorite 7 inch and was floored once more, hearing in my opinion some of the best, jaw-dropping hardcore in recent memory. So, it surprised me that Leather was at it again with a new release, and from what I'm hearing, it's two damn good to miss out on.

I was surprised to see these guys release Sterile on Jade Tree, but it does make sense, considering how fantastic these guys are live, but also on record. Sterile, compared to Anchorite has a different sound production, emphasizing the Cro-Mags vibe more noticeable, not that it was hard before. Agran's vocal mirror John Joesph's, adding more a dark, howling approach. It's spine chilling almost, especially when hearing a track like "Zek"; the sheer aggression just being poured from all around. Agran's delivers at new heights, incorporating a bit of melody here and there, while retraining his hard, sinister approach on the mic. The rest of the band hasn't lost their touch either; playing more clean-cut organized hardcore than their contemporaries. "Relapse" is a perfect example; playing Straight to the bone hardcore, not having to go outside the realms of being unpredictable to make a bold statement. Then again, Leather still manages to bring the unexpected, avoiding the unnecessary bullshit acquired.

Pre-orders are being taken up now via Jade Tree, shipped around April 19th. The Anchorite 7 inch is also being released through the same webstore in limited quantities. Album comes with free download through the pre-order, so really no excuse to miss out.

Jade Tree

Leather

Truman & His Trophy- Bottom George Pizza Planet

Truman & His Trophy
Bottom George Pizza Planet
Cassette Deck Media
2011

1. Bottom George
2. Fruit Fight
3. The Virgin Harry
4. Jake Babe
5. Jake Hibernates
6. Eternal Nose
7. West
8. Everything is Weird
9. Slam Dunk
10. Spicy Water
11. Arm
12. Galaxy Quest
13. Journey To Pizza Planet



Not gonna lie, what grabbed my attention about this album was the cover shot, being both a lover of all things pizza and creativity. In fact, I started to get a sudden urge for pizza just after seeing this cover. None the less, after giving this album a spin, I started to appreciate the sheer catchy-ness of a majority of the songs found on here. Truman & His Trophy are pretty exciting and wonderful to hear, unraveling this sheer attitude of fun and pure energy track after track. It reminded me little bit of Bomb the Music Industry! upon the first list but after a couple more spins, I started to see the originality found on this album and put them in a list of their own.

"Jake Babe" is their more standout track, being that is the first single coming off this album but it makes sense why. Opening with an intro that would remind listeners of the minutemen (at least for me it did) from it's explosive guitar riff, the group just goes all out on this potential classic. The harmonies of the vocals during the chorus make it quite hard to whistle or sing along with the band. Another great track that just counterparts the single is "Jake Hibernates". It starts off a little more slower compared to the "Jake Babe" but that doesn't hurt the album or group, but rather showcases that the band is willing to mix up a variety of influences and changes with their sound.

From there, "Eternal Nose" comes into play and still works along that same vibe found on "Jake Hibernates", sounding a like a mixture between Pink Floyd and Wolfmother, that all the while continuously builds up before going into a massive attack of pop punk goodness. "West" is another favorite of mine, that sounds like a masterpiece to my ears. I'm instantly reminded to the post hardcore greats Fugazi, from the sudden change of the guitar riffs and vocals that unfolds from beginning to end. I'm also more fond of the how strong and powerful the drums and synthesizer are displayed on the track; the drummer going into this mesmerizing tribal beat, being complimented with the synthesizer manically going in and out.

Bottom George Pizza Planet shows this Chicago band at it's finest. I can't really recall a band that puts as much variety and influences into their sound, in regards of course to the current crop of bands appearing here and there. One thing is certain, I'm anticipating more materials from this band that will continue to knock me off my ass with more up-beat tracks. It's like the old saying goes, "Never Judge a book by it's cover". With that in mind, it would be right to say for fellow outsiders to instead of dismissing this band, try giving this a spin and you too will be raving about the fabulous sounds of Truman and His Trophy.

As of now, the album should be available for purchase on Cassette Deck Media. If you have to be in the Chicago area this weekend reading this post, I'd would advise you to head over to Pancho's to witness Truman and His Trophy in person, along with Pisces at the Animal Fair and Heart Shaped Hate. In honor of the release, the band is having a Pizza themed show on only the most suitable place in the world; Chicago. It's all ages and plus there's Pizza! Now, who doesn't love Pizza.

Cassette Deck Media


March 26th, 2011
Bottom George Pizza Planet Release Show:
Truman & His Trophy
Pisces at the Animal Fair
Heart Shaped Hate
7pm, All Ages

Pancho's
2200 N. California Avenue
Chicago, IL

Culo- Toxic Vision EP

Culo
Toxic Vision
Derranged Records
2011

1. Brain Cavity
2. Wasted on Wine
3. Neighborhood Watch
4. Death Culture
5. Toxic Vision


I've been anticipating another release from these hardcore boys from Elgin, and boy did it not disappoint me at all. Never being the stranger to Hardcore, Culo are one of the few bands in today's scene that still manage to keep things fresh while sticking to their guns or having to alienate outsiders over ridiculous reasons (I'd go into it but now is not the time or place). Culo let it all lose (figuratively and literally) on this fine slab of in-your face, "I don't give any kind of a fuck" mantra of Midwest hardcore. Combining the infectious sounds of Discharge and the Ramones, adding a Jerry Kids' style vibe, Culo pick up where they left off with Military Trend EP. One of the finest tracks found on this 7 inch is obviously the self titled track, clocking in at a minute and a half. It displays Culo as their finest; a ravaging, wild, and more brutally intent on describing death in their own interpretation. "Wasted on Wine" is another personal favorite, showcasing their style of a short, blasting, and "Faster than thou" approach. If somehow this name hasn't appeared in your usual radar of hardcore, then I suggest you check this band out. I guarantee you'll be surgically attached to this record once it's over.

The link below to buy Toxic Vision (or Military Trend if you haven't heard it either) via Derranged Records. the blog Mind disease has the download link to the album, if that's really what's important to you. I'm also posting Cowabunga's record store, considering they were selling copies of their demo My Brain is turning upside down, which is another must have in their category. Copies are near out, so yea...


Derranged Records

Cowabunga Records

Culo Myspace

School Jerks: Control EP

School Jerks
Control EP
Cowabunga Records
2011

1. Screamer
2. Control
3. Ready to Die
4. Ugly Minds, Ugly Faces
5. Moral Addiction
6. 4-F

One of the most blistering 7 inches released this year, no doubt about it. The School jerks are at it again with another rager that kicks it up a notch. Fans of their earlier material will appreciate this one. New to this band? To give a clearer image, it's reminiscent to the earlier works of Black Flag, notably the Nervous Breakdown era. With bits of Greg ginn-esqe riffs and brutal, snotty, nasally vocals, School Jerks give it all they got, blasting away for as long as 5 minutes; giving no fucks if you can't keep up and stay on track. A personal fave on here is "Ugly Minds, Ugly faces", a track that's easy to be lured by despite its brutally honest lyrics. I'm disappointed they didn't get to post lyrics for the rest of the songs, but still, I give them some props on the work.

Cowabunga Records still have copies for sale, if it does draw some interest for newer folk. Now would be a better chance to snag a copy, since their releases tend to go out fast., but maybe that's just my luck. School Jerks just recently finished a Californian tour with Elgin's mighty Culo. You can also preview tracks "Ugly Minds, Ugly Faces" and "Ready to Die" off their myspace. Maybe that'll persuade you. Till then, cheers!

Cowabunga Records Store

School Jerks Myspace