Raw Nerve Nervous Habits CS

Raw Nerve
Nervous Habits CS/Cassingle/Cassette
Youth Attack!
2011

1. Nervous Habits
2. New Neighbors
3. Strychnine


I can honestly say I never get sick of listening to this particular band, either seeing time perform or just lounging around enjoying their music in the safe comfort my home. Even with an insane amount of hype that would have probably ruined careers, they still seem deliver the goods without having to resort to generic stereotypes (kind of an oxymoron if you think about it really) in hardcore. Any who; with so much anticipation regarding their upcoming 7 inch on McCoy's Youth Attack label, Raw Nerve decided to release this cassette as a way to show off what direction the band is heading in for their record. Overall, It's nothing too different from what you'd expect from Raw Nerve but the songs are perfect statement to hardcore.

"Nervous Habits" starts off with instant feedback, building up little by little until going forth in an immediate attack. From there, Raw Nerve seems to never lose its edge, with Ralph Rivera proclaiming near the end of the track "Are you what you say you are", a message still be relate-able in the minds of teenage angst. Compared to most of their songs found on their previous LP, demos, or 7 inches, this one lasts a little longer, at near 2 and a half minutes. Given that it's not really long, but quite a difference from their LP containing songs that barely lasted for 30 seconds(excluding Crosses, Skinned, or Hemlock). Regardless, the track still kills.

"New Neighbors" is probably one of my favorite tracks off this release, heading in the same usual sound found on previous tracks. Need a description; Fast, rapid, straight up the ear canal hardcore that can lose a listener with a couple seconds. Raw Nerve just go nuts all over this track; hard to keep guitar riffs, rapid pace drumming, a singer that seems to go overboard with yelling, enabling a clear, concise way of actually hearing the lyrics.

"Strychnine" is, if you haven't taken noticed by now, a cover song from the Sonics/The Cramps (whatever satisfies your preferences). Another slow cut off this cassette, it doesn't have the same vibe compared to other tracks. Instead of building up or just going in an onslaught, Raw Nerve keeps it at a steady pace, easier to stay along without ruining the vibe and still be original. One of the mere differences aside from the pace is the addition of a saxophone showcased for a good duration of the track. If more songs were to be like this found on their upcoming record, some outsiders would probably give a little more credit to Raw Nerve. If not, it wouldn't be much of a disappointment either.

Overall, this teaser (if you will call it one) as least gives an idea of what to expect from Raw Nerve and their release expected to out spring. With no doubt, this cassette adds more hype to the release but that's only the start (Those keeping an eye on Raw Nerve already know a record store day release of Tall Tales, containing almost every single release from the band, including this tape). None the less, it was to be expected and it shouldn't stop Raw Nerve from disproving non-believers wrong. Although I'm pretty ecstatic about their Youth Attack release, I'm still curious about that Culo split rumored to be released this year as well.

I'm not leaving a Download link, but am posting two of the other blogs that do have the link, mainly to give them both credit and props to bringing this to the web. I'm also posting some shows that Raw Nerve is playing, giving them their much needed respect within hardcore. Till then, thanks for reading!

Mindisease

Elementary Revolt

March 21st, 2011
Beat Kitchen: 17 +, $10
Ringworm
Raw Nerve
Hate
Thieves

April 16th, 2011
TBA- possibly Waterworks
Raw Nerve
The Ropes (Repo's new band)
Salvation (Youth Attack's finest)
Hoax (Hardcore up the ass)

April 16th, 2011
Reckless Records, Chicago (location to be announced)
Raw Nerve

2/5/2011 Paint It Black, Lemuria, Raw Nerve, Poison Planet, Boilerman @ Locked Out

It's been awhile since I last posted a show review on here and I figured I'd make it worthy since my last possible choices were a bust due to personal shit. Any who, I thought I'd make it up by attending this benefit that was hosted last weekend at Locked Out. So, I persuaded a close friend to venture out with me and off we were like a couple of race horses, or something similar.

I've only heard of Locked Out from the various flyers I've came across for shows going down in the city. Assuming it was another basement venue, sort of like the Strangelight, it ended up being an upstairs VFW hall, decorated with various political protest signs hung up on the walls or very interesting artworks created by students in the community. Considering the lineup, the overall look of the venue was a worthy choice for the location. I should point out that the proceeds of the show were going to a local charity called the Chicagoland Bully Bread rescue, a charity that houses and cares for pitbulls, either abandoned or waiting to be adopted. Along with some of the show's proceeds going to charity, a raffle was also conducted for "special" audience member to actually have a chance to win some of the money. Good idea for a real good cause, that's for sure.

After about an hour waiting around, the first band came up. Boilerman are a local Chicago pop punk band, playing some pretty mouth watering tunes that would satisfy any pop punk fan. Hearing their 7 inch, I was anticipating this band, but was pretty disappointed with the sound guy. The vocals were going in and out, making quite difficult to actually hear the singer from way in the back. The band, of course, didn't play too terribly, still continuing to play, but the crowd didn't seem very impressed with band, going on with their conversations about their lives. I still give credit to the band for at least giving an effort to play, and hopefully they do plan another show were the show won't be an issue.

Next band up was Poison Planet, another local band coming straight out of Chicago. The last time I'd seen these guys was last year in August when they were playing alongside Nazi Dust at the Strangelight. Things were a little different this time around, playing to a now sold-out crowd instead of a little crew of cellar dwellers. Once the band engaged in a couple riffs, an instant circle was made in the front and from where we were, all we could see was a ring of fists going up in the air. Poison Planet from then on, were a force to reckoned with. It was a blitzkreig going off and kids were getting physical, with some stage dives here and there. The vocalist, who was also organizing the show, thanked everyone for coming out and went on about the charity; from how it started to reasons for support. Poison Planet were pretty great, even playing a cover of "Bleed for me" by the Dead Kennedys, that even had a couple kids near us chanting the lyrics. Great set fellas, keep it up!

Raw Nerve were up next, and was my main reason for attending the show. I've kept missing shows from this particular band that ended up being some of the better shows around, from the -/- gig back in October to a recent gig at the Kostner house, alongside Culo and The Ropes (The Repos member's new endeavor). I've never been disappointed with this band, especially live and this show was a pure example. Jokingly, the band engaged in a stereotypical hardcore breakdown and vocalist Ralph Rivera stating "Come on now, they've paid $10. Let's make sure these kids have a good time". My friend and I both laughed, getting the joke, and watched some of local kids start hardcore dancing. Once this was over (they did this twice, for the record), Raw Nerve then went off with their set list and like Poison planet, kids were starting a ruckus. The band played tracks off of their LP released by Youth Attack last year and a couple songs off their cassingle released last month, with the exception of the cover song. I still remember seeing Dan Yemin's face during their set, and saw a stage diver go over his head, lipreading Dan say "woah". Raw Nerve of course were going chaotic during their set, especially with crosses with guitarist Nico and bassist Antonio head banging along with the beat, and then unleashing madness once the intro was over. Definitely not their worst set ever, keep it up.

Lemuria came right after Raw Nerve, coming off as a surprise for me, since I figured they'd be headlining the show. Much like Raw Nerve, it has been awhile since I've seen this group in person, this one being 3 years ago at Reggie's during their stint with the Queers. Their set didn't disappoint, playing from their back catalog such as "Lipstick", and "Chautauqua County". Although the band played perfectly, the sound from the microphones was pretty inaudible and made Sheena's voice sound like one of the characters found in Charlie Brown. A guitar malfunction sort of ruined their set, taking about five to ten minutes to fix the issue before the band got back on it's feet. The crowd didn't get sick of enjoying them, even clapping along to the beats of "Pants", singing along to the entire song with smiles shown on their faces. I admired their set and enjoyed seeing their performance as fan, instead of three years ago when I had no idea about this band. My friend, on the other hand, was pretty bored by their set and instead decided to read the "vegan literature" (i.e pamphlets on why to actually go vegan) and I joined him. Despite so, A great band indeed to keep an eye for but I'm pretty sure kids are at the point. If not, check their stuff out.

Last but finally not least, Paint It Black graced the stage, fulfilling the wishes of every attendee at the venue, including my friend and I. The last time I had witnessed this band was 2 years ago during Riot Fest, where they played in the lobby of the congress theater, probably one of the better performances that night. Around this time, the crowd got a little bit smaller, with some kids leaving right after Lemuria, and the kids before that left during Raw Nerve's set. Still, the band was on fire, hitting song after song, non-stop with unprecedented fury that was matched by the kids in the pit, stage diving or dog-piling Dan Yemin. The Philadelphia band played some of their more recent released songs from the Amnesia and Surrender 7 inches from last year, so nothing too different from their usual sets. Much like Lemuria, the sound was a major issue, with Yemin's microphone cutting in and out during their set, kind of a buzz-kill after dealing with this as an attendant from the first band to the last. Paint It Black didn't let this bother them, with Dan having the crowd chant along to their songs. He even had time to actually interact with the crowd, talking about various issues still affecting our county such as the immigration fiasco to personal thoughts revolving animal cruelty. Despite dealing with the shitty sound the other bands had to deal with, Paint It Black made it worthwhile with kids getting their money's worth. My friend was also impressed, telling he'd never seen anything like that. Talk about a good night.

Although the sound basically ruined a good majority of the band's set, the event was still a success, raising about $1300 for the charity, excluding the raffle tickets. Pretty impressive if you ask me, but who's asking anyways. Not only was it a success for the rescue but also for actually bringing the headliners back to Chicago once more, due to the year gap since their last shows.

I'll try to post something about the Raw Nerve tape that I recently received (Postoffice can be a major pain in the ass sometimes), and then a couple more record reviews from Culo and maybe Lemuria. Also, I plan on doing a couple more show reviews, such as the upcoming This is My Fist! show and Libyans show in may. Till then, thanks again for checking this out!

Boilerman Bandcamp

Not Normal Records

Lemuria

Paint It Black

Crazy Spirit Burning Churches EP

Burning Churches EP

1.When Faces Change
2.The Burning Churches
3.Cool Death
4.Slimey Leech
5.Tooth and Nail
6.Killing Children


I'm a little way to late on this band, and for that, I apologize. Crazy Spirit is one of the fewer bands coming straight out of NYC that definitely display some chops; reviewers even compared the vibe found on this EP with renowned bands such as the Germs and Cheetah Chrome Motherfuckers. Why I would not pay attention to band much sooner I'm unsure, but it's hard now to even put this down.

I was reading an interview about the band from Accept the Darkness a couple months back and I was pretty impressed with how fearless this band was, prompting me to check this EP. It standouts compared to most of the 7 inches I've came across in awhile, showcasing a style all their own. The sludgy bass sounds, drumming that would mirror an early discharge record, all topped with Darby Crash-esque vocals that would make any punk's back shiver.

One of my favorites that basically on repeat at this very moment is Slimey Leech, a track that honestly left an impression from the start. The hypnotic guitar intro, intense build up, and Bleb Farnslarven's nasally vocals all made an unholy combination on my ears. The track has all the components of a classic, at least in the inner circles of today's underground scene.

"Cool death" has that same essence found on slimey leech, however providing different paces throughout, going from a buildup to high speed to then pacing slowly, sort as it just finished making it's attack. The lyrics leave a grimy impression, particularly "so many eyes, so many legs. take me now, cool death". "Tooth and Nail" is a different take, striking the ear's with a massive attack that will leave anyone in the dust.

This band is definitely a band to keep an eye out for, if you've haven't already. I'm anxiously anticipating future releases or tours that would come across Chicago soon. Anywho, I'm sure you can find links of this album on various other blogspots so instead I'm leaving you the band's blog. I'm also posting a link to another blog, in case some might want to preview their demo beforehand. Till then, thanks again. I'm hoping by next week I'll post a review up for the new Raw Nerve cassingle tape.


Crazy Spirit Blogspot

Terminal Escape

Shock Troops

Jan. 3rd
The Juicer
7pm-10pm
$5

Culo
Suffix
Self Conscious
Corpus Luteum
Buff Shit


Get at it fellas!

Captain Beefheart: 1941-2010

Probably one of the most creative, imaginative, and somewhat odd artist has truly passed away today. At 69, Captain Beefheart has now truly become a legend.

I remember getting sucked into his maniacal grooves off the Shiny Beast Bat Chain Puller album and just being mesmerized with "Tropical Hot Dog Night". Prior to that, my only sort of connection to his music was found in bands like the Butthole Surfers and the Minutemen, two bands I still worship to this day. They praised Beefheart to the point where I had to hear this band, being utterly amazed by his work. With that in mind, I leave behind the tracks that got me started with Mr. Beefheart, as a tribute. God speed sir....

Tops of 2010:

I considered this year to be a good run for music, a good way to bring in another decade. I've heard newer grand stuff from unexpected places and ones that just knocked me on my ass and still leave in shock afterwards. I made a couple regrets that I'm still not getting over with, in terms of shows but I'm not too worried with it now, considering the word of mouth going around. Any-who, After trying to recall the rest of the year, I came up with a primo list of records I enjoyed that deserve some credit or two. Some records were already posted that I feel need to be recognized, while others I either got introduced too or haven't been able to write something on them. As for downloads, I'm sure they're scatter around the interwebs so why bother to steal links from those sites. If by any means you haven't heard any of these records, I suggest you start, otherwise you're missing out. If you have any recommendations for me to check out, bring them in. I could learn a thing or two on music.

Notables:
Ceremony- Rohnert Park LP: I still stand by with this band, regardless of record label association (I'm not too parched over B9) or by change in direction these guys took. I may have probably went a little overboard with this album but give these guys their much needed due. Yea, some songs sound exactly like an Adolescent's song but honestly, it's better than the majority found the label that are either too focused on masculinity or just boring.

Neon Blud- b-girls LP: This LP was my main anticipation for much of '10. Their demo tape, eventually released as a 7 inch this year, grabbed my ears and a craving for more was much needed. It's not a terrible record by all means, but I was expecting more songs on the LP, instead of 12 minute opuses. Though I'm in no need to criticize, this record still holds up in my book. Side B of this record I felt was great from beginning to end. The addition of a second guitarist made it sound more chaotic and nerve-wrecking, not relying too much on the Sonic Youth influence. From what I understand, the band is out of control at their shows. I sadly missed their show at the Ball hall with Bad Drug and Sea of Shit with work so I honestly have to wait it out till another tour. However, if you haven't heard this at all, tune in.

Merchandise- Strange songs in the Dark LP: Much like Neon Blud, I was expecting a little more from this new release, at least that would be similar to their self titled cassette. More experimental and surprisingly, more darker that what I had in mind. I still give these guys a pat on the back however and am anticipating a stop in Chicago if they do decide to tour. Maybe a couple more listens and I'll truly reconsider.

Top Ten's




1. Double Negative- Daydreamnation
Since my last review, this record has honestly wrecked my life, at least more good than bad. The perfect stable on how hardcore should sound; brutal, hard-hitting, and above all, dangerous. The overall sound on this record could have been a tad bit better, in regards to vocals but still a masterpiece in the making. Cool fact: Bassist Justin Gray had actually emailed me, giving his thanks for the positive review and hoped I was making out to their show at Treasuretown. Although I responded back, work got in the way of actually preventing me to actually talking with the man in person, not to mention seeing Double Negative at their finest but still a good moment. Hopefully, he reads this and write back, but till then, keep them coming fellas.





2. Slices- Cruising
Another favorite of mine this year, Slices proved they were a force to be reckoned with on their new LP. "Medusa" and "Nightmare Man" are two of my favorite tracks on this record, although the whole LP is fantastic. I would have loved to seen these guys live at the Albion House but aside from that, it sounds hellacious and devastating.





3. Be My Doppelganger- No Composure
I had a long talk with some of buddies about this band, seeing that we managed to catch these guys during their stops at The Windy City Sound Clash and a bar in Elgin called the Gasthaus. One of us stated that throughout this entire year, this LP in particular was played nonstop, along with their past album Rock N Roll Genius. Any who, this album will propel these guys to get a little more attention in their way, but it's understood. I enjoyed the poppy, catchy, stuck in head riffs, that just making you want to automatically move to the rhythms. "Backpack full of beers" still haunts my little dreams of a good summer night. Oh, how I miss summer.




4. Libyans- A Common Place
This was mere recent release, at least that I managed to snag myself a copy. Regardless, this piece of work is worth the buy. Nothing like a good hardcore record to get crazy too. Some favorite tracks are "Blood and Rust", "Paralyzed", "Breathing In", and "No Reason". In my opinion, these songs are far better than their sleeper hit "Welcome to the Neighborhood", by far. At the moment, these guys are on tour in Europe to support this release, but hopefully a tour in the US would be granted as well.




5. Total Abuse- Mutt
The mysterious hardcore still prevails in the likes of Total Abuse. Although I hate the term used to describe these type of bands, this record was pure heinous. I guarantee you that this band will eventually get compared to Poison Idea, if that hasn't been brought up. "Caligula" will probably rank as the best hardcore song in latter years, when people start to recognize the pure brutality of the underrated bands in today's scene. It seems like everything this band does is pure genius. I mean, I haven't came across a bad LP or EP from these fellas.




6. The Arrivals- Volatile Molotov
Probably one of the more mainstream bands, this LP definitely ranks at the top in terms of the more recognized figures in the likes of No Idea, Razorcake, Johann's face, etc. crowd. The Arrivals were already on my bands to keep an eye on list, after seeing this guys playing with Naked Raygun last year and devouring myself with The Marvels of Industry album. Volatile Molotov definitely captures the essence of the Midwest. In other words, this is the type of band that fits the definition of what a band should sound like.




7. Raw Nerve- Self titled LP
Everyone knows about the hype found with Youth Attack records, with merchandise from the label selling out with hours only to be found on Ebay with ridiculous prices (I remember seeing the Dan Rossiter zine of his artwork being sold at $75, despite costing $7 from Youth Attack). With this in mind, I passed by this, mainly of the fact that kids were already selling this on Ebay despite a week after being sold out. I opted to download it first, seeing what was to be expected. Eventually, my mind changed about this album, admiring the work found on "Crosses", the finest statement Raw Nerve has contributed in Hardcore. Raw Nerve is definitely aggressive, hard-hitting, and unsettling (I'm still kind of baffled with the poster of a guy getting his dick sucked by a dude but whatever, it's art). One reviewer who runs Dude Fest, described the band as being "Void for the Twenty-first century". It's sums up what you're gonna expect.




8. The Brokedowns- Species Bender
Much like No Composure, this album never did leave my car stereo and honestly, I can't blame it. Probably in the same boat for The Brokedowns, their music is pretty underrated, only described as "a third rate Dillinger Four band". There is a lot more to that found on this CD, that will change the minds of nonbelievers everywhere. Till then, It's not leaving my car till their next CD.




9. Masshysteri- Self titled
This is the only record on here that has members found in another country, sweden to be exact. Is that a bad thing? No, but more surprising for me for reasons unspecified. That said, that was the only thing that hurt this record for me but I still found to be quite enjoyable. Prior to this, I had recently found out this band is going to take a break, probably indefinite. Hopefully, the group cheers up and starts releasing more albums in the near future.




10. Drunkdriver- Self titled
It's on here for basically being the last record these guys will ever release under the name of Drunkdriver. It's honestly pretty sad what the outcome was, considering that it shouldn't have been made as a big deal for what it already was. Regardless, after several teases from record labels unsure of releasing this, Drunkdriver decided to release it by themselves, Thankfully.

Couple 7 Inches that kicked ass:
Culo- Military Trend
Leather- Self titled
Manipulation- self titled
Rival Mob- Hardcore for Hardcore
House Boat- Processing Complaints

Demos:
Pukeoid
Razorfade
Body Cop

Bodycop- S/t Demo Cassette

Bodycop s/t demo
Fan Death Records 2010
1. Sisyphus
2. Loaves
3. Stay Alive
4. Don't Move
5. Pay Up


The first time I had ever encountered this group was actually from a post made on Maximum Rock N Roll, submitting a live clip of the band performing "Don't Move" at a DC show. Aside from the shitty video quality, Bodycop performed flawlessly, almost artistically if you will. Of course, I had no luck finding anything from the band what so ever online; No Myspace, No Facebook, No Blogspot, but this video and of course, another video interviewing the band (Now course, there's a little more videos going about). Most would have found it odd, considering the hype already given to the band, despite these somewhat crucial necessities that would add more advertisement to the band. Regardless, Once I heard a tape was to be released, I immediately purchased once; a bit excited to hear what the band would bring to the table, aside from the video.

For those unaware of exactly who Bodycop is, it's pure and simple. Hailing from DC, Bodycop provide a different take in terms of underground. Instead of partake in the sounds of original hardcore, Bodycop rather takes another approach to their sound. Heavily influenced by the earlier works of Swans, the band delivers a no-holds-barred attack; a distorted but demolishing bass lines accompanied by drone guitar sound that meshes perfectly with the tribal-like display demonstrated by their drummer and buzzing sounds found throughout the tape. Honestly, it fits perfectly to the Michael Gira sound, down to the core no doubt.

One of the tracks that seem to standout the most to me is "Don't Move", from the first second to last did that track seem to capture my mind. I can name a never-ending list of songs that grabbed me attention, just mainly from intro and this track is definitely added to the list. That drum beat displayed throughout the entire three and a half minutes were mind blowing, building up and up before it hit the chorus. Aside from the drums, the guitars were another factor; incorporating an industrial feel that echos a vivid scene of gears in place moving. I was even more astounded the screams coming out of Kiki, the band's vocalist. It gave the me chills just hearing her high pitch yells, reciting the lines "but oh you could risk this necessary force, but oh this force is necessary". This track was still stuck in my head even after hearing it, repeating over and over again. Fantastic.

"Payup" is another favorite of mine, the longest track on the tape with nine and a half minutes. At first, the track starts out slow before building up just a tad bit, with Kiki bellowing out ferocious yells and the band still laying down their groundwork of noise, buzzing, and feedback that still manages to draw you in. Personally, I feel this would fit nicely to a hallucination, mainly as I find to be very chaotic but somehow satisfying.

Their tape is out now via Fan Death Records, and I still think they have some left over, considering this was just released last month. For fans of Industrial music, such as Swans and Godflesh to name a few, this is highly recommended. For those interested to the appeal of this band, take a gander and hear this tape. For curious to this band from the amount of hype, just tune in and listen for yourself. I was meaning to upload and convert these tracks but another blog beat me to it (Well Fed Noise to be more specific). How laziness has it's toll on me so I provided the link from said blog and posted it on here. Hopefully, this will give the band some attention. Again, credit goes to Well Fed Noise.

DOWNLOAD

If by any chance the band catches wind of this and wants the link to be removed, just send me an email and I'll gladly remove it.

Fan Death Records

I'm also posting up the interview I was talking about from the band, courtesy of Denman Anderson. Gives a more inside look at the band. Enjoy.

Bodycop Interview