Lich Live @ Norwich Olives Cafe, Jan 2012

Bacchus Live @ Norwich Olives Cafe, Jan 2012

Nails/Skin Like Iron split EP review.

With Nails being one of my favorite grind acts, and probably one of the best around at the moment, i was eager to hear these two new tracks from them on this split with Skin Like Iron (this being the first time I've listened to them).

Nails/Skin Like Iron split artwork, i do really like this artwork, fancy!

Lets start with the Nails side, as it is to be fair, the stronger side to this split. It is two tracks long, both of them hitting around the 3 minute mark together, the second 'Cry Wolf' only around 24 seconds long. Short and snappy just like their last LP 'Unsilent Death' and very much a direct continuation of the sound. Its a very safe split and will keep fans happy until they decide to put out another record. The first track is riffy, bold and satisfying completely, keeping things heavy. The second is very much capturing the rest of the sound that they are known for, which is fast, brain drilling grind, making your head and hands move up and down without intention. 

Now for the other band on this split, Skin Like Iron. Again matching Nails they have two tracks on this EP, both tracks are between 2:30 mins to 3:30 mins each, so about double the length of Nails side. Upon first listen i was on the fence on the sound of this band. It starts off with a sorta uplifting/power metal-ly feel to it, but still keeping a dark hardcore edge. As the first track 'Disappear' kicks in with the vocals i started to feel a bit more into it, i liked the screechy/animal like vocal style but still felt a bit off about it as a whole. The first track wasn't very impressive to me as a first time listener of the band really, although the bridge/end of the track was enjoyable. The second track really was the same again, although the tempo was up in the verses and i enjoyed that, not a massive fan of the melodic solo parts underneath the vocals though. 

If i'm giving a rating to each side, the Nails side gets a solid 4/5, very pleased with it, does everything you expect but isn't stale at all. The Skin Like Iron side would regrettably get a low 2/5 from me, i just didn't like the overall sound of it but did enjoy the vocals and some small bursts of the songs. I would go get this though, as both sides are interesting to listen to and who knows Skin Like Iron maybe be more of a grower band. Links below for info on the bands etc. Overall a good 3/5 for this split! 

NAILS

SKIN LIKE IRON

7"

Brown Sugar 'Tropical Disease' EP review.

For those of you who live under rocks these days, you probably wouldn't have heard of a band called Brown Sugar. They are an American punk band, i believe from Buffalo.

'Tropical Disease cover art, featuring an image from 'Easy Rider' which rocks!

Anyway this record is a 4 track EP (out on Fashionable Idiots/Feral Kid) that continues from the same style of jumpy, pulse racing, rock n'roll, solo'd up and thrash filled hardcore that the LP set the standard for. Probably one of my favourite bands at the moment, this EP hits hard straight away after the soft melodic intro (which is extremely catchy) and runs straight into the build up of the EP. "Nothing ever makes sense to me, but maybe its only 'cause you're all full of shit" is the line that grabbed me from the off, and really sums up the tone and the mood of this release. Pissed off, but at the same time not giving a shit, just how punk should be. The rest of the EP follows with the same urgency with my personal favourite track "Too Fucked To Drunk" which has a really 90's fast hardcore feel too it. ANYWAY enough of my chatter about it and go listen for yourself!

If you can get hold of this EP is would seriously recommend it 100%! I'm not too sure where you can get it from right now in the UK but I'm sure its only a google search away, also check out their LP from last year (one of the best of last year too!).

WEBSITE
LINK TO 7"

Curb Patrol is born. + first compilation album.

Hi, i am Sam, im 18 years old and am an avid fan of punk music. Recently after starting my band (http://facebook.com/nofunuk) i felt i wanted to do more towards the scene that i spend most of my free time involved in. Thus the creation of blog/zine/label that is Curb Patrol.

My plan is to do a few compilation albums, a few reviews and interviews etc to get myself more in touch with what it takes to run a zine/label. After this i plan to do some small releases and a printed version of my online zine.

If any bands would like to be mentioned on the blog, put in a compilation, interviewed, reviewed or maybe even just a shout out, please get in contact at nofunuk@mail.com!