Assistert Sjølmord
Assistert Sjølmord
Static Shock Records (2024)
They say love is a universal language. But this eponymous EP by Norway’s Assistert Sjølmord is downright angry, so maybe they got that one wrong. I don’t know what they are singing about on here at all, though I can discern a few words from the song titles. But this 7” is a 7-song rager. The drums set the tone, … Read more
Bootlicker
1000 Yd. Stare
Neon Taste Records, Static Shock Records (2024)
This full-length record might fit on a 7”. It’s short and fast, but still definitely a full record with 10 fully-formed tracks of stomping punk rock just over 15 minutes overall. I’ve written about the band before and this record continues their trajectory. I remember a little more barking and aggression last time, but that isn’t to say this record … Read more
Bootlicker
Self-Titled
Neon Waste, Static Shock Records (2021)
Rough and tough d-beat, oi-influenced punk with a boot on the cover. If you follow the scene you probably already have a sense of what Bootlicker sounds like based on that alone. Released on Neon Waste (USA/Canada) and Static Shock (UK), this is Discharge-influenced punk that pulls no punches. It’s angry, shouty, and aggressive as all get-out with memorable lyrics … Read more
Lucta
Eterna Lotta
Static Shock Records (2024)
Lucta come from Milan, IT and play heavy, fast hardcore that sounds straight out of 1984. It’s aggressive, while also feeling unpredictable and a little bit unstable, like it could break into pure chaos at any moment. There are some metallic flourishes, kicking off with a minute-plus heavy atmospheric instrumental lead in the intro track, “Sacrificio,” but then it shifts … Read more
Powerplant
A Spine/Evidence EP
Static Shock Records (2020)
Elvis fronting Joy Division, That was the first thing that came to mind when the first song on this five song EP kicked off. Then my thoughts continued on to Gallon Drunk’s punk blues. Deep, brooding and slow and it actually sounds a bit different to the remaining quartet. Theo Zhykharyev is crooning like some drunk, evil Elvis (not Danzig!) … Read more
Uranium Club
Infants Under The Bulb
Anti Fade Records, Static Shock Records (2024)
Do you take your punk with saxophone? Do you like post-angular guitars and rhythmic, near-spoken vocals? If so, Uranium Club is probably right for you. Apparently they call this egg punk nowadays. I would have called it art-punk. It definitely runs in the left-of-the-dial, DIY punk world, but has that glasses-wearing, proud-of-your-weirdness element that makes it hard to pin down … Read more
