Special Duties- '77 in '82 LP review

Special Duties- ’77 in ’82 LP review

Underrated, supercharged Oi! with a faster beat and a bleaker outlook- this is the epitome of what UK 82 was, and although these guys weren’t as well-known as the likes of their contemporaries like the Exploited, One Way System, Abrasive Wheels, and any band on a punk’s denim/leather jacket circa 2006 (that they probably didn’t listen to), these guys were just as good, if not better.  The rhythm is much heavier than the melody here- it’s downright thudding, stifling even, and not in a bad way.  The simplicity and brutality of these songs is what sets them apart from their predecessors.  Neither an evolution nor devolution, it was a progression that left a permanent imprint on the world.  This is what the “hardcore” movement in the UK was, the one that sprouted up alongside Black Flag, Minor Threat, Bad Brains, Negative Approach, etc.  Since the cultures were different, they progressed and manifested differently as well.  The songs and demeanor were different, but there still existed a camaraderie of sorts.  Those who make the effort to research history will be the ones who unearth lost treasures.  This is no doubt one of those.

-Aunty Social

The Destructors/Ziplock- Pax Romanus split CD review

The Destructors/Ziplock- Pax Romanus split CD review

The Destructors side of this CD is modern-sounding Oi! with a left-leaning political stance.  The cover of Peter & the Test Tube Babies is notable, though it does seem to be a bit simplistic for the usually complex Destructors.  The vocals don’t do it much for me (it seems far too steeped in the sort of Dropkick Murphys style of Oi!), but the lyrics are intelligent, and the music, especially this time, is pretty good.  If the vocals could be a bit more gruff and grunty, I’d really dig this more than I do.  Still, a very worthy offering.  As for Ziplock, even though the name kind of annoys me, these songs too, are pretty good.  Gritty, heels-dug-in, ready to fight punk rock that could easily be hardcore or Oi!, but is neither.  These songs have some substance to them, no doubt.  I feel like their last song could have been a bit more urgent than it was, but no complaints otherwise.  Definitely the best thing I’ve received from the Destructors yet.

-Aunty Social

The Destructors- Ragnarok 12.12.12 CD review

The Destructors- Ragnarok 12.12.12 CD review

Compared to the previous releases I’ve received from these guys, this stellar.  This has a mixed Oi!/UK 82 sound that surprised me quite a bit- they do a couple of pretty good covers of the Exploited “Dead Cities” and Discharge’s “The Final Bloodbath”, albeit with a clearer, less cacophonous singing style.  Though I am not into the singing style the band usually employs, this is a modernized version of UK 82 bands, and it’s done very well.  Even the slower songs are pretty good most of the time.  The topics are still very political, one thing that’s never changed about the band in my time of being aware of them (and one thing I have mad respect for them on).  No songs that were notably bad, and the best song was the “War of the Worlds” jam; definitely above average.  If nothing else, I have a few tracks I’d certainly recommend off this record.

-Aunty Social

Don't Look Down/ The Destructors- Je Suis Radio split CD review

Don’t Look Down/ The Destructors- Je Suis Radio split CD review

The first part of this CD (three tracks, I should say) is a captivating mixture of the Buzzcocks’ melody and Blitz’s anthem-y British Oi!/ street punk, done by a band by the name of Don’t Look Down, who could very well have been at home in that original era in the early to mid-80s.  This is some catchy, fun music, which is related to the other band on the split, but manages to steer mostly clear of the drudgery of political songs, sticking instead to more proletarian themes (and for the better; communicating something serious in this music would likely go over listeners’ heads).  I look forward to this playing at a punk house party on the stereo.

Now for the Destructors’ contributions:  These tracks, instead of the usual street punk politics-laced themes, are much more reminiscent of the original British punk invasion.  Stiff Little Fingers, 999, Sham 69, all of the songs from the Destructors side take from these bands and sound a lot like them, while spinning the music to deliver their own unique message.  This is usual decent Destructors stuff- either you like it for what it is or you don’t.  I, however, do like it.  Thumbs up, just not WAY up.

-Aunty Social

The Destructors- Media Studies CD review

The Destructors- Media Studies CD review

Catchy, anthemic, Oi!- influenced street punk at its finest.  I can see going out for a round or two at the Painted Lady and having this play in the background.  I think this is probably what politically informed punks listen to on the way to the pub- not a bad thing at all.  It’s got a nice little jig to it, and it’s audibly pleasant.  Reading the lyric sheet is another story, however; this is some poetic prose preaching politics (and how it can relate to people like us).  Not a reinvention of the wheel, and no need for one, with what this music is.  For those who don’t like NPR (I myself fucking hate the radio), this will do well as pleasant-sounding informative background music.  Also, big thumbs up to the guy who mixed this.

-Aunty Social