VIPERA UK spring tour 2024

this one is already going but I somehow miss it.. still you can catch them somewhere, today they are in Newcastle and tomorrow in Glasgow, and so on... great motorcharged r'n'r/punk trio from Zagreb..

VIPERA

CRUTCHES mini euro tour May 2024

 

CRUTCHES

DISEASE / NO FUCKER euro tour May 2024

 

 

 

04.30 Berlin (Germany) - Confirmed
05.01 Hamburg (Germany) - Gängeviertel
05.02 Malmo (Sweden) - Confirmed!
05.03 Gothenburg (Sweden) - Confirmed!
05.04 Oslo (Norway) - Confirmed!
05.05 Copenhagen (Denmark) Confirmed!
05.06 Day Off
05.07 Flensburg or Rostock
05.08 Bremen (Germany) - Confirmed!
05.09 Enchede (Netherlands) - Confirmed!
05.10 Amsterdam (Netherlands) -Confirmed!
05. 11 Eindhoven (Netherlands) - Confirmed!
05.12 Liege (Belgium) - @KaFC Squat
05.13 Paris (France) -TBC
05.14 Bordeaux (France) - Confirmed!
05.15 Toulouse (France) - Confirmed!
05.16 Barcelona (Spain)- Confirmed!
05.17 Montpelliere- confirmed!
05.18 Marseille (France) - Confirmed!
05.19 Torino (Italy) - Confirmed
05.20 Day Off
05.21 Milano (Italy) -TBC
05.22 Biel/Bienne (Switz) - Schrottbar
05.23 Zurich (Switz) -Confirmed!
05.24 Munich (Germany)
05.25 Vienna (Austria) -Confirmed!
05.26 Bratislava (Slovakia) @fuga Confirmed!
05.27 Brno (Czech) @ VEGALITE - Confirmed!
05.28 Prague (Czech) @ CROSS CLUB - Confirmed!
05.29 Leipzig Germany - Confirmed!
05.30 Surprise Confirmed!

 

DISEASE

 

NO FUCKER

upcoming gig in Zadar, Croatia

 

 

when?...............30.03.2024., Saturday

where?..............Nigdjezemska, Zadar

who?.................OKOV hc punk, Cro

                          NEON LIES darkwave synth punk, Cro

entrance?...........5 € 

 

upcoming gig in Zagreb, Croatia

 

 

 

 

when?......................31.03.2024., Sunday

where?.....................AKC Attack, Zagreb

who?........................OUST hc punk, Ned

                                 HUMAN NEEDS hc punk, Ita

                                 BLANK OUT punk rock, Cze

                                 LIDSKE ZDROJE punk rock Aus/Cze

entrance?..................7 € (<18 free)

HIATUS - live @ DIY Hardcore Punk Fest, Gdynia 01.04.2023. - video

 

just the other night I was watching this video at youtube, was thinking how it's interesting that I can watch it in full length without getting bored, same as bunch of others uploaded in last few years, doesn't matter of similar or the same set list.. after this I found the one from Bradford (from 1 in 12 club) and was thinking that I should post them here at blog because both are awesome, not minding I already post more than few of them already before, then I lost myself in some even more awesome and wild from 90s and only after 2 or 3 hours realize that I should probably get some sleep.. because Hiatus is and always was just like that - awesome, energetic and inspirational band and after every listen you just want more of it.. but more than anything, the whole time watching and listening to those I was wondering from where the hell Willy still gets strength, enthusiasm and will for singing with such power.. yes we all knew he was sick, probably he was also aware more than anyone that he is close to the end, so most likely he wanted to spend those last months/years doing what he did the best for the majority of his life - being crust punk vocalist, one of the best and most influential and inspirational ever.. and I'm super glad he found the energy and strength for it, singing all over the Europe and even Brazil in last few years, make one more album with Hiatus and so on..

I didn't knew him personally, luckily was watching him once or twice with Visions of War (unfortunately never with Hiatus, and I was having so good opportunity last year while they were playing on Monteparadiso festival) but after decades of listening his voice on tapes, vinyl or online, watching various videos, listening hundreds and hundreds Hiatus inspired bands or their covers played by the same, I'm immensely sad now and feel like I lost a friend.. 

R.I.P. WILLY.. your legacy will live forever and you won't be forgotten..

"I did not ask to be born in here

I don't need that world, leave me"

 

 

 

STARVATION Vojvodina mini tour (Novi Sad, Sombor)

 

STARVATION

SANCTUS IUDA Mexico tour April/May 2024

 

SANCTUS IUDA

DISAGREE live @ "Old Barn" Punk Fest, Jim Falls, Wisconsin (USA) 07.08.1998 - video

well, this one is fckn brutal!.. Disagree were well known, but still not so appreciated like some others from this period crust/hc band from Montreal, Canada active few years in 90s.. i remember them from some obscure diy compilation tapes and somehow think that they are most known by split EP with Ungovern-Mental..

this is footage of their live show from Old Barn fest.. sheer fckng power and intensity of vocalist is incredible and wild here.. enjoy!..

 

 

- video source: youtube.com/@organizeandarise

 

 

upcoming gig in Ormož, Slovenia

 

 

what?...................promotion of Wasserdicht's new album

when?..................30.03.2024., Saturday

where?.................Unterhund, Ormož

who?....................WASSERDICHT hc punk crust, Slo

                            KAVEKANEM crust punk, Slo

entrance?.............?

upcoming gig in Ljubljana, Slovenia

 

 

 

 

when?........................30.03.2024., Saturday

where?.......................Gromka, Ljubljana

who?..........................OUST hc punk, Ned

                                   HUMAN NEEDS hc punk, Ita

                                   OPRAN MOŽGAN crust punk, Slo

entrance?....................?

upcoming gig in Zagreb, Croatia

 

when?................30.03.2024., Saturday

where?...............Klaonica, Zagreb

who?..................ÇAYÎR noise punk, Hun

                           ÉSZLELÉS hc punk noise rock, Hun

                           NAILED IN hc punk, Cro

                           MEANDERTHAL noise, Cro

entrance?............?

upcoming gig in Kutina, Croatia

 

 

what?...........................BREAKING THE MOLD III

when?..........................29.03.2024., Friday

where?.........................Baraka, Kutina

who?............................U.B.T. raw hc punk, Cro

                                     SUKOB hc punk crust, Cro

                                     TAČKE punk, Cro

                                     KIJAMET hc punk, Cro

                                     KILLING YIELD hc punk, Cro

                                     BIBLE THROWER crust punk, Cro

                                     MIŽERIJA post punk, Cro

entrance?......................5 €

WASSERDICHT - Prihajamo V Miru - new album is out now!!!

yes, new album by hardcore crust veterans Wasserdicht from Ormož is finally out on PDV Records and God Bless This Mess Records, my copy is already here at CF headquarters and from today is available at bandcamp as well.. 

even 16 new songs in true old school hardcore punk style with crusty vocals recorded in April last year in well known studio Depth in Zagreb, pressed on black vinyl with for me totally unexpected looking cover art for which is responsible artist under the name Punkerstein and with lyrics on Slovenian as always, from which some might be controversial as this was often the case with them in the past also.. as both labels are not strictly just into diy hc punk so the price of the vinyl is maybe something higher, 23€, in pre-order period it was 20€, but fck it, we live only once and I have too many nice memories with Wasserdicht to miss this one out.. if you can't or don't want afford it still you can check it on the link bellow, because still, it is good old Wasserdicht..

BANDCAMP

upcoming gig in Rijeka, Croatia

 

 

 

when?..........................................25.03.2024., Monday

where?.........................................Podrum, Rijeka

who?............................................BLANKOUT punk rock, Cze

                                                    LIDSKE ZDROJE punk rock Aus/Cze

entrance?.....................................4 €

upcoming gig in Belgrade, Serbia

 

 

 

 

 

when?...................................25.03.2024., Monday

where?..................................AKAB Okretnica, Belgrade

who?.....................................SUKOB hc punk crust, Cro

                                             STATICO hc punk, Ser

                                             KPAX! hc punk, Ser

entrance?..............................donations

upcoming gig in Čakovec, Croatia

 

when?................23.03.2024., Saturday

where?...............Prostor, Čakovec

who?..................PASMATERS hc, Cro

                          OTVORENI PRELOM punk, Ser

                          LIQUID SUPERCHARGE r'n'r punk, Cro

entrance?...........6 €

upcoming gig in Sisak, Croatia

 

 

 

 

 

when?....................22.03.2024.,  Friday

where?...................Skhwat, Sisak

who?......................STARVATION metal crust, Cro

                               OTVORENI PRELOM punk, Ser

                               BONAESH neo crust, Cro/Ukr

                               SABOTAŽA punk, Cro

entrance?................6 €

SUKOB euro tour March 2024

 

SUKOB

WASSERDICHT / KPAX! / KORIDOR / NUCLEAR ALTAR 09.03.2024., Prostor, Čakovec

so...where to start?.. I already forgot how to write gig reports, same as I forgot how is to attend some.. if I remember and counting well, I wasn't on any gig in last 3 years.. the last one was I think Mališa Bahat in Varaždin still during covid restrictions and wearing masks on a gig was a thing.. yes, I know, I betray punk and all that, haha, but fck it, punk also betrayed me and fckd me up plenty of times but still I'm coming back to it again and again like to some bloody addiction which I can't rid of..

I must admit that in last year or two there were some (probably) awesome gigs and maybe once in a lifetime opportunities that I will never forgive myself for missing them, like for example Warkrusher in Rijeka, Savageheads in Zagreb, Ego and Hiatus at Monteparadiso festival, well and Misery in Pittsburg together with Nightfeeder and Flower, to be completely honest, hahaha but then I heard about one gig that will happen in one special to me city and with special bands and I knew that I can't miss this.. you think this one in Čakovec!? - no, no, it's a little more complicated, I mean the one that took place in Požega a week or two ago when there were Wasserdicht and Nuclear Altar playing.. I really wanted and already planned to go there...but again, in last moment...I fckng miss it, hahaha.. but then story goes something like this: I saw announcement about gig in Čakovec again with Wasserdicht and this time with Koridor and Kpax! and thought finally some quality and good punk concert in my closest surroundings.. I really don't remember when there was some gig in Čakovec, Novi Marof or Varaždin with some good and by my taste hc punk or crust bands, I don't count uninteresting and irrelevant metal/post something/big punk-rock bands, I like my punk d.i.y., leaning towards hardcore or crust, if possible dark, and with at least traces of message and engagement.. the last one I can think of was also in Čakovec when U.B.T. and Sukob were playing among others and this gig was also organized by the same crew as this now if I remember well but you can already guess - I fckng miss it.. anyhow, still sad and mad at myself because I miss the one in Požega I come to brilliant idea - because Mata (also guitarist in Nuclear Altar) is playing with Koridor and will already be there, it would be great if the rest of Nuclear Altar can also come and play on this gig and make one more show together with old friends from Wasserdicht, so I contacted Kktz and organizers of gig, they both love the idea and viola, my evil plan succeeded - Nuclear Altar fell in as a last minute surprise band!.. I menage to get a free day at work and that was it..

as everything of this happen in short time the day of the gig comes fast, I didn't hear with anyone or talk to much with anybody about it and at the end I go there alone but already was having some picture who might show up on this considering the bands that will play and I was right - I met there some old crew and friends, with Nuclear Altar came familiar support from Požega, crew which is always ready for partying, with Koridor few people from Zagreb and of course some familiar faces from Čakovec, Novi Marof and Varaždin which also I didn't see for ages so it was nice to hang out a little.. there was not too much people, I kind of expected that there could be a way more folks, but considering that the same day there were gigs in Zagreb and Varaždin attendance was understandable and maybe even better this way because atmosphere was very friendly and positive because almost everyone knew each other and from the beginning it was clear that this will be one relaxed and fun gig, you know that kind of a gig when every band wants to play first so they can have fun after and drink more, haha, so in that tone was a timetable also, in maybe a little unexpected, more like reversed order, so Wasserdicht were playing first.. 

they are hc punk/crust dinosaurs from neighboring Ormož, active back from 1990 with some shorter or longer pauses, they returned recently in old, first line up as a trio with already decent number of gigs all around this our area from Kranj to Beograd and with brand new album which is ready for pre-orders and will be out on the vinyl very soon.. their set was perfect combo of old and new songs, they played my favorite ones Med Tem Ko Moliš and Moja Prepričanja as well and it was really awesome to watch them again.. I still remember their last reunion around 2013 when me and friend released their discography tape on our label and they played few awesome shows, including the one with GBH snd Extreme Noise Terror on which they were the best band, just to mention..  they were always known as hell of party animals, I remember few gigs from Čakovec or Varaždin, not really sure from the early 2000 when they even wasn't able to play at the end and still today they are for sure fun to watch.. this time they also outdid themselves, in one moment bassist has to go in toilets hahaha (I think I never seen situation like this ever before) so that kind of interrupted good energy and flow of their performance, but after he came back they finished gig in style and without further problems.. around 40-45 minutes set by them, they did it uncompromising and with fire, Mitja at drums and in some songs on vocals is still animal despite his age..

after short pause guests from Belgrade Kpax! took the stage, they are very positive and friendly crew active around Belgrade's diy space AKAB Okretnica, they are not really kind of the band I would listen at home everyday, as I'm familiar they were always compared to those nowadays popular French oi punk bands which I have no idea what they sound like and never get interested to check them, but I was aware of them, and give them a listen few times on bandcamp but never get really hooked, but live is another story, they are great and fun to watch.. they play this mid tempo, sometimes too slow for my taste hc punk, but in this anthemic style with a lot of oo-oooo-oo backing vocals and for sure it was nice to see and listen something like this for a change.. they spread some positive messages in between of songs and that's always welcome.. also the song "Granica Nema" was the best one to me (even though they have one witch actually is named "Najbolja" or the best one OE, but it wasn't, obviously) and is perfect sing-along hit for gigs with great message and meaning and during this song atmosphere among crew kind of explode and was wild until the end of their show..

after them something longer pause when Koridor set up their gear.. there was some discussion in between crowd about sound, allegedly drums were too silent and bass to loud, I didn't notice that but if it was so, right after Koridor started sound was perfect.. usually, when I hear that some band plays post-something I already get repulsion and it's instant turn off for me, but I already mentioned here on blog that Koridor is one of those rare actually good post punk bands and I respected them and follow their work from beginnings.. their post punk is dark, kind of depressive and very nervous and in the same time so highly energetic live that this is hard to describe.. music is maybe similar to something what Berlin based Ego plays nowadays but even more explosive, angry and I don't know what.. sound and way of playing drums and bass is special while guitars are also wild and on point.. they literally destroyed the place and also was really fun to watch.. song "Kroz Pukotine" is living fire and was the best to me.. and during one song which is kind of more melodic and slower (maybe it was Ruševine, I'm not sure) in one moment I thought that I'm watching Joy Division playing dark version of hardcore punk, they are incredibly charismatic band and have this strong certain vibe and appearance on the stage, no wonder they even already toured USA recently.. they are sure great discovery for me, because on the records they were just you know, a good band from which I would check out every new record and after some time forgot about them, but live...I want to watch them again soon as possible..

and for the end, the ones I came for, old friends from Požega, Nuclear Altar, dark punk crust band with whom I am somehow connected to from their beginnings, either with friendship, attending their gigs since forever or even releasing their tapes.. same as during Koridor, sound was perfect and loud, they also make their set as a blend of old and new stuff, reinforced with 4 awesome covers, Corporate Wasteland (Fight Back), Victims Of Progress (Dislike), Ne Želim (the best anti-war song in history of domestic hc punk scene by Bratska Pomoć/Dislike) and already indispensable Pank Pankerima (Disčerge/Fight Back).. they probably had the wildest atmosphere at the end, I don't know if it was because they were last one on the stage or because they bring their local support, but most likely they just were really that good.. one of the best parts was during End Of Illusion when after this slower intro/beginning Kktz shouted from depths of hell (but for real, I never heard him like this) endddd offff illusionnnnnnnn the whole place freeze from the shock and right when song was supposed to start in faster tempo after this shout, cable from Mata's guitar unplugged and fell out, and an awkward silence ensued, hahah so that's was little funny and they had to repeat song from the beginning..

they also had something longer set, same as other bands this evening which was nice and strange for them because of their relatively short songs.. it's obvious that they make decent amount of new ones so they now have material for proper gig.. for the end they repeated Victims Of Progress once again with Smole from Dislike on vocals in real chaos crust style and end up this gig in the best way possible..

after the gig some more standard hanging out, discussions and settling of impressions about the gig, some overall conclusion was that this was really one hell of an event, like some mini fest with two bands from abroad, with audience from different cities and quality and friendly atmosphere and hanging out.. shortly after I went home because I was already tired, I was working night shift the day before, didn't have enough of sleep and wasn't in mood for the afterparty, but at the same time full of impressions and energy from the great gig and meeting some old friends.. so now I can crawl back into my cave for another 3 years or so...just kidding, I hope there will be some similar event soon somewhere and see you all there..

WASSERDICHT

 

KPAX!

 

KORIDOR

 

NUCLEAR ALTAR

DIY HARDCORE PUNK FEST vol. 16 Gdynia, Poland 05.-06.04.2024.

 

DIY HARDCORE PUNK FEST vol. 16

24/24 - Kr​í​zisb​ő​l Kr​í​zisbe (2023) - tape

Band....................................24/24

Album..................................Kr​í​zisb​ő​l Kr​í​zisbe

Year.....................................2023

Genre..................................raw punk

Format.................................tape

Country................................Hungary

Web.....................................bandcamp, youtube 

Label...................................Sors Fintora Records

 

hell yes!.. new material from raw hc punk freaks 24/24 who are already familiar to the regular readers here.. those who still don't know them, well I'm sure they will soon, because they take it seriously as it seems: this is their 2nd demo in relatively short time, they had plenty of gigs behind them lately, some even abroad like those in Romania for example and this summer they will even play on mighty More Noise For Life festival in Czech R. among others..

but let's get back and focus on this tape which was released by the end of October last year on Sors Fintora, small diy label from Finland which is also responsible for their debut demo already reviewed here on crucified freedom.. title of the record is "Kr​í​zisb​ő​l Kr​í​zisb" which translated means something like "from crisis to crisis" and already from this you can get some picture what this band is all about, they don't have to use much imagination and make fancy dark lyrics because they are living their crisis in ordinary everyday life, and they are spiting their anger and dissatisfaction towards system, state, government, false values in society and capitalism throughout this 11 under the minute sharp attacks.. music is hardcore punk, but this raw, fast and uncompromising in tupa-tupa style, dancing on thin line between punk and crust.. all songs are simple and most of the time fast as hell but they sure are effective and will force you to bang your head or tap your foot on the floor at least, you can't stay still and indifferent while listening this..

and damn, there is something special in song "Iga", this freaky raw bass line in the middle of the song or something, I don't know, but it will give you chills all the way down your spine while blasting from your speakers.. I already mentioned, while writing about their 1st demo, that something in their music strangely reminds me on those latin american bands from 90s and here I also found why, although just in traces but just hear those backing vocals in "Ruszki Zabla" which sounds like they fell of from some crustcore act from Mexico or hardcore band from Brazil, or just check contagious, almost melodic "Bukott" which also transmits similar vibes..

anyhow, all songs are highly energetic and just by listening this I can imagine myself screaming some of those refrains at their live gig, even I don't speak or understand a word of Hungarian..

tape comes with simple and "by the book" made covers with playlist, band members and short thanks list on one side and on the other are lyrics, which are on Hungarian but if you're curious enough on their bandcamp page you can find short explanations of them on English.. all this is pressed on glossy paper and this red/brown color prevails the whole tape because labels/stickers on cassette are also in this color which all together sure looks nice.. same material is on both side of the tape and I must mention that the sound on it seems somehow even more massive and wild than this on online release..

I like this tape and band a lot, they just make me happy because I'm so glad that somebody still plays this kind of punk and I need more stuff like this in my life, that's for sure.. if you want your punk sincere, unpolished, angry and wild this one is for you..

tapes are still available, I believe, but was released only in 50 pieces so hurry up and try to contact the band or label for your copy..

 

 - contact: 24rawpunk[at]gmail[dot]com

 

 

 

upcoming gig in Zagreb, Croatia

 

when?..........................14.03.2024., Thursday

where?.........................AKC Attack, Zagreb

who?............................GREIA grindcore, Slo

                                     EKBOM mathgrind, Ita

entrance?.....................5 €

awesome poster, btw..

PAPERCORE #10 fanzine - is out!

new number of this long lasting international zine based in France is out, actually was out already in January but I somehow miss it..

The Winter 2023 issue of Papercore is out!

Printed at CALE (Marseille). Cover front design by Leo.

Already available (or in the days to come) in our distribution points. A4, 20 pages long. Write us if you want to distribute it or order a single copy. They are “prix libre” (pay what you want), but cost about 3€ to print and ship worldwide. We privilege punkpost.

This issue has an interview of Tsss collective Space (Georgia), last Fluff fest Report, an article about the Anarchopunk Federation in Spain, columns, reviews, comics…

The deadline for Papercore #11 is set for Mars 1th as to get it out in May.

Take care,
The papercore crew

 

PAPERCORE ZINE

TERMINAL FILTH - Traces Towards Oblivion - new album is online now!!!

I wrote few words about this one few weeks ago here so I won't brag too much this time, you know everything either way, just to mention that now full album, 4-song mini LP is now online, available for free download from Terminal Filth bandcamp page, vinyls will be ready soon on Agipunk.. first song was more than promising but now in overall maybe a little too much metal for my taste, but still awesome material.. check it out and play it loud!.. 

 

BANDCAMP

upcoming gigs in surroundings (Ego on tour)

 

 

 

when?....................14.03.2024., Thursday

where?...................AKAB Okretnica, Belgrade

who?......................EGO dark hc punk, Ger

                               KÁBELOK post punk synth, Hun

                               DISZNÓTOR punk, Ser

entrance?...............donations

when?....................15.03.2024., Friday

where?...................SKCNS Fabrika, Novi Sad

who?......................EGO dark punk, Ger

                              THE WAY WE ARE metal core, Hun

                              ALL EXCEPT ONE hc metal, Ser

                              KALO hc punk, Ser

entrance?..............800 din

when?................16.03.2024., Saturday

where?...............AKC Attack, Zagreb

who?..................EGO dark punk, Ger

                           VRŠNJAČKO NASILJE punk, Ser

                           KILLING YIELD hc punk, Cro

                           DISBAJA crust metal, Cro

entrance?...........7 €/under 18 years of age - free

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

when?.....................17.03.2024., Sunday

where?....................Etno klub, Smederevo

who?.......................EGO dark punk, Ger

                               VRŠNJAČKO NASILJE punk, Ser

entrance?................donations

upcoming gig in Rijeka, Croatia

 

 

 

when?.......................................13.03.2024., Wednesday

where?......................................Podrum, Rijeka

who?.........................................GREIA grindcore, Slo

                                                 EKBOM math grind, Ita

entrance?..................................4 €

 

 

http://rijekadiyhcpunk.blogspot.com/2024/03/greia-italyslovenia-ekbom-trento-podrum.html

STATE MANUFACTURED TERROR - Demo (2023) + live in New York 15.06.2023. - video

 

         

 

I stumbled upon this band while exploring current vivid crust punk scene in USA by watching various live videos at youtube of bands such as Lifeless Dark, Innocent, Flower, Physique, Tower 7 and the likes which all are awesome and interesting and this one is...well, they just hit different.. but still awesome.. it's like totally chaotic crust mixed with anarcho punk from 80s/90s, like weird blend of early Deviated Instinct and Scatcha (just look artworks on cover for demo or banners at some live videos) meets Antischism and Destroy with some American hardcore from the 80s added just to bring more confusion, weird, right?!..  they sounds like they landed in 2023 from some older times, they sounds like they don't give a fck about playing, they are here just to destroy and fck things up.. and I like it.. it seems live shows are also hellish and I will sure try to explore more about them and their possibly future work..

- videos are from:

demo: youtube.com/@d4mtlabsinc.401

live: youtube.com/@PanicRoomArchive

 

- update 08.03.: just today I found out that this band will be surprise band joining mighty Flower on their euro tour this summer, in August.. what a coincidence.. this will be a blast..

new band confirmed for upcoming gig in Čakovec!

yes, as I said the other day, one more band is added to this already great line up for the gig in Čakovec which will happen on next Saturday, old friends from Požega Nuclear Altar will play also, and those are some great news.. it will be fun gig, I'm sure, so see you there!..

 

 

 

when?.........................09.03.2024., Saturday

where?........................Prostor, Čakovec

who?...........................WASSERDICHT hc punk crust, Slo

                                    KORIDOR post punk, Cro

                                    KPAX! oi punk, Ser

                                    NUCLEAR ALTAR crust, Cro 

entrance?.....................6 € 

 

 

 

 

FLOWER - Heel Of The Next / Physical God (2024) - 7" EP

Band...........................Flower

Album..........................Heel Of The Next / Physical God

Year.............................2024

Genre..........................crust punk

Format.........................vinyl EP

Country........................USA

Web.............................bandcamp, youtube 

Label............................Fight For Your Mind, Peace Of Mind

 

newest release by this monster of a band, Flower from New York, US which came somehow as unexpected surprise to me and out of nowhere, I don't know is it because of their absence from the internet world (didn't see they use any social media/web platform except of bandcamp page) or I just didn't expect new material by them so soon after their great debut "Hardly A Dream" which was released basically just a year ago on Profane Existence..

for the beginning just to mention 2 things, 1st I don't always feel comfortable when writing a review for a "big" bands, by "big" I don't think on sellout/rockstars big or anything like that but big in those our diy crust punk circles, you know, the ones that are well known and respected, acceptable among listeners of various genres, with let's say worldwide fan base, etc. and Flower are big, or at least they will become (considering they are still young and relatively fresh band), trust me.. because who am I to preach something that has already been said a hundred of times or about what everyone already know everything, but this record is so good I just had to write a few words about it.. and 2nd, when their above mentioned LP was released by the end of 2022, on first few listens I didn't understand all the hype which was slowly started to rise around this release and band itself, despite the obviously similarities to Nausea and the fact that it was released on mighty Profane I didn't hear or feel anything so special.. but later, when I dove deeper into it I comprehend all the power and beauty of their music and this record..

so now that that's been said, when I saw that they released new material by the end of the last year and published it on bandcamp I was also all hyped and shortly after few listens those two songs get stuck on my playlist for quite some time and I knew I have to get it when it will be released on vinyl, so here it is now..

I was so curious on how will the new Flower's material sound like, because let's be honest it's probably hard for a band which starts with so awesome debut as they did to write new music and offer better or at least the same good stuff, but they did it in proper way and this EP is perfect new chapter in their existence.. 2 lengthy (around 4 min each) anarcho crust punk anthems in Nausea/Sacrilege style with brilliant trashy guitar with some killer crust punk riffs and only few, not to pushy solos here and there, great massive and perceptible bass sound, drums which are precise and on point all wrapped with anarcho styled female vocals just like those of Amy from Nausea.. there are some debates if they are Nausea ripoff, well I don't care, yes everything from music, lyrics to aesthetics and artwork brings strong vibes from their legendary fellow citizens but that's not bad thing, it's interesting just that anyone succeed into getting even close to recreating of this sound and feel and they sure don't even try to hide the obvious influences.. and if you want to go that way, one thing is sure, they sounds better now than Nausea's possibly reunion ever would.. 

production is also superb and brings us this dirty, rusty, although at the same time clean and quality sound and atmosphere similar to those late 80s/early 90s records for which we all are complete suckers for, but with today's equipment and maybe a little easier availability of the same the whole thing sounds a way more powerful.. 

fun thing is that I accidentally, while playing it for the first time, put vinyl on 33 RPM and it sounded surprisingly listenable, like some slow Amebix-alike dark metal crust..  

lyrically again some parallels with Nausea can be drawn (it would be interesting to know if title of the song Physical God have any reference to Cybergod), they are sure political band dealing with social (in)justice, gentrification and anti-capitalist/state topics, lyrics are lengthy and more complicated than those of some average d-beat band and it's nice to see that someone still cares about sending the message through music which is maybe not so common in today's crust punk when lyrics becomes only aesthetics which suits well to overall dark crust imagery..

and beside the music, artwork is also story for itself, I have this feel that it's equally important as music and it really does stand out.. maybe you wouldn't guess on the first just by looking on it's cover online but once you fold out the covers which are actually kind of two sided big poster you'll realize how magical it is.. there is so much tiny details on it you can stare into it for hours and again and again find some crazy hidden gem.. for all the artwork for this record is responsible band's guitarist Willow and damn, it turns out as a true masterpiece..

this EP is released on their own label Peace Of Mind in US and in Europe by Fight For Your Mind records in respectable amount of 1371 copies and here is wide spread well as I see through various labels and distribution, I got mine from Ruin Nation distro for quite pricey 8 € but it was worth it because it's about one hell of a record which I will spin numerous times and will be enjoying in it forever, the only minus is that it's too short and while you won't get bored with music for sure, you could get with constantly flipping sides of the vinyl because as soon you are comfortably settled in your chair and grab a beer or maybe coffee (like in my case for already quite some tome now) you got to stand up and change the side..

luckily we have it available also in digital form so you can listen it online and put it easily on countless repeat via bandcamp or youtube and until you buy physical version of release I strongly recommend that, you won't regret..

I'm already inpatient to see how this band will evolve and progress in the future and can't wait for some new full length material.. and just to mention for the end, if you are in Europe consider yourself lucky because we will have opportunity to watch them live this summer and I'm really looking forward for this..