VENENÖ – "Demo MMXXIV"

VENENÖ "Demo MMXXIV" 7", on Mendeku Fucking Diskak. Tired that this mate only puts out the good stuff, really tired. But yes, new entity on the horizon, and it sounds great. It is Punk, but with an edge, you know? I read Post-Punk, but that label specifically gives me goosebumps, and not the good ones. Everything and a pair of boots is Post-Punk. Not good, not good. I honestly have no fricking idea what Post-Punk is ahahah is it Joy Division? Then Veneno sounds nothing like Joy Division. Nonetheless, Veneno sounds sweet as Hell, and I advise you to give it a go. From NYC, sang in English and Spanish, the trio runs through 5-tracks of Punk Rock music that will appeal to Punk fans with good taste. The melody is all there, and the groove/balance of the music grabbed me quite swiftly. The vocals are raspy and straight out of the tavern. Long story short: check it.

Chaos Cross - “4 Hits from Hell”

And now, time for a release that come out of nowhere to hit me in the face. This is an old on, from 2021 – not that old, I know – from the US of A, from a band called Chaos Cross. This is Boston Hardcore, and a great example of the city’s Hardcore scene! Their first release came out in 2016, and in 2021 the one we are hearing now came out. I stumbled upon it today, so this is new to me. Really love the chunky guitars and heavy atmosphere, without ever crossing outside the boarders of classic Hardcore. “4 Hits from Hell” is the name of the release, and there is no need for many words: straight in your face Hardcore. Melody, power, groove, Old School atmosphere and scent. In conclusion: everything an Old School Hardcore looks for is encapsulated in these 4 tracks.

Litige - “2 degrés”

Have I ever told you that I love French Punk? Maybe not, but I do. Is it the language? Possibly. But the melodies are au point, and that is something very French. Litige is a French Punk band that has been around for almost 10 years and have just released their new 7’’. 3-songs, the same atmosphere and melody from before, same power, the exact same reaction from my side. Louise is not the best singer ever – and I dare say she knows it – but some voices just fit the band’s sound perfectly. Example: I have never heard one person say Ozzy is an amazing singer. And with that I close my case. On this case, the melodies, the language, the energy – especially the energy – are precious characteristics of the band’s sound. The guitar tone is so Litige, so French Punk, so THAT sound. The good thing about this? Once it ends you press PLAY again, and there you go. “2 degrés” is particularly good and a clear demonstration of the band’s sound.

Direct Threat

When we talk about Hardcore, we tend to focus on what the crazy bastard were doing in the 80ies, in NYC, but… Hardcore has more than one sound, and the Americans are actually at that, right? Boston, Philly, Cali, they all have a sonic identity, and we can – to a certain extent – differentiate one from another. I have always preferred the harder side of Hardcore. Example: Agnostic Front’s early beginnings are the best they ever did. Yes, it does have bits of Thrash, but it has a particular essence. This is just to point, out that not all Hardcore sounds like Madball, as you all know, and that a band like Direct Threat is a bloody menace to the scene, in a good way. 

But hey, I forgot the Brits! How can we forget the British Hardcore scene?! Shame, shame, shame! I “blame” Quality Control HQ for assisting the scene to get back up – at least outside the island – just like Mendeku Diskak has been doing with the Basque bands and those surrounding, and Iron Lungs with all things freaky! Direct Threat is an American band from Denver – another great Hardcore scene – and they rip everything that comes their way. They have the Hardcore foundations, but also that stomping pace of Punk Oi!, and these put together are a menace to Society. They grab you; they tear you apart, they spit you out. This is the music you play when you want to show your hatred toward everything. And I love the bass on this thing, damn! The overall pace of this EP is amazing. Again, you have the Hardcore, and you have the Oi, you have plenty of Energy and Hate, Energetic Hate. Get your face slapped, if you may.