Reviews: Act of Impalement(Nashville), Violent Reaction(UK), Red Death(DC), Tetragrammaton(Miami)

Act of Impalement 

by Manny Gomez

Act Of Impalement-Hyperborean Altar cassette

Hailing from Nasheville, this trio produces a blend of sludge/black metal crust that is pretty unique. You can go from hypnotic head banging to full on moshing in just a few beats. As you can tell by the bands moniker and simple, stark and appropriately handmade imagery this going be a full on medieval blackened audio assault as well. And of course the title is a straight up allusion to the mighty Conan the Barbarian (Hyperborea is just north of Cimera, Conan’s home!). Brutal. Epic. Dirty. This is the kinda shit that was made to be on analog tape. Favorite track: “No Viking Funeral for Betrayers”. Get it now, out on No Work Records.

Listen here.
Get the tape here. 

Violent Reaction-Dead End cassette

I happened to catch these furious dudes when they jumped the pond and brought their tour with fellow UK punks The Flex, to the states. All I can say is that the British boys are bringing the old school hardcore sound back with a fury! This tape features 6 songs of pure UKHC with an unabashed D.C style American hardcore influence (think Faith, S.O.A, and of course MINOR THREAT). These guys have a few releases out now, and a forthcoming one on the might Revelation Records. This six song piece of analog fury is available now on Painkiller Records.

Listen here.

Red Death-self titled cassette

Sometimes the best things just fall on your lap (or in this case handed to you by a thoughtful friend). I had never heard of Red Death until my good friend brought back this tape from this year’s Damaged City fest. Holy shit this is good.  It looks good too. Simple D.I.Y. art work and packaging that is just perfect. But back to the sound. It’s like someone took classic D.C. style hardcore and told the vocalist to “sing a little bit death metal” and somehow something new was born. The band includes a member of Coke Bust, so there’s a pedigree too. No matter though, this band is sure to make a name on its own and open up plenty of mosh pits.

Listen here.

Tetragrammaton-Descendere cassette

I’ve seen this guys play their unique black metal plenty of times, and had always wanted to hear a full on release (they do have an awesome previous split out with Nuclear Hellfrost).  The EP is finally here, and delivers on the same dark, moody, blanketing atmosphere that has made their live shows so entrancing. The tape is clean and sleek looking too. Just nice total package. Do yourself a favor, sit in the dark, get stoned and listen to this. Out now on Dying God Records.

Listen and get it here.

GROWNUP HOUSE Show 305 FEST 2013 Miami

305 FEST 2013 Pilot Episode

I was on the sidewalk next to Churchill's facing the parking lot and had a few words with Joe from Masakari while the truck dance party was still on. There is no answer why bands don't choose to include Miami in their tours. Joe admired the scene and how much fun we have, not like in other parts where the idea is to act and look cool. I noted we're trying to be silly as much we can. Miami the only reality. 305. Bow.

I did not die at 305 Fest. Instead I fell in love multiple time. Blue eyes.

NUNHEX Disruptive Deception TOUR Tallahassee

Woke up in Nola on a Sunday morning, Alex and Nico both mummys next to me, we finally fell asleep around 7am, sun was out already. Wrapped up my sleeping bag and belongings, made sure I didn't loose anything, stepped into the kitchen and sipped on some coffee with almond milk. In New Orleans, Nunhex was housed by April, vocalist in Bitchface (check it out!!!) but about our Nola adventures will talk later on...

Once again went to The Waffle House. "Hashbrowns, capped, diced, smothered." And now comes the most terrifying episode of the tour. On the way out from the Nola on the highway we saw death, well not really. This asshole passed us and started gesticulating -maybe we went too slow on a fast lane I guess that would be a be reason- but still after more gesturing the fucker presses his breaks for us to slam in him and cause an accident, not once but three times, and thanks to Alex on the wheel we made it out with only a scare. And for the record Spazz was like 'stop the fucking car!'.

Nothing extraordinary happened till Tallahassee, the drive went smooth, played chess with Gordo and kicked his ass. Last stop on tour was at the The Shark Tank a house in Tally where kids in the backroom play videogames. There were push animals everywhere on the floor. Before the show started we had a feast with vegan thanksgiving leftovers brought by Jack, vocalist in Highly Violent and also member of Ex-Breathers!

Nunhex Tour Life at Tampa The Dog House

Releases: FOR †HE VIRGIN MARY, Terrorist

After some long and quiet time here we are proud and happy to announce three new releases:

*** NOWORK002: FOR †HE VIRGIN MARY - Even Sain†s Sin Tape

This release came as spontaneous as could be, with a show at Boiling Point somewhere in N Miami, where the surroundings resembled Orlando. Being a solo project of guitarist-bassist-vocalist Bootsie Castillo, on the night itself, it transformed into a 3 piece band with Robert King on drums and Juan on bass. The result was outstanding. Check out our NoWorkTube Channel for their first live performance as a band.

The idea of this release it's simple. I came up with two bootlegs releases, asked Robert King's help, who was more than prompt and excited and we decided that they'll be 25 tapes each. Now, purchasing 100 tapes from NAC we had 50 spare. I believe I saw F†VM in Churchill's performing on the floor, maybe it was at International Noise Conference, maybe it was for the first time, not sure, the sound was trippy dreamy, had a rhythm, you could dance to it, cry and laugh also. After a while I messaged Robert to use those tapes for Bootsie's F†VM  and voila.

Listen to the tunes here http://forthevirginmary.bandcamp.com/album/even-sain-s-sin and if you wanna pick a tape up, go to Store or if you're in Miami just write us a message and we'll figure something out. Tape includes lyrics, an interview with F†VM and a patch.


*** NOWORK003: Terrorist - Kyriarchy Destroyer Tape

The first time I approached Terrorist for a collaboration was in early January 2013, they had a few songs ready, and the first aim was to release something by Capitalism Casualties show in Lil Haiti, beginning of February 2013. Of course plan failed but the band was able to record a 4 track CDr and I got them some patches made by Joe from Panzram who has a screen printing place (also runs Seven Inches To Freedom zine), got cheap and great looking pins through Steve Pizzarecords, that the band handed out for free through the audience. Success.

More songs were written, shows played and meanwhile the mixing process done by Francisco Botero at Studio G in Brooklyn took many moons and suns. And of course no sooner than later, not only the songs were ready, but also the band was about to emerge on their first tour , August 2013, deadline 2 weeks for releasing their cassette.

In collaboration with local 305 label Dying God Records, the Terrorist tape got released in time, everything was handed out like right in the morning of their departure. Tape comes in three colors, red mint, blue and off white with different artwork.

Listen to the tracks here http://terroristfl.bandcamp.com/album/kyriarchy-destroyer, tapes available in Store.

Terrorist TOUR

08-02 Gainesville

08-03 Columbia, SC 

08-04 Charlotte, NC

08-05 Asheville, NC

08-06 Nashville, TN

08-07 Chattanooga, TN

08-08 Atlanta, GA

08-10 Orlando, FL


*** NOWORK004: Terrorist - SBAC Haus Live 305 Tape bootleg

Back in April 2013, with Fucked Ethos from Nashville on tour, Terrorist opened ceremonies at JP's Haus. Only a 2 band afternoon-night, cause of the fucking Meddling Kids :), so everything started in a 305 style laid back indeed with a great session in the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Jeff was hugging, cuddling with his palm tree in the yard.
While still burning, the show erupted marking Robert King's last appearance on guitar among them. The second after the first song started audio recording and the idea of a release from scratch came alive. Very limited tapes available, only 25 made. 305!

Coke Bust(ed) at Churchill's

by Manny Gomez

Churchill's Pub, Little Haiti, FL 

Coke Bust(On Tour)

Holly Hunt

Awkward Kisser

Terrorist

Suicide Ritual

Summer time means a lot of things in South Florida. Swampass, wearing as little clothing as possible, trying to stay submerged in water, and of course an increase in awesome touring punk rock bands. So that is how I found myself stoked and pumped on a muggy Sunday night to see one of the, in my opinion, highlights of the summer touring season.

First off was Suicide Ritual. Picking up brews and the crew made me slightly late, so I only caught 2/3 songs from the recent locals. What I saw and heard sounded short, fast, and loud. In other words very fucking good, and I surely hope to catch a full set soon.

After some slight microphone issues, Miami grinder's Terrorist took the stage and blasted through a fast set that was their best yet, wIth the singer Daniel Zambrano's vocals finally sounding high enough and just right. I hadn't seen them in a while, and all I gotta say is they got me thrashing for a few songs at least and made me spill my (first) beer of the night. Along with playing a couple new songs, they also added a new fresh faced 18 year old guitarist who simply shredded. As I said before, Terrorist just gets better every time and I think we all look forward to some kind of release soon ("ahem", right dudes?).

Unfortunately, catching up with friends and raising my intoxication level outside caused me to miss Awkward Kisser (who just got back from their first tour together with fellow locals Testökra). But I could hear their brand of noise rock from outside, and although they were missing two key members (bassist Bootsie and guitarist Jesus). I'm sure they played their usual set that kept the crowd both hypnotized and shocked.

Local heroes, and heavy sound making duo Holly Hunt played next, and as per usual left the crowd, deaf, sweaty, enthralled, and riled up.They even sparked the nights first crowd surfer (and other things were being sparked in the audience as well, another usual at a HH set so smoke it if you got it). Holly Hunt is with out a doubt one of Miami's best musical acts in any genre, and they're stripped down, crushing taking on stoner and sludge is something not to be missed any time. Check out their double LP "Year One" out now on Other Electricities Records.

FInally Washington D.C.'s Coke Bust unceremoniously took the stage, lead singer Nicktape casually tying his trademark bandana on his head. They ripped right into a FANTASTIC set that featured new songs, old songs, and a Youth of Today (I think) cover as well. The crowd was very much vibing with the band, and a constant pit was going, with stage dives, pile ups, and crowd surfing thrown in. I know I was drenched in sweat (not all of it my own), always a good sign of a band doing their best.

If this show is ANY indication of the vibe and energy we are gonna have at all the shows this summer, then we're in for a good one. Fuck the heat (not the team) and humidity, cut some off the legs and sleeves of some of your clothes, and rage in a sweaty pit. WE're off to a good start.

Big Eyes - Almost Famous Review

by Manny Gomez

I first caught wind of Big Eyes when I saw  their show at Miami's Eve in November of 2012. I had decided last minute to check them out after a 12 hour work day. Blown away by their power-pop/pop-punk fusion, giddy attitude and super catchy melodies (think a little Replacements, a little Ramones, and a big dose of the Fastbacks), I plopped down all the cash I had left and picked up their most recent 7 inch (Back From The Moon). I also danced my tired ass off at the show like a teeneager. I took the record home and played that thing relentlessly for a week.

The band's new LP, ALMOST FAMOUS (out on the excellent Grave Mistake Records) is no different, and even steps it up a notch. There's a self-assuredly "tougher" sound to some songs, some 70's rock riffage (Blue Oyster Cult anyone?) even comes in, but the melody and catchiness is still there, and is even heightend by some of the grit. ALMOST FAMOUS is all bout the power...be it pop, punk, or straight up hard rock, it begs to be played loud and over and over again. Stand out tracks for this listener are "You Ain't The Only One" and "The Sun Still Shines". They'll brighten up any rainy South Florida rainy summer day.

Do yourself a favor and pick up this LP (as well as the previously mention 7 inch and the 7 inch repress of their demo tape, both out on Grave Mistake). This will without a doubt be one of the year's best releases and a classic punk rock album for years to come.

http://bigeyes.bandcamp.com/releases

Future Releases

Nunhex EP - first release -

NW01: Nunhex EP Cassette Tape 5$