' vinyl reissue of Lama's singles collection "...Ja mikään ei muuttunut" will be out next week: http://www.svartrecords.com/shoppe/releases/695-lama-ja-mikaan-ei-muuttunut-lp-.html
For Americans, I'd presume that or will be getting copies eventually just like they did with the self-titled LP and the Ratsia reissues.
Sweden's Victims were another Havoc Records band I managed to miss while they were on tour (the first was Regulations - d'oh!) Listening to their latest release gave me a taste of what to expect if I ever see them live. "Divide and conquer" is a testament to early '80s American hardcore bands. What's with the Swedes that makes them play something that sounds like it's over 25 years old, but yet still modern? Anyhoo, 15 tracks of American hardcore/Swedish crust-inspired punk that'll get you amped. Think of Discharge when you listen to this. Singer Johan's vocals and the band are balanced pretty well with one not overpowering the other. Not what I would normally listen to, but it kept me interested.
- Navy Keophan
Their self-titled LP was one of my favorites from last year and I was expecting the same from them in their latest release. How I could have missed them twice on their tour last year is beyond me. Anyways, seven new songs, five from their "Destroy" 7-inch and four from the "Survive in the city" 7-inch release (both of which are now out of print). Early '80s punk as thrown through the L.A. buzzsaw (i.e. Germs, Black Flag, etc...) is their sound. The seven new songs, such as "Hollywood smile" and "Empty head," all have the energy of their previous releases and will keep the kids pogoing, but I feel like they're missing something. Lead singer Otto's vocals are much more snottier and snarling. The songs from the 7-inches, such as "Destroy" and "We're Blank," are more to my liking. The untitled track reminds me of Agent Orange's "Bloodstains (darkness version)", only more sped up. This is a keeper.
- Navy Keophan