dimanche 15 septembre 2013

BLACK TABLE - Sentinel Review



In the gigantic Post-[fill in the blank] world, there's a lot of bands, and lesser possibilities everytime a new comer pop out. Plus, mixing so much genre, as Black Table do it, is a little bit risky in my opinion. But I have to admit, my mind just got blown out by the New York/New Jersey quartet.
Even though they qualifie themselves "Experimental Metal band" I stubbornly call what they play Post-Hardcore, I'm sorry in advance for that, there's no offense in this designation. In fact, there's is so much inspirations in these four tracks I can't really define what I'm listening, and this is the whole point of this demo for me.



So, overall, it's a really nice piece of work they put it out with this Sentinel demo. More or less twenty-five minutes of technical as atmospheric music, served with a lot of emotions by a monstrous instrumental part and an impressive Black Metal groaning. And the most important thing is that it never get boring or repetitive, neither too messy nor obnoxiously overplayed.



Heist, the first track, opens this record and there's a SHITLOAD of double bass drum roll. Not really in fact, but I don't know why I enjoy so much double bass drum roll and introducing a record this way is a heart winning for me, especially when it's played with these PELICAN/ISIS riffs. Moreover, there's this outro which gives a great depth to the song and prepare you for the next song.
And then brace yourself for this one. It's literraly a storm coming up your face. Black Metal riff/Post Hardcore emotion pit/Double bass drum roll all the way/Technical Death Metal bass solo (Yeah I mean it) and now you can breath. It's intense and it carry on this way all the track, mixed with these powerful lyrics, you just have to lay down and cry. You can also cry at these bass riffs which are discreet but so efficient. However I'm not really convinced by the stoner part and I felt like it was a filler, but maybe I'm mistaking.
Correct if it's wrong, but it seems To Tear Down is a song about religion and ironically, it sound like a Death Metal song (with the bass solo, indeed). Still interesting but nothing much to say since this one didn't moved me that much.
The demo end with 1942, on a more soft and emotional note than the rest of the tracks. Even though the song begin with this strange melodic riff, it's only followed by this solid Black Metal/Post-Hardcore mix the band play so well. It's like a flood of emotions until a brutal and unexpected ending, and nothing more to add.



Even though I was a little bit sceptic about this record at first, it was really surprising to hear something like that. with these four pieces, the quartet shown you can play Post-something and still bring new ideas without screwing it up. Listen to them even if you're not fan of the genre, you'll certainly find something for you.

Listen to Sentinel by Black Table here :
http://blacktable.bandcamp.com/album/sentinel

And buy it here :
http://monotonstudio.tictail.com/
http://monotonstudiorecords.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/MONOTONSTUDIORECORDS


-Tieuma

mercredi 26 juin 2013

TIEUMA's COMPILATION : WorldEndPrayers vol.I

Yauh ! This is it, I finally succeed to put together this mixtape, and I swear, this was harsh as hell. Because this July 2012 to July 2013 period was like a constant flow of killer records.
So, after hard choices and compromises, here my World End Prayers, the best songs (In my opinion) of the previously said period. There's no particular order, no ranking, I just threw them as it came.
Anyway, before going any further, if there's a band who don't me to share the songs, you can contact me, and if you're okay with the idea, you can contact me too.
On this tape you'll find plenty of different bands and different style of Punk Hardcore, I saw some of them bands and I wish I could see the others. I bought some these records, borrowed them or just downloaded them. There's a lot of European bands, because this year Europe just killed it. INHERIT is one of te biggest thing for me, NYHC and Crossover Thrash bands all around the world, you can hide in front of them, they will make no prisonners. Talking about NYHC, IRON TO GOLD don't have to blush either, this is European finest in the genre.
I'm a great fan of 90's Metalcore and REPENTANCE & ABOLITION just do it perfectly, their records just activate my ignorant mosh stance everytime. I saw OBSTRUCT live and it was really amazing, so even if it's classic Boston jam, check them out, you won't be disapointed. No comments for VIOLENT REACTION and THE FLEX, just stomp the shit out of the pit.
There's also French bands in there and don't mistaken me, I didn't put them because some are my friends, they are particularly great bands. RAW JUSTICE is on top of the list, even though it's a little too much similar to THE RIVAL MOB (who are also on this tape. I don't have much comments on them as long as they are what's finest in the game right now, the only thing is the sound on the LP is shitty as fuck and it really pissed me off because I expected a sound as I heard on the promo tape. Aside of that little detail : it's a stomper). I pay respect for the effort of ANOTHER FIVE MINUTES and MORE DANGEROUS THAN A THOUSAND RIOTERS (even though the name is awfully too long) who released original and inspired records. Once again, YOUTH AVOIDERS put out a flawless record, as expected.
You will also find some Emo/Screamo gems, and I can tell you it was really hard to choose between everything since a lot of bands in genre pop out with great records this year and also because I'm a fan of the genre. Maybe I'll put out a mixtape with only bands of this style. I saw TIGER MAGIC live and they just amazed me, really great show and they for sure earned their place here. CAUST, KILGORE TROUT and ELESH NORN are kind of the undreamt bands I waited for. It's not like a bad version of ORCHID as usual or a too long boring Post-Rock vibe sound, it's just good screamo : Emotions, Violence and D.I.Y. Really cool.
I discovered CURMUDGEON thanks to MDLM and I have to say I'm not diapointed, because there's a strong political message on pissed of tracks, loose your minds against oppressions. Talking about politically fueled bands, POISON PLANET & SECTARIAN VIOLENCE released some classy stuff this year. I saw the second one one show and it was woth the trip, I can't wait to see HOUNDS Of HATE, their record is a bummer too, Oï inspired mindless hardcore punk, you dance. NAILS did a pretty goddamn good job too with their Abandon All Life LP, it's dark, gloomy, violent and drive me insane too. The only thing is the production which a little bit too proper, but it's alright. The FULL OF HELL split besides is awesome. It was really annoying to choose between these four songs as long as they are really impressive, all of them, and so freakin' angry ! I really want to see that on a show. As always, IRON LUNG gave birth to a serial killer. It's not the best record they put out but it's really efficient and they sure know how to do their stuff. For me this band is a classic and I never was bored by one of their record, sometime always keeping the same way can be good.
MINUS & POWER TRIP's LPs just impresse me. Ok, it can be really tough guy type hardcore but those both do it really well. It's inspired, groovy, aggressive but not cliché and mindless. Plus, you can't resist to mosh your room all the way when it's playing. If you're into this genre, you will be well served. One other big suprise for me this year is ZERO PROGRESS. It's dumb but how much it's good. If you're pissed, angry or you just want unjustified violence, think ZERO PROGRESS. It's kinda the same thing with VIGILANTE, who put out a simple and effecient hardcore release without flourish. It's not too much and just enough but still really unexpected. An overal good job I would say.
The last three bands and records are my year's favorite and I couldn't do this tape without it. It begins with SOUL SEARCH and Oh dear, it's heavy. I don't know why they add a third guitar to the thing but it works well. For me this record is pure and mindless brutality but done with so much classiness and still it's not nonsensical violent mosh hardcore. There's something kinda positive or not so dumb behind this record, even though it makes me mosh brainlessly. A must have for me.
Next one is a record I still hear almost daily : MINDSET's Leave No doubt. I really like Youth Crew and my biggest regret is to be born after the greatest bands left, but MINDSET made me forget that. For me, it could really be the Youth Crew band of my generation, and this record is kind of a milestone I will still be listening with pleasure.
Last but not least, TRUE HEADS. I honestly think it's the best record of the year. Some well played Rock done by hardcore kids (Buddies from The First Step and Lion Of Judah). I didn't expected to hear something like that and it just sotcked me. I can't get my hears out of this little gem, and you should do te same !
MINDSET & THE RIVAL MOB's tracks are from the promo tapes, because I think the sound is better.
If you liked any of this, don't hesitate to buy the records !






Inherit - Long Forgotten Self - The Crushing Wheels Of Samsara (The Essence)
Raw Justice - No Friends - We don't Need Your Friends (Life To Live/Ugly And Proud/Straight And Alert)
Soul Search - The Scapegoat - Nothing But A Nigtmare (Back To Back)
Abolition - The Cleansing - Language Of Violence (The Essence)
Sectarian Violence - Reactionary Illusions - Upward Hostility (Carry The Weight)
Violent Reaction - City Streets - City Streets (Painkiller)
Another Five Minutes - 1962 - S/T (Too many labels)
Hounds Of Hate - Clean Today - S/T (Painkiller)
Repentance - War Of Attrition - In Violation Of Asa (Attonement)
Mindset - Leave No Doubt - Leave No Doubt (React!)
Kilgore Trout - In Dust, In Shadow, In Nothing - Immemorial (Quiet Year)
Iron To Gold - High On Faith - The Power Of One (Last Warning/Elephant Skin)
Power Trip - The Hammer Of Doubt - Manifest Decimation (Southern Lord)
Youth Avoiders - Casting Lots - S/T (Build Me A Bomb)
Iron Lung - Monolith - White Glove Test (Prank)
More Dangerous Than A Thousand Rioters - 1961 - History Is Not An Endless Circle (Too many labels)
Minus - The Joke - S/T (Triple B)
Zero Progress - Chaos ! Power ! Madness ! (Piledriver)
True Heads - Dreamchild - S/T (Youngblood)
Nails - No Surrender - Abandon All Life (Southern Lord)
Tiger Magic - Down The Road - Crush On You (Erode)
Caust - Sallekhana - Mass Graves(We Would Be Better Off) (It's a Trap!)
Curmudgeon - Systemic - Amygdala (IFB/Not Normal/Parade Of Spectres)
Poison Planet - Retaliate - Split w/ Government Flu (Refuse)
Obstruct - Our Resolve - No Life (Northern Wisdom)
The Flex - Repressed - Scum On The Run (Milk Run)
Elesh Norn - A Pathetic Way To Say I Need You - All The Pain I Built Up (D.I.Y)
Full Of Hell - Kopf - Split w/ Calm The Fire (Topshelf)
Vigilante - Eliminated - Quality Of Life (Six Feet Under)
The Rival Mob - Mob Justice - Mob Justice (Revelation)

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mercredi 19 juin 2013

MDLM's COMPILATION : Summer Epistaxis Mixtape Vol.I

Summer is here. Temperatures are rising, my nose is bleeding because of the heat and my turntable is reading all the vinyls I bought this year. So this is the perfect moment to make a digital compilation of cool songs released lately.
For me it will be the SUMMER EPISTAXIS MIXTAPE. Tieuma will also post his own within few days. I do not own any of these songs, so the bands, you can contact me to kill me if you do not want me to share your songs. Conversely if you agree with this, you can share this mixtape, it will please us.
So this mixtape, there's only things which made an impression for me this year. It's not always the same style, even if it's still Punk Hardcore, and I don't like necessarily everything. But I still pay respect to the effort. I saw some bands on show, I bought some of them records and some I only heard on the internet. The songs are in random order, it is not classified on my tastes. And I just realised I forgot IRON LUNG. There's also many songs I wanted to put on the compilation but the lack of space or rip avaible reduced the choice. This is the case of REPLICA for exemple, that I really like.
I tried to put some french bands to support. KRIGSKADE comes from Paris and released a tape which amazed me, also YOUTH AVOIDERS and their new LP. Lille's IDIOT TALK and Rouen's GENITAL JIGGLING are little DIY bands who make a lot of shows and their LP cause a sensation. The honorable mention to RAD, KREMLIN, CULO, ACXDC/MAGNUM FORCE/SEX PRISONER and their records which I could say they are my favorite. I also listened to CURMUDGEON a lot these last days, which is the most impressive discovery for me, as GETS WORSE, ALTERED BOYS, ZERO PROGRESS, EFFLUXUS or DNA. There's alors my classics like YOU SUCK, SECTARIAN VIOLENCE, POISON PLANET, GOVERNMENT FLU, which I didn't doubt about the quality of their next release. For the other bands, it's cool bands who needs support. I put between brackets the records where the songs is from and the label who released it, don't hesitate to buy it !



TRACKLIST

01 - KRIGSKADE - Blod Pa Christiansborg
02 - YOUTH AVOIDERS - Grit Your Teeth
03 - VIOLENT REACTION - Empty Threat
04 - GETS WORSE - Neighbourhood Ninja
05 - STOIC VIOLENCE - Gathering Dust
06 - RAD - This Is Not A Final War
07 - GOVERNMENT FLU - Random Acts
08 - SECTARIAN VIOLENCE - Start Again
09 - GENITAL JIGGLING - Loser Forever
10 - The FLEX - Shiftless
11 - IDIOT TALK - Give Me $
12 - EFFLUXUS - Last War
13 - ALTERED BOYS - Powerless
14 - KREMLIN - Fanatics
15 - GAS RAG - Market Crash
16 - YOU SUCK! - Hardcore Heartattack
17 - SUSPECT - Stand Against
18 - TO THE POINT - Photos Of My Food
19 - POISON PLANET - Retaliate
20 - ZERO PROGRESS -  The Void
21 - CURMUDGEON - Shrew
22 - GAY KISS - Deus Ex Machina
23 - DNA - Gonna Break
24 - CÜLO - Adult Life Is No Fun
25 - SEX PRISONER - I'm Proud Of You
26 - SICK/TIRED - Black Veins
27 - MISSIONARY - Kill Me
28 - ACxDC - Crux
29 - CREEM - Curator
30 - MAGNUM FORCE - Boxed In

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Interview : WILL BUTLER / TO LIVE A LIE RECORDS

When talking about Powerviolence or Fastcore, there's plenty of bands and plenty of labels, but one of them last is a favorite of the Partners In Crime editorial board. TO LIVE A LIE RECORDS started out in 2005 with Will Butler leading the ship, and from now on it released tones of great bands and records. We interviewed him through email, and he had plenty of thing to say.

By his own words, Will say he started TLAL because he is not a musician and he wanted to be involved the best he could, and actually he is doing it pretty well. For him, it's still something interesting and fueled by D.I.Y, for the sake of loving music and sharing a passion, which is confirmed by the fact all the 7 inches are only less than 5 dollars, a ridiculous price compared to some other labels. Moreover, with all this involvement, Will doesn't put « politics » aside and he take care of the sound and also of the ideas, keeping the message behind this music alive : refusing to conform. We also wanna add he is the coolest buddy we interviewed so far.






Yauh Will, how are you ? We're MDLM and Tieuma from Partners In Crime

Nice to meet you both! I'm a little weary from a long day of work, but who isn't by the night?


Do you have some "selction criteria" for the bands you sign, about the genre, the attitude or their political statement ?

First, major, and overarching thing is that I need to like the band. I guess that is silly to mention but some people run their labels as a business. TLAL is not run like that. Second thing is absolutely nothing racist, sexist, or homophobic. There is just no space in the world for that. I know there are some gray areas for things like this but if I know a band is running in a crowd like that, I won't consider them. Also not big into the porno/grotesque imagery but if a band I love wants to put something into their art that may be something like this, who am I to censor it. Genres don't matter... obviously there are some I don't consider but if it is rooted in punk I will try and sell it if I love it! Having said that, I think there is a general attitude that DIY bands exude that other bands don't, and I really pick up on that and align myself with that naturally.

left : Will / right : Sergio from ACxDC

The only pre-order I got from your is the 10" split ACxDC/Sex Prisoner/Magnum Force. It was sold out quickly, in few days only whereas there was 100 copies of this edition. For me who run a really little record label it seems insane. How do you deal with
it ? About packaging the stuffs, sending it, not messing up with the orders ...


I absolutely hate doing pre-orders. Number one problem with it is seeing people overreact to the time it takes for the record to be out. Of course lots of people have suffered through many month-long pre-orders but I have people write me and ask me where their package is two days after they've ordered it. I'd rather have them in my hands or 99% ready to go before I take someone's money. I can't believe I even tried to do a pre-order with that three way split, the FULL pressing of 600 sold out in two weeks.


Besides for a long time, your online store was closed. You needed some fresh air ?

I always need a breather, I'm constantly burnt out or about to be. No on realizes how terrible it is to become successful in mailorder. That sounds weird to most people but imagine working 40 hours a week plus all the normal life stuff then having five orders a day to ship out. So you wait till the weekend and you have about 30 orders to ship. Some of those orders are easy but then you have a huge load of records to ship and package them neatly. That isn't even the worst weeks for me, but I figured I'd lay it out in a a manner that seems to make sense. I do a lot of hands on stuff with TLAL in addition to orders like graphic design on releases that stack up a chunk of time too. I think what I have learned is that I love the process of putting a record out but sometimes highly dislike the necessity of selling it myself. I recently signed on exclusively through a distributor and I love the work they do but I think the size I am, I still need to make money off my store and sell directly to people and run a distro. Bigger labels get to kick back and just worry about stocking up their distributor, and I can't say that one day I wouldn't love to be on that path!



While roaming on the internet, I found the To Live A Lie Netlabel. Can you explain what is this ?

Obviously I'm an avid music lover. I can't help out all the bands I love, so to help out bands out who I can't help out due to the financial strain of putting out more releases, I put their digital music out. Think of it like when you see big movie directors slap their name on movies they had nothing to do with to get people to check them out. It is like a curated digital library of music I like and want to support in this way.


You recently put out a book of Fastcore pictures. What's inside ? Where the idea came from ? Did you put out some fanzines previously ?

Inside is actually three fanzines put together to form a book. Two I self published... the first one is the most primitive, it is all photocopied and has very little writing and a ton of pictures. The second zine was show reviews with photos to go with them. The third part of the book was never published in a zine but it has interviews with bands I took pictures of during 2012 in addition to the pictures of them I took. The book also has some very old pictures I took of bands on film when I was a kid, which were few and not the greatest. The book is my offering of my best photos and writing about shows and bands I like. Further homage to the music I love!




What are your favorites bands of the moment ? And in Europe ?

I listen to the oddest array of music at any one time. This goes against saying how I love DIY but I keep listening to the new Ghost LP as cheesy as it is. The last records I picked and put on since then was the first D.I. LP, the Zykolme A LP, I recently got the Inside Out repress, and for some reason I have been listening to a lot of Eyehategod. Really weird mix up of stuff, I can't explain what I listen to. I haven't had much time to listen to stuff so that may explain how scattered it is. Love bands from Europe, name a country and I'll probably be able to name a band I like from there!


Do you know our local powerviolence band CHIENS ? What are they're external repute ? Do you think they have potential to grow up ?

I am familiar! You can't sneak one past me. My friend Paul helped release their split with The Afternoon Gentleman. I think they have a pretty good reputation. I haven't heard much positive nor negative on the band but I have heard their 10" is coming out soon. I always dug what I heard of their stuff! They definitely have a ton of potential, stuff sounds heavy! Speaking of French bands, quick shout out to Charogne Stone and Fatal Nunchaku!


Are you "politicaly" (about feminism, veganism, etc..) involved outside the label ? In which way ?

I don't always consider myself outwardly political but I do hold tight to my opinions. I am vegan, straight edge, I very much respect feminism/queer culture but do not consider myself a part of it. I get super amped to work with bands on that same wavelength like Rape Revenge from Canada is all the mentioned things and I love that about them! As far as pushing an agenda and only working with bands of a certain political ilk, I don't use TLAL in that way.

NO COMPLY with Will


What are your relationship with the people of NoComply ?

As of probably 2009 I have been a part of NoComply. Justin Abare is the heard of the band and I'm lucky enough to contribute to new releases as my time allows it. Currently Pat from Backslider is playing drums on the newest stuff and I think that may continue to work well and I talk to both him and Justin weekly if not daily. I play (second) bass, attempt to sing, and play noise in the band.


What do you personally believe the future of music distribution
will look like?


I have crazy ideas on this topic. Here is my insane vision which will extend into other media. Well I'm pretty sure as far as movies go, that blu-ray is the final format... I think everything with movies will be in the cloud or on harddrives, some kind of media player device. With music, everything will keep going towards digital and away from CDs. Vinyl will do well but I have seen that people have started to make records with 3D printers and if you can copy an LP, then why would you buy it? If 3D printers go down in price which I don't see why they wouldn't become a needed thing in a house, and the technology is there, I think that may be the final death of vinyl. For the law abiding citizens, you could buy an album or songs you love and freely and legally make a record out of just the songs you want. Maybe someone will come up with a lossless audio to vinyl machine that is a stand alone thing like a CD burner so that it is totally user friendly and there are no moral concerns.
Until the crazy future I imagine I do expect vinyl to sell the same, tapes to make even more of a come back (why? I don't hate tapes but I don't see why the big push for them lately!) and CD sales to drop out completely. DIY will warm up to digital sales as I've already seen it happening!


Any last word, shout out, love message ?

Thanks to the both of you for the interview! Thanks also to anyone reading this. I hope my releases are available over on your side of the sea. Check out tolivealie.com and check out tolivealie.bandcamp.com for some free tunes. Start a band, do something DIY!


mardi 11 juin 2013

Interview : NOUS ETIONS




Frank (Guitare)
Alex B.(Basse/Voix)
Alex H.(Guitare)
Olivier (Batterie)
Jonathan (Voix)

Et c'est donc à deux heures du matin que je me lève pour interviewer via Skype le groupe de Screamo Montréalais Nous Étions.

Alex.B : « Les premiers à s'être rencontré c'est moi et Frank, on faisait tout les deux du roller de street. Ensuite on a rencontré Alex(.H) qui jammais dans un local pas loin du notre. »

Alex.H : « On cherchais un drummer, ça faisait plusieurs mois, et mon ex copine nous a fait rencontré Olivier. On lui a proposé de venir essayer quelque répètes et ça a très bien marché. »

Aujourd'hui, Olivier ne fait plus partit du groupe et à été remplacé par Romain (ex-Bokanovsky).

Jonathan : « Pour ce qui est de moi, c'est Alex(.B) qui m'a approché pour chanter dans un projet parallèle à Nous Etions qui s'appelle Carcajou qui a fini par atteindre un palier, on était plus ou moins prés du split puis je leurs ai dit que je voulais faire de la musique, alors ils m'ont proposé d'intégrer Nous Etions, et j'ai accepté. »

A.H : « Ca fait depuis 2010 maintenant qu'on existe. »



« Toute manifestation est illégal. »

Depuis Février 2012, le Québec est en proie à des mouvements sociaux, baptisé « le Printemps Québécois », « Printemps Erable ». Certains membres de Nous Etions se sont retrouvés dans les manifestations ou les émeutes, et aucun d'entre eux n'est insensible à ce qui se passe dans leur pays.

A.B : « A la base c'était un conflit dû aux frais de scolarités trop élevés, ensuite le gouvernement a instauré la lois 78 qui fait que les policiers ont le droit de te demander tes papiers n'importe quand, sans raisons valables »

J. : « Toutes manifestation est illégal, nous n'avons plus le droit de contester le climat politique qui nous représente. »




A.B : « Les conservateurs en profite pour reparler d'enlever le droit à l'avortement, et ce genre de débats dépassé, on a l'impression de régresser ici. Dans les manifestations il y a des éclats de violence, la police qui se met à taper sur n'importe qui, j'ai vu des potes à moi ou des inconnus se faire tabasser. Les gens répliques, mais l’agressivité viens toujours plus du côté de la police. »

J. : « Bien sur, les médias parlent de casseurs, d'émeutiers qui ont blessé des policiers, mais on parle pas de ce qui se passe vraiment dans ces moments là. »

Olivier : « On sent qu'ils veulent étouffer les manifestations. »

Frank : «  Tu connais le film la Haine ? »

Oui.

Frank : « Y a un jeune au début du film qui dit « Vous êtes que des assassins ! Vous tirez hein ?! C'est facile ! Nous on n'a pas d'armes, on n'a qu'des cailloux ! ». En ce moment c'est un peu ce qu'il se passe »

J. : « On se fait pas mal avoir par une bourgeoisie pas représentative du peuple, et tout les gens sont assez écœuré par ça. La démo s'est écrit dans ce contexte, et il y a pleins de références à l’insurrection. Par exemple Dans La Plus Noir Des Nuits évoque le fait que c'est plus facile de perpétrer le mal, de faire l'hypocrite, l'arnaqueur et Exsangue est basé les soulèvement de foules, sur le fait de se révolter. »

La situation est encore tendu au Québec, malgré que les manifestations et les grèves étudiantes ont soit disant cessé en Septembre.



« Fuck l'« attitude ». »

Avec Alexandre.H qui participait à feu Perception Through Dissonance, un énième blog de musique en téléchargement gratuit et maintenant The Noisy Epilogue, mettant en lien Nous Etions et la description sur la page Facebook du groupe qui dit « Pas de mode, juste la passion », et une démo auto-produite, on peut s'attendre à ce que le groupe attache de l'importance à « l'éthique DIY ».

A.B : « Quand j'étais jeune j'écoutais du punk rock, du hardcore et j'aimais vraiment la mentalité décontracté du truc, puis je me suis intéressé au côté DIY et j'y suis resté. Nous Etions c'est aucunement lucratif, tout le monde dans le groupe fait ça pour la passion. On sait très bien que pour vivre de ce genre de musique il faut travailler dur et longtemps , ou « vendre son cul », et c'est pas le but.»

F. : «  Puis on aimais bien voir des show locaux, avec des groupes qui faisait ça juste pour le fun. Et si on fait de la musique, c'est surtout pour le fun. On le fait pour nous, et c'est tout. »

A.B : « Dans le premier groupe qu'on a eu avec Frank, on avait un batteur qui jouait dans un groupe de metalcore, avec les membres qui faisaient des chorégraphies pendant les breakdowns, et qui faisaientt de la musique pensant attirés les groupies. On hallucinais en voyant ça. »

A.H : « Les gros groupes avec leur attitude de rock star ça me déprime, fuck l'attitude. »

F. : «  La démo qu'on a enregistré avait pas un mixage trop top, mais nous ça nous va. Et de toutes façon même si ça sonne mal on s'en fou, ça fait punk rock, c'est D.I.Y »

Vous comptez venir en Europe ?

A.H : « On aimerais bien, je voudrais vraiment aller en France. »

Ca coûte de cher de tourner ici.

A.B : « On s'en fiche, quitte à ce qu'on mange du pain rassi et de l'eau tout les jours, on le fera ! »

A.H : « On est tous fan de la scène Française. Daïtro, Mihai Edrish, Celeste, Sed Non Satiata, Plebeian Grandstand, Selenites, Senor Flores, Belle Epoque, Baton Rouge ... »

J. : « Un jour on nous a dit qu'on ressemblait à Selenites, on est venu dans nos shorts »

A.B : « Mais maintenant qu'on a un e.p, on en est plus au stade embryonnaire, et j'espère que ça va nous permettre de bouger un peu plus. Le problème c'est le boulot, on a tous des horaires assez nazes, et pour se capter tous ensemble pour les show, c'est compliqué. Mais on veux aller en Europe. Pas qu'en France. La Belgique, l'Allemagne, les Pays-Bas ou n'importe où ailleurs. »

Vous organisez des shows à Montréal ?

A.B : « Non, pas spécialement, mais tout le monde se connais dans la « scène », du coup on aide et on vas souvent aux concerts. Après y a les gros bookers qui organisent des gros concerts, mais on les connais pas spécialement. »

Et vous avez du monde qui viens aux concerts ?

A.B : « En général c'est des gens qu'on connais, les gros show brasse plus de monde. Ceci dit, ça à tendance à s'inverser, on a de plus en plus de personnes qui viennent. »

J. : «  Les kids grandissent, ils s'intéressent à autres choses. »

A.B : « A notre premier concerts avec Piano Become The Teeth, il y avais pas mal de monde, et une bonne ambiance, on été assez contents. »
J. : « C'était pas le show le plus carré mais c'était le plus passionnant, y avais de bonnes réactions et je pense qu'on a bien brisé la glace. »

J'aime bien la métaphore entre le fait de briser la glace et le Québec.

Nous Etions : « Ahah »



« Faites nous découvrir des films bizarres »

On arrive à la fin de l'interview, mais avant de finir, vous pourriez me dire ce que c'est cette histoire de films bizarres ?

A.B : «  Aha, a vrai dire on est fan de cinéma, d'animés et ce genre de choses. Ca va des films de Tarantino, Kubrick, le cinéma asiatique aux films de zombies, en passant par des animes du genre Akira, Full Metal Alchimist ou Elfen Lied. On aime tous le festival de cinéma à Montreal qui s'appelle Fantasio, où ils passent des long métrages du genre Human Centipede. Donc on aime les films, en général, et on est ouvert à toutes propositions. »
Un dernier mot ?

J. : « Et bien pas grand chose à part qu'on serait très content de venir en Europe. Pourquoi pas l'été prochain, se prendre deux semaine de vacances et partir en tournée, il faut qu'on en discute. »

A.H : « Moi je voudrais dire que les Français vous l'avez en « esti ». Je suis un fan fini de votre musique et j'aimerais vraiment venir en France. Je voudrais ajouter qu'on viens de sortir l'e.p mais que l'on compte rentrer en studio d'ici la fin de l'été pour enregistrer deux ou trois sons pour un split avec Carcajou, le side project de Jonathan, Alex.(B) et Frank. Sûrement que pour 2013 on sortiras un LP. »

A.B : «  A toutes les Françaises, moi je suis célibataire, et puis merci pour l'interview. Que tu dise que pour toi on ressemble à Daïtro c'est l'une des plus belles choses qui nous a été dite. »

F. : « Je voudrais dire que j'ai fait le show de lancement de l'album avec une clavicule cassé parce-que je me suis pris un dos d'âne en VTT, puis voilà. »
 

Interview : SICK FIX


Hi guys! Can you introduce yourself and describe the band?

Chris: Hi my name is Chris and i play drums in Sick Fix.

Michelle: HI I am Michelle and I "sing" in Sick Fix. We are a hardcore punk back from Baltimore/Washington DC


You're all Straight Edge. How did you get here? Is there a strong heritage about Ian MacKaye because he comes from here?

Chris: I'm straightedge for personal reasons. I had a problem at an early age with drug and alcohol abuse. Alcoholism and drug addiction also runs in my family.

Michelle: My favorite was an addict, my mother an alcoholic and I didn't want to travel that road. Also, I just found it to be one of the best ways to rebel against what society wanted me to be. I was expected to drink and do drugs because I was a teenager, then I was a young "adult", and so on.



In your song "1/3" from your new LP, you talk about the trouble in your city Baltimore. Can you tell us a little more? What do you want to change?

Michelle: The song 1/3 is about how about 6 years ago 1/3 of the homes in Baltimore were boarded up and "unlivable" while people are dying on the streets. Our city wasted tons of money on a campaign called "We Believe." We are supposed to "Believe" that Baltimore can beat its addiction problems, AIDS epidemic, poverty, violence, and so but just believing. All the money to put up just those billboards could have been used much more wisely to actually combat those issues. What do I want to change? EVERYTHING but I just don't know where to start.


How is your scene? There are a lot of concerts, place to play, labels, fanzines, associations...? You find your place?

Chris: Washington D.C. and Maryland have a great hardcore punk scene. I organize a lot of shows in D.C. as well. 

Michele: We are spoiled, so many bands, so many venues in Baltimore.


What's your relation with the label A389 recording?

Chris: Dom who runs the label is a good friend of ours and graciously agreed to put out our LP. We are all extremely excited for it to come out and are forever in his debt.

Michelle: Dom is one of the best dudes ever and we can't thank him enough for putting out our record


What are your other bands? 

Chris: I also play drums in Magrudergrind, Coke Bust, and D.O.C.

Michelle: just Sick Fix



You talk a lot about the women rights too. How the women are considered in USA? There are a lot of inequalities? Do you have some examples? 

Michelle: Women in many ways are still considered second class citizens. We continually have to fight for our reproductive freedoms and our right to choose what we want to do with out bodies. Recently there has been a right wing onslaught at the definition of rape and general lack of compassion for survivors of rape.


...And in the punk-hardcore scene? 

Michelle: I am very lucky to never have experienced inequality in the punk/hardcore scene. I know it happens. I know there are men still out there that think women don't belong and treat women like they are trash. There is still rape and abuse which should never ever be happening any where in the world, whether it is punk or regular society.


In one of your song, you talk about the death of a dog, victim of a inequality. Are you involved in the animal rights?

Michelle: The song is called Phoenix and it is about the plight of "pit bull" type dogs in USA. Pit bulls are the most abused and neglect type of dog in the USA. Not only are they used for dog fighting but many times are neglected and abused at the hands of the humans that should be caring for them. Put on top of that a media hysteria about "pit bulls" being a menace to society, a violence uncontrollable dog, and laws that actually ban them (across the world). I spend most of my time rescuing, fostering, rehabbing, and educating the public about this amazing type of dog. The guys in the band are vegan I am vegetarian. But I don't think just being vegan or vegetarian is enough. There are animals that need are help. There are cats and dogs dying in shelters who need temporary homes while the forever home is found. There are sanctuaries that need help with feeding and caring for rescued horses, donkeys, cows, and pigs. There is so much to do in the realm of animals rights other than diet.


I saw you at the Fluff Fest in Czech Republic, How was it? Did you enjoy your first European tour? What are your best/worst memories?

Chris: We were really nervous about playing fluff because it was our first show of tour but it ended up being a lot of fun. The tour was incredible. I don't think we could of asked for a better first tour over there. 

Michelle: Fluff fest like Chris said was our first show of tour and I was so nervous. It was amazing though. Best way to start tour. Europe was amazing. It was the best time of my life.


Do you have some plans with the band for the future?

Chris: Hopefully do another U.S. tour and keep things moving.


What are the best bands for you?

Chris: I'm currently listening to Red Dons, Bango, Selda, Zola Jesus, and Fleetwood Mac.

Michelle: Dinosaur Jr, Health Hazard, Judge, leatherface are all stuff I have in heavy rotation right now


Why "Sick Fix"?

Chris: It was a name that we just came up with. Nothing special haha.


Thank you for answering my questions! One things to conclude?

Chris: Thanks for the interview! I hope we can come back soon!

Michelle : Thank you

Interview : RAD




Hi Rad! Who are you? First, can you introduce yourself and describe the band?


CA: My name is Charles. Our band weights a combined 650 lbs. I play guitar.

LG: I’m Lory. I do the face-punching vocal thing. The band is RAD and, yes… its rad. We play short and fast. You get all sweaty just watching us.

CH: My name is Craig. I would describe our band as three Jacks and a Jill.

AL: I’m Anthony and I play the bass in RAD.


The first time I listen to your music, it remember me old school 80's hardcore punk bands. What are your influences? What do you listen?

CA: Black Flag, Rebel Truth, Poison Idea, DRI. The Beatles.

LG: I listen to a fairly wide selection of music. Stuff that influences my inspiration for RAD would include bands like Scholastic Death, Spazz, Black Flag, The Comes, and maybe a little bit of DMX.

CH: Charles covered it pretty well but I would add that some of the current hardcore bands we've played with keep us on our toes.

AL: All of us are in our thirties, so we have a first-hand appreciation of 80’s hardcore and thrash. I still listen to a lot of 90's punk stuff that doesn't sound like Rad at all, especially stuff on Gravity, Ebullition, 31G, Kill Rock Stars, etc.





I discover you with your facebook page. What do you think about social network, internet, free downloads and more to promote your music?

CA: I have mixed feelings. We have a Facebook page because I guess everyone has one? We’ve definitely met and been connected with all kinds of people from across the country via Facebook, etc. But there is something about digitizing culture and independent music that makes it disposable. I guess I’ve just asked myself lately, why we digitize our
music. Are trying to make it big? I feel like I’d like to stop digitizing.

LG: I make a living on the Internet. Unlike those other curmudgeons in the band, I embrace technology and the digital age. Please steal our music and share it with the world.

CH: Facebook I could take or leave. Its been a good way to stay in communication with friends and people interested in the band so I do like that part of it. As for downloading, I don't have a problem with people digitizing and uploading our music. We sort of decided that we would just make the physical stuff like records and tapes and if other people want to rip and upload our music, then so be it.

AL: Social media is a good way of reminding people when you're about to play a show, and maybe just giving them a snippet of what the band sounds like. That alone has helped us book shows. But I think the best promotional measure so far has just been playing a lot of shows with a variety of bands and developing a good reputation that way.


You played with awesome old bands like Reagan Youth, Poison Idea, JFA... How it was? Good or bad memories?

CA: Good or bad, it has been an adventure!

LG: I never would have imagined I’d be a part of the kind of history that RAD has helped create. We’ve been so lucky to be able to share the stage with some of the greats. More than anything, I’m glad that Sacramento is becoming a stop off for all kinds of bands on tour. Not only reunion bands, but current ones as well.

CH: Some have been great and others not so great. But all of the shows have given us some great experiences. The guitar player from JFA was really nice and talked to us outside the show for a long time. It was cool to hear him talk about shows they've played and the early days of skateboarding. Actually, the best, most exciting shows we have played have been with new bands like Outlook, Bi-Marks, Replica and Rape Revenge. We got to play with Forward in a basement. Best memory ever.

AL: Good memories for me. It's always a rewarding experience to play with my bandmates. We're about to play with D.R.I. about a month from now—perhaps the student will show the teacher a thing or two.





Is Sacramento rad? Is there a lot of band, place to play, label, fanzines…? Can you mention some of them?

CA: Sacramento is RAD as is any place with awesome people who play music just for the sake of playing music. Lory and I do a label in town, Sacramento Records. Lots of bands of all different types. It’s really great. Shows every night of the week. My favorite things have been the house shows. AxeWave, Boize House, Casa de Chaos.

LG: Sacramento is RAD. We have a huge local music community that thrives under any condition. I love seeing shows at places like Luigi’s Fun Garden and the Java Lounge. I love playing shows at houses like the Axe Wave, Casa, and Boize House. I love a LOT of Sacramento bands, not all of them punk rock. I love Nacho Business, The Bananas, Charles Albright (solo project), Rat Damage, the list goes on. I’m really excited about this new, awesome female-fronted hardcore band called Crude Studs. As far as zines go, I can’t remember the last time I saw someone with one. I know they are out there, but the people who make them don’t bring them to shows anymore. They just drop them off at record shops. Labels are harder to pinpoint because I only know about labels that my friends own. For example, Charles and I run Sacramento Records, Hans White runs Pleasant Screams, Ken Doose has a CDR comp thing on Bat Guano.

CH: Yeah, Sacramento is rad. We have great bands and people involved in music here. Local houses like Axewave, Casa de Chaos and the Boiz House have had amazing shows with local and touring bands and are really the heart of the scene. As for labels, Ken from Rat Damage runs FYBS records, Charles and Lory have their label, and Kenny from Knifethruhead has Buried in Hell records. These guys put a lot of energy into supporting underground music. We're very lucky to have such active supporters in this city.

AL: Enough said. Every town should have a DIY scene this supportive. Sometime it seems like everyone in Sacramento is in a band, no joke!


And your music? What do you say in your lyrics?

LG: I like to write about important issues, like how the ending of ‘Lost’ sucked wank, or the joys of playing D&D, or pit safety. Pit safety is very crucial to us.

CA: We mostly sing about our favorite TV shows.

CH: Our lyrics can seem a little goofy but we try to have some kind of thoughtful idea behind them.

AL: Rad lyrics can be summed up by the 4 P’s: Pits, Posers, Politics, and Popular culture references.





Can you talk about SACRAMENTO RECORDS? When do you start this label? What are your goals?

CA; Sacramento Records started in 1999 when I bought a spindle of “Swimming in the Secret C” CDs from Scott Miller of Secret Center Records. Since then Sacramento Records has put out records from many Sacramento bands. Lory became my partner last year and our goal is to put out records for bands in Sacramento that would otherwise not have a chance to put out a record.

LG: Charles started Sacramento Records a hundred years ago as a hobby. He wanted to put music out by bands that might not otherwise be able to do so. During the first decade, he did it all on his own. I don’t know how he managed to put out as much music as he did. I came on as a financial backer, but have since started usurping his authority and trying to influence what we do, but I think he has caught on to my plan. We just want to continue to support the Sacramento music scene by putting out records by bands in the area that we love.



What are your next projects? I have any chance to see you in Europe and listen to a great LP?

CA: Well, we just finished an Lp called “Loud & Fast” which will be out on Sacramento records this fall. There will also be a cassette release of the album with a bunch of bonus tracks. We really want some label in Europe to put our record too, but so far we haven’t found anyone.

LG: You are going to shit your pants when you hear the LP. It is fantastic. As for touring in Europe, it is a definite possibility, but it might take a lot of planning since everyone has day jobs.

CH: Yeah, we're excited about the new LP coming out. We would love to tour and I would love to go to Europe but its hard to find the time off and a way to pay for it. All I know for sure is that we will make a really bad crossover metal record right before we break up.

AL: I would love to play some shows in Europe, but of course the cost of travel is very high. I like to daydream about that possibility though. I have attended punk shows in France and the Netherlands before, and the crowds were so enthusiastic and full of energy.


Do you have other bands?

LG: I play bass with some of my friends in a band called Captain Billy’s Whiz-Bang! (Whiz-Bang! for short).

CH: Nope, just being in RAD has almost given me a heart attack. Sometimes at shows, we play so fast that I puke in my mouth a little bit.

CA: I have a highly successful solo career and play in an as yet untitled band with Matt K Shrugg, Scott Soriano of SS records and Kevin from Knife Thru Head.

AL: No other bands for me. I am 100% faithful to RAD.





Are you engaged in some fight like animal rights, feminism, straight-edge...? What it's mean for you?

CA: I am the words worst vegetarian. I consider myself a feminist and most certainly am NOT straight edge. However, I really respect people that try to live the best life they can whatever form that takes.

LG: I used to reject the title of feminist until I realized that feminism just means wanting equality for both genders. I play hard music because I love it, but also because I want to see more women taking on this kind of stuff. We are not just a bunch of pretty girls with cat glasses who like to play love songs on acoustic guitars while we gaze longingly at the stars. There are a lot of women who love metal, thrash, punk, hardcore and all the stuff that is usually associated with men. I want to be a role model to young female musicians who want to play ugly and dirty. Take off your pretty dress and fuck shit up. It is way more fun.

CH: RAD has really been an excuse for us to hang out as friends, to make new friends, to gain experiences and to be creative. We're not an overtly political band but I think we all lean the same direction when it comes to politics and it trickles into our songs. Anthony is and has been the biggest activist in the band talk to him.

AL: I moved to Sacramento because I work in state politics. Since I live and breathe politics all day, RAD is like an escape from that for me. Punk rock and politics go hand in hand, if you ask me. Punk helps introduce ideas and hopefully expands people's minds, instead of the other way around. And the DIY ethic is so important too. No one is going to just do things for you or give you what you want. You got to stand up and make your voice heard, or better yet, organize others and get things done yourself.


Thanks to answer my questions! One thing’s to conclude?

CH: Thanks for your interest in RAD! Thrashard!

LG: For the Horde!

CA: Never Turn your back on a mosh.

AL: Rad loves France!