Criminal Code - Cold Thought CS/LP

 

 Cold Thought makes more solid the transition of musical style I suggested in the last post with Hollowed. The songs are much more involved in terms of structure and there are a lot of elements added to them that keep them from being classified as just 'punk' or 'alternative' or whatever you wish to call it. Cold Thought blasts off with four ragers and the B side transitions into some real gloomy style I'm a big fan of and also has a re-recorded version of 'Dry Spell'.




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Criminal Code - Hollowed EP

The Hollowed EP is more of what you'd expect and desire from a Criminal Code release. It gets a little more of a 'hectic' and noisey feel with "No Such Omen" but is boxed in by two tracks that are very reminiscent of the style they've created for themselves. Moves a little bit more away from its punk roots and gets a little more melodic and, well, almost has a Husker Du vibe. Here's the thing about that comparison; it should be avoided at all costs always. Every band 'sounds like Husker Du' at some point or another. That band has covered so much musical ground it's a stupid comparison but this record gave me a 90s Du vibe. Long story short Criminal Code have their own sound and they do it well. Solid release.







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Criminal Code - Demo CS

Your guess is as good as mine why I have had this cassette for so long and not put it up on my blog. I guess I picked it up when I wasn't putting too much up and it got lost in the pile I've amassed over the years of countless records and demos of friend's bands. This pile is growing rather daunting and I sincerely apologize to anyone who is feeling left out right now. It is definitely not intentional. I picked this tape up from Taiga the first time I ever saw Criminal Code which was a show at Phantom City in 2011. I think Red & Black played? I can't remember for the life of me but I loved it. It was unlike anything going on at the time and really interested me in all the right ways. Flanged and fierce baby. Since then I've jammed this tape to death while Criminal Code has released a shitload more, toured extensively and endured a few lineup changes. I hope you guys dig this shit because Taiga came over the other day and I picked up every release I didn't have from him to get up to speed. More to come gang.



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V/A - NWHC The New Blood CS

Gag had the pleasure of playing Rain Fest this year in Seattle which gives us exposure to a crowd that generally wouldn't hear us play. Some of my friend's new bands played and I picked up this cassette after watching Singled Out's set. Singled Out is killer and I love the Safe and Sound boys so I was stoked to pick up this sampler and hear some new stuff. Safe and Sound's "Excess" is a sick straight edge jammer with a dope break, Singled Out's " Things I Said" is a stomper that could seriously benefit from straying away from the classic rock chords. I can't not think of Kansas when that track comes on, haha. Red Scare's "Early Exit" is a force to be reckoned with. Really looking forward to getting to see this band. Good bands from some of the younger kids in the Northwest. Fucking stoked for more from these guys.



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Blotter - Under Armour '77

Here's another record I was waiting forever to get my hands on. I finally got a copy from Jason in LA on Gag tour. So pumped because I'd wanted to hear new Blotter since the demo tape. The 7" does not disappoint it's such a shame the band is done. Jason also pays homage to Nay's style on the La Misma demo maybe subconsciously with the opening 'coo'. Pictured first is the American press of the record and second is the European press. Long live the Under Armour and I feel it'd be a shame to not plug Nos at least once.











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Institute - Giddy Boys 7"

Adam you need a secretary man, this was a record I was waiting for forever in the mail. Pumped I finally have it! The new Institute record is great. You can definitely feel a more new wave influence on this one but its still touched with those anarcho/post punk sentiments you know and love from the demo tape. Institute is a great band.







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PMS 84 - Demo CS

PMS 84 is made up of some members of Life Form and when I first saw them I had no idea what to expect but was pleasantly surprised. It was really good stuff. Great live band. Life Form was much more noisey and wild and this is a lot more straight forward and almost oi, more street punk influenced. "Boots Keep Laughing" is the standout track for me. Give me lyrics Tyler!

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