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Featuring an impressive pedigree including members of Bl’ast!, Good Riddance, THE Distillers, and Fast Asleep, the band picks up right where they left off on their 2020, debut LP, Brace Yourself, with a ten-song barrage of relentless, uncompromising rage, touching on topics such as religion, self-medication, and survival in a—literally and figuratively—sick society. In between playing shows with legendary acts like Quicksand, Fear, R.K.L., and Propagandhi, the band got back together with Paul Miner at Buzzbomb Studios to lay down the follow-up to their explosive debut. All in all, it is a continuation of the band’s fast and hard approach in every way, and if anything, the band is more dialed-in and focused than ever. The songs on the record come from extremely personal and often dark places for singer and lyricist Clifford Dinsmore, such as the first single, “Hanging In The Balance.” He explains, “In the time period I was fighting cancer, I was shacked up, feeling like a prisoner in my own house. Living in a semi-purgatory state, I felt like I was looking at the world from an outside view.” Of the bleak, punishing “Omen Of Despair,” guitarist Danny B simply says, “Musically and lyrically, this is where we feel Seized UP is right now.” The band also re-recorded “Forum Of Decay,” from their 2021 7”, wishing for it to be featured on the album with the laser tightness the band is now playing with after five years as a unit.

Portraits is the second studio album by this Sioux City, IA, metalcore band FOR Today. Recorded at The Basement Recording Studio with Jamie King (between THE Buried AND ME, THE Human Abstract) resulting in ten tracks of excellently produced metallic hardcore.

Black/Red Marble vinyl,limited to 200 copies.Berlins own Herzblut plays punk rock. Herzblut stands for energetic, sweat-inducing live shows. Anyone looking for a powerful catchy tune à la "Die Toten Hosen" with the lyrical wit of "Die Ärzte" in the youthful sound of "Blink 182" will find Herzblut. With regular shows in Berlin cultural venues such as "SO36" and "Wild At Heart", in the sold-out "Maschinenhaus" in the Kulturbrauerei, and at the "Spirit From The Street" festival, Herzblut has made a name for itself in the Berlin scene. As the pandemic subsided and coronavirus restrictions were lifted, Herzblut were ready to go wild with great songs, a party atmosphere and live performances reminiscent of "fat-burning work-outs" (Alexis Georgiu).

Violent Ritual is the third EP from Los Angeles’s Personal Damage, originally released on a small run of self-released cassettes in 2022 and now upgraded to vinyl courtesy of Sorry State. Violent Ritual offers five tracks of Personal Damage’s trademark snot-fueled, short-fast-and-loud hardcore punk, the longest track clocking in at a mere 80 seconds. While the songs are short, they’re hardly insubstantial, packing albums worth of excitement into each delicately constructed and tightly wound composition. Pedal-to-the-floor fast parts are punctuated by Lucky Lehrer-style rhythmic inventions, each song building toward a climactic guitar solo and/or call-and-response chorus. While so many contemporary hardcore bands de-emphasize the vocals, they’re Personal Damage’s most potent weapon, with all three members contributing to the dynamic vocal arrangements and every track offering a chance to shout along. While the first four tracks blazes at early Gang Green velocities, the closing “Banned from Society” stretches things out ever so slightly with a classic SoCal rhythm and the record’s most anthemic vocal. Violent Ritual is the most potent dose yet from one of the 2020s’ most exciting hardcore punk bands.

LA synth-punk drippers Diode bubble to the surface with 2—the next level, off the rails sequel to their already unique, deeply wonky catalog of alienized post-punk. This well-seasoned troup of rockers comprise many great bands from the LA underground scene—including Advoids, Vaguess, and Seudo Youth. Diode is a supergroup of experimentally conscious and fiercely talented like-minded folks making warped, yet endlessly catchy, dystopian rock. With 2, Diode have fortified their DNA with layers of dense, radiating synthesizers, modulated guitars, freaky vocals, and tightly wound, speedy drums. Music to hack the freakin’ system to. After the release of their debut self-titled LP in 2020 and since playing a slew of stacked West Coast shows, Diode quickly gained local and online recognition from a widespread audience. After a few months of recent silence, the group has pulled an unlicensed weapon out of their Slash-sized tophat and shattered the silence with 2. This record is an untethered journey into a diverse landscape of synth-punk excellence. Songs like 'Diode' dive into jerky and aggressive progressions, while 'Card Dealer' and others are less jagged, and instead, are deeply infectious and prevailing heart-melters. The substantial 14 song record is captured on a decedent and triumphant mid-fi recording- the band now sounding more concrete and dialed than ever. This record is a wild, glitchy ride inside and out and has something for everyone- humans and droids alike. Diode should not be underestimated. They are rapidly mutating, becoming more powerful, and tearing through the frequencies of reality one record at a time."—Sims Hardin

Canada's #1 all-women punk band. For the first time on vinyl, here’s the entire 1980 output by the trailblazing Dishrags quartet. Formed in 1976 in Victoria and later relocating to Vancouver, the Dishrags played Vancouver’s first-ever punk rock gig and went on to bump elbows with the Clash, the Ramones, the Avengers, and countless others. Four features 13 songs of brooding punk & early hardcore, meticulously remastered. Including their 9-song studio demo, 3-song Death in the Family EP, and 1 soundboard recording. Includes a large-size booklet with their bio, interview, photos, and gig posters—plus a cool sticker!

Dead Moon's first LP! Originally released in 1989, In The Graveyard sounded like nothing else happening at the time. Lo -fi psychedelic masterful songwriting with so much murk and mystery—it's perfect. Features absolute hits like "In The Graveyard", "God Damn I Hate The Blues and "Dead In The Saddle." This is one of the most important rock and roll releases of all time.

“The origin of this record is a weird one. In 2019, we had just returned from two long European tours when we decided to take a ‘little break’ from the road. You all know what happened next. That ‘little break’ turned into a couple of years and during that time Dane, our drummer, decided to quit the band and music in general (no hard feelings). Sean [Hoffman] and I had a discussion and thought about ending the band as a whole, but I knew I had to go out on my own terms. I had an ace in the hole, though. Jeff Murray, drummer from LA rippers The Shrine. I had been friends with Jeff and The Shrine’s founder, Josh Landau since our ‘Scavenger’ 7-inch came out, around 2012. We had run into them in Berlin a few months back and I knew they weren’t playing anymore. I called Josh first, ’cause asking a dude if you can take his drummer, is like asking your girlfriend’s dad if you can marry her. And Josh said ‘go for it.’ And Jeff was in.

“Honestly if he had said no, that would have been the end. I had written a ton of stuff since our last album but I had shelved most of it. I was trying too hard—basically. Eventually Sean, Jeff and I said, ‘Fuck it, let’s make a ‘Fake Live’ record—like Kiss or Slayer did. John Dwyer from Osees was opening his new studio, Discount Mirrors, and it seemed like the perfect place to record it. We settled on re-recording a bunch of old stuff while simultaneously demoing our new material, as the three of us were now starting to really get in the groove. The result is Strange Masters Vol. 1.

“These are not new songs. These are Zig Zags classics re-recorded with a ripping-ass band that’s old and angry and just wants to get on with it. We are already on to recording the next album of new songs. That one is coming soon, but in the meantime, enjoy this one…while you still can!” —Jed Maheu (guitars/vocals for Zig Zags)

The legendary, influential, celebrated and inarguably smallest release by I Hate Myself. First pressing in twenty-four years housed in pocket sleeves from the original source artwork and pressed on limited edition glow-in-the-dark vinyl.

Debut vinyl release from Indonesia's punky reggae band, an expanded edition of their latest full length - now 14 tracks strong. A must for fans of THE Clash, THE Aggrolites, THE Skints - aggressive guitar, high-octane tempos and a chant vocal style. Pressed on red vinyl limited to 400.

"The Beatles' White Album: When bands deliver an unfinished, unwieldy record at a hopeless turning point in their career, they talk about THEIR "White Album" - in any case, this phrase means: their "masterpiece". The EASTIE RO!S we're talking about here don't need any refreshing of the memory: once you've had anything to do with them, you won't forget them, just as traffic accidents, burning school buses and weather disasters stay in your memory for a long time. A band like Eastie Ro!s, who lived out...

Indignation Meeting are punky rail fans from Leeds. 15-year-old Peter is the driver - he's the drummer and lead singer, writes most of the songs, and also plays bass and trumpet on the album. The rest of the crew is his dad Michael on guitar, Hugo on bass, and with Keith, Heather and Sally often along for the ride when they play out.Here at DGHQ we've been listening to their self-released debut album Trouble In The Shed since last year and finally spoke with the band and agreed to release it on vinyl for the first time.It was very good timing as they've just been in the studio to finish recording their second album, so we'll be releasing that later in 2024.Welcome on-board!We caught up with Peter to ask as few questions about the band_Q: "In a week when the Labour Party promised to return the rail network to public ownership, we ask how did your fascination with trains begin?"A: "Honestly, I don't really know - I've just loved them ever since I can remember. It's not like with some people who had a family connection or watched Thomas the Tank Engine; I've just always loved them. I guess it's just a childhood obsession that never went away!" Q: "'Trouble In The Shed' is quickly becoming a firm office favourite here at DG. There's a touch of punk, indie and new wave about it. What would you say are the key influences that make up your musical DNA?"A: "My main influence when this album was released was Blyth Power. They'd been my favourite band for years when this was recorded, so everything on it was influenced by them in some way. They've had so many different musical styles over the years that they kind of conglomerated into this album, to create yet another eclectic mix of songs. The only real exception to that on this album is Electrification - no prizes for guessing the influence there! If you see us live, however, you may notice another influence pervading through our songs. That influence is the anarcho-hippy band 'The Astronauts,' whom I discovered midway through the recording process,...

Repress now on classic black vinyl!`Sad days for the kids, but great days for the Skins!' Oi! made in Leipzig! THE SPARTANICS, after demo, LP, 10' and various sampler contributions with their second complete album. The trio may come from Connewitz, but they sound pleasantly British, like 70s lower class street punk with a smart beat, catchy melodies and a smooth, sharp guitar sound. Beautifully dry and straightforward, purist on the road. With a light sole and a tough message: `Shut up, work hard and make money for the rich!' DON'T! 10 songs with English lyrics, rough direction: crisp blend of SPARRER, NEWTON NEUROTICS, EVIL CONDUCT and the LURKERS.

This Chinese punk band has been giving the authorities the finger for over 20 years. Their uncompromising so...

Originally released in 2006, Seattle, WA’s Sinking Ships’ full-length Revelation debut, Disconnecting, took a look at the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Weaving elements of melody and hard-edge riffs, Sinking Ships created a sound all their own, somewhere between the familiar echoes of hardcore bands like Bane and IN MY Eyes, but with their own distinct, morose overtones.

Divine Right is a straight-edge, metallic, hardcore/metalcore band based out of Charlotte, NC. After befriending one another in spring 2023, the quintet spent the summer of that year writing their debut EP, Salvation Ends. Released digitally in early February 2024, Salvation Ends is a five-song EP with lyrics ranging from subjects such as not being taken advantage of by industries and political figures, embracing being straight edge, loved ones going through substance abuse and the toll that can take on those close to them, religious organizations abusing people at their weakest points, and coping with the loss of loved ones. Taking inspiration from bands like Strife, ALL OUT WAR, Sentence, Arkangel, and North Carolina metalcore legends Prayer FOR Cleansing, the group wants nothing more than to embody the spirit of ’90s-style hardcore and help keep the Carolina scene alive.

Divine Right is a straight-edge, metallic, hardcore/metalcore band based out of Charlotte, NC. After befriending one another in spring 2023, the quintet spent the summer of that year writing their debut EP, Salvation Ends. Released digitally in early February 2024, Salvation Ends is a five-song EP with lyrics ranging from subjects such as not being taken advantage of by industries and political figures, embracing being straight edge, loved ones going through substance abuse and the toll that can take on those close to them, religious organizations abusing people at their weakest points, and coping with the loss of loved ones. Taking inspiration from bands like Strife, ALL OUT WAR, Sentence, Arkangel, and North Carolina metalcore legends Prayer FOR Cleansing, the group wants nothing more than to embody the spirit of ’90s-style hardcore and help keep the Carolina scene alive.

Disposition stands as the final installment of the School Drugs , four-part full-length venture Funeral Arrangements. “I called a local funeral home to ask if the term ‘disposition’ was commonly used in the industry,” says School Drugs vocalist Josh Jurk. The director was a little surprised by the question. He said “yes” with some reservation. When I asked him why, he noted that it’s more of an insider term and derives its meaning from disposal, and the bereaved most likely wouldn’t be thrilled by the insinuation.” Opening the 7” record, “With Sympathy” admonishes the callousness of those involved

in an industry of death. Following close behind, “Feel Like Shit” is derived from a real- life conversation Josh had in therapy. The final track, “Funeral Arrangements,” reads

something like a hardcore ode to NOFX’s “The Decline”—an over 5-minute journey through various movements, tempos, and emotions.

What is there to say about SS DECONTROL’s long out-of-print 1982 debut, The Kids Will Have Their Say, that hasn’t already been written? Long heralded as the first straight-edge album, this collection of songs captures a time and an era in the nascent hardcore scene before formulas and posturing. In other words, it’s an unfiltered, artistic statement that’s singular in scope and vision. The Boston act’s debut was extremely limited, never repressed, and has gone on to have a life of its own despite the fact the only affordable way to listen to it has been low-quality streams on YouTube. Now, after being out of print for 40 years, the album will be available on cassette by Trust Records with remastered audio and a painstaking recreation of the iconic cover art courtesy of Bryan Ray Turcotte. Over the years, the mythology of the album has only grown—and this reissue of the album is sure to introduce this prescient and powerful collection of songs to a new generation of fans who never had the opportunity to see the original lineup of guitarist Al Barile, vocalist Springa, bassist Jaime Sciarappa, and drummer Chris Foley perform live. In many ways, SSD launched the hardcore scene in Boston as we know it and the band’s kinship with Minor THREAT’s Ian MacKaye arose out of the fact that both acts refused to conform to society’s still shifting standards at the time. From the unbridled aggression of SSD’s “Boiling Point” to the stripped-down groove of “How Much Art,” the album was as reactionary as it was revolutionary and is an artistic statement that remains to be remarkably complex for a group of guys barely into adulthood.

What is there to say about SS DECONTROL’s long out-of-print 1982 debut, The Kids Will Have Their Say, that hasn’t already been written? Long heralded as the first straightedge album, this collection of songs captures a time and an era in the nascent hardcore scene before formulas and posturing. In other words, it’s an unfiltered, artistic statement that’s singular in scope and vision. The Boston act’s debut was extremely limited, never repressed, and has gone on to have a life of its own despite the fact the only affordable way to listen to it has been low-quality streams on YouTube. Now, after being out of print for 40 years, the album will be available on vinyl by Trust Records with remastered audio and a painstaking recreation of the iconic cover art courtesy of Bryan Ray Turcotte. Over the years, the mythology of the album has only grown—and this reissue of the album is sure to introduce this prescient and powerful collection of songs to a new generation of fans who never had the opportunity to see the original lineup of guitarist Al Barile, vocalist Springa, bassist Jaime Sciarappa, and drummer Chris Foley perform live. In many ways, SSD launched the hardcore scene in Boston as we know it and the band’s kinship with Minor THREAT’s Ian MacKaye arose out of the fact that both acts refused to conform to society’s still shifting standards at the time. From the unbridled aggression of SSD’s “Boiling Point” to the strippeddown groove of “How Much Art,” the album was as reactionary as it was revolutionary and is an artistic statement that remains to be remarkably complex for a group of guys barely into adulthood. Whether you’re buying this because you’re lucky enough to own the original pressing or you’re hearing the album for the very first time, this version of The Kids Will Have Their Say is a striking document of the nascent hardcore scene that sounds just as vital today as it did when it was originally recorded.

What is there to say about SSD’s long out-of-print 1983 release, Get It Away, that hasn’t already been written? Long heralded as the album which defined the band, this collection of songs captures a time and an era in the nascent hardcore scene before formulas and posturing. In other words, it’s an unfiltered artistic statement that’s singular in scope and vision. The Boston act’s follow-up release was extremely limited, never repressed, and has gone on to have a life of its own despite the fact the only affordable way to listen to it has been low-quality streams on YouTube. Now, after being out of print for 40 years, the album will be available on vinyl by Trust Records with updated remastered audio. Over the years the mythology of the album has only grown—and this reissue of the album is sure to introduce this prescient and powerful collection of songs to a new generation of fans who never had the opportunity to see the original lineup of guitarist Al Barile, vocalist Springa, bassist Jaime Sciarappa and drummer Chris Foley perform live. Whether you’re buying this because you’re lucky enough to own the original pressing or you’re hearing the album for the very first time, this version of Get It Away is a striking document of the nascent hardcore scene that sounds just as vital today as it did when it was originally recorded. In a genre where authenticity reigns supreme, SSD stands tall as torchbearers, embodying the essence of hardcore music with every chord and lyric; this record is a must-have for new and old fans.

What is there to say about SSD’s long out-of-print 1983 release, Get It Away, that hasn’t already been written? Long heralded as the album which defined the band, this collection of songs captures a time and an era in the nascent hardcore scene before formulas and posturing. In other words, it’s an unfiltered artistic statement that’s singular in scope and vision. The Boston act’s follow-up release was extremely limited, never repressed, and has gone on to have a life of its own despite the fact the only affordable way to listen to it has been low-quality streams on YouTube. Now, after being out of print for 40 years, the album will be available on vinyl by Trust Records with updated remastered audio. Over the years the mythology of the album has only grown—and this reissue of the album is sure to introduce this prescient and powerful collection of songs to a new generation of fans who never had the opportunity to see the original lineup of guitarist Al Barile, vocalist Springa, bassist Jaime Sciarappa and drummer Chris Foley perform live. Whether you’re buying this because you’re lucky enough to own the original pressing or you’re hearing the album for the very first time, this version of Get It Away is a striking document of the nascent hardcore scene that sounds just as vital today as it did when it was originally recorded. In a genre where authenticity reigns supreme, SSD stands tall as torchbearers, embodying the essence of hardcore music with every chord and lyric; this record is a must-have for new and old fans.

I Against I is the third studio album from Bad Brains, originally released in 1986 on SST Records. It remains influential to this day, inspiring countless punk, ska, reggae, and hardcore bands with it's innovative sound and uncompromising attitude.

This reissue marks the eighth release in the remaster campaign, re-launching the Bad Brains Records label imprint. In coordination with the band, Org Music has overseen the restoration and remastering of the iconic Bad Brains' recordings. The audio was mastered by Dave Gardner and pressed at Furnace Record Pressing.

I Against I is the third studio album from Bad Brains, originally released in 1986 on SST Records. It remains influential to this day, inspiring countless punk, ska, reggae, and hardcore bands with it's innovative sound and uncompromising attitude.

This reissue marks the eighth release in the remaster campaign, re-launching the Bad Brains Records label imprint. In coordination with the band, Org Music has overseen the restoration and remastering of the iconic Bad Brains' recordings. The audio was mastered by Dave Gardner and pressed at Furnace Record Pressing.

I Against I is the third studio album from Bad Brains, originally released in 1986 on SST Records. It remains the best-selling album in the band's catalog, showcasing Bad Brains' unique fusion of punk rock, hardcore punk, reggae, and heavy metal influences. It remains influential to this day, inspiring countless punk, ska, reggae, and hardcore bands with it's innovative sound and uncompromising attitude. This reissue marks the eighth release in the remaster campaign, re-launching the Bad Brains Records label imprint. In coordination with the band, Org Music has overseen the restoration and remastering of the iconic Bad Brains' recordings. The audio was mastered by Dave Gardner and pressed at Furnace Record Pressing.

If you follow this label, you'll know that the love for Texas is evident. Serving as a follow up to the 2022 Death Is Only... 12" EP, the self-titled LP by these veterans of pummeling sonic racket features ten tracks of the hardcore punk madness that their first effort exhibited they were the stalwarts of. With this new release, Peace Decay have elevated their songwriting prowess and fierce delivery further than before. Mastered by Jack Control at Enormous Door, each record comes in a jacket with a full color insert, both of which are garnished with an absolutely stunning painting by vocalist Enok Cado.

Recorded live at London’s legendary Roxy Club on April 2, 1977 just five short months before the release of their iconic debut single, call to liberation, prototypic “Oh Bondage, Up Yours!”. Remastered audio & reimagined artwork plus exclusive sleeve notes from original pioneering saxophonist Lora Logic. Limited edition “Spittle White” vinyl.

If you don’t know who Government Issue is, then pick up a book on the history of the early ‘80s hardcore man! One of the most respected bands to emerge out of the Washington, DC scene. Government Issue really hit the mark on their 1987 release of “You”– combining their hardcore style with a more melodic edge and is considered to be their best LP ever. Now reissued this for the first time since 1987. Remastered by guitarist Tom Lyle himself, it never sounded so stong, clean and punchy! Doctor’s order, pick this up pronto! SIDE A:JADED EYESBEYONDMAN IN A TRAPCARING LINEYOUNG LOVESIDE B:WHERE YOU LIVEWISHINGPUBLIC STAGEWORLD, YOU AND IHOLE IN THE SCENEMELANCHOLY MISS

Lick is the third full-length album by the Lemonheads, and the last to feature founding member Ben Deily. It was the group's last independent label-released album before signing to major label Atlantic. An odd mixture of brand-new, and considerably older, sounds, 1989’s Lick brings together the output of several distinct recording sources: six brand new songs recorded with Minneapolis-based band friend and producer Terry Katzman, and a collection of older, B-side and never-released material originally overseen by producer and engineer Tom Hamilton.

Creator is the second album by legendary Boston band The Lemonheads. Still featuring the full original line-up of Evan Dando, Ben Deily, and Jesse Peretz, the album also includes John P. Strohm (of the Blake Babies, Antenna, and Velo-Deluxe) on drums.

Hate Your Friends is the 1987 debut album by the Lemonheads, one of only three full-length releases to feature the original band line- up of Evan Dando, Ben Deily, and Jesse Peretz. The album showcases a hardcore-punk-to-pop-rock sound and sensibility as playfully fierce as it is surprising…

2024 repress, Glow In The Dark Vinyl.Bergen, Norway- Blood Command have announced their new studio album, "World Domination"(Produced by Yngve Andersen) to be released on the 29th September 2023 through Hassle Records. Whilst early singles have cradled audiences with their ethereal death pop sound, make no mistake, the album "World Domination" is 20 rapid bursts of every side the band has to offer. Infectious grooves, blast beats, singer Nikki Brumens powerful screams and riot grrrl chanting, techno interludes and that delicate side which lulls you into a false sense of security before ripping into the listener once more.The record dives into unrequited love, the hatred of the unjust, the power of faith and the darkness of the abyss and never giving up on trying to climb out of it."Like various underground religious groups throughout history, Blood Command's ever growing following, The Awaketeam, is rising around the globe, and we are not stopping until World Domination. So keep your eyes peeled for purple shrouds, three stripes and black and white sneakers."This is Blood Command at its most interesting. Come and be a part of the movement.

New York City’s invigorating Italo-hardcore outfit Mirage are back with a new 12" Legato Alla Rovina. Their latest release shifts ever closer toward the forefathers of classic Italian punk with eight new tracks in the vein of Nerorgasmo and Upset Noise. Martial drums and commanding riffs are the backdrops to sonorous mad-preacher-style vocals while maintaining a reverence for post-punk influence.

Bed Maker's origins date back to summer 2019, when bassist Arthur Noll (Light Beams, Kid Congo Powers) and drummer Vin Novara (The Crownhate Ruin, 1.6 Band), each having played in Alarms & Controls, invited guitarist Jeff Barsky (Insect Factory, Time Is Fire) to collaborate and see what might happen. By autumn, they invited Amanda MacKaye (Desiderata, Routineers) to join them, and the chemistry was immediate. In February 2020 at DC's Rhizome, Bed Maker played their first show and then paused their activities the follow- ing month, as did most people.

Due to the state of the world in 2020 and 2021, they continued writing music through sharing recordings. Mike Schleibaum assisted by assembling home recordings of their individual parts into working demos. This allowed them to keep momentum, and by the time in-person rehearsals resumed, a handful of songs and new ideas were close to fruition. Bed Maker resumed playing shows in November 2022.

Following a self-released digital single ("Miss Dickens") and an EP (Three on the Tree) -- each recorded with Schleibaum and Matt Michel at Viva Studios -- Bed Maker began work on their self-titled LP in May 2023 with Ian MacKaye and Don Zientara at the original Inner Ear Studio in his basement in Arlington, VA, and with Mike Schleibaum at his home studio in Maryland.

That their debut LP even exists is only possible thanks to the support of family and many friends, and also serves as an act of defiance to the horrors of the last four-plus years.

With all eyes seemingly on the international street-punk scene during a time of boundless creativity, Guadalajara’s Mess stands poised to make a global impact. Influenced by the classic sounds of Oi! and Uk82, the band brings a raw but catchy sensibility to their street-level, rock ‘n’ roll anthems, sung mostly in English, with a little Spanish. After making a huge impression with their opening salvo of singles and EPs, as well as a split with UK heroes THE Chisel, the 14-song LP Under Attack is Mess’s most fully formed creative vision to date, showcasing a timeless sound across songs like “Leave Me Alone,” “Fueled By Rage,” and the impossibly catchy, mid-tempo anthem “In The City.” Taken together, this is the sound of the streets, tough as nails, but with an appeal to the human spirit of survival in a bleak society. Under Attack is the world according to Mess.

Rochambeau stands out because of the unique sound created by the band. However, a major part of why it sounds the way it does has to do with where the band recorded and who engineered it. Produced by Eric “E” Garten at For The Record Studios, this album has a polish to it that just wasn’t sonically happening when punk bands recorded at that time. As a result, Rochambeau captures the sound of the 1990s and also holds up over time. This four piece featuring Mike “Popeye” Vogelsang on vocals, Rob Haworth on guitar, Brian Chu on bass, and “Bob Violence” Beshear on drums, came together to create a sound that was unique to this band. With such influences as Hüsker DÜ, THE Descendents, Elvis Costello, as well as seminal hardcore bands of that time, Rochambeau occupies a special place in not only the band’s history but in the history of hardcore and post-punk music as a whole. Touching on such vast topics as heartbreak, racism, being your own worst enemy, and just about everything in between, Rochambeau continues to speak to new generations of listeners who hear it. As a result, their fanbase has remained as rabid and continued to grow, even today. The album represents the breakthrough that this post-hardcore band had, while also reminding bands in the present of the necessity to push boundaries and make music from the heart.

Farside was a melodic punk band from Orange County, CA, founded in 1989. Their sound was a mixture of ’80s post-hardcore (dag Nasty, Hüsker DÜ, and THE Descendents were big influences), ’90s alternative metal (helmet, Quicksand), and the power-pop sensibilities of the late ’70s (Elvis Costello), and as a result, the band never quite fit in on any bill they were booked to play. This resulted in the band never being completely definable, which suited the members just fine. Many current bands have cited Farside as an influence, and it’s clear that their music left a lasting impression on their dedicated and loyal fan base. The Monroe Doctrine, the band’s final album, was the culmination of ten years of progression for the band and reflects their diverse mixture of punk, post-punk, indie, and pop melodies.