David Quinton - Overlook Road

What comes to mind when you see the name David Quinton? You most likely know that he played on Stiv Bators's LP Disconnected and authored the classic track "Make Up Your Mind". You probably also know that he was the teenage drummer for The Mods - one of Canada's original punk groups. What you might not be aware of is that Quinton had a solid run as a solo artist in the early '80s. Shortly after his 20th birthday, he made a debut album that was released on the Canadian label Bomb Records. He demoed several more tracks in preparation for a second album that was ultimately never released. Having recently found the master tapes from several of his recording sessions from the early '80s, Quinton worked with Secret Mission Records to give them a proper release. And so now we have Overlook Road - a beautifully packaged 12-track LP!

The album title refers to Overlook Road in Silver Lake, Ohio - where Quinton once lived with his friend George Cabaniss (also a member of the Stiv Bators Band). Overlook Road is where Quinton wrote many of these songs on piano. One doesn't usually think of teenage punk rockers writing songs on piano, but that is the true origin of many of these tracks. A number of these songs were recorded from 1980-81 and are alternate versions of favorites from the original album (of course including Quinton's own recording of "Make Up Your Mind"). Several more were recorded for that ill-fated second album. Cumulatively, these songs document the work of a talented and often overlooked songwriter. The songs from the album are top-notch turn of the '80s power pop ("Make Up Your Mind" is every bit the equal of Bators's more well-known version). The tracks intended for Quinton's second album suggest that it would have been quite a different record. The likes of "That's All I Want", "Scene of the Crime", and "Afraid of the Light" (all recorded 1982) find Quinton's songwriting craft growing more sophisticated and contemporary. It's not hard to imagine "Scene of the Crime" as a radio hit in 1983.

It's somewhat miraculous that Overlook Road even exists. The master tapes unearthed for this release were in extremely poor condition and in serious need of repair. Anton Evans really did a bang-up job of repairing and refurbishing these recordings - which now sound as good as new! Quinton wrote the liner notes and provided photos from his personal collection for the full color insert. If you're a big fan of Quinton in particular or new wave era power pop in general, you ought to be very interested in this album. This was a true passion project for Secret Mission Records, and boy did the label ever go all-out to make it super cool! It's a deal and a steal for $15!



-L.R.

https://secretmissionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/david-quinton-overlook-road 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords/ 

Flashlights - Shadows and Lights

Secret Mission Records has been bringing music from some of the best bands in Japan to American shores for a number of years now. That very much continues with the vinyl release of Flashlights' acclaimed full-length Shadows and Lights. This Tokyo foursome plays indie pop with a tremendous Japanese punk pedigree (members of Rock-A-Cherry and The Knocks are involved). Originally released on CD in 2016, this album has been remastered for vinyl by the one-and-only Jeff Burke. Who do Flashlights sound like? Well they don't really sound like any other band, and that is part of what makes them great. They can go from jangling, twee-ish pop to moody indie/punk - sometimes within a single song! Listening to the bittersweet punky pop of "Midnight Carboy", you could understand why Jeff Burke would "get" this band. Yet for the most part, this album follows a path that is impossible to pigeonhole. It's not quite power pop, but I think power pop fans would dig it. It's not quite punk rock, but the punk influence is quite palpable (especially on a song like "Neo City"). It sounds completely original, yet it still satisfies in a way that only a really good pop record can. The sequence from the haunting "Stormy Night" to the easy, breezy "Time" to the Velvet Underground influenced "Shadows" is the perfect encapsulation of this album's appeal. This really is one of those releases that stands out from the pack - not just because it's different, but also because it's so well-done. The songwriting is brilliant, the guitar work is exceptional, and the vocals are overflowing with charm. Flashlights are one of the most celebrated underground bands in Japan today, and now you have the chance to find out why. If you like what you hear, you'll want to pounce on the vinyl. Only 500 copies were pressed, and less than half of those made it to the U.S.A. You know what to do!



-L.R.

https://secretmissionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/shadows-and-lights 
http://www.secretmissionrecords.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords/ 

The Outcasts - Tell Me The Whole Story

I was over the moon to hear that Secret Mission Records was doing an Outcasts singles collection. I'm an old school punk geek to begin with, and I'm especially inclined towards the somewhat overlooked Northern Ireland scene of the late '70s and early '80s. The Outcasts were one of the best bands to come out of that scene. Tell Me The Whole Story essentially repeats the content from the long out of print Anagram Punk Singles Collection disc released in the '90s - collecting all of the band's 7" tracks. But for this release, Secret Mission has gone the extra mile and delivered a package that true fans will love. This is the first ever Outcasts singles compilation on vinyl, and all 26 tracks have been remastered especially for this release. The album comes with a gatefold jacket with lots of photos and press clippings, a poster, and detailed track by track liner notes written by founding member Martin Cowan.

Formed in Belfast in 1977, The Outcasts achieved fast infamy in Northern Ireland as "the band you love to hate". A reputation for unruly behavior and getting banned from various music venues preceded the group. But The Outcasts worked that notoriety in their favor, ultimately grabbing the attention of Terri Hooley and getting signed to his legendary label Good Vibrations. What is interesting about this collection is that it allows you to trace the musical evolution of The Outcasts. The tracks from the band's debut single on IT Records are quintessential 1977 punk rock - pulsating with the raw energy of kids who were just learning how to play. "You're A Disease" and "Frustration" are blistering numbers and truly essential listening for any fan of first wave punk. Moving into the tracks from the bands 7" releases on Good Vibrations, you really get to the "classic" Outcasts sound that is forever associated with this band and Northern Irish punk in general. "Justa Nother Teenage Rebel", "Love Is For Sops", and "Self Conscious Over You" remain some of the most enduring specimens of first wave "pop" punk. This release also features the original version of "The Cops Are Comin'" - the band's most infamous number and the inspiration for the title of this double album. If you've never heard it before...let's just say that it requires an appreciation for a dark sense of humor!

I appreciate that this collection really does tell the whole story of The Outcasts. The band's original run from 1977-85 was marred by great misfortune and tragedy. After getting dumped from Good Vibrations and losing its manager, the band continued releasing music on its own labels throughout the early '80s. In 1982, drummer Colin Cowan was tragically killed in a car accident. Like many surviving '70s punk bands who kept going into the '80s, The Outcasts had to navigate various shifts in musical style. The back half of this collection traces the band's sound from the harder-edged punk of "Gangland Warfare" and "Mania" to the Killing Joke inspired post-punk of "Beating and Screaming Pt. 1" to the Glitter Band cover "Angel Face" to the new wave rock of "Nowhere Left To Run" to the rockabilly influenced "Seven Deadly Sins". Perhaps the second of these two albums is really for fans only, but it's not without its moments.

Now we get to the tricky part with Tell Me The Whole Story: the label has already sold out of all of its copies! Only 500 copies were pressed, and they sure went fast! But if you're an Outcasts fan and are willing to hunt it down, it will be well worth the effort. It's a beautifully packaged collection that fully honors one of the best of the lesser-known '77 punk bands. And getting the story behind each song from Martin Cowan himself is an absolute treat. The other half of the audience for this release is a whole new generation of punk fans who perhaps are just discovering this band for the first time. If you love old school punk that leans pop and are not yet familiar with The Outcasts, $10 for this download will be money well spent!

  
-L.R.

https://secretmissionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/tell-me-the-whole-story 
http://www.secretmissionrecords.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords/ 
https://www.facebook.com/officialoutcasts/ 

Ruler - "Jeanie Jeanie Jeanie"

I'm gonna make this quick. If I screwed around for a couple weeks trying to compose a "proper" write-up of Ruler's new single, the thing would be sold out before the review even posted! Suffice it to say, this second outing from Fink's new band is a sizzling slab of rock n' roll and an absolute must-buy. On the A-side, Ruler tears into the Eddie Cochran classic "Jeanie Jeanie Jeanie". This version is very much in the spirit of the original, but with that unique Rat Fink vocal treatment. Raw and raucous rock n' roll: what could be better?! On the flip, "(It's Not) Saturday Night" is a Grade A mid-tempo groover. I'm still trying to get a handle on where Ruler fits in relation to Fink's other bands. The first single had somewhat of a '70s punk feel. "(It's Not) Saturday Night" finds the band leaning more to the rock n' roll side of things, but still with those strong pop hooks that defined The Raydios. "Jeanie Jeanie Jeanie" would not sound out of place on a comp of Teengenerate singles. All I can say for sure is that Fink has been making some of the best records of his life in the last few years. That very much continues with this single. It's limited to just 250 copies, so grab it while you can from Secret Mission Records!



-L.R.

https://secretmissionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/second-single 
https://www.facebook.com/Rulertheband/ 
http://www.secretmissionrecords.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords/ 

Back To Basics - Shaded Eyes EP

Secret Mission Records continues to bring the finest in Japanese punk rock to American shores! Back To Basics have been around for a decade. They have two singles and an album to their credit - all of it released only in Japan. Shaded Eyes EP is their third 7" and quite possibly their "punkest". This band features Shintaro from First Alert and Tomoaki from Louder in its lineup, so you probably know what to expect. This release isn't quite as trashy or frenzied as some of the SMR titles, but it still has that high energy Japanese garage punk feel along with a touch of pop. "Shaded Eyes" is clearly the punker on this EP. It's jumpy and upbeat with some jerky rhythms and very excited vocals. If this track doesn't have you pogoing around your room, I will be very surprised! On the flip, "But Not Indifferent" is more on the power pop side but still punchy as hell. It's really typical of the brand of power pop that comes out of Japan - new wave influenced, with guitars and bass going crazy. Reminds me a little of The Tweezers or (obviously!) First Alert.

With Back To Basics having emerged as one of the top punk/powerpop bands in Japan, it's wonderful that the band's music is finally available in the States. I wholeheartedly recommended the Shaded Eyes EP to fans of Japanese garage punk and just great catchy punk in general. Vinyl is still available from the Secret Mission Bandcamp!



-L.R.

https://secretmissionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/back-to-basics-shaded-eyes-e-p 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords/ 

Firestarter - First Album and Livin' On The Heat

Can you believe it has been 18 years since Firestarter released its debut album? That was a release that helped define punk/powerpop as the genre we know today. That and the band's 2003 followup Livin' On The Heat are stone cold classics - two of the greatest albums released this century. Would you have expected anything less from 3/4 of Teengenerate? In commemoration of the 20th anniversary of Firestarter, Secret Mission Records has re-released both of the band's albums on vinyl. The bummer is that the label has already sold out of copies of the self-titled album (although you still might be able to snag it from some distributors). And supplies of the Livin' On The Heat reissue are very limited! If you're a huge fan of modern day punk/powerpop and have somehow never heard Firestarter, you at the very least need to acquire the digital versions of both albums. This is the first time that these two LPs have been released outside of Japan, and it seems only right that a whole new generation of punk and power pop fans will have the chance to enjoy them.

Given that the marriage of garage punk and power pop is so common today, it can be easy to forget that it wasn't always that way. Along side the Marked Men (Mark Ryan and Jeff Burke have remastered these two albums for vinyl), Firestarter paved the way for a new era of hooky but still tough as hell punk music. Listening today, I'm struck by how well both Firestarter albums have held up. It's a wonderful thing that Secret Mission has brought this essential music back into circulation. Move fast if you want a vinyl copy of Livin' On The Heat!



-L.R.

https://secretmissionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/firestarter-first-album-lp 
https://secretmissionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/firestarter-livin-on-the-heat-lp 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords/ 
http://www.secretmissionrecords.com/ 

Various Artists - Scrap!

I've said it many times, but it's a message worth repeating. If you're an American fan of Japanese punk music, you've got to be extremely appreciative of what Secret Mission Records has been doing over the past few years. The label has released music from The Raydios, Louder, Dials, Boys Order, P.C. 2, Beatseekers, Car Crash, The Geros, The Fadeaways, and Ruler. These are bands whose records would have otherwise only been available as pricey Japanese imports. Taken as a whole, SMR's recent catalog affirms that Japanese punk rock continues to thrive just as it did in previous decades. Assembled by Mangrove Records, the Scrap! compilation is an additional showcase for some of the finest bands associated with Japanese punk in recent years. Secret Mission has partnered directly with Mangrove to make this compilation available in the United States. It features top-tier material from six different bands. So basically, it's like getting six singles for the price of one album...minus the import price tag! 

I like that Scrap! was put together to document both the quality and variety of sounds that have been been coming out of Japan's punk scene over the last few years. The first thing that often comes to people's minds when you talk about Japanese punk rock is the garage/trash stuff, and you certainly get some of that here with three great tracks from KBD inspired crazies Car Crash. But the bands here run the gamut of punk styles, from the mod meets jittery new wave of Dials to the blistering sing-along '82 punk of Centipede to the dark post-punk of Middle Edge to the thumping three-chord punk stylings of Black and White to the pure snotty fury of Loudmouth. It's clear that Mangrove insisted on "A" level material from these bands, and that's what makes this compilation so worth the while. There are no throwaway tracks here, and I can honestly say I am looking forward to hearing a lot more from all of these groups. I was especially pleased to be so into Centipede and Middle Edge - bands who bring something a little different to sub-genres that I'm generally not a huge fan of. Over the course of just three tracks, Middle Edge manages to bring to mind The Wipers, Swedish post-hardcore, and Joy Division! My fave cut out of the 17 is Black and White's "One Way Street", which gave me a similar feeling to hearing The Registrators for the very first time back in the day. Honestly, though, I believe that six different people could listen to this comp and identify six different favorite bands from it.

I don't wanna catch anyone talking about how Japanese punk rock "used to be" so great. It still is, and Scrap! proves it!



-L.R.

https://secretmissionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/scrap-lp 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords/ 
http://www.secretmissionrecords.com/ 

Ruler - "Tiger" b/w "Gimme Some Noise"

Alright, I've got one for you today that's gonna blow your head off! Fink from Teengenerate is back with a new band called Ruler. If you were bummed that The Raydios broke up in the midst of a phenomenal string of singles, this debut 45 from Ruler will get you right back to your happy place. Fink is joined here by Azumi (The Young Ones/Raydios), Rayco (Triple Junk), and Otoya (Intimate Fags). Ruler sounds just like a band with that kind of lineup ought to sound: freaking awesome! There are no surprises here, just great '70s style punk with buzzsaw guitars and killer hooks. These two songs beg to be played over and over at the highest possible volume. Just look at that cover art. Doesn't that totally make you want to own this record? There are only 200 copies available in the United States, so you know what to do!



-L.R.

https://secretmissionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/ruler-7
https://www.facebook.com/Rulertheband/ 
http://www.secretmissionrecords.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords/ 

Boys Order - Do The Wildcat

Do you love pop? I mean, do you really love pop? If so, Boys Order is definitely the band for you! This trio from Osaka, Japan has released its long-awaited debut album on Secret Mission Records. It's called Do The Wild Cat, and it's a full half-hour of the catchiest and most unrelentingly fun music you could ever hope to hear. Boys Order have a significant pedigree in the Japanese garage/punk world, with singer/bassist Chihiro Isadora having previously played in Radio Shanghai and Prambath. The band also features members of Thee Bossmen and Teenage Lust. It was back in 2014 that Secret Mission released the band's fantastic debut single, which created quite a build-up for this full-length debut. I have to say that Do The Wild Cat is everything I hoped for and more! Boys Order are very up front about what they're about. They're as pop as pop can be, exhibiting a particular fondness for the punk/powerpop/new wave of the late '70s and early '80s. Think Nikki and the Corvettes, Rezillos, The Stripes, etc., and you're totally in the ballpark. Boys Order take those influences and add their own touch - with a delivery that's jagged and frantic enough to align the band with the best of modern-day Japanese garage punk. Do The Wild Cat will have you bouncing off the walls from the get-go, with energy to burn and hooks in abundance. Songs like "Midnight Triangle", "Party! Party! Party!", and the high-spirited title track fire off like bubblegum-fueled rockets. Even the most cynical and joyless person in the world would be hard-pressed to resist cracking a smile and tapping the old toes upon hearing "Blue Blue Red". I'm not sure what "Kill Old Self" is about, but I have been singing it to myself for days. And when the band pulls back a little on the pace, songs like "Riverside Walk" and "Out of Sight Out of Mind" prove to be wonderful examples of pure pop, new wave style.

There's something about Japanese power pop bands that sets them apart from their counterparts throughout the world. And I'm not just talking about the obvious vocal differences. I cannot quite put my finger on the distinctive characteristics of Japanese power pop. But Boys Order exemplify them well. This is a band with very obvious inspirations, but what it does with them is absolutely unique and wonderful. Buy Do The Wild Cat and prepare to get hopped up on pop!



-L.R.

https://secretmissionrecords.bandcamp.com/album/do-the-wild-cat-lp 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords/ 
https://www.facebook.com/boysorder/ 

The Geros - Razor Dog

Having released singles from the likes of The Raydios, Louder, and Car Crash, Secret Mission Records has provided the tremendous public service of bringing much of the best in current-day Japanese punk rock to American shores. That continues with the label's latest release - an absolute smasher from Osaka that blends '77 and Killed By Death punk styles in a way that's fully unique to Japanese bands. The band is The Geros, and "Razor Dog" is its second single following a self-released debut from 2015. In my humble opinion, "Razor Dog" is in the "best Secret Mission single ever" conversation along side The Raydios' "Teacher's Pet". The title track absolutely rips - coming on loud and raw with an edge jagged enough to draw blood. In terms of pure wild energy, this song gives me the same kind of rush I got when I first heard Teengenerate and The Registrators back in the day. Major points must also be awarded for the back and forth shouting between male and female vocalists - something I particularly enjoy in the garage punk world. On the B-side, "Don't Call Me" takes a dark, surf-inspired turn that I was not expecting. But I mean that in a good way. Imagine, if you will, a demented version of California punk rock circa 1980.

With two fantastic singles to their credit, The Geros look to be at the front and center of the next great wave of Japanese garage punk. While super limited to just 200 copies here in the states, "Razor Dog" is still available from Secret Mission as well as from fine distributors like Sorry State and Slovenly. You can also download the digital version of The Geros' first EP from Bandcamp for just ¥300 (less than $3 American). Get ready to crank up the volume and have your ears blasted!



-L.R.

http://www.secretmissionrecords.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords/ 
https://thegeros.bandcamp.com/ 

Another killer Raydios 7"!

In a review last summer, I dared to pose the question of whether or not The Raydios are approaching the greatness of Teengenerate. My verdict was something along the lines of "The signs point to yes." And now, in the wake of yet another fantastic single from The Raydios, I'm all in. For real! In my humble opinion, The Raydios are making records right now that stack up with the best of Teengenerate. If you think I've lost my mind, I am perfectly okay with that. Teengenerate was arguably the greatest band of the '90s. But The Raydios are absolutely on fire right now, and I highly advise snagging their recent output while it's still in print!

"Craps", the latest Raydios single, came out on Secret Mission Records at the end of 2015. 500 copies were pressed, and very few remain. This release continues the direction taken on last year's "Brand New Kid" 7". Basically, Fink has taken that jolt of energy he got from playing those Teengenerate reunion shows and injected it into the music of The Raydios. For me, the band is hitting the best of both worlds: the wild and trashy spirit of Teengerate meets classic '70s punk a la Ramones/Dictators. If you've previously dismissed The Raydios as sounding too "tame" in comparison to Teengenerate, "Craps" ought to change your mind. It's a ripper! And B-side "Teacher's Pet" is vintage Raydios: chock full of hooks, yet super tough. 

Hit up Secret Mission Records to grab a copy of "Craps" while the getting's good. And if you still don't own The Raydios "Brand New Kid"" 7" on Slovenly Recordings, you need that one as well! Don't miss out on one of the best punk rock bands on the planet!



-L.R. 

http://secretmissionrecords.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords/ 
https://www.facebook.com/The-Raydios-153062848082743/ 

New Louder single!

When I reviewed that Car Crash 7" a few weeks back, I talked about how a lot of the newer Japanese garage punk bands have been leaning in a power pop direction. Even though I'm a big power pop guy, I tend to be a purist when it comes to garage punk. My sweet spot is that trashy lo-fi '90s sound by way of The Damned, Stooges, etc. I like speed, fury, and minimal musicianship. So I get really pumped when I hear bands like Car Crash and The Raydios representing for Japan in the old school fashion. Not so coincidentally, both of those bands have done releases with Secret Mission Records. And so has Louder - whose latest release is a killer 7" out on Secret Mission. "Tear Me Up" is the A-side, and it's totally what I'm into. I'm talking really catchy '70s style punk in the classic style. No doubt, the band lives up to its name with guitars that will knock your head off. But there are hooks all over the place. Moving things in a less melodic direction, B-side cut "So Alone" is a straight-up scorcher that brings to mind that glorious heyday of Japanese garage punk. It's fast, ferocious, and over before you even know what hit you. If you dug Louder's excellent LP on Sorry State Records, this single will give you more of what you crave. And if you've yet to hear Louder, this is a great place to start!



-L.R.

http://secretmissionrecords.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords 

Here's Car Crash!

While the Japanese garage/punk scene is running hotter than ever, it has been trending more in the power pop direction in recent years. But there are exceptions. One is Car Crash - a new trio with a debut 7" out on Mangrove and Secret Mission Records. Car Crash plays pure punk rock with not even a trace of power pop. This band really takes it back to the glory days of Teengenerate and the Registrators: blown-out fidelity, a deranged singer shouting unintelligible lyrics, lead guitars sharp enough to draw blood, ultra-exuberant backing vocals, and songs played so crazy fast that you'd swear the entire band has been gobbling amphetamines like they're M&M'S. The band name says it all. This is a motor vehicle careening out of control at a highly dangerous speed - with complete destruction the inevitable outcome. And while it's impressive enough that these three can play so fast and recklessly without songs falling apart within 30 seconds, the more important point is that they're so freaking good!

If you're one of those individuals who's dismayed by how polished and proficient most punk bands are these days, Car Crash ought to be much more to your liking. This is a band that embraces one of punk rock's fundamental truths: that enthusiasm and sheer fury matter way more than technical skill. Limited to 200 copies, the "Bright Future?" 7" is blistering, chaotic fun. "Execution" and "I Don't Care" will set your hair on fire before you even know what hit you. The title track is more of a straight-up '70s style punk smasher - but with elements of weirdness & noise damage that make it uniquely Japanese. Simply put, this is exciting music. "Bright Future?" is the kind of record you just have to play with the volume cranked to neighbor-annoying levels. If you worship at the altar of Killed By Death or yearn for the heyday of Japanese lo-fi trash, this is a 100 percent mandatory purchase. Grab a copy before they're all gone!



-L.R.

http://secretmissionrecords.com/ 
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords 

Get Cozy!

I've noticed an unusually large number of bands lately channeling The Raspberries by way of Sweet and the Bay City Rollers. My reaction to such a development is that it's freakin' AWESOME! Minneapolis's Cozy are the poster boys for this movement. And I mean that literally - schoolgirls all over the globe are plastering their bedroom walls with glossy images of these denim-clad heartthrobs. "Kiss Me Dummy" is Cozy's new single on Secret Mission Records, and of course you've got to have it! I like that these guys are bringing a '90s garage punk energy back to the glam/powerpop thing. Imagine if The Rip Offs or Supercharger had played teenybopper bubblegum pop. Or better yet, imagine if The Bobbyteens had been boys. Depending on your age, "Kiss Me Dummy" will have you either reminiscing about your own clumsy teenage conquests or plotting a bold move on your favorite hottie. Like all the best teen heartthrob bands, Cozy is clean cut on the surface but so filthy dirty at its core. You can probably surmise that B-side "Show And Tell" is not a song about an elementary school activity. I've given it a great deal of thought, and I think "Show And Tell" might actually be the hit here. It's a tough call, because "Kiss Me Dummy" is pretty darn great as well. But I just can't get the hook part to "Show And Tell" out of my head. It follows me wherever I go and brings constant merriment to my mundane existence. And if Cozy can so easily enthrall a 43-year-old man, then surely your nieces and daughters don't stand a chance. Resistance, as they say, is futile.



-L.R.

http://secretmissionrecords.com/
http://ilovecozy.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ilovecozy

More from Modern Pets!

I've previously talked about Secret Mission Records being one of the best new punk labels out there. I think it's high time I removed the "new" part and just said that S.M.R. is one the best punk labels out there, period! What blows me away about this label is that it manages to work with bands I already love and still exceed my expectations. The latest case in point is German dynamos Modern Pets. I've written about this band a couple times before, and I'm a huge fan. But their new single on S.M.R. blows away anything they've done to date! "B.I.Y.S." is your classic 45 RPM punk rock single - featuring an A-side smash hit and another great song on the flip. The title track is a hyperactive and insanely catchy blast of '77 pop/punk meets late '90s garage punk, with killer lead guitar work and a sing-along chorus that's guaranteed to have you pumping your fist. Talk about an anthem! If you don't know what "B.I.Y.S." stands for, you need to listen to more G.G. Allin.

Staying in that tuneful, ultra high energy vein, B-side cut "Sweet Frustration" is another jolt of pure awesomeness. These lads could have easily used this as an A-side for another record, but it's gotta be impossible to say no to a label on a secret mission. If these two songs are any indication of what's to come from Modern Pets, their best days are still ahead of them. And with mixing and mastering by Daniel Husayn at North London Bomb Factory, it's no wonder this release sounds so good! If you're already a Modern Pets fan, you're gonna go apeshit bananas for this single. And if you're still among the unconverted, well perhaps that's about to change!



-L.R.

https://www.facebook.com/modernpets
http://modernpets1.bandcamp.com/
http://secretmissionrecords.com/

Return of The Raydios!

The recent line on The Raydios has been that they fall somewhere in between Teengenerate and Firestarter. That's never been truer than on "No Expectation", their great new EP on Secret Mission Records. This is their fifth 7" since their 2007 re-emergence, and their sixth overall. Fink and co. continue to carry the torch for Japanese punk, and this record is a total ripper! While not nearly as trashy as Teengenerate or as poppy as Firestarter, The Raydios get me with a hooky '70s punk sound that hits my happy zone straight-on. The title track here is a furious shot of Dictators/Ramones hotness, while "School Trash" is more of the same but with a bit of that fractured modern edge we've come to expect from Japan in recent years. I've seen mixed reviews of some of The Raydios' more recent releases, but these two tracks are as good as anything I've heard from this band going back to its original late '90s run. B-side cut "Faster" is actually a little slower, but not in a bad way. It really works the harder/grittier side of classic punk, with requisite nods to the Stooges and enough guitar wallop to power a major city. Even without the overt poppiness of Firestarter, these are some well-crafted and seriously catchy tunes. And while some may long for the gloriously shitty fidelity of those old Teengenerate records, the tougher sound works for me just fine.

Given that the majority of this band's releases are pricey Japanese imports, this is a rare chance to score a Raydios single from an American label. And it's a top tier Raydios release to boot! $5 for this bad boy is a deal and a steal!

-L.R.

http://secretmissionrecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Raydios/153062848082743

A new M.O.T.O. single!

I can't tell you exactly how many 7-inches the legendary M.O.T.O. has released, but it's got to be somewhere north of 25. And I can't claim to have heard all of them. But the newest has got to be one of the band's best ever. Obviously, I've never heard a M.O.T.O. release that wasn't completely awesome. But if you're a M.O.T.O. fan, I'm betting that you'll agree that "Shitty Kids" rules especially hard. On this release, the king of garage powerpop/punk is backed by his formidable Pittsburgh based touring band of recent years. Not only is the sound ballsier and less lo-fi than you might anticipate, but "Shitty Kids" is also one the catchiest M.O.T.O. tunes of recent memory. And that's saying something! That chorus is a powerhouse! Those who enjoy Paul's signature curmudgeonly sense of humor will find this song very much to their liking. Ditto for the tender love ballad "I Think Of You And I Die" (which, no pun intended, has lead guitar hooks to die for). On the B-side, "Guitars Are Like Clothes" is more in the jangly power pop vein. It is, of course, a total earworm. You see a song title like that and expect a lot given Mr. Caporino's knack for clever and funny lyrics. And of course he delivers! If there's ever an official M.O.T.O. best-of set (it'll have to be a quadruple album at least!), this song will surely be on it! 

If you haven't yet, be sure to check out Secret Mission Records. In addition to issuing "Shitty Kids", the label has hot new singles from The Raydios and The Kidnappers that you've absolutely gotta have. And with future releases from Radioactivity, Cozy, Firestarter, Back to Basics, Banda Muerta, Modern Pets, Rudi, The Gimmies, and Mighty Fevers in the works, S.M.R. is looking like the next great punk label. Like 'em on Facebook! And get this M.O.T.O. record before it's gone for good!

-L.R.

http://secretmissionrecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords
http://www.reverbnation.com/MOTOPAC

The Kidnappers are back!

The Kidnappers have been one of my favorite bands for over a decade, so naturally I howled in sheer delight when I heard they had a new single out. You should, too! Considering that this is a band that has released exactly three albums in 11 years, it's always a huge deal when we get any new music from these German greats. In recent years, The Kidnappers seemed to evolve slightly in a more power pop direction. But with this new record, they've taken it full circle and returned to the snotty and aggressive garage-punk sound that built their brand. And holy shit, I LOVE it!

Out on the hot new label Secret Mission Records, "Pills" is the first Kidnappers 7" since "Spanish Girls" was released in 2003. The title track is classic Kidnappers - straight-ahead rockin' punk with a guitar riff that sounds like it's trying to smash your face in. What a ripper! If your favorite Kidnappers album is Ransom Notes & Telephone Calls, this song will be music to your ears (literally). "East Berlin [Ost-Berlin]" is in a similar vein and brings to mind some of the great late '70s Euro punk bands (think The Kids, Pack, etc.). The boys save the best track for last with "Diamonds" - a poppy punk rock n' roll number that's as catchy as hell and sure to get you shaking.

Given how long it's been since we last heard from The Kidnappers, I would have been happy with anything they decided to put out. They could have read the terms of The Reinheitsgebot out loud or done three Leif Garrett covers with flute and ukulele, and I would have been on board. But this is The motherfucking Kidnappers - they weren't going to put out anything less than a stellar record! "Pills" is as good as anything the band has ever done. Clearly, they're not kidding when they say they're better than ever! They've delivered a record that will delight old fans and win over plenty of new ones. Get on it!


-L.R.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/THE-KIDNAPPERS/127187810628194
http://secretmissionrecords.com/
https://www.facebook.com/secretmissionrecords