Anthrophobia Altered States and Grind

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ANTHROPHOBIA

"Altered States" + "Grind" EPs on LP

 Released: August 14, 2020

Bullet Lavolta, Clutch and Tad.

Those are the influences I hear on Anthrophobia's most recent release. I consider those heavy musical influences of the highest order. 

Love the song and video for "Ghosts"

Loving the blue and green swirled vinyl.

The LP combines two eps, "Grind" and "Altered States", available digitally and in the preferred vinyl format. The needle has been dropped and will be dropped again and again. The heavy, groove and power mix is attractive and menacing at the same time. Brent Black's guitars, Dickie Delp's drums and Rob DiJoseph's bass propel this band's attack and Frank Phobia's vocals have never sounded better, even after all these years (established 1995). 

Similar to social anxiety or social phobia, "anthrophobia" is the fear of people. Reading Pennsylvania, Anthrophobia's hometown, certainly has a reputation that could contribute to this disorder. 

The "Grind" EP was released digitally in 2017. Anthrophobia finished mixing the "Altered States" EP on March 13, 2020, just as COVID19 was shutting everything down in Pennsylvania. The precision results of the EP were hammered out at Magpie Cage Recording Studio in Baltimore, Maryland with studio owner, engineer, producer, J.Robbins (Government Issue, Jawbox etc...).

"Altered States" + "Grind" earns the FOE Vinyl Commitment rating as a release worthy of adding to your physical, vinyl collection.

Brent Black - Photo by Andrew Colosimo

Dickie Delp - Photo by Andrew Colosimo

Rob DiJoseph - Photo by Andrew Colosimo

Frank Phobia - Photo by Dan Long

Anthrophobia Fun Facts

• Rob DiJoseph and former drummer Chuck Treece, were in the same lineup in the legendary Philly band, McRad.
• Rob DiJoseph was in Formula 43 and Little Gentlemen.
• Frank Phobia grew up skateboarding and along with his wife owned and operated an indoor skatepark called Wooden Waves (built by Tim Glomb of Jackass / Viva La Bam fame).
• The DVD release of Jackass’s ‘STEVE-O: The Early Years’ featured five Anthrophobia songs (no credit or permission). Once Steve-O was made aware of the oversight, he made good on a financial settlement that took care of the recording budget of the "Ultrasound" record and tour support. Anthrophobia loves Steve-O!

 

GRIND lyrics

The world visualized from my board,

as I scope it out through these skater’s eyes.

My drug of choice since the Spring of 1975.

Wheels under my Vans still make me feel alive.

GRIND.

I’m still seeing lines.

I’m so addicted to the sound of the GRIND.

GRIND. GRIND

Goofy foot, street, ramps and park.

Session all the spots, we could find.

Vices grew from 50/50’s, acid drops, and board slides.

Hit the coping, rock-n-rolls, catch some air with a sick

front side. GRIND. I’m still seeing lines.

I’m so addicted to the sound of the GRIND.

The virus, barking trucks, I can’t leave behind.

I’m still addicted to the sound of the GRIND.

GRIND. GRIND.

Healthy disorder I caught from Jay, Alva, and The

Bones Brigade.

GRIND.

I can’t detox, I dream I can still rage.

As I kick turn and carve with kids one third my age.

Rehab’s a faceplant away by a fail on a crooked spine.

I’m still addicted to the sound of the GRIND!

I am looking forward to seeing Anthrophobia once this COVID permits us to gather again.

Cheers,

FOE

Anthrophobia FB

Anthrophobia Bandcamp

Anthrophobia Website

Antagonizers ATL "Black Clouds"

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ANTAGONIZERS ATL

"Black Clouds"

 feat. Matt Henson from NOi!SE

Released: October 2, 2020

Any time I get the chance to hear a new Antagonizers ATL song, I'll take it. As this is my first post, post COVID19 start, this is a great place to reboot the blog.

"Black Clouds" is an advance single, preview track from their next album, "Kings" due out in 2021. Check the track below:

When I think of Antagonizers ATL, my first thought is to Anti-Heros, who were also from Atlanta. Love Anti-Heros albums on LINK records. Feel like there is a link from the Anti-Heros to this 2020 version of street punk.

Anyway, the Antagonizers are now a six piece. That is crazy. I once saw 76% Uncertain at City Gardens when they had three guitarists. That was ridiculous, but amazingly ridiculous. 

Guest vocals from fellow Pirates Press Records labelmate Matt Henson of NOi!SE is just pure icing on the cake. Keep your eye out for pre-orders, as you know Pirates Press Records will have some amazing vinyl and packaging!

Looking forward to seeing Antagonizers ATL live, post-COVID19.

Cheers,

FOE

Antagonizers ATL FB

Pirates Press Records FB

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Bouncing Souls "30 Year Anniversary Show" White Eagle Hall Jersey City

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THE BOUNCING SOULS

"Live at White Eagle Hall"

Jersey City

Released: March 13, 2019

I am lucky enough to have seen The Bouncing Souls more times than I can count. Blessed to have seen them so many times and hang out with them when I would go out and roadie with Weston. 

I was also lucky enough to go to Jersey City last year to witness this show live. You might see my bald head, stage right (the right side of a stage from the point of view of a performer facing the audience). You might see Reds and Tracy there too. 

Thank you to the Bouncing Souls for so many fantastic memories.Thank you for sharing this video.

Bouncing Souls Interview I did in FOE zine - from a long long time ago!

Cheers,
FOE

The Dollyrots "Teenage Kicks" single

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THE DOLLYROTS

"Teenage Kicks"

Bandcamp

Released: April 23, 2020

The Dollyrots are one of the coolest bands I have ever witnessed live and my wife and daughter also love the band. 

The Undertones were supposed to play the Lehigh Valley this month but had to cancel the tour due to COVID19. 

Well, the Dollyrots just unleashed a spectacular cover of the Undertones "Teenage Kicks". That song was one of my first introductions to new wave and punk. Released in 1978 it was undoubtedly one of the gateway songs that lead me down this punk rock path. Love that the Dollyrots covered this. Love the way this band interacts with their fans. They embrace the same punk rock ethos as I. I highly suggest you download this cover they "just whipped up in quarantine! Get it for free!" 

Listening to this has me fantasizing about an Undertones / Dollyrots tour post-quarantine! How sweet would that be!

Cheers,

FOE

The Dollyrots FB

The Dollyrots Bandcamp

The Undertones FB

The Bar Stool Preachers "Soundtrack To Your Apocalypse"

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THE BAR STOOL PREACHERS

"Soundtrack To Your Apocalypse"

Pirates Press Records

Released: April 24, 2020

The Bar Stool Preachers are attempting to improve the quality of your quarantined life.

They have released two new songs available to you for free download. Head on over to The Bar Stool Preachers site to download, stream and donate if you are so moved. A portion of any proceeds will go to assist NHS Charities Together.

"When This World Ends" and "State of Emergency" are topical and classic The Bar Stool Preachers. "This is a call to be better. To be kinder. To share strength. To be a community that leads with love. To hold politicians accountable."

Both songs are uplifting, which given the topic is no easy challenge. My favorite line from the EP is: 

"If we do things right, just this time, we don't have to go back to normal."

Hopefully you are aware of The Bar Stool Preachers. If not, take this free download and check their discography and other releases on Pirates Press Records. They transition from anthem punk rock to a ska influence effortlessly and have a knack for writing catchy, memorable songs. I imagine that fans of pub rock, the Clash, pop punk and/or Bouncing Souls will love The Bar Stool Preachers. I certainly do.

This EP is one hell of a pick me up.

Cheers,

FOE

Pirates Press Records

The Bar Stool Preachers

The Bar Stool Preachers FB

Pirates Press Records FB

Supersuckers "Play That Rock and Roll"

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SUPERSUCKERS

"Play That Rock and Roll" 

Reptilian Records

Released: February 7, 2020

With the infinite ways to access music, you may have missed that the pre-orders for the Supersuckers next LP are up and ready to go.

"Play that Rock and Roll" was recorded at Willie Nelson's studio in Austin Texas. The vinyl comes in a choice of three colors: 200 on Reptilian green vinyl, 300 on Supersuckers orange vinyl and 500 on record store white vinyl.

Track Listing:
1. Ain't Gonna Stop
2. Gettin' Into Each Other's Pants
3. Deceptive Expectations
4. You Ain't The Boss Of Me
5. Bringin' It Back
6. Play That Rock 'n' Roll
7. That's A Thing?
8. Last Time Again
9. Die Alone
10. Dead Jail Or Rock 'n' Roll

11. *Hidden Track*

Check the lead off track below:

Pre-orders here: Reptilian Records

Cheers,

FOE

Reptilian Records FB

Supersuckers FB

The Outcasts "Stay Young"

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THE OUTCASTS

"Stay Young" 

Violated Records

Released: January 17, 2020

I love that in 2020 vintage punk bands continue to demonstrate resolve, a word which here means "to decide firmly on a course of action". Whether that action is to continue on, or return to the garage and brush up on their instruments and get the band back together again, or put the old pieces together with some new blood. Obviously, most bands will not become millionaires by doing this. There must be a passion to be old and strap on the old guitar, plug in the microphone or sit behind the drum kit. Have they retired from day jobs and are looking to fill their time? Playing punk rock is better than sitting 'round at home watching the pictures go.

Later this year I will get to see the Undertones yet again. Steve Diggle is carrying on with the Buzzcocks. Locally, the Clap keeps plugging away. Thankfully, the examples are many!

Which takes us to The Outcasts.

In the event that you do not know The Outcasts, they are from Belfast, Northern Ireland. The Cowan brothers; Greg, Colin and Martin started the band in 1977. 

Give a listen to "Just Another Teenage Rebel", a true classic punk rock single that was released by Good’s Vibrations in 1978. 

If you like listening to Spotify, brush up on The Outcasts with "The Punk Singles Collection":

Forty-three years after their beginnings, The Outcasts return with new recordings, available in vinyl and digital formats. Two of the Cowans return, vocalist Greg and guitarist Martin are joined by Petesy Burns on guitar and JP Dear Boy Moonie on drums. They look old. They are old and they take that topic on directly with "Stay Young". Check out the video. 

If you are an old punk feeling down on being old, let this be your rebellion, your reminder to take each day as a blessing and attack it with whatever you have left. If you are a youngster, realize it isn't so bad getting old. I sure am glad that living fast early on didn't lead us to die young. This is inspirational. 

"The Pressure's On" is driving classic punk cover, originally done by Rudi, another Northern Ireland punk band. If you don't know that song, give a listen below and know that The Outcasts version stays true.

"Rebel Rock Radio" puts the stay young mentality in perspective knowing that the worms will be licking out our eyes soon enough, but also has a twisted way of making its point, to make sure you leave your mark, so your music and spirit live on. 

The digital version of the EP features two additional tracks, a rerecording of their early B-Side “You’re a Disease” and "78".

Thank you to Violated Records for releasing this new addition to The Outcasts already mandatory discography. Let's hope they bring this to the US for a tour!

Cheers,

FOE

The Outcasts FB

Violated Records FB

Violated Records Online Store

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