Frank FOE

Friday, September 20, 2019

FOE's Hat Trick - CRIPPLED FOX - SPEEDEALER - THE DROWNS

FOE’s Observations and Expressions

A Hat Trick of FOE’s Observations and Expressions

I had to make a change.

I love sharing my reviews of albums. It gives me pleasure to turn someone on to a record.

When I did a physical zine back in the day, print space left me with about a three-sentence paragraph to convey my opinion on a record.

The blog format eliminates space constraints. And this presented a problem.

Therefore, each review I was doing was becoming a feature presentation. This severely limited the amount of music I could share with the world. A backlog of releases I wanted to tell you about that was never going to be shared. When I only shared one with you, there were actually dozens of albums I wanted to share with you. This goes against my overall goals.

My surgery recovery provided me with plenty of time to reflect. I got back to my roots. I decided to shorten up my reviews, not quite back to the old days, but just enough to get my point across and share the music. But an entire blog of three sentences seemed silly. So how many? Ten? A six pack of reviews? A Ramones dozen? How about 5. What comes in fives? There are five senses. A great point when reviewing an album...

But then 5 seemed to pose its own road blocks. This would also take too much time...

So of course I now present, three... While three is tied in with spiritual significance, three is also a hat trick. Three goals in hockey. Or my personal favorite, a Gordie Howe Hat Trick (goal, assist and a fight in one game).

This also provides an opportunity to include observations on classic old albums and even a platform to share videos and events that spark my interest that I want to share and of course a level of freedom to do whatever I want.

Thus I offer a Hat Trick of Frank FOE’s Observations (a word here meaning: a judgment on or inference from what one has observed) & Expressions (a word here meaning: an act, process, or instance of representing in a medium - such as words).

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CRIPPLED FOX

"10 Years of Thrashing"

Released June 22, 2019

Crippled Fox are from Budapest, Hungary. Crippled Fox are playing in the Lehigh Valley PA Thursday (November 7, 2019) night!

Straight up powerviolence thrashcore is a beautiful thing wherever it comes from in the world. Crippled Fox's discography is ridiculously large. Just check out their bandcamp page. Many of their releases are free to download. Check the vintage 2009 release "If I Lived In Venice Beach". The track "D.I.Y." even includes a Scarface sample.

Crippled Fox FB

Crippled Fox Bandcamp

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SPEEDEALER

"Blue Days, Black Nights"

Released May 6, 2019

I have been a fan of Speedealer since they were called REO Speedealer (cease and desist ended that fun). Love every album in their discography. Smash the Dwarves no nonesense HC assault with Nashville Pussy's snarl and Supersuckers punk coolness and you get Speedealer. A match that expands and contracts their influences on their latest album. "Losing My Shit" is a punk rock masterpiece. "A Reckoning" is a brooding metal smackdown. "Never New" speeds through in classic Speedealer reckless abandon (a phrase here that means to progress with a sense of carelessness with the idea of yielding oneself to an action or impulse without restraint with no concern for consequences or danger). Love Speedealer.

Speedealer @ Maryland Doom Fest June 2020

Speedealer FB

Speedealer Webpage

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THE DROWNS

"Hold Fast / Demons"

Released October 25, 2019

This is mandatory on two levels. First as you will hear in the video below, The Drowns play classic, anthemic, singalong, uplifting oi and punk rock. Secondly, Pirates Press Records isn't messing around with the physical product. These two songs are from the upcoming 2020 release of the album "Under Tension". That vinyl will be an updated sort of picture disc, but it’s not a picture disc. From Pirates Press Records, "As the leaves in the wreath are actually transparent! This one-sided record is actually digitally printed on the non-groove side, with two separate passes through the machine, creating one very cool (and very limited!) brand new style of 12“ - pressed on real vinyl, sounding great, unlike actual picture discs."

The version of this two song record that I have appears to be a typical cardboard foldout CD. And yes there is a cd but there is also a CD sized record in the other side. The record itself was manufactured using a CD press, but the record has grooves and is played on your turntable. So you know, just get it.

The Drowns FB

Pirates Press Records Webpage

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Friday, August 16, 2019

Battalion Zoska Violated Records LP

Battalion Zoska

"Battalion Zoska"

Violated Records

Released: March 16, 2019

I've known vocalist Pat Society and guitarist Jim Roadie of Battalion Zoska for a few decades. Two of my favorite Philly people.

Battalion Zoska from conception to album release, seemed like a precision attack. Veteran Philadelphia musicians who know what they are doing, had a vision as well as the necessary talent to accomplish their goals, all while doing it with a fire and desire that is extraordinarily refreshing!

Check the introductory video below:

Neil Newton from Angelic Upstarts and Dez Cadena (Black Flag/Misfits) make guest appearances on this solid, highly recommended, one of 2019's best punk albums!

I love the pointed sentiment of "Arm Everyone" almost as much as I love the Adolescents meets F.O.D. harmony background at the end of the song.

Absolutely, positively identify with the track "80's Kid', as I was a 16 year old in 1982. Lyrics hit it exactly.

"Island of Lost Souls" paints a vivid picture of the state of addiction, Needle Park, Kensington Ave.

"Moral Coward" is another example of how lyrically, Battalion Zoska puts together thoughts and feelings, breaking things down concisely and poignantly driving their point home. Plus I was walking around for days singing "You're a moral, you're a moral, you're a moral fuckin' coward". Meaning, as driving and powerful as the songs are, Battalion Zoska has the melodic hooks that stick.

History lesson:

Battalion Zośka (pronounced Zoshka; Sophie in Polish) was a Scouting battalion of the Polish resistance movement organisation - Home Army (Armia Krajowa or "AK") during World War II. It mainly consisted of members of the Szare Szeregi paramilitary Boy Scouts. It was formed in late August 1943. A part of the Radosław Group, the battalion played a major role in the Warsaw Uprising of 1944.

Zośka was named after Tadeusz Zawadzki, who used the name as his pseudonym during the AK's early days. He was killed during a partisan action.

Zośka fighters liberated prisoners of the concentration camp Gęsiówka in the August 1944. The 383 able-bodied prisoners (including 348 Jews), both men and women who were left in Gęsiówka to assist with the destruction of the evidence of mass murder, were rescued from certain death. Most of these survivors joined the Zośka unit and fought in the Warsaw uprising.

That Battalion Zoska went from conception, to demo, to recording and pressing the album, to playing Rebellion Festival in such a short time, demonstrates the band members drive and professionalism. Another classic Philly record!

The self titled album is available on CD and LP. My copy is on red/white split vinyl and included a full set of autographs. Also available on orange/yellow split vinyl.

Pat's vocal snarl comes across on one of the album's most hardcore songs, "Scum of the Streets". There is an integrity and honesty that hits hard with Battalion Zoska.

Do not miss your chance to see Battalion Zoska live in Allentown on Saturday August 17, 2019 and in Philly on Saturday October 12 at vocalist Pat's birthday bash. Both shows are incredible line ups, beyond Battalion Zoska.

The album wraps up with a cover of the Submachine classic, "Beer Song". The original was on the Submachine / Filth split 7" that was released in 1992. I used to see Submachine live all the time way back when and became friends with some of the gentlemen in the band. By the time "Beer Song" was released, I was one year sober (currently at 28 years sober and still love the "Beer Song"). I think Submachine vocalist Alex might have busted my chops a bit back then, because I think he may have witnessed my consumption 30 years ago or so... I love Submachine's home of Pittsburgh PA.

Nice way to wrap up the album, lest you forget that Battalion Zoska understands a life balance that must include having some fun.

Cheers,

Frank FOE
FOE zine

Battalion Zoska FB

Battalion Zoska Violated Records

Battalion Zoska Bandcamp

Friday, August 9, 2019

UV RAYS "The Right Stuff"

UV RAYS

"The Right Stuff"

Bandcamp

Released: August 9, 2019

I dig Brooklyn's UV Rays. The pop songs they write display their obvious talents without being gaudy, a word here meaning "ostentatiously or tastelessly ornamented". They are experts at composing multi-layered, transitional and moving songs. I love the UV Rays for a lot of the same reasons I love Bloc Party, even though they don't sound the same. "The Right Stuff" is a perfect starting point to experience all of the resources available to this four-piece band. The vocals, guitars and driving rhythm all build up and soar.

"The Right Stuff" is another successful EP in their rapidly growing arsenal of songs. Their vocals play off each other as easily as their instrumental prowess cohesively blends. Guitarist Adrien DeFontaine takes the vocal lead on "Girlfriend", drummer Erica Warner handles the vocal lead on "Overrated' and bassist Tim Marchetta-Wood leads "The Right Stuff".

I hope this Brooklyn NY group continues to write, record and share their creations. The world is a better place with their contributions.

Download or stream at Bandcamp:

Spotify:

And here is a video of the Soundtown Session with the UV Rays performing "Faster Now" (love this song and video):

Cheers,

Frank FOE

FOE zine

UV Rays FB

Thursday, August 8, 2019

Vice Squad / The Droogettes split

Vice Squad / The Droogettes

Split 7" / CD

Rebel Sound / Violated
Released: August 1, 2017

Last week, Pennsylvania Punk Rock Legend, Patryk Boyle (Violated Records, Battalion Zoska, Violent Society...) posted a photo of Beki (see below) from Vice Squad performing at Rebellion Festival.

My first thought was, "Wow"! I mean, Vice Squad was one of those "Punk and Disorderly" bands from the early 1980s that blew my mind. They are STILL standing strong, standing proud.

My second thought was, I need to remind people to get that Vice Squad / The Droogettes CD that Pat released on his record label, Violated Records. Pat released the CD version, which included two bonus tracks added to the 7" that Rebel Sound released.

The Droogettes are amazing. Vice Squad is amazing. Hopefully you already have this, if not, do yourself a favor and make sure you have both band's extraordinary punk releases.

So then I got to thinking, am I up to date on Vice Squad?

So I looked them up on bandcamp and found out Vice Squad has released three EPs in 2019. Apparently all digitally. Someone please release these on vinyl (or if they have, please direct me).

Also, if you haven't purchased The Droogettes debut LP, "Clockwork Girls", order it now. My write up is here for your reference.

Cheers,

Frank FOE

Tuesday, August 6, 2019

Ramoms - Problem Child / Gritty is a Punk / Boogie Not Snot

RAMOMS

"Problem Child"

Pirates Press Records

Released: May 10, 2019

I love "novelty" records. I've always loved novelty records, ever since I started buying records in 1972 when my parents hooked me up with an allowance. In 1975 when I was nine, Dickie Goodman released Mr. Jaws. "Disco Duck" was released in 1976, I was ten, I loved that Rick Dees 45. One of the very first records I ever purchased was Chuck Berry's "My Ding A Ling" from 1972, I was six. I've also loved cover versions of songs. I also have known Jodi for a few decades and have gotten to know Ginger for her other band, the freaking amazing Droogettes. So there are a ton of key points as to why I love this record!

I also love the Philadelphia Flyers and love "hating" Pittsburgh Penguins Sidney Crosby. That the Ramoms recorded a song called "Gritty Is A Punk" with the chorus: "cry Sidney, cry, called offsides, oh yeah" is simply amazing. The track "Gritty is a Punk" is sung to the tune of the Ramones "Judy is a Punk". For those who don't know, Gritty is the Flyers mascot, who was introduced this past season (and was one of the few highlights to a bad season).

The Flyers Dave Schultz, known for being the "Hammer" also released a novelty record in 1975 that is proudly in my record collection.

So yeah, of course I also love the Ramones. If it were not for that first Ramones album, released in 1976, the same year as "Disco Duck", my life certainly would have taken an alternate path. That first Ramones album is still one of my all-time favorites and one of the most influential albums, period.

Listen to the three Ramoms tracks digitally on Spotify:

"Boogie Not Snot" is a re-write of "Blitzkrieg Bop", with the chorus, "Hey Ho, Let's Blow". "Rockaway Beach" is pure and classic.

Three more classic songs from the Ramoms. This record is mandatory!

The 7" is limited to a pressing of 500 copies on blood red vinyl (resisted putting a photo of Crosby with a bloody nose and crying or something).

There is also a promotional flexi available with just the song "Gritty is a Punk". You NEED to obtain that as well.

With the beginning of hockey season just around the corner, how awesome would it be to set up the flexi as a giveaway at a Flyers game, say to the first 3,000 in attendance and then have the Ramoms play live on ice between the first and second period, or do an entire concert at the end of the game. Maybe Greg Boyle has a few connections as the Flyers play the Boils song "The Orange and the Black" at games the Flyers win!

Ramoms also have a split 7" available with the Dad Brains. Write up here.

RAMOMS Upcoming Gigs:

Ramoms with Blanks 77, Chesty Malone and the Slice 'Em Ups and Sewage @ The Kingsland, NYC on August 10, 2019

RAMOMS play with Divided/Heaven @ Ortlieb's in Philly on September 25, 2019

Cheers,

Frank FOE

Ramoms from Pirates Press Records Store

Ramoms FB

Pirates Press Recods FB

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Paul Meatsquat videos for Zonder/Wehrkamp

PAUL MEATSQUAT
ZONDER/WEHRKAMP

Paul Meatsquat, the legendary drummer of the Russian Meatsquats, is now making professional music videos and band photography. Paul teamed up with Zonder/Wehrkamp for "Do Anything" and "If It's Real". Check the ridiculously amazing videos below:

Paul is available for your band's video and publicity photography. Paul has been my friend for almost 40 years. His work ethic includes going the extra mile without question.

Paul Meatsquat's contact information: