Sunday, March 28, 2021

MONNIER

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MONNIER
"Monnier"
Horror Pain Gore Death Productions
Released: April 23, 2021


I love grindcore with alternating guttural growl and squealing howl.

This release combines the band's two eps. The first EP, the first eight tracks, were released in February of 2018. The new ep, the last eight tracks were released in February 2021 through Monnier's bandcamp page. Horror Pain Gore Death Productions combined the two EPs here on CD as one magnificent purifying purge. 



There are a few copies on vinyl out there in the world, but nothing I could find in the US. Halenoise Records and Loner Cult Records, both in Belgium, have them available for those feeling the need to order overseas.



While I know that there is a tremendous amount of grindcore out there, Monnier just does it for me. I love every second of this release. Which means this receives my "Need on the preferred format, vinyl" support. 


Happy grinding!

Cheers,
FOE


Sunday, March 21, 2021

For Family and Flag Volume 1

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VARIOUS ARTISTS
"For Family and Flag Volume 1"
PIRATES PRESS RECORDS
2020

First off, there is a previously unreleased Cock Sparrer song. So this is automatically a mandatory purchase. Bishops Green, 45 Adapters and Lenny Lashley's Gang of One (reflectively closes out the album) also provide massively enjoyable, previously unreleased tracks. 

Cock Sparrer

I love great compilations. If done right, they bring along unreleased tracks from your favorite bands, expose you to bands you might not have ever heard before and if done properly, you can drop the needle on the record and it serves as a great playlist.

Shuffle and Bang

Shuffle and Bang starts the party off with a big band party that surprisingly works perfectly. I never heard the band before, but my eyes are now open.

The Slackers

The Slackers, The Barstool Preachers put forth uplifting ska and punk blends that I already love. 

The Barstool Preachers

The Drowns, Noi!se, Lion's Law, 45 Adapters, The Antagonizers ATL all provide  raucous, anthemic, melodic, oi and punk tracks.

The Antagonizers ATL

Lion's Law

Charger take the energy up a notch going for the punch in the face punk with a pinch of Motorhead flavored metal thrown in for good measure. Seized up take things to a hardcore, post hardcore anthem about gentrification and taking back the neighborhood.

Charger

Everyone knows the Subhumans and they STILL have the energy, chops and integrity to put forth a full throttle, speedy punk gem.   

Subhumans

"For Family and Flag Volume 1" goes down as a classic comp. Just like the "Punk and Disorderly" comps from decades ago, this serves both as a classic stand alone record and drives the listener to checking out the bands other material!

45 Adapters

Pirates Press takes things a step further by providing a website where you can check the bios, band social media links and lyrics for all the tracks, further exposing you to the music of all of these fantastic bands. 

PRESSING INFO:
950pcs. - 12" Black Vinyl
250pcs. - 12" Blood Red Vinyl
2000pcs. - CD

Cheers,
FOE



Sunday, March 7, 2021

Follow Fashion Monkeys

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FOLLOW FASHION MONKEYS
"Inner Ear Infection"
1987


FFM were one of the first Lehigh Valley hardcore/punk bands to venture outside of the LV with their music, famously touring with Indigesti.

FFM were one of the first LVHC bands to release an LP, with the Russian Meatsquats and American Dream being the other two.  Follow Fashion Monkeys self released their first lp on Clymer records in 1985. To my knowledge, this album was never released digitally. I transferred my vinyl to mp3 a long time ago.



The songs on this second album, were recorded in 1987 at Inner Ear Studios in Arlington VA, by Don Zientara and were produced by Ian MacKaye. Pretty lofty credentials, yet never saw a release of the full album on vinyl.

Four tracks from "Inner Ear Infection" were released on FOE records as a 7". I am extremely grateful that I had a part in something that included the Follow Fashion Monkeys, Don Zientara and Ian MacKaye. 

FFM broke up in 1987 and two of the other tracks from this session were released on compilations ("Menagerie Pt. 2" on the "What Have You Brought Me This Time?" 7" and "Money For Something"  on the "Get The Hell Out" compilation").

You can listen to the second album on Spotify or purchase the tracks on Amazon (minus the Yardbirds cover, which is on the 7".



Listen to the 7" through this blog. I do not have any of the 300 copies of the 7" left beyond my personal copies. It is out of print. I do not see any available for sale on Discogs either, but you might be able to score the first album if you haven't secured one yet.


Read the Follow Fashion Monkeys 1986 tour journal from FOE zine #8 here.

I hope I get to see the day when someone releases the entire Follow Fashion Monkeys discography on a 2xlp gatefold vinyl release with a book of photos and the history of the band. They deserve it. 


Cheers,
FOE
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