The Shortlist is a dive into non-LPs including EPs, Reissues, splits, comps, live, etc.
EPs:
Hard Skin – You Won’t Get Better Than This JT Classics August 2024
Hard Skin return with some new tracks to align with a best of LP being released, Gold. The opener, “You Won’t Get Better than This,” is a bovver banger as it ascends in in tension to an explosive chorus of a (somehow) self-deprecating braggadocio, a tone Hard Skin have mastered. It’s jovial and fulfilling. Track two, “The Measure of Cunts,” comes with slightly more abrasive, a rougher edge, but still is catchy as all get out. Closer “Wouldn’t Want to Live There” builds up like a classic Cockney Rejects’ joint, and continues with a live feeling; hand claps, gang chants, etc.
The song is designed for singing along and raising a pint with your arm around your best mate or whatever souse happens to be beside ya. The Hard Skin lads are still drinking and providing the best soundtrack for the pub since The Wretched Ones.
This was released digitally in this vinyl should be out sometime in Late August on pink or black.
Slugger – Politician Longshot Music/Try And Stop Me Records August 9, 2024
In a short span, Slugger CA have reaped massive heaps of respect with their. Their two EPs from 2022 (self-titled, LSM/TASM) and 2023 (Rabid Dogs, LSM/TASM—plus a track earlier this year on Tales of Violence (LSM/TASM)—garnered quick and adhesive attention. “Politician” is a call to arms for the lower classes, over a 4-Skins meets a beefed-up version of The Business sound.
The intro and lingering atmosphere draws from a slower, mid-tempo beat that has that glam rhythmic endeavor. But the harsh guitars and gruff vocals reel it back to an driving ‘Oi!’ sound, like pub-rock with an American filter of gravity and distortion. All that said, and I’m splitting hairs on a shaved head.
It’s a cool track that makes that head bounce and foot stomp. Heavier Savage Beat mixed with Enforcers and Castillo and a little NYHC. The B-Side is a proper one with a “Poverty Flat (dub).” The sound is played well, sounding like a living room jam, scratchy and raw. This is what a cool seven inch should be. A single off the album with a cool, off-LP variation of a track. Grab one while you wait for their LP in Autumn of 2024.
Mugger – Get A Clue Quiet Panic Records September 20, 2024
Only two tracks, but Mugger are dropping digital tracks this weekend with limited edition lathe-cut seven-inches. Mugger has been busy touring, most recently with Negative Approach and PGH’s No Time. You get two new grimy ragers, one of which features guest vocals by John Brannon. Vocalist Anna Troxell’s “’Find Out’ is a song about the feeling of being undervalued and overlooked as someone who should be in a position of power.”
And who else to have join in an underdog anthem than the screaming Hellhound himself, Brannon. Troxell also notes that they pulled in Brannon as a thank you for his help when Mugger toured with Easy Action. Speaking of, the second track, “Get A Clue,” begins with a grindcore blastbeat and devolves into an Easy Action sleazy dirge.
Mugger will bless hometown of Austin TX on September 19 at Mohawk, opening for Speed, Xibalba, and Day By Day. The band is also playing The Fest.
As of this writing, Brooklyn Vegan have the exclusive streaming for the two new tracks.
But you can buy the vinyl at Mugger bandcamp
Vinyl:
Clear Lathe Cut seven-inch, Ltd Ed; out of 50
Blue Lathe Cut seven-inch, Ltd Ed; out of 50
Giuda – Louder than Action TKO Records Out Now
Over from Italy, Giuda are currently touring as they are opening for Fear, D.O.A., War On Women, and additionally playing some tangential shows which they headline. This quintet of rollicking, engaging rockers are dropping another banger, Louder than Action, on TKO Records. Their brash brand of captivating, infectious—and just damn fun—power-pop/bootboy glam ignites each audience member’s heart and loins. Giuda have mastered hooks and hand claps as they stomp through 70’s bovver; while having a blast doing it.
Since 2007, the fiery charge of fuzzy riffs have seduced audiences around the world. Uniting casuals, skins, punks, greasers, and any genuine fan of throbbing rock ‘n’ roll, these Romans have earned complete reverence from audiences for a consistent energy in their live sets. There are two tracks here to whet the appetite of salivating fans with more of infectious, stomping tunes of electrified rock ‘n’ roll.
I will not attempt to sum up the near-40-year existence (38 this year) of a personal favorite, Mt. Rushmore band that also happens to have influenced worldwide hardcore with classic, defiant records and a commitment to relentless touring NYHC titans. Their impact has been felt. If you want the story of the nexus, Lou and Pete Koller, read the literal book, The Blood and The Sweat.
SOIA have been dropping some of their best work in their second half, hopefully just the second act. To the dismay and grief of many, Lou announced his cancer diagnosis a few weeks ago. There have been many shirts and funds for the hardcore community to contribute. Revelation Records chipping in with a reissue of the eponymous EP, REV: 003.
This special, limited edition pressing is a benefit for Sick Of It All vocalist Lou Koller on opaque purple vinyl and features exclusive cover artwork by Jime Litwalk and will not be re-pressed. One-hundred percent of the proceeds from this release will be donated to Lou. If you would like to make a donation directly, you can do so here. Also check out exclusive tee shirt designs at Cat Fight Clothing.
Opaque Purple Vinyl (pressing quantity will be determined by number of orders placed)
Preorder at RevHQ.
Compilations:
Palehorse No Longer Secrets Heroes & Martyrs
Preorder for Late September
Recently, I’ve been noticing Palehorse doing shows again. Palehorse were and remain one of my favorite CTHC bands, hell, national bands, of the ’00s. There were bands propagating the scene then and a multitude of bands reinventing genres and raising the standard of quality exponentially. Palehorse were perched on the pinnacle. Their brand of crossover thrash/hardcore/whatever you feel it deserves as a genre title, everyone agrees it is some of the most provocative and hardest out there. Blending 100 Demons and Ringworm and now reignited after a dormancy, Palehorse have been playing again with ferocity and intent.
Heroes & Martyrs have collected 16 tracks, harvested from Demo 2003; Secrets Within Secrets EP; Split w/ Colin of Arabia; Rumors of War EP. Then, these killers were remastered by Brad Boatright at Audiosiege to elevate and resurrect some classics. “This will mark the first time a majority of these songs are available (both physical and streaming) since their initial output. This release also ushers in a new era of the band punctuated by the addition of bassist Zach Stachura (Pain of Truth) and an all new EP planned for 2025 on Heroes & Martyrs.”
Pair this will their sole LP, Amongst the Flock, and you get a tight collection. Palehorse mastered the brutal crossover mixed with heavy rhythms while haunting, conspiratorial lyrics rang furiously in the speakers. It’s the perfect time to come back.
Cassette:
1st Press –
50 – Gold Shell with Burgundy Ink (Band Exclusive Color)
100 – Blue Shell with Gold Ink
Tracks 1-3: Demo
Tracks 4-8: “Secrets Within Secrets”, originally released on Martyr Records
Tracks 9-11: “Split with Colin of Arabia”, originally released on Spook City Records
Tracks 12-16: “Rumors of War”, originally released on Trip Machine Laboratories / Detonate Records
