Vicious Mistress Records – Punk In The Streets Vol. 1
This is a compilation album that was just released in December. I just recently got around to listening to it but when I did I immediately struck myself in the face repeatedly with a truncheon for waiting so long to enjoy its musical splendor.
Vicious Mistress Records is a small, D.I.Y. Punk label based out of Connecticut. When I saw that its only previous release was by my favorite band, a Damn Broads demo, my interest was certainly perked. Since that time they’ve released another compilation but I haven’t checked that one out but I will, once the wounds to my face heal.
As I listened to these bands I realized that this is probably the best compilation I’ve come across since TNB was born. Sixteen sweet songs by sixteen sour bands who fit into the styles of classic, traditional punk, Oi and hardcore. This is music that’s rough around the edges, just enough to tear at your soul; politically and socially conscious enough to get you to think, and wild and passionate enough to engage your body as well as your mind and heart.
This music is loud and rambunctious and is not paint-by-the numbers and is quite willing to color outside the lines. Let’s check out a few.
The Wheelz have the spit and snarl of early English punk and Oi and have the heartwarming proclamation of, “Wanna Get Drunk Tonight.” Some bellowing back-up vocals, Johnny Thunders like guitar and neat instrumental drop outs provide one pure, punk song that one would never guess arrives from Tulsa, Oklahoma!
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/01 Wanna Get Drunk.mp3|titles=Wanna Get Drunk]
How could I not pick Connecticut’s most dangerous dames Damn Broads. But even though this is a song I’m unfamiliar with, it still hits hard and strong as all their work does. This one starts with tribal drumming leading into their usual grab you by the throat hardcore. The boys wish they could play this well. This song is short, hard and potent.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/02 Above The Law.mp3|titles=02 Above The Law]
“Alter Boys,” with their near hysterical vocals, driving hardcore rhythms and interesting music remind me of a great band from Connecticut namely, Cry Havoc. Here they do a song whose title is the same as their name and really kick ass and they hail from California.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/04 Alter Boys.mp3|titles=Alter Boys]
“Consumer Induced Poverty” by Mindless Attack comes charging out of the gate with politically charged vocals backed by musically charging rhythms. This song is bursting with rhythm, passion and short chards of broken glass guitar and just might be my favorite tune on this platter.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/06 Consumer Induced Poverty.mp3|titles=Consumer Induced Poverty]
Emute Oi is the name of this band. Emute means “riot” in French. They are not from France but L.A. They call themselves street punk and I call this a blistering rush of Oi/hardcore done in a style similar to Damn Broads. This has what I believe is a double bass drum going past the speed of sound along with a sprinkling of a metal guitar solo in this bashing, propulsive tune.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/07 Police Brutality.mp3|titles=Police Brutality]
“Two Man Advantage” have the advantage over me by having a wonderful song title, “Drink The Bar Dry” and by reminding me of a favorite local band of mine, Taxi Driver. Also, extra points for being from New York. This song has shout along Black Flag like vocals and a pretty, snazzy solo in there and is a driving, smashing tune.
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/13 Drink The Bar Dry.mp3|titles=Drink The Bar Dry]
“A lot of bands get ignored because people want to promote the next mainstream bullshit. We want to keep it real, keep it punk and keep the scene alive,” – Vicious Mistress Records.
I couldn’t agree more with these sentiments and this CD is chock full of great music by great bands so check it out. And I can’t wait to listen to the next one. Now excuse while I strip pieces of flesh from my face. I’m gonna put this on in the background to drown out the screams and help ease the pain.
(Slimedog)
