Defect Defect – Self/Titled 12” (Residue Records) – This first release from the Portland, Oregon band is a great slab of melodic punk with a strong political element that goes beyond “death to the right wing” myopic tropes that hang over the heads of punk rock since the 70s. One thing that I found is there is a strong connection to the Brazilian punk scene, with songs like “Osasco” detailing confrontations with police and plenty of footage of the band playing in the area. The lyrics are clean and infectious, I’ve found myself singing “Osasco”, “We’ve Already Lost” and “Post-Apocalypse” to myself under my breath many times over the past month. 8 great songs available for $10.50 from Residue Records.
http://www.myspace.com/defectdefectThrashington D.C. – Let Your Body Talk (Crapoulet Records) – This band from the south of France with the unfortunate name and the even more unfortunate album cover will probably have a lot of people skip out on this which is really the only unfortunate thing about this record. This is a good fast time that is as irreverent as you’d expect from their name, nostalgic, angry, and fast fast fast. I had trouble discerning the lyrics, but the insert comes with lyrics but also each song has a bit of commentary about each song which was helpful for songs like “Best of Thrash Nostalgics Vs Youtube Addicts” (Best of Thrash was a heavy rock / metal / punk video show on channel 6) and “Tase Me, Please Me’s” call for punks to develop a sadomasochistic relationship with cops. Yeah, like I said. It’s weird but great. Also has a Turbonegro cover. I got my copy from Sorry State for $13.
http://www.myspace.com/thrashingtondcFull of Fancy – Sweet Baby Jesus – (No Breaks Records) – I am utterly in LOVE with this slice of perfect surgary sweet post-riotgrrl pop punk. Every song hits me with a nostalgia for suburban youth spent just goofing off running around listening to Lookout Records bumming smokes and getting into all kinds of ridiculous boredom fueled trouble. There is a strong 1990s sound on this in the guitar tones and dual female vocals. This is a sweet, sweet record that will get stuck in your head almost immediately. I had put this on for some people who came over for brunch and a weird dance party broke out. No lie. I bought this directly from the band through their MySpace, but you can also order from No Breaks records. $10 and good god is it so worth it.
http://www.myspace.com/fulloffancy
