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Don't let the cover fool you. Although this CD DOES have quite a bit of politics involved, it's not JUST entirely that. This is streetpunk from punx who know how it's done right! 

This is the fourth full-length release from Portland punk rock band DEFIANCE. This band has been around for a while, and as a matter of fact, I saw them years ago (about 7 years...?)  at Gilman Street in Berkeley, Ca.  Now on a new label (PUNKCORE), it seems that their sound has changed from their A-typical hardcore onslaught to a somewhat more traditional streetpunk, punk ROCK sound. Which is pretty cool.

When I first heard this CD, my initial thought was, "Shit, this is exactly what I think of when I think of 'Pub-Rock' or 'Street-punk' "!! Despite the excessive "anti-war" songs & lyrics (the first three songs are just that), they do a fine job at bringing the spirit of '77 to this disc.

Now, although, A LOT of the lyrical content deals with tired punk cliches, such as oppression, boredom, and angst;  This album is pretty rockin'!! It's definitely a CD to do some drinkin' too when you're with your mates! "RISE or FALL" breathes punk rock solidarity & unity with its catchy beer raising & mug clanging anthems.

It's by the punks, for the punks!  With songs like, "Still Got F*ck All", you know these blokes are in it for the long haul. 
 
 

Defiance - Rise or Fall Label: Punkcore Records Rating:  official website Listen to Samples and Purchase This CD online

I was pretty excited to hear that they had a new album out, so when I noticed that a buddy of mine had purchased this CD(before I got my promo copy), I was anxious to get his take on it. I asked him, "Hey, how's the new Blood for Blood album?". 

He responded a lackluster, "It's alright." 
         ....
Man, that guy's a F*CKEN IDIOT!!!

"SERENITY" is BLOOD FOR BLOOD at their finest. This album takes "OUTLAW ANTHEMS" and steps it up a notch. It is the perfect mixture of hardcore, punk rock, & rock-n-roll. They are speaking their truths, from their world, from their points of view.  As you've come to expect from BFB, it's abrasive, rash, & true to form, yet(!) there is so much melody here! 

BFB is honestly one of my favorite groups out there today. I don't hear too many bands that lay it out there the way they do (at least not in contemporary terms), with compassion AND anger. Hate, yet vulnerability. It's something MOST of us can relate too, that is, if you've got warm blood pumping in your veins! Many of us have experienced the pain of rejection. Many of us know what it is to live in despair!

While most modern day bands either whine about some out-of-reach political bulls***, swoon over some girl, or are just simply too "tough" too touch. BLOOD FOR BLOOD are f*ckin' solid. They're relatable, straight-up, and ain't taking s*** from no one! I recommend this disc to anyone interested in the purest form of hardcore available today.
 
 

Blood For Blood - Serenity Label: Thorp Records Rating:  official website Listen to Samples and Purchase This CD online

Ok, the liner notes for this CD says that it's been 6 years since their last release. I was never really into this band but have heard about them in the "scene". I was under the impression that they were some sort of an Oi! band. 

I was wrong.

When I popped this in my player, I wasn't really impressed. I usually spin a review disc a few times before I make a judgment. I figured this would grow on me. 

 Again, I was wrong.

Simply put, I didn't like it. This s*** just isn't my style. They reminded me of RANCID.. and personally, I think RANCID sucks. These guys croon and throw the "ooh's" & "aah's" around way too much. This is something a girl driving a Passat would jam. Not me. Just not my cup of tea.
 
 
 

The Ducky Boys - Three Chords and the Truth Label: Thorp Records Rating:  official website Listen to Samples and Purchase This CD online