First Exposure

No Tomorrow's second vinyl output, 'Nuclear Exposure' was recently released by Sorry State Records.  This North Carolina based band plays a style that I'm not overly well versed on: crust punk.  While I do like and know my fair share of crust bands, I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan of the style.  That being said, this two song single rips.  Side A starts off with a d-beat feel and keeps that pace throughout the duration of the track.  Side B has the faster pace that I generally associate with crust punk.  One thing that may set this band apart from others of this genre are the vocals.  They are, for lack of a better term, harsh but I dig them.

The packaging for this single is great.  Two-color screened jackets, and hand numbered out of 300 copies.  All pressed on black vinyl.

Self Hate

The debut EP 'I Hate My Body,' from NYC's Goosebumps is a ripper.  Self-loathing, dirty NYHC fronted by a madman.  Released on Burn Books Records, fans of the current crop of bands releasing music on Toxic State Records and Youth Attack Records (Crazy Spirit, The Ropes, Hoax, etc.) will surely be into this band.  Or if you are simply looking for some down and dirty hardcore, look no further.  There are times when the vocalist seriously sounds like he hates himself and could put an end to his own misery at any moment.  Songs about hating oneself, drugs, etc. - what's not to like here?

And do I even need to mention how awesome this cover art is?  This cover is a very good representation of the music that's on display here.

Abuse

Now that I've posted about all of the awesome records I got through my recent trade, I can talk about some of the new things that have shown up in the mail since then.  The debut (and sole) recording from Boston's Prisoner Abuse.  Made up of the usual suspects, this recording goes for an '82 Boston hardcore vibe and nails it on the head.  If you dig the original Boston crew bands or any of the newer bands playing that style (I'm looking at you, Stranglah') you will definitely be into this.  I believe I read somewhere that the songs were tracked in 2004-2005, but the vocals weren't tracked until this year.  Weird, but I'm glad these songs finally got a release.

On clear vinyl, limited to 150 copies.

Warpunch

This marks the last noteworthy thing I have acquired through my recent trade, Floorpunch's - Fast Times at the Jersey Shore.  Along with In My Eyes, Ten Yard Fight, and Fastbreak, Floorpunch spearheaded the youth crew revival of the 90's.  Whereas their contemporaries played a more positive approach to youth crew, Floorpunch was closer to Judge in regards to sound/lyrics/attitude/etc.  FP is easily my favorite of the youth crew revival bands and one of my top hardcore bands of all time.  Essential listening.

While I'm on the subject of FP and FP related things, here is a top contender for demo of the year: World War 4.  Featuring Mark Porter of Floorpunch on vocals, backed by DFJ, CC, and Doug Free of just about every good current Boston band.  Old school Boston/NYHC played to perfection.  I love how there is a divebomb in every song.  So good.

I'm sure you've been hearing a lot about this demo and I personally think this band is worth the hype.  Do not sleep on this.

Pig Killer

Another long time want of mine that I acquired through trade, Pig Destroyer's 'Prowler In The Yard.'  I'd have to say this is my favorite LP of theirs, followed closely by 'Terrifyer.'  Not much to say other than this band is easily one of the top grindcore bands of the past 20 years.

New LP due out this month at some point I believe.

Comes on this awesome purple vinyl, limited to 1,000 copies.