Destructors 666 - www.destructors666.com
Radicus - www.myspace.com/radicus
Got Mit Uns (released 2007)
Rowdy Farrago Records
Now here we go! Radicus offer up a some stellar punk rock sounds that are extremely hip and sound as though they are bound to lead the new throngs of hardcore punk. Reminding me of some of the better discs we've recently reviewed, from the Krum Bums and Complete Control, but most especially like a less aggressive form of Damage Case. But here's the rub, while the comparison to the previous band's emote a sense of violent urgency, Radicus shows a side that puts them clearly above the other bands with a style of hard rock punk that is approachable and marketable more to the masses. Is that a bad thing? No. It's just another style of the same aggressive nature. And I for one like it! Radicus is catchy and entertaining on their three song contribution to this split disc, hitting upon solid punk rock and approachability on the level of today's emo-core crowd. On the flip side we have Destructors666, the reincarnation of the original Destructors from over twenty years ago. Destructors666 feature a couple of tunes here that are interesting because two of them are older than dirt! No, I'm kidding! The band covers the MC5 tune "Kick Out The Jams", it's pretty good, but it's been done thousands of times over, so eventually all the covers sound the same. The other 'cover' the band does is an old Destructors track "AK-47," which is quite a hearty tune that fits well into today's punk rock. It's loud and pounding enough to stand out in the gloom of the popularity of poppy punk rock sounds found on the mainstream media outlets. The other track that Destructors666 showcase on here is one of their very own brand new tracks, "Dig My Grave (45 Rave)". The promo sheet indicates that it's the bands attempt at updating some old 50s songs to a more aggressive punk rock standard. I think they've succeed; the sheer aggression in the sound and vocals showcases the band's ability to be creative even when dealing with som rather boring tunes. Combined, this is a great release from the bands and label Rowdy Farrago Records, now if only both of the bands offered a full length for review and air play! Both bands are stunning and fans of punk rock, from thirty years ago through today, will get a charge out of this split disc. -MG |
