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I’ve been buried underneath a pile of new releases the past few weeks (not a bad thing) and wanted to keep it short and sweet today with a quick palette cleanse with what is possibly my favorite 80’s punk LP, the one and only “Is This My World” by JERRYS KIDS.

23 minutes of totally berserk energy with what may be the greatest drumming I’ve heard on a hardcore record. That’s not meant to be hyperbolic, Brian Betzger seriously set the standard here and just bursts through the speakers. It truly has to be heard to be believed.

That’s all I’ve got, this record speaks for itself more than most. Now to listen to “Crucify Me” for the 100th time.

#vinyl #punk #record

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Another week, another total ripper on the turntable. This time via the ever reliable La Vida Es Un Mus and RAT CAGE, one of, if not my favorite, modern punk band from the U.K. (that changes almost daily so ask me again tomorrow who my favorite is).

After playing the shit out of their 2023 LP “Savage Visions”, I was so stoked when this album was announced and after patiently awaiting it’s arrival, I’m pleased to say that in my opinion, this is their best material and a record currently in my top spot for album the year. Again, that could change any day, especially considering what’s still in store for this year including the upcoming new KOHTI TUHOA LP, also on LVEUM.

But I won’t get ahead of myself, “Not Asking For Much” is an incredibly dynamic and incredibly cohesive record with excellent song writing. @sorrystate did a fantastic write up and dive deeper on specifics than I’d care to here, but trust me when I say this is an all-timer and essential listening for even the most critical of ears.

#vinyl #punk #record

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After a few weeks of K.O.S. and EARLY GRAVE dominating my turntable, the new TOTALITÄR has taken over in the most played department.

It’s not often you hear so much acclaim for a legacy band’s new material after 20 or so years. Typically in rock music there seems to be a “play the hits” attitude and last I remember, no one was clamoring for say, new Rolling Stones songs.

But that isn’t the case here; the new TOTALITÄR fervor has been real and is very well deserved. To my ears they sound as massive as ever, giving any new band playing this style of hardcore (that they developed) a run for their money.

I knew there was a reason I use TOTALITÄR as often as I do as reference points in my reviews; they wrote the god damn playbook.

#vinyl #punk #record

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Not to be hyperbolic, but the past few months have me feeling like 2026 will be a year looked back on as a landmark year for hardcore and punk music.

I mean, the 1-2-3 of K.O.S., RAT CAGE, and this EARLY GRAVE LP is enough to make it a milestone year, and that’s not including TOTALITÄR and a slew of other heaters I’ve had the pleasure of bursting my ear drums to in the past 10-ish month. Who knows what else the end of the year has in store.

ANYWAYS! Not sure what’s going on in Philly but the city consistently produces some of the best punk records coming out, including this insane EARLY GRAVE LP. I was totally hooked on their 7” earlier this year but this thing is a total beast that will be vying for the top spot of my end of the year list.

#vinyl #punk #record

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Lately there have been two reoccurring themes in my conversations about music: 1) it seems like music is getting more disposable; and 2) it often feels like everybody is hyping the same handful of bands. To combat both of these issues, I’m starting a new series to allow MRR shitworkers to highlight 2020s releases they think are overlooked/underappreciated.

For the first entry, I’m highlighting:

Warm Red
Decades of Breakfast LP
State Laughter 2020

One of my favorite releases of the decade for sure. Sounds like a mix of A Frames and Diamanda Galas. No idea why it didn’t get the hype it deserved. Probably didn’t help that this came out at the tail-end of one of the worst years in modern history. In any event, it’s so fuckin good!

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After last year’s excellent MASSACRED LP, I’ve been eagerly awaiting @active8_records’ next releases. Needless to say I was not disappointed a few weeks ago when they announced two new 7”s, one being this scorcher from HÄVITTÄJÄT. Finnish-style hardcore via Melbourne? What more could you ask for?

For real though I love everything coming out of Melbourne/Naarm; bands like HACKER, ENZYME, PHANTASM (and countless others) are all so good. I’m of the opinion that the region really goes pound for pound with any other punk scene at the moment.

Anyways, this thing is so good, I implore you to grab a copy as it isn’t streaming anywhere online (maybe the way it should be, but I’ll save that for another post). Looks like copies are still available via @active8_records, but @sorrystate is sold out, a surefire sign that these won’t last long. Don’t sleep!

#vinyl #punk #record

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Whew, this K.O.S. record is a doozy...and has been arguably one of the most hyped up records to come out this year. As soon as “The Terrifying Power Of Bombardment” was announced I saw way more buzz around it than your usual hardcore album, which isn’t surprising considering the following this band has amassed over the years.

The question then, does it deliver on the hype? I didn’t listen to it until I got my copy about a week ago and since then I’ve spun it maybe four times or so and to me, it absolutely does.

I don’t know what anyone would expect other than a ripping/blistering/insert-adjective-here crusty d-beat record but “TTPOB” is all of that and more. Great production, great riffs, and insane-o drumming that isn’t exactly the same song after song.

I could go more in depth but you get the picture. If anyone needs a reason to get excited about this sort of thing in 2026, the proof is in the pudding as they say.

#vinyl #punk #record

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Since inundating myself with 80’s USHC records these last few weeks, it feels appropriate to fast forward 40+ years to SHAVED APE’s “Loveletter To Hardcore”.

A one person project from Vince K of countless other bands, it’s clear that Vince not only adores this subculture but excels at producing some of the best punk in recent years. Lo-fi, fast as fuck, and channeling some of the best in the genre, there’s not much to say about this other than that it fucking rules.

Including the year’s gnarliest insert from the one and only @keithcaves and wrapped in a photo of a young Riky Barnes joyfully ollieing a deck in presumably 1980-something, this is the real deal and arguably the closest you can get to the genuine article in 2026.

I know this is only a whopping five months old, which these days feels like a lifetime, but god damn, if you haven’t listened to this one yet you’re missing out. Excellent proof that punk is not in fact dead.

#vinyl #punk #record

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As my record collecting quest through 80’s USHC continues, I’ve grown particularly fond of M.D.C. and their, uh, “provocatively” named LP “Millions Of Dead Cops”. Seriously though, what a title! Especially for 1982. That must’ve ruffled some feathers.

I recently revisited “American Hardcore” (the documentary) and was really delighted by frontman Dave Dictor’s snippets. What a cool and frankly brave person to not only be firm in his left-leaning politics but loud and proud of his sexuality. As much as I like to think the punk scene is open minded and supportive (and it probably is now more than ever), it seemed like that sort of thing may have gotten you some grief back in the day.

Anyways, I love this shit and you should too. Shoutout to Dave Dictor; he created a rightous blueprint 40+ years ago that’s as relevant as ever today.

#vinyl #punk #record

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Two for one today! I couldn’t decide which of these EXCLAIM records to feature, so, as the Old El Paso taco shell commercial says, “why not both?”.

Since I’ve taken a dive into collecting modern punk records, there are a few labels whose releases are instant-orders, regardless of how familiar (or not) I am with the band or record. @generalspeech is probably the number one I trust, as I’ve found time and time again that their releases totally align with my taste.

These EXCLAIM records are a perfect example of this: 80’s Japanese metallic hardcore similar in style to GASTUNK and ZOUO, never before released, and beautifully packaged with band photos, illustrations, and an interview with the band’s drummer. It’s easy to see why GS releases are no brainers; this is a goldmine for anyone into this sort of thing.

On top of all of that it was @sorrystate’s “Record Of The Week” upon release, just another reason not to miss out. Scoop these if you can, it looks like they’re going fast.

#vinyl #punk #record

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Now playing the last five new releases I’ve picked up. All really handsome sleeves edition!

Celebrators - Deliberation LP
Tomothy 2026

Every now and then a band will take a handful of influences I don’t like and somehow turn it into something I do. But here Celebrators take influences I love (I hear stuff like Richard Hell, Wire, Devo) and turn it into something that kinda seems like something I wouldn’t like but nevertheless do. Does that make sense? Probably not. Really hard to describe record, but I’m loving it.

Added Dimensions - s/t LP
HoZac 2026

This is AD’s 2022 debut release pressed to vinyl for the first time and expanded with demos. Real great stuff!

Graphic Violets - Endless Parade LP
HoZac 2026

This Rob who plays drums with Added Dimensions playing everything here, I think. It’s a record that makes you realize the extent to which garage/psych bands had an influence on grunge. I’m hearing a bit the Kinks, the Doors, some proto-punk, and some grunge. It’s good!

Patios Counselors - Protection Racket LP
Ever/Never 2026

Another tough record to describe. Like imagine something like a free jazzy-Roxy Music, mixed with something vaguely post-punk and maybe hip hop. Also shoutout to @options_r for designing such a lovely cover!

Chicken Run the Musical - Chicken Run the Musical cassette
State Champion 2026

Ok. This one is odd. Imagine Violence Creeps mixed with Sabbath, doing a musical about the 2000 stop-motion adventure comedy Chicken Run. Weird. But also pretty good!

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