New releases last four weeks: Punk/Hardcore

Review: Los Angeles crusted hardcore bruisers CNTS delivered a venomous statement of intent with their beautifully titled 2019 debut full-length Cunts, but sadly only had a brief opportunity to tour in support of the project before the world closed its doors in early 2020. Unfortunately, any and all future plans would be put on hold following vocalist Matt Cronk being injured in a car crash which resulted in a surgical error leading to a paralyzed vocal cord. Though members turned to other projects whilst awaiting/praying for Cronk's recovery (both drummer Kevin Avery and guitarist Mike Crain are members of Retox with the latter also being part of the Mike Patton-fronted Dead Cross), it wouldn't be until the winter of last year that, against all doctor's predictions, Cronk's voice would return and with it, a bevvy of new gripes and grievances to expel. Sardonically titled Thoughts & Prayers, and receiving distribution through the aforementioned Mike Patton's Ipecac label, prepare for an even more depraved batch of jagged, fuzzed-out, cynical and severely pissed off hardcore headcavers.

Review: Originally founded by former members of Youth Of Today and Gorilla Biscuits, Judge would become another legendary example of the 1980s New York hardcore scene, with their 1989 Bringin' It Down LP widely considered to be one of the most vital cornerstones. At the dawn of 1990, a year on from their album release and a year before their official disbanding, the group dropped the There Will Be Quiet 7", boasting two of their most monstrous cuts, 'Forget This Time' and 'The Storm II', and now for the first time in over three decades, their ever-faithful label-home Revelation Records have authentically reissued the OG 7" single for both lifers who've likely parted ways with their copy, and newcomers still unearthing the plethora of classic material that built the bedrock for the scene's current moment in the sun. Militant straight-edge hardcore, delivered with beastly metallic riffs and a message so earnest, sincere and palpable, it'll convert you if you're not careful.

Review: A live double album 2xCD + DVD combo from our sugar-coated punk heroes Buzzcocks, recorded at London's iconic Shepherds Bush Empire in 2003 whilst promoting their self-titled comeback album. Boasting new cuts from said LP such as 'Jerk', 'Wake Up Call', and, 'Driving You Insane', peppered amongst essential classics like 'I Don't Mind', 'Fast Cars', 'Ever Fallen In Love (With Someone You Shouldn't Have)?' and 'I Don't Know What to Do with My Life', this iteration of the group featured Tony Barber on bass and Philip Barker on drums, accompanying the late great Pete Shelley and the now-bandleader Steve Diggle. 32 doses of saccharine hooks, fuzzy guitars and powerpop punk beauty transmitted from over two decades ago directly to your ear canals.