COMMITMENT RECORDS

KILLING THE DREAM - FRACTURE CD

KILLING THE DREAM - FRACTURE CD

I didn't really know what to expect from this at all, but was super in love with it after spending a whole week listening to it. Each time I would listen to this Californian band, I would find more interesting parts to their already excellent songs. Songs that have a melodic beauty to them, but whip up a dose of controlled anger and fury that explode into harsh and heavy parts so fluid that make it all the more amazing. Totally amazing band. Now, like the CD below, the cover was in the bag that I lost, but luckily I had the CD at home. But having listened to it so much I know the lyrics came from someone like a manic depressive, insomniac out of their comfort zone. Don't be a fool like me, make sure you get it.

WWW.DEATHWISH.COM

END OF ALL CD

END OF ALL - THE ART OF DECADENCE CD

I got this the other day and have listened to it loads of times, now what happens today - I left a bag of stuff behind me on the bus and the cover for this was in it. Luckily the actual CD was in my CD player. Anyway, END OF ALL are from Sweden and encompass all that is great about that country as far as releasing good music is concerned. There is a soothing, yet sombre melodic intro that is soon shattered to pieces with some great harsh death metal/crustcore. Great build ups, tempo changes, tight music and insane vocals. Just think of TRAGEDY, SKITSYSTEM, WOLFBRIGADE, DISFEAR. Top quality stuff. Cool artwork, half the songs are in Swedish and those that are in English don't have much hope for humanity. Make sure you check it out, I'm going to have to buy it in order to get the cover again - but worth it.

WWW.CAHRECORDS.COM

make sure you check out the web page for an amazing distro and great downloads section, which enables the bands to actually get paid.

HDQ - SOULFINDER CD

HDQ - SOULFINDER CD (BTRCRS011)

This is actually the only HDQ LP that I don't have, how/why I never bought it when it came out remains a mystery to me. So with that, this was an eye opening trip for me. As through out their existence, they've continued to progress and add another twist to their already varied sound. They definitely matured and slowed down, adding at times, a bit more rock to the proceedings. Side by side is their all out, up beat catchy melodic hardcore and soothing acoustic meanderings. At times it feels like a completely different band, well Golly and Dickie being the stalwarts from the 'You Suck' days. Along with this is the rejected mix of the 'Sinking', with original drummer Lainey in the hot seat, it's actually faster than the final release and some of the songs sound quite different. It's amazing how songs can change slightly if recorded at different periods and in different studios. Also included is their second Peel session and a live song "In My Thoughts" (which they never got to record in the studio). The booklet is full of more photos etc and it's an excellent companion to the recently released 'Sinking' CD.
www.bosstuneage.com

HDQ - SINKING CD

HDQ - SINKING CD (BTRCRS008)
Ah! I've waited for this to be re-issued for years. I initially bought this when it first came out and has been one of my faves since. It amazes me how much HDQ progressed and changed during their existence, from a standard Brit punk band to one that soared and wrote some of my favourite songs ever. They took a melodic Dagnasty vibe and injected their own personalities into it and improved on this. Fanstics melodies, awesome vocals and heart moving personal lyrics. I have to say that "Within These Four Walls" is outstanding, especially when you hear the older version on here from the 'Life Is ...' cassette - just so much better. Golly's vocals totally made that song. Along with the 'Sinking' LP is their first Peel Session and the 'Life Is' cassette (which was released by BBP. I have everything by HDQ, up to and including the 'Sinking' LP. Luckily I aslo got to see them when they played in Belfast in January 1989, what a show that was. This package includes loads of photos, gig flyers, lyrics, discography info and an intro written by their bass player Rob Bewick. If you are going to buy anthing this year - make sure it's this as HDQ continue to move me.
www.bosstuneage.com/