Declaration & I Hope You Suffer - Split

allright. this is one of the finest hardcore splits you can get from Croat modern hardcore artists. I hope you suffer is a band from a cultural city Varaždin very near Zagreb. they were called before Destrukcija Stvarnosti, and are playing for several years now. also did a Euro tour in their best days. the band members have now a new project Life in Peril (contemporary moshcore, metalcore or something like that), but i hope they will do few more shows under IHYS. sound can be described as pissed of fast hardcore going to powerviolence, but still sincere hardcore as it should be. Declaration is a few year old band, but made a huge impact on Croat, Zagreb hardcore scene with their presence. they are very perspective as a band and still young. their sound is infulenced by oldschool hardcore bands like 7 seconds, minor threat throgh youth crew bands to modern hardcore bands like Verse, Trial or Champion. if you like hardcore, this split is as good as can get. and i hope you download

promo flyer from the gig

01 - D -  Fists Of Blood
02 - D - Remedy
03 - D - Something to change
04 - I - Fast and Angry
05 - I - It's in you
06 - I - Still Standing

dwnld
Declaration & I Hope You Suffer - Split [2010]

Arctic Flowers & Spectres - Split

who would have thought, that to an "angry oi skinhead" something like this could get in a head. but the bands have real quality. i mean Arctic Flowers from portland. portland that's got to be somethnig with brain. yeah, and it is, you know for yourself that their punk scene and the bands are pretty impressive, i hope you do? so Arctic Flowers are bringing anarcho w\ post-punk w\ deathrock lyrics w\ female vocalist. i think that says something on a first ball. and the Spectres, the dark Vancouver british post-punk influenced. children of the Mob and Warsaw. depression is taking over with melancholic atmosphere. enjoy the split.

01 - Arctic flowers - Rats in walls
02 - Spectres - Pattern recognition

dwnld
Arctic Flowers & Spectres - Split [2010]

Aussitôt Mort - 6 Songs Cd

hello, again. i decided to make things easier. i will continue to post you cool punk bands for download from around the world but only with album reviews for now.

breaking the ice with a Caen, french screamo\post-hardcore band Aussitôt Mort. active since 2005 with several releases behind them. they tried to make some sort of emo doom music, but failed at the process. anyway this is not bad music, if you like slow melodic instrumental riffs with screaming vocals like on a medievil torture machine. for fans of Daitro, Amanda Woodward and other french "screams".
PS: the band put on their website discography materials available for download. that's punk. enjoy.

http://aussitotmort.free.fr/#

01 - Memoria Grigia
02 - Aussitôt Dort, Aussitôt Mort
03 - Une Once De Courage
04 - Le Desespoir Des Singes
05 - Dur Comme La Banalité
06 - Percuté

dwnld
6 songs cd [2006]

Bloody Gears

shit on a blogger who isn't active. anyway won't be active for reviewing for a while. yeah it was fun and all. Night Birds kicked ass like Direct Control ect.  i was experementing with punk music when i came across this Boston band. Bloody Gears is a punk band with mild post-punk influence. the band clearly has influence of the Wipers, Hüsker Dü and the Articles of Faith. a new band with one Demo (5 song demo casette) and an 3 song EP ST.  BG is one of thoose bands that just click and are very artistic in their music. their melancholic song won't leave any soul searching for an explanation, at least for 3 months when you get sick like you are...

http://bloodygears.blogspot.com/

live - Running From Your Life // Dark Matters

Bloody Gears EP [2010]
Demo [2009]

Opcio k-95

So, Opcio k-95 is a catalan oi! band. Their name is taken by a Opcio Kalashnikov (Kalashnikov way) the gun which represents the antifascist fighters around the world. These guys are here from 1995 and they have 4 albums ("Cap Oportunitat" 1997, "Mai Morirem" 2000, "Terra Cremada" 2004 and "Reneix" 2010)  behind them as well as 2 splits ( with Brigada Flores Magon and Brixton Cats), and not to mention compilations they appeared on. Their music is a mixture of i would say english oi roots with a catalan soul as well as their friends music. This is obvious in the first 2 albums, while the second 2 are more instrumentally mature. They have very strong antifascist believes, and are a part of the Redskin movement in Spain, also they consider themselves Catalan patriots and socialists. Their lyrics are inspired by daily fight against fascism, class struggle and ethnic independence. They never played in eastern europe and can't wait to see them live again. Unfortunately i don't have a split with Brixton Cats only on vinyl, but the songs are from the last album Reneix. Stay smart, stay rebel and enjoy.

http://www.myspace.com/opciok95oi

Video:
Opcio k-95 - Terra de sang

Discography:
Cap Oportunitat [1997]
Mai Morirem [2000]
Terra Cremada [2004]
Reneix [2010]
Brigada Flores Magon & Opció K-95 - International Socialism

RPG-7

RPG-7 is a spanish oicore band. A new band on their antifascist scene coming from Vallekas, a district near Madrid that is very proud of it's working class roots. They only have an EP for now called "... Un Paso de un Largo Camino" in 2010. Watch out for this band as their music is similar to Non Servium and Zartako combined.

http://www.myspace.com/rpg7madriz

Video:
RPG-7 - El Otro Bando

Discography:
Un Paso de un Largo Camino [2010]

Night Fever

Actually i got an excuse for not posting regularly. Having problems with my upload on MF, so i'll put links for download from the net, until i solve the problem. In the mean time I hope you all heard for this band. When about a year and a half ago their LP New Blood began circling a punk forum, back here all hell broke loose and everyone was hyped by this band. This is not a usual band. Night Fever combines very fast and oldschool infleunced hardcore with trashy but smart punch in the face lyrics and one very gifted vocalist with a vast vocal range. Actually this band is totally oldschool by their sound especially the first LP in 2009 mentioned before "New Blood". Now they are out with a brand new EP Transparent which is slightly more amplified with rock. They were actually in Croatia back in 2008. They had a break because one member was in prison (don't know which one so i want talk shit). But now i can see they are still kickin'. Enjoy and stay wasted.

Video:
Night Fever - New Blood

Discography:
New blood [2009]
Transparent EP [2011]

Cheap alcohol and sxe 22-24.07.

I thought good about writing this review for the festival. I lost my first enthusiasm and sometimes i don't see a big point in doing all this. But for the love of music i will continue to do this through the near future.
Also have a lot of reposting to do. I now see that the "whole(crucial)" discography of the bands is a little tricky to keep up with for a lazy person like myself. Better if i tried to review the albums, but okay i'll live through it. So there you go: ROIR, Maraboots, Eve & the Evils with new albums updated.

Now the fest. Well the fest was big, i could compare it to Endless summer from last year summer fests. And i don't really like big fests or the open ones. Too many people draw out the intimate soul from the festival or concerts it just ends up being like a stadium, crowd show like that glam rock stuff in the 70's. That just isn't "punk" like small dark night crawler squats where there are 50 kids trashing it like it should be. Don't get me wrong, i didn't mean that the names like the ones on a fest don't deserve a big crowd, that would be hypocritical. But it sometimes chokes the bands real soul and the connection that is felt and could be enjoyed in a smaller fest, gig...especially if the crowd is lame. But on the other hand. This was a hardcore fest and the crowd was hyped and dragged some energy from the bands, that maybe wouldn't come up if it wasn't so big. And you always end up seeing less bands than you would want, because you can't see all of them without taking a break for a drink and to talk. The most positive thing on the fest was that it's fuckin' too cheap for bands like these. Anyway...

We went to Fluff from Zagreb with a van on thursday night. The usual drinkin' (except for the sxe ones, ofcourse), jokin', talkin' on the road and we came there early in the morning, that was unusually very cold and windy in central Czech R. After gettin settled we went to the small town centre to explore a little, find something to eat and to drink, and waste some time 'till the fest begins.
As i am still a new\fresh person with the love of the hardcore sound, i felt frustrated that i didn't knew more bands and explored them before i saw them live. And ofcourse because of the tight schedule you don't have a chance to see that much you would like if there were more time for chillin'. So the first day i missed out the 50 lions and All teeth.
So the first band was Touche Amore which made a very good impression on me with the energetic vocals. Broken records, Honest sleep and etc. they went with their songs which i ain't that familiar with their names so i won't guess.
After then we went to check the merch before returning really fast back for the Carrier. The Boston finest melodic though harsh hardcore band. Mostly was concentrated on the their vocal, which had a damn good (i mean powerfull) voice. Some have said it to be too macho for Fluff but i think that he wasn't and was decent enough in his live show, after all the band has song and an EP about love (can't seem to find that macho).
Then the main band and one of the most known on the Fest. La Dispute. Like a total opposition to the Carrier vocals, there stood the skinny and childish La Dispute vocal. I never gave them too much opportunities since i thought they aren't that hardcore of a band. I was pretty wrong and positively shocked. The little almost shy guy had more energy than most of the fests "hardcorers". They didn't play their most famous songs (good move) and gave a chance to more unkown songs to come up, some new ones and the TA split with the vocal of TA that came on stage to help.
After the show, more drinkin' and fooling around. Before we ran outta beer and had to call it a day. Something worth mentioning that this was a fest where i had least money for spending, only 30 euros, 10 per day and still managed to economise them so so. Only a shame because i didn't got a chance to spend some on merch. but there will be time, material stuff doesn't mean shit in the end.

The second day i missed out on Beyond Pink (which i heard were very good few days before Fluff in Zagreb),  Trainwreck, Victims ( i only went in for one song and didn't like it that much) and Ensign ( i have a good enough excuse). Anyway after the usual morning coffee, shopping and getting ready. The first band that day were the Dangers. And they started at about 3PM which i couldn't get for a great band like this. Anyway i was infront so i saw the playlist and i liked what i saw. They started with We broke PA, the Power Chord Blues, Half brother, all cop, AIDS, Cancer, I'll Clap When I'm Impressed, Opposable, Stay-At-Home Mom and finished with We have more sense than lies and few more i can't remember they played. The vocal isn't sane in a good way. Animal while singin', jumping all around and into the crowd but still with moderate authority. Also a good and sincere talk between some songs. They really made a good impression and are one of the best bands i saw live. After them the screamish powerviolence band Battle of Wolf 359 which were fair enough but not my cup of tea.
Then there were the powerviolence Punch with a positivly good attitude that can be felt of the female fronted vocals while she was talking. Punch was one of those bands that i like the fast and harsh music and can listen to it, but there isn't any song that is jumping out of the monotomy. But still the played good enough to see them again and played almost 2 sets ass most of the songs are very short.
after them another female fronted band the German Glasses that were almost on home turf considering that the fest native language was german because of their invasion on border country Czech. They were the only band i watched in the tent or should i say outside the tent that was filled all the time. That's a minus beacuse a lot of people couldn't get inside, but nevertheless they were very good and have drawn a lot of energy outta their crowd.
That was that for the day, there was lot of drinkin' to keep up with. Something very funny made this fest unique. I drank an average of 10+ beer per day and ate one time a day and didn't get drunk. After all that moving around you can't get drunk until you settle down or take it on to the next level with good old vodka, that did the trick. Also, let's say that half of the bands on the fest were sxe, and let's say that there were less sxe lads than the ones gettin' completely wasted. Even the bands were on two sides, like the Victims (i think it was the Victims bt not sure) askin' are you all wasted, and the Ceremony trading their merch for marihuana.
After finishing the drinks and ourselves we were gettin' ready for the third and final day.

The usual morning and usual missing of the next bands Rosetta, Raein (also missed in Zagreb because i thought i would watch them here, moron.). As i am begining to be lazy to write more i'll speed up things. The next band was Ritual which i more watched more on gorund while drinkin' and laying on my back or ass (told you i was lazy). Then the Soul Control which weren't that much audience honored for a good band like that. The audince was limp in fact. The next band was Black Breath for which i thought that Motorhead is playing but without Lemmy. They were okay, but really don't like that much sludge and crossover (death) metal, or what that was.
Then the big guns went inside. When i saw the guys from Ceremony on stage i thought they broke outta a mental institution, not to mention the performacne and the Damned\Misfitsslashgoth outfit of the guitarist. Who are these guys. These are revolutionists in hardcore. Insane calm nihilistic lyrics and sets mixed with fastcore crazy shouting of the vocalist. They started in the head with Intro and Sick. The crowd exploded and almost everyone who was on the fest was on the band. Then the songs Moving Principle, Kersed, This is my war, Terminal Addiction, the cover of Red C Pressure's on and other hits. I don't know what to say more beacuse i was also hyped on them. Here, will post their video only and enjoy.

Ceremony - Sick, Fluff 2011

Negative Approach

I know, i'm lazy. Negative Approach is a influential oldschool hardcore band from Detroit, Midwest, USA. Ah, were to start. The band was formed in 1981 influenced by Detroit proto-punks the Stooges, the arrival of hardcore bands like the Necros and Black Flag mostly and the british punk and Oi! bands like the 4 Skins and Blitz. Their first gig was in a basement of the Necros drummer mother's house. They first mada an appearance on a compilation with Necros, Meatmen Process of Elimination compilation. After that they made their ST in 1982. Followed by a LP "Tied Down". That was all for NA before the band splited in 1983, there were some live recorded tracks and unreleased records issued on "Total Recall" and after the reunion "Friends Of No One" in 2010. After the split the vocal made a more garage rock band Laughing Hyenas, but in 2006 the band reunited to make some shows. Their harsh and raw style of playing live, pessimistic, nihilistic and real life in your face lyrics with an intimidated attitude on stage by the vocal Brannon made NA one of the most notable hardcore bands. Enjoy.

http://www.myspace.com/negativeapproach

Video:
Negative Approach - Nothing

Discography:
Negative Approach [EP 1982]
Tied Down [1982]
Total Recall [1992]
Friends Of No One [2010]

Russian Anti-Racist Skinheads

Fuck it. I've been very busy lately so didn't had a chance to post something new. Here is a treat. This is a documentary video, taken i think in 2009 about the russian oi,ska, hardcore - antiracist and antifascist skinhead scene. There is a english translation, but it's pretty shitty. The documentary has interviews and clips from the gigs around Russia with various bands like Razor Bois, Battletoads, Old Style Values, Brigadir, What we feel, Mister X and others. It includes the SHARP, RASH and Trojan skins. Enjoy.

Video:
Trailer

Download:
Russian Anti-Racist Skinheads

Unholy Thoughts

Unholy Thoughts is a new oldschool influenced hardcore band from Richmond, USA. Really don't know much about the band, only that it's formed by ex members of Govrnment Warning. They made only a demo for now in 2010. Enjoy them, i know i will.

http://www.myspace.com/unholythoughtsva

Video:
Unholy Thoughts- Whiskey Weed Girls And Speed

Discography:
Demo [2010]

Trade Unions

Love the Italians. One thing is for sure, you'll find a vast and developed Oi! scene there with regular gigs with local support + abroad. Trade Unions is one of Italian local oi! bands, that aren't that famous abroad, but they have their audience in north Italy. The band was found in Livorno in the year 2004. They made 2 albums over the years, "Aumenta la rabbia" in 2005 and a brand new one few months ago "Acciaio, Salmastro E Sudore". They are a RASH band that can be read out from their name. Dealing similar lyrics about the proletarian - working class. Still going strong in Italy. Check them out.

http://www.myspace.com/tradeunions

Video:
Trade Unions - Spezza Le Catene

Discography:
Aumenta la rabbia [2005]
Acciaio, Salmastro E Sudore [2011]

Skinhedsi - Djeca proletera

This is a post only for Croat and ex-yu public, and only for those interested in the skinhead subculture. I'm bringing you an article from a football supporters\hooligans\ultras (call it what you want) fanzine from Croatia. The fanzine was called "Tribine" and it was circling the 90's ultra scene in Croatia. Here is a article about the skinhead subculture "Skinheads - children of the working class".  Yes, skinheads were mosty children of the working class frustrated with their class belonging, but they made out of a subculture a safe heaven dealing with life problems and issues every person tries to overcome in this modern struggle of society. There's more than it meets the eye about this subculture. The article starts with a prelude, the roots, the violence and football of the subculture. Then the differentiation and schism in the subculture, and finally with a short review of the movement in Croatia and their mixture with the ultra' Bad Blue Boys and Torcida.

Download:
Skinhedsi - Djeca proletera

Hour of the Wolf

I love finding new bands. The Hour of the Wolf is one of those bands that will shock your world once they get in your head. The band is formed sometime around 2005 in Arizona, USA. They aren't a typical hardcore band. As they say about themselves, the band is "Combining a sound that fits just as nicely next to the Misfits as it does Motorhead?" with a hardcore Black Flag biterness on top of all. They made 3 EP's "Power Of The Wolf" in 2006, "Waste Makes Waste" in 2007 and "Obsolete", also one Split with Lewd Acts and an LP in 2010 with Power of the Wolf tracks, few new and few covers under the name "Decompositions Vol. I". Watch out for them as they will turn you over with their mature riffs, sick lyrics and melodic sound. Enjoy.

http://www.myspace.com/hourofthewolfaz

Video:
Hour Of The Wolf - Eat You Alive

Discography:
Power Of The Wolf [2006]
Waste Makes Waste [2007]
Obsolete [2009]
Decompositions Vol. I [2010]
Hour Of The Wolf - Lewd Acts - Split [2008]

Street Troopers

Fuck it, i have to much work to do, so i didn't get here to often, but still got plenty of bands to share. The Street Troopers came to my mind these days. They are an Oi! band from Montreal, Canada. Don't know musch about the band, because there isn't any information on the net and they don't have a page. It would be interesting to explore their relations with the Prowlers, as they fell apart about the time the Prowlers got together and they have the same themes and topics in songs, as well as the relation in Montreal, a fertile ground for Canadian Oi! bands like Jeunesse Apatride and the posted band Esclaves Salaries. Anyway they made a demo in 96' and made their only LP in 1997 "Take The Battle To The Street". Also a very rare EP in 98' "Montreal". They made a few appearances with best know that on Class Pride World Wide. Jeunesse Apatride covered their song "On the streets of Montreal" .  They have strong antiracist views, singing songs about life and problems on the street, unity and fights against nazis. Ofcourse the north east part of North America is very developed about these things. They also have few ska element songs like Jamaican Police and Ska Train which are very very good considering them not to be a ska band. The band is heavily underrated. Enjoy.

Video:

Street troopers - Traitor & Jamaican police

Discography:
Demo [1996]
Take The Battle To The Street [1997]
Montreal [1998]

Jeune Seigneur

One more french Oi! band from Brest region, Jeune Seigneur. The band was formed in 2005 from the ashes of a couple of bands. Made their only demo "Tonnerre de Brest" in 2008, playing shows in the Brest region, until they moved to Paris and continued their work there. Active members on the french oi! scene, supporting the antifascist struggle and anarchist politics. Fortunately i had a chance and saw the band live. Enjoy.

http://jeune.seigneur.free.fr/JEUNE-SEIGNEUR-BAND.htm

Video:
Jeune Seigneur - Tonnerre de brest

Discography:
Tonnerre de Brest [2008]

Night Birds

Night Birds are a punk band from Jersey, USA. They are a new band playing surf and early 80's hardcore influenced punk rock. Made a Demo in 2009, and in 2010 3 more records "Killer Waves" , "Midnight Movies" and an "ST". 14 songs for now with lyrics that are kinda reminding of 60's topic songs with a catchy melodic rhythms and brat suburban vocals. Killer band, enjoy.

http://www.myspace.com/NGHTBRDS

Video:
Night Birds - Prognosis Negative

Discography:
Demo [2009]
Killer Waves [2010]
Midnight Movies [2010]
Night Birds [2010]
The Other Side Of Darkness [2011]

Mossin Nagant

Mossin Nagant is an Oi! band from Euskal Herria (Basque). They made their only album as far as i know in 2005 "Redskins sounds from Euskal Herria". Their sound is melodic Oi! made in Spain with a singalong sound. Songs deal class pride and similar redskin topics with an accent on Basque country (they covered one song on Nabat's melody to Laida Bologna, "Gora euskal herria!") . I doubt that the band is still playing, they aren't active on the net that's for sure. Too underrated. Enjoy.

Video:
Mossin Nagant - Recuerdos Del Pasado

Discography:
Redskins sounds from Euskal Herria [2005]

Unity is Power 02-04.06.

 

The Rudeboysunity org. in Geneva, Swiss. made their 6th Antiracist\Antifascist fest after a big break from the last fest that was in 2005. They made a pretty good job to do their best after years of post. They brought the one of best bands there are on the antifascist scene in Europe with an emphasis on Oi!, Ska bands and other genres such as Punk ofcourse, Psychobilly, Hardcore and Hip-Hop. 
Only 5 people from Croatia went to Switzerland. We embarked on a journey with a night on Wed Thurs long 15-16 hours due to loss of the Austrian Alps. After a thorough review on the border with Switzerland, we have come to the city at about 16h o'clock just in time to find a cheap store to buy beer, because most of the supermarkets were closed due to holidays in Switzerland. As soon as we arrived in front, the guys from the 86 crew, recognized us from Zagreb and has started talking and finding accommodation for sleeping. Massilia crew we're also there and found ourselves in a friendly environment, better than at home sometimes, because the community felt the air, especially when our friend from Switzerland originally from Croatia came infront. After talks on the scene, anti-fascism, lost times and similar topics were going to see the 8point6 crew and the club inside. 8°6 Crew were the first headliners who opened the fest. After their first song it was evident that this will not pass without remembering. Started the set with their old hit album and were slowly progressing to the new one, and were very faster than in Zagreb. The audience that was largely set by skinheads dancing on every dance rhythms of their songs. I was surprised, they have devoted again Jibbers song from the new album to Croats who have come to the fest, which was a nice gesture. When the dance finished their set and hell, that was not the end, they went again with a review of hits but in a slow\fast way of combining them with their master of the art instrumental solos. 8°6 Crew literally killed the set and the audience with their genius play.
After the gig we went outside to talk a little more with our friends from Europe before going to a well deserved bed. I luckly found a roof under me for sleepin as I talked my friend from Swiss to get me in with them in a student flat of their acquaintances.
The second day after meeting with the rest of my crew and eating something we went sightseeing the beutiful city of Geneva. The city lives are situated on a big lake that looks more like a sea than a lake. The resort, casinos and hotels with the promenade are the heartbeat of French speaking Geneva.
The second day we arrived at the fest a little later than the first so missed some bands, but nevermind, we found cheap beer and were looking forward to the hell from Madrid that was going to erupt. Also we got a lot of time chatting with people, so we got a place to sleep in a camp near Geneva situated in France, with Massilia Crew that fixed us the resort. Anyway the Offenders are staring so after lots of beer we went inside.
I don't like the new Offenders album, that's why i didn't expect much from them. They were more ska-punk and they lost their 2tone and roots so it was not that good, but anyway a good show with a criticism for not playing more than 3 songs from Hooligan Reggae album.
After we went outside to refresh and grab more beer. The german red bastards from motory city PDF were next. At the first song only few people were in the club but it soon got filled. They started with some old songs like Bonehead, Stuttgart bei Nacht, Boot Boys, Nutti,Nutti and went to Lazy Boy, Paradise, Mittelfinger, Ready For Love and finished with provocation ones like Golden Shower White Power, AFA-SFC. Now when i'm getting the film back in my head, they did a fuckin' great show. Only thing i'm sorry for is that we didn't made a word with them beacuse we know their good friends from Stuttgat, but there is time to se them again.

After the PDF we were on needles as Non Servium are preparing to play. We tried to grab the bend in Turin, but their show was cancelled so this was very luring. They started with a whole rehearsal of the song Tu Ira and the club exploded. After that they lined the songs Imperio Del Mal, Nuestra lucha, Todos al suelo, Ratas, Ratas de ciudad than some older Escucha el Oi!, NSA, Nosotros somos la venganza, Mata Hippies, Orgullo obrero, Lucha armada, Cabezas rapadas, Violencia,  Bronca than again new Torpedos, Warriors and finishing their set with a bis El Espíritu Del Oi!, Antinazis when Carlos shouted ni apoliticos ni ambigous and Seguimos siendo was the end of the night. I didn't mention few of the songs they were playing as i don't know their name but they played for an hour and something for sure. The energy cannot be described. The vocal Carlos voice is something very angry with a decent stage performance, especially when they all sing along. The sight is very intimidating and realistic. They got a complete dominance on the stage.
After the gig, there was some fighting beetwen Massillia and the security but nothing special. We went with them to the camp later. They even gave us a tent as we didn't have any and our snoring beast was turned on. I really want to thank the Marseille crew. Their hospitality and friendship is one of the things i wont forget. I usually don't get impressed to easily but they are one hell of a organised group and ready to help at anytime. Massive respect and my bove. We have a lot to learn from them.
The second day, our guys went to see the famous CERN, but me and the driver were feed up with everything we just wanted to drink and get ready for the bands to come. We look at some merch and bought some vinyls to pass the time and again we came late for the bands that played first. The vocal from Enraged Minority our friend Daniel that we met in S. Gmund but we had a chance to talk with our mate. Still waiting for the Stage Bottles we had a chat ofcourse with the Croat from the band, talked a little about the band and their Balkan tour that we are looking forward to.
The Stage Bottles came on stage. And it was beautiful. I love the sax they have in the band, and the vocal Olaf did hid propaganda speech before the songs, nevermind, never enough of educating people. I was a bit drunk and under influence do i don't remember excactly all the songs but i'll sum up what i will remember. They already begun to classicaly with Mr. Punch then Power for Revenge from the new album, than they played Hope You Gonna Save Your Life, You'll Never Walk Alone, Sometimes Antisocial But Always Antifascist, Dead But Not Forgiven, Solidarity, Hooligan, All You Need Is Hate, Real Skinheads, Come Together, Too young too die, Solidarity and Russia. I think by the name of the songs, that you know it was a good Stage Bottles gig.
After them the big name. The forefathers of SHARP skinheads and antifascist Oi! the Oppressed. I'm sorry we didn't have a chat with Roddy, as he is a big inspiration to me and i think to all skinheads who know the big name he is. Later he texted a friend on the net, he was well suprised that people from Croatia traveled to the gig and told us why didn't we spoke a little. Anyway they opened the gig with some new songs Remember, Football Violence, then the old ones Run From you, Ultra Violence, Were The Oppressed, Work Together with Olag from the Bottles singing also, then Joe Hawkins, AFA Song, Sleeping With The Enemy, CF3, Boots For Stompin and Skinhead Times when i couldn't cover the feelings anymore and let myself loose. They ended with a cover from 69' to pay respect to the roots and jamaican music by covering the Monkey Man. Great gig. Great band.
We were all tired after 3 days of drinking, having no sleep and eating very little and fast food. But we still had Nabat to see. Well i never saw Nabat on pics, but i got suprised how old the blokes looked. But nevemind that, you could see the joy in the singer eye while he was singing. They played their hits like Nichilistaggio, Skin E Punk, Un Altro Giorno Di Gloria, Scenderemo Nelle Strade, Laida Bologna, Lunga vita ai ribelli oi, Asociale Oi! and Tempi nuovi. Don't know the rest of the songs. But they came on the bis again with 3 more songs. Nabat was a champion of singalong definitely in these 3 days.
After the gig we still had little time to chat with Daniel, the guys from Massillia Crew and my\our friend from Swiss Sara, before saying goodbye to them all and seeing them somewhere else. We went home after the gig. Our driver is a beast when it comes to driving, so while some of us were sleeping he drove for 15h just to get us all home and safe.
One more word about the festival. I usually say that the last festival was the best and will have a lot of memories, but this one was pretty special. One because of the location, Geneva is beautiful and it's the middle of Europe, so it's close to Italians, French, Spanish, Germans and other who came. Second is because of the bands, as i said this was the top of what Europe has to offer in the antifascist scene. And the third and the most important was the friends that we met again and some new ones we found. Without them the fest wouldn't be that special. I'm only sorry that not a lot of our friends from Croatia weren't there.Merci beaucoup Geneva et les amis. Thnx Sara for pickin' the pics.

Flawless Victory

Flawless Victory is a sxe hardore band from Moscow, Russia. The band started to play in 2007 positively youth crew hardcore. Packed with a huge amount of energy and sincere lyrics they made their first LP in 2008 "Young Hearts" and their final and only EP in 2010 "Freedom" and then splited (similar like Ray). They made songs on russian as well as english, with few covers like sxe revenge (Project X). Because of bands like these i love russian hardcore, bands are filled with energy, sincere lyrics and a growing new scene to take over the world. Enjoy.

http://www.myspace.com/flawlessvictorymscxxx

Video:
Flawless Victory - Under Your Truth

Discography:
Young Hearts [2008]
Freedom EP [2010]

Anti-Establishment

Reading the Skinhead Bible and the bands mentioned here i got flashbacks of some old memories and the music I loved. As i was oppsessed with british Oi! i got a pretty good background of the "old" bands, the first one to describe the sound of the streets and the rebirth of the skinhead youth. Aggro, football and being raised on the streets is what Oi! was about. Anti-Establishment was one of those Oi! breed bands. They were formed in 1978 under the influence od The Damned, Pistols, the Ruts. Played about 20-25 gigs with bands like Infa Riot, Last Resort and were never interested in politics. Shame that the cult went down like that being associated with right wing politics. Anyway they faded away in the early 80's like some other Oi! bands did. The band made a cover of Animals The House of rising sun. I'm bringin' you their Oi! collection which sums up their discography. Enjoy pure Oi! as it was once upon a time.

http://www.myspace.com/antiestablishmentuk

Video:
Anti Establishment - Future Girl

Discography:
Oi! Collection

Anti-Establishment

Menace

Time to get back in the past, the punk past and my past when things were much simple and music was more sincere. I think don't need to introduce this band, their legacy is enough but let's make a short story about their music. The Menace are a punk\Oi! band straight out of London, England. They were formed in 1976 when 4 school friends decided to make their way in punk history. Their music was a refreshing punch in the face for punk, it was not a project for music industries like The Sex Pistols, or Clash big concerts, so they never were signed in a big label company. They were pure working class kids growing up, so the record compaines weren't interested in their music. The band splited in 1979 but they still made a huge impact on other punk bands. Playing Roxy's a, then they made a lot of singles in that period, and reformed again in 1997 and still playing bigger shows. They even made an album covering some of their old stuff and some new songs in 2001. but that's not near the old Menace. Anyway they are also know as one of the forefathers of Oi! music along with Cock Sparrer, Sham 69, Slaughter and the Dogs, as their concerts were a real mixture of skinheads and punks. Lyricly they are dealing with more punk than Oi! messages, against the society, rebellion and growing up. One more thing, they covered the classic Ruts song "Babylons Burning". Enjoy the singles and i will put the new album for the curious ones.

http://www.myspace.com/menacelondon

Video:
Menace - Insane Society

Discography:
Punk Singles Collection
Crisis [2001]

Glasses

Glasses are a hardcore band from Germany. Female fronted band made up out of ex members of Perth Express, the 244 Gl, The F.A. and Trainwreck/Eaves. Formed in 2008 with a first show and a release that came out next year, their ST. Followed by a Split with Comadre and an album "The Ills of Life" in 2010. Still touring hard and doing shows in your neighbourhood . Enjoy.

http://www.myspace.com/glasseshc

Video:
Glasses - Your Terms

Discography:
ST [2009]
The Ills of Life [2010]
Comadre & Glasses Split [2010]

Powder Keg

I don't usually post VA compilations, but i came across a very interesting one just recently. This is a compilation of the serbian records HA-KO Bastards. A compilation of active (in 2008) balkan (croatia, serbia, macedonia and slovenia) hardcore bands. Everybody is talking about supporting the scene so here it is, a little publicity (and they deserve it) for Let's Grow, Vaseline Children, FxPxOx, Final Approach and others.

Powder Keg (2008)

100 Men

One hundred men is a skinhead reggae band from northern UK. Formed in 1989. by ex members of Skin Deep. Don't know much about the band only that they faded away after 1993 and were more a live band than a studio recording one. They were one of the first revival skinhead reggae bands from the late 80's that dragged the sound from trojan reggae in the 60's ska sound. The band vocal later went to Babyshambles which covered the 100 Men song "I Wish". Too underrated and really a gem from those times, enjoy.

http://www.myspace.com/uk100men

Video:
One Hundred Men - Yeah Yeah Girl

Discography:
Released & Unreleased [1990]

Ofisboyz

While i'm still in an Oi! mode. I'm bringin' you this time something exotic. The Ofisboyz are a Istanbul, Turkey Oi!\Streetcore band. The band was formed in 2003 and were one of the first skinhead bands in Turkey. Also one of the first turkish bands that toured outside their land. Made a split "Meet the boys" with their good friends Forbidden Kings. Made one demo, and only one LP "Bosphorus Pride" that came out remastered in 2009. The band lyrics are dealing antifascism, street justice and football passion (Besiktas fans).

http://www.myspace.com/ofisboyz

Video:
Ofisboyz - Not gonna change

Discography:
Demo
Bosphorus Pride [2009]

Redskins

The Redskins. Well this band for sure isn't a typical ska band. I tagged them that way beacause the best way to describe them is soul (soul music more specificly northern soul mixed with ska in Britain 60's skinhead youth and they have some similar elements) with rockabilly influence and punk rock, also with their skinhead image and music played known as Oi!. The band was formed in York, England in 1980 from the ashes of their former group No Swastikas. Their songs are catchy and very danceable with marxist and left wing politics lyrics. Their first began recording under the name The Redskins in 1982 with lots od singles and EP's that i have no intention to write them all down. So their first compilation LP record was in 1986 when they disbanded under the name "Neither Washington nor Moscow". After that the band as i said fell apart going their own separate ways, but they still made some reunion concert in 1988 Paris ( not full lineup) and in uk 1995 (which i will upload for you). In 2010 was issued the "Epilogue" from their CNT singles and No Swastikas songs. The Redskins also made some trubutes to the Clash and 16 Tons (the coal workers song) of a country singer Merle Travis. The band made a huge impact on the redskin movement, as they were probably (not sure if my sources are correct) the first band under that kind of provocative name in those years when the AFA wasn't big. Their lyrics also made a huge impact because it introduced the working class leftist\socialist ideals to the skinheads. The songs dealt revolution, anti-capitalism and the emancipation of the working class masses themes. Bands all over the world not only Oi! but rockabilly and punk made a Tribute album "Reds Strike The Blues" for all the legacy that the Redskins made.
And this is also my little tribute i could give to their name. Redskins will kick those fuckin' statues and yes It can be done you just gotta keep on keepin' on.

http://www.redskins.co.uk/

Video:
Redskins - Keep On Keepin' On

Discography:
Neither Washington nor Moscow [1986]
Singles 1
Singles 2
Rarities
Epilogue [2010]
The Redskins (uk) 1995 Live

Los Foiros

Los Foiros is an Oi! band from Aquitaine, France. They are and RASH band that started in the mid 00's. They have released only one LP "ST" in 2007, and they made an appearence on a french Class Pride compilation "Appel Aux Luttes" with  other french antifacist bands like Redweiler, Tulamort,  Jeune Seigneur and others. Don't know if the band is still active, haven't heard anything new from them in a while.

 http://www.myspace.com/losfoiros

Video:
Los Foiros - Ballade des redbones

Discography:
ST [2007]

Bandera negra 14.05.

We started our trip in the morning, some of us still a little drunk and under the influence of the gig in Zagreb that was last night. The destination was Reggio Emilia. A small town in the northen central Italy, near Modena. The Opcio guys were in town with 3 more good italian Oi! bands ENCB, FFD and Trade Unions and we decided to pay them a visit.
The trip didn't last long. For about 6 hours of driving and we were there with no big complications of finding the town and the place. As we arrived there at about half past 6, there were some locals fixig the "squat" for the gig. After the beer and food shopping, there was something very different than the usual gigs. The Italians were so friendly that they immediately came to us and started conversations, so we felt a very positive atmosphere talking with them about their and our scene and chating about all kind of stuff that would come to our minds. Usually i would not talk about this, but waiting for the gig we could not notice the female part of the subculture that were a real pleasure for the eyes. Too bad we don't have skingirls that much in Croatia, but slowly we are growing also.
We got some zine, with a interview of Stage Bottles and Undertones, but unfortunetly it is in Italian. When we entered the yard of the "squat" we looked at some distribution. It was full of great records of EP's, LP's and shirts, but we didn't had much money to spent on it. Even found some of our eastern friends records (Red Union and the Bayonets). Eventually a friend got me an EP vinyl of Brixton Cats Opcio k-95 split as i was broke. After a lot of beers, we saw the Opcio singer Carlos and decided to push our luck. He was very friendly so we spent the rest of our evening drinking with him even though he didnn't drink (sxe). He is a history professor and wrote some books about the football supporters and ultras so we talked also a lot about football besides the Spanish bands and politics. While FFD was playing (don't like the band to much so didn't see the point in watching them), we talked to the guys uf they would come to Croatia. I think that we made a pretty good impression on them especially on the drummer and singer, so we could try to do what seemed impossible. Bringin' them to our country.
Some of us entered when Ennecibbi started to play. When i saw the inside of the club, the first thing I noticed was the stage.  It was fairly big, and i didn't liked it because of the poor connection of the bands and the crowd. It have an opinion that a better atmosphere would be on a smaller stage, but ok, to much hardcore inflence these days. Ennecibbi played real good. It was a shame that there were few people in front, nothing like the Turin gig, but still they made a good show. ENCB are doing few more gigs and taking a bigger "break", as their bass player is going to jail, beacuse of a violent fight with the fascists.
The third band were Trade Unions, an Livorno red oi! band. They made a new album but it still isn't available on the net.But still i recognised the old songs and they were good on the stage. One thing i noticed, maybe it's a "crisis identity" deformation, but Italian oi music, especially the aggressive ones, are slighty taking some elements of hardcore. Because of the singer, he was jumping all the time. I also noticed this from the ENCB singer. Maybe it's some sort of saturation and trying to take some new elements to make the music more inovative or a fusion taking some elements, or my lousy judgement.
When Opcio came to the stage the eruption started. But again not a lot of people at the front, at least we could enjoy the band more from a close perspective. They started with the new album Reneix, playing at first mostly new songs, and then went on Terra Cremada. I prefer Mai Morirem but i won't bother because of the bands playlist. At the near end i went outside to take more beers and never returned as i have a blank gap in my memory. But my guys told me that i missed out the flare and the fire extinguisher that ended the concert. Besides their songs they played a few covers (don't know why, because they have enough of their own great songs to play) Banned from the pubs, White Riot...
After sleeping a few ours in the car, we closed a great evening in Reggio Emilia and went back home.
A really good show this was, not only because of the bands and music but because of the whole trip and conversations with the Italians and Opcio. Reggio Emilia and Opcio, thumbs up and see you soon.
(PS: i know that my english is lousy, almost lousy as the construction of these sentences i wrote day after the gig, but i have no intention of rewriting!)

Verse

Verse was a hardcore band from Providence, USA. The band started as a side project in 2002 with their first release an "Four Songs" EP, that was a prerecord for their first LP in 2005 "Rebuild". Rebuild is actually my favourite record from Verse, because of it's fast and direct songs. After "Rebuild" they recorded the second LP "From anger and rage" which was a definite breakthrough for them, as they did a lot of tours in Europe and US with bands like Have Heart, Down to nothing, Crime in Stereo... The band then signed to Bridge 9 and in 2008 did their final album (for most people their best) "Aggression". The band broke up in 2009, according to the story, when their bassist "broke edge", and they decided not to play anymore. Their last show was on May 21-23, 2009 in their hometown.

http://www.myspace.com/verse

Video:
Verse - Tear Down These Walls + Hard To Breathe

Discography:
Four Songs EP [2002]
Rebuild [2005]
From anger and rage [2006]
Aggression [2008]

Miles Away

Miles Away are a hardcore band from Perth, Australia. Well the band started in 2002. They wanted to make an impact on the kids playing a new style of hardcore influenced by mid to late 90's positive hardcore like Floorpunch, Ten Yard Fight, In My Eyes etc and certainly oldschool hardcore (Descendents cover). And the band sure did! From the first show 2003 they put Australia on the hardcore map. Their first albums sounded more "light" (don't know what word i would use) and innocent, but it was definitely a punch in the face sincere hardcore. After the years passed by, the songs matured and their music. They showed that with their newest album which is a masterpiece in my opinion (usually i see bands that made excellent albums in their early career and then lost their touch, but this is one of those rare bands that have proven me wrong judging by the latest record, we'll see what the future holds). The records went like this: 2003 - "Armed With Hope" demo, 2004 "Make it Count" EP,  in 2005 their "ST" LP, 2006 an EP "Brainwashed" and a LP "Consequences", then in 2007 "Rewind, Repeat..." and finally in 2010 an EP "Memory Embraced" before the LP "Endless Roads". The band did numerous gigs and tours arond Aussie and the rest of the world and confirmed their place in hardcore music. Can't wait till they do a show somewhere near Croatia, to see these guys live.
PS: i don't have the EP "Make it Count" so you'll have to be satisfied by this (or share a link :)).

http://www.myspace.com/milesawayhc

Video:
Miles Away - Anywhere

Discography:
Armed With Hope (Demo '03)
ST [2005]
Brainwashed EP [2006]
Consequences [2006]
Rewind, Repeat...[2007]
Memory Embraced EP [2010]
Endless Roads [2010]