2.20.2017

CONVERGE




















"Jane Doe"
Year:  2001
Country:  US
City:  Boston
Label:  Equal Vision
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  36 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Metalcore
















One of the most original and innovative bands to emerge from the punk underground, Converge were formed in the winter of 1990-1991, and after several singles, compilation appearances and the requisite growing pains, they released their first full-length effort, Halo in a Haystack, in 1994. The Boston-based metalcore and math rock pioneers were initially comprised of vocalist/visual artist Jacob Bannon, guitarist Kurt Ballou, bassist Jeff Feinburg, and drummer Damon Bellorado, with second guitarist Aaron Dalbec joining in 1994 (he later left in 2001 without being replaced). Over the years, the band also found time to lend out members to various side projects, including Kingdom of the Sun, Old Man Gloom, and Kid Kilowatt (the short-lived band that also included members of Cave In). Hydra Head issued Caring and Killing in 1996, which gathered tracks released during the band's infancy, followed a year later by Petitioning the Empty Sky, which was released by the independent label Equal Vision. Cave In's Stephen Brodsky replaced bassist Feinburg in 1997 as well, and by the release of 1998's When Forever Comes Crashing, Converge had proved themselves a force to be reckoned with in the hardcore-metal scene. Brodsky left the band that same year and was replaced by bassist Nate Newton; Bellorado likewise exited in 1999 and, soon enough, the band had welcomed drummer Ben Koller into the fray. A split with Japan's Hellchild appeared in 2001 through Death Wish, Inc. (which Bannon co-owned) before Converge's ever-growing reputation among fans and critics was cemented even further with the release of the band's fourth official full-length, the highly acclaimed metal masterpiece Jane Doe.
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"no heroes"
Year:  2006
Label:  Epitaph
Format:  CD , LP
Tracks:  14
Time:  40 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Metalcore







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"the dusk in us"
Year:  2017
Label:  Epitaph
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  13
Time:  50 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Metalcore







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2.14.2017

GWAR










"America must be destroyed"
Year:  1991
Label:  MB
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  60 min.
Lyrical themes:  social issues, politics
Genre:  rock
Style:        Hardcore














GWAR is a satirical heavy metal, thrash and punk band formed in 1986 by a group of artists and musicians at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. The band is perhaps best known for their elaborate sci-fi/horror film inspired costumes, raunchy lyrics, and graphic stage performances, which can consist of scatology, sadomasochism, necrophilia, paedo-necrophilia, beastio-necrophilia, fire dancing, fake pagan rituals, mock executions/mutilations, and other controversial violent and political themes. GWAR was, for a long time, on the leading edge of shock rock, going as far as appearing on Jerry Springer in character and in full costume during the mid-1990s.
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https://img.discogs.com/BjABzkCUpALc6Jd2bzzfPDNokns=/fit-in/600x602/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-12304498-1532799847-5264.jpeg.jpg

"This toilet earth"
Year:  1994
Label:  MB
Format:  CD , LP
Tracks:  16
Time:  44 min.
Lyrical themes:  social issues, politics
Genre:  rock
Style:         Hardcore






Different than the rest of GWAR discography, these two albums here don't sound heavy metal but a kind of hardcore, punk and hard rock. "This toilet earth" sound more or less similar to "America must be destroyed" but here we can also hear saxos, flutes and simillar instruments. It seem few ska or soul touches. About lyrical themes and aesthetics the band continues with its original parody. Great album too.

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"ragnarök"
Year:  1995
Label:  MB
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  14
Time:  42 min.
Lyrical themes:  social issues, politics
Genre:  rock
Style:        Hardcore














Do not to confuse GWAR use to record music more Metal oriented, but the true is these three albums are in fact closer to hardcore punk than Metal. Apart this mixture or "crossover" GWAR use also to add another elements, influences or just little touches from funky to reggae to classic rock, to mention some ones. About lyrical themes, GWAR are neither the typical band, so they write songs completly oriented to parody, absurd humor or just for laughs, but also some songs are more hardcore in the sense of social issues, politics, etc. Finally they add to this mix of things their spectacular performace which can to remind some kind of gore with sense of humor or even some experimental  tribal bands as La Fura Dels Baus or similars. Sure they merit to see them in live concert.
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"carnival of chaos"
Year:  1997
Label:  MB
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  18
Time:  60 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Heavy Metal







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"we kill everything"
Year:  1999
Label:  MB
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  17
Time:  50 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Hardcore        Heavy Metal







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"violence has arrived"
Year:  2001
Label:  MB
Format:  CD
Tracks:  13
Time:  40 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Hardcore        Heavy Metal







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"war party"
Year:  2004
Label:  MB
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  10
Time:  36 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Hardcore        Heavy Metal








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"beyond hell"
Year:  2006
Label:  MB
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  50 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Heavy Metal







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"lust in space"
Year:  2009
Label:  MB
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  11
Time:  50 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Thrash Punk







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"bloody pit of horror"
Year:  2010
Label:  MB
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  11
Time:  37 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Heavy Metal






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"battle maximus"
Year:  2013
Label:  MB
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  15
Time:  60 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Heavy Metal






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"the blood of Gods"
Year:  2017
Label:  MB
Format:  CD, 2 x LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  60 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Heavy Metal







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"the new dark ages"
Year:  2022
Label:  Pit
Format:  CD, LP
Traacks.  13
Time:  45 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Hardcore        Heavy Metal








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2.11.2017

STIFF LITTLE FINGERS

















"inflammable material"
Year:  1979
Label:  Universal
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  36 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:         Punk 















This is the debut and best album ever by the political punk band STIFF LITTLE FINGERS. Most of the album's tracks are about the "troubles" and the grim reality of life in Northern Ireland with the songs containing themes of teenage boredom, sectarian violence, police oppression, unemployent, etc., urging people to "grab it and change it, it's yours" in what became their signature song "Alternative Ulster". The song "Rough Trade" is about the band's view of the music business as being dishonest but have since claimed it is not about the record label which happens to have the same name. In 2001 the major EMI made a CD reissue added two tracks. The reissue also includes the first part of an interview of Jake Burns by Alan Parker (the second part is included in the reissue of Nobody's Heroes. Strictly musical STIFF LITTLE FINGERS is very influenced by bands near to classic rock or Mod music like The Clash, The Jam, etc. making songs not fast or agressive but more classic 1977 sound.
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"Nobody's heroes"
Year:  1980
Label:  Universal
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  10
Time:  38 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:         Punk








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"go for it"
Year:  1981
Label:  Universal
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  10
Time:  38 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:         Punk






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"flags and emblems"
Year:  1991
Label:  Universal
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  36 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Punk Rock








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"get a life"
Year:  1994
Label:   Universal
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  13
Time:  40 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Punk Rock














When these venerable Irish punks joined the early-'90s reunion parade, few gave them any chance of going the distance, especially after a decidedly iffy comeback album, Flags & Emblems (1991). However, a funny thing happened four years later: singer-guitarist Jake Burns figured out how to make those shopworn pop-punk chords ring true again, yielding one of the band's finest outings. The title track's martial denunciation of apathy sets an appropriate back-to-basics tone. Topical pop-punk is the blueprint, with Burns slinging blasts against social complacency ("No Laughing Matter"), police corruption ("Forensic Evidence"), anti-immigrant bias ("Harp"), and the end of Communism ("The Night That the Wall Came Down"). Studio-wise, former Jam bassist Bruce Foxton plays an effective foil to Burns, while drummer Dolphin Taylor's unflagging rat-a-tat-tat keeps the proceedings taut and focused. The production is as crisp and business-like as the songs themselves. Rounding off matters are "unplugged" remakes of the standards "Silver Lining," "Wasted Life," and the later-era fare of "Listen" -- as well as live versions of Foxton's major Jam credit, "Smithers-Jones," and "Alternative Ulster," the single that launched the band's career. Solid melodies and performances enable Get a Life to outstrip the rickety material and execution that usually dogs most returning bands. In this respect, Stiff Little Fingers' story parallels that of the Buzzcocks, who've aged equally well, even if the chart hits don't follow anymore. (*Review by Ralph Heibutzki )
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"tinderbox"
Year:  1997
Label:  Universal 
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  14
Time:  36 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:         Punk Rock








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"hope street"
Year:  1999
Label:  Universal
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  36 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:         Punk Rock













we ignore the reasons but this album was issued firstly in 1999 as double CD, next to the live compilation "Greatest hits live in the UK" through the own band under the "false" record label "Oxygen Records". Later in 2004 was Universal Music (EMI) which issued the twelve songs studio album plus two interviews, with Jake Burns and Steve Grantley.
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"guitar and drum"
Year:  2003
Label:  Universal
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  14
Time:  38 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Punk Rock








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"no going back"
Year:  2017
Label:  none
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  44 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Punk Rock














There has been much talk of a new Stiff Little Fingers album during the past eleven years ("Guitar and Drum" 2003) and after not being happy with their dealings with potential labels, the band eventually took matters into their own hands and decided upon asking fans to fund the recording and production of their first new album in over a decade. Using PledgeMusic the target was reached within 12 hours, showing that even after 35 years the band still has a loyal fan base eager to hear new material and willing to do something about it.

The result of that fervour is now here via the initial download released to those that pledged and it has to be said that it's a very good album indeed. Now then, I will fess up here and say that Stiff Little Fingers are my favourite band and have been for over thirty years during which they've provided me with more than any other artist in terms of enjoyment etc. and yes, I pledged cold hard cash on day one to help get the project off the ground but this review is still written with a degree of objectivity – there are no scales over my eyes, or ears.

A number of these tracks have featured in live shows over the past few years and it's two of these which kick off No Going Back. First is "Liars Club" a song Jake Burns wrote about politicians and second is "My Dark Places", a poignant track which deals with the Burns' battle with a depression; a song which has struck a chord with many of the band's fans on hearing it performed live. What is evident from "Liars Club" is that although musically the band might not have that musical edge from the early days, Burns and Co. (for the record the "Co." is original bassist Ali McMordie, and the long standing pair of drummer Steve Grantley and guitarist Ian McCallum) still have a fire beating within them which needs to address what they see as being wrong in the world these days – so really, it's the same as when they started but delivered in a slightly different way, all of which remains Stiff Little Fingers to the core.

The album features the distinctive guitar playing of Burns and it's always a delight to hear his work, with trademark punchy riffs and chords to drive songs like "One Man Island", "Good Luck With That" and "Trail Of Tears" along with ease. Beyond Burns' contribution one other moment that stands out for me and that is McMordie's bass on "Full Steam Backwards" which gloriously propels the song from start to finish, underpinning Burn's spirited vocal performance as it goes. It has to be said that as good as Bruce Foxton was in the band, no-one can hold a candle to McMordie when it comes to laying down bass lines – his return to the band seems to have had a massive impact. Despite the members of the band being long in the tooth there is no lack of passion throughout this album with targets being the banking institutions, selfishness and record labels/managers amongst others, each one deservedly chosen (*Review by HERE ).
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2.09.2017

BL'AST















"the expression of power"
Year:  1986
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  13
Time:  36 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Punk Jazz








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"it's in my blood"
Year:  1987
Label:  SST
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  10
Time:  38 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:       Punk Jazz









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"blood"
Year:  2013
Label:  Southern Lord
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  10
Time:  30 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Punk Jazz














Bl'ast! is a hardcore band from Santa Cruz, CA, USA who formed in 1983. In 1986, the band released their first album, "The Power Of Expression" which was recorded 3 times before the release on Green World / Wishing Well. Unfortunately, the label's distributor would go out of business shortly after the release. Bl'ast! wrote "It's in my Blood" and were then signed to SST Records. "It's in my Blood" was set to include second guitarist William "Kip" DuVall of Georgia's Neon Christ (and currently of Alice In Chains) but he left the band shortly after the recording sessions and his tracks were removed. "It's in my Blood" was released by SST in 1987 and was followed by a reissue of "The Power of Expression" (also on SST). In 1989, Bl'ast! released "Take That Manic Ride". This proved to be the band's final release during its initial run. Following some line-up changes, the band split in the early 1990s. In 2013, Southern Lord began issuing new versions of the the band's back catalog, starting with "Blood!" (a remixed version of "It's in my Blood" which included William DuVall's guitar tracks) and followed in 2014 by "The Expression of Power", a reissue of the band's debut album that included an earlier version of the record (the vinyl also contained the band's very first attempt at the record). Original BL’AST! alumni, vocalist Clifford Dinsmore (also of Dusted Angel, Gargantula) and guitarist Mike Neider (also of L.A.B. , GUSTO!) recruited Nick Oliveri (Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Mondo Generator) on bass and Joey Castillo (Wasted Youth, Queens of the Stone Age, EODM, Sugar Tooth) on drums to flesh out touring lineup. in 2015, Bl'ast! issued their first new recordings since 1989 in the form of a 7" entitled "For Those Who've Graced The Fire!" which featured a guest rhythm section of Chuck Dukowski (ex-Black Flag) and Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters).
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2.08.2017

LEFTÖVER CRACK














"fuck world trade"
Year:  2004
Label:  Alternative Tentacles
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  60 min.
Lyrical themes:  anarchism, pacifism
Genre:  rock
Style:        Punk        Ska







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"constructs of the State"
Year:  2015
Label:  Fat Wreck Chords
Format:  CD
Tracks:  13
Time:  35 min.
Lyrical themes:  anarchism, pacifism
Genre:  rock
Style:         Punk         Ska


















Hard to believe but this band has a kind of "blackened" and "noisy" ska punk. Not joke at all, this group started in 2000 in New York city, making political ska punk more or less predectible. Until late 2015 when they recorded this album untitled "constructs of the State". Some kind of music which mix hardcore, punk, ska and reggae. Its three predecents albums has been signed by record labels: "HellCat" (own of Rancid) and "Alternative Tentacles (own of Jello Biafra, Dead Kennedys). This last one was the turn of "Fat Wreck Chords" (own of "Fat Mike" NOFX) and result was surprisingly positive by both, audiencie and press. The true is the first listen shock a little bit in our ears, but little by little you start to understand the album, its lyrics and its goal. Original
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1.24.2017

PETER AND THE TEST TUBE BABIES

















"Demo"
Year:  1979
Label:  none
Format:  cassette
Tracks:  18
Time:  40 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Punk















All the songs on this album were recorded in 1979 and constituted two days of studio work, then only on cassette demo tape until 1985, when the band decided to release it on LP format under its own record label "Hairy Pie Records". Low quality sound and most of songs here were never included in official albums neither live concerts. Later, several record labels decided to make the same concept with different artwork, cover and back, such as: Dojo Records, We Bite Records, Dr. Strange Reords, Captain, Let Them Eat Vinyl, etc.
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"pissed and proud"
Year:  1982
Label:  No Future
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  13
Time:  35 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:         Punk















Peter and the Test Tube Babies are a punk rock band that was formed in the small town of Peacehaven, England late 1978 by Del Strangefish and Peter Bywaters. Due to their humorous tongue-in-cheek lyrics, they have been considered part of the punk pathetique subgenre. Peter and the Test Tube Babies were first featured in "Sounds" magazine in July 1980, and after a John Peel Radio One session, made their first studio song on the Brighton compilation album "Vaultage 78". They favoured absurd, pathetique and parodie lyrics, such as "the Queen gives good blow jobs". In 1982, they covered the chart-topping Gary Glitter hit "I'm the leader of the gang" on their album "pissed and proud" recorded during a live concert in 1980. Del Strangefish currently hosts a Punk Rock Radio Show every Wednesday between 4 - 5pm GMT on Brighton and Hove Community Radio. The band continues to perform to the current day. Their polished, professional live show is in contrast to the non-serious nature of their lyrics. Their style was also named as: "punk pathetique". This album was recorded live in Hammersmith, Wood Green & Blackpool-August Bank Holiday 1982.
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"the matting sounds of
south american frogs"
Year:  1983
Label:  Trapper
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  40 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:         Punk













Excellent. it's use to be the general opinion of this is no doubt the best P&TTB album ever. In all aspects is excellent: creativity, originality, quality sound, melody and the classic intro and outro of the disk, which has been used for another bands. Is a pitty many young people of nowadays doesn´t knoe this album because I think is one of the best punk rock albums ever. And about 80, I can say one of the 5 best punk albums of 80s decade. The album was made and distribute by five different labels. Brilliant.
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"soberphobia"
Year:  1986
Label:  Music Box
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  10
Time:  40 min.
Genre:  electronic
Style:         New Wave















With the probably goal to get more money record label, manager and people around the band, influenced them to turn to music styles closer to new wave, synthpop and mainstream rock. After its two excellent albums Peter & The Test Tube Babies writen a fistful of songs not bad at all, but a complete disappointment for its audience, fans and listeners. Just ten tracks and few more than thirty minutes of good new music, clean, smart and well produced, even they used electronic drums and keyboards... but the whole became a complete failure. The group didn't record a new album until 1991, five years later. Despite this, this an album recommended for those who use to dislike typical 80s punk rock style.
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"Covers - the $hit factory"
Year:  1990
Label:  SPV
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  40 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Punk















After a bit of a lay-off we all got back together to make another album, unlike shit-loads of other bands we'd never actually split-up (though quite a few people thought we had), we'd just had a break from each other. Anyway in 1990 we signed a new deal with Rebel Records (part of SPV) from Germany. You may remember that around the end of the Eighties/early 90's that pop music was completely dominated by Stock, Aitken & Waterman, you just could not escape hearing Rick Astley, Jason Donovan, Kylie Minogue, Bananarama, etc., god it was awful, just soul destroying meaningless crap. Bearing this in mind, we thought doing our own Stock, Aitken & Waterman covers would bre a right laugh. Simply jokes, sense of humor and fun covers of Stock, Aitken & Waterman tunes become in a hard rock sound.
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"cringe"
Year:  1991
Label:  SPV
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  18
Time:  40 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:         Punk















Issued in 1991, when press say "the year Punk Broke". What a pitty most of people doesn´t know this album entitled "cringe" even myself until few months ago, because I am affraid we are in front of one of the best P&TTB albums next to the essential (of course) "The matting sounds of south american frogs". The quality sound and the production work is brilliant, the musicians are really inspired and there are some little touches of "alternative rock" on the guitars, even "grunge" sometimes. A very symphaty work which is high recommended to listen to unles you don´t like punk rock and derivates. One of the best things of P&TTB is the fact they recorded always its albums with the best quality sound possible, because these people think why punk must sound bad and weird? why? not always of course. Life and world is full of injustices, and this album fall in the forgot and was underrated... there was justice at all, so this album is truly great and well done.
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"supermodels"
Year:  1995
Label:  We Bite
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  14
Time:  40 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:         Punk















One of the best P&TTTB album could be this one entitled "suupermodels" and issued in 1995, during the climax of californian pop punk explosion (Green Day, Offspring, etc) and sadly this work was totally underrated and forgot until ten years ago when the label "Daily Records" decided to re-made it on vinyl format in a limited edition. The true is the album has nothing to do with pop punk or 90's music in general, but was melodic mid-tempo classic punk rock. Excellent songs with just humor doses, satyric lyrics and a very good work related to production, technicians and studio. And excellent album highly recommended for thos who love classic punk rock. Brilliant
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"alien pub diction"
Year:  1998
Label:  We Bite
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  16
Time:  40 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:         Punk








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"a foot full of bullets"
Year:  2005
Label:  Locomotive
Format:  CD
Tracks:  12
Time:  36 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:       Punk







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"that shallot"
Year:  2017
Label:  Arising Empire
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  40 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Punk








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"fuctifano"
Year:  2020
Label:  Arising Empire
Format:  CD, LP
Tracks:  12
Time:  40 min.
Genre:  rock
Style:        Punk














In 2018 Peter and The Test Tube Babies signed with Arising Empire Records recruiting Nick Abnett and Sam Fuller on bass and drums respectively resulting in their now critically-acclaimed album "that shallot" which went on to receive 4 and 5 Star reviews worldwide. Fast forward to the present day... Against all odds the band have pulled the rabbit out of the hat and come up trumps again with their best record to date the 12 track "fuctifano" (a phrase you may hear from a Scotsman whilst asking directions "fucked if I know").
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