CODE 7 – WEBSITE INTRO – MARCH 2010

Since forming in 1994 SKINLAB have progressed from their local Bay Area metal scene to scan sales of over 100,000 albums, recording for high profile labels like Century Media along the way. Now with a four year hiatus behind them, Skinlab have remerged with “The Scars Between Us” (Stand And Deliver) which is their strongest album to date. Mixing their early Machine Head style groove-core with the influences of more modern riff merchats such as Unearth and Lamb Of God, this is one hell of a strong comeback album that must be heard by any self respecting Metal Head.

A more recent addition to the thriving Bay Area scene are LUDICRA who were one of the first bands within the San Francisco metal scene to take black metal elements and combine them with punk, traditional metal and even moments of neo-folk. Featuring members of such SF legends as Hammers Of Misfortune, Impaled/Ghoul and Agalloch ; Ludicra’s fourth opus, “The Tenant” (Profound Lore) shows the band at the height of their musical prowess and they have delivered their best release since their classic “Hollow Psalms” debut.

Still flushed with the success of the mighty Deaf Havana last year, well respected British Rock label ‘A Wolf At Your Door’ have found yet another exciting prospect in LOWER THAN ATLANTIS who are just about to unleash their first full length album “Far-Q” on an unsuspecting world. Taking influences from Nirvana, Rival Schools, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins and Sonic Youth, LTA have a sound you can’t quite put your finger on, but one that is gaining them both a huge live following and the support of magazines like Kerrang and Rock Sound. With tour supports in the coming weeks to All Forgotten, I am Ghost and Four Letter Lie, this is one band to take notice of!

Speaking of UK acts on their way up brings us to much touted hardcore mob
YOUR DEMISE who have been making Gallows style waves with their recent “Ignorance Never Dies” album. To celebrate it’s success their debut album “You Only Make Us Stronger” (Mind Rugby) is being made available at mid price this month. This debut showcases the raw, heart felt, hate filled passion of the band and tracks from it still form a large part of Your Demises’ thrilling live sets.

Moving over the Irish Sea and mellowing out somewhat, brings us to the recently reformed Irish outfit POWER OF DREAMS and the 20th Anniversary edition of their classic “Immigrants, Emigrants And Me” album (100% Music). Now re-mastered with bonus tracks collecting every recording associated with the album (including the hard to find debut ep 'A Little Piece Of God') it is all packaged up in a revised and expanded booklet, making it a quite simply essential reissue.

“In Pursuit Of Courage & Heart” (Lab Records) is the sophomore EP from Stamford singer/songwriter Rob Lynch, aka LOST ON CAMPUS. Over five tracks, Lynch combines his familiar brand of acoustic-pop with hints of folk and electronic music. With a sound somewhat akin to Get Cape Wear Cape Fly this excellent record looks to build upon the positive support which Rob's first record received from the nation’s taste makers at both BBC Radio Six and Big Cheese magazine.

The beer and wine stocks in Sweden must be tapping into some vintage 1973 reserves at the moment judging form the next three releases…

On stunning second album "11" (Fuzzorma) the Psychedelic Rock styling’s of ASTEROID start off by reminding you of Hawkwind and Cream, but the band then throw a left hook by including some subtle Iron Butterfly influences and even some Necktar style Kraut Rock. Decidedly retro but decidedly good!

Fellow Swedish rockers DEXTER JONES CIRCUS ORCHESTRA meanwhile, celebrate their tenth anniversary with third full length ”If Light Can’t Save Us, I Know Darkness Will” (Fuzzorama) which mixes Blues, Hardrock, Southern Rock and Westcoast Sounds in an elegant way that recalls the guitar duels of vintage Allman Brothers and classic early Blue Oyster Cult.

STAKE OFF THE WITCH have a sound undeniably grounded in the patriarchs of Stoner Rock gods like Kyuss, Unida and Monster Magnet, but stand out from that genres derivative pack with some striking female vocals on their latest album “Medusa” (Fuzzorma). Well worth further investigation for fans of the Stoner and Doom genres in our humble opinion.

And as the year picks up pace, so does our reissue department…

First up is STEPPING THROUGH AN EMPTY TIME (Psychic Circle) which comprises twenty slices of British & European pop psych. From an Irish folk band gone decidedly trippy, to an Italian-only release from a Bournemouth based soul band, this is one trip of a compilation that any self respecting Psych collector should definitely pick up.

Collecting sixteen of the rawest and wildest psychedelic punk nuggets of the 1960s, the legendary PSYCHEDELIC DISASTER WHIRL compilation was originally issued in a tiny run of just 400 vinyl copies in 1986, and now makes its long awaited CD debut on the Past And Present label. Boasting some of the most legendary 45s in the genre, it comes complete with an illustrated booklet offering background information about the bands involved, and is a genuinely essential item for garage aficionados.

SECOND HAND’s second album from 1971 “Death May be Your Santa” (Sunbeam) is a milestone in the progressive genre. Originally recorded as the soundtrack to an obscure underground movie, this is its definitive edition, remastered from original tapes and complete with a packed and informative booklet. The band’s ultra rare third recording, made under the name of CHILLUM (Sunbeam) is also finally reissued in its definitive form this month. Again it has been remastered to the highest quality and features bonus tracks with a quality booklet.

Originally released in November 1973 and making its long-overdue CD debut is SUSAN PILLSBURY's self titled debut (Sunbeam). Backed by musicians who contributed decisively to the atmosphere of Van Morrison’s seminal ‘Astral Weeks’ and packaged with five previously unissued bonus tracks, detailed liner notes and rare photographs, the album is nothing short of a lost singer-songwriter classic.

SHIFTING SANDS : 20 TREASURES FROM THE HAYDAY OF UNDERGROUND FOLK (Sunbeam) features twenty of the best tracks to have emerged from the Sixties underground folk revolution, taking in artists from Britain, America, Norway, Eire and Canada, many of which touch on genres including country and psychedelia. This set comes complete with a fully annotated booklet too.

LINK PRORTRUDI AND THE JAYMEN’s“Best Of” which perfectly captures the Fuzztones’ leader and band in a blasting tribute to Link Wray and the Raymen. Blasted out live in a four track studio, it sounds perfect, totally faithful to the sound and style they were trying to recreate. A delicious alternative to pseudo-surf bands and if you have ever grooved to Link Wray (or indeed Dick Dale, The Sonics, Bo Diddley...) then you need to hear this overlooked classic.

Fans of all things Garagey and Psychedelic from yesteryear can gen up on their favourites by purchasing a copy of SHINDIG ISSUE #15 which hits the shelves
very soon and features The Hollies, Ramones, The Bosstown Sound, Granny's Intentions, Popol Vuh and Stephen Stills; what more could you want?

CENTURIONS GHOST – “Blessed And Cursed In Equal Measure” (Church Within) is the third Album for this powerful, energetic groove doom band from London. The release is strongly reminiscent of mid period Cathedral and the band are out on a European tour with genre godfathers Saint Vitus this February, so expect to hear much more from them…

Described as both ‘70`s occult rock’ and ‘more Sabbath than Sabbath’, San Francisco act ORCHID have released one of the catchiest doom releases in the last 10 years with their debut “Through The Devils Doorway” (Church Within). This is an easily accessible classic rock meets stoner doom masterpiece that perfects this particular style. Quite superb and a must for Sabbath fans!

“Alluvial" (Church Within) is the second Album of Dutch Sludge Doom act TEKHTON and is a combination of quiet dreamy instrumentals, lumbering intricate sludge rock and primordial doom, that reminds us in turns of Melvins, Cathedral and even Mogwai. One of the most inventive Doom albums we have heard in a long time…

Anyone whose taste buds have been salivating at those last few releases should do themselves a big favour and pick up a copy of the BAD ACID 8 Cd/Dvd/Magazine set. Consisting of a 90 minute DVD, 65 band audio compilation cd and a 44 page magazine that features in depth reviews of all the bands featured on the cd, plus interviews with the likes of Black Sabbath and Black Cheer. Highly recommended for those who indulge in the left field music that has at turns been labelled Doom, Grind, Psych, Ambient, Space, Sludge...but is surely best defined as just being good!

Raging full on like an all night party sound tracked by Dillinger Four and Off With Their Heads are OVER STARS AND GUTTERS whose debut album “Consider This Your Curse” (Black Numbers) is a collection of punk rock anthems that shows the band be much more than your standard, mindless fist-pumping modern Punk outfit. Like all the best Punk Rock the album is sincere and passionate, yet ripe with despair and confusion….Check it out.

Influenced by early 80`s Californian legends like Dickies, Angry Samoans and Dils are Swedish act TV EYE who were formed by ex members of the legendary Swedish punk/hardcore band Raped Teenagers. Sticking firmly to the music they all loved growing up, their resultant "Nice People" debut album (Just 4 Fun) is Punk Rock how it should sound…short, fast and snotty…

With similar ideals but from a younger generation are Spain’s excellent THE BITE. Fresh from tours with kindred spirits the Buzzcocks and Cute Lepers, this excellent band add a strong English Mod Revival / Power Pop influence to the Punk stew and their debut album “In My Town” (Daily Records) is an excellent release choc full of sing along anthems.

Hailing from the same Texan Punk scene that spawned legendary acts like Big Boys, Dicks and Butthole Surfers were the mighty OFFENDERS who played an excellent style of Clash/77 style punk, but then rather uniquely for a band of the era opted to move to San Francisco and adopt the more in vogue Californian hardcore sound of the time. The best of both eras is collected on the superb “Anthology 1981-1985” CD (Just 4 Fun) which should go someway to cementing the bands reputation alongside some of their more infamous peers from both scenes.

Older punks will be delighted to see the return of THE CRACK’s – “In Search Of The Crack” album (Daily Records) as an extremely limited vinyl repress. One of the classic UK street punk albums that is often talked about in the same revered tones as the debut albums from Cock Sparrer and The Business, this is one not to ne missed by punk vinyl stockists. Be quick to order one!

One of our favourite labels Karate Body has another excellent limited split 7" out this month from WUSSY / THE FERVOUR. Recalling a roll call of adventurous boy/girl-styled indie bands (think Yo La Tengo, Handsome Family, X) Wussy provide a shambling and rough-hewn sound, whilst on the other side The Fervour provide perfect, lazy backbeats overlaid with keyboards, laconic vocals and washes of alternately chiming and fuzzed-out guitar. No frills, no gimmicks, just some great Americana...

The once so exciting Norwegian Black Metal scene is burnt out by orthodoxy, and a quite different breed of metal is now establishing itself in the northern outposts of the country. Boiling with sludgy and industrial metal venom are ARABROT a band that represents for the young generation what Melvins, Throbbing Gristle and Swans were to the generation before them. "The Brotherseed" (Fysysk Format) is Årabrots UK-debut and you know you are not dealing with a bog standard metal release when you see it was produced by the Steve Albini / Bob Weston team.

Never ones to follow the stoner rock by numbers approach, UK outfit GORILLA’s new album ““Rock our souls” (Go Down) contains heavy doom, high energy aggressive and progressive songs, all played in the timeless heavy rock style that the band have made their own. The influences are clear to see…Budgie, Blue Cheer, Grand Funk, MC5, Motorhead, Pink Fairies…but the authentic vintage feel and sound of the album never resorts to either Garage Revival or Stoner Rock cliches.

No 46 on Julian Cope’s list of top Japanese albums is TOSHI ICHIYANAGI, MICHAEL RANTA &TAKEISHA KOSUGI‘s “Improvisation 1975” (Phoenix) album which receives a very limited reissue this month. It’s a mind bending slice of drone improv from three of Japan’s post-war heavyweights; who between them recorded a highly important album that helped pave the way for successors Taj Mahal Time Travellers and much later, Nurse With Wound.

FAR EAST FAMILY BAND Unlike other albums where the Far East Family Band focused on Pink Floyd-esque psych ballads, on “Parallel World” (Phoenix) the influence of producer Klaus Schultze is more pronounced, merging prog rock with electronic music to create something rather weird and wonderful. This is a numbered limited edition cd so be quick to see why Julian Cope rates this as the fourth best Japanese album of all time.

At number 26 on Mr Cope's list is BRAST BURN’s one and only recorded outing which also left left an indelible stamp on those who were to follow especially legendary experimental act Nurse With Wound. Quite simply it's an
album that’s a must for devotees of the likes of Faust and Can. Again this a numbered limited edition reissue on the Phoenix label so you will have to be quick out the blocks to snag one!

Following on from the gutsy blues-rock groove of the band’s first and probably only genuine studio release, SPEED, GLUE & SHINKI’s second release, often referred to as “Tiger” is an album of two halves, the first being some of the strongest SGS-esque material ever, the second being some fine electronic instrumentals in the Tangerine Dream mode. Again a numbered limited edition reissue from Phoenix Records. Oh...and if you were wondering, Julian rates it as No.15 on his list of top Japanese albums...

As always Code 7 is keen to support young UK talent. So please support some of these artists when they need it most – at the very beginning of their careers!

OCTOBER GAME – “Wildblood” (Scylla) – London based indie outfit who have received strong support from Tom Robinson on 6Music and The Guardian.

MAYCOMB – “Crystal Tiger Blues” (All Aboard) – Fresh from a successful UK tour, this Motion City Soundtrack/All Time Low flavoured EP is a real breath of fresh air.

ZEBEDIAH CRANE – Have been strong players on the UK and European Metal underground scene with their previous two releases, and new album “Grawl! The Many Deaths Of The Great Beast” (Apocrypha) looks to solidify their position as one of the UK’s brightest hopes.

“Indigo” (Monochrome) is the debut album from the talented Isle of Man-born singer/songwriter CLARA BARKER , whose beautiful compositions and haunting melodies have her firmly marked as one of the “best kept secrets” in the acoustic field right now.

SHIRUKUME – “Speaking In Colours” (Mother Should Know) is a promising debut album for the midlands based Metal outfit – the new Sikth perhaps?

RASH DECISION – “Temporary Worker” (Pumpkin) Cornwall’s finest Punkers have been hanging around the South West punk scene for a few years now and their Negative Approach/ Discharge influenced take on hardcore is well worth hearing by those from further afield on this their debut album.

FALLING RED – “Shake The Faith” (Rocksector) is the debut album from an outrageous and boisterous four piece band who have made one of the most vital rock and roll records since Appetite For Destruction – like that legendary record it is full on Rock and Roll with a definite nod to both 70’s Punk and the early 80’s Sunset Strip sound. The band are already much beloved of both Classic Rock and Big Cheese magazines and have a full UK tour booked from now until April. So buy the cd and go see them people!

Don’t forget to check out the latest issue of Decoded- The Code 7 Magazine for more information on all of this months releases.

Thanks for reading and please join us for next month’s update.
____________________________________________

CODE 7 – WEBSITE INTRO – FEBRUARY 2010.

Hello Again,

And welcome to the Code 7 February update:

Critics often say that the best bands are the ones with a unique and genre defying style. Well the new album from FRENCH FOR CARTRIDGE – “LICQUORICE” (DINNER WITH DAISY) is here to prove them right!
The London based act produce a dramatic mix of Baroque pop and reggae shuffle which is impossible to pigeonhole and yet recalls everyone from Bjork and Regina Spektor to the Fiery Furnaces and Deerhoof in it’s grooves. Unsurprisingly the likes of Artrocker and The Wire love them and 2010 should see the bands star rise higher still. Highly recommended.

Moving to noisier climes we have four excellent Metal releases to well and truly kick start the New Year:

WOLD – “WORKING TOGETHER FOR OUR PRIVACY” (PROFOUND LORE) One of the most bizarre entities that have surfaced within the
Black metal scene, generally considered to be the most bizarre, unique, and ultimately extreme band that has hailed from Canadian soil. With three albums under their belt, their newest opus is a different kind of Wold release. At only three lengthy tracks, “Working Together For Our Privacy” is Wold’s first instrumental release, looping noise fragments together to create a flurry of blizzard-like sonic madness. An intense excruciating exercise in pure audio hypnosis, and the best Canadian Metal since those classic early VoiVod albums.

Let's cut to the chase, allot of bands being deemed death metal in the U.S. are not real death metal. But fear not VASAELETH are bringing to the forefront the darker, evil, ugly, and more brutal side of death metal that seems to have been lost within the U.S. scene of late. Hailing from Georgia/Texas, Vasaeleth have delivered their ultra guttural, brutal, and doomy debut album “Crypt Born And Tethered To Ruin” (Profound Lore). Conjuring the ancient vibes summoned by such legendary acts as Incantation, Autopsy, and Mortician, the death metal that they deliver is a reminder of the old-school glory days when brutal and raw guttural death metal ruled supreme!

Flying the flag for the UK underground are TAINT and their superb third album “All Bees To The Sea” (Destructure). After cutting their teeth in the early ‘90s d.i.y scene, Taint have retained their hardcore pugnacity while exploring more progressive avenues, thanks to their childhood influences of all things classic rock. The South Wales power-trio has toured every corner of the UK/EU, with both headlining tours and appearances at the Hellfest, SWR, Roadburn and Damnation Festivals. Live outings with like minded souls Clutch, and a personally invited support to Oakland legends Neurosis has put them in ideal company whilst formulating this release and the resulting album is a must for fans of Zeppelin, Clutch, Neurosis, Quicksand, Helmet, Fudge Tunnel and Tool.

LORDS/KARYSUN – “SPLIT” 10” (DESTRUCTURE) Lords are a Louisville, KY band who have recorded 5 songs for this split, 2 short and loud new songs in the same vein as their recent "Fuck All Y'all Motherfuckers" full length, and 3 noisy thrash covers of Nazareth, Young Widows and and Kinghorse. Anyone who experienced the Lords visceral mix of Black Flag, Melvins, Jesus Lizard and
Slayer on their recent UK tour knows they need this record. Karysun meanwhile are a similarly minded stoner/metal/punk duo based in Caen, France who having
developed a cult following after touring extensively in Europe could not be pared up better than on this split. The 500 copies of this limited 10" pressing come on transparent red vinyl with a beautiful sleeve – Be quick to order one!

Having already received strong press support from Front magazine and the NME as well as appearing on Channel 4 teen dram “Skins”, Happening UK electronica act YOU LOVE HER COZ SHE’S DEAD look to be heading for the big time; So we are pleased to announce distribution of two extremely limited coloured vinyl 7” singles “Me Versus You” and “Young Tender Hearts Beat Fast” (Glasstone). The band has already appeared on high profile compilations with acts like The Chemical Brothers and Hot Chip where they fitted in like a glove. And remember you read the name here first!

PG LOST’s – “IN NEVER OUT” (BLACK STAR FOUNDATION) consists of over 50 minutes of instrumental music that show a darker and heavier
side of PG.Lost than previous releases have done. The album was recorded during the summer of 2009 in an old house outside Norrköping, Sweden. The resulting mix of instrumental post rock is easily on a par with the recent work of Explosions In The Sky, Mogwai, and Godspeed You Black Emperor. An excellent release.

JOHN CANDY is the side project of ‘Futures’ duo Ant West and George Lindsay. The two-some decided to take a break from their high energy pop-punk day-job, concentrating on writing and self-producing the eleven laid back, piano led indie songs which feature on “Conversations” (All Aboard). The album seamlessly moves from the Beatles inspired title track, through atmospheric passages, to pure sing-along moments. The band tours the UK and Europe throughout February/March and if you have a taste for Death Cab For Cutie, Futures or even The Beatles, we suggest you get along to a show…

DE PROFUNIDS are poised to become a major force in the extreme metal scene with the release of their highly anticipated second album “A Bleak Reflection” (Kolony). Their powerful mix of black, death, doom and progressive metal has helped the band a strong UK and international fan-base with performances across the UK (including Bloodstock ‘08) and all around the globe. The new album sees De Profundis take a giant step in terms of songwriting, production and musicianship. With excellent media coverage in the UK, this album will become a must-have for all fans of Opeth, Death, and early Anathema.

Few bands in the current Black Metal scene have the guts and, above all, the creativity to push the boundaries of the genre. But this is precisely what A FOREST OF STARS, from England, has done on their debut album “The Corpse of Rebirth” (Burning World) sharing a similar artistic framework with bands such as Ved Buens Ende, Solefald and In The Woods. This Groundbreaking album is now available in a very limited luxurious double vinyl special edition. The packaging for this double LP is unique and quite different from that of regular LPs. All fans of the band and Black Metal collectors will definitely not want to miss out on this unique item.

WHIRLING – “FACELESS PHENOMENON” (Eisenwald) Avant-garde Dark Metal from Sweden, surprising the first time listener with crafty obscure and complex music, rich with songs and instrumentation. An unconventional
and disturbing travel - easily drifting away from the usual metal genres. Try to imagine a mix of Ved Buens Ende and Code then you will be in the right ball park.

Formed by members of bands Austere and Woods Of Desolation promising Australian newcomers GREY WATERS enter the fray with their “Below The Ever Setting Sun” (Eisenwald) where they act as standard bearers for their self styled "Melancholic" Metal genre making a noise that makes them mandatory
listening for fans of Katatonia and Anathema!

GRIS formerly Niflheim, are back with the second chapter of their quest to find the perfect balance between despair and joy, ugliness and beauty. Extremely depressive while at the same time hauntingly beautiful, "Il Etait Une Forêt" (Sepulchral) sees the band expanding its sorrowful Black Metal by adding violins, pianos and classical passages. Already considered a classic in the Black Metal genre, this album has been critically acclaimed worldwide.

FROZEN SHADOWS have regularly been hailed as one of North America’s most overpowering Black Metal bands. Originally released in 1999, their debut album "Dans les Bras des Immortels" (Sepulchral) is still considered today as one of the genre’s very best. To celebrate the 10th anniversary of this now classic
album, Sepulchral has released a new anniversary edition, featuring complete remastering, a revamped layout, as well as a never before released cover of Burzum’s "Black Spell of Destruction" from 2001.

With a history that traces back to 1992, DIVINE EVE have reached a cult like status in the world of underground metal, releasing demos and EPs through the likes of Candlelight and Nuclear Blast Records. New album “Vengeful And Obstinate” (Ibex Moon) contains their first recordings since reforming and is an
absolute must for fans of Celtic Frost and Incantation.

Already cult favourites in their US homeland Americana act DRAG THE RIVER look to solidify a similar status in Europe with their “Primer” collection on the Viva Hate label. The band feature members of well respected Punk outfits All and Armchair Martian and play passionate rough hewn Punk tinged Americana which recalls both the Replacements and Uncle Tupelo in their prime, and this band collated ‘Best Of’ album is the perfect place to start dipping into their vast catalogue.

Don’t forget the Punks I hear you cry! As if…

The ever excellent ‘Deranged’ label has six diverse new releases to kick start their year: REACTIONARIES – “Ingenuity” LP is excellent soulful dynamic fuzzy garage punk. SLAVE SCENE’s–Self titled 7” offers up two new sludgy hardcore tracks in a Flipper / Born Against vein. ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS - “My Father’s House” 7” politically charged Punk/Folk/County hybrid is a real departure for the label. AIRFIX KITS – “Flextime” 7”recalls the glory days of Wire, Gang Of Four and Minutemen with its angular left field Punk sound. UX VILEHEADS – “First EP” sees ex DS 13 members tearing through an EP that tears it up in an early Dischord fashion. And finally VACANT STATE’s “Internal Conflict” 7” features five classic Boston hardcore influenced stompers.

REVENGE OF THE PSYCHOTRONIC MAN – “Make Pigs Smoke” (TNS) is one of the best British punk debuts for aeons, what you get is fourteen tracks of stupidly fast melodically tinged punk that sounds like Zeke, Kid Dynamite and Dead Kennedys going out on an alcohol fuelled bender…excellent stuff!

V/A - “MAINSTREAM MUSIC IS SHIT” (TNS) This 37 track double CD compilation album features some of the most exciting underground bands in the UK at the moment. The bands included all thrive on DIY ethics and make a stirring case for the label having sincerity about it to be placed alongside such bastions of UK Punk as Household Name and Boss Tuneage.

V/A - “THE THREE WAY SPLIT” (TNS) includes ten tracks from three North-West ska-core bands ‘Sense Of Urgency’, Stand Out Riot’ and ‘A War Against Sound’. All three really push the boundaries of the ska-punk genre, incorporating different styles and influences, resulting in fresh and exciting individual sounds to a pretty stagnant scene.

Speaking of which; BEAT THE RED LIGHT’s self titled album (TNS) does the very same thing as High Wycombe’s finest fuse ska with Slayer-esque metal, to provide a hugely original sound. The eight piece band also features members of the mighty Shitty Limits to boot!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT HEROES/FOR THE WORSE – SPLIT 7” (Give Praise)
Is a truly excellent old school punk single, with WNH carrying on in the tradition of their excellent BYO album whilst FTW hold up the battle stained banner of Boston hardcore in a most exemplary manner.

As always our Reissue Department is as busy as ever this month:

MIGHTY BABY – “TASTING THE LIFE – LIVE 1971” (SUNBEAM)
One of the best-loved bands to have emerged from Britain’s late 1960s
underground and this is the fullest live record of them in existence.
The set finds the quintet poised between the driving psychedelia of their 1969 debut and the more contemplative sound of their second and final album. It’s rounded off by two tracks recorded at Glastonbury in June of the same year, and comes complete with a booklet featuring rare images and notes making it an essential artefact of the band.

V/A – “ELECTRIC ASYLUM VOL 4” (PAST AND PRESENT)
Is a rock solid early 70’s British Freakrock collection. Including gems from Croydon's finest fruit-eating bears, Slowload, London's psychedelic punks, Spunky Spider, Godson, Mustard and Sunshine Kid all packaged in the excellent, informative booklet you have come to expect form this label!

BONZO DOG DOOH DAH BAND – “GORILLA” LP (TIMELESS) is a Limited Edition 180g pressing the Bonzo’s 1967 classic album Gorilla. No more, no less.
We haven’t got that many of them either so please place your order ASAP!

AREA’s “LIVE IN TURIN” (AKARMA) is a double CD recorded live in Torino 1977. The performance is wild and showcases the band at the peak of its powers. The recording is presented here for its archive nature- and is a must for Area completists and prog heads.

In the last gasp of San Francisco acid rock, TRIPSICHORD MUSIC BOX – recorded an album of cheery, hippie-vibed music entitled “Tripsichord Music Machine” (Akarma) that was already on the verge of becoming anachronistic upon its 1971 release and thus became an instant collectible. This special edition cd includes the bands rare singles to complete a lovingly packaged reissue.

JOHNNY ALMOND – “Patent Pending” LP (Timeless) Johnny Almond used organ, sax, and flute, to develop his own brand of jazz, blues and funky Stax influenced tracks. This 180 gram vinyl pressing of this classic album comes in the original sleeve and is a strictly limited edition.

MILES DAVIS – “Enigma 7 – The Complete Blue Note Sessions 1952-1953” (Birdland) Showcases the Jazz legend at his early Fifties peak and is a must have collection of recordings for Jazz aficionados.

Back to the modern era now and the often underrated Transubstans label has a quartet of sterling releases out this month: BLOWBACK “Eight Hundred Miles” is one of the best fusions of 70's groove and hard rock we have heard for ages and boasts a sound most 70's bands would kill for, making it a must for fans of acts like Witchcraft or Electric Wizard. FIRST BAND FROM OUTER SPACE – “The Guitar Is Mightier Than The Gun” is the third album from the Swedish space-rockers who confidently groove in the style of Hawkwind or Ozric Tentacles. THE CARPET KNIGHTS – “According To Life” is the Swedish prog-masters second album of melancholic prog with eclectic influences that go all the way from Gentle Giant to The Mars Volta. Having been described by one critic as ‘a mix of Queen and Jethro Tull’ it is hardly surprising to see LUCIFER WAS go completely overboard on their fifth album “Crown Of Creation” which can only be described as a Rock Opera in the vein of “Jesus Christ Superstar”..

Some killer Doom/Stoner reissues are up next;

Leading the pack is unearthed NWOBHM gem, the self titled album from WOLFBANE (Shadow Kingdom). Think early Judas Priest and Black Sabbath mixed with Pagan Altar styled vocals with a sprinkle of Alice Cooper thrown in for good measure. A real lost classic of the era!

REVELATION – “Yet So Far” and “For The Sake Of No One” are two textbook examples of classic 90’s Doom Metal and are both reissued from obscurity this month. As is IRON MAN’s “Black Knight” (all Shadow Kingdom) which is choc full of classic 90’s Doom Metal from the Maryland/Virginia scene and bears serious comparisons with classic Black Sabbath and Pentagram.

We at Code 7 believe in getting behind new UK talent so how about joining us
by supporting these fine releases?

Since forming in 2006, Southend-On-Sea six piece KENAI have built up a strong following and defined a unique and powerful sound. As a showcase for their sound “Hail The Escapist” (Redfield Records) is a compelling introduction to the band’s sound : taut rhythms, overlaid with driving guitars and synth topped with the uniquely powerful vocals of Dan Lawrence. A great debut further strengthened by the band’s fearsome live reputation gained playing with the likes of A Day To Remember, Fightstar, Ghost Of A Thousand and Deaf Havana.

PUNCH AND THE APOSTLES – “S/T” (REPELLENT) are a different beast again, with the Scottish band’s self styled ‘Frenzy Folk’ and stunning live shows garnering them comparisons to the likes of Tom Waits and Gogol Bordello. They ripped apart the Introducing stage at the Reading and Leeds festivals last year and have been raved about in both the Daily Record and Scotsman who offered them the accolade of “frenzy inducing”. Highly recommended.

SPAGHETTI ANYWHERE – “S/T” (TOY SOLDIER) After a year spent playing in several well-known London venues the ‘quirky pop’ duo will be releasing its first collection of songs on this their debut EP this month which will be supported by a nationwide tour this month.

Cambridgeshire indie band ISAACS AIRCRAFT toured Europe in the Autumn of 2009, both headlining and also supporting The Zutons and Fearless Vampire Killers. Already legends in their local Cambridgeshire area the band are now looking to break out more nationally with their great "Head To the Feet" single (Crash Records). This is a short run collector’s item single, produced in environmentally friendly packaging, so get those orders in quickly people...

None of the members of Midlands’s Metal act AMORTH are out of their teens yet but their debut album “Await Me Now” (Mother Should Know) is a stunningly accomplished Metal debut which deserves to be heard outside of their strong local West Country following.

We are running out of space now but the Metal Department would like to big up the newly acquired catalogue of Barbarian Records featuring sterling releases from the likes of ANTIPRISM, BONGZILLA, WORMSBLOOD and MERLOT.

Whilst ‘White Metal’ label Retroactive also have a whole host of reissues out this month ranging from the eighties hair metal of GUARDIAN to the Metallica/Tool stylings of BRIDE and five reissues from trad Christian rockers SWEET COMFORT BAND. If any of this sounds interesting but you need further persuasion then why not first check out the label’s excellent “A SALUTE TO WORLD CLASS ROCK” budget priced sampler ?.

Please remember all the CD’s mentioned can be brought from both our online store and all good music retailers – Please also head for your local retailer if you are after any of our releases on Vinyl.

Thanks for reading and please join us for next month’s update.
____________________________________________

CODE 7 WEBSITE INTRO – JANUARY 2010

Hello and welcome to the first Code 7 website of the new decade,

First up is the fine ICONS OF ELEGANCE album “Dancing Is Easy” (Dinner With Daisy). Having released three albums to critical acclaim in their homeland of Sweden, the pair of half Finish / Swedish brothers who comprise the band have taken time off their day jobs producing, playing and writing for
some of the biggest-selling Finnish artists in order to finish their UK debut album. The resultant “Dancing is Easy” is a fine little collection of classic-pop songwriting, where strong melodies are combined with weird and wonderful arrangements. Beautiful songs wrapped in a sound full of dulcitones, waterphones, music boxes and wistful pedal steel - with plenty of brotherly vocal harmonies. Highly recommended to all fans of Scandinavian pop and indie (Kings Of Convenience, Cardigans, Wannadies et al)

Featuring two members of notorious death metal band Portal, Australia’s IMPETUOUS RITUAL are destined to carve their name into the echelons of true underground death metal in 2010 with their brutally atmospheric and blasphemous debut album “Relentless Execution Of Ceremonial Excrescence” (Profound Lore). These new gods of Australian death metal are a must for fans of Portal, Incantation, Immolation, Bestial Warlust and Conqueror.

“After Soap & Skin” (See You) is the excellent debut album from PAPER BIRD one of the most recognisable new, and individual acts to hail from Austria in years. Beautiful female fronted indie pop with a sense of style, poetry and (most importantly) great songs. Well worth checking out.

Our personal favourite US punk album of last year “American Rubicon” (Gunner) by the mighty COBRA SKULLS gets a limited Coloured Vinyl release this month, and if you haven’t already got this album let us just reiterate that is a “must buy”. The Skulls sound is very difficult to pinpoint but imagine if you will some of the more intelligent US punk bands of recent years, like Against Me and Lawrence Arms mixed in the political fury and sarcasm of Propaghandi and Dillinger Four and then topped it off with some vintage 7 Seconds or Youth Brigade shout along choruses then you would find yourself in the right ball park…A fine fine record whichever format you purchase!

Also getting a limited Coloured vinyl release is the equally excellent self titled album by LANDMINES (Gunner). To recap this outfit hail from Richmond Virginia and share a similar sonic space as fellow hometown heroes Avail and Strike Anywhere, whilst mixing in influences from further afield such as Hot Water Music, Verbal Assault, Bouncing Souls and Jawbreaker. Intelligent passionate modern Punk at its very best and another real recommendation.

The debut E.P from SHIP TO SHORE “Let’s Not Get Caught” (Broken Night) is packed full of infectious lyrics and uncontainable energy that will leave you wanting more. Ship To Shore have been out on the road supporting bands such as Set Your Goals, Crime in Stereo and Kids In Glass Houses in recent months, and this has undoubtedly helped them hone their Pop Punk, Metal and Hardcore influences into the distinctive melodies and powerful hooks found on their debut. Definitely a UK band to watch in the near future…

As usual our reissue department has been busy and just could not wait to unleash the legendary “PSYCHEDELIC SALVAGE COMPANY VOLUMES 1&2” (Past And Present) compilation on the world. This deluxe double cd set features some of the rarest psychedelic artefacts of all time and comes complete with a full booklet offering background information on the obscure acts featured, making it a genuine must-have for all fans of way-out psychedelia.

MANDY MORE’s sole album “But That Is Me” (Sunbeam) was released without fanfare in the UK in June 1972. Gorgeously melodic and sung with power and emotion, it has developed a devoted following and makes its long-awaited CD debut this month. Mandy’s story is told for the first time in the accompanying booklet, which also contains previously unseen photographs. The set is completed by five non-LP single sides and an entire second disc of alternative takes and demos from the time of the album, making it truly essential for all fans of classic Seventies singer-songwriting.

“HIGH ALL THE TIME VOLUME TWO” (Past And Present) is a classic compilation that gathers together fourteen of the best American 1960s psychedelic obscurities you’ve never heard. Now it’s finally available on cd for the first time the set will thrill anyone whose tastes run to fuzz, echo, feedback, distortion and any other effect you care to mention. As always the booklet features invaluable background info and rare picture for Psych/Garage collectors.

Virtuoso musicianship?, Complex keyboards?, Wild guitar?, Shifting time signatures?, Bizarre lyrics?, All are present on a scorching new collection of British prog rarities entitled “MAXIMUM PROG” (Past And Present). Packed with tracks culled from sixteen of the most collectible albums in Prog history, all originally released between 1969 and 1973. The set comes complete with a detailed booklet offering seldom-seen pictures as well as histories and discographies of the long forgotten acts involved like Don Shinn, Aardvark and Rock Workshop.

The recent well received cd reissue of the FAR EAST FAMILY BAND album “Nipponjin” (Phoenix) has now been followed by a highly collectible numbered limited edition LP release. The Pink Floyd like space rock of the band made No.14 on Julian Cope’s list of top Japanese albums and this is sure to fly out quickly on wax…

Joint first in Julian Cope’s aforementioned Top 50 Japanese album chart was SPEED,GLUE AND SHINKI’s “Eve” album and the Phoenix label is proud to bring us a very limited 180g vinyl reissue this month. Speed, Glue and Shinki were important as pioneers of the Japanese psychedelic rock scene and their material is notoriously hard to track down so get those orders in quickly!

Remaining on a limited vinyl tip to but returning to modern times we have a limited white Vinyl 7” release from St. Louis, Mo., riverboat soul provider POKEY LA FARGE and perennial Louisville ghost storyteller JOE MANNING, who team up for the first in a nine-single split 45 series from the Karate Body label. Both these men breathe a bellyful of traditional accompaniment, rust-belt sensibility and commonly held blue-collar emotion into modern Americana and this evocative single is highly recommended by us.

Moving back to heavier climes we find the reissue of DARK AGES “Twilight Of Europe” (Inferna Profundus) which since it’s original release in 2004 has become something of a sought after item in Underground Metal circles since it’s deletion. Well the dark hordes can now rejoice at this here digi pack reissue which contains an exclusive bonus track for good measure!

French metallers AGUIIRE play painful, dragging sludge/doom metal on their jaw dropping full length debut album “Calvaire“(Bones Brigade). A massive wall of distorted sound conveying depressing riffs and haunted vocals is what you get here and this is a debut that will captivate and satisfy even the most demanding doom metal head.

UNDER THAT SPELL is the new act of Dionysos (ex-Helrunar) and they mix traditional early 90’s black metal with more modern Metal influences to make one of the strongest German black metal releases of 2010 with their “Apotheosis” (War Anthem) album. Definitely one not to be missed by fans of Ulver, Dissection and early Satyricon…

Driving rhythms, catchy keyboard soundscapes and a perfectly arranged voice mixed up with some great new ideas have gone to create one of the most incredible Electro-albums of 2010 in C-DRONE DEFECT’s “Dystopia” (Black Rain Media). A limited edition of 1000 copies comes with an exclusive bonus cd making this a must for all fans of EBM!

DIE PERLEN are two guys from Nuremberg, who have always entertained their audiences with great releases and live-performances so their tenth anniversary seems a great time for the “Zehn” (Black Rain Media) compilation cd containing tracks from their first decade including rare and old demo-tracks as well as brand new, previously unreleased songs – All selections were voted for by Die Perlen fans, making this a real piece of music history from the only band of the Telektroponk-genre!

Both FLINT GLASS’s debut "Hierakonpolis" and the completely sold out follow-up "Nyarlathotep" were said to be some of the best and most innovative Industrial / Dark Ambient albums ever and they are now doubled up onto one cd this month by Black Rain Media. The release is limited to 500 copies too so hurry!!!

And finally the wait is over - the new NEOTEK album “Sex, Murder & Rock’n’Roll” (Black Rain Media) is here - Containing Neotek’s trademark mix of dance-floor friendly club anthems, old-school EBM and electro-industrial tracks it’s a total blast. The first pressing of “Sex, Murder & Rock’n’Roll” contains an extra DVD with several videos documenting the band and their live energy, plus 5 extra tracks.

Please remember all the CD’s mentioned can be brought from both our online store and all good music retailers – Please also head for your local retailer if you are after any of our releases on Vinyl.

Enough now..time to go and listen ..I ‘ll be back next month, see you then.
____________________________________________

CODE 7 WEBSITE INTRO – DECEMBER 2009

Welcome to our final set of releases of the year, don’t forget to check out the Decoded site for more info on all our months releases, and so without further delay read on and fill your Christmas stocking....

In a year that has seen vinyl making a substantial comeback it is only fitting to start with three astounding limited edition pieces of beautiful plastic:

First up are TAINT and their new “All Bees To The Sea” opus (Destructure) which is available as a limited coloured vinyl album. Moving on from their first two albums on Rise Above, the band have retained their hardcore pugnacity while exploring more progressive avenues, thanks to the incorporation of a large classic rock influence. ‘All Bees To The Sea’ features four new barnstorming Taint classics. Culminating with the 12-minute title track, this release stands alone in it’s own right and is a must for anyone into Led Zeppelin, Clutch, Neurosis, Quicksand, Helmet, Fudge Tunnel and Tool.

If you have been a good black metaller this year then Santa/Satan may well be dropping you off a copy of the eight LP ENSLAVED Box set (Viva Hate) which features the bands first eight long out of print albums from Enslaved’s first 10 years. Only 350 of these are now available after a limited pressing of a mere 700 copies. Aswell as the albums you get a belt buckle, army cap, and tape all housed in a massive wooden box. For the record the albums in the box are “Frost”, “Eld”,”Blodhemn”, “Mardraurm”,”Monumension”,”Below The Lights”,”Hal Valr” and the original reissue of the demo tape “Yggdrasill”.

ISIS are one the most important post rock bands out there and we have the vinyl version of their new “Live V” LP (Viva Hate) - Only this vinyl version will ever be available for retail due to the CD only being sold through the band. Only a one time pressing of 500 180g vinyl double LP’s is available for wholesale. Don’t let them get away!

ARMS AND SLEEPERS have crept up on us with a late contender for album of the year with their magnificent “Matador” (Expect Candy). Like a lot of great acts it is hard to pigeonhole this acclaimed US duo, but the album’s’ creepy brooding atmospherics have garnered them comparisons with Boards Of Canada and Portishead. The album features guest appearances Tom Brosseau (Fat Cat), Ben Shepard and Uzi And Ari. A big Code 7 office favourite which we highly recommend…

PERSON L are a new band from Kenny Vasoli (formerly of The Starting Line - who sold over 500,000 records worldwide at the height of the nineties US pop punk explosion) but their debut album “The Positives” (Scylla) is a world away from that era, allowing the musicians’ interests and obsessions with artists like Bob Dylan, James Brown, Curtis Mayfield and Sam Cooke to shine through their song writing and playing. Vasoli’s voice, as he sings and yelps and howls, is barely recognizable from the croon of his former band. The twelve songs on the album explore simple ideas with complex, layered instrumentation and Vasoli’s thoughtful, genuine lyrics – all reflecting the band’s classic influences. Very nice indeed.

Our Reissue Department is winding down for the year but has still found time to unleash the PERFUMED GARDEN 5CD Box Set (Past And Present) onto the world. The original three volumes were applauded for the quality of both the content and the sound, but were somewhat undermined by the lack of information about the tracks and the artists who performed them. SO This repackaged version of the first 3 volumes, plus two additional volumes compiled by a leading expert on British psychedelia, now contains a scholarly and informative 52 page booklet complete with rare photographs an exhaustive liner notes. This is full-on UK garage rock and psychedelia and every track’s a winner. Great sound is coupled with 82 fantastic tracks over 5 CDs, 3 featuring the original artwork and the additional discs boasting new artwork newly-commissioned for this superb box set.

From the same era the PSYCHEDELIC SUPER PIOTR compilation cd (Past And Present) will have you querying whether the old Iron Curtain was in place to keep out Western forces, or keep “groovy”music like this in? This is a rollicking tour through the old Eastern Bloc; groups hailing from Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and the former Czechoslovakia hell bent on proving that, despite their incarceration, they had perfected the decidedly British and American sound that makes up this rare and unique mix of psych/rock. Unavailable for years on LP and never on CD, and now complete with detailed notes on each band in the accompanying booklet.

THE PEOPLE “Ceremony – "Buddha Meets Rock” (Phoenix) is an absolute classic. This 1971 recording was an attempt to fuse Buddhist-influenced spiritual vibe into an innovative oriental form of hypnotic psychedelic prog rock. A monumental album that’s never going to go out of style, as proven by it's recent appearance at No.16 on Julian Cope’s list of top Japanese albums.

FAR OUT – “Nihonjin” (Phoenix) Prior to metamorphosing into Far East Family Band, Far Out released this sole, spacey, guitar-drenched psychedelic prog album in 1971. Although Floyd influences are highly apparent, the band produced an original sound with its own unique identity rather than being a copy British and American bands that were dominating the genre. This Numbered limited edition – 1000 copies only – appears at No.11 on Julian Cope’s afore mentioned list of top Japanese albums.

Don’t forget the Punks at Christmas I hear you cry! As if we would…

Featuring ex members of Buried Inside and Million Dollar Marxists amongst others the SEDATIVES do it dark, desperate, and minimal on their self titled debut album (Deranged). An archaic sound echoing a time when punk was catchy, but also dangerous. Going back to the three chord song, with downstrokes, vicious energy, and all of them clocking in under the two minute song deadline. Cracking stuff...

IMPULSE INTERNATIONAL are a trio from New Jersey by way of Florida that deliver an album's worth of excellent guitar driven powerpop gems on their debut album “Point Of Action” (Deranged). They mix the guitar hooks of the Real Kids with the upbeat tempo of UK power pop legends the Buzzcocks. Nothing complicated, just really catchy punk!

LORDS "Fuck All Y'all Motherfuckers" LP (Destructive) was released earlier this year by Black Market Activities (Metal Blade Sub-Label run by Guy
Kozowyk, the singer of The Red Chord) and is the follow-up to their crushing "Swords" album on Jade Tree Records. With 16 songs in a mere 23 minutes, you know what to expect from this limited vinyl pressing of the album; a sonic cocktail of thrash, hardcore punk and metal that will blow your ears down ! Comes on virgin white vinyl with a beautiful sleeve all packaged within crazy artwork designed by Stan Doll. A must for fans of Black Flag, Melvins, Jesus Lizard and Slayer.

ARTCORE fanzine issue 26 (Artcore) For the uninitiated AC was established in January 1986, and is one of the last remaining 80’s punk fanzines. Along with the magazine you will find The House Of Commons ‘Guilty As Hell’ CD which is a fourteen song full length enhanced CD comprising this 80’s Vancouver punk band’s best output complete with bonus videos. An Excellent listen it is too...Reminiscent of US/Canadian contemporaries like Toxic Reasons, Subhumans and DOA. Crammed into the 36 page magazine you will find a mixture of interviews with the likes of Shot Baker, Shitty Limits and Cut Ups aswell as fine retrospective features on legendary Punk acts of yesteryear such as Angry Samoans, The Cramps and N.O.T.A. As well as all of the usual ranting, raving and reviewing...An excellent read as always.

Back to the Metal and the mighty CIRCLE’s new album “Hollywood” (Viva Hate) – What is there to say about this band from Finland, existing for decades now, releasing 20 albums. Their avant-garde music may have scared off some otherwise interested major labels but now they have decided to record an eighties hard n’ heavy album with legendary Bruce Duff (Jesters Of Destiny) on the vocals which greatly compliment the Hard Rock, Kraut and Psychedelic sounds. It’s such a great album that the mighty ISIS decided to take Circle with them on the road during this year’s European tour. THE perfect Hard N’ Heavy album to see out 2009 with!

Twenty five years ago HIRAX were one of the first bands to be dubbed a ‘crossover’ act for their melding of Thrash Metal and Hardcore Punk, and now they are back with their first album in five long years, "El Rostro de la Muerte" (Selfmadegod). Stinging new tracks and bonus re-recordings solidify this album as THE thrasher of 2009. This monstrous slab of metal is a relentless thrash attack that will rip your face off and needs to be heard by fans of Slayer, Testament, Exodus, D.R.I., Venom, Motorhead, Kreator, RDP, Accused etc.

REACTOR were an ancient Heavy Rock / Doom Metal band from the famous Maryland/Virginia Doom Metal scene that featured members of Pentagram. “The Real World” (Shadow Kingdom) collects their one and only six song Ep with some live tracks to complete a collection of quality stoner/doom Metal that is essential for anyone looking to complete their Maryland/Virginia Doom collection.

DEIPHAGO “Filipino Antichrist” (Hell’s Headbangers) meanwhile is a storming Black Metal album which has been receiving strong press support from magazines such as Zero Tolerance and Terrorizer. In an over saturated scene this one really stands out!

Rockabilly label Western Star is a welcome addition to the C7 roster this month and to celebrate we have the excellent new album “Trash Culture” from the BAD DETECTIVES. This five piece Pub-Rock/R&B Garage band have built up quite a following with their quirky self penned songs. They have appeared on many Psychobilly compilations as a lot of their songs have a Rockabilly feel.
The band are very active on the live circuit and has shared the stage with like minded acts such as the Pirates and Wilko Johnson.

Also on the label are JACK RABBIT SLIM with their third album “From The Waist Down”. JRS are the UK’s most popular Rockabilly band by far and gig relentlessly throughout the UK and Europe with the occasional short US tour. Somewhat incongruously they number the ‘Modfather’ Paul Weller among their fans. GRAHAM FENTON is a name many may remember fronting Eighties Rockabilly hit makers Matchbox. “Raging Heart” is his first full length solo album and is highly recommended to fans of good honest Rockabilly.

VIVE LA FETE is a project featuring Danny Mommens, bassist for the cult band dEUS, and the blonde supermodel Els Pynoo. The resulting fusion of electro with a dab of punk rock oozes charm and glamour ( think Blondie, think Brigitte Bardot, think Jane Birkin…) and we are pleased to give both their albums “Disque D’or” and “10 Ans De Fete” (Le son du marquis) some much deserved UK distribution for the first time.

We are always keen to support new UK talent so what better way to round up the year than by giving props to the following:

STEPH FRASER – “Recession Proof” (Sonic Vista) an excellent third single from this talented female songwriter with a very topical subject matter. THE ENCIERRO – “Be Yourself” (Platform/Whimsical) is a very promising debut EP from a Stirling based five piece whose mature indie rock echoes everyone from REM to early Manic Street Preachers. TELL IT TO THE MARINES -meanwhile create a sophisticated brand of atmospheric post-pop-punk, drawing influences from bands such as Brand New and The Editors on debut 5 track ep “Bridges” (All Aboard). ALL OR NOTHING / CHAOS DAYS Split CD (All Aboard) is intended to represent UK pop-punk at its best, bringing together Chaos Days’ Paramore-esque melodic hooks and All Or Nothing’s dual-vocalled skate-punk anthems.

Remember all these releases are available from all decent (and some quite indecent) online stores and Independent Record stores…See y’all next month and have a superb Christmas and New Year.

____________________________________________


Hello and welcome to the Code 7 website for a look at November’s new releases:

Hopefully you have all had the chance to check out the new addition to the Code 7 Family - Decoded. Click on the link above and browse our releases in more detail, search by genre, label or band. Every month a new issue will be released so you will be always up to speed with what Code 7 is releasing. The November issue has just been published so don’t let that important release pass you by....

One of the success stories of the year has been SONIC BOOM SIX and their latest album “City Of Thieves”, which has seen the band move from beneath the underground Punk scene’s umbrella and gain some long overdue mainstream recognition. To celebrate they are a rounding off their great year with a deluxe reissue of their critically acclaimed debut album “Ruff Guide To Genre Terrorism” (Rebel Alliance). This long out of print album is being made available once more with four bonus audio tracks and the never before released documentary film “A Boom Under Northern Skies“. It’s all packaged up in a full colour embossed digipack with amazing new artwork by original artist Steve Kitchen to boot.

Swimming in similar musical waters you will find East London Ragamuffin’s THE SKINTS and their scorching debut album “Live, Breathe Build Believe” (Rebel Alliance). Think Steel Pulse meets The Clash meets King Blues imbibed with the spirit of Sonic Boom Six and you are halfway there. The band have just completed a UK tour with SB6 and have been receiving strong support from Radio One’s Mike Davies…We think they are more than deserving of your support too !

Must have Metal release this month is the awesome second album by the critically acclaimed KRALLICE “Dimensional Bleedthrough” (Profound Lore). The band feature guitar wizard Mick Barr (Ocrilim/ Orthrelm) and Colin Marston (Behold… The Arctopus/ Dysrhtmia), who are both well known as two of the most prolific musicians in extreme progressive music. The band’s debut had rave reviews and Krallice were named by Spin magazine as one of the top five metal bands to watch. Progressive, Challenging Black Metal that is a must for fans of Wolves In The Throne Room, Nachtmystium, and Voivod.

Also on the mighty Profound Lore are WORM OUROBOROS and their self-titled debut album. Featuring members of legendary Bay Area acts The Gault, Amber Asylum and World Eater. Worm Ouroboros share familiar sonic ground to those bands, especially The Gault, since Worm Ouroboros bassist/singer Lorraine shared songwriting duties with John Gossard (Asunder/Weakling) in that band . Intriguingly Worm Ouroboros conjure up a sound scape reminiscent of classic 4AD acts such as This Mortal Coil and The Cocteau Twins, but without losing the doomy Metal edginess of other influences such as Asunder.

Roadburn are an exciting new label addition to the Code 7 fold this month so let’s take a stroll through their excellent catalogue…

WOLVES IN THE THRONE ROOM - “Live At Roadburn 2008” is a ferocious live audio and visual recording of the band’s trademark ambient sounds and aggressive Black metal captured at their peak in audio and video (the DVD is included with both the vinyl and cd versions of the album)…Recorded a year later at the same festival Japanese stonersludge outfit CHURCH OF MISERY also release their “Live At Roadburn 2009” on Roadburn…Stepping down a gear but keeping it monstrously heavy are STONE AXE and their self titled debut album. Featuring members of Mos Generator, Stone Axe is focused on recreating the classic rock sound of the early ‘70’s. We’re talking about those English bands that staggered out of the pubs and defined a genre by playing from the heart. Stone Axe pay homage to Free, Small Faces, Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy, Leafhound and Black Sabbath et al in quite the most convincing fashion we have heard since Fu Manchu and Kyuss emerged a decade or so ago…. French act YEAR OF NO LIGHT meanwhile orbit the guitar-heavy early 90's alt rock of bands like Swervedriver and Dinosaur Jr., The Cure and My Bloody Valentine, whilst also drawing on the arty, crushing metallic post-hardcore pioneered by Old Man Gloom and Neurosis. Check out a stunning live set on their “Live At Roadburn 2008” LP / DVD release. GOMER PYLE play heavy, groovy rock with a lot of psychedelic atmosphere added, and full length album “Idiots Savants” capture a diverse range of styles and moods; Heavy Stoner, Doom, Tripped Out soundscapes and some more regular song based material. This double vinyl set contains 2 extra tracks from the first Gomer Pyle EP.

Moving back through thirty years of Metal history brings us to the NWOBHM and...QUARTZ with their live album “Live Quartz” (Krescendo) which captures the band playing their hearts out and winning over audiences as they relentlessly toured the UK in support of legends such as Gillan, Def Leppard, Rainbow and Rush at the height of the NWOBHM – The resultant live album has never been released on cd before.

• DARK STAR will always be remembered by NWOBHM fans for their crowning glory “Lady Of Mars” which is included on the newly reissued “Dark Star” cd (Krescendo). However check the remainder of the album out and you’ll see that it isn’t all just about that track as the other tracks all ably show just how good a band Dark Star were back then.

Back in the early Eighties, Geordie act HELLANBACH delivered a stunning debut album with “Now Hear This” which despite huge sales is only now making it to cd for the first ever time on the Krescendo label – Massively influenced by early Van Halen the band were tipped for huge things by the UK Metal press but the band unfortunately fell apart after their second album “The Big H” (Krescendo). Pick up both these reissues to hear what might have been…

Away from Metal environs our reissue department has a quiet month but would like to recommend two excellent off the wall compilations…

EVERYBODY JIVE TO THE LONDON ROCK (Psychic Circle) captures the moment in the late to mid Fifties when in the UK jazzmen, dance band members, crooners and hopeful kids were suddenly buying guitars, greasing back their hair and rockin’ like there was no tomorrow, inspired by US imports with exotic names like Jerry Lee, Elvis, Buddy and Gene. No big names just a selection of what was happening in the basements and coffee bars of Britain at that most wonderful and innocent moment when Britain caught the Rock And Roll bug...

MUSIC FOR MENTALISTS (Psychic Circle) is a collection of truly bizarre one off single sides from some household names of yesteryear (Hilda Baker, Joe Loss, Michael Elphick, David Carradine and Reginald Bosanquet) who were quite clearly either losing their marbles or suffering from bad management – All mixed up with some one off novelty obscurities (cc: Rosebud’s cover of Arnold Layne anyone?) that time had quite properly forgotten. I for one will never recover from hearing the mighty Jim “Bullseye” Bowen’s “Jim Bowen Rap”. A truly bizarre collection…but somehow it works!

PHANTOM FAMILY HALO’s first album “The Legend Of Black Six” was memorably compared to “Syd Barrett jamming with Hawkwind or the 13th Floor Elevators in the height of the Krautrock frenzy, or The Birthday Party subdued to play a rendition of “‘The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway” by one critic and we are delighted to report that the band’s fine work continues on second album “Monoliths” (Karate Body) - Available from us for a limited time only on lovely double vinyl.

LES SAVY FAV “Plagues And Snakes” 7” (Rococo) limited to 1000 copies this picture disc was the second and last in the Australian series of tour singles and Rococo's first picture disc. Ltd quantity only left !

Whilst ALEXIS GIDEON may be working in areas well off the beaten track, eschewing both traditional children’s narrative style and the mores of contemporary hip-hop, his naïve charm and the depth of his imagination are enough to seduce any viewer. Check out the “Video Musics” DVD (Africantape) for his well thought out and compelling animated/claymated video opera made for kids, and inspired by traditional Hungarian Mythology and Folk Tales.

You may need some soothing sounds after the last few releases so how about the SENIOR ALL STARS “Hazard” LP (Liquidator) for a wind down? - Purely instrumental, Jamaican-influenced sounds: "Hazard" is based on familiar Senior Allstars ingredients -- instrumental reggae, dub elements and ska. But even more than its predecessors, "Hazard" succeeds in creating an amazingly dense, atmospheric laid back vibe. Lovely stuff indeed.

DIVIDING THE LINE – “At Least It’s Not Light” (A Wolf At Your Door) - Heavy touring throughout the UK and Europe and sharing stages with acts such as Enter Shikari, The Used, and Bring Me The Horizon, has gained this band an army of devoted fans and a reputation as one of the UK’s biggest underground acts. The band’s debut full length album boasts their most mature material to date and musically it is a must for fans of Thrice, Underoath and Biffy Clyro.

HELLBASTARD - “The Need To Kill” (Selfmadegod) is a stunning return to from the influential UK crossover metal/crust band. In addition to ten new vibrant thrash/hardcore songs, the band has included six re-recorded Hellbastard classics... This is a must-have for all fans of the first wave of British crust/metal/punk and bands like Amebix and Deviated Instinct. Also available is the mini album “Eco War (Selfamdegod) which shows another side to the influential, classic Hellbastard sound. Think of a unique mixture of Amebix etc paired with more modern metal like Lamb Of God.

TRUCKFIGHTERS – “Gravity X” – (Fuzzorma) is the long awaited rerelease of a true stoner classic which is redolent of classic Fu Manchu and Atomic Bitchwax – Two bands who by no small coincidence have been tour mates with the Truckies in recent years.

OBLITERATION – “Nekropsalms” – (Fysik Format) is the long awaited follow up to the bands critically acclaimed debut on Peaceville and re-sets the standard for all Black Metal releases put out this year.

WHILE HEAVEN WEPT - “"Vast Oceans Lachrymose," (Cruz Del Sur) Since 1989, WHW have not only contributed to the very definition of Epic Doom Metal, but with each release have continued to push the boundaries of the genre These new songs are far more progressive and aggressive than previous releases and should be ideal fodder for fans of Candlemass, early Fates Warning, Rush et al.

HANDFUL OF HATE - "You Will Bleed" (Cruz Del Sur) is a new chapter from one of the most extreme Black Metal bands ever... A mature, powerful and fast tribute to the old, underground Black Metal tradition of yesteryear.

IN MOURNING “Shrouded Divine” (Kolony) The stunning debut album of Sweden's In Mourning is finally available on the vinyl format. It’s a massively limited edition (500 copies worldwide), and comes with new exclusive artwork for this version only. Progressive / melodic death metal at its best, a piece of art for all fans of Opeth and Katatonia. Be quick or miss out with this one!

Don’t forget the Punks I hear you cry…As if we would!

Legendary veteran LA punk act T.S.O.L. has their latest album “Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Free Downloads” (DC Jam) available on Limited Edition Picture Disc LP… Formed in 1979, and hailing from Long Beach, CA, T.S.O.L. has been a permanent fixture on the Southern California Hardcore scene for three decades. This excellent new release returns to their hardcore roots, Originally released as a free download to their fan club a few months back This LP will be the only physical format available.

RUNNIN RIOT – “Boots And Ballads” (Rebellion) - Fourth album by Belfast's top street punk band, featuring eleven brand new songs picking up where their previous ones all left off….Some top quality in your face street punk with snarly Northern Irish vocals.

The finest in Oi!, Punk and Hardcore Underground bands pay tribute to the late great Johnny Cash on the “INTERNATIONAL UNDERGROUND TRIBUTE TO JOHNNY CASH” CD (Rebellion).Yes you read it right the man in black was an inspiration not only to rock’n’roll and country bands all over the world but also to Oi!, Punk and Hardcore bands from the worldwide underground. Excellent stuff.

TEENAGE REHAB – “Let’s Be Enemies” (Jailhouse) - Recorded and Engineered by punk legend Joe Queer, this album features seventeen tracks of their best material to date. Impossible to accurately shelve into a particular sub genre, the album goes from short and fast hardcore, to pop punk sing a long’s, with even an occasional pop love song thrown in for good measure. However it’s safe to say that if you enjoy Screeching Weasel, The Queers or Ramones then you are in very safe hands here!

Collectors of classic KBD era Punk will be thrilled by the latest batch of releases on the always reliable Rave Up label…

First up are CARDIAC KIDZ whose “Get Up” LP collects two great records from 1979, the amazing single ‘Get Out/Find Yourself a Way’ and ‘Playground’ 7" EP. The Cardiac Kidz were featured on two ‘Killed by Death’ compilation albums and enjoy “godfathers of punk” status in their native San Diego.

NERVEBREAKERS – “Hijack The Radio” LP is the Texan punk rock gods’ definitive collection! Killer unreleased studio tracks and a great sound quality live show recorded in 1979 are packaged with great photos and definitive liner notes.

THE ACTION – “Slashing White Hot” LP. One of Ottawa, Canada’s first punk bands. This collection collates their short but wild career from 1977-’78 including their debut 12-inch and a recording for a never-released follow-up EP, plus some smokin’ live tracks. A must for KBD collectors and those looking for the roots of great Canadian acts like the Nils, Diodes, DOA and Subhumans

THE SHITDOGS – “World War 3” LP - From Baton Rouge these Ramone-ish long haired punks maniacs discography is well know to KBD collectors This collection include their mega rare "History of Cheese" EP, the second EP "You Bet!", and some amazing unreleased cuts.

THE DAWGS – “Outside Of Time” - LP – Hailing from Boston in the late 1970's and inspired by sixties garage bands and local idols Real Kids, the band recorded a killer three-song EP and one full album on before disbanding. Now, finally in 2009, this amazing band’s music is made available on LP with the best selection of great unreleased studio recordings and their immortal hits. A must for every Boston rock’n’roll fan.

THE WARMJETS – “Wanna Start A War” LP -Philadelphia’s punk rock finest band! Started in 1977, this lot had a punk ethos, but laced with a potent pop mentality and a big sense of pure theatricality that reminded one of suck disparate outfits as Sparks, The Weirdos, Mumps, Dickies, and Monkees! Unfortunately the band recorded only one acetate and few studio tracks – but all can be found on this anthology.

THE READYMADES – “San Francisco: Mostly Alive” LP This anthology contains all the SF bands recordings, studio unreleased and demos and more recorded between 1977 and 1979. A pivotal art punk presence in the original SF Punk scene.

Back to the UK now, and a new DEMENTED ARE GO collection “Tangenital Madness” (Fury Records) which is a must for all Psychobilly fans.

AUSTERE – “Only the Wind Remembers” – (Eisenwald) is a deluxe digisleeve MCD reissue of some early unissued Austere work. More specifically two 2 long tracks which have been taken from the split release with UK's Lyrinx and were recorded in October 2007.... This re-issue comes with a carefully designed and deluxe digisleeve package with a printed inner-pocket.

PARACHUTES –“The Working Horse” (Redfield) is a stunning mix of emo, screamo, and hardcore – if Underoath, Taking Back Sunday, Rise Against, Silverstein, The Used, From Autumn To Ashes, or Caliban, to name just a few are your bag then please do yourself a favour and put aside any prejudices you may have against European bands and pick up on this fine German outfit.

We are running out of space now but the Metal Department would like to big up the newly acquired catalogues of Amputated Vein ( killer death Metal releases from the likes of ENMITY, EVISCERATED and CYANOSIS) and Witching Hour ( killer European metal from the likes of CARNAL, MASTIPHAL and LOST SOUL).

And as always we would implore you to support some local British talent vis:

TORTUGA’s – “Kings Of Albany” LP (Anchors Aweigh) raging out of Northern
England and sounding like a killer mix between Converge and Botch.
MACHIAVELLIAN – “The Impossibility Of Death In The Mind’s Of The Living” (Glasstone) an excellent five piece metal band from Lancashire
NEVERBORNE – “In Absence Of Fear” (Glasstone) Originally hailing from South Africa, now reside in Surrey, with their five track debut EP - A great mix of Punk, Rock, Death Metal and hardcore.
EVERYTHING ON RED – “Rotator” (Lockjaw) An exciting blend of Cursive, Brand New and Minus The Bear influences on this Staffordshire bands debut cd
BULL SEE RED – “A Girl Called Murder” (Lockjaw) Busting out of the thriving South-West scene and mixing influences from all over the spectrum ( everything from Smashing Pumpkins to Refused ) to make a monster debut .

Remember all these releases are available from all decent, and some quite indecent, online stores and Independent Record stores…See y’all next month…

____________________________________________

Hello and welcome to the Code 7 website for a look at October’s new releases:

Hopefully you have all had the chance to check out the new addition to the Code 7 Family - Decoded. Click on the link above and browse our releases in more detail, search by genre, label or band. Every month a new issue will be released so you will be always up to speed with what Code 7 is releasing. The October issue has just been published so don’t let that important release pass you by....

First up this month is “Meet Me Halfway At Least” the stunning second release from DEAF HAVANA (A Wolf At Your Door) which closely follows last year’s ironically titled and critically acclaimed EP ‘It’s Called The Easy Life’. One year later and the Norfolk quintet have honed and refined their sound and are releasing their most exciting material to date. Expanding on the band’s melodic capabilities hinted at on their EP, the bands new record is brimming with raw emotional and hook laden songs that makes for one hell of an album. With strong press support and a sixteen date UK headline tour in the offing, the band look like serious contenders for the UK Metal crown held by the likes of Lostprophets and Funeral For A Friend in recent times.

Moving across the Atlantic, Columbus Ohio to be exact, we find STRUCK BY LIGHTNING with their raging new album “Serpents” (Translation Loss). A mixture of fist pumping-basement punk rock (Think the aggression of bands like His Hero Is Gone and Disfear) with the progressive rock and metal acrobatics of bands like Mastodon. The band have some pedigree too, as they feature Gregory Lahm (previously of Mouth Of The Architect) on vocals and guitars. All told thi is a highly recommended release for fans of Mastodon, Tragedy, Big Business, Disfear, Baroness, Melvins and Coliseum

Formed in 2004 and already having made quite a reputation within the underground CRUCIFIST are finally set to release their debut album “Demon Haunted World” (Profound Lore) to the hungry masses. Featuring bassist Danny Lilker of Brutal Truth / Nuclear Assault infamy aswell as members of thrash band Orodruin, Crucifist’s interpretation of old-school black metal fury harks back to the glory days of acts like Hellhammer, Celtic Frost, Venom and Bathory. Crucifist also incorporate elements that reference the shining glory of the NWOBHM and of course the doom and gloom of classic Black Sabbath to make this one of the classic Metal debuts of recent years

Lablemates PORTAL hail from Australia, and their geographical isolation may account for their new album “Swarth” (Profound Lore) being the most distinctive and unique death metal album we have heard in a long long time. Sure you may hear touches of genre legends like Immolation, Morbid Angel and Beherit in the band’s sound, but Portal have taken the sound to new unparalleled levels and this may well become a lot of critics Death Metal album of the year…

Mellowing out somewhat we find the new album from RACHEL GRIMES “Book Of Leaves” (Ruminance Records). Rachel Grimes’ music has quietly evolved through a diversity of musical ventures, including six releases with the critically acclaimed indie chamber group Rachel’s. “Book of Leaves” finds her at the height of her creativity - an album of impressionist piano pieces, largely pastoral, incorporating field recordings made outdoors. Engineer Steve Albini characterized Rachel’s records as ‘part movie, part sound sculpture, part lush romantic porch song’ and you can easily carry those references on to this release but maybe add in a touch of Philip Glass and Kronos Quartet influences to complete a truly unique ‘modern day chamber music’ sound.

British singer RHYS MARSH has relocated to Norway and releases his magnum opus, “Dulcima” (Termo) featuring the cream of the crop of Scandinavian prog rock musicians: Mattias Olsson from Änglagård, Lars Fredrik Frøislie from Wobbler, Trude Eidtang and Ketil Einarsen from White Willow. Taking a quantum leap forward from his critically acclaimed debut of progressive singer/songwriter music, “Dulcima” is a full-blown modern progressive rock album, full of darkness and beauty. To us it sounds somewhat like David Sylvian fronting 70’s King Crimson – but with some Middle Eastern influences thrown in for good measure.

A couple of great Reggae releases this month! – First up we have JOE ARIWA & THE TRIXSTERS – “Dubstep Dub” – (Ariwa) Trixster, Joe Ariwa and Kar Melody have had the privilege of access to both the Ariwa studios and the Mad Professor’s archives where they have sampled borrowed and reshaped rare Ariwa classics in the Dubstep style. Musically Dubstep is distinguished by it’s use of snare sounds that are similar to Garage and Grime’s emphasis on bass and frequently producing sounds reminiscent of classic Reggae or Funky US Garage, which explains why this collaboration works so well…

Next meet the next generation of UK dub on new album JOE ARIWA MEETS YOUNG WARRIOR (Ariwa) Young Warrior and Joe Ariwa are the sons of Dub Reggae legends Jah Shaka and Mad Professor. Two young men from South London that know exactly how it feels to live up to the legacy of their fathers, and with their own unique styles combining perfectly they really have come up with the goods on this album.

Standout Punk release this month is the new COBRA SKULLS album “American Rubicon” (Gunner Records). The Cobras are very much their own beast but early in their career the group received comparisons to bands like Against Me! and the Dead Kennedys; but on this record, it seems they’ve finally found their own distinctive sound and have unleashed a monster of a Punk record. Political, intelligent and catchy as swine flu. Anyone who has been moved by intelligent Punk acts like Propaghandi and Dillinger Four in the last decade needs to hear this record.

Our reissue department has been salivating at the mouth with the latest two CHROME reissues. This month sees remastered and fully annotated reissues of this legendary American Post Punk bands’ second and third albums “Half Machine Lip Moves” and “Alien Soundtracks”. These are both hugely influential albums that have been out of print for years and are must stock items for any serious reissue dealers out there…

On a more obscure, but still noteworthy, tack is DAVID PEEL and the limited reissue of his “War And Anarchy” album (Noiseville) Since his career began on Elektra records in the mid-60’s, then on to the Beatles Apple Records, Peel has found appreciation from those looking for a unique take on the hippy music scene. This album, which was mostly recorded in 1978, features Wayne Kramer from the MC5 on guitar who plays tripped out solos throughout each song. This is the first time this material has been made available to the public. Only 1000 copies made.

BLOSSOM TOES “What On Earth” (Sunbeam ) collects home demos and studio recordings, including previously unheard songs as well as early renditions of material that appeared on their July 1969 swansong, If Only For A Moment. Ranging from delicate ballads to heavy psychedelic rock, the set is a veritable treasure trove for the band’s legion of admirers.

After the Blossom Toes split ‘Little’ Brian Godding and ace bassist ‘Big’ Brian Belshaw decided to keep playing together, and added former band mate Kevin Westlake to form B.B. BLUNDER. Described as ‘psycho-rock’ the album they made over the ensuing months “Worker’s Playtime” (Sunbeam) is presented here in its fullest-ever version, including a full bonus disc of previously unreleased out-takes, guest appearances by Driscoll, Mick Taylor, Brian Auger and others, and a packed booklet featuring detailed historical notes, and rare photos.

GET SMARTER (Past And Present) is a super cool compilation of ‘60s instrumental singles , no less than eighteen killer tracks of freaky go-go phased Hammond wig-outs, groovy party rave-ups, trippy psych weirdness and laid back lounge-influenced funky pop jazz...and as with all P&P releases, the cd is supported with an informative booklet. Grooovy.

Moving back to the present day and “Hollywood Monsters”, the rip-roaring debut album from London punk 'n' roll supergroup, THE DE RELLAS. Featuring former members of The Vibrators and The Glory Strummers, their all guns-blazing live performances has included supports to kindred spirits such as Hanoi Rocks, The Bellrays and New York Dolls. Highly recommended for fans of The Ramones, The New York Dolls, The Stooges and The Sex Pistols.

Los Angeles’ hardcore quintet CONFIDE debut album, ‘Shout The Truth’ (Tragic Hero Europe) is a raging modern hardcore classic, which the band will be supporting with a UK headline tour in October. One of the leaders of the independent rock scene in America over the past 12 months, the band is causing a stir with their controversial cover of The Postal Service’s ‘Such Great Heights.’ Definitely worth checking out both live and on record if you are into The Bronx, He Is Legend Etc.

Reading sextet THE ARUSHA ACCORD follow the release of their critically acclaimed EP ‘Nightmares Of The Ocean’, by unleashing their debut full length ‘The Echo Verses’ (A Wolf At Your Door). The band has expanded on their song structuring, technicality and trademark sporadic rhythms to make a startlingly strong debut album. The release is supported by a 23 date UK tour with A Textbook Tragedy which fans of Architects, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Sikth should really get themselves along to.

IO MONADE STANCA is a young post rock group from Italy. The band’s raw sound is captured in full – lolloping drums and resonating guitars are smattered with strained vocals and grotesque cries – on their new album “The Impossible Story Of Bu Bu” (Africantape). Their technical, scientific, and unique sound recalls acts like Maps & Atlases and Polvo.

Don’t forget the Punks I hear you cry! As if we would…

Richmond, Virginia is one of the major strongholds for punk on the east coast of the United States. So it’s only natural that LANDMINES and their excellent album “Landmines” (Gunner Records) hail from the city. Like fellow hometown heroes Avail and Strike Anywhere., their influences stem from the intelligent punk legends of recent decades such as Hot Water Music, Verbal Assault, The Bouncing Souls, and Jawbreaker. The album is passionate, personal, political, melodic, relevant, fast, fun and a must listen for punkers old and new.

“Eagles And Vultures” (Downtown Academy) is the highly anticipated album from Northern California’s PULLOUT, putting a hardcore spin on the emerging Northern California music scene. Combining sounds of early 80’s punk, such as Black Flag or Void, mixed with the newer hardcore sounds of Fucked Up or Modern Life is War, the band has established itself as a presence in the punk community and is heading to Europe this winter….

Atlanta’s UNTIED STATES LP, “Instant Everything, Constant Nothing” (DISTILE) is recommended to post hardcore fans and is another giant step forward in the evolution of their sound, employing an even wider array of electronic sound mixed with devastatingly orchestrated punk. Fans of At The Drive In et al will find much of interest here. rock riffs

Tribute albums are often disappointing affairs but not so the “CARRY THE BANNER – A TRIBUTE TO KID DYNAMITE” LP (Black Numbers). Kid Dynamite was one of the most influential hardcore punk bands of the last twenty years and this stunningly packaged Double LP features covers by some of today's most relevant bands complete with liner Notes’ by Kid Dynamite Members Dan Yemin and Dave Wagenshutz. Includes tracks from Static Radio NJ, No Trigger, Deny Everything, Comadre and The Ergs!

Speaking of Kid Dynamite ex-members of the band can be found on the HIGHER GIANT “Al’s Moustache” 7” (Black Numbers) alongside ex-members of Good Riddance, Lifetime, Grey Area, Token Entry and Warzone. With that pedigree you would be entitled to expect some high tempo fists in the air catchy hardcore punk and man do they deliver just that with four tracks of exactly the kind of furious melodic punk associated with their former bands.

The debut full-length LP from STATIC RADIO NJ “An Evening Of Bad Decisions” (Black Numbers) not only delivers on the foundation of the band's early achievements, it proudly builds a towering skyscraper of soaring melodic punk rock anthems on top of it. Songs like "Marc," "Places" and "The Waiting Game" overflow with crunchy riffs, buoyant rhythms and choruses that are so infectious they need blood tests.

Started in Edinburgh in January of 2009, SHIELDS UP are a five piece hardcore band who play no nonsense hardcore inspired by the old school as much as the new. In the short time the band have been together they have recorded this thirteen track self titled CD (Wasted State) and toured the UK to much success. Recommended for fans of Strike Anywhere or the Bridge 9 labels roster of new/old school hardcore bands.

Also of interest to old school punk fans will be the fabulously titled “SHUT THE FUCK UP AND LISTEN VOL 2” 7” (Pig Records) which has no less than eleven tracks on it, including new tunes from legends like D.O.A, Misfits and Dehumanizers in it’s grooves.

Some excellent British “Class Of 77” punk vinyl releases are to be found this month staring with a 7” from the legendary BOYS , entitled “Jimmy Brown” (Still Unbeatable) the single includes three songs that were recorded around the time of their classic debut album but were never officially released as a single. Now almost 30 years after The Boys rejected it as a possible single it is finally available via Still Unbeatable records, but only as a limited edition of 500 copies…be quick!

Also limited to 500 copies is THE STIFFS “Innocent Bystander” 7” (Still Unbeatable). Featuring two tracks recorded for Zonophone in 1980 that were never released as EMI cancelled the release of the bands third single for the label at the very last minute. Newly remastered from recently discovered original mastertapes this is the first time ever these tracks have been available.

HONEST JOHN PLAIN is an original member of the aforementioned Boys”, and has a new exclusive 12 song limited vinyl record entitled “Untuned” (Still Unbeatable) that includes never before released acoustic versions of Boys classics plus solo songs performed by the great man himself. Somewhat akin to fellow London punk vets TV Smith’s sol albums and well worth a listen.

In the summer of 1978 EDDIE MOONEY did a demo of "I Bought Three Eggs" in a cellar in the Manchester student house that he was living in. The track was scheduled as a single release on TJM Records in Manchester (home of bands such as Slaughter and the Dogs and Frantic Elevators) Red but the label went bust just as the single came out. Only very few were pressed but now more Now more than 30 years later this hard to get release is officially reissued. Both tracks are great melodic Powerpop / Punk songs that perfectly fit into the classic ’77 sound - limited edition of 500 copies only from the Still Unbeatable label

Back to the present day and THE NICOTINE FITS who raise hell with their pedigree style, a mix of The Stooges, Radio Birdman, Black Sabbath, Dead Boys and MC5. “Like The Curse” (Zodiac Killer) the six pieces debut, captures the energy and ferocity of their live show whilst remaining tight and driving home the group's vintage rock meets punk sound which really does tip the nod to Aussie proto punk legends Radio Birdman but without wanting to be them… High praise indeed!

Happening darkwave act THE BIRTHDAY MASSCARE have their long awaited DVD “Show And Tell” (Repo) released this month. A captivating hybrid of 80's electronica and aggressive guitars, The Birthday Massacre's soundscapes have garnered the band a diverse and devout fan base, who will be out in force for this first ever dvd. Primarily recorded at a small club date in Hamburg, Germany the dvd also features two festival appearances, an Interview with the band and a picture gallery.

AOR fans should note of KEN TAMPLIN’s fine ‘2 for 1” cd reissue of the classic “An Axe To Grind” and “Soul Survivor” albums (KMG Records) . Original copies of these albums have been selling through certain auction sites recently, amling this a must stock items for any AOR specialist stores and mail order outlets. White Metal AOR demigods HOLY SOLDIER have a reissue of their self released live/retrospective album “Encore” (Spaceport) out this month too which has been out of print for years…until now. .

If it’s all got a little noisy may we recommend BEN SOLLEE’s debut, “Learning To Bend” (Karate Body ) to chill out with? Hailing from Lexington, Kentucky the cellist’s debut album has been pressed on vinyl for the first and only time and is beautiful,beautiful stuff…

When you think of American cities with thriving underground music scenes Louisville isn’t usually the first name to trip off the tongue, but when you consider it has given the world Slint, Rodan, Bonnie “Prince” Billy and My Morning Jacket in recent years , you should really pay attention to double LP compilation “LOUISVILLE IS FOR LOVERS VOL 9” (Karate Body) which documents a true cross section of the city today – Are the makers of the next “Spiderland” or “Viva Last Blues” on here ? – There is only one way to find out…and that’s to give it a spin.

SLEEPY LA BEEF – “Roots” (Ponk Media) album sees a true veteran of American music make his first offering in nearly a decade and it could be one of the best in his long, storied career.” LaBeef, who is known as the “Human Jukebox”, handpicked these 17 tracks from his repertoire of thousands of songs. Each song that he chose has a special meaning to him and that meaning is evident in the passion he brings to every track; Many of which evoke the stripped-down, acoustic beauty of Rick Rubin's work with Johnny Cash and Neil Diamond and are dazzling in their new found simplicity..

DEAD FLESH FASHION – “Anchors” - (Glasstone) is a must for fans of acts like Botch, Coalesce and Architects. The band released a couple of previous split releases with War From A Harlot's Mouth and Coming Up For Air, but really find their feet in an overcrowded scene on this their full length debut.

Birmingham metallers ADUST take influences from many diverse acts giving them a broader range of appeal than many of their contemparies. The excellent songwriting and tight delivery on their debut album “Question The Illogical“ (Glasstone) could be described as Stone Sour meets Lamb Of God meets Metallica meets Heaven Shall Burn via the West Midlands, and is very promising stuff indeed.

HELL BORN “Darkness” (Witching Hour) is a classic old school death metal masterpiece from ex-members of Behemoth & Damnation and shouldn’t be missed old school Death Metal or newcomers to the genre.

The word supergroup is an over used one but MASACHIST are most definitely a
Death metal supergroup featuring as they do members of Dimmu Borgir, Decapitated, Vesania, Azarath and Yattering. (Not to mention Ross Dolan from Immolation singing on one track too!). Like you would expect from Metallers with this pedigree debut album “Death March Fury” (Witching Hour) is tight, bone crushing, mind-twisting, brain-corroding death metal of the highest order!.

HAVEOHEJ "Kembatinan Premaster" (Hells headbangers) sees one of the original Black Metal bands return with a stunning album after a sixteen year hiatus.

DEVIOUS - ‘Vision’ (Deity Down) offers an even more refined taste of Devious modern Death Metal than previous releases and will be supported by a tour with a December 2009 EU tour with Entombed and Merauder . All we can say is arrive early if you like Lamb of God, Darkane or Dark Tranquility, as Devious will be right up your street!

SUMMONING‘s Oath Bound is considered by many to be their most epic album to date and we are carrying a limited Double Vinyl pressing of it c/o Temple Of Darkness Records.

“Groans to the Guilty” (Temple Of Darkness) is FOSCOR’s third album with ten monumental songs of depressive, deep and immense Black Metal. Influenced by acts such as Shining, Satyricon or Emperor. This is undoubtedly Spanish black metal’s finest hour.

REV 16:8 feature members of Finntroll, Bloodshed, Dark Funeral and Obscuratum, so it’s no surprise to find them playing Swedish Black Metal in the vein of Marduk and Dark Funeral on their “Grand Tidal Rave” album (Temple Of Darkness).

LIQUID GRAVEYARD – “On Evil Days” (My Kingdom Music) frontman of legendary British Death Metal band Cancer, John Walker, started a new Metal band called Liquid Graveyard in late 2006 and their first album “On Evil Days” was finally recorded in April 2009, and was well worth the wait. Fans of vintage Cancer should get this on their stereos asap. .

Slowing it down to a Stoner pace, but keeping it Metal you will find…PONAMERO SUNDOWN with their “Stonerized” album (Transubstans) Smokin' stonerrock from this Swedish band who knows their strengths - '70's rock wrapped in thick, fuzzy tones a la Spiritual Beggars or classic Dozer.

LORD VICAR – “Fear No Pain” (Church Within) is a must for Doom Metal fans and includes ex members of Count Raven, Saint Vitus, Terra Firma and Reverend Bizarre in their ranks on these recordings – Excellent doom metal in the vein of Saint Vitus, Trouble, Witchfinder General and Pentagram, this new band brings together an international line-up of four respected doom metalheads.

REVELATION’s self titled debut (Church Within) is one of the most important bands in Doom metal history. Although they went on to put out records on Hellhound Records, Rise Above and Leafhound Records it is this self titled album reissued here that remains their classic release.

Time is running short so just a short request for you to show some support to up and coming UK talent in the shape of Northern Grindcore act JOE PESCI and their excellent album “At Our Expense” (Bones Brigade), Home counties rockers DR SLAGGLEBERRY’s debut “The Slagg factory” (Crash Records) and ZENYTH’s –“Fall” (Crash) wherein the z-boys prove they are sure to be the next big rock band from the thriving South Wales scene

Remember all these releases are available from all decent, and indecent, online stores and Independent Record stores…See y’all next month…

____________________________________________

CODE 7 WEBSITE INTRODUCTION – SEPTEMBER 2009

Hopefully you have all had chance to check out the new addition to the Code 7 Family- Decoded. Click on the link above and browse our releases in more detail, search by genre, label or band. Every month a new issue will be released- so you will be always up to speed with what Code 7 is releasing. Don’t let that important release pass you by....

First up this month is one of the hugest Black Metal releases of this or any other month, the new “Godfather In Black” album from the mighty ABGOTT (Helvette And Hate). Yes the unpredictable leaders of the UK scene are back with a vengeance and this new album, is the best material they have ever released. Showcasing a more mature songwriting approach and a progressive approach that some critics are already comparing to Emperor’s swansong
masterpiece, “Prometheus”. In short if you long for a return to the days of classic Emperor, Mayhem, or Atheist albums, then this beauty should be right at the top of your wants list this autumn.

Another metal act on the verge of big things are CHTHONIC who’s new album “Mirror Of Retribution” has just been released on the Spinefarm label . High time then for us to issue a timely reminder not to forget our reissue of their classic debut album “Seediq Bale” (Downport Music) Whether it is despite or because of the bands Taiwanese background they certainly bring their own twist to the Black Metal party, sounding somewhat akin to classic Emperor or Dimmu Borgir, but with added keyboard-fed atmospherics, blast-force beats, merciless riffage and impressive throat-sanding vocals. Check this early release out now!

Moving to mellower pastures now and the uplifting, critically acclaimed debut album '”13 Rounds” by Brummie singer/Songwriter VIJAY KISHORE. On this album Kishore builds on his trademark acoustic sound and sings about love and loss with a host of instrumentation and guest musicians. A more than worthy introduction to the man and his luscious acoustic folk music which was likened by the NME to a “Brummie Jeff Buckley singing the words of Nina Simone”…Maybe that sounds like a grandiose claim to some of you; but for fans of Jeff Buckley, Radiohead, Damien Rice, Scott Matthews or Thom Yorke then this is one very highly recommended release.

I don’t think we have ever bigged up an artist for an appearance on Hollyoaks before, but that is the case for pop punks FRIENDS OF KEN whose “Ill Tempo Gigante (Beefson) is one of our key September releases. The band have been hard at work recording this debut album since their last two singles both made it into the UK indie chart last year. They have received airplay from Radio One, XFM and Kerrang Radio and press support from Kerrang, Big Cheese and The Mag - as well as having a full UK tour lined up, and of course that guest spot on Cheshire’s favourite Teen soap opera…

San Francisco’s genre crushing, critically acclaimed, progressive/doom/stoner rock band, GIANT SQUID, has created one of the most innovative and stunning releases of 2009, with their debut full length entitled “The Ichthyologist” (Translation Loss). Like a lot of great bands their sound is hard to pinpoint exactly but fans of acts as diverse as Neurosis, Tom Waits, Torche, Black Heart Procession, God Speed, Muse, Black Sabbath and Mastodon will all find something to love about this release. No less an authority than the mighty Thrasher magazine recently proclaimed GS to be “Monstrously penetrating, conceptually abstract and doomingly essential." And we are not about to argue with them about it…

Back in the late 70’s and early 80’s, CHROME had a unique style of tripped out psych-wave that made them one of the most popular bands to come out of post-punk scene in California. The brain child of the late Damon Edge and guitar legend Helios Creed, Chrome albums are often cited as major influences to just about every band that has come since. Their debut album “Third From The Sun” has been out of print for years and the demand for it has never been
fulfilled, but the Noiseville label is proud to be putting that right with this definitive reissue, featuring both the original artwork and remastered audio.

HELIOS CREED’s solo career is almost as legendary as the legacy he left with the aforementioned Chrome. Psych guitar was redefined in the late 80’s when his first album came out, only to be followed by a string of classic albums on Amphetamine Reptile. There was a bit of a break in his out put before “Deep Blue Love Vacuum”, but Helios was far from idle, and this album was quickly
lauded upon release by Sonic Youth’s Thurston Moore amongst others. The album features another former Chrome collaborator Fabienne Shine, as well as J.D.Pinkus from the Butthole Surfers, with both helping make the album as far out as anything Helios has ever recorded.

Look out for further Chrome & Helios Creed reissues in the coming months…

Speaking of reissues, our reissue department ahs been working long into the night to bring you the following…HIGH ALL THE TIME (Past And Present) Finally available on CD for the first time, this classic compilation gathers together fourteen of the best 1960s psychedelic obscurities you’ve never heard, from America and further afield. Drenched in fuzz, echo, and feedback this is a total must for all Pebbles/ Nuggets aficionados…PICCADILLY SUNSHINE (Past And Present) the little-known Piccadilly Sunshine series, took the wide-eyed aficionado into the deep and wondrous valleys of British Pop music culture and now appears on cd for the first time. Compiler Psychomania asks you to join him as he sifts through the late 1960s and early `70s in Great Britain’s vast and glorious cultural waste paper basket, to find twenty lost flower-powered trippers
…FAR EAST FAMILY BAND – Nipponjin ( Phoenix) is a great album often described as early Pink Floyd style space rock with a Japanese twist and is now reissued as a highly collectible hand numbered limited edition of just 1000 copies only – No less a personage than Julian Cope listed this at No.14 on his list of top Japanese albums…On the same list you will find KARUNA KHYAL’s Alomony 1985 (Phoenix) which is widely acknowledged as years ahead of its time, preceding other Japanese underground experimental outfits such as Fushitsusha and Magical Power Mako by almost 20 years. Uniquely for a Japanese band of the time the likes of Can, Faust, Guru Guru ,Captain Beefheart and Pere Ubu bore a huge influence making this a really intriguing album that is finally reissued this month as a highly collectible hand numbered limited edition of just 1000 copies only.

Finally on a more folk rock tangent we have the long awaited definitive reissue of the seminal JADE album “Fly On Strange Wings” (Sunbeam)., Now reissued with extensive liner notes and a whole extra disc of unreleased bonus tracks. This classic album features future members of Piccadilly Line, Family, Jefferson Starship, and Pentangle; it’s simply essential for all fans of acid folk and folk-rock.

Classic Rock Vinyl heads would be well advised to snap up the ultra ltd DUFF MCKAGAN’S LOADED vinyl LP “Sick”. Not only is this all out assault of pure rock and punk infused fury the best thing any member of GNR has recorded for 20 years; but it also comes with a White label bonus 7”with two rare non-CD bonus tracks. Be quick ordering one of these!

Speaking of GNR, their one time tour mates FASTER PUSSYCAT are back with their first-ever live release “Front Row For The Donkey Show” (Full Effect). Featuring early classics like House of Pain, Bathroom Wall and Cathouse, as well as some new songs and a rocking cover of the Rolling Stones "It’s Only Rock and Roll" which sums it all up far more succinctly than we ever could!

Anyone on who was around in the heyday of the NWOBHM will remember Steve Zodiac fronted act VARDIS, unfortunately despite favourable press and a formidable live reputation the Yorkshire act never quite got their due like some of their peers but listening to both of the remastered and reissued albums “100Mph” and “Quo Vardis” (Both Krescendo) out this month it’s really hard to see why…

THE PSYCHICS debut album (Krescendo) is a celebration of all that has made British rock acts the envy of the world. The album brings to mind the classic rock acts of yesterday, but in a style that is totally 2009. Featuring as it does the talents of brothers Mark & Steve Owers – last seen as the main men in Lionsheart – it will be no surprise to you that this is a must hear album of quality hard rock in the style of Zeppelin and Whitesnake.

FOOLS GAME are an international band put together by both American and European musicians, featuring members and ex-members of such bands as Ark, Malmsteen, TNT, Redemption, Manticora, Pharaoh and Division; unsurprisingly with that pedigree their debut album “Reality Divine” (Cruz Del Sur) is an exciting blend of modern day power and old school heavy metal that should be heard by fans of those genres. And if you like the sound of that please check out SKYFIRE’s new album “Esoteric” (Pivotal) which is the face of a rejuvenated band ; With two new members the band are dead set on picking up from where they left off with 2004’s “Spectral”. UK power Metal fans should also look out for some UK dates this November!

Don’t forget the Punks I hear you cry…As if we would!

Like all the leading lights of the early Eighties US hardcore scene, Washington DC outfit GOVERNMENT ISSUE really understood the power of a 7” single, and astonishingly, nearly thirty years on from it’s recording the vaults have offered up a new one. Entitled “The Punk Remains The Same” (DC Jam) the limited coloured vinyl 7” offers up four powerhouse tracks, very much in the vein of DC contemporaries Minor Threat and SOA. They sure don’t make them like this anymore!!!

Also offered up from the vaults is the first ever cd issue of the long unavailable debut album “Mind Bowling” (DC Jam) by PAINTED WILLIE. Originally formed in Los Angeles in 1984, PW shared the stage touring with brother bands Black Flag, Meat Puppets, fIREHOSE and Saccharine Trust before finally calling it quits in 1987. Featuring former members of LA hardcore act Sin 34, and a future talented movie maker (Dave Markey) on drums; Painted Willie’s sound was a unique blend of straight ahead rock, adolescent humour and punk energy.

GUILTY FACES – “Domestic Bliss” (Deranged) is a great debut LP. A mix of early 80’s hardcore punk with the driving force of the Adolescents/Circle Jerks, as well as the fervent melody of bands like The Replacements, Husker Du, and The Wipers, the band offers up ten songs about the joys of ruining yourself/life and the perils that follow. Snotty and poignant lyrics, coupled with hard and tuneful riffs make this a definite must for fans of hardcore punk and depraved personalities of all sorts…

VICIOUS CYCLE – “Pale Blue Dot” (Deranged) is an urgent yet explorative album marking a new era for hardcore punk. The album is a blend of traditional 1980's American hardcore and experimental instrumentation. An unrelenting, innovative and unique sound that represents the dire state of our planet. For fans of Fucked Up, Fugazi, Refused, and forward thinking hardcore.

TRANZMITORS – Busy Singles” (Deranged) is a CD that compiles all tracks from the bands ultra rare four singles, and one excellent bonus track plus the 4 tracks from their recent 12” EP. For those who haven’t heard, Vancouver’s Tranzmitors play UK influenced power-pop in the vein of the Boys, Buzzcocks and Exploding Hearts. Rather fittingly their last album was licensed to legendary UK label Stiff Records!

WOLFBRIGADE –“Comalive” (Deranged) is the fifth album from the Scandinavian hardcore steamroller with 14 new tracks of down tuned crust core blasts. Their strongest studio recording ever finds the band in peak form blending obvious elements of Poison Idea, Motorhead, Discharge and death metal.

If you have been to a Punk show in London over the last couple of years you will have seen the name MORAL DILEMMA painted or sewn onto a fair few jackets and their debut album “Agree To Disagree” (Pumpkin) has arrived to show you what all the fuss is about – In short it’s ten tracks of raging London Punk from an act inspired by angry political Punk acts of yesteryear as diverse as The Partisans and Los Crudos. Having just toured with Intro5pect and Star Fucking Hipsters, the band have recorded a session for Mike Davies’ Radio One Punk show , so it’s safe to say that the MD logo is one you will continue to see defacing clothing for some time yet!

TEENAGE REHAB – “Goodbye Sanity” ( Jailhouse) – Having spent most of 2008 honing their sound on tour in the US with Moral Crux, The Queers, and Copyrights, it comes as no surprise that the third release from these punk rock vets, comes off tighter, angrier and more angst ridden than previous releases.
Pissed off, and in your face punk rock that’s highly recommended.

If it’s the classic sound of 1969 Detroit or 1977 Sydney you are after then please pick up a copy of the NICOTINE FITS – “Like The Killer” (Zodiac Killer) album Raw. Loud. Fast. The Nicotine Fits raise hell with their pedigree style, a mix of The Stooges, Radio Birdman, Black Sabbath, Dead Boys, New Race and MC5. Capturing the energy and ferocity of a live Nicotine Fits show; these frenzied yet matured songs remains tight, driving home the group's vintage rock meets punk sound…

Moving into the more experimental lands of Post Hardcore we find the intriguingly named BATS with their latest cd “Red In Tooth And Claw” (Richter Collective). The Irish act have been polishing their blend of visceral but catchy post-punk/hardcore/metal since their debut EP “Cruel Sea”, by performing live with such heavyweight kindred spirits such as These Arms Are Snakes, The Locust, Liars, and Sebadoh. The eagerly awaited follow up was produced and recorded by Kurt Ballou (Converge)

WHEN ICARUS FALLS from Lausanne in Switzerland are five guys with
Varying musical influences - from jazz to hardcore to classical – which has enabling them to have real creative freedom in their sound. Inspired by the likes of Cult Of Luna, Mogwai, and Envy, they have honed their unique style to perfection on their debut EP “Over The Frozen Seas” (Get A Life).

MERZBOW – “Protean World” (Noiseville) LP There are few artists in the Noise/experimental world who are more respected than Japan’s Merzbow. Merzbow has over 200 releases out, most of which are hard to find. Noiseville is proud to have released this limited edition LP of material only available on this album. There were only 1000 copies made, and they are almost sold out….

A favourite of the late great John Peel, UNHOLY SWILL were the sort of band that didn’t fit in well with others. Their brand of noisy lo-fi garage punk with a twisted sense of reality was unique. The lovingly compiled “Legacy Of Stupidity” CD (Noiseville) collects all of their collectible singles, plus rare cuts, cuts from their one “studio” album as well as some twisted cover versions from their last show in 1993. The CD book also includes a detailed history of the band.
If you ever owned either a Happy Flowers, Halo Of Flies, Killdozer or Drunks With Guns record then you will need the Swill in your life!

If it has all gone a bit noisy for you, may we recommend the following?

POLITE SLEEPER – “Lake Effects” (Expect Candy) Following 2008’s critically acclaimed “Seens” this new LP is less a stopgap and more a proper introduction for the Brooklyn trio after spending much of last year abroad. With mellotron drones, three part harmonies and a driving rhythm section; this is a truly essential listen if you have ever been touched by the melancholy of Bright Eyes, Grandaddy or Okkervil River.

GANDALF MURPHY AND THE SLAMBOVIAN CIRCUS OF DREAMS are one of those bands that only come around once in a lifetime. Having utterly mesmerised UK audiences on two recent UK tours, leaving a trail of audiences hollering for more of their unique blend of Folk/Psych and Americana in their wake. Their latest release “Flapjacks From the Sky” (Noiseville) is their first release on vinyl and this limited edition picture disc LP will not be around forever…

WOOKIES – “Sparks” EP (Broken Tail) Taking influences from a range of sources, such as Pink Floyd, The Stills, Small Faces and Muse, the Reading based band has developed quite a reputation for cutting and splicing sounds and genres to create an altogether unique and unheard-of epic, angular, dance-prog-indie sound.. Thus, the limited edition Sparks EP is a triumph of fantastical nonsense over po-faced indie misery…check it out.

CURLY HAIR – “Ivy League” (Toy Soldier) the debut release from the Brighton and London based duo: Curly Hair. The band are currently a 'featured artist' on MySpace along with such artists as Jay-z and Reverend and the Makers, which has gained them much exposure and is perfectly timed as The band’s twee indie-folk is currently the in vogue genre, and the band have been touring widely to build up anticipation.

TERRRORDACTYLS – “Self Titled” (See You) The Terrordactyls are a duo currently enrolled at Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA where they've managed to gain some popularity in the anti-folk movement. Alternating time between studying, recording and touring, The self-titled CD showcases the duo's simple but charming sound complete with toy piano and kazoos. The band are doing a 30 day tour through Europe this fall including a week in the UK – sounds like a must see to us!

Legendary British independent LOCKJAW has three new releases this month. First out of the block are Austrian punks LAW FOUND GUILT with their excellent “Me Decade” cd, which takes influences from the likes of Boys Sets Fire and Snapcase whilst mixing in some sound political social/economic lyrical opinions along the way. Exeter based hardcore act RAT ATTACK meanwhile have a more straight ahead hardcore punk style that echoes the likes of Refused and Comeback Kid and you can hear it being played to full effect on their great “This Is Art” CD EP. Coming from the most unlikely of musical hubs-Romania; GO TO BERLIN are also here with their debut EP for Lockjaw entitled ‘Just A Band’. Five tracks of indie-rock with hooks-a-plenty and enough variation to keep anyone’s attention and prove the future of rock in the old Eastern Bloc is on the up!

As ever time is short but before we sign off, a quick mention for the following excellent Metal albums…

BLOODLINE – “Hate Procession” (Canonical Hours) Swedish cult black metal from members of Shining, Ondskapt and Setherial which is a must for fans of: Burzum, Drudkh and Blut aus Nord.

GONE TIL WINTER’s self titled debut (Headroom) These female fronted Manchester metallers have been have been steadily building a growing and loyal fan base over the last twenty four months via live gigs, local and national radio airplay and press support from the big boys at Kerrang and Big Cheese. A must for fans of similar bands such as Lacuna Coil and Nightwish.

SEVENTH ANGEL The Dust Of Years (Bombworks) Yes you read it right the British thrash legends return with their first full length album in over 15 years. Seventh Angel blessed the UK thrash circuit with several demos before being signed and bringing the world thrash classics “The Torment” and “Lament for the Weary”. After multiple international tours and great album sales worldwide, the band hung it up at the end of 1992 but are back an epic album that melds both doom and thrash in the manner of classic acts like Celtic Frost, , Candlemass, and My Dying Bride,

DARK LAY STILL “Through Hell” (Bombworks) Symphonic black metal anthems flow effortlessly on the debut from this established act from Southern California, Dark Lay Still has been a force in the metal underground for many years now and this latest work is their most mature yet evoking both Dimmu Borgir and older Cradle of Filth.

DARKNESS BEFORE DAWN’s Modern edged black / death anthems melt your face off on their debut “Kings To You” (Bombworks) Hailing from Glendale, Arizona, DBD are no strangers to the extreme underground, having being a consistent force in the Southwest US for several years, and this polished album is up there with recent works from scene leader like Abigail Williams, In Flames, and The Black Dahlia Murder.

See you next month.

 ____________________________________________

All promises by the Met Office for the long fabled BBQ summer have finally been dashed for the month of August – The cricket has been rained off and the Football season hasn’t started so their really is no excuse not to draw the curtains, crank up the heating and peruse our August releases!

The critical gods have ordained that we should start with a quick mention of SWEET BILLY PILGRIM’s fantastic debut album “We Just Did What Happened And No One Came” (Wonderland Avenue). As you may be aware Buckinghamshire’s finest self styled folk-tronica outfit have excitingly been nominated for this year’s Mercury Music prize for their (second) album “Twice Born Men”. With the press plaudits and attention the band have received from the broadsheet papers this week (The Times, Independent, Guardian, Evening Standard Etc) now is definitely the time to be stocking up on this their 2005 Debut album!

VIJAY KISHORE – “13 ROUNDS” – (ABH) meanwhile sees the much acclaimed Birmingham based singer/Songwriter Vijay aiming to build on the critical plaudits he has amassed thus far from the likes of NME, Record Of The Day, The Fly and BBC Radio 2’s Janice Long and BBC Radio WM. Musically “13 Rounds” sees Kishore build on his trademark acoustic sound and songs about love and loss with a host of instrumentation and guest musicians (from cello to sitar) .A more than worthy introduction to the man and his music which should see his stock rise even further… a profile that can only continue to get better with tour dates supporting Scott Matthews this autumn.

Some very strong Metal releases this month…

Kicking off with the mighty BLOODY PANDA and their self styled “most frightening album of the year”, “Summon” (Profound Lore). Fronted by Japanese siren Yoshiko O’Hara’s death defying wails, the horror of Bloody Panda is brought to a new chilling plateau that separates Bloody Panda as its own entity within doom metal. An absolute must for fans of Sunn 0))), Diamanda Galas, YOB, Swans, Asunder, Burning Witch etc, “Summon” comes lovingly packaged a two-disc, CD/DVD release, the DVD being an abstract visual interpretation of the 20-plus minute track “Miserere”. Awesome stuff.

“Evolution: Creatio Ex Nihilio” (Anomalousz) is the much anticipated first full length studio album from the highly touted UK Progressive, Melodic Metal band ENOCHIAN THEORY. For fans of outfits like Opeth, Dream Theatre, Faith No More, Tool, Porcupine Tree, Apocalyptica and Devin Townsend this is an absolute must, as it stands out as one of the strongest progressive rock releases from a UK band in years. With huge press support anticipated from the likes of Metal Hammer, Classic Rock and PowerPlay as well as Radio & Webzine coverage worldwide things are definitely on the up for this band.

Amidst the ocean of droney post-rock, post-hardcore clones, its hard for bands to truly capture the attention, but CITY OF SHIPS album “Look What God Did To Us”( Translation Loss) had us hooked from beginning to end. The band’s hooks, musicianship and general groove evokes, at turns, such diverse greats as Nirvana, Mastodon, Thrice, Deftones, and Planes Mistaken for Stars. Without doubt this one band destined for great things…

“I Woke The Devil” ( A Wolf At Your Door) is the debut full length from London’s SURVIVE ATLANTICA and is the culmination of two years hard work, touring and striving by the band to create an album that mirrored their ‘take no prisoners’ live show. With loud/soft dynamics, razor sharp guitar, pounding drums, rich textures and raw emotions all present and correct we would say they have succeeded and then some….And if you saw them blow You Me At Six off stage recently then you will know what an essential purchase this is!

I don’t think we have ever bigged up an artist for an appearance on Hollyoaks before, but that is the case for pop punks FRIENDS OF KEN whose “Ill Tempo Gigante (Beefson) is one of our key Summer releases. The band have been hard at work recording their debut album since their last two singles both made it into the UK indie chart last year. They have received airplay from Radio One, XFM and Kerrang Radio aswell as having a full UK tour lined up, and of course a guest spot on Cheshire’s favourite Teen soap opera…

Summer is no quiet period for our reissue department, and they have been getting very excited by the ART WOODS QUIET MELON self titled reissue (Lost Moment). For the uninitiated this short lived super group lasted for a few short months in 1969; Formed by Art Wood who recruited the then leaderless fragments of The Small Faces, his little brother Ron, and his mate Rod Stewart. Despite playing a lot of live shows that year this forgotten studio recording is all that remains of the great band that spanned the short transitional period between The Small Faces becoming The Faces. An essential 3 track EP makes a limited return to the racks and is also available as a ltd vinyl release which, on
Either format, is a must for all Small Faces fans and mod collectors.

Also reissued this month is: VILE VINYL VOLUME 1 (Past And Present) A legendary vinyl compilation of Nuggets / Pebbles era Garage stompers appearing on cd for the first time. UP ALL NIGHT (Past And Present) 20 heavy nuggets from the golden age of US hard psych culled from some of the best underground American hard rock albums of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s the proto Metal on display will be of interest to Blue Cheer and Stooges fans. WOMEN BLUE (Past And Present) a new compilation gathering together sixteen beautiful ballads performed by overlooked American female singers of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. WEDNESDAY MORNING DEW (Psychic Circle) A compilation delving into the relatively uncharted waters where American psych and lush orchestration flow seamlessly together, featuring the likes of an ex-member of The Leaves, the lead singer of The Third Bardo doing his solo turn, a song from the man behind The Banana Splits, and an old band mate of a pre-Byrds Chris Hillman.
THE ELECTRIC ASYLUM 3 (Past And Present) is another journey into the vaults bringing back twenty lumps of best cut prime British Freakrock to cd.

With the legendary Pixies still hitting the reunion trail this Autumn it is a great time to have a limited quantity of the rare 1995 double vinyl release from FRANK BLACK “Black Sessions – Live In Paris” (Anoise Annoys) back in stock. In 1995 Frank Black was touring the successful “Teenager of the Year” album and this live album contains an entire nineteen song live set recorded in Paris for the Bernard Lenoir’s radio show. That show covers three sides of this release, the final side being “The Kitchen Tapes”, a small selection of demos recorded by Frank and Pixies guitarist Joey Santiago. Due to demand a small pressing of 1500 vinyl albums were produced and it is a few boxes of those that were discovered in storage recently. THIS RELEASE IS STRICTLY LIMITED TO 200 COPIES SO PLEASE BE QUICK PLACING YOUR ORDER!

This month we are pleased to welcome on board the ‘Expect Candy’ label and hit the ground running with four exceptional releases. First up is VAGUE ANGELS – “Truth Loved”. Fans of Chris Leo’s former projects (The Lapse, Van Pelt, Native Nod) will find much to love in his new project’s debut album, whilst also hearing some traces of Shellac angularity and vintage Sonic Youth in the mix. Boasting a similar vintage in the US underground are MAKE BELIEVE whose self titled first EP is reissued with a previously unavailable bonus song this month. It’s limited to 500 units and is vinyl only. The band feature Tim Kinsella and Sam Zurich of legendary acts Joan Of Arc and Cap’n Jazz. ARMS AND SLEEPERS- “Black Paris 86” is an intriguing mix of Sigur Ros, and Portishead influences hailing from Cambridge. On a mellower note AMANDA ROGERS “Heartwood” is her sixth solo record of trademark modern folk sounds.

On a more Rock And Roll tip we have NEW GENERATION SUPERSTARS – “Raising The Stakes” (Underdog). Following the success of their critically acclaimed debut album “Crash Course in Rock N Roll” and gigs with kindred spirits such as Duff Mckagen, LA Guns, The Wildhearts, and Supersuckers, NGS return with their 2nd album “Raising the Stakes”. The album will be receiving high profile support from magazines like Classic Rock and Radio stations such as BBC6, Kerrang Radio and Total Rock. Coupled with a UK tour and Finnish dates to promote the album it looks like the lads will be earning their next few JD and cokes…

Next up are a couple of bona fide underground Grindcore legends who are getting the deluxe reissue treatment this month…

COITUS - "Fucked Into Oblivion" – (Underground Movement) To mark their 20th anniversary this is a fully remastered, 40 track double disc retrospective cd and is the first time all of the Coitus recordings have ever been available in one package. A must for fans of Discharge, Motorhead, Celtic Frost and Poison Idea. This release is limited to one pressing of 500 copies and is expected to sell out quickly, especially as Coitus has reformed to tour the UK and Ireland for the release of this double cd retrospective.

CRIPPLE BASTARDS – “Age Of Vandalism” – (Selfmadegod). A deluxe 4CD digipack box set featuring remastered versions of all the Cripple Bastards’ tapes released from 1988 to 1993 plus an incredible amount of unreleased tunes drawing the complete history of the Bastards on tape. This will include the four official demos, the split 7” with Violent Headache session (with extra unreleased tracks!), the whole 1988-1991 collection, all side projects, and basically hours of unreleased noise including pre-Cripple Bastards thrash from 1986.

Don’t forget the Punks I hear you cry! As if we would…

Legendary Arizona based Skate Punk pioneers JFA brings you their latest release titled “To All Our Friends”. (DC Jam) This storming live set is their first full length release since 1999 and is now available on vinyl LP to accompany last months cd release. As a long time fan I can assure you that this raging set is the perfect companion piece to the Alternative Tentacles “We Know You Suck” anthology cd.

Definitive early recordings from DC legends GOVERNMENT ISSUE have resurfaced on the “The Punk Remains The Same” 7” (DC Jam). These four powerhouse tracks from the genesis of the band’s long, distinguished career have been much bootlegged on vinyl down the years but these are the definitive official versions of these tracks, and are an absolute must for serious US hardcore collectors…also available on cd with an extra track.

Featuring Sam Williams from Down By Law on guitar, Rob Rampy of D.R.I on drums, Gary Strickland of Hated Youth on Bass, and the snotty vocals of Pink Lincolns front man Chris Barrow the SPEARS are something of a US Punk super group. Debut album “Shove” (Jailhouse) is a startling mix of old school hardcore, and ballsy, in your face punk rock which conjures up memories of the mid/late Eighties ‘pre Nirvana’ US punk scene. Highly recommended this one!

Speaking of the PINK LINCOLNS the legendary Florida punk act have their two seminal albums “Back From The Pink Room” and “Suck And Bloat” reissued this month (Jailhouse Records). The band’s snotty Punk Rock recalls acts like Angry Samoans and Circle Jerks and was highly influential on bands like Screeching Weasel and The Queers. Both albums are remastered with extra tracks and are available on vinyl too.

From the Pacific Northwest, and similarly underrated but influential, are MORAL CRUX who have their self titled album reissued this month (Jailhouse) along with an LP reissue of their later “Pop Culture Assassins” album (Jailhouse). Both have been completely re-mastered and remixed with extra tracks. Another truly great old school US punk act who wore their classic British punk influences (Clash, Generation X, SLF) proudly on their sleeves at a time when it was not at all fashionable, even within Punk circles…

Street Punk fans will be delighted to see the return of the GONADS and their brand new double vinyl album “Live Free, Die Free” (Joe Pogo) which sees them celebrating their 30th year as a band. A must if the likes of The Business, Red Alert or Blitz are your particular cup of Earl Grey!

One of the many NWOBHM bands that never got the mainstream success they deserved were Wakefield’s VARDIS , and their classic third album “Quo Vardis” (Krescendo) finally sees a long overdue first ever CD release this month. Amongst all the NWOBHM had to offer, Steve Zodiac and Vardis were totally unique and this album was regarded by many as a high point of the movement’s recorded output.

Originally released in 1980 “No Prisoners” by OZZ (Krescendo) remains one of the finest undiscovered melodic hard rock albums of that classic era. Now rescued from obscurity for it’s first ever CD reissue, interest is sure to be high amongst collectors of melodic hard rock and AOR.

STRYKEN – “First Strike” (Retroactive) meanwhile is a reissue of a classic long out of print White metal album from 1987 .Now re mastered with 9 previously unreleased bonus tracks the band’s combination of eighties influenced metal and straightforward hard rock is certain to appeal to fans of Stryper, Messiah Prophet, Whitecross, Motley Crue, Kiss etc and is ripe for some critical revaluation.

If it’s all got a bit shouty for you may we sign off by recommending MARTIN LEDNER’s excellent “My Mistress’s Songbook” album. Martin has been recording and performing ‘Folk Music’ since 1974.The songs which make up My Mistress’s Songbook have been well received at live events and on local Kent radio stations. This traditional English folk, played on modern electric instruments and with a contemporary twist, tips a nod to the folk rock albums of the early 1970’s and has sparked an eclectic following ranging from folk purists through to rock fans who may dabble in the odd Richard Thompson or Pentangle cd.

Please remember all the CD’s mentioned can be brought from both our online store and all good music retailers – Please also head for your local retailer if you are after any of our releases on Vinyl.

Thanks for reading and please join us for next month’s update.

 ____________________________________________

Thanks for popping by on yet another hot sunny day, why not pour yourself a long cold one and peruse the Code 7 releases for July…

There is only one place to start and that is with the magnificent new SPECK MOUNTAIN album “Some Sweet Relief” (Carrot Top)
The band’s brooding Americana adds a touch of Velvets class and lazy female vocals to evoke the spirits of such greats as Mazzy Star, Spritualized and Neko Case whilst maintaining its own staunch individuality. Small wonder that the likes of Q, Mojo, Uncut and the Sunday Times have been gushing in their praise of the album in recent weeks. Definitely the album of this summer and one which will feature in many end of year ‘best of’ lists.

The big Metal release for July is of course the amazing new opus “The Great Cessation” (Profound Lore) from YOB. Known as one of the most respected and heaviest bands in doom metal today, Yob are known to create some of the most gargantuan, monstrous, and epic sounds in doom metal and this new album does not dissapoint! . Yob were always considered the heaviest doom metal three-piece ever and now, with their comeback album “The Great Cessation”, YOB have undoubtedly churned out their heaviest and best album in their storied career. If you are a fan of legends such as Sleep, Earth, Swans and early Sabbath you NEED this record in your collection.

BLOODHORSE – Horizoner (Translation Loss) meanwhile is a meticulously crafted thrash/rock crossover offering, Being the band’s proper debut full length and follow up to their jaw dropping Translation Loss debut “EP” release, “Horizoner” echoes both the future and past can be heard within the album with everything from early Metallica, Mastodon, Entombed, Pink Floyd, Hawkwind and Hellhammer popping up in the mix,. Already strong favourites at Rock Sound and Terrorizer this album could be the essential purchase for the more adventurous Metaller this summer.

July sees the return to action of feted Metalcore act HE IS LEGEND with their new album “It Hates You” (Lab Records). A staple of the worldwide underground scene for seven years now, clocking up releases on labels such as Tooth And Nail and Golf Records, aswell as completing high profile UK tours with big boys Norma Jean. HIL have slowly been building up a huge underground reputation which should ensure healthy sales for this new low priced full length.

When POPE released their critically acclaimed debut album in 2006, ‘Grace of God’, it was heralded as a welcome return to the music scene for former guitarist/songwriter Chris Pope and drummer Buddy Ascott of mod punk legends The Chords. For Chords fans it had been a 25 year long wait to hear new material – and after such a long time away it wasn’t surprising to find that the prolific songwriter Pope had a lot to get off his chest. A relatively short three years on since the release of ‘Grace of God’, Pope return with their new album, ‘Tall Tales & Cheap Thrills’(Aspop) , which is released on July 6th. This time featuring Style Council/ Merton Parkas man Mick Talbot on keyboards. The album is full of razor sharp pop and acerbic lyrics in the best Chords tradition. As one press wag recently stated the Mod Revival, Revival starts here!

SIXTY WATT BAYONET‘s debut 7-track mini-album ‘Pounding Hearts, Fighting Words’. (Broken Tail) is quite easily on of the strongest British debuts we have heard for some time. Ignoring the usual Punk clichés the band’s garage stomp coupled with singer Penny’s heart-in-mouth melodies, recalls the riff-driven likes of Death From Above 1979 or Les Savy Fav but with Siouxsie Sioux or Poly Styrene on vocals. Ignore this act at your peril the world will be hearing a lot more of them!

Sharing the same label but with a quieter take on life is the JIM LOCKEY, BRIAN MARWOOD AND THE OXYGEN THIEF with their split album “Exclamation At Asterisk Hash” (Broken Tail). A one-off split EP from three songwriters with different slants on acoustic music, who between them have shared both stages and similar musical plateaus as the likes of Frank Turner, Chris T-T and Billy Bragg. Keep an eye out for all three promising talents…Media sources as disparate as Steve Lamacq, Tiscali, Rock Sound and The Times have already championed these acts in dispatches recently!

The summer is here so it’s the time to crack open the Dub Reggae for your own personal back garden sound systems, and luckily there is a new MAD PROFESSOR collection to help you do just that. Entitled “Audio Illusion Of Dub” (Ariwa) and available on both CD and a lovely ltd dub friendly vinyl pressing, this release encapsulates the mood of this great form of music, taking the nod from the great innovators (King Tubby, Lee Perry, Niney, Bunny Lee, Errol Thompson) but reshaping it with the typically extreme doses of reverb & delays that one would expect form the mighty Prof!!!

Our reissue department has been fit to bursting point this month…Starting with two straight up Blues Rock classics from the swinging Sixties . ALEXIS KORNER “R&b From The Marquee” (Past And Present) was recorded live at f London’s Marquee in 1962 where legendary guitarist Korner was joined by Long John Baldry amongst others to capture a set of a raw, unpretentious British take on American country and electric blues, The album features a blend of originals and covers and ranks amongst the first division of ‘60s British blues recordings. Also out is follow up album “At The Cavern” (Past And Present) which saw Korner and a different band performing live at Liverpool’s famous Cavern Club in 1964. They sound in fine form too with the emphasis still on the blues, emphasised by covers of Hoochie Coochie Man and Whoa, Babe.

Bonafide CD reissues of the rare Proto Hard Rock classics MAY BLITZ – May Blitz (Akarma) and COVEN – “Witchcraft Destroys Minds & Reap Souls” (Akarma) should also have Pysch collectors all in a tizzy.

SPEAKING MY MIND – NEW RUBBLE 2 (Past And Present) Prog/psych is a genre generally neglected by singles collectors as the bands of the time were known mainly for their album output rather than their 45s. This compilation aims to set the record straight by bringing some of the best examples of the genre together for the attention of Psych aficionados.

MODESTY BLAISE – CHEESY POP VOLUME ONE (Past And Present) Killer Mod/freak beat pounding compilation LP with 14 dance floor tracks from the ’60s.Includes Chris Farlow, VIPs, Eyes of Blue, Plastic Penny and many more hundred dollar tracks... Ranging from Mod and R&B movers to out and out freak beat pounders this CD is a corker!

MIND EXPANDERS COMP VOL2 (Past And Present) Volume 2 of the Mindexpanders series brings you more of the rarest, most funky, weird and downright excellent tracks in existence. This album is a must for fans of Vampyros Lesbos and sundry other erotic soundtracks, as well as just general musical weirdness!

SUN RA’s “Live At The Gibus” LP (Universe) meanwhile is a Ltd Vinyl Only reissue from the king of outer space jazz…And speaking of vinyl we also have the West Coast Psychedelic classic MU – “MU” LP (Akarma) on ltd vinyl as well as the following ltd vinyl releases : BODKIN – Bodkin (Akarma) STEAMHAMMER – Reflection (Akarma) and CRESSIDA – Asylum (Akarma)

Don’t forget the Punks I hear you cry – Well NO WORRIES about that this month!

Legendary Arizona based Skate Punk pioneers JFA brings you their latest release titled “To All Our Friends”. (DC Jam) This storming live set is their first full length release since 1999 and will be followed by a vinyl version in August. As a long time fan I can assure you that this raging set is the perfect companion piece to the Alternative Tentacles “We Know You Suck” anthology cd.

Definitive early recordings from DC legends GOVERNMENT ISSUE have resurfaced on the “The Punk Remains The Same” CD (DC Jam). These five powerhouse tracks from the genesis of the band’s long, distinguished career have been much bootlegged on vinyl down the years but these are the definitive official Cd versions of these tracks, and are an absolute must for serious US hardcore collectors…

Fans of later era Dischord band meanwhile will want to check out the TRUSTY “Demo” Cd (DC Jam) – This special 20 year anniversary release chronicles the infamous demos that got Trusty signed to Dischord Records. They went on to release 3 full length records on Dischord before disbanding in 1996. Although those releases were well received, they never really caught the raw talent and power of these original 11 demo tracks. A total must for fans of Dischord’s Nineties wave of excellent post hardcore acts like Bluetip, Hoover and Jawbox.

Punks of a more garagey disposition will be thrilled by the three ELECTRIC FRANKENSTEIN albums on offer this July. To recap EF’s exciting brand of Punk Rock and Roll, done with the great intensity of such bands as The Stooges, MC5, Dead Boys, NY Dolls, Damned, Black Flag, Misfits, AC/DC, Kiss, Cheap Trick, and Aerosmith has been released on over 40 of the world's best indie record labels (Sub Pop, Man's Ruin, Estrus, Get Hip, Victory, Augogo, TKO, Junk, etc.) and much of the EF catalogue will now be remastered and reissued during 2009 and 2010. The first trio of this vast catalogue are “The Time Is Now”, “Sick Songs” and “Conquers The World” all coming with bonus tracks, videos and added sleeve notes. (All on Zodiac Killer).

Legendary scatological scuzzball GG ALLIN has his “GG Allin and the South Carolina Shitkickers” repressed on a very ltd (1000 Blood Red Vinyl) 7” single this month. These live recordings were captured in ’93 just 11 days before his death. Having been out of print for a decade we suggest you snaffle one of these up pronto!

Having just toured the UK to some acclaim it’s nice to report some new SUPERSUCKERS material on their split 10” EP with HOOKED ON SPEED. Bizarrely given the weather it’s a split 10” “Christmas EP” (Zodiac Killer). Still the stunningly beautiful 10” gatefold package is a must have at any time of year. The vinyl is a brilliant red & green split. And besides it’s never too early to celebrate the holidays with the mighty ‘Suckers!

MINUS ONE “The Kids Don’t Skate Here” (DC Jam) Credited along with legends like JFA and Big Boys as originating the “Skate Punk” genre in the early 80’s. Their Inclusion on the 1983 Thrasher Magazine compilation, “Skate Rock Vol.1” cemented that reputation and this re-issue of their long out of print debut album is well worth picking up.

As usual the latest offering from the Deranged label is truly top notch. Hailing from Vancouver Canada TRANZMITORS play UK influenced power pop in the vain of the Boys, Buzzcocks, Exploding Hearts and Briefs. This LP compiles all the tracks from their four 7” singles, which are all sold out and out of press, plus one really excellent bonus track. Having just played this LP I for one am gutted not to have caught them live when they played in the UK last year!

Not picked up a Punk comp for a while? - You could do a whole lot worse than the DC JAM SKATE ROCK VOLUME ONE Double CD ( DC Jam). Fifty-two songs, from 30 bands, on two discs. This all-star skate friendly roster includes: JFA, GOVERNMENT ISSUE, THE BIG BOYS, SWINGIN’ UTTERS, FISHBONE, DWARVES, MINUS-ONE, TRUSTY and more for a single price. So grab yer trusty deck and ride on down to the store!!!

Ever present British indie Lockjaw has two releases this month. First up we have
PERRY LANE SECT’s album “Everyone Hates The Perry Lane Sect” Despite being a band that have no rigidly defined rules or genres and are content to jam things out until dawn. EHPL have built up a cult following in London and the South East. Find out why on this their debut album. TRYANGLE meanwhile are a 3 piece Portuguese band who after six years finally get to release their debut al bum “Tryangle” The result is a sound firmly rooted in prog rock territory without sounding at all dated...

Two Metal Reissues of note for this month are the second AVENGER
Album “Killer Elite” (Krescendo) and TYSONDOG’s second album “Crimes Of Insanity” (Krescendo). Whilst not as legendary as either band’s debut albums – which were both reissued last month - these follow ups from the Neat Records vaults are appearing on cd for the first ever time and will be highly prized amongst NWOBHM collectors.

IT – Departure ( Sonic Vista ) –Based both in London England and Sault Ste. Marie Canada, IT is part of a new movement in Progressive Rock that includes such bands as Porcupine Tree and Nine Inch Nails. With this release and forthcoming European tour the band’s take on classic rock will see their profile rise and rise…

CRAZY ARM – Broken By The Wheel 7” . (Seven Inch Records) Hailing from Plymouth Crazy Arm, is the versatile, roots-punk lovechild that arose from two popular city bands, No Comply and The Once Over Twice Pitched between the dark twang of 16 Horsepower, the punk thrust of Fugazi and Hot Water Music, the crunchy pop of Ted Leo and the protest songs of Dick Gaughan, the band have developed a aggressive style, shot through with a healthy dose of grass-roots politics. They rely chiefly on folk/country open tunings and slide guitars to evoke moods that are at odds punk clichés…A really good little single this one…

Street and Garage Punk heads should check out the range of ZODIAC KILLER releases – The albums from ESE, FAST BOYS, DISGUSTER, HOLLEY 7570, HITCHIKERS and THE RETICENTS are all worth a listen – But if money is tight then the superb 32 track label sampler “DRINK, FIGHT, FUCK VOL 3” will give you the incentive to find some extra cash for purchasing them all!!!.

We are now running out of space as usual but please don’t forget the divine Prog of the DIVINE BAZE ORCHESTRA’s album “Once We Were Born” (Transubstans) , BARR’s acid folk classic “Skogsbo Is The Place” ( Transubstans) or indeed the face shredding grind core of the SYLVESTER STALINE/ F.U.B.A.R split album (Bones Brigade).

Please remember all the CD’s mentioned can be brought from both our online store and all good music retailers both physical stores and leading online stores.– Please also head for your local retailer if you are after any of our releases on Vinyl.
Thanks for reading and please join us for next month’s update.

 ____________________________________________

Hello And Welcome To The Code 7 Website For June 2009. Wot! Not sitting in the blazing summer sun- shame on you, but a wise choice indeed as you may miss these little pieces of aural delights that just may well be the soundtrack to your summer. Now buckle yourself in and read on......

One of the most legendary and most respected acts that have emerged from the San Francisco underground scene over the last decade or so are AMBER ASYLUM and their new album “Bitter River” (Profound Lore) could well be their best release yet. As hard to pinpoint sonically as ever but if one takes on board hints of other genre defying acts that band mastermind Kris Force has been involved with such as Neurosis, Swans, Today Is The Day and Sol Invictus and merges them with a new broader sound scape including touches of Angelo Badalamenti, Ennio Morricone, Coil and Sunn 0))) , you will at least be in the right ball park. A truly superb challenging piece of work.

In more familiar industrial environs, you will find the sixth PIGFACE album cunningly entitled “6” (Full Effect), wherein Pigface regulars Martin Atkins (PIL, Killing Joke, Ministry, Damage Manual) and Chris Connelly (Revolting Cocks) are joined by members of My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult, Sheep on Drugs, Atari Teenage Riot and Attrition amongst others to create a truly stunning wall of sound and challenging noise.

Rock’s new renaissance men THE TREAT return with their ambitious third album “Audio Verite/Deceptive Blends” (Rockular Recordings Ltd). A double cd set that brings us a ‘new world record’ for our times …With strong press support from the likes of Classic Rock, Prog, MOJO, Q, Uncut, The Word, Rock’n’Reel, Powerplay, Blues Matters and Shindig, and some festival appearances for The Treat to play in the UK over the summer, things are really happening for the band. Whether your taste is for new hard rock bands such as Black Stone Cherry and Alter Bridge, new progressive bands such as, Porcupine Tree and Panic Room or even older classic rock artists such as The Black Crowes and Free, you will find much to enjoy within this album.

The Code 7 Reissue Department is going into overdrive this month after putting the final titles from the mighty ARIWA label’s back catalogue into our catalogue. For the uninitiated this long running UK based reggae label boasts 200 classic reggae titles from the truly legendary likes of LEE SCRATCH PERRY, MAD PROFESOR, YABBY YOU, and HORACE ANDY. Please follow the link to the right on this page for more in depth details on all the label’s titles.

Psychedelia enthusiasts will be delighted to hear about the first legitimate reissue of ILL WIND’s legendary “Flashes” (Sunbeam) Mixing taut acid rock with gorgeous ballads, Flashes is regarded as one of the key artefacts of US psychedelia. Originally issued in the summer of 1968, and much bootlegged since, this is its first proper reissue, prepared with the Boston band’s full participation. The original album is accompanied by a second disc containing superb contemporary bonus material, as well as a beautiful booklet compiled by the band’s founder Ken Frankel. Psych collectors will also be delighted to hear about the two CAROLYN HESTER COALITION albums we have this month ; “Self Titled” and “Magazine” (Both Sunbeam). Though she’s best-known for her prominent role in the folk boom that swept America in the early 1960s, Carolyn Hester and her band also recorded two superb albums of psychedelic folk-rock in 1969. These are their first authorised reissues, produced with Carolyn’s full participation. Both come complete with booklets detailing the band’s history and featuring rare photographs. A must for all fans of high-class US psychedelia.

A quality compilation of British bands from the original Psych era is ELECTRIC ASYLUM VOLUME 2 (Psychic Circle) which features twenty tracks of obscure British psychedelic freak rock from the late 60’s and early 70’s most of which have never seen the light of day since their release nearly forty years ago.

On the vinyl front we have a strictly limited vinyl LP from the beyond legendary Seattle proto Garage Punks the SONICS , entitled “Sinderella” and featuring legendary tracks such as “Boss Hoss”,“He’s Waitin” and “Sinderella”. Sure there is a lot of the band’s material available on cd but this stuff needs to be heard on vinyl to capture the band’s full filth and fury. Grab it whilst you can!

Chilling out momentarily we find JEEPSTER “What If All The Rebels Died” (Distille). The story here is that ex-members of acclaimed US indie act O! the Joy, moved to San Francisco, picked up a new singer and tracks were laid down for this album at a at a friend's empty cabin in the woods near Lake Tahoe. The band - whose sound is reminiscent of late-career Camper Van Beethoven and a decaffeinated Tom Waits – have come up trumps and hit the UK in October 09.

KELLY 8 The Union (Bombworks) second full-length from this Swedish post-hardcore band. Whilst the emo tag will remain firmly attached to the band their sound is superbly rhythmic in places, bringing to mind bands like The Jesus Lizard or Helmet. The band would have fitted in the early 90’s ranks of labels like Dischord and Touch And Go for sure!.

HEY TONAL “Hey!Tonal” (Africantape) is an experimental band comprising
Members of Sweep The Leg Johnny, Joan of Arc and Maps And Atlases – As comes to be expected with this label the band play excellent experimental math rock recommended for fans of Tortoise, Rodan, June Of 44 etc.

Brighton quartet THE AUTEUR play uplifting, quirky pop-rock that is undeniably English on their “Nightcap” EP (Lab). The Ep includes debut single ‘Hey! Watch This”. The band support this release with a May tour alongside two of the UK’s other most promising young talents, Lights & Sounds and Out Of Sight - before featuring on the UK Now stage of the Slam Dunk Festival in Leeds, and then a twelve-date July tour with label mates MiMi Soya.

It’s a strong month for Metal reissues. Starting with the glory days of NWOBHM in full focus with two albums “Wild Horses” and “Stand Your Ground” from NWOBHM super group WILD HORSES (Krescendo). Put together by Rainbow’s Jimmy Bain and Thin Lizzy’s Brian Robertson the band were quite the hype in the Rock press at the time, but their deserved success never arrived and the band folded in 1981 when Robertson went off to join the mighty Motorhead. Still we have these albums to remember them by and both are fully remastered with extra live tracks and full sleeve notes.

Moving along a few years and up the coast to Geordie label Neat records you would have found the debut album from AVENGER “Blood Sports” (Krescendo) which is now coming out on CD for the first time ever. Typifing the second generation NWOBH sound in a way few other releases of the time managed ‘Blood Sports’ is big on riffs and no small amount of ingenuity and should have brought the band more success. Similarly big things were expected of fellow Tynesiders TYSONDOG and listening to the cd reissue of “Beware Of The Dog” (Krescendo) it is hard to see why they didn’t follow their obvious inspirations Judas Priest into the American arenas of the Midwest. Still with this being both the albums first time on CD ever, and the 30th anniversary year of the NWOBHM it should get some “lost classic” reviews from the Metal press!

JERUSALEM – Jerusalem (Rockadrome) is the first official reissue of this infamous metallic heavy rock album from 1972 produced by Deep Purple's legendary front-man, Ian Gillan. Often touted as the missing link between the Seventies rock gods and the NWOBHM the lp was originally released on the UK Deram/Decca label, it is now a favourite among vinyl collectors. The cd is taken from the original master tapes and also features pre-album demos, alternate mixes and single tracks along with a luscious 20-page colour booklet.

WINTERHAWK – Revival (Rockadrome) is the first reissue of an all-time classic collectable private press hard rock guitar album from 1982 featuring local Chicago area guitar hero Jordan Macarus. If you love the classic hard rock lead guitar action of the 70s then do yourself a huge favour and grab this thing immediately. CD includes expanded 12-page booklet.

IRON CLAW – Iron Claw (Rockadrome) is the first official release of early 70s Scottish underground heavy rock recordings from this group who stomped around the UK with legends like Black Sabbath and Pink Fairies but never released a proper album. This collection of sixteen original studio recordings documents their existence from 1970 thru 1974 and features a wonderful 16-page booklet .

Moving forward thirty years to the BILLYLEE JAYNEE BAND – What’s Your Trick ( Rockadrome) is a classic hard rock and funky blues album filled with tough ballsy guitar licks which should appeal to fans of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Eric Johnson, Pat Travers, Walter Trout, Santana Etc.

GAIA EPICUS – Satrap (Epicus) – This 2003 melodic power metal classic has a welcome CD re-release. Highly acclaimed at the time of release this album has become a very collectable but hard to find cd. Featuring Morty Black (TNT).

Moving away from the Metal C7 is proud to welcome abroad new label SABOTAGE and its roster…

Two albums from AUSTIN LUCAS are the undoubted highlight. First album “Common Cold” (Sabotage) combines the best from generations of American roots music, and picked up a diverse audience of both No Depression era country fans and those who follow more fashionable lo-fi acoustic indie acts. "Putting The Hammer Down" (Sabotage) is Austin's second Album. On it, you'll find eight songs exploring the rich heritage and tradition of great American country and folk music past, rounded out by a strong DIY Punk ethic. Austin has toured with the likes of Tim Barry and Josh Small and his newest record ''Somebody loves you'' entered the country billboard charts in the U.S.A , making these two albums a must listen, and attendance at his UK tour this September compulsory.

Also recommended on the label is AUTISTIC YOUTH’s “Landmine Beach” LP (Sabotage) Hailing from Portland, Oregon and heavily influenced by classic 80's bands like the Wipers or Adolescents aswell as more recent outfits like The Observers or Exploding Hearts and on this LP they deliver 11 songs of anthemic and heartfelt punk rock that will make you do dance the pogo!

If any of the above float yer boat then may we also cheekily recommend the JASON WELT album “The Shop Tapes” (Cider City). Punk fans may remember Jason fronting So Cal Punk outfit Welt, but this release sees their front man moving away from their Descendents flavoured Cali-Punk to more darker, acoustic waters somewhat akin to the sound pedalled by fellow ‘country punks’ like Tim Barry and Drag The River. .

Punkers looking for more traditional fayre are redirected to the excellent self titled debut album from LUCAGHORS. Fronted by WWE wrestler Amy Dumas , the band’s fierce female fronted Punk conjures up legends like X-Ray Spex and the Avengers. Buy the album and you will ensure that you are down the front and stage centre when the band tour the UK this summer.

Raging out of the starting blocks like the offspring of Tragedy and Kid Dynamite come DAY OF THE DEAD and their blistering “Perspectives” (Anchors Aweigh) which is one of the best Punk / Hardcore titles we have heard for aeons – Fans of labels like Bridge Nine and (early) Revelation need to hear this record !

June sees three new releases from the always strong UK independent LOCKJAW. KLAY “Maps Of Rebellion” is the band’s second album and features ten track of progressive punk recalling the epic likes of Sigur Ros and Ocean Size. Hailing from the really strong South West music scene are SWIM TEAM and their “Make Notes Have Plans” album which is an excellent ambitious piece of work – prompting more than one reviewer to compare them with Minus The Bear. Rounding the month off for the label is the New Found Glory-esque debut album from Hungarian pop punk outfit FALCONGATE “Disappear Here”.

We are running out of space now but some METAL releases that should not be overlooked are…

Hardworking Brummie Metalcore act ALL HAIL THE RUIN “Portraits” (Glassstone) release a strong second album that is highly recommended for fans of: Norma Jean, Dillinger Escape Plan, Lamb of God, and Misery Signals
DISTANCE IN EMBRACE “To Hell With Honesty” (Mother Should Know) is the third album from this very eclectic Germane band who incorporate a multitude of genres including thrash, hardcore, progressive and emo into the mix that shouldn’t work, but really does. The Album has the added bonus of coming with a DVD which contains live footage and video diaries, housed in a double CD jewel case with a lovely card sleeve
Black Metal collectors will be ecstatic by the long overdue CD release of
RAVEN “The Murder Sessions” (De Tenebrarum Principio). Recorded in 1993 but never released on CD before these recordings are a piece of history of True Norwegian Black Metal, involving Rune Vedda, who went on to become a member of the mighty Forgotten Woods.
THE STONE “Umro” (Folter) is the best album so far by Serbia's most impressive and well known Black Metal band, and has received unlikely support from Kerrang in the last couple of weeks…
BLOODLINE SEVERED – “Visions Revealed” (Bombworks) Face melting progressive modern metal is the modus operandi of Bloodline Severed. Coming to us from North Carolina, Bloodline Severed evoke classic In Flames and At The Gates in their well worked sound.
IN GRIEF – “Deserted Soul” (Bombworks) Hailing from the frigid north of Norway and upon influences like Opeth and Amon Ammarth In Grief conjure up a fresh, unique sound for the extreme metal movement.
DAGON “Terraphobic” (Bombworks) Hailing from Lansing, Michigan, The band draws influences from bands such as Dark Tranquility, Iron Maiden, Hypocrisy and Slayer.
LAMENT – “Through the Reflection” (Bombworks) A progressive death metal reissue is the order of the day from Lament who have long been stalwarts of the Mexican metal underground.

Thanks for reading and please join us for next month’s update. Enjoy the weather!

 ____________________________________________

CODE 7 – WEBSITE INTRO – MAY 2009.

It’s going to be a hot summer (so they say) if the Swine flu don’t get you first- but if we all survive then celebrate – no treat yourself to this fine selection of the best new music around..

Starting off on a poignant yet celebratory note Code 7 are proud to be distributing the MOB RESEARCH album “Holy City Zoo” (Bob Media –Echozone). For the uninitiated Mob Research is closely connected with the tragic death of bassist Paul Raven (Killing Joke, Prong, Ministry) who founded the band together with Mark Gemini Thwaite (The Mission, Peter Murphy) in 2007. Warrior Soul front man Kory Clarke and ex-Queens Of The Stone Age drummer Nick Lucero completed the line-up. Shortly after finishing the recordings for this album Paul Raven sadly died, so the completion of the album was delayed until 2009. The songs of the album are in the sonic area between Ministry and Killing Joke but gaining in particular by Kory Clarke’s snotty voice and Mark G. Thwaites’ intense guitar work – Killing Joke and Ministry fans as well as more adventurous Metal fans need to investigate this record!.

The U.S rock undergrounds best kept secret SLOUGH FEG – “Ape Uprising” (Cruz Del Sur Music ) release their eighth full-length studio album one of the most influential bands for a new young generation of true metallers – especially those who caught the band supporting The Sword in 2008. A Perfectly timed release with the recent US explosion of Stoner /Doom/Proto-Metal bands. “ The moment you discover this lost gem of a band is almost like an initiation into the realm of arcane metal” Kerrang!

Hot on the heels of the well received Sonic Boom Six album, the Rebel Alliance label quickly has another British Punk masterpiece on its hands with the new MOUTHWASH album “True Stories”. The London band’s streetwise Punk originally brought Mouthwash prominence as one of the first UK punk bands to sign to the infamous Rancid owned Hellcat Records. Several years on and the band march proudly on with this stunning album and a support shows tour with The King Blues this April and May. Punk collectors should note the strictly limited edition of 500 copies with an 8 track free bonus disc.

Moving across the Atlantic, but staying true to the Punk spirit, we find the debut album from SAINT ALVIA – “The Saint Alvia Cartel” (Gunner). Hailing from Ontario these guys include members of Boys Night Out, Jersey, The Video Dead, and hardcore legends Grade. With their roots firmly planted in punk-rock, the band also draws inspiration from roots, rock and roll, blues, soul, dancehall reggae, country, new wave and hip hop. The band have toured at home with like minded bands such as The Gaslight Anthem, Against me!, and Rancid , and are also threatening a UK tour this November. One listen to this stunning album and you will be starting an early queue for tickets, believe us!

Fans of Nightwish and Lacuna Coil should by now be aware of their contemporaries THE BIRTHDAY MASSACRE who’s “Show And Tell” album (Repo) is a stunning live collection that will add another dimension to their already burgeoning reputation. In addition to being essential listening for current fans, this album is also a great introduction to the music of The Birthday Massacre for those who have read the sterling press support the band have received from the worldwide rock media. They also have an extensive European Tour starting in July 2009 which includes many UK Dates, so check them out.

At the Heaviest end of the spectrum is the CULVER / SEPPUKU spilt album “Dedicated To Soledad Miranda” (At War With False Noise) which is the first time on CD for two of the UK’s most notorious underground acts... Culver contribute one track of long heavy drone, whilst Seppuku have two tracks recorded live: one a drawn-out heavy doom track in the vein of Corrupted/SunnO)), and the other a live studio recording of harsh power electronics, bringing to mind old noise bands like Whitehouse. The release is highly recommended release for fans of Sunn0)), Khanate, Boris, Corrupted, Wolf Eyes and Burning Witch.

Over to our reissue department, and the expanded, definitive version of ANDWELLAS DREAM’s seminal “Love And Poetry” album (Sunbeam) This quintessential British psychedelic classic recorded in the summer of 1969, has been out briefly before, but this version has been produced with the full involvement of the band’s leader David Lewis (who also contributes detailed sleeve notes) for the first time, and now comes complete with all their non-album 45s, other bonus tracks and rare photographs, making it the most comprehensive edition of this legendary album ever assembled. Available as either a single cd or deluxe double LP package.

This month’s Bevis Frond compiled compilation is entitled “WE ALL LOVE THE HUMAN RACE” (Psychic Circle) and features 20 previously uncompiled tracks of a popsike nature gathered from the UK and Europe, including rare tracks from Dave Berry and Wayne Fontana amongst others…

OPIUM CARTELs’ “Night Blooms” (Termo) is an international project from one of Scandinavia’s leading figures on the modern prog / art rock scene Norwegian songwriter/guitarist Jacob Holm-Lupo (White Willow). An album
featuring past and present members of Weezer, Todd Rundgren, Jaga Jazzist, No-Man, Anekdoten, White Willow, and Wobbler. A delicate mixture of indie pop and psych-folk bringing to mind both Fairport Convention and King Crimson at their very best.

Hot on the heels of stunning support shows with Fu Manchu last year are
TRUCKFIGHTERS and their excellent third album “Mania” (Fuzzorama). Coming snarling out of the traps like the bastard child of QOTSA and Wolfmother these boys have popped up from leftfield to deliver one of the year’s best Rock albums. The band are highly deserving of the Press plaudits currently coming their way and are definitely ones to watch for the future.

Fans of more traditional Hard Rock fair should head for one of the freshest sounding Rock bands to come out in the last 20 years. Scorching vocals, killer riffs and searing guitar solos, reminiscent of Zeppelin and Aerosmith at their peak, are the hallmarks of LIVID whose debut album “One” (Lost Lady) lands this month. Future Download headliners? Grab a cd and watch this space…

Meanwhile leading UK Psychobilly act the COFFIN NAILS return with their Eighth studio album “The Dead Don’t Get Older” (Greystone) to show young whippersnappers like Tiger Army and Nekromantix how this style of music is supposed to be performed.

West Midlands based four-piece SUBKICKS, were formed from the ashes of indie label darlings Exist and are finally releasing their debut album proper “Three, Fives And Sevens” (SNS) this May. The album overflows with classic guitar riffs and stadium rock choruses which should expand their status as Midlands’ legends to a larger, more nationwide audience.
Some strong Metal releases this month from faces both new and old…

SERPICO “Neon Wasteland” (We Say So) is the eagerly awaited full length debut from these rising Scots punk-metallers. With their eponymous EP having launching them onto the national stage with tremendous press support from the likes of Kerrang and Metal Hammer and, plus support slots with acts like AFI and Aiden this could be their time.

CRESCENT SHIELD – “The Stars Of Never Seen” (Cruz Del Sur Music) The overwhelmingly positive response to their debut album “The Last of my Kind” by both fans and the global metal press, truly energized the band knowing there was still an audience of passionate metalheads that appreciated new melodic heavy metal in the style and spirit of 80s legends like Mercyful Fate, Manowar, Fates Warning, Priest and Maiden. The passion carried over into the recording of this second album which should now be top of the shopping lists of any classic Metal fans looking for new heroes.

DECADENZE – “Beyond Obsession” – (Rocksector Records) – is a debut album from a seasoned live act featuring 5 glam-influenced young rockers who have tour dates in May and June including five gigs as support with former Iron Maiden /Wolfsbane front man Blaze Bayley.

Now if things have all got a bit bit shouty for you, may we gently nudge you towards a nice glass of red wine and the excellent second album from EDDIE HALLIDAY “Replaced By These Colours” (Naked Tree). Brand new lo-fi indie folk/pop album from this talented British songwriter. Recommended for fans of both Nick Drake and Iron And Wine.

And what about the Punks I hear you cry !

As if we would forget… First up is the fantastic GRACE WILL FALL and their second album titled cunningly “Second Album”(Glasstone) This Swedish hardcore act have played shows with Cult of Luna and In Flames, but their sound is more akin to such legends as Dillinger Escape Plan, Clutch and Norma Jean. Pick up this fiery album and check out their UK tour in June.

MIS EN SCENE – “Wild As Angels” (Pumpkin) is 14 tracks of excellent ska punk in the vein of The Filaments, Rancid and Leftover Crack. A real refreshing mix of Ska, Punk And Reggae to shake up that stagnant scene.

Similarly the UPGRADES album “Take A Risk” (So You Wanna Play) A well-oiled ska-punk-machine from Dublin, Ireland who have successfully fused modern day influences with reggae rhythms and punchy beats. Having already played as the opening act on the Irish date of the 2006 “Taste of Chaos Tour", and support slots with Bedouin Soundclash, Neville Staples and The Beat. With the release of this debut and a Summer Tour across the UK and Ireland, The Upgrades are quickly making 2009 their year.

Fans of old school US Punk will not be disappointed by the new RF7 album “Hatred On The Rise” (Just 4 Fun) which sees the LA Hardcore veterans kicking up a racket which fans of the bands peers such as Circle Jerks and Bad Religion will absolutely lap up.

Three new releases from UK label Lockjaw this month: THE FIRST “Land And Sea” These Cambridge boys are following in the footsteps of label mates The Mono Effect and are hoping to make as much of an impact. SWIM TEAM “Make Notes Have Plans” are a four piece act from the Southwest listing r influences like Arcade Fire and Minus The Bear. IGUT “Eternities” is a full on debut from this Croatian act who draw upon their varied influences such as Converge, Opeth, Mastodon, Neurosis, Descendents and Johnny Cash to create a dark wall of intense negativity and strength…good stuff.

Finally to finish we will quickly highlight new label signing “At War With False Noise” – Their roster is not for the faint hearted covering as it does Black metal, doom metal, avant noise, Drone and shoegazing but the likes of MIKE PAGE, SLOTH, MARZURAAN and LOCRIANI should be investigated by anyone interested in Rock’s more avant garde spaces and spectrums.

Please remember all the CD’s mentioned can be brought from both our online store and all good music retailers – Please also head for your local retailer if you are after any of our releases on vinyl . Support them, don’t ignore them.

Thanks for reading and please join us for next month’s update.

 ____________________________________________

CODE 7 MUSIC – WEBSITE UPDATE – APRIL 2009.

Welcome to glorious British Summer Time...
There is only one place to start and that is with the CARBON/SILICON catalogue. To recap this is the band Mick Jones (Clash/Bad) and Tony James (Generation X) put together a few years back to great critical acclaim and we are proud to not only be making their great debut album “The Last Post” available once again but to also put the “Carbon Casino” live album on general release for the first time – this cd was previously only available from the Carbon/Silicon website - this live album is the result of seven successive and incredible Friday nights in Feb/March 2008 the band spent under The Westway in London, when The Inn On The Green became The Carbon Casino. With impromptu appearances from Rhys Ifans, John Cooper Clarke, James Dean Bradfield, Topper Headon, Glenn Matlock, The Alabama Three, Pete Wylie, and many more, this is way beyond the tedium of your average live album.

In a truly exciting April, we also celebrate the arrival of the ARIWA label at Code 7 by making ten of their best selling releases available again this month.

These 10 releases represent a thrilling journey through one of the finest and wide ranging catalogues in Reggae. Starting with the classic UK Dub styling’s of the MAD PROFESSOR on his classic sets “Dubs That Time Forgot”, Beyond The Realms Of Dub”,“Ariwa Sounds”(with Jah Shaka ), “Experiments Of The Aural Kind” and “Dub You Crazy 2007” . Carrying on through to Jamaican legend’s MAX ROMEO “Pocomania Songs” and SUSAN CADOGAN “2 Sides Of Susan” wherein both singers defiantly still come up with the roots goods on their latest albums. Before Contemporary British acts JOE ARIWA “Dub Tech Dub” and the RASITIES “Sex Violence And Drugs” bring things full circle back to the streets of the UK in 2009.

Please keep your eyes glued to these updates, or click on the ARIWA link above to see more of this heavyweight Reggae catalogue being added to our roster…

One of the UK’s most respected Punk outfits SONIC BOOM SIX return this month with their much anticipated third album “City Of Thieves” (Rebel Alliance). On this album SB6’s eclectic punk soundclash follows the concept of a collection of songs that explore and examine life in a large UK city. From crass consumerism to traffic congestion, lawless youth culture to homelessness, binge drinking to street violence, built on the bedrock of the band’s unique ska-core/hip-hop/jungle hybrid but (in keeping with their original ethos of expanding the boundaries of what a punk band can be) adds dubstep, electro and dub to the mix, all the while retaining the snarling live edge honed by recent tours with acts such as Reel Big Fish, Bad Brains, Less Than Jake, The Beat, Voodoo Glow Skulls and King Blues to name but a few…

An album that is an absolute must for fans of quintessentially British protest singers such as Joe Strummer, Billy Bragg and John Cooper Clarke is JON BYRNE’s “It’s Boring Being In Control” (Militant Entertainment). Rather tellingly this guy’s talent was spotted by Clash man Mick Jones whilst busking on Portobello Road. Jones was so impressed that he booked Jon on the spot for his Carbon Casino bash that night. That went so well that he returned for every subsequent Carbon Casino. Following the linage from the blues through to Woody Guthrie, the protest music of the ‘60s, the spirit of punk and the Specials ‘Ghost Town’, Jon Byrne is out of the blocks with the soundtrack for today’s deepening recession. This album is loaded with his ‘finger on the trigger’ social commentary and is a truly great record that must be heard.

The big Metal release for April is undoubtedly the I REPRESS album “Sol Eye Sea I” (Translation Loss) an awe-inspiring result of true musical pioneers carving out a path of originality from their diverse palette of influences. IRepress’ varied influences see them move in similar musical territory to acts like The Mars Volta, Tool, Battles, Meshuggah and Explosions In The Sky whilst expanding their own niche in the world arena of progressive music. Without a doubt one of the most original and experimental Rock albums of this, or any other year.

Moving in similar, if heavier, experimental environs we can find the debut cd by BATTLEFIELDS “Thresholds Of Imbalance” (Translation Loss) Hailing from the depths of Minnesota and Fargo-North Dakota, the bands brutal hardcore-infused-doom metal has been hailed as the missing link between Isis and Converge by many in the US Metal scene and the band are definitely ones to watch in 2009.

The most promising Metal band in Ireland today ALTAR OF PLAGUES enter the fray with their full length debut “White Tomb” (Profound Lore) and in doing so justify the hype they have received as one of the most exceptional acts to combine the likes of black metal, post rock, and ambient industrial in recent times. Seriously fans of Isis, Old Man Gloom, Burning Witch and Mogwai Etc
should check this baby out at their earliest convenience – On a recent UK tour with the legendary Mayhem, Altar Of Plagues were said to upstage the Norwegian legends on pretty much every night of the tour, which we think says it all…

Roots music afficiandos will be delighted to see the first ever DVD release of the HANK WILLIAMS “I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive” movie (Urban Misfits). Directors Wolfgang Büld ( “Punk In London”) and Olaf Kraemer worked together to make this intense portrait of seminal Country legend Hank Williams - Filmed on the dusty roads and hometowns of Alabama, searching for Williams’ stations of life, his career, his unforgettable music, his success and his private problems with drugs and alcohol up to William’s tragic death in 1953. Interviews with old companions, friends, band and family members (including: Willie Nelson, Bill Monroe and Hank Williams Jr) coupled with a knowledgeable commentary from Dave Allen (The Blasters) and some classic music from Hank Williams sr. make this documentary a “must see” movie.

Moving to the leftfield London outfit GERTRUDE release their self- produced 3rd album “Speak, Shape, Create Time” (Urban Misfits). As always the band are hard to classify but a close listen reveals hints of Raincoats, The Slits, Sonic Youth, Hawkwind, Shellac, Ani Difranco, and even Crass in their sound amongst the clever tempo changes, strings, scratchy agit pop, and positive gender politics. Great stuff.

Similarly hard to classify (and that is a good thing!) is “Oh My Satan” the second album from PASSE MONTAGNE (Africantape) whilst their their previous output was often compared to the post-rock likes of Shellac and Don Caballero, this new lp sounds closer to Led Zeppelin if fronted by a neurotic Jimmy Page, or the deranged yet exhilarating blues of The Magic Band in full flight. Highly recommended for fans of Oxes and Deerhoff.

Also on a post rock kind of tip we have the exclusive 10” vinyl release for the extremely popular “See You in Another City” mini album from BLAKFISH (Richter Collective) Continued exposure in NME, Rocksound, Kerrang etc and constant UK touring has seen the bands Might Of Princes and Fall of Troy influenced post hardcore reaching large new audiences over the last year.

And if you like that, then why not pick up a copy of the ENEMIES “Bits Of Parrots / Feed Me Seedless”7” (Richter Collective). Enemies are one of the newest additions to the label and this 7” is the latest release from the Wicklow based four piece, two previously unreleased tracks which include a free live performance of the two tracks on the accompanying free DVD. Recommended for fans of Cap 'n Jazz and Redneck Manifesto.

Two releases that Prog Rock lovers should check out this spring. First up is WOBBLER’s much anticipated sophomore release “Afterglow” (Termo Records) Retro-styled symphonic progressive rock in the classic style of Yes, Genesis, Gentle Giant, Gryphon and King Crimson, brimming with mellotrons, mini-moog and with an authentic 70’s style production. Their first album sold 10.000 copies making. “Afterglow” the most anticipated prog release of 2009.

Also highly recommended to both Prog and Psych fans is the first ever release of 'Thirty Three' from RED SQUARE (Fmr), a remarkable, pioneering British avant-rock group which formed in 1972 and originally broke up in 1978. The material on 'Thirty Three' was recorded between those years, but was considered too extreme for release at the time. Despite the support of the NME amongst others the band split in 1978. Belated interest from magazines such as The Wire should see some healthy new interest in this curio for sure…

Our reissue department brimmeth over this month with the newly acquired Past And Present label’s catalogue. Specializing in leftfield recordings from the Sixties, all the labels compilations are re-mastered with excellent liner notes and rare photos. Whether your taste is US Punk / Psych:
OFF THE WALL VOLUMES 1 &2, PUT YOUR ALBUM TITLE HERE, ACID DREAMS TESTAMENT and ACID DREAMS EPITAPH. UK Psych: ELECTRIC ASYLUM and PAINTING THE TIME. Sixties Pop: UTOPIA DAYDREAM RUBBLE VOL 4. Or even Hammond Driven Mod Instrumentals: MIND EXPANDER VOLUME ONE then this label has something for you!

BLOSSOM TOES – “Love Bomb Live 1967-1969” (Sunbeam) Double CD set from one of UK psych’s best loved bands. Complete concert from Stockholm’s in 1967 , rare tracks from 1967 radio sessions, and the band’s appearances at 1969’s Amougies and Bilzen festivals – including a guest appearance from none other than Frank Zappa. The set comes complete with a beautiful booklet, sealing the release as an essential item for collectors of British psychedelia.

Ignored by the media but still hugely popular the Traditional Rock/Metal scene still throws up the odd unexpected gem and “As The Light Goes Down” the excellent debut album from NIGHTVISION (Rocksector) is certainly one of them. Already one of Britain’s top emerging live metal/rock bands of 2008/9 and a credible UK answer to American acts like Black Stone Cherry.

4 BITTEN meanwhile are a killer 4 piece from Athens, Greece, female-fronted by an American firebrand and set to take the UK by storm with their debut record “No More Sins” (Rocksector). A strong UK tour schedule including support slots with US legend Dan Reed should help their profile no end.

If those two float your boat then you may well remember early Eighties Canadian rockers SANTERS whose three albums “Shot Down In Flames”, “Racing Time” and “Guitar Alley” are all reissued by the Krescendo label this month – with a sound not dissimilar to fellow Canadian rockers Triumph, these rereleases should be of major interest to Hard Rock collectors.

We are running out of space now but insist on giving the following fine tiles a quick mention…!

SAINTS OF EDEN’s Fourth album “Forbidden Pleasure” (Metech) by Ex Nefilim bassist Cian Houchin’s band. A cross genre classic incorporating element of Goth, Industrial and Metal. KLAY’s “Maps Of Rebellion” (Lockjaw) Full-on progressive punk taking influences from acts like Ocean Size and Sigur Ros.
DRIVE BY AUDIO “Bring The Pain” (LPB) A unique mix of Rap, Thrash and Rock that creates a unique and exciting sound that should see them build upon their huge fan base in their native Scotland. TRACY GANG PUSSY “Number4” (Apokalyse) Scandinavian glamour punk-rock. Recommended for Turbo Negro and Backyard Babies fans. EXILIA “My Own Army” (Immortal Media) Powerful crossover Metal act who are touring the UK from 17th till 23rd of March in support of Century Media acts God Forbid and Il Nino. ABIGAIL HOPKINS “Smile Road” and Blue Satin Alley” (Possessed) Two quality reissues of early material from the critically acclaimed Welsh folk/jazz songstress. NAGELFAR “Hünengrab Im Herbst” (Van Records) re-release of German Black Metal legend’s Nagelfar’s debut album from 1997. Genre defining and progressive Black Metal classic now reissued with extra material.

Please remember all the CD’s mentioned can be brought from both our online store and all good music retailers – Please also head for your local retailer if you are after any of our releases on the always beautiful Vinyl format.

Thanks for reading and please join us for next month’s update.

 ____________________________________________

Hello and thanks for dropping by to the Code 7 website,

There is only one place to start in March and that is to say Code 7 are thrilled to be making the GASLIGHT ANTHEM ep “Senor And The Queen” available in the UK for the first time ever on both cd and vinyl (Gunner Records). No Gaslight Anthem collection is complete without this superb cd ep which was released between their brilliant debut “Sink Or Swim” and the superb “59 Sound” album. Vinyl collectors should note that the 10” format is exclusive to Europe. They will also want to know about the strictly limited edition Coloured vinyl version of the aforementioned classic debut “Sink Or Swim” which will be available in March.. This band have blanket press coverage right now and some critics have been heralding this early work as the band’s best output so far…

The big Metal release this month is the new COBALT album “Gin” (Profound Lore) which Terrorizer and Zero Tolerance magazine have both run glowing lead reviews on. With a huge diseased leftfield Metal sound that evokes the likes of Swans, Killing Joke and Neurosis this is an album that must be heard and is possibly the label’s strongest release to date.

After some production delays the SAROS album “Acrid Planes” (Profound Lore) finally sees the light of day this month. Comprised of members from other notable acts like Amber Asylum, Weakling and Bastard Noise, Saros’ tasteful blend of progressive and epic, extreme Metal is really stirring up the specialist press and underground Metal scene right now…

Inhabiting the shady area where Metal and Post Rock meet you will find MOUTH OF THE ARCHITECT and their stunning debut album “Time & Withering” (Translation Loss) which is being reissued this month. Fans of the band’s critically acclaimed 2008 album “Quietly” or anyone into the likes of Isis
And Pelican should really pick this gem up.

Speaking of which, ISIS themselves have a limited double vinyl LP “Live V” (Viva Hate) available this month – timed very nicely indeed to arrive a month
before the band’s highly anticipated new studio album on Ipecac.

New studio project SPYLACOPA has their long awaited self titled debut (Trendkill) out at the end of the month. This cd is highly anticipated by underground Metallers worldwide as the band features members of Dillinger Escape Plan, Isis and Candiria in their ranks.

Although a relatively new act Brighton based purveyors of Dirty Rock And Roll THE PERILS have already been highly rated by both NME and Mojo and also include Clash legend Mick Jones amongst their fans, If you haven’t caught
their incendiary live shows we highly recommend their debut album “Good People Do Bad Things” (Militant Entertainment). Definitely great British hopes for the future…

The reissue department is relatively quiet this month but has still turned up a couple of gems. MIGHTY BABY “Live In The Attic” (Sunbeam) is a live document from 1970 from the classic UK Psychedelic rockers and fills the space nicely between the band’s legendary 1969 self titled debut and their final 1971 album “A Jug Of Love”. In the meantime if you fancy a collection of obscure but
rocking sixties guitar instrumentals then look no further than “AN OUTBREAK OF TWANGING” (Psychic Circle) wherein you can find 26 slices of music that will blow away those nightmarish images of Granny rocking out to the Shadows from your mind forever !

Two classic Metal reissues this month. SWORD’s debut “Metalized” (Krescendo) was hailed as an instant classic on release in 1986 and this reissue confirms why. The cd debut of SIGNAL’s “Loud And Clear” (Krescendo) meanwhile is a must for AOR aficionados everywhere.

Don’t forget the Punks I hear you cry! As if we could!!!

From the Florida Punk scene are FAKE PROBLEMS whose excellent album of catchy folk flavoured punk “How Far Our Bodies Go” (Gunner Records) is
highly recommended for fans of Against Me and Chuck Ragan.

On a more old school tip, the legendary UK SUBS have two new releases ; the Warhead cd ep (Jet 13) , which old punks will savour for the quite ferocious reworking of the classic title track, and also the strictly limited 7” single “666 Yeah” (Jet 13). Over the water to Ireland and one of that country’s independent legends PARANOID VISIONS who have their new album “Beware Of The God” (FOAD Musick) out in March, and still sound as strong as they did on their inception thirty years ago. CRASHED OUT has a sterling live document “Fast Loose And Live” (I Want It) which captures their live fury to a tee.

This month we also welcome aboard legendary Psychobilly label Nervous
whose roster includes genre classics from the likes of RAZORBACKS and DEMENTED ARE GO. Quality releases from a great selling genre that has always been overlooked by the cool and trendy music press. Why not check out
one of the label’s Rockabilly or Psychobilly compilations to find out more?

We love to support hot new British talent so just a quick mention for the following releases…GHOSTS OF PEGASUS BRIDGE – “The Darkest Shore” (A Wolf At Your Door) a great debut of South Coast Metal marrying metal riffing with contemporary influences like Thrice and Brand New…BROTHERHOOD OF THE LAKE – S/T (Glasstone) Great Converge Slayer and Shellac influenced math-core outta Plymouth… MESH 29 – Wide Awake (Media Addiction) – Excellent Acoustic Indie From Peterborough with strong kerrang radio support… FIGHTS AND FIRES – Will It Be My Curse (Lockjaw) Ex Backwash members do quirky hardcore up in Worcester…RESONATE – Curvatures (Lockjaw) Fall Of Troy influenced hardcore…THE FIRST –Land And Sea (Lockjaw) Stirring Alternative Rock from Cambridge.

Please remember all the CD’s mentioned can be brought from both our online store and all good music retailers – Please also head for your local retailer if you are after any of our releases on Vinyl .

Thanks for reading and please join us for next month’s update when we will have some exciting news for Clash fans and Dub Reggae Aficionados!!!!!!!!!

 ____________________________________________

CODE 7 FEBRUARY 2009.

Have you heard..

The eagerly awaited second album “Inhale/Exhale” by Yorkshire Punk Rockers RANDOM HAND (Rebel Alliance). This hard touring act will be known to those of you who are involved in the underground UK punk scene but their highly original blend of frantic ska core and groovy Metal will soon be finding a wider audience on their UK tour this month with Reel Big Fish. Buy the album and pop along to one of the shows to catch one of the UK’s finest before they explode!

Also rumbling up from the UK Punk underground are exciting all girl Punk outfit MAEVEN whose self titled debut album (Lockjaw) is really turning some heads in the Rock press right now with their Ramones meets L7 sound. Kerrang magazine’s 4K review pretty much hit the nail on the head when it said the cd contained “Proper songs with great big fuck-off, razor sharp riffs no anaemic, three minute pop with guitars here. All hail the new queens of UK punk.”

On a different tack, our reissues department sees the final release in the Psychic Circle series of limited box sets, this one is a truly beautiful number called “JOURNEY TO THYME VOLUMES 1-5”. Compiled by Nick Salomon it’s an eighty track 5 cd journey into the murky underworld of Sixties US garage Punk. Numbered and limited to 1000 copies fans of the Sonics, Seeds, Stooges or the legendary Nuggets and Pebbles compilations should be heading to their favourite record emporium to snaffle one of these up straight away!

Speaking of the Stooges, fans of Detroit’s finest export will be intrigued to hear about the eponymous STEVE MACKAYE, MIKE WATT & ESTEL album (The Richter Collective). Yes you read it right, the sax blower on the Funhouse album is working in tandem with beyond legendary bassist Mike Watt of Minutemen/ Firehose/Stooges fame and Irish noise-nicks Estel. The results of this one off collaboration are as you would expect….explosive!

Metal release of the month is the debut from Bay Area act SAROS “Acrid Planes” (Profound Lore) Comprised of members from other notable acts like Amber Asylum, Weakling and Bastard Noise Saros’ tasteful blend of progressive and epic, extreme Metal is really stirring up the specialist press and underground Metal scene right now…

At the leftfield end of the Metal scene we have possibly the most extensive compilation album ever! - The “ BAD ACID TAB 7” Double DVD ( Bad Acid) comprises of a 1 ¾ hour DVD, 17 hours of MP3 footage featuring 130 bands and a 90 page colour pdf magazine. The DVD portion of this mammoth package features bona fide legends like Celtic Frost, Melvins and Isis, whilst the audio part focuses more on upcoming acts like Witchcraft and Gentleman’s Pistols. Finally the PDF mixes new and old and features interviews with everyone from Blue Cheer and Helios Creed through to Sons Of Otis and Ovo. Truly a momentous package for stoner Metal heads young and old!

Post Rock Dpt - CATS AND CATS AND CATS have a limited vinyl only release “Where Did You Get Lost To?”(Richter Collective). This act have drawn favourable comparisons to Arcade Fire and Mew from the likes of Steve Lamacq and Drowned In Sound and this EP is the perfect starting point to check tem out. If that floats yer boat may we also cheekily recommend WAYTER’s Marco Polo EP (Naked Tree) which is a lovely Slint/Tortoise tinged otherworldly alt-rock EP.

This month we proudly welcome aboard legendary Psychobilly label Nervous whose roster includes genre classics from the likes of RESTLESS, COFFIN NAILS and THE JETS. Quality releases from a great selling genre that has always been overlooked by the cool and trendy music press. Why not check out the label’s “Is It Cool?” compilation if you are intrigued to find out more?

“Don’t forget the Punks” I hear you cry…As if we would!

Coming on like a rampaging cross between the Cold War Kids and The Cure The BEAT STRINGS’ “ Fang In Rain” album (Xoxo) is one of the most refreshingly original debuts heard out of the US in quite some time. The same label also has the highly recommended LET ME RUN album “Meet Me At The Bottom” which draws on the influences of intelligent 90’s punk acts like Jawbreaker and Hot Water Music whilst adding in it’s own distinctive New Jersey / Gaslight Anthem style vibe.

In more street punk pastures the ever dependable Longshot label has some new corkers including the best of ALTERNATE ACTION cd “Thin Line”, a KNUCKLEHEAD/HOSTAGE LIFE split 7” (which is highly recommended to Swingin’ Utters fans!) and the DEAD RINGERS/BOTOX RATS split 7” wherein both bands carry more of a snotty Dead Boys / Briefs style. Excellent stuff.

Aficionados of 90’s pop punk may well remember FLAV GIORGINI from his work in Lookout/ Fat Wreck act Squirtgun and will be intrigued by the split CD (Fond Of Life) he has out the month with MIKE SCOTT from UK punk act Phinius Gage. Both play acoustically but are still full of real Punk spirit and zeal.

Garage / Psych fans could do a lot worse than check out the CAVESTOMPERS “Introducing” LP which is a nice Russian(!) take on early Stones and Pretty Things style R&B and follow that by checking out the other titles available on Groovie Records…

Rural Lincolnshire isn’t somewhere easy to associate with ball busting Metal but TRIPSWITCH are here to change all that with their “Until” album (Rogue) which sees their solid Tool/ Slipknot/ Maiden influences honed to perfection by legendary Metal producer Andy Sneap. Definitely ones to watch and a hot tip to kick some bigger, more established acts butts at this year’s Download festival.

Referencing influences like Clutch, Orange Goblin and Motorhead the TYRANT LIZARD KINGS album “Six Shooter” (Wasted State) is a must for people who like a bit of melody in amongst their feedback laden Stoner Rock.

White Metal fans are sure to enjoy the two DELIVERANCE reissues Deliverance” and “Weapons Of Our Warfare” which are both seeing the light of day after 20 years c/o the Retroactive Label. Also out on Retroactive is the MENCHEN album “Red Rock” which features members of Stryper and His Witness amongst others. A huge deal in the States as always, but will 2009 be the year this scene gets its long overdue UK recognition?

As usual let’s step back and finish on a mellower note…Firstly with local ( to us that is ! ) acoustic singer – songwriter CLAIRE BATCHELOR and her excellent “Wish” EP (Jam Central) whose acoustic poppy folk tunes deserve a wider hearing than just her strong Buckinghamshire fan base…EDDIE HALLIDAY’s “Run for the Woods” (Naked Tree) meanwhile is a latter day lo-fi Folk pop classic – imagine Elliot Smith or Bonnie Prince Billy if they had hailed from the mean streets of modern day London…

Please remember all the CD’s mentioned can be brought from both our online store and all good music retailers including online retailers. Please also head for your local retailer if you are after any of our releases on Vinyl .

Thanks for reading and Goodbye until next month’s update.

____________________________________________

Happy New Year To Everybody And Welcome To 2009 From All @ Code 7

Hitting the ground running we have some really exciting releases for you to check out during this cold and snowy January…

First up we have the superb self titled MUSK OX album (Absurdist) which is some of the most beautiful Neo Folk you will ever hear – this release really is a thing of beauty and is already garnering strong interest from magazines like Terrorizer and Zero Tolerance. Indeed fans of leftfield Rock acts like Isis, Sigur Ros and Mogwai will all find something to like here…  

Meanwhile in Metal land we find the new SIZEN album “What Do You See” (Top Stock Records). For the uninitiated this UK quartet have been gaining some great press form the likes of Kerrang (4/5 Review) and Metal Hammer with their Soundgarden / Metallica inspired Metal – No less a personage than Rick Wakeman has tipped them as “ones to watch” on his Planet Rock Radio show!

Still talked about 10 years after their demise ENEMY SOIL truly were a band ahead of their time and we are pleased to have their first ever live DVD release “Smashes The State”(Selfmadegod). To call the band legendary would be a cliché but when you see that band members have gone on to feature in Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Frodus and Pig Destroyer you will our point!

Fans of Doom Metal legends such as Candlemass and Trouble meanwhile should do their utmost to pick up the third MY SILENT WAKE album “A Garland Of Tears” (Bombworks) which is one of the freshest releases in the Doom / Death scene we have heard for quite some time.

Meanwhile in the Black Metal corner we have the similarly fresh approach of 
FOREST OF STARS and their new album “The Corpse Of Rebirth” (Transcendental Creations) which pushes the boundaries of an overcrowded scene utilising similar sonic space as acts like In The Woods and Solefald.  Also of interest to fans of this genre will be the long awaited reissue of the SORT VOKTER album “Folkloric Necro Metal” (Transcendental Creations) – This Norwegian Black Metal classic has been out of press for nearly a decade until now !  

At the leftfield end of the Metal scene we also find the superb GATHIENS debut album “Nesh” (Murkhouse) which is seven tracks of controlled instrumental madness mining a similar musical vein as acts like Pelican and Boris. Also worth checking out in this genre is the VAKA album “Kappa Delta Phi” (Murkhouse) wherein the band make a good case for being the Scandinavian answer to Isis. 

DREAMING DEAD may be a new name to most of you, but this US metal acts debut album “Within One” (Ibex Moon) will have fans of Death and vintage Slayer foaming at the mouth and salivating over the bands first European tour later in 2009 – You have been warned !!!

Finally older Thrashers out there will also want to hunt down a copy of the latest in a strong selling great series of HIRAX reissues. This time out the 22 song “Not Dead Yet” cd compiles the band’s Metal Blade albums “Raging Violence” and “Hate Fear And Power” into one tasty disc of classic Eighties thrash.  

On a mellower note our Reissues Department sees the first ever official cd release of the DEEP FEELING album “Pretty Colours” (Sunbeam) This lost 1966 classic features future members of Traffic, Mott The Hoople and  Family  
in full on proto psychedelia mode and as per usual for Sunbeam comes with a booklet packed full of detailed liner notes and rare photographs.

Nick Salomon’s series of compilations for the Psychic Circle label meanwhile takes an unexpected turn to celebrate some of the more overlooked British Male Vocalists of the Sixties on the historically fascinating FILE UNDER : MALE VOCAL cd. No more , No less than solid classy songs delivered by guys who should have been more than a footnote to that decades musical journey.   

In more familiar Punk Rock environs we are absolutely stoked to be handling a superbly packaged double vinyl package of the classic FUCKED UP album “Hidden World” (Deranged) This breakthrough 2006 album was released by Jade Tree on cd but this stunning vinyl version comes in a full colour gatefold double sleeve and is worth buying again just for the packaging alone…

Other releases from the mighty Deranged label this month include NITAD
whose “Ibland Kan” career anthology LP is a must for fans of Career Suicide and Fucked Up, The self titled TOTAL ABUSE CD/LP which is a heady mix of classic Flipper. DRI and Black Flag influences and lastly the  BRUTAL KNIGHTS “Living By Yourself” CD anthology of all this Canadian Punk acts ripping vinyl releases.

The BLOCKHEADS/MUMMA Split CD (Bones Brigade) is a killer release sure to appeal to Grindcore fans. When I tell you that Mumma have just been signed to Relapse and Blockheads were personally asked to support Napalm Death by Napalm themselves recently, you will start to understand why! 

Ska, Soul, Rocksteady, Bluebeat and Classic Reggae are the sounds you will find on the LIQUIDATOR 10! compilation released by the Liquidator label to celebrate their tenth anniversary. Drawing on their whole roster during that decade the album feature gems from the likes of Laurel Aitken, Dave Barker and Roy Ellis. Fittingly for the genre the album is released on double gatefold LP as well as a lovingly packaged digipack cd.

Fans of old time Streetpunk / Oi are urged to order up the mighty fine GIMPS album “Your Time Has Come” (Sunny Bastards) before they set off to the pub. Why? Because these ex-members of scene stalwarts Red Alert and Major Accident kick out a blazing set of fist in the air anthems in the vein of classic Blitz, Upstarts, Rejects and early Clash. 

The Unicorn Digital Inc. label has two hot new Progressive Rock albums this month.  French Canadian artist CLAIRE VEZINA returns with her long awaited fourth album of ethereal progressive melody “Cyber Neptune”. Whilst Canadian veterans NATHAN MAHL take a different tack with their Rock Opera “Exodus”. Both are highly recommended to UK Prog connoisseurs. 

White Metal fans are sure to enjoy FAITH FACTOR’s  “Against A Darkened Sky” and MENCHEN’s “Red Rock” which are both c/o the Retroactive Label.  A huge deal in the States as always, but will 2009 be the year this scene gets its overdue UK recognition?

Running out of space now but the underground Ebm / Darkwave movement has a particularly fine batch of release on the excellent Black Rain Records with
JABBERWOCK’s Ministry / NIN styling’s on their “Sweet Limbo” album being our personal pick but don’t forget classic Test Dpt / Neubaten sound of JESUS AND THE GURUS’ – Blood, Sweat And Tears, PANIC LIFT’s intense EBM album “Witness To Our Collapse” or indeed the PUSSYBATS’ unique Goth And Roll debut “Famous Last Songs”.

We seem to have been particularly noisy this month so a great chill out recommendation to finish with and that is SWEET BILLY PILGRIM’s “We Just Did What Happened And No One Came” (Wonderland Avenue). The truly unique blend of Folk and Electronica found within is very hard to pin down but  as Mojo Magazine said upon the album’s original release…“The band’s remarkable debut will convince fans of Sufjan Stevens, Guillemots and Iron And Wine that they have a new set of heroes to discover and hold dear”…Superb.

Please remember all the CD’s mentioned can be brought from both our online store and all good music retailers – Please also head for your local retailer if you are after any of our releases on good ole Vinyl!
 
Thanks for reading and Goodbye until next month’s update.

 ____________________________________________

Welcome to our December despatches from the front line..

Just a few releases this month as our full release schedule will be resumed in January.

Don’t miss the re-issue of the legendary...MINDROCKER box set, this 13 cd limited box set charts the history of 1960’s garage punk, we’d say it’s pretty much essential. Don’t miss out as it’s limited to 1000 copies worldwide!!

Watch out for 2 great re-issues in the shape of MAXIMUM FREAKBEAT and MAXIMUM R n B. The titles say it all. Out of print for years they make a welcome appearance back in the racks.

Finally and by no means least we urge you to sample the delights of THE DEVIL’S BLOOD, approved by Darkthrone’s Fenriz, they deliver a killer occult rock album in the finest tradition of Hawkwind and Rocky Erickson.

Thanks to all of you for visting and supporting Code 7, our labels, bands and music. Keep it alive, support your local record store, carry on buying physical product. As they say the future lies in your hands. Carry the torch.

A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all.  Have a blast and..turn it up!!

     CHEERS!

 ____________________________________________


Something to take away that early Winter chill perhaps?

The truly outstanding MAN AND MACHINE compilation (Le Maquis) which chronicles the European electronic music scene from it’s Post Punk genesis in 1978 through a whole decade up until 1988. Featuring as it does acts like Can, Wire, Throbbing Gristle, Fad Gadget, Flying Lizards, Cabaret Voltaire, Suicide, Section 25 and many other similar genre defying acts, it provides a superb overview of a scene which has been notoriously hard to pin down and anthologise accurately…until now!   

Speaking of genre defying, November also sees the return of  SONIC BOOM with his latest project wherein he teams up with legendary Italian outfit JULIE’S HAIRCUT on the “N-Waves / U-Waves” album (A Silent Place). Four excellent tracks of experimental Psych that bode well for the Spacemen 3 legend’s return…

And now for something completely different….BURGABOY’s “BASSic Mixtape Volume One” (Burgaboy). This is the debut cd compilation mix tape from the happening Bassline genre’s finest exponent. With 60,000 Myspace plays and strong mainstream press support, and even some TV / Radio airplay exciting things await for this talented young Mancunian.

Sometimes a band name and album title tells you everything and that certainly is the case for TOTAL FUCKING DESTRUCTION  and their “Peace, Love And Total Fucking Destruction” album (Bones Brigade). A new Grindcore project fronted by Brutal Truth drummer Richard Hoak that throws in some surprisingly leftfield influences such as the Minutemen and Jazz to create one of the year’s best Metal albums. Well worth investigating by the more adventurous Metallers out there.   

If you peruse such publications as Fortean Times and Bizarre magazine you will no doubt be aware of DR HAZE AND THE CIRCUS OF HORRORS’ Jim Rose Circus style road show that has been criss crossing the UK on tour lately. Well we now have the soundtrack to the show! - “An Evil Anthology” (A Wolf At Your Door)
is a double CD digipack and 36 page booklet documenting the outfit’s excesses to make it the perfect accompaniment to the live show.

“Don’t Forget The Punks!” I Hear You Cry…..As if we ever would !

November sees the addition of long running and legendary Welsh Punk fanzine ARTCORE to the C7 roster and hits the ground running with three new issues.
Issue 23 has features on Frontier Records, Bad Posture and Career Suicide along with a full length LP entitled “America’s Unknown” which is an absolute must for fans and collectors of vintage “Killed By Death” style US punk. Issue 24 features the likes of TSOL, Subhumans, Meatmen, Instigators and Loved Ones. Issue 25 has a free 7” by old hardcore act Beef People that fans of old to mid period Dischord releases will LOVE The zine features Lookout Records, Jeff Nelson, Ripcord, Off With Their Heads and The Nuns amongst others. Always an excellent read for young and old punkers alike, these zines are highly recommended.

The mighty DERANGED label has some cracking 7” releases this November. Standouts include the CAREER SUICIDE “Scars” 7” which is Four tracks of blistering Angry Samoans style Punk featuring Jonah from Fucked Up in their line up. The YOUNG OFFENDERS “Saints” 7” which echoes classic UK acts of yesteryear like the Adverts and Gang Of Four, and the WHITE LUNG “Magazines” 7” who’s female fronted Punk conjures up images of everyone from the Avengers to Bikini Kill. Terrific stuff indeed.

Personal favourite this month (yep, we are Music fans here remember!) is the superb BOTTLE UP AND GO album “These Bones” (Kill Normal). Seven mighty tracks of scuzzy whiskey soaked blues/garage punk that brings to mind bands like the Black Keys and Mudhoney in their pomp. Seriously these guys would not be out of place on the roster of a label like Alive or Fat Possum. Highly recommended

Moving slightly leftfield to the Math / Post Rock part of town we have the debut by Irish act ADEBISI SHANK “This is the album of a band Called Adebisi Shank” (Richter Collective) Recorded in DC and produced by the legendary J.Robbins ( Jawbox / Burning Airlines) this album’s sound is hard to pin down but moves in the same sonic area as Slint, Shellac, Fugazi, Older Sonic Youth, Etc.

Aidan Baker from Nadja returns this month with the second full length from ARC “Glassine I” (A Silent Place) A live album from 2006 whose other worldly sound   recalls both Ash Ra Temple and Ummagumma era Pink Floyd -  Modern Pysch / Drone Rock at it’s finest. Whilst you are here the FABIO ORSI / MAMUTHONES “First Born” collaboration (A Silent Place) would make an ideal companion purchase featuring as it does some mighty fine Italian Kraut / Drone Rock.   

And now this month’s “Journey Through The Past” into reissue land…The Psychic Circle label has three new releases. First up is a 5CD box of ‘groovy’ psychedelic / garage instrumentals entitled “INSTRO HIPSTERS A GO GO” (which as always) is available only as a ltd edition of 1000).  The “GOLDEN ROADS” compilation of first wave West Coast Folk Rock and finally the “SHE’S A HEART BREAKER” compilation of sixties Mod and Psych rarities.

Fellow reissue label Sunbeam meanwhile have the Ltd Vinyl Pressing of their recent PAUL KOSSOFF “Paul’s Blues” cd which is a beautiful limited triple lp set, pressed on 180gram vinyl with extensive liner notes. Sunbeam also have the definitive double cd reissue of GARY FARR’S acid –folk classic “Take Something With You” and the legendary lost UK Psych classic THIS IS THE MAGIC MIXTURE self titled album available on cd for the first time.
 
Some interesting reissues in Metal world too. The Krescendo label is putting out NWOBHM era act’s GASKIN’s final album “No Way Out”, Welsh Metallers KOOGA’s “Across The Water” and LA glam rockers ROXANNE’s self titled album. All three will be highly sought after by Metal collectors as they are all appearing on cd for the first time ever.   

HADES’ “Bootlegged In Boston” DVD (Cruz Del Sur) meanwhile is a must for Thrash Metal aficionados, capturing the New Jersey legends live in full flight one night in 1988. 

Just to chill out let’s finish on two mellower acts worthy of some larger attention. First up is the excellent HOLMES album “Wolves” (Blackstarfoundation) this young Swedish outfit play play alt-country reminiscent of Neil Young (circa Goldrush/ Harvest) and contemparies like the Weakerthans and Kristopher Astrom. JAMES APOLLO’S album “Hide Your Heart In A Hive” album (No Alternative)                  meanwhile has a more twisted take on American roots music that is garnering him some serious media exposure at present.
 
We’ve gotta run now and I haven’t even had space to mention these fine platters…
KENAI’s “At Mercy’s Hand” (Redfield) Hot new UK emo act straight outta Essex…
THEY AND THE CHILDREN “Home” (Kill Normal) excellent Converge / Tragedy style noisecore…CONSOLATION PRIZEFIGHTER’s “Share Music” The South West’s hottest new Alt Rockers…INFESTED “Myths’ Lies And Hypocrites” (Pumpkin) Leftover Crack style rumblings straight outta the UK…Not forgetting new label’s BLACK RAIN ’s excellent gothic/dark-wave releases

Please Remember All CD’s mentioned can be brought from both our online store and all good music retailers – Please head for your local retailer if you are after any of our releases on the Vinyl format. Do the decent thing…Support Your Local Indie Store.

Thanks for reading and Goodbye until next month !

 ____________________________________________

Welcome To The Code 7 Website Intro for October 2008

The sound of Autumn here at Code 7, let’s start with

The legendary PAUL KOSSOFF. Yes our best and most asked about reissue of the year, the double cd set “Paul’s Blues” (Sunbeam Records) is finally here. The set comprises the earliest known recordings of Free legend Kossoff and also features Derek and Stuart Brookes of Leafhound as well as a certain Mr Paul Rodgers. Rock fans of a certain age will be delighted to hear that this material has never been released before and that the releases are suitably lavishly packaged with rare photos and detailed liner notes.

Psych / Garage Collectors have three reissues to look forward to this month. First up is the Nick Salmon (aka Bevis Frond) compiled 5cd 150 track “THAT DRIVING BEAT” Box Set (Psychic Circle). The box set is Ltd to 1000 copies and as this series is generally regarded as some of the finest Freakbeat collections compiled you had better be quick!. Whilst you are at the store also pick up the “I GOTTA BE ME” compilation (Psychic Circle) which is a simply riveting collection of twenty lost gems of 60’s US garage punk. Slightly to the left of that in Acid Folk land you will find LINDA PERHAC’s seminal “Parallelograms” which has been subject to the ‘definitive edition’ treatment (Sunbeam Records). For the first time this undisputed masterpiece comes complete with eight bonus tracks and detailed liner notes by Linda Perhacs herself.

In Code 7 Metal World the happening “Profound Lore” label has three outstanding releases to offer ; The HAMMERS OF MISFORTUNE double album “Fields/ Church Of Broken Glass” sees one of the US underground’s most critically acclaimed
US Metal outfits making some of the strongest straight down the line Metal albums we have heard for aeons. Meanwhile two years on from its initial release ASUNDER’s Doom Metal classic “Works Will Come Undone” finally gets a UK release c/o the label and it’s 70 minutes of Doom Metal excellence that really must be heard now it ahs a proper UK release. Finally WINTERFYLETH’s debut “The Ghost Of Heritage” sets new standards for the burgeoning underground UK Black Metal scene – It’s exciting times for this label right now !

Another Metal release making sizeable waves is DEAF HAVANA’s “It’s Called The Easy Life” (A Wolf At Your Door) The band’s Glassjaw style twin vocal attack and heavy riffing has been really getting the Rock Press excited of late. Rock Sound no less have called the band “the best alternative noise we have heard in a while”.

Other Metal releases to keep an eye out for include… FORCEFEED’s- Self Titled album (Glasstone) which is a must for anyone into the down tuned riffage of Soulfly and American Head Charge, Finnish metallers DIABLO who live up the their rep as the new Children Of Bodom on the stunning “Ikaros” (Sakara) album, and finally Metallers of any age need to hear Irish Thrash Metal Tribute “THRASH AND BURN” (Underground Movement) where Era Vulgaris and Warpath amongst others pay tribute to the Eighties thrash movement in fine,fine style.

Please also check out the FURY 76 label releases we have picked up – A hard to pigeonhole Rock / Metal label with some truly excellent releases form the likes of MEDAMAKI and GRIFTER – Check the site for more in depth details.

“Don’t Forget The Punks!” I Hear You Cry…..As if we ever would !

This month C7 welcomes aboard the excellent ‘Cider City’ Label whose first batch of releases includes stunning live set “Live In Long Beach” by LA Punk scene veterans T.S.O.L  ( And if you saw this lot on their only UK visit a few years back you already know that you need this cd ! ) , A new mini album by So Cal veterans WELT ( formerly of BYO Records notoriety ) , The excellent debut album by Poison Idea / Negative Approach influenced UK act VALDEZ  ,and the final recordings by SF all girl punk outfit s FABULOUS DISASTER which appear on a split album release with France’s O.C TOONS.

On a more Street punk vibe anyone who remembers the halcyon days of labels like Riot City and Link, or is a fan of modern labels like TKO will be blown away by the ‘Longshot’ label that we now have on board…Standouts here include BYO band WEDNESDAY NIGHT HEROES’ Self titled CD, the ZIP GUNS 7”, SLICK 46’s “I Don’t Wanna” CD and The MARCHING ORDERS’ “Last Train Home” 10” (Australia’s answer to Menace - we kid you not !)  

Not strictly Punk but definitely high octane Rock And Roll is the POISON HEARTS’ cd “True Necromance” (Monochrome). A volatile mix of Iggy, New York Dolls and Sex Pistols influences gel to blow pretenders like Towers Of London into oblivion (best place for them too we say!). PH are getting positive press and reaction on both sides of the pond right now and are ones to watch in the future for sure…  

Has it all got a bit shouty for you? No worries take a chill pill and relax with the MEIC STEVENS Dvd “An Evening With Meic Stevens” (Sunbeam) where the folk singer once referred to as the ‘Welsh Dylan’ treats his fans to a carer spanning set of his unique “acid folk” sound at a rare London gig in July 2007. 

Razor edged Indie Acoustic outfit MESH 29 follow up last year’s Top 40 Single “Over The Barricade” with their great “Secret Traffic” album. With strong support at both the NME and Radio Two, you WILL be hearing more of this band !   

Fans of leftfield Post Rock could do a lot worse than check out the self titled AUCAN album (Africantape) which inhabits the territory bands like Tortoise and Shellac have mined in recent times. And speaking of Shellac Steve Albini himself produced the excellent THREE SECOND KISS album “Long Distance” (Africantape) which has a more straightforward Jesus Lizard meets Dischord kind of feel to it.

Whilst we are being noisy DRILL’s first album since 1995 “The Last Taboo Of America” (Saturate) is a stunning return from the legendary cult UK industrial act  

We’ve gotta run now and I haven’t even had space to mention these fine platters…
CHLDREN OF THE DAY “Come To The Waters” (Retroactive) 70’s Christian Rock
Reissue… PROGRESSIVE EXPERIENCE “21st Century Brain Damage” (Sweet Poison) Fine Euro Prog… BEDROOM PROJECT “World Is Not Watching” ( Lockjaw ) ex  No Comply members kicking up a stink in the South West…VENTURA “Pa Capona” (Get A Life) Great fuzzed out melodic punk in a Superchunk/Husker Du vein…NANAS REVENGE “Man Down” (Lockjaw) Great Melodic UK Punk outfit’s debut EP…Consider them all highly recommended !!!

Please Remember All CD’s mentioned can be brought from both our online store and all good music retailers – Please head for your local retailer if you are after any of our releases on the suddenly fashionable Vinyl format – Goodbye until next time!

CODE 7 = REAL MUSIC FROM REAL RETAILERS