Ten bands. Sixty-nine minutes long. Seven bucks. Do I have your attention yet? Good. Well then, listen up.
Like it's predecessor that included such bands as Anti-Flag, the Unseen, the Casualties, and Blanks 77, this second installment of A.D.D.'s The Sound of Rebellion compilation is also comprised of some hardcore punk heavy-hitters. Ten bands are featured: the Unseen, Virus, Varukers, Lower Class Brats, Self Destruct, the Restarts, Tom and Bootboys, Bollocks, Funeral Dress, and Distraught, each playing three songs, including rare and unreleased tracks. Quite simply, this disc is a collective cry of "Punks Not Dead!"
Volume 2 is jam-packed with sheer and utter street punk chaos at its best. Not for the faint-hearted, this is what punk is all about-punk stripped down to its bare essentials-fast tempos, tempestuous drums, and gruff, snarling vocals. No whining. No mushy lovelorn songs. No slowing down for even a second. So, as can be seen, you better be a true fan of hardcore punk, especially since the music doesn't stray in the least bit and isn't too diverse. But, if you're into this in-your-face style and appreciate the subtle nuances, then by all means check this disc out.
In any case, some of the highlights are, of course, the Unseen, who offer a live version of the Misfits' "Halloween" and an unrelesed track "Suspect Device." The Virus' rendition of the Exploited's "I Believe in Anarchy" and live version of "Bomb Drop" are also standouts. Speaking of the Exploited, Japan's Bollocks play a blistering rendition of their "U.K. '82." While your at it, check out Bollocks' "We Are the Truth," a crushing and powerful tune. This is a pretty good band. The U.K.'s Varukers, those old stalwarts who formed in 1979, show why they've endored all these years, as they simply destroy on such songs as the thrashing, relentless "How Do You Sleep" and "No Where to Go." Likewise, Texas' Lower Class Brats, who never fail to impress, play two of the best songs on the entire disc: "Orphans Don't Run" and what could be an alternate title to this CD-the infectious "Chaos, Riot, Ruin." Boston's Self Destruct, composed of members of the Unseen and A Global Threat (how could these guys NOT deliver?) offer three massive tracks, including the manic opener "It's Living Hell" and "Diplomatic Immunity." Aggressive. Urgent. Defiant. Pissed off. That's what I'm talking about.
The only qualm I had with this disc was Belgium's Funeral Dress. The music is fine but there's something about them I just can't get into. I think it's the vocals-they're just too guttural and psychotic. Oh well, they can't all be winners.
But, all in all, what's so great about this CD is seeing that these bands are still keeping the no-nonsense street punk sound originated by those luminaries GBH, the Exploited, and the Varukers alive. It's a beautiful thing.