ROCK
N ROLL AU GO GO Vol 5 - Various Artists (Devil Doll)
None
of the bands herein are unknown around the I-94 Bar so it was with relish
that we slapped this shiny silver disc on the sound system and cranked it
up loud. The Panadolls, San Francisco's Jack Saints, the Quadrajets and the
Crime
Kaisers contribute two tracks each on a compilation that works nicely.
"Paterson's Curse" is the second-best thing Sydney's Panadolls did
before dying in a ditch and it leads from the front. Crime Kaisers, as you
might work out from the name, are German punks and "I Don't Like the
Way You Are" and "S.O.S. for Love" are both catchy but suffer
from sub-standard production.
The Jack Saints are threatening to go all melodic on us but their track, "The
Wasted Years" doesn't mark the start of that change in direction. Spirited
punk bordering on hardcore with a sense of humour, is a fair description,
and at least they get a fair go in the mastering (unlike their appearance
on another comp we won't name.) "Lap Dance" is the other cut and
it's "Sheena" on speed.
Dunno what they put in the moonshine down Alabama way but it sure ain't water
judging by the two Quadrajets toons ("Tomb of Johnny Reb" and "Dixie
Speedway), the former feaqturing some scalding guitar.
Weighing in at 17 minutes long, there's not much time for contemplation but
rest assured it makes up for what it lacks in duration with loads of energy.
You can pick up a copy cheap from Head
Miles.
- The Barman
