Music reviews and San Diego hardcore scene report
By Chad Stroup
The Fix: “At the Speed of Twisted Thought” (Touch & Go Records)
This is a reissue that many have been anticipating forever. The Fix are both legends and obscurities. Their two singles (from 1980 and 1981) were pressed in such small numbers that they were often bootlegged, and the originals fetch prices in the hundreds or thousands from salivating collectors. The music contained within is raw, primal Midwest hardcore punk that was the foundation for this label’s first few years of existence. Not only does this great collection contain those two singles, but there are also some live songs, unreleased outtakes/demos, and compilation track. This is absolutely essential for anyone who claims to be a fan of hardcore. http://www.jansrooms.com/ -CS
Fucked Up: “Hidden World” (Jade Tree)
After unleashing a ton of rare singles, this Canadian powerhouse has finally graced us with a full-length (at 72 minutes in length no less!). Fucked Up has taken their Negative Approach-meets-The Wipers sound to a whole new level on this record, and I doubt they care too much if those with short attention spans get lost along the way. There is truly no other current hardcore band out there who successfully combines intelligent and thoughtful lyrics, powerfully plotted music, and a mystique about them that most bands would kill for. This is a future classic band, one that kids in next decade will be wishing they were old enough to have seen. http://www.lookingforgold.blogspot.com/ -CS
Asobi Seksu: “Citrus” (Friendly Fire Recordings)
I was so impressed with Asobi Seksu’s debut that I had been heavily anticipating their next move. This gem of a sophomore album definitely lives up to my expectations. It’s fair to say that I am a sucker for most anything that falls under the umbrella of shoegazer or dreampop, but Asobi Seksu sticks out among the pack. This is due in no small part to the lush female vocals that are presented in both English and Japanese. Of course the rest of the band certainly holds its weight. They create a wall of beautiful and decadent noise that can soothe you without even slightly losing its intense edge. I will be severely disappointed if this band remains unrecognized. http://www.asobiseksu.com/ -CS
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