Punkzilla, Various Artists
Whoever allowed the latest Nitro Records sampler to be entitled ‘Punkzilla’ needs to be dropped on concrete from a great height. There have been some appalling compilation titles over the years, but this has to be the tackiest yet! Quite how someone saw a link between a giant green monster and punk rock is beyond me. Anyway; enough about the title. What about the music?
‘Punkzilla’ features twenty tracks from Nitro artists new and old, as well as two from The Offspring. What is it about certain record label bosses that makes them feel inclined to put their own band on a label sampler? The two tracks aren’t even new or unreleased; they’re off the first album. Oh well, what’s good enough for Fat Mike is obviously just as good for Dexter.
There are four new singings to Nitro featured on ‘Punkzilla’, all of whom offer something different to the label. The first newcomers, Rufio, sound exactly like New Found Glory. They are a bit faster, and not quite as good, but listen to their track ‘Still’ and you’ll be convinced it’s Jordan and the boys. There is a very good chance they will give the label a nice slice of the pop punk market. The same could be said of Divit, who are another band in the same vein. Their track, ‘Misunderstanding Maybe’ is a touch heavier than Rufio's, but just as likable. Stavesacre have hardcore leanings whereas Original Sinners have a female vocalist who doesn’t seem to fit their brand of punk.
The nice thing about the compilation is the diversity of the bands on it. From the hardcore sound of Ensign, to the old-school noise of T.S.O.L. and The Damned, it is clear that Nitro is becoming a well-rounded label. We also get tracks from label stalwarts Guttermouth and The Vandals. It has to be said though, that the Guttermouth track, ‘Hit Machine’, is not one of their best.
It is perhaps fitting that A.F.I. have the most tracks on the sampler, probably their last contribution to the label. ‘Wester’ and ‘The Days of the Phoenix’, in particular, showcase why the band are going on to bigger things. However, they are not the two best tracks on the release. That accolade goes to Australian punks Bodyjar, with ‘Not The Same’, and The Turbo A.C.’s, with ‘Hypnotized’.
‘Punkzilla’ is one of those rare things in life; a compilation CD where the good tracks easily outweigh the bad. It showcases the many talents of the Nitro Records roster and is easily worthy of a purchase, especially considering the usual bargain prices of samplers.
Mark
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