Triple Crown Records 2002 Spring Sampler, Various Artists
Those trusty folks at Triple Crown have released their brand new sampler, and well, it's pretty kick ass. Sampling seven tracks from seven of their hottest bands, including songs from the likes of Hot Rod Circuit, Death Threat and the magnificient Brand New, it's well worth getting your hands on.
The sampler kicks off with the old-skool sounding 'England Belongs To Me' by Roger Miret & The Distasters. It even starts off complete with the neccessary "oi" screams. OK, so it's a little generic, but it's singalong oi punk with natty guitar solos and some female vocals during a breakdown half-way through, which even comes complete with handclaps! The best track here is up next, with the brazen 'Seventy Times 7' by Brand New. From the album 'Your favourite Weapon', given an almighty 4.5 stars here at Punktastic, this is a song showcasing the bands many (and seemingly endless) talents. Pushing the boundaries of emo, punk and hardcore, and mixing it with some killer hooks, Brand New will soon become your favourite new band.
Death Threat's 'For God And Government' track features on their upcoming album of the same name, and is blistering political hardcore. I can't help but think of Pennywise when I listen to this, even though vocally this lot are a million miles away from Jim Lindberg and company. Still, there's more than a hint of Fletcher Dragge in the guitar parts. Not the greatest track you will ever hear, but better than a poke in the eyeball with a sharp stick.
Safety In Numbers are featured on a split CD with Brand New, and 'Waited Around' carries on in the vain of Andy Jackson's old band, Hot Rod Circuit. It's poppy emo-rock with an edge, and if this, and the two tracks from the split EP are anything to go by, the full-lengther will be worth checking out. Anchor are described by the label as "positive hardcore with a touch of melody", and this isn't too far wide of the mark. Infact there is melody in abundance here, although 'I Don't Need You' doesn't really push at the boundaries of hardcore. But if you like the Movielife, this would be another band that would be worth a listen.
Out To Win are absolutely brutal, with 'Suffer' a pounding, brash attempt at real hardcore. And there's still enough of a tune here to distinguish it from a lot of the crap that the genre churns out. The sampler ends with 'Richard Simmons' by Hot Rod Circuit, a track from their now out-of-print debut EP. And as we have come to expect from HRC, this is another blast of their poppy brand of emo-style punk.
So there you have it, a release chock-full of cool songs from a label now distinguishing itself as one of the best around. Check out any of the bands featured on here and it is unlikely that you will feel disappointed.
Paul Savage
