Thoroughly messy grind-age (though Pauly Shore would not step near here in a million years) that brings to mind the glory days of Napalm Death and Carcass (ah, the memories). Oddly enough, they do delve into a little doom, but everything remains fairly short and tight.

A lot of you have already jumped on the bandwagon, and I suppose you aren't exactly naming the band when you play it (who ever heard of a grindcore band called "Air Conditioning", anyway).

If they don't cheez out, I see good times ahead for these boys, even if they live in that noted grindcore haven, Massachusetts.

Almost anthemic death metal. Geez, is this stuff infectious. It's not that innovative, but it sure is fun.

I'm really not sure what else to say here. I enjoyed the listen and all, but for some weird reason I can't get fully into it. Kind of a bummer, because I certainly cannot find a fault ('cept maybe it does get a little commercial, but just a spot).

I hate it when I get stumped like this. Oh well, here comes the closer: sounds great, there is no reason you shouldn't play the hell out of this thing. Sorry it (the review) sounds so contrived, but that happens sometimes.

If death metal were a seventies thing, this would be perhaps the ultimate album. The first song opens up with a sped-up version of the "Barracuda" riff-and it sounds really great!

There are more elements of doom in here than their last album as well. This is such a departure, I'm not sure if growth is exactly the right term, but change definitely is.

Accessible, certainly. Heavy, without doubt. I think I'm starting to sound like Benedick, so I'll quit. This should be hard enough to keep their old fans, and certainly pleasant enough to pick up many new, more commercial, outlets.

Just because it sounds infectious doesn't mean it sucks; I put forth Tiamat and Disembowelment as examples of that. This deserves a full cranking of the volume.

Pretty cool grind. Before this issue I hadn't hear much on this side of death in quite a while... a comeback, perhaps?

Rather good production. You can hear every instrument distinctly, and the vocals are mixed nicely, if but a touch high. I don't think there will ever be a massive commercial forum for grindcore, but my, is this done well.

In case you were wondering, this consists of all the D.O. stuff unavailable in the U.S. A friend tells me the reason they were dropped from Nuclear Blast (in Germany, so don't blame Matt & co.) was because they were "getting too weird." This same person voiced a little concern with Pungent Stench, but their sales seem a bit too strong.

As many of you know, I consider Disharmonic Orchestra to be one of the finest and more innovative death metal bands around. Apart from their meticulous playing that still manages to sound inspired, their lyrics are rather well though out, without the degradation into moronity that sometimes happens.

While I would have preferred the new album that has been recorded, this will have to do for now. And I'm afraid I don't know the title of the EP that's included at the end of the disc. I'm calling Pennsylvania to find out. You could do the same.

A disc that can only make you smile. Elements of punk, rockabilly and straight-forward rock plow their way to the ultimate conclusion: this, the perfect driving record.

This is a fine updating of the surf sound of the sixties, modernizing it with speed and an even cooler guitar sound, but everything is still damned goofy and fun as ever.

I can't finish this review, because then I have to stop listening. I could pour a beer and kick back, but it's only one o'clock. Maybe just load a tape and get this thing auto-ready. I think that's the ticket. I may never take this out of my deck.

I have never heard a demo sound this good. Most major label bands would kill for this sound. No shit. This is industrial for the headbangers and the club kids. Anyone who got into the Fear Factory remixes or some of the heavier Reconstriction stuff would love this.

I got this tape at the Soulstorm show in Grand Rapids, after I was too late to catch these guys. I played this on the hour-long ride home, and it blew me away.

There is absolutely no good reason these folks are not signed. No reason at all.

As plain out ass-kicking as their last one. Complementing the Cemetary, this is absolutely no different sound-wise than Incarnate, and I know you folks really grooved on that one.

So after a little of the more modern approaches to the scene, check out with a little of the grind, which seems to be making a comeback, judging by the stuff I've gotten for this issue.

What can I say? The adrenaline rush provided herein is simply addictive, and the production makes sure I hear every blessed note. Blessed? Well, why not. Everyone needs a bit of luck now and again.

Another Pigface release? you ask. Well, yes, but you have to understand that Pigface is not a band in the traditional sense. It's more of a communal thing, a work in progress. And this is a live recording, giving yet another chance to these folk to rework already great songs.

This does not match my memories of the show I saw last February, which was an intensely visceral, and necessarily visual, one. Truth... satisfies my aural desires, but there is an electric feeling in a room when a Pigface show goes right. Of course, they do not always happen that way, and that's why the word genius can be applied to the collective. For it takes a genius to leap at the chance of greatness, no matter the obstacle. Sometimes you succeed; sometimes you fail. But you will always have the experience.

They call their sound indie pop. I'm not sure what that means, but to my ears it's more flowing than Superchunk, but not as incoherent as My Bloody Valentine.

The production is a little muffled, but the songs behind the veil are quite nice. Everything merges together nicely, and after a while the cloudiness seems to be a pleasant effect.

Tired of old punksters who, now that they're major label heroes, seem awful pretentious and grandiose? (no names, please...)

Here are five teenagers from the middle of Missouri who prove that you don't have to live in either California or D.C. to be a damn fine punk band. I saw these guys open up for Fugazi, and they were mighty good. This single has three top-notch tunes, which is more than I can say for some albums.

As usual, Faye doesn't disappoint. If any of you know of a similar (regular seven-inch releases) label in your area, please give me their address. Some of the best bands I've ever heard I noticed first on a seven-inch.

If all you think Lawrence (Kansas) bands sound like Paw and the soon to be heard Stick (bleah), this should shake you a few nice ways.

Well, actually, some of these bands are from places like Milwaukee, but most are within a stones' pitch of Lawrence, so why quibble.

A lot of what wanders in here is truly strange fare, almost indescribable. Some of it was obviously recorded on a jam box (or at least it sounds that way). These are things that work in favor, obviously.

Many of you know Hum and Dis (once called Dig), who are now resting comfortably on Poster Children's 12 inch records. I would steer you towards Kill Creek and Dracomagnet, just as starters.

(Mostly) Kansas rock (etc.) that doesn't suck. Sounds like a bad MTV concept, but it is a fine disc.

Four bands, only one of which has a regular contract with the Cargo folks. You all should know 16 Volt from their fine Wisdom disc, but don't miss the other bands, especially Eggbound, which really took out my gluteus and maximized pain upon it.

If you don't play seven-inches, you are really denying yourself some of the best bands and songs around. I know I soapboxed on the Faye single as well, but come on, folks! Every band on here deserves airplay. It's up to you to give it to them.