Yadokai - Sterile Environment

Noisy hardcore from the San Francisco Bay area. They also have a 7 inch (and are releasing another one soon) but i prefer this. This recording features Jake (singer of Ecoli) and Daiki (former guitarist of Morpheme) on guitar. They've had some line up changes since this came out. Dahlia (formerly of Vacant Rooms, and toured with Total Abuse as their bassist) is now playing bass in the band. Daiki moved to San Diego, but comes back occasionally to play with the band. Will (former drummer of Nighstick Justice) plays drums on this recording, but has since left the band. A new drummer I'm unfamiliar with be playing on their new record. Max (of Face The Rail) has switched instruments a few times, as he played drums on Yadokai's tour with Lotus Fucker, but has since moved to either bass or guitar. That's probably one of the most extensive "who's in this band and what do they play?" paragraphs I've written, and yet I doubt anybody cares.

Anyways, on to the music. From the sound of it, I'm assuming it was recorded in Jake's room. It's noisy and chaotic, influenced by Japanese hardcore. In fact, I think some people were turned off by the first song, as the first 35 seconds or so are the noisiest portion of the tape. It seems like "The Depths" would have made a better intro song. Then again, I'm not in the band. I am, however, in Stressors, who is playing a show with Needles (half of Limp Wrist), Yadokai and On Parade on December 10th at 1-2-3-4-GO! Records in Oakland. That transition occurred organically, but it feels just as cheesy as it would if it hadn't. I like the lyrics a lot, too. Enjoy the music.

http://www.mediafire.com/?z66w6ddaow1o3a0

Extortion - Control

Extortion is a hardcore band from Perth, Australia. Many would consider them a power violence band, but think Infest, not Crossed Out. This is their second 7 inch, originally released in 2003. I bought it at a Gilman show that they played with Iron Lung, Punch and Negative Standards. It was one of the best shows I've been to this year. My vote for best song goes to either "Useless" or "Curl Up And Die." The latter has a great outro part.

http://www.mediafire.com/?z1udbt1iyudo1vx

Buy it from Deep Six Records

The band also runs their own Store

The Ropers - Sunbathe

I've been pretty lazy regarding this blog lately, so here's the first Ropers record. I guess there was an error when printing the labels and everything, because the A-side songs are switched on the label as well as back cover. I fixed them so you can hear it in the order it is on the actual record. This was released back when Slumberland Records was based in Berkeley. They currently reside in Oakland, and surprisingly enough, this record is still in print. I think the first song "Waiting" is the best one on here, with "Lost" coming in at a close second. The A-side is pretty sad sounding, while "Cool Self" on the B-Side is more upbeat.

http://www.mediafire.com/?btt6u6tzmoqtitb

Buy it from Slumberland Records