Wow! Could a band this good, hailing from the same town (Bellingham, WA) as Estrus headquarters actually go ignored by label chief Dave Crider? This record could have easily been on Smallstone or the Music Cartel or Am Rep in its heyday, but I think not. Hence the debut release from this fine trio called Federation X. This album is a relentless pummeling blast of groove-oriented mayhem, complete with great hooks and choppin’, uncompromising rock & blues in a Nomeansno meets (coherent) Melvins meets Nine Pound Hammer meets a shade of Confederacy of Scum perhaps. Rollin’ down your laneway and flattening everything you thought dear. This will be colossal to see live, check ‘em while they tour near you. (Sept. 15th @ Bumpers) (aardvark)

The Detroit underground music scene’s got it goin’ on right now, for sure. Stripes and Cobras and Come Ons etc… then along come two guys and two gals calling themselves the Von Bondies and they have emerged with a killer full length offering for Sympathy that rocks out in a ferocious yet groovy blues style. Suitably produced by Jack White (yes, the White Stripes), with great songwriting prowess and lots of dynamics, this album chugs along with great rock & soul that few have truly mastered. This record is lush with rock texture, sweet acoustic smarts and heart wrenching vocals. It also resonates with plenty of fine roots rock reference points, and perhaps some early Gun Club and Starlite Desperation for lack of anything concrete to pin on ‘em. Get some Motor City action today. OK. (aardvark)

Load up the wagons, here comes a fine traveling album from a new (to me) six piece (maybe seven?) band from Portland, OR called the Freak Mountain Ramblers. These fellas deliver a nice mix of Country, Honky Tonk and Bluegrass styles with all the right quirks with a lean on some C.C.R. feel and Burrito Brother flare. Starting out with a rollickin’ cover of Billy Joe Shaver’s “Last Train To Georgia” and plowin’ thru various great choices such as a soulful version of “It Won’t Hurt” by Dwight Yoakam, traditional numbers “Little Maggie” and “Childe Ballad #207” as well as a sweet rendering of Jimmy Cliff’s “Sitting In Limbo” that would likely impress “Wacos” at Bloodshot HQ. And the guitarist/vocalist Jimmy Boyer’s originals are quite notable as well, strikes me that they shouldn’t be shy to crank out more tunes of their own. These guys know their way around the goods and I detect work of experience in the madness. Put ‘er on and head for your favorite rural route.(aardvark)

Well it was a long but worthwhile wait ‘cause man these guys have done it again. A triumphant return, as the Detroit Cobras come along with 14 more choice covers of vintage R&B and soul done in their own patented swaggering style that shows plenty of respect for the genres, all the while incorporating the right kind of contemporary feel and grinding along with just the right amount of laid back punk rock attitude. These guys (well, 3guys & 2 gals) must be harboring a killer record collection as there is much savvy in their presentation and delivery and Rachael Nagy lends the perfect voice. Easily as good or better than the previous (Mink, Rat Or Rabbit, a huge seller @ Birdman) and if that’s any indication they should (and are) flying out the door. Check ‘em out live this summer. (aardvark)

There is gin-tub full of indie rock groups these days who push the tougher than thou stance to the verge of overkill. But somehow, Australia’s Powder Monkeys certainly know how to flick the switch on the rock and roll hedonistic work ethic. With guitars ablaze, the band takes the fierce grit of an AC/DC riff and pounds it home on every track. Lyrically, the Powder Monkeys fall somewhere between the eloquence of Bon Scott and Gene Simmons, but in terms of sonic bang for your buck, there are few bands at the top of the underground rock heap that can dish it out finer. (PAGE)

The newest and ninth full length release from these notorious San Diego-based punks is a true rock and roll effort - a fucking scorcher even! With help from John Wurster (Superchunk), Mario Rubalcaba (Black Heart Procession) and Memphis piano legend Jim Dickinson, front man and wily guitarist Speedo (a.k.a. John Reis of The Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu, and Pitchfork) leads his army through thirteen charging and dangerously infectious tracks, including the no doubt soon-to-be rock anthems “Straight American Slave”, “Heart of a Rat” and “White Belt”. Crashing symbols, galloping guitars, and earsplitting horns: there are no worries that can withstand the rock and roll venom that is RFTC! “The potion is the venom, the venom is the poison!” Hell yeah, I’m addicted! Rocket is currently touring with the International Noise Conspiracy, so get out and support killer live music! For more info and your own personalized Rocketname from the Official Rocketname Generator Mainframe Database, go to www.rftc.com! Mat Moss a.k.a. Dickhead “The King” Frequency (Birdman Foreign Correspondent in LA)

There are very few too almost zero rock oriented bands, that after 20 years, can still play with as much gusto as they once may have originally mustered! The Celibate Rifles are one of the few exceptions to the case and as I think back to thier first album and listen to thier latest, all I can say is fuckin' eh!! For me, on the same pedestal as Radio Birdman and the New Christs, the Rifles have produced another fresh sonic blast of Detroit inspired, but uniquely trademark, Aussie rock 'n' roll. 14 "pinned to yer' seat" nuggets, whether fast, medium or slow tempo, all framed by the twin guitar attack of the dynamic duo of Kent Steedman and Dave Morris and the unmistakable voice of Damien Lovelock. Nik Rieth and Jim Leone provide the more than solid and walloping rhythm section. The sum is only as great as it's weakest part and ther ain't no leaks in this boat man. The first pressing of this cd includes 3 choice covers of songs by the Stones, Replacements and fellow Aussie greats and Birdman offshoot The Visitors. Make no mistake this is what great rock albums are supposed to sound like!
Pass the brew mate! J. Feck

Fuck the Motorhead comparisons! So what! Better that, than the fuckin' Doobie Brothers or some other shite 70's band ! Motorhead ruled a way back when and Puffball rule today! They stand strong on thier own! Another ready to rock Nitro-Burnin' Swedish R&R combo who on their latest album never threaten to wimp out, not one goddamn bit. 14 sonic blasts of beer guzzlin' raunch that gets better with every taste. This is their 3rd full length and with several mini lps and a stack of 7" 'ers and comp trax to thier credit, Puffball just keep steam rollin' along. I thought thier last record for Radio Blast was a killer but this...Holy Smokes....Keep 'er up boys, R.A.F.R. ! J. Feck

Blistering Jezuz these fuckers rawk! A relentless twin guitar attack of catchy, in yer face punky rock 'n roll with perfect gravel throated vocals. This Swedish 4-piece take Supersuckers "Smoke Is Hell" style raunch to an even more perfect pitch. Their debut at the tail end of '99; " We Are About As Welcome As Holy Water In Satan's Drink", was one of my most played records in 2000. Their latest features 10 songs in 32+ minutes and not a dull moment to be found. Another bit of recorded proof that a few years now into the hype that Scandanavia seems to be continuing to be at the forefront of modern day rawk 'n' roll. Get this at all costs. J. Feck

Now here's a nice surprise. I didn't even know about this project until copies had literally landed at the store. Looks good on paper? well it's a monster. Consisting of Tim Kerr, guitarist extraordinaire most recently with the Lord High Fixers and Monkeywrench, Lisa Kekaula, the knockout vocalist for the Bellrays and Speedball Baby's enigmatic main man Matt Verta Ray amongst others, all working out to a winning combination. This 12 song disc exudes all good things SOUL, R&B, BLUES, R&R. Plenty of respect for the traditions while exploding full on in a "Now Time" kinda way. Several great cover tunes chosen here including: Raise Your Hand (Eddie Floyd), Keep On Pushing (Curtis Mayfield/Impressions), Nothing But A Heartache (Flirtations), Bert's Apple Crumble (the Quik), and a heart-stopping version of Handle Me With Care (King Floyd) as well as some great originals that don't miss a beat. Who could pass this up? NOW's the TIME Brothers and Sisters. aardvark

Just time for spring? another raw country blues rocker from the fast becoming legend Knoxville Girls. Follow-up to the brilliant self- titled and live In The Woodshed LPs, this one continues on with the same sweet and low down dirty tradition drawing from the band's intense understanding of all good american roots music. Spaghetti western soundtrack crossing with cowboy country and hillbilly elements, surf and rockabilly styles colliding with delta blues and the southern soul triangle. This gem aims to please those with a taste for the traditional and unconventional alike. All managed very competently while still jagged and loose and still without the use of bass guitar. An excellent foreshadow of what is sure to be a sensual live show down at the Dominion, May 14th. Besides how can you go wrong with a collective alumni that includes members of such bands as Sonic Youth, Little Porkchop, Chrome Cranks, Cramps, Gun Club, Bewitched, Pussy Galore, the Bad Seeds, Honeymoon Killers, and Boss Hog? YOU CAN'T. Bring us your paper suits. aardvark

Self-described as "hate-fueled gospel/trash/punk/soul", this London-based sextet scores big on their new Comedown Blues 7" (Southern Recs 2000) follow-up. Incorporating the likes of The Stooges/The Make-Up and LeTigre/The Gamma Rays, The Action Time serve up eleven motown-ized garage pop tunes that swagger drunkenly – with middle finger raised – between poncy thrift shop spectacle and good ol' punk rock contempt. Edgy fucked-up guitar solos, cool harmonies, sneering lead vocals: your collection won’t be complete without it! Fans might also want to check out their new 7", entitled Rock and Roll (Southern Recs 2000), with a killer non-album b-side. As the band says: "Hey motherfuckers, it's about rock and roll!"
Mat Moss (Birdman Foreign Correspondent in LA)

We've been blessed with a number of fine duos over recent years cranking out a variety of blues stylings such as the White Stripes, Soledad Brothers, Doo Rag, Lo- Hi to name a few. Along comes a new one from Alabama with their debut, the Immortal Lee County Killers. Consisting of Chet Weise of the Quadrajets and Boss Sherrard of Sphramm they live up to the task, pounding out the raw energy and proving again that sometimes all you need is guitar & drums (and maybe a six pack or two) to make some ferocious punk blues. These nine tracks are fired up and ready to go and will knock you out of your complacent stupor. Check out the seven incher too, the b-side includes a cover of Pussy Galore's "Revolution Summer". Killer. aardvark

Hot damn! Can you believe these guys are from San Fran? Well in this day and age anything can be form anywhere and shows how little borders mean in the world of good underground rock. You can't help but notice a certain British feel to this one, in the style of great early pop punkers The Real Kids, The Buzzcocks, The Boys etc.. and trust me this album is as sweet as they come. Loaded with great tunes most of which speak of playing records and listening to radio. The respected magazine cum full fledged record label Gearhead has unearthed a gem and this in a fair world would end up larger than the Verve or Oasis and any other such overwrought nonsense. Toss out the spoiled and scoop up the treasure your aural receptors will thank you. Also available, a fine 7" single called "Let's Get Ripped" bw/ a cover of The DK's "Too Drunk To Fuck". Fantastic. aardvark

Another in the long line of fine rippin’ Scandinavian rock bands, these dudes from Sweden blow the roof off the joint on their second full length release. Fully loaded with a duel guitar attack and a killer sensibility and penchant for catchy kickin’ rock & roll tunes, some of which have an almost anthemic quality. Included amongst these is an interesting cover of the Jerry Butler/Curtis Mayfield penned song “Find Another Girl”. Climb aboard for this ride, you’ll find yourself back for more every time, on what has proved to be one of the finer punk rock & roll albums of 2000. Vicious indeed. Look for a some new stuff from them soon. aardvark

This record has all the makings of a killer B-movie soundtrack. Think of an alien James Bond on a crash course with Franken N Furter and you might get a sense of the wonderfully surf-sleazy sounds on this instrumental record. Crazed electric guitars hold court for a multitude of outlandish, evil synth noises making this more like the back-drop of a creature-feature than a traditional Link Wray style record. But instrumental affectionados and non-believers alike will dig this album more than enough to want throw it on at shindigs everywhere. (PAGE)