Review - “Songs from Nowhere” by Nico Taus

“Songs from Nowhere” are the reflections of the Sudbury hardcore scene that these kids helped build. The book is written by Nico who was the singer of VICIOUS CYCLE. VICIOUS CYCLE were one of my favourite band’s from Sudbury and they were around between 2005 – 2010. But Sudbury has it’s challenges. It is a bit of a shithole. The city is remote and north and is best known as a mining town. The big mine is nickel making the place better known as the Big Nickel. It is the kind of town you escape from. But it is a university town and as a result there is a small punk scene there that has been particularly great over the last few years and has included bands like the STATUES and UV RAYS. This book of Nico’s tries to chronicle the events of the scene over the last few years using VICIOUS CYCLE as the narration point. He starts with the band’s prior band PROVEN and gets into how the band changed members, recorded their different releases and got out on the road. Some of the story line has gaping holes. Some of his writing can be characterized as rapid fire recollections. The book is full of highlights but falls down with providing the back story. I would have loved to know more about how bands came about. The fights and conflicts. More of the stories behind some of the bigger shows. I hoped that “Songs from Nowhere” was going to be more like “Banned in DC”, which is the ultimate book for telling a scene’s stories. I feel the history of this era could have benefitted from other perspectives. If Nico had done some interviews and included those in here this book would have had a more well rounded perspective. It is the diary style that fails in telling Sudbury’s story I have done interviews with a few of these, so I know first hand that they have great stories to tell. Regardless, “Songs form Nowhere” is a book worthy of your attention just to learn about how these bands know each other and interacted. There are great photos and loads of flyers that I have never seen before. And indirectly the book makes the argument that smaller towns produce great bands and incredible scenes. Over the years I have seen this to be true. Think of the scenes in Hamilton, Victoria or St. John’s to prove this point. (http://songsfromnowhere.com/)

Flyer - Saturday June 13, 2009

Radio - Sunday, September 28, 2008

RAH - Time Will Tell (Chez Ogilvie)

TINNER - Ursakta var ar Rannstennen (Smyt)
AVSKUM - The Massacre in Fallujah (Prank)
INSTANGD - Hjart Attack (Sorry State)
PAHAA VERTA - Meidan Aika (Roku)
NEGATIVE APPROACH - Why Be Something That You’re Not (Touch ‘n Go)

Top 10 - September 2008
CORPUS DEI - Divide and conquer (Feral Kid)
IMPERIAL LEATHER - No Return (Profane Existence)
S/M - The Hunt (Punks Before Profit$)
ARGY BARGY - My Life (Captain oi!)
THE JOLTS - An Electric Testimonial (Haute Voltage)
UV RAYS - In the Night (Feral Kid)
STATUES - Where are you ? (Deranged)
BILL BONDSMEN - Another wave (Dead Beat)
END OF ALL - Andloa Korridor (Crimes Against Humanity)
WORLD BURNS TO DEATH - Come and see (HG Fact / Prank)

Studio 3 Session
RAH - Leave Me Alone (CIUT)
RAH - Reality Check (CIUT)
RAH - Fuck the World (CIUT)
RAH - In The End (CIUT)
RAH - New Song (CIUT)
RAH - Walk Away (CIUT)
RAH - Peace of Mind (CIUT)
RAH - Interview (CIUT)
RAH - Reality Check (Chez Ogilvie)

SENSE APOCALYPSE - Pain in the Ass (HG Fact)
HOBRINUS DUDES - No Substance (Punks Before profit$)
UNPOLLUTED - Resident Infinity (HG Fact)
EASIES - Decide (Too Circle)
FOR THE WORSE - Smoke and Mirrors (Kangaroo)

63 MONROE – Hey Little Girl (Rave Up)
TYRANNA - Shockface / Johnny (Boppa Do Down)
DEFIANCE - Burn (HG Fact)
MIKAZUKI BAKOUNDAN - Look at me, My Motion (HG Fact)
GOLDBLADE - Do the Neo-Con (Captain oi!)

Demo Feature
CONTAGIUM - Salt the Earth (Self-Released)
CONTAGIUM - Morbid Intentions (Self-Released)
CONTAGIUM - Bundlylead (Self-Released)
CONTAGIUM - Constant Fear (Self-Released)
CONTAGIUM - Disgust and Frustration (Self-Released)
IGNI ET FERRO - Hapea (Tuska ja Ahdistus)

BRAT PACK - Elections (Dirty Faces)

UV Rays “…Are Sick of Humans” ep

This is the UV RAYS third release and it is consistent with the previous two outings in capturing an early raw punk sound. The band goes back to punk’s roots and draws inspiration from bands like MC5, the DEAD BOYS, and the wreckless abandon of the GERMS. The opening track is titled “Failed Generation” which brings to mind RICHARD HELL’s “Blank Generation”, but UV RAYS’ song is more an observation on the current state of apathy that pervades today’s scene. The band does covers of BLACK FLAG and GANG GREEN live but “Sick of Humans” doesn’t contain any of these. The ep has a version of “Monster Mash” that has been re-written about the recently departed guitar player, Pat, who was quite the party animal. And in talking to the band that party element is a part of what gives the UV RAYS their feeling in a sound. This is a similar experiment to band’s like BRUTAL KNIGHTS and DISRESPECT, except the UV RAYS are going for a snotty punk sound. They pull it off. (Feral Kid c/o Eric Bifaro / 379 Ontario Street / Buffalo, NY / 14207 / USA / www.myspace.com/feralkidrecords) - SP

Radio - Sunday, June 15, 2008

UV RAYS - Failed Generation (Feral Kid)

WORLD BURNS TO DEATH - Black Hundreds (HG Fact)
DISKAAOS - Sota on Sotaa (Tuska & Ahdistus)
CRUNKY KIDS - Look Mom, No Oil War (Motorchest)
SISTA SEKUNDEN - Slagen Meninte Besegrad (Instigate)
PILGER - Work Ethic / Audit
CONQUEST FOR DEATH - Positive Attitude, Negative World (Wajlemac)

Studio 3 Session
UV RAYS - Power Remains (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Flip Out (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Get Bent (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Slip Inside This Brain (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Nervous Breakdown (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Don’t Need Nobody (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Impending Doom (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Waster (CIUT)
UV RAYS - French Song (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Alcohol (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Failed Generation (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Don’t Wanna Be Here (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Interview (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Party Pat (CIUT)
UV RAYS - Interview (CIUT)

Demo Feature
ANAL WARHEAD - Religious Music Sucks (Self-Released)
ANAL WARHEAD - Blind Obsession (Self-Released)
ANAL WARHEAD - C.A.B. (Self-Released)
ANAL WARHEAD - Protect and Serve (Self-Released)
ANAL WARHEAD - Hate My Job (Self-Released)
ANAL WARHEAD - Destroy the World (Self-Released)
ANAL WARHEAD - Fairy Tale (Self-Released)
ANAL WARHEAD - Out of Time (Self-Released)
ANAL WARHEAD - Homebrew (Self-Released)
86 MENTALITY - Called Out (Deranged)
RIOT 99 - Start a Riot (Longshot)
SKIDS - Of One Skin (Captain Oi!)

U.T.I. - Bull Tits (Self-Released)

Zine - EXD, VOLUME 8, ISSUE 4

This issue came out in June 2008. The issue featured an interview with Living Darkness. Gena Maldezy does an interview with the Sinners from london who were a second wave band. Craig Caron interviews Crime Desire. And an interview with Pete from Hits and Misses. A review of Alan O'Connor's book "Punk Record labels and the Struggle for Autonomy: the Emergence of DIY". A video review of Hunka Junk 5 is in here along with other reviews, show listings, and a flyer page.

Radio - Sunday, May 18, 2008

VAPID - Victim (Nominal)

THE RESTARTS - Enemy’s Enemy (No Label)
OPERATION IVY - Freeze Up (Hellcat)
4 SKINS - Plastic Gangster (Captain Oi!)
SHAM 69 - With a Little Help from my Friends (Captain Oi!)
TEACHER’S PET - Henry the VIII I Am (Smog Veil)
THE SCREWED - Sheena is a Punk Rocker (Self-Released)

Studio 3 session
VAPID - Whore (CIUT)
VAPID - I Don’t Love You (CIUT)
VAPID - Victim (CIUT)
VAPID - Sex Stain / I Hate You (CIUT)
VAPID - Annette’s Got the Hits (CIUT)
VAPID - So Far Gone (CIUT)
VAPID - Die (CIUT)
VAPID - Do the Earthquake (CIUT)

VAPID - Whore (Nominal)
VAPID - Interview (CIUT)
VAPID - Do the Earthquake (Nominal)

DRUGSTOP - Runnin’ With the Devil (Radio 81)
DEAN DIRG - Everyone Back Off (Dead Beat)
PRESS GANG - $$$ (Radio 81)
OUT COLD - Take as Needed for Pain (Kangaroo)
VOORHEES - Knife in the Fork Tray (Gloom)
FIX MY HEAD - Life is Swell (Vinyl Addict)

ALERT! ALERT! - Thrashin’ in the Streets (Cassette Kill)
CONDOMINIUM - Faded (Self-Released)
AMERICAN CHEESEBURGER - Cheeseburger (Tsunami)
KOROVA - Clockwork (Victimized)
WE’RE FUCKED - Take a Number (BBS)
FUCK THIS - Lines Crossed (Punks Before Profits)

NIGHTSTICK JUSTICE - Cut Off (Even Worse)
THE INMATES - Rub n Tug (Even Worse)
UV RAYS - Failed Generation (Feral Kid)
BEAR PROOF SUIT - We Won’t Repent (Loud Blaring Punk Rock)
THE BLOOD REDS - Big Distraction (Loud Blaring Punk Rock)
CANCER BATS - Pray For Darkness (Distort)
ROT IN HELL - The Barrens / Cholothrax (Vinyl Addict)

Demo Feature
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Cluster (Self-Released)
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Munchausen (Self-Released)
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Situationist (Self-Released)
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Lotus Feet (Self-Released)
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Leash (Self-Released)
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Trough (Self-Released)
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Religion (Self-Released)
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Nightmare #2 (Self-Released)
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Gunther von Hagen (Self-Released)
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Louise Brooks (Self-Released)
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Nightmare #3 (Self-Released)
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Nightmare #1 (Self-Released)
MAKUA VALLEY BLAST TEST - Trepanation (Self-Released)

Radio - Sunday, September 4, 2005

THE HOLD - Serfdom (Divorce)

Top 10 for August
REGULATIONS - No More Hell (Havoc)
HIGH ON CRIME - Only Son (625 Productions)
DISCLOSE - Corpse of Hope (Regurgitated Semen Records)
KURWA APARATA - That Was Not Our Dream (Kurwa Aparata)
VIIMENINEN KOLONNA - Pahan Valtakunta (KÃmÃset Levyt)
MORTAL COMBAT - The Streets (Thrash Steady Syndicate)
EYE FOR AN EYE - Konflict (KÃmÃset Levyt)

PEDESTRIANS - Public Eye (advance of new LP)
SKATE KORPSE - Front Page White Out (DSK)
TERMINAL STATE - Rats (Hate the 80's)
WEBELOS - 3a Guerra Mundial (Hillside Strangler)
THE REDS - Victims (Redrum)
THE SKULLS - Fucked Up Baby (Bootleg)

Studio 3 Session
THE HOLD - Interview (CIUT)
THE HOLD - Kill Yourself (Divorce)

SINKIN' SHIPS - Garbage Island (Sink n Destroy)
CHUCK NORRIS - Seein' Red (Self-Released)
F.P.O. - All People are Equal (Brand New Place)
WEAVING THE DEATHBAG - Cycles (Hungry Ghosts)
THE ACCUSED - Life Kills On (Candor)

UV RAYS - Flip Out (Razorblade)
DEATH WISH KIDS - Whips and Furs (Hopscotch)
DEADLY WEAPONS - You're So Selfish (Rapid Pulse)
RIFF RANDELLS - Mississippi Hott Dog (No Dancing)
THE JAGS - Back of My Hand (I've Got Your Number) (Island)

POLIDICKS - Bigotry, Violence, Brutality (Wounded Paw)
FILTHPACT - Rise Up, Grow Up (Black Box)
AND THE SAGA CONTINUES - Dance on Your Grave (Contempt for Humanity)
WARZONE WOMYN - Cobblestone Stomach (Out of Limits)
RECENSION - Countdown to the Abolishment of all Cross Musical Genre Mixing (Sounds of Revolution)
HOSTILE TAKEOVER - Half of An ass / More Squalor for Your Dollar (625 Productions)

RED ALERT - Doing It Our Way (Anagram)
SOLDIER DOLLS - Gotham City is Dead (Self-Released)
MOUTH GUARD - Stand Strong, Walk Tall (Bullpit)
CLIT 45 - Teeth on the Floor (BYO)
JUST SAY GO - Glory Days (Round 3)

Demo Feature
BARN BURNER - Poison Head (Self-Released)
BARN BURNER - Pretty (Like D Boone) (Self-Released)
BARN BURNER - Ivory Towers (Self-Released)

Radio - Sunday, June 26, 2005

BUZZCOCKS - I Don't Know What to Do With My Life (I.R.S.)

MDC - My family is a Little Weird (R Radical)
BIG BOYS - Assault (Gern Blandsten)
CLITBOYS - Gay's Okay (Feedback)
GO! - A Day to Fight For (Forefront)
LIMP WRIST - The Ode (Control)
TAVE - Gasser Rundt (Audio Fellatio)
THE DICKS - No Nazi's Friend (Bootleg)

PEDESTRIANS - Why Kill What's Dead (Southkore)
SUBURBAN DEATH MACHINE - Average American Psychopath (Urban Death Mission)
SKATE KORPSE - Skate Hospital (Art of the Underground)
UV RAYS - Don't Need Nobody (Razorblade)
REAL LOSERS - Brainwash City Again (Trick Knee)

The JANITORS - 4-Q (Une Vie Pour Rien Vinyles)
MOUTHGUARD - Spirit of '88 (Round 3)
LUTECE BORGIA - Choose (Lutèce Borgia)
REJECTED YOUTH - The Batcave (M.S.M. 1279)
WEDNESDAY NIGHT HEROES - All on the Outside (Self-Released)

FUN THINGS - (I Ain't Got) Time Enough for Love (Penniman)
THE VICTIMS - High School Girls (Bootleg)
NERVOUS EATERS - Get Stuffed (Penniman)
SHOCK - I Wanna Be Spoiled (Loupact)
THE NERVES - One Way Ticket (Penniman)

THE HUNCHES - Chainsawdomy (In The Red)
P-NISSARNA - Benzin (Massproduktion)
REGULATIONS - I Don't Need (Havoc)
KIROTTU - Isanmaanystavat (Panikkia)
DIRECT CONTROL - Cleptomaniac (Sorry State)
THE ACCUSED - Martha Splatter Head (Condar)
I SHOT CYRUS - Hey Loco (U.P.S.)

ELTON MOTELLO - Jet Boy Jet Girl (Lightning)
NUBS - Job (Businessman)
BAD POSTURE - Time for Smack (Irresponsible)
THE COMES - Panic (Bootleg)
INSANE - Why Die ? (Insane)

COCKROACH - Eyes Can't See (C.A.Z.)
SBV - If Lyrics are promises than we've all got some make-up sex coming (Parts Unknown)
DIE! - 7 Ply (Western Front)
DROP IT - Pot I Kettle (Western Front)
SAY GOODBYE - Quality Control (Western Front)
VOORHEES - Drug Cop (Hermit)
THE PROCESS - Picking up the Pieces (Burial)

Demo Feature
THE HOLD - Beleve (Self-Released)
THE HOLD - Serfdom (Self Released)
THE HOLD - Time to Die (Self Released)
THE HOLD - Human Instinct (Self Released)
THE HOLD - Kill Yourself (Self Released)
THE HOLD - Throw Down the Leader (Self Released)
THE HOLD - War on the Streets (Self Released)
THE HOLD - Coward (Self Released)
THE HOLD - Abuse (Self Released)
THE HOLD - Locked Out (Self Released)