The Puncturists - I'm Not Alright

Formed in 2022, The Puncturists are a UK-based punk band hailing from Barnsley, Goole, and Grimsby. The group was founded by guitarist Pat Crawford, formerly of the band "System of Hate", alongside drummer Carl Gulliford. After a series of lineup changes, the band solidified its current roster with vocalist Gail Townsend, bassist Dale Farrow, and drummer Martin Gregory. They first established their presence with the 2022 EP, “The Punk Tourists”, released on Dead Swan Records.

Their debut full-length studio album, “I'm Not Alright”, maintains the high-energy of their earlier EP, but shifts the lyrical focus towards a more personal subject matter. The title track, "I'm Not Alright," offers an examination of mental health struggles, while my favorite track, "55", serves as a response to ageism, detailing Townsend's experience starting a music career in her fifties. Other notable tracks like "Spectre" and "I Wish I Was French" continue the band's trend of mixing social commentary with the standard punk instrumentation.

Musically, the album does not stray far from the established conventions of the genre, melodic hooks with unpolished production style that reflect its independent origins. The record functions less as an innovation in punk rock and more as a faithful continuation of the genre, serving as a documentation of the band’s current lineup and their resilience in Northern England.

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Death Before Dishonor - Nowhere Bound

Death Before Dishonor, hailing from Boston, Massachusetts, has been a cornerstone of the hardcore punk scene since their inception in 2000. Drawing inspiration from legends like Agnostic Front, Sick of It All, and Hatebreed, the band has consistently delivered high-octane music.

After a six-year hiatus since their last full-length album, Death Before Dishonor returns with their sixth studio album, “Nowhere Bound”, via Bridge Nine Records. The album features 11 tracks produced by Zeuss, known for his work with Rob Zombie and Hatebreed. Drummer Ben Hilton describes the album, “Nowhere Bound is a collection of statements and observations that represent our mindset through the past six years since our last record. There are familiar themes from past records, like loyalty & friendship, but we also take on entirely new topics for us, like describing what it’s like to maintain your principles as you get older. Whether it’s a song about personal conflict, mental illness, or venting on the state of the world, these are thoughts that cloud our minds until we put pen to paper and address them”.

“Nowhere Bound” exemplifies the band's intensity, opening with an “Intro” before immediately diving into “Inherit The Pain”, setting the tone for the relentless barrage that follows. Tracks like “Die Alone” and “Pushed To The Edge” are standout examples of their high-energy style with gang vocals. Clocking in at under 23 minutes, with no track exceeding the three-minute mark, “Nowhere Bound” maintains a crucial sense of urgency from start to finish. 

Death Before Dishonor continues to cement their legacy as one of Boston's most authentic and uncompromising hardcore acts. “Nowhere Bound” is a powerful statement, reinforcing their position at the forefront of the genre and solidifying their reputation for delivering nothing less than unadulterated hardcore fury.

Conflict - This Much Remains

Conflict has long been a pillar of the UK anarcho-punk scene. Born out of Eltham, Southeast London in 1981, the band quickly made a name for themselves not just through music but activism, championing animal rights, anti-war movements, and anti-authoritarian ideals. Their early records like “It's Time to See Who's Who”, and “Increase the Pressure”, became cornerstones of the UK anarcho-punk scene.

Fast forward over two decades since their last studio release, Conflict returns with “This Much Remains”, featuring sixteen new tracks. The album feels urgent and razor-sharp, addressing issues with the same fury that defined their earlier work. From political manipulation in "The Collusion Exclusion", to the searing anthem "Shut The Fuck Up", Conflict are bringing their message into the modern era.

My favorite track, "Cut The Crap," features the late poet/activist Benjamin Zephaniah, who adds a deep layer to the band’s message. Fiona Friel (Dragster), now sharing vocal duties with founding frontman Colin Jerwood, breathes fresh new life into the band, especially on the standout track, "A Mother's Milk". Musically, the album strikes a good balance between the classic punk chaos with some textured experimentation worked into their mix.

“This Much Remains” is much more than a comeback, it's a statement of persistence. Conflict proves their fire still burns and their message remains relevant in today’s fractured world. For fans old and new, this album is both a rallying cry and a continuation of a decades-long struggle that’s unyielding, unapologetic, and vital as ever.

“This Much Remains” is available on CD and Vinyl at the Cadiz Merch Store.

H20 - F.T.T.W.

H2O, hailing from New York City, burst onto the hardcore scene in 1994. Formed by Toby Morse, a former roadie for Sick of It All, the band quickly established themselves with their blend of melodic and aggressive hardcore punk. The bands classic third album, "F.T.T.W." (Faster Than the World), solidified their status as a leading force in the hardcore punk genre.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of F.T.T.W., the album is being reissued on vinyl for the first time in over two decades. The 19-song album has been repackaged with a 2nd LP featuring the previously unreleased, F.T.T.W. 17-song demo, which was produced by Tim Armstrong (Rancid) and remastered by Paul Miner (Death by Stereo). Further enhancing the album's impact are guest appearances from Roger Miret (Agnostic Front), Civ (Gorilla Biscuits), Freddy Crecien (Madball), and Tim Armstrong (Rancid). These collaborations add another layer of depth and diversity to the album.

The reissue will be available starting February 28^th, in 7 limited edition variants.
Bridge Nine Records: Splatter 200 copies and Pinwheel 550 copies.
RevHQ: Yellow Splatter 300 copies
Coretex Records: Gold 200 copies
Revolver, Brooklyn Vegan, Alternative Press: 1 Yellow/1 Green 200 copies
Indie Store Exclusive (North America): 1 Red/1 Blue 750 copies
Indie Store Exclusive (Europe): 1 Red,Black,Blue/1 Green,Black,Yellow 300 copies

F.T.T.W. is an unrelenting sonic assault that remains a cornerstone of the hardcore punk canon. Its influence can be heard in countless bands that followed, solidifying H2O's place as one of the most important and influential acts in the genre. If you're a fan of hardcore punk, or simply looking for an album that captures the energy and power of the genre, F.T.T.W. is an absolute must-have.