Some artists deal with the subject of mortality in delicate, reflective brushstrokes. OFF! bandleader Keith Morris confronts it roughly the same way a hungry pit bull meets a T-bone steak—with fang-gnashing ferocity. To wit: multiple compressed assaults from the band’s new sophomore salvo, Wasted Years (Vice). Because, at 58, the Circle Jerks/Black Flag vet (who still maintains a spin-off combo dubbed Flag) has faced his own frailties, overcome most of them, and simply accepted—then soldiered on—with the rest. Morris, guitarist Dimitri Coats, bassist Steven Shane McDonald and drummer Mario Rubalcaba will be guest editing magnetmagazine.com all week. Read our brand new feature on them.
Rubalcaba: This two-LP compilation is actually called Warfaring Strangers: DarkScorch Canticles and was released by The Numero Group label outta Chicago. This comp deals with the monumental aftermath influence dealt to all of the pimply feathered haired teens who were just tokin’ on their first skud (joint) at the Zep or Sabbath gig in their town. Just as the Beatles and the Stones made every kid in your hood wanna start a band, the same could be said to a great extent that Zep and Sabb had that same effect. The proof is here! And I like it. Amazing basement thudding, primitive and raw mashing of heavy meets psych seasonings. Inept under technical abilities lend a punk-flavored atmosphere to love and admire. Standout tracks by Stone Axe (post- Josefus!), Medusa … hell, the whole thing is a superior package in itself and should be listened to as such. D&D attire not required. Go check this out.
