HARRY PUSSY – 1st 7”

Esync – Miami Beach (1992)

2 untitled “songs”

Bill Orcutt - guitar

Adris Hoyos – drums

First record by Miami Beach’s highly influential and much beloved noise-makers. They didn’t fully have their sound together yet on this record. The hardcore punk influence didn’t show up for another record or two and there’s no vocals this time. In lesser hands, improvy instrumental “pieces” (especially in the 7” format) usually come off as annoying, uninspired excuses to make a record and are soon filed – never to be listened to again. This record is different – it totally sounds like it was recorded on another planet and there were very few precedents at the time. Mr. Orcutt invented a new way to play guitar. Ms. Hoyos hadn’t perfected her craft yet (amazing flailing drums with simultaneous ear-piercing screaming) on this record. The “compositions” may sound random, but more than likely were at least semi-worked out. Great WTF cover art too!

POTENTIAL FRENZY – Please Go Away / Airwaves 7”

Neptune Records – Orlando –1992

Peter Oldrid – drums, vocals

Norah Salmon – guitar, vocals

John Saylors- bass, vocals

I only recently became aware of this record. It’s good- maybe was a little retro for 1992 – but there’s nothing wrong with a power pop tune that stays with you (Please Go Away). Airwaves is another song bitchin about radio stations – I’ll never understand why anyone expects or feels entitled to ANYTHING worthwhile from the radio – but it’s still ok. I would recommend tracking this one down – though Ms. Salmon’s “Now, I am sitting on a toilet” look on the front cover is much more alluring than the scowling mugg presented on the back cover.

HOLY TERRORS – Cigarettello / Bad Thing 7”

Esync Records – Miami – 1992

Rob Elba – vocals, guitar

Dan Hosker – guitar, vocals

Frank Labradr – bass, vocals

Sam Fogarino – drums

The Holy Terrors have been around forever – they claim to have not really been an active band for the last 10 years or so – that does not stop them from playing about 6 times a year. And every set, they play Cigarettello – I don’t blame them – it’s probably their best song – you know the one “the flames get higher – higher – higher, etc….”. But - you really do need to rotate out your best song once in a while if only to disappoint people.

CROWSDELL – Down / Bubbles 7”

Figurehead – Jacksonville (1992)

Laurie Wall – drums

Paul Croasdell – bass

Shannon Wright – guitar, vocals

Indie rock trio from fukkin Jacksonville. This is quite a nice single – not as good (or as punk rock) as Scrawl or Vomit Launch, but close. This is the 12^th release from Orlando’s Figurehead label. They probably had to travel to Orlando or Gainesville for shows to escape the distopia that is Jacksonville. You can’t go wrong when you decorate your record sleeve with a fish. Shannon Wright now records solo for Touch and Go.

FROG -- Untitled 7"

Self-released -- Gainesville (1992?)

There are no song titles on this record because there are no songs, and no personnel listed because there are no personnel. It is just Frog with his scraping, squeals and hisses. I don't know how he made these mostly unrecognizable noises, I guess it something you learn how to do at UF's art school. Forget I mentioned it.

LOAD – Does Dead Godflesh Smell 7” EP

Faceless Records – Hollywood (1992)

Does Dead Godflesh Smell
Barbara’s Bush
Trying to Use

Bobby Load – vocals
Jeff Tucci – guitar
Tony - bass
Fausto – drums

Really nice cover photos showing the perils of (presumably) being shot in the face with a shotgun. During their storied career, Load released four singles, two LP’s and appeared on a few comps. This is their debut. “Godflesh” is a great song, despite occasional narration from what sounds like Fred Gwynn’s redneck brother. “Trying to Use” has tapes running through it and is just ok. Everyone wanted to have “found” sounds on their records in the 90’s! “Barbara’s Bush” is nice. I’ve heard Load called a hardcore band several times & don’t know why – they’re more of an Unsane / Hammerhead / Amrep sounding band. Great players – great singer – they shouldda been huge – but, like others before them, were done in by geographical isolation (& legendary substance abuse).

CHICKENHEAD – Everything Must Go 7” EP

4 ½ Finger Records – Miami (1992)

Born to Lose
Smash and Grab
Burn it Down
Everything Must Go
Short Fuse
Chickenhead won the war

Iggy Scam – guitar
Chuck Loose – vocals
Buddha – bass
Scott Crackrock – drums

It’s no exaggeration to state that this is a record that launched 100 records (mostly along a Miami – Chattanooga - San Francisco axis of evil). The Chickenhead mascot could often be found painted on boxcars along this route. I may be wrong, but I think this is the first vinyl appearance by each of the FLA luminaries in the band – or 3 outta 4. A prevailing theme is a total lack of respect for property (theirs or other peoples’). Each song is a short blast of sloppy, un-melodic malevolence half way between punk and hardcore. That’s a hearty recommendation, by the way. “Born to lose and I think it’s cool” is a representative sample lyric. Make sure the Chickenhead Story is included in your copy– its ridiculous propaganda that is a precursor to Scam Magazine (an occasionally very well written guide to scamming one’s way through life). In fact the record was sold for $1 because pressing costs were mostly scammed. Fidel Castro is given co-songwriting credit on all songs- though this could not be confirmed. Once Chuck Loose figured out he couldn’t easily top setting himself on fire on stage at Churchills, he decided to be the drummer for the Crumbs. Mr. Scam has taken on the assumed name “Erick Lyle” and remains in the industry, as does Buddha.

CAVITY – Scalpel 7”

4 ½ Finger Records – Miami (1992)

Scalpel
Feeling Odd
One Night’s Worth (of Upheaval)

Dan Gorostiaga - bass
Rene Barge – vocals
Joe - drums
Raf Luna – guitar

I would guess these guys appreciated side two of My War as much as I do. This was their first record of several. Bass is definitely the lead instrument and one cannot understand one word Rene screams. This record is a little dirgier than the Human Abjection lp but similar – it may have been partially recorded at the same time.

RADON 4-song EP

NO IDEA -- 1992, Gainesville

Bill Clower -- drums

Dave Rohm -- guitar, vocal

Brent Wilson -- guitar, vocal

Radon

Welcome Home

Exhaustra

Facial Disobedience

This record challenges two of your most deeply held assumptions: 1) All pop-punk sucks and 2) All No Idea releases suck.

On the first point, you may argue this is a bit too raw to be called pop-punk, but by 1992 standards it did earn that label. Besides, this record is so catchy, its ridiculous. The chorus of the song 'Radon' compels singing along, even some la-da-da-das, so you might want to listen to it while you're alone to avoid embarrassment.

The record offers some surprising lyrical insights, such as "you will crawl on your belly and you will eat dirt all the days of your life, and so will I, la-da-da-da." They are so right.

Your second point doesn't deserve an answer. This is a fine record and you should apologize for getting drunk and mouthing off about people who are trying their best.