Dark Ages - Vapor

There's something disjointed and unsettling about this new LP from Dark Ages that I can't quite put my finger on.  The vibe of mid west hardcore bands of years gone by is present, but DA has added some odd rhythms and off time syncopation that make this Lp a tough one to pigeon hole.

 In all honesty, it has taken a few listens for this record to start making sense to me, but I have found that  the records that become long time favorites are often times the records that leave me a  bit confused upon  initial listen, but for one reason or another  keep me coming back for more.  I'm thinking that Vapor is going to be one of those records. Now excuse me, I need to go spin this Lp a few more times...Dave G.


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The #1's - Sharon

On their second single 'Sharon' Dublin Ireland's The #1's deliver three songs that mix sixties garage with late 70's punk and power pop excellence while providing a little mystery for this particular listener.
Upon hearing 'Sharon' and 'Boy',
I convinced myself I was listening to another lost classic from the wide array of under the radar 60's garage rockers or one of the many
unreleased / self released
Punk bands from the late 70's. Songs that feature that raw garage rock feel will vocals that have me thinking of long time favorites The Buzzcocks.
While 'Sharon' and 'Boy' make me want to dance in a wild and unhinged manner. The 'B' Side 'Girl' slows it down enough for to let you grab your girl and get close. After a quick listen I immediately head to the
Sorry State website and ordered a copy. As I finish this review, finding the bands first single is quickly being added to my "To Do" list. You should too. James Damion

Sorry State Records  Bandcamp
Sorry State Records  The #1s - Sharon

Sickoids - No Home Lp - Sorry State Records

Sickoids are a raw and powerful hardcore band consisting of ex members of Direct Control, Government Warning, Witch Hunt and Bad Advice. 

The band's brand new Lp "No Home" will hit you like a full on kick in the sack. The music is thick, tight and raging from start to finish. Sickoids somehow remind me of the incredible old school hardcore/metal band DBC (Dead Brain Cells), especially in the song "Empty Death". I am sure this is completely unintentional and probably something that is only heard inside my own head. The band compare themselves to Poison Idea, and I also hear a bit of an old school Boston sound, and even Dr. Know in these songs.

Anyway, another top notch release from Sorry State Records that you need to add to your collection...Dave G.

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Altered Boys - S/T EP

I picked up the Altered Boys when I was down at Baltimore's Celebrated Summer Records a couple of weeks ago.
The records cover photo reminded me of many of the mysteriously faceless bands and records I find on Grave Mistake and
Sorry State Records.
Tasty vinyl I always seem to fall in love with. As I returned home to Hoboken I was happily surprised to see that the band was located so close to home.

Straight up, nasty Hardcore with gruff vocals. Simple, yet thoroughly satisfying record that won't let you down.
Smart, thought provoking lyrics that touch on real subjects such as anxiety and spirituality.
The record nicely follows up their 2011 demo, showing progress while not straying from the original dye. I've seen the bands name on a few upcoming shows and hope to catch them live. This little EP will do just fine for now. James Damion

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Rough Kids - The State I'm In

I've come to a point where I find myself picking up records from Sorry State Records based solely on the clout and reputation the label has built for itself over the years. Much like Revelation Records did in the late 80's. Sorry State is releasing the very best the punk and hardcore communities have to offer.

I came across LA's Rough Kids on the "new releases" section of the label's website.
The labels history matched with the Rough Kids eye catching album artwork more than warranted a purchase. Upon arrival, I slapped it on the turntable, eager to listen to my well chosen investment.

On the band debut full length, L.A.'s Rough Kids deliver some excellent 77' style Punk Rock that might draw comparison and find influence in bands of that era. A nice mix of the adolescent angst of The Undertones and The Buzzcocks ability to write memorable lyrics and choruses. Add to it the guitar bombast of Johnny Thunders with a splash of The Jam's angular guitar smarts. The Rough Kids bring all these elements together to form their own sound. Helping to make "The State I'm In" one hell of an album. Thanks to the Rough Kids and Sorry State Records for this dose of Punk Rock excellence. James Damion

Get it Here  Sorry State Records

Double Negative - Hits 7" Sorry State Records

Hit's is Double Negative's final recording with the mighty KC on vocals and the first recordings with new drummer Bobby M.

The music on Hits is more of what you have come to expect from -/-, however to me everything seems a bit more in control on these recordings while still maintaining a whirling dervish of sound highlighted by Bobby M's quick tight drumming style and  plenty of swirling / bending guitar riffs that at times remind me of  the racket that Rick Fork and John Reis have been known to deliver over the years. I'm not comparing -/- to the Hot Snakes as they're apples and oranges, but at times the snappy drumming and even KC's voice brings HS to my mind.

I don't know what the future holds for  -/- considering they have a new singer in the fold , but I can only hope that they continue to release top notch material for years to come...Dave G.

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Pure Scum - Demo Tape 2012 Sorry State Records

Pure Scum are a bunch of 15 and 16 year old miscreants from Raleigh NC who have managed to lay down a demo of unrelenting hardcore that is just spilling over with youthful exuberance and total hardcore goodness.

Sorry State records compares Pure Scum to Negative Approach and SOA, and that comparison works perfectly for me...good stuff...listen/buy, and keep your eyes peeled for future releases...Dave G.

Pure Scum Bandcamp
Sorry State Records.