While many of us fear it, change can often yield remarkable results. And in the case of Transitions, the aptly-titled 2006 Hellcat Records debut from Boston's acclaimed ska septet, Westbound Train, alterations in membership and label allegiance have only served to strengthen a band already known to genre aficionados for its live work ethic.
If Transitions is easily the group's most honest effort yet - following up its earlier independent releases, Searching for A Melody (2002) and Five To Two (2004) - it's also an experience in the true Westbound Sound. That is, a bridge between 60's staples like reggae, soul and blues and modern approaches with touches of jazz and country here and there. If the warmth and brightness of Transitions - where highly danceable Ska arrangements and rocksteady beats are in ample supply - is any indication, Westbound Train should go the distance.
As veterans of the punk scene, the members of Mercy Killers carry the torch passed on from The Damned, T.S.O.L., and Generation X. With Bloodlove, their Hellcat debut, the Mercy Killers take a refreshing, new look at punk, all the while keeping the threatening poise and noise of their punk-rock forefathers. Each band member has paid their dues touring the world with various bands over the years; frontman Craig Fairbraugh (Lars Fredericksen and the Bastards,Transplants), bassplayer Sam Soto (Original Sinners), and drummer Colin Barill. This trio of misanthropes are on a mission into the dark and sleepless world of Bloodlove.
"Dead American Radio" is a 16 song sonic blast of lonely road filled stories, drunken adventures and lost love anthems. Drawing influence from personal loves and loss, lead singer & producer Elvis Cortez touches on a darker side on this record, adding a more diverse style and sound. Dead American Radio is Left Alone's most ambitious record to date.
Recorded in a true low budget punk rock studio in Riverside California they managed to capture the rawness of a 3 chord song but with a sound and quality better than any record they've made to date. The bands sound is at an all time high, by adding different elements to their sound from a Hammond organ, to a stand up bass to even a pedal steel guitar. From punk to ska to even some country/punk this record has it all. Tim Armstrong (Rancid) co-wrote the ska tinged song "City to City" with Elvis, and Tim also sings on the track bringing a rawness to the touring song about falling in love every night with the girls and with the booze. Patricia Day, (HorrorPops) takes on double duties on her guest appearance by slapping her stand up bass on the track "Done Wrong" and also by co-writing the Song "La Pregunta", singing it as a duet with Elvis in Spanish. There are many highlight tracks on this record such as "Every Night", which is the records' most noticeable pop filled anthem as well as the broken hearted country/punk love song "waiting for you". The title track "Dead American Radio" speaks of the discontent with today's radio play list and way of business, while "4 weeks" screams of endless tours and long nights.
Volume number five of this quintessential “street music” compilation features eighteen tracks from across the punk, ska, reggae and psychobilly scenes. In addition to tracks from powerhouse bands like Rancid and Dropkick Murphys, Give ‘Em The Boot Vol. 5 also brings bands on the rise, like Left Alone, The Aggrolites, The Mercy Killers and many more to the fore. Eight of the eighteen tracks are previously unreleased and can only be heard on this version of the compilation. If you are a fan of this series, this volume is a must have. It looks to be the most complete in content and features some of the most exciting young bands around! (1 comment - posted on 2006-08-28)
Imagine a band of southern California twenty-somethings who play a brand of rocksteady reggae and ska that sounds like nothing less than Wilson Pickett throwing a house party backed by the Meters and the Maytals. The Aggrolites self-titled debut on Hellcat records is that rare album that sounds like the real thing, all the grit and tube-warmed funkiness that you’d expect from a Studio One recording from, say, 1965. Veterans of the southern California skapunk scene, The Aggrolites appeal equally to punk kids raised on Rancid and the Clash, and reggae purists in love with the deep skank of vintage Trojan and Studio One: 19 tracks of sing-a-longs and instrumental that sound like instant classics. En route to their debut Hellcat release, The Aggrolites have put in plenty of road time across the US, Canada, and elsewhere, opening for the likes of Madness, Rancid, Flogging Molly, Hepcat, The Selecter and Ozomatli.
An album with a title fitting of it's content: Truly inspired songs, with lyrics inspired by true events. From nights spent in jail, to days spent living on the street. "The Stories Are True" is an album that grabs you and won't let go. Time Again rips through through 13 exciting and thought provoking tracks pushing the limits of punk today. While the album also plants a flag firmly in the territory of 80's punk, Time Again's versatility still manages to shine through. Turning their instantly catchy melodies, and their heart racing instrumentation into an infectious and classic debut.
Peculiar is full of great performances - some of it extremely danceable - and overall filled with catchy and at times provacative material. The Slackers have been involved in Reggae for years and they are able to handle the genre's many aspects. Individually each member brings their own eclectic musical influences into the band and folds them into each arrangement, from categories such as mento, ska, rude-boy music, new wave, folk and rocksteady.
This re-issue of Nekromantix hard to find 1994 release 'Brought Back To Life' contains not only a video of the band performing a cover of "Born To Be Alive", but also an original intro intended for the album. This intro was on a mc tape that was tangled up in the tape machine and couldn't be used, therefore a last minute intro had to be made for the original release. After all these years Nekroman still had this tape and with today's technology and many hours of patience, Kresge & Nekroman managed to save it. The organ & bell version of "Nekrofelia" was also intended for the original release but it was decided to use the normal version instead. The alternate take appears on this album as does "Monster Movie Fan" with a slightly different ending than the original.
Bring It On! Is the second full-length release by rock 'n' rollers, HorrorPops! The album is a creepy, catchy, sexy, sordid, booze-drenched maelstrom of, needle prick guitar riffs, chest rattling bass, and ear-popping drums that is sure to grab you by the ears and twist 'em until they fall off! Songs like "Hit 'N Run," "Bring It On!" and "Walk Like A Zombie" are prime examples of what this talented bunch are capable of. Their special brand of music can not be labeled as one type of music - so they chose to just call it Rock! This album is truly a curiously dark musical jewel that almost anyone
Orange received some quick notice around Hollywood by playing numerous Ruby Tuesday’s showcases at the Key Club in Los Angeles, which led to their signing to Hellcat. "No Rest For The Weekend" was featured on Hellcat's Give Em the Boot IV comp. last year and "Forgive And Forget" off the new full length, is included on the Epitaph Warp Tour sampler which will be given out at evr e y show this summer.All band members are still of high school age and have been living their dream of being in an upstart pop punk band. Their arrangements kick ass and they can hold their own well with nods to Rancid style punk, classic rock & glam thrown into songs. It’s the best of many worlds.
Featuring eighty-two minutes of extremely rare, never-before-seen international concert performance footage of bands such as Rancid, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, Dropkick Murphys, The Slackers, Roger Miret and the Disasters and Tiger Army - to name just a few, the GIVE 'EM THE BOOT DVD is a gritty look into the underworld of Hellcat Records through the eyes of founder Tim Armstrong and a hoard of his Hellcat family members! Highlights include performances and extra footage from tours such as the Rancid/ NOFX tour, the first Lars Frederiksen And The Bastards tour, various headline tours and both Hellcat Records’ Punks VS. Psychos Tours. (1 comment - posted on 2005-07-06)
Drawing from influences both ancient and contemporary, The Warrior's Code is an intense fusion of all things "Dropkick." A complex distillation of classic punk, Celtic folk and American rock 'n' roll, this album puts the band's deep diversity, blistering intensity and profound sincerity on full display. Featuring everything from upbeat "stomper" tracks like "Sunshine Highway" to poignant narratives such as "The Last Letter Home" and classic odes to hometown legends like "The Warrior's Code," which is dedicated to Massachusetts boxing champion and hero, "Irish" Micky Ward, The Dropkick Murphys have placed a blazing new gem in their crown of achievements with this album! .
Left Alone's Hellcat debut combines a mixture of musical influences from Rancid and the Clash to Operation Ivy, Swingin Utters, and Elvis Costello. From the punk driven title track "Lonely Starts and Broken Hearts", to the the heavily ska-inspired "Another Feeling", to the homage to Elvis' car in "My 62", LEFT ALONE pours every ounce of creative energy and emotion into this album.
To this band the idea of Do-It-Yourself is not something to follow, it's in their nature. They do everything, from booking their own shows, making their own merchandise, to even starting a record label to release their recordings.
On "Lonely Starts & Broken Hearts", the band delivers a tightly sealed package of punk that plans to explode within seconds of hitting the play button.
Boston street punks The Unseen have just signed with Hellcat Records (previously on BYO) and will release their new full length studio album produced by Dropkick Murphys Ken Casey and mixed by Brett Gurewitz early this May. (1 comment - posted on 2005-04-07)
After 2 continuous years of touring the band has finally stopped long enough to finish songs for there sophomore outing, 1984. "It has been a long and interesting journey for not only the band but myself" says ROGER MIRET. "It's a very personal account of the past for me. Life stories. No bullshit, No gimmicks, Just reality".
Volume four of Hellcat's amazing comp. featuring 26 songs from some of the best bands in Punk, Ska and Psychobilly. Includes 17 unreleased tracks from Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, Nekromantix (cover of Rancid's Dead Bodies), Transplants, The Slackers, F-Minus, The Unseen, Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros (recorded live from the Brixton Academy), Die Hunns (Duane Peters band)..& more!
(1 comment - posted on 2004-10-09)
Dropkick Murphys and the Boston Red Sox have teamed up to give a modern treatment to "Tessie." The song — originally a Broadway hit — became the anthem for a growing band of Boston diehards known as the Royal Rooters and helped spur the Red Sox (then known as the Boston Pilgrims) on to a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the first World Series in 1903. Now, more than 100 years removed from that inaugural World Series, Dropkick Murphys have given the song a facelift. There is a new video for the song "Tessie" which you can find here.
LARS FREDERIKSEN & THE BASTARDS have a new record in the works. Produced by Tim Armstrong and mixed by Brett Gurewitz, the second album for the band, tentatively titled "Viking", looks like it'll be released in mid July.
Anyone familiar with or who's done their punk 101 homework on Lars Frederiksen And The Bastards and Rancid will quickly recognize The Roughnecks bass player Big Jay Bastard. A tough guy to miss. The Roughnecks hail from Sacramento, Ca. They've been around since 1997- pretty much underdogs of the Sacramento Oi scene. Their songs featured on their upcoming Hellcat Records debut are a continuation of the tales and street punk lifestyle anthems laid down by Lars Frederiksen And The Bastards.
NEKROMANTIX has a new album full of spooky Psycho Punk Rock ready! The Danish trio just finished their new record "Dead Girls Don't Cry", set for a late April release on Hellcat. The album is even harder and darker than "Return Of The Loving Dead", so brace yourself for some heavy stuff.
Over 4 hours worth of live and behind the scenes material on a DVD that will be out in Europe on March 8th 2004. Studio Brussels Radio in Belgium will be recording their live-show from Brussels' Ancienne Belgique for broadcast the following day.
Hepcat's classic debut, originally released in 1993. Unlike most bands of the third-wave ska revival Hepcat's music does not have much influence from the British second wave. Instead the group focuses entirely on Studio 1 influenced ska bearing a strong resemblance to artists such as the Skatalites, Toots and the Maytalls, and early Wailers. This album contains the catchy vocal tracks "Dance Wid' Me," "Hooligans," and "Prison of Love." In addition, there are also numerous instrumentals, the best of which include "Caravan (Skaravan)," a remake of the Duke Ellington classic, and "Train to Skaville." An essential album for fans of the band and neo-traditional ska, it lays the foundation for the success the group had with their 1998 Hellcat Records release Right on Time.
The HorrorPops are a straight up Rock 'n Roll band with their roots buried deep in 80's new wave, old-school punk and 50's rockabilly. The band is led by patricia on slapping upright bass and lead vocals, features Kim Nekroman on guitar, and also stars the always late & sick duo: guitarist Karsten and drummer Niedermeier. Last but defiantly not least, the band is flanked by the totally rotten Go-Go dancers Mille & Kamilla. If you like bands like Blondie, Siouxsie & the Banchees, The Ramones, The Cramps, The Nekromantix, Tiger Army, Reverend Horten Heat, Wanda Jackson, and/or Depeche Mode, then The HorrorPops new release "Hell Yeah!" is a must-have for your record collection!
In November of 2002 Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros had been on an extensive UK tour, the "Bringing It All Back Home Tour", and were blending new songs into their set, which were recorded in December before Joe passed away and now appear on Streetcore. Streetcore is a collection of new material, which reflected the Mescaleros' life on the road together, combined with distilling their collective vast knowledge of musical genres. His final gig with his newfound cohorts was a controversial benefit for the British Fire Brigades Union.
The Slackers are true modern day masters who produce moments on stage that are amazing. The band is a lightning rod for talent fronted by the outstanding vocals, songwriting and keyboard playing of Vic Ruggiero, who happens to be supported by one of the hottest and most entertaining live bands today. Check out “Mommy” for the ultimate blend of Vic’s heart wrenching soulful vocal style, percolating keyboard work tossed with Reggae-fied, Afro-Carribean flavor. It’s the epitome of what the Slackers do as a band. This is the follow up to Wasted Days
Follow-up to "Suburban Blight" (released June 2001). Due out in March of 2003, F-Minus’ new record is sure to have some new twists. The band line-up has change slightly with the departure of Bassist Jen Johnson, however their close friend Joe has taken over the position and is doing great. Their new album is being recorded in Chicago with producer Steve Albini (The Pixies, Nirvana, Wedding Present) and this is sure to bring-out the best in F-Minus! According to epitaph "the album is an auditory journey to the dark center of the human condition. With amazing speed, destructive energy and gut-wrenching lyrics, “Wake Up Screaming” is the soundtrack for a modern world in total disarray!" Check the first song on the album through Epitaph here.
4th album on Hellcat already by these Orange County old skool punkers. Follow-up to "Back at the Laundromat" (released March 2001). Duane and his minions return with another brutal street punk assault! With classic "War Birth" era song writing and a renewed level of fury, "Covert Action" brings one relentless onslaught after anoter! You can now listen to "Shot Down", the 2nd song on the album through Epitaph's pages here. (1 comment - posted on 2003-10-17)
Tim & Rob Aston are finishing up the music for the Transplants record. Tim Armstrong producing. The band features Tim Armstrong on vocals & guitar, Rob Aston -vocals and Travis Braker on drums(Blink 182/Boxcar Racer). Look for Matt Freeman to join the band on tour...
Recorded in '96 and mostly available only on out of print vinyl until now! Also includes a Misfits cover (American Nightmare). The 10" is on clear vinyl that is limited to 3,000 copies. These guys take Psychobilly to the next level.
Epitaph just formally announced the release date and album info for Agnostic Front frontman's Roger Miret side project, The Disasters. The band's sound has been described as more street punk (and less hardcore) then Agnostic Front, similar in approach to Lars Frederiksen And The Bastards. The band is said to be in the vein of Sham 69, The Dictators, The Clash, Cock Sparrer and Rancid.
First release for Hell Cat, but existing since 1989 with already 4 full-lengths under their belt. The music of this Danish band is best described in terms like "Elvis meets the Wolfman", add punk attitude and spice it up with a universe of monster movies lyrics. Outrageous wildness on stage plus their trademark, the hardcore-slapping coffin shaped upright bass, these guys have proved that it is allowed to have fun.
Volume # 3 of Hellcat Records' amazingly cheap compilation series. 21 songs of punk, hardcore, reggae & Psychobilly. This includes Unreleased tracks from Devils Brigade (featuring Matt Freeman of Rancid), The Distillers and Nekromantix. The videos included are from Tiger Army and The Dropkick Murphys.
The Distillers (the band consisting of 3 girls and a guy) have been on Warped Tour this year and will release the follow-up to their self-titled debut last year. Fast, viscious, and straigh-up pissed-off! Brody Armstrong spits fire over insane tempos and explosive riffs, sounding the call for punks everywhere to not only raise their fists, but their middle fingers too!
13 Songs of Political/Atheist Anthems from New York's Most Evil Ska/Punx Featuring x-members of Choking Victim who gave you that crackrocksteady beat, Sturgeon aka STZA, pronounced Stizza and Alec Baille. Plus the wickedist drummer since Jar-Jar Binks, Ara Babajian. Also features appearances by members of F-Minus, Agent 99, NY post-reggae outfit Sic and Mad and L.A. melodicore band Blindsided.
13 new songs that pull at your guts, and fill you w/heartache & Defiance !!! The record features 13 tracks and will be available on both CD and LP (including some limited colored vinyl). Featuring Nick 13 on vocals and guitar, Geoff Kresge on Bass and Londan May on Drums. This new record also features guest vocals from Rancid's Lars Frederiksen and Matt Freeman. (2 comments - last post on 2003-06-23)
This band set out to agitate the underground and they have done just that by actually uniting all the different scenes who have only their teenage rage in common. Hardcore kids, punk rockers, goths, and every other form of deviant being have all succumbed to the grotesque charm and charisma of The Nerve Agents. This band will incite a new ideal as to what hardcore punk can accomplish.
Joe Strummer (former Clash) will be releasing "Global a Go Go" in July. He's following it up with a tour of the US in October. The new album will contain 10 songs. I'm not sure yet about that European release date.
Following up their self-titled release, F-Minus continues their rabid and unique brand of nihil-core with Suburban Blight. It's a throat-tearing-stomach-turning-ear-numbing-massacre, this band is simply a collective explosion. There is no light at the end of this tunnel and pist-off doesn't even begin to describe them... (1 comment - posted on 2002-05-21)
13 Songs of Political/Atheist Anthems from New York's Most Evil Ska/Punx Featuring x-members of Choking Victim who gave you that crackrocksteady beat, Sturgeon aka STZA, pronounced Stizza and Alec Baille. Plus the wickedist drummer since Jar-Jar Binks, Ara Babajian. Also features appearances by members of F-Minus, Agent 99, NY post-reggae outfit Sic and Mad and L.A. melodicore band Blindsided. IMPORTANT NOTE: this album is currently in production hiatus, with the printing company responsible for the production of the album refusing to print. This comes in light of the title of the album and artwork on both the front and inside the booklet. Epitaph and Hell Cat records have also dropped any Leftover Crack links off their site in light of these actions.
King Django with Reason on Hellcat Records. If you've spent more than a minute on the ska scene, you'll know that he's the original New York rudy...who kept the flame burning even when it was just a candle in the window." - Alternative Press A seminal force in the East Coast ska scene, King Django has made his name as a songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist (trombone, ukulele, harmonica, melodica), producer, and label owner. A self-avowed workaholic, he has made a name for himself by tirelessly applying his various skills in many situations, encompassing punk rock, rhythm & blues, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub and dancehall. (Source: Epitaph.com)
Lars Frederiksen And The Bastards with a self-titled album on Hellcat. New solo record from Lars Frederiksen of Rancid. Check out the Rancid website for additional info.
The Slackers are coming back again with their best record yet. Their songwriting has blended with creative instrumentation to create some of the most unique sounding music that still has roots in the Jamaican traditions of reggae, dub & ska. (Source: epitaph.com) Reviewed here.
From its ominous, xeroxed album cover, to the barely legible lyric sheet to the sheer chaos invoked by the music, Rancid 2000 (as the second self-titled LP has come to be known) is “paint-peeling punk rock of the highest order.” Produced by long-time friend and producer Brett Gurewitz, most of the 22 songs clock in at well under two minutes, and there are absolutely no ballads. Guitars are driven to within inches of meltdown, the bass burns with the signature maniacal virtuosity of Matt Freeman, and the vocals are delivered with raging conviction. Rancid’s hardest, fastest record to date!
While many of us fear it, change can often yield remarkable results. And in the case of Transitions, the aptly-titled 2006 Hellcat Records debut from Boston's acclaimed ska septet, Westbound Train, alterations in membership and label allegiance have only served to strengthen a band already known to genre aficionados for its live work ethic.
If Transitions is easily the group's most honest effort yet - following up its earlier independent releases, Searching for A Melody (2002) and Five To Two (2004) - it's also an experience in the true Westbound Sound. That is, a bridge between 60's staples like reggae, soul and blues and modern approaches with touches of jazz and country here and there. If the warmth and brightness of Transitions - where highly danceable Ska arrangements and rocksteady beats are in ample supply - is any indication, Westbound Train should go the distance.
As veterans of the punk scene, the members of Mercy Killers carry the torch passed on from The Damned, T.S.O.L., and Generation X. With Bloodlove, their Hellcat debut, the Mercy Killers take a refreshing, new look at punk, all the while keeping the threatening poise and noise of their punk-rock forefathers. Each band member has paid their dues touring the world with various bands over the years; frontman Craig Fairbraugh (Lars Fredericksen and the Bastards,Transplants), bassplayer Sam Soto (Original Sinners), and drummer Colin Barill. This trio of misanthropes are on a mission into the dark and sleepless world of Bloodlove.
"Dead American Radio" is a 16 song sonic blast of lonely road filled stories, drunken adventures and lost love anthems. Drawing influence from personal loves and loss, lead singer & producer Elvis Cortez touches on a darker side on this record, adding a more diverse style and sound. Dead American Radio is Left Alone's most ambitious record to date.
Recorded in a true low budget punk rock studio in Riverside California they managed to capture the rawness of a 3 chord song but with a sound and quality better than any record they've made to date. The bands sound is at an all time high, by adding different elements to their sound from a Hammond organ, to a stand up bass to even a pedal steel guitar. From punk to ska to even some country/punk this record has it all. Tim Armstrong (Rancid) co-wrote the ska tinged song "City to City" with Elvis, and Tim also sings on the track bringing a rawness to the touring song about falling in love every night with the girls and with the booze. Patricia Day, (HorrorPops) takes on double duties on her guest appearance by slapping her stand up bass on the track "Done Wrong" and also by co-writing the Song "La Pregunta", singing it as a duet with Elvis in Spanish. There are many highlight tracks on this record such as "Every Night", which is the records' most noticeable pop filled anthem as well as the broken hearted country/punk love song "waiting for you". The title track "Dead American Radio" speaks of the discontent with today's radio play list and way of business, while "4 weeks" screams of endless tours and long nights.
Volume number five of this quintessential “street music” compilation features eighteen tracks from across the punk, ska, reggae and psychobilly scenes. In addition to tracks from powerhouse bands like Rancid and Dropkick Murphys, Give ‘Em The Boot Vol. 5 also brings bands on the rise, like Left Alone, The Aggrolites, The Mercy Killers and many more to the fore. Eight of the eighteen tracks are previously unreleased and can only be heard on this version of the compilation. If you are a fan of this series, this volume is a must have. It looks to be the most complete in content and features some of the most exciting young bands around!
Imagine a band of southern California twenty-somethings who play a brand of rocksteady reggae and ska that sounds like nothing less than Wilson Pickett throwing a house party backed by the Meters and the Maytals. The Aggrolites self-titled debut on Hellcat records is that rare album that sounds like the real thing, all the grit and tube-warmed funkiness that you’d expect from a Studio One recording from, say, 1965. Veterans of the southern California skapunk scene, The Aggrolites appeal equally to punk kids raised on Rancid and the Clash, and reggae purists in love with the deep skank of vintage Trojan and Studio One: 19 tracks of sing-a-longs and instrumental that sound like instant classics. En route to their debut Hellcat release, The Aggrolites have put in plenty of road time across the US, Canada, and elsewhere, opening for the likes of Madness, Rancid, Flogging Molly, Hepcat, The Selecter and Ozomatli.
An album with a title fitting of it's content: Truly inspired songs, with lyrics inspired by true events. From nights spent in jail, to days spent living on the street. "The Stories Are True" is an album that grabs you and won't let go. Time Again rips through through 13 exciting and thought provoking tracks pushing the limits of punk today. While the album also plants a flag firmly in the territory of 80's punk, Time Again's versatility still manages to shine through. Turning their instantly catchy melodies, and their heart racing instrumentation into an infectious and classic debut.
Peculiar is full of great performances - some of it extremely danceable - and overall filled with catchy and at times provacative material. The Slackers have been involved in Reggae for years and they are able to handle the genre's many aspects. Individually each member brings their own eclectic musical influences into the band and folds them into each arrangement, from categories such as mento, ska, rude-boy music, new wave, folk and rocksteady.
This re-issue of Nekromantix hard to find 1994 release 'Brought Back To Life' contains not only a video of the band performing a cover of "Born To Be Alive", but also an original intro intended for the album. This intro was on a mc tape that was tangled up in the tape machine and couldn't be used, therefore a last minute intro had to be made for the original release. After all these years Nekroman still had this tape and with today's technology and many hours of patience, Kresge & Nekroman managed to save it. The organ & bell version of "Nekrofelia" was also intended for the original release but it was decided to use the normal version instead. The alternate take appears on this album as does "Monster Movie Fan" with a slightly different ending than the original.
Bring It On! Is the second full-length release by rock 'n' rollers, HorrorPops! The album is a creepy, catchy, sexy, sordid, booze-drenched maelstrom of, needle prick guitar riffs, chest rattling bass, and ear-popping drums that is sure to grab you by the ears and twist 'em until they fall off! Songs like "Hit 'N Run," "Bring It On!" and "Walk Like A Zombie" are prime examples of what this talented bunch are capable of. Their special brand of music can not be labeled as one type of music - so they chose to just call it Rock! This album is truly a curiously dark musical jewel that almost anyone 
Orange received some quick notice around Hollywood by playing numerous Ruby Tuesday’s showcases at the Key Club in Los Angeles, which led to their signing to Hellcat. "No Rest For The Weekend" was featured on Hellcat's Give Em the Boot IV comp. last year and "Forgive And Forget" off the new full length, is included on the Epitaph Warp Tour sampler which will be given out at evr e y show this summer.All band members are still of high school age and have been living their dream of being in an upstart pop punk band. Their arrangements kick ass and they can hold their own well with nods to Rancid style punk, classic rock & glam thrown into songs. It’s the best of many worlds. 
Featuring eighty-two minutes of extremely rare, never-before-seen international concert performance footage of bands such as Rancid, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros, Dropkick Murphys, The Slackers, Roger Miret and the Disasters and Tiger Army - to name just a few, the GIVE 'EM THE BOOT DVD is a gritty look into the underworld of Hellcat Records through the eyes of founder Tim Armstrong and a hoard of his Hellcat family members! Highlights include performances and extra footage from tours such as the Rancid/ NOFX tour, the first Lars Frederiksen And The Bastards tour, various headline tours and both Hellcat Records’ Punks VS. Psychos Tours. 
Drawing from influences both ancient and contemporary, The Warrior's Code is an intense fusion of all things "Dropkick." A complex distillation of classic punk, Celtic folk and American rock 'n' roll, this album puts the band's deep diversity, blistering intensity and profound sincerity on full display. Featuring everything from upbeat "stomper" tracks like "Sunshine Highway" to poignant narratives such as "The Last Letter Home" and classic odes to hometown legends like "The Warrior's Code," which is dedicated to Massachusetts boxing champion and hero, "Irish" Micky Ward, The Dropkick Murphys have placed a blazing new gem in their crown of achievements with this album! .
Left Alone's Hellcat debut combines a mixture of musical influences from Rancid and the Clash to Operation Ivy, Swingin Utters, and Elvis Costello. From the punk driven title track "Lonely Starts and Broken Hearts", to the the heavily ska-inspired "Another Feeling", to the homage to Elvis' car in "My 62", LEFT ALONE pours every ounce of creative energy and emotion into this album.
To this band the idea of Do-It-Yourself is not something to follow, it's in their nature. They do everything, from booking their own shows, making their own merchandise, to even starting a record label to release their recordings.
On "Lonely Starts & Broken Hearts", the band delivers a tightly sealed package of punk that plans to explode within seconds of hitting the play button. 
Boston street punks The Unseen have just signed with Hellcat Records (previously on BYO) and will release their new full length studio album produced by Dropkick Murphys Ken Casey and mixed by Brett Gurewitz early this May. 
This Compilation covers a bunch of songs the Murphys recorded in the years 1998- 2004 for various singles, compilations and splits.
After 2 continuous years of touring the band has finally stopped long enough to finish songs for there sophomore outing, 1984. "It has been a long and interesting journey for not only the band but myself" says ROGER MIRET. "It's a very personal account of the past for me. Life stories. No bullshit, No gimmicks, Just reality".
Volume four of Hellcat's amazing comp. featuring 26 songs from some of the best bands in Punk, Ska and Psychobilly. Includes 17 unreleased tracks from Rancid, Dropkick Murphys, Nekromantix (cover of Rancid's Dead Bodies), Transplants, The Slackers, F-Minus, The Unseen, Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros (recorded live from the Brixton Academy), Die Hunns (Duane Peters band)..& more!
Dropkick Murphys and the Boston Red Sox have teamed up to give a modern treatment to "Tessie." The song — originally a Broadway hit — became the anthem for a growing band of Boston diehards known as the Royal Rooters and helped spur the Red Sox (then known as the Boston Pilgrims) on to a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the first World Series in 1903. Now, more than 100 years removed from that inaugural World Series, Dropkick Murphys have given the song a facelift. There is a new video for the song "Tessie" which you can find 
LARS FREDERIKSEN & THE BASTARDS have a new record in the works. Produced by Tim Armstrong and mixed by Brett Gurewitz, the second album for the band, tentatively titled "Viking", looks like it'll be released in mid July. 
American psychobilly on Hellcat. New album announced. Check the band's website for all the info.
Anyone familiar with or who's done their punk 101 homework on Lars Frederiksen And The Bastards and Rancid will quickly recognize The Roughnecks bass player Big Jay Bastard. A tough guy to miss. The Roughnecks hail from Sacramento, Ca. They've been around since 1997- pretty much underdogs of the Sacramento Oi scene. Their songs featured on their upcoming Hellcat Records debut are a continuation of the tales and street punk lifestyle anthems laid down by Lars Frederiksen And The Bastards. 
NEKROMANTIX has a new album full of spooky Psycho Punk Rock ready! The Danish trio just finished their new record "Dead Girls Don't Cry", set for a late April release on Hellcat. The album is even harder and darker than "Return Of The Loving Dead", so brace yourself for some heavy stuff.
Over 4 hours worth of live and behind the scenes material on a DVD that will be out in Europe on March 8th 2004. Studio Brussels Radio in Belgium will be recording their live-show from Brussels' Ancienne Belgique for broadcast the following day.
Hepcat's classic debut, originally released in 1993. Unlike most bands of the third-wave ska revival Hepcat's music does not have much influence from the British second wave. Instead the group focuses entirely on Studio 1 influenced ska bearing a strong resemblance to artists such as the Skatalites, Toots and the Maytalls, and early Wailers. This album contains the catchy vocal tracks "Dance Wid' Me," "Hooligans," and "Prison of Love." In addition, there are also numerous instrumentals, the best of which include "Caravan (Skaravan)," a remake of the Duke Ellington classic, and "Train to Skaville." An essential album for fans of the band and neo-traditional ska, it lays the foundation for the success the group had with their 1998 Hellcat Records release Right on Time. 
The HorrorPops are a straight up Rock 'n Roll band with their roots buried deep in 80's new wave, old-school punk and 50's rockabilly. The band is led by patricia on slapping upright bass and lead vocals, features Kim Nekroman on guitar, and also stars the always late & sick duo: guitarist Karsten and drummer Niedermeier. Last but defiantly not least, the band is flanked by the totally rotten Go-Go dancers Mille & Kamilla. If you like bands like Blondie, Siouxsie & the Banchees, The Ramones, The Cramps, The Nekromantix, Tiger Army, Reverend Horten Heat, Wanda Jackson, and/or Depeche Mode, then The HorrorPops new release "Hell Yeah!" is a must-have for your record collection! 
In November of 2002 Joe Strummer & The Mescaleros had been on an extensive UK tour, the "Bringing It All Back Home Tour", and were blending new songs into their set, which were recorded in December before Joe passed away and now appear on Streetcore. Streetcore is a collection of new material, which reflected the Mescaleros' life on the road together, combined with distilling their collective vast knowledge of musical genres. His final gig with his newfound cohorts was a controversial benefit for the British Fire Brigades Union.
The Slackers are true modern day masters who produce moments on stage that are amazing. The band is a lightning rod for talent fronted by the outstanding vocals, songwriting and keyboard playing of Vic Ruggiero, who happens to be supported by one of the hottest and most entertaining live bands today. Check out “Mommy” for the ultimate blend of Vic’s heart wrenching soulful vocal style, percolating keyboard work tossed with Reggae-fied, Afro-Carribean flavor. It’s the epitome of what the Slackers do as a band. This is the follow up to 
Follow-up to "Suburban Blight" (released June 2001). Due out in March of 2003, F-Minus’ new record is sure to have some new twists. The band line-up has change slightly with the departure of Bassist Jen Johnson, however their close friend Joe has taken over the position and is doing great. Their new album is being recorded in Chicago with producer Steve Albini (The Pixies, Nirvana, Wedding Present) and this is sure to bring-out the best in F-Minus! According to epitaph "the album is an auditory journey to the dark center of the human condition. With amazing speed, destructive energy and gut-wrenching lyrics, “Wake Up Screaming” is the soundtrack for a modern world in total disarray!" Check the first song on the album through Epitaph 
4th album on Hellcat already by these Orange County old skool punkers. Follow-up to "Back at the Laundromat" (released March 2001). Duane and his minions return with another brutal street punk assault! With classic "War Birth" era song writing and a renewed level of fury, "Covert Action" brings one relentless onslaught after anoter! You can now listen to "Shot Down", the 2nd song on the album through Epitaph's pages 
Tim & Rob Aston are finishing up the music for the Transplants record. Tim Armstrong producing. The band features Tim Armstrong on vocals & guitar, Rob Aston -vocals and Travis Braker on drums(Blink 182/Boxcar Racer). Look for Matt Freeman to join the band on tour...
Recorded in '96 and mostly available only on out of print vinyl until now! Also includes a Misfits cover (American Nightmare). The 10" is on clear vinyl that is limited to 3,000 copies. These guys take Psychobilly to the next level.
Epitaph just formally announced the release date and album info for Agnostic Front frontman's Roger Miret side project, The Disasters. The band's sound has been described as more street punk (and less hardcore) then Agnostic Front, similar in approach to Lars Frederiksen And The Bastards. The band is said to be in the vein of Sham 69, The Dictators, The Clash, Cock Sparrer and Rancid. 
First release for Hell Cat, but existing since 1989 with already 4 full-lengths under their belt. The music of this Danish band is best described in terms like "Elvis meets the Wolfman", add punk attitude and spice it up with a universe of monster movies lyrics. Outrageous wildness on stage plus their trademark, the hardcore-slapping coffin shaped upright bass, these guys have proved that it is allowed to have fun.
Volume # 3 of Hellcat Records' amazingly cheap compilation series. 21 songs of punk, hardcore, reggae & Psychobilly. This includes Unreleased tracks from Devils Brigade (featuring Matt Freeman of Rancid), The Distillers and Nekromantix. The videos included are from Tiger Army and The Dropkick Murphys.
The Distillers (the band consisting of 3 girls and a guy) have been on Warped Tour this year and will release the follow-up to their self-titled debut last year. Fast, viscious, and straigh-up pissed-off! Brody Armstrong spits fire over insane tempos and explosive riffs, sounding the call for punks everywhere to not only raise their fists, but their middle fingers too!
13 Songs of Political/Atheist Anthems from New York's Most Evil Ska/Punx Featuring x-members of Choking Victim who gave you that crackrocksteady beat, Sturgeon aka STZA, pronounced Stizza and Alec Baille. Plus the wickedist drummer since Jar-Jar Binks, Ara Babajian. Also features appearances by members of F-Minus, Agent 99, NY post-reggae outfit Sic and Mad and L.A. melodicore band Blindsided.
13 new songs that pull at your guts, and fill you w/heartache & Defiance !!! The record features 13 tracks and will be available on both CD and LP (including some limited colored vinyl). Featuring Nick 13 on vocals and guitar, Geoff Kresge on Bass and Londan May on Drums. This new record also features guest vocals from Rancid's Lars Frederiksen and Matt Freeman. 
This band set out to agitate the underground and they have done just that by actually uniting all the different scenes who have only their teenage rage in common. Hardcore kids, punk rockers, goths, and every other form of deviant being have all succumbed to the grotesque charm and charisma of The Nerve Agents. This band will incite a new ideal as to what hardcore punk can accomplish.
Joe Strummer (former Clash) will be releasing "Global a Go Go" in July. He's following it up with a tour of the US in October. The new album will contain 10 songs. I'm not sure yet about that European release date.
Following up their self-titled release, F-Minus continues their rabid and unique brand of nihil-core with Suburban Blight. It's a throat-tearing-stomach-turning-ear-numbing-massacre, this band is simply a collective explosion. There is no light at the end of this tunnel and pist-off doesn't even begin to describe them...
13 Songs of Political/Atheist Anthems from New York's Most Evil Ska/Punx Featuring x-members of Choking Victim who gave you that crackrocksteady beat, Sturgeon aka STZA, pronounced Stizza and Alec Baille. Plus the wickedist drummer since Jar-Jar Binks, Ara Babajian. Also features appearances by members of F-Minus, Agent 99, NY post-reggae outfit Sic and Mad and L.A. melodicore band Blindsided. IMPORTANT NOTE: this album is currently in production hiatus, with the printing company responsible for the production of the album refusing to print. This comes in light of the title of the album and artwork on both the front and inside the booklet. Epitaph and Hell Cat records have also dropped any Leftover Crack links off their site in light of these actions.
King Django with Reason on Hellcat Records. If you've spent more than a minute on the ska scene, you'll know that he's the original New York rudy...who kept the flame burning even when it was just a candle in the window." - Alternative Press A seminal force in the East Coast ska scene, King Django has made his name as a songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist (trombone, ukulele, harmonica, melodica), producer, and label owner. A self-avowed workaholic, he has made a name for himself by tirelessly applying his various skills in many situations, encompassing punk rock, rhythm & blues, ska, rocksteady, reggae, dub and dancehall. (Source: Epitaph.com)
US Bombs with Back At The Laundromat. The third release on the Hellcat label by this old skool punk band from Orange County CA.
Lars Frederiksen And The Bastards with a self-titled album on Hellcat. New solo record from Lars Frederiksen of Rancid. Check out the Rancid website for additional info.
The Slackers are coming back again with their best record yet. Their songwriting has blended with creative instrumentation to create some of the most unique sounding music that still has roots in the Jamaican traditions of reggae, dub & ska. (Source: epitaph.com) Reviewed here.
From its ominous, xeroxed album cover, to the barely legible lyric sheet to the sheer chaos invoked by the music, Rancid 2000 (as the second self-titled LP has come to be known) is “paint-peeling punk rock of the highest order.” Produced by long-time friend and producer Brett Gurewitz, most of the 22 songs clock in at well under two minutes, and there are absolutely no ballads. Guitars are driven to within inches of meltdown, the bass burns with the signature maniacal virtuosity of Matt Freeman, and the vocals are delivered with raging conviction. Rancid’s hardest, fastest record to date!
