In my recent efforts to fill in the gaps of my record collection, I’ve gained a big appreciation for labels releasing faithful reissues of classics that would be otherwise unattainable, whether for being impossible to find or too much of a financial burden. I’m more of a completist than a purist anyway, so a solid reissue is right up my alley.
One of the best doing it right now is San Francisco’s Prank Records, a label who’ve been putting out albums and reissues since 1995. Legendary bands like AVSKUM, HIS HERO IS GONE, and CROW as well as newer acts like REALITY CRISIS and IRON LUNG make up their impressive roster. I recently picked up a copy of their reissue of TOTALITÄR’S second LP Ni Måste Bort! and was so stoked on the quality of not only the record itself but also the packaging and artwork housing it.
Here is a roundup of their three latest releases which include two new albums and one reissue that are all absolutely worthy of a spot on your turntable. Check these out and keep your eyes peeled; their reissue of TOTALITAR’s Sin Egen Motståndare is right around the corner.
SKAMFLÄCK – Synka Alla Klockor För Midnatt LP
A new project featuring Peter Hirseland of early Scandinavian punks AGONI alongside Rulle and Anton of SME (amongst others). SKAMFLÄCK display a similar intensity and spirit as the aforementioned bands while trading in some of the raw punk energy for a more polished and melodic sound. Featuring lyrics sung in both Swedish and English, the band has a politically charged message commonly found in this genre: the system is bullshit. Sonically the band cites RAW POWER, B.G.K., and ANTI-CIMEX as influences (as evidenced by the killer riffs throughout). An unsurprisingly solid debut by veterans of the genre.
*Released with Nej för fan Records
APOCALYPSE – Self Titled LP
*Not Available For Streaming
The latest in Prank’s releases with Japanese hardcore punk legends CROW, APOCALYPSE is a totally out there project recorded between 1987 and 1989. Featuring works that take the traditional DISCHARGE-inspired sound and push it to its limits, these recordings are nearly avant-garde in their execution. Featuring bizarre vocalizations, lots of repetition, and at times complete lack of structure, this album may not be for everyone. Sorry State has a fantastic write up on APOCALYPSE that mentions a Krautrock-like quality which hits the nail on the head perfectly. While there are some straightforward moments, overall this is a bit of an oddity that will appeal to those with an open mind and an appreciation for experimental music.
ŚMIERĆ – Opór LP
For those unfamiliar, ŚMIERĆ is a Swedish band featuring members of IMPERIAL LEATHER and IDIOT KLON who play melodic D-Beat in the vein of TRAGEDY and WOLFPACK. With a heavy amount of Polish punk inspiration, thanks largely to lead vocalist Ninka’s love of 80’s and 90’s Polish punk culture, the band has a heavy and cinematic sound that features trademarks of this style including loads of moody intros, heavy riffs and relentlessly galloping drums. Fun fact: on their previous two releases, lyrics were sung exclusively in Polish, but here the band utilizes three (!) languages.
*Released with Nikt Nic Nie Wie
Find all of these and more at Prank Records
