VARIOUS ARTISTS
Barricaded Suspects (Dr. Strange Records)
Reviewed by Alan Wright

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This is a great CD re-release of an obscure punk/hardcore comp that came out on Toxic Shock in 1984 and featuring a plethora of cool bands. From the garagey organ-driven sound of Peace Corpse's "Breach Birth" to the crazed Suburban Mutilation's "I Reject You" (featuring one Rev. Norb!) to the hilarious satire of the Dull's "I Hate The Motorcyclist," there are lots of different sounds here. Some of the bands were better-known, including Decry, Septic Death, Massacre Guys (featuring future All members), Roach Motel, Pillsbury Hardcore, Red Tide (Ken Jensen R.I.P.) and Mad Parade. Others, such as the Romulans, Bonded In Unity, The Hundredth Monkey, Vision Decay, Human Therapy, Killjoy, Knockabouts, Abscess, Hue & Cry and Zimbo Chimps are all bands I'm hearing for the first time since I had never heard this comp. until now. What is striking, as is often the case with early HC comps, is the diversity of sounds amongst the bands. This is all really good, and even includes four more songs than the original release. One of those bonus tracks is the Dull's "Reach Out & Grab" - too bad they didn't also include the song from the flipside of that single, "She's A Nuclear Bomb." Can't have everything I guess.

© 2003 - Alan Wright