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Templars / Castillo – Split EP

This split EP was released on TKO Records as the latest chapter in the ongoing series where The Templars go head-to-head with bands they admire. This time, they’re joined by the Los Angeles outfit Castillo. The record features two tracks, one from each band, and once again perfectly captures the...

Crown Court – Heavy Manners LP

Crown Court from London released this album on Randale Records in 2023, roughly ten years after the band was formed. I already really enjoyed their 2016 album Capital Offence – it felt raw, unpolished, and carried a strong ’80s vibe that you rarely hear from many bands these days. In...

Mental Warfare – Everything Is Wrong LP

Mental Warfare is a project of guitarist Chris Cesarini, whom I first noticed through his involvement in bands like Conservative Military Image, Haywire, and Street Power. I also found out that he has been active in other Boston hardcore bands, namely Back Of Tha Neck and Years Apart, though I’m...

SIKM / The Slads Split EP

This 7″ is a split release by two US Oi! bands, SIKM and The Slads, with each band contributing two original tracks and presenting their own take on Oi! punk. While SIKM from Atlanta go for a much more direct and raw approach, strongly influenced by punk ’82, The Slads...

Venenö – Demo MMXXIV EP

Venenö are a band from New York who describe themselves as a mix of 1980s punk, Oi!, and a touch of post-punk. The lineup includes current and former members of bands such as 45 Adapters, The Stance, The New York Hounds, The Take, Rododendrons, The Press, and other crews from...

Lazy Class – The Dawn To Come LP

  Lazy Class are a band from Poland, but with a drummer who has Spanish roots, something I first noticed back on their 10″ Hell Of San Domingo. At the time, I was scratching my head over how a Polish band had come up with a song about the Battle...

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Handpay – Shots Fired EP

I finally got around to this EP, which had already found its way into my hands sometime in the middle of the year. It’s a release by the southern California band Handpay, issued on Lionheart Records in a pressing of 25 test presses, 115 copies on black vinyl, and 215...

Jackknife Johnny – Trading Aces LP

The latest release from Oi!Tism Records is a recording by Jackknife Johnny from Sacramento, California. This is the band’s debut, featuring nine original tracks. The record was released in two versions: 130 copies on Apple Red vinyl and 132 copies on Ice Blue with Black Splatter. In total, the album...

Rancœur – Fatalité LP

Rancœur from Nancy follow the wave of the French cold Oi! scene. In 2022, the band released their first EP Lame En Peine, followed by their self-titled debut LP. The album was released through a collaboration of several labels, namely Longshot Music, Kanal Hysterik, Contra Records, and Tough Ain’t Enough....

Casus Belli – Nuestra Lucha EP

I picked up this EP during one of my record-shopping trips earlier this year. I had no idea what kind of project it was, but the release on Tough Ain’t Enough, the 7″ vinyl format, and the classic aggressive artwork convinced me to buy it. I didn’t know the band...

Kong Kong – Gorilla Anthems: Collection 2020-2025 LP

The gang of gorillas from Sweden recently gave us an interview, so if you’re interested in their story and approach to music, I recommend starting there. So far, the band has released all their recordings as seven-inch singles with four tracks each. For those who—like me—missed their original releases, there’s...

Sympos – To The Dogs LP

Sympos are a band from Waterford, Ireland. I first came across them thanks to their EP More Sympos, which I ordered on vinyl immediately after hearing it online. As I’ve said here a few times, the most interesting projects are usually the ones that manage to combine different influences and...