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Screw the mainstream if you really want to get your rocks off you have to go to the underground. That's just what we plan to do with this series, take some of the best emerging bands that are out blowing away hardcore fans on the underground music scene. 

The Havoc - Road Warrior
Label: Punkcore Records
Release Date: 01/25/05
Rating: 
 

This is the first I've heard from the Southern California street-punk band, The Havoc, and it's surprisingly good. I know of their discography and have sampled some of their tunes but have never actually sat down with one of their albums (in this case, a cd-e.p.).  From what I've "sampled" off of their very own website (www.havocpunx.com) I expected more of the same repetitive thrash beats that most modern streetpunk outfits adopt. But what I found is that this release is a pleasant departure from that played out monotony.

Now I know that day-glo blue hair and knox gelatin Mohicans isn't a very original concept (and these guys adopt it like it was '84), they still play a pretty solid and steady punk rock style. The music IS hardcore, but with a more melodic approach.. so reminiscent of the punk music from the '80's.

This CD/E.P. consists of 6 songs. The first three are studio tracks (one being a cover song), and the latter three are live tracks recorded at the Allen Theatre.

The CD opens up with it's title track, "Road Warrior". Which, by the way, is NOT a reference to the cult classic flick with Mel Gibson... The song is great. Easily approachable and not exactly "over-the-top". The music is punchy and the chorus is catchy as hell. This is a great song for the opening of this album because it hooks ya right away. 

The next track, "Arson Attack" is your A-typical punk rock jam circa. England 1982. It reminds me (vocally and musically) of a mix between THE EXPLOITED & DISCHARGE. Nevertheless, I think it's a pretty good song. 

"Seventeen Years" is a cover song of the legendary U.K. punk band THE PARTISANS. It's a good rendition of the ditty, a bit sloppy in the drumwork, but a noble effort in my opinion. The next three tracks are live and sort of just get on my nerves. I'm not really a fan of live tracks in the middle of a nice studio set, but whatever. The live tracks don't have the quality or appeal as the first three I just mentioned. But I guess you'd just have to hear it for yourself, right? 

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