Derek Lee Goodreid

"Voodoo" single

(Self-issued)

The prolific author's intended Crampsian vibe is blatant. He growls, yelps, and hiccups in the iconic manner of Lux, and the minimalistic soloing brings to mind Poison Ivy, herself. An ominously measured soundtrack for clawed stalking.

Video: "Voodoo"

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Total Chaos

Mind Warfare

(Pavement / Katabomb)

As sonically ferocious as music can be without ripping off listeners' ears. Which it might do, anyway.

Recommended: "War Is a Racket," "Rise Up," "Bring Me Death," "Toxic Fallout," "No Peace In the City," "Conspiracy," "Nation of War"

Video: "Toxic Fallout"

Pavement Music

Katabomb

Dave Del Monte and the Cross County Boys

"Trick or Treat" single

(Self-issued)

The fun-fright ethos of Jackie Morningstar's "Rockin' In the Graveyard" creeps in this, Dave's paean to ghoulish sweetmeat solicitations. In keeping with the All Hallows Eve vibe, a whimsical monsterism informs generously. As is his custom, Dave paints a rollicking backdrop.

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Barrence Whitfield and the Savages

Glory

(Folc Records)

Barrence's guttural exclamations enjoy the in-the-groove complement of juke-juiced guitar and pumping saxophone. Can make converts of even the milquetoastian. Unapologetically frank, good-time music that has 'Saturday night' written all over it. 

Recommended: "Bad Situation," "Cape May Diamond," "Right-Hand Man," "I Do My Best To Survive," "Rumble Strip," "I'll Be Gone," "Killing Time," "I'm Young," "Play Pen," "Flyin'"

Video: "Bad Situation"

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The Blue Velvets

Waiting For A Sign

(Enviken)

Merely two cuts, but those prove sufficiently compelling. Between sprightly tripping melodicism and more measured atmospherics -- with this trio nimbly meeting those challenges -- welcome diversion abounds.

Video: "Waiting For A Sign"

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Enviken

Crypt Keeper

The World Is Dyin'...And We're Reapin' the Benefits Digital album

(Self-issued)

From the gladdening sounds of things, The Crypt Keepers are unfamiliar with polite-society strictures. As they careen from blast to blast, never conceding to notions of propriety, the effect is forcible thrust.

Recommended: "Human Error," "Feast Today, Famine Tomorrow," "You're the Problem," "Road Kill," "Reapin' the Benefits," "Central State," "Crypt Keeper Stomp"

Video: "Human Error"

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Payphones

Shook

(Punkebjartes Punkeplater)

In a Norwegian garage, feverish tempos conjugated with a guitar that at moments veered into lunatic discord, their act preserved as a 4-track digital album. The progeny stupefies.

Recommended: "Shook," "Mind Control," "Do It Right," "No Change"

Video: "Shook" (live)

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