BONA FIDE BLOG

I'm moving at the moment and might not have access to the Internet in the same extent for a while. But don't worry, I'll be back soon enough, with a few interviews as well, not just reviews. To those who have sent records and witing for them to be reviewed: Be patient, I will not forget.

P.S. Get the new HAVE HEART record! I have only listened to it a few times but it sounds promising.

I'm sure everyone into punk and hardcore in Sweden have heard the latest sensation GATANS LAG. I first heard them one year ago and fell in love instantly. Last night I saw them live for the first time. I went to Musikens Hus in Gotheburg with enormous expectations, but as let down. More about that later...

Walkning to the venue from my car, about 100 meters away, I saw the first sign of trouble as two guys were fighting in the street. Soon three friends dragged their peer away from a situation that could have turned ugly. Down the street, by Musikens Hus, three squad cars and one bus were lined up with policemen in the street. I expected a hostile atmosphere but when I met up with my friends outside the venue it seemed to have calmed down.

Inside it was hot as hell as UNIT LOST took the stage. I only watched a few songs as their streetpunk didn't do much for me., waiting outside again for the main attraction of the evening seemed like a better idea.

When GATANS LAG stepped on stage there were lots of people inside and up front, although a bit less than expected. Perhaps the high entrance (320 sek) was to much for some. As soon as they started playing kids started dancing and singing along. I personally was excited as well, but my excitement turned into frustration. Equipment failure continued all through their set, and momentum was lost. But what was even worse was the fact that it seemed as if they hadn't rehearsed at all, definitely the sloppiest set I have seen in a long time and a huge disappointment. Thanks to their song being as good as they are I was still able to enjoy the set to some extent. If these guys want to reclaim the spot as the best band in Sweden they will have to improve their performance on stage.

WHEN WE FALL
We untrue our minds (CD)
I for us

I first discovered WHEN WE FALL on the compilation “What we built” released by Dead Eyed Records some years ago. I soon picked up their demo and then bought their debut MCD “A cry in despair” the same week it was released. Their hardcore is emotional, melodic and aggressive at the same time. If you like bands like HAVE HEART and SHAI HULUD you should really check them out! On “We untrue our minds” they take their sound even further. They’ve added organ, accordion and electronic beats in some of the songs and that takes their music into new dimensions. Big plus for the varied vocals as well. You might think of REFUSED, but shouldn’t. This is not the new “The shape of punk to come”, this is WHEN WE FALL anno 2008 delivering modern emotional hardcore their way! Check it out!

Review by Micke Persson

ANCHOR
The quiet dance (CD)
Catalyst

This must be one of the hardest working bands in the Swedish hardcore-scene today. They formed early 2007 from the ashes of SET MY PATH and DAMAGE CONTROL. They toured with RITUAL only two months after the band formed and released their critically acclaimed debut MCD/7” “Captivity songs” some months later. They also managed to team up with their friends in THE KIND THAT KILLS for a split 7” the same year. Now it’s 2008 and I’m holding their debut full-length CD in my hands. I mean, three releases in one and half year of existence is really remarkable! I really loved their debut and had really high expectations for this first full-length. And, damn, I only needed to hear the intro to be convinced that they’ve made it again! Think animal liberation, think straight edge, think mid 90´s and mix the sound of EARTH CRISIS and STRIFE. Add great production, political lyrics and superb artwork and you get “The quiet dance”. ANCHOR is one of those bands you want to follow, they’re already one of the most talked-about bands in the scene and the journey has just begun…

Review by Micke Persson

ANOTHER YEAR
Moments don’t last (MCD)
Monument

I really enjoyed the selftitled debut MCD on Monument, in fact I placed it as one of my top records of 2005. Now, three years later their new MCD arrives. The band have made countless of changes in their line up since the start and the biggest dissapointment was when their old singer left the band. Their original guitarplayer Marcus took over the mic and I knew he could use his throat since he sang in both LAST HOPE and EYES SHUT back in the days. But I really liked the voice of Andreas Schultz and thought that he would be too hard to replace. Well, the first preview of this “new” ANOTHER YEAR could be heard on last years split 7” with DEATH IS NOT GLAMOROUS and I was really blown away! Since then I’ve been waiting for more and here it comes! Three brand new songs plus both tracks from the split are on this piece of wax. If you dig bands like COMEBACK KID and CHAMPION this ep is really worth checking out. We’re still talking fast melodic hardcore and we’re still talking about one of Swedens finest!