NoMa Beach Record Reviews

CrookS: “City of Rats” EP

There’s not much that needs to be said about this record. It’s real fuckin’ good, and you’ll either “get” it or you won’t. On their debut EP, Crooks let loose some boisterous storming racket for the blue collar crowd. You know what I’m talking about: fierce, ass-kicking hardcore punk with screaming, pissed-off vocals; shout-along choruses; and dumb, politically incorrect lyrics. The rhythm section races like a rocket, and the singer sounds like a candidate for anger management training. Rarely do I hear bands that manage to pull this style off convincingly, so it’s damn great to hear Crooks revisit such territory so effectively. These fuckers can play! And they bring it with genuine ferocity! Songs like “White Collar” and “Stalker Bitch” come at you fast and furious, radiating unadulterated rage. This is the kind of music you crank at full blast when you’re driving home after a shitty day at work and you wanna tell the whole damn world to fuck off .
There’s a little bit of a metal feel here as well, but in a good way (a la mid-to-late ’80s thrash and skate-punk). This is a record for punk devotees of all ages: the kids can skate or mosh to it, and oldsters like me will dig it because it recalls the sound and spirit of Reagan-era hardcore.
Crooks are a punk band not for earnest political activists, but rather for rabid non-PC types who enjoy cheap beer and even cheaper women. Once again, someone has come along and proven just how vital punk music can still be when it’s played well. Turn up the volume, pump your fist, punch your boss, and give your asshole neighbor the finger!
---Joosh Rutledge, opinionated asshole Now Wave Online
October 7, 2004

CrookS: “City of Rats” EP

Crooks supply a nice melting pot of punk, hardcore, and metal on this EP. And while that might leave a bitter taste in some purists’ mouths, here it works. Most of the time, you get bands that blend genres together because, truth be told, they don’t know what they want to sound like. Here, it’s obvious that the sound is well crafted, that each hardcore shout, fiery guitar lick, and punk rock bash’n’crash are in their place.
Yes, some of it may be offensive, and most of it is noisy, but I remember when those were considered staples of the punk rock style. What’s more is that even though you can hear obvious tinges of SST and AC/DC on speed, it’s not a rehash record. It sounds pretty fresh.
At this moment in time, I’ve got little more to say other than “good punk rock”, but sometimes even good punk rock finds its way to the shoebox. That’s not the case here. I’ve reserved a spot on my shelf for City Of Rats (but a concealed place at that, keeping the tantalizingly perverse cover art out of eyesight), so I can come back for repeated listens.
-- Maark Hughson NoW Wave Online
October 20, 2004

OIL!: The Glory of Honor: LP
Simultaneously ridiculous (lyrics-wise) and spot-on (music-wise), this is one of the best homages and deflators of oi culture I’ve heard in long time. Much like JewDriver takes the undeniable musical power of Skrewdriver and turned it on its head (racism, for starters), Oil! spins tales of skinhead glory on its rubberized, metal-tipped boots, both commending the best of the culture (hey, at its best, it’s a definable belief system where beer’s involved and hippies are hated) and making fun of its over-used clichés (calling ladies “birds,” spending gross amounts for fashionable clothing that was once made for the working class, and not knowing how to cry.) In the end, yeah, it’s pretty damn good. I bet you could slip it on in the middle of the first Blitz record, classic 4-Skins, and the Cockney Rejects, and few people would be the wiser. It’s leagues better than that last Business record that Epitaph put out. At least these guys know there’s a joke involved. First 300 have sixteen-page booklet and silkscreened cover. Todd (Razorcake #20)

OIL! - “The Glory of Honour” LP

Oi! YA SALTY YOBS! OIL! Is without a doubt the most entertaining joke oi band going right now next to the mighty JEWDRIVER. With tracks like “Spent My Paycheck At The Pub,” “77 Clockwork Boot Justice” and “Red White and Boots” they really sing it from their humor-filled hearts. The music, in addition to be entertaining as hell, is actually pretty damn catchy and they use every oi cliche you can think of. The first press covers are hand screened by working class skins here in the good ol’ USA! (NT) MRR-253

Oil! “The Glory Of Honour” LP

Last year, Noma Beach Records introduced the world to Oil! via a 7” EP entitled “Red, White, and Boots.” The excellent “Red, White, and Boots” EP featured four no-holds-barred punkers that were delivered with conviction and well-placed humor. As the urgency of the EP’s music hit you squarely in the chest, Oil! poked fun at skinhead subculture with over-the-top lyrics and imagery. Though the package was an obvious piss-take, it was executed well enough to give most current releases in a similar musical vein a run for their money.

Now, Noma Beach Records has released the much-anticipated Oil! full-length LP, “The Glory Of Honour” (CD version available on Germany’s Ghetto Rock Records). Thankfully, none of the momentum established by their EP is lost on this release. Though two tracks from the EP, “Red, White, and Boots” and “I’ve Got Bills To Pay,” make an appearance, the bulk of the material on “The Glory Of Honour” represents the balance of the “Red, White, and Boots” session and is unreleased.

Once again, “The Glory Of Honour” finds Oil! taking charge in the spirit of early Anti-Heros records, especially the more up-tempo material on “That’s Right!” The sound of Oil! is also reminiscent of such ‘Noma luminaries as the Bodies and the Trends, which is unsurprising given the band’s roster. Unlike those early Anti-Heros records, “The Glory Of Honour” was superbly produced. Play this LP loud not because you need to crank the volume in order to hear it, but because it sounds so much better that way! Anthems such as “Clockwork Violence, Leftwing Silence,” “Proud Of My Pride,” and “Fuck You” will inspire the masses to raise their fists and voice their approval. Boots or no boots, it’s hard not to join in. There’s even a well-done Oxblood cover, “Under The Boot,” that rounds out this 12-song effort.

The packaging for “The Glory Of Honour” LP is highly effective, featuring silk-screened black-on-red LP jackets and a 16-page booklet that includes an Oil! biography, interview, and lyrics. The booklet is only included with the LP’s first pressing of 300 copies, so you should grab one of these gems quickly if you want to learn more about the legend behind the boots.

For exactly how long the knuckleheads in Oil! can keep the gimmick going is anybody’s guess (the booklet promises a second full-length installment). Though most jokesters require an ever-evolving act to keep fans coming back for more, I suspect that Oil! will continue to impress, as long as their music rings true. “The Glory Of Honour” upholds this theory.

--Mario Solis (4/18/04) Punk Info Directory

Oil! “The Glory of Honour” LP

Why aren't Weird Al or the Bloodhound Gang popular anymore? Maybe it seemed like their influence and pop culture currency was more widespread when I was younger because both had a target audience of adolescent boys with pre-adolescent senses of humor, but more likely they have fallen victim to an all to common form of comic hubris. They overestimated their sense of humor. After a while they figured as long as they stayed silly and stuck to the formula they'd produce comic bronze equal or greater to what they had done in the past. Well, comedy is a hard thing to pull off, and it's even harder when it's the crux of a group that doesn't have all that much going for it musically. If all of your music takes a back seat to lyrics that offers a window into your comic genius you'd better make damn sure that you're as funny as you think you are or you're gonna fall flat on your face. Luckily, the newest clown princes of punk rock goofiness, Oil!, don't have the same shortcomings and ego hang ups a other would be humor musicians. There are very few moments on The Glory of Honour that are fall down funny, and they know it. They're humor doesn't have you in hysterics, but rather it's humor based on such a comprehensive understanding of their subject matter that even when they travel deep into the realm of farce it seems plausible. And in this case that's a funny thing to bear witness to.

For those that don't know, Oil!'s whole shtick is that they are a stereotypical American skinhead band. I was explaining the concept to a friend yesterday who asked plainly, "Why is that necessary?" The reason it's necessary is because American skinheads have spent the better part of a decade making themselves the perfect target for this kind of send up. Sadly, there are now more fashion fixated, internet gossip generating, identity crisis having anglophile homebodies who are obsessed with the scores from overseas soccer games they'll never attend than the real deal 'heads who made the subculture infamous. Oil! understands these nitwits inside out and has produced an album so shockingly accurate, and delivered with such straight faced enthusiasm, that it could have been made by the dorks who live vicariously through Richard Allen novels and tell everyone they're Irish.

The music on this album reminds me immediately of The Bodies.(one of the members is in Oil!) The guitars are searing and rapid, the bass is elastic, the drums pound along efficiently and the robust vocals seem to soar in their limited range. However, the music isn't the main draw of this band and it shows. There isn't anything noteworthy or standout on this album as far as music goes. The music is just a backdrop to the band's lyrics and can be best described as capable and appropriate.

The lyrics are a quite another story though. While at first glance they aren't really sophisticated or well developed they play perfectly into the band's presentation. There are too many lyrical gems too spotlight them all but a there are a few that are too good not to mention. On 77 Clockwork Boot Justice they proclaim, "To these boots, I thee wed." On Bills to Pay they address the issue of upbringing, "My daddy was a skinhead, he raised me the right way/kissed my check with a baseball bat and said 'go out to earn your pay'/At 8 I was a carpenter." The best song title and lyrics of the record award definitely goes to Proud of My Pride which doesn't have a single "laugh out loud" funny line in it, but existing as a song that proselytizes the pride one feels in being proud basically sums up the band and the album.

These guys got it right the first time because they understand that it isn't necessary to crank out jokes and gags, all the while congratulating yourself on how funny you are. All you need is a inside-out comprehension of who you're satirizing and the ability to make it through a take without busting out laughing.(Adam Gonsalves GANG UP DOT NET)

Oil! “The Glory of Honour” LP

(REVIEW BY TROY CANADY) NOW WAVE

In case you didn’t know, Oil! is the skinhead Spinal Tap. Oil! takes the piss out of the skinhead lifestyle. Y’know: working, drinkin’ , fightin’, shaggin’ some birds, taking a spot of bovver, a little of that argy bargy. Even if you’re not a skinhead (which I’m not), this is still some great raw punk. The LP comes with a cool little mini-zine with lyrics and a hilarious Oil! interview. Buy or die, bitches.

SHOWOFFS, THE:

Noma Beach: 7"

The music here is fast, energetic punk that reminds me of The Motards. I only wish the singer was the same. This is a good 7", but the singer is just a little too monotonus. A snotty vocalist would fit this band well; however, this guy just yells along the same pitch throughout all four songs. It’s kinda like he is reading the lyrics for one of the first times as he sings and is just yelling them out without knowing when to add a little emotion or inflection in his voice. I could karoke this album better than him. Just a little added passion and dynamics in the vocals would do wonders for this band. -Toby (Razorcake #19)

THE SHOW-OFFS
“Shocker” 7”EP
This the sort of thing you’d find on Pelado or Hostage, which isn’t really surprising since it’s released on Noma Beach. Sounds a lot like The Bodies, which will no doubt appeal to many (for reasons unknown to me). Backyard punk with lots of tall cans and short tempers (NOW I see the appeal). From Hayward, CA...strip-mall heaven. You’d be pissed off too. (MC)
(www.nomabeach.com) AMP

The Showoffs “Shocker” 7” (Noma Beach)

Every band has live showings where their performance leaves a bit to be desired. Some bands have more “off” nights than others, of course, but for the most part a poor set is an anomaly, and it happens to the best of them. That said, it’s a good idea to keep an open mind after taking in a subpar set by a band with which you are not too familiar; you’re just as likely to be floored as you are to be bored the next time you see and/or hear them. I caught the Showoffs on a shaky night several months ago during a showcase for Noma Beach Records. The show was my first exposure to the band, and unfortunately it didn’t heighten my expectations for their debut 7”. Despite a few bright spots during the Showoffs’ set that night, such as their humorous stage presence and scrappy energy, they were out-of-tune, sloppy, and tipsy. Not good. While I may have been skeptical about this record based on an isolated live showing, I didn’t write-off completely these kids from “Hayward Beach,” California, and in hindsight it was a smart move. The Showoffs’ debut EP on Noma Beach Records rivals the rest of the label’s output in terms of quality, which means that I will play this record quite a bit. On record the Showoffs expound upon the raw energy that is part of their live show, with a mid-to-fast paced, snotty punk approach that cops a “fuck you” attitude and inspires you to sing along and follow suit. Two of the EP’s tracks, “Can’t Run” and “Psycho Girl,” pay homage to their kindred spirits, the Bodies, especially in terms of the guitar and bass lines. The remaining two songs on this platter, “Pyromaniac” and “Fuckin’ Gone,” lean more towards Angry Samoans-style snot punk, and are chock full of hooks, punch, and swagger. Overall, the four tunes are solid and memorable, and sonically the “Bodies meets Rip Off Records” tag offered on the EP’s insert holds true throughout the record, with a mid-fi recording that keeps the slick factor in check. Like all great vinyl, the visual appeal of this 7” is as impressive as its aural appeal. Fifty of the 300 copies pressed include an alternate sleeve design, an attractive pink-on-white print of a bare-breasted female; the other 250 copies feature a Showoffs guitar shot. Both sleeve designs look fantastic, but if you want boobs, you need to hurry. Cool record. Now I want to be impressed live.--Mario Solis (11/30/03) www.punk-information.com/music_reviews.htm

The Showoffs
Shocker EP
(Noma Beach Records)

(REVIEW BY RUTLEDGE) http://www.geocities.com/nowwave/

Here’s another good one from Noma Beach Records. The Showoffs hail from Hayward Beach, California and play good, old-fashioned PUNK ROCK. Their four-song debut recalls both the classic “beach punk” of the early 80s and the rippin’ garage rock n’ roll of the best Rip Off Records bands. This is good stuff: fast, tuneful, kick-ass punk that’ll make you wanna shake your booty. Hearing the sing-along choruses, scratchy guitars, and bouncy, nimble-fingered basslines, you might remark that these guys sound an awful lot like The Bodies. Well, they do. And that’s a good thing! The Showoffs haven’t attempted to reinvent the wheel. They just wanna plug in, let loose, and rock the house. It’s amazing how well that formula works when a band knows how to write a decent song.

I’m especially fond of the lead track, “Can’t Run”.

---Lord Rutledge, opinionated asshole

OIL - “Red, White and Boots” EP

Oi parody by a bunch of locals, which is like most Oi parodies actually better than the bands they are poking fun at. Rough as fuck punk/oi, owing more to the WORKIN STIFFS than to the TEMPLARS. The A side sounds like the BASTARD SQUAD song on the ROMPER STOMPER soundtrack with hilarious dumb lyrics about skinhead pride, boots and being a working man. Knocks the shit out of 90% of the dirge that passes for Oi these days(TB)

—MRR #241 JUNE 2003

Oil!
"Red, White & Boots" 7" EP
(Noma Beach Records)

Plain and simple, Oil! is a street punk Spinal Tap. On its debut EP, the group boisterously parodies the knuckleheaded clichés and hyper-macho nationalistic excesses of modern-day Oi! music. But, musically, these guys aren’t screwing around. The band (which features members of The Bodies, Workin’ Stiffs, Trust Fund Babies, and Radio Reelers) backs up its tongue-in-cheek assault upon bootboy boneheadism with a head-kicking musical attack that’s as aggressive and ferocious as anything that the likes of Blitz or the Anti-Heroes ever committed to vinyl. If you get the joke, this record is a hoot. But even if you don’t, you may very well find yourself digging Oil!’s in-your-face street punk blitzkrieg. This is hard, nasty punk rock, pal! Once you hear the propulsive title track, you just might have to put down your beer and jump into the mosh pit.

Good stuff.

---Joshua Blake Rutledge,

Now Wave Zine(http://www.geocities.com/nowwave/)

Oil!
“Red, White & Boots” 7” (Noma Beach)
After releasing exceptionally good EPs by the Cadavers (pre-Bodies) and the Negatives (U.S. Bombs-like punk from Orange County, California), Noma Beach Records has established itself as one of northern California’s most promising punk labels. Noma Beach’s third release, this hot slab of wax by Oil!, is undoubtedly their strongest to date. Released in an edition of 500 copies, 100 of which are on red vinyl with a hand-numbered label and full-color sleeve, “Red, White & Boots” is a first-rate EP that destroys 99.9 percent of what passes for so-called “street punk” these days. Oil! storms out of the gate ready to rumble on the title track of this EP, with a beefed-up sound and sneer that recalls a tougher Anti-Heros. “Red, White & Boots” is a tongue-in-cheek take on flag burning, featuring a powerful chorus: “Red, white, and boots/Try to burn this, punk, and see what I do!/Red, white, and boots/Boot Boys always come for you!/Red, white, and boots/Try to burn this, punk, and see what I do!/Red, white, and boots/The U.S.A. is coming for you!” The bludgeoning continues as Oil! launches into “Bills to Pay”—a snotty tune reminiscent of early Randumbs’ material. On this track, Oil! singer Major Stewpidity (cough, cough) shares that his pop schooled him in the ways of the family business—“My Daddy was a skinhead/He raised me the right way”—and laments a “60-hour work week” with the help of circular saw and jackhammer sound affects that appear briefly towards the end of the song’s second chorus. Rounding out this EP in convincing fashion is “Pullin’ on the Boots,” a rousing, mid-tempo scorcher that is sure to inspire raised fists and shouts of “skinhead” in unison among listeners. “Red, White & Boots” sounds fantastic production-wise, and the recording was mastered nice and loud for an optimal listening experience. While the members of Oil! are certainly capable of standing on their own feet sans gimmick (Oil! includes members of the Bodies, Radio Reelers, and Trust Fund Babies), that these guys don’t take themselves too seriously with this project makes this record even more appealing. Of course, the artwork itself is enough to raise a few eyebrows—a prominent American flag, with soccer balls and a pair of boots on the back of the sleeve—but it all starts to come together as you soak up the over-the-top hilarity of the lyrics and examine the names of the involved parties on the insert. So loosen up, silly. You’ve been had! Order your copy from Noma Beach today (their supply is dwindling fast), invite all of your friends over for a listening party, crank the volume, raise your glass, and sing along to one of the year’s best EPs. Bring on the LP from the mysterious men in…boots! Oi! -Mario Punk Info Diary www.punk-information.com/index.htm

Oil!: Red, White & Boots +

Bills To Pay b/w

Pullin on the Boots: 7"

There are exactly two things that continuously propel America to the head of the pack on this mongrel burg we call Earth: Number one is our nation’s unwavering dedication to quality footwear in the workplace: Number two is our national obsession with, and our renowned proficiency at, the game of soccer. Oil! celebrates both crucial facets of our national character most magnificently, and who shall say nay?! Stand tall, America! Oil! Has got your back during this penalty kicks! BEST SONG: “Bills to Pay” BEST SONG TITLE “Red, White & Boots” FANTASTIC AMAZING TRIVIA FACT: This record would have been better if all three songs were called “KILL DAVID FUCKING BECKHAM RIGHT NOW” -Rev. Nørb (Noma Beach)

(RAZORCAKE #16)

Oil! "Red, White, & Boots" 7"
(Noma Beach Records)

The first outing by this joke Oi! band out of Cali. Oil! features members of the Bodies, Radio Reelers, and Trust Fund Babies. I've been waiting for this ever since hearing the "'77 Clockwork Boot Justice" MP3. It's funny shit that's played really well. Any fan of the Bodies (like me) will find the music stylings familiar, with a slightly harder edge to it. The lyrics are sung gruph and fast and hit every skinhead/Oi stereotype there is...if you don't get the humor, I feel sorry for you, pub-ario. The "B" side is a cover of "Pullin on the Boots" from the Romper Stomper Soundtrack...good call! My only complaint is that the record is mastered too loud and borders on distorting...so it comes off a little dirty sounding (not in a good way). Anyway, this is great stuff that kicks serious ass in a hilarious way. If you can find it, get it now!

The Baron gives it 8 curb-jobs (out of10)...Oi! Oi! www.tainted-angels.net/

THE NEGATIVES - "Out In The Cold" EP
I bought an EP from THE NEGATIVES at Red Devil Records (the best record store for punk vinyl in Northern California) a while back at the suggestion of the man behind the counter. I didn't know who they were, but it rocked in a SoCal hard-core kind of way. I still don't know who they are, but they continue to rock. This is excellent punk rock. And yes, its faster paced hard-core in the SoCal style. And with "Fight" is might even have some street punk creds. It's catchy and melodic, yet angry and bitter. There's nothing earth-shattering innovative about this, but its well done. But "I'll fight for my country"? Tell me you're joking guys. (KK)
-Maximum Rock N Roll #236 Jan 03'

Negatives - Out In the Cold 7" - The second release on the new almighty Noma Beach Records. This may even be better than the killer first single on Hostage by this So Cal beach band. Enormous guitar sound, the walls of Marshalls can't hurt. Snotty Stitches-like vocals. 115 of these puppys on powder blue vinyl, and the singer has blue eyes clearer than Paul Newman's, with a beer belly to boot. Great sleeve photo of a young pre-wife's murder Robert Blake hauled away by the feds. You buy.-------------Barry Red Devil, Section M #29

NEGATIVES, THE: Self-titled: 7"
I'm not sure if the Negatives are from Orange County, or if they just sound like they are, but they play that drunken beach punk that fits in perfectly on a Hostage Records comps. They'd be a perfect band to play on a bill with Smogtown or the Smut Peddlers. They've learned good lessons from the Crowd, the Adolescents, and TSOL. And, if all this sounds good to you, this three-song seven inch is a good way to introduce yourself to the band. I recommend it. -Sean Carswell,Razorcake (Noma Beach)

THE CADAVERS “NEVERMIND THE BODIES, HERE’S” 7"

(NOMA BEACH)

"Two to three members present for this 1993 recording went on to the BODIES. The beach-punk guitar blasts of the BODIES is present as well as the way up front charismatic vocals of Mr. Abe. Bolstering female vocals are just below his vocals in the mix. And no corn-ball politics! Fans of the first BODIES LP and aggressive melodic punk should get one of the 500 copies that have been pressed." (TH) MAXIMUM ROCK N ROLL July 02 #230

“NEVERMIND THE BODIES, HERE’S” 7"

THE CADAVERS

(NOMA BEACH)

"If you ever wondered what the Bodies would sound like with a backup girl singer - it’s pretty fuking cool. Coupled to Abe’s higher-than-normal-for-street-punk singing is the tough-but-distinctly-female yelling of Tannia. No lyrics are included, but from what my secret decoder ring can figure out, they cover the same imagistic lines of the Bodies- betrayal, Vietnam, guns, and patriotism. Fast, snappy, and catchy. Little time is wasted and the harmonies are hard to miss. Its both hard and sweet. I always think that if the Bouncing Souls hadn’t given up trying to write good songs about four years ago, you’d get this band (well the Bodies, who this band sorta became later on). Apparently this was originally released in 1993, but its being re-released in a batch of five hundred on this label. Not bad." - Todd (Razorcake Magazine Issue #9)

THE CADAVERS “Never Mind The Bodies, Here’s The Cadavers” 7"
Noma Beach Records, 2002
Tired of waiting for a new Bodies record? If you raised your hand, you’re in luck. This is a pre-Bodies recording from 1993 featuring Abe (vocals), Scott (bass), and Harley (drums) that sounds pretty much exactly like The Bodies. In other words, this rules. You’ve got Abe’s unmistakable croon, Scott’s bubbly bass lines, Harley’s steady backbeat, and female backing vocals. Yes, female backing vocals. The three tracks on this record are catchy-as-hell and would be at home on any of The Bodies’ records to date. As best as I can tell (no lyric sheet), there are no “mindless” lyrics here. Whatever. The Bod…er…Cadavers play melodic, hook-filled punk with plenty of energy. Limited to 500 copies and word is they are going fast.
-Mario Solis/ >www.punk-information.com

THE CADAVERS: Nevermind The Bodies Here's...(NoMa Beach-7")
The first release on this brand new Sonoma, CA based label could in fact be considered as a modern-day Killed By Death release, as it digs deep into the secret vaults and proudly presents this three-track 7" by the Cadavers, already dating back to 93'. And boy, am I glad this resurfaced about 9 years later, cuz it needs to be heard!! Abe(v), Scott(b) and Harley(d) later on changed some members and renamed their band as The Bodies and since I'm a sucker for anything The Bodies put out it was obvious that I needed to lay my paws on this one as well. And let me be clear, any Cadavers songs could easily on a random Bodies record without even noticing it. It's the same powerful, topnotch punk that proudly carries on the punk spirit as it was done in the early years. If NoMa Beach keeps on putting high-class material like this they will definitely could become a quality control label like Hostage, Radio or TKO, whose stuff you can buy blindly. Can't wait for a second release!
-High Heel Slut Fanzine #5