This is 2nd 7" by trash punk band A Frames who are strongly influenced by early 80s new wave. I expected a little bit more analogue synth noises - just like they did on their 1st 7", but they chose for more guitar sound this time. "Plastica" is definitely a great song, but "Hospital" is typical B side, good but not very catchy. Anyway this 7" promises a lot and I hope A Frames will make an album some day. Till then try to get their two 7"s and enjoy them.
 

The Bossmen is one more good Japanese trash punk band - just the way I like it. Maybe they could have a bit better songs. Anyway it seems they are good friends with Teegenerate (record is recorded in OK Studio by Fink). You can hear that also in their music. It sounds pretty Teengenerate. Side B is a bit better than A side, but anyway it's one more solid record from the land of the rising sun.
 
 

Condomen split up - unfortunately, but their only 7"EP is really great. On A side we have 2 really great r'n'b/garage trash punk songs which are really mind blowing. "She Turned Me Down" has really great harmonica and "Jane" is more keyboard driving. "They Say" opens B side and and it's bit more garage psych. "No Problem" is raw psych trash. This 7" is definitely a "must have" for every garage punk lover. It's produced very trashy and raw and songs are primitive and great. It's pity Condomen doesn't exist anymore, but I hope we'll hear more from ex Condomen and their new bands and projects.
 

Crimson Sweet are trio from NYC - 2 guys + girl on guitar and vocal. They play strange mix of punk, 80s new wave and alternative rock like Sonic Youth or Pixies. "Queen City V.A." is the best song (out of 5) on this cd-ep. All songs are more or less the same quality. Musically Crimson Sweet are more alternative rock for college rock clubs and radio stations then for garage trash punk freaks.
 

When I got The Diplomats Of Solid Sound 7" I was nicely surprised and from their album I expected really a lot. And I got EVEN MORE!!! "Instrumental Action Soul" is really great album - soundtrack for hot summer days and you can really enjoy it again and again. Diplomats say that Booker T. And MGs and Metters are their biggest influence, but I must say that they are even great. It's really difficult to pick favorites 'cos each song is done very well. Production is beautiful and perfect, guitar sound nice and warm and Hammond organ really drives you crazy. I think it's really difficult to make such great instrumental album and I think Diplomats did it marvelous, carefully arranging each song. I hope they will become more popular 'cos they really deserve it. It's difficult to describe this album with words 'cos it's recorded with lot of passion. It sounds pretty early 70s. Some songs like "Chinese Connection" could be easily used for some 70s action movie. Songs like "Willie's Theme", "El Corazon Negro" (great flute) and "Soul Slaw" sound very sexy while "Hot Stick", "Mobley Turnaround" and "Soul Beat Part 2." really move your ass. Anyway get this CD - below is address where you can order it - and guys keep up the great and unique work!!