PLASTIC BOMB (GERMANY)
You like punk, dub, reggae and ska? Then, this split-CD with a very groovy, relaxing tracks is ideal for you. HARIJAN have good brass. JPS, however, are somewhat more conventional. But a good CD, no question.
FEAR AND LOATHING FANZINE
Four tracks from ROTPM featuring frantic melodic punk, while the Fractions take an upbeat ska punk direction reminiscent of Less Than Jake in their early days. Good fun all round!
PUNK SKA ROCK RESOURCE
A great split cd with 2 great bands who both sound a crapload like Less than Jake, Against all Authority and Crimpshrine mixed together. These bands bring the punk and then they bring the ska and they both do it with compassion and love that will make ska/punk fans from all around the world love what they're doing just as much as they do when they play the music. If I'm not mistaken i feel like both these bands might know each other or someone from each band may be a member of the other or vice versa, they just fit so well on this split it makes me happily sick. They must be best friends or constantly play shows together or something because the energy of both bands is so similar it's crazy. Anyways for fans of the bands listed, check these guys out because I'm telling you will be hooked once you listen. An instant winner in the ska-punk lottery and I'm a fan for life and most of the time I'm right on about my music generalizing. LISTEN!
SOUTH LONDON MESS FANZINE
Another split from TNS. 4 tracks from ROTPM are first. Very fast, grimey punk rock here. Reminds me a bit of some of those 90s California bay area bands like FIFTEEN but faster. All 4 songs clock in at under 2 minutes which I always think is a plus and one is called The Jagermeister Song, its also the shortest and in my opinion the best!
3 songs next from The Fractions. Fast ska-punk is a good description. I like the chorus melodies on the first one (track 5 on the CD) Out Of Pocket. Good bass-lines although they could probably be higher in the mix. Again its quite US influenced I think. The last track Proper Successful is a nice melodic yet quite energetic end to this split EP. Good stuff.
Bloody weird album art though…
SHOT IN THE FOOT BLOG
I love split eps, I especially love splits with two different sounding bands, and this cd definitely covers that! At a reach the only similarities between the two bands is that they play really fast! That is it!
The first band up is Revenge Of The Psychotronic Man, they are fast, hard and drunk, everything I like rolled into one! So after hearing them on TNS's comp I knew I wanted to hear more, and I'm very happy that I am not disapointed. The 4 tracks are over in under 5 minutes but it is an excellent 5 minutes, it embodies the hardcore spirit and punk sound without going to some extremes which make a lot hardcore unlistenable, its fucking ace!!!
The next band are The Fractions with three tracks of ska-punk with a roaring brass section and wicked vocals, which is a change of sound from the previous band with longer more melodic songs, not to say that they are worse. The Fractions are a band which are very good and have the potential to be even better!
This split has rekindled my faith that there are still some excellent bands out there which are still under the radar and i hope they play Leeds soon, i strongly suggest you see both these bands!!!
All in all 5/5 Shot In the Foot Blog
LAST HOURS FANZINE
This EP embodies everything I love about split releases, two bands playing exciting and enjoyable songs, without overlapping musically, or clashing at all for that matter.
The key ingredient here is speed, both bands play fast, really really fast. However, similarities between the bands don’t extend too far past the velocity at which they play their songs. Manchester’s ‘The Revenge of the Psychotronic Man’ play old school sounding punk with a distinctly modern edge, rather like if the Ramones had listened to Kid Dynamite in their youth, and not the other way round.
They have managed to write four catchy and enjoyable songs without compromising any of the power and aggression that you’d find on any strict hardcore record. This is a very enjoyable piece of music, which I would happily recommend to fans of None More Black or The Steal. After 4 tracks and less than five minutes of ‘The Revenge of the Psychotronic Man’ we are privileged to three slices of ska-punk excellence from ‘The Fractions’.
All three songs are enjoyable, featuring a powerful brass section, melodic vocals and some intensely satisfying guitar and bass work. This is not the most original few songs, but they are varied and entertaining, and done very well. The Fractions are definitely at their best when they play with a harsher edge, but I also enjoy their poppier, more standard ska songs. If they develop their sound, as I’m sure they will, they are certainly a band with the potential to become very very good. On the whole, this split has been on repeat since I received it, and I eagerly await future releases from both bands. Highly recommended
LEEDS MUSIC
First up are Revenge of The Psychotronic Man, who deliver four short, sharp and to-the-point punk tracks, kicking off with 'Phill Power,' which is one and a half minutes of no-frills punk, played at warp-speed. Although the main vocals are completely incoherent, they're tempered by some incredibly catchy "oooooh-whooooo" backing vocals, and plenty of jubilant gang-shouting. 'Phill Power' is a headlong rush of noise that's impossible to ignore and, being such a short, thrilling blast, it's impossible not to enjoy this hit of pure punk fury.
Brilliantly-titled second-track 'This is Where The Idiot Lives' further cements R.O.T.P.M's reputation as a band who don't hang about, again clocking in at the one and a half minute mark.
We're treated to more of those catchy "oooooh-whooooo" backing vocals, which is a good job, as the main vocals are even more impenetrable here than on 'Phill Power.' The backing vocals also help distinguish between the verse and the chorus, and give the song some structure, as there's little musical change between the lightening-paced guitars of the verses and the galloping drums of the choruses. However, 'This is Where....' isn't a song that needs musical variety; it's a relentless onslaught from the very first note, to its sudden ending, and this is what makes it so enjoyable.
'Sleep In Your Bath' is another mad dash of riffs, hammering drums and nonsensical vocals. However, R.O.T.P.M fail to deliver that accessible flipside, as this offering lacks the clean backing vocals that gave the first two tracks their immediate appeal. The result is that, for the first time, R.O.T.P.M begin to sound too much like noise.
Thankfully, R.O.T.P.M get back on track for the thirty-four-second long homage to drinking that is 'The Jagermeister Song.' Ricocheting between main vocals and gang backing vocals in true ADD style, and featuring some very silly lyrics, 'The Jagermeister Song' is a thirty-four-second ode to drunkenness that's guaranteed to raise a smile.
R.O.T.P.M are a band well-suited to introductory CD's such as this. None of their songs require an attention span, and there's nothing even vaguely resembling a dull moment. They're loud, fast and, even if you hate punk, when it's delivered in short bursts like this, you won't have time to hit the 'skip' button. Whether an entire album's worth of R.O.T.P.M material would work as well as this four song sampler does, is another matter but, in this instance, they're ridiculously entertaining, exhilarating, and will most likely have you wondering how you ever managed to sit through a song over three minutes long.
The Fractions have a slower, funkier take on punk, and their three-song contribution kicks off with the ska-punk of 'Out Of Pocket.' This song is given an extra spring in its step, thanks to some bone-rattling drumbeats and bursts of oomp-pa trombone, which makes for a very upbeat listen.
Without much in the way of riffs to blend the jazz and the drums together, 'Out Of Pocket' is a little disjointed, but this works in The Fractions' favour, highlighting the casual, unpolished charisma of their gang vocals. The sparse music also allows frontman Joe to deliver the occasional downbeat vocal, which throws a low note in amongst all that ska bounciness, and helps give the song some variety.
'Down And Out' is another groovy ska-punk number, but with more of an emphasis on the punk, thanks to some hitching chords on the stripped-down, jazzy verses. Again, the 'ska' element is largely consigned to bursts of trombone, but this time, The Fractions ricochet their gang vocals off of this instrument in a jagged, but oddly effective, hook.
Things take a punkier turn in the second half, where the trombone is joined by spluttering, static-edged riffs and some seriously galloping drums, which builds into a fantastically chaotic racket.
'Proper Successful' sees The Fractions take a step away from ska, in favour of lightening-fast punk, complete with plenty of shouty gang vocals, manic drumbeats and frantic riffs. Despite frequently descending into musical and vocal chaos, 'Proper Successful' races along at such an exhilarating pace, that it's impossible not to get swept away by it.
However, 'Proper Successful' manages to avoid sounding like so much noise, by frequently breaking for bursts of pulsing, punchy chords. This gives 'Proper Successful' some much-needed variety, without detracting from the thing that makes it so great: its speed.
The three songs on show here effectively harness the liveliness and party spirit of ska-punk, while delivering plenty of punk attitude in the form of defiant vocals and furious riffs. The Fractions are fun to listen to, thanks to their jazzy overtones, but there's more than enough here for those who like their music a little bit mean.
'Revenge of The Psychotronic Man Vs. The Fractions' is a useful iintroduction to two impressive punk bands. Whether you're likely to enjoy both the straight-up punk nastiness of R.O.T.P.M and the groovier ska-punk of The Fractions is debatable but, on the plus side, if you're partial to either of these incarnations of punk, you'll probably find something on this split single to like.
Read more about the featured bands:
Revenge of The Psychotronic Man, The Fractions.
Read more from this author: Jessica Thornsby.
This time, Revenge Of The Psychotronic Man and The Fractions share the same CD. Both with a different style, they possess the same punk-intentioned spirit. It is ‘Revenge’ though, that manage to pack in so much in half the time on most of their songs is that you don’t notice the length difference until it’s over.
Most bands blow their load on the first song of their CD; however, ROTSM has found a way to direct and contain the deep belly of their inferno [that needs no igniting], enough for the listener to digest most of it, and yet spew off musical bits. The angst on this new split is far more aggressive, and I am relieved they kept their definitive rawness all within their musical punch.
A one-stroke guitar sear launches, ‘Phill Power,’ all under a minute and 16 seconds, blagging syncopated drums, in driving force--straight into a whipping four-chord measure. Within the confined circles of Manchester, it is a song about one of their housemates who believes that when you want to do something bad (like drinking all day, etc, etc) and choose not to do it, it is displaying, 'will power.’ However, if you decide to just do it anyway regardless, because you know it will be fun, despite the consequences; it is displayed as, 'Phill Power'. Makes sense with the confirmation as there is no stopping Davey’s sharp-gargled vocals. They are as choppy as the signatured syncopated beats and lyrical measures of the song. Angsty shouts are on chorus and back-up, ‘woh’s.’ Replacing a solitary definitive shout, “Break down!” a blink of steady surging guitar, and thudded drums changes back to the lightning-speed. As a searing guitar chord makes appearance after each chorus line, the twists to the end beats with the enticement of serious fist-flailing, and body throwing, drive the audience to the end of their participating rope.
The ting of the cowbell launches another blast with, ‘This Is Where The Idiot Lives,’ that relives the Revenge days of, ‘Get Pissed, Talk Shit, Dance Like An Idiot,’ with enormous guitar energy and spurted beats. Supported by Andy’s barked-out coughed-up vocals projecting over 4 chorded start-stops through the entire song, a fast switcheroo, in ½ time slows it, holding the middle. A dragged-out gargling guttural scream picks up the pace, and packs some heat. The middle, with drum cymbal crashes, coupled by odd guitar chord changes, and a guitar stint that seems cut off – as if the energy has a life of its own. Ironically, as their sound is just about to go out of control, it is reeled back in to a structure semblance--mowing over all that is in its way to unwind, unravel, all to an unrelenting cymbal-crash finish.
A comedic edge in, ‘Sleep In Your Bath,’ has an identifiable snotty element. A one-metered acoustic chord strum stops with one accapella pluck of the string debut of a Jew’s harp, [which is comical] before it spins off to the decapitating guitar. Additional vocals from Andy--is not as syncopated or choppy, unlike the guitar/drum works. It is here that they cut it close to the edge, with a stint of emphasized noise, before reeling it back into the initial melody. Switching an octave on guitar, the melody croons in scream-shouts, precisely. The slower time on the M8 gives initiative for the drums and cymbals to smash the beat to the ground.
Their short-lived, ‘Jagermeister Song,’ holds no bar as a tumultuous drinking song. Andy’s shouting is in the gargled melody with distinct light-hearted alternated toned backups by Tim 'Bev' Bevington, Phillip McKie, Big Hands and Graeme (The Fractions) Matt Woods and Davey Psychotronic. Clever on the lyrics, “I'll have 1 shot, 2 shots, 3 shots, 4, shots, 5 shots, 6 shots, 7 shots, I'm pissed,” chorus, all the mates jump in and add their bit. Humorously nicked, the revealing wink of a jazz cymbal-beat quickly unravels to a fizzled slag ending.
This portion of the CD is simply just too short. Relieved, that these England F*ckers will have a full 14-trak CD release, “Make Pigs Smoke'” out May 1, 2009, you can whet your appetite with the CD split on www.interpunk.com. Well, I can tell you this, that this refutable inferno will not be snuffed out any time soon.
THE FRACTIONS [Manchester, UK]
www.myspace.com/thefractions
www.thefractions.co.uk
With the new, young faces of punk, The Fractions have an interesting mix of Ska and reggae all swaddled in a danceable punk mix. There seems to be enough room for vocals between instrument meanderings that keep the listener hooked. Currently, finishing up their latest full length CD, I was able to nab the last 3 songs on the split with the Revenge of the Psychotronic Man.
Here’s my take--Light fan-fare Ska levels out the playing field in, ‘Out Of Pocket,’ all in Rancid flair. Although a faster pace, it is still in that mid tempo that seems to be the foundation element of The Fractions’ sound. The intro trombone melody holds before the chorus harmonies. Yes, this is for skanking! The consistent beat is balanced out by the smooth backups that are scratched up by crooning lead vocalist, Joe, who bobs through the verses in coarse rhythm.
Obviously, The Fractions love to switch the beat changes, chord changes, and melody changes
-- all separately and then together in the bridge. Ignited by machine-gun drums and grinding guitar chords, the heavier, dirgier chords hype-up to double-time beats. In hollowed-out conviction over the bouncing beat, there’s that snap-back Rancid tempo, that it is all over with one cymbal crash.
A mellower opening in leveled Ska, the vocals break into a rasta-reggae meter (which I favor more than the crooning). Although, ‘Down and Out,’ has me grasping for the rails like a roller coaster ride with their punk elements, it has a more developed sound than the first song. The guitar stays more in time with the guitar chords as the horn melody strings underneath the scratched-up vocals. The middle guitar riff highlights the song. It is here where the vocals break down with a sharper and more poignant verse. Adding more angst, the second bridge has the increased vocals crooning but all in that lower register giving into the heavy. It is this bit of contrast that adds depth and definition to the melody to The Fraction’s style. Speeding up in the end, the slam-beat drums imports a collage of hardcore beated horns. Still holding the main melody, a solemn split, dissolves on harmony.
The last song, ‘Proper Successful,’ templates with a variety of twists and turns. Here, there is a new punk fuzz-guitar melody all chorded to a steady beat. However, on the first verse, the beat is fractured with drums kicking it up a notch in double-time as the vocals are now fluid over the chopped up long-striding chords, all in syncopated off-times.
In natural progression, yet another hook up of power-fuzz chords in the middle, holds a nice guitar melody with bass plunking behind. Just then, the Ska-tinned guitar darts back in with more guttural vocals and a 2x frenzied drum pangs, guitar-groove, and crooned fluid vocals that adds more in variety than this. In the ending, after the bass accapella, the guitar-chugs a maverick right back to the full circle of melody in streaming vocals, veering towards the dissipated ending.
Despite that they guys are Newbie’s, I can see a future melding of The Fraction’s jazz and punk sounds. As they spread their wings a bit and develop, they will grow into one unique outfit.
[Note: the lion roar at the beginning of the CD, can be read as a clever message of: You begin with angst, and you end with angst.]
SCANNER WEBZINE (NEW ZEALAND)
Fun 7-track split from these two UK bands. REVENGE... turn it up first with four tracks of manic and ragged Punk that mix the direct snotty Punk of PANIC with RHYTHM COLLISION's frantic arrangements while adding something much dirtier. ‘This Is Where The Idiot Lives' takes the disc's best track but any band that writes an ode to the joys of Jagermeister is A-OK with me! THE FRACTIONS is a Ska band with balls but come off second best after the blast of REVENGE... ‘Down And Out' is probably the pick of FRACTIONS tracks with its fuzzed CAPDOWN-esque breakdown and snappy pace, although ‘Proper Successful' is neat in the way that LIGHTYEAR was stunning. I could see both these bands on Household Name Records - and both being capable of holding its own.
MILD PERIL FANZINE
An excellent CD from 2 great bands from Manchester, neither of which I had heard of before this release, but now I’m genuinely gagging for more from both bands. First up 4 tracks from the absurdly named Revenge Of The Psychotronic Man, they reminded me of early Against All Authority (but not the ska songs, only the punk ones) Straight up fast, hard punk rock, no messing around and plenty of balls, really dug the vocals on this to. The second band up, The Fractions, complement R.O.T.P.M. nicely, infectious ska-punk in the vein of The Filaments, only 3 songs by these lot, I would of liked another one or 2 for sure. There’s definitely a fresh edge to this band, the whole ‘ska-punk’ thing can sometimes sound tired and outdated, but these seem to have a genuine unique sound which I loved. A great split CD that I would say is a fantastic buy for just £4, I would love to hunt out more releases by both of these bands.
Pete
PROFANE EXISTANCE (USA)
This 7 track split cd came out earlier this year and starts of with four tracks of melodic HardCore from REVENGE OF THE PSYCHOTRONIC MAN that moves mostly at a fast clip with occasional slow breakdowns and has quite strong lead and backing vocals that really make their part of this release my chosen favorite. The final 3 tracks are ska punk ditties that sound fine but didn't really move me. First off, I really dislike horns in general, and secondly I can't handle horns in my Punk Rock. Sorry guys I'm just trying to be honest here. As far as how THE FRACTIONS actually sound on here I'd give them 3 out of five stars for doing what they do well, which is cranking out their brand of ska punk with a lot of pride and good structure. They use mostly clean guitars with some distortion thrown in here and there and have clear and good sounding vocals throughout their 3 songs. A good effort.
(Ken Ciderpunk - Profane Existence - USA)
BURN OUT FANZINE
With no songs breaking the 90 second mark, revenge of...bring us their 'half' of the CD: fast, frenetic punk with a hint of psychobilly, upbeat harmonies and enough grit to keep it grounded, and end with a Dead Kennedies-esque ode to Jagermeister.
The Fractions kick in with their refreshing sound, paying more than a lip service to the punk part of their 'punk-ska' tag: the vocal is growly, the guitars are loud and the songs still manage to be catchy, despite the mix being a bit noisy and some production effects a little ham fisted.
Overall, a nice little package featuring two of the liveliest, most active bands on the Manchester punk scene.
By Alex (Burn Out fanzine)
ANGRY APE
Mancunian quartet Revenge Of The Psychotronic Man (ROTPM), driving force behind the label (TNS Records) are responsible for this punchy conjoined celebration of the fun and frivolous side of punk. The hosts provide the first four tracks and right from the off, drummer Big Hands, rattles off in ‘Phill Power' to push the track towards the jarring impact of Anti-Flag. Momentum from this flows like a river of beer into the childish rant ‘This Where The Idiot Lives'. With twisting riffs adding a hardcore pinch to this rollicking, frolicking stomp.
ROTPM handover the baton with a Dropkick Murphys leaning, snappy adoration chant ‘Jagermeister', it is delivered with intoxicating, carefree abandon. What is more important is not whose sound ROTPM can be compared to, but that they sound nothing like The Buzzcocks. They are on course in their subconscious mission to cut out that automatic connection to Pete Shelley's group, when the term mancunian punk is uttered.
Rochdale/Manchester based six renegades of The Fractions take over to add a freewheeling Ska touch, mingling the spike and social commentary of the Dead Kennedy's with the horn fuelled zap of Mad Caddies. ‘Down And Out' projects the old school punk thoughts and sends out a rallying cry to the punk/ska resurrecting troupes of Greater Manchester;
“Were not down and out !”
The message is simple but it is delivered with flamboyance and grit. As this the whole fresh offering, by two bands who have a sense of adventure, absorb their influences well and are determined in what they do. 8/1
David Adair