I have a huge collection of vinyl from the ’80s, and Jag Panzer’s EP is in there with “Metal Melts the Ice” and other horrendously schlock-metal ditties.
Burnt Offerings begins like Halloween, launches into speedcore, then growling vocals are offset by a rich male voice and angelic backup, then warbling falsetto.
Single word song titles sum up this band. Simply power pop. Pretty dull vocals and chipper, noisy pop guitars. A few hooks offset the sensitive dreariness.
Half Japanese have made a lifestyle of inelegance, led by guru Jad Fair. Greatest Hits spans a 12 album career and includes plenty of unreleased material.
Besides the techno percussion, heavy guitars and distorted ravings, Circle of Dust manages to work sweetly tortured vocals and catchy melodies into the mix.