REVENGE OF THE PSYCHOTRONIC MAN, a committed, DIY hardcore punk band from Manchester, existed between 2004 and 2018 and rose to lofty heights in the scene. Ostensibly playing fast, fun, unpretentious hardcore and killer anthems, they also managed a little ska and even some dance remixes along the way. Kibou, Autonomonster and Toxic Wotsit have deemed it appropriate to bring forth a tribute single to pay homage to this well-loved band.
Five acts have taken up the challenge and they are a disparate lot, thankfully. East Anglia’s ever-prolific DOMESTICS haven’t tampered with the template for Booze Time but they up the ante in the energy stakes. Lightening-fast hardcore, done and dusted in a minute with exquisite gang back-ups, the perfect distillation of pulse-pounding punk. Ipswich’s CASUAL NAUSEA take on the brilliantly titled Fuck The Sea. They don’t break any new ground with the song but they are graced with an amazing female singer and a dude who sounds like Vyvyan off of The Young Ones. Oh, and a kind of ersatz Ukrainian folk guitar solo.
Hastings’ MATILDA’S SCOUNDRELS bring their ‘aggro folk punk’ to the song Rrose Sélavy (To Make a Toast to Life). The folk touches are cool but the punk sections fall a little flat and the overall effect is underwhelming.
Netherlands’ BATWÖLF take on Ik Ben Frank and it’s pretty basic gruff punk which, while rattling along enjoyably enough, does little to butter my parsnips. Finally, from Denmark, we have STÖJ SNAK.
An acoustic screamer-songwriter deal, their take on Another Way is a treat for two reasons: firstly, it has a rambunctious, earthy appeal akin to Reinventing Axel Rose-era AGAINST ME! Secondly, it features one Troels from the band MIGHTY MIDGETS. I know, right? They’re new to me too so I looked them up. Where have they been all my life? They had one album released in 2010, Raising Ruins For The Future, and it is a belter of immense proportions.
I digress. This EP is a mixed bag, however fans of ROTPM will love it. It’s always cool to hear how others have treated your favourite bands’ material. THE DOMESTICS and STÖJ SNAK win out with outstanding contributions and I love the latters’ inclusion of Andy Davies of ROTPM waxing lyrical on what DIY punk means to him. And I got to discover MIGHTY MIDGETS.
Out 10th July. Pre-order from:
PERSONAL PUNK 
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