Various: Short-Haired Rock 'n' Roll
By Jacob Connor
'Punk' has a different meaning now to the 1977 definition and this disc, subtitled "A Kiwi Punk'n'Ska Compilation", is fairly evenly split between derivations of the original template and the more recent Channel Z/West Coast variety. Of the former style, Toxic Shock Syndrome's memorable anti-vivisection song and contributions from Missing Teeth and So To Speak demonstrate plenty of ratty attitude and grit while Pugface and Mum's Dollar are more melodic and polished. The ska element comes courtesy of Skivvy, WBC and The Rudies, who provide an excellent bouncy paen called Return of the Noise Police. All the bands are up and comers and many are embarking on debut album projects. It's young and raucous but with strange echoes from the past. All told an eye opening and energising introduction to the new breed of old school. Nice to know these post-globalisation kids are keeping the flame alive. Props to Crawlspace Records (on Auckland's K' Rd) for community-minded enterprise. Available from www.crawlspace.co.nz
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