The first thing I wanted to do with this CD was to send it to Stephen Blush, the author of American Hardcore. According to him, other than D.O.A., there were no punk bands in Canada back in the day. Ol’ Steve shoulda came up to Canada to tell us that, because what we have here are 23 bonafide and unforgettable blasts from the past. Granted, there are groups on this such as Da Sylme and Warsaw, who wouldn’t be considered punk nowadays, but like the Vancouver Complication, this CD represents the underground bands that were around at the time. And don’t get me wrong; there are plenty of bands dripping with safety pins and attitude. Though D.O.A. and Teenage Head weren’t able to provide anything we haven’t heard before, other bands such as the 222s, the Bureaucrats, Slander, House of Commons, the Unknowns (who sound much like the band in Hard Core Logo), are genuine treats to these jaded old ears. I simply don’t have enough room to list all the bands I like, but I’d get killed if I didn’t mention my pals from Winnipeg - Lowlife, and the Nostrils. Get two: one for yourself, and one to give away as a Christmas gift.
- Chris Walter
 
 
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