Feminist Bashback at Ungdomshuset in Copenhagen turned out to be a fantastic event. Obviously Hysterics was the big draw, the first time the Olympia punk group’s made it over to Europe as far as I know. Full of energy, shredding, but they also allowed the women in audience to have their own space at the front of the stage. They only have an EP out so far, on the brilliant M’Lady’s imprint, and I really can’t wait for a full-length. The singer was wearing a Los Crudos t-shirt and they even played their cover of Limp Wrist’s “Cruisin’ At the Show” off of the first Hysterics tape. That was my favourite moment of the brief show. Shopping also impressed of course, and you need to pick up their LP from the tail end of 2013, called Consumer Complaints and available from Milk.
But I’m actually here to tell you about another LP from the end of last year, and I’ve been meaning to post about it since January. Vexx is another punk group from Olympia, who enthralled me after watching a live clip from a M’Lady’s showcase. Only half of this group is female, but their singer is such a magnetic front person, much like Christmas’ Emily Beanblossom. I picked up one of the last copies of the transparent vinyl from Brett (M’Lady’s) and it really is the best punk LP I’ve heard from all of last year. The 2nd pressing is still available from their label Grazer, so get on it. From the blistering “Don’t Talk About It”, the ominous “Strength” to the unlikely hooks of “Roky, Take Me Home” Vexx throws the best of the Wipers into the blender, pour in some very original ideas and when everything sets you have 8-track album as heavy as cement.
EDIT: Both Grazer pressings are sold out, but M’Lady’s is going to re-release it on cassette, cd and 12″.
