In a lot of ways the power of hardcore has been diminished by the fact that it has been around for decades now. When the first bands came out with all that fury and energy it was really something fresh and inspiring. Over the years with the polka beat robotics and overall nonsense that crept into the genre it kind of became a punchline in many ways just like the first wave of punk was poked fun at. But hardcore music, when it is done right, can still be that guiding light.  This new single is an example of just that.

Side one features Raw Power from Italy. They came on like gangbusters when they first appeared in 1981. The band toured the USA quite often and while the hardcore denizens worshipped them because they were hardcore, straight up music fans could find a lot to appreciate with the band’s tight musicianship, sharp songs and strong vocals. This release shows that Raw Power is not letting up. The playing is still furious yet focused and the vocals are still compelling. The lyrics rail against evil in all forms whether they be in human form or hiding under the guise of a big corporation. This is a legacy band with no intention of ruining their legacy.

Side two features the Ananas who are a female band from Kyoto, Japan. All you fans of Johnny Sokko will know it is the city where Dr. Botanus transmogrified the brain of the head agent of the local branch of Unicorn but this band may overshadow that as far as putting Kyoto on the map. The band is full of surprises as they have some very interesting time changes and rhythms in their music. The vocals are soaring with some real craftiness in the writing and playing from the musicians. It is refreshing to hear females hitting it hard. There is no reason for them not to. Punk opened doors for females and their voices and this band is awesome and deserves to be heard.

This split 7” release comes with a fold out cover and the inside contains fun liner notes concerning a chain of restaurants that offer a fusion of Italian and Japanese dishes much like this record dishes up two of the finest bands from both places. There is also a lyric sheet included. A quality release and a super fun 7” record.