[engl] FRIED EGG are back with a new EP for Beach Impediment Records following their debut 7" on Negative Jazz and a self-released flexi. For the uninitiated, FRIED EGG have been one of Central Virginia's most exciting and original hardcore punk acts to watch over the past couple of years. Their style has a very contemporary feel, yet manages to stand out based on consistently inventive songwriting that is matched with the finesse and power that belongs in the hardcore punk genre. "BACK AND FORTH" boasts four new cuts (tracked live including vocals for anyone keeping score) that truly stand out from the pack. From the precise and original guitar lines to the absolute wrecking crew of a rhythm section, FRIED EGG have produced an EP that commands your attention - a stark, original effort that obliterates any generic, poorly recorded garbage in its way. Need we say more? Each copy comes housed in a glue pocket sleeve adorned with artwork by Nathan Ward.

[engl] After four self-released cassettes, Montréal's premier art-punk/neo-proto-punk band Protruders makes its vinyl debut with a 25-minute 12-inch of very groovy sounds. The sound is a bit clearer and maybe a little beefier—some of the noise gives way to a more relaxed and expansive approach. The psych quotient is higher. But the heart of the band is still beating for the sort of raw open-minded non-generic punk that once came from the likes of Rocket From The Tombs, Swell Maps, Dead Moon, Dancing Cigarettes, etc. “Fruit Hang” has a perfect mid-70s style garage feel—like a Boston pre-punk band tearin’ it up at the Rat! This could be the hit, kidz! Skronky sax gives “Hydrophytol” a kinda Hawkwind/no-wave feel. And dig “No Stone”—a slower one, catchy as hell—I swear it could pass for an outtake from the Saints circa 1978. Solid—another hit! At five minutes, the title track stretches things out a bit. This one has a definite Ubu/Voidoids vibe—nasty angular spazz-punk with a little more sax blat added. Very nice guitar stuff happening here. We get some weirdo HC action on “Stabilizer” and more hot guitar squiggles. “Tax 101” is maybe a “typical” Protruders song—that means good! “Wrong Way Sign,” pushes things over the six-minute mark, with a strong psych-punk feel (Wipers?) and some totally swell rock-jam stuff at the end. Wow. This record is a significant step for the band and an impressive way to start their vinyl career as they gain the higher visibility they deserve. Most excellent! -Eddie Flowers (Vulcher Magazine/The Gizmos)