HAFNER // THE EDOMITES

 

The kind of release that 2026 could really use, only Aklasan released this split five years ago. Four focused tracks from SF's HAFNER - the kind of alt/sludge that that reminds you of the transition from Rev Summer into early Sub Pop....it's a really good reminder. Noise laden drum/electronic freak outs from EDOMITES on the flip - an instrumental series titled "Fuck ICE" in five mind melding movements that made me want to dig around for a GAY BARBARIANS AND OR THE JAURWAURS disc because I know I have at least two of them. Somewhere. 

HAFNER // THE EDOMITES 

CREEPING CHILL

 

I remember being blown the fukk away by this band when I heard their 2019 demo, and here I am in 2026 being blown the fukk away by their 2020 demo. Covid-era hardcore is a real thing, and this bombastic four song bulldozer is a perfect example. "Hate Polluters" might be a (read: the) perfect hardcore punk song. 

CREEPING CHILL

SIMON FRANK

 

I first heard of Frank through HOT & COLD's excellently sparse Border Area LP, but most of his solo output has eluded me.  Until no, that is - because after relentless and compulsive listening to 2018's Humid Music, I will be making every effort to seek down physical copies of everything. Everything. The 7+ minute "See Self" opener hits like an entire night at the club; everything is there. Everything is here. Monotonous SUICIDE clashing with driving '80s new beat by way of early PIAS and shades of NITZER EBB and then a burst of no wave like the brilliant "Good Taste Is Worthless." Simon freaks and chants deliberately over each track and it feels like you're in a trance just listening....I would love to experience this at full volume in a packed club.

HUMID MUSIC

GERUTUAN BANGSAT

 

Raw UK styled punk from Indonesia - distant, distorted and damaged. 

LAWAN KEMBALI

NSA

 

This shit is absolutely damaged. Carelessly replicated and hopelessly destroyed mutant hardcore maybe from Florida - sometimes I listen to "I's" and I'm thinking "this is like CONEHEADS on a steady diet of CROSSED OUT" and while I know that doesn't really make sense (or seem like it works).....just listen.

NSA IS WATCHING

THUMBTHUMB

 

Super trippy.
Like an improvisational synth artist interpreting a series of insect migrations. 
Definitely mysterious. 

THUMBTHUMB IS NOT MYSTERIOUS

MELT

 

Let the Indonesian S.H.I.T. destroy your brain and let the squirm pit commence.

Depok City hardcore represent. 

MELT