We are building up our distro right now we have

Mother Speed - Bizarre Reality EP
Mother Speed / Retard Strength Split
BRAINDEAD - No Consquences
Seasick - Ouroboros
Right To Assemble Volume II
Lighten Up/Big Ups Splits

Available At:
http://braindrain.myshopify.com/collections/distro

A.N.S./Seasick split review in MRR

A.N.S./SEASICK-split EP

Since I'ma already familiar with A.N.S., I figure I'll just start off by listening to the other band first and get them out of the way so I can see what new skate-thrash bombs the boys have cooked up this time around. But hold on a second, this other band rips (no fucking duh!-Andy)! SEASICK delivers three ferocious blasts of thrash hostility guaranteed to leave you with the desire to listen to their wholse side again before finally flipping the record. I'm digging the lyrics here, which are definitely on the more intelligent side of things, and I'm especially liking the song "Intro(spection)" that's about how much of punk culture is nothing but materialism. Musical influences can be a long list, including WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? and LEFT FOR DEAD. Coll shit--now I gotta go check out their other records! A.N.S., though facing mighty competition, have come through to even things out by throwing down three '85-style thrash grenades of their own. You should have checked these guys out by now, but if not, you're missing out on some genuine hardcore punk that sounds a bit like BLACK FLAG, early SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, and AGRESSION, but not exactly like anyone in particular. Pick up this EP!

Siczine.com
A.N.S/Seasick
Billy In A Bearsuit
Headcount/Brain Drain Records
Jeff Karbow

What a strange split. Definitely wouldn't have guessed the next release that Seasick would be on would be a split with a band of party happy skaters. But hey it's new Seasick material so I sure as hell ain't complaining.

This split 7" pairs Seasick up with A.N.S a band based out of Denton, TX which isn't too far from Dallas. They play old school hardcore with some skate hardcore/thrash going on, not completely different from a band like Common Enemy. They contribute three songs their side and for the most part their efforts aren't too shabby. The first two songs "What Would Bomer Do" and "Paging Dr. Chiba" blaze by in a blink on an eye and while they have their thrashy moments they aren't nearly as noticeable as they are in their final song, "Circle The Drain". All three songs were good but I enjoyed "Circle The Drain" the most. My biggest complaint about their side is their recording. The vocals were a bit too low for my liking and the guitar tone was lacking. Not too bad though…

NJ's Seasick have also contributed three songs to the split and their new material shows the band heading in a slightly different direction than their last EP, "Awakenings". It seems they have stripped down their song writing a bit by eliminating the awesome melodies that they expertly incorporated into their writing the previous time around. Now it seems they are more focused on hitting the listener off with pure aggression via the use of brief and hard hitting mid paced breaks. The one thing that hasn't changed, however, is the uncompromising lyrics. "Introspection", the EP's opening track is about how punk has become too materialistic and shallow. The second track "Veritistic Value" is about how we shouldn't trust cops and how laws were/are "...derived from politics and not our ethics." The last song "Setting The Straw Man Ablaze" seems to be about how some front men don't have conviction behind their words.

Loving the nostalgic feeling of this one's layout. The layout is printed on thin cardboard with a trippy ass front cover that has a tattered teddy bear placed over a spiraling grey/black background. The incorporation of both band names into one was a nice little touch. The little lyric sheet that accompanies the record seems to have been screen printed. Seasick's side looks nice and is fairly easy to read but I can't say the same for A.N.S' side, the shit is pretty much impossible to read without a fucking magnifying glass, shit was really sloppily thrown together. The old school layout does bring a modern treat; included with every 7" is a free digital download for those of you without a record player. Sadly, I had no idea how to redeem my shit but luckily it also says for questions just email Brain Drain.

Rating: 3.5/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: "Circle The Drain" (A.N.S) & "Intro(spection)" (Seasick)
Synopsis: A.N.S was pretty good but I wouldn't listen to them with any regularity. Seasick may have changed their sound a bit but they still delivered the goods. The price of admission for this is $4 and it comes with that free digital download so whether you're a fan of one band or both it's definitely worth the ticket price.

 Punk News:
A.N.S. and Seasick are certainly no strangers to the split format, and each contribute three new tracks to Billy in a Bearsuit, whose layout and musical content is a seeming dedication to the 1980s hardcore scene that preceded it twenty years past.

Denton, TX's A.N.S.'s three contributions come off like a mish-mash of Bad Brains and more skate hardcore-oriented ..80s bands, but with the occasional thrashy moment ("Circle the Drain"). Pretty decent stuff.

Jersey's Seasick are up next. While the recording is pure garage fury and the songs themselves are the most raw and unbridled Seasick have sounded in years, notably with the super Infest-esque "Veritistic Value," there's a rugged and endearing flair to them. "Setting the Straw Man Ablaze" turns the band's criticisms fully inward of their own scene and prove the band is as outspoken as ever ("complain and cry how the scene is P.C. / and criticize those who condemn hateful speech"), while "Intro(spection)" declares "I can't fucking understand why I place my faith in those who'd rather die than think or contemplate about questions that might challenge their deepest held convictions or obstruct them from buying records and watching television." Despite the hypocrisy of these words coming from the liner notes of a 7" vinyl, it's certainly a rather challenging and confrontational opinion towards a healthy portion of hardcore enthusiasts.

Printed on white vinyl and accompanied by a coupon for a free digital download, Billy in a Bearsuit ain't a bad deal for followers of either band. - Brian

A.N.S/ SEASICK
"Billy In A Bearsuit"
Split 7" | Brain Drain Records/ Headcount Records
Reviewed: January 14th, 2008

I was stoked when I finally got a new record with Seasick on it. I loved their 10" which came out last year and I've been waiting for some new stuff. I find the band a bit more straight on this album. The guitar-melodies have taken a step back on this recording only to leave more room for more furious hardcore. Seasick rocks as usual. Each band has three songs on this split and the finest moment on Seasick's side is "Setting the Straw Man Ablaze".
The other side of this 7-inch has got a band named A.N.S. on it. These guys are new to me, they're from Texas and I think they're quite good, actually they rule! Not as much hardcore as Seasick though. I'd label this outfit as a thrash/ punk band. I think the vocals are mixed a bit low at times. Otherwise I dig their side a lot. Check it out kids! - Christer @ Mutiny Zine

First off: Seasick interview with mutinyzine.com: http://www.mutinyzine.com/interview64frame.html

"This band is a lot smarter then I am. They've included suggest reading in their liner notes, which tells even a neandrathal like me where they're getting their inspirations from. Fast, pissed off hardcore, not unlike Tear It Up but with a lot more character leaving me to actually remember each track as opposed to a lot of that fast for fast's sake stuff that goes in one ear and out the other. They've got an awesome hook in the Cog in the Casual Machinery. So they've got brains, they've got some anger and politic direction and they've got an overwhelming amount of music talent. I think Seasick is good enough for the smart glasses & beard crowd, fast enough for the sleeveless cutoff shorts crowd and catchy enough that both crowds won't mind jumping on top of each other for the mic. I was surprised overall about how well this sounds and how quick its over. Its only an EP but seems to fly right by. I will also give a nod to the awesome artwork that kind of creeped me out, definitely stands in a league of its own, much like the band itself."
-Joe Hardcore, Centerfuse.net

C-RAP - "Obviously well read, politically charged, or apolitically in this case, anarchically, and demanding to challenge the typical vocabulary of the usual hardcore punk, SeaSick stimulates the body and the mind with their unique brand and sound. The suggested readings in anarchy, atheism, feminism, and taking animals seriously following each song in the notes and lyrics, I found a bit preachy and condescending at first, but save it for two lines in the first song on this EP(?), "Of course I recognize the irony in complaining when I'm contrast free…at least I acknowledge my status as a white male member of the middle class," that seem in modest or humbling contrast to actually suggesting readings on your record. The passion and beliefs in Awakenings drive SeaSick's talents as musicians and have always been at the core of this thing of ours. From blast beats to solid fast punk and hardcore to a tasteful few walls of rhythm and a growl or two, the more you listen the more you may discover in Awakening. P.S. great band name. lose the instrumental, it seems like EP filler. One more thing to thank the "bands we steal riffs from," is so genius. This is a great EP that offers great things on many levels, do not be afraid to discover it and anything else new by Seasick's record."

Razorcake:
"SEASICK:
Awakenings: 10"
When taking this record out of the sleeve I expected screamo or some generic straight edge band, however I got a pleasant surprise. The music is hardcore reminiscent of mid-'80s bands with hints of metal but never really crossing the line. The lyrics were really good and contained words that may or may not be in the English language. I look forward to future releases from this band. It comes on pretty bumble bee-colored splattered vinyl. –Guest Contributor (BrainDrain)"

scenepointblank.com review of awakenings
"Seasick play fast pissed off political hardcore with plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested. There are some nice little breakdowns and some Integrity-like guitar solos. It reminds me a little bit of the stuff that Ebullition was hawking in the mid 90's but a lot more fun and catchy. I could see kids that use their dogs as pack mules getting into this band. Punk fucking rock."
scenepoinkblank.com

Seasick
Awakenings
Braindrain Records
Jeff Karbow - Siczine.com

Busting up out of New Brunswick, NJ comes this five piece who play hardcore with some thrash thrown in for good measure. One of the things I really like about the band is how they describe their sound on myspace, "Not AN". Absolute genius. Not totally sure, but I think this is the first release this guys have put out, aside from the obligatory demo I'm sure.

Starting off this 7 song EP is the track "Myths of the American Meritocracy Pt.1", which opens up with some feedback and a little drum work until a guitar comes in, playing a nice little melody, this goes on until the :56 mark, and then the band tears into a thrashing riff until they slow it up a bit with a mid paced part with a succinct and well done solo. The next song, "Illusions, Michael" is a fast moving gem clocking out at :59. It opens up with a speedy drum beat over an octave chord until they jump into the song, and they do this again right before the last riff of the song. The third song is the title track, "Awakenings". This is another fast moving track that highlights plodding basslines and manic shouting. Next up, "Cog In The Casual Machinery" opens with one of the guitars playing a traditional hardcore chord until everyone jumps into the mix and starts to hit you off with some nice rocked out hardcore complete with tastefully placed leads and dive bombs. Up next would be my favorite track of the EP, "Horizon". The song opens with a short little intro until changing gears into a driving yet catchy riff that features some sweet start and stop drum work right before the end. The sixth track, "Understanding Sentience" has one of the most memorable breaks on the disc, a really well done start and stop breakdown with some nice little lead'ish parts placed in between. Closing out the album out is the song "Ashes, Ruins, Forward Sails" which is a 4:18 long instrumental. Usually I'm not huge into instrumentals closing out a hardcore type record but this shit really showcases the band's ability to write something other than dope hardcore.

I'm sure there are a lot of people that can appreciate what these guys are touching on in their lyrics. "Myths of the American Meritocracy Pt.1" is one of the most earnest songs I've heard lately:

"I know I exhibit telltale signs of [a] pretentious activist. My privilege accords me the chance to whine and scream. Of course I recognize the irony of complaining when I'm in contrast free. At least I acknowledge my status as [a] white male member of the middle class. The differences that you just can't see is in your apathy as a member of the modern gentry who chooses to believe your affluent life is guilt free, your lack of concern typical, our selfishness it is a myth. Egoists could not live with egoists."

Other good themes include a song about anarchy ("Awakenings"), a song speaking out against the sheep like mentality of religious followers ("Cog In The Casual Machinery"), a song speaking about how far we've come in terms of equal rights for women yet we still have so much more to do ("Horizon") and a vegan song that tells the listener to think about the pain an animal endures when they are slaughtered for food.

You can't go wrong by going to record at Atomic Studios because odds are you're shit will sound good. One of the most prevalent thing about this recording, to me anyway, is the guitar tone. It has a great overdrive tone that works perfectly with the bands blend of hardcore/thrash. The drums sound crisp and on point. I can't forget about the bass because the tone is awesome and has all the presence you could ask for. Superb placement on the vocals as well. To top it off these guys got this album mastered by Bill Henderson over at Azimuth Mastering.

This label has done a good job thus far putting out good looking records (Lighten Up! is a good example) and this one is no different. The four panel booklet is printed on quality gloss and the yellow used throughout the majority of the layout is eye catching. The design on the front cover looks fucking magnificent. How the designer incorporated the skulls into the butterflies body was a really nice touch. One of the things that stood out to me the most with the layout was how after each set of lyrics there is suggested readings that pertain to the lyrics at hand. I also really liked how the band used quotes from various books that speak on anarchy. And another awesome thing about this layout is the font used, simple but unique.

Rating: 3.7/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Horizons and Illusions of Michael
Synopsis: This is an extremely solid album and I definitely recommend this, especially to those of you who like their bands socially aware (or vegan too). These guys are intelligent and can write some pretty damn good licks. Considering this album looks so good, I would also suggest to those of you who like vinyl to pick up the 10" version of this album.

Like always, check out songs jams over at the band's MySpace page, if you like what you hear head over to Braindrain's for ordering information.

"SEASICK
"Awakenings"
10" Vinyl
Braindrain Records

Seven songs of pure energy! I liked this record the first time I heard it and I've been playing it quite a lot since. The band play fast hardcore with some rock'n'roll influenced guitars. The more rocking parts can be found on the records' two first tracks and after that the songs get a bit more straight on. My absolute favorites are the title track as well as "Cog in the Casual Machinery". Thoughtful political lyrics throughout the record shows that this band means business. The 10" comes on clear splattered vinyl and the cover artwork, signed Alex Snelgrove, is amazing. Great record!"

Christer, Mutinyzine.com

http://www.punknews.org/review/6393

Saying Seasick plays good, ambitious and intelligently-minded hardcore would perhaps be a bit of an understatement. Not quite completely stooped in `80s hardcore, nor completely immersed in thrash, Seasick instead take bits of both plus a slightly cleaner, modern production to create an impressive, original and refreshing take on it.

Awakenings is a pretty-looking 10" with an absolutely disgusted attitude displayed on it, railing against apathy, greed and religion -- and its very own middle-class-privileged bitching it puts forth ("of course I recognize the irony complaining when I'm in contrast free / at least I acknowledge my status as white male member...") in SAT form ("pray for salvation / consecrate annihilation in spiritual determinism / deliver us from our moral obligation"). Bookended by "Myths of the American Meritocracy Pt. 1" and the instrumental "Ashes, Ruins, Forward Sails," both with their own prolonged moments of bold, guitar-anchored restraint, in between is Nick Laskowski's rambled, scratchy singing, fitting as many syllables into each line as possible, and a sickening number of stop-starts and blazing solos.

Seasick strike a wonderful balance of classic influences like Black Flag, Negative Approach and Infest on Awakenings that makes for one of the definite standouts in its genre this year thus far.

3.5 Stars

Reviewed by Brian

http://www.scenepointblank.com/reviews/1498

"Seasick play fast pissed off political hardcore with plenty of twists and turns to keep me interested. There are some nice little breakdowns and some Integrity-like guitar solos. It reminds me a little bit of the stuff that Ebullition was hawking in the mid 90's but a lot more fun and catchy. I could see kids that use their dogs as pack mules getting into this band. Punk fucking rock."

- Jason - 8.5/10

Maximum Rock n Roll:

Seasick - "Awakenings" 10"
"Self-aware, trashy hardcore with biting lyrics that evaluate and criticize the hypocrisy and fucked-ness of daily life. Musically, they tread on the side of DS-13 or INFEST, but lyrically they have more in common with bands like CHOKEHOLD or the current SEVEN GENERATIONS. Good. (AA)"

www.siczine.com:

"Seasick
Awakenings
Braindrain Records
Jeff Karbow

Busting up out of New Brunswick, NJ comes this five piece who play hardcore with some thrash thrown in for good measure. One of the things I really like about the band is how they describe their sound on myspace, "Not AN". Absolute genius. Not totally sure, but I think this is the first release this guys have put out, aside from the obligatory demo I'm sure.

Starting off this 7 song EP is the track "Myths of the American Meritocracy Pt.1", which opens up with some feedback and a little drum work until a guitar comes in, playing a nice little melody, this goes on until the :56 mark, and then the band tears into a thrashing riff until they slow it up a bit with a mid paced part with a succinct and well done solo. The next song, "Illusions, Michael" is a fast moving gem clocking out at :59. It opens up with a speedy drum beat over an octave chord until they jump into the song, and they do this again right before the last riff of the song. The third song is the title track, "Awakenings". This is another fast moving track that highlights plodding basslines and manic shouting. Next up, "Cog In The Casual Machinery" opens with one of the guitars playing a traditional hardcore chord until everyone jumps into the mix and starts to hit you off with some nice rocked out hardcore complete with tastefully placed leads and dive bombs. Up next would be my favorite track of the EP, "Horizon". The song opens with a short little intro until changing gears into a driving yet catchy riff that features some sweet start and stop drum work right before the end. The sixth track, "Understanding Sentience" has one of the most memorable breaks on the disc, a really well done start and stop breakdown with some nice little lead'ish parts placed in between. Closing out the album out is the song "Ashes, Ruins, Forward Sails" which is a 4:18 long instrumental. Usually I'm not huge into instrumentals closing out a hardcore type record but this shit really showcases the band's ability to write something other than dope hardcore.

I'm sure there are a lot of people that can appreciate what these guys are touching on in their lyrics. "Myths of the American Meritocracy Pt.1" is one of the most earnest songs I've heard lately:

"I know I exhibit telltale signs of [a] pretentious activist. My privilege accords me the chance to whine and scream. Of course I recognize the irony of complaining when I'm in contrast free. At least I acknowledge my status as [a] white male member of the middle class. The differences that you just can't see is in your apathy as a member of the modern gentry who chooses to believe your affluent life is guilt free, your lack of concern typical, our selfishness it is a myth. Egoists could not live with egoists."

Other good themes include a song about anarchy ("Awakenings"), a song speaking out against the sheep like mentality of religious followers ("Cog In The Casual Machinery"), a song speaking about how far we've come in terms of equal rights for women yet we still have so much more to do ("Horizon") and a vegan song that tells the listener to think about the pain an animal endures when they are slaughtered for food.

You can't go wrong by going to record at Atomic Studios because odds are you're shit will sound good. One of the most prevalent thing about this recording, to me anyway, is the guitar tone. It has a great overdrive tone that works perfectly with the bands blend of hardcore/thrash. The drums sound crisp and on point. I can't forget about the bass because the tone is awesome and has all the presence you could ask for. Superb placement on the vocals as well. To top it off these guys got this album mastered by Bill Henderson over at Azimuth Mastering.

This label has done a good job thus far putting out good looking records (Lighten Up! is a good example) and this one is no different. The four panel booklet is printed on quality gloss and the yellow used throughout the majority of the layout is eye catching. The design on the front cover looks fucking magnificent. How the designer incorporated the skulls into the butterflies body was a really nice touch. One of the things that stood out to me the most with the layout was how after each set of lyrics there is suggested readings that pertain to the lyrics at hand. I also really liked how the band used quotes from various books that speak on anarchy. And another awesome thing about this layout is the font used, simple but unique.

Rating: 3.7/5
Songs Worthy of Replay: Horizons and Illusions of Michael
Synopsis: This is an extremely solid album and I definitely recommend this, especially to those of you who like their bands socially aware (or vegan too). These guys are intelligent and can write some pretty damn good licks. Considering this album looks so good, I would also suggest to those of you who like vinyl to pick up the 10" version of this album."

go to http://www.braindrainrecords.com to pick up some records

thanks,
jay 

"SEASICK
"Awakenings"
10" Vinyl
Braindrain Records

Seven songs of pure energy! I liked this record the first time I heard it and I've been playing it quite a lot since. The band play fast hardcore with some rock'n'roll influenced guitars. The more rocking parts can be found on the records' two first tracks and after that the songs get a bit more straight on. My absolute favorites are the title track as well as "Cog in the Casual Machinery". Thoughtful political lyrics throughout the record shows that this band means business. The 10" comes on clear splattered vinyl and the cover artwork, signed Alex Snelgrove, is amazing. Great record!"

Christer, Mutinyzine.com

Lighten Up! - I'd Rather Be Snoring 7" (BRDR002)
I reviewed 2 of Brain Drain records' other releases in the last issue of GTR, and I enjoyed both of them. Here comes yet another Philly band that Brain Drain has put out…Lighten Up. I have to admit that I had never heard these guys before I got this record. I had heard the name thrown around but for one reason or another, I never got around to checking them out. After giving this 7" a good couple of listens, I am kicking myself for sleeping on them. Lighten Up plays fast, energetic hardcore that is neither negative or positive. It's just sort of…in the middle. With songs touching upon topics such as kids today having no clue when it comes to hardcore and giving the non-denominational call-out to a nameless friend, this band sticks to what they seem to know…which is basic and well-played hardcore. Nothing new here, but definitely something old, and I mean that in all the right ways. Think gorilla biscuits meets descendants or something. There's no breaks in the record, just 2 sides of fast-paced punk and hardcore. Look for this band touring throughout the USA this summer, they'll definitely be a nice act the catch on tour.
- Dave Heck- Get This Right Zine

http://www.punknews.org/review/6393


Saying Seasick plays good, ambitious and intelligently-minded hardcore would perhaps be a bit of an understatement. Not quite completely stooped in `80s hardcore, nor completely immersed in thrash, Seasick instead take bits of both plus a slightly cleaner, modern production to create an impressive, original and refreshing take on it.

Awakenings is a pretty-looking 10" with an absolutely disgusted attitude displayed on it, railing against apathy, greed and religion -- and its very own middle-class-privileged bitching it puts forth ("of course I recognize the irony complaining when I'm in contrast free / at least I acknowledge my status as white male member...") in SAT form ("pray for salvation / consecrate annihilation in spiritual determinism / deliver us from our moral obligation"). Bookended by "Myths of the American Meritocracy Pt. 1" and the instrumental "Ashes, Ruins, Forward Sails," both with their own prolonged moments of bold, guitar-anchored restraint, in between is Nick Laskowski's rambled, scratchy singing, fitting as many syllables into each line as possible, and a sickening number of stop-starts and blazing solos.

Seasick strike a wonderful balance of classic influences like Black Flag, Negative Approach and Infest on Awakenings that makes for one of the definite standouts in its genre this year thus far.

3.5 Stars

Reviewed by Brian