TERRASCOPIC.CO.UK
“Dues Ex Machina” is a split EP shared by British punk rockers Dun2Def and Destructors666, both letting us preview future releases. Dun2Def has a back history to 1996, first as “77” and since 2001 with their present name. They describe their music as old school punk and nothing could be more right. The angry approach and the conscious lyrics of their three tracks on this EP show some music connections with early Clash and partly even The Jam.
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DUN2DEF / DESTRUCTORS 666 “Deus Ex Machina” CD
Rowdy Farrago
One of the best splits to come out with the Destructors 666 and A.N. Other! I’ve always liked Dun2Def and their three tracks on this CD are just further enhancing their credentials as a decent punk band. Their third track is actually a cover of “Riot” by the UK Subs and for that alone they get punk points. The D666 have four tracks on the split, of which, two are old Destructors songs (They never credit one I’ve noticed over the last few releases of splits with other bands!), one is GBH’s “Diplomatic Immunity” – Nowhere near as good as the GBH song itself but a good attempt and the last one is a D666 compilation. A great split C D and one I’ve played load.
SCANNER ZINE CD REVIEW
DUN2DEF/ DESTRUCTORS 666 - Deus Ex Machina {Rowdy Farrago} Yet another split EP from the DESTRUCTORS camp. DUN2DEF kick things off with two originals and a cover of the UK SUBS ‘Riot’. It’s well-produced, well-played mid-tempo UK Punk not unlike a mix of GUITAR GANGSTERS and early NEWTOWN NEUROTICS. The band is a good match for the DESTRUCTORS, which plays two originals and a cover also - this time ‘Diplomatic Immunity’ by GBH. As expected, this is more of the band’s usual Garage Rock played with an injection of Punk Rock and these tracks could well be the fastest stuff the band has recorded so far. It’s OK I guess, but I’d like to hear something from the DESTRUCTORS that has a little more substance than a steady stream of split EPs. (27.04.09)
ATTACK FANZINE CD REVIEW
The other band, that actually is the first one out on this EP is, also British, Dun2Def. The do pretty much the same thing, although substituting some of the more rough edged parts of Destructors 666 with more sing-a-long friendly notes. Two originals and a UK Subs cover ("Riot"). It's the same here, not bad. I do however think that fans of the classic UK punk sound could make quite an evening out of a set of speakers that can take loud volume, a few pints, and this EP. [Krogh - April 23, 2009]
ASICE ONLINE ZINE REVIEW
Dun2Def on the other hand does impress. Their two gang vocal-laden originals are old fashioned punk rock at its catchiest and their cover of the UK Subs track 'Riot' is pretty cool too.
On this short release, Dun2Def leaves you wanting more, while Destructors 666 gives the impression that they might be starting to value quantity over quality.
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FUNGALPUNK CD REVIEWS
DUN2DEF/DESTRUCTORS 666 - DEUS EX MACHINA
After doing this review the fuckin' computer crashed before a draft was saved (twice in one day) so I am more than thankful that the CD under scrutiny is a classic. Dun2Def and Destructors 666 combine forces to give us 7 belting tracks that work wonderfully in unison and display two outfits taking slightly different approaches but being equally effective and impressive. With irate digits I try to get this review recorded for the third time of trying - deep breaths - here we go.......
Dun2Def open with the marvellous 'You're A Disease' a song that catches the ear on its first spin and never lets go. The subtle depths of this number enhance the longevity of the whole arrangement and I hope that this crackin' song gets the acclaim it so obviously deserves. The opening rat-a-tat-tat slips easily into a first class verse that blends beautifully into an equally classy chorus. It flows and grows in mighty stature and the entire concoction exudes the touch of a very outstanding band. The vocals rely on smooth clarity rather than gruff indecipherable anger and this works here and on all three tracks that this band showcase.....
'Drinking And Fighting' will fill the heads of the quick to judge with hints of belligerent Oi and crash, bang, wallop incitement but that is not the case. This song seems well worn and has a confidence that is borne of a unit comfortable in the production of top notch tuneage. A retro feel and a modern day delivery combine to succeed and we round off this bands three track triumph with a cover of a UK Subs classic. ....
'Riot' is a wonderful moment in the Subs successful history and to attempt a cover, and have the temerity to add ones own style, is taking a major gamble to say the least. Dun2Def pull off the task with real ease and rather than imitating Harpers raucous enthusiasm the vocalist here does it his way and by Jove comes good. The music is exactly like the original and expertly put across and when coupled with the unique gob of the frontman you can't help but rate this as one of the best covers of all time. The Bullet Kings have just covered another Subs gem, namely 'Saints And Sinners' and that was a real smart output but this is its equal and just shows the quality of band we have out there at the moment.....
Destructors 666 are one of the most productive bands around and if you need proof of this just ask Tim 'Punk4Life' Davies who I think has received approximately 20 CD's from this lot over the last few years. Admirable stuff indeed and although this is my first review for the band I am more than a little impressed. 'European Sacrifice' bursts in with heavy iron bassism before a few cool guitar twangs make way for the first verse. Great grimy vocals that are razor sharp and the whole effort has a persuasive anger and general punk inflection that is liable to please all and sundry in the spit and pogo pool. The complimentary cover that comes next seems an absolutely perfect option for this band and GBH's 'Diplomatic Immunity' is delivered with such superb brilliance I am quite taken aback and left wondering is this indeed a fuckin' cover. Again covers aren't my bag but one per band is an ideal inclusion and I really can't imagine this lot opting to do a more apt ditty. Listen to the original and listen to this - which is better - tough call ain't it - compliment enough!....
'Burning Bridges' saws its way into the action with powerhouse riffs and then let’s rip into some crackin' vocalisation. This is the most profound track by the Destructors 666 and exhibits choice talent. The pace is consistent and both verse, chorus and instrumental all work together and help create the impressive end outburst. We close with one extra track entitled 'Death Squad' which has an old school ambience with new school production. The rumbling bass adds the meat that the other players can build upon and again it is another winning piece of unaffected orthodox punkology. ....
Well 2 excellent bands here knocking out more brilliant punk rock for a waning scene that has a distinct lethargy that really lets down bands of this stature. Once again the message is 'wake up you bastards and keep supporting the scene' - the only option is to 'fuck off' and you wouldn't want to do that would you? So buy now!
PETERBORO EVENING TELEGRAPH
Review: Dun2Def/Destructors666 Deus Ex Machina split CD....
Published Date: 19 March 2009 ....
By Paul Benton....
DESTRUCTORS666 split CDs are like waiting for a bus in the city – if you miss one there'll be another one along in a week or two.....
For a couple of years now, Rowdy Farro Records, brainchild of Destructors666 mainman Allen Adams, has been giving city and non-city bands alike a chance to get their songs out and share a platform with his baby.
Dun2Def hail from Milton Keynes, but don't hold that (or their football team) against them. They share drummers with Destructors666, as is usual in the incestuous nature of the punk rock scene, and offer up three tracks of rocking street punk.
With titles such as Riot and Drinking and Fighting, you long for the glory days of council estate-born punk to banish the middle class rubbish that is emo from the punk map forever.
Destructos666's cover of GBH's Diplomatic Immunity is the best cover they've done so far – but then GBH are the best band they've covered – as Allen's vocals are stretched to the limit as the cheese grater goes to work on his voice box.
Another old Destructors song is given a noughties revamp and, the now customary secret song has some very bad language on it.
Seems there's plenty of life in the old dogs yet.
8 out of 10....
OXBLOOD Oi
Just picked this up at a gig last week. Never had Dun2Def down as an Oi or Street Punk band but fuck me this is awesome!!!
First track "You're a Disease" has such a catchy chorus I can't get it out of my head. The next track up "Drinkin' n Fightin' is just pure brickwall punk/oi call it what you want with a great singalong chorus "You think you're David Courtney, you better make sure your balls are the right size"
Their last track "Riot" is a cover of the classic UK Subs song and it more than holds it's own in my opinion. If that aint enough on this release you also get 4 tracks from the Destructors 666. I wasn't a huge fan of theirs back in the day but they got some storming tracks on here too notably their updated version of an old number European Sacrifice and the great cover of the GBH song Diplomatic Immunity . All in all a great CD 10/10 Well worth checking out both bands particularly Dun2Def as the new line up are superb live. BlackSheepRadical
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