I used to be a fan of what some call "street punk" and others call "Oi", but the releases are in such limited quantities and the community can become somewhat exclusive at times, like five guys discussing hopelessly rare 7" singles for hours. So I lose interest. Anyway, I got this really cool orange and red vinyl 45 from Templecombe records featuring two bands from opposite shores (literally) that just bring back the golden sounds of late 70's punk. For fans of THE BUZZCOCKS, SHAM 69, and THE DAMNED this is just what the doctor ordered.

THE TEMPLARS sound like what every British pub-punk band should, except they are from The Big Apple. Their brand recalls COCK SPARRER in their heyday (did those guys have a heyday?). The track featured here, "Nowhere Fast" is a grabby tune complete with Cockney-influenced vocals. On the flipside, CRASHED OUT give us tastes of pre-ska and Yank/Brit-pub influences reminiscent of THE CLASH, DROPKICK MURPHYS, and especially RANCID. CRASHED OUT know what is going to get their crowd movin' and slammin', judging by all the sweet choruses. There's even a little geetar solo in there from time to time. So, if you are into the "Oi", check these two excellent examples out, and drop by TKO Records to see even more.

- Murtaugh

MP3 SOUND SCRAP: TEMPLARS - Nowhere Fast

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