I promise, this is the last review I’ll do of a band named after the female anatomy.  At least for a while.  That being said, Clit 45’s new album, “Self-hate Crimes”, their first for new label BYO Records, proved a fitting and satisfying end to this little mini-series/Tour De Vagina (for those who have no idea what I’m talking about, see my review this month of Magnolia Thunderpussy’s recent release).  Continuing in the violent Street Punk tradition of the California beaches, Clit 45 deliver a taught set of Mohawked anthems, all in less time than it takes to watch a Simpsons rerun.  This is no concept album, no Punk Opera, just fourteen songs that get to the point like a spiked skull ring to the eye socket.  They’re not the Huntington Beach thugs from the early eighties or the Hermosa Beach goons, but their Long Beach home still has its own tradition of sex, drugs, and violence (Snoop Dogg anyone?) and what more do you need for a nice bolus  of Punk Rock good times.  Don’t forget to wash it down with a 40 oz.
        
Clit 45 plays Punk with no frills, no filler and one emotion only-anger.  The songs on “Self-hate Crimes” are almost instantaneous bursts of raw, flesh-off-the-bone, three-chord punk.  The band allows nothing to stand on its own, even guitar solos are relegated to one note breaks or bursts of feedback.  

Unlike many Street Punk bands, however, Clit 45 avoids falling into the trap of banging out dissonant lumps of noise with no sense of melody or structure.  The songs are fast, but catchy.  Liberty Spikes must be dipped reverentially to the bass playing on the album which carries the melody of the songs while the stock drum beat keeps the pace and the guitars and vocals try to dismantle everything around them.  “The Storm is Over” stands out due to the tight little bass line underneath all the noise at the surface.  The vocals are handled well, with a tandem of singers sharing the piss and vinegar. Obviously a well-oiled touring machine, the band plays professionally and the record never comes across as sloppy or unfocused. 

Other standout songs include, “Caught in a Crack” and the simply toe-tapping, “Gimme Death”.  Elements of the Stooges and Sick of it All are all at work here in Clit 45’s bare-wired approach and obvious passion for what they’re doing.  It’s hard not to like what bands like this stand for, the obliteration of Punk Rock fashionistas for one thing.  Eyeliner and haircuts don’t rule the day for Clit 45 and for this band, the only thing “Pop” in Punk should be a pop in the mouth for Ashley Simpson and her ilk. (Neither I, nor would I imagine the band would condone hitting an actual woman).  While it’s true that the destructive glory days of California Punk will never return, it’s nice to have bands like Clit 45 to remind the faithful of better days.  Punk, after all, was born in the streets and someday it will die in the gutter, but for now there’s still a pulse, just mention Clit and you’ll hear it quicken just a little.
 

• Visit the Official website.
• Listen to samples and Purchase this CD online

Fan Speak: