Young Identities – New Trends EP

Reissue (Shake Music 1980/ 540 Records 2011)

The second piece of music from the Forest Glen recording session and savage/shake music’s fifth release was New Trends by Young Identities. This would be the last release by the band before they go on to change their name to The Kicks and what a cracker it is. Opening with title track “New Trends” lead singer Clay carries on right where he left off from the first EP with his signature bratty, snarling vocals. The guitar work is definitely more improved with better soloing and a catchy 3 chord punk rhythm. The band’s decision to use a better studio/producer pays dividends with the overall production of this record being much clearer and the songs are a lot tighter and catchier. In this reviewer’s worthless opinion this is the best EP of all the savage/shake reissues yet.

Young Identities - New Trends.mp3

Just Urbain – Everybody Loves Just Urbain EP

Reissue (Shake Music 1980/ 540 Records 2011)

Texas label 540 records continue to dig up more pieces to the puzzle that was Brisbane’s underground punk scene during the late 70’s/ early 80’s with a re-issue of Just Urbain’s second EP. After their first release, which was created out of a shared studio session with label mates Young Identities and Bodysnatchers, both Just Urbain and Young Identities travelled up to Forest Glen to record their second EP’s. If you haven’t already clued onto this, the original pressings are highly sought after by collectors and are going for ridiculous prices over on ebay, but if you’re like me and way to poor to ever cough up that kinda money but still want to grab yourself a piece of Brisbane punk history, then I suggest you snap these records up right away. This EP shows Just Urbain being a little more experimental and trying their hand at the occasional guitar solo. Title track “everybody loves” is the standout piece with a loose Stooges/Asheton style guitar solo beaming in and out from the buzzsaw rhythm guitar.

Just Urbain - Everybody Loves.mp3