With everyone and their mom ripping off Black Flag's steez these days (cough... Rostarr, Blaqstarr... coughcough) the Lab felt it was time to teach you your roots. That's right, Black Flag, on 7", at TTL. Black Flag was the punk band that established the base for all independent musicians to come. Everyone currently touring in any kind of non-Top 40 band owes a huge debt to these guys for their relentless touring and opening new venues in every small town across the US, not to mention for making some of the best music in history. This 4 song 7" (that's right - hardcore was about quantity as well as quality) features some of the best of Keith Morris (later of Circle Jerks and Midget Handjob fame) era Flag. The first time I ever heard "Nervous Breakdown(1)" it was like getting kicked in the neck. It's all sorts of teenage agression, hatred for the system, and catchy rock'n'roll all tangled up in just about 2:00 of song. Definitely check out "Wasted(2)" for a good old fashioned anti-hippy rant if that's your jam. Includes awesome Raymond Pettibon cover art. Highly Recommended.

reviewed by Newjack