THE PROLETARIAT - Distortion (Cassette)

The Proletariat are a prolific band. This year, they've put out a local tape ("Abstain"), 3 songs on the Boston Not L.A. compilation, "Voodoo Economics" on the brand new Modern Method hardcore compilation and this 7 song cassette. It comes in a plastic bag with a lyric sheet and one side is left blank so you can record what you want. This tape is possibly the best local release so far this year. It might be described as political commentary for the dance floor. The music is funky and aggressive and the band's lyrics make one think, such as on "Blind:" "They condemn all change/As acts of terrorists. They only see what they want to see." Gang of Four fans should get it for the choppy guitar and funky bass lines, Political rock fans should listen to it for the lyrics. In fact, everyone should have it. But hurry, it's only a limited edition.

-Al Quint, Suburban Punk, Issue #1, 1982

VARIOUS ARTISTS - "Unsafe at Any Speed"

Modern Method

This EP consists of leftover tracks from Boston, Not L.A, except for the newly recorded Proletariat track, "Voodoo Economics." That song is the record's highlight, a strong funky song with provocative lyrics. Gang Green's "Selfish" is also good, although the production is pretty poor. The rest of the cuts, done by The Groinoids, The Freeze, The F.U.'s and Jerry's Kids are fair to middling. Get it for The Proletariat and Gang Green, though.

-Al Quint, Suburban Punk, Issue #1, 1982

THE PROLETARIAT/007/FREEZE/F.U's/D.Y.S (Storyville)

A generous helping of local music at an unusual location: Storyville, traditionally being the vanguard of Boston jazz has opened up it's booking policies to include new music. All in all a good show.

The Proletariat's set was killer from start to finish. Vocalist Richard Brown has more stage presence than perhaps any other front person on the Boston scene. The musicianship is also incredibly sharp. I'd call their sound sort of a speeded up Gang Of Four at times, but not all their songs fit into any one category. They are a band with a truly unique sound. See these guys! And get their excellent cassette, Distortion, while it's available.

-Al Quint, Suburban Punk, Issue #1, 1982