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NEW ALBUM OUT!
Our brand new album 'Glorious Bastards' is out now as an 18-track CD and 16-track vinyl 12" on Contra Records in a limited edition two-for-one bargain package for just £10 plus p&p. It’s a terrific collector’s item, available direct from our Shop page. Buy now while stocks last!

MANINBLACK
14th February 2010 - André Schlesinger, lead singer for the NYC Punk band Maninblack announced that the group has agreed to a deal with German Streetpunk label Contra Records which will include a 4 song 7" vinyl EP with a tentative release date of May Day 2010 and followed by a 12" vinyl LP / full length CD in late summer 2010. The records will be released on Contra Records' new subsidiary label Contra Smooth which will spotlight Punk artists with a progressive sound. At this time Maninblack is comprised of Schlesinger on lead vocals, guitar and synthesizers; RJ Demler on bass and backing vocals; and Texas Clamp on drums and electronic percussion. Schlesinger has taken on the roll of producer for at least the 7", titled Straight Out Of Babylon, while work has already commenced at the Safe House NYC recording studio. The band plans to support the releases with a few local record release parties and frequent performances throughout the year.
Maninblack has been making a name for themselves, through various compilation releases and local live performances, by combining a strong UK Punk and Oi! influence with the use of electronic gear such as keyboard and guitar synthesizers, digital multi effects, and even electronic drums, both live and in the studio. With members old enough to recall the first wave of British Punk the band offers music with an aggressive style and attitude reminiscent of bands like the Sex Pistols, The Clash and The Stranglers without coming off as a Punk revival act. The band's manager Garry Bushell commented today that "Maninblack is the most exciting and radical talent to come out of New York City this century. The band has integrity married to Punk power, vision and Pop sensibility. It's a tribute to Contra's foresight that they have snapped them up. It's time Europe woke up to Maninblack."
Band leader André Schlesinger has seen some minor notoriety as lead vocalist and songwriter for The Press who were active on the NYC Punk music scene during the mid 80s to early 90s. Their song "21 Guitar Salute" has been recorded by Dropkick Murphys and appears on two of their releases and is regularly performed as part of their live set. The Press were honoured in 2007 with the release of The Complete Press ~ 1984-1994, a CD of the band's collected works, on Insurgence Records of Toronto

NEW OI ALBUM
More than forty bands are now committed to the 30th anniversary Oi double album, compiled by Gal for Contra Records. Participants range from the old masters (Sparrer, Rejects, Last Resort etc) to the best of the new generation of Oi (Discipline, Runnin’ Riot, Argy-Bargy, the Agitators etc.) There are bands confirmed from France, Germany, Sweden, Australia, and the USA. We’re also pleased to report that many big-hitting US groups who were influenced by Oi are donating tracks. Definitely involved are Agnostic Front, the Anti-Heros, Iron Cross, the Bruisers and Slapshot. A lot of hot bands are currently recording brand new anthems, including the Street Dogs, Hammer & The Nails, Control and the London Diehards. The full list looks like a Who’s Who of quality working class punk. Gal’s PA, Fit Bird tells us: “If all goes to plan the comp should be in the can by the end of Feb and on sale by Easter. “

HELP THE HEROES
Mark "Miff" Smith, formerly of Demob (now known as Bob) has released a folky anthem called ‘10,000 Medals’ about the war in Afghanistan – 50% of the profits will go to Help The Heroes. It's available from iTunes and the video is HERE.

GONADS SPIN-OFFS
Gal’s solo project is up and running at myspace.com/garrybushellsolo.