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I’m sick of people whining about streetpunk bands – “they’re just copying what’s been done already,” “streetpunk is dead” – get with it; this genre is not dead, and is still very much relevant. Yeah, maybe the bands of the ‘90s and ‘00s sing about the same topics that the originators of the genre did back in the late ‘70s/early ‘80s, but look, they have to! Society is STILL dealing with the same problems. Sadly, not much has changed since then, and if bands want to expose these injustices, ever-growing encroachments on freedom, and the horrid state of the world today, then let ‘em! Please, don’t even start about how “stupid” these bands’ lyrics or sound is. Come on! At least they’re not whining about how their girlfriends left them and other such nonsense, but rather singing about real issues that affect them and all humanity for that matter.

Ah, and so we come to Cheap Sex’s debut 'Launch Off To War'. And as the title implies, it is a politically-charged, dare I say thought-provoking record. Take songs like the opening title track with it’s angry please of “What the fuck are we fighting for,” the maniacal “Dick Cheney,” and the hardcore upheaval of “Living in Fear” as well as others like “Consume and Consume” and the rebellious “Smash Your Symbols,” which both depict various social ills. Mike Virus – former frontman of (yes, you know it) the Virus – sings what I’m sure many people have surmised at one time or another in “Smash Your Symbols”: “When you’re born you are just a number, you are just like cattle/And for your rights and freedom, it’s a never-ending battle/Those who are in power will make sure you never are.” How true.

Musically, what we get on Launch Off To War, is top-notch streetpunk, which oscillates between bludgeoning hardcore (“Living in Fear,” “Eyes See All,” “Smash Your Symbols,” “Dick Cheney”) and catchier fare (“Take a Chance,” “It’s Up to You,” “Out on Your Own”) all highlighted by Mike’s somewhat harsh, raspy, yelling vocals. Some of the finest tracks have to be “Living in Fear” and “Eyes See All” with their machine gun guitars and relentless drums as well as the less abrasive “If Society…”. And “Dick Cheney” is right up there not only because of the aggressive musical style but also because of the subject matter and lyrics. Never have I heard such an attack on the VP. Usually this honor goes to the President himself or just the government in general. It’s almost comical at times, though, with lines like “He’s too out of control to handle” and later “a fat bald slob for good ol’ Uncle Sam.” Definitely the most humorous and sardonic of the bunch.

And let’s hope guitarist Johnny O.'s recovery is almost complete so the band can get back on track after their(somewhat) recent, horrific July 25th accident in Pennsylvania, which in effect curtailed their dates on the Sex, Brats, and Rock ‘n’ Roll tour with labelmates Lower Class Brats that was set to begin just two days later at CBGBs. Happily the band was able to finally hit the East Coast during the Viva Le Punk three-day festival, but sadly sans Johnny. Hopefully he’ll be back in commission some time soon.



People who liked this also liked:
The God Awfuls - Next Stop ArmageddonSnapcase - End TransmissionPipedown - Enemies of ProgressThe Damned - Machine Gun EtiquetteU.K. Subs - UniversalAFI - 336 [10 inch picture disc]The Havoc - Our Rebellion Has Just BegunDefiance - Nothing Lasts ForeverHuggy Bear - Weaponry Listens To LoveT.S.O.L. - TSOL/Weathered Statues



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    Posted by Hey_Ska on 2007-11-05 13:03:08

    This is a good streepunk record. Probably one of the best.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 7, 2006 at 7:20 PM (EST)

    hai
    i punk kluang

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 10, 2005 at 9:59 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Cheap Sex is one of my favorite bands cause Mike Virus is awesome! ! ! If anyone wants to write their own opinions that's fine. But "Launch Off to War" was a good CD so Back Off! ! !

    Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, November 24, 2005 at 1:50 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    it's all in the music http://www.casino-los-angeles.com/doliyoli/casino-directory-2005. html

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 15, 2005 at 11:25 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    Good score for the political insight but I'd perfer relevance coming from Bad Religion, Rancid, Pennywise, NOFX, orT(I)NC.

    It's always funny to see emo "punks" get their panties in a bunch when a band like the casualities or cheap sex make an album about the discontent everyone should feel when that is what punk IS!

    Punk is suppose to give a voice to those who normally wouldn't have one, not to express how much it sucks to break up with some girl. There are bigger problems than a broken heart.

    Posted by Greenvandal on 2003-10-26 12:47:24
    My Score:

    Who doesnt?

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 26, 2003 at 12:21 PM (EST)
    My Score:

    You need to get laid.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 25, 2003 at 8:26 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    You bet Im a rascist BSD. 100%

    I find Coca to be original. Outside of calling it "emo" I have yet to hear a real excuse as to why it is a bad record. Emo isnt a insult kids. its not even a real thing, its atagline for the lazy so they know what is hip to listen to and what is not.

    I was just pointing out the fact that this reviewer has NEVER given anything a score lower then a 8, and also that she thinks there are around 7 perfect albums floating about that all happen to be in pretty much the same vein of music.

    Just being critical, I wasnt rude like some of you fuckers.

    Oh, and fuck you, you think poor minoritys should get dibs over poor whites, just because the color of there skin.

    Now whos rascist.

    -!GreenVandal!

    Posted by Anonymous on Wednesday, October 22, 2003 at 4:34 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Rehashed? Are you an idiot? I havent heard any band have a song about the Iraqui war, or about the corporate scandals in this country such as Enron, etc. (Dick Cheney). Most street punk bands sing about fucking garbage. Sing about beer and hairdos. Thank god theres a band like Cheap Sex. A band with great music, and actually has something to say.

    Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 7:20 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    I listen to a lot of street punk and what not and I don't think this cd is that great. Musically and lyrically it's pretty cliche and rehashed. It's enjoyable but not a great record. Also, don't disagree with me, cause that would make you elitist to have a differing opinion. Haha....kids.

    Posted by BSD on 2003-10-20 20:49:13
    My Score:

    I was "talking" to GreenVandal... He's also a racist. Go figger.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 20, 2003 at 6:13 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Probably the best album of the year. Mike Virus is an extremely intelligent guy, and an amazing frontman. I think his lyrics are excellent. You fuckers who think otherwise go back to listening to your fucking emo and screamo hardcore and fuck off.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 20, 2003 at 5:27 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "You think CoCa is the best album of the year. Fuck off."

    Ok, I don't THINK you're talking to me, because according to me, best of the year is between TSOL Divided We Stand and F-Minus Wake Up Screaming...tough choice.
    -Janelle

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 20, 2003 at 4:22 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    You think CoCa is the best album of the year. Fuck off.

    -BSD

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 20, 2003 at 11:41 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "IM not tryin to be mean or anything, im just saying that a 9 is way to high for this, and this guy really needs to work on some writing skills. I think a 7 is a much better representation of this. (well..i dont like it very much...3 to me...but if you do, a 7 sounds more in the park)"

    Who the fuck are you to tell someone what they do and don't like you elitist fuck?? Just because you disagree doesn't mean someone is else is wrong.

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 20, 2003 at 8:48 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Look, Janelle...I understand you like older styled punk, street punk, whatever is political...but seriously...a 9!?!?!

    NO

    This is rehashed as shit. Streetpunk isnt some special genre that doesnt get judged for creativity just like everyone else, and this fails fails fails there. And its not very hard to say whatever political rant happens to pop into your head at the time over that. It is possible to write intelligent politically based lyrics! (although the biggest hypocrite and propaghandist in the world, Dennis Lryxen or Refused and T(i)NC is a example)

    IM not tryin to be mean or anything, im just saying that a 9 is way to high for this, and this guy really needs to work on some writing skills. I think a 7 is a much better representation of this. (well..i dont like it very much...3 to me...but if you do, a 7 sounds more in the park)

    -!Greenvandal!

    Posted by Anonymous on Monday, October 20, 2003 at 6:44 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Man you guys (or guy) are brutal.
    -Janelle

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 19, 2003 at 4:19 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    i ate a whole slice of pizza today.

    Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, October 19, 2003 at 7:39 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    pity

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 18, 2003 at 9:04 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Something tells me I don't want cheap sex from this bitch anymore.

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 18, 2003 at 6:03 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "DOA 'Win The Battle'."

    Right on dude...I have fuckin D.O.A. tattooed on my arm. Boo yeah. And on my other arm I have the logo of Win The Battle...

    -Janelle

    I still like their earlier stuff better - Their first two LPs are classics...

    Posted by LushJ on 2003-10-18 16:17:17
    My Score:

    Whoever mentioned writing "good" political lyrics instead of by-the-numbers lyrics is right on. If Dick Lucas (Subhumans, Culture Shock, Citizen Fish) can write about state and social issues in entertaining ways after 20 years, why can't more younger bands?
    If I hear another band rhyme "state" and "hate" or "unite" and "fight", I'm gonna scream. It's been done to death, listen to the 81 UK bands, appreciate them, and create something new or semi-original. At the very least, don't just mouth generalities about "the streets" and "the scene" and "running wild", while wearing the exact same plaid bondage pants as the next 50 "street punk" bands. Boring.
    New political bands that don't suck include Randy "Welfare Issues" and DOA "Win The Battle".

    Posted by dont_think_twice on 2003-10-18 11:08:10
    My Score:

    so you're sayin I should go somewhere else to pick up some honey babies?

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 18, 2003 at 11:03 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    "the women on this site..."

    Um, I think there aren't that many: 1?

    Posted by dont_think_twice on 2003-10-18 10:54:54
    My Score:

    "So, uh, Janelle, "Cheap Sex", eh?"

    This kind of thing makes me sick. You people should be better than this. You see a review written by a WOMAN and instead of appreciating the review, all you can muster is some lame pick-up line? It's time the women on this site (and everywhere!) start getting treated with some respect.

    On another note... Janelle, u have pixxx? ;)

    Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, October 18, 2003 at 8:35 AM (EDT)
    My Score:

    All right Sickboi...I understand.

    Posted by rage on 2003-10-18 03:39:55
    My Score:

    Not a bad effort but the new Havoc album blows this away. For all you 'oioioi these guyz sux they cant play their instruments omfg hemingway didnt write their lyrics' kids, maybe you should go listen to some of the 77-83 punk that people on this site occasionally talk about so you can get a fucking clue.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 8:12 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    Stop whining that the lyrics suck? If these "political" bands could figure out how to write a smart political song then nobody would be complaining.
    I'm not going to give a band a break just cause they sing about supposed injustice.
    If it sucks then we as music fans have the right....no the duty to inform everybody about it.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 7:14 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    i'm so fucking sick of these punkcore type bands such as the lower class brats and the virus. that's all kids here in ct book and listen to. it gets old.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 6:08 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    this cd is one of the worst cds that came out this year i was ashamed i owned this cd and then i sold it to my friend who is a total sucker, don't buy this crap, bad quality they can't play their instruments its horrible, don't buy it you'll be wasting some good dough

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 4:56 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    So, uh, Janelle, "Cheap Sex", eh?

    -sickboi
    (sorry, it had to be said)

    Posted by recordings on 2003-10-17 16:42:18
    My Score:

    i always feel a bit relieved when i see a street punk cd reveiwed on this site. all is not lost!

    "go buy the new death cab"

    get a clue, bud.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 4:39 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    hahahahhahahahahahha

    emo posers just dont know when to shut up

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 4:35 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    terrible. go buy the new death cab

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 4:14 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    It seems like all we have anymore is kids watching TRL in search of "dangerous" music... This stuff isn't that great, so if you aren't into UK 82 already, please don't start here. If you are already a fan of street punk type stuff, you probably already have this. This is one of the few recent street-punk releases I bought... It's funny how these guys sing about being victimised for how they "look", while a lot of their fans victimise people who don't go out of their way for fashion gear...

    -BSD

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 3:07 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    What is so irrelevant about the topic of war?? I don't know about you but I fit the perfect demographic of a citizen that would be drafted if ever need be and by god there is no fucking way I will kill another human so just some lazy, over weight fucked head, that probably wouldn't walk across the street to piss on me if I was on fire, can live a safe and happy life. It seems like all we have anymore are protest and albums like this to back up "our" opinion.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 2:34 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    if all the stuff is still relevant from the 70's and 80's punk bands then just go buy or listen to their music.

    Posted by Anonymous on Friday, October 17, 2003 at 2:21 PM (EDT)
    My Score:

    This is the least relevant album to come out since this site opened. Don't kid yourself.

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