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Black Sheep Squadron

Foreign Object (2006)
Reaper Records

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Contributed by: Flowbee
(others by this writer | submit your own)

Published on April 21st 2006

Black Sheep Squadron, more commonly referred to as Black SS, are a hardcore punk rock juggernaut from Assault City, NY (that's Syracuse to you).

Black SS come from the school of Negative Approach, Uniform Choice and Kill Your Idols. They keep things short and to the point. Much like their influences, Black SS are not afraid to say what they think. They do not mince words or get all metaphorical about whatever is pissing them off. After releasing a handful of seven inches and splits, they have finally delivered their first proper full-length via Reaper Records. Foreign Object is a 12-song, 19-minute record that starts off fast and never slows down.

These guys have a bit of an obsession with professional wrestling, as evidenced by the album art on both the front and back cover. In the realm of hardcore punk, Black SS are equivalent to Abdullah The Butcher. They are pissed off, wild and out of control just like the wrestling legend. Except instead of taking a fork to the head of Terry Funk, Black SS rip through tunes like "Bonehead" and "Have Some Self Respect," which illustrate their frustration on the current state of society and today's punk scene.

The opener "Quick Fix" addresses the dependence that people put on drugs and alcohol for an easy solution to life's problems. Vocalist Chuck shouts "go ahead and self-medicate, when you wake up the problem's still there." Instead of coming off as just another preachy straight-edge band, Black SS bring up very real concerns about addiction that should apply to everyone.

Black SS are not afraid of getting political. "I Want Out," which may be the album's standout track, is a circle pit-inducing romp about feeling disenfranchised with the current administration running the good ol' USA. "Better You Than Me" takes a shot at the "support the troops" mentality. It's apparent that these guys are not feeling particulary sorry for those who volunteer to join the military and go off to war.

If you think hardcore should be all about breakdowns, spin kicks and mosh parts, Black SS probably aren't for you. On the other hand, if you're craving a band whose sound is remniscent of a time when hardcore wasn't sold at Hot Topic, this should be right up your alley.

Foreign Object is a furious steel chair shot to the skull of today's hardcore scene. Take notice, because this is what hardcore punk rock should sound like.

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Anonymous (June 23, 2006)

BLACK SS / HOW WE ARE Split 7" . . . Late Summer, early Fall FINALLY!

This album rips. Black SS is one of the best bands going right now.

And just to repeat what numerous other people have said, Chuck Hickey rules! Easily one of the best dudes going.

Anonymous (April 27, 2006)

Eh, I usually just lump Fulton in with 'Cuse because it's easier. Same with AB, I consider them a Syracuse band, not a Fulton one.

- Anchors

Anonymous (April 26, 2006)

1. Chuck Hickey!

2. Another Breath is from Fulton, not Syracuse!

3. Chuck Hickey!

Icapped2pac (April 26, 2006)

"You can get with this or you can get with that. You can get with this, 'cause this is where it's at."
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I probably wouldn't like this album, but the cover art is awesome and does a great job of illustrating the album title. My only question is who's tossing the chair? The Original Sheik? The Iron Sheik? Sabu? I definitely know it's not Tiger Ali Singh. That guy sucked.

skolarx (April 23, 2006)

black sheep have a myspace page, which i believe means new album coming soon. bout fucking time, the song the one guy did on the handsome boy modeling school album blew me away. good things to look forward to with them i think

iamfuckyou (April 22, 2006)

i miss the OG Black Sheep.....

"engine, engine number nine on the new york transit line..."

man they had sweet hair.......

feeeding5000 (April 22, 2006)

This sounds amazing, but bands who aren't Crass-esque shouldn't do the "text around the art" thing. It confuses my simple brain.

gladimnotemo (April 21, 2006)

I didn't expect this.

Anonymous (April 21, 2006)

i definitely thought this review was gonna be by anchors.

Flowbee (April 21, 2006)

I wrote this like a month ago, glad to see it's finally up. This band rules and more people should know about them.

Anchors, you're dead on with your Another Breath statement. I can't wait.

Anchors (April 21, 2006)

Yeah I know, I was actually going to, I'm just a bit behind on things at the moment.

And speaking of 'Cuse, get ready for the new Another Breath to be the best hardcore record of the year.

LMChc (April 21, 2006)

i'm surprised you didn't review this, anchors

(not to say the review isn't good, but you're kind of the syracuse guy)

Anchors (April 21, 2006)

I fucking love this band.

Chuck Hickey is one of the best dudes in hardcore.

joeg (April 21, 2006)

"If you think hardcore should be all about breakdowns, spin kicks and mosh parts, Black SS probably aren't for you"

that's what i like to hear. good review.

OzmanX (April 21, 2006)

Never heard of these guys before, I'll check them oot.

InaGreendase (April 21, 2006)

Good review, got me interested in this.