SPLIT 7 INCH

Limited seven inch vinyl pressing. Rolling into their fourth decade as hardcore punk innovators, Philadelphia's Flag Of Democracy have decided to mix things up a little, doling out their new songs over a series of split 7"s with like-minded bands. This time around it's Brazil's long-running Merda, a rugged trio whose barbed yet catchy delivery brings to mind The Hard-Ons or The Vandals much more than the generic pop-punk that would come later. As if to send a clear message that nobody is fucking around, F.O.D. contributes four songs to its side. Merda manages to squeeze off five on its side, including the totally massive lead-off track "Giga Pudding" which, if there is any justice in the world, will become the "Wooly Bully" of the 21st century. Two bands, one 7", nine songs; this record is proof that when it comes to punk rock, you don't have to choose between fun and furious.