Circle Jerks VI

Circle Jerks 'VI' (Roadrunner Records, 1987)

I remember clearly the marketing campaign that accompanied this album and it was obvious that whoever was behind the Circle Jerks at the time wanted them to be viewed part of the burgeoning crossover scene of which Suicidal Tendencies, D. R. I. and Corrosion of Conformity were at the commercial vanguard. As if to make the point even clearer the jacket features a typically orange and purple hued painting by thrash/death metal album cover master Ed Repka.

Surprisingly the music is not a thrashed up version of their hardcore punk beginnings, but a mid paced yawn fest sounding like late period Ramones and hints of 80s Black Sabbath. Whilst Keith Morris puts in a decent performance and there is no mistaking his classic sarcastic snarl, he lets the side down remarkably on the awful 'Tell my Why' and anywhere else he tries to sing or tones down his attack.

Circle Jerks seem to be caught at a crossroads on this release; they can't decide if they want to be melodic hardcore, punk rock or a traditional US hard rock band. As a result nothing seems to work and the constant pace makes every song blur into one. Good driving music, not great listening music.

Understandably the band went on a five year hiatus shortly after this album's release; they no doubt realised they had run out of creative steam and needed to concentrate on other matters.

'Casualty Vampire' and 'Love Kills'(apparently commissioned by Graham Cox for the soundtrack to 'Sid and Nancy') are probably my favourite tracks because I recall them from a tape Jon gave me in 1991ish which first introduced me to Fear, Naked Raygun and a few others. In the context of other bands the songs fared well, but as a whole album 'VI' is mediocre.

I bought this in a batch of unwanted records from Jon and it was in some state, it even had mould on it! I feel a bit cheated that I spent 20 minutes cleaning it just to be left disappointed.

Peace