The Because - Get Out Through The Back Door LP

Debauch Mood (2018)

This LP is a perfect example of something that I would like to see become a trend in Japan.  Back in 2008, The Because self released this album on CD.  Now, ten years later, Debauch Mood have stepped up and rereleased it on vinyl.  I think that Debauch Mood should do this many more times in the future.  If they need a list of records that should be released on vinyl, I'd be happy to give them one.  Let's start with those old Blew and Lovemen CDs.

Anyway, back to The Because.  I never had their self released CD that this LP is a rerelease of, but I do have all five of the bands 7" appearances, the bulk of which were released on Snuffy Smiles.  While in the past I never thought their songs stood out quite as much as some of the other bands that they were sharing those releases with, hearing the band in the context of a full album only containing their songs has really opened my eyes to just how good they are.

There are times where The Because remind me a little bit of Smalltown, particularly the gruffness of the vocals (except for when the bass player is singing) and the similar way that their songs are structured.  But where Smalltown sometimes leaned towards a Clash-y style here and there, the because leans more towards the sort of 90s melodic punk rock that Snuffy Smile made me love.  The Because put out a hell of a record ten years ago.  I'm just glad it's now on vinyl and finally in my collection.

V/A - Dead Broke Rekerds Four Way Split Vol. 3

V/A - Dead Broke Rekerds Four Way Split Vol. 3, a photo by Tim PopKid on Flickr.

Dead Broke (2012)

This edition of the Dead Broke's 4-Way split covers something near and dear to my heart; incredible Japanese punk rock bands. It is well documented that I've been obsessed with the Japanese punk scene revolving around Snuffy Smiles records for about 15 years or so. i'm constantly trying to hunt down records by all of the bands involved. It can often be frustrating and expensive, but every once in a while a label will make it easy on me.

Dead Broke has grabbed unreleased songs from 4 bands: Gleam Garden, Browntrout, The Because and Your Pest Band. Now, while I like The Because, I've never been blown away by anything I've heard from them, but the other 3 are a who's who of the best bands going in Japan right now. The thing that sets Japanese punk bands apart from the rest of the world to me is with how much sincerity they play with. I just always believe every note and vocal that comes out of my speakers. i wish more bands could convey that kind of emotion. Regardless, this release is essential and if you put any stock into anything I write, you'll check out some songs by them below.

V/A - Dead Broke Rekerds Four Way Split Vol. 3:
deadbrokerekerds.bandcamp.com/album/dead-broke-4-way-spli...