The 1980s were a golden era for punk, with bands cranking out albums at a relentless pace. Some became legends, others faded into obscurity, and many of the era’s good records are now frustratingly expensive. Which means it’s left up to labels like Left for Dead Records to do the Lords work and rescue these lost gems for a new generation of Hardcore hungry scenesters

Such is the case with Detention – Dead Rock ‘N Rollers, a compilation LP collecting recordings from the New Jersey band. Some tracks, recorded at Homegrown Studios, originally appeared as the Dead Rock ‘N Rollers b/w El Salvador 7″ on Rigor Mortis Records, others come from Graphic Sound Studios sessions that never saw vinyl release, and the rest were recorded at Little Apple Studios and appeared on the Detention 12″ LP. 

Detention’s sound is a mix of Ramones, Dead Moon, and a dash of Dead Kennedys. The title track, Dead Rock ‘N Rollers, a college radio hit, captures their irreverent spirit. Punk was about tearing down idols, and Detention takes that to the extreme, skewering legends from Hendrix to Sid Vicious and everyone in between.  

The rest of the album balances humor (Teenage Panty Fantasy) with political jabs (El Salvador). Unlike many compilations, which can feel uneven, this one maintains a lo-fi rawness throughout which adds to the feeling of cohesion.

That is… until track nine. The Beach. That’s when the synthesizers hit. Now, I don’t mind experimentation, but this felt so out of place I had to check if I was still listening to the same band. I wouldn’t want to misidentify them and risk the wrath of Mr. T.C. He’s Welsh (For the record, I’m not Welsh. I just live there – TC), after all, and I hear they have… methods. Often involving sheep and spelling tests. 

Who should check it out:

Fans of Dead Kennedys, Dead Moon, Dead Milkmen, and anyone who likes their punk rock to come gift wrapped with a sense of humour . TSOL fans might even dig it.

Who should skip it:

If you’re easily offended. Not quite GWAR-level, but still—stick to Barry Manilow.

Tracks to skip:

The Beach. Just pretend it never happened.

Song to annoy your mom with:

Dead Rock ‘N Rollers. Bonus points if she loved Jimi Hendrix. Poor Mom.

Song to annoy the neighbor with:

Bad Dream. Or Too Noisy if you’re feeling extra spicy

Also, if you’re a CIA operative, can you “convince” Cro-Mags to reissue Revenge? Just kidding. Or am I…? Georgious Vita

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