Hardcore punk is back ... again (From Western Telegraph)

Hardcore punk is back ... again

CD review: Sex Wars by Picture Frame Seduction

History lesson pt1: Hardcore punk was born in LA in 1978. Hardcore was punk taken to its loud/fast extremes.

Hardcore doctrines extolled the power of youth as a force of change and a rejection of official culture.

Hardcore spread rapidly across the world but eventually collapsed under the weight of its own puritanism and law enforcement agencies everywhere.

It went underground, perpetually in a state of re-evaluation, rising from the ashes in '88 and '94.

History lesson pt.2: When I was involved with the much-inventive and sorely-missed Sick Kids Experience, they supported Picture Frame Seduction in Haverfordwest.

Epilogue: Like the music they play, Picture Frame Seduction emerge, burn brightly then head back to the underground to re-emerge later, repurposed. Haverfordwest Hardcore is back and accept no substitutes - the credos of solidarity, criticism of official culture and rocket-fuelled tempos still burn brightly - from Cosheston to California indeed!

***If you liked what our reviewer had to say about PFS' album, then why not enter this week's fantastic competition?

We have a copy of the album, Sex Wars, plus a whole raft of other PFS goodies - T-shirt, poster, badges etc - for one lucky reader and a CD for one runner-up.

Said Keith, of PFS: "The album came out in the USA last week and we are extremely encouraged by the sales so far - much bigger than the UK, which is as expected. UK sales have been above the estimate too, so we are pleased."

To enter, tell us which UK punk rock record label Picture Frame Seduction is signed to. (psst... if you haven't got a clue, visit www. pictureframeseduction.com)

Send your entry, name, address and telephone number to - PFS competition, Telegraph Pulse, Western Telegraph, Haverfordwest, SA61 1XF or e-mail ally.betteley@gwent-wales.co.uk, by April 13th.