The Every Other Weekly

June 12th - June 25th

Estrus Records - High-Octane Rock N' Roll

Often forgotten in their hometown of Bellingham, Estrus Records is the region's largest record label. Lots of bands on the label swing through town to play shows at the 3-B Tavern to a few hundred faithful fans, but the people that buy Estrus releases are spread all over the globe. One of the cool things about the label is their vinyl singles club called the Estrus Crust Club.

For just $25.00 per year members receive six limited edition singles on colored vinyl, discounts on purchases from the Estrus catalog, and lots of bonus gifts. The releases vary, from the Shadows-inspired instrumental rock of The Huntington Cads to the primitive rock n' roll of The Screamin' Furys. These two releases are now available to the general public and can be purchased by writing to: Estrus Records, P.O. Box 2125, Bellingham, WA 98227-2125. Here are quick reviews of these new Estrus releases:

The Huntington Cads - Big Guitars, Western Style 7"

The Huntington Cads are one of my favorite instrumental bands, combining elements of surf, rock, and spaghetti western into a unique package. This single features four western-flavored instros, two covers and two originals. The festivities begin with The Rattler, a smoker that will get your hips shaking. Broken Arrow is a smoky mid-tempo soundtrack for some yet-to-be released western that only exists in your imagination. On the flip you'll find another original, Western Skies, and the Morricone-penned classic The Vice Of Killing.

The Screamin' Furys - Why 7"

Well, I definitely didn't like this 7" on 45 speed (which the label specifies), but slowed down to 33 1/3 it was pretty cool. I assume it's just a misprint. I dig garage rock, but the Fury's didn't move me like I thought they would. I would jump at the chance to see 'em live, but I just don't think I'll spin this one more than a few times. My fav here was She's Alright!. Cover design by Art Chantry.

Past releases have included singles from The 1-4-5's, The Fells, Man Or Astroman?, Girl Trouble, Los Marauders, The Del Lagunas, The Monarchs, The Hentchmen, The King Sound Quartet, Gas Money, Sugar Shack, Lord High Fixers, and more. You never know what's coming, which is part of the fun. I admit, I haven't liked every single, but it does allow me to hear music that I wouldn't ordinarily purchase.

Estrus is recovering from a devastating fire, which destroyed their entire mail-order inventory, Dave Crider's personal record collection, and some of the Mono Men's gear. The label is getting back on its feet and a new Sir Estrus Quarterly (their mail-order catalog/fanzine) should be hitting mailboxes any day now. There will also be a Garage Shock this year, taking place at the 3-B Tavern on Halloween weekend. Details on this year's lineup should be available in the next couple of months.

Updated Oct. 30th, 1997 by Sean Berry (Logo Design by Rip of The Penetrators)

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