Action Chemistry
Karp hung it up in 1998, after three albums and various singles. Bassist  Jared Warren now fronts the celebrated Tight Bro's from Way Back When.Action  Chemistryis an action-packed compilation of their singles, covers (Black  Flag's "Nothing Left Inside"), and rarities (the compilation's hair-raising  centerpiece, "Gauze," was originally on the legendary 1993 Northwest  compilation,Stars Kill Rock). There are good reasons why Karp were the  metal band of choice for indie rockers in the late '90s, and no, it's not  because the grungesters couldn't handle the "real thing." Karp delivered the  real thing--brutal, bombastic, bellowing angry punkish rants and militaristic  marches--without spandex, cheesy guitar solos, misogynist lyrics, or thick,  tortured attitudes. Bass-heavy and hard, no chaser, but with a dash of humor:  Karp took their high-decibel fun seriously and secured their rightful place in  the history of massiveness and mayhem. This release proves it. It's a mix of all  the right ingredients (Motörhead, Maiden, Melvins, and a requisite load of Black  Sabbath) thrown into a blender without a lid and splayed onto your walls in a  sonic abstract expressionist painting. Listen toAction Chemistryand  there's no turning back--youwillbang your head. This is a must-have for  Karp and Tight Bro's fans. The uninitiated, however, may want to baptize  themselves with Karp's self-titled 1997 album.--Cyndi Elliott