Various Artists

Editor's Review:

Back in 1994, when the very first edition of the Punk O Rama compilation series — the yearly sampler of bands signed to LA-based record label Epitaph — was released, the CD’s lineup was basically what the name implied; Bad Religion, NOFX, Pennywise and other such bands included on the compilation were more or less safely ensconced in the generalized “punk” scene. But Punk O Rama 8 is seemingly the beginning of the end of Epitaph’s status as a strictly punk label. Although their descent into the realm of pop-punk has long been evident, and their recent venturing into revival rock somewhat forgivable, the inclusion of not one, but two hip-hop tracks on Punk O Rama 8 is the proverbial nail in the coffin of Epitaph’s punk rock credibility.
This being said, however, on its own merit, Punk O Rama 8 is exceptionally decent. Spread over two discs, the comp still includes those punk-y bands that made Epitaph what it is: the aforementioned Bad Religion, NOFX and Pennywise, as well as latter-day (and, on the whole, more pop-oriented) stalwarts such as Rancid, The Bouncing Souls, Millencolin, Guttermouth and Dropkick Murphys. But despite the name, this disc is steeped in diversity. There’s of course, the two soon-to-be-infamous hip-hop tracks (contributed by the recently signed Sage Francis and indie hip-hop darlings Atmosphere), a little emo pop (Matchbook Romance, Motion City Soundtrack), prog-metal punk (Death by Stereo, Refused) and Scandinavian revival rock (Turbonegro, Division of Laura Lee, The [International] Noise Conspiracy). Throw in a bit of rock starlet radio punk (The Distillers), psychobilly (Tiger Army), and old-fashioned emo rock (Hot Water Music), along with tracks from Pulley, US Bombs, and Ikara Colt, and you’ve got yourself one mistitled, but otherwise fulfilling, compilation.

– Daniel Taylor
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Record Label Epitaph Released June 2003

Tracks The Distillers - I Am Revenant Motion City Soundtrack - Don't Call It a Comeback Hot Water Music - Trusty Chords Rancid - As Wicked Bouncing Souls - New Day Matchbook Romance - The Greatest Fall (Of All Time) NOFX - The Idiots Are Taking Over Bad Religion - Who We Are Division Of Laura Lee - Trapped In Ikara Colt - Sink Venice F-Minus - Sweating Blood Sage Francis - Makeshift Patriot The (International) Noise Conspiracy - A New Morning, Changing Weather The Black Keys - Thickfreakness Randy - Welfare Problems Death By Stereo - Unstoppable Refused - Coup d'etat Pennywise - Holiday In The Sun Dropkick Murphys - This Is Your Life The Transplants - Quick Death Atmosphere - Bird Sings Why The Caged I Knows Tiger Army - Incorporeal Turbonegro - Train Of Flesh Guttermouth - Contribution Millencolin - Bowmore Pulley - The Ocean Song Bombshell Rocks - Warpath Raised Fist - Get This Right! No Fun At All - Lose Another Friend U.S. Bombs - Roll Around Bad Religion - Shattered Faith