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Hi Sorry State fam! Long time no talk! As you probably know, half our staff is in the same absolutely killer band together (Scarecrow), and they just did a two week European tour. It’s so cool that they got to meet some of you in person and I’m also jealous! But it makes me stop and think about how cool it is that punk can do that, ya know? Things were chill around here and the store was still standing when everyone got back, so it was a success all around. Let’s just dive in, shall we? I’m excited about my pick!
So stoked to be writing about this classic from LA’s early deathrock punks, Legal Weapon. My god, who doesn’t love their legendary album, Death of Innocence? If you don’t love it, I will just assume you haven’t heard it yet, so definitely do that too. Before that prized piece of punk graced our presence, they released their debut EP, No Sorrow (1981). This is the first time it’s been on vinyl since its release, which is pretty exciting as the original is a rare and highly sought after piece that will cost you a fortune.
This EP featured the band’s earliest lineup, which means Patricia Morrison on bass! Total punk icon. It would probably be easier to list the bands she hasn’t been in, but prior to Legal Weapon she had been in the Bags, and then after Legal Weapon she peaced out and moved on to Gun Club, Sisters of Mercy, and The Damned! Quite the punk rock resume. And her bass work on this album is so killer.
No Sorrow is a fine example of early west coast punk. You can hear a subtle gothic influence in the music here, but their deathrock punk side wouldn’t fully emerge until the next record. But with No Sorrow, it was as clear as day that something special was brewing and they weren’t going anywhere for a while. This EP is high energy. It’s fun and catchy, and a little poppy in the most bad ass of ways. Like a darker, more rebellious, rougher, and riffier rendition of the Go-Go’s.
What really sets Legal Weapon apart from other punk bands of the time can be summed up in two words: Kat Arthur. RIP. Her smoky vocals are so strong, and they add so much interest and edge, power, and substance to the already kick ass music. Her ability to pull off different vocal styles with sincerity gives the band a lot of flexibility with their sound. Kat has one of the best voices in all of rock and roll, period.
This record is just banger after banger. No duds. There are five tracks from the analog master and two unreleased live tracks from the Mabuhay Gardens, straight from the board. The first track (No One Listens) takes a page out of the Ramones book, as it totally reminds me of Wanna Be Sedated in the first five seconds. Given that’s one of the best and most exciting punk songs of all time, it didn’t take long to sell me on this record. I actually started with Death of Innocence, so it’s interesting to rewind the clock a bit and go back to the beginning.
There is a really stand out part of the record in the middle. A perfect three-song run including Live My Way, No Sorrow, and Pow Pow. Now that’s one killer chunk of punk. Pow Pow is my favorite track on the record. The killer opening riff that’s joined a few seconds later by the deepest bass tone just gets me. The deep and dark melodic bass parts are so satisfying. This song really showcases how Kat’s vocals can easily change the mood of a song, and no matter what she does with her vocals, it sounds like that style was made for her. In particular, I love the way she sings the line (and other variations of the line) “little boy wants out now, so you let him have a pow pow!” I can picture her singing this to some dude who is pinned under her boot. The whole track has a playful and taunting vibe that makes it absolutely infectious.
The guitar tone and the beat in the title track, No Sorrow, reminds me of Black Flag’s Nervous Breakdown. Another LA band getting their start around the same time, and releasing their debut right before Legal Weapon released theirs. Big punk things were happening on the west coast at the turn of the decade. And I don’t think Legal Weapon got the credit or recognition they deserved for how good they really were. Easily one of the best and most underrated punk bands ever.
So if you haven’t already, grab this EP. The first batch we had went fast, and for good reason! Thanks so much for reading! Until next time!
EDIT: I am so sorry to report that by the time you’re reading this, the record has sold out again. But put your email in under the record’s listing on our website and be notified of any restock! Dammit! I hate when that happens. Sorry ya’ll. Thank you for reading! Until next time….
-Angela