Tiger Uppercut! and something about a pokemon themed hardcore band

At the risk of sounding incredibly smug and hipster like, I'll say that I've listened to quite a lot of different music. I've listened to an accordion Phillip Glass cover artist, a Soviet Yiddish tribute album, authentic Steppe People's yodeling from Mongolia, and even an album just of a person taking a shit. But last night I heard something I never expected.

Graveler, the pokemon themed power violence band.

Yes you read that correctly.

Addiction growing
Gameboy glowing
Deep into the night
Insomnia settles in
Patience wearing thin
Just one more trainer fight
Fuck all the rest
I need to be the best
With my pokemon squad
On Victory Road I stand
Things got out of hand
I am the pokemon god
Crushing the elite four
Trailing paths of gore
Now it's more than just a game
Killing with a grin
No choice but to win
They will all know my name

Now anyone who listens to powerviolence or "thrashcore" knows that the genre is no stranger to gimmicks and themes. You have a whole crop of bands devoted solely to writing songs about wrestling, action movie stars, misogyny and political incorrectness. Hell, Anal Cunt built a career and a legacy out of being ridiculous. Even the mighty Charles Bronson is attributed with being the "best worst band." There are no boundaries in this genre.

While I'm talking about themed bands, why not discuss some Tiger Uppercut!


Tiger Uppercut! were a hardcore band with an awesome street fighter theme. The lyrics are goofy, but in a really awesome sort of way. But just because they're a "joke" band doesn't mean they can't play. Tiger Uppercut! serves up some mosh friendly hardcore that's just as good as any "serious" band. I prefer their demo to their Till My Last Fucking Quarter EP because I'm a big fan of that shoddy, garage production that fits a hardcore band like a glove. Plus the demo has my favorite song, I Could Never Pull Off The Piledriver

EDGE!
MOSHER!
Break on through to the other side

You think you're pretty tough, you think you're the shit
Too bad Zangief would destroy you in the pit
His piledriver devastates any of his foes
Windmills and spin kicks, you don't have any throws

EDGE!
MOSHER!
Break on through to the other side

You mosh and hit 'em in the face, they push you back
Then you fight 'em, cheap like kick to nut sack
You say it's the way it's always been
Well I say it's time for a fucking change

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