REVIEWS

Real Estate Fraud It's Funny 'cause It's True 7"
     This EP is kind of hokey looking, so it's not something I would
     normally have picked up on my own.  Thankfully I got to review
     it, since it turned out that they have an interesting older punk
     sound that is not really related to any scene.  They remind me of
     a URINALS or SACCHERINE TRUST type of band, but with a little
     country twist.  (Hit List #1)

     The First time through, the quirkiness that runs through the four
     songs on this EP (mostly in the vocals) put me off.  But this is a
     "more I listen to it more I like it" record.  REF are a three-piece
     from Minneapolis, and like most bands from that area, the fun
     they're having making this music is more prominent than any
     instrument.  I love that!  (Maximumrocknroll #188)

     Definitely-how should we put this- "unique".  Sounds like Dead
     Kennedys crossed with Shellac and/or old They Might Be Giants.
     The music goes from bizarre and twisted "Debusen" to
     straightahead pile-driving "Darkside".  Someone got their meds
     mixed up on "Make Your Mind".  "Round Girl" is a little too
     yee-haw for me (even if it's supposed to be funny, it's too much),
     but other than that, this release is a lot of fun.  (Spank #26)

     This band keeps getting better and better, improving and evolving
     since their debut cassette and Tough Guy 7".  What we have here
     is a three-piece spastic, garagey, simple yet experimental fast
     punk rock band.  The songs definitely rock hard and are very
     catchy, with a garage-rock fuzziness that gives it a "party in the
     basement" type of feeling.  Also, for some reason, it almost
     sounds like there's a bit of a B52's influence on this record.  I
     think part of Real Estate Fraud's quirkiness comes from the fact
     that the band is fronted by a Jpapnese guy stuck in Minnesota...
     Whatever it is, this guys are lots of fun and they keep getting
     better.  (World Wide Punk)