Suburban Death Trip
Mind Shattering Power Blasts Demo
Iowa Basement Tapes
Originally released: 1985

Connecticut had several great record stores, one being Record Breaker in Manchester. There, I found an original copy of this very rare gem by Iowa’s own Suburban Death Trip (later Sonic Disruption Theory, or just SDT) Years later, I vaguely recall parting with the tape on eBay or something like that, something I’ve regretted ever since. In stepped Iowa Basement Tape Archives, a project from Kristian Day, who also runs the radio show component to these releases. As the disclaimer states, Kristian does his best to secure approval for releasing the records. Finding this again was amazing. But what does it sound like? Original, spastic, slightly metal sounding hardcore with some fun bits, and themes of anti-religion, war and farting in the bathtub. 

Link: https://iowabasementtapes.bandcamp.com/album/mind-shattering-power-blasts-demo


Suburban Death Trip
Psychodelic Discore
Iowa Basement Tapes
Originally released: 1986

Suburban Death Trips first proper release sees them honing a bit of the sound from the demo, including rerecording a number of tracks from the demo. They had a pretty interesting sound, and were definitely doing their own thing within the HC scene. I’d describe it as metallic hardcore, but not really thrash at all. Lyrics are general angst, teen rebellion, etc.

Sonic Disruption Theory
Eleven Parts 7”
Iowa Basement Tapes
Originally released: 1987

This was the first release after Suburban Death Trip changed identities slightly (not including a super rare tape from 87. Not sure if that predated this 7” or not) but still rages. It seems like the chord choices are adding some different influences to the bands style, and the first track reminds a little bit of ‘Animosity’ era C.O.C., where the second has a bit of stop and start late period Black Flag quality to it. A great little 7”

Sonic Disruption Theory
Self Destiny Trek
Iowa Basement Tapes
Originally released: 1988

This was SDT’s fourth vinyl release, this being a short 12”. It continues on their journey to more complex and tuneful post-hardcore tracks, with Peter Hansell’s unique guitar stylings leading the way. The discog info on the band suggests some guy named Bob became their new vocalist, and his style is less frantic and more melodic compared to P.J. Partyhead. The tunes hold together and are more chill as the band matures.

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