Nothings, The

***Compilation of early 80's material from this cult LA punk outfit, including their scarce Steve Jones produced 12" EP and several unreleased tracks. The Nothings had the unfortunate timing of playing sneering, unapologetically Sex Pistols inspired punk at a time when hardcore was in full swing and going through a nasty divorce with its '77 roots. Likewise, they were just a few years early and a few pounds of hair and makeup shy of fitting in with the Hanoi Rocks style glam scene that was about to dominate Los Angeles. Despite not fitting in with the times, the quality of their musical output is nothing short of stellar, as this compilation attests. Their 1983 self released EP could pass as a lost Professionals session, which is of course by design, with ex-Pistol Steve Jones on production duties. The Steve Jones connection isn't just stunt casting, but rather a testament to the extent that these rockers understood and strove to replicate that Sex Pistols brand of sneering, careening, infectious punk. And the treasure trove of unreleased demo material here shows that the group had way more in the tank than their sole vinyl slab suggested. Highly recommended for cult punk fiends!