Varukers

Particularly through the earliest 1980s, the Varukers were among the most exciting of all the bands still chasing their punk rock tails through the mess of post-punk shenanigans developing around them. The self-titled four-track EP (led off by "Protest and Survive") that became their 1981 debut, in particular, sets out the band's parameters, a proto-hardcore blur that builds on Sabbath guitars and staccato rhythms to pinpoint the Varukers as the kind of high energy noise that too many people had abandoned by then. "I Don't Wanna Be a Victim," "Die for Your Government," and the Led to the Slaughter EP followed, and mark the peak of the Varukers' efforts; subsequent singles essentially reiterated what we already knew they could do. But they're all here regardless, 24 tracks culled from half a dozen now-scarce singles and EPs, and all standing as a remarkable tribute to a remarkable band. ~ Dave Thompson, All Music Guide