Description

Lance Hahn’s Cringer were already punk veterans when they released the Karin 7” EP in 1990. The band had originally gotten together in 1984, in their native Hawaii, from the ashes of a hardcore band by the name “Scarred For life”. Having relocated to Los Angeles in 1986, the band had already unleashed their wares on the public, including two 7” EP’s and compilation appearances. Following the bands debut full length (“Tikki Tikki Tembo No Sa Rembo Chari Bari Ruchi Pip Peri Pembo”) and several personnel changes, the band relocated to San Francisco. At this point Lance and bass player Gardner Maxam (who would remain playing music with Hahn until 1998 in post Cringer outfit-J Church) would be the only original members and driving force of the band through even more line up changes. The next step for the band was this four track 7”. Arguably the finest release by the band, all four tracks shine with upbeat melodies, tinged with melancholy shards. Each track quickly kicks into the next, leaving no room for pause and in doing so creates a near perfect pop punk EP that always seems far too short on every listen. Truly a classic 7” of the era. The cover model for the EP in full close up and also whom the record was titled after was Karin Gembus, the soon to be guitarist of the female punk force Spitboy.

Track list:
1. Cocktail Molotov
2. Understand
3. Step Back
4. Confession