Winnipeg’s Whip is one of those bands that have the feel of classic hardcore, but to me ultimately just embody a firmly aggressive interpretation of punk’s initial modus operandi. The kind of stuff in 2020 we can simply call punk, no qualifiers or diluted adjectives required. Nonetheless, there’s more than just raw intent to these precise, well-crafted maulings. The accelerating tempo of lead track ‘New Obsession’ shows they’re prepared to fuck with the listeners head in addition to making the kids bust a move. ‘Bad Influence’ hits with a string of rhythmic punches that swiftly tilt the brain, leaving one with the ability to walk up walls. Excellent demented brat vocals that bring you to heel with commanding clarity throughout. Whip exhibits the same carefree, unbridled belligerence as earliest Red Kross stuff, but if we’re to analogize with female-fronted groups of yesteryear they seem more in the spirit of an abrasiveness-added Kleenex with their blunt artiness, than California counterparts like SIN 34. Though I think of Winnipeg as being a Canadian-as-fuck city for some reason, I get the sense this group feels more connection to a midwest U.S. scene than Toronto HC for example.. Their Dow Jones and the Industrials cover on previous CanCan Icon EP potentially confirms this theory. Don’t Call Me was apparently recorded back in 2018 – can’t wait to hear what this talented foursome is up to now. With this new 7” under their belt it’s time for a 17 minute LP.

-Zak Slax (Celluloid Lunch #4)