The Bollocks — Revolution (Reissue) Tape

Band: The Bollocks
Title: Revolution
Label: Basement Records
Format: Mini album, Cassette Tape, Reissue
Country: Malaysia
Release Date: 2013 (Originally by ASAS Records in 1997)
Genre / Style: Hardcore Punk, UK 82
Streaming Link:  Revolution

* Price excludes postage and handling fee.

Remarks:
This is the 1st cover, 1st pressing of the reissue.
300 copies sold out.
The same songs appear on both sides.
Recorded November 1996 at Sonic Studio.
Lyrics and info are printed inside the glossy cover.

The Bollocks hailed from Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Revolution by The Bollocks is a landmark album in Malaysian punk history. Released in 1997 during the peak of the DIY punk wave in Southeast Asia, this album captures the raw energy, socio-political frustration, and anti-establishment ethos of the era. The Bollocks were one of the key players in the underground punk scene in Kuala Lumpur, and Revolution is perhaps their most defining statement.

Musically, Revolution is rooted in classic '80s UK punk and hardcore punk, reminiscent of bands like The Exploited, Discharge, and GBH, but with a distinctly Malaysian voice. The sound is aggressive and gritty—buzzsaw guitars, pounding drums, shouted vocals—nothing is polished, and that’s exactly the point. The lo-fi production adds to the authenticity of the message. Songs are fast, under 3 minutes on average, and come with simple but effective riffs that channel pure punk energy. There’s a strong sense of urgency in both the music and the lyrics.

The themes of Revolution revolve around anti-authoritarianism, rebellion, street life, and youth disillusionment. Tracks are direct and confrontational, echoing the frustrations of a generation coming of age in a rapidly changing and often repressive socio-political environment. The lyrics are mostly in English, making the band accessible beyond Malaysia and aligning with the global punk movement while maintaining local relevance.

Revolution is considered a classic in Malaysian underground music. It not only helped shape the punk scene in the region but also inspired countless other bands to pick up instruments and speak out. The Bollocks, alongside other local acts like Carburetor Dung and The Pilgrims, formed the backbone of Malaysia’s punk resistance in the late '90s. The album is still celebrated today for its fearless attitude and unfiltered truth.

For punk fans interested in global scenes and the evolution of the genre outside the Western world, Revolution is essential listening. Revolution is a raw, honest, and powerful punk album that stands the test of time. It’s an uncompromising document of youth rebellion in 1990s Malaysia—a must-listen for fans of global punk history and Southeast Asian underground music.

Chaos KP!!!