Better Off Dead b/w Black + 3 Tracks

by La Peste

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Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Finally Back in Print!

Includes unlimited streaming of Better Off Dead b/w Black + 3 Tracks via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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Streaming + Download

Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.

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	1.	Better Off Dead 03:13		buy track
	2.	Black 04:10		buy track

about

FINALLY BACK IN PRINT, LA PESTE'S ESSENTIAL 1978 7" THIS TIME ON RED VINYL! THIS IS A RUN OF 500 ONLY AND COMES WITH TWO EXTRA DIGITAL TRACKS WHEN YOU ORDER ON BANDCAMP!

THESE SHOULD SHIP ON 3/3!

Track List

1. Better Off Dead (Remastered)
2. Black (Remastered)
3. Kindness Invites Abuse (Live at The Space 1978)
4. Cit Jerk / Not Today (Live at The Space 1978)

Peter Dayton - guitar, vocals Mark Karl - bass, vocals Roger Tripp - drums, vocals

RIYL

Wire, Dead Boys, Zero Boys, Christian Death, Mission of Burma, Black Flag

In their brief but storied career, Boston's La Peste put out only one official record consisting of just two songs. First released in 1978, right between the golden age of East Coast punk and hardcore’s takeover in the early 1980s, La Peste’s "Better Off Dead" seven-inch was informed equally by raw 60s rock and roll and the dust-clearing first wave of punk in 75-76. Hugely influential to post-punk, new wave, and hardcore punk, this seminal single has a rightful place in the hands of any vinyl junkie with a taste for the harder underground offerings of the late 70s.

The A-Side’s needling intro bridges post punk and surf rock before crashing into a Damned-worthy power chord surge that never lets up or resolves. This cautionary tale, It’s a perfect sonic balance of CBGB sleaze and proto-hardcore rebellion — well-suited to the hellish scene painted by the words. The B is a moodier, bass-driven cut that forges further out towards punk’s fringe, merging Christian Death’s goth menace to Gang of Four’s righteous throb. "Better Off Dead" captures a regional darling coming into its own. It sounds at once intimidating and scared of its own strength

The record was released to massive acclaim in 1978 from punk's critical vanguard. Robert Christgau and John Peel both approved. It quickly became a sought-after artifact, and can still fetch three figures at auction, long after the band called it quits. The title track found its way onto a Killed By Death compilation.

This recording comes directly from the original 1978 Boston reels, with a light-touch polish from Josh Bonati of New York’s Bonati Mastering that serves only to preserve the original sound while cranking the volume.

credits

released March 3, 2023

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La Peste Boston, Massachusetts

First Wave Punk from Boston 1976 - 1979. Keep your eyes out for news in 2022. Accept no substitutions!

Instagram: @lapestetheband

Twitter:
@lapestetheband

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