Channel 3 - The Bellwether EP

CH3 (Channel 3), those stalwart survivors of the early 1980’s So Cal punk scene, return with a surprise new five song EP titled “The Bellwether.” The EP is a limited edition Record Store Day release from Hostage Records.

Copies of the 12″ 45 RPM release on colored vinyl hit the shelves April 13, 2019.  Digital and CD are also available at all the usual sources.  

The Bellwether is a tight bright collection of four new songs that showcase the group’s melodic punk craft.

The first track up, What You Need, is a 100 second hardcore blaster, echoing back to CH3’s eponymous 1981 EP.

 

Blackballed, the melodic punk pop single that kicks off side B, is a reminder of CH3’s ease of bridging the muscle of hardcore with timeless power pop. The video for Blackballed, (with the Spinal Tap tribute intro!) was filmed at Long Beach record store Third Eye Records.

This record also features CH3’s first instrumental track, Mendiolas 1983. Those familiar with the LA hardcore days of the 1980’s will recognize this call out to the infamous Exploited/CH3/Youth Brigade riot at the ballroom of the same name.

The album closer How Long Will it Take is a fitting tribute to Los Angeles’ beloved The Plimsouls, who’s raucous live shows influenced the lads in CH3 back in the glory days of the 1980’s So Cal club scene.

The collection of songs showcases CH3 at the peak of their game, some 38 years after their debut EP on the legendary Posh Boy label. Hostage Records has packaged the record as an homage to that first release, with tribute label artwork mirroring the Posh Boy flag logo.

The Bellwether EP is available on red vinyl as well as collectors editions in unique color swirls. The sleeve artwork features Toronto artist Rob Elliott’s torch monkey leaving a burning bridge in his wake, a theme that is echoed in the EP’s title track.

 

 The Bellwether EP:

1. What You Need

2. The Bellwether

3. Mendiolas 1983

4. Blackballed

5. How Long Will It Take

    

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