Final Solution (NYC Power Electronics)

[Peterson]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDBZYCR0Xjk
http://www.discogs.com/artist/149193-Final-Solution

Over the past few years, I've gradually liked this band more and more. Since many people here probably already know these guys and their overall background, I won't get too nerdy about my introduction. But basically, I think these guys are really underrated despite not really being anything special as far as sounds and subject matter. Still, I really enjoy the New York sleaze vibes, reminds me of movies like Taxi Driver and Cruising. I have most of the discography except the Rape Session 7" on BloodLust!, which I only have MP3s of. I've even attempted and failed miserably at pathetic "cover versions" of a couple songs.

I'm well aware that these guys don't appeal to many, being particularly derivative. I thought this was especially funny, because in this description, they're labeled as "a poor man's Intrinsic Action," which for me, you can't go far wrong. http://muhmur.blogspot.com/2011/07/power-to-destroy.html
Like it says on the Discogs page, I think it's the ugliness that really makes this band.

Normally, I try to avoid hype surrounding music I like, but in this case, I can't. These guys, according to many, were total degenerates, as far as intake of substances and indulgence with sex workers goes. I figure that's basically the subject matter of most PE of that time, so it only makes sense that they aren't just spewing a bunch of empty sentiments. From what I've heard and talked with people about, they often played for a totally clueless audience of hardcore and punk-type people, and the stage banter often supports that. I think back when there wasn't much of that music to go around, that kind of provocation sometimes could be appropriate.

Anyone have any particularly interesting stories/anecdotes concerning these guys? Most importantly, has anyone seen them live?

[Major Carew]

Final Solution are ,for me, the best PE outfit ever.I would go as far as to say one of my most loved bands.They had everything.There are the obvious comparisons of course, but who cares? I have pretty much everything the ever released (and through a couple of very kind and resourceful individuals one or two more recordings of them).You're exactly right when you say they didn't give any 'empty sentiments', they we're the real deal.Certainly not rich kids slumming it like other PE bands one could mention.There are many excellent anecdotes about them.One I heard a while ago is that after playing a show to (yes, probably a 'clueless' audience) they released a box of live crickets into the venue.

There are many stories regarding the end of the band too and other incidents,but not going to stir shit here.

They also did a cover of Sheer Terror's 'Rome Song', which makes them even better! Not only that, but as a large number of their NYC audience were hardcore fans and those involved in that genre they had some interesting friends.Bands like Cro-Mags turning up to a PE gig? Brilliant! I've heard several stories of Paul Bearer doing guest vocals for them.I would do awful things to go back in time and see that!

Whoever said they were 'A poor mans Intrinsic Action' is a moron.Final Solution SHAT all over Intrinsic Action.

[tiny_tove]

my favourite USA project ever, one of the few names I consider an ever lasting influences and one Scott was one of the best voices ever.
I hate PE covers but Ravensbruck has been going on in my mind since the very first time I have heard them

they would need serious reissuing

[collapsedhole]

for me, final solution is everything i want in a power electronics band. tracks pulled off live for maximum energy, blatant synth + vocals approach but with the sound quality on the recordings capturing a level of viciousness and maniacal violence that is perfect. early 90s, industrial sound with NYHC aggression, sleaze & drugs... and fuck they are called "final solution"! doesn't get any better to me!

[GEWALTMONOPOL]

For those who may not have heard this is the one to worship!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCQ2NNgtNBg

For as much as I despise lazy hyperbole like "best PE ever" etc it's hard to argue against that where this track is concerned. While there's plenty of stuff out there that appeals more to my personal taste this track achieves a perfection that may be unmatched. All the elements are in place here.

It would be good to see a reissue of this tape sometime.

[Coma Detox]

I remember a few years back there was talks about a Final Solution boxset, but I think it was shelved after Greg Scott passed away.  I remember ordering some tape from him and it had a hand-written thank you letter written on the back of an escort flyer.  Wish I would have held onto that.  My copy of Half/Dead had the song titles hand written on a piece of paper.  Did they all come like that by any chance????

[tiny_tove]

For those who may not have heard this is the one to worship!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCQ2NNgtNBg

For as much as I despise lazy hyperbole like "best PE ever" etc it's hard to argue against that where this track is concerned. While there's plenty of stuff out there that appeals more to my personal taste this track achieves a perfection that may be unmatched. All the elements are in place here.

It would be good to see a reissue of this tape sometime.

ditto...
backing track sounds so distant yet haunting...

[Bloated Slutbag]

FS is one of the minority of pe units that actually enjoys a great deal of respect / admiration even here - in Japan, The Land Of The Ambivalent About PE. To qualify: I often feel that much gets lost in translation, but perhaps, in same cases, on occasion, a real sense of conviction can cut through the most stubborn of barriers.

Final Solution SHAT all over Intrinsic Action.

[Major Carew]

My copy of 'Half-Dead' seems to be properly printed, etc. I asked the discogs seller how they came by it and they just said 'we aquired it from the collection of a loyal customer at our record shop who is recently deceased'......I have the 'PAin Demons' tape too, what seems to be an official/original copy.It's excellent.Murky sound quality but in a good way.I think the version of 'Bludgeoned' they do on that release has Greg Scott doing vocals.I've yet to hear any PE style vocals more intimidating than his.They're the kind of vocals that just make the hair stand up on the back of your neck..... genuinely frightening! You can hear more of those vocals on the track 'I don't exist' by his criminally underrated 'Hydra' project.

[Coma Detox]

[/i]


Always wondered if my copy was legit or if it was a personal copy.  Comes in a plastic slip case.

[Major Carew]

I get the feeling there were probably a few different versions of that release floating around (personal copies for friends etc).That tape is the best material of the FS recordings i've heard.In particular the tracks 'Horny & Angry' and their cover of 'After Death' by the Nihilistics.

[a_2_g_2]

????
https://www.discogs.com/Trucido-Final-Solution-Trucido-Final-Solution-/release/8254978

[a_2_g_2]

So I've been really obsessed with Final Solution ever since I found out about them a year ago(?). Sadly, all I have is the "Rape Session" 7" from Bloodlust! and the "Do as you're told" 7" from AWB. I've been forced to download the rest of their catalog. I guess they will suffice. I found all of their stuff, including a a side a and b .mp3 of the bootleg live tape that I had to split up myself.

I too would do terrible things to see them live.

I ordered the new spit with Trucido from Analog Worship so I'm very excited to hear it. Also, is that boxset completely out of the question or could it possibly still be in the works?

[totalabuse]

[Major Carew]

Also, is that boxset completely out of the question or could it possibly still be in the works?

Not sure what boxed set you're referring to, but there could (potentially) be some more unreleased material in the works re. live recordings and rehearsal recordings.Yet to confirm though.