Jailcell Recipes

Towards the end of last year I started seeing lots of pics of a new Jailcell Recipes record. The band were around at the end of the 80s & start of the 90s and had a few records released by First Strike Records (a label most known for releasing the 2nd Chain Of Strength 7" on a number of colours of vinyl). Back in the early 90s I had a Jailcell Recipes record at some point and ended up letting it go, because it didn't fit with my tastes at the time. But seeing lots of pics of this new record on various different colours of vinyl got me interested, so I gave them a listen, and immediately loved what I heard. So I decided to throw some cash at it. Therer were 5 different colours of vinyl (including black) and I decided to go for the clear as this was exclusively for a store in Japan and so has a bonus obi-strip.

Ok, so technically 'Energy In An Empty Tank Record' is not a new release. It is a kind of 'greatest hits' record. There are 17 songs on here, which is made up of 8 songs from the first LP ('Energy In An Empty Tank World'), 3 songs from the 'Poulton Road' 7", 3 songs from the second LP ('Two Years Of Toothache') and 3 'new' songs that were recorded in 1992 but never previously released.

The packing around this is absolutely top notch, with a poster, lyric sheet and a huge thick booklet.

The booklet is so big and heavy that it barely fits inside the sleeve with the record. It probably also weighs more than the record. The booklet is a great read, with bits written by each member of the band about how and why this record has been made, the history of the band and some rumours which are confirmed or denied. It's really well put together and is a great read.

I also made the decision to buy a test press as the price wasn't too bad. It's not really a proper test press in my opinion as there are 50 copies, but it's still cool as it comes in a different sleeve and is hand numbered on both the sleeve and the record label. The tests also come in various different colour sleeves. Mine is orange but I have also seen green and I think yellow too.

The test also ccomes with aome bonus bits. As well as the giant square booklet, it also has a couple of extra zines - a vegan cookbook and one which is an old interview with the band.

As much as the 18 or 19 year old me didn't enjoy this band, the old me very much does. Somehow in 2025 this band is exactly what I want from a hardcore band, fast and raw. From reading the booklet, it seems that the main point of this record was to improve the sound as the original recording of the first LP was apparently not good. I can't comment as I don't have the original pressing of the first LP, but these songs sound great. Combine the sound quality with the top notch packaging and this is a highly recommended purchase. You can still pick up all versions direct from the label (hosted by Alan's BMX shop).