F**k the Main$tream Records

11/30/2025

25 to LIFE - Day 4: CS?VIO - WE DID THIS INSTEAD?

CS?VIO – WE DID THIS INSTEAD? [LP]

Featuring: 12 tracks

Runtime: 37min 35sec

Catalog #: FRI-065

Released: October 13th, 2010

Produced By: Wil.T & Adam G.

Genre: Alternative/Punk/Experimental/Singer-songwriter

The long awaited experimental alternative acoustic full-length debut album “WE DID THIS INSTEAD?” from CS?VIO ; Will Thompson aka Chainsaw Synphany and Adan Gonzales aka Victory Is Ours released through F**k the Mainstream Records recently turned 15 and I thought now was a good a time as any to take a quick little look back on it, the band, and some killer tunes that have still yet to fully get their due. The enigmatic duo was both art and living cartoon absurdity. The band always changed their name per release and did random one off shows in the most unlikely of places including an over the top acoustic house party performance at the house of some Lt cartel dudes place by request! This record was a soulful and colorful release that saw the band pursue a different direction sound wise than previously intended for their full length debut. Originally conceived of as being a juggernaut Texas styled Industrial album as one the early release tunes “Chainsaw Synphany Victory is Ours” and “Where Yo Hat?” which were aimed at the original vision a record in that vain with the title “Texas Thang”. One thing led to another and the guys ended up having a blast while making it in the process while experimenting with the sounds and substances. The record was recorded in Kingsville, Tx at the guys studio / pad on the main strip near the University. This record was made after the guys relocated South to Kingsville as Will attended college and the guys got their other projects going as well somewhere new. The bulk being recorded in Winter and Spring. The record was mostly cut in a couple months time while the dudes worked at a Club and print shop in town together while developing the bands and brands. It was wrapped ultimately in a year with a Fall release. All these things together came to culminate to the title of “We Did This Instead?” Did you know that rumor has it that if you listen closely enough you can even hear the b**g being played!

Stacy Vasquez formerly of Cinema of Fear, F.T.M, and Sistine Ceiling makes a cameo on drums on the song “LATE” which is also the only song that made the record with drums and helps make a splash when enjoying the audio journey as it is. Also contained on the album among its soundscapes towards the end are a handful of carefully fun crafted acoustic covers of tunes from; Ween, My Drug Hell, Dwarves, and F**kemos. The audio journey is a unique and pleasurable one filled with lots of raw passion, doobie, and charm. By this point the band's name had already changed from full form joint name to abbreviated CS/VIO, CS\VIO, CS¿VIO, including some capital letter variants for added measure to keep the fun and absurdity of the project and it's spirit. The ever evasive tuna so to speak. There was a full band recording of “Drips” with drums, and the whole nine yards that was roughly mixed and intended for the deluxe version one day, but it was ultimately lost unfortunately – with some super rare rough versions floating around on unlabeled CD-R's allegedly. If anyone ever comes across this bad mama jamma – you have our full permission to upload that s**t to Youtube by all means!

Stand out tracks like “Winter High”, “Gravity” - a tune that makes the gravity b**g sound like a metaphor for a heavy life lived. “Skin the Cat” a fun genre bending instrumental that while soothing ears keeps the feet tapping to their own unique beat. The acoustic covers all stand out strongly on their own right. With two “Girl at the Bus Stop” and “Do Ya Wanna Dance?” receiving a nod of approval and kind words from the original artists. The end live improv jam “Free Associative Thought” seals the deal and makes the record wrap up and feel like you're there hanging with the guys taking b**g hits in a sketchy shed out back. A video of which is available for viewing on the YouTubes if that sort of thing tickles your fancy. Happy hunting!

“We Did This Instead?” stands out 15 years later as unique as ever, and if anything just as important for people to hear, especially musicians who are feeling trapped by the social rigidness of genres and scenes. Let loose, be yourself, create, be free, and enjoy man. The sounds are lo-fi, and while not a Grammy winning break out this record is without a doubt a slow roasting delicious audio stew steadily slow cooking and ahead of it's time as the world waits to catch up to their level. Fans of Ween, Tenacious D, Flight of the Concords, and the likes should easily feel a connection with CS?VIO now Rotoscoped. Now that that's out of the way, why not do yourself a favor and treat yourself to something still very fresh and different after all these years – WE DID THIS INSTEAD? By CS?VIO. You'll be glad ya did! Perfect for long drives, walks, late night sessions, or any other damn time. Pack a bowl and sing along!

Perfect for headphones, and surround sound systems. Download includes bonus content. Enjoy ya lovely bastiches!

-KM

Be sure to follow Rotoscoped [cs?vio] on FB:

www.facebook.com/rotoscoped

LISTEN:

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lg_cQvetW0RQ5B1_7GfW-iAYqxwdpHhV0&si=biBkS04NknQZxhHG

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/6swWJQ3DAuFTtuPstSEfvE?si=-0zbu96NRIumxhaA6_IY-A

Amazon: https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B012UE1OJO?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_wBo78VjmS1xn5DQKZJjUyklTF

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/we-did-this-instead/1016926721

Tidal: https://tidal.com/album/48321560/u

BUY:

Official Bandcamp: https://rotoscoped.bandcamp.com/album/we-did-this-instead

Official Website: www.f**kthemainstreamrecords.com

LINKTREE: www.linktr.ee/f**kthemainstreamrec

10/30/2025

DAY 3:

F**k the Mainstream - I.E.N. [IS EVERYTHING NOTHING?] (Live)

Featuring: 7 tracks
Runtime: 28min 36sec
Catalog #: FRI-01?
Released: May 3, 2002
Produced By: Wil.T

The forgotten demo album I.E.N. was compiled from a practice session recorded at lead singer Wil.T's house in the band's practice space live to a packed captive house of loyal FTM F**kheads as they were called on an old dual mic analog cassette tape deck from the early 80's. The album was originally released exclusively the night of May 3rd 2002 for a show at ZERO'S in Corpus Christi, Tx with Wicked Red for their album release show since their radio ads were saying FTM first and louder than the band whose album release it actually was. The band felt that was a good sign to release something. The band was originally a bit hesitant about the release sense many of the songs here – in fact all plus a few more were slated to appear on the band's forthcoming proper debut full-length “World of Lies” that never materialized as it got lost in production hell, as they say, being recorded several times with several more sessions planned but never materialized as their Drummer ended up unfortunately going to jail for an extended time. Allegedly that record is rumored to be sitting on a hard drive in a garage in Beeville at Nada Cinco's Mom's garage. Spoooky! The record would help prove that experimental industrial heavy metal was in fact alive and thriving in the bowels of STX. They were not alone, and they were bringing their friends along for the ride.

I.E.N. stands for Is Everything Nothing? a question, statement, and ethos. The original first release was made out of a folded flier for the show. Later releases not from that night feature alternating renditions of the same image theme. The live album features a mere snippet of the raw live intensity that would help make FTM / F**k the Mainstream a household name throughout South Texas and beyond. The track listing features core early crowd favorite singalong live songs; “The Disbelieving Ones”, “Call Us the Deads”, “Reinforced Hate”, “Zero”, “Awake Again”, “Born Dead”, & “Staring at the stars while HIGH ON DEATH”. For the best experience it is highly recommended to listen with high-grade headphones or on surround system while reading along with the lyrics. Featuring the pivotal early lineup of Wil.T – Vox, Karrie - Lead Guitar, Nada - Rhythm Guitar, Solrac – Bass, Stove – Drums.

Upon listening any doubt or question of to the legitimacy of the band's influence and prowess will be left in the dust. Raw, passionate, inventive, haunting, heavy, powerful, real, angry, lost, unapologetic, and unfiltered heart. Friends coming together to make something greater than themselves to share with the people. It's easy to see why the band resonated as well as they did packing beer hall, seedy clubs, cornfields, ranches, house parties, and venues across Texas. If you like what you hear be sure to check out more releases from this era & more of F**k the Mainstream / FTM via your preferred audio streaming platform or to purchase this release or more directly via the band's bandcamp linked below.

One hell of a rare live gem from a unique time in South Texas' budding industrial / nu metal / punk scene. This was from a very special time in the early days of the label and while admiringly not the best audio quality it's true low-fi glory is also part of what helps add to its legacy and still budding ongoing and growing online influence. FTM's haunting Industrial Thrash Punk Metal flair rings through each track like a sparking live wire of passion! So, get fired up, crank the stereo up, and let's raise one to this timeless classic from the label's namesake pioneers! Cheers and happy listening!


KM


LISTEN:

Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nYxdDeKVXm5jMPjrr8w4BqDyZwzV3zYb4&si=5qxFpz783UQ-Fusd

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/2BtW9Bu38ElLfKmHqC4PLB?si=fQjrQ4FJQLmhkA3Hp6KEBQ

Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/albums/B09LHVP823?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_YgBc40m4koalz0EB6KQ63cpfI

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/i-e-n-is-everything-nothing-live/1594671218

Tidal: https://tidal.com/album/204624747/u

Deezer: https://link.deezer.com/s/31o2ChK5CBZwLJYcxWjD9

Qobuz: https://www.qobuz.com/fr-fr/album/ien-is-everything-nothing-f**k-the-mainstream/kk17vifxiz4ya

BUY:

Official Bandcamp: https://f**kthemainstream.bandcamp.com

Official Website: www.f**kthemainstreamrecords.com

Official Swag: https://www.cafepress.com/shop/F**ktheMainstream

LINKTREE: www.linktr.ee/f**kthemainstreamrecords

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10/22/2025

25 to LIFE - DAY 2: BARRAGAN – OCCULTUS REALTAS

Featuring: 7 tracks
Runtime: 18min 42sec
Catalog #: FRI-0??
Released: October 31st, 2014
Produced By: Robert Barragan


“Lightning in a bottle” is the term that comes to mind when I think of South Texas based BARRAGAN's “OCCULTUS REALTAS”. Originally released digitally Halloween 2014, the record is a magna opus of sorts standing on the shoulders of the culmination of the better part of a decade and half spent honing his craft and unique voice and style. Make no mistake all his previous records are bangers too. Boasting a sound that could very easily be described as experimental industrial hip hop punk rock metal this eclectic release and artist swing for the fences with this one. Showcasing the powerhouse of self and introspection and tackling topics such as inequality, globalism, unchecked capitalism, poverty, the struggle of the working class, relationship woes, the consumer mindset, the occult, and more – this albeit brief record / EP is more than some angst ridden basement dweller's shaking auditory fist at the heavens or a collection of songs merely sitting unused somewhere compiled to move things forward. It is a record made with intent and filled with passion and purpose. All of which echo through each song with glorious ferocity and foot tapping ear-worm anthems.

Occultus Realtas marks a turning point release in Barragan's catalog as this marks his first full venture with F**k the Mainstream Records as a solo artist. Hailing from B-town by way of Germany originally and recorded in Corpus Christi & San Antonio this record is a powerful beast. While he has released tunes with the label in the past they were in conjunction with his self-standing label / imprint Spinalcore Records. Barragan brings the industrial punk rock hip hop flavor and has truly honed the niche' genre-defying sound his has not only helped pioneer, but spear headed. A sound I see only continuing to grow with time as his records continue to permeate. I further recommend all who read this to do themselves a favor and dig deeper into this amazingly talented artist's discography – most of which is available in some form via his personal bandcamp.

Featuring bangers like “Who's in control of your life? [pt2]”, “Thorn Upon the Vine”, “F.L.T.H”, and more. Each one cutting deep into its topic with the precision of an audio and lyrical surgeon turning the previously unheard soundscapes of his mind into tunes anyone with ears and the internet with speakers can hear. The soundscapes are textured and mechanized with a hip hop bounce thrown into the metallic vibes of the pure punk rock ethos. This record was part of a label renaissance that saw a number of killer albums from new and familiar faces take flight and help garner enough wind to keep things sailing while prevailing in keeping listeners on their toes and not disappointed. Barragan attacks the world and its injustices one line after another while encouraging the listener to do the dirt and homework of self-reflection to help bring about the positive changes we wish to see in this world actively working to turn this living hell into a potential heaven one day.

As you can see when I said “swing for the fences” this record does not disappoint. If anything, it has helped and continues to help remind people to embrace their differences and see them as strengths, while working together to bring many much-needed reforms to the world around us. This record attacks the status quo, the establishment, the many puppet strings of organized religion, while celebrating freedom, sense of self, self-respect, freedom, and accountability. With enough bass to make your sound system shake and enough rock energy to make to you throw some horns, I feel this record will only further continue to grow and find larger audiences and influence new generations to take the gamble on themselves and fight the world they want as well as the better versions of themselves they want to be and for the world to see. Change is incremental, so merely reading about this record could already directly have an impact on a person that listening would only further help grow. One day at time one foot after the other we trudge on. While the world doesn't show any signs of improving anytime soon, the winds of change are indeed in the air. What we do with them and where we fan them could lead to more positive growth and change. So if this record speaks to you and feel a connection please feel free to help spread the sounds and message of BARRAGAN's OCCULTUS REALAS!

Be sure to keep your ears and eyes peeled for more BARRAGAN as the worm slowly turns! Hear the latest tune “SURPRISE” on 2023's F**k the Mainstream Records Presents: The Graffiti Tree: An Audio Illustration Compilation. If you like what you hear feel free to pass it along!

Happy listening!!!


-W

LISTEN:

Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC2BwJ7YiJmeWGUk5U6BDHZw?si=gS4LsN7D48-2qu1I

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/5aCa6V7pV5HfmIzptHP230?si=n1Uq6BDUTlC4X-t3rBAvCA

Amazon: https://amazon.com/music/player/albums/B013AJ2VDQ?marketplaceId=ATVPDKIKX0DER&musicTerritory=US&ref=dm_sh_jGKNoQ5KYknJhyEvJbdnRUzjp

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/occultus-realtas/1022544823

Tidal: https://tidal.com/album/49499168/u

BUY:

Official Bandcamp: http://www.barragan.bandcamp.com

Official Website: https://www.reverbnation.com/barragan

Official Swag: https://www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/175205372

LINKTREE: www.linktr.ee/f**kthemainstreamrecords

10/03/2025

Happy Birthday to Richard Hell, punk icon and member of Television, the Heartbreakers and Richard Hell & The Voidoids, born today in 1949.

📸 Gus Stewart/Getty Images

10/01/2025

Homie needs a hand. 🙏✊🔥

09/12/2025

Happiest and sleaziest of birthdays to one of the best people and musicians I know! Cheers brudda!
Feel free to help join us in wishing this loveable madman a great one and to make em feel special check out and follow the mighty OX45! You’ll be glad you did!!!

09/03/2025

Music to help fight the suck - COMING SOON!!!

07/15/2025

FLASHBACK TO HUMBLE ROOTS:

Presented here is the remastered, remixed, reworked DELUXE version of 2003's "Bang your head, wake the dead" compilation featuring bonus tracks, & new stable album art! For all sakes & purposes this is the first real FTM REC compilation, as the actual debut comp "BeEville: A compilation of other stuff" was a crude joke comp. Where as, "Bang your head, wake the dead" was a more serious although still quite comedic comp originally released on CD-R format with inconsistent art, which in most cases wasn't even included with copies. Sometimes it was bootlegged as FTM REC NEW DEMOS '03 although this title is incorrect it does help clear the confusion. This record although crude at times showcases a unique time in South Texas & B-Town music history as it was released just as everyone was coming together to make the town’s scene a thriving one.

BUY / LISTEN on Bandcamp or STREAM anywhere on your fav streaming platforms:
https://f**kthemaintreamrecords.bandcamp.com/album/bang-your-head-wake-the-dead-compilation-deluxe