Kuro is one of the best Japanese hardcore bands of all time. While they never released an album, their 'Who The Helpless' 8" EP is one of the most feral and crushing early Japanese hardcore records. The sound resembles 'Fuckheads'-era Gauze or G-Zet in that you can tell Discharge is the base of the soup, but the playing is more precise, a little cleaner, and with an emphasis on heaviness and grit rather than pure density. People often remark that there's a Motörhead-esque quality to a lot of the best Japanese hardcore, and that's the case here, though the vocals are shredded, up there with John Brannon or Jerry A in intensity. Tracks A1-A7 from 'Who The Helpless' 8" flexi (1984, Blue Jug Records). Tracks A8-A11 from 'Fire' 7" EP (1986, KPP Records). Tracks B1-B2 from 'Pinch & Ouch!' compilation (1985, KPP Records). Tracks B3-B4 from 'Kuro' 7" flexi (1983, Blue Jug Records). Tracks B5-B6 from '1983 Gig' 7" flexi (1986, KPP Records). SIDE 1: 01. X 02. Human Clash 03. Body 04. Who The Helpless 05. Selfish Cow 06. OiMaeda 07. No More No 08. A.N.P.R. 09. Lightning Breaks 10. Furniture Fire 11. Dead Heat 10000V SIDE B 01. Hey! Hey! Hey! 02. Midnight Baby 03. Jag Out 04. Top Less Go 05. Jag Out (1983 Gig) 06. Top Less Go (1983 Gig)