We always love discovering a lost classic from the punk era and Boston’s La Peste’s Better Off Dead certainly qualifies for that status.

Apparently La Peste put out only one official record consisting of just two songs. First released in 1978, right between the golden age of East Coast punk and hardcore’s takeover in the early 1980s, La Peste’s Better Off Dead seven-inch was informed equally by raw 60s rock and roll and the dust-clearing first wave of punk in 75-76.

The needling intro bridges post punk and surf rock before crashing into a Damned-worthy power chord surge that never lets up or resolves. It’s a perfect sonic balance of CBGB sleaze and proto-hardcore rebellion – well suited to a tale of underage lust and parental disapproval.

On 19th April, Wharf Cat Records will release an authorized reproduction of La Peste’s lone single, in limited edition and assembled in fastidious detail, right down to the original tip-on jacket and “Black Records” imprint on the back.

Want to hear what all the fuss is about? Listen here. Pre-order here.

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