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James Taylor Quartet – ‘Hung Up On You’ (JTI Records)

James Taylor Quartet – ‘Hung Up On You’ (JTI Records)

My first impression of this album was the bold statement to just have a white sleeve with a blue border and JTQ – Hung Up On You in the top corner but looking through the band’s previous offerings its perfectly normal and in keeping with their tradition for minimalist artwork. No Picture, artwork, label nada, zilch, nuffink. So without any misconceptions, I crack open the sleeve and put the crisp white platter on the turntable and let the title track fill the air and to be fair having a clean palette might be a smart move because the title track is a wicked slice of garage rock. It’s got groove and a nice edge to it. Then the first single off the album the 60s-tinged psych rocker with a big hook ‘She Dreams In Crimson’ wafts through the speakers before the funky instrumental ‘Chicken Legs’ gets groovy baby and fills the dancefloor with the honkin’ organ whirling around over some funky loose drum fills.  

The next track that really grabs my retro attention is the uptempo ‘Miss Your Life’ which is the best track thus far and side one is brought to a rocking end with ‘Perch Non Vsi Da Lui’ and a really good rocker with a cool retro vibe and who doesn’t love a breakdown where the drums hold a steady beat and we chase the keyboard off into the end of the first act, good stuff.

Side two begins with a generous helping of garage rock with a great melody and hook as you’re told to ‘Put Your Hands Up’. An album full of Medway-style punky/new wave Rock’n’Roll, ‘Hung Up On You’ is a fast and furious roller coaster of a record that touches on a whole load of groovy styles. Since covid James has been working again, writing and playing, for his original band from the 80’s, The Prisoners and making albums of late with Billy Childish. “The track (Hung Up On You) was left over from a writing session for my his other band ‘The Prisoners’The band are traditionally from a funk background but you’d never tell and when they say they had a lot of fun in the studio you can hear that in the recordings throughout as they challenge themselves and deliver a really impressive album sure I could live without a couple of instrumentals but when they kick back and rock ou they really hit the spot ‘My My My’ could easily be prime time Townsend jamming on the Stones and that’s always a good thing.

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Author: Dom Daley

The Hard Ons – I Like You A Lot Getting Older’ (Cheersquad Records & Tapes)

The Hard Ons – I Like You A Lot Getting Older’ (Cheersquad Records & Tapes)

Hot On The heels of ‘Ripper ’23’ Hard Ons are mining a rich seam of songs for sure. Sure it’s a mixed bag of punk rock from the super melodic title track through the twelve tracks on offer of this latest album. The single ‘Buzz Buzz Buzz’ is a guitar noodling masterclass and once it’s in your head it’s tough to shake it off. The melody and harmonies are like crack and then they leave you only to kick on with some hardcore fast as fuck rock to fuck with you a little more. These Days are Gone is like a sixty-second interlude of punk prog. The band entered their 40th year and this is this lineup’s third offering and they show no sign of wear and tear, nor of slowing down due to writer’s block or anything like that.

its not all fast punk rock mind they slow things right down and rock out on ‘Finders Fee’ and duel those guitar licks on ‘Getting Older’ with its gentler melody and those Cosby Stills Nash and Young harmonies work well.

They always sound like they’re having the best time playing and making records ‘Operation Lightening’ is solid and ‘Ride To The Station’ with its backing vocals from the off and weird train effects only magnifies the thought that Hard Ons have a ball when recording and don’t take themselves too seriously and why should they. Before they’re done there’s time to put the foot on the monitor and bang the old noggin and thrash out on ‘Doesn’t Look Like Me At All’ leaving the loose ‘Pushover’ to wind down this latest offering. I guess we’ll meet again in twelve months with another Hard Ons record which will be bulging with more top tunes in whatever style they choose and we’ll like it as much as this one and the ones before it. Another day another quality album that ebbs and flows really well on the many turns and shifts in pace but always overflowing with melodies and headfucks. Who doesn’t love a hard on?

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SWISS GARAGE-PUNKS THE JACKETS RETURN WITH BRAND NEW ALBUM AND DATES!

SWISS GARAGE-PUNKS THE JACKETS RETURN WITH BRAND NEW ALBUM AND DATES!

The Jackets unleash Intuition—a bold fusion of raw power, artistic depth, charisma and authenticity that strikes beyond the garage rock mold! 

Swiss garage-punk powerhouses The Jackets are back with their explosive new album Intuition. Formed in Bern in 2007, The Jackets have become a fierce force in the global garage rock scene, electrifying stages at top festivals and clubs across Europe, America and beyond.

Known for their high-octane performances and raw, infectious sound, this female-fronted trio—Jack Torera on vocals and guitar, Chris Rosales on drums and Sam Schmidiger on bass—delivers a fresh, bold mix of ‘60s garage rock, punk and psychedelic vibes, all wrapped up in their unmistakably unique style.

With Intuition, the band’s fifth full-length, The Jackets push their signature sound to new heights: the 10-track LP is packed with raw power, infectious hooks and a playful versatility. Each song is its own universe, weaving poetic, profound lyrics through a vibrant mesh of Jackie’s snarling vocals and fuzzed-out guitar riffs, Samuel’s driving basslines, and Chris’s groovy drum-beats.

Intuition was recorded by none other than garage-rock legend Jim Diamond (known for his work with The Dirtbombs, The Sonics and The White Stripes) at Strawberry Studios in Bern, mixed by Diamond himself, and mastered by Adi Flück at Centraldubs.

The album’s eye-catching cover art—painted by Olaf Jens (USA/NL)—mirrors the band’s vibrant and artistic soul, a reflection of The Jackets’ immersive world of music, art, theatre, and film. As the band explains, “‘Intuition’ isn’t just a track on the album, it’s a core theme that pulses through our lyrics, our music, and how we live. It’s the tension between rationality and gut instinct that drives us creatively.”

Beyond music, The Jackets are multi-talented creators. Torera is an award-winning filmmaker, a performer and visual artist, Rosales is a writer and radio host, and Schmidiger is a theatre producer and musician. This artistic versatility bleeds into everything they do—from their captivating live shows to their striking music videos and album artwork – propelling them forward over the years, in the company of such respected labels as Subversiv, Soundflat, Voodoo Rhythm, their own Wild Noise imprint, and now Portugal’s celebrated Chaputa! Records.

 Set for release on 18 October on black or milky clear vinyl, Intuition is available to pre-order here.


Tour Dates!

Oct 17 – Firebird – Shinmatsudo, Chiba, JAP 

Oct 18 – Disk Union Instore Live, Tokyo, JAP 

Oct 19 – Halloween Ball, Shinjuku Loft – Tokyo, JAP 

Oct 22 – Top Beat Club – Tokyo, JAP 

Oct 23 – Pop Pizza – Kyoto, JAP 

Oct 24 – TBA – Kobe, JAP 

Oct 25 – Namba Mele – Osaka, JAP 

Oct 26 – Halloween Ball, Huck Finn – Nagoya, JAP 

Oct 30 – Casbah – San Diego, USA 

Oct 31 – The Dive Bar – Las Vegas, USA 

Nov 01 – Gold Diggers – Los Angeles, USA 

Nov 02 – Ivy Room – San Francisco, USA 

Nov 03 – Torch Club – Sacramento, USA 

Nov 05 – The Twilight – Portland, Oregon, USA 

Nov 06 – Freakout Fest, Belltown Yacht Club – Seattle, USA 

Nov 07 – Freakout Fest, The Sunset – Seattle, USA 

Nov 08 – Freakout Fest, Tractor Tavern – Seattle, USA 

Nov 28 – Blau, Mannheim, D 

Nov 29 – Le Botanique, Brüssel, BE 

Dec 06 – Ecurie, Geneva, CH 

Dec 18 – Rössli, Reitschule, Bern, CH

https://linktr.ee/thejackets

THE JACKETS: Intuition LP

D-A-D – ‘Speed Of Darkness’ (Afm Records)

D-A-D – ‘Speed Of Darkness’ (Afm Records)

Those crazy Danes D-A-D celebrated 40 years in the business with a greatest hits album earlier this year, and not ones to rest on their laurels, they return with their 13th studio album, and it’s a double album entitled ‘Speed Of Darkness’.

While the glory days of ‘No Fuel Left For The Pilgrims’ and ‘Riskin It All’ are long gone, the band are still big hitters in their home country and are a phenomenal live band (which I can confirm, after witnessing them blow all the competition away at Hair Metal Heaven at Hull City Hall back in 2017. They have released consistently strong albums with pretty much the original line up (drummer Laust Sonne joined the band 25 years ago), and with 40 songs amassed prior to recording this album, D-A-D show no signs of slowing down just yet.

Opener ‘God Prays To Man’ has an AC/DC riff-heavy groove, vocalist Jesper Binzer’s unmistakable growl to the fore and a great production that separates the instruments to perfection. It’s a slow burner of an opener, but we appear to be back in business. Up next, lead single ‘1st,2nd & 3rd‘ raises the bar and the energy levels and leads to an early highlight in ‘The Ghost’. This is classic D-A-D to my ears. More laid back, with haunting effect-drenched guitars courtesy of Jacob Binzer. The immediate melody takes us back in time to ‘No Fuel’ era D-A-D. It builds nicely to a rousing, passionate chorus that hits in the feels.

I must say the crystal-clear production job from Nick Foss shines in the likes of the slower, melancholy songs. The likes of ‘Head Over Heels’ and the stunning album closer ‘I’m Still Here’ sound massive and overall there is a stadium rock feel to this album, like The Cult somewhere between ‘Electric’ and ‘Sonic Temple’.

There’s great dynamics and loud/quiet moments to the title track. A powerful riff reminiscent of King’s X at their finest, and a cool hook that buries deep in the brain.

Elsewhere on this 14-track affair, the radio friendly ‘Live By Fire’ shines brightly, a pumping fist in the air rocker with killer guitars and an anthemic chorus that instantly hits the spot. ‘Crazy Wings’ is both upbeat and balladic, here that trademark Tarantino-esque guitar tone from ‘Sleeping My Day Away’ rears its beautiful head for the solo, and the angelic backing vocals and acoustic guitars help elevate the song to another plane.

The more I listen, the more momenst jump out. ‘Keep That MF Down’ is a solid classic rocker, that sounds a bit generic at first but grows with repeated listens. ‘Everything Gone’ sounds like Velvet Revolver, which ain’t a bad thing, and ‘Automatic Survival’ is a stand out with solid riffage and a cool swaggering vocal that is slowly becoming a favourite album track for me.

For a rock band celebrating 40 years in the business, D-A-D sound remarkably fresh and invigorated, putting bands half their age to shame. If you thought they were done back in the early 90’s like the majority of their contemporaries, then you were wrong. D-A-D are a musical tour-de-force and ‘Speed Of Darkness’ is a trip from beginning to end.

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Author: Ben Hughes

Johny And The Dead Girls – ‘The Need For Speed’ (Self Release)

Johny And The Dead Girls – ‘The Need For Speed’ (Self Release)

Kicking off in the 70s I’m already smirking and then ‘Sex And Drugs’ kicks in and my gums hurt from knawing at them in time with the kick drum and the lick on Johnys guitar. The opening headfuck of ‘Sex And Drugs’ is part Hanoi part Buzzcocks and part Motorhead and if that isn’t a good place to be then you’ve opened the wrong page. This is an adrenaline rush high octane trip and I always look forward to what Johny is releasing be it Kopek Millionaires or whatever guise it’s always right up my Strasse but this one hits the bullseye.

the songs hit hard n fast and are always wrapped in a great big hook n melody wrapped in some suitably sandpaper n whisky vocals but there are handclaps and a swagger that punk n roll needs to pull it off and Johny gets that and it pours out of the speakers like a pint of red Thunderbird with a Watneys chaser.

With a cheeky wink ‘Suck It And See’ is in your face whereas ‘Animal Attraction’ could have been the best track on the Yo Yos album. The production is crisp and in your face which suits the music it sounds vital and exciting but the one thing that stands out is it’s all about the art of songwriting and delivering an authentic slice of punk n roll and on that subject, its mission accomplished no doubt about it. There’s even a fitting run through the Subs classic ‘Limo Life’ that Johny takes ownership of giving it a twist and showing the guy bleeds rock n roll. if that’s not enough punk rock for you then get in the pit for ‘Masturbation Sensation’ in all its premature sub-40 seconds wham bang thank you mam. The album gets his head down and revs its engine for the closing songs as we get a cheeky run through ‘Talk Dirty To Me’ no we do and why the fuck not? Subs and Poison on the same record it all makes perfect sense in 2024.

I am not sure of the need for speed but I am adamant about the need for Johny And The Dead Girls in your life. It’s loud, it’s fast, it’s rock n roll baby and I fuckin like it! so will you. Long live the Dead Girls they rock like fuck! Buy IT!

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Author: Dom Daley

Chubby & The Gang – ‘And Then There Was…’ (Flatspot Records)

Chubby & The Gang – ‘And Then There Was…’ (Flatspot Records)

Chubby is back with album number three and easily the bands most diverse and rewarding offering yet. Sure there’s a fair sprinkling of what got the band on the radar in the first place and that’s the buzz saw UK Hardcore punk rock but they’ve morphed slowly but confidently into something all together more than wham bang thank you mam. ‘And Then There Was…’ is a fourteen song strong album with twists and turns throughout with an emphasis on melody and the song rather than satisfying an image or a scene which is both brave and rewarding for them no doubt and us the listener. If you just want heads down in your face hardcore then I suggest The Chisel who will certainly satisfy that need if you are looking for something altogether more adventurous then stick with me because Chubby has a record full of rewards.

The most noticeably thing about album number three is its not so much Chubby anymore both physically and personnel wise because Charlie Manning takes on the role of “The Gang” as well as being Chubby. yup he plays and sings everything making it a proper solo effort.

You get a bit of country geetar picking on the single ‘Devil In The Jukebox’ and a couple of soppy love songs and a closing ‘Cocaine Sunday’ that’s a simple piano ballad (didn’t expect me to say that did you? but there you go its all here. Don’t worry Charlie hasn’t gone soft he’s not about to tour with Taylor Swift or anything and there is plenty of crash-bang wallop for all you punk rockers. The album kicks off with some radio static and some broadcast messaging before the music kicks in and when it does it absolutely does. Get the circle pit going we’re off. Chubbs familiar slurred style of vocals is evident throughout the record and even when we’re in familiar territory like ‘To Be Young’ the melody is strong and the gang vocals are juxtaposed to the thrashing guitars which works really well. ‘The Bonnie Banks’ is a roaring jig of a song with a much gentler tempo and something of an anthemic melody. The next few songs are comfortable Hardcore fair and solid before ‘To Fade Away’ and its haunting echo on the guitar and vocals building throughout but never breaking out, nice.

Love the keys on ‘Company I Don’t Want To Keep’ and the solid melody and tempo reminds me of Tim Armstrong and there’s nothing wrong with that. A really good song then to follow it with the sharp riffs of ‘Love Song’ with its solid beat and arrangement. Then the curveball of ‘Since You Said Goodbye’ which will make this record a more sustainable and longer listen than the previous offerings. Obviously that’s on early impressions but there’s so much going on here and I like it a lot. When these songs have bedded in and the variety no longer raises an eyebrow Chubby and the gang’s stock will rise to the top and that seems like a fair trade off to me. songs like ‘Trepanning’ are what we know then you get hit by the rock of ‘A Lust For More’ followed by ‘Two Hearts’ and before you can unlace your docs you’re blubbing to ‘Cocaine Sunday’ and you head back in to play it all again. A fine album that will get better and better as the months roll by. Chubby and the Gang of One hit the spot and this train keeps a rollin’. Excellent stuff – Buy it!

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Author: Dom Daley

The Bridge City Sinners – ‘In The Age Of Doubt’ (Sbam Records)

The Bridge City Sinners – ‘In The Age Of Doubt’ (Sbam Records)

The self-proclaimed “dark folk band from Hell”, otherwise known as The Bridge City Sinners, started life busking on the sidewalks back in 2016. This took them from the pine covered hills of the pacific North West to clubs and festivals the world over. Led by Libby Lux on vocals and banjolele, the band incorporate punk and bluegrass in their own brand of upbeat Americana. Featuring resonator, upright bass, violin and banjo and players named Clyde McGee, Lightening Luke and Michael Sinner, the band deliver their 4th album ‘In The Age Of Doubt’, a collection of songs that tackle themes of escapism, self-reflection and insecurity. 

The scene is set with opener ‘Break The Chains’, a high energy mash-up of frantic banjolele and soaring strings that immediately gives a spaghetti western feel to proceedings. Like some other worldly Ennio Morricone movie the band deliver their rustic instrumentation as Libby wails a tale of finding hope in uncertainty. 

The New Orleans jazz inspired duo of ‘Port Street Strut’ and ‘Midnight To Vice’ transport the listener to some prohibition era speakeasy with brass and strings in the ears, tobacco smoke in the lungs and malt liquor coursing through the veins. Not unlike our very own The Urban Voodoo Machine, The Bridge City Sinners belong to a begotten time, a forgotten era. 

‘Heavy’ is more commercial, the melody brings to mind the Bugsy Malone soundtrack, the chorus then soars to great heights over mournful fiddle and strong vocals. Great dynamics going on here, the sweet harmonies build to a cool chorus, it’s a trip through emotions as the band take you up and bring you right down again.  

Every song sounds like an old movie track, ‘Crawl’ has a cabaret feel with its theatrics and drama, ‘Crazy’ has a swing that takes you back in time and ‘Doubt’ mixes up folk punk with acoustics and string with unexpected death metal undertones. Lyrically the songs deal with the struggles of mental health, inner turmoil and self-doubt. 

The old worldly vibes continue on ‘Sinners Saloon’ with its tinkling of the ivories and gang vocals, and ‘The Good Ones’, both bring to mind the old western movies. The likes of ‘Spears And Blades’ and ‘Eye For An Eye’ have an upbeat drinking song vibe and must go down well live. In fact, the whole album comes across remarkably upbeat considering the lyrical subject matter, and you get the feeling they are a band to see live. 

With ‘In The Age Of Doubt’ The Bridge City Sinners have upped their game. An eclectic album that should appeal to even those who shy away from the term ‘folk punk’, the band cover modern topics to a rustic, old time soundtrack, and there’s an intensity and punk energy to the delivery that leaves a lasting impression long after the last note of the mournful and fitting ‘Epilogue’ has left the building. 

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Author: Ben Hughes

Soul Asylum – Slowly But Shirley’ (Blue Elan Records)

Soul Asylum – Slowly But Shirley’ (Blue Elan Records)

Album number 13 for the Minneapolis rockers who were a household name in the 80s and 90s and went from raucous punks kicking out the jams alongside The Replacements they emerged from the indie scene with the likes of Goo Goo Dolls to have some absolute Iconic smash hits. Frontman Dave Pirner continued the band’s impressive legacy way beyond the formative years and the stylistic change through the hit parade years and into the 21st century to the present day and continued to carry the band’s name making some really impressive records along the way to where we are now in 2024 and the eve of this latest impressive record. Joining Pirner are Michael Bland on drums, Ryan Smith on lead guitar, and Jeremy Tappero on bass and together they turn in a really consistent and impressive record. The album was preceded by the single ‘Freak Accident’ that had all the hallmarks of the classic more commercial writings of the band and on repeated playing it became something of an earworm that you couldn’t shake and I admit to keeping going back to play it over and over and found myself singing the chorus and then the full album dropped and I was sold, all in right from the get-go.

This album runs the full repertoire of what you’d want to hear from Soul Asylum in 2024. From the uptempo Rock n Rolla of an opener, ‘The Only Thing I’m Missing’ the band leans on a swaggering rock n roll sound aided by the production skills of Steve Jordan who gives a little spit and polish to the punkier attitude and some of that Stones sheen for sure which only enhances these songs.

The ebb and flow of the record is as good as the heyday albums ‘Grave Dancers Union’ and ‘Dim Light Shine’ era but this also has the attitude from those earlier records like ‘Horse They Rode In On’ and ‘Hang Time’. ‘High Road’ kicks up some dust and brushes away any cobwebs. Then they ease back into the collage radio’s slower song, ‘You Don’t Know Me. ‘ It’s got that black-and-white video sound that builds for the chorus and Pirner sounds great like he hasn’t aged a day.

They get their funk on for ‘Tryin Man’ but with some hard knocks lyrics and vocals mixing it up fo sure but it works alongside this album. To be fair The more I play this record the more I like it. Songs from the middle of the record jump out as real highlight contenders with strong melodies and really well-constructed songs ‘Trial By Fire’, and the timeless ‘Making Plans’ sounds like its been here before and is laid back with well placed keys adding to the mix of songs. ‘Sucker Maker’ is more of that funky shit before finally finishing off with the excellent ‘High And Dry’ with some excellent lyrics as Pirner tells his story he hooks you and reels you in before delivering a really cool full stop on album number thirteen for Soul Asylum. I’m always happy to hear the band making new music and fingers crossed they head over the pond for some live shows again. The world is always a better place with Soul Asylum active and delivering new music of this quality. If you were ever a fan then I can only urge you to check this out. It’s all killer and no filler and to champion that for the thirteenth time is some achievement. Buy It!

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Author: Dom Daley

PROPHETS OF ADDICTION ‘Superhero’

PROPHETS OF ADDICTION ‘Superhero’

West Coast-based glam rockers, Prophets Of Addiction, have released a new video and single, “Superhero”, via BraveWords Records. stream/buy “Superhero” here.

Superhero” is the first single and video from the forthcoming Prophets Of Addiction album, ‘Face The Music’, which the band tracked with longtime producer Phil Soussan (bassist for Ozzy Osbourne, Beggars and Thieves, Billy Idol, Vince Neil, Rod Stewart and others) at Blue Cat Studios in Las Vegas, NV.

Prophets Of Addiction’s fourth album sees Sanders and company (guitarists G.G Sleaze, Tchad Drats, Terry Bratsch and drummer Wayne “The Stoke” Stokley going back towards the glam, punk and roots the band is most closely associated with. “I’ve always wanted to do a dark powerful acoustic record with a message and I think we achieved that with our last record. And now with a very strong lineup that is ready to move forward, it’s time to get back to rocking,” remarks Sanders.

Prophets Of Addiction frontman Lesli Sanders as a lifelong rocker, dating back to the mid-80s and his underground success with bands such as Talks Cheap and Queeny Blast Pop, he’s had a passion for BMX racing even longer than that.

Sanders reflects on that passion for BMX bikes: “My passion for BMX began in the 1980s, where I quickly found success as a young racer, earning a #2 district plate before shifting my focus to a successful music career. After stepping away from music to care for my ailing stepfather and mother, I turned back to BMX racing during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite initial injuries, my determination led me to collect numerous accolades, including Gold Cup Plates, State Plates, and a district #1 plate. Now, I rank in the National Age Group top 10 for both the 56-60 cruiser class and 56+ expert category, thriving once again in the sport I loved as a teenager.”

The Jackets- ‘Intuition’ (Chaputa! Records)

The Jackets- ‘Intuition’ (Chaputa! Records)

Swiss garage-psyche rockers The Jackets are back with their fifth album, ‘Intuition’.

Recorded by another garage legend, Jim Diamond, here are ten new songs of the quality you’d expect from all those involved.

‘Crossing Streets’ is a groovy, slightly sinister tune. It even reminds me of The Banshees in places, a pleasant surprise. ‘Ours Forever’ gives The Fuzztones a run for their money, you’ll be throwing some dubious dance moves to this one, resistance is useless.

‘Gambling Town’ is like the soundtrack to a long lost 60s beat flick, shimmering fuzz and a tune to match. Their songwriting has upped a gear throughout. ‘Coco Loco’ has an insistent bass line that should fill the dance floors of sweaty clubs. ‘Can’t Take It Back’ strips things back a little, but is no less infectious, while ‘Lies’ shows how powerful a primal riff can still be, when handled properly. Once again, this isn’t easy to do; it’s been done a million times before, keeping it fresh is always a challenge.

‘Intuition’ has the beat that will be familiar these days to listeners of The Courettes, who are currently taking a different direction, while The Jackets are refining their garage roots. Plenty of room for both, and I love both bands.

‘One Step Ahead’, while remaining garage rock, reminds me of Graham Coxon’s best solo moments.

‘Masterplan’ comes on like ‘Radar Love’, before letting rip in their customary style. The Jackets have produced their best album to date, so, if this is your thing (and it should be), it will be one of your favourites this year.

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Author: Martin Chamarette