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BLACK SPIDERS LAUNCH PATREON FAN CLUB AND RELEASE ONE NEW SONG A MONTH!

BLACK SPIDERS LAUNCH PATREON FAN CLUB AND RELEASE ONE NEW SONG A MONTH!

www.patreon.com/blackspiders

Black Spiders have always appreciated the level of support from their fans and had been discussing new ways to get their music out to people.

pic by Babz

The band have been recording material towards a new album, that they hope to release at some point in 2022 but have been looking at different ways they can release their music straight to their fans.

On the 1st of December, they relaunched their Patreon ‘fan club’ with what they are hoping is a new way of forward thinking.

All the tiers are priced differently, depending on what fans can afford with regards to supporting the band, the fans that sign up to the higher ‘tiers’ will now receive a link, every single month, to hear a BRAND-NEW Black Spiders song. And we’re not talking about unfinished mixes, or rehearsal room demo recordings. One fully mixed and studio recorded brand new track, every month, for as long as they subscribe.

They aren’t dismissing the idea of traditional album releases altogether, as they still intend to release physical albums for all the collectors and vinyl lovers out there, and the next album may contain some of the tracks they are releasing direct to the fan club.

As well as a brand-new song every month, there will also be a ‘making of’ video, discussing the writing and recording process and some studio footage of the band recording the song.

Their podcast ‘The Waffle’ will continue on a more regular schedule and they’ve also got big plans for next year to host an annual show, with reduced entry for fan club subscribers.  All subscribers will also receive a discount code for Black Spiders merch store at Big Cartel, valid for all purchases as long as they remain a subscriber. There are also plans to throw in guestlist giveaways, free prize draws, and other content into the mix, as and when.

This is of course all on top of the content that is already included in the current Patreon set up – the making of the latest album, other live track giveaways, unheard song downloads, as well as a Fan Club only tee shirt exclusive patch.

Says guitarist Ozzy: “We’ve reached the point in our career, where we need to monetise our product. Our currency is music and if you want to encourage us to keep doing it, I encourage you to pay into our collection bucket and let your ears soak up the profit from your investment.”

“Since we got the band back together it’s been an incredibly creative time song writing wise,” continues bassist Adam Irwin. “We were all excited by the tunes and wanted to get new music out to fans as quickly as possible, without settling into the old routine of album/tour/album/tour/repeat. We’ve been heading into the studio every month to record, so I suggested we start giving a song away once a month to our biggest fans, the guys who sign up to our fan club on Patreon.”

Head to the Black Spiders Patreon page HERE:

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Jesus and Mary Chain, Wednesday 17th November 2021 -Manchester Albert Hall ‘Darklands anniversary tour’

Jesus and Mary Chain, Wednesday 17th November 2021 -Manchester Albert Hall ‘Darklands anniversary tour’

I’m fortunate enough tonight to be back at the exquisite Albert Hall in Manchester, a beautiful venue lacking almost all commercial trappings that become all too customary these days. I’m catching the Jesus and Mary Chain performing the classic album Darklands in full. 


Inevitably delayed like most tours and outings, finally it has arrived in the calendar. Making their way on the stage, the distance between the brothers is almost comical and feeds into the legend of indifference and distrust between the Reid siblings. 


The band is to put it simply, effortless yet commanding, casual but also captivating. They have complete control and excellent delivery in regards to the late 80s Goth/Indie tinged Darklands sound, and with almost no visual change over of guitars perform the more Alternative Rock 90s material without missing a beat.


Launching into opening track and title track ‘Darklands’, it’s a euphoric moment for everyone here who has been waiting for these dates to be rescheduled and perhaps haven’t been to a live show for a long period of time. The euphoria doesn’t stop there, the crowd is at fever pitch throughout the first half of the record, reminding you how strong the album tracks are right up to classic single ‘happy when it rains’ and the equally tempestuous ‘nine million rainy days’. 


The storm hasn’t quite passed yet, as the band treat us to the epic and incendiary ‘April skies’ and onwards completing the album retrospective. After the little obligatory break we are treated to a ‘best of the rest’ set, touching primarily on mid and late 90s material but with some Darklands era B-sides thrown in to boot. There is a real lack of singles in the set but for the hardcore audience, this must be the obsessive completist’s wet dream. Stand out tracks have to be ‘Moe Tucker’ from Munki and fan favourite B-side ‘kill surf city’. The night is finished off with ‘never understand’ delivered in full with the feedback it deserves, sadly the only taste of Psychocandy we get tonight. 


Overall it was well worth traipsing out on a cold, wet Wednesday evening. Being the first time I’ve seen the Mary Chain I’m a little disappointed I didn’t get certain tracks from my personal wishlist but certainly not put off. The only way to remedy this is to see them again at the earliest opportunity.

Author: Dan Kasm

Ryan Hamilton – ‘1221’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Ryan Hamilton – ‘1221’ (Wicked Cool Records)

What’s there to do when you are stuck in Texas with just a guitar and your faithful dog for company? Well, when Covid scuppered the touring plans of singer/songwriter Ryan Hamilton last year, he came up with a new project. Not just to keep him occupied, but probably to help restore his sanity.

The plan: Record and release a song as a single on the 12th day of every month, culminating with the release of an album at the end of the year. A tall order for any artist you might think, but Ryan stepped up to the challenge and delivered.

Fast forward 12 months and ‘1221’ is finally a physical product in the shops and in the greedy mitts of fans and friends alike. With the help of his go-to producer guy Dave Draper, Ryan has crafted a 12-song collection of originals, covers and songs gifted to him.

The album is sequenced as the singles were released, so therefore opens with the first song we heard way back in January, his take on the Spin Doctors’ ‘How Could You Want Him (When You Could Have Me)’. The ringing piano notes, the regimental drums and dreamy vocals create the mood that fits perfectly with Ryan’s themes of soul searching and heartbreak, following the recent marriage break-up that inspired last year’s ‘Nowhere To Go But Everywhere’ opus.

While this album opener sees our man in a maudlin mood, the following ‘Deja Vu (I Love You)’ hits the other end of the spectrum. Cue power chords, bombastic beats and a signature, power pop hook to sing from the rooftops. This rocker is a love letter to… well, to being in love, no more, no less.

The rockers are strong on this album. The likes of ‘Shots Fired’ and ‘Do The Damage’ recall millennial, radio-friendly alternative rock, and the inclusion of a killer cover of 90’s Brit Rockers Catherine Wheel, seemingly seals the deal. In fact, there’s a late 90’s feel to the whole album. Big choruses, lyrics full of sentiment, layered vocals and a top-notch production all help.

The introspective ‘Caught Up In A Moment’ sees Ryan questioning relationships and asking the question “If you could change the past…. would you?”. It’s a heartfelt ditty, with piano accompaniment and a cast of familiar voices to back him up from across the pond.

With powerful lyrics and a sentiment about the child in all of us ‘Babies’ is an album highlight. Written for Ryan by fellow Texan songwriter Bob Schneider, it is one of those songs that grabs you from first listen. Sublime and thought provoking. Ryan matches Bob’s offering with another album highlight, the uplifting Permanent Holiday’. Pure escapism from these times in whatever way you choose. With an anthemic hook, it feels like a call to arms, a release if you will, to pick yourself up from the doldrums, put the pedal to the metal and hit the black tar rivers to better climes. A flavoursome, Brit Pop inspired ditty for sure.

While Ryan can certainly pen a catchy chorus or two, he also knows how to pick a good cover tune. The Refreshments ‘Banditos’ is a masterstroke of power pop, and I dare you to come away from this album and not be singing the “everybody knows the world is full of stupid people” refrain.

Elsewhere, ‘If Life Was A Movie’ is a feelgood earworm of 90’s indie rock that could be a They Might Be Giants b side if I didn’t know any better. Quirky, memorable and damn good fun. And he closes the album with a song for the broken-hearted, as he suggests and warms to the idea of moving on with his life as he bares his soul on the fragile and wonderful ‘Ready To Love Again’.

You couldn’t make up the shit that Ryan Hamilton has gone through in his career, ‘Nowhere To Go But Everywhere’ should’ve been the album to catapult Ryan into the big league, but Covid put pay to that. Even the documentary they were making about the crazy story of his previous band Smile Smile has been shelved due to recent events. This dude just can’t catch a break!

With no touring to promote albums, artists such as Ryan Hamilton stand no hope against the big hitters in the music world. Ryan has successfully completed a project he set out to undertake 12 months ago and maybe, just maybe ‘1221’ will see this underrated songwriter finally get the break he deserves. He certainly has the songs and the charisma, and his albums are consistently good. But don’t take my word for it, go buy the damn thing and see for yourself!

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

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DESPERATE MEASURES NZ. ‘Scars and Memories’

DESPERATE MEASURES NZ. ‘Scars and Memories’

‘Rinsed’ mini album out now via Easy Action Records

New single ‘Scars and Memories’ is out

Buy/Stream HERE:

Fresh from their thirteen date UK tour with The Professionals, London rockers Desperate Measures

release the third single from their critically acclaimed ‘Rinsed’ mini album, out now through Easy Action.

A tale of a reckless life lived out of control, addiction, and regrets, it’s the story of a long-lost friend who is now on the run from criminal gangs.

Shot, directed, and edited by Craig Temple of Racketeer Pictures, the video perfectly captures the frenzied, high-energy stomp of the song.

Ending a highly productive year with the bands last gig of 2021 – ‘Christmas On Earth On Holloway’ is set to take place at Nambucca on December 16th with support from friends The Blue Carpet Band, The Duel and Los Santos.

Desperate Measures look forward to returning in 2022 when they will begin work on their debut full-length album.

Desperate Measures are:

Eugene Butcher – Vocals

Gaff – Guitar

Ricky McGuire – Bass

James Sherry – Drums

Find Desperate Measures online at:

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Carl Barat goes on his ‘Revive live’ tour

Carl Barat goes on his ‘Revive live’ tour
CARL IS HEADING OUT ON TOUR THIS JANUARY…
Carlos is heading off on a small venue tour this January with Music Venue Trust…

Carl puts on his ‘solo’ hat (a rather fetching fedora!) in January and will set out on the ‘Revive Live Tour’ with his band on a noble mission to highlight the plight of small venues, whose livelihoods have been teetering on the brink thanks to this bleedin’ global pandemic in co. 

Grab a ticket while you still can HERE
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REBELLION FESTIVAL LAUNCH R-FEST!

REBELLION FESTIVAL LAUNCH R-FEST!

A NEW OUTDOOR FESTIVAL IN FRONT OF BLACKPOOL TOWER TO TAKE PLACE AUGUST 4-7, 2022, IN ADDITION TO REBELLION AT THE WINTER GARDENS

Rebellion Festival, the largest punk and alternative festival in the world, is returning in 2022 even bigger and better with the launch of new outdoor event R-FEST.

Confirmed to take place this coming 4th to 7th of August 2022, in addition to Rebellion Festival at its annual home the Winter Gardens, R-FEST will be located slap bang in front of Blackpool Tower on the promenade, directly down from the Winter Gardens. The organisers are building an arena with the sea on one side and the town on the other, with a capacity for 15,000 punters and space for bars, food, and band merchandise.

Today, R-FEST are proud to announce the line-up of bands now confirmed to perform across the four days. Whilst still staying true to the punk and alternative roots of Rebellion Festival, R-FEST looks to broaden the scope of artists playing to include acts who had their origins in alternative music but went on to achieve huge mainstream success.

With Levellers, The Stranglers, Gary Numan and Squeeze all set to take headline positions, they join a host of other artists scheduled to play and R-FEST can announce the following line-ups.

THURSDAY 4th AUGUST: Levellers, The Wildhearts, Misty in Roots, Dreadzone, Ferocious Dog, Beans on Toast, Millie Manders and the Shut Up

FRIDAY 5th AUGUST: The Stranglers, The Undertones, The Skids, From the Jam, Toyah, Jilted John, The Vapors

SATURDAY 6th AUGUST: Gary Numan, Peter Hook & the Light, Pop Will Eat Itself, Spear of Destiny, Chameleons, Primitives, Pete Bentham & the Dinner Ladies

SUNDAY 7th AUGUST: Squeeze, SPECIAL GUEST TBA, Tom Robinson Band, Hollie Cook, Buzzcocks, Altered Images, I, Doris

“At last!” exclaims organiser Jennie Russell-Smith. “After the long delays and world craziness we are absolutely delighted to give you the full R-FEST line up for 2022 (apart from one special guest slot that will be worth waiting for). It has not been easy to pull all of these amazing bands together for four days, many bands are still rescheduling shows from 2020, but we are all incredibly excited for our first ever R-FEST line up; four days of bands in the incredible headland arena with the tower and the Wintergardens on one side and the Irish Sea on the other! It’s going to be amazing!!

R-FEST will quickly establish itself as the North West’s premier music festival and Rebellion Festival look forward to welcoming many fans that could be experiencing one of their events for the first time. We’re sure they will be welcomed by the Rebellion Family and soon realise why Blackpool is such a special place for our summer gatherings.

R-FEST is a standalone festival and day tickets are available at £50 per day. However, if you are a REBELLION weekend or REBELLION day ticket holder your ticket will get into R-FEST Free Of Charge!

R-FEST is all ages and there is re-entry available.

Rebellion Festival also looks forward to hosting the best punk from around the world in 2022 with the likes of Sham 69, Bad Religion, Circle Jerks, Cock Sparrer and Stiff Little Fingers confirmed to play the Winter Gardens August 4th-7th 2022.

Head to www.rebellionfestivals.com/r-fest for all info and tickets.  

Murder Van – ‘Crooked Smiles’ EP

Murder Van – ‘Crooked Smiles’ EP

Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia Murder Van hit all the criteria that their hilarious bio leads us to expect. Old school thrash riffs, a hint of doom, raw production values and some tight ass drumming. The only thing that I don’t want from a thrash band is a death metal style vocal, when I think of thrash vocalists, I want to hear a clean vocal al la Joey Belladonna or Coburn Pharr. Saying that, Sepultura are one of my favourite thrash bands and they certainly incorporate the death metal growl. Maybe I’m just talking bollocks…Ha ha.

 That’s not say that there isn’t plenty to love about their latest release Crooked Smiles. The four track EP (I’ve never been a fan of EPs, either build up enough songs for a full-length LP, or just put out a single), the only EPs I’ve really connected with are the fantastic first release from Queensryche back in 83 and maybe the Alice In Chains acoustic EPs.

Opening track Clawing the Casket tells us exactly what Murder Van (Great name!) are all about, fast riffing, breakneck drumming and shouty vocals get your head banging from the off. I really do like the production here, it gives us that old school thrash feel, the drums actually sound like drums, I’m not a fan of the whole digital recording thing. This EP sounds like an analogue recording, I may be wrong on that though. The other stand out track is Factor X with it’s moody and almost pretty opening, this doesn’t last long though and we are soon back in full on metal mode.

Well performed and recorded, Crooked Smiles is an enjoyable jump into the mosh pit, I can smell the sweat and beer from here.

Buy Murder Van Here

Author: Kenny Kendrick

The Scaramanga Six – ‘Worthless Music’ (Wrath Records)

The Scaramanga Six – ‘Worthless Music’ (Wrath Records)

Huddersfield’s finest release their tenth studio album. After the loosely conceptual albums ‘The Terrifying Dream’ and ‘Chronica’, the lead tracks ‘Horse With No Face’ and ‘An Error Occurred’ suggested a more feral, focussed sound this time round. And it is a righteous racket, indeed.

‘Big Ideas’ lurches from the speakers, lop-sided and menacing. If a song can drag one leg behind it, this one does. As the chorus hits, “the woman of my conscience looks like Servalan”, a reminder of the marvellous Jacqueline Pearce, for those of a certain age.

‘An Error Occurred’ is like a slap to the face, in the nicest way. It’s pared back, lean, like The Fall on steroids, with the signature punchy bass of Steven Morricone. ‘Decade With No Name’ keeps up the pace. What can I say? It sounds like The Scaramangas. You’ll love it or be confused and walk away. Which is fine; they attract a particular type of devotion, not unlike their previous mentor, Tim Smith. They have a way with their backing vocals which is unlike anyone else, it often draws me in.

‘Boy’ is the first drop in tempo. While Steven, Paul and Julia are all fine singers, I’m sure they realise that it’s Paul’s voice that is the secret weapon. Lush, he veers here between sinister and loving. His solo album from last year, ‘Cruel Designs’ is a highlight.

When I first heard ‘Horse With No Face’, I was puzzled, mainly by the deliberately off key backing vocals, but, as is often the case, it’s grown on me. I expect it to be particularly fierce live. ‘Dog Form’, with military drums and a bridge that surprises, is suitably odd and addictive. ‘Cults’ even throws in a bit of Showaddywaddy. Expect the unexpected.

‘Death Mask Of The Unknown Lady Of The Seine’, the longest track at over six minutes, sounds like the ‘side two’ opener; there are fourteen songs. The bass and drums push it along like a locomotive, before they keyboards evoke Cardiacs, and the vocals describe the story of the lady who sees her  death as a release.

‘Stranger In Your Own Mind’ has Ants style whoops and a hint of John Barry, only the Scaras can create these songs. It’s difficult to describe to someone unfamiliar with their work. Another similarity to Cardiacs, I suppose. But, this is perhaps a more accessible world, whilst equally satisfying and rewarding once you immerse yourself in it. It certainly seeps into your being.

‘Ipso Facto’ gets dancey, in a John Grant style, just to add to the mix. I can imagine Bowie singing ‘Kate And Cindy’, I don’t know why, but the chorus really takes off. Steven has the honour of closing the album with ‘Then I Met Joanna’. If you know the band, you can imagine his arched eyebrow, complementing the dark lyrics. “You took your silver spoon, and stuck it in the moon, and yet, you wanted more”.

Once again, only the Scaramanga Six could have created this album. I remember seeing them support Eureka Machines. I didn’t know a single song, then they played ‘Misadventure’, and I was hooked. Listen on Bandcamp now; I hope you get addicted to their unique musical world.

Buy Here

Author: Martin Chamarette

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

Craggy Collyde release their new video for the song ‘Don’t Put Me Down’, taken from 2020’s debut Wrapped Up in Ribbons. The video was first set to be filmed shortly after the album’s launch, but border restrictions due to the coronavirus meant that the band couldn’t meet for several months and so the video was delayed.

The video was shot by Oriol Camacho in an old disused theatre & cinema at the Brno Exhibition Centre in the Czech Republic, providing a nice backdrop for the nostalgic romanticism at the heart of the theme of the song. The modernist building was constructed from 1927 to 1928, along with the rest of the original centre.

This is the second video from the album, following last year’s release of ‘In the Shade of the Wild Oak Tree’.

Craggy says: “Oak Tree was never meant to be the only song to be given a video. The lockdown meant that we couldn’t make the follow-up video for Don’t Put Me Down, and so promotion of the album kind of ended with the melancholy of Oak Tree. I guess it turned out to quite fitting for the times, really.”

You can get hold of the mini-album ‘Wrapped up in Ribbons’ here

Next up is the video for the song ‘Living Each Day to Rock & Roll’ from Andy Guttercat. The song was mastered by Dave Draper, who’s CVincludes The Wildheart, Ginger and The Professionals to name a few. The autobiographical song is available for download, on Bandcamp and all proceeds from its sale with go to charity. https://andyguttercat.bandcamp.com/tr…

Finally, we have the new video from The Dollyrots. Track 3 off the B-sides, rarities, & covers collection “Down the Rabbit Hole”, A 2 disc deluxe digipak & exclusive bundles, straight from the band! Written by The Dollyrots, Jaret Reddick (Bowling For Soup), and Linus of Hollywood

The Drippers  –  ‘Scandinavian Thunder’ (The Sign Records)

The Drippers  –  ‘Scandinavian Thunder’ (The Sign Records)

The Drippers are back for a second bite at your cherry – If 2019’s “Action Rock” smashed you around the ball bag with it’s full on fuzz mastery, then “Scandinavian Thunder” may make you shit your pants!

After two years and a world wide plague, the Gothenburg threesome have teamed up again with the legendary Tomas Skogsberg – the man who has previously twiddled the knobs of The Hellacopters, Gluecifer, Entombed and Backyard Babies – and have squeezed the sound of all of them into one super sexy Sunlight Studio cock-tale.

Okay, phaser, wah, BOOM!!! and off we go……”5 Day Blues (2 Day Boogie)” is quite simply the banger that sets the scene for the next half an hour of full on sexy Scandinavian magic.

Next up “Overload” blends motor bikes and Motorhead into a very satisfying chunk of noise, while “No Stars” drags you kicking and screaming into Turbonegro / Hanoi Rocks territory.

Tempted to check it out yet? I bet you are!!

Next up “Time For Some Action”. A track so good that they filmed a video to celebrate its majesty. It’s simply a tune that Backyard Babies would kill to come up with these days.

“Shine No Light” is of a whirlwind of a rocker, while “Racing Down A Dead End” is another lesson in balls to the wall – Total 13 – Scandi-rock mastery.

The bass intro and drum beat of “Rollin’ Aces” takes on a fast and furious Motorhead white knuckle ride. Chuck in some wah guitar and BANG another stand out track.

“Draparshuffle” serves to remind you how great an album “Action Rock” is – whadda-ya-mean you haven’t heard it???……YET!!

Into the home straight now – the frenzied wah attack of “Shit Island Showdown” pulls you into ‘Copters territory and “Deadbeat Groove” takes you back into Backyard Babies territory – the great stuff they recorded before they discovered Social Distortion and went off the boil.

Last up, the Misfits / Where Eagles Dare intro of “Feel The Darkness” rounds out the best 30 minutes of your day in fine style.. This is the booze, bad decision kind of rock & roll that’s made Scandinavia THE place for all things fast and loud since the dawn of the 21st century (and a fair few years before that).

Buy it, steal it, love it!!

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If you like that lot, check out this lot….

Buy ‘Scandinavian Thunder’ Here

Author: Fraser Munro