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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

Jesse Malin – Second London Show Added 02.05.25

Jesse Malin – Second London Show Added 02.05.25

LIVE IN LONDON
02.05.25
THE GARAGE
BENEFIT CONCERT

tickets
tickets go on sale 04.10.24 @ 11am GMT

The release of the star-studded tribute album ‘Silver Patron Saints : The Songs Of Jesse Malin’ on 20th September was accompanied by tickets going on sale for a special benefit concert in London at Islington Assembly Hall on 1st May 2025. With that show selling out almost immediately, an additional date has been announced for the following evening at The Garage venue close by, with tickets available from 11am on 4th October HERE. Both shows will feature a variety of guests.

“I have a really special connection to London, as it was the first place that truly embraced me when my first album came out and it is always very meaningful to play there,” says Malin. “I am blown away by the response to the first show, so we decided to add a second night. It will be a bit difficult to get there and get around this time, but I miss London so am excited to play two shows in May. I am also very grateful for all the support through the years.”

The New York City-based rock singer-songwriter suffered a rare spinal stroke in May 2023 that left him paralysed from the waist down. Both a tribute and benefit album, ‘Silver Patron Saints: The Songs Of Jesse Malin’ contains 27 choice cover versions of songs written by Malin from across his career, with all proceeds from it going to his Sweet Relief Musicians Fund and helping pay for his ongoing rehabilitation.

Jack Jones – ‘Jack Jones’ (Strap Originals)

Jack Jones – ‘Jack Jones’ (Strap Originals)

Trampolene frontman takes on a second job away from the indie rock of his band and puts his guitar away and embraces a genre removed from the trad set up of a rock n roll record. After seeing a modern musician (if you call a laptop a musical instrument) make music that causes you to feel something can be a beautiful thing. Music causes many different emotions be it strong or something that just washes over you causing nothing more than a sigh. Some performers need to keep evolving and trying new routes to push themselves as creators within their chosen wheel house be them musicians or actors or painters – whatever challenging oneself is not for everyone and often doesn’t even work but hell we’re only here once and it’s a relatively short time so why not have a good time. Jack Jones has always done poetry and never shied away from including it live at his band’s rock show and to be fair the audience has always embraced it and often loved it repeating every word and it always makes people happy and the rooms are full of big shit eating grins so why not hang up the guitar embrace modern recording techniques and sounds and use it as the back up to your poetry. To be fair I was quite sceptical when I first heard the MO for this record but having lived with it for a couple of weeks and had the pleasure of playing it on headphones in Jack’s hometown of Swansea where a lot of these songs come to life and the searing heat of inner city Barcelona on a break it made me smile often and at time certain lyrics had me laugh out loud and the cheeky turn of phrase from Jacks mischievous brain.

The record drifts from soundscape to soundscape as Jack indulges in his poetry and you don’t have to know the ins and outs of where his words are coming from just enjoy it for what it is and what it might mean to you it’s pure escapism and for Jack it really works well.

The first pair of videos from the album were quite different from what I was expecting and the opener ‘Make It So’ begins with hushed tones growing into a trippy dreamy journey like a Portishead meets beat poet sound and I like it is a grower for sure and that’s the beauty here. Give in to it and step outside yourself and you might really enjoy it, I did.

‘Breathe’ was the first single I heard and its alternative dark pop and a brave song off a brave record and something which I think has paid off for the young man.

There is a darkness to the words but its always pierced with humour and a cheeky wink and that’s always part of Jack’s charm and it’s a winning formula. Theres an 80s feel to some of it reminding me of when synths became a real deal in the early 80s from the likes of Depeche Mode and Human League. The lyrics to ‘Gladys’ made me laugh.

‘Peaches Out Of Reach’ is an insight into this fella’s head and tells stories of growing up in a small city with its crazy characters. ‘Who Let The Bass Pump Through The Floor’ is an earworm that could fill an Ibiza foam party with bucket hats and glow sticks with Kevin and Perry on the decks and Jack prowling the floor like a Welsh Ian Brown pumping his fist in the air regaling his story of house parties. ‘MDMA Day’ had me chuckling along and I’m sure Jacks pouring his heart out in this poetry and maybe that honesty is why it works so well.

Some memories of days gone by and mad nights out might have inspired this record and I’m sure it’s one Jack is immensely proud of it’s a curve ball for sure but a welcome day trip from Trampolene and a great accompaniment to his books and day job. Get involved kids and give yourself over to it. Live it, Experience it and enjoy it, it’s only Rock n Roll but not quite as we know it but all the same it’s a lad expressing himself and doing it with style and I like it it’s warm and fuzzy and fuckin with my head and that’s good innit butt.

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The Mission – D-Tour 24 – Razzmatazz,  Barcelona 25.09.24

The Mission – D-Tour 24 – Razzmatazz,  Barcelona 25.09.24

With this being my second time in this magnificent city in the last eighteen months and my second time in club Razzmatazz and by coincidence my second time seeing The Mission here anyone would have thought I’d planned it.

As part of this year’s D-Tour tour, the club is less crowded than last time (thankfully I might add today it was 29 degrees and we all know Wayne isn’t keen on AC) but maybe Barcelona playing at home and kicking off roughly the same time has something to do with that as well as two other bands headlining different rooms in this complex on a Wednesday night always warms my heart but can be a bit chaotic.  The last few years have turned up some pretty amazing Mission performances post Simon, Wayne, Craig and Alex being The Mission. I think the first I saw was a warm-up in Cardiff which set the bar pretty high and then they just got better and better. Hoping tonight will be another in this glorious run. There are songs I wish they’d still have in the set from the first time I saw them when they played the New Ocean Club in Cardiff right up to the post covid reset but regardless of what’s in the setlist, I’m always a happy chappy when I see them.


Taking the stage and kicking off with a full on ‘Wastelands’ is a majestic thing and one of those goosebumps moments for me and looking back I’m so lucky to still feel like that all these decades after that first time. As the ticker tape fills the air it’s an opening salvo of ‘Wasteland’, ‘Beyond The Pale’ and ‘Into The Blue’, the band sounds tight and right on it despite Wayne on the tea and full of cold, the venue is cooking and the crowd is in fine voice. The band peeling back the years, Alex has given them a most welcome injection of power and a finesse on the lighter moments as well as kicking their collective backsides when needed.

We we treated to a new song that was really well received, ‘Kindness Is A Weapon’ which is hopefully the sign of a new record for the not-to-distant future. They weave their magic as ‘Raisin Cain’, ‘Dance On Glass’ and ‘Hungry as the Hunter’ touch with the early albums but the atmosphere is once again raising the bar and my decision to once again return to Catalonia to see The Mission looks like being a fantastic choice.

Tonight’s main set is drawn to a close with ‘Afterglow’, ‘Kingdom Come’ and a brilliant ‘Deliverance’. Tonight’s set flew by as the band eased through the gears sounding like a well oiled machine and looking like they were having the best of times as well and enjoying tonights crowd interaction.

We reached the encore beginning with ‘Wake’ followed by the Neil Young cover ‘Like A Hurricane’ which was stonking and a song I always forget how well the band deliver it. I always thought it was one of the best covers they did along with ‘Dancing Barefoot’ especially from the early days the encore was brought to an end with the brooding ‘Swan Song’ that enabled everyone to get even more energy into themselves for the inevitable second encore.

With just enough time for a much-deserved second encore, it’s ‘Butterfly On A Wheel’ and the audience was bloody loud before they threw in a very impressive ‘Never Let Me Down Again’ from the Depeche Mode songbook and Wayne declaring that we weren’t expecting that, well, he was right but it sounded superb. The curtain was finally brought down with a memorable and powerful ‘Tower Of Strength’ complete with Craig giving the security a piece of his mind when they intervened with the human tower, Thankfully it was all sorted and didn’t sour the evening and we all left with shit eating grins having witnessed another unbelievably good Mission performance Did I mention it was a balmy night outside with almost thirty-degree temperatures God knows how hot it was in Razzmataz but I do know I’d like to do this again next year please if that’s ok seeing as the UK weather is so…Well, shit this made a great break and a new tour and album would be just the medicine, Gods Own Medicine if you like. Gracias amegos same time same place next year if you please.

Quality 

Author: Dom Daley