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Bandcamp Friday

Bandcamp Friday

We’ve got a few suggestions this Bandcamp Friday and we’ve kept it lean for you so get yer credit card out and come with us on the Bandcamp Friday journey kicking off with a couple of recommendations from some artists we love and then a few labels who do such a great job of releasing some of our favourite records.  There are others that haven’t quite gone live at the time of writing such as a long out of sale Loyalties release you should go find and Steve Conte has an offer today

 

 

‘Be There’ (369 Music) is the next single from The Dowling Poole. Listen to the track on Soundcloud here.

It will be released on Friday the 7th of March for Bandcamp Friday when the music platform waives their fees and all revenue goes straight to the artists.

‘Be There’ features guest appearances from long time collaboratorAndy Lewis (Jackdaw4, Sugar Plum Fairies, Jocasta), on bass. Darby Todd guests on drums. Darby’s recently played with Martin Barr (Jethro Tull), The Darkness and Kee Marcello (Europe) and featured on the recent The Dowling Poole songs ‘We Are The Noise’ and ‘Slow Genocide’.

Recorded in different locations in France and the UK, Jon and Willie are busy writing their fourth album to be released later this year.

Author: Martin Chamarette

 

Another favourite round here is Rich Ragany & The Digressions so check out the latest tune Here

“There’s a place in the universe callled Boötes Void… where it’s near empty. It’s also been called “The Great Nothing”.  A supervoid. One of the largest-known voids in the universe. Surrounded by galaxies and light.

It is believed the scale of the void is such that if the Milky Way had been in the center of the Boötes Void, we wouldn’t have known there were other galaxies until the 1960s.
That’s how long it would have taken light to travel… to journey through the darkness.

The song is from the perspective of someone who is within darkness in their lives and can’t unsee it.
Then, sees it in everything. Maybe even becomes it. But finds that through the very act of experience, and through the struggle of moving forward, can begin to see the warmth and light that also exists.

I find it very moving and inspiring that, even in the expanses of space, where there is cold chaotic changes that routinely destroy, that life and creation can, and do, emerge.

The idea of all these galaxies and filaments surrounding Boötes Void is light giving it a frame that can eventually travel through to the other side, is a comforting thought.

Not always easy… but our eyes, our hearts and spirits can stretch to see something beautiful.

I try to remember this (with varying degrees of success) when things get really rough… old ghosts and doubts whisper in my ear and tell me I am alone, not worthy or with no direction.

Stretch to see something beautiful.  That was the feeling I had when writing it.  Please forgive me if it’s a clumsy metaphor.  It’s not so linear that it can’t be interpreted for your own experience (or hopefully, it will just sound pleasing to you).”  What more can we add to that?

 

Some others who should benefit from Bandcamp Friday would be those independent labels who are the beating heart of the underground scenes we all love so much.  A few of our favourites would be Beluga Records from out of Sweden who have their Bandcamp page and offer some amazing records we’ve had many an hour rocking out to some of their releases and records they put out.

 

Some of the recent records they’ve put out have been fantastic such as More Kicks, Jordan Jones, Mud City Manglers and most recently a nice compilation from Asteroid B-612 and most recently a cracking single from The Erratix.

 

 

Heading south you have Ghost Highway Records outta Madrid Spain.  They’ve long championed underground garage rock and all other sub-genres including power pop, punk rock and more.  Some of their recent releases that deserve people’s attention would be The Boatsmen and their superb ‘Verses The Boatsmen’ album they co-released as well as the tribute to the New Bomb Turks compilation.  They’ve long been champions of UK kings of garage noise The Hip Priests and given access to some of America’s finest in the shape of Jeff Dahl, Electric Frankenstein and Pat Todd.  A worthy benefactor of anyone’s Rock and Roll coin on Bandcamp Friday.

 

How about heading across the pond to Spaghetty Town Records and a label who’s partnered up with their European brothers in vinyl.  they’ve also brought to the party some epic Rock and Roll records most recently in the shape of RMBLR who’ve just dropped their new EP and Spaghetty Town is the perfect label for these scuzzy rockers. The label has a wealth of great titles so you could do a lot worse things this Friday than delve through the Spaghetty Town wormhole and head off on a rockin’ discovery trip.

 

Heavy Medication Records have for a while had records reviewed on RPM and more recently put out a couple of really impressive releases primarily a New Bomb Turks tribute that’s available through their Bandcamp page.  Based in Warsaw Poland the label have been responsible for Doojiman & The Exploders record that’s a must-own as well as records from Poison Hearts.  Hit em up

 

 

 

What about some Taken By Suprise records?  Out of München, Germany the label does a fine service if punk rock n Power Pop is your thing then they have a big catalogue up on Bandcamp that deserves your attention.  Releases from The Briefs, Suspect Parts and more recently Neighbourhood Brats.  you certainly won’t be disappointed with your catch if decide to dip in.

 

 

TNS Records out of Manchester have some cracking offers up for Bandcamp Friday as well and in turn, help support some great punk rock bands such as Wales finest Pizza Tramp.  The new Jodie Faster is also a fine addition to their catalogue.  They also do a Spotify list of New Punk Friday where they champion the best in punk, Hardcore and Ska tracks released recently.  A label that does tireless work for a scene that deserves our attention.

 

Another German label that has always had the back of punk rock and roll is Wanda Records.  With some excellent releases from Peter & The Berlin Blackouts and Mom the label has always delivered brilliant product and ship anywhere (or the UK at least).  They’ll also be handling the Euro distro of the new RMBLR EP which is good for those having palpitations when faced with some of the overseas shipping fees.

 

Finally, another label releasing really good records is Drunken Sailor Records Banging out new bands and records like its nobodys business.  Drunken Sailor also struck a distro deal to handle Australias finest Stiff Richards that should be Sold Out but they don’t hang about and are also pressing up a couple of new records that are also available for you digital fiends in the shape of Australias Jackson Reid Briggs & The Heaters out on digital through the label but coming soon on vinyl.  They trawl through the worlds best underground bands to fit into their vision of what makes a great records and release it for our listening pleasure.  Head down to their Bandcamp page and get lost investigating what they have to offer and grab yourself a new favourite band.

 

Jakob Mind – ‘The One Who Got Away’ (Lovely Records)

Jakob Mind – ‘The One Who Got Away’ (Lovely Records)

Jakob Mind, mostly known as the singer and frontman of Swedish punk outfit Rotten Mind, has released his solo debut album ”The One Who Got Away”. Honest indie-punk with strong melodies and no-nonsense lyrics and themes of everyday life.

Jakob pretty much stays true to what he does with Rotten Mind but adds his own individual touches that I guess he can dictate goes in the mix on a solo record whereas in a band it has to be a little more democratic. The result is a blend of influences, from straight-up punk rock to more pop or that should be power-pop leanings.

 

The album begins with a sprightly jangly number and the title track. It’s got an 80s retro sound on the attack of the vocals but it’s engaging and an opener that kinda lays out what’s coming over the next half hour.  There aren’t really any surprises on offer here just uplifting power pop punk rock and if it leaves a smile across your chops then its job done isn’t it?  ‘7 Days’ is a dreamy melody but an uptempo number. ‘Let Them Know’ is even more upbeat as it scuttles along towards the chorus with a retro ’60s harmony that gets in my head and it’s The Buzzcocks where I’m finding my comparison with a great Chuck Berry guitar rip on the solo.

 

‘The Little Evil One’ sees Jakob throw in some guitar effects to shake up the mood of the record and it’s like an 80s alternative walkthrough maybe in line with some Early Cure or a bit of Banshees for good measure. I keep waiting for the vocals to arrive but they don’t which is a curveball for me.

‘Rock And Rolls Got Me All Messed Up’ is the one that could reach a wider audience with a neat chorus that’s simple to remember and join in with as we just roll with the good times that this song alludes to all its missing is the handclaps to go with the shuffle backbeat. The tempo is taken down a gear with ‘On The Floor’ whereas ‘You Wanted Me To Hang Around With You’ is one of the best songs if not my favourite on offer.  With a great heartbreak melody and some good lyrics and a chorus that I really enjoyed as the solo breaks through like the first sign of light in the morning, its got a great ragged feel to it.

With ten songs offering slightly different textures around a theme its a decent offering from Jakob and one I like and I’m sure power-pop-punk rockers will feel the same as the album ends strongly with ‘I Don’t Want To Be (Around) You’ so all in all a really decent offering and one that didn’t disappoint at all.

 

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Defiled! – ‘A Heavy Medication Tribute To New Bomb Turks’ (Heavy Medication Records)

Defiled! – ‘A Heavy Medication Tribute To New Bomb Turks’ (Heavy Medication Records)

In a week when I hadn’t thought about New Bomb Turks in quite a while not one but two tribute albums drop and all of a sudden I’m transported back in time when a trip to TJ’s in Newport was an exciting time because one of the best-kept secrets in underground punk rock n roll was happening and along with bands like D4 and the Datsuns something was happening it seems like yesterday but it wasn’t and the old adage of time flies is certainly true and when I popped the CD in the player and I turned up the volume and peeled open the booklet and instantly recognised many of the bands taking part and was looking forward to some of the bands I’d never heard before taking on some great tunes and adding maybe a twist here and there.

 

First up is Berlins Hell Nation Army a band we’ve featured on RPM before so no surprise to hear them on this tribute with an impressive opener ‘Point A To Point Blank’.  There are eighteen tracks on offer here and as the booklet points out four are from Poland, not somewhere you instantly associate with dirty punk rock n roll but don’t let that put you off investigating because Poison Heart are right on the money here with a blistering take on ‘Snap Decision’.

 

This is an exceptionally well researched tribute and a great platform for many bands as the booklet tells the story of each tune with detail and a passion that shines through.  One of the best bands I’ve heard knocking out some sleazy punk n roll over the last few years has to be Doojiman & The Exploders who are at it again as they own ‘Automatic Teller’ which is a superb song anyway and done with much gusto here.

 

Warsaws Red Crap blast out the bass rumble as they annihilate ‘If I Only Could’ with no compromising on the attitude and quality another really great version from a band I’m off to investigate further. Randy Savages have a track on both the Turks tributes and why not I say because this version of ‘Leaving Town’ is exceptional it’s sleazy and greasy but with a melody to die for and they nail the harmonies making it one of the albums real highlights.

 

One of the best things about getting two tribute albums to the same band in the same week is there isn’t much overlapping at all (like magic that) and the fact they’ve recruited a couple of Australia’s finest in is another tip of the hat because no stane has been left unturned and no bar has been left untrawled as Howlin’ threads turn up the noise with a Rockin ‘Professional Againster’.

London dirty rockers Flash house are present and correct on the CD only track ‘I’m Weak’ which is set to rumble anything that’s not nailed down in yer house if the volumes right.  Sleazy and dark its another highlight to be fair.

Anyone for some Dog Toffee? ‘I’d Slip In’ is a belter full of attitude and slipping it next to those Satanic Overlords Of Rock And Roll is nice as they blast away ‘Tattooed Apathetic Boys’ like it was some long lost Ramones romp then to unleash the wah on the breakdown before setting the burners to blast off for the finish line.  Top tunes.  This album is bursting with great bands contributing some fantastic interpretations of someone else’s songs.

 

With bands from Texas to Italy there a world of talent out there as Smalltown Tigers throw their hat in the ring with a really impressive take on ‘Girl Can Help It’.  I’m sure they’ll be more widely known especially in the UK when they play support to The Original Damned when they do those shows next year.  you also get Puffball turning up the distortion on ‘Never Will’ even though these Swedes don’t strictly exist anymore they like to keep their hand in so to speak and this compilation is all the better for it.

 

Punk rockers Moron’s Morons turn up with a barroom blitzing ‘wine And Depression’ whilst Jack Saint twists the melon with a delta bluesy take on ‘Grounded Ex Patriot’ it’s like the Gun Club never happened with this tip of the hat take.   As we head into the final furlong the tasty Tongue Action have a sleazy Rockin’ take on ‘Telephone Numbrrrr’ but when you’ve paid your dues playing with Electric Frankenstein, Texas Terri Bomb and Killer Hearts was it ever in doubt that this was going to rule?  Course not.

 

It only leaves two more entries with the band who opened proceedings Hell Nation Army to knock out a brutal ‘I Want My Baby…Dead!’ so its a rough and ready trip to the land of the rising sun and Jet Boys sleazy ‘Killer’s Kiss’ which seems like a fitting full stop to proceedings and another exception tribute to New Bomb Turks who had plenty to say and said it so well and passed on the baton to so many who carry the torch into the unknown and hopefully back into the filthy corners of the world where Rock and Roll still matters.  Rock on kids and check out this tribute and the bands who’ve given their time and considerable talent for the good and the great.  Get it!

 

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Buy ‘Defiled!’  Here

*Includes a CD copy of the record, as well as a two-sided color, insert with information about the contributing bands. Tracks 9, 17 and 18 are CD-only tracks.So nobody misses out!*

Author: Dom Daley

Various Artists – ‘No Heroes No Leaders No Artists No Gods’ (Ghost Highway, Dragstrip Riot Records, Spaghetty Town Records)

Various Artists – ‘No Heroes No Leaders No Artists No Gods’ (Ghost Highway, Dragstrip Riot Records, Spaghetty Town Records)

A year ago  Ardo from Dead Furies had an idea to compile a tribute album for New Bomb Turks, perhaps his favorite band. He reached out to some of the best up-and-coming rock bands and some rock mainstays to see if they would be interested. The response he got was overwhelmingly positive. The tracks started coming in, they were even better than he had hoped for.  In the end, he got 14 different incredible artists from Europe and North America.

Newish label on the block, Dragstrip Riot Records collaborated with seasoned labels Ghost Highway Recordings from Spain and Spaghetty Town Records from the US to bring you “No Heroes No Leaders No Artists No Gods”. Every label released a different limited colored vinyl and also the regular black version.

 

I love me some New Bomb Turks back in the day and like many, they were one of those underground bands who didn’t make bad records yet never copped the break to take them overground say in a way that Rocket From The Crypt did for a little while and had their fifteen minutes.  I’ll admit I’ve not played a Turks record in a while but with recent represses of bands like The Dragons I did delve into the 90s mob of Zeke, Street walking Cheetahs and of course New Bomb Turks.  Then this compilation album of some of the finest bands currently making the earth move popped up on my radar featuring fourteen takes on NBT tracks.  what a great idea that man.  But wait. Not one but two tribute albums come out around the same time as ‘Defiled’ A Heavy Medication Tribute To The New Bomb Turks also gets released. with a bumper eighteen covers featuring eighteen different bands but that’s for another review.

 

First up is Professional Againsters who do a rather splendid take on ‘Bolans Crash’ which sets the tone to be fair. With some harmonica honking added for good measure, it’s a really solid start to proceedings from a band who clearly gets it.   Some of our favourite noisemakers are present and plugged in and its great to hear how bands put a twist on someone else’s song and take ownership like “Demons” who knock out an eventful ‘Pretty Lightning’.

Having knocked out this year’s frontrunner to the best album of the year The Boatsmen electrify ‘Wine And Depression’ and take it downtown for a night on the tiles and maybe a street fight before giving it an Iggy and the stooges twist  – great stuff.

 

The Chuck Norris Experiment add some muscle with their take on ‘End Of The Great Credibility Race’ which appeared on the Turks ‘Nightmare Scenario’ album back in 2000. The quality of these bands is evident for all to hear and the respect for one of the bands that helped define a scene is clearly a labour of love as the bands do such a sterling job here none more so than plague Islands finest The Hip Priests who take ownership of ‘Jukebox Lean’ and close off a rather impressive side one as Von Cruz leads the boys on a scuzzed up fuzzed up noise fest and I love it.

Flipping over its time for Estonias finest combo Dead Furies to get their groove on as they kick back and just get on the groove of ‘Your Beaten Heart’ which is one of the records best numbers to give credit where its due. This really is a league of nations as Scumbag Millionaire turn up the bass rumble as they’re ‘Tryin’ To Get By’.

 

If I were to pick my favouite Turks album it might well be ‘Scared Straight’ and its a joy to hear The Drippers kick the shit out of that albums opener ‘Hammerless Nail’. Staying on ‘Scared Straight those purveyors of filth Jonesy knock out a fistful of dynamite on ‘Jeers Of A Clown’.  Kicking it back they really use the harmonies well and give the track plenty of swing as they delve right back to the bands beginnings.

 

As we head into the home straight it’s the time for those punk rock n rollin Killer Hearts ‘Spanish Fly By Night’ that’s a lo-fi attack before Londons Randy Savages blast through ‘We Give A Rats Ass’ with gusto and a swagger that sums up what we have here and proof that there are plenty of great bands out there making loud rock and roll that you really should check out from the labels who’ve pulled this together to the bands who contriubte its always a real joy and pleasure to review some records when they’re as good as this.

 

with Scandi Rock legends the Hellacopters closing off this mighty fine tribute with ‘Veronicas Lake’ its an exceptional way to call time on this tribute.  If you’ve never heard of the New Bomb turks or any of these bands then this a fantastic introduction but hurry before they are all gone!

Available through:
Spaghetty Town Records- USA / Dragstrip Riot Records – Estonia / Ghost Highway Recordings – Spain

Author: Dom Daley

Brad Marino – ‘Looking For Trouble’ (Rum Bar Records / Spaghetty Town Records / Beluga Records)

Brad Marino – ‘Looking For Trouble’ (Rum Bar Records / Spaghetty Town Records / Beluga Records)

It’s simple, really. Do you like Ramones? The Flamin’ Groovies? ‘Exile On Main Street’? If you answered “yes” to all the above, then Brad Marino has the album for you. He’s already written two of my favourite power pop classics in ‘Wake Up, Baby’ and ‘C’mon..’, and knows how to craft a short, snappy tune with four chords.

 

And he wields his Telecaster in a decidedly Keef-like fashion on opener ‘Even The Score’, plenty of slide guitar and choppy rhythms, similar to the title track, which straddles Stones/Groovies camps to good effect.

 

‘Taillights Fade’ sees the protagonist chased out of town, complete with handclaps and a simple, effective solo. ‘Local Show’ will be a familiar tale for many musicians; “it’s a local show, which means nobody will go”. Including the inevitable list of excuses your “friends” use to avoid going/paying to see an amateur gig.

 

‘Tripwire’ is a classy instrumental, while ‘False Alarm’ and ‘What Do You Know’ remind me a little of The Speedways. High praise indeed! Yes, some of the songs here are similar, but that never hurt Ramones, who I feel would approve of ‘To Bleed’. And when the quality is this high, it’s not a criticism. ‘Take Your Time’ has a hint of the mighty Groovies, with some Rickenbacker twang.

 

In an ideal world, these would be big radio tunes, especially with summer just around the corner. And the cd has three extra cover versions, as if you needed another reason to order it. In these somewhat bleak times, this is a pleasant respite.

Beluga Records

Ghost Highway Records

Spaghetty Town Records

Buy Brad Marino Here

Bandcamp

Author: Martin Chamarette

RMBLR – Release new video ahead of EP release

RMBLR – Release new video ahead of EP release

RMBLR show their lighter side with the release of “Main Muscle” from the MF/EP,

coming soon

(Atlanta, GA)  The release of RMBLR’s 6 song MF/EP is so close to seeing daylight, out officially in June.  But we wanted to give you another sneak peek at the MF/EP.

“Main Muscle” shows the lighter side of RMBLR, but please, proceed with caution. There’s nothing soft about this track, and the vocals are more savage than the “Macho Man” himself. Wild west piano tapping helps to elevate the track into a saloon style brawl.

“Main Muscle” will be available on all streaming/download outlets on May 14, 2021.

The RMBLR MF/EP will be out in June 2021. In North America on Spaghetty Town Records and in Europe on Wanda Records (Germany).  The MF/EP will be available on vinyl and digital formats.

The Mighty Mighty BosstoneS – ‘When God Was Great’ (Hellcat Records)

The Mighty Mighty BosstoneS – ‘When God Was Great’ (Hellcat Records)

I’ll confess right from the off and admit I’ve been a casual listener of Boss ToneS over the years sure they’ve made some great records but I always had other bands who I thought did it better or more consistently that would be fairer to say.  When this album dropped it was the sunniest day of the year I’d been couped up for months with this pandemic so I went on my daily walk and put it on the walkman and BANG! it hit me hard and I was skanking in no time with a smile wider than kid creoles brim hat.  Man, this album is like a ray of sunshine and such a feel-good record and it just connected with me from the opening skank blast of ‘Decide’ right through the tootin’ of ‘Don’t Believe In Anything’ to the gang choruses that make you want to join in no matter where you are its just such a great record.

 

Sure these cats know their field and are masters at their craft.  They manage to mix styles throughout without seams from the lap steel and horns blasting out the melancholy on ‘Certain Things’ with the lyrics sitting front and center the albums had me thinking and not just getting lost in the music either.  What a gift.

 

‘Lonely Boy’ is like the sound of waves lapping your feet whilst the tide drifts in whist in contrast the more edgy ‘The Killing Of Georgie (Part iii)’ is like a big band going rogue.  The title track is piano-led glancing over your shoulder kinda stuff but it’s with a smile and a mellow intake of breath – reminiscing is cool and makes the heart beat faster in a good way. The album does go a little easy listening for a couple of tracks but don’t let that distract you,  the overall feel is good, possitive, up and on point.

 

The album closes with a seven-plus minute epic story ‘The Final Parade’ and it encapsulates all that’s good about this record as it waves its magic into your ear and reaches its final destination of your heart.  BossToneS magic that is right there.  Check it out for yourself if you don’t believe me I believe in something, the power of good music.

Buy ‘When God Was Great’ Here

 

Author: Dom Daley

 

 

Frank Black – ‘Frank Black Francis’, ‘Honeycomb’, Fast Man Raider Man’ (Demon Records)

Frank Black – ‘Frank Black Francis’, ‘Honeycomb’, Fast Man Raider Man’ (Demon Records)
Having been a big fan of The Pixies and always admired the songwriting skills of Frank Black it was always a joy to spin those epic first few solo records especially the opening trio of albums from ‘Self Titled’ through ‘Teenager Of The Year’ (being a particular favourite) and ‘Cult Of Ray’.  You could never tie Black to one sound or style and as he progressed through his solo output he certainly wasn’t afraid to experiment or throw a curveball the listener’s way.
From those late 80s flawless output through the early 90s and the demise of pressing vinyl a lot of Franks CD output got lost and it’s great to see all these years later some of those more experimental records get a new lease of life on the old black circle format. (even if it’s not strictly on black wax) but you know what I mean.
First up this month is a double album version of the ‘Frank Black Francis’ album spead as I said over two records as part of a bigger campaign which will eventually see throughout 2021 no less than twelve solo records hitting the vinyl format and many being on vinyl for the first time.
‘Frank Black Francis’ also includes solo acoustic demos from 1987 ahead of the first Pixies Studio session. Plus, a second LP of revisited classic Pixies songs.  And as Frank Black elucidates: “It had come to my attention that a forgotten old demo, recorded by my own hand on my own boom box in my old apartment, had resurfaced and would I be willing to release it?  As a time capsule it seemed fairly interesting, but as a full release it seemed lacking for the customers; and so while I was in London, waiting for something to happen in my lovesick life, Keith Moliné and Andy Diagram, David Thomas’ Two Pale Boys, took me into their atelier and let me cry into my lager while they helped me augment the demo from the crypt.  At some point, I think I took off into the night and encouraged them to do whatever the hell they wanted; I think I may have been a bit of a drag on the session.  Being the consummate professionals they are (they had played on the Catholic’s ‘SHOW ME YOUR TEARS’ record recently, so I know they were…very good eggs) Keith and Andy really did not have a problem with this lost man paradigm, and I think their deconstructive and self-referential art methods are absolutely lovely.  Their treatment of ‘PLANET OF SOUND’ remains one of my favourite versions.” 
Just like a lot of the recent PJ Harvey releases they were accompanied by a separate collection of Demo recordings this ‘Frank Black Francis‘ was songs that were a work in progress and how a prolific writer gets things done.  From the opening ‘Holiday Song’ its billy Bragg inspired workings where the bare songs are collected with spoken musings left in as Black communicates with the control room.  Probably something dedicated fans will really appreciate and pour over but maybe not for a first time fan of music looking to get into the music of Frank Black.  Closing with the same song but with added brass and percussion for real insight.  The more out there jazzy leanings of ‘Subbacultcha’ might confuse less avid fans. However ‘Monkeys Gone To Heaven’ is intriguing and interesting.
The Pixie tracks will have wider appeal for sure but not something casual fans will gravitate towards.  but a treat for hardcore Black fans.
2005’s ‘Honeycomb’ is an album of Nashville collaborations with legendary musicians including Steve Cropper, ex-Presley guitarist Reggie Young, Anton Fig, and Spooner Oldham.  Unusually for a Frank Black album, it has 3 cover songs, including “Sunday Sunny Mill Valley Groove Day” by Doug Sahm. In many ways, another experimental record from Black where he really does stretch his songwriting to the limit and with the three covers shows his eclectic taste for sure. I always had a soft spot for this record as it reminded me in places of one of my favourite bands Green On Red especially on songs like ‘I Burn Today’. It’s a gentle album where the songs are given space to really breathe and grow and having not played this record for several years it was a joy to revisit.  It won’t be so long between plays that I’ve promised myself.
Finally in this round-up of releases ‘Fast Man Raider Man’, released in 2006, is a double album backed by a team of all-star musicians: Al Kooper, Bob Babbitt, Levon Helm, Lyle Workman, Steve Cropper, Jim Keltner, Rick Gilbert, Simon Kirke, Ian McLagan, Chester Thompson, Dave Philips and Spooner Oldham. The album includes, ‘Johnny Barleycorn’, ‘In The Time Of My Ruin’ and ‘If Your Poison Gets You’. An interesting cover of ‘Dirty Old Town’. ‘Wanderlust’ still sounds fantastic and the horn honking of ‘Dog Sleep’ would fit rather nicely into a set from Urban Voodoo Machine.  ‘Fast Man’ has almost forthy musicians contributing to its rich tapestry from the jazzy smokey tones of ‘My Terrible Ways’ to some countrified rock and roll of ‘Fitzgerald’ via straight-up pop of ‘Fare Thee Well’ it’s Black doing what he does best and twist your melon with his take on Americana and Stax as opposed to his Rock with The Catholics which just about offers something for everyone all dusted down with his instantly recognisable tones of that voice with his abstract and broad stroke lyrics.
there are moments of sublime playing and sometimes as you’re switching off a pedal steel break reels you back in.  Whist these three are classic Black they are something of an acquired taste and not as accessible as those early records nor as Rock as his barroom noise he makes with the Catholics which will no doubt be reviewed with the next set of Frank Black Releases but until then these will be most welcome as vinyl fights back and Frank Black adds more weight (140gms) to his canon of work.
To purchase ‘Frank Black Francis’ go – Here
To purchase ‘Honeycomb‘ go – Here
To purchase ‘Fast Man Raider Man‘ go – Here
Author: Dom Daley

Avalanche – ‘Second-hand Band’ (Golden Robot Records/Sliptrick Records)

Avalanche – ‘Second-hand Band’ (Golden Robot Records/Sliptrick Records)

‘Second hand band’ is the latest offering from Aussie hard rockers Avalanche. The Sydney based four piece have been around for two years, and have built up a strong following in their native Oz and even have their own music festival! I know!

 

The band have their tongues very firmly in cheek and sound ever so slightly like that other well-known Australian rock band, yes them, the ones with a lightning bolt in their logo. They aren’t afraid to show their influences on their sleeve and let’s be honest, it hasn’t done much harm to Airbourne’s career. It does get a little too close to the mark on occasion though, with the riffs sounding almost identical to a few AC/DC numbers. Being influenced and downright plagiarism are completely different things!

 

 

Opening track ‘Killer Instinct’ bounces along nicely with some shouty bits and a great widdly guitar solo from lead guitarist Veronica ‘V’ Campbell and a frenetic, full on rock n roll ending. Next up we have the title track which tells us the bands story so far, including lyrics about ‘wanting to blow them all away’ and they admit that they are pretty much re hashing everything that came before them. After listening to the lyrics to this I start to enjoy the band more. They don’t give a fuck that they sound like other bands, and they are obviously having a great time. The production of the EP is crystal clear with plenty of bottom end to boot.

 

 

‘Get Back (To Fuckwit City)’ is ‘If You Want Blood (You Got It)’ played slightly differently lol. More great lyrics with plenty of puns here make it a standout track. Vocalist/bassist Steven Campbell (yes, they are married) barks out the words with gusto and his better half cranks out more fine solo work. ‘Spit in My Mouth’ starts off with a nice build up before we are off into full on AC/DC territory again (think ‘Riff Raff’ and you won’t be far off). Drummer Ryan ‘ADHD’ Roma deserves a mention here, his solid grooves propel the band along superbly.

‘Down in the Gutter’ has a more Ramones-like feel to it with a more up-tempo groove before dropping down into an extended jam. There’s more solid guitar work from Campbell and rhythm guitarist Arthur Divis on display here. Final track ‘Permanent Ink’ closes the EP in style with another barnstormer.

Avalanche aren’t going to change the world and they certainly aren’t doing anything new, but they sound like they are having a blast, and I would bet that they are a great band to catch live with a few beers at your local dive.  Don’t over analyse them, just bang your head, stamp your feet, and enjoy a burst of good old (new) fashioned rock n roll!

Buy ‘Second Hand Band’ Here

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Author: Kenny Kendrick

 

The Boatsmen Interview Exclusive

The Boatsmen Interview Exclusive

Whilst the world is still in the grip of this Pandemic it’s always great to have a distraction from the daily grind of life currently under restrictions and social distancing and not being able to get out there and spend time with like-minded music lovers.  However, one thing this damn virus hasn’t stopped is the release of great rock and roll records and one of 2021’s most impressive releases so far is without a doubt the awesome new album from Swedens The Boatsmen so with our masks on we made contact with the self-confessed kings of Party Rock and Roll and fist-bumped before we engaged in the chatter that matters.  Welcome to your new favourite band kids please be upstanding for The Boatsmen…

 

Give us a bit of background to the band?  You formed in or around 2008 when the first demo came out but didn’t get around to releasing the debut album in 2013 right?

That’s right, we started out wanting to be a contrast to a lot of the other bands around at the time. The Boatsmen is about letting loose and doing exactly what you feel like, just for the fun and the thrills with no boundaries. Stop taking yourself so seriously, stop overthinking and psychedelick my ass. During our first years, the focus was more on partying than recording. After a while, though we had mastered the art of partying to its full extent and got to work with our first album.

 

 

Where is the band from in Sweden? What’s it like for music there?

Yes, the band is from Örebro in the middle of Sweden and we grew up with a great music scene with bands like The Accidents, The Peepshows, The Strollers and The Pricks. When we started the band however the scene had been losing some action and we felt the responsibility to show the kids how it’s done.

 

 

I’m curious as to where the name comes from?

The band is named after the dog “Båtsman” (“Boatsman”) in the Swedish 70s kids show Saltkråkan. We thought a logo with a big anchor as the T in the middle would look cool.

 

Who were your influences?

We have a big mix of influences but we have a steady ground in the old 60s garage music with band such as The Sonics and Music Machine but with the rock action from MC5 and The Stooges, some boogie from The Hurriganes and Eddie Meduza, and a whole lot of punk approach from bands like GG Allin, The Damned and Ramones. But the main influence is good songs in general. Of course, we listen to and love the Scandinavian rock scene with bands such as Turbonegro, The Hives, and The Hellacopters. Reigning Sound and Henry Fiats Open Sore are two other favorite bands.

 

 

Let’s get up to date with the new album just released on Ghost Highway and Spaghetty Town.  How did that arrangement come about did you tout the new record around or specifically target these guys?

We have worked with Ghost Highway before and we really like the stuff they put out and the way we work together. They also got American Spaghetty Town on this boat and we like many other bands dream of the US so we are really happy about that.

 

 

 

Where was the new record recorded?

We recorded ourselves in our rehearsal room/studio, Super Studios, that we have together with our friends in V8 Interceptor.

 

How has it been since Covid hit the globe?  Sweden didn’t strictly enter a lockdown is that right?  We there live shows then?

The main difference in Sweden compared to most other countries is probably that the lockdown is more about  “recommendations” than laws. No public gatherings with more than 8 people allowed so no shows.

 

Who writes the songs in the band and how do you come to the finished record?  Is everything done before you enter the studio?  Did any of the writing get changed much when you started recording?

The last record we rehearsed a lot before we went into the studio and recorded everything live, all songs in one weekend. This time we pretty much recorded every song as soon as it was made, less rehearsing. We jam the music up together and all the lyrics/poetry are written by lead singer Håkan.

 

 

What about how long it took to get it finished from the start of the process?

Martin the drummer moved to another city so we just met during weekends and partied and recorded. It took almost two years because we really like to party.  Also, we were waiting and hoping for the pandemic to be over before putting the record out, but eventually, we had teased ourselves too much and had to release it.

 

 

Live shows.  Are there any plans to come to Plague island the UK and bring the noise?

We would love to bring our rock’n’roll circus to the UK as soon as we can!

 

 

 

 

The Boatsmen profess to have a good time all the time.  What constitutes a good night out with The Boatsmen and where do we sign up?

Just write to us on Facebook, Instagram or theboatsmen@mail.com and we´ll start out with pizza and beer and end with beer and pizza.

 

I can’t get a copy of ‘City Sailor’ on vinyl any chance of a repress?  I’m sure when people hear the new album the back catalogue will be in demand.

There´s a discussion about a repress and we hope we can get it done soon.

 

 

What has the band done differently from album to album?  The new one is so good you seem to have hit a rich vein of form did it feel good when the songs were finished?  Having had some distance from finishing recording and releasing is there anything you’d have done differently?  What’s the process for The Boatmen.

For every record, we have had a different approach just to keep it fresh and not to do the same thing over again expecting a different result.  This record we did everything ourselves, even the cover design, so maybe next record we’ll do nothing ourselves.

 

Talk us through the songs on the new album.  Obviously, there are some reoccurring themes but are there any hidden depths we need to know about?

First off is the track “Action Delivery” and it’s about the anxiety and excitement of playing in a rock band that believe they´re the best. Next up is “Friday Night Forever” and that song is summed up in one of the lines of the lyrics: “Close your eyes and close your ears, be shitfaced don’t face your fears”. “Blame It On Me” was the first single from the album and it’s about the fact that everyone already thinks we are fucked up drunks, so if you do anything bad you might as well blame it on us. “Thirst Song” is a love song about a drunken relationship. “Saved By Rock” is about the fact that rock’n’roll saved us from boredom, sobriety, and virginity. “Even The Good Times Were Bad” is about how the times you thought then were good times can look like from behind. “I Don’t Wanna Lose This Time” is about not wanting the weekend to end. “When I’m Drunk” is about the superpowers you get when you’re drunk. Everything good that I have achieved in life I have done while being drunk. “Big Waves” is about remembering that you are the captain of your own ship. “Clap Canon” is a Swedish expression that describes when someone is really drunk. We have with our magic linguistic capabilities turned it into a story about making the audience clap their hands to keep the band on fire. “Gimme Your Money” is about the fact that alcohol is very expensive in Sweden. “Better Man” is what I keep telling my wife every day that I’m going to be. After Party In Hell is about the fact that if you end up in hell for doing the things you like I’d rather go there already.

 

 

What next for the band?

We would like to tour the world, but since the world is closed down right now we’ll release a bunch of music videos and do stuff online to keep the people’s thirst and hunger up until we can bring our exploding rock’n’roll chaos to your town! Cheers and thanks for the interview man, keep up the good work!

 

Verses The Boatsmen review Here

Buy the record from Ghost Highway Records or in the US at Spaghetty Town Records

You can pick up your merch from the bands Bandcamp  or visit their website Here