SO EXCITED to announce a BRAND NEW ALBUM, “Nowhere To Go But Everywhere”!  The album comes out Sept 18th, BUT, our new single, ‘Jesus & John Lennon’, is OUT NOW!

Swiftly following on from their Independent Music Award winning debut album, Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts are delighted to announce its follow-up: ‘Nowhere To Go But Everywhere’. Pre-order here.

Little over a year since the release of his enthusiastically received debut ‘This Is The Sound’, the Texan maestro backed by his trans-atlantic band will release 11 brand new tracks on 18th September 2020 in what will be their sophomore release for the Wicked Cool label.

& Here’s a handy link to listen to the new single, pre-order the album, and/or pre-save it on Spotify, iTunes etc…

CLICK HERE!

Like some of the greatest records in history, the bittersweet and often beautiful songs of ‘Nowhere To Go But Everywhere’ have their basis in break-up. In the wake of a divorce and in urgent need of a new start, Hamilton hit the highway and embarked on a long, soul searching road trip across the US. Losing himself in the heartlands of old America, Hamilton found himself gazing upon the crumbling motels and diners that line fabled arteries like Route 66 and picturing what once might have been; their fading grandeur offering a unique sense of solace and inspiration. As the milometer ticked-on and new experiences began to ease those unshakeable notions of hurt and heartbreak, unexpectedly Hamilton felt himself writing some of the most intimate and personal music he has ever written.

“It’s a group of songs about heartbreak, and finding yourself.” says Hamilton of the new record. “It’s not like anything I’ve ever done. I am certain they’re the best songs I’ve ever written. When this album comes out, it will be like baring my soul… and I’m ok with that.”

Literature fans may be quick to identify the title as a quote from another creative work written “On The Road”, by a certain Jack Kerouac. Though a fan, Hamilton insists its pure serendipity in this case. Or, the influence of a lucky charm perhaps (also seen to feature on the upcoming album artwork)…

“I knew it had to be the title for this album.” he says. “Kerouac is a hero, and because of the way this album was written, his spirit is all over it. I actually own Jack Kerouac’s belt. That he wore in the 60s… It’s a cherished possession.”

With a lifelong adoration for the work of Tom Petty, listeners will no doubt detect the influence of the great man in the warm and radiant arrangements of album opener “Only A Dream” or the gentle Califonian kissed balladry of “Pick Yourself Up”. But it seems a final pit-stop and pilgrimage to the famed Norman’s Rare Guitars in LA, would play its part in determining the resultant sound of ‘Nowhere To Go But Everywhere’ too.

“Norman is the go to guy for a lot of big names out there. Including my hero, Tom Petty.” reflects Hamilton. “I went in the store at the end of that aforementioned road trip from Texas… and had no intentions of leaving with a guitar. But, Norm and I got to talkin’, and we talked about Tom… and before I knew it, I was leaving with a vintage Martin acoustic. That guitar feels like my child. I cherish it.”

Returning home filled with a sense of rejuvenation and alive with new ideas, Hamilton reconnected with The Harlequin Ghosts (aka Mickey Richards and Rob Lane) and a host of talented musicians to help recreate his journey in the songs of what would become: ‘Nowhere To Go But Everywhere’.

Taking a similar approach to the recording process of their debut, ‘This Is The Sound’, the new album was recorded using both Hamilton’s home studio in Texas and that of producer Dave Draper’s in the UK, who also produced, mixed & mastered the final cut. Hamilton laid down the bulk of the record whilst also touring his solo acoustic tour in February 2020, before the declaration of the global pandemic saw Hamilton forced to return home to add the finishing touches.

Not one to sit still for long, Hamilton even found time to write an additional EP’s worth of material, ‘Incommunicado‘. Connecting remotely with producer Draper, plus other fellow musicians in lockdown in the UK and France, the EP recorded and released completely in lockdown. Dropped without prior warning in May 2020 and with all proceeds going to the Music Venue Trust’s ‘Save Our Venues’ campaign, it shot straight up the charts to become Hamilton’s first number 1 album (iTunes Country Chart) and sets the precedent for a magnificent long player to follow this Autumn.

Wise with the experiences of life and glowing with the sense of adventure of his travels, ‘Nowhere To Go But Everywhere’ is an exceptional new chapter in the Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts story. Just make sure to save them a table at the awards ceremonies next year…

RYAN HAMILTON & THE HARLEQUIN GHOSTS – NEW ALBUM:
‘NOWHERE TO GO BUT EVERYWHERE’- OUT 18 SEPTEMBER 2020, VIA WICKED COOL
PRE-ORDER HERE || LISTEN TO JESUS & JOHN LENNON HERE

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Website / Twitter / Facebook

I just can’t help it but whenever I get a new album to review from a band from my neck of the woods, I always think of the mid 1980s and the days when nearly every Welsh band out there wanted to be a Poundshop version of the fucking Alarm.

 

God those days used to be grim. Thankfully though, they were also pretty short lived and as the ‘90s dawned “Cool Cymru” quickly became a phrase to bandy around whenever the music press got the whiff of any new band from over the Severn Bridge, and Newport (via the Legendary TJ’s venue) earned comparisons to the then very much in vogue Seattle, spawning such bands as Dub War, 60ft Dolls, Flyscreen and Novocaine in the process, all of whom were snapped up by a major label looking to sign the next big thing.

 

Here in 2020 and with the UK music industry post lockdown now sailing rather precariously through unchartered waters, the cynic in me can almost sense a return to those bad old days of the 80s, which also made me lose all hope of finding anything exciting enough to get me writing again.

 

That was until I heard ‘Lies to Tell Your Children’ by Stay Voiceless.

 

Four years on from first being blown away by their profoundly off-kilter ‘Those Kids Have No Idea Whatsoever Of What Went On At Stalingrad’ single, this all new ten tracker demands you to sit up and listen right from the very first chord, acting like some kind of clarion call for those of us who’ve simply had a fucking gut’s full of the here and now, plus hidden not so deeply within the grooves of the sublime ‘Where’s Our Summer Revolution’ we also now have our call to arms.

 

Utilising the studio skills of ex-Novocaine man Richard Jackson (who has previously worked with the likes of The Automatic, Young Legionnaire and Future Of The Left) along with Jamie Young for ‘Lies to Tell Your Children’ is quite possibly the band’s masterstroke here though, as this is also one of the finest sounding Independent records I’ve heard all year (the thump of Andrew Edwards’ bass on album closer ‘Something For Now’ really has to be heard to be believed) and if ‘Stalingrad’ acted as my gateway drug then opener ‘They Don’t Make Prisons Like They Used To’ immediately has me back on the Voiceless gear. I really can’t help thinking that this is maybe what The Guns or Exit_International might have sounded like if they had been afforded a major label budget – but let’s not forget this is a self-financed release – and this track is a huge (but natural) sonic leap for Stay Voiceless, and when I say the band they most remind me of is little known (well here in the UK anyway) Swedish alt-rockers Division of Laura Lee then I really do mean that as a complement.

 

As the album progresses ‘We’re Not Lovers’, ‘Slaves & Silicone’ and first single from the album ‘I Am Weight’ all bear the buzzsaw guitar trademarks of many a ‘90s TJ’s headliner whereas ‘Comfortable’ and ‘Little Fixes’ see Stay Voiceless embracing the post-punk early ‘00s influences of their former bands while also revealing an underlying pop sheen.  ‘Postmadonna’ though, is for me, where Stay Voiceless sound at their most lethal with guitarist/vocalist Chris Morgan, drummer Cerys Bennet and bassist Andrew Edwards powering along like Andy Cairns, Fyfe Ewing and Michael McKeegan at their chart bothering best.

 

‘Lies to Tell Your Children’ channels all of the energy of Stay Voiceless live (something I would suggest you do tout suite once it is safe to do so again) and hits you straight between the eyes, it really is like a juggernaut packed full of angst and rebellion being joyridden through your council estate at three in the morning with the next generation of Rassau freedom fighters behind the wheel.

 

‘Lies to Tell Your Children’ It’s released on August 7th 2020 on limited edition 12” white vinyl, gatefold digipak CD and download via the link below. So, never mind the bollocks going on in the here and now boys and girls, here’s Stay Voiceless and they are the future, your future.

 

You have been warned!

Buy It here –  Bandcamp

Author: Johnny Hayward

First up is the first single off the excellent Pardon Us. ‘Undertow’ sees the band release their lockdown social distanced video for the first track off their ‘Seamless’ album due out towards the end of August.

Another band we a loving here at HQ is Indonesian Junk who also have a new album ‘A Life Of Crime’ out on Rum bar records

Finally, we bring you Stay Voiceless who also have a new record ‘Lies To Tell Your Children’ and the review of said record will be online this week

UK rockers, STEVIE R. PEARCE AND THE HOOLIGANS, have announced the release of their second studio album “MAJOR LEAGUE SON OF A BITCH” on September 24th, 2020. The album sees the introduction of Carl Donoghue and Lance Skybaby to the all new 13 tracks.

Stevie Pearce says of the new album: “I really wanted to go a lot further sonically, vocally and with intent with album 2- as a group. You are only as good as your last album which was ages ago now..- and mine was very well received but I’m not complacent and I’m not worried to throw some curveballs…and I think too many seem to be playing it safe…so I’ve doubled the bite for Major League. It’s not nicey-nicey rock by numbers which I’m seeing a lot of at the moment… its eclectic..its also all true… No fictional stories. I have light and dark and I’ve some surprises on it that people probably won’t know what to do with. Dave Draper has also put his heart and soul into this record.. so I’m already winning

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If you suddenly have the desire to collect The Hip Priests 7 inchers, just forget it already! That’s tantamount to saying you are gonna start collecting Star Wars figures or Kiss merchandise…there’s just too damn many, they’re too expensive and you won’t find ‘em all! But lucky for you, those fuckin’ boys have saved you the trouble and gathered together the lost gems, the hard to find cuts and the curios for all The Hip Priest fanboys and fangals to salivate over.

Yes, if you are a fully-fledged member of the Spasm Gang or even just a casual fan, (ie you don’t wear black denim every fuckin’ day!) then you probably already own the comprehensive double album ‘A Decade Of Disdain’. An album that brought together the best of The Hip Priests singles released over 2 pretty coloured records. And if you don’t, then give yourself a slap and get it sorted before we have words!

Well, ‘Solid Gold Easy Option’ is The Hip Priests strike back! 17 hard to find tracks from singles and EPs released between 2017-2019. That’s 6 cover versions bastardised by the band, sandwiched between 11 glorious original jams previously unavailable to mere mortals until now.

 

If quality, high octane garage rock is your thing, if you dig sonically seductive sounds delivered with more filth and fury than a Johnny Depp/Amber Heard weekend bender, then ‘Solid Gold Easy Option’ is right up your street. The dirty, the clean and the truly obscene rub sweaty shoulders and bloody knuckles in a defiant “fuck you!” to society, with no hint of socially distancing going on.

The epic ‘No Time (Like Right Now)’ is present and correct. Clocking in at just under 10 minutes, it’s their punk rock masterpiece, channelling the power of the MC5 with the horns and suss of Rocket From The Crypt, while they rant a diatribe about political skulduggery and post Brexit fuckery. It’s a punk rock anthem for right now. The other 3 tracks from that EP are present and correct, but the punk and belligerent ‘All My Rowdy Friends Are Dead’ and album closer ‘I’m Too Good’ seems to pale in comparison to the overly cool ‘She’s A Queen’. It sounds like Ian Astbury jamming with The Hellacopters, with one finger piano stabs, overly fuzzy guitars and vocals delivered straight from the crotch. It could be my favourite Hip Priests song right now.

Covers-wise, the likes of Motorhead’s ‘The Hammer’ and Demons ‘ Hot Running Blood’ are perfect Hip Priests fodder and stay pretty true to the originals. The Stooges ‘Loose’ is suitably ramshackle, sped up and delivered with guts and glory. Saxon’s ‘Play It Loud’ follows the same path and sounds epic.  It’s only Adam & The Ants classic ‘Press Darlings’ that doesn’t really benefit from the Hip Priests rough n’ ready, punk rock treatment for me.

Just because this is a b sides compilation, it doesn’t mean the quality has to suffer. ‘Nihilist Twist’ is a brutal, chanting 2 minute assault on the senses. ‘Dead By Sunday’ literally out ‘copters The Hellacopters and ‘I’m In Exile’ is all killer no filler. Wah-wah infused guitars fight with power chords as newest recruit Gentle Ben fills the right speaker and Austin the left, or is it the other way round? Who knows! But what I do know is the twin guitar attack sounds mighty.

 

27 singles, 3 EPs and 4 albums since their inception in 2007. It’s true to say that ‘Solid Gold Easy Option’ is more than just a stop-gap collection of odds and sods to keep their fanbase happy until album number 5 drops later this year. This is a quality collection of songs from shit island’s best-kept secret, and any self-respecting punk rock junkie should have it in their collection. The only trouble is do you choose green or blue vinyl?

Buy ‘Solid Gold Easy Option’ Here

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Author: Ben Hughes

 

 

A boundless ball of energy and chaos. Live they’ll put a smile on yer face as they cover every inch of the stage (and the rig and audience given half the chance) This Bristolian quartet is anything but conventional.  Their first album is a live one for gawds sake which should tell you that they are comfortable in that environment it’s their turf and they can rock it up on that stage so why not sling out an unpolished set of rockers as your first foray into the big bad world of rock music.
with a sound described as blues-punk, their frantic attack is exciting and bristling with energy.  they’ve recorded at Rockfield and Abbey road so stick that in yer pipe and smoke it.  Georgi Valentine: Vocals, Brodie Maguire: Guitar/Backing Vocals, Chris Simpson: Bass/Backing Vocals, Matt West: Drums make up this exciting band. You can pick up that super limited record Here but be quick they will sell out!
So Who the heck are Mother Vulture?
Mother Vulture are hectic rock n roll with a punk twist. Quiet off stage, lunatics on stage. We want people to come to a show, laugh and say “look at those idiots”.
Where are the band from?
Simply, wherever the van (Rigby) takes us. Although, I think it’s fair to say that Cornwall is our spiritual home.

How did the band come together?
We started writing music, in uni, but only really became a band last year when we finally started playing shows. The final piece of the puzzle was getting Matt on the drums. He bought the van so we have to say that…
What about recordings?
We’ve got 5 tracks on Spotify that we recorded in 2018/19
Post-Pandemic/Lockdown plans?
Our plans post-pandemic are tour tour tour. And then, maybe we’ll record a real album! But for now, we’ll be shoving the live album down everyone’s throats (out July 24th)
Follow Mother Vulture: Facebook / Instagram / Spotify

Limited to 500 hand-numbered figures
PRE-ORDER NOW and get a free KILLER BEER pin! (100 available)
Jimmy G, the leader of NYC hardcore legends Murphy’s Law, is finally a Throbblehead.  The figure is limited to 500 numbered units, stands at 7 inches tall, and is made of a lightweight polyresin.  Displayed in a vibrant full color box, here Jimmy rules the stage while holding a mic in one hand and “killer beer” in the other.
The first 100 pre-orders will also receive a KILLER BEER enamel pin!
Shipping October 2020
 

It was once said If they drop a nuclear bomb on this planet, the only things left would be cockroaches…and Lemmy. well, that ain’t going to happen seeing as though Lemmy has left the building but Kevin K is still here and with dozens of albums under his belt and after a threatened retirement Kevin K is still kicking out the jams and still delivering the good. With forty something albums under his belt Kevin is still finding inspiration and being an inspiration to music lovers everywhere.

Then there’s Ricky Rat.  Ricky was recently part of the Cheetah Chrome Dead Boys project that was getting decent reviews for their live shows and then that all blew up just before their proposed Rebellion Festival appearance in the UK tour and that was that. He’d been a Trash Brat and a solo artist with a couple of exemplary power-pop records under his belt but the two good friends have also toured mainland Europe together so clearly get on well and have an understanding of each other so I guess it makes perfect sense they should find themselves in a studio recording a record together.

Right, 2020.  Who knew there would be a collaborated record put out between the two Rock and Rollers now the minute I heard I got excited I love Kevin’s music and Rickys so hold onto you Les Paul Jnr and get on board with ‘Party Store’.  ‘Identity Crisis’ kicks off with a vibrant jangling rock and roll number with a great steady beat and some great tone and before the third run through to the chorus you’re singing along and punching the air.  Sure it’s nothing new but it offers entertainment and puts a smile on my boat race. Joining forces offers the best of both worlds its not your usual Kevin K and neither is it the unadulterated power pop of Ricky Rats solo albums but it is catchy and rockin’ and the great big dirty twelve-bar of ‘Song For Lulu’ is the sound of two great pals just enjoying making music and Rockin’ out and that shines through like the fuckin’ sun!

I was wondering if it would be the case that I’d tell which one wrote which tune and would it be the case of Kevin singing one of Rickys power-pop tunes and vice versa but it’s not its something altogether different.  I love the vibe of ‘Shame’ it sounds like they cut it raw and live in the studio and some of the guitar breaks are pure joy. ‘You Don’t Call’ is a breath of summer cool with the acoustic guitars and strings a most welcome left turn down a really enjoyable dreamy side street.

Getting back on it with the vibrant ‘Shes Cold’ with a great pace and dirty guitars leading the charge then crashing that one outta the way is the snotty ‘Lost America’.  As the album swings back and forth it flows really neatly from one to the next but with some subtle melodies and plenty of dirt from these guys but with softer edges showing as well. They work really well together and complement each other’s strengths and the fact that the songs are strong and there aren’t any duff tracks on offer is a testament to that.  I loved it when the double K worked with Texas Terri and they did a great split as well so Kevin K has form for collaborating with others and what Ricky brings to the party is excellent as well,  both steeped in traditional punk rock and roll and long-established roots in the good and the great that have passed through here before them soaking it all up like sponges when it works it’s a beautiful thing.

They even sling in a silky smooth romp through ‘Let Go’ which sounds like they are having an absolute ball and a great way to sign off and pop back down the ‘Party Store’ for refills.  But before you go there’s a wonderful extra mix of ‘you Don’t Call’ that seems fitting to end with as the stripped bare intro and melody is like prime time Teenage Fan club its that good.

Get on it kids these ain’t no successful losers these are the real deal and this album seriously rocks!

Author: Dom Daley

 

 

Monday 20thJuly 2020 – After an epic and well documented 45-year career that launched an era of rock n roll legends, KISS launched their final ever tour in 2019.

2019 saw sold out KISS shows across the globe with arguably the greatest KISS show ever! The initial tour announcement was met with huge fan demand for added shows, but the END OF ROAD TOUR will officially come to a close with a date and NY location yet to be named.

Unfortunately, due to world events KISS could not complete the original dates scheduled through June and July 2020. But the band are delighted to announce rescheduled and new European dates for 2021. Further dates will also be added to the cities announced today

Paul Stanley says, “We are waiting. We are ready. When we are told everyone is safe and this pandemic is over, we will shake the earth and rock your world as always and as never before.”

Gene Simmons says, “We can’t wait for this pandemic to be over, and for all of you to be safe. We are planning to rock your world, once it is safe out there, for all of you and for us. See you in Europe”

KISS will be offering VIP experiences and special KISS Army fan presales. VIP experiences may include a personal photo opportunity with the band, access to an exclusive pre-show lounge and a behind the scenes tour.  Visit www.kissonline.com for more information.

Known for their trademark larger-than-life blistering performances, KISS has proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock n roll.  The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, who have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, have said this tour is devoted to the millions of KISS Army fans.

KISS END OF THE ROAD 2021 rescheduled and new European dates announced today are below. With more dates to be added.

Wednesday 2ndJune 2021                        Sportspalais, Antwerp BELGIUM
Tuesday 8thJune 2021                   Accors Hotel Arena, Paris FRANCE
Thursday 10thJune 2021               Westfalenhalle, Dortmund GERMANY
Saturday 12thJune 2021                Atlas Arena, Lodz POLAND
Tuesday 15thJune 2021                Barclaycard Arena, Hamburg GERMANY
Saturday 19thJune 2021                Tele 2 Arena, Stockholm SWEDEN
Monday 21stJune 2021                  Hartwell Arena, Helsinki FINLAND
Wednesday 23rdJune 2021          Scandanavian, Gothenburg SWEDEN
Friday 25thJune 2021                     Festhalle, Frankfurt GERMANY
Wednesday 30thJune 2021          Hallenstadion, Zurich SWITZERLAND
Saturday 3rdJuly 2021                    Rockfest, Barcelona, SPAIN
Sunday 4thJuly 2021                       Wizink Arena, Madrid SPAIN
Tuesday 6thJuly 2021                     Roman Arena, Nimes FRANCE
Thursday 8thJuly 2021                   Schleyerhalle, Stuttgart GERMANY
Saturday 10thJuly 2021                  O2 Arena, Prague CZECH REPUBLIC
Monday 12thJuly 2021                    Arena Di Verona, Verona ITALY
Thursday 15thJuly 2021                 Budapest Arena, Budapest HUNGARY

For local ticket information
XXX VIP Packages ONLY – XXX CET
XXX KISS Army Fan Club Presale – XXX CET

XXX Public Onsale – XXX CET

Unfortunately, due to scheduling issues involved with moving the tour back a year KISS will not be able to play the following cities, that were originally set for 2020.

Sandnes, Norway
Kaunas, Lithuania
Lisbon, Portugal
Gliwice, Poland
Sofia, Bulgaria

Those fans with tickets for the above cities should refer to their ticket office for refunds.

“All that we have built and all that we have conquered over the past four decades could never have happened without the millions of people worldwide who’ve filled clubs, arenas, and stadiums over those years. This will be the ultimate celebration for those who’ve seen us and the last chance for those who haven’t. KISS Army, we’re saying goodbye on our final tour with our biggest show yet and we’ll go out the same way we came in… Unapologetic and Unstoppable,” said KISS on The End Of The Road tour.

KISS – photo credit Jen Rosenstein

 

Can you imagine Suzi Quatro writing a real punk rock record? Or Joan Jett not being sucked in by glam rock limelight? SMALLTOWN TIGERS hail from Romagna, North/East of Italy. Deborah, Giulia and Serena (who replaced Antonio later this spring) cut their teeth on The Rockaway Bitches, playing Ramones’ songs and spreading their love for surfboards and punk rock antics. The trio earned their stripes playing squat clubs and beach parties, before scooping the support slot for NYC powerpop aces BABY SHAKES on their jaunt around Italy this spring. Already being talked up on the Euro garage-punk scene, SMALLTOWN TIGERS have dropped their debut album ‘Five Things’ early this year and will be playing a bunch of UK dates to support it.

Who the hell  are Smalltown Tigers?

Smalltown Tigers are a young female trio from North Italy who play raucous rock and roll with a 70’s punk vibe. We were due to come back to England in May but that has been cancelled because of the world crisis. The tour dates have been postponed, for the moment it seems that November it could happen and we are really looking forward to it. We are still optimistic that when this crisis ends we can go on tour and bring “Five Things” to the live stage in London and Italy.

 

The group, which consists of Valli (bass, vocals), Monty (guitar, vocals) and latest recruit Castel (drums), was formed out of the remnants of a Ramones cover band and played their first UK shows last year.

 

So Where do you guys come from?

We come from different cities of the same region (Romagna). We – Valli and Monty – live in the same small village on the outskirts of Rimini; Castel comes from the biggest (but still small though) city in the area, Forli.

How did the band come together?

Smalltown Tigers were born in 2018, when after years spent playing the Ramones, we decided to create our own songs. It all started from the desire to try to play something of our own, to experience our creativity, and somehow we succeeded, still remaining glued to the sound of the Ramones.


Any previous recordings available?

We don’t have previous recordings, “Five Things” was our first recording experience. It was amazing. We recorded the whole album at L’Amor Mio Non-Muore studio in Forli, Italy. It’s an all analogue studio, where they use old reel-to-reel recorders and a 70s mixing desk.  No computer tricks, just a bunch of tube amplifiers. It has been recorded live, loud, fast and powerful.  That’s the Smalltown Tigers.

Post pandemic what’s the plan?

We were due to come back to England in May but that has been cancelled because of the world crisis. The tour dates have been postponed, for the moment it seems that November could happen and we really looking forward to it. We are still optimistic that when this crisis ends we can go on tour and bring “Five Things” to the live stage in London and Italy.

Album review Here