“We Are The People” was written by Lou Reed in 1970. Could’ve been written yesterday. This is a very moving, emotionally charged Iggy version.
Transatlantic Americana artist tours UK around festival appearances “One of the best live bands you’ll ever see”: Hype Magazine “Riff-driven guitars, catchy chorus’, gritty addictive vocals – straight up old school rock n roll”: Music Junkie “Absolutely cooking live. If you get the chance to see this lot play, grab it with both hands!”: Brighton News
Ryan Hamilton and the Harlequin Ghosts are thrilled to announce a short engagement of live shows in the UK around their confirmed festival appearances this year (with more festivals to follow).
Talking about his long held dream of playing UK festivals, Fort Worth, Texas based singer/songwriter Hamilton says: “Since I started playing music, it’s been a dream to play music festivals in the UK. I remember seeing the ‘Travis LIVE in Glasgow’ DVD and going, “Holy shit. I HAVE TO do that someday”. So, here we are… dipping our toes in our first UK Music Festivals, and I sincerely can’t wait!”
Once again to be released on Stevie Van Zandt’s ‘Wicked Cool’ label, Hamilton continues: “We’re right in the middle of recording a new album. I think we’ve finally found the right mix of Americana, Pop, and Rock n Roll. After a couple of years touring… and 1 successful album under our belts as this current incarnation, we found our identity, musically. I can’t wait to finish this album and share it with the world. I think it’s gonna be the thing to get us where we wanna go.”
Finally, Hamilton adds – “and before I get it on the socials that this isn’t strictly a full UK tour – we know & we’re working on correcting that by the end of this year – and THEN getting over to mainland Europe for more festivals and shows in 2021!”
UK 2020 dates:
May 2020
Thursday 21 Waterloo Music Bar Blackpool
Friday 22 Blue Moon Cambridge
Saturday 23 LeeStock Festival Sudbury
Sunday 24 The Parish Huddersfield
July 2020
Saturday 4 Maverick Festival Easton Fark Park, Suffolk
Sunday 12 Walled Garden Festival Thoresby Park, Notts
Undoubtedly the Trash Bags will often be compared to the Cramps, who are most certainly a huge influence here. And although they take a range of garage-like influences, from the opening, reverb-heavy guitar notes to the snarling vocals, fans of Lux and co. will find something to love here from the New Yorkers’ debut album.
But beyond the obvious influence, what else is packed up in the Billie Joe Armstrong-produced, trashtastically-tainted new record? Well, as they say themselves, it really is gar-bage – gloriously so. As soon as those first few notes finish ringing out, the album kicks into an uncompromising barrage of frantic, messed up garage rock ‘n’ roll.
It’s high-energy junk all the way from start to finish, drawing influences also from the New York Dolls and others. From ‘Crimes’ to ‘Sex Beat’, the album doesn’t drop for a moment. Through the trashy guitars are catchy choruses and slick, surf lead breaks. ‘Hungry for Ya’ is somewhat reminiscent of the great Street Walking Cheetahs.
The Trash Bags are noisy, brash and exciting, and this debut album is a fine way to kick up some dust in New York City. If garage with a touch of PVC is your thing, so are the Trash Bags.
Pick it up here
Author: Craggy Collide
While Lucifer Star Machine was a new band to me, their beginnings go back to 2002 when they released three albums before Tor Abyss (vocals) decided to relocate the band to his home country of Germany in 2012. Since that time, they have released a couple of singles and an EP with a whole new band behind Abyss which I will now be looking to find. I went into the album expecting some straight-ahead Action Rock but found many cool twists and turns throughout this diverse album.
Some cool news samples introduce us to the album with some razor-sharp guitars firing us into ‘The Void.’ This song made the ideal first video for the album as well as the first song on the album as the hooks are huge, and the adrenaline surge starts here. It’s clear the band wanted a stellar production job as the mix is deep and rich here. The guitar work is killer by Mickey Necro and Marshall Speed. ‘Dwell in Misery’ slows the pace a touch with a definite Misfits influence in the vocals, and the chorus provides a sing-along touch on the first listen. The band exercises some restraint leading into the guitar solo which maximizes its effect.
Keeping up the diversity, ‘Cruel Hearts’ features some excellent rhythm work by Benny Zin (bass) and Jay Impact (drums) and another huge chorus. The subtle use of some handclaps adds more character to the song and showcases a band that has refined its sound from many areas to create something all their own, even with some influences standing out more than others. ‘Baby, When You Cry’ reminds me of the Ramones with Abyss singing very melodically and allowing the chorus to stick deep into your brain. The guitar work and solo stand out here again with the band creating a diverse excellent record similar to what the Dead Furies did on their latest album.
‘The Night is Young’ channels a classic hard rock feel with an awesome chugga chugga rhythm propelling the song forward with some excellent lead guitar on top. The band again gives us another larger than life addictive chorus that is simpler lyrically but hits the perfect spot. The breakdown in the song before the guitar solo is simply perfect, and this song would make an ideal single. Zin’s bass work kicks butt in ‘East Dust’ and receives a lot of space in the mix. I hear a Nashville Pussy influence here with lyrics that could have come from their first album, but the music is not as fast or reckless. This one has a cool groove with a lyrical hook that could get you some sideways glances in public. With the songs that have come before and the ones after this one, ‘A Touch of Death’ does not make as much of an impact for me. It could be more of a grower though as it connects with me a bit more with each listen. Check back with me in a few months as this might be one of those that become a favorite.
I am not sure what the new James Bond theme will sound like, but it definitely seems like there should be a Bond movie with ‘El Camino Real’ as its theme. The 60’s feel of this hard rocker and a chorus that could not be catchier make this another obvious choice for a single or song to push from the album. This has been my favorite song since my first listen. The band continues the sonic assault with the rapid-fire ‘Pretender.’ This is another one where the band utilizes another large catchy chorus that should have you singing along in no time. They continue to increase the speed with ‘Evil Blood’ sounding more menacing but still has a catchy chorus and some excellent guitar riffs.
Kicking off the home stretch of the album, ‘Midnight Crawler’ utilizes some Halloween sounding creepy vocals in the chorus that make it stand out from the rest of the album and corresponds to the quick sample to open the song. While there is a Misfits influence here, it is the other elements that create something unique. By holding back on using the chorus, it carries more weight and impact. Zin and Impact again showcase their chemistry before unleashing some killer guitar solos. The piano here again showcases that Lucifer Star Machine is crafting an album with subtle touches that will stand the test of time. ‘Your Love Remains’ smokes with a dirtier sounding mix and a huge melodic chorus that an audience needs to be singing. Wrapping up the album, ‘Devil’s Breath’ utilizes an acoustic approach that ends the album on a mellower note musically but not lyrically. I envision the band riding off into a blood-red sunset as this one plays.
Lucifer Star Machine has delivered a killer album that deserves to be heard far and wide. They have created their own sound even as some of their influences stand out in the mix. I will be going back to explore their previous work based on the strength of this album and imagine this one will be getting a lot of plays in the future. I imagine you will be doing just the same after you listen to this one. The time is now to be lucified.
‘The Devil’s Breath’ is released April 3rd.
Author: Gerald Stansbury
Saxon We’re always a fixture of the Hard Rock magazines when I was a kid and went to see them when they rolled through South Wales and always remember going home thoroughly entertained particularly from Biff Byford and his banter as much as his vocal dynamics on their classic catalogue of songs. Fast forward many years and apart from the odd crossed paths at festivals Saxons popularity ebbed and flowed and in recent years people seem to have given them the respect they deserved and that’s due in no small part to frontman and Bard of Barnsley Mr Biff Byford.
I’ll admit its been quite some time since I played a Saxon record but always read interviews and had a lot of kudos for Biff and when I heard he was set to release a solo album I was intrigued and sought out the press kit in order to catch up with the legend and see if he was going to take this somewhere he could ever take his band Saxon and if so would he stand or fall in what is a super competitive market and with music being the forum it is today it’s easy to get lost in a sea of streams and downloads so I opened the Email quite excited as to what was going to greet me in the ‘School Of Hard Knocks’.
The first thing I noticed was the pipes that have been the silver-haired frontman’s trademark are still impressive and intact even at the tender age of 69. The album tackles topics such as the county that Biff has always championed – Yorkshire. Biff sings from the heart and bears his soul throughout the record and even has time to throw in a cover of ‘Scarborough Fair’ where he excels in his display of power and I come out from behind the sofa and without a hint of irony or sarcasm he did himself proud. There is also time later on the record for a cover of Wishbone Ash ‘Throw Down The Sword’. Of course, there is room for guest appearances to be fair that’s the point of a solo album anyway, isn’t it? Indulge yourself, be the boss and take the record in any direction you choose. This record isn’t short of names with guest appearances by Phil Campbell (Motörhead/Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons), Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire and Turilli / Lione Rhapsody), Nick Barker (Voices), Dave Kemp (Wayward Sons) and Nibbs Carter (Saxon) all present and correct.
worry not there isn’t any cod reggae or disco going on and at times its all hard rockin’ stuff but when he does stray it provides the record with its highlights such as the Wishbone Ash cover and the acoustic song from the heart ‘Me And You’. The albums title track is the only time he comes anywhere near what Saxon is famed for but then he is telling his story so I guess its only fitting there should be one of those Saxon like riffs and to be fair it’s one of the best songs on offer.
There are some long songs that are a journey in themselves like ‘The Pit And The Pendulum’ and the Wishbone Ash cover but you also get spoken-word interlude ‘Inquisitor’ that just showing off guitar noodling and if its possible I’m sure I heard Biff grinning. So all in all an album that will please fans of Biff will have people tipping their hat in respect to his service and dedication and I have some tracks I will take with me more than others but I always love hearing his voice be it on a ballad or rockin out screaming his lungs out Biff Byford has earned his stripes and stab at a successful solo album and if anyone has a bad word to say about Sir Biff of Byford send em to me I’ll sort em out.
Biff has certainly been through the School of hard knocks and has one of the genre of Rocks’ most distinguishable vocals and sang some of the best most enduring and endearing songs he wanted to tell his story and does it well. Without a hint of smugness or over-inflated egos like a lot of his contemporaries, Biff has always remained true to himself and been as honest as the day is long. He has always come across as a man well-grounded and proud of who and where he came from and now he’s been able to release a record and sing about his extraordinary life from his heart and by bearing his soul he gets the thumbs up from me. Arise, Sir Biff of Byford a true hard rockin’ legend.
Buy ‘School Of Hard Knocks’ Here
Author: Dom Daley
Rain rain go away come back another day. Shit island has had enough wet stuff falling from the sky but whilst we wait for Spring how about the brand new video from The Hangmen. Yup that’s right LA delivers from time to time and this is exceptional stuff from Smalls and the rest of the band.
How about a brand new video from Rich Ragany & The Digressions. The title track from the debut album gets the video treatment as the band announced as support on the Status Quo winter tour 2020.
With a brand new album hitting the streets this month what else can we do than play the brand new lead track from ‘Deathtraps ‘Stole Your Rock and Roll’. Ladies and germs I give you ‘Let’s Fall Out Of Love’
OK, kids, The Singles club is open for March and with a few choice picks we got a right mixed bag of genre-hopping choices to suit every pallet. WE’ve got punk of all persuasions and old rockers – we’ve got some legends of several scenes and a few eyebrow raisers as well as some really exciting new bands for you starting with the single of the month as Lemmy said March or Die…
Dead Meat – Dead Meat EP (No Front Teeth Records) What a way to start the singles club round up. A four track EP on one of my favourite labels some trashy punk rock featuring some of my favourite bands out there making a noise at the moment. This one is chuffin’ awesome. Snotty, fast, down n dirty Rock and Roll. Blink and you’ll miss this one it features four track lasting between a minute and some and two minutes and some and the players have pedigree featuring members of THE CAVEMEN, SUICIDE GENERATION and THE SPEEDWAYS need I say any more? Put it this way if you don’t curl out a smile when pogoing to ‘I Give Up’ then real Rock and Roll maybe isn’t for you. Just buy it out get out of here its a keeper and my record of the month! Buy it here
Faz Waltz – ‘Grown Up Guy’ (Spaghetty Town Records (USA) and Wanda Records (Germany)) Since forming in 2007 Faz Waltz have been a non-stop rock machine recording six albums these boys are relentless. ‘Grown Up Guy’ is what Faz Waltz do they Rock and Roll with the best of them. You wanna call it retro 70s bubblegum boot boy rock and roll then fine but this lot are tough and that riff is a cracker as are those BV’s.
The B side is just as punchy it’s like a party on plastic they’ve captured the mood perfectly and this one comes with added shakers and handclaps so what’s not to like? Faz does breakdowns and solos with the best of them and this ones no exception. Just like the TV Times, I didn’t realise there was so much in it!
The Scaners – ‘X-Ray Glasses: On’ (Spaghetty Town Records (USA), Adrenalin Fix Music (FR), Dangerhouse Skylab (FR) and Ghost Highway Records (Spain) Supersonic gonzo-synth punk – Intergalactic swirling garage rock’n roll spaceship – Soundtrack for UFO pilots and weird aliens and decent thinking punk rockers (with taste)
First, it appeared on the 2019 LP The Scaners II, and two brand new songs are the order of the day for these loons. Blink and you’ll miss opener ‘Alien Boy’ with its sub-one-minute slam dance. What a mint tune that’s how to do it punk rockers. In contrast, the numanoid feast that is ‘X-Ray Glasses’. Sounding like a really cool Tubaway Army thumper from the dumbed-down bass line to the swirling synth and robotic vocals – great stuff. ‘I Really Wanna Know’ isn’t hanging about either. Brief and fleeting but a lot of fun. The Scaners are delivering the good big time on this right smart offering. What a top single.
The Outliners – ‘House Of Thieves’ (self Release)
Unleashing slamming punk cuts and appealing hooks, Brit threesome THE OUTLINES are planning their attack across the UK with the release of their new EP, House Of Thieves, It features the track ‘Mind Trip’ which they were kind enough to shoot a video for. they are the creation of singer and guitarist, Kyle Peters, who formed the band in 2015 after leaving Ferocious Dog. Peters enlisted old school friends Martyn Brown (Bass) and Dean Hill (Drums), and the newly rejuvenated three-piece began rehearsals to craft a live set and to shape a sound that would be powerful and raw, but also refined. As you will notice the song is built around a sharp guitar riff and full-bodied sound. It should do really well and will go down really well live. ‘Man Down’ is a lively opener as it comes out of the speakers swinging. Bullish and full-bloodied. ‘Mind Trip’ is more of the same with a great production giving the songs a bright punchy sound and giving it the room to just do its thing. The title track of the EP is a bit of a beast with some piraty backing vocals as the verses swirl around a decent riff it’s a really strong introduction to the band who can rock out and show restraint. Go check em out Website / Spotify
Dystopian Future Movies – ‘Black Cloaked’ (Lasairfhíona Records) Second single off their soon to be released album ‘Inviolate’
Bona Rays – ‘Poser’ ( Flashback Records) Bona Rays’ Poser, is the last great undiscovered UK 1970’s Punk single to see light of day and the only UK punk single recorded in the 1970s fronted by a woman of West Indian descent. Poser is finally released on limited 7 on 28th February.
Back in 1978, Punk Songwriter and Guitarist Tony Keating had a few songs he’d written and was looking for a singer. A friend encountered Chas at a tube station after a gig and asked her if she was interested in singing on Tony’s tracks. A few weeks later, they had christened themselves Bona Rays These tracks were pushed around labels in ’78 but to no avail that is until now. sounding a little dated it’s Drum Toms and synth giving it some on ‘Poser’.
40 years later, Chas was moving house and decided to sell her records. She took them to Flashback Records where owner Mark Burgess bought the collection. In amongst these records was an unknown 7” acetate. After Chas left the shop, intrigued by this oddity, Mark played ‘Poser’ on the shop system. Fate stepped in as Chas walked back into the shop at that moment to sell a few DVDs she’d forgotten to bring along earlier and said – “Oh – you’re playing our song”. What are the chances eh? www.bonarays.bandcamp.
Billy Talent – ‘Reckless Paradise’ (Spinefarm Records) Canadian rockers Billy Talent have released the first official single from their forthcoming album, due out this fall. The song, “Reckless Paradise” showcases the powerful driving riffs and pointed lyrics the band is famous for. Produced by Billy Talent guitarist and Juno Award nominee (Producer of the Year) Ian D’Sa, “Reckless Paradise” is available now everywhere you listen to music. With a huge riff and distinctive vocals, Billy Talent sits between ‘Dookie’ and something totally harder rockin’ if that’s a place but the layered vocals and heavy guitar will lend itself to a wide audience.
City Saints – ‘Peter and the Test Tube Babies on the Radio’ (Sunny Bastards Records)
Swedish punks City Saints play loud guitar, bass and drums street punk. With the A-side, good old sing along with a happy go lucky hook on the chorus and a gang vocal even the drunkest of listener can join in with.
Recorded with Peter Bywaters from peter and the Test Tube Babies. It features just the one original and two covers. The band managed to capture a lot of big fun in the recording of this A-Side and having Peter from the Test Tube Babies shouting along is great I’m not sure he would shit em though they’re a bunch of buff lads.
There does seem to be a theme with the two other tunes as they follow on the time-honored tradition of Peter & his Test Tube Babies as they smash ‘Alcohol’. Then they rock and roll their way through ‘Giving Up Drinking’ with aplomb. Peter will be pleased with the credits but I think more so the fact he’s been honored with two fine takes by this handy band of Swedes who sure do know how to Rock and Roll. Facebook
Biff Byford – ‘Me And You’ (Silver Lining Music) Now everyone loves a bit of Biff. his endearing endurance is something to celebrate and his singlemindedness to carry on through the decades with Saxon and then when it was announced he was going to release solo album eyebrows were raise. you know what it is something different from the singer and opening his heart like this is great stuff it’s not what was expected and using the saxophone worked for me and this should be celebrated as a triumph. Good on you Mr. Byford you are a true legend and long may you continue to perform and make music – RPM Salutes you. to get your copy visit www.biffbyford.com
The Empty Hearts – Remember Days Like These (Wicked Cool Records) You want power pop from a supergroup? Hell, we all do. the Empty Hearts dish up a delicious helping of Rickenbacker backbeat power pop with the emphasis on the pop. With lush backing vocals and daydreams of laying on cut grass staring up at the clouds in a deep blue sky Hell they’ve even managed to rope in Ringo Star on the drums for the lead track and Clem Burke sits it out. Truly a supergroup. Elliot Easton – guitar, backing vocals Wally Palmar – lead vocals, guitar, Clem Burke – drums, backing vocals, percussion and Andy Babiuk – bass, backing vocals. The B side or is that AA side ‘Tell Me Reasons Why’ is my pick of the two tracks on offer and is the sound of some guys loving what they’re playing and delivering the good. For lovers of Rickenbacker power pop garage. Bandcamp
Johnny Jetson – ‘Love Me For My Car’ (Minnie Apple Records) Two tracks taken from his brand new soon to be released album ‘Make Your Move’ Jetson plays in yer face Rock and Roll. He’s stewed it in a vat of influences including the good and the greats. Bolan and T Rex are in the DNA for sure as the tune gyrates and does a virtual lapdance all through your ears and that’s a great feeling. Fuzzy guitars and tambourine and shakers behind a tried and tested riff that’s where this bad boy is hanging and we’re down with that for sure. ‘Knocked Out’ is an altogether nastier, sleazy slab of rock n roll. Mashing up some Pistols with the Coop as it rushes to finish before the cops turn up and throw this track in the clink. A welcome return for Mr. Jetson its been a while. We missed your confident strut and your fistful of rock n roll tunes. Keep em coming we like it! Facebook
Slumlord Radio – ‘Gonna Be A Riot’ (White Elephant records) Dirty hard-rocking mofos with a cowbell. What’s not to like? With one foot on the wedge owned by the likes of Warrior Soul with a dash of The Forr Horsemen thrown in fo rgood measure this Michigan born beat combo is dishing up a shitstorm of hard-rockin’ tunes with plenty of attitude and for extra bonus points, who doesn’t love a band who kick out the jams on ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’. they treat it with due care and attention and don’t fuck it up but give it plenty of menacing roffola which is cool and add in that beautiful 1 finger piano riff – check it out. Pick it up Here
Lucy And The Rats – ‘Dark Clouds’/’Get Down’ (Stardumb Records, Dirty Water Records) Taken from their second album this new single is Lucy raining down some wonderful power pop on us. With lush melodies on the chorus its atop glimpse into what we can expect from the new album (hopefully), it is rounded off with a thoroughly splendid guitar break. If only all power-pop singles were this good, the charts would be in much better shape if Lucy was in the top 10 and when you got in your car for the ride to work this happened to be blaring on the radio. Until that happens go visit the band on their Facebook page and check em out – you won’t be disappointed Facebook
Eddie Money & The Grave – The Lost 79 tapes (Still Unbeatable Records)The Lost 1979 Manchester Studio Recordings + new bonus track! Recently discovered in the USA and sent over to the UK! Remastered from the original tapes! Original 1979 Power Pop Punk! Available on 7” vinyl 45rpm with a limited run on coloured vinyl you have to check this out just for the lyrics. Absolute class and of its time. It’s one for fans of The Boys and classic power-pop-punk rock. Its got that analogue crackle for good measure to give all the audiophiles a warm tingle when playing this one. Buy Here
Cockroach Clan – A New England (Fysisk Format) A song that’s been covered a couple of times and some gets the Cockroach Clan treatment. It did test my gag reflex watching the video with Farage and Widdicombe flashing up on the screen waving their butchers aprons but hey ho it takes all sorts I guess. It’s a decent stab at a great tune but sadly not as good as the original or the Kirsty McCall version but its worth a listen and stick with the video even after the intro the outro is worth the wait. Nice one guys!
Go Mod Go! – ‘Duke’s Jetty’ (Fandango Records, Ghost Highway Recordings, KOTJ Records) Go Mod Go! Whats not to like here. It’s something totally different and harks back to the swinging 60s for sure. A project consisting of Jake Starr (Adam West, Jake Starr and The Delicious Fullness) and Tom Barrick (Adam West) featuring a 10-piece powerhouse band with horns, keyboards, and a dynamic woman vocalist.
After the band recorded their debut album “Alright!”, they went into the studio to record a few new songs with original vocalist Jamie Boyd. Jamie soon left the band and was replaced by superstar vocalist Mundy, and the band started recording their upcoming second album.
These two songs are the final recordings with Jamie and showcase the 60s garage side (“Duke’s Jetty”) and the sultry French Yé-Yé side (“Zou Bisou Bisou”). Oh, la la tre bien Mr. Starr this is something left of centre and why not? Released on a limited edition 7″ of 200 on bubblegum pink vinyl, this is the perfect bridge between Go Mod Go! albums. Kiss kiss! Bandcamp
OK, so we’re flying into March 2020 already? Hell, this year is roaring for sure so this month Spotify playlist is as follows.
First up we have Sick Bags and the track ‘Boys Bleed Too’ from the awesome NFT/Spaghetty Town Records EP ‘Only Thee Young Die Good’ if you love a blast of Punk Rock with plenty of Roll and a howling attitude then check it out.
Next up we have the magnificent Jeff Dahl and ‘The Violence Squad’ taken from his recent album ‘Electric Junk’. A sparkling track from an equally sparkling album – Worthy of any Spotify playlist.
Green Day slipped a brand new album out there as well recently and it seems to have shaken a few as to their expectations for what a “punk Band” should sound like. Well, ‘Stab You In The Heart’ sees the band rip it up old school and what an excellent job Butch Walker did on the production front. We love it.
Deathtraps make a noise and we love that. With a brand new album out right about now we dig into their back catalogue and bring you the awesome ‘The Death Of Rock And Roll’ taken off their second album ‘Gotta Get Some’ but you can check out the review of the new album here.
With the brand new album scheduled for release in April we got excited that a new long-player from new yorks Wyldlife was on the way so we added the last single ‘Neon Nightmare’ Can’t wait for ‘The Year Of The Snake’ to drop as I think you’ll be hearing a lot more from these boys this year.
Another band I caught up with recently is Empty Suits and their EP that blew me away, We recently welcomed Dave Prince to the team and he delivered a review of the brand new Brian Fallon album ‘Local Honey’ so here’s the mellow tune ‘I Don’t Mind’.
Ben reviewed the new offering from Stone Temple Pilots ‘Perdida‘ so we’ve included the track ‘Miles Away’. Also with a new album coming out soon is Dirtbox Disco so here’s a reminder of what they were all about and with Spunk Volcano now handling the vocals you can find out soon enough but we’ve heard it and you have nothing to worry about.
Having just landed the support on the Status Quo winter tour of the UK Rich Ragany & The Digressions also released a video for the title track so we’ve added it to this months playlist.
Also heading out on tour this month are The Bar Stool Preachers so why not warm up to ‘8.6 Days (All The Broken Hearts)’.
Bang Records are releasing the ‘In Heat’ album by The Fuzztones as it was intended so of course, we’re reviewing that in the coming weeks. It would be rude not to include the title track off that. Continuing along the Garage Rock line Thee Hypnotics are treading the boards again so here’s the classic ‘Shakedown’. 
Finally, for March, we’ve got the lead track off the Biff Byford solo album ‘Me And You’. A true legend of hard rock Biff has decided than now was the right time for a solo album. Good luck to him we all have a bit of Biff in our hearts of that there is no doubt. Enjoy our mixed bag kids and we hope you find something you like.
Give us a like or a follow or whatever you do on streaming services and hey buy an album and support the bands they deserve it. Thank you.
American Jetset arrived in the world a little over a year ago and immediately impressed me on their debut EP ‘Live Love Die on Main.’ It quickly became a fixture in my rotation for the rest of the year. This release I suppose could fall in the mini-album category at six songs plus an intro. If you rewind 35 years, these songs would now be lodged into your brain by being played over and over again over the years as they would have been stars on the Sunset Strip, but the nice thing is American Jetset injects a healthy dose of a modern feel into their sound.
‘Welcome to Devil’s Canyon’ serves as a brief intro track that takes across the desert and into town as the train passes by. Drums rise in the background until we hear a woman scream that takes us into the sleazy awesome ‘Walking Contradiction.’ I love the bass intro by Kevin Harrington as it really sets up the entire song. With a sleazy groove that reminds me of early Faster Pussycat with some Junkyard added into the mix, this one contains a great hook in the chorus both vocally and musically. Ian Kaine MacGregor (also guitar) possesses a voice that can be really smooth but can also carry a slight sleazy whine when it is needed. ‘Gold and Nines’ keeps up the excellence with a commercial feel, huge chorus, and plenty of guitar licks throughout the song to make you break out the air guitar. They even add in a part totally designed for a crowd to sing the chorus with them which makes it extremely contagious on even a first listen.
Lance Reeder and MacGregor have loaded these songs with plenty of guitar riffs and solos so even the mid-tempo ‘One More Time Around’ features an excellent riff and a vibe that just screams celebrating life, this moment, and blocking out whatever wall reality may be ready to throw at you. It makes me wish I had the ability to play guitar. They take a slight turn on ‘Getaway Car’ which adds the slightest of twangs to the music but is in no way a country song as it is still clearly a rock song, just more subdued. The backing vocals give it some nice depth, and the guitar solo works perfectly.
‘1000 Ghosts’ features a quick riff that provides an immediate hook to the song that sticks to you like maple syrup on your feet. They then lay into a catchy chorus that will likely find you singing along as you’re bouncing around the room, car, etc. The final song ‘Never Be Goodbye’ provides that acoustic campfire kind of send off that works perfectly for this release. As the band’s stature grows, this could turn into one of those moments where it is just the crowd singing and clapping as the band prepares for an encore.
At just about 20 minutes, there are no wasted moments here. It is over way too fast and leaves you wanting more. The solution is, of course, to play the whole thing over again, and, if you don’t have them yet, I recommend adding the first EP and the ‘This Ain’t Hollywood’ single to your mix for more of a full album experience. American Jetset crashed into my world over a year ago because of their great songs, and this release shows that they were not a one-trick pony. Pick up this album and prepare to sing your butt off while these songs remind you of how good music can make you feel.
‘Saloon Rock Whiskey Pop’ is available now.
Author: Gerald Stansbury
As the band prepares to head to the Land of the rising sun for a couple of shows as well as some Tyla solo excursions the UK can head to Manchester and Belfast for a pair of intimate shows entitled Ballads and Banter that will feature Tyla and Matty James Cassidy enjoying the craic and sharing some stories tunes.
The upcoming tour dates and tickets for Tyla’s Dogs D’Amour and Tyla J. Pallas acoustic shows. Tickets Here
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