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45 RPM Its A Revolution

45 RPM Its A Revolution

Roll up, roll up one and all as the 45RPM Club is in session and this month we bring you a whole bunch of singles to mull over and for those who love the 7″ format we have a couple of pure gold must haves whilst it seems a lot of bands prefer to release a video as part of their press kit to promote a single which is cool we’re a broad church and we’ll check out old school wax as well as digital-only singles and video singles just get em into us and leave it with us.  So here we go.

 

The Hip Priests/ Electric Frankenstein – Split (Speedowax Records) It just wouldn’t be a 45RPM round up if The Hip Priests weren’t in town so thank fuck for Speedowax and this delicious split with the North American kings of Action Rock Electric Frankenstein.  Side A sees EF knock out ‘Generation Void’ with its beautiful riff-ola that takes us to the chorus that we can all join in on and throw our fists in the air – Amen to that motherfucker’s EF are in the house. The second offering is ‘I’ll Be The One’ which is a stronger tune with its Dead Boys vibe in the verse to that gang vocal chorus this is a wonderful opening side to any single.  Bring it on I say let’s see or rather hear a new full-length EF album that would be tremendous wouldn’t it? Flip it over and Shit Islands bad boys offer the excellent ‘Deja FU’ taken from their outstanding album of the year contender ‘Stand For Nothing’ and the second track is one that didn’t even make the cut on the album – imagine that, you have tunes you can save for a single that would be the first choice on pretty much any other bands album in this field ‘Nihilist Twist’ is a banger  and has a magic guitar break.  Record of the month? What do you think you silly billys. Join the Spasm Gang and get a limited edition press with a Hip Priests tote Bag  ooooh! Still winning at life!

 

Spirit In The Room – EP (Neon Garage Records, Black House) Fucked up spat out rock from Los Angeles featuring the headwork of Dennis R. Sanders aided and abetted by Darren Howard, Phillip Bailey, and Kevin Bombay the three songs are somewhere between Bowie meets NiN (‘U R My Religion’) full-on freak out that is the epic ‘the Future Is Immediate’ Motorhead meets Cave and some of everything else thrown in for good measure.  Menacing and thrashing about is the name of the game please don’t play neat a strobe light or you’re fucked. ‘Monetary Prayer’ is Jim Jones meets Gun Club meets birthday Party and Gallon Drunk not so much of a stretch for sure but quality a plenty and a most excellent listen besides Rock and Roll is meant to be a bit dangerous and foreboding and SITR is all that and more. Pick it up on their Bandcamp page Here Facebook

 

The Turbo AC’s / V8 Wankers – Split (Savage Magic Records) New York City’s The Turbo A.C.’s and Offenbach, Germany’s V8 Wankers come together for a 4-song split 7″ EP of high octane punk ‘n’ roll. Each band brings a stand-out track from their latest album plus an exclusive track just for this release. ‘fuckin Up Big Time’ is classic turbo AC’s big chorus and chugging riffs its a no brainer action rockers go fill yer boots.  a band made for split 7″ records (they’ve had more than most) Whereas V8 Wankers have been plying their action Rock for a decade and a half out of Germany and have stayed true to loud Punk Rock and Roll

Turbo Website  V8 Facebook or email: info@savagemagicrecords.com to pre-order now!

 

 

Plastic Tears – Dark Passenger (City of Lights Records)
– Taken from their last long player ‘Angels With Attitude’ Another band who’ve held fast on their trademark sleazy Punk n Roll – Plastic Tears have and will endure. Check out the video below. Facebook

ANC4 – ‘You´re the one’ (Beluga Records)  Digital Release from Beluga of the track ‘you’re The One’.  ANC4 (Arvidson & Nilsson Combo Four) is a newly formed Swedish band that will be releasing their first Long Player this Year.  The band consists of 4 members of the Swedish music scene, Roger Arvidson (Vocals & Guitar) who featured in Arvidson and Butterflies, Remains and Sonic Walthers, Tomas Nilsson (Vocals & Guitar) who fronted Mop Tops and Flying cow, the two songwriters are complimented by a strong rhythm section who also have great musical form, Janne Borgh (Bass & Backing vocals) who has played bass with both Strindbergs and Moderns, last but no means least, completing the line up is Niclas “Tidaholms Ringo” Österberg (Drums), The Front Line Band, Moa Blucher Blues Band among many others.

The band breathes new life into the sixties styled nuggets with strong melodies and sweet harmonies. as ‘You’re The One Will attain. Facebook

 

Daddy Long Legs – ‘Pink Lemonade’ (Yep Rock Records) Lead track for the band’s long-players is released in the shape of ‘Pink Lemonade’ Facebook

TV Coma – Have A Party (Wiretap Records) one that caused us some intrigue was TC Coma and their ‘Have A Party’citing the likes of Pup and Weezer as influences are always going to get our interest.  not the most immediate of tracks even if the video is a bit odd and there is too much facial hair for our liking the song is a grower no doubt about that. Facebook

Royal Republic – Anna Leigh (Nuclear Blast, Arising Empire) The first track off the new long player ‘Club Magic’ is with us and again pushing boundaries is the name of the game for Royal Republic. Looks like they had a ball making the video at least but again a grower and not the most immediate of singles. Facebook

Mono In Stereo ‘The Conversation’ (Rum Bar Records) Taken from the Album ‘Can’t Stop The Bleeding’ this is a really well-crafted tune full of good ole Rock and Roll with great barroom sing-a-long chorus and enough ragged edges to warm the cockles of the coldest heart.  simple (or at least they make it sound), Honest (as the day is long) wholesome alt rock with a punk rock heart like Huser Du or the Replacements or even more recent artists like Role Models check em out – Facebook

 

Geoff Palmer – ‘All The Hits’ (Rum Bar Records) Another new Rum Bar release sees The Connections songwriter or 50% of the team Connections release his solo record ‘Pulling Out All The Stops’  out soon on Stardumb Records / Rum Bar Records (dual label release) and this is the hook being used to reel us in and what a hook too. Geoff Palmer continues to destroy us with his songwriting skills once it hits your ears you can’t shake it.  It sounds like The Ramones have been on heavy rotation during the writing sessions and what’s not to love about that? 1-2-3-4 let’s go its dumb fun and bubble gum catchy as hell and music with a smile. why don’t more band kick up a shit storm of pop-punk rock like this – it’s beautiful! RumBar Bandcamp
Spread Eagle – ‘Sound Of Speed’ (Frontiers Music)  Its cock Rock O’clock folks wind back those clocks or get in a time machine marked late 80’s  for Spread Eagle without a hint of irony sing about Birds, speed (as in fast cars) no wait, they’re playing at a go-cart track which we all know is cool as so all is forgiven now where are my high tops and wrist bands and its great that Spread Eagle take safety seriously and everyone is wearing crash helmets.  Well done guys you Rock!

Gino And The Goons – Rip It Up (Slovenly Records)

Gino And The Goons – Rip It Up (Slovenly Records)

When is a new record not a new record? When it was Recorded back in 2017 might be regarded as such a thing.  It’s taken These Goons a few years to get it right (or so they say) Explaining that it only took well over a year, but in true Goon fashion they think they’ve finally figured out how to get a proper version of the super limited, custom made and long sold out third LP right!

Let us the listeners be the judge of that thank you very much would be the usual response.

Originally released in an edition of 300 copies on the band’s own SunWray Records label with photocopied artwork pasted onto garbage thrift store LP covers, the “Rip It Up” album is now ALMOST available to the masses on MADE IN THE USA vinyl, with digital mastering handled by Tim Warren at Crypt Records. Compare this new version to the only other digitally available tracks that were uploaded by a slobbering fan to Youtube, and prepare to have your asses handed to you and knocked two steps back! That’s the official line anyway from the band. From the opening bar of ‘Watch You Shine’ I knew I was hooked. Literally, it took about ten seconds to sit up, shut up and listen to what was unfolding through my speakers as these fucked up rock and rollers were causing a stir in my heart and sending my head spinning.  It’s like when I first heard the Dolls or what I imagine hearing the Stones kicking up a shit storm in some tiny club its like unbridled rock and roll has been let off the leash for the first time (which we all know isn’t true) and we are hearing some guitars and reckless vocals for the first time in our lives. This feeling doesn’t dissipate for the next thirty minutes.  Trust me I’m a Doctor.

By the time you get to the epic ‘Any Girl/Bad Stuff’ and you’re not convinced then maybe this rock and roll thing isn’t for you? Seriously maybe you have a head trauma injury or severe tinnitus or a lobotomy because a six-minute furious rock out that marries the good and the great is nothing short of spectacular.  Its got piano like little Richard, Guitar licks like Chuck Berry is in town and a vocal that’s part Iggy Part David Jo and the rhythm is relentless – I fuckin’ love it!

‘Outta Control’ is raw it’s rough it’s totally rockin’ and yeah it might fall apart in the blink of an eye it’s part Joneses part Heartbreakers its what Gunfire Dance might have sounded like had they grown up in the US of A but they’re cut from the same cloth I’m convinced of it.

If you’re waiting for that gentle slow dance number I guess ‘Let Loose’ isn’t going to be it you won’t find a slow dance in this one but you might find a healthy dose of Stooges vibe going on with songs entitled ‘So Far Out/Rip It Up’ and ‘Watch Your Back’ I guess you might have an inkling what these cats are up to So impressed was I that I had to dig out their back catalogue I needed to catch up and get my fix in one hit I know that can be a dangerous thing but so pure and unadulterated was the Rock and Roll I was happy to take the chance and the result is beautiful.  Follow suit kids and get a copy of Gino and the Goons its not something you’ll regret at all. Just do it.

*This pre-order is listed as coming out in July due to a Bandcamp limitation, but they’re gonna be unleashing this Budget Rock Masterpiece in early September. Until then, stream the fuck outta this Bandcamp exclusive, or BUY the damn download and add it to your devices.
Buy Gino & The Goons Here
Author: Dom Daley

Crazy And The Brains – Into The Ugly (Self Release)

Crazy And The Brains – Into The Ugly (Self Release)

Anti-folk what the folk is anti-folk? you might well ask yourself that I did. Me, I’m still not so sure but if that’s what genre they go by then that’s fine by me I loved a new york singer called paleface and he was dubbed Anti-Folk. I would pigeon hole it at a ragged assed punk rock with added Xylophone.  There is a bag full of unused (and Used) Ramones melodies as well as a bunch of Clash verses and ideas flying round Crazy and the Brain.

 

I first got introduced when I ventured down a musical wormhole many years ago and ended up in Brooklyn going to see them whip up a whirlwind of rock and roll in some backstreet club one winters night.

When they recorded as part of the fantastic Baldy Longhair records roster along with The Disconnects, it was exciting and they had plenty of catchy tunes.  It’s a pleasure and a joy to see the band is still out there making music and this record is more of the same but better.  Sure the xylophone is still prominent in the mix but the songs sound stronger (not necessarily better but stronger) ‘Into The Ugly’ is a lean nine songs that found their way on my blindside at the tail-end of 2018 and only just reaching RPM Towers now (sack out search and destroy bots they’re can’t be working properly).

At times, these Jersey boys are way out there like the crazy ‘Turquoise Flamingos’  but other times they’re on it like Graham Bonnet with the Beastie Boys vibe fest that is ‘Devil Dogz’  or when they take on a cover like blitzing ‘People Who Died’ they really do own the fucker.

Anyway let’s not get ahead of ourselves – rewind to opener ‘Hell No’ and it’s pure Crazy And The Brains with the whirling mesmerizing xylophone and the phat backbeat its a bright and blistering opener. ‘Feng Yuan’ is rockin’ as is the Strummer like ‘Fiesta’.  The recordings benefit from the excellent production from fellow Jersey punk rocker and Bouncing Soul Pete Steinkopf.

I’m sure once you give yourself up to the likes of ‘Mine’ you’ll be hooked and wonder where the hell they’ve been all your grown-up life.   What they have is special and I love it I won’t neglect CATB again and I’ll keep you posted on any new releases you can count on it.  Pay em a visit and tell em RPM sent y’all.

Website

Buy Into The Ugly Here

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Author: Dom Daley

Amyl & The Sniffers – ‘Amyl & The Sniffers’ (Rough Trade Records)

Amyl & The Sniffers – ‘Amyl & The Sniffers’ (Rough Trade Records)

When I saw Aussie punks Amyl & The Sniffers live recently, singer Amy Taylor launched herself into an excited and sweaty pit to sing and mosh with her fans for the first of several times…the band had been on stage less than a minute.

Part Yolandi Visser, part Wendy O Williams, Amy Taylor is a tiny, platinum-haired Aussie whirlwind of fun. Along with her mullet sporting flatmates; Declan (guitars), Bryce (drums) and Gus (bass) whom she formed the band with back in 2016. They have steadily been making waves since writing, recording and releasing their debut EP in the space of 12 hours.

These waves have made it across continents since the vinyl release of their ‘Giddy Up/Big Attractions’ EP, culminating with the band recently touring the States and the UK to rave reviews and packed clubs.

 

They don’t fuck around when it comes to music and live they are a high-octane blast of energy guaranteed to incite riots. That riot-inciting attitude is captured perfectly on their debut, self-titled album.

Just look at that goddamn album artwork and tell me you don’t need a piece of that in your life right now? Imagine a mash of The Rezillos, The Dead Boys and X-Ray Spex covering The Breaking Glass soundtrack and you might get close to their sound.

No one is doing late 70’s punk right now with as much balls, as much energy and certainly with as much authenticity as Amyl & The Sniffers are.

 

‘Starfire 500’ is simply one of the best album openers of the year, what a track! It blasts from the speaker with a statement of intent, riding on some out-of-this-world  Ramones-a-like riff. In Sniffers terms it’s an epic beast; Amy’s distinctive, snotty vocals don’t even start until the 1 minute 30 mark.

It’s clear from the off that the band have taken things up a level and they have come a long way since that lo-fi debut EP. While the production has improved, the songs are still full of raw, undiluted garage rock goodness.

If Kylie had been mentored by GG Allin instead of Pete Waterman she would probably have come out with a song like ‘Gacked On Anger’, a furious diatribe set to a wall of fat distortion.

Previously released singles are present and correct. The brilliant ‘Cup Of Destiny’ has a hook that will embed itself in your brain instantly and album closer ‘Some Mutts (Can’t Be Muzzled)’ is like some anti ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’. A “fuck you!” song to an ex about his new bird (or dog in this instance). Amy even throws in some choice “woof-woofs” for good measure.

The band bashes out 3 chord bangers like they were born to do it, with every track worthy of 7” release, like old school punk classics. ‘Monsoon Rock’ rides on a stabbing Dr. Feelgood style riff before descending into a power trip of Dead Boys proportions. The vocals spat with venom and the dirty guitars delivered with the power of a DC 10. The Stooges-like ‘Control’ is a chaotic, death trip jam, and ‘Angel’ is as close as the band gets to a love song…at least I think it’s a love song, but it sure ain’t no ballad, folks!

‘Got You’ sounds like an early Adam & The Ants b side. Riding on a rumbling bass line and a great chanting chorus, the lead vocals delivered with a most nonchalant punk rock attitude. The accompanying video features the boys in the band on leashes being walked by their singer. You gotta love it, and I have so much love for this tune right now.

 

Garage rock bands are two a penny, but Amyl and The Sniffers are the dirty penny you want to scrub up and keep for good. They have the tunes, the style and the attitude to match. They also have a growing fan base, a ferocious live reputation and now a killer album to boot. How can they possibly fail? An essential purchase.

Buy Amyl And The Sniffers Here

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Author: Ben Hughes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ROCK’N’GROWL RECORDS reveal next three bands on their digital compilation

ROCK’N’GROWL RECORDS reveal next three bands on their digital compilation

ROCK’N’GROWL RECORDS, a division of ROCK’N’GROWL PROMOTION have announced, the addition of three more bands: RYAN ROXIE (Alice Cooper, Planet Axe), BLACKMAYNE and PHONOMIK for the digital Rock/Metal Sampler ‘RAWKAHOLIC Volume 1‘, which will be released by end of June 2019.

The first three bands which were announced are SYTERIA (feat. Jackie Chambers of Girlschool in their ranks), AIRFORCE and DESOLATION ANGELS.

 

There are still last slots available and bands can send their songs and full info to promo@rockngrowl.com

#6 RYAN ROXIE (Alice Cooper, Planet Axe) is a US vocalist/guitarist & songwriter, and best known as ALICE COOPER’S long-time lead guitarist and collaborator. Facebook

#5 BLACKMAYNE, is a NWOBHM band from the UK and was formed in the mid-80s. “Not as heavy as Tank nor as poppy as Terraplane, this solid five-piece was surely one of the overlooked gems of the movement, sparkling with sadly unfulfilled promise.” Garry Bushell Facebook

#4 PHONOMIK, is an upcoming rock/metal band from Denmark, which can be described as a mix between Metallica and Disturbed. The song for Rawkaholic Volume 1 was mixed and mastered by Jacob Hansen. Facebook

And 9 more bands still to come!

Rock’N’Growl Records is a record label founded in 2009 by Axel Wiesenauer based in Germany. They focus on the rock and metal genre. The label working also with their division Rock’N’Growl Promotion heavily in the fields of publicity, press, promotion and consulting. Stay Rock’N’Growl !

www.rockngrowl.com

Black Star Riders – Another State OF Grace Video released

Black Star Riders – Another State OF Grace Video released

 

The single is taken from the forthcoming album of the same name, another stunning collection of songs that will further develop the band’s burgeoning reputation as one of the most essential contemporary rock acts. Recorded at Sphere Studios in Burbank, California in February 2019, “Another State Of Grace” was produced & mixed by Jay Ruston (Stone Sour, Anthrax, Uriah Heep).

The album is available on CD, vinyl and vinyl picture disc, limited edition boxset and limited edition light green vinyl. Album pre-order is available HERE

After a long period off the road, Black Star Riders are back with a 15 date UK & Ireland Tour with special guests Stone Broken and Wayward Sons. Dates for Black Star Riders 2019 UK & Ireland Tour are:

Thursday 10thOctober                                   O2 Academy, Bristol
Friday 11thOctober                                         Corn Exchange, Cambridge
Saturday 12thOctober                                    O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
Sunday 13thOctober                                       William Aston Hall, Wrexham
Wednesday 16thOctober                              Academy, Dublin *
Thursday 17thOctober                                   Limelight, Belfast *
Friday 18thOctober                                         Braehead Arena, Glasgow §
Saturday 19thOctober                                    O2 Academy, Newcastle
Sunday 20thOctober                                       Rock City, Nottingham
Tuesday 22ndOctober                                    De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill
Wednesday 23rdOctober                              O2 Academy, Bournemouth
Thursday 24thOctober                                   University Great Hall, Cardiff
Friday 25thOctober                                         Steel Mill, Wolverhampton
Saturday 26thOctober                                    O2 Academy, Leeds
Sunday 27thOctober                                       O2 Ritz, Manchester

* BSR and Stone Broken Only    § BSR Only as Guests to Saxon
Tickets are on sale now.
For Ticket Info please visit www.blackstarriders.com

Brain Ape Interview – Camden Rocks ones to Watch

Brain Ape Interview – Camden Rocks ones to Watch

The band has been around since 2012. Tell us who you are and how you came together.
Sol: Hi, my name’s Sol. We’re a London band, and I joined the group in 2012 –
Minky: You started the band, you nut.
Sol: Nah, you had a name for the band before I joined. You called it Bandwagon. I joined that
band.
Minky: Different band. Shit name.
Sol: Well anyway, I’ve been the bass player ever since. Through all of its ups and downs.
Minky: You’re fifty percent of the DNA of this band.
Jamie: Well anyway, I’m Jamie and I joined Brain Ape on drums in 2018 and then we played our
first show together in Paris.
Minky: And I’m Minky. I’m responsible for this mess, and I’ve been in the band for far too long.

 

You’ve released a couple of albums. How has the sound changed if at all and what are the
plans for album number three?
Sol: Album number three might or might not be coming. We don’t know yet.
Minky: Album three cannot be confirmed.
Sol: Or denied.
Minky: Or confirmed.
Jamie: I hope we have a third album.
Sol: Same, but it cannot be confirmed nor denied at this point in time. But as for our previous
albums, our sound has grown with us as we’ve grown up and become more confident and better
in our abilities.
Minky: We did one album, loved the sound, then played it for so many years, got bored. Did
another album, loved the sound, have played it for so many years, now bored. So we’ll see.
Sol: If we do a third album, we’ll take it into a new and unique direction. Our sound evolves with
us, and incorporates all of the different influences that we take with us.
Minky: But we’ll never forget the ‘Mudhoney sound’. They’ll always be legends.
Sol: Personally, I like Nirvana.
Minky: I hate you.
Sol: Can’t deny it.
Minky: I prefer the Melvins. You know we’ve had a lot of people recently compare us to the
Melvins? I am A-OK with that comparison. If I could grow a ‘fro like King Buzzo –
Sol: Except the Melvins didn’t really go anywhere –
Minky: Ouch, yes they did man.
Sol: Whereas their baby brother, Nirvana, went far farther.
Minky: You’re a cynic. And that’s coming from me.

You recently released a DVD which is a bold idea. What’s the idea behind the DVD so early
on?
Sol: We had the opportunity and we took it.
Minky: It showed itself, we smacked it in the face and took it hostage, and now we’re selling it for
a minimal price at our merchandise stands.
Sol: It was for the fans who can’t see us live, mainly. We wanted to show off how far we’ve come
and show people what we could do, even if they’re not in the same room as us. It’s a chance for
them so see us play our tunes.
Minky: Do you know how many messages I’ve had on social media of people telling me how glad
they are that we released a DVD, because finally they got to see what we do and they weren’t
disappointed?
Sol: That’s why we do what we do.
Minky: It’s been very humbling, somehow. And that’s the best feedback you can get. They had
expectations, and they weren’t disappointed? What could top that?
Sol: Exactly.
Minky: ’You changed my life’?
Sol: Why not?
Minky: With a DVD? Can a DVD really change your life?
Sol: Yep.
Jamie: Yeah, it can do.
Minky: Well was it the Decisive Video of a Decade?

 

What bands and songwriters have influenced Brain Ape?
Sol: Bowie, Queens of the Stone Age, Pixies –
Minky: It gets really boring naming the same people over and over again, but there’s no denying
who they are. Although, I disagree with the Pixies. I’d lean more towards Flipper.
Sol: Yeah, Flipper’s a good one.
Minky: Scratch Acid?
Sol: We took a lot from them in the early days, but one of our most influential artists has actually
been a band called Coffee. I live by Coffee. Every day. Eight times a day, even.
Minky: Eight times? Mate, you’re going to fucking kill yourself.
Sol: I need my daily Coffee.
Minky: Veruca Salt?
Sol: Veruca Salt are awesome. Love their harmonies.
Minky: And their tone is great, especially on that EP they did with Steven Albini.
Sol: Mantra?
Minky: Fu Manchu.
Jamie: They’re playing Download, actually.
Sol: Really?
Minky: I know, I saw them on the poster and instantly considered buying a ticket to the festival.
Sol: Alice in Chains? Avenged Sevenfold?
Minky: I think we’ve said Alice in Chains in previous interviews.
Sol: Blood Red Shoes?
Minky: I don’t know them.
Jamie: Blood Red Shoes are good.
Sol: Royal Blood?
Minky: Nah, fuck them.
Sol: I love Royal Blood.
Minky: Yeah, I know you do. I don’t.
Sol: I saw them back in the day, in a room with about twenty other people before they got
famous.
Minky: You love that story.
Sol: Yeah, I do.
Jamie: I saw them the first time they played Reading. I walked past the tent and just had to check
them out.
Sol: Soundgarden are good.
Jamie: I like them.
Sol: Pearl Jam.
Minky: Nice guy.
Sol: The big four are just solid.
Minky: AnnenMayKantereit? They’ve influenced the band a lot.

You appeared on our radar with the booking for Camden Rocks. Are there plans to play
other UK wide shows? Why should people come see you at the festival? It’s a great festival
and a cool concept with it being such a unique place to be able to do such a festival. Are there
any bands playing you’ll like to catch?
Sol: False Heads. Go see them.
Minky: To be fair, I’ll probably be at their show. But that’s no surprise to anyone, I don’t think.
Sol: We are actually playing a festival called Alice’s Wicked Tea Party the day before Camden
Rocks.
Minky: Correct. We’re going to have a wild time. We’ll still probably be hungover the next day.
And for Camden Rocks we’re playing at the Fiddler’s Elbow at 1:30 in the afternoon, so we’re
kicking things off nice and sweaty for the rest of the festival. But we’ll be hanging around for the
rest of the event. Why not? It’s a good excuse to drink beer and see some good bands.
Sol: This year’s Camden Rocks will be a bit special for us anyway, because it’s the first year that
we’re on the bill.
Minky: I’ve just come back from The Alternative Escape down in Brighton –
Jamie: I’d like to play that festival.
Minky: – and there are a lot of events like that popping up in towns and cities at the moment. The
Hanwell Hootie has just happened too, and I would have liked to have gone to that but obviously
I was in Brighton.
Jamie: The Hootie’s a good one.
Minky: There are plenty of day-festivals now, and I think it’s pretty good for punters. It’s quite a
cheap experience for a whole day or two.
Jamie: Camden Rocks is good because it’s a local London festival.
Minky: Camden’s a special place on earth, really.
Sol: And as a band, we’re really looking forward to it. We’ve played other festivals in our history,
but Camden Rocks will be a very nice addition to our trophy case.
Minky: We actually keep a trophy cabinet.
Sol: We reflect upon it every now and again.
Minky: We keep all of our platinum records in there, and we’ve also managed to keep a couple of
bits and pieces of memorabilia that we’ve collected over the years.
Sol: We keep loads of posters in there, too. Anything with our name on it, really.

 

Finally, What next for Brain Ape?
Minky: Sell out, make loads of money, move to L.A., forget about London, forget all of the people
we’ve met here, all of the people who’ve helped out. We can just completely leave them behind.
Use as many people as possible.
Sol: We have a new single coming out with its own music video, and it’s going to be the last
‘hurrah’ of Auslander. That record has been a really good album for us, and this single will
bookend this chapter nicely.
Jamie: A good old firework display for the end.
Sol: And from there, where do we go? We’ve had an undercurrent of people asking, nay,
demanding a new album –
Minky: But we’re not ready for a new album. I’m sorry. It’s going to come out in the next four
years.
Sol: Four years? I can neither confirm nor deny that the number given by Minky is true.
Minky: Actually, you know what? It’s coming out in four days’ time.
Sol: While Minky throws alternative facts at the wind, come down to Alice’s Wicked Tea Party and
Camden Rocks and watch us do our thing. We’ll have plenty of merch there, too. People keep
asking for more of that.
Jamie: Just send us a message, and I’m sure we can work something out.
Sol: And if you want us to play anywhere in the world, just get in touch.
Minky: If you’re in the EU, you’d better hurry up and ask us to come play before Theresa May
fucks everything up for everybody.

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photo courtesy of – Nuri Moseinco Photography & Jack Young

Title Pic – Nuri Moseinco Photography

Riskee & The Ridicule release new video ‘Kaboom!’

Riskee & The Ridicule release new video ‘Kaboom!’

Riskee & The Ridicule play a highly politicised style of punk and hardcore, that mixes in elements of grime and hop hop for a refreshing sound. Kaboom!

Frontman Scott had this to say about ‘Kaboom!’ –

“Our song is about the blatant scare tactics used by the right-wing media to give the illusion of danger. This illusion creates the fear of being attacked, which naturally creates hostility. ‘We attack each other to the sound of their applause because their assets are safe if we’re coming for yours’.

We chose the word ‘Kaboom’ because of its use in comic books ‘to indicate a large explosion’.

Comic books can print what they like, and people know its fiction. Newspapers do the same and people take it as the truth.” Check it out here and look out for the new album coming next month.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nDGGdhYIkZc&feature=youtu.be

Given the current state of the world, anybody would be forgiven for being in a perpetual state of loss. There’s a tangible feeling of confusion, dismay and fracture on any street that leads to a preference for isolation or staring at our own private screens over physical interactions. However, what this often breeds is communities ready to ignite people with an energy to fight the malaise bred by injustice. Enter: Riskee and The Ridicule. A tour-de-force band of politics, protest and punk that practices what they preach and are spearheading such a charge. Growing up in Kent, the group had always been a staple of the UK DIY scene, but their fervent attitude and unique “Grime-Punk” rallied troops of dedicated fans across the world. This die-hard community, the seamless relationship between “artist” and “crowd”, is ever-expanding and the reason Riskee and The Ridicule have toured ruthlessly nationwide, across Europe, the USA and are now readying their third studio album, Body Bag Your Scene.

Musically, the band meld their genre-spanning influences with their intent to challenge preconceptions. On the surface they may appear easy to read, when in fact Scott Picking (Vocals), Jimbo Aglony (Guitars, Vocals), Jordan Mann (Guitars, Vocals) and Matt Verrell (Drums, Vocals) are a gang of progressive punks who form a powerhouse of change. Full of fierce energy, the Kent quartet have motives resting among The Clash with relentless streams of wit, literacy and observational accuracy akin to The Smiths and a background in the UK Grime scene.

 

Following their DIY releases Dawn Of The Dog and 2017’s Blame Culture, the band have now signed with Bomber Music to release their third studio album, Body Bag Your Scene on June 28th. It’s a record that acknowledges their position as a band and showcases both a personal and musical evolution, building upon the style of their previous two albums but with more detailed and textured approaches to songwriting. Structures are more complex and themes broach darker subjects such as drug addiction, consent and the tabloid media with denser, heavier music to match.

 

“There was no outside pressure for us to do the album, so we wrote and recorded whatever we wanted. It turns out that because of that freedom, Body Bag Your Scene is Riskee and The Ridicule at our peak and most brutal yet. There’s definitely a darker side of this album, but there’s just as much tongue-in-cheek wordplay too.”

 

Body Bag Your Scene was written and recorded at breakneck speed, a reflection of its reactionary nature to the daily uncertainty projected upon us. Taking aim at the powers that be (“Our Time”), sexual exploitation (“Sex”) and the barrage of contradictory news (“Black, White & Grey”) it’s a record that holds a mirror to the world with simultaneously acerbic and humourous analysis.

 

Their ever-growing community of fans are also as important as day one and they’re truly a DIY band for the people, by the people. The album was made with fans submitting to Riskee and The Ridicule’s own pledge campaign and saw them having a direct input and a piece of the release via credits, memorabilia and even private home shows. “As long as we are constantly evolving, progressing and learning then we are doing something right. We’re experimenting and releasing something people won’t have heard before. We put so much into this band and bettering ourselves because others, our fans, give their all to support us. Our fans really are our family and we want to give back to them as much as we can, in any way that we can.”

 

Establishing themselves as an unstoppable live band who are not to be missed, Riskee and The Ridicule are about to set fire to the touch paper and ignite a necessary attack on the current state of unease. Body Bag Your Scene is available on June 28th via Bomber Music.

Fuck Pledge – A Message from Tyla

Fuck Pledge – A Message from Tyla

As the pledge Music debacle rages on Tyla has issued a message as he and his band try to salvage some positives from this whole sorry mess. Releasing a statement about his new release – The wonderfully titled ‘The Fuck Pledge Tapes’ fans are offered details of a project he and his band are putting together   

 

Here at RPM we’ve been involved and told of many campaigns that have caused sleepless nights, fans were let down and a company who has said very little publicly if anything at all.  Hopefully, something can and will be done and the musicians union can gather names and projects and maybe band together to salvage something for the carnage left in the companies wake. Both bands and fans who are out of pocket and without their agreed items and payment should have some sort of closure. 

F**K PL**GE

Dear Friends and Pledgers,

Hope all’s well in your world.

We just wanted to give you a quick update on the shenanigans over at PledgeMusic.

As many of you may have heard they’re in dire financial straits. They owe independent artists between $1million and $3 million collectively and – unable to pay – are now in the process of declaring bankruptcy. Yes, you read that right! They owe struggling artists up to 3 million dollars and are reneging on their payment responsibilities by putting the company into liquidation!!

It would appear they’ve f**ked both fans and artists by stealing everyone’s money! And, worst of all, they lied about it for months during which they continued to collect money from fans without paying it through to the artists for whom it was pledged.

As such, many artists have been left with debts, unfinished projects and unfulfilled dreams whilst numerous pledgers have been left without Vinyl,
CDs, T-shirts and various other merch items for which they have paid.

Understandably, social media is aflame with anger and outrage. Many believe this is more than mismanagement of funds or a simple betrayal of trust. They believe the theft is a calculated and deliberate fraud for which the perpetrators
should be prosecuted. In fact, the UK government have been urged by Music Industry bodies to investigate the Company for illegal activities.

On a personal level, Pledge still owes us $20,000!! All of which was earmarked to pay-off our album recording costs and Vinyl, CD and T-shirt manufacturing costs. (In their defense we did receive an initial part-payment of some of the
monies we were owed – which went towards our recording costs).

In some ways though, we consider ourselves lucky. When we saw early signs that Pledge was in trouble we made the decision to cover all our outstanding debts ourselves. We wanted to ensure that anyone who participated in our Tyla’s Dogs D’Amour ‘In Vino Veritas’ album campaign would receive everything they pledged for. And they did! Thankfully! No-one who pledged as part of our campaign has been left without their items! It took us a while admittedly. And we were grateful for everyone’s patience, but we managed it.

And, against all the odds, the album even charted! #3 in the UK Album Breakers Chart and #23 in The Independent Album Chart. Result!

Of course, we secretly hoped that a buyer would purchase Pledge and we’d receive the money we were owed! But now we know for certain there’s no
chance of us being paid we’d like to try and recoup some of our losses by offering you the opportunity to buy an exclusive, limited-edition, 10-song F**K PL**GE CD.

With original artwork by Tyla the CD won’t be available in any shops. It’ll be strictly limited to the number of orders we receive here. It’ll contain a selection of songs from our trilogy of ‘In Vino Veritas’ albums – ‘In Vino Veritas’, ‘In Vino
Veritas Acoustica’, ‘In Musica Veritas’ and a couple from the forthcoming, newly recorded ‘Graveyard of Empty Bottles MMXIX’ anniversary edition. And a few others! Some you’ll have heard, some you’ll already own, some you’ll know and some will surprise you.

We know you’re all suffering from Pledge fatigue but shall we have one final
dance as the sun sets?

As an added bonus, everyone who orders the CD will be entered into a prize draw to win the original hand-painted cover art, plus 10 lucky runner-ups will receive A3 signed prints!

That’s gotta be worth the price of admission right? Go on. You’re worth it.

Thanks again for all your support.
See you on the other side,

Tyla, Gaz, Matty, Simon

 

F**K PL**GE – A 10-song, limited-edition CD containing a collection of
songs to treasure forever. £15 plus p&p.

Tracklist:

1. Fuck Off Devil – from ‘In Vino Veritas Acoustica’
2. When the Dream Has Gone – from ‘Graveyard… MMXIX’
3. Everything to Me – from ‘In Vino Veritas’
4. My Best Friends Girl – from ‘In Musica Veritas’
5. 111 – from ‘In Vino Veritas’
6. Movie Star – from ‘In Vino Veritas Acoustica’
7. Died & ‘Fore She Got Young – from ‘Graveyard… MMXIX’
8. Summertime Blues – from ‘In Musica Veritas’
9. Love Comes True – from ‘Black Confetti’ EP
10. Another Girl, Another Planet – ‘Homesick Angel’ EP

Pre-order now only from tylasarttavern.com

The Sweet Things ‘In Borrowed Shoes, On Borrowed Time’ (Spaghetty Town Records)

The Sweet Things ‘In Borrowed Shoes, On Borrowed Time’ (Spaghetty Town Records)

 

To say I have been looking forward to this album would be a massive understatement, their early singles over the past two years should have been blasting on every rock radio station in the world, and these guys should already be huge from the likes of ‘Love to Leave’ and ‘Slather.’ To be clear, my anticipation for the album would have made it easy to be disappointed in it, but my faith has been rewarded with an album that could very easily be my album of the year and is sure to be one that will remain in constant rotation for years to come. The Sweet Things have distilled the essence of rock n roll’s primal ingredients and then added their own secret spices to make it all their own. Comparison points definitely include the Rolling Stones and Guns N’ Roses, but those are not the only ones, for example, as I would say the spirit of Chuck Berry is essential to the band as well.

Lead video ‘Liquor Lightning’ kicks off the album in fine style as we hear the sound of bottles clinking together before a riff that encompasses the shambolic spirit of something like the Black Crowes ‘Thick n Thin’ gives way to Dave Tierney frantically spilling the words from the first verse over the riff in a race to the finish line. Everything then falls perfectly in time as the band is in fine form with the addition of some excellent piano work included behind them to give the song even more flavor. The reprieve in the pre-chorus provides even more urgency to the chorus as the horns explode in the background. The guitar solo is razor sharp and captures the Chuck Berry spirit before the band slam the chorus at us again. If someone asks for a song in the spirit of rock n roll, this can be it. Follow up ‘Dead or Worse’ slows the beat a bit and features some excellent harmonica work. Sam Hariss (also bass) provides the first verse on this one with his rasp being a perfect fit, similar to Izzy’s vocals in GN’R. The production gives the music plenty of space with Tierney taking over for the second verse before they combine vocals at the end. I hate to think how many times I have heard the live version of this on YouTube. The excitement and the vibe have translated over to the vinyl in remarkable fashion.

The title track takes us on a mid tempo journey with a timeless classic rock epic that immediately grabbed me with the band again receiving support from piano, horns, and some harmonica. Simply put, I do not understand how fans of early Black Crowes, Dogs D’amour, Quireboys, Faces, Rolling Stones could not be drawn in with this song. I have this urge to lift a glass in the air and singalong with this one every time it plays.  Another of the early release songs follows with ‘Almost Faded’ being another perfect rock n roll song with some horn work that would do 80’s era Hanoi Rocks proud. It is not a stretch to think Tierney (also guitar), Hariss, Lorne Behrman (guitar/ vocals), and Darren Fried (drums) had a cryptic meeting with someone down at the crossroads to come up with this album. The time that has gone into creating these songs and this album has paid dividends. If you are not singing along with ‘Almost Faded,’ I really do not know what to tell you other than your rock n roll spirit is apparently dead. Hyperbole? Give it a listen and find out for yourself. Wrapping up the first half of the album is ‘Dr. Crazy Girl’ whose guitar riff slowly builds before the song starts moving and conjuring the spirit of the New York Dolls. While perhaps not as monumental as the first four songs, this one keeps the momentum going nicely.

Flipping the record over introduces the classic rock infused ‘Drained.’ Again the band has really thrown in all the bells and whistles…. Okay, maybe it is all the horns and piano to create something really special that will still kick butt in the live setting without them. The chorus begs for a singalong from all of us listening. ‘Coke’n’ has been one they have played live which was originally done by Izzy Stradlin back on his 2002 ‘On Down the Road’ album and fits the Sweet Things like it was written with them in mind.  The groove is timeless and shows in terms of the songwriting the heart and soul that Izzy provided GN’R. This is another one just made for blasting out the windows wherever you are as everyone around you should be listening to it too. ‘Through the Cracks of the City’ is another I am familiar with as the band originally released it a couple years ago and have played it live. The hook simply sticks to you and does not shake loose, and the guitar riffs throughout the song are awesome.

‘Fix to Kick’ brings us to the final stretch of the album with the band making another timeless riff look effortless. The Sweet Things simply rawk in all the right ways with this being another classic chorus that they smartly do not use to overwhelm the music. It falls right in line with the music in the mix, giving it a great live feel. This has future single written all over it. Finale ‘Feed My Dog’ slows things down a touch with another slow burner that does not waste one second of its five minutes. The guitar licks are perfectly done and the extended musical section in the song gives me chills before the vocals come back to wrap up the album.

I wrote in another piece here on the site how several huge albums have come out in May between the Wildhearts, the Darts, Glam Skanks, and the Sweet Things. I only have the Glam Skanks yet to hear, but every album in that group has simply killed. This stands tall as an Album of the Year contender and beyond that really as the album is simply a timeless piece of art and a testament to the band. World dominance should be next for them as long as you give this a listen, buy it, and then let your friends, acquaintances, and even your enemies know about it as everyone needs this rock n roll in their lives.

 

Buy ‘In Borrowed Shoes On Borrowed Time’ Here

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Author: Gerald Stansbury

 

 

Email: rpmonlinetcb@yahoo.com
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