There we are folks; I just felt I needed to get that off my chest and nail my flag to the pole with this review from the off.
You see it’s almost impossible for me to feel any other way about a man who with Warrior Soul has released some of the most important politically charged metal our generation has ever had the honour of hearing plus along the way he’s also given us one of the greatest glam punk albums I’ve ever heard in the shape of ‘The Space Age Playboys’. This is an artist who is always reinventing himself and always looking for boundaries he can break down in the process. He’s also as cantankerous as fuck, and I kinda like that in my rock stars.
With this in mind then I’m almost embarrassed to admit that after many hours spent in the company of ‘Rock’n’Roll Disease’ (the band’s 10th studio album to date) I’m still kinda left scratching my head a little.
I’ve lapped up everything Kory has released since getting Warrior Soul back on the road and with their last album ‘Back On The Lash’ I was left in awe of the power and energy the band had managed to cram into that release’s 9 tracks. Warrior Soul really had never sounded so vibrant or essential.
With the PR blurb for ‘Rock’n’Roll Disease’ proudly proclaiming that Kory had used the same team behind ‘Back On The Lash’ to deliver this 8 tracker and with the man himself declaring it to have the loose vibe of its predecessor but with everything pushed to “over the top”, you’ll forgive me if I admit to letting out a little squeal of excitement at the prospect of what might be.
Then, why after all of this and after listening to this half hour of all new music from Warrior Soul am I still not feeling the same buzz as I did when I first heard ‘Lash’?
Opener ‘Up The Dose’ is a magnificent way to start a record, it’s an immediate right hook to the jaw just to get you interested, and indeed it’s very much a continuation of the strutting cock ‘n’ roll that made ‘Lash’ such an instant hit with me. Here Kory screeches like a wild cat and everything in the Warrior world seems fine. Likewise, on tracks like ‘Off My Face’ (which is probably my favourite track here), ‘War Ride Children’ and ‘After The Show’ the band certainly rip along at a fair rate of knots. It’s just that with repeated listens I get a little perplexed that the bottom end needed to actually force this fucker down your throat seems just a little lacking. Yes Kory turns in a mighty fine performance as does the band, but I can’t help but wonder what the hell has happened to the drums? They pinned you to the wall on ‘Lash’ but here they appear somewhat muted, and given that Kory himself is a very fine drummer this comes as something of a surprise, and yes for me it’s a frustration, albeit a small one.
This is still very much a Warrior Soul record though and that alone makes it better than 99% of the beige shite that pollutes the metal/classic world right now, it’s just that right now I’m simply not warming to it as instantly as I have with the likes of ‘Destroy the War Machine’, ’Stiff Middle Finger’ and ‘Back On The Lash’, all of which I consider to be up there with the band’s much revered first four studio albums.
Perhaps I just need to stop being such a pernickety old sod and simply go down a few cold ones whilst listening to ‘Rock’n’Roll Disease’ at maximum volume like I imagine Kory would demand me to, because after all I love Warrior Soul and I love Kory Clarke and a world without either would certainly be a very boring place indeed.
‘Rock’n’Roll Disease’ is released via Live Wire/Cargo Records on 7th June 2019.
With The Camden Rocks Festival this weekend coming it seems only fair for RPM to look at a few more of the bands to watch over the weekend. with Camden still clinging onto its identity as a varied and embracing community and this festival growing year on year as a unique festival that embraces all genres of music from Rock to punk to indie to grunge to power pop to Action rock and beyond.
We’ve looked at the bands over the two days and Nev gave a list of his ones to watch over the two days. Here I’d like to throw a few more bands into the mix some will clash and others are headlining but they all rock so I’ll start on Saturday and the Dublin Castle.
First up how about trying Sick Love hailing from Dublin this four-piece kick off at 14.00 with their loud guitar-based rock they’re in good company playing alongside the likes of The Hip Priests I’m sure songs like ‘Soccer Mum’ will go down a storm
Also playing The Dublin Castle at 17.00 are Pet Needs who’s video we showed last week. Alternative punks based in Colchester (what where?) With a bunch of highly energetic songs in their Arsenal The Dublin Castle seems like it’s going to take some stopping as it stakes its claim as the place to be let’s just hope they have the air conditioning on they might just need it.
As Nev wrote about The Hip Priests in his briefing we won’t mention them again except to say we recently saw their set in Newport and they were devastating so if its Explosive uncompromising Garage Rock and Fucking Roll you crave then 19.00 is the time – The Dublin Castle is the place and The Hip Priests are the band.
Moving over to Kolis at the lounge you have a choice to make. Rich Ragany And The Digressions will be shaking it up and playing songs from their excellent ‘…Like We’ll Never Make It…’ but like the Hip Priests, Nev recommended them previously. Rags and his Digressions hit the Kolis stage at 19.00 but following them at 20.00 are the East Coast rockers The Sweet Things Having just released their debut long player we reviewed last week (Here) Such a cool timeless slice of Rock and Roll, these cats are laying down tunes in the time-honoured style of Primal Scream -that Black Crowes debut and a dash of the Stones for sure, Hell, they borrow from the good and great and one listen to ‘Borrowed Shoes’ you’ll draw your own comparisons but you won’t deny that they have a slice of magic under their belts. It will be great to hear what they do live and I’m sure the joint will be jumping when they perform. One not to miss me thinks.
Heading over to the Monarch there are a couple of sets we think you might like to catch firstly at 14.00 in the afternoon The Wild Things will be doing their thing. their thing being rock and roll with plenty of hooks as played out on their debut album ‘You’re Really Something’ which travels through the acoustic pop of ‘Better Off Alone’ the upbeat title track the power pop of ‘Loaded Gun’ this guitar band offer something different and in Sydney Rae White they have great vocals besides people might recognise her from Netflix / BBC show ‘Uncle’ but her band have variety and a bunch of great songs.
Another band to watch I’d certainly recommend Glen Matlock headlining @ Fest not only because he has a whole bunch of great songs at his disposal and always plays a blinder but he has a fantastic band featuring Chris Musto, Earl Slick and Jim Lowe. His album ‘Good To Go’ was one of the best albums last year and with this line up those excellent songs will come to life and I’m sure will make for a worthy headliner.
There are enough choices to send your head spinning on Saturday along with Nev’s recommendations this little bunch should make a mess of peoples laminated stage times and venues there are a few playing Sunday that I’d like to give a mention to. from The Underworld Headliners The Wonder Stuff who I recently caught in Cardiff now with Malc Trecce back in the line up and a new album being recorded they stormed through a greatest hits set and I’m sure there will be more of the same in store for The Underworld and hearing those classics in a tight Underworld club will sound fantastic and something not to be missed at 20.45 on Sunday night. Mark Gemini Thwaite, Malc Treece, Pete Howard, Erica Nockalls and of course Milo now make up the Wonder Stuff and with plenty off ‘Hup’, ‘eight Legged Groove Machine’ and ‘Never Loved Elvis’ making up a chunk of the set they’ve clearly still got it and worthy headliners on the Sunday.
If you’re quick you should be able to make that Wonderstuff set from the Electric Ballroom where Ash get on with their set at 19.00 and again they have a new release to promote in the shape of their 7″ singles set so expect a greatest hits performance there which will more than put you in the mood for Milo and co.
If hearing Ash perform ‘Kunk Fu’ and The Stuffies blasting out ‘On The Ropes’ isn’t your thing and you want to get down and get with some glam stomping rock and roll then the place to be will have to be The Lyttleton Arms for Last Great Dreamers who hit the stage at 20.00. Again they have a recent album to promote and a great live band, if it’s your choice to take in some ‘Dreamers’ then I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed as ’13th Floor Renegades’ was head and shoulders their best record to date and the band have been constantly on the road this year so will be match fit and up for the challenge of tearing the house down.
A resurgent Towers of London will be shaking their collective shit from 17.30 at Fest if their showing on the recent Wildhearts tour is anything to go by then Fest is in for a treat. Resplendent in their black boiler suits and buoyed by the feedback the band will be looking to hit the ground running and have the potential to steal the show. Expect plenty from that debut album that served them so well on the recent tour as well as some new songs that also sounded great.
16.00 at The Monarch you’ll catch The Pearl Hearts Two women that sound like a fuckin’ bomber full of dynamite as they rain down their garage heavy blues. It only needs two to sound like a bomb gone off as ‘Different Kinda Girl’ testifies. what better way to spend tea time in Camden Town?
Before you catch the Pearl Hearts why not head over to Kolis for Youth Illusion. Mid Afternoon or 14.00 to be precise will see these London homies play their brand of punk rock on their home patch. Melodic punk is the order and they do it rather well and Kolis will be a heaving mass of sweaty bodies I’m sure of that as the band knock out songs like ‘Better Off’.
Finally, if punk rock isn’t your thing then Dingwalls Canalside is the place to be at 14.30 to catch The Silver Bayonets and their anthemic rock proving that Camden Rock Festival is unique in its presentation and in its roster of bands with plenty of established battle hardened bands that make up the headliners in the larger venues as well as securing some big bands to play smaller venues that you might not get the chance to see them play in such surroundings ordinarily which makes for an interesting and memorable weekend. But the real magic will no doubt lie in discovering your new favourite band or checking out one of RPM Online recommendations and digging who we’ve thrown light on because they’ve impressed us either previously live or on record. Let us know what you thought and spread the word especially of the lesser known bands its the lifeblood of the underground and how bands survive and grow. Have a good one and I hope there aren’t too many clashes and if you do see any of the bands here or as part of Nev’s ones to watch let ’em know we sent you and most importantly support the bands and pick up their merch and music. Oh and wear comfortable shoes!
If you thought fans of Guns ‘n’ Roses had a hard time waiting for a follow up to the “Lose Your Illusions” albums, 17 years, spare a thought for disciples of Croydon’s (2nd) finest band Johnny Moped; 13 years between their 1978 debut “Cycledelic” and it’s follow up “The Search For Xerxes” and then a further 25 years until the band’s next album,“It’s A Real Cool Baby”, hit the real and virtual Record Shops in 2016. Splitting the difference Johnny Moped weren’t expected to be releasing anything new until at least 2038. That was until the band unleashed a new single in the shape and form of “Catatonic” in 2017. Part of the band’s renewed activity was the passing of Johnny’s legendary wife Brenda, who back in the day ruled his Social and Band Calendar with a Rolling Pin of iron and then in later years, due to her failing health, Johnny became her full-time, main carer, pretty much sidelining his quest to regain his poster boy crown for the disenfranchised “80% disabled” (his words not mine) Rock Star. Until now!
Earlier this the band decamped to Panther Studio in Reigate to hone their craft that would see Marty Love, formally of Case and currently of the Weird Things and The Sensible Gray Cells, making his full-length studio debut, taking over drum duties from the down stepping Dave Berk, joining Slimy Toad, Rock ‘n’ Roll Robot and JackoPistorious and of course the man himself Johnny Moped.The result of which is the 14 track “Lurrigate Your Mind” album. Unlike it’s predecessor all the songs on offer are new, none are from “back in the day” demos that have re-recorded, apart from the b-sides to “Catatonic” and “Livin’ In A Dream World” which were “Hard Lovin’ Man” and “Save The Baby Seals” respectively. Although the final track, that features the guitaring skills of original member Captain Sensible,lists all the pre-Moped band names “Black Witch Climax Blues Band Generic Breakdown” (what no ‘Assault & Buggery’?!) is an obvious nod to the past with its autobiographical lyrics and with the subject matter of “Where’s Shergar?” rather on the old side maybe the seeds to some of the songs had actually been sown earlier in Johnny’s career. With a cry of “Okay Tomcats, let’s do this” on the alternate album version of “Catatonic”at the start of the recordwe know that Johnny means business and business is going to be good. It’s been known from past Bootleg tapes that Johnny’s colleagues will on the sly record him in conversation and then put his missive to music. This is what seems to have happened with “The Little Shop”. Johnny is either reading a shopping or a price list from his local convenience store. “Beers, two for five quid” all accompanied by a piano. The ultimate music for a ride in a lift that’s never going to stop at your floor. As well as Captain Sensible, former member Xerxes makes an appearance adding Saxonette on “I Feel Like I’m Falling Away” and on “Oh Baby” it suspiciously sounds like Johnny has phoned in his vocals, which is fortunate as he sings about wanting to swim naked with some unsuspecting Boiler in a Swimming Pool. Hardcore Moped fans will lap this up, casual Punk Rock fans might need to see Fred Burns’ “Basically…Johnny Moped” documentary before fully appreciating why grown men will get all teary-eyed over the Moped mega-dross sound.
“Lurrigate Your Mind” is available on either Blue or Red vinyl, a limited mega bundle that includes split coloured vinyl, a scarf, a slipmat, and a Badge.
One of the albums of the year gets a re-press on Blood Red vinyl for those who missed out on the initial press. RPM reviewed it Here and we urge you not to sit on your hands a second time as this will sell out as the first run did. Go Go Go! Alvin says, “For all you vinyl junkies that missed out on obtaining my solo album ‘Your Disobedient Servant’ on 12 inch vinyl earlier this year due the initial 300 being sold out in short order, Time & Matter Records have manufactured a new batch of 300, this time on blood-red vinyl and minus the accompanying CD and download code. This release will, therefore, be sold at the lesser price of £17 (the first pressing was priced at £22) and can be ordered from this Here”
It features twelve songs written by yours truly and an array of very talented guest musicians that reads like this: Brian James – The Damned / Lords Of The New Church; Leigh Heggarty – Ruts DC; Mick Rossi – Slaughter & The Dogs; James Stevenson – Generation X / Chelsea / The Cult / The Alarm; Barry ‘Barrington’ Francis – The Saints; Timo Kaltio – Johnny Thunders band/Hanoi Rocks / Cheap ‘N’ Nasty; Mel Wesson – Keyboard player & Ambient music designer – TV Smith’s Explorers/The Verve ‘Bittersweet Symphony’ / U.K. Subs ‘Diminished Responsibility’ LP / Films Mission Impossible 2, Batman Begins, Hannibal etc; Steve Crittall – The Godfathers; Jamie Oliver – U.K. Subs.
“I would advise interested parties to get their orders in sharp to avoid what occurred last time, which was a lot of people missing out due to the speed that the original batch sold at. In fact it was due to so many people voicing their disappointment at not being able to get a vinyl copy in time that persuaded T & M Records to go with this colour-altered second run. For those of you that are not so disposed to a bit of vinyl, there is also a CD version of the album available from the same link. Ta! A x”
The Wonderstuff in the Tramshed on a school night? Couldn’t think of anything better if I’m honest. Deja Vega takes the stage at eight o’clock and the room is sparsely populated and the band proceeds to give the people who’ve turned up early doors their everything but I notice the guitarist is breaking all sorts of unwritten laws with regards to how high to wear one’s guitar and the belt buckle rule is broken. Me, I’m disappointed to say the least and can’t get beyond this. The band is alright knocking out their guitar driven indie but the songs just tend to go on and any tunes get lost in the muddy mix even if the bass player wields a decent sounding Rickenbacker round and the one track I could make out ‘Mr. Powder’ tended to go on a bit too long but tonight was all about the stuffies maybe on another night under different circumstances my opinion would be different.
The Wonder Stuff have been on a journey and I feel like I’ve been on that journey with them from the start when they showed up on the scene playing guitar driven music with a bit of folk – plenty of wah and a heap of attitude oh, and bad shorts. I love them then and I love them now from Milos lyrics and his spikey, abrasive, confrontational attitude and his mile-wide grin and cheeky chat as far as I was concerned they didn’t make a single bad song until ‘Rubbish Island’ and its not like it was rubbish but it just wasn’t what I wanted and maybe it was me and not them. Hell I even loved the acoustic solo shows the duet shows with Erica and I’ve loved their live sets they’ve mixed up in the last half decade tonight flanking Milo was old boy Malc Treece (guitar) and Mark Gemini Thwaite playing the Bass no less and finally on drums Pete Howard takes the stage along with mainstays Erica and Milo they get straight down to business with ‘Mission Drive’ followed by ‘Caught In My Shadow’ and already its obvious that the band are right on it and mean business. Milo announces that the band has been recording a new album and if it was alright they were just going to play a whole bunch of old tunes and weren’t going to fuck about with new songs (as if we minded). It seemed everyone in attendance was happy with that although I can’t help but think it would have gotten the same response had he said they were going to play just new unheard songs.
As I looked around the Tramshed it was pleasing that the place was rammed full of people out for a good time on a school night. As the band eased through the gears it looked like they were having the best of times and it was contagious. ‘Circlesquare’, ‘Red Berry Joy Town’, ‘On The Ropes’ and ‘Here Comes Everyone’ were sing songs as everyone got involved. As the intros kicked in I found myself daydreaming to past shows like Reading festival and hearing them blast through ‘Size Of A Cow’ or Bescott when ‘Welcome To the Cheap Seats’ burst into life.
Damn The Wonderstuff have got so many good tunes from the earlier songs like ‘Ruby Horse’ to the bigger hits it was songs like ‘Wish Away’ or ‘Ten Trenches Deep’ that had slipped off my radar but not tonight – they sounded fresh and a match for anyone tonight the Stuffies could have gone toe to toe with anyone and everyone. Although tonight was a greatest hits set they’ve remained fresh and continued to turn out albums that are worthy of the Wonder Stuff monicker and what a legacy.
Before we knew it the band had left the stage it seemed like ten minutes ago they began such was the good time we were having. With no less than five songs in the encore ‘Can’t Shape Up’, ‘Cartoon Boyfriend’ and the fantastic ‘Radio Ass Kiss’ closed off ‘Hup’ in fine style and probably my favourite album from the band which left the sublime ‘Disco King’ and to finish off a rare B Side ‘A Song Without An End’ to keep the anoraks like myself happy. As I make my way home I’m mulling over what they didn’t play and why no ‘Goodnight Though’ to finish off with or how it might be nice to hear a cover of ‘Planet Earth’ thrown in just for giggles. Oh well, maybe next time eh? If you get the chance go see The Wonder Stuff because they are excellent – most excellent regardless of what’s in the set list. Now get on with that new album – pretty please.
Following their sold-out “Still Got the Rock” European Tour legendary 70’s rock band SWEET embark upon the perfect Christmas gift for their UK fans, a 16-date nationwide tour November 28th until December 21st. Special guests on the tour will be alternative rock band Novatines. The four-piece from the UK recorded their debut album with Sweet’s Andy Scott as producer in 2018. Tickets go on sale via www.planetrocktickets.co.uk and www.thegigcartel.com, and from the 24-hour ticket box office – 08444 780 898. With over 55 million records sold worldwide, 34 number 1 hits worldwide, SWEET continue to tour and perform to sell-out audiences around the globe.
Gene Simmons of KISS says, “Without the Sweet there would not have been a KISS.”
“This is the band I wish I had been in.” – Joe Elliot – Def Leppard
By the early 70’s The Sweet were arguably the hottest ticket in town with a string of top ten records in the UK and Europe including Blockbuster, Hellraiser, Ballroom Blitz,Teenage Rampage and The Sixteens.
In 1975 the USA had discovered the band with Fox on the Run hitting the number 3 spot in the Billboard 100. Another self-penned hit Action followed in 1976 firmly establishing Sweet in the US charts.
On the face of it they were primarily a singles band however with albums including Desolation Boulevard (1975) and Give Us a Wink (1976), the band showed a much harder rocking band. The album Level Headed, released in 1978, brought with it another award-winning million-selling worldwide hit with Love is Like Oxygen written by Andy Scott.
In 1979 original lead singer Brian Connolly left the original line up leaving Andy Scott, Steve Priest & Mick Tucker to continue as a 3 piece. Sadly, both Brian Connolly & Mick Tucker passed away in 1997 and 2002 respectively and with Steve Priest relocating to the USA, Andy Scott was left to fly the flag. After a couple of line-up changes over the years, since 2006 the line-up has been primarily unchanged from what it is today.
Andy Scott (lead guitar, vocals), Bruce Bisland (drums, vocals) Tony O’Hora (lead vocal, bass) and Paul Manzi (guitar, keyboards, vocals). The Sweet still tour the world extensively with one of the most dynamic and slick live shows on the circuit. 1968 to 2019, 51 years and counting of hellraising, star chasing, trailblazing.
Some awesome lyrics there Larry May. Seeing as they’ve just released the lost second album it’s about time The Candy Snatchers made it onto RPM ‘Rainy Days And Mondays’ so here goes ‘Why I Drink’ Their new album was reviewed on RPM Here and if you have any taste you’d check em out so, maybe this video will inspire you on this Bank Holiday.
Next up is the stunning track ‘Your Distance’ which is the first video off …’Like We’ll Never Make It’… from Rich Ragany & The Digressions which is Available Here You can also Catch the band live at Camden Rocks Festival this coming weekend. Great live and great on record check it out!
Finally its The Only One’s frontman Peter Perrett with another video taken off his brilliant new album ‘Humanworld’ out June 7th on Domino Records available for pre-order Here the RPM Online review will be available before the record is out for you to help decide which format you’re going to pick it up on.
Graham Day and his compadres Wolf Howard and Allan Crockford have been part of the fabric of British garage rock for decades now. Yet, unless you’re a fan of the Medway sound via Billy Childish, you probably haven’t heard of them. You’ve been missing out, but fear not! This reissue with three extra tracks is an ideal starting point.
From The Prisoners to The Senior Service, Day has quietly been carving a career in quality tunes, be they of a garage, mod or psychedelic flavour. You can rely on him to come up with the goods. Put simply, he’s as good as Weller thinks he is.
From the opening title track, it doesn’t disappoint. ‘Mary’ has the immediacy of Steve Marriott fronting The Who, especially with the fluid bass line. ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind’ brings out the wah-wah and flailing drums, while ‘I Am The Fisherman’ has a melody and harmonies worthy of The Flamin’ Groovies.
‘Sitar Spangled Banner’ is one of Day’s favoured instrumentals, complete with Hammond. Of the extras, ‘Love Me Lies’ sees Graham flex his fingers, some far out solos, as does Hendrix cover ‘Freedom’, an equally groovy hip-shaker, and ’30-60-90’ is another instrumental which The Fuzztones and The Morlocks should be fighting over.
Most tracks are live, with vocals recorded in one take, and all the better for it. If you love your garage rock, this is the perfect introduction to Graham Day’s back catalogue. While gigs are rare, on 26th May, The Forefathers play Margate Mod and 60s Festival.
I found a time machine. At least, I am pretty sure I have. I keep expecting to hear Casey Kasem on the radio here doing the top 40 while listening to the likes of Bon Jovi, Cinderella, and Motley Crue on the countdown. Based on one of the songs here, it even appears the soundtrack to ‘Top Gun’ had a song added to it. Listening to this new one by Crazy Lixx has taken me back to around 1986/ 1987 when flashy guitar solos and huge choruses were all the rage. It also happens to be the music of my younger years so I am loving it. While I was not a big fan of ‘Ruff Justice’ as a whole and preferred their previous self-titled album, this one (their 5th overall) is hitting all the right musical buttons though.
They lay down the gauntlet on lead track ‘Wicked’ as we are immediately greeted by the full band with an old school guitar riff and some large backing vocals. Danny Rexon’s vocals fit this style like a glove. They draw you in quickly and before you know it the first chorus is delivering a sharp hook to the skull. Repeated listens have me likening this song to something Bonfire might have done around the time of ‘Fireworks’ as the backing vocals are larger than life, but the music still maintains some extra crunch for this style. Follow up song ‘Break Out’ unleashes another catchy riff that would have been perfectly at home back in the 80’s. The song’s lyrics serve as an affirmation for everyone who goes through crappy days and times in some part of their life, which should be every one of us. This is a fist in the air anthem where the backing vocals remind me a bit of a band like Keel, but the style of music is maybe a bit more like early Def Leppard. I want to give a shout out to both Chrisse Olsson and Jens Lundgren on guitar who could have called this album ‘The Reason Air Guitar was Invented.’
New single ‘Silent Thunder’ is the song I referenced in the beginning that could have been on the ‘Top Gun’ soundtrack. Apparently, the band had similar ideas based on the video for the song. One of the cool things about this album is Crazy Lixx writes lyrics that cover a range of topics. It serves as a cool reminder that there were songs like ‘Cherokee’ by Europe back in the day. My favorite part of this one is actually the back half of the chorus where Rexon’s solitary vocal lines shine. ‘(She’s Wearing) Yesterday’s Face’ channels some vintage Skid Row and the band actually avoid the usual cliché lyrics here too. Joel Ciera gets to add some nice fills on the drums here with Jens Anderson (bass) also getting an opportunity to make his impact known.
‘Eagle’ serves as the mid album epic that settles into a midtempo groove and is simply a brilliant example of AOR rock done right. The intricate guitar licks provide a great foundation, and the chorus provides a great hook that will get you singing that line as you learn the rest of it. I could never see this being a single due to its length, even 30 plus years ago, but this is one I would really hope to hear live. The section at the end can be naturally extended for a cool jam in that setting. ‘Terminal Velocity’ features an intro that gradually comes to the surface and musically reminds me of early Lillian Axe. Whether it is because it had to follow ‘Eagle’ or some other factor, this is perhaps the one song on the album that I can see myself forgetting in time. I appreciate the lyrical ingenuity, but the large backing vocals in the chorus just do not grab me as much here. They quickly right the ship though with ‘It’s You’ being one of the rock songs where the keyboards feel a bit more prevalent in the mix. This one begs to be played on the highway with the windows down this summer. It’s another wordy chorus, but they pack it with an irresistible melody and several parts that stick to the brain.
Rather expectedly, the band delivers a huge power ballad in ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore.’ I am quite sure I could go back and make an 80’s movie even better by introducing this song around the halfway point of the album when the couple goes their separate ways before coming back together at the end. Rexon sings his butt off on this one and delivers his showcase performance of the album in the spotlight. The tasteful guitar solo rides across the music perfectly, and the chorus will be implanted in your brain. ‘Weekend Lover’ turns the pace back up again with this again recalling vintage Bonfire with the guitar riff having some teeth and perfectly complimenting the singalong chorus. There is even a great section where you know the band is going to incorporate some crowd participation before the awesome guitar solo kicks in live. “Final” song of the album is the classically titled ‘Never Die (Forever Wild),’ which keeps the tempo turned up and provides some eternal optimism in the lyrics. Like the majority of this album, I would be disappointed if I did not hear them do this in concert, which is probably the best compliment I can give the album. They add an acoustic version of ‘Love Don’t Live Here Anymore’ that is also awesome and would have likely been the b-side to the album version back in the day.
Crazy Lixx has unleashed a great album in ‘Forever Wild’ that will appeal to a large demographic. As we see bands like Def Leppard, Aerosmith and Kiss continue to fill large venues, there remains a large number of people who would love these songs and buy the albums if the band could ever score an opening gig on any of those types of tours, especially over here in the States. This album stands as my favorite work by Crazy Lixx so far and showcases a band that is still ascending. They do not resort to tired lyrical clichés but also find a way to tap into the nostalgia factor of older fans like myself. Great job Gentlemen
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 HereFacebook
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
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!
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