Singalong, good time punk rock from The Kingcrows. With a fair dose of upbeat uptempo punk with a healthy dose of proper glam thrown in for rgood measure. The album opens with the bop til you drop ‘Goodtime Generation’ the album has a great vibrant loud production where the instruments can breathe whilst creating a big full warm sound. One track rolls into the next starting a chain reaction sounding like agreat night down the old Marquee club waiting for The Ramones to come on the jukebox ‘Thousand Miles From Home’ is a really good tune. Like the Yo-Yos and a bunch of other naughties bands who leaned on punk but embedded in the songs is a heartbeat of Rock and Roll and a love of bands like Sweet and Slade whilst airing on the side of the likes of the Soho Roses for good measure.
There a healthy dose of The Clash going on as well on tracks like ‘Young Guns Of Nowhere Town’ and the boot boy Rock n Roll of ‘Kicking In Heavens Door’ will have plenty of beer being waved around the dance floor. The energy is relentless and they’ve put together some really decent tunes and managed to sound fresh on what is a well-worn genre. the sing-a-long choruses of ‘Thank You And Goodnight’ is a lot of fun. and then we’re back to the Ramones homage of ‘Love Hurts’ Dee Dee would be proud of this slive of Wart Hog punk rock.
‘Devils’ is a lot of fun like the Damned were when they did Machine Gun Etiquette but mashed it up with some Motorhead thump for good measure. I also go t a sense of SLF on ‘Boys In The Band’ Oi Oi! Bosh the band sound like they’re having fun bashing ou tsong after song of boundless energy. If you’re waiting fo ra soppy ballad then you should move on – Kingcrows are here for the beer and to make a noise but to do it with style and a pocket full of sing-a-long songs and I like that. Hit them up and tell them RPM sent you (better late than never)
Hot on the heels of last year’s Ramones tribute, ‘Basement Beat’, Brad Marino returns with 10 new songs that, ideally, would have been the soundtrack to this summer. Still, it’s a welcome return, and I can almost remember what the sun looks like whilst listening to another top notch collection of tunes.
Whether it’s the Slade-tinged title track, or the slide infused ‘Up And Up’, this is poptastic stuff. Crafting great power pop isn’t easy, but Brad has a knack with it, and none is finer than ‘Hung Up’, with its Rickenbacker-friendly melody. You’ll be “ooh”ing along in no time, perhaps due to it being one of two collaborations with Kurt Baker. They really are made for each other, musically speaking.
Just listen to this and ‘I’m Broke’ for the proof. Fingers crossed for a full album together, though they’re obviously both busy; Kurt’s ‘Rock N Roll Club’ being one of the best albums this year.
They both make it sound effortless, ‘(She’s) Doing Her Thing’ settles in your head like an old friend, in a Flamin’ Groovies style. ‘Lucy’ rattles by, complete with castanets, like Ramones on a sugar high. ‘Looking Then’ is worthy of Paul Collins, and Brad throws the kitchen sink at ‘Another Sad And Lonely Night’, but it pays off, with contributions from members of the “New England Mafia”, Joe Queer and Geoff Palmer.
It’s a no brainer, folks. If quality power pop is your bag, this needs to be in your collection. Big grins all round.
The best way to sum up tonight’s gig is to live in the moments just after tonight’s headliners have left the stage. The Exchange’s walls are not dripping sweat they are running with it, like the venue had just sprung a leak (thank heavens we aren’t on the Thekla eh?), the stage too looks like it’s just held a heavyweight boxing match that’s gone the full 12 rounds, and all around me my fellow punters look positively shell shocked as we amble out into the cold night air.
There was part of me that wanted to send RPM pics of the sodden stage and drenched walls and leave it at that, but then you wouldn’t get the context, and with OFF! it’s always all about the context.
But let’s start at the beginning, and Washington D.C based duo Teen Mortgage who are opening for OFF! on this short run of UK shows. They’ve also just been announced as the opening act for Smashing Pumpkins and Weezer’s 2024 enormodome tour here in the UK, so they are obviously a band going places. And to my ears at least, that place is somewhere around the dawn of the 1990s, as their fuzzed-out brand of sub pop draws on equal parts Sabbath and the Stooges just like most of the US bands that graced the cover of the NME and Sounds did back then. Teen Mortgage’s members weren’t even born back then though, so it’s probably only older bastards like me who will feel the need to make these comparisons, and to their credit they do quickly turn The Exchange’s (at the time) ice-cold live room into one that is at least warm enough for me to take my beanie off. It’s just I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve seen this done many times before and it all kind of reminded me of noughties UK trio The Zico Chain, only they had more instantly memorable songs. Perhaps it was the prospect of what was about to follow that meant Teen Mortgage caught me with my gig guard fully up tonight, but I do wish them well, whatever happens next for them.
My guard was up because with OFF! you can never really predict anything; I mean who would have ever thought that after three jaw stinging LPs packed full of short sharp punk rock punches that their fourth record, released just over a year ago now, would not only contain some of the heaviest music known to humanity, but also free form jazz segues? And whilst the latter (in its truest sense) is nowhere to be found tonight, as the band quietly amble onto the stage and frontman Keith Morris unfurls a set list that extends the full height of the PA’s side fills and to his left guitarist Dimitri Coats begins to unleash some truly bizarre sounds from a box of electronic tricks he has tucked away side stage whilst bassist Autry Fulbright II and (returning) drummer Mario Rubalcaba start to limber up by tinkering away of their respective instruments, you do get the feeling that the sense of musical adventure contained within that record is still very much alive within this most exhilarating of punk rock bands.
It’s only when the full force of ‘Slice Up The Pie’ hits me straight in the chest that the gig really takes off though and for the next hour or so we are all taken on a whirlwind adventure, initially through the pysch punk delights of the aforementioned ‘Free LSD’ LP before a selection of (I think) nine older songs really do take the roof off the place. It’s intense and mind bending at times, especially during album number four’s title track, but by equal measure tracks from that record like ‘War Above Los Angeles’ and ‘Worst Is Yet To Come’ stand as some of Dimitri Coats and Keith Morris’ best work to date. Yes, I’d have loved to have seen Justin Brown working his drum magic on said tunes tonight but make no mistake, Mario totally owns these twisted beauties too. Likewise, during the older songs played tonight, the looming lanky presence of one Steven McDonald is always going to be missed on the bass, but once again my beanie is off for what Autry does whilst playing these brutal beasts with his fingers and not a plectrum. Insanely talented each and every one of them.
At times you could be forgiven for thinking that someone on OFF!’s crew has half-inched one of the Concorde engines from the nearby Patchway museum, hotwired it and stuck a microphone straight into its boom, such is the transonic quality of the band in the here and now. It’s no easy night out that’s for sure but isn’t that really what has always been at the heart of what punk rock has always been about?
See what I mean about context now? Tonight was totally OFF! the scale, make no mistakes.
SKID ROW PARTNER WITH SWEDISH LIQUOR PRODUCER BRANDS FOR FANS TO LAUNCH SKID ROW SPIRITS Order Here
16th November, 2023 – Multi-platinum American rock band Skid Row known for their electrifying performances and timeless hits, is taking their passion for music and fan connection to a whole new level by venturing into the world of spirits. Today, the band proudly announces the launch of Skid Row Spirits, a thrilling and high-octane portfolio featuring Skid Row 18 and Life Single Origin Ultra Premium Rum and Skid Row Midnight Vodka. Skid Row Spirits is a tribute to the band’s enduring legacy, providing fans with a taste of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle.
After more than a year in product development, this exciting portfolio comes as a natural extension of the band’s creativity, offering fans and spirit enthusiasts alike a chance to experience the same level of intensity and quality they’ve come to expect from Skid Row’s music. For hardcore Skid Row followers, the spirits are an opportunity to connect with the history of the band through every sip of the carefully curated liquid concepts.
Resonating with all Skid Row fans from past to present, Skid Row 18 and Life Single Origin Ultra Premium Rum celebrates the 35th anniversary of the iconic song in 2024 and the nostalgia evoked through its timeless themes and musical craftsmanship. The distinct product is a unique and captivating 18 year expression combining the artistry of Guyanese rum distillation with European aging methods. After being housed in American oak barrels in Guyana, the rum was finished in rare teak wood leggers in Europe. Bold and standing centre stage with 45% ABV, Skid Row 18 and Life Rum blends tradition with innovation, delivering deep tones of nougat with hints of toasted coconut and vanilla bean. The rich and complex flavour profile is complemented by elegant layers of dried fruit with a rounded velvety smooth chocolate finish, resulting in an unparalleled sipping experience for both rum connoisseurs and fans.
Skid Row Midnight Vodka is a smooth yet edgy vodka that captures the essence of the band’s exhilarating live performances and uncompromising style. Crafted with the same dedication and passion that Skid Row brings to their music, Skid Row Midnight Vodka is highlighted by a product character as raw and real as the band themselves. Each sip delivers crisp and clear tones of grain and toasted bread, complete with a rounded, dry and bold finish. When the clock strikes midnight, turn to Skid Row Midnight Vodka.
As an extra gift for the launch, collectors and fans can look forward to the Skid Row Spirits Limited Edition Collection – a merch promo pack including both bottles plus exclusively designed playing cards and two guitar picks.
”The idea of having our own brand of liquor has been floating around our collective minds for quite some time. Upon meeting the fine folks at Brands for Fans we realized that the time was now. From their rich history, their association with iconic artists to their attention to detail we knew this idea would finally come to fruition. We’ve been involved with every stage of this process from beginning to end to make sure that the highest quality and character are achieved with every bottle. And we hope that you will enjoy these offerings as much as we do! As always, thank you for your support! Drink responsibly and celebrate life!!” – sNAKE
“Skid Row Spirits are not products that we just put our name on the label then slapped on a bottle, they’re products we took pride in creating for our fans to like. We have worked closely with Brands For Fans to develop great tasting spirits that will be enjoyed by both the casual drinker as well as the most discerning palette.” – Rachel Bolan
CEO of the drinks partner Brands For Fans, Filip Lundquist, comments: “We’ve loved working with the Skid Row guys – they have had so much energy for the project and passion for delivering the best for their fans. We’ve been able to work with real agility and creativity, which we really appreciate in a partnership. Quality of these liquids are extraordinary”.
Skid Row Spirits will begin a global launch with an initial pre-order rollout in Europe/UK in November* and Australia in December**, followed by Japan, USA and Canada in early 2024.
Skid Row Midnight Vodka – RRP €35.90 and £35
Skid Row 18 and Life Ultra Premium Rum – RRP €85.00 and £75.00
Skid Row Limited Edition Collection – €99.90 and £95
After the blast off and the countdown, Blag and the gang are feeling great with a little slice of punk rock sunshine complete with lush harmonies and a melody to die for. How could The Dwarves ever be cancelled with songs this happy? It’s sunshine, rainbows and unicorns and a melodic guitar solo to swing your pants to. oh yes, and lyrics about masterbating (well it is the motherfuckin Dwarves for Gawds Sake). He’ll its the Dwarves boys n girls and if you don’t like it fuck you! Go listen to Nickelback. They’ve never been PC and anyone whose followed them or read Vadges book knows that this is who they are a bunch of depraved guys who happen to write awesome music and seriously dangerous live shows. Hell they’ve got a big pile of books made out of paper on the cover n all what more could you possibly want?
How haven’t the cancel culture warriors from the right not taken a swing at Blag and the gang. Tits on the artwork, songs about wanking and Satan and fucking. Oh and terrorism. Go Blag you crazy fucker I ain’t been this excited since dessert storm either.
‘Terrorist’ is full throttle don’t fuck with us Dwarves in full flight. The band sounds magnificent and the effortless energy is a joy to behold. In true Dwarves fashion its turns the amps up and let’s go, It’s off like a fuckin rocket. ‘Ages Ago’ goes through the gears before any chance of pausing for breath.
Wait what’s this, some horns honking, hand claps, and surfing chops on the guitar as ‘Dead To Me’ tells a twisted tale on this most fucked up of duets. Pure Blag genius and the organ is like they’ve kidnapped some prime-time Rudi Petruddi and his Fuzztones.
‘Do It All The Time’ is heavy as fuck chugging riff through a grinding rhythm like being high on spice when the weather hits 110 – intense. A couple of twists and turns through safe Dwarves territory and we hit the halfway point of this twenty-track masterpiece. Oh yeah, tipper stickers are ready to warn the kids of the content of this record as ‘ Everybody Squirts’ makes way via a seaway of testimony about a typical Dwarves day on the road before ‘Kill Or Be Killed’ kicks down some doors.
‘You Lose We Win’ is as hard and heavy as the Dwarves get Thrashing away like prize fighters. One of the highlights is ‘Parasite’ with its swirling organ (oh er mrs) and hand claps and some great licks from the guitars.
Wrecks everything ‘Comes Unglued’ on the unhinged brain fuck of a track. ‘We Will Dare’ just glides by on one of those Dwarves’ melodies. It’s familiar territory but they do it so well. ‘Lean’ is punk if Slayer were to return as punks. It’ll fuck with your brain but I think it’s a Dwarves interlude to let the listener regain their composure before sailing off on ‘Ain’t Playing With You’ We’re in the home straight now as ‘Sixteen’ rocks out before Thrashing about on ‘Stabbed My Dad’, yeah perfect, what a pleasant title for a frenzied fling before signing off this beast of a record with ‘All For You’ and you know that Blag is being sincere here and bowing out letting us know why these depraved individuals who make up the Dwarves are true altruistic punk rockers who only do it for us the fans and nothing to do with sex, drugs, and money or self-gratification it’s all about giving and on ‘Concept’ The Dwarves have delivered once again. Give give give. And on behalf of Joe Public can I say thank you so much for delivering again and again. The concept is a winner and over time might well grow to be up there with one off their finest most consistent records yet. Just don’t die or get canceled. Buy it!
Going back several weeks I found myself in a group chat with all four members of Autogramm where we spoke about the band’s new album (Released 17th November) ‘Music Humans Can Play’ as well as what made them expand to a four-piece as well as their plans for some live shows in Europe as well as a few around the release in North America. Hit the link and enjoy Autogramm…
I loved their debut album ‘Let’s Go’ when I heard it through No Front Teeth being of the glamorous rabid punk rockers variety These Baltimore Glam Punks were exactly what I like to hear and coming on like a Joan Jett with a velvet glove hiding a knuckle duster riding a Ramones Rocket To Russia. BBQT takes the simple yet effective approach to punk rock – write a pop song play it hard and fast and always do it with a melody and a hefty dose of attitude. Mix in some classic Glam from the likes of Debbie Harry the Dolls because That’s BBQT that is. It’s snotty pop songs played hard and fast with distorted guitars and a heap of swing.
You’ll be all in before you get to the end of the second track ‘Crashin’ with its bluster and bombastic thuggish vocals it’ll draw you in then hack n Slash you like a cat fighting with all claws on view with some sharp solos and rampant riffage just to ware you down. If that didn’t convince you then title track will, its rapid but a lot of fun and bristling with energy (much like the rest of this record) to be fair.
How good is ‘king of scum’ or ‘stranded’? Man, these cats have the attitude to back up the energy they put into the songs. One thing you won’t do is ‘Nod Out’, what a thumping slab of punk rock that is. Like the Dead Boys with dabbling with Texas Terri leading the charge through a whole-hearted set of tunes. Taking no prisoners and doing what the fuck they like, on their terms, just how punk rock n roll should sound – Dangerous Dames indeed.
Ten songs in twenty minutes – Bosh, Adios Amigos and thanks for the good time see you later, were done live fast and all that. I fuckin love it. Saving the fastest most snarling til the last Bbqt has produced an absolute cracker. Fill yer stilleto boots ye dirty punks. I can’t believe its taken me all Summer and Fall to get round to fully appreciating this album but its fashionably late and better late than never and it fully deserves to be exposed for the quality punk n roll it is. Quite simply buy it! Stream it or however you play your rock n roll music, just dont ignore it.
Multi-instrumentalist & award-winning London born (Raised in Australia) songwriter John E Vistic plays a unique brand of punk, rock n roll & alt country, described as ‘filthy’ by Damien Sayell of Mclusky and St.Pierre Snake Invasion. Musical influences include The Jesus & Mary Chain, Marky Ramone, Jesus Lizard, Cramps, Stooges, Bauhaus, The Birthday Party, Sisters of Mercy, PIL, The Cosmic Psychos, as well as contemporary acts Idles, Metz & Fontaines DC.
Thats quite the resume from mr Vistic and when the needle drops on the opening track you’re entering a world of DIY punk with thoughtful lyrics and a one-man army of sonic goodness. ‘Crime & Punishment’ is a very punchy intro to this EP and very enjoyable with its mid paced fuzzed out rock n roll.
Don’t get to comfortable because the troublesome bruiser ‘Gunz Germz and Steal’ is out of the traps like a hybrid of PIL and Killing Joke at their brutal best. Its got a air of menace not a million miles from earl yJAnes Addiction when they meant something.
It might only be an EP this time from Vistic but its four extremely enjoyable pieces of music – quite diverse in delivery and tone but a really nice flow to some excellent songwriting as the dark brooding ‘To Every Purpose Under Heaven’ before signing off with th etitle track and thumping modern post punk as it prowls around your speakers with a thuggish bassline and spoke lyrics through the verse as it twists down your ear into your brain rubbing your pleasure senses of your brain as you know you’re gonna press repeat and dive in again. Humans are all bastard my friend but not all of us just most of the right in society us wokey lefties are generally ok. Chin up Vistic and keep on playing it makes everythign sound better. Check this out its only four songs but every one is a banger.
Yeah, you read that right, Animal Shithouse is the name synth agit punk is the name of the game. Settle in make sure you’re comfortable and turn that shit up! Six tracks full of venom and craft that will ultimately earworm into your skull and fuck you up! It’s a simple plan – play chaotic punk rock with as much force as you can muster then sit back and watch the carnage unfold. It’s what punk rock could and should be in 2023 that’s for sure. From the minute ‘Downloading A Red Stripe And Punching An Old Lady Called Penny’ sets you on the path to being fair. Plenty of frenzied shouting time changes more screeching, chaotic noises, and sample drum beats all intended to set your pulse racing. To be fair job done. ‘Snowing In March’ is like the inside of Richey Manic’s head when he was writing his frenzied poems.
‘CK’ is a modern digital race pounding with drum machine tics and sample throbs before a Peter Hook bassline plays out. Love it.
‘MoreMoreMore’ is a bit of screamo hardcore punk that these Tunbridge Wells punks thrash out with vim and vigor relentless to the end or they run out of breath.
‘Enemy’ closes off this exhausting hardcore attack with a relentless romp. Raw, pulsating, and boundless energy. To be fair I enjoyed my introduction to Animal Shithouse and a finer band name I’ve not stumbled across in a long time. Get into em!
The complete Klark Kent – eighteen tracks spread out over four sides of vinyl. Stewart Copeland taking over vocal duties on what is effectively a new wave, energetic romp through a whole bunch of tunes dating back to 1980 when these songs were first recorded. It was the first solo album (of sorts) for any of the Police. There is the bonus of some unearthed gems to fill out this collection that was pressed on Wax for RSD a while back but this is bigger and better.
Obviously, there is the punky side to Copeland’s work on a fairly hefty dose of his rhythmic new wave that his then-day job in the Police did to enormous levels. There is an exceptional level of musicianship and often a lot is going on throughout the records. But you do get a sense that Copeland had a lot of input into those Police records and his sense of melody is spot on quite often.
I quite like Copelands vocals and I know they can be a little thin at times but they work for the new wave style and songs like ‘Office Girls’ it suits as it does on the catchy ‘Too Kool For Kalypso’ whilst remembering this record, these songs are 40 years old.
Some of the record sounds dated, ‘Away From Home’ with its reggae roots shuffle but that also brings a particular charm with it that I found appealing. What They haven’t done is tamper with the recordings and given them a modern sheen or recording which would have killed any energy stone dead.
The single ‘Don’t Care’ has that time capsule vibe like classic Buzzcocks with the melodies and that’s what works here. A good song is a good song no matter the time or method of recording and Copeland’s rapid snare runs shine like a star. I also like his attitude that if you don’t like it you can suck his socks, so edgy.
The 18-track expanded album will be complemented by a bonus CD of Copeland’s Kent demos, released here for the very first time. But the one gripe I have with the vinyl isn’t the mission demo but the lack of liner notes, I’d love to know the boring details of who plays what where, and why that would have been nice. Oh, and a side note I’m always happy to admit I’m never keen on instrumentals and shy away from them but here I quite enjoyed checking them out and wasn’t tempted to skip not even once. Maybe I’m getting old or just growing up who knows? But one thing I do know is you should check out this record. Be it as a fan of the Police or a curious old new wave/pink rocker who always had a soft spot for the Police and those early records. This is an excellent accompaniment.
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