Hit up the video link to watch Martin interview CJ Wildheart about his life in music from his humble beginnings way back and his time as one of the Wildhearts right up to his current brand new album ‘Split‘.
PAT TODD and his band THE RANKOUTSIDERS release album number seven and LA’s finest rock’n’roll band comes some 36 years full circle after the label’s first dalliances with Pat., back when he fronted the legendary Lazy Cowgirls of course. The new album shows that Pat has lost none of his spark, that his voice and songwriting have only gotten stronger, and that he’s upgraded the Lazy Girls for Some Rankoutsiders – Yet another killer band to back him.
OK a show of hands please. Has anyone ever not throughly enjoyed a Pat Todd record? No? No, I didn’t think so because whilst you might think it’s a trick question because Pat Todd doesn’t do bad record – Fact. ‘Sons Of The City Ditch’ is just a full force rockin and rollin record.
If this was a Georgia satellite record it would be causing a stir with the likes of ‘Living In A World Of Hurt’ that gets this rowdy do off to a thumping start. But hang on it’s like if Springsteen grew up on a steady diet of the Dolls and the Ramones and had an attitude of swigging beer and barroom brawls he’d be able to sound as vibrant and rockin’ as this.
‘All We Have To Show’ is carrying on the party after hours back at the shared house and the lounge is awash with beer-drinking boys and girls having the best of times and the music is just killer. Turn it up DJ we don’t wanna stop yet.
Oh, yes please ‘State Line’ is like the getaway car theme tune after the perfect heist. Keep on driving and turn that stereo up. Pat Todd and his Rank Outsiders are killing it on this record just playing sweet sweet rock n roll loudly. Fast and Loose its not rocket science it a time honoured tradition and Todd and the gang just get it.
They do kick back and ‘Donna’ made them do it. It’s a love song but soppy it ain’t. ‘Long In The Tooth (Before The Dolls)’ lulls you into a false sense of security before taking off and delivering one of the record’s real highs from the time-honoured riff to the backing vocals and into the dueling guitar solos. Sure it’s unoriginal, and doesn’t deviate from the well-trodden path but it’s all about the songs and delivering just exceptional rock n roll. That’s it, the MO is simple and some people just get it and are able to smash it pretty much every time, that’s Pat Todd that is.
The production lets the music breathe and it works well on the countrified ‘Back Down In The Basement’ another thing Todd knows how to do as well as the likes of The Supersuckers. ‘Hi, Ho Silver Lining’ is something of a glam stomping interval for me. Sure it’s a well delivered anthem but I’m not sure I’d have included it here but what do I know? ‘Goodbye To The World’ has some rasping harmonica added for good measure.
This album is right up there with that first Dan Baird solo LP for me and PAt todd is much the same but with a more punk rock handle on proceedings mixed with his Rock n Roll and his records are always Full of top tunes, great production, and knockout delivery.
Leaving just the title track to sign off in style and possibly leaving the best til last. The soloing and harmonic duel are killer but what else would you expect. Another day another excellent record added to the Pat Todd & The Rank Outsiders arsenal maybe their finest yet it’s got all the vital ingredients to take that title. Buy it!
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Author: Dom Daley
Monday mornings never started so well. Heres another new track off the Monster Dwarves album ‘Concept’
If Elvis is the King, Ivy is the queen’….Stiff Little Fingers sticksman Steve Grantley is back! His own critically acclaimed band RT-Zed has morphed into Steve Grantley & the Zed Hedz featuring Steve on drums and vocals, John Magner on guitar and Jamie Alleyne on bass. Their debut four track EP titled ‘Poison Ivy Where Did You Go?’ is dedicated to The Cramps guitar player, and is available in CD format & streaming on the 1st December.
Steve Grantley is the drummer with punk rock legends Stiff Little Fingers. His own critically acclaimed band RT-Zed has morphed into Steve Grantley and the Zed Hedz featuring Steve on drums and vocals, John Magner on guitar and Jamie Alleyne on bass. Their brand new four track EP titled ‘Poison Ivy Where Did You Go?’ is dedicated to The Cramps guitar player to celebrate her 70th birthday. Steve said “We consider Poison Ivy to be a true feminist rock n roll icon who has been criminally overlooked. She co-founded the band, co-wrote their original material, played all the guitars and on numerous occasions, the bass as well. Ivy produced many of the bands records and it was all achieved whilst looking like a rock n roll Goddess both on and off the stage.”
After the shocking and premature death in 2009 of Lux Interior her bandmate and husband of 37 years, Poison Ivy retired from public life and has not performed or recorded since. Steve explained, “This EP is a shout-out to Poison Ivy just to let her know we miss her and wish her well.” The band stated that, in no way do they want to disrupt or disrespect her wishes to be left alone, explaining; “this is just a note to say, thank you for the inspiration and Poison Ivy we miss you”.
The latest Motorhead album to get the deluxe 12″ book treatment along side ‘Iron Fist’ and ‘No Sleep’ albums as opposed to the superb box sets of ‘1977’ and ‘Ace Of Spades’ is 1983s ‘Another Perfect Day’ This brand new half speed master from the original tapes also includes a full live show of a recently unearthed concert recorded at Hull City Hall on June 22nd 1983. As well as the story of ‘Another Perfect Day’ told through previously unpublished and new interviews and never before seen photos and rare memorabilia. I’ll let Kenny explain the diamond in this most impressive set.
Motorhead – Live at Hull City Hall, 22nd June 1983
1983 was a strange year in the Motorhead camp. ‘Fast’ Eddie Clark had left the band after Lemmy’s dabbling’s with Wendy O Williams, (apparently, Eddie was less than pleased with their ill-fated cover of Tammy Wynette’s Stand By Your Man.) The man who replaced Eddie was ex Thin Lizzy axeman Brian ‘Robbo’ Robertson. On paper, a good choice you would think. In hindsight, this era was the most divisive in Motorhead’s long history. Robbo was reported to be a bit ‘difficult’ while being in the band, refusing to play standards such as Ace of Spades live and wearing questionable clothing on stage, shorts and ballet shoes?? (much to Lemmy’s annoyance.)
Drummer Phil ‘Philthy Animal’ Taylor was said to be a bit of a fanboy of Robbo and he couldn’t do any wrong in his eyes. Robbo’s tenure in the band was short lived but he left us a fine album with Another Perfect Day. The Motorheadbangers were unsure at the time, sales of the album reflected this, it only reached number 20 in the UK charts for example. Over time though, the album has gained critical acclaim, I think it’s a great album myself, Robbo brought some much-needed melody to the songs while it was still unquestionably Motorhead.
As part of the 40th anniversary release of the album we get a cracking snapshot of the Robbo era in a live setting with a full set recorded at Hull City Hall in June ’83. The band really are on fire here, tracks like Heart of Stone, Rock It, Dancing On Your Grave, and standardslike Shoot You In The Back & The Chase Is Better Than The Catch sound great. If there was any animosity between the band members at the time you certainly can’t pick that up here.
This is a wonderful addition to the original album that’s been remastered and repackaged beautifully on vinyl and CD formats. Go and give ‘Another Perfect Day’ a listen if you haven’t for a while. You’ll be pleasantly surprised….
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Author: Kenny Kendrick
05 October 2023
Considering we’ve been a band for around 5 years, and we’re based between the Czech Republic’s second city of Brno and the Slovak capital of Bratislava, it’s somewhat surprising we haven’t played a show under the big lights of Prague. We had the chance earlier this year at Modrá Vopice – a gig we’d organised with our friends from Berlin, Top Down – but it was frustratingly cancelled at the last minute, and the opportunity was gone.
Tonight though we’re very lucky to be the support for Los Angeles rock ‘n’ rollers The Hangmen as they make a stop at Vagon Music Club in central Prague during their European tour. Bomber Booking have kindly allowed us onto the bill of a band I’ve liked for many years but have never had the chance to see live. So I’m doubly excited about tonight. I remember first encountering The Hangmen through a DVD I owned years ago called Badsville – a bizarre but brilliant collection of features and interviews from the LA underground rock scene, featuring bands such as Texas Terri, Throwrag, Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs, Bubble and many more.
So tonight we will finally catch them live. Although, things rarely go smoothly in a rock band, and a day before the show we discover we’ve lost Tom. He’s not dead, but there’s a virus running riot in his house and therefore me and Veronika are back to the duo that started this whole rock ‘n’ roll circus in the first place. But can we still do it without the bass? We’ll have to, I guess.
I always love coming to Prague. The atmosphere, the darkened narrow streets stumbling over each other as they meander through the city, along the river Vltava that divides the imposing castle and its old town from the deep well of activity down here. It’s my first visit to the famous old basement of Vagon Club, and as we’re setting up our merch table, The Hangmen arrive after a 12-hour journey from Belgrade (whose idea was that?!). They’re understandably tired, but still great sports and it’s a relief to meet people you admire who turn out to be sound. The most exciting thing for me is meeting their driver (his name sadly escapes me now), and discovering his mom is also from Birmingham and his uncle produced UB40’s incredible debut album Signing Off.
We have 5 minutes to soundcheck and we manage it in about 4. The Hangmen are visibly happy that we’re a simple two piece with few complications. For a fairly big club there are relatively few people here tonight, which is a disappointment for us, sure, but mainly for The Hangmen, who have been playing to much bigger crowds all tour. Half the crowd had travelled down from Germany. Regardless, we rocked through a half hour set bassless but with few problems, before the Hangmen lit the place up. They were fantastic, full of a swagger and attitude. And despite apparent illness and a long drive they showed no signs of weariness. They were class. Me and Veronika bought up half their merch table and moved to another pub with our friend Boris from Slovak punk band Dafy and the Rafters, who had unexpectedly turned up for the show. A good night all in all. Thanks Prague, and see you again soon.
Author: Craggy Collyde
I loved the rawness of the original Hellhammer recordings and for a lad in his teens it was exactly what I wanted to be listening to mixed with all the punk I was hearing this band venom and Motorhead were the dog’s danglies. Dark, Dangerous, and most inviting to a young rebellious male that for sure.
Fast forward several decades and a return to those songs is something I was quite excited about. A little wiser (maybe) certainly a lot older and they’ve lost none of that raw, brutal charm that first drew me in. Having had a lifetime of music poured into my ears hearing ‘The Third OF The Storm’ rush through my speakers was a treat and in a live setting having that rush of energy and relentless brutality is still there which is amazing and a major achievement for Tom G Warrior. to be fair the production here is excellent and adds to that excitement and the old school feel is in full effect. Twelve songs in just a short of an hour is perfect. from ‘Reaper’ through the darkness that is ‘Horus Aggressor’ made the hairs (yes I’ve still got hair) stand up on the back of my neck as that double bass pedal bursts into life.
Having never seen Hellhammer I would be down the front of a Triumph Of Death live show in a black heartbeat. This live outing made me revisit my old tape of the first release as well as my Russian import of the complete demos and the comparing and contrasting of the new live recordings only makes right any of the production imperfections so for any metal heads out there unfamiliar with this band and the Hellhammer legacy need to stop doing whatever right now and get this on and get the corpse paint out for the mighty Triumph Of Death has finally delivered us a Hellhamme feast of power, and sheer raw Black Metal/ Punk crossover perfection. the foreboding darkness of the title track is immense and having this recording taken from three appearances through 2023 is a real treat captured forever in wax I urge you to get out there and pick up a copy pronto for your intense recreation of extreme metal at its very finest. Buy IT!
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Author: Dom Daley
It might be Bonfire night but the only fireworks I’m interested in seeing tonight are those being generated by this stellar three band bill. It’s a line-up that has more than a hint of Slugfest about it too seeing as all the bands have shared the floor/stages at the (now thankfully, once again) annual event. There’s also more than a whiff of the UK’s number one free festival within the crowd tonight too with the X15 bus seemingly standing room only to ensure that Blaenau Gwent is very well represented early doors. And who can blame them for picking up a rover ticket?
Fresh from recent support slots with the likes of Discharge, Raw Brigade and a whole host of other bands, System Reset have certainly come a long way in there still relatively short time together (as a five piece) with their back catalogue of songs maturing with them. Songs like ‘Anxiety’, ‘Fail Safe’ (my fave song by the band) and ‘Big Business’ all sound huge played through Le Pub’s impressive sound system, and there’s an immediate smile on my face when they kick in with the “woah oh” gang backing vocals and an even bigger one when there’s a nod to James Williamson’s time with The Stooges creeping into the riffage at one point too. System Reset’s soon to be released new single ‘Gas Light’ is a cracker, which alongside a handful of additional live shows brings to a close a very impressive 2023 for the melodic punk rockers. A slot at Rebellion 2024 awaits methinks.
The Pleasures are not as you might first expect, being an avid reader of RPM, the German glam rockers of the same name. Nah, this four piece are from the Gwent valleys and are a world away from anything even remotely glamourous. These four lads hail from one of the most deprived areas in south Wales and as you might expect have the anger and attitude by the bucketload that comes with such a dubious claim to fame. There’s also something that I cannot quite put my finger on about this gang, something that I last felt when I witnessed IDLES open a three band bill in Bristol’s Exchange just a few years back and before that when The Guns first broke on the south Wales scene. Not that they necessarily sound anything like either of the bands you understand, it’s just they have that special ingredient some band’s simply don’t have… charisma.
Singer Caethan Tucker is literally all over Le Pub’s stage and dance floor, he’s also shirtless and dripping sweat after just one song, such is the intensity of the band’s performance, and then when it comes to songs, popping up mid-set they have this monster of a tune called ‘Grandfather’s Bones’ complete with a mantra of ‘Don’t bite the hand that feeds’ that literally sounds like it’s ready made for when the boys get their chance to wow a Glastonbury/Reading type of crowd. They have the same kind of breakthrough potential that I witnessed in HotWax when they played just a few yards up the road in McCanns cellar bar and are now touring enormodomes in the US with Royal Blood.
Go give the band’s single ‘Lies’ a listen on YouTube (with coincidently the video being directed by Alex from the aforementioned Guns) and turn the fucker up loud. Oh, and before I forget, any band that can cover the mighty LCD Soundsystem and make the song (‘Daft Punk Is Playing At My House’ in case you are wondering) sound like their own tune, really does deserve your attention. “Woo!”
Croydon’s Wonk Unit have always had a reputation for having great support bands on the bill with them, it’s almost like their singer Alex welcomes the challenge this poses his band, but when it comes to the current six piece band he has carefully assembled he’s more than capable of batting off any young shavers looking to steal the band’s crown as undisputed champions of the UK DIY punk rock scene.
I’ve seriously never heard Wonk Unit sounding as essential as they do here tonight, be it the classics like ‘Guts’, ‘Go Easy’ or ‘Lewisham’ that first introduced me to the band, or the tunes that immediately followed these like ‘Je M’appelle Alex’, ‘Awful Jeans’ and ‘Day Job Wanker’, tonight’s set has more bangers than the rain-soaked pyrotechnic display just over the river at Rodney Parade.
I also get to hear my first Christmas song of the year tonight, but when it comes all wrapped up in the shape of ‘Christmas In A Crackhouse’ you certainly won’t hear any complaints from myself or anyone else packed in down the front.
As always with a Wonk Unit their show is as much about Alex’s between song chats and tonight he’s on tip top form, sharing the hilarious back stories regarding tunes such as ‘She Cut Her Finger’ and ‘Horses’ whilst also displaying his more sensitive and private side ahead of new tune ‘Overwhelming’ (the first of two played) a song that keyboardist Vezzy insists could even have chart potential.
Of course, Wonk Unit live are anything but sensitive and the chaos that ensures once (Johnny) ‘Rambo’ enters Le Pub for the band’s finale is all you’ll ever need in your camouflage jacket pocket if you ever had to give evidence of this fact in a court of law.
I’ve said it many times before, but I’ll say it again, Wonk Unit really are something special, there’s no one else quite like them out there, and in fact they fast becoming something of a national treasure when it comes to DIY punk rock bands. They are no heritage band though, the new songs really sounded great tonight, and the current, settled, line up of Alex and bassist Pwoison, alongside Vezzy, drummer Max and guitarists AJ and Ryan really look like they are relishing every second of being in a band together.
Don’t forget to honk if you Wonk.
HONK!
Author: Johnny Hayward
Hands up who’s seen a bad, or even an average Terrorvision show over the years? No, I thought not. Bradford’s finest export don’t do average. Through the glorious Brit Rock years and their run of chart success in the 90’s, the lost 2000’s and the subsequent reformations, Terrorvision have always delivered high energy rock n’ roll shows and have a greatest hits set that many bands would die for. You may have forgotten that these quirky northern herberts were chart botherers at a time when the charts actually mattered. ‘Tequila’, ‘Celebrity Hit List’ and ‘Bad Actress’ were top 10 singles, and they weren’t even their strongest songs!
Celebrating 30 years as a band, Terrorvision play 3 shows in the run up to bonfire night. Billed as TV30, they play Nottingham Rock City, Camden Electric Ballroom and tonight, sandwiched between the two, a sold-out hometown show at the stunning surroundings of St George’s Hall in Bradford.
It’s pretty full already by the time Brighton noisenicks The Bar Stool Preachers hit the stage. Their high energy, socially aware ska punk anthems might seem a bit of a mismatch for a Terrorvison crowd but they go down surprisingly well. Promoting the well-received ‘Above The Static’ album, the six-piece band are a whirlwind of bouncing energy from the off. Frontman Tom McFaull has the ability to whip the crowd up into a frenzy, and the rest of the guys make the most of the space, bounding around like their lives depend on it.
It’s a short set and they don’t play any of the recent singles, which seems a bit odd. But with the likes of the ska infused ‘Choose My Friends’ and the anthemic ‘Flatlined’, they sure have enough tunes to excite the uninitiated. An extended ‘Bar Stool Preacher’ closes the set with audience participation, and The Bar Stool Preachers leave the stage with the satisfaction that they have certainly gained more than a few new fans tonight.
Terrorvision are dressed in black and pink as they take to the stage to thunderous applause. Whereas L.A. darlings Starcrawler pull off this look with the cool that only L.A. rock stars can, the Bradford rockers have a more casual approach, apart from frontman Tony Wright that is. Wearing a full-on pink suit, black shirt and trainers, he’s more Showaddywaddy than LA chic, and we wouldn’t want it any other way!
They open a 24 song greatest hits set with the sublime ‘Discotheque Wreck’ and the crowd go mental. A high energy performance from the off, the band are all over the stage, led of course by Tony’s animated antics and crowd interaction.
The sound and atmosphere in this venue is top notch and works to the band’s advantage. And of course they have the songs…loads of ‘em. You may have forgotten how many hits Terrorvision have in their repertoire. ‘How To Make Friends And Influence People’ spawned 5 top 30 singles in 1994 and they are all played tonight. ‘Alice What’s The Matter’ sounds amazing, it’s six songs into the set and the singer has the crowd in the palm of his hands.
Terrorvision are a 7-piece band these days. Tony’s sidekick Milly Evans has played keyboards full time for at least 15 years and the addition of Nick Hughes from The Middlenight Men on Trumpet and Liz Mitchell on saxophone makes for a full sound. But it’s Tony, bassist Leigh Marklew and guitarist Mark Yates who are the focal point all night. With leather trousers, and a waistcoat over a pink shirt, a Les Paul dangling from his knees, Mark Yates is still the most rock n’ roll member of Terrorvision, and he peels off those killer licks and riffs effortlessly, while pulling all the cool rock star poses.
The hits continue to flow. ‘Tequila’ may be cheesy, but you can’t deny the power of a catchy chorus and the drinking anthem probably keeps Tony stocked up on Kopperberg these days. The place erupts for the chorus, and it gives the reaction any fine drinking song should.
The highlights are plentiful and memorable. For me it would be a killer ‘My House’, the over-catchy ‘Celebrity Hit List’ and the ever cool ‘Josephine’, the Tarantino-esque guitars and killer chorus a sublime match for me.
Their turn of the century dance anthem ‘D’Ya Wanna Go Faster’ ends a 22-song set in fine style and the sweaty crowd get their money’s worth ten-fold. But the band have a few more aces up their collective sleeves. Following a rip-roaring punky rarity ‘This Drinking Will Kill Me’ there is only one song left to end a killer Terrorvision show…whales and dolphins! ‘Perseverance’ is one of those classic signature Terrorvision singles, and a song that has the ability to transcend and give a massive sense of euphoria, like all good songs should. What a way to end a set.
Tonight was a masterclass in how to perform a rock n’ roll show. With 30 years in the business Terrorvision are masters of entertainment and have the back catalogue to make lesser bands weep. Every time I see them live they deliver, when supporting larger acts, they sometimes come off the better band on the night. It’s just a shame they are not a full-time thing these days, but when they do tour, it’s nice to be reminded just how good they are and what a high energy rock show should all be about. A perfect celebration of one of the UK’s best bands. Same time next year, lads?
Author: Ben Hughes
Wonderful Pics courtesy of:Adrian Hextall
The clue is in the title. Johny gets a couple of chicks on board who wont answer him back, wont drink his rider, argue in the van steal his leather strides and get into fights with the local police,but, can knock out some dirty punk n roll fast n loud and look awesome in a wig.
Turn it up suckers this is no nonsense, loud n fast punk n roll. Its down n dirty and having learnt from the best it also includes a filthy rendition of ‘No Class’ which to be fai ris clearly the MO for this EP. Its back at the marquee on Wardour Street where McCoy n Thunders are hanging out by the cloakroom whist the Lords are tuning up. Clocking in at a thunderous one minute ‘Dancing With The Dead Girls’ is a call to arms and ast enough to get the heart racing and a longing for a time long gone but hell of alot of fun.
Don’t pause because the Lords dripping ‘Bad Intentions’ is a sliding solo to Hell and back as the tempo is like a hog guzzling petrol on the highway to hell with the FTW middle digit to the rest of the pack before buring out rather than fading away.
what a corker Johny hits paydirt with a sleazy slice of ‘No Class’ that Lemmy would certainly be proud of would tip his hat and rattle his jewelery at if he hears it. To be fair I’ve played it loud enough that he might just hear it with a fair wind into the next life. the energy on ‘The Buzz’ is fantasticand having the EP come out of covering ‘No Class’ is a gift from the Rock n Roll Gods and proof that music is plucked from the ether or gifted from the spirits who’ve passed on.
The energy keeps on going and the Dead Girls keep on giving as ‘Where The Action Is’ is a motoring cruise control riff a rama where it builds to the solo that’s on fire! then we’re back to that Lord’s inspired bass n drums breakdown that takes this sucker home.
Closing off the best piece of work mr Skullknuckles has done for a long time and if anyone has been paying attention that is an impressive catalogue behind him and this is the icing on the cake the cream of the crop if you like. ‘Dirty Fucking Rock n Roll’ is a slow-burning groove-infested rocker that does what it says on the tin. Now pop over to Bandcamp and fill yer boots. Stick it on the player and stick it in your ears its music for the soul and music for the connoisseur of Dirty Fuckin Rock n Roll. Now where can I get Silent Sonia’s phone number for my Mate Hotshot, he loves how she does her hair and paradiddles her snare and no doubt holds her liquor. Buy It
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Michael G Bayliss, Richard England, Alex Wonk, Peter Wilkinson, Andy Cox, Chris Musto, and Kate O’Brian are in Los Santos London and they play um rock n roll I guess, yes, simple as that this is something of a collaborative effort from some very talented musicians pulled together to make a varied record. ‘On The Strip (Vegas Baby)’ a sprightly riff-tastic rocker eases you in with a strong melody held in place by a thumping riff and rhythm section. The slightly muddy production sort of adds a vibrancy to the recordings. Whilst not rushed it gives the vibe of urgency and DIY feel to the tracks as the EP thumps into ‘Bourbon Street’ where the pop melody is slightly buried beneath the avalanche of punk urgency not too dissimilar to early Lemonheads take on punk rock.
‘Stoneface’ has a glimpse of The Ruts running through the middle of this scorching blast of punk rock. From the vibrant keith moon school of drumming from Alex Wonk its a blast for sure. ‘Fanclub (for Ronnie Spector)’ has a low budget echo going on as you’d imagine from the title this dreamy pop song has enough worn edges in its delivery to keep it fresh and the chorus and vocal melody is good making it the stand out track on this EP. Closing this ever so brief glimps into what can be achieved when some punk rockers get together to make music it only leaves a very good take on a Husker du classic ‘Sorry Somehow’ where the band thunder through a very satisfying version.
All in all a decent offering from Los Santos with some very good tunes knocked out in fine fashion and my beef with the production or mixing might just be what keeps it vibrant and alive, I’ll give my head a wobble and press play again. Go on dive in it’s only Rock n Roll kids just turn it up.
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Author: Dom Daley
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