Zeal & Ardor/Blanket – Bristol, The Fleece – 30th November 2018

Zeal & Ardor/Blanket – Bristol, The Fleece – 30th November 2018

How I first got to hear about black metallers Zeal & Ardor harks back to a spare half hour I had at Hellfest back in July of this year.  Having tried unsuccessfully to get a mate a Baroness T Shirt in the main arena merch tent (they had them on display but no one was actually selling them) and with one eye on the clock before Backyard Babies were due on stage over at the Warzone, I just happened to notice a huge crowd gathered both inside and (with almost as many) outside the Valley stage. What the hell were all these people so interested in? I couldn’t quite make out who the band were already onstage, but there looked like a load of monks up on stage and boy oh boy were they conjuring up some unique sounds.

A quick leaf through my laminated and colour coded weekend planner revealed it was someone called Zeal & Ardor and I have to admit I was intrigued by the mix of soul/blues/rock and umm black metal. With me also wanting Backyard Babies to finally pull their fucking fingers out and deliver a career defining performance playing, as they were, alongside the likes of Gluecifer and The Hellacopters I rather foolishly left the feverish swamp-like atmosphere of the Valley after just a couple of songs and instead watched a once great Scando rock band (now long past their sell by date) dial in yet another lacklustre live show.

Lesson learned I picked up a vinyl copy of the band’s ‘Stranger Fruit’ on my return to the UK and I really started to regret that fateful Sunday Hellfest band selection even more, as with each additional musical twist and turn that the record threw at me I started to imagine how this must have all sounded in front of that enormous Hellfest crowd, better still how it might sound in a club, and that ladies and gentlemen is when (through the power of the interweb) I discovered the band would be back in the UK in November/December playing just such intimate venues and tickets were duly snapped up for what might be the most leftfield gig I’ve been to in quite some time.

Long since sold out I arrive at The Fleece early knowing that you gotta be “in it to win it” when the place is packed to the rafters and I’m glad I made the effort as later on, I get to fully experience the effect of the Zeal & Ardor show complete with their own minimalist lighting rig and stage set up completely devoid of any amplification – Yngwie Mamlsteen this most certainly is not.

Up first though I get to spend half an hour in the company of Blackpool based progressive alt-rockers Blanket and trust me when I say their sounds are every bit as bleak as walking down the North Shore in the pissing rain in late November. The quartet’s largely instrumental set drawn from both new tracks and songs from their ‘How To Let Go’ LP is certainly expertly delivered and with the front five or six rows loving every 6/8 drumbeat driven minute of it, I kind of feel a little bit left out, because I just I don’t get this type of music at all and thankfully I probably never will.

By the time Zeal & Ardor take to the stage at the stupidly early time of 8:45 The Fleece is the fullest I’ve seen it in many a long year, and thankfully at this moment in time the amount of waxed facial hair present is at a very low level, although this is also one of the most diverse crowds I’ve ever seen assembled for what is still essentially a black metal band, and these guys most certainly know the band they’ve come to see singing along and going suitably apeshit in all the right places. I must admit I have never seen a reaction quite like this to any headliner in this venue before and I’ve seen quite a few big names headlining this place over the years I can tell you.

Kicking off with ‘Sacrilegium I’ which with its trip-hop beats pulsing you really do have to pinch yourself to remind you this is not actually at a Tricky show, bathed in red light and dry ice 6 hooded and silhouetted figures take to the stage and off we go on a 75 minute showcase of some of the most exciting and challenging metal music out there right now.

Zeal & Ardor simply let their music do the talking and its not until about halfway into their set just before they launch in ‘Blood In The River’ that frontman Manuel Gagneux takes a breathe and addresses the crowd. Sometimes that really is the right thing to do though as here it helps retain that certain level of mystery about the band, not unlike say Ghost, who at times I must admit Zeal & Ardor do kind of remind me of, even if they sound nothing like them (okay granted ‘Ship On Fire’ may well do in places).

All the favourites (you’ve possibly yet to hear) are played tonight and tracks like ‘Gravediggers Chant’,  ‘Servants’, ‘Row Row’ and my personal favourite ‘Don’t You Dare’ don’t so much blend genres as torch the fucking rule book on genres and I’m just waiting for someone to try and label this band as “the next big thing”, because these guys and gal offer so much more than that. I really do fear mainstream attention might just dilute the absolute genius of what Zeal & Ardor are truly all about. I mean remember what happened to Celtic Frost all those years ago?

Finishing their set with a 3 song encore with the mayhemic gospel chant of ‘Baphomet’ the noise the crowd makes in response to what has just gone before must have had the recently moved in dinky flat owners nearby on the phone to Bristol City Council in double quick time fearing a mini earthquake had just taken place, and they wouldn’t have been too far off the mark either as Zeal & Ardor really are a true musical force of nature….GENIUS!!!!!

 

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https://zealandardor.bandcamp.com/

 

Author :Johnny Hayward

 

 

 

 

 

45 RPM Round Up

45 RPM Round Up

Seeing as its the last roundup of 45’s in 2018 we check out some recently released singles as well as look forward to some about to hit the shelves of virtual stores (mainly) and gawp at some videos made.  here goes.

First off you might have gathered already here at RPM that there are bands we believe in wholeheartedly and right at the top of that list is without doubt shit islands darlings of the underground The Hip Priests.  They have a brand new album in the bag ready to unleash on us mear mortals early in 2019 and I’ve been reliably informed that it is going to blow us away so when they said they had a split recorded and ready for release how could we turn down a sneak peek at the masters of garage punk rock n fucking roll and their awesome new split featuring a pretty impressive Satanic Overlords.

The Hip Priests/The Satanic Overlords – Split (Gods Candy Records)

with their usual promised exclusive for the Spasm Gang issue this blindingly good EP kicks off with ‘Press Darlings’ and as far as I can hear its a profanity-free bundle of pure energy and a chorus that you will just want to shout back at Von Cruz when you catch them live.  The bulked-up duel guitar attack of Silent Mike and Austin Smith is a real force here and at a time when Shit Island is crying out for bands to rise up and rally, the Hip Priests are front – centre. I’d go over the top with these guys as long as ‘The Nihilist Twist’ was playing from the circling choppers.  Now its fair to say when they’ve done splits before they’ve not shied away from a challenge  as bands like the mighty Dwarves have accompanied them. I have to say these two songs from The Satanic Overlords give The Priests as close a run for their money than any predecessor has as their superb take on ‘Beat My Guest’ is a killer and the delivery is pure proto-punk that would raise an eyebrow from Handsome Dick if he were to hear this bad boy.

V8 Interceptor – Steamin (self Release) Well next up we have a video shot in a caravan.  Awesome? Fuckin’ right it is in a mobile home for God’s sake – enjoy

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Andy McCoy – Soul Satisfaction (Ainoa Productions Oy) 

Its been a while since we’ve had any new music from the most talented guitar slinger of a generation and it was this time last year when he released his one track Christmas single so this is a most welcome CD to emerge from Finland. My only complaint about this is a four-song CD single for the price of an album is a bit of a sting but on inspection the fourth track ‘Wild Kingdom’ is listed as being a non album track which would suggest that the sheriff has an album all wrapped up and ready to go which is exciting and by the sounds of these songs its certainly going to please the purists amongst us who want to hear the king of the six-string knock out something along the lines of ‘Too Much Too Soon’ or ‘Building On Tradition’ and not Grease Helmet. The lead track is a rocker with a whole bunch of that McCoy magic built around a rolling riff and a big groove with his unmistakable drawl capping off a fine tune.  Now ‘Gimme Time’ starts off with some super cool sax and then a gentle paced song that is a step in the right direction – great song! ‘Bible And A Gun’ is a honky-tonk romp as is the non album track of ‘Wild Talk’ plenty of bluster and a rollicking piano laying the foundation for McCoy to do his thing.  Welcome back Andy we’ve missed you now get this album done we need it! Facebook

CJ Ramone – Christmas Lullaby (Fat Wreck Chords) With a month full of big hitters CJ is in great company and with the first and only festive 45.  Two track one being a cover of The Kinks ‘Father Christmas’ and the other being the lead track ‘Christmas Lullaby’ being a classic Ramones lite Crimbo tune the only thing its missing is some sleigh bells oh wait, hang on – there they are.  Well done CJ for taking this on.  In a world that’s gone to shit and left fights right on every turn the festive tunes seem to have dried up until now.  Its warm and fuzzy and a little bit of festive fuzz from CJ.  His rework of the Kinks tune is more what you’d expect from a former Ramone bruda.

Purchase Details Here

 

Alvin Gibbs & the Disobedient Servants – Ghost Train (Time & Matter Records) An album that has really got us excited here at RPM is the soon to be released long player from UK Subs four stringer Alvin Gibbs.  Alvin has put together a two-track taster from the album in the shape of a traditional two-track seven-inch record with amazing artwork from Gaye Advert this features a plethora of special guests that would be a veritable whos who of punk rock n roll and on the one side you have the fantastic ‘Ghost Train’ which is Alvin looking at mortality because lets face it, none of us are getting any younger it sounds like the finest bit of punk rock n roll Iggy never wrote.  It would have fitted in on his Brick by Brick album with its meandering rhythm it’s a real grower that you’ll find yourself humming long after the song has finished.  Make some room for the flip side as ‘Clumbsy Fingers’ is spectacular and has Alvin’s motoring bass line that really attacks your core.  Now if Guns n Rose were to announce a new single and they played this on the radio there would be a collective wetting of gentlemen’s undercrackers and the magazines would be clamoring over themselves to tell you how good it is so with a bonkers solo from the one and only Brian James to boot it falls to me to tell you that if there are any left you really do need to pick one up – Pronto!  Buy Alvin Gibbs Here

Young Skulls – Bomb Train Blues’ (Slovenly Records) With a swirling organ and a frantic beat Young Skulls have got this garage punk rock n roll thing off to a tee and with the opener ‘Bomb Train Blues’ they scream and howl their way into my brain with relative ease because this is excellent.  Continuing the locomotive theme  (and I thought it was Christmas) on the B Side is a slower but none the less agressive menacing ‘We’re Gone’ its wreckless and exciting as it pounds towards its natural death They’re not fucking about here kids there are no festive jingle bells or chestnuts roasting on an open fire just raw vital garage punk rock.  check em out Bandcamp

 

 

The Troubled Bones – Broken Biscuits EP (Self Release) Its a longish story why its taken this one so long to get onto RPM but its here now and that’s all that counts.  Leading the way is the brooding slow burn of ‘Broken Biscuits’ with its hand jive rhythm it’s walking a path previously trodden (more recently) by the likes of Jim Jones and at times the Urban Voodoo Machine Trouble Bones understands what it takes to make good music and do it with aplomb. With their roots in a blues-based voodoo swamp rock thang, there are traces of the Cramps in this and ‘Ma Cherie’ is a great number with its waft of European chic there is a certain Joie de vivre to proceedings and a most enjoyable EP it is too.  Check out them Troubled Bones at the link and tell em RPM sent you  facebook

 

Ditchbanger Demos (Self Release) I daren’t not give these gents a few words after contacting us as one look of their artwork it could be my ditch they’re diggin’. Coming out of the big smoke this three-piece aren’t fucking about with a thrashing punk rock n roll that isn’t taking any prisoners and from the off ‘Light A Fire (Under YOur Ass) is like the classic Uncle Sam heaven or Hollywood album in delivery.  Sure its a demo but who gives a fuck eh? I like it – I like it a lot and it might be the heartwarming sound of three mates kicking out the jams and being their own biggest fans its a beautiful thing. ‘Moosehead’ is like old school speedrock just like Zeke and before you can blink its gone but fear not because they save the best til last and ‘Pure Hell’ is unleashed.  Great stuff look forward to hearing what’s coming next. Bandcamp

 

How about a video to break things up a little?   Well, you’re getting it anyway.  here goes…Radar State with ‘Strays’ from their soon to be released long player coming out in January 2019

 

The Blankz – (Its A) Breakdown (Slope Records) Power Poppin’ punk rockin’ this is a great tune from Arizonians its got a huge new wave synth right through its DNA its gonna’ make you pogo pogo from start to finish with its simple lyrics especially on the B Side ‘You’re Not My Friend Anymore’ its happy go lucky but I’ll be friends with The Blankz if they’re asking they play music I love and do it oh so well and a band that will certainly be on the RPM radar from now on. Simpe no fuss punk rock new wave – love it! Bandcamp

 

 

 

Baby Blue / Triple Junk  – ‘Rock N Roll Or What?’ I always love it when a record crops up and I don’t know why or how it got to circle my orbit and stick around but I am grateful it has and this certainly fits that category. Hailing from Tokyo Baby Blue deliver power pop goodness in the shape of two tracks with the first being a straight-ahead rocker in the shape of ‘I Don’t Wanna Be Your Sorry’ with a great hook on the chorus whilst the second offering is a more laid back ‘I Can’t Let You Go’ a classic slower number that’ll let you wave your lighters in the air whilst slow dancing.  flip it over and Triple Junk turn up the amps with the perfect accompaniment.  Playing classic power pop and playing it really well. ‘Tax’ being the pick of the two it reminds me of The Breakdowns and Classic Cheap trick now there’s big shoes to fill. Bandcamp

 

Well, that’s your starting eleven for the festive campaign. Some to get excited over and some to hunt down but hopefully, I’ve made it easier for you to find your new favourite band so click on the links and check em out see you all in 2019 keep it RPM for all your 45’s.

 

 

Amebix – Slovenia 1986 (Easy Action)

Amebix – Slovenia 1986 (Easy Action)

Featuring tracks taken from their albums ‘Rise’ and ‘Monolith’ and originally only out on CD Easy Action from the UK have taken the original recordings and given them an overhaul and pressed it on vinyl for the first time.

 

With dark imagery you might be forgiven for presuming that Amebix are part of the Norweigan black metal community but you would be wide of the mark for that impression firstly because you can actually read the bands name on their logo and secondly they have more in common with early post-punk and crust punk of Crass but I’m sure the band did influence some of the bigger names in Black Metal.

The record begins with some haunting sounds before the band breaks out and ‘Arise’ sounds like it is risen up through the bowels of Hell and the band charge headlong into the set. ‘Largactyl’ rages about a medication used to treat schizophrenia of which I believe at least one member of Amebix suffered with back in the day. With what would amount to inside knowledge of such things the song is a terrifying journey as it thrashes along at a raging pace. “Its only Paranoia” rages Rob Miller.

 

Its a fairly dark affair and a live show from Amebix would have been an intense affair back in the mid-eighties when there wasn’t a great deal to shout about but the band captured that dark underbelly of life really well as music isn’t always about girls and cars. The sleeve notes by The Baron explains well where the band were at and describes the times as well as anyone.  Amebix was a hardcore band they influenced others and walked their own path that reflected in their music.

It’s great that Easy Action releases such diverse music and with a distance between this recording and its vinyl release the songs often have a menace that no doubt influenced and was influenced by the likes of Venom and Voivod and no doubt Motorhead as the Godfathers of crossover punk and metal. ‘Axeman’ is as dark as it gets and I did smile hearing the crowd in Slovenia being asked to shout ‘Axeman’.

Investigate something dark and dank from the corner of crust punk and metal crossover where two worlds collided and it was captured and preserved for your listening displeasure here

Author: Seb Boyd

Tenplusone – Accept Nothing, Question Everything (self Release)

Tenplusone – Accept Nothing, Question Everything (self Release)

11 years to release the first album… now 6 months after that …They announce that their Second (mini) Album “Accept Nothing, Question Everything” Comes hot on the heels. 

Having been together in one guise or another for eleven years they’ve hit a purple patch as they lurch from pop-punk of early Green Day on opener ‘Regrets?’ to the harder hitting style of Husker Du on ‘Stronger’, not a massive leap granted but illustrates the band’s influences that I hear on the first few listens and to be fair they do it very well indeed.

When they do the darker edged punk rock of say Husker Du like on the song ‘The Need For Greed’ it works better and really suits the vocals and what the tight and very capable rhythm section are knocking out.  The production is well suited as well and lifts the songs and the arrangments and playing is spot on.

‘Which Side’ works really well and it leads well into the closing track ‘Reap The Seeds’ as it rattles along really nicely as Tenplusone get political with Gaz delivering the sermon and no doubt preaches to the already converted politically but we all live in hope that maybe a new, younger generation latches on to this kind of songs for whatever reason (hopefully because they agree with the lyrics) Maybe because Tenplusone are on fire at the moment, that’s not just their words I’m here to confirm that its, in fact, true and this EP or Mini-album (whatever you call it these days)  is proof.

Buy Here

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Author: Dom Daley

Topper – Are We All Damned (Amty Records)

Topper – Are We All Damned (Amty Records)

Topper are a straight up, foot to the floor punk rock band from Stockholm, Sweden and that’s about all I know about them. A Google search reveals bugger all and so given that there’s no press blurb with my download, much like Batman, their identities will remain a closely guarded secret.

 

Anyway, on with the show. A first blast of “Are We All Damned” puts me in mind of Mega City Four, Goldblade, Cock Sparrer and SLF.  Short and sweet is the order of the day, weighing in at only 9 tracks it’s fast, it’s mean it’s frightening !!!

 

“Satellite” is a pretty cool and direct opener, the kind of stuff you expect to be stomping the stage at Rebellion. “All The Little Things” gets a little poppier and romantic, while “Family Girl” is a bit more rock & roll, with a familiar but great riff.

 

Topper set out their stall from the off and stick to their guns. There are some cool tunes on show here like “Vivos O Muertos” and “She Was Too Young”. Nothing that’s going to blow your mind but enough to keep your head nodding throughout.

 

I look forward to seeing Topper live because I think they’ll put on a hell of a show, whoever they are ??!!??

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UK Subs – Screaming Senile EP

UK Subs – Screaming Senile EP

Hot on the heels of another kinda UK Tour the Subs have been into the studio to record some brand new tracks.  Not content with completing the A-Z compendium of records and releasing a pair of amazing box sets as well as a solo album from Alvin the Subs headed back into the studio and let the tapes roll to capture some more of that irrepressible magic.

‘Screaming Senile’ is five songs four new ones and one rework of an old but classic. opening up with the Gibbs penned ‘Crank It Up’ which as you can probably imagine from the title is a hard-hitting rocker. Complete with Alvin’s vocal leading the way this mid-paced tune has your usual sparkling performances from Alvin’s huge glugging bass line to Stevens great off-kilter solo that totally rules another great song for a band that keeps on delivering.

‘Geordie Ray’ is a ferocious humdinger as the Subs hammer out a real banger with a wonderful huge riff handled by drummer Jamie Oliver before heading back into the verses.  Superb stuff, really.  From the backing vocals to Charlie spitting out the lyrics to that killer riff over the chorus. what a tune! Geordie Ray is the ultimate superfan tribute.

Not a band to let the grass grow under their feet nor do they stay still and bask in their achievements ‘Hounds At The Door’ is another high tempo tune that would show most new bands a clean pair of heels.  This is how to do punk rock in the 21 st century – always something to say and always delivering, brilliant.

‘Keep On Running’ gets a freshen up. Apparently, this is closer to the original written by Alvin in ’81 as it was Garret who insisted on the picked guitar part rather than Alvin’s Thunders styling that he originally intended and it’s only ever been released on 7″ so a good chance to own it again on vinyl I guess.  Great songs are great songs no matter how they’re recorded and this is certainly a great song.

To finish off this EP we have ‘2000 years’ which is a slower more measured tempo with a Stonesy like riff and has some honking Charlie harmonica all over it another reason to pick up a copy of this EP.  Again the Subs release a must own EP that shows their exceptional talent and ability to pen great songs.  Snooze you loose on this one folks.

Buy EP Here

Author: Dom Daley

Scott Morgans Powertrane – Beyond The Sound (Easy Action)

Scott Morgans Powertrane – Beyond The Sound (Easy Action)

Easy Action has always had a love of good old Rock n Roll and always seem to go that extra mile when reissuing a record on vinyl. Even if your not familiar with a release but have a vague knowledge it’s always worth checking out because odds are you’re going to dig it big time.  Sure I know who Scott Morgan is but I’d never bothered or got around to investigating Powertrane before now and with this issue on wax with a bonus 7″ single was offered up for review how could I possibly turn it down?  You’re right I couldn’t.

Kicking off with the title track this is power garage rock bordering on what has affectionately been named Action Rock and the groove the band hit from the off is spectacular.  It sounds like a freakin’ juggernaut and by the time ‘Chilly Willy Is Missing has rolled on past I’m bought hook line and sinker.

 

I’m not quite sure why this wasn’t already in my collection because I love the ‘Three Chords And A Cloud Of Dust’ compilations but there was only a couple of Powertrain tracks on that set but having this album rattling my speakers is a treat. man the groove this band hits on tracks like ‘Ain’t No Time’ is spectacular but the Detroit soul n roll of ‘Pearl’ is worth picking this up on its own.

Morgan and the who’s who that have graced his records is stunning and easy to see why people would want to be associated with his songs from The Stooges to Nicke Royale and Deniz Tek to name a few.  But this record was made for vinyl and to be played at volume no doubt about it.

When you flip it over side two is more of the same high-grade rock n roll as the band simply glides and rocks like fuck and to close it off ‘Talk Is Cheap’ is one hell of a vocal to boot but we’re not finished yet because the final two tracks on the album are live from WDET radio broadcast and the first is an Al Green track where Morgan certainly channels them soulful blues and the bonus 7″ single is a further two tracks sourced from these sessions that features two more Morgan penned tracks that sound like they were recorded as loud as possible.  Raw live soulful rhythm and blues a marvelous way to end this power-train.  Get your groove on folks it’ll satisfy the garage rockers and blues guitarists looking for a fix of the loud stuff no doubt about it.  Scott Morgan sonic grooving genius.

Buy Album Here 

Author: Dom Daley

Pete Shelley R.I.P

Pete Shelley R.I.P

The news is filtering round social media that Pete Shelley of Buzzcocks has passed away in his home of Estonia.  Being a massive fan of the band and Petes work I am truly gutted by this news Rest In Peace Pete you were one of a kind.

RPM’s thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this time. He was only 63 and its believed he lost his life as a result of a suspected heart attack.

Johnny Seven – Johnny Seven (Nil By Mouth Records)

Johnny Seven – Johnny Seven (Nil By Mouth Records)

I like it when a band takes its time to get the album they want but we all giggled when Axl took however long to knock out a guns n Roses album well Johnny Seven don’t like to rush a record release either but these punk rockers took forty years! Yup, I did say Forty Four Zero.  Don’t giggle at the back it’s true. Anyway its here now the format might be different to what was originally envisaged but times change and so do lineups.

 

you might well ask yourself what this Teeside foursome are all about well, let me tell you they clearly have a collective ear for a decent tune and I’m pretty sure judging by the songs they wrote we’d share a lot of similarities in our record collections.  One thing they got spot on is when they declared you can’t escape Rock and Roll and that spot on as is this tune.  It’s sloppy – it’s rough and ready – its got a great guitar sound and I love a good gang sing-a-long chorus and ‘Can’t Escape’ has certainly got that. ‘LSD’ is a rolling riff borrowed (or Stolen) and the lyrics show the band has a sense of humour and a rollicking interlude between the more serious elements of Rock and Roll. Don’t do drugs kids they’re bad for you.

‘In Detroit’ they give the Wah Wah a good work out and rattle through Motor City Nice n sleazy does it boys nice n sleazy. They turn the clock back for a sid style romp through ‘Burning Love’ I wouldn’t say its rubbish because its not but if you want to pop the kettle on nows your chance.  I’m not sure this record needed a cover smack bang in the middle to be honest because they were going so well with their own material. ‘Pumping The Pop’ is more like it.  snot ‘n’ sweat flying everywhere as the band get trashy not a million miles from The DeRellas here or the Babysitters when they weren’t singing about trembly noses. and the guitar and handclaps remind me of Hanoi when they were doing the duck and the guitar lick isn’t a million miles away from ‘Shakes’ so I was always going to like this one.

There’s a reckless edge to ‘Car Crash Girls’ and I like it it sounds spontaneous and at any point could fall or stumble over and Rock and Roll needs that sometimes it keeps proceedings exciting which is where we head as the album moves towards its conclusion.  ‘Skinheads’ is a wonderful stomping slice of glam pop in the same snotty vein as The Boys, great melody and a great look back. Finally, we reach the end of what has been a really good record and one I have enjoyed and ‘Hang Loose’ takes this bad boy home with another sleazy rocker that kinda pulls all the previous influences together for one last hurrah as the band goes over the top and into battle once more.

I spose like busses the follow up will be right behind this one dyou think someone should tell the band that Blakey won’t be collecting the fares on it though? Forty years for fucks sake but like a good wine it’s finally reached maturity and its ready to be enjoyed and I certainly did that.

Buy The Album Here

Author: Dom Daley

 

The Alarm/Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts – York, Fibbers – 30th November 2018

The Alarm/Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts – York, Fibbers – 30th November 2018

Author: Ben Hughes

Photography: Marc McGarraraghy

 

Recently signed to Little Steven’s Wicked Cool Records label, Ryan Hamilton and his newly renamed band The Harlequin Ghosts are an exciting proposition, facing exciting times.

Recently announcing they would be knocking the headline tours on the head for a while to concentrate on other opportunities, I didn’t think I would be catching them for a while here in the UK. Yet, here they are on a high profile tour opening for Welsh legends The Alarm, which should hopefully widen their appeal to larger audiences than they have been reaching in recent times. It seems the image change and the name change is no coincidence, as this band is stepping things up to the big league.

 

There’s a glint of something different in Ryan Hamilton’s eyes tonight. A new sense of determination and seriousness to his delivery.  There’s less of the between-song jokes and banter, although he is still obsessed about learning new English swear words.

Whether it’s the matching sharp suits and the heavier (yet still catchy) material, I don’t know, but this bunch of musicians seem more cohesive now, more like dare I say it…a band.

Faced with an over-loud and dodgy sound mix and an audience unfamiliar with their material, Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts are up against it tonight and they rise to the challenge. When a band are up against the wall with something to prove, when they have to fight for attention, that is when a band are at their best.

So out of the relative comfort zone of a room of people who will sing along to your mighty fine power pop ditties, the band reel off song after song to a small but growing crowd of The Alarm fans, sipping their beers waiting for their heroes. Maybe tonight, just a few of those fans may have found a new band to check out in the morning.

It’s a good job Ryan and the guys have the songs then.  ‘Karaoke With No Crowd’ with it’s over cool “whoo hoo’s”,  the sublime power pop of ‘Records and Needles’ and the following ‘Medicine’ should be enough to reel in even the staidest of observers.

Ryan, his hair in plaits and wide-brimmed hat, making him look like some spaghetti western preacher leading his congregation. He uses his hands to gesture as he addresses the audience, whether playing the guitar or just in control of the mic. The Tom Petty like drawl of ‘Never Should Have Moved To LA’ is mighty fine as always, they then transport us back to Texas with the country twang of ‘Oh My God’.

Introducing final song ‘Freak Flag’ Ryan tells us he is the living proof there are second chances, that it is possible to get a second chance at the rock ‘n’ roll dream. Tonight’s performance is a testament to a rock ‘n’ roll survivor and long may he keep returning to our shores. A sublime set from the probably the best support band you will see this year or next.

Now, Mike Peters is a true survivor and a legendary rock ‘n’ roll talent. He may not be as famous or as revered as Bono or Springsteen, but he has the songs, the road-weary years of experience and the passionate fan base to match.

I guess I’d call myself a casual fan of The Alarm, and I’ve never seen them live, so tonight is a truly monumental experience for me, as I never imagined they would be this good.

This live incarnation of The Alarm, with Mike Peters on vocals and acoustic, his wife Jules on keyboards, longtime Alarm guitarist come bassist James Stevenson and drummer Steve ‘Smiley’ Barnard is as good as it gets.

Anthem follows anthem tonight as Peters and the gang dig deep into the 35 years plus back catalogue to deliver a set that will satisfy even the most casual of fans. From opener ‘Blaze Of Glory’ to main set closer ’68 Guns’, it’s a masterclass of rousing, alternative rock ‘n’ roll. From the ’80s, through the ’90s and beyond, all bases are covered.

 

Peters has free reign of the stage as the rest of the band are pretty much rooted to the spot. I’ve never seen any frontman use 3 vocals mics for a performance. The only advantage I can see if for the vocalist to reach every corner of the venue, so as not to be confined to one spot due to him being the sole guitar player. Fair play, he uses it to its full advantage, switching between left, right and centre stage at will during songs.

It’s an energetic and passionate performance as the man plays to his crowd, and The Alarm fans are as passionate as it gets. Being down the front, I witness it firsthand; 2 ladies of a certain age next to me sing and dance together having the best night of their lives, a middle aged gent in a suit jacket is reliving his youth, precariously swinging from the railing with one hand and punching the air and pointing at his hero as he mouths the words to the anthems of his youth.

This is nostalgia at its finest, people. There are no teenagers here, we are all of a certain age, gathered together to hear the songs that transport us back to a time that was simpler, better and much more fun than most of us have now. True escapism, am I right or am I wrong?

I would usually argue that no one wants to hear new songs at this sort of show, but The Alarm do have new songs and they ain’t too shabby to be fair. ‘Beautiful’ fits the bill nicely and 2 new songs bookend ‘Strength’ come encore time. ‘Neutral’ and ‘Two Rivers’ are as good as it gets and rightly deserves a place amongst the classics.

The feel of a stadium show in a small local venue, you can’t beat the power of rock ‘n’ roll old or new. Two excellent world-class bands in my local venue and certainly one of the best shows I’ve seen this year.

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