Singles Club – January sick and tired you been hanging on me

Singles Club – January sick and tired you been hanging on me

Before January is finished we have another session of the Singles Club to round off the first knockings of 2021and as usual the quality is impressive.  Hit em up and share the love of the trusty old 45RPM…

 

Muck & The Mires – ‘I’m your Man’ (Dirty Water Records)  We’re starting this weeks singles club with this garage rock hip shakin bundle of energy from Muck & The Mires.  As you’ll hear from the guitars this is right on the money sounding like it was recorded live in the moment and with some great melody and BV’s its a right Banger!  Don’t doubt it that you need to hear these cats so head over to Bandcamp Here

 

45 Adapters – ‘Now Or Never’ (Pirates Press Records)  Emerging out of the clusterfuck for bands that was 2020, this long-anticipated EP really packs the punch everyone has been hoping for.

It Comes out swinging, and is hit after hit on a pretty cool 12” picture disc that looks like it was printed on glass. The title track, a rip-roaring addition to the Pirates’ sampler “For Family And Flag“ that we reviewed a few weeks ago.  It whet the whistle of fans across the globe… and the remaining tracks stacked up on this EP

Summarizing the sentiment felt by many, it really is “Now or Never“! Time to take a stand.

 

Guerrilla Teens – ‘End of the Leash’ (Self Release) Two downloadable tracks from the epic Guerrilla Teens Hell Yeah! I’ll take that sir.  Scott ‘Deluxe’ Drake leads another slice of hellish Rock and Roll from the garage with a bluesy guitar break that leads you down a dark alley where the band is waiting to pound you without mercy they won’t rest and who can blame them as the song tail off into the distance with howls and wah! leaving you satisfied once again with the tracks teased out of Bandcamp. But wait there’s more as ‘Running Away’ is a petulant slice of Rock and Roll that’s got some loose gang vocals snarling away on the chorus.  It’s snot captain but not as we know it.  I love Guerrilla Teens they’re one of the triumphs of Lockdown and Pandemic.  Now get this motherload of songs onto a slab of vinyl and we can put this past twelve months behind us.  Bop Showaddy indeed – Buy It! Here

 

Captain Future – ‘Holy Waters’ (Gypsy Hotel Records)  Alex McGowan is the man behind Captain Future and the new album ‘Ghostman’ and the first single taken from the album is ‘Holy Waters’ a bluesy slice of Dub or a dubby slice of Blues, either way, it’s a trip and a trip you should take. Love and hate collide and with the backdrop of what’s going on with certain leaders, it’s a slice of up-to-date right on-the-money music. It’ll creepy crawl into your head and shifting it is hard. Subtle and flavoursome the verses are dark whilst the chorus is raised and lets in the light.  clever stuff.

 

Automatics – ‘Irish Blessing’ (Blank Generation Records ) Taken from the recent Automatics, white vinyl, promotional 4 track ‘Octonary’ EP, and also on the album ‘A Grand Swandive Into The Void’.  You might think so what? However, if I were to say Steve Jones and Johnny Thunders contribute then I might just grab your attention and you might prick those ears back and give this some deserved attention. Also featuring SLF guitarist  Ian McCallum.

what you have on this EP is quality ’77 punk Rock and Roll. Considering the calibre of the players, of course, these songs have that wonderful crunch on the guitar and when recorded right it lifts a recording.   As you’ll hear ‘Irish Blessing’ has a Galic slant and some typical Irish folk leanings from the acoustic guitar to the lyrics.  A bit of everything on the EP means – for me, a good proper investigation into the bands back catalogue and great discovering a whole bunch of tunes that passed me by first time and when, as I say. they are as good as this its a joy to discover. Website

 

Brad Marino – ‘What Do You Know’ (RumBar Records) The Connection, New Trocaderos, Rydells, Jimmy Rydell, and upfront and center; Portsmouth New Hampshire’s Brad Marino has founded, co-founded, written, co-written, performed, and recorded in & on multiple garage rock, punk, and power-pop bands and releases over the last 10 years.  2021, Brad Marino returns with his sophomore Full-Length release, jam-packed with power poppin’ rock and roll extraordinaire… ‘Looking For Trouble’.  But to whet the appetite ‘What Do You Know’ is sent around the ether like a cannonball.  Sure it’s got melody and a solid rockin’ backbeat and a whole heap of hooks and of course a raw guitar making it a must-hear track. Forging the way forward in powerpop circles.  Don’t delay and be sure to hit Marino up and check this out you won’t regret it.  Bandcamp

 

UNDER THE INFLUENCE ‘Moon Flavoured Magnets’ (Riot Records) ‘Moon Flavoured Magnets’ is the follow up to recent singles ‘Body Parts’ and the acoustic version of fan favourite ‘Propaganda Leaks’. Whilst the title comes across as being psychedelic, this track is far from it. It is another storming hardcore flavoured punk track. A vicious and intense punk / Metal hybrid. Its the sound of the roof caving in on you but it’s ok because the band are kicking up a shitstorm and I like that.  Noisy Aussie bastards

“Welcome to Kins brain. It’s infused with mushrooms, madness and wisdom but we’ll let you decide… This is a mystical magical poem I wrote to Mother Nature. Touching on human greed, space, time, pollution and disrespect. Sadly, most humans are on a self-driven vendetta. Without a care for what really matters or anything that’s connected to the natural world. The only hope I see for mankind is to reconnect to the moon and oceanic currents by the only way I know, magic of course. That’s what this song is about…. Magic.’’
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Wildstreet – ‘Set It Off’ (Golden Robot Records)  new single ‘Set It Off’ is like stepping back in time onboard bill and teds cock – rock – o’clock time machine.  Not quite as dangerous as I was expecting and sounding more like a homage to Def Leps.

“Be yourself and stand up for what you believe. There will be set-backs, scars & bruises but you have to pick yourself up because you will make it to the top.”  oh ok righto guys but cmon. I have been transported back in time this covid lockdown has sent me down a wormhole where Warrant and Ratt are strutting up and down the Sunset Strip for sure this would be featured in Bill & Teds next movie for sure  all they have to do is wait…and wait…and wait

 

 

Midnite Snaxxx – ‘Contact Contamination’ (Slovenly Records) Rough blast of sugar-sweet punk rock with a video to test your brain its Midnite Snaxxx baby and their rapid adjit punk rock is addictive like hidden E numbers in kids confectionery its fast its fun and its addictive like a rapid Siouxie & the Banshees if I might be so bold. Songs outta Oakland never sounded so good did they?

Get it while it lasts Here

The Shang Hi Los – ‘Kick It Like A Bad Habit’ (Rum Bar Records) A new one on me but it came via Rum Bar so of course I was going to check them out. Coming on like a Jags meets Blondie with healthy dollops of Cars thrown in along with a whole heap of other power pop luminaries this is a great easy listen for a debut single.  There’s enough edge to remind me of Johnny Thunders last incarnation with the magnificent Oddballs – now I’m not comparing them quite yet but there are traces of the same DNA going on and that’s always going to drag me in.  Love the guitar break on ‘Funeral Home Mint’ These cats love Rock and Roll and pop from days gone by as ‘Stay’ would testify then follow it up with the luscious ‘Skipping Records’ with big chords and big harmonies. It wouldn’t be fair if there wasn’t a Smokie sounding acoustic big finale with those duel vocals working really well together.  In such trying times it’s nice to be nice and The Shang Hi Los sound like a really nice band and they’ve got tunes baby that’s for sure.

Check it out Here

 

Hookers & Blow – ‘Time Of The Season’ (Golden Robot Records) Hookers & Blow, the now legendary project formed by longtime Guns N’ Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed and Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi, recently hit the studios last year to record a covers album that will be released this year via Golden Robot Records. This is the fifth single off the album, a cover of The Zombie’s ‘Time Of The Season’.  It follows the release of the singles Shakin’ (Eddie Money), Rocks Off (Rolling Stones) and Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie) and Trampled Underfoot (Led Zeppelin)  and a jolly good cover it is too.  Polished as fuck but has a load of energy, Decent.

Pre-order/save Time of the Season HERE

 

The Cavemen – ‘Am I A Monster’ (Pig Baby Records)  I’ll be honest if The Hip Priests aren’t releasing a record the singles club can be a bit quieter but those crazy fuckers from New Zealand releases anything it sure perks this place up and again these Garage Ghouls have released an absolute pair of snotty stonkers in the shape of ‘Am I A Monster’ and ‘Schizophrenia’.  The lead track is a stuttering head-shaking noisefest.  It’s uncompromising yet totally uplifting and I love it.  Imagine a time when these could have toured with The Parkinsons and The Hip Priests now that’s a tour I’d risk.

If the A-side was a rush then the B side is a Rock and Rolla for sure from start to finish and before the second line of the chorus I’m shouting along.  One simple instruction from here is  Buy It Here

 

Real People – ‘Life Without A Head’ (Slovenly Records) Rapid shots across the bow Real People aren’t fucking about available on tape (hip fuckers) or digital it’s shouty hardcore folks and tight as a gnats chuff.  Lead track is a sprint to the finish and blink and you might miss it slice of Hardcore and it’s good.  It’s pretty much the same MO for all the tracks with only one breaking the two-minute barrier but where it might be brief flashes of noise its quality and that counts. As they say on their promo blurb “seven solid minutes of no-frills and cheap thrills” just about hits the nail on the head and that’s what it should be,  I like the riffs and the final offering is sharp and the riff is nailed.  Check em out Here and thank us later

 

 

Cornered – ‘Failure EP’ (Blindsided Records)  Dutch Harcore band Cornered are a new one on me but on first play they have that NYHC sound off to a tee, and with that clicky bass they thump their way into the singles round-up. ‘Burn’ is the opener with the Metal edged Hardcore being delivered in fine fashion.  ‘Jungle Law’ reminds me of Downset and with a classic seg from Planet Of The Apes introducing the track what’s not to like?  It’s short sharp and to the point exactly what no-nonsense Hardcore is supposed to be.  ‘Realms Of Misery’ is a measured intro then off into a huge groove.  I’m sure live in a tight pit these would be perfect and go down a storm.

There’s a lot going on here and at times it’s claustrophobic but at the same time, it’s good to just lash out and Cornered does it very well this isn’t a ‘Failure’ at all it’s European Hardcore mixing it with the best of em and holding their own. Check em out Here or pick this EP up Here

 

Yur Mum – ‘Black Rainbow’ (Self Release) The band, consisting of Anelise Kunz (Vocals/Bass) & Fabio Couto (Drums), have decided to unleash the first track from their forthcoming album, ‘Tropical Fuzz’ considering its just the rhythm section they manage to make a hell of a din I’m sure you’ll agree? claiming to not play by the rules would be about right to be fair and the Black & White video makes perfect sense as the track is bleak and cold and wintery.  For fans of Therapy? and Placebo would be just about right on this evidence.  Interesting stuff indeed. check em out Here  /  Bandcamp – https://yurmum.bandcamp

The Last International – ‘Modern Man’ (SME, The Orchard Music)  Taken From New Live Record ‘Live At Arda. Vocalist Delia Paz, comments: “We live in a time where “Girl Power” has been reduced to a hashtag, used by countless celebrities and companies to sell products. The #metoo movement continues to welcome leaders that directly carry out heinous violence against women and children throughout the world, via drone strikes and crippling economic policies. These victims have been completely ignored by mainstream feminists. Anyone, including myself, who tries to expose this hypocrisy is immediately silenced and shamed. “Modern Man” is a song that gives a voice to the overlooked and disenfranchised women all over the world. I hope it encourages everyone, not just women, to think critically and speak up against all injustices and oppression. We will not be silenced!”

Album out now on general release: Digital: https://TheLastInternationale.lnk.to/…​ Physical: Worldwide excl.  https://thelastinternationaleukeurost…​ USA: https://thelastinternationale.bigcart…

The Flaming Sideburns are back with ‘Silver Flames’

The Flaming Sideburns are back with ‘Silver Flames’

It might’ve taken 20 years but here it is: the original line-up of The Flaming Sideburns unleashes a brand new album “Silver Flames”. It can be seen as a follow-up to their now legendary debut “Hallelujah Rock’n’Rollah”, which was released two decades prior in 2001.

“Silver Flames” is an album nobody expected to happen. Most certainly it’s out of time and out of place in 2021 but that has never stopped the Flaming Sideburns on their mission. Instead, they launch a rock’n’roll assault at full throttle.

It’s all there from straight-ahead rockers (“Silver Flame”, “Searching Like a Hyena”) to deep psychedelia (“Niburu”, “Reverberation”) and from classic rock (“A Song for Robert”) to pop-tinged choruses (“Perfect Storm”, “Cast out my Demons”). The album is wrapped up by “Trance-Noché” and its unusual combination of Latin American madness and Arctic hysteria — topped with the lyrics en Español.

 

 

Pre-orders have started. Digipak CDs, regular black vinyl, and limited crystal clear vinyl edition available HERE

Darkthrone set to release ‘Shadows Of Iconoclasm’ Boxset on Peaceville

Darkthrone set to release ‘Shadows Of Iconoclasm’ Boxset on Peaceville
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut album ‘Soulside Journey’, Darkthrone are set to release an extensive 6 LP, 4 tape boxset titled ‘Shadows Of Iconoclasm’ on 2nd April via Peaceville. The limited-edition boxset also includes a 7” alongside a 60-page book and DVD.
This deluxe set marks the formative years of one of Norway’s finest & most celebrated metal exports, as well as highlighting the 30th anniversary of their ground-breaking debut opus Soulside Journey, this extensive vinyl and cassette boxset contains the full early works of the band, much of which sees a release for the first time, including restored material courtesy of Patrick Engel at Temple of Disharmony. From humble beginnings to revered gods of metal, Shadows of Iconoclasm unfolds the band’s early journey towards greatness.
The special cover artwork for this set is inspired by the early works of the band & comes courtesy of notable artist Zbigniew Bielak.
This box set has been compiled and curated with the band and features content from their personal archives – Fenriz comments “We only had a few months to write what would become ‘A Blaze in the Northern Sky’ and we had to blacken up a whole song from the ‘Goatlord’ session, and here and there on ‘A Blaze…’ you can hear a few riffs from ‘Goatlord’. Ironically I ended up listening way more to the ‘Goatlord’ album than I ever did with ‘A Blaze in the Northern Sky’. Maybe because ‘Goatlord’ feels super-real to me and I want to thank Patrick Engel for cleaning up the rehearsal sound without manipulating it much.”

He continues “The real sensation in this box is the live performance from Bootleg Stage Oslo 1990, soundboard sound with live performances of several of the tracks from our Goatlord album, I was so stoked when I discovered this (and no, I never had this on video myself so it was the first time I heard the audio now after over 30 years and it made me very happy. It was a non-alcoholic stage but we were pretty wasted too!)”

SHADOWS OF ICONOCLASMwill be released on Peaceville Records on 2nd April 2021 and is now available to pre-order HERE

 

‘Shadows of Iconoclasm’ contains: 

6 LPs plus 7” featuring:

 -A newly remastered 30th-anniversary edition of 1991’s Soulside Journey

-The original Goatlord instrumental rehearsal/album – specially transferred & restored from Fenriz’ original tape 

-Live in Esbjerg, Denmark 1990 – first time on vinyl 

-Live in Oslo November 1990 –a new digital transfer from the original master tapes from the Bootleg TV archive. Previously unreleased.

 -Live in Riihimaki & Lahti, Finland. Darkthrone’s 1991 – first time on vinyl format 

-Tracks from Oslo 1989 Bootleg TV appearance on 7” vinyl, including the Celtic Frost cover, ‘Visual Aggression’ 

-The 4 cult Darkthrone demos presented on cassette tape with their original art & layout   

-DVD featuring a new digital transfer of Darkthrone’s November 1990 Oslo appearance from original master tapes, as well as their Finnish tour date appearances

-plus bonus footage from Oslo 1989 & a previously unseen track from their September 1990 Oslo gig

– 60 page book with a large collection of band photos, plus text covering the early years of the band as featured in the ‘Black Death & Beyond’ book, including additional text for this release, plus bonus chapters compiled from rare Darkthrone titles 

-Band promotional photo print replica 

-Soulside Journey art print

-Posters of the original Darkthrone logo image drawing & gig poster promoting their Oslo live appearance from September 1990

 
Follow Darkthrone:
Facebook / Instagram

The Limit – Black Sea Video: featuring Sonny Vincent & Bobby Liebling

The Limit – Black Sea Video: featuring Sonny Vincent & Bobby Liebling

Punk & Doom originators go straight to the soul of heavy rock on their new album Caveman Logic to be released via Svart Records on the 9th of April 2021. New single Black Sea out the 22nd of January 2021. Video out now!

More than a super-group, The Limit goes over the edge, to deliver real-deal, soulful Rock and Roll. Consisting of members of legendary Punk instigators The Stooges, the founders of Doom Rock Pentagram, legendary NYC Punk originators Testors and infamous Portuguese metal band Dawnrider, The Limit break out from the foundations of heavy rock and defy all expectations, to show a new generation what doom and punk really means. On the new album Caveman Logic, Bobby Liebling, singer and main-man of Pentagram, one of the originators of early Doom Rock and an inspiration for generations of Heavy Rock fans, on vocals, gives the performance of his career, singing like his life depended on it. Sonny Vincent, enigmatic legend of the early NYC Max’s Kansas City, CBGB Punk scene with his band Testors, having been on the road and recording with members of The Velvet Underground, lays down the guitar driven songs, his writing bearing all the hallmarks of ground-breaking Rock history in it’s filthy DNA. Phenomenal bass playing from Jimmy Recca, ex- The Stooges, and Ron Asheton’s New Order, gives The Limit the intense and world-class, speaker-destroying bottom end. Joined by Hugo Conim on Guitar and João Pedro Ventura on Drums from Portugese band Dawnrider, The Limit fuses star-dust pedigree with an organic incendiary chemistry that’s instantly raw and real. A dream come true to those that know their Doom/Punk history, The Limit brings the past right up to date on Caveman Logic, with an essential, burning passion at the heart of their songs. Seldom has a collaboration of well known stars in music sounded so vigorous and frenzied as The Limit’s caveman-like roar.
The Limit is an astoundingly fresh and hot-blooded shot to the veins that Heavy Rock needs in this day and age. Conjured forth by stone-age pioneers, Caveman Logic goes to the heart of impassioned Heavy Rock and Punk, to deliver the basic and vital elements often missing in so much of today’s music. If you want primitive and straight to the soul primal rock, fresh from the grave and exhumed for a new unwitting future, look no further than Caveman Logic. This is it. This is as far as it goes. The Limit!

Pre-save new single Black Sea (22nd of January 2021) now:
https://orcd.co/thelimit-blacksea

The Monkeywrench reissue ‘Electric Children’ on vinyl

The Monkeywrench reissue ‘Electric Children’ on vinyl

Recorded in Seattle in 1999, this monster record is now being reissued on vinyl remastered by Jack Endino.

As soon as the opening track of ‘Electric Children’ begins, you realize that The Monkeywrench have gotten much tighter in their second album, since their debut eight years before.

The production also seems rawer, possibly due to the fact that the band moved from Conrad Uno to veteran Seattle producer Jack Endino, who also engineered the first releases from bassist Steve Turner and vocalist Mark Arm‘s other band, Mudhoney.

Also contributing to the rawness of the record is the absence of Arm’s trademark piano and organ. This enhances the energy, causing you to notice a more frantic, electrified side of the band.

As on the debut album, Clean as a Broke-Dick Dog (1992), several genres of music are given equal time, including the country of “Thirteen Nights” and “The Empty Place“, the rockabilly of “The Weasel’s In The Barn“, the Eastern modal quality of “Around Again“, and the noise rock of the closing number, “In the days of the Five“.

The Monkeywrench have grown in their ability to craft a song, and the result is a masterpiece.

Info and orders: www.munsterama.com / shop@munsterama.com   

 The band that features – Mark Arm (Mudhoney, Bloodloss) / Steve Turner (Mudhoney) / Tim Kerr (Big Boys) / Tom Price (Gas Huffer, U-Men) /  Martin Bland (Bloodloss, Lubricated Goat)

 

The Luxurious Faux Furs – ‘Like A Real Shadow’ (Mandinga Records)

The Luxurious Faux Furs – ‘Like A Real Shadow’ (Mandinga Records)

Swampy Rock and Roll is the order of the day as The Luxurious Faux Furs are an enigmatic rock n roll duo based outta New Orleans, Louisiana.

Since their beginning in 2011 (supposedly in New York City), Luxurious Faux Furs have stripped their vision of garage rock down to the bone. Over the course of two LPs and a handful of seven-inches, Jessica-Melain (drums) and Josh Lee Hooker (guitar) approach their music with the howling, elemental minimalism of the Gories and Mississippi Fred McDowell. Yet they also embody the opulent absurdity of 70’s glam rock (a la Cockney Rebel), with stretched out songs, copious “ooh ooh” backup singing just like Jagger got his stones bandmates to do on the likes of ‘Gimme Shelter’. Their records have been issued by labels in Western Europe, South America, and Memphis, Tennessee, and especially at volume, it’s easy to see the attraction.

On this new LP,  the pair maintains their garage squall and dives even further into hypnotic blues riffs and throbbing insistent drum pulse—what one listener called the “car with one square wheel” rhythm. Their choice of cover songs—obscure blues and sanctified numbers—show them moving even further from anything like “listener expectations.”

Playing live on stage, the band cuts a memorable image. Behind her pair of stand-up drums, Jessica-Melain swings her hips in time to the trance-like beat. Her hair is a big black thunder cloud with blonde streaks of lightning; her expression a bubblegum snarl. Meanwhile, Josh Lee Hooker, saturnine and overdressed, mutters confusing jokes to the audience then abruptly careens into impassioned, expressive singing.

The Luxurious Faux Furs are defiantly un-modern and anti-traditional; they’re neither urban nor rural; they have no interest in “what’s going on” and they certainly don’t care what people say about them.  the tunes are unfussy and they delve deep into the blues but also keep it fairly contemporary with a borrowed riff here and there.  ‘Seat In The Kingdom’ sounds like it could be half-inched from Brian James when he was looking for new tunes for the Lords Of The New Church and to contrast the rough arsed vocal that can be chaotic and wild the BV’s are often quite lush and smooth in comparison whatever it is it works.

At times it can sound quite hypnotic and other times it sounds claustrophobic and chaotic.  I’m not too sure there was a great deal of quality control going on which helps keep it fresh but plays havoc with one’s OCD tendencies.  Whatever view you have you can’t deny it’s rock and roll and I’m sure live these cats would go down a treat in some sweaty dive bar where the PA is way too loud and the drinks are cheap.

I love the tone on ‘Joe Bird’ and then there’s the vibe they’ve hit upon for the video ‘Home Cooking’ which is great. move over Jon Spenser and Guitar Wolf look over your shoulder there are some new kids in town and I don’t think they play nice. Favourite track is the haunting ‘Sign Of Judgment’ – sparse and like a diamond in the rough worth checking out for this one alone. The more I play it the more I want to play it now if every album had those qualities.  Check em out – you’ll like em!

Buy on Bandcamp Here

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Author: Dom Daley

 

Janus Stark – ‘Rewind To A’ & ‘Chez Wrong’ (Time & Matter Records)

Janus Stark – ‘Rewind To A’ & ‘Chez Wrong’ (Time & Matter Records)

Following 2019 comeback album ‘Angel In The Flames’ former English Dogs and Prodigy guitar slinger Gizz Butt takes us back in time with a couple of curios from the Janus Stark archives that he has made available on CD, limited to 200 copies each, all hand-numbered. Both albums are actually a collection of demos, the first ‘Rewind To A’ is the full demo version of Janus Stark’s debut album ‘Great Adventure Cigar’ released back in 1997, and the second ‘Chez Wrong’, the lost follow-up album demoed in 2002.

Both albums come with 16-page booklets and extensive liner noted from Gizz explaining the history and background of each song and the circumstances surrounding the writing and recording of each.

 

If you are familiar with ‘Great Adventure Cigar’ then ‘Rewind To A’ is a good place to start and an interesting listen. These demos are the sound of a band finding their feet and finding their sound. Following the name change from English Dogs and guitarist Gizz stepping into the frontman role, the band trade in the punk sound for a more commercial, pop/punk feel.

During the time period these songs were demoed (1996-97), Gizz was playing guitar with The Prodigy on the ‘Fat Of The Land’ tour, and this influenced his songwriting. Utilising multi-effect processors, Gizz experimented with Dance music and it spawned some interesting tunes that veer in a different direction to the sound Janus Stark would eventually pursue. ‘Frayed Edges Of Sanity’ is a dark, trippy ride through the songwriter’s mind and a departure from the po/punk/ that would prevail on the debut. The following ‘Only One Can Know Me’ is more experimental, Prodigy style breakbeats and pulsating bass verse that leads to descending chords and a trademark Gizz melody.

Elsewhere. The thrashy blast that is ‘Wedding Bells’ is actually an old Desecrators tune. While it’s a fun run through, the hardcore style didn’t really fit the direction the band were heading.

‘200 Duty Frees’ though, did make the album. This version is a bit more dancey, yet it still has those full distorted guitars. Sonically, as with the other tracks that finally made the album, the songs benefit from a sweet production. ‘Every Little Thing Counts’ still sounds immense even in demo form, even if the extra verse throws me off for a second or two. It’s a perfect example of how a producer cuts the fat from a demo and makes it the song it should be.

For me ‘Great Adventure Cigar’ is up there with the great albums of the late 90’s Brit Rock movement and this collection is a great insight into the development of a band who should’ve got more attention at the time.

‘Chez Wrong’ is considered the lost Janus Stark album, the sophomore album that never was. These are the final demos from 2002 at a time when the band were shopping for a new record deal. Written during tough times, it’s a heavier, more edgy collection of songs influenced by the changing musical climate and the changes within the band.

The band had been touring heavily across Europe with Die Toten Hosen and Fear Factory while these songs were formed, and the likes of Slipknot and System Of A Down were the darlings of Kerrang! And MTV. These influences are evident from the off on the crunchy ‘Near Extinction’, a riff heavy beast that channels feelings of despair and struggle and maybe pre-empting the demise of the band.

The killer opening riff of the title track brings to mind Metallica before descending into more melodic sections and an uplifting chorus that harks back to the punk/pop of the debut. With its arpeggios and jarring riffage, the Nu Metal tinged ‘Paralysed’ could be a Papa Roach outtake.

Elsewhere the fiery ‘Back To Live’ and the brutal ‘The Child Deserves A Life’ are quality highlights. The band only take the time to breathe on the atmospheric closer ‘Empty Chair’, a song that shows a different side to the band with some cool, effect-ridden guitars and cool beats. It’s an album highlight and a great song to bow out with.

 

 

These 2 releases stand tall on their own as albums and also serve well together as the perfect accompaniment to ‘Great Adventure Cigar’. They help to tell the full picture of Janus Stark at the turn of the century before the band split and descended into the wilderness years.

‘Rewind To A’ shows the development of a band with new ideas and experimentation, including songs that for whatever reason, didn’t make the final cut, but are still worth your hard-earned cash.

‘Chez Wrong’ is the sound of what could’ve been. It shows a band on the edge, changing with the times and fighting a (losing) battle to survive. Strangely, even though it covers line-up changes and personal upheaval, I feel it’s the more cohesive of the two albums.

It’s also worth noting both albums are available to purchase directly through the Time & Matter Store as a package deal for 15 notes with an additional free four track digital EP of unreleased tunes. Now, if that’s not a bargain, I don’t know what is!

 

Buy Here

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Author: Ben Hughes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES SIGN WITH HELLCAT RECORDS & new epic video

THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES SIGN WITH HELLCAT RECORDS & new epic video

THE MIGHTY MIGHTY BOSSTONES SIGN WITH HELLCAT RECORDS

 ‘THE FINAL PARADE’ FEATURING MEMBERS OF RANCID, THE INTERRUPTERS, FISHBONE,

THE PIETASTERS, THE SPECIALS AND MORE

 

Hellcat Records is pleased to welcome the progenitors of ska, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones to the family.

Today, the band shares their new track “The Final Parade.” The track heralds the ups and downs of the band’s journey, the history of ska, and features vocal cameos and guest appearances from many ska-punk luminaries. At nearly 8-mintues, the track has been referred as “The Ska Summit” by Tim Armstrong, who co-produced the track with fellow Grammy award winner Ted Hutt. “It’s a love letter to Ska music and the people that make Ska music and it’s a whole lot of fun,” says vocalist Dicky Barrett.

The features on the track include Tim Armstrong (Rancid), Aimee Interrupter & The Interrupters, Stranger Cole, Angelo Moore (Fishbone), Jake Burns (Stiff Little Fingers), Jay Navarro (Suicide Machines), Chris DeMakes, Pete Wesilewski, Roger Lima (Less Than Jake), Jimmy G (Murphy’s Law), Toby Morse, Rusty Pistachio (H2O), John Feldman (Goldfinger), Laila Khan (Sonic Boom Six), Robert Hingley (Toasters), Dan Vitale (Bim Skala Bim), Dave McWane (Big D and The Kids Table), Sirae Richardson, Erin Mackenzie, Brie McWane (The Doped Up Dollys), Jesse Wagner (Aggrolites), Karina Denike (The Dance Hall Crashers), Christian Jaccobs (The Aquabats), Jon Pebsworth (Buck O Nine), Peter Porker (The Porkers), Steve Jackson (The Pietasters), Felipe Galvan (Los Skanarles), Jet Baker (Buster Shuffle), Fumio Ito (Kemuri), Glen “The Kid” Marhevka  (Big Bad Voodoo Daddy), and Roddy Radiation (The Specials).

Since their formation in 1983, the BossToneS have been credited as one of the forefathers of ska punk and the creators of its subgenre, ska-core. With a career spanning over 30-years Boston’s best dressed band has built and continued to build a devoted following with their unique brass-infused brand of punk rock. To date they have released ten studio records; Devil’s Night Out (1989), More Noise and Other Disturbances (1992), Don’t Know How to Party (1993), Question the Answers (1994), Let’s Face It (1997), Pay Attention (2000), A Jackknife to a Swan (2002), Pin Points and Gin Joints (2009), The Magic of Youth (2011), and While We’re at It (2018).

The Mighty Mighty BossToneS are vocalist Dicky Barrett, bassist Joe Gittleman, saxophonists Tim “Johnny Vegas” Burton and Leon Silva, Bosstone Ben Carr, drummer Joe Sirois, guitarists Nate Albert and Lawrence Katz, keyboardist John Goetchius, and trombonist Chris Rhodes.

Find Mighty Mighty BossToneS online at:

WEBSITE | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

Jo Carley & The Old Dry Skulls – ‘Voodoo Bones & Vaudaville Blues’

Jo Carley & The Old Dry Skulls – ‘Voodoo Bones & Vaudaville Blues’

“Jo Carley and The Old Dry Skulls combine the voodoo rhythms of 1930’s ska and the blues with old-timey vaudeville cabaret. Music that makes people wanna shake their bones!”

Clearly influenced by fellow Londoners and majestic beat combo The Urban Voodoo Machine all be it with far fewer members and led by the wonderful Jo Carley who clearly walks it like she talks. The album kicks off with the rather endearing vaudeville of ‘Little Limbs Of Satan’ the sound is stripped back and sparse and uncluttered but Jo and the gang ham it up perfectly (especially in these current times).

 

I’ll take Jo’s word for it that the sound is inspired from the 30s. But how would I know.  I do like the arrangement and guitar picking on ‘The Devil’  its intriguingly stripped down and my favourite thus far. If making deals with old nick dishes up a penchant for kicking back and turning your hand to a musical genre that is fairly unique then go for it.  The arrangments are decent and the use of the reverb-laden guitar is old school rock and roll for sure and mixed with the other traditional instruments is cool and the rockabilly of ‘She Got Him’ is more contemporary, well compared to the 1930’s it is.  Its voodootastic for sure.

‘Voodoo Bones and Vaudeville Blues’ was recorded during the lockdown in the band’s shack of a house on the East Coast of England. When the pandemic hit, they threw out the couch and the TV, turning their living room into a recording studio, laying down twelve new songs using only old school techniques and a few good microphones. To be fair they’ve captured the instruments really well and when they’re cooking it sounds great however I’m not a fan of the more piraty elements but that’s a minor gripe.

The bands unique sound and the quality of the recording is excellent. I guess one should listen to this with not modern ears but ones from a bygone world. The attempts to mix up so many genres is admirable and it doesn’t always work for me but when it does its really good. Be it Voodoo or Black Magic I like it when bands try something different and sound authentic and good at what they are doing. Old Blues (Under Your Spell), Old Country (Dead But He won’t Lay Down), Skiffle, Piraty shanty vibes, Calypso and Rock n Roll its all here if you want it. 

 

Buy Here

Singles Club – January 2021 – Welcome one and all!

Singles Club – January 2021 – Welcome one and all!

Nine singles, eleven bands.  Seems like a pretty decent way to ease yourself into 2021 post-Trump and hopefully with the worst of this pandemic behind us maybe 2021 will see us back in live music venues and more bands releasing more music for us.  Here’s hoping and in the meantime stay safe and enjoy…

 

Los Pepe /  Jibaros – ‘Together’ split(Self Release) Always a great day to discover Los Pepe has got a new record out be it a 7″ single or album.  today we bring you their side of this split that’s a pair of right bangers.  With their cover of the Testors and Spains Jibaros taking on Teenage Heads – ‘Picture My Face’ and turning in a rousing dance floor filler.  Los Pepe do what they do and that’s turn in some fast loud power pop, luckily for us, this is no difference and a rather impressive split we have on our hands but it’s very limited so don’t dilly dally or you’ll be disappointed.

Buy it now Here

 

 

The Spangles – ‘Boys Just Wanna Have Some Fun’ (Self Release) So off the back of the rather spiffin’ long-player Those Spangles have come back to the table with a very nice EP that does exactly what it says on the tin.  What you have here is five tunes written by other peeps knocked out in a Covid wasteland with as much emphasis on being loud and Rockin’ out as was possible in a socially distanced recording studio.  Kicking off with the rather splendid ‘Bad Reputation’ giving the manly frontwoman that is Polly Phluid the chance to belt out the classic and to be fair the chaps have done the classic proud.  It might be one of the most covered tunes ever but so what its all about the attitude and having fun right? Right!

To be fair its pretty much the MO throughout as the boys take on such pop dignitaries as Joan Jett, Kim Wilde, The Bangles and Wendy James and her Transvision Vamps, and if  ‘Walk like An Egyptian’ is given a good seeing to then the beastly ‘I Want Your Love’ is as camp as Christmas (it isn’t obviously) but I do want them to make a cover of the video for this one it’ll be glorious. Almost as glorious as a ‘Sex Sausage’.  What? ‘Sex Sausage’ you ask who the fuck wrote that bad boy?  Don’t ask just smile or grin, as I’m sure these gents are.  Fantastic EP from a fantastic band.  Now get that difficult second album done and we’ll all meet up again and Slamdance together.  Facebook / Bandcamp

 

 

Poison Boys – ‘Nothing But Darkness’ (unknown) The first single from the second album is upon us and what a banger it is too.  I love The Poison Boys they just get things done.  No-fuss or fanfare they just write kick-ass tunes and this glimpse behind the curtain of the second record is a joy. It’s a bruising affair all switchblade knives and dark alleys and the breakdown is a smoldering mass of sleazy Rock and Roll and if this is what coming then bring it on boys it’s gonna be a top record.

Buy it here

 

 

 

 

Eddie Mooney & The Grave – ‘Lockdown Baby’ feat Malte B (Still Unbeatable Records) Two track choc-full of sprightly power pop is the order of the day courtesy of Eddie Mooney Released at the death of 2020. With the spirit of ’77 coursing through their veins, it’s got the vital ingredients being some barbed wire guitar and some sugar-sweet melodies on the chorus’.  Extremely limited vinyl pressings so be quick or be gone.

Buy Here

 

 

 

 

Chuck Norris Experiment / Scumbag Millionaire –  split (Strange Magic Records)    Pressed on super limited numbers of 100 solid red, 100 dirty white, 100 black of course this is gonna kick your backside.  Swedens finest exponents of hard rock are in the house and turning up the heat on this the first Singles club of the year and already owning it.  You know the drill two track each with the CNE tracks being exclusive to this 7″ whilst the Scumbag Millionaire contributes one exclusive track and a track from their debut LP Speed that was never released on a single (until now).

Loud and in your face is how CNE delivers their hard rock best and this pair of tunes is as good as they get. ‘Let The Wheels Roll’ is a pounding rhythm with sharp guitars and a chorus you can raise your horns to and chant along.  What’s not to like? then in direct contrast is the attitude-laden acoustic (of sorts) ‘Dinosaur Fire’ showing they don’t just do hard rock they can mix it up and when they do it’s never off the mark as for their fellow Gothenburg noise merchants Scumbag Millionaire it’s one exclusive and one from their last album.  ‘Too Much Is Never Enough’ is a slice of Motorhead meets Early Hellacopters and is an absolute banger! whilst their second contribution is lifted from their debut long-player ‘Speed’ in the shape of ‘White Flash’ another good reason to revisit that album another pair of great tunes making this a must-have EP of four excellent tunes.  Get a copy right sharpish or miss out and end up down the line paying some scalper a small fortune.  ORDER NOW by sending an e-mail to info@savagemagicrecords.com

 

 

 

Holy Death Trio – ‘The Killer’ (  )  The band says, “‘The Killer’ was written in the same vein as an old blues song from the early 1900’s.  It was originally written and performed as a one-man blues band and then it naturally worked well with a full band, so we made it Holy Death Trio standard.  This song is meant to feel like built up aggression with two killer guitar solos and just straight-up power trio heavy blues rock-n-roll.” More rock than your Jon Spenser Blues Explosion but it’s got a neat groove and it prefers to crash and burn than fade away and we like that especially when its played loud and this sounds like it was recorded loud!

Connect With Holy Death Trio Website / Facebook / Instagram / Bandcamp

 

 

Venus Grrrls – ‘Goth Girl’ (MonoMyth Records) Goth culture and witchcraft.  Oh, go on then.  Venus Grrrls release their new single on the back of last year’s EP and a dark brooding hybrid of dark pop and rock it motors along once you’re through the spooky kid intro with the pumping synth beat and vocal and hit the chorus and off they go.

The song tackle stereotyping and Goth culture and how trends come and go and with the big chorus it’ll wake the dead for sure as it rolls off with the pumping synth and soaring vocals before fading back and then pow! into a final chorus.  Stirring stuff from this Northern five-piece.

 

 

The Revox – ‘Talk About Her’ (Voodoo Rhythm Records)  Walking on the wild side is this raw and punchy 7″ from Swiss punks THE REVOX, reclusive mountain punks, they’re a blast from the past, and their music is inspired by the original Swiss garage and beat scene from back in the mid-’60s so I’m reliably informed and on this evidence, I’m impressed and love what they’ve got going on its like a fucked up Fuzztones howling drunk and just partying way too hard. ‘Talk About Her’ is a hoot with some super cool guitar and a trashy reverb-heavy rhythm where the cymbals are taking a pounding.  flip it over and ‘Sick Of You’ is more of the same as the riff rolls on and some garage racket is beaten out of the instruments for our listening pleasure.  Play on guys this is quality. Check it out Here

 

 

Saxon – ‘Speed King’  (Silver Lining Music)  Biff and the boys are in the house.  Tipping the hat to those that paved the way for Byford and his band to do what they’ve done for decades.  Check out their take on Deep Purples ‘Speed King’ if you like it then why not order it Here  ‘Inspirations’ is a covers album, where in 2020 the band took residence at Brockfield Hall in York, to record cover versions of various songs which deeply influenced the band, engaging in a proper old-school live and recording process which was a hallmark of many old-school rock ‘n’ roll records.