Rich Ragany – ‘You Never Know How The Day Will End’ A song for Cush

Rich Ragany – ‘You Never Know How The Day Will End’ A song for Cush

A new song for you all… inspired by the memory, life and songs of Cush.

Bandcamp Link Here

 

In early February our friend Cush (from the revered and loved band The Men They Couldn’t Hang) sadly and unexpectedly passed away.

His humour, energy and artistry will be sorely missed… his friendship and brotherhood with his legendary bandmates and loved ones… irreplaceable.

When I was a teenager my old friend Paul Shreenan played them to me… “Here Rich… you’ll love these guys… they are like the Pogues but the real thing… REAL bad asses!”

We cranked it in his parent’s K-Car stereo… He was right.

Years later in London…I am on a train into town and I receive a frantic and hilariously delivered message from one of my closest friends Tom Spencer (well MOST of his messages are like that, but anyway)…

“RAGS! You on your way into town? I gotta gig. Free booze 50 quid and a sold-out crowd. Support bailed and we need a troubadour. I have a guitar for you! Borderline. Get here now!”

I did. And that was my formal introduction to the band.

I was pretty damn nervous going on stage supporting these guys… in front of an audience that famously will not tolerate mediocrity…

I pulled it off… walked backstage and Swill gave me that million watt smile! “You did great! They don’t hate you!”

Then Cush approached me… slapped me across the shoulders, grinned and said, “Like where you’re going with your songs… you’re playing is a bit like Richard Thompson”

 

And with that wonderful supportive gesture and comment… I glided through the rest of the weekend wickedly smirking and telling everyone that I was the next Richard Thompson! “CUSH SAID SO!”

Then they paid me 80 quid instead of the 50 and said, “Let’s do this again!”

That lead to a load more support slots for The Men… and loads more laughs and good times and drinks and smiles and shared stages.

A lot of confidence was gained through the acceptance of Cush and the band… and I am truly grateful and will never forget it.

When I got the call from Tom with the news, he had mentioned the musical family we are lucky to be part of.

And that struck me…

This weird and vibrant and sometimes heartbreaking world of music which we have found ourselves in… the characters … the inspiration… the adventures and the music … it all runs through us and connects us… all of it incredibly in the moment… then regenerated through the music and lyrics… like the super nova that once blasted bright, scattering the elements across the universe…  found in your lifeblood now… and in rust … and lonely cold planets… both in life and decay. All of it real and important.

So I wrote this in honour of Cush and my musical family.

You will be remembered… you and your songs will carry on within us… the cycle of love and remembrance.

Recorded it with my band mates Ricky McGuire (a longtime member of The Men and incredibly close friend of Cush’s… and of course the talented Andy Brook, ever by my side in these things)

Artwork by my brother Rich Jones… using a photo of Cush provided by Marianne and Nigel Williamson… more family.

All money goes towards the making of a compilation of Cush’s work… this single won’t be a platinum seller… but it’s a small thank you for the great times and shows… keepin the cycle going…

Cheers, and love to you all…

 

Bandcamp / Facebook  / Instagram

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekX7kPa9R_I&feature=youtu.be

The Alarm – ‘War’ (21st Century Records)

The Alarm – ‘War’ (21st Century Records)

Always being one to challenge himself and push the boundaries of what is expected of our rock and rollers and having to put up with more than his fair share of hard luck and heartache Peters cannot be killed or derailed by conventional weapons it would seem and goes from strength to strength with each passing year.

A guy who clearly has trouble sleeping and would rather be challenging himself and creating be it writing plays, film scores, albums, tours etc Peters is also unstoppable and regardless of quality in as much as the next album might not be as good as his last one, etc you cannot hold him back nor deter his infectious optimism and love for his craft.

 

Now I’ll lay my cards out on the table here and state that I’m a bit of an Alarm fanboy and have been for decades and decades and clocked up treble figures for shows attended I’ve got the books the records all the politics. I also am happy to get down off the fence with regards to what period I like the most and if I’m not so keen on a song I’m happy to say it.  Oh for the record of course the early years of train station platforms and long bus journeys and lots of hanging around are my fondest memories but I’m not one of the “the original line up is the only line up” brigade because I’m happy to say that I loved the poets and the line up of Adams, Grantley, Stevenson, Peters & Taylor were some of the best shows ever and his earlyish solo albums were awesome as were ‘Under Attack’ period (such a highly productive period) I’ve seen some amazing shows and Gatherings and I can safely say I’ve only ever seen one maybe two under par shows.

Moving onto the new album and whilst I was waiting patiently saving my pennies for the expensive new box set I got a little sidetracked and fell behind on the social media avalanche that sometimes happens from artists and wasn’t sure what was actually happening until I sat down and tried to follow and realised this wasn’t the next album but quickly became something that snowballed and superseded the new album into becoming the newer album – confused?  you might be I was. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, ‘War’.  I guess lockdown sent some a little loopy and Peters was no exception with all live shows shelved he found himself in a situation that he hadn’t found himself in all his adult life and apart from putting the bins out (Oh I believe he wasn’t sure of what day) he decided to set himself a challenge which evolved into ‘WAR’ A new album written and recorded and released in a matter of weeks! Metallica and Def Lepard look away now.  IT couldn’t be done, could it?  Pressing plants are bogged up for months with orders?  Has Peters built a pressing plant in lockdown? Struck a deal with Old Nick?  No, he’s only gone and hand lathed copies hot off the press.  Genius! A little expensive for sure but unique and one of a kind.  I always have an internal argument with myself when I set a ceiling for how much I’m prepared to pay for my music and always disappoint myself that I have to have it – the kids won’t starve, will they? Oh well, we could all cut down a little and it’s Rock and Roll history being made.  Ten songs make up the album and I guess after waffling for the opening few paragraphs I guess it’s time to press play and hear what been cooked up.

 

The album opens with ‘Protect And Survive’ and as we build up I like it, Raw, vibrant and in your face, with no time to overproduce or use too much technology, it’s where Peters has produced some of his best work over the last few decades. It’s time to take music back to its primitive old-school ways and kick out the jams motherfuckers and this hits the spot.  Inspired by what went on in the US in January and that mad day on capitol hill its chaos and compelling moments in time are captured perfectly in the album’s exquisite opener. ‘We Got This’ follows suit with some added acoustic guitar and keyboard stabs but it’s those geetars knocking out the Riffolas that maintains the energy levels.

Maybe, without the time to procrastinate and tinker Peters has taken a brave turn – using songs he’s been working on or finished, and harnessed the urgency of the deadline he’s working towards with great effect. So far after only a handful of plays I can safely say this is the best I’ve heard The Alarm for a few albums. ‘Still Unsafe’ is more laid back and visits themes and lyrical imagery that’s been done by Peters before from day one I guess something he returns to and gets comfort from.

‘Crush’ again turns up the amps and some radio-friendly riffs fall from the speakers and another really enjoyable song burrows into my eardrum.  Now I’m not the best at following videos of recording sessions I prefer to wait until a record comes out and then if I like it I’ll revisit the videos (Yeah I know, not how they were intended to be viewed) ‘Warriors’ is uptempo with a bit of synth trickery going on between some impressive riffs that lead to a quality Smiley drum fill before the guitars get stuck in.

‘Fail’ explores a decent melody and I like the Mescaleros breakdowns and I’m sure Strummer would definitely approve and whilst I’m at it he would absolutely approve of this project and the way it was put together.  It’s exciting and worthwhile and Peters can hold his head up high and take a little break at least for ‘War’ is a triumph, it’s fresh and bursting with life and energy and most importantly it’s got some of the best work Peters has penned for years.

‘Gods And Demons’ is something of a departure and Peters challenging himself musically and showing you can teach an old dog new tricks.  Now the last time I hear Benji Webbe was on the epic Bad Sam song ‘I Love The Port’, I can’t say I ever expected him to rock up on an Alarm album but hey why not?  What a collaboration this is and one that could and possibly, no not possibly it should puncture the charts for Rock music. It should draw this album into a whole new world of curious music fans from genres Alarm fans would never have expected to be joined by.  ‘Safe From Harm’ is a banger (as the kids say).  Pop pickers out there will also notice that it’s a cover of the Massive Attack song and strangely apt for these times we find ourselves living in.

Closing off the album is ‘War (Its Not OVer Yet)’ again another twist of the melon as The band takes on lockdown and the pandemic something we can all relate to wrapped up in a twisted pop song.  Now, even though I’ve only played this album a handful of times due to its emergence and the guerilla way it was released – it’s a fantastic triumph and a really strong album full of excellent songs.  Ask me in a week what I still think of this album or in a month.  I reckon it’ll be on rotation on the RPM death decks and come the summer I’ll be buggin’ my socially distance house guests when I hold a BBQ and tell them the story of this lathe cut album and the story behind it.

The Alarm manage to stay ahead of the pack with an innovative and exciting project that happened and is bloody good to boot – how about that then? Still sticking two fingers up to the haters and penning quality tunes (and covering them) – long live the Alarm and all who play in it.

Buy Here

Pre-order your limited edition and individually hand-painted, signed by Mike Peters’ Exclusively at http://thealarm.com

Author: Dom Daley

Edward Van Halen by Ross Halfin pre orders

Edward Van Halen by Ross Halfin pre orders

Ross Halfin and Rufus Publications are pleased to announce the publication of ‘Edward Van Halen by Ross Halfin’ a 356-page celebration of rock’s iconic guitar player, a man who changed the way rock music would be played forever. This extensive photo book features many classic and unseen shots chosen by Ross from his personal archive together with an exclusive introduction from Edward’s friend and fellow player Tony Iommi. Respected journalist Mark Blake provides a career essay on Van Halen’s hugely successful career.

“I am very pleased to announce my latest book ‘Edward Van Halen by Ross Halfin’ which is available for pre-order now from Rufus Publications. I started shooting Van Halen in 1978 when they were just a support band for Black Sabbath . This book delves deep into my archive covering the early tours with Roth in the late 70’s onto the commercial explosion of the early to mid 80’s on through the vastly successful “Van Hagar” era covering every album and tour and even the Gary Cherone fronted VH III era . I always enjoyed shooting Van Halen, from a photographer’s perspective they always gave you something and the many studio shoots always generated a lot of laughter and good memories . The book also contains a really great foreword from Tony Iommi.”

The Standard Edition: 
A 356 page coffee table book, casebound with a printed cover and a material, embossed slipcase. £89 plus delivery.

The Metal Guitar Edition: 
A 356 page coffee table book, casebound with an embossed cover and exclusive 3D lenticular. Personally signed by Ross Halfin and complete with limited edition contact prints. The book is supplied in a unique aluminium, shaped and printed, slipcase. 300 numbered copies worldwide. £275 plus delivery.

 

PRE-ORDER DETAILS

‘Edward Van Halen’ by Ross Halfin can be exclusively pre-ordered at www.rufuspublications.com  The pre-order is open now on a first come first served basis

Pre-orders can claim a 10% discount with the code EVH21 at the checkout.

Edward Van Halen by Ross Halfin is shipping June 2021

Alice Cooper – ‘Detroit Stories’ (earMUSIC)

Alice Cooper – ‘Detroit Stories’ (earMUSIC)

Alice Cooper must be one of a very rare breed in rock ‘n’ roll. Having now written and released music across seven different decades, I bet if you polled his fanbase for their favourite era or albums, the results would probably encompass most, if not all, of his many different career phases.

 

Me personally, I love the original Alice Cooper band albums (along with some of his mid and later era albums like ‘Special Forces’ and ‘Dirty Diamonds’) and of those records, it’s ‘Killer’ and ‘School’s Out’ that are my own go-to’s whenever I truly need to rekindle my love of Alice’s extensive back catalogue.

 

This rather conveniently brings me to ‘Detroit Stories’, an album that not only sees Alice return to his hometown and Alice Cooper band era roots, but also sees him fully reunited with producer Bob Ezrin, the man behind the desk for both of those old Alice Cooper band records I love so much.

 

Written and recorded using only Detroit based musicians (albeit with the exception of guest guitarists Joe Bonamassa and current AC band mainstay Tommy Henriksen) the fifteen songs that make up ‘Detroit Stories’ are what Alice himself refers to as being ‘Pure Detroit’. With the crack team of musicians assembled around him boasting the likes of Wayne Kramer (guitarist with the MC5), Johnny ‘Bee’ Badanjek (drummer with the legendary Detroit Wheels), Paul Randolph (legendary Detroit jazz and R&B bassist) as well as the Motor City Horns, they all help to build on the formula that Alice first tested out with his 2019 ‘Breadcrumbs EP, and in turn are all helping him create perhaps his most diverse set of (luney) tunes in quite some time.

 

As with ‘Breadcrumbs’ a few of these songs turn out to cover versions, like the excellent album opener – Alice’s version of Velvet Undergrounds’ ‘Rock And Roll’. However, what Alice does here (unlike with the covers that he does with Hollywood Vampires) is he really makes this song sound like one of his own. I mean you could be forgiven for thinking that ‘Rock ‘N’ Roll’ is actually an Alice song, or that it was at perhaps written just for him.

 

‘Go Man Go’ is the album’s first Cooper co-write and having been originally included on the aforementioned ‘Breadcrumbs’ EP the almost punk-like swagger of this tune might actually come as something of a surprise to some of Alice’s more hard rock biased fans who are yet to hear that EP, however knowing just how many punk rockers were originally influenced by Da Coop it’s great to hear him re-engaging with that rougher 70s spirit once again.

 

Likewise, ‘Our Love Will Change The World’ is also something of a surprise – not least because it’s a pretty faithful retelling of a 2008 penned Outrageous Cherry tune – and as such it sounds not much like Alice and much more like a latter day John Lennon song, one that bounces around on an optimistically youthful refrain. Some AC fans have already voiced their dislike of this song since it was first aired back in late 2020, but I like it as it fits perfectly within the jigsaw puzzle of songs that make up the complete ‘Detroit Stories’ picture.

 

‘Social Debris’ is up next and that finds us very much back on more familiar Alice Cooper band territory (featuring as it does Messrs Dunaway, Smith, and Bruce), albeit I just can’t get out of my head how much this could be a song written for an in his prime Ace Frehley. And talking of KISS on ‘$1000 High Heel Shoes’ AC once again proves that anything Starchild can do he can do better, as this delicious funky soul jam has seemingly already earned the moniker of one of the oddest songs Alice has ever recorded…well it is I suppose if all you have ever heard by AC is ‘Poison’ or ‘Trash’.

‘Hail Mary’ and the 2021 reboot of ‘Detroit City’ (originally on Alice’s 2003 ‘Eye’s Of…’ album and featured again on the ‘Breadcrumbs’ EP) return things to Alice’s more modern day upbeat hard rock territory before the sleazy blues jam of ‘Drunk And In Love’ and the high kicking ‘Independence Dave’ both once again usher in the anything goes attitude of those ‘70s Ezrin produced albums I mentioned earlier.

 

The Cooper, Dunaway, and Ezrin penned ‘I Hate You’ is another fantastic sonic curveball, as is the almost showtunes-y ‘Wonderful World’. Both tracks giving the mid-section of ‘Detroit Stories’ a couple more “WTF” moments (and I do mean that in the most positive sense too).

 

As ‘Detroit Stories’ enters its final four chapters the inclusion of MC5’s ‘Sister Anne’ and Bob Seger’s East Side Story’ are the only times when I’m left thinking that perhaps they were best just left on ‘Breadcrumbs’, largely because the original Cooper tunes that they bookend in ‘Don’t Give Up’ and ‘Shut Up And Rock’ just sounds so much more interesting. It’s the only tiny gripe that I have with ‘Detroit Stories’ though, as four years on from ‘Paranormal’ and with everything else going on across the world right now it’s just an absolute joy to get to grips with such an upbeat and positive sounding Alice Cooper record.

 

Oh, and talking of ‘Paranormal’ if you are fortunate enough to get one of the expanded formats of ‘Detroit Stories’ you will also find a DVD or Blu-ray copy of Alice’s A Paranormal Evening at the Olympia Paris’ concert film included as part of your package, as the great man wants us to experience this show in the safety of our homes. A truly wonderful gesture from an artist who with ‘Detroit Stories’ is proving he is still one of the greatest storytellers the rock world has ever had.

 

Long live Alice Cooper!

Buy Here

Website / Facebook

Author: Johnny Hayward

AUTOGRAMM PREMIERE VIDEO FOR “NO RULES”

AUTOGRAMM PREMIERE VIDEO FOR “NO RULES”
AUTOGRAMM PREMIERE VIDEO FOR “NO RULES”
A SHOT-BY-SHOT NOD & WINK TO
BILLY JOEL’S CLASSIC “SOMETIMES A FANTASY”
 
TITLE-TRACK SINGLE RELEASED TO ANNOUNCE
 SOPHOMORE LP, DUE OUT APRIL 16 VIA NEVADO RECORDS

New York, NY (February 24, 2021) – Autogramm, the synth-driven, power-pop trio from Vancouver premiered a video to the title-track single off their upcoming sophomore album, ‘No Rules’, due out April 16 via Nevado Records. 

Featuring lead vocals from the currently Chicago-based drummer The Silo (Destroyer, Spun Out, Black Mountain, Lightning Dust), he notes regarding the track’s inspiration… “I’m an enthusiastic dancer. Skilled? No. But I love to dance, and this song is an ode to my relationship with dancing: Flex abandon, enter the void!

It’s one of my favourite things to do. I don’t believe there are any rules in dance, apart from not hurting anyone else or infringing upon their personal space. It might seem weird to begin a song called “No Rules” with two rules, but it’s kind of like a snake eating its tail, no? No rules for no rules, including the absence of rules…”

Discussing recreation of a Billy Joel classic video, bassist CC Voltage (Dysnea Boys, Loyalties, Black Halos, Spitfires) adds, “we email videos around to each other all the time. Sometimes to inspire us, sometimes to discover something new, or sometimes just to have a laugh at a ridiculous music video. In this case it was the latter.”

Featuring guitars and vocals from Jiffy Marx (Hard Drugs, Blood Meridian), Autogramm draw on influences from The Cars, The Go Go’s, Gary Numan, 20/20 and Devo. Along with calling Canada, the U.S., UK and Germany home at various points, the band also has a long standing connection to the art, punk, and skateboarding communities world-wide.

“No Rules” out April 16th, 2021 on Nevado Records: Here

Connect with Autogramm

Website / www.instagram.com/autogrammband / www.twitter.com/autogrammband
www.facebook.com/autogrammband

DINOSAUR JR. ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM, ‘SWEEP IT INTO SPACE’ & ‘I Ran Away’ Video

DINOSAUR JR. ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM, ‘SWEEP IT INTO SPACE’ & ‘I Ran Away’ Video

DINOSAUR JR.

ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM,
SWEEP IT INTO SPACE,
OUT APR 23rd ON JAGJAGUWAR

Dinosaur Jr. return with Sweep It Into Space, their new album out April 23rd on Jagjaguwar, and a new single, ‘I Ran Away‘. ‘Sweep It Into Space’ is their first new collection of music since 2016’s Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not, continuing what is perhaps the greatest “second act” of any band ever. Originally scheduled for mid-2020, this record’s temporal trajectory was thwarted by the coming of the Plague. But it would take more than a mere Plague to tamp down the exquisite fury of this trio when they are fully dialed-in. And Sweep It Into Space is a masterpiece of zoned dialing.

In the decades since the release of Dinosaur Jr.’s original triptych of foundational albums, it has become clear that their sound, once hailed as a sort of almost-tamed noise, is/was/always-has-been fully functioning pop music of a sort. There had always been melodies at the centre of everything they did. What Dinosaur Jr. produce is nothing but a beautiful new version of the rock continuum – riff, power, beat and longing, created with an eye on the infinite future.
Recorded, as usual, at Amherst’s Bisquiteen, the sessions for Sweep It Into Space began in the late autumn of 2019, following a West Coast/South East tour. The only extra musician used this time was Kurt Vile, who co-produced the album and played the lead 12 string on the upbeat ‘I Ran Away’.  J Mascis’s voice is immediately catchy over soaring, electrifying guitar lines.

Pre-orders:

Pre-order ‘Sweep It Into Space’, physically or digitally: Here

After recording with Kurt got disrupted, J Mascis “ended up just mimicking a few things he’d done. I was listening to a lot of Thin Lizzy, so I was trying to get some of that duelling twin lead sound. But the recording session was pretty well finished by the time things really hit the fan. When the lockdown happened in March, that meant I was on my own. But it was cool.”
As is typical, Lou Barlow writes and sings two of the album’s dozen tunes (delivering perhaps his finest Dinosaur contribution in ‘Garden‘) and Murph‘s pure-Flinstonian drumming drives the record like a go cart from Hell. Lou’s songs here are as elegant as always. J’s tracks flow and flower in the different directions he often follows. Some are guitar howlers, with a string sound midway between Hendrix and Asheton. Some are power ballads, and there are anomalies, like ‘Take It Back‘, which starts with a blue-beat rhythm putting one in mind of Keith Richards’ Jamaican explorations (at least for a little bit.)
But there are very few moments where you wouldn’t know you were hearing Dinosaur Jr. in blindfolded needle drop. They have a signature sound as sure as the Stooges or Sonic Youth or Discharge ever did. They continue to expand their personal universe with Sweep It Into Space, without ever losing their central core.

 

Plastic Tears – ‘Riot Zone’ Video

Plastic Tears – ‘Riot Zone’ Video

Finnish Hard Rockers PLASTIC TEARS proudly unleash the single & video for “Riot Zone”, track is taken from their upcoming album “Anthems For Misfits” due for release on 26 03 2021 via Wormholedeath Records worldwide.

“Riot Zone” is available on all digital platforms

Stream the single HERE

Are you ready for a rock ’n’ roll riot?!!

“Riot Zone is a fast loud punky rock song about standing up for yourself, freedom, peace and fighting the injustices of the world. About being the underdog, finding your way and standing up for your rights. It’s a song that makes you wanna raise your fist, bang your head and pogo like crazy! The lyrics are meant to be uplifting rock ‘n’ roll rebellion and defiance, with a slight socially critical undertone. So don’t take life too seriously and strengthen yourself through the power of rock ‘n’ roll! Plastic Tears new album ‘Anthems For Misfits’ is released this year through Wormholedeath Records.”

PS. Plastic Tears condemns all violence and violent riots

The Cheap Cassettes – ‘See Her In Action’ (RumBar Records)

The Cheap Cassettes – ‘See Her In Action’ (RumBar Records)

Try not to be too disappointed that this is only five tracks and not the new full-length new album but I’m sure that isn’t too far away so see it as a bonus that’ll tide you over nicely.

 

This offer is suitably snotty and it chews out a rhythm like fellow well-crafted power poppers from their neck of the woods The Exploding Hearts.  Its guitars below the belt buckle, leather jacket on with the collars turned up,  Some creepers or cons and turn those amps up a little bit louder than you think they should be and let’s go!

‘See Her In Action’ the song kicks things off and with all the vital ingredients present and in situ it’s all systems go.  There’s a dreamy vibe to the melody as the band just eases into the rhythm.  They’re not reinventing the wheel here they’re just having a good time hanging out and kicking out the jams and it sounds like they have the best of times.  ‘Only Lovers’ tweaks that Chuck Berry riff a little and the guitars just roll with it. It’s a timeless lick and it’s been used by many far and wide the good and the great and sometimes the not so great but The Cheap Cassettes know how to handle the string bending and put it to great use.

 

‘Lil’ Bit Everyday’ is the last of the three studio recordings and for me it’s they’ve saved the best till last and with a hint of mop-top mod melody in the chorus I like it a lot and the solo just hits the bullseye in the sweetest way.  Now to get a good idea of where bands like The Cheap cassettes work best there are a couple of live recordings thrown into the mix and the first is the epic ‘Valentine’ originally by The Replacements (obviously) and The Cheaps do it justice and sail pretty close to the original and another of the bands they are clearly inspired by being nailed to the mast.  Job done!  then to sign this impressive EP off they power their way through ‘Red Line Blue’ and my appetite is suitably whetted for the next long-player.  Bring it on.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

DeeCRACKS RELEASES VIDEO FOR “WE CAN’T HELP IT” NEW ALBUM SERIOUS ISSUES AVAILABLE MARCH 12th

DeeCRACKS RELEASES VIDEO FOR “WE CAN’T HELP IT” NEW ALBUM SERIOUS ISSUES AVAILABLE MARCH 12th

Vienna, AT – Austrian punk rockers DeeCRACKS have released their video for “We Can’t Help It,” the first single from their upcoming album Serious Issues which comes out March 12th on Pirates Press Records.

“The song’s basically about life and love. How we can direct ourselves in a certain direction. Make things better or worse for us every day. But we can’t help to fall in love with someone. It just happens,” says lead singer Matt DeeCRACK.
‘Serious Issues’ is the follow-up record to the band’s 2017 LP, Sonic Delusions. The band toured relentlessly around the world in support of the album including a month-long European tour with the legendary CJ Ramone.
Although these hard-working fellas won’t be able to hit the road amidst the pandemic, they have not lost their DIY spirit and pension for staying active. Instead, the band has refocused their energy and will be releasing multiple music videos and live studio sessions over the next few months to promote the record.
Make no mistake about it, DeeCRACKS will be on the road as soon as the pandemic is over so we can safely enjoy these new tunes live!
Find DeeCRACKS online:

 

The Hawkins –  ‘Live in the Woods’ (Sign Records)

The Hawkins –  ‘Live in the Woods’ (Sign Records)

Do all the decent bands come from Sweden? It certainly seems like it at the moment and The Hawkins are no exception to the rule. ”Live in the Woods” is an eclectic collection of tunes with a sound ranging between Tom Petty’s cool and the frantic pop of The Killers.

”Live in the Woods” was partly recorded in a deep Swedish forest, partly recorded in an abandoned barn, and partly recorded at Brasstacks Brewing.

In the download digital world, you get 7 cuts, but if you’re feeling saucy you can get an extra track on a cheeky slab of green vinyl. Well, it would be rude not to…

Disclaimer – Obviously being Swedish there is an undercurrent of Hellacopters throughout so I won’t mention them again today.

Kicking off with 4 tracks recorded live somewhere in the trees. ‘ Hilow’ is a cool slice of post-grunge Americana with a kind of Tom Petty meets Goo Goo Dolls vibe though it really doesn’t set the direction of the rest of the album. Next up ‘Stranger in the Next Room’ swings the listener off into a falsetto and funky world with only the slightest hint of the sound that came before it.

Still in the same forest “Black Gold’ flings us into a country super speed country barn dance with a little hint of The Darkness to it.

Finally, before we move indoors and the woodland field trip ends, ‘Libertine’ bringing a further shift towards Justin Hawkins (oooh fancy that) and Brandon Flowers vocally but with much more meat than their respective bands. Much heavier than the previous 3 tracks,  ‘Libertine’ takes the band to the borders of Muse territory….. but in a good way!

Side 2 takes us indoors to Brasstacks Brewing with ‘Roomer ‘. Certainly, as the album progresses I’m hearing more of a Killer’s feel, and coupled with ‘ Cut Moon Bleeds’, the full-on and massive sound is stepping further away from the Scandi-rock of the clubs and well into arena territory.

Finally ‘ Fisherman Blues’ takes us into the aforementioned barn. However, this barn must be located in Progsville as we’ve shifted musical style again. Sure it’s a heady mix of the Darkness and Muse though this may be 1 swerve too far for me.

All in all, a really good album mixing styles in and around a classic rock vibe.

 

Order the LP on green vinyl (with an extra track) from – Here

 

Find out more about The Hawkins here – Facebook / Website

 

Author: Fraser Munro