His Lordship – ‘His Lordship’ (Psychonaut Sounds Records)

His Lordship – ‘His Lordship’ (Psychonaut Sounds Records)

Unless you spent last year living under a sizeable rock, you’ll know that the flame of righteous rock n roll is safely in the hands of His Lordship. Since their debut single ‘All Cranked Up’, they haven’t put a foot wrong, releasing two EPs, one of the original songs and another of greasy cover versions.

The dynamic duo, often a live three-piece, are easily in the running for album of the year, alongside Black Bombers. The quality of songs and the levels of energy have set the bar mighty high for their contemporaries. From ‘All Cranked Up’ onwards, it’s a joy. Alongside the songs that you already know, there are five new ones, plus the recent release ‘Jackie Works For The NHS’, which shows that while the tunes have their roots in the 50s, their subject matter is more varied.

Which, given James Walbourne’s writing partnership with Chrissie Hynde in Pretenders, should come as no surprise. He’s a busy fellow, but His Lordship stand on their own terms. And Kristoffer Sonne sure knows how to treat his minimal drum kit to his best advantage. If you don’t already know the likes of ‘Buzzkill’, ‘I’m So Bored Of Being Bored’ or ‘I Live In The City’, you’re in for a treat.

‘The Repenter’ shows that their musical palette is broader than some may have thought, ‘Joyboy’ is yet another raw slice of rock n roll, somewhere between Johnny Thunders and Link Wray at their most ferocious. Speaking of the great Link, their instrumental ‘Cat Call’ is pure class.

‘Rock, Fall, Echo, Dust’ has licks that Brian Setzer would surely approve of, and ‘Pixellated Polly’ is a grinding, hypnotic riff. ‘My Brother Is An Only Child’ adds a little Cramps to the mix, but nothing here sounds forced; they clearly love the music. It’s increasingly hard to make primal rock n roll that sounds fresh and exciting, but His Lordship have the talent and style required to pull it off. This is an essential purchase, folks. Get it ordered and catch them on tour.

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Author: Martin Chamarette

Vive Le Rock: The Return!

Vive Le Rock: The Return!

THE RETURN!

SHAM 69, RUTS DC, KIRK BRANDON AND TOYAH JOIN A HOST OF PUNK ROCK N’ROLL ICONS AT THE 2024 VIVE LE ROCK AWARDS AT THE O2 ISLINGTON ACADEMY, APRIL 12TH

AWARDS TO BE HOSTED BY VICE SQUAD’S BEKI BONDAGE

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE:

FIND VIVE LE ROCK ONLINE HERE:

After last year’s sensational Vive Le Rock Awards at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, which we said would be our last, well… It would be rude not to come back and do it all again!

So, Friday April 12th will see the whole rock extravaganza steam roll into London’s O2 Academy Islington for another packed show of unique collaborations, celebrations and one-off performances. And 2024 is going to be a punky reggae party with a bill topped by original ’70s punks Jimmy Pursey and SHAM 69 and RUTS DC performing a special never-to-be-repeated set with special guests, we can also now announce an intimate performance from THEATRE OF HATE/SPEAR OF DESTINY man Kirk Brandon, special guest performances from the iconic TOYAH,  rock n’ roll king JIM JONES and the one and only Saffron from REPUBLICA, as well as new UK punks GRADE 2 and Lily from fast rising punks THE MEFFS!

And that’s not forgetting the mighty VIVE LE ROCKERS all-star band, led by the inimitable Paul-Ronney Angel! 

A five hour show with a full programme of awards, winners and celebrity presenters, there’s only one place to be in April and that’s the 2024 VLRs! 

“It’s no exaggeration to say that last year’s Vive Le Rock Awards was many peoples show of 2023,” says Vive Le Rock editor Eugene Butcher. “And this year we have more unique collaborations, one off performances and special guests for a wild night for friends old and new to join together and celebrate these legends of rock n’ roll!”

Tickets and special VIP packages including aftershow party, VLR Two Tone Annual and special Awards T-shirt are available HERE:

Find Vive Le Rock online at vivelerock.net

Pictures courtesy of Dod Morrison

Singles Club – January 2024 we have lift off!

Singles Club – January 2024 we have lift off!

How about half a dozen (and some) bangers to get 2024 started and warm the cockles of your hearts in this cold winter.

Fast Eddy – ‘In Too Deep’ (Spaghetty Town Records/Beluga Records/Boulevard Trash Records) Produced by former Biter Tuk Smith FAST EDDY’s latest single, “In Too Deep” is a dreamy light touch melodic rocker. IT’s got a happy sing-a-long disposition and is a great appetiser for what’s to come in a few months when the album hits the shelves.

Beneath the track’s cheerful nature, lies a narrative exploring the intricacies of relationships and the struggle of acknowledging a desire for connection, and the realization of an unfit partner.  It’s got a timelessly cool vibe and a mature feel with the organ and acoustic layers. It’ll whet the appetite for that album when it drops just an allround top tune. Get on it kids.

J Mascis – ‘Right Behind You’ (Sub Pop) From the upcoming album ‘What Do We Do Now,’ out on Sub Pop Records i Feb Mascis is back with his familiar tone and dreamy American Alt post-grunge sound. It’s a cool breezy pop tune from J and just enough to get you excited for the new album with his familiar fuzzed-up solo and mellowed verses. Its always good to hear him do new music be solo or Dinosaur Jr.

Moron’s Morons – Go Pop (Big Neck Records) Slipped through the net but we’ve managed to net this bad boy. Some cool swaggering punk n roll from Poland’s prime punks get their single released through the Virginia USA label. ‘Cadillac Eyes’ is a banger all Briefs swaggering snotty punk n roll but the gem for me is ‘You’re A Sleaze’ with its uptempo rhythm led by the Boys-inspired keyboards that add the party to this buzzsaw punk swinging round the chuck berry meets the New York Dolls attitude. Always a winner for me when you stitch those influences into your music. Great single.

The Fabulous Courettes – ‘Shake’ (Damaged Goods Records) The grooviest Courettes’ tune to date! Try to listen to ‘Shake!’ without dislocating those hips! Slide into your skinny jeans and Chelsea boots and let’s kick out the jams together. Killer fuzz riff and infectious beat of the Motown variety, hints of soul and rock n roll are in there, showcasing a bit of the recipe of The Courettes’ next album due out in September 2024. Catch them all over that there Europe in 2024. Groovy baby. The B side isn’t too shabby either and it’s exclusive to this release as well ‘You Woo Me’ not arf Pop pickers!

THE COMPLICATORS -‘Blink Of An Eye!’ (Pirates Press) The track is from their upcoming self-titled debut LP which goes up for pre-order on January 12th and hits record stores worldwide on February 2nd. Some angry young men play punk rock with aggressive riffs and broken glass vocals with big drunken sing a long gang choruses. What more do you want? It’s got a tonne of energy and would get any sweaty pit moving. If the album is as strong as this then get ready 2024 it could get messy.

Deniz Tek & Jeff Dahl – ‘Love /Hate’ (Cleopatra Records) I’ve saved the best til last this month with my pick of the pops from Deniz And Jeff as they take two new tracks and sing one each and it’s tough to put a Rizzla paper between them for number one pick but together this is the single to get hold of this month. Pressed on red vinyl ‘Hate’ is swinging in on a filthy dirty sleazy riff with an express train of energy it’s a garage punk masterclass with Dahl snarling out those lyrics but don’t take it personally he’s one of the good guys. If you think you’re going to get redemption on ‘Love’ then think again sounding as cool as a summer breeze its got swing like a classic undiscovered Townsend track before opening out. An exceptional song to be fair if you don’t believe me check it out for yourself. Record of the Month by A Country Mile and the solo on ‘Love’ is a stone-cold killer. If you’d be so kind gentlemen a full-length album would go down really nicely especially if it sounds this damn good.

Chuck Norris Experiment – ‘We Go Boom!’ (Ghost Highway Records) I’m sure when you hear this you’ll agree that your heart just jumped to over double your resting heart rate. r loud and as raw as fuck. The woo hoo! are easy to sing along to even for the drunkest person in the room. Chuck Norris Experiment have captured a classic moment piledriving a slice of The Hives into their familiar uncompromising style of hard rock and on this, they’ve nailed it folks no doubt it. and had Tek and Dahl not released a single this month this would have been number one with a bullet. Taken from the forthcoming album ’20’ that will be released on GHR in April to celebrate their anniversary it also signifies the return of guitarist Chuck Daniels which might explain why the guitars are so fuckin’ huge! whats bigger and better than two guitars? Three of course. Boom!

Brigata Vendetta ‘1000 Cuts’ (Pirates Press) one of the newest Bay Area bands featuring members of Harrington Saints and Bum City Saints, have released a new single called “1000 Cuts.” The song comes from their debut LP “This is How Democracy Dies” which is available for pre-order on January 12th and hits stores on February 2nd. about incompetence and corruption of a Congress to do any sort of governing that would actually help people instead of toeing party lines. The old adage of ‘death by a thousand cuts’ is the refrain in the verse: ‘Lie, cheat and steal / Then feign ignorance / Death by a thousand cuts,” Unwavering uncompromising punk as fuck this is an absolute blast and as pissed off as you’d imagine it would. Darrel and Mike from the excellent Harrington Saints are the seal of quality you needed to have to reassure you this is essential hardcore music to check out.

Valhalla Awaits – ‘Perdition’ (Self Release)

Valhalla Awaits – ‘Perdition’ (Self Release)

South Wales based noise mongers Valhalla Awaits are back with a bang. This latest EP: ‘Perdition‘ builds on the rock-solid foundations of their previous offerings: Condemned and Reckoning.

As we all know, South Wales is firmly on the rock and roll map again with bands such as Florence Black, Those Damn Crows & Sister Morphine dominating the UK scene, and stalwarts such as Tigertailz still releasing great material. The boys from VA have their own distinctive sound though, think Alice in Chains morphed with Alter Bridge and you won’t be too far away. Huge riffs courtesy of Chris Green (Revoker) and Rhys Carter, melody and hooks that grab you from the first listen, and THOSE vocals from Andrew Hunt (Buffalo Summer) …. This is all held together by the rhythmic pairing of Sam Kilby and Gareth ‘Snoz’ Lawrence (The Blackout).

Opening track ‘Door of No Return’ kicks off the EP in style, razor-sharp riffing and epic drum pounding all rolled up with a huge chorus that grabs you from the first listen. Staring at the Gun is a mid-paced riff fest with more superbly executed vocal melodies, I really could listen to Andrew sing for hours, his vocals are just made for this band, and he soars beautifully over the top of the music. The first single that was released last year Is There Anybody Out There? feels like an old friend that has popped in to say hello, the band has a knack for creating earworms and this track is already etched in my musical mind bank.

We Remain is dominated by chugging riffs and uplifting lyrical content, the final track All Hope is Lost kicks off with a melodic intro before lunging into a riff that Tony Iommi would be proud of, drummer Snoz lays into his china cymbal like his life depended on it. Fantastic stuff.

The EP consists of five expertly crafted and recorded tracks that will further cement the band’s upward trajectory. 2024 is going to be a good one for Valhalla Awaits.

Buy Here

Author: Kenny Kendrick

The Rockford Mules – ‘The Last Camaro’ (Self Release)

The Rockford Mules – ‘The Last Camaro’ (Self Release)

I’m not sure if they themselves ever thought it would happen, but Minneapolis barnstormers The Rockford Mules have reunited and released the brand-new record ‘The Last Camaro’. This leg-stomping EP comes 13 years after the band’s last full-length album, the excellent ‘Ma, They Broke Me’, which saw the band at their hard-riffing best. Back then they shared stages with top names such as Soul Asylum, The Violent Femmes, Fu Manchu and many others.

Since then, members of the group have remained creative. Frontman Erik Tasa has produced some excellent contemplative and melancholic solo releases – sometimes under his own name, sometimes not, sometimes available on online platforms, and then sometimes not (I wrote a piece last year about the album ‘Murky’ under the name Mudfoot Barker, which has since disappeared – this is a reminder, Erik!). Guitarist Ryan Rud has also been releasing solo material under the name Frequency Collisions, where he has explored more instrumental and progressive paths. He also presents the podcast The Rabbit Hole.

All of their output has been great and deserves willing ears, but obviously, the need to rock is an itch that just has to be scratched – and there is a lot of scratching going on in these five tracks. The band describes this as “a 70s rock-infused ode and celebration to a time when your band was your family.” And that’s exactly what it is – a short but sweet selection of songs to get you up and dancing, from the ballsy opener and first single ‘Leave the Dirt On’ to the grooving ‘Honeydripper’.

The EP closes with the beautiful title track, a slow and moving piece that would sit perfectly among one of Erik Tasa’s solo offerings. After 13 years, supporters of the band may have been hoping for a few more songs – but these 19 and half minutes say everything that needs to be said. There is no lull, no weak spot or filler, just simply five songs that take you on a ride through everything that the Rockford Mules serve up best – a fist full of rock with more than a little soul.

Buy The Album:Here

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Author: Craggy Collyde

Black Metal: Evolution Of The Cult Restored, Expanded & Definitive Edition – Dayal Patterson (Cult Never Dies)

Black Metal: Evolution Of The Cult Restored, Expanded & Definitive Edition – Dayal Patterson (Cult Never Dies)

What a fascinating genre of extreme music Black Metal is, from the complicated riffs to the even more complicated lives of some of the individuals involved, it’s been a fascination of mine since I first read an article on Venom or heard one of their demonic riffs. Dayal Patterson has pawed his way through the most comprehensive compendium and go-to book of knowledge about this most out-there brand of extreme music available.

This tome is a hefty coffee table book with 340,000 words, over 650 pictures, and 23 new chapters that’s how well-researched this bad boy is. It lays out the movers and shakers of the scene and whilst it might be the go-to book for people drawn towards the genre it’s also a fascinating insight for those (like me) who find the whole scene fascinating but don’t necessarily like all the music. Sure the genre is vast and trawls through all corners of the genre it’s also one of those styles of heavy metal that is fiercely loyal and protective of its style. It’s not Death Metal it’s not NWOBHM it’s not hard rock and the arguments over who is in the club and who is outside the tent rage like teenagers arguing over their favourite bands since time began.

The layout of this revised edition is easy on the eye and an impeccable tribute to the style and depth of knowledge is exceptional. I first flicked through the amazing pictures and pawed over the fascinating bounty of band pics that pepper this tome it’s broken down into easy-to-navigate sections from the Venom, and Hellhammer origins right the way through the most known territories bursting with opinions and interviews it gives a cool overview of the main players and shakers whilst giving enough detail without boring the reader with detail but giving enough to expand one’s knowledge.

What Dayal has done is create the go-to book of everything and anything you need or didn’t need to know about Black Metal from its humble beginnings to the rise in Norweigan kids through the subgenres and all the jaw-dropping tales of murder and suicide as well as the subgenres within the scene. It really is the go-to book of its kind and whilst thumbing through bands I’d never listened to I found myself searching out their playlists to get a fuller picture of how they sound as well maybe a side project would be for Dayal to curate a compilation piece of audio to go with this paper book.

The book comes in at a very reasonable £35 of your British pounds and for something this hefty is a bargain but it is something that Dayal can be extremely proud of putting together. For example, I obviously knew the history of Mayhem and their twisted path to infamy and fame and I was well aware of the likes o fVenom and Hellhammer from the birth of the genre but I wasn’t at all clued up on the horrible tale of Dissection and main players horrible history and subsequent end it’s a dark tale and just one of many dark tales I also found myself chuckling at some of the evilest bands who have one or two fully committed corpse painted players allied alongside someone in shellsuit pants and grubby trainers truly a legion of doom and disciple of Beelzebub. It’s on my table in the lounge so if any visitor needs to flick through something then this is my offering to the metal gods to pass on the word and enthrall others with a book worthy of such a fascinating style of music. ‘Evolution Of The Cult’ is the go-to book on Black Metal and that’s a fact and its an exceptional read and wonderfully put together. There is even a deluxe edition available through Cult Never Dies website (Here) Buy It!

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Author: Dom Daley

Dilrods – ‘Waiting To Die’ (Self-Release)

Dilrods – ‘Waiting To Die’ (Self-Release)

Loved their debut album ‘Spare The Rod’ released (via the go-to punk label from London England No Front Teeth) from way back in 2020 it really hit the spot. When we heard on the grapevine that album number two was in the bag we turned up the speakers and waited. ‘Waiting To Die’ duly dropped and it slipped on our virtual turntable and away we flew. Right out of the traps, this bad boy with middle digits in the air and a spring in their step we were off motoring on cheap riffs, dog ends n cheap beers but as long as they’re cold all is good.

There’s no sleight of hand here its crash, bang, wallop – Get the beers in, and let’s throw ourselves around for thirty minutes like we used to. Its a good time baby and that’s the MO from The Dilrods – Don’t think about it for too long just turn it up and join in. ‘Black Sheep’ is the battle cry as the brawling opener is windmilling like fucko and then we’re done but wait ‘Awake Alert And Dying’ is thrashing in on its coattails and that’s sort of what happens. It’s not rocket science just a bunch of top tunes from a trio of gents just kicking out the jams motherfuckers. Sing along throw some shapes but remember to have a good time.

Only ‘Beer And Bandages’ is remotely over three minutes long and that’s because of its intro but the rest flash in at a 90-second mark and that’s how it is (the track sits very nicely in the TSOL pocket and that’s always a plus for me. uncomplicated but good.

‘Stab Vest’ could be from the bowels of Newport and Bad Sam this record crosses oceans and bounderies to get its messages across and if you fall between TSOL and Bad Sam then its a winner. 2024 gets off to a howling punk rock start and the Dilrods have got it going on. Get involved its only 20 minutes but what a top 30 minutes it is. Buy It!

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Poison Boys – ‘Headed For Disaster’ (Tropically Hot Records)

Poison Boys – ‘Headed For Disaster’ (Tropically Hot Records)

Compilation of released and unreleased material between 2014-2018 sees Chicago punk n rollers Poison Boys Front Man Matt Dudzik has settled on a three-piece but there have been several past members who’ve come and gone but leant a helping hand during the recordings of this album in the four years these songs are lifted off. The band recorded on White Zoo Records as well as London’s finest No Front Teeth Records as well as some early self-released demo tapes. this is essential listening if you’ve gotten into the band via their two mighty fine albums that followed but it’s a great way to kill some time before the new album drops as it shows how the band honed their skills and went from a rough round the edges punk n roll outfit with plenty of attitude coursing through these songs. Besides, some of these records as 7″ singles are like rockin’ horse shit so it’s tough to track down if you’re late to the sleazy party.

The No Front Teeth singles were where I joined the Poison Boys train and mightily impressed I was too. ‘Bad Mouth’ still sounds fuckin awesome but you might want to start this trip from back to front because the demo is nasty in the best possible way. All Johnny Thunders riffs n licks and the sound of some punks kickin’ back and dropping sound bombs in your ears. ‘Turn’ sounds like it was found in some ditch next to a body with no ID but a Lewis Leather Jacket and some cool worn creepers.

Anyways heading back to the top and the two tracks from the White Zoo Single ‘Bustin’ Out’ and ‘Run And Hide’ with their cock of the walk Chuck Berry licks and JAgger puffed out chest is a great place to start with this compilation. If wrapping up the band’s output is what you’re after then hop on board it’s a wonderful fifteen-track that kicks ass and is pure rock n roll with attitude with hidden gems like the leftover session cut that is the sleazy acoustic smokey ‘In The Night’ sounding like they were channeling The south of France Stones Exile sessions.

Head over to Bandcamp and show Poison Boys some love and support this record and look forward to what they do next. these pirates are sailing the choppy waters of Rock n Roll and taking no prisoners but leaving a fantastic trail of destruction in their wake. Hail, Hail Punky, sleazy Rock n Roll Its alive and well and living in the shadows of Chicago.

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Author: Dom Daley

The Blood Rush Hour – ‘Sanity Fare’ (Bandcamp)

The Blood Rush Hour – ‘Sanity Fare’ (Bandcamp)

Well, whatever your tastes, 2023 was chock full of great albums. So much so, that this year I’ll be reviewing some that slipped through the net. In terms of scope, vision and melody, ‘Sanity Fare’ by The Blood Rush Hour is up there with the best of them. Essentially the project of Robert DeStefano, this is their fourth long player, for fans of smart, beautifully arranged pop. If you love Sparks, XTC, Supertramp or The Dowling Poole, this will definitely float your boat.

And, yes, that is the deft touch of Mr Dowling at the mixing desk. This makes perfect sense, as it’s clear that he and Robert share some musical DNA. ‘No One’s There (At All)’ has much in common with The Dowling Poole; intelligent, radio-friendly, with a gorgeous melody that requires repeated listening. This is partly why this review is so late; it’s an album that you can immerse yourself in.

It works equally well in the car. ‘Watching You Make Love’ will get your hips moving, with its samba rhythms. You can enjoy the tunes or pay attention to the lyrics. ‘Fashioned Footsteps’ initially reminds me of ‘Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometimes’ by The Korgis. The similarity is that it’s quality pop music that won’t date.

‘Billy Boy’ is almost like Cardiacs at half-speed. I don’t know who’s playing bass, but it’s fabulous throughout. ‘Tunnel’s End’ hooks you like The Feeling are capable of doing at their best. The backing/harmony vocals really are outstanding, worthy of prime era Queen.

‘Song For My Father’ is brief but touching, while ‘(No More) Happy Ending’ marries a joyous tune to darker lyrics. There is much more here, 14 songs that you will want to keep coming back to. Don’t take my word for it, listen on Bandcamp then place your order. Class never goes out of fashion.

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Author: Martin Chamarette

Dez Dare Got A Fire In His Socket

Dez Dare Got A Fire In His Socket

NEW ALBUM ‘A BILLION GOATS. A BILLION SPARKS. FIN’ OUT MARCH 1ST VIA GOD UNKNOWN RECORDS – PRE-ORDER HERE:

Dez Dare launches 2024 with ‘Got a Fire In My Socket’, his first song from new album ‘A Billion Goats. A Billion Sparks. Fin.’ due March 1st via God Unknown Records.

‘A Billion Goats. A Billion Sparks. Fin.’ features 11 songs that delve further into the void than previous records, leaving the sardonic frustration behind for sarcastic existentialism, zeroing in on the big philosophical questions, and the pedantic shards of nonsense that make up our existence.

‘Got a Fire In My Socket’ is a fuzzed up, bass and synth driven, stomper that tackles the biggest question of all… as the wires fray from the burden of existence + the last sparks shimmer in your consciousness, the void has one simple question… “What tunes do you want playing on the way out?”.

The Stooges ‘Real Cool Time’?

The Triffids ‘A Trick of the Light’?

Judy & the Jerks ‘Good Time’?

Nicki Minaj ‘Red Ruby Da Sleeze’?

Whatever your taste, the small things matter. Make it a strong choice!

The self-produced Australian has spent over 3 decades producing music, releasing and touring bands, and doing live sound for z-grade metal bands. Growing up in the coastal town of Geelong (Djilang) in Australia, he was introduced to the DIY punk and rock scene at 15 and this community and the ideas rooted in the underground music scene have guided his output and ethics throughout his career.

This year Dez will be joining forces with label titans God Unknown (Cassels / Duke Garwood / James Johnston + Steve Gullick / KLÄMP / Oneida / Laura Loriga / Monster Magnet / Wellwater Conspiracy [Soundgarden + Monster Magnet]) and will be producing a deluxe version of the release that will include a 12 page comic illustrated by long-time collaborator Mike Keane.

‘Got A Fire In My Socket’ out now. ‘A Billion Goats. A Billion Sparks. Fin.’ out March 1st on God Unknown Records.

Pre-order here:

Catch Dez Dare live at the following dates in 2024.

  • Friday, 12 April 2024 / The Tin Music and Arts, Coventry w/ Hula Girls + guests [Sink or Swim Promotions]
  • Saturday, 13 April 2024 / The Dark Horse, Birmingham w/ Exotic Pets + guests [Die Das Der]
  • Wednesday, 17 April 2024 / The Prince Albert, Brighton w/ guests [The Séance
  • Friday, 19 April 2024 / Fish Factory Art Space, Falmouth w/ Ubiquitous Meh! + Broken Arrow
  • Saturday, 20 April 2024 / Underground, Plymouth w/ Ubiquitous Meh! + Broken Arrow [Damnsonic]
  • Thursday, 25 April 2024 / The Deco, Portsmouth w/ guests [Neu Waves]
  • More dates across the UK + EU to be announced… more info @ dezdare.com

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