Gyasi – ‘Rock n’ Roll Sword Fight’ (Alive Natural Sound)

Gyasi – ‘Rock n’ Roll Sword Fight’ (Alive Natural Sound)

West Virginia born and raised and unleashed in the sweaty clubs of Nashville, Gyasi has been treading the boards and wowing audiences for the past couple of years following the release of his mighty fine debut album ‘Pronounced Jah-See’.  

Channelling the flamboyancy of Bowie and Bolan, the rock n’ roll swagger of Led Zep, and even hints and nods to more modern Brit Pop influences, that debut was a pre-digital age tour-de-force of rock power and a statement of intent from an artist who is here to take over the world. Hey, wouldn’t it be great if he released a cool live album like all his heroes did back in the 70’s? If only he could show the world how to channel the rock power of The Stooges, Led Zep and T Rex… 

“Rock n Roll Sword Fight was recorded absolutely live in the USA” it says in the press blurb, and I absolutely believe it. A ten-track affair taken from several gigs. Recorded at Carnegie Hall (the Art Centre in West Virginia, not the famous concert Hall in New York), The Basement East, Nashville and the Bonnaroo Music Festival, this album is raw, unadulterated and in yer face! 

As the crowd cheer fades in and a bass riff rumbles, the band kick straight into ‘Cheap High’, a choppy, low slung riff and Ziggy Stardust wail from our illustrious frontman and we are off and running. This is how a live album should sound, I want to feel the sweat on my brow, the guitars reverberating in my ears and the electricity in the atmosphere. The band blast in to ‘Tongue Tied’, that signature 70’s glam rock stomp is created, there’s a sleazy swagger that owes as much to Jack White and The Black Keys as it does to 70’s glam rock.  

With a singer who looks like Mick Ronson meets Hedwig and wears platform boots and satin catsuits in 2024, I can only applaud the return of glamour to rock n’ roll. And when you have songs as good as ‘Fast Love‘ and ‘Godhead’ in your repertoire, then I don’t know how Gyasi can really fail. Close your eyes and you can just imagine the jaws dropping around you as the crowd witness this skinny-framed, satin-wearing dude, ripping on a Les Paul and showing them how rock n’ roll should be delivered. The aforementioned ‘Godhead’ sounds killer here. The guitars are raw and in your face, the vocals delivered with intent. The band sounds on fire. 

Turn the record over and side 2 kicks off with the recent single ‘Baby Blue’, a killer hook and a familiar riff that both reek of T Rexstacy., and that ain’t a bad place to be. ‘Sword Fight’ is as raw as you like, as our hero stretches his lungs over fuzzy, distorted riffs and pummelling bass. ‘Kiss Kiss’ brings boogie-woogie to the party and everyone is dancing by now. Licks are peeled off like the ghost of Johnny Thunders has entered the room, and c’mon…that hook is sublime, right? 

They end with ‘All Messed Up’ which is jammed out as an extended medley with a bit of Lou Reed and The Doors thrown in for good measure. 

Live albums can be hit & miss affairs. The intention should be to capture the feel and energy of the band in a live environment, maybe give the listener a glimpse of what it’s like to see the band live. Kiss’ ‘Alive’, Hanoi’s ‘All Those Wasted Years’ and Ramones ‘It’s Alive’, those are the benchmarks. And while Gyasi has a long way to go before he hits that legendary status, ‘Rock n’ Roll Sword Fight’ is one of those live albums that captures lightning in a bottle. A band on fire, who sound tight and energised, but still raw and punky, and more importantly they have the songs to match.  

This is one that is gonna get played a lot on my stereo, that’s a given. And it only makes me wanna see Gyasi live even more, The UK is waiting.   

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Author: Ben Hughes

The Podcast – It’s A Revolution Episode 31

The Podcast – It’s A Revolution Episode 31

Well here we are friends, enemies, rock n rollas its Episode 31 of the RPM Online Podcast and what better way to kick off the latest show than with the magnificent Toilet Boys from NYC. They played hard and lived hard and it has to be said in Miss Guy they had the ultimate Rock n Rolla frontperson and boy could they play. With a Track off their debut its a massive high to kick off the show. If you don’t like NYC finest then #getoutahere you’ve happened across something that just isn’t for you.

In timely fashion Amyl & The Sniffers announced a UK Tour today and released two new tracks just for good measure and ‘Facts’ is the first so here goes. Get your tickets and get an earful of the new tunes.

Before you know it were underway and Powderkeg are back with another song picked by Hotshot before we head down under again for a new song from Cutters ‘Desperate Rant Number 69’ lifted from ‘Psychic Injury’.

We keep the new tunes coming with another absolute banger from Redd Kross of their double LP thats about to drop sometime this summer. We then hit the part of the show that the ladies have been waiting for as Hotshots Hot Picks are unveiled. First up ‘Sex Type Thing’ from Stone Temple Pilots followed by Strayers with ‘Table For Two’ then The magnificent Muffs are offered up with ‘Lucky Guys’ then he picks Baby Chaos ‘Swimming Trunks’ and there you have Hotshots Hot Picks.

How about a Dandy Warhols BBC session from 2000 where the band perform ‘Last Junkie’ so a live in the studio cut is bouncing with energy. We stay in that period and Hole are on the turntable with ‘Skinny Little Bitch’.

I think its a first as we go Oriental with our first Japanese band and Teengenerate with the LO-Fi rapid ‘I Don’t Mind’ blasts off. We love Chuck Norris Experiment and we don’t need any excuse to play a track by those Gothenberg Heavy Rockin Punks but the fact they have a brand new album on the way its always a good excuse. so ‘Out Of Our League’ gets a good airing. Whilst we’re championing new records up next we have a brand new song off Rich Ragany and his solo record ‘You Can Get Dark With Me’ and boy what atop tune this one is. Hit him up for a copy of this album available this coming June 14th via Barrel and Squidger Records. or click this link to pre order a copy.

One record and out sadly was the way MAin Street Brats went after their superb self titled album hit our stereos back in 2012 so what better song to play that the albums opening blast ‘375’ how this was a one off God only knows and how it never got a vinyl press is also a mystery. New single from Narco Y Horchata has a quality cover on the B side ‘Don’t Come Crying To ME’ by the Cyanides so why not give it the once over here and an LP is rumoured to be in the can for future release which is great news based off of the two songs on this single.

Anyone remember Bobby Durango and Rock City Angels? you might remember the Geffen album Young Mans Blues well, we play one of the demo tracks that made up the postumous release ‘Southern Vision’ in the shape of ‘Lower East Side’ their story is interesting and is wrapped up in some Guns N Roses history. but its followed by one of the two new bangers from The Hellacopters as ‘Fire In Ciaro’ is our tune of choice from the new single. Long time fans wont be dissapointed inn what the band dish up now with Dregan back in the fold its a Banger.

The penultimate track this week is Banned From The USA’ courtesy of the Netherlands The Covids and we both agree this is a banger just before its release and the band also have a smattering of live dates around mainland Europe so do check em out.

Finally we reach the end of this marathon episode where we cram 21 songs for your listenign pleasure from all corners of the spinning rock. What away to sign off episode 31 we play The Courettes with their take on a Cramps classic and were outta here. Enjoy and please help spread the word by following us on our mission o fspreading the good tunes to the masses. Diolch!

The Setbacks – ‘Paint The Town’ (Self Release)

The Setbacks – ‘Paint The Town’ (Self Release)

Bath punks The Setbacks have been busy boys with this album The Labour of love for songwriter Adrian Elliott and the rest of his West Country punk rockin amigos. It gets underway with the sprightly punchy blast of ‘I Will Stand’ with gang vocals on the chorus its Street punk baby and bouncing along with as much energy as they can muster, it freewheels through The title track leaning heavily on American pop punk with loads of melody in the vocals its bright and a lot of fun.

The production is loud and there’s the right amount of light and shade wedged into each song meaning it’s never stifled and muddy which helps this style bounce on. Theres a lot of music to get through with twelve tracks packing this second Setbacks album out. the pace is like a battle cry from the first track until the more melodic ‘Sunday’. If you’re holding out for a punk rock ballad then you’ll be disappointed but the Clash-inspired ‘Lulus Leaving’ but they do leave the best til last, it has a nice bass rundown and a catchy chorus. it might lack originality but they sound like they’re having a blast, it’s tight and honest and they certainly do melodic street punk with heart and soul. It’s not exclusively America that does melodic street punk these Brits can pull It off just as convincingly and The Setbacks are the proof. If writing and recording a tight and fun record was the MO then the mission is accomplished -the setbacks do it with a swagger. Oh, and I love the artwork.

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Author: Dom Daley

LOUD WOMEN Sunday on Rebellion’s Introducing Stage

<strong>LOUD WOMEN Sunday on Rebellion’s Introducing Stage</strong>

Sunday August 4th at Blackpool Winter Gardens – More info on Rebellion Festival HERE:

Feminist DIY collective LOUD WOMEN have announced that they will be partnering with the Introducing Stage at Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, programming and hosting a one-day lineup of female and non-binary powered bands making shockwaves on the alternative and punk scene. LOUD WOMEN Sunday August 4th on the Rebellion Introducing Stage will feature hotly tipped and fast rising futurestars such as Fräulein, Baby Said and The Empty Page.

LOUD WOMEN’s founder Cassie Fox said of the collaboration:

“Rebellion is (by far) the UK’s biggest punk festival, and the Introducing Stage offers new, DIY bands the chance to play to an enormous crowd who absolutely love discovering new bands. So, it’s the perfect place to showcase some of the band’s LOUD WOMEN champions! We all know that the most exciting and innovative new alternative music is coming from women and non-binary musicians, who for so long have been under-represented on big stages … we have a great opportunity here to bring a fresh new flavour to the classic punk scene.”

On the lineup selections, she said:

“All of the bands on this lineup have either already blown our minds and stolen our hearts on LOUD WOMEN Fest stages or have recently arrived on my ‘must-book’ list! There’s a beautifully eclectic mix of righteous alt-rock from The Empty Page, NXKXTA and Playing Alice; pounding punk rock from the likes of Baby Said, Hipersona, Baby Teeth and The Dollheads; riot grrrl inspired disco rage from The Red Stains and Twat Union; glorious grunge from Fräulein and SNM; and I can’t wait to see what the punks make of electropunx Arch Femmesis!”

Rebellion booker Jonny “Wah Wah” Taylor said:

“When Jennie [Russell-Smith, Rebellion’s co-founder] and I talked about the idea of LOUD WOMEN doing this … to us, it was a no-brainer and an absolutely vital thing to do. The Introducing Stage has always had a high percentage of female and non-binary representation. We put on the best up and coming bands out there. And now to have a day when the representation is 100%, with every band picked on their own merit … it’s gonna show the world that this is not just a movement in itself but also one that the Punks from everywhere will welcome with open arms, and an excited anticipation that LOUD WOMEN Sunday on the RIS could just be one of those special days that people will be talking about for years to come … so get to Rebellion and don’t dare miss out! “

LOUD WOMEN will host the Rebellion Introducing Stage on Sunday 4th August, at Blackpool Winter Gardens. Weekend and day tickets available HERE:

Full lineup for LOUD WOMEN Sunday at RIS:

Arch Femmesis

Baby Said

Baby Teeth

The Dollheads

The Empty Page

Fräulein

Hipersona

NXKXTA

Playing Alice

The Red Stains

SNM

Twat Union

About LOUD WOMEN:

Founded in 2015 by Cassie Fox, the not-for-profit organisation is based in London with chapters in the US, Canada, Ireland, Spain and Australia. LOUD WOMEN’s stated aim is to “put more women on more stages and turn up the volume”. LW activities, besides an annual one-day Festival in London, include regular gigs in several cities, a well-regarded music blog updated daily by a team of 100+ writers, a weekly radio show, compilation album releases through LOUD WOMEN Records, and an active community on social media.

Cassie Fox is a musician (‘bass Doris’ in the London band I, Doris) and lectures at BIMM London.

Links

Rebellion Festival website/tickets:https://www.rebellionfestivals.com/

LOUD WOMEN website: www.loudwomen.org

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/loudwomen

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/loudwomen/

Twitter https://twitter.com/loudwomenclub

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@loudwomen

Two for Tuesday – Redd Kross & Hellacopters

Two for Tuesday – Redd Kross & Hellacopters

This video features footage from the movie Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story. Go to reddkrossfilm.com and follow IG @borninnocentreddkross for more information.

The self-titled double LP (with artwork that pays tribute to another self-titled LP) is the band’s ninth studio full length. Eighteen brand-new original songs show that the McDonald brothers are at the peak of their powers. Vinyl comes in a gatefold sleeve with limited edition red vinyl. The band will be doing a full US tour this summer, a memoir about them will be hitting bookstores soon and an amazing documentary titled Born Innocent: The Redd Kross Story

If a new Redd Kross doesn’t excite you then apart from feeling sad for you try this new video from The Hellacopters. Official music video for the new single ‘Stay With You’! Listen/order: Here

The Anti Queens – ‘Disenchanted’ (Stomp Records)

The Anti Queens – ‘Disenchanted’ (Stomp Records)

Without delay let’s get into this album and review. From the moment the music hits the ether you can feel the intent and energy these ladies are oozing. ‘Apocolypse She’ is raging with attitude and energy. Wearing their influences on their sleeves it’s a beating heart full of napalm and L7 meets Hole meets Distillers meets Joan Jett its blood and thunder from the off.

Since 2012 the Anti Queens have been at it, with a couple of EPs and one full-length album in the arsenal they were sharpening their attack over the last few years to make the best record they could and judging by the sounds of it they’ve achieved that goal. If loud-in-your-face pop melodies wrapped in attitude and loud guitars are your bag then why are you still reading this, no, wait, read this then click the link and go get some. ‘Bulldozer’ by name Bulldozer by nature as these ladies play hard and set off another earworm that burrows hard in your brain.

The production is weighty and fulsome and befitting the songs. yeah, the songs that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day and you can tell these are really well crafted and with one eye on the commercial success it’s a fair trade-off in a genre that’s really crowded it’s not hard to see why these guys have notched up over a million plays on streaming sites and on this LP they will double that and some. ‘Saviour’ has a great sound on the slashing guitar before that pummeling bass joins in stomping all over the track. It’s not all full throttle and the band has carefully mixed up the tempos here swaying from mindful slower more chart-friendly songs especially the poptastic ‘Overthinking’ – America is going to love this if it gets into the right ears. but for me the band works best on the rawer faster songs ‘Crusade’ or ‘Owe U Shit’ but the band has a strong ear for melodies, especially on the vocals and pays attention to their choruses and to be fair are owning this sound right here right now.

It’s only a matter of time before you’re all hearing about this band and their ‘Disenchanted’ album. Get involved pop punk never had it so good or sounded so good. Move over NOFX your spot is about to be taken by this powerhouse from Toronto Canada.

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Author: Dom Daley

Head Noise – ‘Twisted Histories’ [Self-Released]

Head Noise – ‘Twisted Histories’ [Self-Released]

Those avant-garde punk-tinged electronic maestros Head Noise are back with their full-length second album, which comes hot on the heels of last year’s Metric Quid [Mini LP]. The group and their unrelenting assault on the mainstream are like a welcome blast of New Wave lushness in a world full of cut-copy-paste musical puppets.

Marking out their own niche/genre is a clever way of never fitting in, but still getting out there and winning fans on their own accord. With such an eclectic back catalogue, the band has now only gone and recorded a concept album, which is the most unpunk/new wave thing to do. However, doing so is also one of the most anti-establishment things a band like this can ever do.

Taken straight from their own press release is the following quote – With song topics about slapping bald dictators, inbred monarchs and fat men getting stuck in the bath – all to an Oddball Synthpunk and Electropop soundtrack – says it all.

This is the band for those who want something different from the mass-produced chart music of today.

Album opener ‘Primordial Soup’ comes complete with a keyboard riff from heaven, and serves as a great introduction to the madness that is coming. Following this up with the album’s lead single ‘Doin Science’ is something of a genius move as the band and their wacky frontman Mitchell Tennant combine the best elements of Electropop and Synthpunk and proceed to be the innovators that have no musical peers of any kind.

What can you honestly say about songs such as ‘Tojo Head Slap’, ‘Taft in the Bath’ and the future classic that is ‘Napolean Blown-Apart!’, thankfully the only words needed are brilliantly madcap and fantastic! To be honest, the whole album is a joy to listen to and for those who fancy something different from the norm – this is the band for you in all their glorious ’80s synthpunk, DEVO-esque greatness.

Stand-out tracks for me are the aforementioned single ‘ Doin Science’ and Tojo Head Slap’ along with ‘Habsbrug Gobstopper’ and ‘History of the Future’. The band will be celebrating the release of Twisted Histories with an album release show at Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on May 30, 2024 – So best get yourselves along to a show that will no doubt go down in musical history.

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Author: Dave Prince

Aerial Salad – ‘Mdrn Lvn’ video

Aerial Salad – ‘Mdrn Lvn’ video
pic Liam Masxwell

Ahead of their headline tour starting at the end of this month, Aerial Salad are releasing a new single from their recently released ‘R.O.I.’ album through Venn Records. Titled ‘Mdrn Lvn’, the video was directed by Californian based writer and director Christopher Macken (he co-produced Charlie Day’s feature film FOOL’S PARADISE, now streaming on Hulu, co-created/executive produced THE GAMER AND THE MOUTH, a video game/stand-up comedy special and his latest short film FOR THE SAFETY OF THEO screened at the Oscar-Qualifying Hollyshorts Festival and premiering at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, CA.)

Christopher randomly chanced upon Aerial Salad after hearing one of their tracks on a local college radio station at 8am one morning and he DM’d the band.

Then the band head out on the following dates for their biggest UK headline tour yet. Let me know if you’d like to come to any of he gigs!

(Headline Album UK Tour):

30/05: Leeds – Oporto

31/05: Newcastle – Zerox

01/06: Sheffield – Sidney & Matilda

05/06: Birmingham – The Victoria

06/06: Brighton – Green Door Store

07/06: Bristol – Crofters Rights

08/06: London – Water Rats

15/06: Manchester – Gorilla

It’s a Revolution – Episode 30 Hotshots Hot Picks

It’s a Revolution – Episode 30 Hotshots Hot Picks

We’ve hit the landmark of 30 episodes and still not been cancelled (might be due to lack of listeners) but we thought we’d share what’s on this weeks action packed episode. First up is a serious track and worthy cause for us to back as Eat This gets us underway with the excellent ‘Poverty UK’  with the sole purpose of raising donations for the Homeless. All proceeds go to the homeless charity Crisis. A donation of £1 will buy the song. Please share with 10 or more friends, not for us but for this worthy cause.

Follow that up with a new track from Denmarks D-A-D with a new album ready to roll in October on AFM Records its ‘The Ghost’ one of two new songs released. Heading back into ECT archive for a glorious track from the Gunslingers and their album ‘Better Out Than In’ which came out way back in 85 on Ego Records.

Heading off with a trio of Hotshots Hot Picks he has the Sleazy City Kids followed by the magnificent Chelsea Smiles with ‘Action Coming Down’ an awesome band featuring Todd Youth – Vocals, Guitar, Skye Vaughan-Jayne – Guitars. Vocals who had a Birthday this past week as well as the four-string strutted known as Johnny Martin who kindly stepped in for Danny in Faster Pussycat whilst the LA Guns lie low and the prince of pound Karl Rosqvist on Drums.

Finally, he dishes up an Aerosmith classic ‘No Suprise’ after we talked about Tyler’s appearance with the Black Crowes.

After a recent jaunt around mainland Europe Streetwalkin Cheetahs are up to no good with ‘Call The Dogs’ off their 10″ record put out by the mighty Heavy Medication Records as is the following track from sleazy rockers Jonesy and ‘Furry White Fury’ lifted from their ‘Dopplegangbangers’ record also on Heavy Medication.

Staying Sleazy we might as well throw in some Slash City Daggers and ‘Backseat Babies’ from their Jeff Dahl produced record ‘Backstabber Blues’.

It’s about time we got to read or a UK release of Jeff Drakes’s book if anyone knows a UK publisher or Eurodistro outlet we need this book. So we played a Vice Principles cover Of the Everly Brothers classic ‘Price Of Love’ lifted from their one and only album released back in 2000.

The Erotics have a new album on the way and we had to play their take on the Dead Kennedys classic ‘Too Drunk To Fuck’

After catching an SLF doc on YouTube I went down an SLF wormhole and picked ‘When We Were Young’. Throwing a kitchen Disco and having a great time making other people’s songs sound like he’s written them Chris Catylist is Hotshot Hooper’s last Hot Pick and this time he’s picked his take on ‘California Dreamin’.

Hold onto your hats Chris ‘Not Too Posh To Mosh’ Davies picked Subhumans ‘No’ for some light listening before we drop a track by the mighty Stiv Bator and we’re almost done leaving just one brand new track to close off Episode 30. Split Dogs released a new track after signing to Venn Records so what better way to close the show than with ‘No What?’ and we’ll catch you next week for some more banging tunes.

Split Dogs return with new single ‘And What?’ out now via Venn Records

Split Dogs return with new single ‘And What?’ out now via Venn Records

Known for their signature gut-punching, fast-paced sound, Bristol punk rock ‘n rollers Split Dogs have hit the scene hard since the release of their debut album in 2023. Cultivating a loyal and growing fanbase with their raucous stage performances, hard-hitting hooks and infectious lyrics, the band are smashing back into action with their first single for Venn Records, the stomping, high voltage ‘And What?’

“It’s a total embrace of working-class British seaside culture, I grew up in south London and in 2016 relocated to a small coastal town in the southwest,” explains guitarist Mil Martinez. “The song highlights the frustration of living and working in a seasonal holiday resort all summer with no holiday whilst the world around you has theirs. I’m also poking fun at myself for being grumpy and using some of the outdated British phrases my dad used to say to me as a kid. On your bike son!”

The band wanted the video for ‘And What?’ to have the same optimistic British candour of classic sitcoms like Only Fools And Horses and Benidorm with big nods to documentary photographer Martin Parr.

The bands drummer and video director Chris says, “we wanted the video for ‘And What?’ to be Split Dogs on a proper British summer holiday; fish and chips, ice creams and tattoos! Without blowing our own trumpet we think we hit the nail on the head. Big up the locals and the seagulls.”

The track starts with a swinging guitar hook and from there on in it doesn’t take its foot off the gas, with a chorus you’ll be singing in your sleep, Split Dogs take you on a 2-minute rock ‘n roll journey to rival the likes of Motörhead or AC/DC.

Vocalist Harry howls and growls as they drag you in more and more with every word. Harry says “the new single and the rest of our upcoming album has all been recorded on 16 track tape with no computer in sight, it gives the album a sound that can’t be replicated with a modern recording system. You feel like you’re in the room with us, like your part of the song, the first time you hear it, it already feels familiar.”

The band have just finished work on their new studio album with more info and a release date coming soon. Watch this space.

Catch Split Dogs live at the following dates:

17/05 – Rough Trade, Bristol
19/05 – Hope and Anchor, Islington
24/05 – The Fleece, Bristol w/UK Subs
26/05 – Bearded Theory Festival, Derbyshire
15/06 – Red Lion, Leytonstone w/ Shooting Daggers, the Oppressed, Clobber, Rifle
11/07 – Blondies, London
20/07 – Shacklewell Arms, London
02/08 – Rebellion Festival, Blackpool
09/08 – Daltons, Brighton

Find Split Dogs online HERE: