Rancid – ‘EP’ – ‘B Sides And C Sides’ (Epitaph Records)

Rancid – ‘EP’ – ‘B Sides And C Sides’ (Epitaph Records)

Rancid have released their debut self-titled EP on streaming services for the first time ever. Exclusively released on 7-inch vinyl back in 1992 on Lookout! Records, the inaugural Rancid EP is the band’s seminal five-track induction to punk rock that set the tone for a prolific and subversive thirty-plus year run.

Recently, Rancid’s B Sides and C Sides compilation of early works was also made available on streaming services as a collection for the first time. Originally released in 2007, the blistering 24-track set features songs that span 1992 to 2004. From the raging chest-beating punk rock anthems that are the band’s signature sound of ragged riffs and Matt’s thunderous flurry of bass notes, they don’t just thrash they also pull off a rather convincing gutsy Rock n Roll like on ‘Devils Dance’. Early Rancid were a breath of fresh air and continues to this day to deliver punk rock of the every highest standard. To think these songs didn’t even make the cut for LPs bu were rather kept for hardcore followers who collected singles and limited editions. Armstrong is and was a prolific writer and never let his standards drop be in Rancid or side projects or download only solo tracks but it’s rancid when he shone the most.

But hey why not wind back to the beginning and The Rancid EP with it gruff vocals and frantic drums, the avalanche of bass they had it all right from the off. The trademark street punk sound that they’ve honed and experimented with throughout the years always revisited their roots.

Formed in 1991 with founding members Tim Armstrong and Matt Freeman (formerly of Operation Ivy), they brought Armstrong’s roommate, drummer Brett Reed along for the wild ride.

Having these early entries available on streaming platforms new fans can immerse themselves in those early recordings. the production might not be what they became but the songs are there and that intensity and energy is timeless. ensures that their legacy is even more accessible than ever before, allowing access for a new audience to experience the raw energy and rebellious spirit that has made Rancid a household name.

Throughout the last three decades, Rancid has remained fiercely independent, never losing their loyalty to their community or each other. Their music confronts political and social issues, while balancing personal tales of love, loss, and heartbreak with attitude. By carrying on the traditions and spirit of the original punk rock bands that came before, Rancid has become a legend and inspiration to punk bands that have come after.

Never afraid to stray from their punk roots the Ska flavours mashed with the rock n roll is here and songs like ‘Media Controller’ sit nicely alongside ‘I’m Not The Only One’ hit that EP up.

‘Killing Zone’. ‘Thats Entertainment’ and the thrash of ‘Sick Sick World’ are majestic and a band in full flight at the peak of their power a peak that must have lasted more than a decade (that’s no exaggeration) Now with more bang for your buck you also have ‘Blackliste’, ‘X Mas Eve’ and the succinct and beautiful ‘Fuck You’ Get on it now you won’t regret it if this has passed you by or if you was it streamed then go fill yer boots.

FOR MORE INFO ON RANCID VISIT: WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

Author: Dom Daley

Asian Dub Foundation celebrate 30 years with iconic Iggy Collaboration

Asian Dub Foundation celebrate 30 years with iconic Iggy Collaboration

This year the legendary Asian Dub Foundation celebrate 30 years of career and activism, marked by memorable concerts all over the world, 9 studio albums and a host of iconic collaborations. 

As well as an anniversary tour across Europe, Asian Dub Foundation are preparing the release of a compilation celebrating 30 years of collaborations, with previously unreleased tracks, remixes and versions rearranged for the occasion. And who better to unveil the first extract from this project than the one and the only, Iggy Pop. The Stooges singer reinterprets their classic ‘No Fun’ on an arrangement by Asian Dub Foundation, with new vocals and alternate lyrics.

Recorded in Miami in 2007 and originally released on the ‘Punkara’ album the following year, this is an ADF30 anniversary version re-arranged, remixed and remastered by Bernie Gardner at Warm Puppy Studios. 

Here’s Asian Dub Foundation’s Steve “Chandrasonic” Savale sharing some memories about the collaboration with Iggy Pop:  https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=308106202350594

Stream ‘No Fun (2024)’  here: https://xray.lnk.to/ADFAndIggyPopNoFun

Bad Nerves head out on mammoth European Tour

Bad Nerves head out on mammoth European Tour

Dubbed the ‘best band in England right now’ by Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong (right before he was spotted wearing Bad Nerves merch at the Grammys Gala), Bad Nerves announce their biggest UK and EU headline tour to date. Consisting of 33 dates, tickets for all shows will go on sale Friday 10am // 14th June with a pre-sale going out on Wednesday 12th June at 10am to all mailing list subscribers. Ticket link can be found here.

Starting 5th November in Netherlands and ending 17th January at Camden’s legendary Electric Ballroom, Bad Nerves will be bringing their sophomore album Still Nervous to fans across UK and Europe, concluding with their biggest headline to date. 

Following critical acclaim for previous singles ‘USA’, ‘You’ve Got The Nerve’ and ‘You Should Know By Now’ the band released their second album Still Nervous (31st May, 2024) which received unquestionable support from BBC Radio 1 (Rock Show, Indie Show, Future Artists, New Music Show) Classic Rock, Kerrang!, Dork and also saw the band find new fans in the form of Iggy Pop and Billie Joe Armstrong. Following this, Bad Nerves then announced an album release show at The Garage (8th June) which sold out a month in advance. 2024 also saw the guys join The Hives across their sold-out UK tour as well as them being invited to join The Hives again across their US tour in September. Listen to Still Nervous here. 

Written and recorded in the same spider-infested garage that spawned their self-titled debut, Still Nervous was poised to be the ‘greatest follow-up record in the entire recorded history of recording follow-up records’. And it was. It was a record that had been bubbling away in the background whilst Bad Nerves dragged their frenetic live show all around the world. A sophomore album that was never meant to exist, the release is packed with break-neck speed sing-alongs and is a record that will outlive me, you, and whoever else is reading this.

The bastard child of a Ramones/Strokes one night stand, Bad Nerves drew acclaim with their debut releases ‘Dreaming’, ‘Baby Drummer’, & ‘Can’t Be Mine’. It would appear to be in the DNA of rock music, particularly punk music, that their self-made debut put them in the hearts and minds of the cream of the alternative crop; from UK tastemakers such as Dan P Carter to Alyx Holcombe to Jack Saunders, to rock legends such as Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong (adding the band to his Oakland Coffee playlist) and Pearl Jam’s Stone Gossard (labelling them as one of his recent favourite bands). Drawing comparisons to Supergrass, Ramones and Jay Reatard, the band have been supported extensively by Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, BBC Radio 1, BBC 6music, Radio X, Classic Rock, Kerrang! and Dork.

Shortly after recording ‘USA’ (which was mastered at the famous Abbey Road Studios), the band were invited to America to support Royal Blood which presented a perfect opportunity to introduce the song to an American audience. The band then were invited personally by The Darkness to join them as special guests across their sold-out UK tour in December. After catching the attention of The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins who, when speaking of the band on his YouTube stream, said “How can you not like this band? They’re so fucking cool”, Bad Nerves were personally invited to join them on their tours this Autum and Winter. Special guest slots for the band in the past year also saw them touring alongside Black Honey, Creeper, Salem, Tigercub, and The Struts whilst they played an unforgettable show at BST Hyde Park this year with rock legends Guns ‘n’ Roses.

With their loyal supporters of the industry, the band have also built a dedicated fan base since their debut album release in 2020. With two BBC Radio 1 Maida Vale sessions and an Amazon Live Scene stream also under their belt, the band have garnered an overwhelming amount of support with only one album to their name. The five-piece dropped a limited edition run of 10” vinyls from their iconic Sebright Arms show in April 2022 whilst Classic Rock Magazine summed the night up as ‘this is what we needed. Go and see Bad Nerves. Do it now”. With bodies falling from the ceiling and the recording equipment blowing up half way through the set due to the heat of the room, the night was one that will go down in punk’s history books. 

With their new album release and tour announcement, the clock is ticking- what is it you desire? What is it you dream about? Have you got the nerve to chase it down until your legs give way? Bad Nerves don’t think you do. 

UK + EU HEADLINE TOUR

NOV 5 Doornroosje, Nijmegen, Netherlands

NOV 6 Tolhuistuin, Amsterdam, Netherlands  

NOV 7 Vera, Groningen, Netherlands

NOV 8 Molotow, Hamburg, Germany

NOV 10 Bar Brooklyn, Stockholm, Sweden

NOV 12 Loppen, Copenhagen, Denmark

NOV 14 Cassiopeia, Berlin, Germany

NOV 16 Rock Cafe, Prague, Czech Republic (**Embargoed – TBA**)

NOV 17 Flex, Vienna, Austria

NOV 18 Covo Club, Bologna, Italy

NOV 19 Magnolia, Milan, Italy

NOV 21 Kiff, Aarau, Switzerland

NOV 22 Kulturzentrum Gaswerk, Winterthur, Switzerland

NOV 23 Kranhalle, Munich, Germany

NOV 25 MTC, Cologne, Germany

NOV 27 Botanique, Brussels, Belgium

NOV 28 Le Grand Mix, Tourcoing, France

NOV 30 Petit Bain, Paris, France

DEC 1 Rock School Barbey, Bordeaux, France

DEC 4 Kafe Antzokia, Bilbao, Spain

DEC 5 Purple Weekend Festival, Leon, Spain (**Embargoed – TBA**)

DEC 6 Sala El Sol, Madrid, Spain

DEC 7 Jimmy Jazz, Vitoria, Spain

DEC 11 The Waterfront, Norwich, England

DEC 12 CHALK, Brighton, England

DEC 14 Mama Roux’s, Birmingham, England

DEC 15 Rescue Rooms, Nottingham, England

DEC 16 The Leadmill, Sheffield, England

DEC 18 The Key Club, Leeds, England

DEC 19 Gorilla, Manchester, England

DEC 20 King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, Glasgow, Scotland

DEC 21 Thekla, Bristol, England

JAN 17 Electric Ballroom, London, England 

Bad Nerves’ new album Still Nervous is out now. Stream here. Buy tickets for UK and EU dates here.

FOLLOW BAD NERVES – SPOTIFY | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

The Urban Voodoo Machine – The Bunkhouse, Swansea 07.06.24

The Urban Voodoo Machine – The Bunkhouse, Swansea 07.06.24

Credit where credit is due, the Urban Voodoo Machine must have played Swansea about a dozen times in the last decade in various venues across the city but the last three or four have been in The Bunkhouse which is where they’ve found their spiritual home. A spruced-up venue that is much better for it as well seems like the spiritual home of The Urban Voodoo Machine. With the stage raised some three feet so everyone gets a great view of this twelve-plus-legged band of Rock Bop n Stroll Gypsies led by the born frontman Paul Ronney Angel tonight they are slimmed down to just six members which if my memory serves me well is the lightest I’ve ever seen them with Paul Ronney taking the sole guitarist role. It matters not how many members to be fir because the songs are readjusted to suit however many be it a one-man band or the full ensemble with brass and strings galore.

The night began with the biggest audience gathered for the band so word must be spreading. After the customary intro of the band marching through the audience to the stage it was away we go. ‘Empty Plastic Cup’ begins the fiesta lifted from the latest album ‘Snake Oil Engine’ which eventually landed on vinyl but it’s well worth the wait that’s for sure. Now I’ve done three shows this week and this was the last of the week and with a chest infection I was pretty much running on fumes at this point but if anyone could lift my spirits it was always going to be the mighty Voodoo Machine. After the rampant ‘Living In Fear’ we reached ‘Fallen Brothers’ of which there have been a few from the ranks of The UVM tonight it would have been Trixie Tassle’s birthday so I raised a glass of Irn Bru to her and the other fallen brothers for a magnificent run through the ‘Hellbound Hymns’ magic moment. You could have heard a pin drop and that was after Paul Ronney had introduced the uninitiated to the rules of the evening and the shut the fuck up and listen to the band moments between songs. Tonight the audience was pretty much respectful of this most non-negotiable rule at UVM shows with only a few outbreaks of chatter.

‘Cheers For The Tears’ was rampant and an emotional ‘Goodnight My Dear’ was immaculate. This stripped-down Urban Voodoo Machine were on fire and delivering one of the best shows I’ve seen them play (and I’ve seen them plenty of times over the years). As the band briefly expanded to seven with the inclusion of Robin Blake on trumpet for a few tunes. The band ran through ‘While We Were All Asleep’, ‘Help Me Jesus’ where the drummers Gary and The Late J-Roni-Moe were on fire turning in mesmerising performances, Its always hard to know who to watch with so much going on all the time on the stage. Finishing with a near-perfect rendition of ‘Goodbye To Another Year’ and we were done. The Bunkhouse had once again been supremely entertained, with one of the best performances from a band who never let you down no matter what and when they are on fire you can just feel it. I think the band knew this had been an exceptional night it was in the air. Hell, Paul Ronney tripped over the drum riser, Bumped his head walking off the stage, Waved the rubber fist in the air, was thrown off kilter with chants of oggy oggy oggy and then returned to the stage with Slim to run through an acoustic performance of ‘Green Green Grass Of Home’ tonight dedicated to his father who passed away last year. It might have had other members of the band perform but the stage power was blown that’s how good Urban Voodoo Machine are they blow the grid.

Can we do this again, please? What a wonderful night of Bourbon-soaked Gypsy, Blues Bop N Stroll that was. If you do get the chance to see this band then do so I urge you, you might wait a long time to see another band this good.

Author: Dom Daley

Paul Ronney Angel Bandcamp

Urban Voodoo Machine Website

Zodiac Killer & Control Freaks hit the UK

Zodiac Killer & Control Freaks hit the UK

The Zodiac Killers, a punk rock band from San Francisco, was the fourth creation of Greg Lowery, who also formed Supercharger, The Rip Offs, The Infections, and The Control Freaks. After releasing four LPs, they are reuniting for the first time in 12 years to play in the UK.
Known for their fast, catchy, and gritty punk rock, The Zodiac Killers deliver wild shows with three lead vocalists. The band features standout drummer Matt K. Shrugg, whose performances often leave other drummers reconsidering their careers. Also in the lineup are original female guitarist Jami Wolf, lead guitarist and vocalist Jeremy Tuman, and Greg Lowery on bass and vocals. Greg has always considered this his favorite band.
Don’t miss this rare reunion tour across England and Scotland!

The Control Freaks, Greg Lowery’s latest project, have been making waves since 2017. Released on Slovenly Records and Dirty Water Records, this band is among Greg’s best work. After a successful tour in Europe with The Rip Offs, The Control Freaks are now heading to the UK.

UK TOUR DATES

12 Jul FridayCanterburyThe Anchorwww.wegottickets.com/event/622054/
13 July SaturdayLondonThe Gracehttps://www.14thfloormusic.co.uk/product-category/gig-tickets/
14 July Sunday
15 July MondayLiverpoolJacarandahttps://fatso.ma/ZIxi
16 July TuesdayManchesterPeer Hathttps://fatso.ma/ZIxq
17 July WednesdayTolmordenGolden Lionhttps://skiddle.com/e/38216069
18 July ThursdayNewcastleCluny 2https://www.seetickets.com/event/the-zodiac-killers-control-freaks/cluny-2/2975176
19 July FridayEdinburghMcChuillshttps://www.seetickets.com/event/the-zodiac-killers-control-freaks/mcchuills/2975177
20 July SaturdayGlasgowLabyrinthhttps://www.seetickets.com/event/the-zodiac-killers-control-freaks/the-banshee-labyrinth/2975182

The Wildhearts/Florence Black/Asomvel – Shepherds Bush Empire, London. 06.06.24

The Wildhearts/Florence Black/Asomvel – Shepherds Bush Empire, London. 06.06.24

OK here’s where I am. The Music business is often like swimming with sharks, which is not at all pleasant but if you feel the need to get in that beautiful rewarding blue water you have to take the plunge and take a chance. The murky waters often reward and make that risk worthwhile. Now The Wildhearts have had the wonderful uplands and sadly the lowlands of turmoil and very public self-harm. Often with such risk you have a real high (Album releases, great tours the full Makonky) followed by the low of lows and acrimonious fall outs all exasperated by the modern world we live in where the mere mortals have access to the main players and a social media content that is available at the blink of an eye.  It wasn’t that long ago we all thought we’d seen the last of the Wildhearts and this time they were indeed broken beyond repair and the band simply couldn’t exist in each other’s orbit and couldn’t or wouldn’t admit it but as soon as that was realised the main players moved on and wounds started to heal. Rumours around a return of the name The Wildhearts were rife and alas a brand new lineup emerged. Fast forward to an album in the can acoustic shows from Ginger where the general vibe was really positive and the band had a new mojo and were ready to rock. Ginger seemed really up about what was happening and the day arrived it was all roads to Shepherds Bush Empire and lets Rock.

First up were the hard-rocking amigos that are Asomvel. They are unashamed hard rockin’ mofos. The four-piece take every hard rock cliché and embrace it and live it like they clearly love it. Marshall stacks unlike any band has used for about three decades that Biff n Lemmy would be proud of, plenty of Studded bullet bets and leather jackets, not to mention the odd legs akimbo and fist punching. Its game on as they embrace the void left by the mighty Motorhead and unashamedly try and fill an infinitesimal spec of it. Whether you like em or loath them you have to admit they do it with panache and a true belief that there is no other way from the hoarse vocals to the screaming les Pauls they go for it with boundless energy and enthusiasm. Vocalist and bass playing Lemmy lover Ralph pirouettes when prowling the stage like Lem did and even bares a passing resemblance the only thing lacking was the big hook, but hey, that can come, one step at a time. Besides  they were having a ball even ending their set with a full band bow that was lapped up by many who got in early to catch their set. Being unfamiliar with their music didn’t help but their brand of hard rock is a fine art and one that isn’t being practiced by many so more power to them. These gents were ‘Born To Rock and Roll’ just like their song said and who would deny them?

Merthyr three-piece Florence Black were up next with their heavy as hell Soundgarden meets Alice In Chains style. It’s the perfect platform for powerhouse vocalist Thomas who has thr vocals to fit that style perfectly. What they offered is a hard rock,  sludgy, ‘riff-heavy as breezeblocks’ sound that this scene needs. Even with some technical problems that potentially tried to derail them, they recovered to entertain large sections of the audience – someone else’s audience I might add, and to be fair they had the best sound of the night where a rich crystal clear sound filled not only the Empire but half of West London I’d imagine. Safe to say my Rockin Welsh brothers delivered the good and went down really well. ymdrech dda bachden.

Whilst I might not have read Kerrang for about 30 years I would imagine they are some hot shit at the moment with a critically acclaimed record on the shelves. In vocalist and guitarist Tristan Thomas he has a voice right up there with the best of this genre and one that deserves to be heard and not buried in time. Even if you aren’t a fan of the genre you have to surrender to their enthusiasm and passion for what it is they’ve chosen to do.

With the stage cleared to reveal a minimalist set made up of an old school drum riser and some platforms flanked by some confetti canons and big boys sparklers, The latest incarnation of The Wildhearts were about to be birthed so without delay the band took to the Empire Stage to be greeted like returning heroes. The set promises plenty of twists and turns so opening with ‘Sleepaway’ isn’t safe at all (good effort) the band cover pretty much every inch of the stage and new boy Ben Marsden is beaming like a Cheshire cat as he lays down the riffs like he’s been at this for years, offering a different style and approach to some very familiar songs and I liked his Angus Young style solos. He offered up an excellent alternative style to what Ginger does and it worked, because they worked and he was laying his stamp on some fan favourites all with a contagious beaming smile across his cheeky chops. 

Ginger seemed in good spirits and wanted to get on with his job and entertain the masses. He seemed genuinely moved as well with the feedback from the rapturous audience who embraced every second of the set, which was exactly as promised, varied and with pyro – It was a new band with new energy obviously the set had its non-negotiable must plays like ‘Caffeine Bomb’ ‘Shitville’ and ‘Headfuck’ but the best songs of the night for me were the excellent inclusion of ‘Slaughtered Authors’ with that magical bassline opener as well as ‘The Jackson Whites’.  Sure I love to hear the “classics” but with such a vast catalogue its great to hear songs from outside the box or what might be deemed the safe set.

Sure they could have ploughed through 90 minutes of bangers but this is the Wildhearts for fucks sake that’s not going to cut it. There was also time for a pair of new songs that will make up the new album set for later in the year and the latter being almost Ballad like ‘Hurt People Hurt People’  and the most out of the Wheelhouse for the Wildhearts and dare I say not your typical Ginger solo song either. The first however was much more a “Wildhearts” song ‘Eventually’.

All things considered, this was a win for The Wildhearts and having Ben on board seems like a great move from Ginger his positive PMA and quality of playing can only be a boon going forward and for a first outing this can only be considered a win. oh, and having big boys sized sparklers and confetti cannons is always nice – not enough bands go the whole hog mog. Just when you thought it might be all over they rise from the ashes and exciting times are once again there for The Wildhearts to grasp with both hands. Onwards and upwards the music world is always better when The Wildhearts are making music and entertaining us live. Now, let’s get the album released and get this shit on the road around shit island so everyone gets to see the triumphant rebirth of The Wildhearts it’ll make you happy.

Author: Dom Daley

Ultrabomb – ‘Dying To Smile’ (DC Jam Records)

Ultrabomb – ‘Dying To Smile’ (DC Jam Records)

UltraBomb is back in the ring swinging big windmills hot on the heels of their debut that took longer to get in people’s hands than it should such are the times we live in. ‘Doggo’ is first out the gate and a bristling crash bang wallop it is. It’s punk rock but not predictable nu punk or old school even if they’ve managed to mix up some of that Husker DNA along side the heavy hitting dynamic drumming of Jamie Oliver and with a cool melody the album is off to a great start. Its equal part US alt rock from the likes of Buffalo Tom through the eprism of UK punk and it works. Loads of energy and a bloody good tune to boot. Nailed it.

Greg Norton, Finny McConnell and Jamie Oliver stick to what they do best and get down to business the jangly stripped bare rocker that is ‘Rage Bomb’ is like when Goo Goo Dolls first got it together. Think Ramones on ‘Sleep Tight’ its a race to the finish we’ll see you there but remember have a good time. This isn’t their first rodeo and these guys have been round the block its fair to say but they are attacking this with eyes wide open like a bunch o fkids playing with their mates for the first time and seeing where it takes them, non more so than the excellent ‘West In The Summertime’ from the ultrabright and clean guitar solo its like they’re having the best of time recording these songs and want to share it with the world.

‘Dying To Smile’ is a worthwhile investment its jammed full of great songs that hit you hard and offer you the best of times, the lyrics tend to be spot on and in ‘Woke Wars’ they hit the nail right on the head I can see this record growing and growing it has the potential to be one of the years biggest and best sleepers on slow release hell, even including the cover of ‘In A Rut’ doesn’t dampen my enthusiasm. Sure I love the song bu tI’d have preferred to head another original.

they do press the breaks occasionally like on the great ‘Isolation’ where they slow things down and contemplate and the record is all the finer for its sidestep. These boys have been paying attention over the years and being able to write records this good is testimony to their talents collectively and individually. If Ultrabomb weren’t on your radar you should make it a priority to check this record out. Don’t be a dummy pick I tup asap. Ultrabomb is the name you”d do well to remember that. Buy it!

Catch them on tour in the US with ME FIRST AND THE GIMME GIMMES. European tour dates coming soon.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Its A Revolution Episode 32

Its A Revolution Episode 32

A more diverse list of tunes I don’t think we’ve aired. So why not join us as we delve into what tunes we’ve been spinning this past week. Kicking off with the majestic Generation X and a classic off their ‘Valley Of The Dolls’ album. I still get a buzz off that record and it takes me back to the day it came out and getting my dad to buy it in Woolies. Game changer of an album.

How about a new old song? Flesh For Lulu had some success in the 80s and singer guitarist Nick March went on to sling his rather cool six string as part of the Urban Voodoo Machine troupe and they were all the better fo this talented inclusion. Nick lost his battle with the big C and the music world lost a real talent. Fast forward a few years and a box of tapes were found under a bed that contained a bunch of recordings that go on to become ‘Cosmic Mind Fuck‘ which was released this summer and we are lucky enough to include ‘Bad Dog’ from the album. All profits from the sale of this album, released with the full blessing of Nick Marsh’s family, will be donated to a cancer charity in memory of Nick so do check it out.

We go early on Hotshots ‘Hot Picks’ this week as he chooses to delve into the Manics catalogue of B Sides and ‘Automatik Teknicolour’ is his first ‘Hot Pick’ quickly followed up by the excellent choice of 3 Colours Red and ‘Nuclear Holiday’. His hattrick track comes from Givvi Flynn who sang with Ginger Wildheart and The Sinners with a song off her debut album.

If those ‘Hot Picks’ weren’t enough how about a hidden rare track from Therapy? ‘Never Ending’ is the gift that keeps on giving. We then head stateside for some punk rock n roll courtesy of Stiletto Boys with ‘Triple Two Stroke’ off their ‘Rockets And Bombs’ album if you want info on them you have to go back to myspace and hang around in a retro world trying to be hip. Having been feeding off a diet of classic Stooges music this past week how about a cut from the ‘Funhouse’ sessions in the shape of a superb studio take of ‘Loose’ – garage rock perfection and this mix is truly majestic off possibly the bands finest album ‘Funhouse’.

Hotshot lobs in a cut from The Idol Dead and ‘Travelling Man’ from their ‘Die On My Feet Or Live On My Knees’ album closing off Hotshots hot picks for this week.

We head back to the States for Libertine and a track off their ‘See You In The Next Life’ album excellent punk rock n roll from the late 90s. We stay in that part of the world for Sick Bag and the closing cut off their most excellent long player ‘Halfway To Hell’.

Can’t believe its taken us 32 episodes to play something by the Senseless Things and this is off the recently remastered ‘The First OF Too Many’ album from 2021 anniversary mix. It’s like night and day comparing the two mixes and the CD also has a live show from the band at the peak of their powers. Stunning album.

Of all the new bands releasing music in 2024 Bad Nerves are right up there with the best of them. Recently seeing them play with The Hives and pushing them all the way taken from the brand new album ‘Still Nervous’ the track ‘USA’ is a banger.

Another recent release is America’s Fast Eddy and ‘No More Neon Lights’ from the excellent new album ‘To The Stars’. Another new track and new band for RPM Online is No Wayne with ‘Doin Fine’. Wytch Pycknik are another new band who are releasing their debut album so we play the first single ‘Rawkuss’.

To finish off this impressive list of tunes we play Brightons Rough Gutts and a track ‘Mothers Love’. Hopefully, we’ll be back next week with the full complement of neerdowells. thanks for checking us out and hope you enjoy the music and talking nonsense. Like- Subscribe- share.

Black Totem – ‘iii Sacrifice Tonight’ (Svart Records)

Black Totem – ‘iii Sacrifice Tonight’ (Svart Records)

Imagine the scene: you’ve passed out in a graveyard because you had one too many shots of bourbon last night, and you wake up to a world where every day is literally Halloween… Do those slow-moving figures in the corner of your eye remind you a bit of the fiends from that black-and-white Romero movie you’ve watched too many times?

Under the light of a full moon, you head back home only to realize your old friendly neighborhood is now swarming with witches, and there’s a sacrifice going on behind every window. Finally, back in your own bed, you can’t sleep because the flapping sounds of batwings keep you awake, and you still can’t get rid of that image of the totem in the shadows that wasn’t there yesterday…

For some, this could be the most nightmarish scenario to witness, but to the death rockers of Black Totem, it’s the very (un)life they live and breathe every single day with their third full-length album, “III: Sacrifice Tonite.” Now that’s some introduction to a band I’m sure you’ll agree. Black Totem rock like fuck and fo their way. It’s dark it tribal and it’s not a million miles from the Misfits which is never a bad thing.

Ten tracks of pure vintage audio horror, startu g with the excellent ‘Hex Hood’ guaranteed 100% free from modern-day CGI and cheap jump scares it rattles along with a great tempo and sets the tone. “III: Sacrifice Tonite” brings back the good old days of rocking and catchy as hell blues punk, where Screamin’ Jay Hawkins shakes hands with old-school doom metal, and Samhain and The Misfits. Guitarist and vocalist Spit Poison and bassist Vera Wolf preach these unholy sermons together, never forgetting just the right amount of “WOOOO’OS,” while Tony Cash assaults the drums with human bones and lead guitarist Sam Hate channels the very best of John Christ‘s rocking solos.

If you’re familiar whit their previous records then you will love this. If this is your first taste of the ghoolishly good Black Totem then youll be hooked. The production is spot on and the tunes are exvellent breathing fresh life into a forgotten dark art form. Let some Black Totem into your life you won’t regret it.

Buy here

Flesh For Lulu – ‘Cosmic Mind Fuck’ (Time & Matter) 

Flesh For Lulu – ‘Cosmic Mind Fuck’ (Time & Matter) 

I remember reading in sounds about a band called Flesh For Lulu along with a picture of the group with their perfectly chiselled cheekbones, guyliner, and spikey shoulder-length hair I knew I had to find out more and check out what they sounded like. The Lords Of The New Church, Hanoi Rocks and Japan then it was The Alarm and once I heard FFL they fitted neatly into that Goth rock scene, with cool hair, cool guitars and said the right things to an impressionable teenager. They all had plenty of pop sensible melodies and one eye on the charts and America whilst having enough decadence to feed my post-punk rock roots.  

When I was asked to listen to these demos I couldn’t believe my luck – did I like Flesh For Lulu? Fuck me I loved them, still do. I always followed Nick Marsh and what he did next from his solo recordings to his work as the extremely cool guitarist in the Urban Voodoo Machine.  

When I slipped the CDR into the player and turned up the speakers, the sound that fell out wasn’t polished and ready for American radio songs, but a rougher grittier Rock n Roll and I like that a lot – far more appeal. As the songs flowed imagine being in the studio hearing these songs for the first time with their stripped-bare, energetic vibrant – still in love with Rock n Roll exuberance coming to life. The howling feedback makes way as the band charges through to the front and centre of the speakers sounding like an energised bonafide Keith and Ron with the chiming riff being chased by the steady rhythm section towards the chorus where Nick Marsh is smouldering like prime-time Jagger and their’s even time for some well-placed handclaps to swagger on in to get this party started. 

If this were a live set as soon as ‘Bad Dog’ opens up, you would be halfway around the hall crowd surfing on the tempo and dirty sleazy riff being thrown around your speakers. “Bad Dog Baby with a mongrel heart” it sounds like The Replacements at the peak of their game it’s that good. The breakdown is the signal to open up a wild and reckless solo before settling back into that sleazy riff. Topped off with the “I’m in control here” vocals of Marsh.  

It’s hard to believe that these are only studio demos recorded in the early 90s as a follow-up to their commercially successful ‘Plastic Fantastic’ It might not have that studio sheen and big drum production but the songs are stronger and the lack of production and quest for commercial success is part of the strength of this collection, this is Flesh For Lulu in the raw bristling with energy and just basking in the quality of the songs and the chemistry of the players.  

I look back fondly on songs like ‘House Of Cards’ and the beauty of ‘Choosing You’ but this might just blow the past releases out of the water, and it must have been a ‘Cosmic Mind Fuck’ listening back to this collection knowing how bloody good they are and to think they were buried unfound for years in an attic! God Forbid.  

‘Mona Lisa’ begins with Marsh rinsing his guitar of every bead of sweat and tear whilst singing his melody before the band kicks in and rolls on down the line with a great number. I love the chorus s got a familiarity about it with Marsh sounding like Squeeze borrowing a Bob Dylan melody rockin’ out without a care in the world. What a fantastic tune, its bordering true crime that this was buried with every chance it would never see the light of day. The way it rolls into the bombastic rocker that is ‘Temptation’ shows a very different side to the band and their songwriting less melody and more gutsy hard rock with the guitars lurching from the big acoustic strummed chords to the howling snarling dog on a leash of the wah pedal electric guitar. 

As if to cool down and shift gears the acoustic guitars are front and centre for the gentle relaxed wheeze that is ‘Too Much’ A totally different style to the previous songs. A gentler song with some sweet saxophone added for good measure and a song you can imagine being dusted down and given a lick of sheen to be a hit at the right time and place.

‘Turn’ is more uptempo but paves the way to the majestic ‘Love Came Easy’ that goes heavy on the gang vocals in a Primal Scream kinda way and I’m sure Gillespie would have loved to have written this as the band stride between that 90s brit rock that went down and the swagger or classic Stones hitting America and rocking the shit out of those stadiums. All the swagger and we’re diving straight into the hardest Rocker the band ever dished up, ‘Baby Wanna Go Go’ its a foot on the wedge and rock! thing. From the big swinging snare and bass drum pound to the thumping bass line driving the song on for the guitars to plough through with those big chords.

I alluded earlier that this collection of songs plays out like a studio rehearsal/live show and the way it weaves into ‘All Undone’ with a band heading into the home straight its excellent. Whoever decided on the running order nailed the ebb and flow and the work of a band at the top of their game demonstrating all their qualities and influences which they’re proud to wear on their sleeves From T Rex to the Stones to Bowie and a melting pot of bands in between Flesh For Lulu are blowing me away with what they kept under the bed.

As we head into the final knockings of this remarkable collection we take a breather with the delicious balladry of ‘In And Out Of You’ from the piano chops to the poignant harmonica it’s a welcome moment to reflect and see another side to the band’s body of work.

Right Fag break over its time for the encore and ‘Stay Close’ struts in on a big distorted guitar lick before the vocals take over wrapped up in the comford blanket of another big riff. The kiss goodbye is the acoustic ‘Let It Shine’ where Nick Marsh sings with his velvet n gasoline vocal through the gentler intro into the rocker that takes over. He goes through the gears before its done. We say goodnight to a remarkable album that I feel privileged to have heard and lived with for weeks and months alongside the already released catalogue of material this is a magnificent way to sign off. The people involved in getting these songs from the loft to the speakers around the world should feel very pleased and proud of themselves for ‘Cosmic Mind Fuck’ is an absolute gem of an album and if you truly believe in Rock and Roll then this should already be part of your pre-orders and a most welcome addition to any record collectors centrepiece. Nick Marsh was an extraordinary talent that is sadly missed by many as the tribute that accompanies this release testifies but let’s celebrate the fact he walked and worked amongst us and left behind an amazing body of work that should be played loudly and celebrated everywhere – Flesh For Lulu were one hell of a band and ‘Cosmic Mind Fuck’ leaves me in no doubt that they left the best til last – Quite Simply buy this album! Posthumous recordings quite often fill gaps in a collection however this certainly doesn’t merely fill a gap it breathes new life into a band and shows off how damn good they were and with a fair wind could have been huge everywhere. Rest easy Nick your legacy is safe with ‘Cosmic Mind Fuck’.

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Author: Dom Daley