Large Mirage -‘Wings of Time’ (Self-Released)

Large Mirage -‘Wings of Time’ (Self-Released)

Time travel exists. Don’t ask me how it works, but I definitely have proof. I am going to urge you to check out the proof as well. Apparently, the event happened down under in Sydney, and the four-piece band Large Mirage found themselves transported from San Francisco back in the late 60’s to Australia in the 2020’s. A fortuitous rabbit hole one night on YouTube made me aware of Large Mirage. This second EP by the band stuck with me immediately, as I found myself wishing I could play multiple songs at the same time. The band takes a Nuggets approach to their music and is not afraid to put some pop filled choruses in them when needed.

‘Miss Okay’ kicks off the EP and was also the first song I heard by the band. The song reminds me of what was coming out of the garage nuggets from San Francisco way back in the day. The verses have very melodic, fuzzy pop vocals which give way to an even more harmony-filled chorus. The guitars have some bite to them as well. I can almost picture the Monkees watching them play back in the day, heck, maybe that is how they got transported to modern day. ‘Happy Now’ might be my favorite song from the,m as the song has more heaviness to it. The guitar riff could be lifted from the likes of Black Sabbath or Alice Cooper if it were cut out of the song and surrounded by some heavier drums. The chorus remains as catchy as the first song, but does so in a darker way.

Midway through the EP, ‘Wings of Time’ provides another catchy guitar riff with a hypnotic vocal. The guitar solo feels enormous and gets plenty of space in the song. When Rhino Records was releasing their Nuggets box sets (some of the greatest sets ever), I would expect to hear songs like this. That said, these songs sound fresh and vital today. The band then turn in a short acoustic ballad with ‘I Don’t Love Love.’ Everything turns technicolor while the song plays; I am pretty sure I just saw some dandelions sprout out of some really bright green grass when this song was playing. The band closes out the EP with a nearly five-minute rocker that delivers some epic passages and catchy vocals. The guitar solo rips through the speakers with all five songs leaving listeners wanting more.

Large Mirage delivers the goods, and I still maintain they are proof of time travel. The sound may come from many decades ago, but they feel current and essential today. I can see this band continuing to grow, and they won’t be a secret for long, especially when word is they are also an excellent live band. Tune in and crank this up!

‘Wings of Time’ is available now. Buy Here

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https://largemirage.com

Author: Gerald Stansbury

The Molotovs – ‘Wasted On Youth’ (Marshall Records)

The Molotovs – ‘Wasted On Youth’ (Marshall Records)

The Molotovs came about through necessity and boredom during the heady days of Covid lockdown. Teenage siblings Mathew (vocals/guitar) and Issie Cartlidge (bass/vocals) started jamming, wrote some songs and formed a band. When the world opened up again, they gigged, and then they gigged some more. And they haven’t stopped since! 600 plus shows later, and they have a ferocious live reputation and friends in high places. A series of high-quality singles, gorilla gigs on flatbed trucks and shows with The Sex Pistols and Blondie finally led to the release of their highly anticipated debut album ‘Wasted On Youth’.

The Molotovs unashamedly flaunt their influences over the course of the album. There are many short, sharp nods to Mod, Punk & New Wave and a heady dose of Brit Pop going on. Punk is certainly prevalent on gnarly opener ‘Get A Life’, a one-minute and forty-second diatribe aimed at the naysayers and the detractors. This angst-ridden mash-up of Weller and The Clash is just the sort of anthem that the disenchanted youth need to get behind. A perfect album opener, a great single choice, and the perfect introduction to the band.

You can’t help but reference The Jam while listening to ‘Wasted On Youth’, their influence is all over the likes of ‘Newsflash’ and ‘Rhythm Of Yourself’, even the emotive ‘Nothing Keeps Her Away’ brings to mind ‘That’s Entertainment’. While there is already a long line of old punks and journalists ready to bring The Molotovs down, I see no problem with anything they do. If the songs are good, then it’s good enough for me. And The Molotovs have some good songs. For a songwriter who has barely left school, Mat shows talent beyond his years; he has a lyrical suss and an ear for a catchy melody. The poignant and emotive ‘Geraldine’ recalls early Manics, with great use of structure and melody. And the title track is Frank Turner at his acerbic best. All leave their mark and warrant repeat listening. If I really want to be picky, they lose it slightly on ‘Come On Now’ and ‘Popstar’. Although both sound like early Adam & The Ants, they do feel a bit like fillers compared to the other tracks.

But they make up for it elsewhere. With its ringing power chords and urgent beats, ‘More More More’ sounds vital. ‘Daydreaming’ is an anthemic Brit Pop pastiche, and album closer ‘Today’s Gonna Be Our Day’ is a call to arms from one youth to another, a song that earns its crown and should feature in playlists worldwide by the end of the year.

At 17 and 19 years of age, Mathew & Issie Cartlidge are still teenagers, yet the sharp-dressed duo somehow capture the bridge between Punk, Mod and Brit Pop with ease, spread over 11 tracks in just over 35 minutes. They are a testament to hard graft in a business that is getting increasingly difficult to make a living in, and if they can get past the Spinal Tap drummer issues and ignore the jealous old punks who refuse to give a new band a break, then maybe, just maybe, The Molotovs can truly make this day their day.

For now, though, ‘Wasted On Youth’ is essential listening as far as I’m concerned. The Molotovs have just booked a tour for later this year. My advice is miss them at your peril.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

HEAVEN & HELL Retrospective Box Set

HEAVEN & HELL Retrospective Box Set

BREAKING OUT OF HEAVEN 2007-2009

HEAVEN & HELL – BREAKING OUT OF HEAVEN 2007-2009

RETROSPECTIVE CELEBRATES DIO’S THIRD ACT WITH MEMBERS OF BLACK SABBATH ON 4CD/BLU-RAY AND 7LP BOXED SETS

AVAILABLE MARCH 27

INCLUDES THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, LIVE FROM RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, AND NEON NIGHTS: 30 YEARS OF HEAVEN & HELL – LIVE AT WACKEN

PRE-ORDER HERE

Rhino presents Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009, a new collection focusing on the final chapter of Ronnie James Dio’s celebrated tenure with members of Black Sabbath. Reuniting with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice under the name Heaven & Hell, the band returned to the stage and studio decades after their original run for an unexpected second act.

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009 will be available March 27 as 7LP and 4CD/Blu-ray boxed sets. Both editions include an illustrated book with new liner notes by Hugh Gilmour, along with a replica tour book and poster. Order now HERE

The collection marks the first time the complete Live From Radio City Music Hall performance appears on vinyl, and features eight tracks making their vinyl debut, including studio recordings from The Dio Years and select live performances. The Blu-ray expands the set with video from Live From Radio City Music Hall and Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell – Live at Wacken, plus band interviews.

The set follows the band’s reunion run, beginning with their triumphant 2007 New York performance, Live From Radio City Music Hall, followed by the Top 10 studio album The Devil You Know in 2009, and the live album Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell – Live at Wacken, recorded later that year on tour in Germany.

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009

4CD Track Listing

Disc One: The Devil You Know

  1. “Atom and Evil”
  2. “Fear”
  3. “Bible Black”
  4. “Double The Pain”
  5. “Rock And Roll Angel”
  6. “The Turn Of The Screw”
  7. “Eating The Cannibals”
  8. “Follow The Tears”
  9. “Neverwhere”
  10. “Breaking Into Heaven”

Bonus Tracks from The Dio Years

  1. “The Devil Cried”
  2. “Shadow Of The Wind”
  3. “Ear In The Wall”

Disc Two: Live from Radio City Music Hall

  1. “E5150 / After All (The Dead)”
  2. “The Mob Rules”
  3. “Children Of The Sea”
  4. “Lady Evil”
  5. “I”
  6. “The Sign Of The Southern Cross”
  7. “Voodoo”
  8. “The Devil Cried”

Disc Three: Live from Radio City Music Hall

“Computer God”

  1. “Falling Off the Edge Of The World”
  2. “Shadow Of The Wind”
  3. “Die Young”
  4. “Heaven And Hell”
  5. “Lonely Is the Word”
  6. “Neon Knights”

Disc Four: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell

  1. “Mob Rules”
  2. “Children Of The Sea”
  3. “I”
  4. “Bible Black”
  5. “Time Machine”
  6. “Fear”
  7. “Falling Off The Edge Of The World”
  8. “Follow The Tears”
  9. “Die Young”
  10. “Heaven And Hell”
  11. “Neon Knights”

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009

7LP Track Listing

LP One: The Devil You Know

Side One

  1. “Atom and Evil”
  2. “Fear”
  3. “Bible Black”

Side Two

  1. “Double The Pain”
  2. “Rock And Roll Angel”
  3. “The Turn Of The Screw”
  4. “Eating The Cannibals”

LP Two: The Devil You Know

Side One

  1. “Follow The Tears”
  2. “Neverwhere”
  3. “Breaking Into Heaven”

Side Two: Bonus Tracks

  1. “The Devil Cried” from The Dio Years
  2. “Shadow Of The Wind” from The Dio Years
  3. “Ear In The Wall” from The Dio Years

LP Three: Live from Radio City Music Hall

Side One

  1. “E5150 / After All (The Dead)”
  2. “The Mob Rules”
  3. “Children Of The Sea”

Side Two

  1. “Lady Evil”
  2. “I”
  3. “The Sign Of The Southern Cross”

LP Four: Live from Radio City Music Hall

Side One

  1. “Voodoo”
  2. “The Devil Cried”

Side Two

  1. “Computer God”
  2. “Falling Off the Edge Of The World”
  3. “Shadow Of The Wind”

LP Five: Live from Radio City Music Hall

Side One

  1. “Die Young”
  2. “Heaven And Hell”

Side Two

  1. “Lonely Is the Word”
  2. “Neon Knights”

LP Six: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell

Side One

  1. “Mob Rules”
  2. “Children Of The Sea”
  3. “I”

Side Two

  1. “Bible Black”
  2. “Time Machine”
  3. “Fear”

LP Seven: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell

Side One

  1. “Falling Off The Edge Of The World”
  2. “Follow The Tears”
  3. “Die Young”

Side Two

  1. “Heaven And Hell”
  2. “Neon Knights”

Blu-Ray Video Content

Live from Radio City Music Hall

Extras:

  • Heaven And Hell Road Movie
  • Hail The Gods Of Metal
  • Meet The Mob
  • Radio City
  • The Wisdom Of Dio

Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell

Extras:

30th Anniversary Interviews

  • Ronnie James Dio
  • Geezer Butler
  • Vinny Appice
  • Tony Iommi

Ronnie James Dio Tribute (2010)

  • Tony Iommi
  • Vinny Appice
  • Geezer Butler

Jim Jones Allstars get into a Cat Fight

Jim Jones Allstars get into a Cat Fight

HEY ROCKERS!

We’ve got a trio of exciting announcements for you today with a new album, a UK tour and biggest ever headline show all coming your way.

On the 3rd of April, Jim Jones All Stars drop their second studio album, ‘CAT FIGHT’. Produced by The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson and released on his label Silver Arrow Records, Robinson also provides backing vocals on the infectious lead track ‘Make It Rain’. With CAT FIGHT, the All Stars’ explosive sound has finally been captured and contained in twelve foot-stomping epic tracks, a true highlight of Jim Jones’ storied career. Chuck Prophet provides guest guitar, and there’s a special introduction from the Queen of Northern Soul herself, Gloria Jones!

You can pre-order the album as digital download here.
And physical copies on CD and blood red vinyl from our bandcamp.

CAT FIGHT UK TOUR

The band hit the road in April to support the release of the album. Tickets available here

Sat 4th – The Piper, Hastings
Sun 5th – Joiners, Southampton
Tue 7th – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
Wed 8th – Bongo Club, Edinburgh
Thu 9th – The Cluny, Newcastle
Fri 10th – Future Yard, Birkenhead
Sat 11th – Parish, Huddersfield
Sun 12th – Esquires, Bedford
Thu 23rd – Waterfront, Norwich
Fri 24th – Cavern, Exeter

Look out for news about festivals and European dates coming soon.

ALL STARS AT THE SCALA

We’re proud to announce that tickets are now on sale for our biggest show to date at London’s legendary Scala venue on October 18th. Don’t hang about as tickets will go quickly for this, the band’s only London show for 2026. Expect an evening of high energy riotous rock ‘n’ roll, special guests and more! 

Grade 2 like to Talk About It

Grade 2 like to Talk About It

UK Punks Grade 2 Announce New Album ‘Talk About It’ Out April 3

via Hellcat Records

Pic By Christopher Bethell

British punks Grade 2 wrestle with a whirlwind coming-of-age on their rollercoaster fourth album Talk
About It, set for release on April 3 rd via Hellcat Records. Frontman Sid Ryan, guitarist Jack Chatfield, and
drummer Jacob Hull bring over a decade of experience to the table, crafting an album that’s both a
reflection of their personal struggles and a rallying cry for a generation. An unflinching exploration of
love, loss, and the emotional toll of growing up in a band, Grade 2 promise to deliver the grit, hooks, and
hard-earned clarity that has made them one of the UK’s most exciting young punk acts.
Today, the trio shares the defiant lead single “Standing In The Downpour,” a steadfast statement
asserting that even if the clouds burst, they’ll be happy to dance in the rain. The band explains:
“’Standing In The Downpour’ is a story through reminiscence, written in a conversational manner as if
between old friends. From a British seaside town upbringing, rowdy nights and reckless decision making,
to finding your feet in early adulthood.”

Pre-save Talk About It HERE

Grief. Growth. Grafting every step of the way. Twelve years since they first cranked amps as schoolkids
rattling their music room out on the Isle of Wight, Grade 2 have plenty to talk about. 
From seeing dreams dangling precariously during COVID, to blasting back with 2023’s self-titled third LP,
the band looked to have claimed their place on top of the world. But storming festivals like Rock am Ring
and rubbing shoulders with heroes like Rancid and Slipknot was only half the story. Offstage, the trio
were dealing with the quiet dissonance of island life back at their parents’ places, finding time for
romantic relationships and plotting the path forward through a world increasingly falling to pieces.
Turbulent fourth album Talk About It is a chronicle of every tribulation and triumph.
“The title-track was initially called Communication, a song about how men don’t talk about the things
that really matter to them,” explains Sid. “But it became ‘Talk About It’, which sums up the whole album,
touching on every emotion that you feel while being in a band, from love to loss to personal turmoil to
ambition. It’s a coming-of-age story about Grade 2 entering adulthood…”
A compelling first step in the next chapter from one of modern punk’s brightest lights, Grade 2 makes it
out of the darkness. “This is everything we’ve been through,” the lead singer smiles bittersweetly, “but
we’re here!”


Grade 2026 Tour Dates
March 20 – Belfast, IRE – The Deer’s Head
March 21 – Dublin, IRE – Lost Land
March 28 – Nottingham, UK – Bodega Social
March 29 – Leeds, UK – The Key Club
March 30 – Manchester, UK – The Deaf Institute
March 31 – Glasgow, UK – The Garage
April 1 – Bristol, UK – Exchange
April 3 – London, UK – O2 Academy Islington

    April 4 – Newport, Isle of Wight – Strings Bar & Venue
    April 25 – Dusseldorf, Germany – Zakk
    April 30 – Jena, Germany – F-Haus
    June 18 – Dessel, Belgium – Plein Air
    June 20 – Zurich, CH – Stadion Letzigrund

    Kevin Steele is the ‘Snake Charmer’

    Kevin Steele is the ‘Snake Charmer’

    KEVIN STEELE RELEASES THE LYRIC VIDEO FOR “SNAKE CHARMER” FROM HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM “ONE THING LEFT TO DO”

    Kevin Steele recently announced his first solo album, One Thing Left To Do, which will be released on February 27, 2026, via Steele Records/Amplified Distribution. The first single, “Snake Charmer”, is out now on digital services, and Kevin now released the lyric video for the single.

    In a review of the entire album Sleaze Roxx had this to say about the track “Snake Charmer”: “Snake Charmer” is a hypnotic and very seductive dose of sleaze that was, quite rightly in my opinion, released as a single and is already a highlight on here.

    “Snake Charmer was one of the first songs we recorded, and it’s one of my favourite songs on the record. It’s a song about seduction, temptation and obsession. It’s a tale as old as the original sin. We went for a fuzz guitar sound ala Keith Richards when he slashed his speaker cones with a razor blade to get that kind of nasty distortion. It’s got a really good, sexy groove. It’s kind of hypnotising. That’s an actual Indian snake charming Punji flute at the beginning and end of the song.” – Kevin Steele

    Pre-save or Pre-order: Here

    The album features the first single “Snake Charmer”, with its sexy, hypnotic groove and killer guitar riffs it explores the age-old dilemma of female wiles versus a man’s blind obsession. The second single, “There’s A Better Day Comin’”, is a soaring Rock ‘n’ Roll anthem of hope. Its gospel-like arrangement is meant to convey a feeling of optimism in a world where we could all use some. In the third single, “Sad, Sad Song”, Steele delivers a poignant ballad recounting his hardscrabble life and tragic youth. Guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye.

    All of these songs showcase Kevin’s masterful songwriting across all the musical styles that have shaped his colourful career, including glam, punk, rock, blues, and even southern gospel. Kevin’s band, Roxx Gang were one of America’s great bands and the first rock band signed to Virgin Records in America. Their debut record, the classic “Things You’ve Never Done Before”, sold over 250,000 copies. In a way, they were the bridge between glam and grunge, and The Mojo Gurus played a vital role in keeping rock ‘ n ‘ roll alive in “The Tens”, working with legendary producers Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, New York Dolls) and Tommy Henricksen (Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, The Hollywood Vampires). With One Thing Left To Do, Steele brings his musical journey full circle with a truly remarkable record that you just have to hear.

    Joining Kevin on this new record is guitar phenom/co-producer Billy Summer (Florida, Luxury Mane, The New Brutarians), whose music has been heard on major TV shows and films such as Ted Lasso, The Affair, Harpoon, Life and Beth, Chicago Fire, Property Brothers and many others. The result is one hot slab of Rock ‘n’ Roll revelry covering several genres that showcase a track list of impressive playing and songwriting.

    “Billy and I made such a great team. Instant connection of the minds. He knew instinctively where I was going musically with each song before I would even tell him. That’s why they call us the Cosmic Twins”, said Kevin.

    The band is an allstar collection of Tampa Bay, Florida musicians playing at the top of their game. They formed an instant camaraderie and the good times had in the recording sessions shine across every track!

    Also, on Friday, February 27 he celebrates the release of his new record at Bayboro Brewing Company. Kevin will perform the new record in its entirety, backed by an all-star band of Tampa Bay musicians featuring guitarist Billy Summer.

    Bayboro Brewing Company Presents: Kevin Steele – Record Release Concert

    Special Guests: Saints of Saturn – Recent winners of Hard Rock Rising – Tampa

    Friday February 27, 2026

    Bayboro Brewing Company 2390 5th Ave. S., Saint Petersburg, FL (727) 767-9666

    Doors at 7:00 PM – Show at 8:00 PM – All Ages

    Fuck Fuck Fuck – ‘Fun’ (Wap Shoo Wap Records)

    Fuck Fuck Fuck – ‘Fun’ (Wap Shoo Wap Records)

    Amsterdam is often thought of as a city with few inhibitions, so it’s no shock that a band called Fuck Fuck Fuck would hail from its back alleys (no pun intended). When I saw it was a record on Wap Shop Wap Records I knew it would indeed fit the remit of what we love to hear through our speakers at RPM Online HQ. ‘Fun’ doesn’t waste anytime fannying around with introductions, it just gets on with the party and its soundtrack of sleazy garage rock n roll.

    The band previously had singles lovingly entitled ‘Anal’ and ‘Bad Habits’. Both are contained on this here twelve-inch slab of plastic. The band claims to be both moronic and genius, and that’s never a bad place to sit artistically or on a human level.

    The party starts with the sleazy rundown of ‘AAA’ coming on like prime time Dictators meets say MC5 in the filthiest club you could possibly imagine. Barely holding on its loud and cool as fuck x 3. The straightforward garage punk has plenty of boogie AC/DC style as ‘Problems’ can testify. which results in tracks that you can shout-along with after a few alcoholic beverages its real glam stomping, dirty rock n roll kids mixed in with what they’re doing down under, and the Stooges and Ramones did back in the 70s.

    The whole Turbonegro scene is also running through this album, ‘Drinkin’ is like a modern ‘TV Eye’ which is never a bad place to come from, especially when it breaks out into some more of that bad boy boogie. The title track is the halfway point and signals an off-license run to get more beers in as the party is getting warmer. Imagine a fingerless leather glove wrapped around an SM58 foot on the wedge and th eband rockin out, well, that’s Fuck x 3 on ‘Hard Rock’ and not exactly holding their cards close to their chest they just wanna have some fun.

    ‘Jaren Mee’ sounds like they found their Dolls mojo and might just be the album’s high water mark with its swagger and gang vocals sounding like some Angels fell outta heaven and landed in the red light district of the Dam. The fact that the band’s second single off this record is way down in the cut shows how strong this album is. No stacking it over the first few cuts, its wall to wall anthems and big riffs wrapped in cool choruses and gang vocals. It does exactly what it says on the jacket. ‘Fun’! with a capital F.

    The album closes with the hazy morning after the night before wig out jam of epic fuzzed proportions, ‘Get Rich’ might not be on the cards any day soon, but if your scorign it on other worldly riches and being the dogsd bollocks then their cup is spilling over because Fuck Fuck Fuck are the coolest cats on the black and ‘Fun’ is a worty album in any self respecting rock n rollas collection especially if you like it loud, down n dirty and maxed out on coolness. Buy it!

    Buy Here

    Buy From: WapShooWap Records

    Author: Dom Daley

    Head Noise – ‘The Noise of Art’ (Self-released)

    Head Noise – ‘The Noise of Art’ (Self-released)

    Some might say that the self-proclaimed Welsh Electro Art-Punk agitators Head Noise might have lost some of the magic that has made their previous back catalogue so special, now that the newly streamlined duo have silenced their critics with this beautiful, chaotic slab of plastic.

    From the opening notes of ‘Give Me Head Noise’ to the closing notes of ‘Brr… Tokyo Santa’. This duo have possibly released the album of their career. 

    One of the many highlights is the sublime pop-tastic ‘Purple Wednesday’. Which is also the non-single exclusive track you get straight away if you pre-order the album – so do yourselves a favour and get this potential 2026 album of the year pre-ordered. Even if it’s just to get your ears on this track alone, it’s worth the dosh.

    Armed with their Casio keyboard, sharp riffs, the action doesn’t stop there, especially with the quite frankly brilliant ‘Digital Day Off’. This song, while jarring, holds a mirror up to society’s reliance on digital products. The irony has been lost on me, either, knowing that all of you will be reading this via said items. But still, even so, it’s so catchy that it’s nice to be reminded to take a break.

    ‘DIY or Die’ is a slice of prime synthwave/punk that recalls Visage and some King to these ears. ‘XTV’ is another piece of aural bliss, that captures nicely everything that makes Head Noise pioneers in a musical scene that is quietly churning out the same old, same old. All I can say is thank the lord for Head Noise!

    The best bit of albums like ‘The Noise of Art’ and even bands like Head Noise themselves, is that we get to live and breathe in the art from its birth, its showcase and ultimately wallow in the delightful disarray that is glorious in every way, shape or form.

    Head Noise are for everyone, but especially those who love pushing boundaries, be it musical or art, this duo has it all. ‘The Noise of Art’ is what you would get by mixing classic 30 Something era Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine and the best Synth Pop, New Wave, Punk bands with a glorious lathering of Bostin’ Steve Austin era, We’ve Got A Fuzzbox… And We’re Gonna Use It! was thrown into a microwave for good measure. A timeless classic, way before and of its time, which proudly shows its influences on its sleeves, yet bravely forges its own identity at the same time.

    Author: Dave Prince