Venom – ‘Into Oblivion’ (Noise/BMG Records)

Venom – ‘Into Oblivion’ (Noise/BMG Records)

Horns up who was at Venom’s legendary Seventh Date of Hell gig at Hammersmith Odeon on June 1st 1984?

I was, and if you were as lucky as I was to be in attendance, you don’t really need me to tell you how important a band Venom were back in the day. I mean, back then, ‘Black Metal’ was all about one band and a word-of-mouth buzz between metal fans who liked their music sounding like it was spewing from the very depths of hell. It most certainly wasn’t the worldwide musical tour de force that it is today, one that even has its own sub-genres, and even managed to pop up as a topic for discussion on a celebrity travel show on TLC earlier this month (the Norwegian episode of Zero Stars in case you are wondering, starring Sarah Pascoe and Roisin Conaty).

That’s how influential Venom’s music was, and some might say still is.

Those heady and chaotic days of the classic ‘Black Metal’ line up are of course long since gone, but here I am in 2026 about to indulge myself in the band’s sixteenth studio record, ‘Into Oblivion’, featuring founding bassist/vocalist Cronos alongside Rage on guitar and Dante drums, this incarnation’s first new music since 2018’s ‘Storm The Gates’, promising to be their most “progressive” music to date.

Okay, let’s wind my neck in a second, this doesn’t mean that Venom have suddenly decided to go all Gryphon on us, and Cronos has dropped his bleeding cruciform bass for a crumhorn. No, what it means is that whilst the band recognises things from back in the day, they are looking to bring their new tunes into a whole new setting that gives their sound a whole fresh approach.

And I need look no further than the album’s opener and title track, ‘Into Oblivion’, to hear exactly what they mean by this. There’s a near power metal melodic guitar intro to the track before the double bass drums thunder out of the speakers, and Cronos bellows perhaps one of his most gutturally melodic vocal performances since the band’s ‘Calm Before The Storm’ days. By contrast, ‘Lay Down Your Soul’, which follows (and was the LP’s first single), is more pure old school Venom, packed full of lyrical nods to the band’s history and that gig I mentioned at the top of this review. This track will immediately have the Venom Legions worldwide windmilling like lunatics.

With eight years between studio albums Cronos and his bandmates have certainly had time to get this record sounding exactly how they want it to sound and it’s the guitars of Rage that delivers the monstrous chug that hammers home the likes of ‘Nevermore’ and ‘Man & Beast’, whilst the earthshaking rhythms of Cronos and Dante take the likes of ‘Death The Leveller’, ‘Legend’, and the awesome ‘Kicked Outta Hell’ to an all new level of intensity and have me screaming for ‘Metal Bloody Metal’, something I haven’t done in quite some time.

C’mon turn it up…‘Into Oblivion’ will be released on May 1st 2026 on vinyl, CD and digital formats and can be pre-ordered here.

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Author: Johnny Hayward

MÄRVEL has a secret

MÄRVEL has a secret

Pre-Save Link: https://marvel.ffm.to/secrets

Following the release of their tenth studio album Brain Drain Diaries on December 5, 2025, Swedish high-energy rock ’n’ roll trio MÄRVEL returns with the new single “Secrets” — a track that digs deeper into the emotional undercurrents that have long fueled the band’s songwriting.

Where Brain Drain Diaries captured the weight of endurance and the tension between collapse and persistence, “Secrets” shifts focus to what happens beneath the surface — the things left unsaid, the struggles carried alone, and the quiet moments where cracks begin to show. Built on a steady, driving rhythm and layered with sharp guitar work and melodic urgency, the song balances introspection with the band’s signature punch.

Lyrically, “Secrets” explores isolation, fractured relationships, and the burden of internal conflict, while still holding on to a sense of movement forward. There’s confrontation here, but also loyalty — a dynamic where support and friction coexist. The recurring line “no matter what the cost” underlines a refusal to give in, even when the weight feels overwhelming.

Written during the same creative period as Brain Drain Diaries, “Secrets” stands as a natural extension of that album’s narrative. It’s another piece of the puzzle — one that highlights the personal battles running parallel to the broader themes of burnout and resilience.

With its anthemic chorus, relentless groove, and a tension that builds without ever fully resolving, “Secrets” shows Märvel continuing to refine their sound while staying true to their core — direct, emotional, and driven by raw energy.

“Secrets” will also appear on the upcoming extended CD edition of Brain Drain Diaries, scheduled for release in the spring of 2026. The expanded version will feature additional material from the album sessions, giving fans a deeper look into the world surrounding one of the band’s most personal records to date.

“Secrets” will be released on Märvel’s own label Leather Lake and will be available on all digital platforms on 2026-05-01.

Official Website: https://www.marveltheband.com / Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marveltheband / Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marveltheband / TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marveltheband /X: https://www.x.com/fivesmellcity

God Bless Thirsty Quireboys

God Bless Thirsty Quireboys

GOD BLESS AMERICA –

BEST OF THIRSTY

FEATURING THE QUIREBOYS – SPIKE, GUY BAILEY, CHRIS JOHNSTONE 

RELEASED JUNE 5th 2026

Pre-Order Here

London-based rock project Thirsty Quireboys return with God Bless America, a striking release that celebrates the life, work and unmistakable creative spirit of the late Guy Bailey – founder of The Quireboys, songwriter, guitarist, and the architect of Thirsty’s distinctive sound. The album will be released June 5th 2026.

The title song God Bless America recounts the devastating real story of Rosemary Kennedy, sister of JFK: presented as a debutante to the Royal Family, later forcibly lobotomised on the insistence of her father, Joe Kennedy. During the operation, fully conscious, she was asked to sing God Bless America. When she stopped, so did they. Set to Irina D’s vivid, tightly focused lyrics and Guy’s haunting guitar motif, the track moves from romance to horror with stark elegance. Spike delivers one of the most emotionally charged vocal performances of his career, rising from tenderness to raw intensity as the narrative unfolds. Musically, Bailey’s use of discordant, looping E-minor phrases functions as an allegorical unravelling of the American Dream, echoing the spirit of Hendrix’s Star-Spangled Banner and the subversive grit of Springsteen’s Born in the USA.

Guy Bailey and Spike co‑founded The Quireboys, writing the songs that took the band from Monday-night pub gigs to being managed by Sharon Osborne and global tours with The Rolling Stones, Guns N’ Roses and Aerosmith, earning gold and platinum records along the way.

Guy Bailey’s solo project “Thirsty” began early in 2014 when he began working with Russian poet and lyricist Irina D. Their collaboration fused Bailey’s song-writing genius with Irina’s passion for storytelling and literature. Favourite novels, poems and real-life histories were framed and retold in three-minute songs, each lovingly produced by Chris Kimsey. Irina D: “I loved working with Guy on these songs. He was very well-read and his home was always full of books – Master and Margarita, Last Exit To Brooklyn and Moby Dick. The first song we ever did was Donnie to Sonny. I showed him a poem I had written and, whenever the story resonated, Guy went away and set my words to music. It was beautiful.”

Thirsty absolutely embraced the discipline of the classic song format. Within that tight frame, Bailey and Irina D crafted miniature cinematic worlds: each track a distilled portrait of a life, a myth, or a moment of human truth. Between 2015 and 2018, they released three critically acclaimed albums: Thirsty, Albatross and Nomad, featuring contributions from top-tier musicians including Simon Hanson (Squeeze, Death in Vegas), Chris Johnstone (The Quireboys), Lynne Jackaman (Saint Jude), and Kristi Kimsey. Drummer Simon Hansen “I’ve known Guy for longer than I have been in Squeeze! He was a great friend – a fabulously talented musician and songwriter even though he always did his best to downplay this fact. The Thirsty thing really was unusual. Irina D would bring poems to Guy based on books and stories she had read – and Guy went away set them to music. It was a bit like Elton John and Bernie Taupin in that respect.”

Originally, the new album was the brainchild of Irina D and was conceived as a simple tribute: Spike would sing just one track, ‘10 7 and Possibly 6’. But his first take stunned everyone in the studio, Guy’s guitar and Spike’s voice locked together with the force of old chemistry reignited. What began as one song quickly became a full, emotionally charged album. Spike himself says “…to get the chance to make a record again with Guy was really special.”

More than a compilation, God Bless America is a rare and unexpected reunion: a posthumous collaboration between Guy Bailey and his longtime friend and musical partner Spike (The Quireboys), reimagining Bailey’s songs through new vocals and powerful duets. Remixed and shaped under the ear of legendary Rolling Stones producer Chris Kimsey, the album brings new clarity, weight and emotional depth to the music Bailey created with co-writer Irina D. As Chris says,“Spike’s voice has always complemented Guy’s guitar playing perfectly. And the addition of one of the world’s best vocalists really complements and illuminates these songs. It was a really happy accident and I was delighted to be a part of it”

In addition to the title track, the album revisits some of Thirsty’s most beloved and most ambitious storytelling pieces: “Donnie to Sonny”– the true-life bond between mobster Sonny Black and undercover FBI agent Joe Pistone (Donnie Brasco). “Flawless” – a jewel thief’s escape, inspired by To Catch a Thief and the 2013 Cannes jewellery heist. “Albatross” – a vivid reimagining of Coleridge’s Rime of the Ancient Mariner. “Chaos” – Guy Bailey reciting Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress to introduce a modern allegorical wanderer. “Orlando” – a musical transformation of Virginia Woolf’s gender-shifting hero/ine. Each track has been re‑voiced, remixed and revitalised under Chris Kimsey’s direction, creating incredible versions of Thirsty’s strongest work. Chris Johnstone (bass) agrees “…This was an important record for all of us – and he (Spike) made sure that his voice was sounding as good as it has ever done. The results speak for themselves. “

God Bless America – Best Of Thirsty stands as both a celebration and an evolution: a final collaboration between two great friends and lifelong musical partners, and a new chapter in the ongoing story of Thirsty. At its heart is the enduring creative spark of Guy Bailey—his melodies, his instinctive guitar work, and the stories he helped bring to life. Through Spike’s vocals, Irina’s writing, and Chris Kimsey’s guidance, the album cements his legacy while allowing the songs to breathe in a new and powerful way.

CJ Wildheart – ‘DEViL’ (self release)

CJ Wildheart – ‘DEViL’ (self release)

You could say ex-Wildhearts six-string shouter CJ is more prolific than main Wildhearts mouthpiece Ginger right now. Since stepping away from the band, CJ has kept himself busy and upped the ante with his own solo career. Recent tours with Michael Monroe and Ricky Warwick now lead to the release of his 8th solo album ‘DEViL’, an album that was apparently a true labour of love and could well be his musical swan song.

CJ is a true DIY artist in every sense of the word. On ‘DEViL’ he has recorded and played all the instruments himself, bar drums, which are more than ably handled by long-time compadre Jason Bowld, and mixing duties are once again by go-to-guy Dave Draper. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Lead single ‘One Of The Boys’ is a great starting point. Lyrically, it’s introspective and tackles the doubts and questions of an uncertain future. Musically, it aims for the stadiums with a chorus so uplifting that the ensuing goosebumps will contradict the lyrical message. It’s up there with his best work.

‘DEViL’ follows the blueprint of CJ’s solo career to date, in-yer-face powerful punk ‘n roll, dripping with memorable hooks and killer choruses, no slow songs and no acoustic guitars. Opener ‘Nein Nein Nein’ is a punchy assault to the senses, a wall of urgent beats and distorted guitars leads the way for gnarly vocals. The following, ‘The Art Of Being Free’, is a glorious and instant earworm with a euphoric refrain that is just what the doctor ordered. Mark my words, you’ll be singing along from the opening chorus, and it’s a song that demands the replay button.

But don’t hit that button just yet, as there is more great ear candy to devour. You could say some artists mellow with age, and some bellow with rage, CJ is firmly in the latter camp. He has perfected that vocal sneer over the years, and ‘SOB’ sees our man firing on all cylinders with a track that could be a Wildhearts B-side from 20 years ago (and we all know how good those are, right?). Elsewhere, the regimental rifforama of ‘No More’ bridges the gap between punk and metal nicely, leaving those pop melodies by the wayside, it’s the perfect conduit for a punk vocal delivery. Yet it is bookended by ‘Rotten’ and ‘Twenty Two’, a pair of ridiculously catchy tunes that walk a familiar, catchy and more commercial path. Album closer ‘Fade’ then sees our man in an introspective mood again as he soul-searches one last time.

As it becomes increasingly difficult for artists of all levels to tour and release music, you can forgive CJ for feeling it’s time to step away from the music business and move on to other things. And with the recent sad loss of former Wildhearts bassist Scott Sorry and Ginger’s recent health diagnosis, it feels like we are coming to the end of an era for fans of all things Wildhearts.

But don’t feel sad just yet, Wildhearts fans, as CJ has given us a winner with ‘Devil’, and if it is his musical swansong, then so be it, it’s a fine way to bow out in style.

Now, go pre-order the thing and maybe bag some Devilspit hot sauce for your bacon butty while you’re at it.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

Descendents Reclaim ‘Enjoy!’

Descendents Reclaim ‘Enjoy!’

ORG MUSIC RELEASES THE THIRD INSTALLMENT IN LANDMARK REISSUE CAMPAIGN; 

OUT NOW Here

Available in multiple formats, exclusive color variants, and a special “Punk Note” edition with artwork by John Yates inspired by Blue Note jazz classics.

“This classic album has it all. Punk riffs, catchy hooks, and even scatological humor. One could say it is the perfect album.”- The Hard Times

“When it’s at its best, it’s absolutely f*cking brilliant.”– Punknews

Org Music continues its comprehensive Descendents reissue series with Enjoy!, the third installment in the campaign celebrating the band’s foundational catalog and the latest release since the group reclaimed ownership of their master recordings. Originally released in 1986, Enjoy! captures Descendents pushing fully into their instincts, doubling down on short, fast, melody-driven songs that balance juvenile humor with sharpened songwriting and unmistakable urgency.

While the band had already helped define what would become pop punk, Enjoy! finds them expanding the formula without losing intensity. Tracks like “Hürtin’ Crüe” and “Get the Time” channel irreverence through speed, melody, and tension, while subtle new wave and pop touches—including a punked-up take on The Beach Boys’ “Wendy”—broaden the band’s sound without dulling its edge. Forty years on, Enjoy! remains a defining entry in the Descendents catalog and a crucial document of the band’s restless evolution.

This new edition is out now on LP, CD, and cassette, with multiple color-vinyl variants. Produced in close collaboration with the band, the reissue brings Enjoy! back into print across formats with careful attention to presentation and detail.

Among the vinyl offerings is a limited “Punk Note” edition featuring alternate packaging by John Yates (Stealworks), inspired by the iconic jazz designs of Reid Miles and Francis Wolff, whose work helped define the Blue Note label. This visual reimagining of punk classics continues the aesthetic series that began with Org Music’s Bad Brains reissues. Each “Punk Note” title includes new liner notes by BrooklynVegan senior editor Andrew Sacher and is housed in a deluxe case-wrapped jacket.

The Enjoy! reissue follows Org Music’s widely praised reissues of Milo Goes to College and I Don’t Want to Grow Up, forming the third chapter in an ongoing archival series dedicated to keeping Descendents’ core albums in print across formats for longtime fans and new listeners alike.

FORMATS

Widely Available

  • Black LP
  • “Wild Cherry” LP
  • Punk Note Edition (black vinyl)
  • CD
  • Cassette (Pink)

Limited / Exclusive Variants

  • Punk Note Edition (magenta vinyl) — Org Music exclusive
  • “Green Green” LP — Descendents exclusive
  • “Sour Grapes” LP — Zia Records & Org Music exclusive
  • “Bubblegum” LP — Amoeba Records & BrooklynVegan exclusive
  • Black LP with Exclusive Obi Strip — Celebrated Summer Records
  • Cassette (Red) — Tapehead City exclusive

ORDER HERE:

Descendents

Follow Descendents:
[Webstore] | [Instagram] | [Facebook]

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[Website] | [Instagram] | [Facebook]

Tesla – Homage (Frontiers)

Tesla – Homage (Frontiers)

Never a band to shy away from wearing their influences on their sleeves, Tesla are back with ‘Homage’, which is exactly what the title suggests, a cover album of their influences. Thankfully, Tesla is a band that is more than happy to sing the songs that made them the band they are today, and this new release delivers on so many levels.

Opener ‘Never Alone’ is the only original track on the album, while it is a great song and shows the listener where the band are currently at, thankfully, it doesn’t sound out of place, but it is a strange thing to hear on what is basically a covers album.

Anyway, the first homage up is the cover of Sam Cooke’s ‘Bring It On Home’. Whenever Tesla covers a song, they do indeed make it their own, and that is the case with this classic. I mean Jeff Keith, can only sound like himself and no one else.

One band I never thought I would hear Tesla cover is Queen, and with ‘Spread Your Wings’, the band have done just that, shown the song respect, and done it justice. Thankfully, Jeff Keith, along with the rest of the band, makes the song their own once again.

Tesla’s take on Bob Seger’s classic ‘Night Moves’ is a perfect song for the band to take on and does it justice. Admittedly, it doesn’t sound too removed from the original, but that’s not the point here. The band are clearly having a ball paying their respects to the songs that shaped them. And none more so than on this track, which for me is easily the highlight of the whole album.

Another artist that I would never imagine Tesla covering is that of the King, yeah, they cover Elvis Presley’s ‘If I Can Dream’, which thankfully, the band stay the right side of honouring a great song.

Yes, the band have covered the brilliant Badfinger’s ‘Come and Get It’, and we all know the history behind its inception, with it being written by Paul McCartney and is, for all intents and purposes, a Beatles track. And Tesla has recorded a great version.

On the cover bingo card, Tesla covering James Brown is not one I would have thought would ever get ticked off – but here they go for a straightforward cover of the classic ‘I Got You (I Feel Good). While it is a decent cover, it’s not for me, as it doesn’t add much to the original.

Supertramp’s ‘Give A Little Bit’ is up next and feels like it has been covered to death, but that said, the band have yet again done it justice, while making it ‘Tesla-fied’. Following this up with the first single release from this album is ‘I Love You (2026 Version)’. The Climax Blues Band cover is not one I was familiar with until I heard it on the band’s 2011 album ‘Twisted Wires’. This newly updated version is sublime.

The other covers on the album are good, especially Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Have You Seen The Rain. Jeff Keith’s voice fits the song perfectly. As it does on ‘The Ballad of Curtis Loew’ by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

One thing about this album is that the band, made up of Jeff Keith (vocals), Brian Wheat (bass), Frank Hannon (guitars), Dave Rude (guitars) and Steve Brown (drums), has clearly recorded songs that have inspired them throughout the years. Tesla is clearly going nowhere but up!

Buy Here

Author: Dave Prince

Rival Sons set for Steelhouse

Rival Sons set for Steelhouse

Steelhouse – the festival on the top of a Welsh mountain – have confirmed that the headliners for Saturday night – as the festival celebrates its 15th year –  will be the mighty Rival Sons. 

Max and Mikey said, “Thank you for your patience, but truly great things come to those who wait…And what a great thing this is. Rival Sons are SHXV Saturday headliners. For us they are best rock band to establish themselves this century. True musicianship, the ability to reach right into the soul and out front, one of the truly great voices – really they are beyond superlatives. The return of Rival Sons to the Mountain as headliners in our 15th year is the ultimate gift. Its set to be the band’s only UK festival show this summer”.

Tuk Smith & the Restless Hearts have also been confirmed for the Saturday, as part of a Festival line-up that squarely puts proper rock n roll first: Steel Panther, Ugly Kid Joe,The Temperance Movement, Reef, Alien Ant Farm, Tyketto, Von Hertzen Brothers, Darren Wharton’s Renegade, Mason Hill, Dan Byrne, Luke Morley, Anthony Gomes, Beaux Gris Gris & The Apocalypse, AMH, Parker Barrow, LN, King Kraken and Blue Nation. 

2026 marks the 15th iteration of Steelhouse, a now essential fixture on the summer festival map. Tickets are on sale now. For those wanting to spread the cost, a monthly payment plan is available on weekend arena tickets.  VIP upgrades are also available for those wanting VIP bar access, luxury facilities, acoustic sets and more!

The Festival at the top of the mountain boasts not only the best views of any UK rock event but one of the most passionate, friendly and loyal followings. With a reputation for not only bringing in the biggest and best names from the international world of Rock, Steelhouse also understands the role it can play in throwing open its prestigious stage to the best of the new breed of bands. It all adds up to a compelling mix of classic and cutting-edge rock, old and new.

STEELHOUSE – Keep on Swingin’

Dharma Guns pour gasoline on the flaming map of action rock with their second album

Dharma Guns pour gasoline on the flaming map of action rock with their second album

Helsinki-based dandy punk band Dharma Guns return with their scorching second album, declaring themselves the kings of action rock and delivering a dark, feverish take on the state of the world. Nightmares and Broken Dreams will be released on April 24, 2026. 

The album was released not only on digital platforms, but also on vinyl and CD.

Dharma Guns planted their flag firmly on the flaming map of action rock with their debut album Ex-Generation Superstars, which tackled generational divides. The new album turns its focus to the legacy we leave for future generations.

The sheer joy of rock ’n’ roll runs deep in the band’s DNA. It sparks throughout the album, and tracks like “King of Action Rock” kick the engine into overdrive.

“Writing ‘Shock O’clock’ marked the beginning of Nightmares and Broken Dreams. The lyrical world of the song set the tone for the entire album, and the guitar riff carries a hint of Nirvana. There’s something delicious about opening the record with the most hopeless track, featuring the line ‘we’ve had our chance / humankind won’t last’,” says vocalist-guitarist Pete, and continues: “But so it’s not all despair, the closing track ‘The Voice of the Underdogs’ carries a glimmer of hope and a message for humanity: be fucking kind.”

Dharma Guns have refined their rock ’n’ roll into a distinctive sound, carrying forward the legacy of bands like MC5, The Hellacopters and The Lords of the New Church. The second album is a tight, focused statement from the very heart of action rock. Song titles like “Devil’s Beat”, “Fear of Getting Bored” and “Clowns in the Castles” set the tone, but the band also explores new shades: “Bruised Body and a Broken Knee” leans heavily into blues, while “Black Cloud” even features acoustic guitars.

“‘Black Cloud’ is our grunge ballad. It’s a slowly building ode to a planet struggling with the climate crisis and denialism. It could have been born on the rainy streets of Seattle in the early ’90s. Our drummer Olli even calls it our ‘Stairway to Heaven’. And the recording process got emotional too — during mixing we were on the verge of falling apart over a single shaker. Some wanted it gone, others insisted it had to stay. In the end, everyone won: we re-recorded it and kept it in,” Pete laughs.

“‘Bruised Body and a Broken Knee’ was written while I was recovering from knee surgery last year. At its core, it deals with our relationship to the physical body — a temple of love for some, a temple of doom for others. The chorus swings like a drunken schlager band playing Tom Waits,” Pete describes.

The album has been preceded by the singles “King of Action Rock”, “Devil’s Beat”, “Scale of the Universe” and “The Voice of the Underdogs”. Dharma Guns’ debut album Ex-Generation Superstars was released in 2024.

Following the release, Dharma Guns will head out on a UK tour with glam punk legend Steve Vincent. The two will also share the stage in Helsinki and Turku at Dharma Guns’ album release shows.

Dharma Guns: Nightmares and Broken Dreams

Spotify

Apple Music
Deezer
Qobuz
Tidal

Music videos for the album’s singles:
King of Action Rock

The Voice of the Underdogs

Devil’s Beat
Scale of the Universe

Dharma Guns: Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

The Baroni Blow-Up – Feat. Shy But Flyy

The Baroni Blow-Up – Feat. Shy But Flyy

Rock’n’roll connoisseurs The Hillbilly Moon Explosion don’t rest on their laurels!  The latest is that Oliver Baroni, stand-up bassist and co-vocalist has a new side-project with a flexible group of musicians, under the moniker The Baroni Blow-Up.  In keeping with the Englishman’s worldwide viewpoint from his base in Switzerland, it’s an international affair.

The band-members are American, though two of them were found in London – guitarist Andy Kandil, a session favourite and veteran of psychobilly legends Mad Sin amongst others, and drummer Tuck Nelson, who also co-engineered recordings in his London studio.  On vocals is Shy But Flyy, the celebrated blues and jazz singer from Long Beach, CA.  The A-side song I Wanna is an obscure punk song original by Berlin band Hot Boogie Chilean; the flip Free is a Shy But Flyy original.  And the single’s artwork originated in Spain.

Hear The Baroni Blow-Up Here 

HME’s Emanuela Hutter has also issued a new side-project together with more American musicians – Goose Bumps, an album produced in Chicago by Hi-Style Records’ Jimmy Sutton (JD McPherson, Pokey LaFarge, The Bellfuries). Sutton assembled an all-star cast of musicians, including Alex Hall (engineer, drums) and Joel Paterson (guitar).  In February she premiered the songs with the band at The Water Rats, Kings Cross, London.

Meanwhile, The Hillbilly Moon Explosion continue together with their unique take on rock’n’roll and worldwide touring.  Upcoming live dates across the UK are as follows: –

14 May 2026 – Derby – The Hairy Dog
15 May 2026 – Newcastle – The Cluny
16 May 2026 – Glasgow – Oran Mor
17 May 2026 – Manchester – Night & Day
18 May 2026 – Bristol – The Exchange
19 May 2026 – Nuneaton – The Queens Hall
20 May 2026 – Norwich – Adrian Flux Waterfront Studio
21 May 2026 – Oxford – The Bullingdon
22 May 2026 – London – 229
23 May 2026 – Southampton – Papillon
24 May 2026 – Brighton – Komedia

Rock’n’roll like you didn’t know existed!!!

The Baroni Blow-Up I Wanna ft. Shy But Flyy – 7” single, JUNG094   

Digital release on May 15.   Initial 7″ singles available on tour and direct mail.

—
www.jungle-records.com ~ ~ ~ www.facebook.com/JungleRecords

THE JACQUES, THE SUKIS AND PISTOL DAISYS GET IN THE VAN FOR ‘THE WHEELS IN MOTION TOUR’ THIS COMING SEPTEMBER

THE JACQUES, THE SUKIS AND PISTOL DAISYS GET IN THE VAN FOR ‘THE WHEELS IN MOTION TOUR’ THIS COMING SEPTEMBER

THE JACQUES, THE SUKIS AND PISTOL DAISYS GET IN THE VAN FOR ‘THE WHEELS IN MOTION TOUR’ THIS COMING SEPTEMBER

TICKETS ONSALE HERE FROM 10am WEDNESDAY APRIL 22ND

In an ever changing and evolving music industry, whilst the digital age has transformed so many aspects of how artists operate, one thing that will never change is the desire to get in the van and take the music out on the road: live, personal and in your face.

This coming September sees the start of ‘The Wheels In Motion Tour’, a three-band bill that will support indie venues up and down the country, showcasing some of the UKs most thrilling indie rock talent with The Jacques, The Sukis and Pistol Daisys.

Curated by indie live agency Motion Talent, all three bands are part of the emerging artists on their roster, and the tour aims to boost grassroots touring through indie venues with a fan friendly low-ticket price. Motion’s Neil O’Brien says:

“I am incredibly excited to see our first Wheels In Motion tour hit the road in September with three of our homegrown emerging artists playing some of the UK’s best independent venues. As an independent live agency booking tours and festivals worldwide Motion Talent is committed to investing in artists by creating high quality touring and being involved at the beginning with marketing, PR, transport, accommodation and technical support unlike anyone else. I see it as our responsibility not only to represent established artists but also to actively create tomorrow’s talent – Wheels In Motion is just that and hopefully will be the first of many great tours in the future.”

First up, London via Bristol trio The Jacques have been carving their way up and down the country and the EU with post punk legends Public Image Limited in recent times, and since first forming as young teenagers, they’ve supported The Libertines at Hyde Park and played Glastonbury, Reading and Leeds. Their story has been fraught with as many ups as downs, but The Jacques have proved themselves to be true road warriors and survivors. Their genre-smashing fusion of mutant punk, psychedelic grunge and joyous indie rock never fails to hit the spot.

“Being on the road is the best,” state the band. “We spent most of last year on tour in endless scrapes and adventures and it was while bouncing around the back of the van on a cold night up north that we thought of getting our label mates to come and join us on a tour like the old school ones. It’s going to be a blast!”

Also joining the tour are Liverpool’s The Sukis, who are fast making a name for themselves as one of the most exciting alternative rock bands on the scene today. Punky, intelligent and an explosive live act, their songs dive deep into the psyche of what it is to be young.

Lastly, Pistol Daisys are storming the alt-pop scene with a fierce energy that’s quickly earned them a devoted following, blending Glasgow’s vibrant grit with heartfelt authenticity to create music that captivates fans across Scotland all the way to Europe. Their live shows convey a whirlwind of raw emotion and authentic connection, thrilling audiences and filling venues with a sound that blends confessional songwriting with dance-oriented hooks, drawing comparisons to bands like Blondie and mixing pop, rock and electronic elements.

‘The Wheels In Motion Tour’ showcases three unique bands that although different musically, share a common goal to fire up their engines and hit the road, taking their music to hot and sweaty venues, as it was intended to be heard and felt. All three bands will have new music coming this year as they continue to grow and develop, pushing their sounds in new and thrilling directions.

Stories from the road…

The Jacques:

“We were on the home stretch of a long tour through Europe, having been left stranded by our now ex-tour manager in Milan because of our bad behaviour. Our new TM was driving us back to Calais when we noticed a burning smell, one of the tyres had completely melted. We pulled up and called for help. We went looking for food, but the walk was rural and long. As we crossed the French fields, no less than 7 spaniels came running towards us looking unusually vicious. Then we heard gun shots. 7 farmers emerged from the bushes, each shooting a rifle into the air. We had been WARNED… then for some reason our TM turned up in a Lamborghini.”

The Sukis:

“The last night of our tour, back in Liverpool, we had people from everywhere – Ireland, Scotland, France, Romania. They all turned up in ties! Ties! And lots of gifts…the efforts fans make is incredible!”

Pistol Daisys:

“Always the three of us in a car…. claustrophobic, the smell of body odour, banter and camaraderie always prevails, we’ve never had more fun!”

Follow ‘The Wheels In Motion Tour’ at the following dates in September.

2nd Sept Birmingham Hare & Hounds 2

3rd Sept Sheffield Sidney & Matilda

4th Sept Manchester Factory251

5th Sept Huddersfield Amped

6th Sept Leeds Lending Room

9th Sept Glasgow Stereo

10th Sept Newcastle Think Tank

11th Sept Liverpool Arts Club Loft

12th Sept Nottingham Bodega

13th Sept Brighton Komedia 2

18th Sept Southampton Joiners

19th Sept London Dingwalls

20th Sept Norwich Waterfront Studio

24th Sept Tunbridge Wells The Forum

25th Sept Guildford Boileroom

26th Sept Bedford Esquires

27th Sept Hitchin Club 85

Tickets available HERE from 10am Wednesday April 22nd.

Find The Jacques online HERE

Find The Sukis online HERE

Find Pistol Daisys online HERE