Show Pony – ‘Show Pony for the Masses’ (Dream House)

Show Pony – ‘Show Pony for the Masses’ (Dream House)

Some bands just have ‘it.’ There is a rush for me when I hear those bands for the first time, and it happened here in a big way. I heard the band thanks to my finely tuned YouTube algorithm knowing to show me new music videos by new bands. Show Pony’s songs turned into one of those nights where the songs went on repeat multiple times. They have released their debut EP, serving up a five-song platter of excellence.  Hailing from Winnipeg, Show Pony have brought together ingredients from different genres to create a sound that is both fresh and familiar. The band are a trio who manage to create a full sound with just one guitar and drums.

Opener ‘Dead and Gone’ provides a great introduction to the album with hypnotic vocals in the verse working perfectly with the guitar riff and drums. It builds into an explosive chorus that will stick in your head. I described the band’s sound to someone as hints of punk, guitar rock, pop hooks, and a scoop of new wave. All those influences come together here. Lyrically, these songs hit hard and deep as they dive into the stages of grief and honestly remind me that I am still working through some of these from losing my Dad last year. Next up is ‘Lightning’, possibly my favourite from the album, where I can feel some early Blondie combining with X. This song has hook after hook throughout it. There are subtle nuances in the vocals that really elevate the song. Closing out the first side of the vinyl, ‘Makes No Difference’ brings in some great backing vocals in the chorus, and the musical change through the chorus provides a great change in tempo. The urgency continues to build in the song and leaves the listener feeling the train move faster and faster.

‘Superstar’ snaps out of the speaker with a killer guitar riff and reminds me a bit of 90’s bands like Fur, NY Loose, and the Goops crossed with some hard-hitting Brit-Rock flourishes a la Grand Theft Audio and a dose of Wargasm UK as the vocals remind me a bit of Milkie Way. ‘You Just Know’ closes out the album with another great rocker coated with extra sticky earworms.

At five songs, the band experiences the one criticism you probably don’t mind as a band… I simply wish there were more songs here. It provides a great introduction to the world for the band. Musically, this is timeless, and, years down the line, we hopefully get to look back on this EP and consider how the band evolved over the years. Definitely recommended!

‘Show Pony for the Masses’ is available now. Buy Here

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Author: Gerald Stansbury

Ricky Warwick returns with ‘Fire & Vengence’

Ricky Warwick returns with ‘Fire & Vengence’

Ricky Warwick returns with ‘Fire & Vengeance’, the explosive new single and title track from his forthcoming album coming out September 4th via Earache. The album will be available across multiple colour vinyl variants, signed editions, exclusive bundles and more via Earache Records, with special early bird pricing available for fans who pre-order early.

Speaking about the track, Ricky says, “‘Fire & Vengeance’ is a song about not knowing when you’re beaten… and refusing to let the politicians, the pressure, or the noise grind you down. It’s about standing in the wreckage with your fists still clenched and your spirit still intact.”

The accompanying video captures the reality of life on the road – candid backstage moments, travelling, stage walks, live crowds and the grit and camaraderie that fuel Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts night after night. Watch the video here.

Driven by raw guitars, defiant energy and Warwick’s unmistakable voice, Fire & Vengeance captures the spirit of resilience and rebellion that has defined his career for decades. The album also features special appearances from Phil Collen (Def Leppard), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake / The Dead Daisies), Charlie Starr (Blackberry Smoke) and Darren Holden (The High Kings).

Speaking about the album, Ricky says, “I wanted to make an album that captures everything I love about rock’n’roll – its power to bring people together, to make us dance and connect with one another, even in a world that often feels consumed by fire and vengeance. At its core, this record is about finding hope and unity in the chaos.

“A huge thank you to Phil Collen, Doug Aldrich, Charlie Starr and Darren Holden for bringing their musical talent to this record. I was also honoured to work on all of the songs with my good friend Keith Nelson once again – if you think we played all of our cards on my last album, ‘Blood Ties’, think again!

It’s a record that showcases a musician at the very peak of his powers, able to switch from tattooed blue-collar anthems to Stones-y balladeering and even the traditional Irish music that surrounded him growing up in County Down, Northern Ireland. Lyrically, he’s up there with the very best – a working-class poet whose songs combine the autobiographical, the observational, the political, the cynical and the heartfelt.

From fronting The Almighty and leading Black Star Riders to his acclaimed solo work alongside Ricky Warwick & The Fighting Hearts, Ricky Warwick has remained one of rock’s most respected and enduring voices and one of rock’n’roll’s last true rebels.

Having spent almost 40 years marching to no beat other than his own, Fire & Vengeance comes just 18 months after the #25 UK album Blood Ties, a record that saw Warwick return home to his native Northern Ireland after almost 20 years living in California.

Working quickly has given the 10 songs that make up Fire & Vengeance their undeniable energy. “I’m not one of those guys who needs to disappear into a cabin in the mountains with all this fancy gear,” Warwick says. “All I need is a room and a guitar, and the ideas come. It’s a working-class thing, something I had instilled in me when I was a kid.”

To celebrate the release, Ricky Warwick will hit the road across the UK and Ireland this November.

Ricky adds, “I cannot wait for you to hear ‘Fire & Vengeance’ in full. Thank you for rocking with me all these years – here’s to many more together!”

For tickets and more details please head to https://www.rickywarwick.com/

FIRE & VENGEANCE TOUR – NOVEMBER 2026
Thu 5 Nov        Limerick – Dolans
Fri 6 Nov          Dublin – Grand Social
Sun 8 Nov        Belfast – Limelight 2
Tue 10 Nov      Edinburgh – La Belle Angele
Wed 11 Nov    Wolverhampton – KK’s Steel Mill
Thu 12 Nov     Nottingham – Rescue Rooms
Fri 13 Nov       Manchester – Gorilla
Sat 14 Nov       Newcastle – Anarchy Brew
Wed 18 Nov    Southend – Chinnerys
Thu 19 Nov     London – 100 Club
Fri 20 Nov       Norwich – Waterfront
Sat 21 Nov       Cambridge – Mash
Sun 22 Nov      Bristol – Thekla
Wed 25 Nov    Portsmouth – Kola
Thu 26 Nov     Trecco Bay – Planet Rockstock

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