Subhumans/ Only Fools And Corpses/ Bad Sam – The Bunkhouse, Swansea 04/06/26

Subhumans/ Only Fools And Corpses/ Bad Sam – The Bunkhouse, Swansea 04/06/26

Lovely to see a local venue packed to the gills on a school night in anticipation of three very fine bands all flying the flag for independent music. First up, Positive Reaction were a no-show, the reason unknown. So it is the trimmed-down but always ferocious and captivating Bad Sam. Now down to a two piece of Guitar and voice and a laptop, meaning there are only two people to disagree with, rather than a band of 4 with all that equipment. 

Don’t be fooled into thinking that Bad Sam have lost any of their edge or ferocity because that simply wouldn’t be true. With a brand new album to peddle, this was ‘Trauma’ time for Beddis as he climbed down off the stage and right into the thick of the packed audience. ‘Popcorn and Blood’ set the tone for the brief set. Rich was in charge of the laptop (prob for the best) and his guitar up on the rather high Bunkhouse stage whilst Dean prowled the audience barking out the lyrics.  Of all the new songs, ‘Tupperware Death Party’ brought all those in attendance of a certain age to a nostalgic tear or two, but the noticeable thing was the fact that there were only two of them they lost none of the punch or power the music needs to tear Swansea a new one.

Alas their time is too short so there isn’t any reworking of a ‘Snake With Tits’, ‘Mr Trump’ perhaps a ‘Dicks With Dogs’ or ‘I Love The Port’ but that’s ok like I said this was Trauma time and hearing new Bad Sam music is always a pleasure and hopefully with the reception they got this won’t be the last time they head down west maybe for a headline set where they can work in some of the old magic with this new found direction. Awesome stuff.

Next up was local(ish) lads Only Fools And Corpses that are part Newport part Swansea lads with their Helmet meets NomeansNo meets a brick to the temple punk /alt-hardcore noise they peddle, and to be fair, they do it oh so well.  This isn’t my first encounter with these gentlemen because we met at a chaotic performance in the tight surroundings of Afan Ales many moons ago but this was a much nicer experience with a decent and very loud PA and packed house the two guitarists traded vocals as they thumped their way through their set sadly for the last time as they’ve decided that tonight was the night to call it a day for Only Fools And Corpses but Cameron did announce that he’d been writing new material so hopefully it wont be long before they are back all be it under a new name and different guise again something different to Bad Sam but equally excellent which only meant it was time for the headliners to make their Swansea debut. Considering they’ve been at this since 1980 and played every village and venue under the sun around this spinning rock its quite remarkable that this was their first visit to this fair city, something that wasn’t lost on Dick.

Now, considering this was a midweek show, it was great to see the place packed to the rafters, and for such an occasion, it was great to see the reliably good Subhumans deliver a set of top-notch anarcho punk. Anyone who’s seen the band perform will know that anything less that 100% isn’t an option and if you were to see them play more than once in a run of shows you wont get the same set twice however you will obviously get ‘Micky Mouse IS Dead’, ‘Rats’ and ‘No’ but its always great to hear newer songs like ‘99%’ it wouldn’t’ seem right if you didn’t have a mixed set because Dick Lucas was born to do this and gives nothing short every performance as he flits across the stage not pausing or stopping for breath for a second of the hour plus they are on stage. The band sounds tight as and looks like they’re enjoying the rapturous applause they’re getting from the very appreciative venue.

Twenty-plus songs in an hour from gentlemen of a certain age giving it large, showing people a fraction of their age how it’s done with passion and purpose. That, my friends, was a wonderful evening in the company of three exceptional bands absolutely smashing it. Less than £15 a ticket, all for charity, I believe, which is unbelievable value for money in these tough times.  Please, whoever books shows in this city, let’s have all three back sometime in the not-too-distant future and seeing an audience that was a very healthy mix of teenagers to us older me, it was heart-warming to see and be part of.  Uppa Punx!

Author: Dom Daley

Thirsty Quireboys – ‘God Bless America The Best Of Thirsty Quireboys’ (Cadiz Music)

Thirsty Quireboys – ‘God Bless America The Best Of Thirsty Quireboys’ (Cadiz Music)

One of the biggest shames of 80s rock n roll was The Quireboys losing Guy Bailey after their second album. The guy (no pun intended) oozed Rock n Roll it was coursing through his veins and a massive part of the bands sound was shaped by the guys touch and tone on all those early records and after signing with ms Osbourne they took forever to make a follow up to ‘A Bit Of What You Fancy’ and Guy was done and with him left a big part of that rock n roll soul. After stints making noise with the Peckham Cowboys, it wasn’t until Thirsty that Guy reappeared on my radar for sure, and when he made the first record, I was lucky enough to interview the fella, and what a joy it was to chat about the scene of the early Quireboys and what influenced them and him through our mutual love of all things Keith Richards but it wasn’t until SPike and Guy were on stage in the borderline with Tyla that I next had a brief chat with Guy about Thirsty and what next.

Fast forward to 2026, and the way too early passing of Guy and then this record appears out of the ether with Spike’s voice filling the air over these slices of 3D cinematic rock n roll that Guy had previously released. Having Guy Spike and original Quireboy Chris also hopping on board is a real bittersweet moment. Turning the speakers up and the lights low, it’s drop the needle in the groove and immerse oneself into this record, and it begins with the awesome ‘1-10 7 and possibly 6’ I dunno what it means, but I do know it captures the attention and kicks your backside in classic Guy Bailey way. The overdriven tele rings out and the drums kick in before Spike joins the party and we’re away. What a wonderful song, all Keith Richards meets Chuck Prophet and dripping with coolness.

I can remember having to give Thirsty time to seep into your head, and once you familiarised yourself with the vibe, you were locked in, and what a rewarding listen it was. The main thing I take away is how fucking good Guys playing is. It’s not technical nor is it note perfect, but it’s full to bursting with emotion, and the heart and soul flowing through his fingers is a joy to hear.

‘Flawless’, then the title track, are majestic with wonderful performances from Spike. Fans of the Quireboys and Rock n Roll will love this album and enjoy every second of it from the cool storytelling of ‘Donnie To Sonny’ to the honking fuzz of ‘Orlando’, it’s a thunderous-sounding record that’s got that sparse production that lets everything breathe and lets the songs and the stories to be told in true rock n roll fashion. Closing the record off with the beautiful and dark ‘Black’ is haunting and soulful, and a perfect way to close off a wonderful record from some wonderfully talented people. Rest In Peace, Guy. Your legacy is in safe hands.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

THIRSTY QUIREBOYS – Competition

THIRSTY QUIREBOYS – Competition

THIRSTY QUIREBOYS “GOD BLESS AMERICA

 BEST OF THIRSTY” ALBUM NOW TO BE RELEASED 19TH JUNE 2026

FEATURING THE QUIREBOYS – SPIKE, GUY BAILEY, CHRIS JOHNSTONE

VINYL & CD PRE‑ORDERS NOW LIVE: Here

We’re running a competition for two lucky people to win a copy of the vinyl or CD and a T-shirt. All you have to do is email rpmonlinetcb@yahoo.com with the answer to this question –

What was the title of the debut album from the Quireboys?

Closing date is 7 O’Clock- Monday 15th June 2026

Thirsty Quireboys have confirmed a revised release date for the album ‘God Bless America – Best of Thirsty,’ now landing 19 June 2026.

The album – a powerful tribute to the late Guy Bailey featuring Spike, Bailey and Chris Johnstone – is available to pre‑order now on Blue Vinyl, Black Vinyl and Digipack CD.

This collection brings new life to Thirsty’s most evocative storytelling pieces, remixed under the ear of Chris Kimsey and showcasing Spike’s newly recorded vocal performances. Fans can secure their copies ahead of release, with early previews of “Mercury Rising”, “Flawless” and “Albatross” already generating strong excitement with fans.

Available formats: Blue Vinyl, Black Vinyl & Digipack CD

Thirsty Quireboys return with “God Bless America – Best of Thirsty”, a powerful new release honouring 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 on the revised date of 19 June 2026, with vinyl and CD pre‑orders now available.

At the centre of the record is the haunting title track “God Bless America”, which recounts the devastating true story of Rosemary Kennedy – debutante, sister of JFK, and victim of a forced lobotomy ordered by her father, Joe Kennedy. Set to Irina D’s vivid, tightly focused lyrics and Bailey’s looping, discordant E‑minor motif, the track moves from romance to horror with stark elegance. Spike delivers one of the most emotionally charged vocal performances of his career as the narrative unfolds.

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

Thirsty began in 2014 when Bailey teamed up with Russian poet and lyricist Irina D, fusing his melodic instinct with her love of literature and storytelling. “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.” — Irina D

Between 2015 and 2018, Thirsty released three critically acclaimed albums – Thirsty, Albatross and Nomad – featuring contributions from Simon Hanson (Squeeze, Death in Vegas), Chris Johnstone (The Quireboys), Lynne Jackaman (Saint Jude) and Kristi Kimsey. “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 and set them to music. It was a bit like Elton John and Bernie Taupin in that respect.” – Simon Hanson

The new album began as a simple tribute conceived by Irina D, with Spike originally set to sing just one track, “10, 7 and Possibly 6.” But his first take stunned everyone in the studio, reigniting the old chemistry between his voice and Bailey’s guitar. “…to get the chance to make a record again with Guy was really special.” – Spike

What started as one song became a full, emotionally charged album — a rare posthumous reunion between two lifelong musical partners. Remixed and shaped under the ear of legendary Rolling Stones producer Chris Kimsey, the record brings new clarity, weight and emotional depth to the music Bailey created with Irina D. “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.” – Chris Kimsey

The album revisits some of Thirsty’s most ambitious storytelling pieces – from the mob‑world loyalty of “Donnie to Sonny”, to the jewel‑thief escapism of “Flawless”, the Coleridge‑inspired “Albatross”, the allegorical wanderer of “Chaos”, and the Virginia Woolf‑inspired “Orlando.” “…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.” – Chris Johnstone

God Bless America – Best of Thirsty stands as both a celebration and an evolution: a final collaboration between two great friends and a powerful new chapter in the Thirsty story. 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.

The Virginmarys/iDestroy – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds – 31st May 2026

The Virginmarys/iDestroy – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds – 31st May 2026

Macclesfield’s finest export, The Virginmarys, follow up their 2024 album ‘The House Beyond The Fires’ with a companion album ‘Beyond The House Of Fires’, a piano-led re-working where the songs have been stripped back and reimagined. Chords and structures have been changed, words have been rewritten, and it’s very much a different album sonically. To promote it, singer/songwriter Ally Dickaty and drummer Danny Dolan now take the show on the road for some intimate MTV unplugged-style shows. 

First up are Bristol band iDestroy. Bec on guitar and Nic on bass haven’t done acoustic shows before, but they embrace the format. Bec gets a bit of a rapport going, some crowd participation, and they have some great tunes. “All My Friends Are Plastic” and “Headphones” are particularly memorable. There’s a bit of Brit Pop and a smattering of Grunge going on, Elastica meets Hole could be a good starting point. They go down well and warm things up nicely.

The stage is set, iridescent candles shimmer, and pink LEDs draped across the amps glow as The Virginmarys take to the stage of an already hot n’ sweaty room. With guitarist and songwriter Ally taking on keyboards for this tour, The Virginmarys are joined by guitarist Gareth Price to boost the band to a 3-piece for this tour.

The thing I like most about this new album is that some songs that maybe didn’t stand out on the original album now come into their own. One such song opens the show tonight. Stripped of the jagged riffs and regimental beats, ‘My Nettle’ takes on a new lease of life, emotive and cinematic, it just hits in the feels. We watch in silence as Ally fingers a lush piano melody. Danny does not take his eyes off his musical partner’s fingers either, as he matches the raw and emotional vocal with a rousing beat. You could hear a pin drop for the entirety, and that’s not the only time that happens tonight.

‘Dance to the City’ follows, with its rousing chorus screaming the album title. It’s over in a flash. The songs flow by quickly, too quickly, they seem shorter somehow. ‘There Ain’t No Future’ still sounds as powerful without the killer power chords,  and ‘When The Lights Go Down’ is simply stunning, Gareth’s effect-ridden guitars adding a touch of Pink Floyd to proceedings. 

‘Urban Seagull’ is another that benefits from the reworking. Ally plays a lush arpeggio while Danny plays a regimental but subtle beat. A song that was made to be played in this setting. 

The set is mainly these new songs, none of the usual hits is to be heard in this format, but they fill it out with a few obscurities, just Ally solo. A cover of Leonard Cohen’s  ‘Everybody Knows’ fits the bill, ‘Sleep’ and ‘Cast The First Stone’ are heartfelt and beautiful and will make you want to revisit those early EPs. 

They capture that magical unplugged, laid-back vibe well, the intimate dark room helps magnify the cinematic, ethereal feel of these new reworked songs.

The only time the pace picks up is on the penultimate song, ‘Veteran Soldier’, an older song that was originally recorded acoustically and has been given the opposite treatment. The atmospheric intro leads into an almost Tarantino-esque spaghetti western vibe. A song of gratitude and undying friendship, it’s an album highlight and a gig highlight as well. But the best has been kept for last. ‘White Knuckle Riding’ for me is the kingpin of the whole album. Ally’s unfaltering vocals are sublime over the tinkling of the ivories, it builds with Danny’s gentle, regimented beats, just enough to accentuate things. Unsurprisingly, the emotive lyrics with the Northern references hit home in this intimate Leeds venue, and it’s a stunning end to a masterful set. No encores, no returns…job done.

The idea with this project was to recapture that 90’s MTV Unplugged vibe, and with both album and tour, The Virginmarys have succeeded. While this is more of a between-album project and not a new direction for the band, it was one of the most magical gigs I have seen them do. 

Author: Ben Hughes

Di’Anno ‘Iron Maidens Lost Singer’ (Cleopatra Entertainment)

Di’Anno ‘Iron Maidens Lost Singer’ (Cleopatra Entertainment)

From spearheading the front runners of NWOBHM with what seemingly was the world in the palm of your hands to destitute Jailbird rags to riches and back again, a hellish fairytale that is brutal and brilliant in equal measures, but the one thing he never lost was that powerhouse vocal.

Written, directed, and edited by Wes Orshoski, whose previous ventures into rock n roll movie-making are well worth investigating. His biopics on Lemmy and The Damned are superb pieces of cinema, and now you can add this Di’Anno to the list.

So before Bruce ‘Tory Boy’ Dickinson Maiden had the rough and ready punk rocker on the mic Paul Di’Anno and I’m sure preching to the converted he led the first two Maiden records and splits opinion as to their finest hour his or post Paul sure, they hit paydirt when he’d gone that isn’t in question but when he left so did a certain attitude which is delivered here along with some great footage and insightful opinion from people who were there.

His post Maiden career was checkered to say the least and whilst they touched upon the parp of his namesake pilot suited band they didn’t really delve to deeply into Battlezone but the movie is more about the later years and his fight with his health and lifestyle choices and it pulls no punches giving the reality of his situation but it also told of his demons and how they got the better of him without glossing over it. Paul had some pretty decent humans around him who were there to help in his darkest hour and go to extraordinary lengths to help him literally get back on his feet again.

Some of the footage is raw as fuck, and operating theatre footage might put some of you off your tea no question about it.

There is some lovely footage of his reunion with Steve Harris, who made a lovely gesture with regard to Paul’s mounting health costs, and some of the talking heads helping praise on his vocal skills as well as the man behind the mic, are grade A from Metallica members to Gene Simmons and one of his replacements in Maiden, Blaze Bailey whos a lovely bloke himself who toured with Paul and spoke fondly of that time. But ultimately, it all ends abruptly with Paul’s passing and the moment the day after, when maiden holds a moment’s silence where you could hear a pin drop, which is captured on film and puts a dramatic full stop on this captivating film. If you’re a fan of Maiden its a no-brainer, if you’re a fan of Metal and its roots, then it’s a no-brainer. If you’re a docufilm fan, then it’s a no-brainer if your after a life lesson, then this is a must-see. Rest in peace, Mr Di’Anno, your legacy is captured and documented and along with those albums shall be cemented in history for all to hear one hell of a voice and one hell of a life, warts n all. Watch this film.

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Friends of Jesse Malin: ‘I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1’

Friends of Jesse Malin: ‘I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1’

Wicked Cool Records Announces Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1; Valley Lodge Launch Tribute Album With “Too Loose”

Pre Save Here

26-Track Tribute Collection Featuring Gogol Bordello, Dead Milkmen, Bebe Buell, Sami Yaffa, James Maddock, Valley Lodge and More Arrives September 11

Wicked Cool Records has announced Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1 (September 11) a new tribute album celebrating the music and enduring influence of Jesse Malin. In the 90s, Malin fronted the band D Generation, and leading the album’s rollout is a version of their anthem “Too Loose,” by Dave Hill’s band, Valley Lodge. Listen here, and pre-order the vinyl and CD.

Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1 brings together musicians from the worlds of rock, punk, Americana, and the underground to celebrate one of modern rock’s most respected songwriters.

“I’ve been a fan of Jesse Malin for decades now so I was thrilled when Valley Lodge was asked to be a part of the tribute album,” says Dave Hill. The song originally appeared on D Generation’s 1996 album, No Lunch. “‘Too Loose’ has always been one of my favorites—a great and timeless rock song that we had a blast re-interpreting.”

Produced by Lyle Hysen, Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You Vol 1. is the first in a two-volume series of nearly 80 songs (!) recorded by Jesse’s friends and community. Proceeds from the album will benefit Malin’s healthcare as he recovers from a paralyzing spinal stroke. Vol. 2 will feature Thurston Moore, Willie Nile, and many more.

“Friends, collaborators, and artists from every corner of Jesse’s world wanted to be involved,” says Hysen. “The songs just kept coming. What started as a single collection quickly grew into something much bigger, encompassing almost the entire Malinverse. We’re excited that this is only the first chapter.”

The compilation features contributions from Amanda Cross, Bebe Buell, Trapper Schoepp, Valley Lodge, Danny Sage, James Maddock, Gogol Bordello, Ursa Minor, Sami Yaffa, Prima Donna, Das Damen, Rene & Grace Mata, Dead Milkmen, Cat Popper & Sasha Dobson, Robinlee Garber, The Seashore Sharks featuring Jesse and Alexei Sanoff, Derek Cruz, Jill Fiore, Matt Madly & Co., Davey La, American Dream, Joe McGinty, Randy Schrager, Stephen Chopek, Ben Foley, and Kelley Swindall.

Friends of Jesse Malin: I Would Do It For You – Vol. 1 will be available digitally, on vinyl, and as a deluxe double-CD edition. The vinyl release features twelve tracks across two sides and includes a download code for the complete digital collection, while the CD edition presents all 26 songs across two discs.

Digital Edition

  1. Amanda Cross – “Shining Down”
  2. Bebe Buell – “Dance With The System”
  3. Trapper Schoepp – “Almost Grown”
  4. Valley Lodge – “Too Loose”
  5. Danny Sage – “I Would Do It For You”
  6. James Maddock – “Bar Life”
  7. Gogol Bordello – “Here’s The Situation”
  8. Ursa Minor – “Keep On Burning”
  9. Sami Yaffa – “Black Haired Girl”
  10. Prima Donna – “Everybody Wants To Rock And Roll”
  11. Das Damen – “Don’t Let Them Take You Down (Beautiful Day!)”
  12. Rene & Grace Mata – “Broken Radio”
  13. Dead Milkmen – “She Don’t Love Me Now”
  14. Cat Popper & Sasha Dobson – “Brooklyn”
  15. Robinlee Garber – “Cigarettes and Violets”
  16. The Seashore Sharks featuring Jesse and Alexei Sanoff – “In The Summer”
  17. Derek Cruz – “Silver Manhattan”
  18. Jill Fiore – “Since You’re In Love”
  19. Matt Madly & Co. – “NY Nights”
  20. Davey La – “Ameri’ka”
  21. American Dream – “Xmas”
  22. Joe McGinty – “Wendy”
  23. Randy Schrager – “Burning The Bowery”
  24. Stephen Chopek – “High Lonesome”
  25. Ben Foley – “She’s So Dangerous”
  26. Kelley Swindall – “You Know It’s Dark When Atheists Start To Pray”

Vinyl Edition

Side A

  1. Amanda Cross – “Shining Down”
  2. Bebe Buell – “Dance With The System”
  3. Trapper Schoepp – “Almost Grown”
  4. Valley Lodge – “Too Loose”
  5. Danny Sage – “I Would Do It For You”
  6. James Maddock – “Bar Life”

Side B

  1. Gogol Bordello – “Here’s The Situation”
  2. Ursa Minor – “Keep On Burning”
  3. Sami Yaffa – “Black Haired Girl”
  4. Prima Donna – “Everybody Wants To Rock And Roll”
  5. Das Damen – “Don’t Let Them Take You Down (Beautiful Day!)”
  6. Rene & Grace Mata – “Broken Radio”

VOÏVOD – ‘Symphonique’ (Century Media Records)

VOÏVOD – ‘Symphonique’ (Century Media Records)

Forty years deep, Canada’s prog/punk sci-fi metal innovators VOÏVOD are here with ‘Symphonique‘, a special live release together with the Quebec Symphony Orchestra, none of us saw this one coming.

‘Symphonique‘, which functions like an epic widescreen piece of cinema, these pioneering futuristic metalheads always throw a curveball, so why stop now? With the strains of a symphony orchestra, behind the Voivod wall of sound, this carefully curated VOÏVOD best-of setlist, composed of twelve songs across 73 minutes, was recorded live on 4th June 2025 at the Grand Théâtre in Québec City, Canada. (of course it was).

A longtime dream of the band to push the boundaries further than normal (normal, hell, you know Voivod normal)

It’s truly Mad Max meets metal punk with a twist of classical thrown in for further head fuckery, and to be fair, it works. From the ‘Killing Technology’ cuts, the only disappointment for me is that the band’s title track isn’t closing this set. Imagine the track Voivod with horns, strings and bassoons. insane or what.

Opening with wind and brass, rounded off with apocalyptic bells being struck, it’s a hefty listen, one you have to give oneself up to, the investment will pay off like a headfucked War of the Worlds. Of course, the opening ‘Experiments’ is truly epic and sets the tone for the next hour and a half.

‘The Unknown Knows’ is epic, and ‘The End OF Democracy’ begins with a fanfare of end-of-days proportions. When Metallica and the Scorpions did orchestral records, they never sounded like this.

If there ever is a ‘Nuclear War’, I hope someone has the wherewithal to play that song over loudspeakers globally so we can truly appreciate its epicness. A batshit bonkers concept from the kings of batshit bonkers concepts, but once again it’s a winner and if they were to bring this around the globe, I’d be right in the front row headbanging to the wind section, never mind the brass or guitars, it’s all about the wind section. Buy this record.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

The Dwarves – ‘Damned If I Do’

The Dwarves – ‘Damned If I Do’

With ‘Jenkum’ stuck to turntables around the world, and before we check in once again with the ringmaster Blag, it’s time for another new video off the album, this time ‘Damned If I Do’ lights up the internet. Whilst you’re in the mood, why not check out the list of dates for the summer and get out there?

U.S. Dates

06/12 — Austin, TX @ Austin Noise Fest w/ Prong
06/13 — Dallas, TX @ Dusty’s
06/14 — San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill w/ The Pandoras

Europe & U.K. Dates
06/17 — Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz 3
06/18 — Valencia, ES @ 16 Toneladas
06/19 — Vitoria, ES @ Azkena Rock Festival
06/20 — Tours, FR @ Bateau Ivre w/ Eye Hate God (Free Show)
06/21 — Clisson, FR @ Hellfest
06/23 — Utrecht, NL @ DB
06/24 — Düsseldorf, DE @ Pitcher
06/25 — Haarlem, NL @ Patronaat w/ Eye Hate God
06/26 — Ysselstyn, NL @ Jera On Air
06/26 — Deventer, NL @ Burgerweeshuis w/ Truckfighters
06/27 — Hamburg, DE @ Hedi (2 Sets)
06/28 — Berlin, DE @ BiNuu w/ Eye Hate God
06/29 — Regensburg, DE @ Alte Mälzerei w/ Eye Hate God
07/01 — Trutnov, CZ @ Obscene Extreme Festival
07/02 — Brno, CZ @ Kabinet
07/03 — Zabok, HR @ Regenerator
07/04 — Pula, HR @ Monteparadiso w/ Eye Hate God
07/05 — Treviso, IT @ Nomad (Free Show)
07/08 — Athens, GR @ Gazarte Ground Stage
07/09 — Prolsdorf, DE @ Krach am Bach Festival
07/10 — Stuttgart, DE @ Goldmarks
07/11 — Essen, DE @ Don’t Panic
07/12 — Gierle, BE @ Sjock Fest
07/15 — Marseille, FR @ Molotov
07/16 — Bergamo, IT @ Punk Rock Raduno (Free Show)
07/17 — Turin, IT @ Blah Blah
07/18 — Theley, DE @ Backside Festival

Additional U.S. Dates
09/04 — Philadelphia, PA
09/05 — Brooklyn, NY
09/06 — Montague, MA @ RPM Fest
09/11 — Scottsdale, AZ w/ The Exploited, Total Chaos
09/12 — Los Angeles, CA w/ The Exploited, Total Chaos
09/13 — Murrieta, CA w/ Total Chaos
09/16 — Las Vegas, NV w/ Total Chaos
09/17 — Orange County, CA w/ The Exploited, Total Chaos
09/18 — San Francisco, CA w/ The Exploited, Total Chaos
09/20 — Sacramento, CA w/ The Exploited

Get the album here. 

Grocery Bag -‘Deadvolt’ (Self-Released)

Grocery Bag -‘Deadvolt’ (Self-Released)

I take my duty of sharing great music with everyone very seriously, so I knew as soon as I heard this band, I would want to write a review of this EP. Texas has a very diverse musical range featuring everything from country and red dirt to death metal and black metal. On the punk side, there is, of course, Die Spitz, who have made themselves very well known over the past couple of years. Please allow me to introduce a band who may follow in their footsteps- Grocery Bag. I am not sure the story behind their name, but I assume it is an interesting one. Formed in San Antonio and now based in Austin, they serve up a great blend of punk with grunge flourishes- think the Sonics/ Green River/ Mudhoney as opposed to Alice in Chains. The band members are known to swap instruments onstage, so let’s just name them- Bell Martinez, Dillon Aitala, Logan Kerman, and Jimmy Mercado. This EP collects recent singles and presents them as a great EP.

Opener ‘Lies’ has a hooky guitar riff that becomes even more powerful as it barrels through the chorus, giving it a bit of a Groop Dogdrill feel. There is a great musical break in the middle, which I could see being a great place for an extended jam before a vital guitar solo carries us to the final chorus. They slow the beat a little with ‘Watching TV’ where the lead vocals would steal the show if the music was not just as powerful. The guitar at the end provides a climactic end to the tremendous four minutes of music.

The groovy ‘Stop Calling Me Out’ continues the musical onslaught. The vocals by Martinez have an excellent cadence and texture to provide an immediate identity for the band here. In less than three minutes here, though, each member serves up an incredible performance with the breakdown in the song making it one of the best nuggets you will hear this year.  ‘Grave’ explodes to life and is another excellent nugget that goes many places in just over two minutes. The production and mix on these songs are simply perfect, as each instrument can be heard. The drum sound on ‘Grave’ pounds out of the speaker.

While each song has razor-sharp hooks, the band continues to sharpen them on ‘Reason’, where there is a more psychedelic feel to the vocals and rhythm. Like ‘Lies,’ there is a jam in the middle of the song that would lend itself to an extended few minutes in the live setting before returning to hook the listener in again. The band then delivers a closer in ‘Deadvolt’ that may be one of the best songs you will hear. There is a swagger to the music and vocals that defies description. There is not a wasted second in this musical beast.

In six songs, Grocery Bag has crafted a diamond deserving of reaching a wide audience. The blend of garage rock (where those early grunge pioneers also drew from) combined with more modern influences and a dose of psychedelic touches, makes Grocery Bag’s ‘Deadvolt’ a must listen. I will soon be going back to listen to their 2023 release,’ Break You.’ I have a feeling that if you are new to Grocery Bag, your path will be identical to mine. Now, let’s see how high my volume can go.

‘Deadvolt’ is available now.     

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Buy:Here

Author: Gerald Stansbury

L.A. Guns get set for new live album

L.A. Guns get set for new live album

June 3, 2026 — July 3 sees the release of one of the most anticipated live albums of the metal year, a full all-format release for Live From The Guild Theatre, recorded almost exactly one year earlier at the onstage launch of L.A. Guns’ most acclaimed album in years, the mighty Leopard Skin.

It nails it here, too, sliding in between “Hellraisers Ball” and “Like A Drug,” but Live From The Guild Theatre is explosive from start to finish, the Gunners firing off killer versions of fan favorites tracing as far back as the band’s debut album – “Sex Action,” for example, probably hasn’t featured in the repertoire since the eighties, but it’s alive and kickin’ here.

Sophomore set Cocked and Loaded, meanwhile, spits out some of the most powerful shotgun blasts in the band’s entire arsenal – “I Wanna Be Your Man,” “The Ballad of Jayne,” “Rip and Tear,” and the set-ender, “Never Enough.”  And Leopard Skin gets both a triumphant airing and a delirious response.

In fact, longtime vocalist Phil Lewis and the man who put the Guns in L.A. Guns, Tracii Guns, have never sounded better – quite an achievement for a band that’s been tearing up the stages of the world since 1983!  Ace Von Johnson (guitar), Johnny Martin (bass) and Shawn Duncan (drums) complete the line-up.

The first single from the album, “Electric Gypsy” which is now available to stream and download HERE, is another from the self-titled debut, and it sounds as fresh now as it did way back then…drop it into your streaming playlist and it won’t simply wake up the neighbors, it’ll have them hammering on your door, demanding to know what you’re listening to.

Yes, you’ll tell them it’s L.A. Guns – who else could it be?  But you can also tell them that it’s not only coming out on CD and vinyl, but there’s a DVD and a cassette. 

CD/DVD/VINYL/CASSETTE: https://cleorecs.com/search?q=l.a.+guns+live+from+the+guild+theatre

DIGITAL: https://orcd.co/laguns_livefromtheguildtheatre

Here’s the track listing for LIVE FROM THE GUILD THEATRE:

1. Intro – Taste It
2. Cannonball
3. Electric Gypsy
4. Sex Action
5. Hellraisers Ball
6. Hit and Run
7. Like a Drug
8. Speed
9. One More Reason
10. Theremin Jam
11. Over the Edge
12. Guitar Solo
13. I Wanna Be Your Man
14. Lucky Motherfucker
15. Never Enough
16. The Ballad of Jayne
17. Rip and Tear

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