Various Artists – ‘Forever Reigning – A Tribute to Slayer’

Various Artists – ‘Forever Reigning – A Tribute to Slayer’

Slayer’s legacy is a strong one. Throughout their reign (see what I did there) as the undisputed kings of thrash metal, they influenced and inspired a whole generation of metal heads to pick up a (pointy) guitar or a pair of drumsticks. Unfortunately, that also means some of the bands that have inclusions on this pointless tribute album. There are (some very ropey) covers from bands such as the charmingly named Skull Fuckers Incorporated, Skrog, and Bloat Toad, and others you’ve never heard of. It really is about as welcome as a dose of crabs. Awful production values and poor performances just make for a total mess of an album that absolutely no one needs to hear. That’s not to say that some of the attempts here don’t have some merit, Eulogy of Blood’s version of Bloodline is half decent, along with Skrog’s attempt at a lesser-known Slayer track – Divine Intervention.

Apart from that, it’s all very forgettable. The least said about Slokill’s murdering of the track Disorder (which was nicked from the Exploited in the first place) the better… dreadful. If you’re a Slayer fan like me, do yourself a big favour and avoid Forever Reigning like the plague. Just go and listen to the genuine article, you really don’t need this in your life.

SSSLLLLLAAAAAAAAYYYYEEEERRRRRR!!!!!!

Author: Kenny ‘Don’t Fuck With Slayer’ Kendrick

Giuda – ‘Live At Punk Rock Raduno’ (Wild Honey/Striped Records)

Giuda – ‘Live At Punk Rock Raduno’ (Wild Honey/Striped Records)

Of all the bands that I miss seeing live in these days of gig drought, Giuda are top of the list. Luckily, I saw them three times before moving to France. A guaranteed great night out, and always a friendly atmosphere. For me, there are two types of great live bands; the ragged, seat-of-the-pants variety, and the ones who manage to replicate their studio sound onstage. Giuda are clearly in the latter category, but lose none of their power in doing so.

So, the logical step was to release a live album. Thanks to Punk Rock Raduno Records, in collaboration with Wild Honey/Striped Records, there is a limited (probably sold out) run of 300 vinyl copies in black, pink or white. No details of a CD release yet. For once, I’m thankful for streaming services! If you can get yer mitts on a copy, have at it and quickly.

This is a fantastic sounding set of the “hits”; a smorgasbord of delights for the ardent Giuda fan. 14 songs at just over 40 minutes, from the opening salvo of ‘Tartan Pants’ and ‘Back Home’ to ‘Teenage Rebel’, ‘No.10’ and ‘Wild Tiger Woman’. Even ‘Interplanetary Craft’ is improved in concert. The Raduno punk rock festival in Bergamo, Italy, has been going since 2016, the next one is due 14-17th July. Giuda will be back on the road from 12th May in France, maybe I’ll get a chance to see them again. If not, this is as close as you’ll get to the real thing. So, turn it up, get your thumbs in your belt loops and get with it!

Buy Here

Author: Martin Chamarette

JOYCE MANOR ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM & Video

JOYCE MANOR ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM & Video

JOYCE MANOR ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM ‘40 OZ. TO FRESNO’ OUT JUNE 10 ON EPITAPH RECORDS

The first single available on all streaming platforms. Pairing sentimental lyrics with an aggressive bridge, the track emphasizes the “punk” in pop-punk and is the perfect re-introduction to the band.

Originally planning to take a small break from music, Joyce Manor brought their latest project 40 oz to Fresno to life thanks to singer/guitarist Barry Johnson’s desire to keep writing during quarantine. Produced by Rob Schnapf (Elliott Smith, Tokyo Police Club, Joyce Manor’s ‘Cody’,) mixed by Tony Hoffer (Beck, Phoenix) with Tony Thaxton of Motion City Soundtrack on drums, a sense of liberation lies at the core of this project. It’s strangely fitting that the title was taken from an auto-corrected text message about Sublime. Those types of happy accidents are all over 40 oz. To Fresnoand are worth the subsequent sonic hangover.

Vocalist Barry Johnson summarizes,“This album makes me think of our early tours, drinking a 40 in the van on a night drive blasting Guided By Voices and smoking cigarettes the whole way to Fresno.”

Since forming in 2008, the pop-punk group has proved time and time again that they capture listeners’ attention through their catchy yet thought provoking lyrics, and high energy shows. Although they have an established sound that reflects the energetic and gritty nature of the band which fans have come to expect, they push the limits by experimenting throughout the recording process.

Joyce Manor will be touring in Europe with The Menzingers in October this year. Please see below for the full list of dates. The tickets can be purchased via band’s website.

Joyce Manor Tour Dates with Menzingers

3-10-2022 – Dublin / Opium Rooms (IE)

4-10-2022 – Dublin / Opium Rooms (IE)

6-10-2022 – Glasgow / Barrowland Ballroom (UK)

7-10-2022 – Manchester / Manchester Academy (UK)

8-10-2022 – London – The Roundhouse (UK)

10-10-2022 – Antwerp / Kavka Zappa (BE)

11-10-2022 – Amsterdam / Melkweg (NL)

12-10-2022 – Münster / Sputnikhalle (DE)

13-10-2022 – Hamburg / Markthalle  (DE)

14-10-2022 – Berlin / So36 (DE)

15-10-2022 – Linz / SBAM Fest (DE)

17-10-2022 – Solothurn / Kulturfabrik Kofmehl (CH)

19-10-2022 – Cologne / Gloria Theatre (DE)

20-10-202 –  Cologne / Gloria Theatre (DE)

21-10-2022 – Wiesbaden / Schlachthof (DE)

22-10-2022 – Stuttgart / Im Wizemann (DE)

23-10-2022 – Munich / Backstage Werk (DE)

For more info on Joyce Manor, visit:

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Gene Loves Jezebel – Bristol Exchange 28/04/22

Gene Loves Jezebel – Bristol Exchange 28/04/22

Getting over the bridge seems to be hit or miss these days with it being shut what seems like every other day Jay should bring the band back to its roots and when it was moved from The Louisiana to the Exchange, maybe Le Pub in The ‘Port would have been better seeing as there were more people from South Wales in attendance than Bristolians. Anyway, I digress.  After getting this Fortieth Anniversary tour underway in the very worst possible way by having their van nicked, all the gear and merch, it seemed the Gods were out to test the band’s resolve. Judging by tonight’s evidence it would seem nothing was going to stop the fearsome foursome from delivering the goods – not Covid, not venue changes, not van stealing, not chest infections, not nothing, nada, nowt!

Jay seemed particularly chatty and the band sounded relaxed and enjoying being out amongst it.  James and Smiley had only just jumped off the Alarm Tour and hopped on this quick rattle around the UK before heading stateside.  They were battle-ready and had warmed up and had something of a pre-season if you like. Jay wearing a splendid new shirt for the night made his apology about his vocal challenges but it wasn’t needed, the sound was excellent in the venue which has had a couple of upgrades post lockdown which will serve them well.

Getting proceedings underway with a crystal clear and well oiled ’20 Killer Hurts’ From the “Big Commercial  Breakthrough” album ‘The House Of Dolls’ they then went deep with a track off Jay’s solo album ‘Unpopular Songs’ that appeared on ‘VII’ A really underrated song from a really good album (both the solo and ‘VII’). It was also good to hear ‘World Gone Crazy’ dedicated to what’s going on in Eastern Europe from the ‘Dancing Underwater’ album. As I said earlier Jay was on form tonight, indulging in banter with members of the audience and his bandmates it made for a more intimate and warm evening’s entertainment.  ‘Cow’, was excellent and somber and fittingly dedicated to the people of Ukraine. Their first ever single ‘Bruises’, rubbed shoulders with the more commercial ‘Break The Chains’ where with some fine fretwork from messers Stevenson and Risso the band jammed out the songs as much for their own enjoyment it seemed with Pete Rizzo and Smiley locking in really well. You could be forgiven for thinking they’d been a cohesive solid unit for the 40 years.

In a shorter set than last time they were in this City over in the Fleece, what seems like a lifetime ago now it was wonderful to hear ‘Motion Of Love’ which as you’d expect went down really well all around the venue as people began to warm up and then we had the fake encore, rather than mover through the audience to go upstairs and then come back down it was an encore/no encore where the band played a really impressive ‘Steven’ before signing off with ‘Desire’.  Another flawless set of songs old and new played by a band who clearly love their art and deliver it in spades every time even under the most difficult of circumstances.  As we made the journey home it wasn’t long before we wondered why they didn’t play this and that and hopefully next time they will. 

Another night out watching some top-notch Goth ‘n’ Roll that’s been almost two years in the waiting didn’t disappoint.

In a week where I’ve seen The Mission, Salvation, Rose Of Avalanche, The Alarm, and now Gene Loves Jezebel is it really 2022?  Good times until next time.

Author: Dom Daley 

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

First up today we have this banger from Streetwalkin’ Mofos feat. Matt Dangerfield. Streetwalkin’ Mofos is the brainchild of filmmaker Danny Garcia and Joe Klenner (Corazones Muertos). While staying in Sao Paulo during the pandemic, Danny and Joe recruited a few local musicians to record a punk rock album of covers that range from The Boys (“Living in the City”) to Black Flag’s “Wasted”, Elvis Presley’s “Burning Love” or Iggy Pop’s “Houston is Hot Tonight”.

“It’s basically a collection of some of my favorite tunes since I was a kid’ says Garcia before he adds: “but we tried to include as many collaborations as we could”. So in this album you’ll find the legendary Jayne County & A.M. Taylor (on Iggy’s track), Deadbeat Poets (on Paul Collins Beat’s “Walking Out On Love”), The Only Ones’ John Perry (on “Everyone’s a Fool”), Testors’ Sonny Vincent on “Wasted”, The Jetz (“If That’s What You Really Want”), Alabama 3’s Nick Reynolds (on The Romantics’ classic “What I Like About You”), The Boys’ Matt Dangerfield (“Living in the City”), Kill My Coquette’s Natalie Denise Sperl (“Burning Love”) and Brazil’s Luvbites (on Sylvain Sylvain’s “The Kids Are Back”) and Os Roucos’ (on The Nerves’ “Paper Dolls”). 

Bristol-based punk-rock three-piece Trashed release their single ‘Decay’ this weekend (April 29th), taken from their debut full-length album ‘Happy In Hindsight’ due later this year.

The trio take energetic punk rock and down-tune it to Slipknot depths, creating sludgy and visceral edges tied together with hooky melodies. The band slammed onto the scene with their debut single ‘Waste Away’ from their subsequent debut EP ‘Yours Not Mine’ in 2019, which was met with critical acclaim and saw them play a handful of successful UK shows, making a name for themselves as ones to watch, before the release of their second EP ‘Faceplant’ came in the Spring of 2020.

With a 2020 full of potential ripped out from under them, the stresses of the pandemic were potent. That, mixed with a flurry of mental health issues for vocalist Jimmy, saw Trashed turn their isolation into a concept album of expression, writing eleven tracks about all aspects of their personal struggles with depression, anxiety, love, and loss. 

Decay, the first single from the band’s upcoming debut album ‘Happy in Hindsight’, recorded with Neil D. Kennedy (Creeper, Boston Manor, Milk Teeth), is a song about living alongside suicidal thoughts.

Next up is bullshit-free Oz Hard Rockers riffing it up on ‘Preacher

Following their much-acclaimed, third album Never Say Die (2018), Melbourne-based hard rock act DEAD CITY RUINS has premiered a music video for the high voltage, new single “Preacher“!
 
Formed in 2010, the Australians sold their belongings and went all-in when it comes to rock ’n’ roll. Tirelessly touring the planet, the band has managed to capture the hearts of its audience gig by gig – much like Rival Sons, Monster Truck, and similar trailblazers of their generation have. They also share a list of influences with these acts, namely Deep Purple, Guns N’ Roses, Zeppelin. Their goal: bring rock ’n’ roll back to the people!

The Brokendolls – ‘Snakecharmer’ (Lux Noise Records/Spaghetty Town Records/Tornado Ride Records)

The Brokendolls – ‘Snakecharmer’ (Lux Noise Records/Spaghetty Town Records/Tornado Ride Records)

OK, so what are we calling noisy Rock n Roll these days? Punk n Roll? Action Rock? Deathpunk? Nah who gives a shiny shit if it’s loud N Rockin’ then let’s just call it what Lemmy called Motorhead Loud Rock n Roll. That’ll do for me and I guess it’ll do for The Brokendolls as well. Because they play loud (i guess) and it’s definitely Rock n Roll.

IT has its roots straddled from the Northern fields of Scandi Rock al A Backyard Babies (early Babies please) and some hard Rock from whatever continent you care to associate with loud guitars, punk rock and a taste for leather jackets and tattoos. The record kicks off in style from the mellow beginnings of ‘Snakecharmer’ with the melodramatic dueling guitars twisting their way into your brain before falling into line Thin Lizzy style and rockin’ like fuck! into a more Zugly territory with ‘No Return’ its like a barking dog of a tune. With a good hook on the chorus and some shit-kicking verses.

Their off into some sort of groove with ‘I Am Right’ with the gang vocals packing a punch it reminds me of Radio Dead Ones which, believe me, is a great place to be. From here on it’s pretty relentless with a pounding rhythm and confrontational vocals wrapping themselves around an intense temp and plenty of big chorus gang vocals to be getting on with.

There’s plenty of groove on ‘Weer All Crazee Now’ from the vocals to the snarling guitars its striding several genres from the hard rock zero fucks given through the punk n roll that needs to be heard live in a sweaty club with a loud PA. If that’s not possible then shove this on your stereo and turn the fucker up.

It’s got tunes to get the adrenalin going and your heart pumping hard ‘You Will Always Walk Alone’ is a good case in point from the Rock riff to the throwback solo and the hard rock stabs before getting back into the gang vocals to take this fucker home.

I do like the twisted song titles where they bastardize classic titles much like Zugly do and ‘I Love Myself For Hating you’. Then it was done. A short but sweet slab of noise that will please those searching for a new (ish) band they can get behind that loves rocking out and doing it with attitude. Get on it kids it’s a banger!

Buy Here

Facebook

Author: Dom Daley

Bambara – The Future Yard – 26.04.22

Bambara – The Future Yard – 26.04.22



Southern Gothic hits the Wirral Peninsula as Bambara plays their last mainland UK date at the visionary Future Yard in Birkenhead, after an already formidable European jaunt. Delayed by almost two years and a few venue changes on the way, we’re finally here enjoying a much sought-after sonic assault.


The band brings with it a moody, introspective atmosphere akin to something you would expect from a David Lynch feature. Saturating the room with somber tones immediately on opening number ‘miracle’, until the latter half of the song, at which point frontman Reid Bateh kicks the door off the hinges vocally. Between most of the set, he moves effortlessly from cool and contemplative to frenzied and intense, unleashing his lyrical attack looking like a young Michael Shannon playing method in a crazed and epic role. 


The overall sound is explosive, hitting all the right spots and showcasing an accomplished live makeup without losing any of the dexterous qualities of the records. Although the group is ferocious yet brooding, they make it clear from the outset that they are a well-oiled machine, melding an impressive, galloping rhythm section with layers of lush Bayeux Esque synthesized backing tracks and gothic guitar lines, draping the audience in neo-noir darkness. 
Tonight we are given an array of the band’s ever-growing back catalogue, but with a focus on the latest album Stray, and the recent EP Love On My Mind. Stand-out tracks are ‘stay cruel’ from the former and ‘feelin’ like a funeral’ from the latter. We are even treated to the live debut of ‘little wars’, a definite plus for the Tuesday night crowd here this evening. 
With more dates on the other side of the Irish sea and a swift handful of shows in the US and Canada once they fly back, let’s hope they don’t tire themselves out too much and return to the UK sooner rather than later. 

Bandcamp Here

Future Yard

Author: Dan Kasm

Gary Numan/Divine Shade – Cardiff University Great Hall – 28th April 2022

Gary Numan/Divine Shade – Cardiff University Great Hall – 28th April 2022

It’s the opening night of Gary Numan’s long awaited Intruder UK Tour, and this time around its one of his largest in decades, not just in the number of dates (19 in all), but also the venue capacities (the tour sees Gary making a long overdue return to Wembley Arena).

It certainly doesn’t take a genius to see why Numan’s stock is on the up right now, he’s released two of the best albums of his 40 plus year career in the past five years, and in ‘Intruder’ the latter of those two albums, perhaps the best album he’s done since his initial late 70s/early 80s heyday, and it’s one that easily breezed into my RPM albums of the year list for 2021. I guess that’s also why Sky Arts are in the house tonight filming for an upcoming documentary about the enigmatic singer/songwriter, someone who helped influence a whole generation of bands worldwide during his 20 plus studio album career (including collaborations and Tubeway Army that is).

Not least tonight’s openers Divine Shade, a French trio who Gary himself seemingly picked for the tour just so he could see them live. They play darkwave, mixing the traditional industrial/electro sound of the likes of The Young Gods and KMFDM with a hint of early 90s dance along with the occasional blast of Killing Joke vocal intensity. They go down very well indeed with those in early doors, and whilst I’d only caught a few snippets on YouTube before tonight I have to admit I’d be interested to hear what the songs played tonight would sound like in the context of an album.

They may have actually been selling one at the merch stall, but with ongoing concerns over Covid and a strict queueing system in place that extended half way up the side of the (newish) swanky bars that the University have within its concourse, I instead decided to wait until I got home and let the internet once again take me on another musical adventure.

Which is something tonight’s headliner has most certainly been on since the first seeds of a Numan renaissance were  sown back around 1994 with the release of his ‘Sacrifice’/’Dawn’ album and whilst it was a good six years later that I first reengaged with the artist via his ‘Pure’ album (the title track of which making a mid-set appearance tonight) and live a year later during a rip-roaring Reading festival appearance in (of all places) the Dance Tent, tonight really is all about the triumph that is Gary’s nineteenth solo record, the aforementioned ‘Intruder’.

With Gary promising a breath-taking light show to complement the tour, it is the title track of ‘Intruder’ that brings everything to life amidst a fireball of energy. The video banks and lighting playing out the visual aspect of the music – whilst the audio is (as one has come to expect from Numan) technically brilliant from the get go.

There’s a real bite to the layers of sound and whilst the band numbers just five members (including Gary) they make the sound of a dozen thanks to swathes of synths and samples that swirl around in the Great Hall. Special mention must go out to the guitarist and bassist who duck and weave like champion prize fighters, and indeed Gary himself who at 64 years of age pirouettes, preens and sings like a person a third of his age. He was certainly never this stage confident first time around, albeit he still doesn’t say a single word to the audience tonight other than the odd off-mic thank you.

Set list wise I don’t really want to spoil it for those of you yet to still catch this tour as it winds its way through the UK for much of May. Me, I’d have been quite happy for Gary to play all of the ‘Intruder’ album, but for those of you who have also been on the musical adventure with the man himself then along with a handful of cuts from said album there’s also a smattering of deeper cuts, interspersed with the usual “must play” tracks, the highlights of which for me tonight are a cocksure run through of ‘We Are Glass’ and a mid-set pace resetting ‘Down In Park’ that directly followed a brief musical interlude where the band left the stage and let the samples set the tone.

Thankfully with Numan it’s not just about playing the hits though, and its tracks like ‘The Chosen’, ‘The Gift’ and the jawdropping ‘My Name Is Ruin’ that easily stand shoulder to shoulder with the ones people like to sing the riffs to.

This tour is indeed a triumph for Gary Numan both musically and visually, it’s something you really should dig deep to get a ticket for (and like many fans I see on social media commenting) maybe even for multiple dates, because remember as Numan himself has said they’ve learned 35 songs for this tour and only 19 of those were played on this the opening night.

Oh, what musical treats await you all. Enjoy!   

Author: Johnny Hayward

JD & The FDCs go Vinyl

JD & The FDCs go Vinyl

On 2nd July 2022 JD & The FDCs debut LP ‘Recognise’ turns 10 years old. To celebrate They’ve decided to dust off the armbands and take to the stage one more time. OG line up! After all, real FDCs don’t die.

Ten years to the day since the original release they’ll be playing a very special one-off reunion show at The Rescue Rooms in Nottingham with support from good friends and the Shit Island’s very own The Hip Priests.

Presented by IKE Productions, tickets are on sale now: Here

For the first time ever on vinyl, 10 years after its original release, here is Recognise X!

Black and gold splatter 12″ vinyl, hand-numbered and limited to only 165 copies, so do NOT snooze on this one!

Featuring brand new artwork and a gold/black theme, a full colour insert and the first 50 orders come with an additional sleeve, signed by all members of the band!

Please note, this is NOT a pre-order: These records are here and they will ship immediately, with FREE UK SHIPPING!

Recorded by Jason Sanderson (Rolo Tomassi/Ginger Wildheart) and mastered by Howie Weinberg. (Nirvana/Public Enemy/Beastie Boys/The Clash/Ramones)

Side 1
1. Recognise
2. Ujpest Dozsa
3. Mirrors & Wires (featuring Rob Lane)
4. Burn This City Down
5. From The Shadows (featuring Dez Cadena and Amy Dumas)

Side 2
6. The Secret (featuring Acey Slade and Andee Blacksugar)
7. No Way Out (featuring Richard Bacchus)
8. This Town Of Infamy (featuring Johnny Bonnel)
9. Never Gonna Stop
10. Anti-Destination League (featuring Jesse Luscious)

Jon Spencer & The Hitmakers – ‘Spencer Gets It Lit’ (Bronzerat)

Jon Spencer & The Hitmakers – ‘Spencer Gets It Lit’ (Bronzerat)

The indelible Jon Spencer (Blues Explosion, Boss Hog, Pussy Galore, Heavy Trash, etc) is back in the room and this time he’s brought The Hit Makers whilst the Blues Explosion takes a break.

Well, What does it sound like man? Is it a departure for Jon has he gone pop? First off you get plenty of bang for your buck as this bad boy contains Thirteen phat beating, fuzzed up, Groovy Rock n Roll baby, and that right where you want to be. Hell, it’s Jon Spencer god damn it. ‘Junk Man’ is like the beastie boys got transported into Spencer’s head and he poured out that hustling groovy vibe with a paper thin synth lick on top of a big beat with added howling from your main man, Perfick innit!

Spencer sure does get things lit as he delivers his fucked up sounds and if you’re not on board by the time ‘Get It Right Now’ is in full flight your head is rumbling to the backbeat and Spencer’s whack vocals and lyrics. Gets It Lit delivers in spades, it’s exciting, Fucked up, depraved, and all in his inimitable gonzo style. It sure is a head fuck and ‘Death Ray’ is only the third track on offer. As the guitar flickers to life via a paper thin lick its a shuffle and some tweaking blinking synths as Spencer dishes out his sermon about God knows what (a second inside his head would terrify 99.9% of the population Who knows how he manages to get that shit out and onto tape at the best of times but I can’t help but feel that he’s got a cheeky grin in the booth when recording this record. It’s messed up for sure it’s a melting pot like no other but damn it’s good. fuzz guitar, fat synths, rhapsodises, Wild guitar breaks, and lyrics intended to mess with the most stable mind. Spencer Gets It Lit for sure. Whilst there is a lot going down it sounds like the best of times and a lot of fun melted into the plastic on this disc.

I’m loving ‘Primary Baby’ for its solid groove and great vocals. Playing this on jaw vibrating volumes takes it to the next level and is a lot of fun, even the neighbours would agree. I’d love to hear Jon do a collaboration with Bobby Gillespie I think they could make some sweet sweet music and ‘Bruise’ is what made me think of that musical marriage. “All I Want Is Everything” he shouts out but I think he’s already got everything, well, except the kitchen sink – This I know because I’ve been playing this record for days and to be fair it’s probably got the kitchen sink in here somewhere.

By the time we get to ‘Push Comes To Shove’ I need a time out and to sit in a field to gather myself before I dive back in for the rest of this beautiful noise. ‘My Hit Parade’ is about the straightest song on here just a twisted pop song with some twang on that guitar.

‘Strike 3’ is a stonker with a sharp guitar lick and some garage beats for good measure. The record signs off with ‘Get Up And Do It’ which is like he’s brought up the ghost of Lux and walks off into the sunset with a touch of Cramp. I hope the next offering isn’t too far off because this was a blast! Now lets all go get Lit!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley