My love for The Speedways is no secret. You should shout about the bands that you love. So, while we wait for album number three, they’ve used the time to release an EP of well-chosen cover versions.
Hanoi’s ‘11th Street Kids’ is a perfect choice, especially on the cusp of summer. It suits the band’s style and Matt’s voice. A less obvious choice, perhaps, is ABBA’s ‘S.O.S’, but it works perfectly, the change from minor chord verse and major chorus being used to full effect.
Included here are the two covers from previous singles; they pull off the rare feat of covering a Kirsty MacColl song without lowering the standard. ‘They Don’t Know’ is one of my favourite songs, and I’d be obliged to say if it didn’t work, but it’s an absolute treat. And Billy Ocean’s ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ will get your feet bopping, it’s a belter.
I wasn’t aware of ‘Starry Eyes’ by Roky Erickson, but, to be fair, it sounds like a Speedways song, so it’s a natural choice, and will make me check out his poppier tunes. Five songs, 5 out of 5 for me, pop pickers? Nod arf! Get on it now.
Wednesday 19th May 2021 – After an epic and well documented 45-year career that launched an era of rock n roll legends, KISS launched their final ever tour in 2019.
2019 saw sold out KISS shows across the globe with arguably the greatest KISS show ever! The initial tour announcement was met with huge fan demand for added shows, but the END OF ROAD TOUR will officially come to a close with a date and NY location yet to be named.
Unfortunately, due to world events KISS could not complete the original European dates scheduled through 2020 and 2021. But the band are delighted to announce rescheduled and new European dates for 2022. Further dates will also be added to the cities announced today
KISS will be offering VIP experiences and special KISS Army fan presales. VIP experiences may include a personal photo opportunity with the band, access to an exclusive pre-show lounge and a behind the scenes tour. Visit www.kissonline.com for more information.
Known for their trademark larger-than-life blistering performances, KISS has proven for decades why they are hands down the most iconic live show in rock n roll. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famers, who have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide, have said this tour is devoted to the millions of KISS Army fans.
KISS END OF THE ROAD 2022 rescheduled and new (in red) European dates announced today are below. With more dates to be added.
Wednesday 1st June 2022 Westfalenhalle, Dortmund GERMANY
Friday 3rd June 2022 Atlas Arena, Lodz POLAND
Monday 6th June 2022 Sportspalais, Antwerp BELGIUM
Tuesday 7th June 2022 Accor Arena, Paris FRANCE
Friday 10th June 2022 Download Festival, Castle Donington, UK
Monday 13th June 2022 Barclaycard Arena, Hamburg GERMANY
Thursday 16th June 2022 Copenhell Festival, Copenhagen, DENMARK
Saturday 18th June 2022 Tele 2 Arena, Stockholm SWEDEN
Monday 20th June 2022 Hartwell Arena, Helsinki FINLAND
Wednesday 22nd June 2022 Scandinavian, Gothenburg SWEDEN
Friday 24th June 2022 Festhalle, Frankfurt GERMANY
Sunday 26th June 2022 Stadthalle, Vienna AUSTRIA
Tuesday 28th June 2022 Schleyerhalle, Stuttgart GERMANY
Thursday 30th June 2022 Festival Du Printemps De Perouges, Saint-Vulbas FRANCE
Saturday 2nd July 2022 Rockfest, Barcelona, SPAIN
Sunday 3rd July 2022 Wizink Arena, Madrid SPAIN
Tuesday 5th July 2022 Festival De Nîmes, Les Arènes de Nîmes, Nîmes
FRANCE
Thursday 7th July 2022 Hallenstadion, Zurich SWITZERLAND
Saturday 9th July 2022 Zagreb Arena, Zagreb CROATIA
Monday 11th July 2022 Arena Di Verona, Verona ITALY
Wednesday 13th July 2022 O2 Arena, Prague CZECH REPUBLIC
Thursday 14th July 2022 Budapest Arena, Budapest HUNGARY
Saturday 16th July 2022 Romexpo, Bucharest ROMANIA
Thursday 21st July 2022 Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam HOLLAND
“All that we have built and all that we have conquered over the past four decades could never have happened without the millions of people worldwide who’ve filled clubs, arenas and stadiums over those years. This will be the ultimate celebration for those who’ve seen us and a last chance for those who haven’t. KISS Army, we’re saying goodbye on our final tour with our biggest show yet and we’ll go out the same way we came in… Unapologetic and Unstoppable,” said KISS on The End Of the Road tour.
Yet another killer record of well crafted fuzzy punk rock has landed in my inbox from down under. Public transport companies worldwide should take heed of the Australian alternative rock scene due it’s sheer reliability and quality service. Lining up nicely with their fellow alumni of Zombeaches, Stiff Richards and the classic go-to benchmarks of the Saints and Radio Birdman, but also showcasing their album to album growth here on record number 5.
First track proper ‘if you only knew’ storms in with the rock radio potential of Gaslight Anthem but with it’s roots still heavily in a dirty garage rock sound, demonstrating enough force to make the purists take notice.
The release continues in this vein, with the sound having formidable presence like that of an big old folk ensemble or the outnumbering force of the E Street Band. Just as track ‘too many years’ rolls around, you think the bubble has burst and the pace has relented. But after a sublime intro the band shows even more intensity, a chest thumping rhythm, excellent guitar effects all combined with an infectious sing along chorus.
The whole record maintains this same trend without sounding repetitive or predictable while keeping a strong momentum, showing great promise and well deserving in getting their name out there on the national scene. The only dismissive I can say about the album is it comes to an end too abruptly, but when you look at the groups solid output of five releases in the past five years no one could ever accuse them of phoning it in.
With a physical UK release on the cards at the end of the month and recent gigs by the band in Australia, here’s hoping that we can all look forward to a tour to promote it when the world hopefully pulls out of this nosedive.
The Nuclears fall into a strange realm for me as they can write songs that grab me in a big way while at other times I am left wondering how the production zapped everything out of a song. Their mini-album from 2019 ‘Barrage Rock’ was much the same way with me playing the crap out of the song ‘Lightspeed Getaway’ and unable to say much about the rest of the album. As an album, ‘Seasides’ is ultimately proving to be a very similar experience for me.
Lead song ‘Siamese Connection’ provides a bit of a microcosm of the record for me as I don’t find myself drawn in by the rock n roll guitar riffs or lyrics for the most part. The guitar solo saves it for me though, and I enjoy the remaining bit of the song even if the chorus doesn’t move me. I enjoy the piano bouncing through the song as well. ‘Steer You Wrong’ is one of the songs that will be a long-term golden nugget here for me with Briana Layon providing lead vocals to this one. Musically, I am reminded of Shanda & the Howlers with their rocking take on soul and R & B. The band then launches into ‘Make the First Move’ which just doesn’t connect with me at all. The song just kind of fades by for me, and each time I play the album I find my mind drifting. The production here feels a bit dull as I think this song would hit me much different in a live setting. On the record, this one is missing its fangs.
Up next, the band find themselves playing ‘Small Talk’ and again I don’t find myself connecting with what seems like a good song. This is another example where the production has neutered the song as this could fare much better for me. I will likely try to work this one into some playlists, but it could have been so much better. ‘Mystery Slinger’ wraps up the first half of the album and carries a lot more bite in the production. If the whole album had this sense of urgency and excitement, this review would be much different. I do admit I am a bigger fan of Layon’s vocals and wish she sang lead on all the songs. That is not specific to this album as I have always been more drawn by her vocals than the vocals of both Mike Dudolevitch and Brian Dudolevitch.
The second half of the album continues the preferred production with ‘Bow to the Queen,’ even if it is not my favorite song here. The guitar work by Mike and Brian is extremely well done all the way through. I really enjoy the riff that moves across the top of the verse. ‘I Just Wanna Have Nothin to Do’ recalls a catchy 60’s rock song and is another of my favorites from the album. The band sound like they are having a blast here. The repeat on the chorus to end the song almost runs the risk of going on too long. The band keep some momentum going with ‘Doin the Same Thing Too’ carrying a sense of urgency and maintaining the listener’s attention. This one falls in the middle half of the album for me, and it leaves me wondering with each listen how good this could have been as an EP.
Wrapping up the album, I find myself constantly drifting off again as ‘Slash Run’ just doesn’t hit like it could. This is a prime example where the band needed a rawer, cutting production. It just feels a bit safe to my ears. The band transition in the song to an amended version of KISS classic ‘Strutter,’ which just feels pointless to me. I have heard the original a million times, and, no matter how well done it is, I just don’t get it being on the album. The production level here though would have lifted some of the other songs. Wrapping up the album is rocker ‘Flat & Nasty’ which again falls short largely due to the production. There is a really good song here which just reinforces how frustrating this album is for me.
Musically, the connection to Rum Bar Records lets listeners know that there will be some classic sounding rock n roll on offer. This album falls short for my tastes in that parts of it feel too safe, like the switchblades have been dulled down to round edges for the most part. I have no doubt that I would feel much differently if I walked into a bar and heard these live. There are some great moments here which I will sadly end up cherry picking from the record for the most part as opposed to enjoying the whole record.
New garage punk blitz, “Flaunt It” along with a lyric video. This is a fan-only single. The lyric video commemorates the band’s 25th Anniversary and comes off of their upcoming album Power Trio out August 27th via Mate In Germany. Album pre-orders are available HERE!
Photo by Dustin Rabin
“Power Trio” sees Danko Jones delivering each engine-revving riff, soul-shaking stomp, and shout-it-loud hook with a sniper’s precision. It’s such a simple, self-evident title, but one loaded with significance, as it speaks to the special triangular alchemy Danko shares with his trusty bass-slinging accomplice JC and drummer Rich Knox. It also stakes out the band’s place on a storied lineage of three-piece titans Jimi Hendrix Experience, ZZ Top, Rush, Motörhead, Venom, Dinosaur Jr., and the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, to name a few.
When you choose to start a power trio, you’re not simply forming a band, you’re entering a blood pact—a tacit acknowledgement that all three members need to carry their equal share of the weight lest the whole enterprise collapse. There’s nowhere to hide in a power trio—no second guitarist to cover your mistakes, no keyboard player to smooth things over, no horn section to distract the crowd. If you fuck up, the whole band fucks up. Everybody needs to be on their A-game at all times.
“Power Trio” follows the band’s electrifying, world charting album, “A Rock Supreme” released in 2019. It also sees the band once again tapping into the production prowess of Eric Ratz, who previously amped up the bone-breaking boogie of 2017’s full-throttle rocker “Wild Cat” and 2015’s bloodlusty “Fire Music”.
Phoenix thrash legends Flotsam & Jetsam return with their fourteenth studio album Blood in the Water, and what a barnstormer it is. The band has been around a long time, they were initially formed back in 1981 under different guises before settling on the Flotsam & Jetsam moniker in 1984. There have been many line-up changes in the band over the years, the one that most metal fans will be aware of is former bassist Jason Newsted leaving to replace Cliff Burton in Metallica. F & J enjoyed moderate success in the mid to late 80s with albums such as the classics, Doomsday for the Deceiver (the only album ever to get a 6K review in Kerrang!) and No Place for Disgrace, and they went on to build up a strong following as a live act. The band never really transcended any higher unfortunately but continued to record and tour.
This latest record continues hot on the heels of their 2019 release The End of Chaos the line-up is largely unchanged apart from new bass player Bill Bodily. The sound of the band has evolved into a more prog metal sound over the years, that said, there are some moments of sheer thrash brilliance on this album. The first single and video to be released from the album Burn the Sky features some blistering riffs and astounding drumming from legendary drummer Ken K Mary (one of my all-time favourite drummers). Vocalist AK Knutson still hits those high notes with ease and the guitar duo of Steve Conley and Michael Gilbert shred insanely.
More highlights include the frenetic Brace for Impact, Too Many Lives with its Painkiller era Judas Priest feel, and the superb Grey Dragon with more insane musicianship and full-on metal lyrics about a ‘metal creature flying through the air’. You really can feel that the band has channeled all their anger, frustration, and unspent energy from the last twelve months or so that has rendered most musicians helpless and unable to do the thing they love most.
A fantastic album that shows that aggressive metal written and played well is very much alive and thrashing!
Does It Matter? of course not. Clowns are in the house with the first track off their post ‘Nature Nurture’ album.
Austrian punks DeeCRACKS have released their video game-style music video for “Don’t Throw It Away,” the latest video from the band’s new record Serious Issues. It is available now for purchase from the Pirates Press Records webstore.
Finally For Fans Of: Drive Like Jehu, Jawbox, Hot Snakes, Jawbreaker, Adolescents. Totally Slow release the first track of their third album, ‘Dead Skater’
A Bit Of What You Fancy 2 to Hit Stores 2nd July as Fans Get Behind The Quireboys to Make National Top 10!
It’s the news we’ve all been waiting for – The Quireboys’ A Bit of What You Fancy Anniversary Edition is confirmed to land on 2nd July initially with the CDs, and then Blue Vinyls 6 weeks after that.
In addition, the lead single, 7 O’Clock, is set to be released on 18th June as a double A-Side, featuring both the brand new studio version and a superb live version recorded at London’s prestigious O2 Forum, Kentish Town. A brand new video will accompany the single too.
This studio re-recording of their iconic first album will reflect the current Gypsy Rock n Roll sound of The Quireboys, and prove to be powerful, inspirational and full of all the quality of a modern-day recording.
Over the next few days and weeks, we will be spreading the word once more about this stunning album, with the aim to get the lads into the charts where they deserve to be – with the aim to make the release hit the national top 10
This is a must for all Quireboys fans worldwide and will be available on CD & Vinyl, both on limited runs, with a new modern cover and a couple of live bonus tracks on the CD – “Man on the Loose” and “Mayfair” – while the Vinyl Collector’s version will be restricted to a run of 750 copies only in Blue Vinyl.
Here’s an exclusive sneak peek at “See Ya Later” a brand new Boys video from the forthcoming limited edition “Terminal Love” vinyl-only album,which will be released by Gutterwail Records on 29 May 2021.
The video is produced by Alan Shine and features vintage Boys footage alongside footage from their visit to Japan in 2015
The album comprises rare demos and alternate mixes alongside acoustic & live recordings from the period 1978-2015 and bears the band’s classic trademark blistering guitars, hard-edged melodies, killer hooks, and layered harmonies.
It will be available in a limited edition numbered alternate covers and coloured vinyl. To pick up a copy of the album sign up to the mailing list Here and copies will go onsale online at 8pm (UK time) on Saturday 29 May on a first-come-first-served basis.
Full tracklisting:
Side One
1. See Ya Later (Steel/Dangerfield)
2. Terminal Love (Plain)
3. You Can Give It (Walker)
4. I Love Me (Steel/Dangerfield)
5. Rue Morgue (Dangerfield)
6. Walk My Dog (Dangerfield)
Side Two 1. Punk Rock Girl (Steel/Dangerfield/Plain)
2. Waiting For The Lady (Penfold/Reid)
3. Brickfield Nights (Steel/Dangerfield)
4. Jimmy Brown (Steel)
5. Flies (Plain)
6. TCP (Plain)
Warped – ‘Match Fit’ (Golden Robot Records) Hailing from Geelong Australia, Warped are a 3-piece band that have been around the traps for 30 years and are highly respected scene veterans. ‘Match Fit’ is a right banger in the garage rock mould that those Stooges knocked out many moons ago that seems to have been embraced down under. ‘Match Fit’ is a bruising grinding slice of chaotic rock and roll that’s delivered to great effect by Warped who clearly know the score when pumping out loud uncompromising rock n roll in a similar vein to the likes of Bored and Asteroid B612. Out via Golden Robot Records, available on all digital platforms.
Steve Conte – ‘Recovery Doll’ (Wicked Cool Records) New music from the super talented Conte out on May 28 on Wicked Cool Records. This is Conte’s follow up to the rockin ‘Gimme Gimme Rockaway’. It features Conte’s 11 year old son, Zia, on backing vocals, the track has Conte’s brother, John on bass and Charley Drayton (The Replacements, Keith Richards’ X-Pensive Winos, Divinyls) on drums. The b-side is a demo of ‘Rock and Rye Queen,’ a track off of his ‘Steve Conte NYC’ album. Of course, it’s quality we wouldn’t expect anything less than exceptional here. I love the groove and vibe brought to the party by Drayton who added the Roll to the Keith Richards Expensive Winos Rock. It goes without saying this is a must buy single.
Kris Rodgers And The Dirty Gems – ‘I Can Still Feel It’ (Wicked Cool Records) Portland, Maine’s Kris Rodgers and the Dirty Gems Releasing Wicked Cool Records Label Debut ‘Still Dirty’ on July 23. The first single lifted from the record is the horn-heavy rootin tootin rock and roller that shows the very talented Rodgers who has busied himself in the past performing with the likes of RPM favourites Scott Sorry, Bullet Proof Lovers, and Kurt Baker. ITs a real blast of summer sunshine and we can all get excited for the summer when we have tunes like this to blast out. ‘Still Dirty’ Album Pre-Save link: Here
Velvet Insane feat Dregen & Nicke Andersson – ‘Backstreet Liberace’ (Wild Kingdom Records) Swedish rockers Velvet Insane goes wam bam glam and turns the clock back to 1973 in the new music video for “Backstreet Liberace” and with guest appearances from Dregen and Nicke Andersson of The Hellacopters. With a big sing-a-long chorus, Sulo has really captured the mood on this one. From the low horn honk to the rampaging keys its a real feel good banger.
If this is an indication as to where the album is going then bring it on – Great stuff. the upcoming album “Rock ‘n’ Roll Glitter Suit”is out soon!
City Saints – ‘Evil Conduct’ feat Han (Sunny Bastards Records) Oi Oi! A trio of tracks from another Swedish entry it’s like Eurovision but with decent tunes this weekend. City Saints pay tribute on this EP to Evil Conduct. With 3 tracks. One original and two covers it’s loud and proud (as you’d expect) The band mixes up rock and roll and some proper punk rock. It’s pretty much perfect Oi! and ‘Home Sweet Home’ (no not the Motley Crue tune) is respectfully delivered and justice is served by City Saints it also features Han from Evil Conduct. Facebook
Poison Boys – ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind’ The third single from our upcoming second full length, “Don’t You Turn on Me,” out Summer 2021.
This is the anthemic Rock and Roll from these Chicago punk rock n rollers. It’s for everyone who’s ever had a missed connection and couldn’t shake the feeling that it could have gone better. Its a thumping tune and an indication of whats to come when this album drops its time to get excited kids – the world needs more bands as good as Poison Boys. A catchy hit brought to you by rock n roll punks the Poison Boys.
You Filthy Dog – ‘Dreamboats Annonymous’ Solo project from Liam Hill is like a welcome ray of power pop sunshine and from the opening salvo of ‘Face The Wave’ your attention is immediately grabbed. An excellent constructed tune that ebbs and flows wonderfully. With a hint of Wildhearts and a chorus that’s more Ash and that indie kid pop melodic goodness. ‘Loved’ is another melodic chunk of loveliness that’s pure summer sunshine.
The mood drops and becomes more sullen and dreamy on ‘Bitter Days’, halfway through it gets decidedly louder with a crescendo of goodness to go with the grandness it envokes – great stuff! Variety, beauty, melody everything you want when being introduced to a new band. A top EP to be fair and well worth checking out Here
SHLUG – ‘The Scent Of Roy Keane‘ (Disobedient Records) What a lovely noise this is from that thumping bass line to the qwerky chorus its a thrash, bang, wallop, and all in the best possible way for this Cardiff lot. The curious title is explained away by vocalist Ellis Acton-Dyer: “Written in a point of adolescence, ‘The Scent Of Roy Keane‘ tackles masculinity along with the question – what really turns a boy into a man? Is it through protein shakes? Or is it by pissing all over the seat? Either way, you decide. Just get the conversation going.” Another introduction to a new exciting band who makes a wonderful noise – check it out! Here
GOB PATROL – ‘Bad Vibes’ (Riot Records)inspired by bands such as Black Flag, GBH, and The Germs, Gob Patrol stay true to the genre it’s like a step back in time but its delivered with aplomb, and who doesn’t love the gurgling bass and a vocal spat out in true Dwayne Peters fashion. Gob Patrol knows what they’re about and delivers for anybody looking for a slice of retro punk 82 style. Facebook
My love for The Speedways is no secret. You should shout about the bands that you love. So, while we wait for album number three, they’ve used the time to release an EP of well-chosen cover versions.
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