Bleedin Noses- ‘The Trouble Is’ ep (SBS Records)

Bleedin Noses- ‘The Trouble Is’ ep (SBS Records)

If there was ever a local band that I felt had everything in place to break out of the underground/local scene then the Bleedin noses were that band, live they had everything, their own sound, almost impossible to pigeon hole them, each LP getting progressive tighter, further defining their own style. before just prior to a European tour with the Meat puppets and a potential US tour, the band took a Hiatus, stopped dead at that point.

 

Since then there have been a couple of low key gigs, a reconnect with the Meat puppets and finally some new music to get immersed within. So what does it sound like?

 

Opener Down starts in a reflective mood, playing out the anguish of the past, Kev’s guitar coming to the fore, moving it away from the lilting Americana that opens so many doorways, Ollie’s vocals as strong as ever.

 

Next up Frontline again pulls at the Americana but there’s an incessant drumbeat that threatens to tear it away and the vocals start to develop an edge that I’ve not picked up from the guys before, to me moving the music away into something with a much harder edge, I get the feeling that this one is going to become a mainstream entry into the live set. There’s a confidence starting to come through, almost a Fuck it! Here we are, this is what we do.

 

Initially, we’re into more familiar territory with Nobody’s safe, this is a track that could have fit nicely on both earlier LP’s but something’s definitely changed vocally, it’s maintaining that almost raw edge, and guitar-wise it just takes off, Kev’s electric musings adding a whole new depth and dimension.

 

Last up Unshakeable for me is the track of this ep, its got an almost punk edge, the spat out at times vocals giving this a totally different slant to earlier music, there’s some serious muso tricks going on, organ, drums and Bass before the guitar just tears your face off,

 

Summing this up we have a band re-entering the fray, but in no way licking their wounds, a band confident together and with their own demons exorcised. Roll on the new LP I’m liking the subtle changes.

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Author: Nev Brooks

Motherfuckin’ Motherfuckers – ‘Dance Motherfucker EP’ pre orders are out

Motherfuckin’ Motherfuckers – ‘Dance Motherfucker EP’ pre orders are out

 

Released on April 4th those Motherfuckin’ Motherfuckers are at it again this time with a coloured 7″ EP containing four blasts of punked-up Garage Rock and Fuckin’ Roll.

Its three originals and another cover this time it’s ‘Crash Landing’ from the Violent Femmes.  There are only 170 of these bad boys available on coloured vinyl so be quick or be left out in the cold paying silly money on some record auction site in the months to come. Don’t say we didn’t warn ya.

Who are they you say? Four members of two of your favourite bands The Hip Priests and Bitch Queens from Shit Island and Basle Switzerland respectively. after their initial EP that was Fuelled by hangovers, More Lager, Nicotine, Bread and Cheese they tossed out six glorious sonic slices of Primetime, Pedal to the motherfuckin’ metal Overdriven, OD1 Scandi garage noise – smashing strings, skins and yellin’ as if their bullshit lives depended upon it. It was so good they reconvened and did it again first releasing the follow-up single ‘Trillion $ EP’ and now this ‘Dance Motherfucker EP’  so what are you waiting for get on it.

Pre Order Here

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Max Motherfucker – Christmas Interview Exclusive

Max Motherfucker – Christmas Interview Exclusive
With a brand new album released last Friday 2020 is shaping up nicely for Christmas.  Max Motherfucker is the vocalist and raging ball of energy leading the charge for world domination and all-round top bloke. We decided to catch up with him and have a chat about the new record and what’s up in the Christmas camp.  Here Goes…
Hi Max, Nice to catch up with you again.  You guys have kept yourselves busy over the past year? ‘Hot Nights In Saint Vandal’ has been released a live album has been released you’ve toured and toured and toured to be fair since you first released the ‘Satanic Rock’ you’ve had a steady output. Was there ever a plan?

Well, the plan was to start a Glamrock band. So actually we failed from the beginning on.
We wrote songs that we really loved and banned them on records. After the release of Appetite For Self-destruction I always wanted to do a live album. At the Punk For Help Festival, there was the right time and the right place to do this!
I hope you don’t mind me saying that the best record you’ve put out is this new album from the sound of it to the playing and the songwriting.  Do you agree?  Would that be a fair assessment?

I always thought that Appetite For Self-destruction would be the best record I could release. It’s simply perfect of me, a split between the brutality of Poison Idea and the groove of Turbonegro. Hot Nights In Saint Vandel does cover even more tastes of the music I love. We added a Hardrock song (Candy Me), a groovy rock n roll tribute to Bowie (Hey Mate) and a Hardcore Punk song a la Minor Threat (Waterloo).
The band never was tighter and better and everything was just perfect to record this album!
Where did the title come from? ‘Hot Nights In Saint Vandal’?

We live around a small city called St Wendel. Most bands would say they are from Saarbrücken, a major city 30km in the south. But to be honest, the best parties happen in places that are not used to have a party there, right? Even if we name it Saint Vandel, you can feel free to sing about your village with us, see it as a spaceholder.

You’ve got this one coming out on TNS out of the UK.  How did this union come about? They have released some great bands in the past like Pizzatramp, Wonk Unit to name a couple of our favourites
.
Back in 2013, when we played Manchester the first time, Andy already saw us live there. Two years ago, when his band, Revenge Of The Psychotronic Man split up, we played some shows together. He always followed us and how the band was doing and we asked them if they want to release the LP in the UK. They loved to do it and now we got it already in our hands! TNS Records really stands for good quality and way to unknown bands.
We also played a few times with Pizza Tramp (we had a really HOT NIGHT in Angouleme, France) and Wonk Unit. For a short time, I also was the booking agent of Wonk Unit on the mainland. Brilliant guys!
What did Michel Wern bring to the recording of the last album?

Michels brother started Christmas with me. Michel is a friend of mine since he came to the skatepark as a little kid. I gave him and his brother CDs of bands like Turbonegro or the Bones when they have been really young. So he knows where I wanna go and where I come from. In the songwriting, he was not involved, but he added salt and pepper and served a fine album!

Was there anything done differently on the recording of ‘Hot Nights’ album compared to earlier releases?

Scum As You Are was produced and recorded by our old drummer himself in his basement. The result was a really good DIY album. Michel works at Tonstudio45, one of the best studios for rock music in general in Germany, so he also had better equipment and a better location for the recording. Also, it is the very first time we mastered an album. I never expected such a big difference after a master, but Andi “Dog” Young, who worked for bands like Spermbirds, Beatsteaks, Pascow, etc so far, did a brilliant job!
Do you have time to dwell on the record once it’s finished or is it straight out the door and onto the tour van.  Its been a few months now since it was recorded do you listen to it with fresh ears now and are you super happy with the finished product?

Haha, it is nearly a year since it was recorded. It was really hard to keep the songs in the rehearsal room that long. Since we actually never really leave the tour bus it was recorded between some weekenders.
And we are extremely happy with the finished product. I would do nothing differently now! From the sound to the artwork, everything is the way it is perfect for Christmas!
I said it was your best yet and as far as the genre goes you guys are a formidable force. Is it fair to say that on this record there is a lot going on so to speak.  The rhythm section of Christmas really stepped up here and Claydymirco plays a blinder driving the songs on from his drum stool.  a powerhouse of drumming to be fair.

Like already said, the band never sounded better! I am really happy not just to have good musicians with me, they are also really good friends!
Once the record is out what are the plans?  can we see any UK dates?  What about the united states is there much chance of reaching out across the ocean with this release? What about a bunch of shows with label mates Pizzatramp?

We already started the release tour two weeks before the record release! In Ireland, we have two shows confirmed and then there will be Manchester Punk Fest. Then we need to see what happens over there, really would love to do a tour in the UK again! With Pizza Tramp would be fun. When we played Angouleme all alcohol was emptied backstage of them and us after the first band. There have been five bands. And like five paying guests. We did not care and celebrated each others show. My leg was full of blood the next day, still no idea what happened!
Actually Christmas plays wherever people want us. Book us a flight and we will be there! No matter if it is Europe of the rest of the world! One day we might get you all. Maybe.

Is there a particular favourite out of the new songs you have been playing live? ‘Go Hard’ sounds exhausting on record, it’s going to get messy live.  How do you get through a tour unscathed? When can we see you on the bill at the Rebellion Festival with Christmas?

Go Hard or Go Home is always great live. We did that one already on the live album already. Another favourite live is Turn Me Lewd. A perfect opener that goes straight into the face!
The most important thing on tour is not to annoy each other. We sit in a small van for hours a day. The trick is to leave everyone his time if needed.
But actually we played Rebellion twice, once Blackpool, once Amsterdam. They don’t want us back for any reason, but that is fine. There is plenty of good places we can play.
You’ve done some really cool splits with the likes of Turbo AC’s and Bloodlights and out good friends Trigger Mc Poopshute any plans for the next one?

Thank you! There is one split in the last process of making before it goes to the pressing plant and for another one we just recorded the guitars. You see, we ain’t standing still!

When you go into the studio how complete is the writing?  are all the songs in place and ready to record or is it less rigid? how do Christmas go about writing the songs?

Actually they are 95% finished I’d say. We don’t have the money to write songs in the studio. Sometimes I have a title that sounds good for a track, then I wrote lyrics and the other ones do some music around that, sometimes I have an artwork idea first and sometimes it starts with a cool riff. There is no way we work by default!
Who else in the scene is lighting it up at the moment?  The Trigger boys had nothing but huge respect and compliments for you guys after your tour together who would you like to go on tour with ideally?  Anyone we should know about from your travels who are out there at the moment tearing it up like Christmas?

Trigger McPoopshute are our kinda British, vulgar, daddys of Rock’n’Roll. Really good and honest people!!
There is plenty of good bands around. From Sweden Scumbag Millionaire are worth checking out if you not yet did. Other good bands are Bronco from Switzerland or Disidente from Mexico.
A perfect way to find new underground bands is to check the A Fistful More Of Rock’n’Roll compilation series by Sal from Electric Frankenstein. There are plenty of jewels on it!

Good luck with the new album its an absolute gem and one you guys should be really proud of.  Hopefully, catch you soon when you hit the UK even with Brexit I’m sure Christmas will overcome anything if you put your mind to it.

Thank you, we WILL find a way to come back!

Buzzcocks – ‘Sell You Everything’ May release date for 8CD collection

Buzzcocks – ‘Sell You Everything’ May release date for 8CD collection


Pre order Here 

Buzzcocks require no introduction. Pivotal to the punk and post-punk DIY movements, the group, led by frontman Pete Shelley and co-conspirator Steve Diggle, brought an essential pop sensibility and sartorial style to the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Having disbanded in 1981, the band re-grouped in 1989 and continue to write, record and perform to this day, despite the saddening and untimely loss of Pete Shelley in 2018. This handsome box set captures the eight albums and numerous singles the band produced with Shelley during a twenty three year period, alongside previously unheard rarities, demos and outtakes.

Packed with remarkable music, including excellent re-visits of much of their best loved material on ‘A Different Compilation’, ‘Sell You Everything’ showcases a longevity and a hunger rarely seen in a band now into their forty-second year.

***LIMITED EDITION POSTCARD SIGNED BY STEVE DIGGLE WHILE STOCKS LAST***PLEASE NOTE POSTCARD DESIGN IS THE SAME FOR ‘1991 DEMO ALBUM’ AND ‘SELL YOU EVERYTHING, 8CD BOXSET’.

• DELUXE BOX SET COMPILING THE POST-REFORMATION YEARS, SPANNING THREE DECADES.

• 160 TRACKS, INCLUDING MANY NEVER BEFORE ON CD AND 29 PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED RECORDINGS!

• INCLUDES THE ENTIRE 1991 DEMO ALBUM, HOME RECORDINGS FROM STEVE DIGGLE’S ARCHIVE, DEMOS AND RARE B-SIDES AND PROMOTIONAL ONLY TRACKS.

• ALSO INCLUDES ‘A DIFFERENT COMPILATION’, FEATURING RE-WORKED INTERPRETATIONS OF THE CLASSICS ‘EVER FALLEN IN LOVE’, ‘WHAT DO I GET’, ‘ORGASM ADDICT’ AND MORE.

• PRODUCED IN ASSOCIATION WITH STEVE DIGGLE AND BUZZCOCKS.

• BOOKLET INCLUDES SLEEVENOTES BY PAT GILBERT (MOJO MAGAZINE) BASED ON NEW INTERVIEWS WITH STEVE DIGGLE.

TRACKLISTING

DISC ONE

THE 1991 DEMO ALBUM *

1. DREAMIN’
2. ALIVE TONIGHT
3. NEVER GONNA GIVE IT UP
4. WALLPAPER WORLD
5. SUCCESSFUL STREET
6. WHO’LL HELP ME TO FORGET
7. SERIOUS CRIME
8. WHY COMPROMISE
9. LAST TO KNOW
10. RUN AWAY FROM HOME
11. SEARCHING FOR YOUR LOVE
12. TRANQUILLIZER
13. WHEN LOVE TURNS AROUND YOU
BONUS TRACKS
14. ALL OVER YOU (DEMO)*
15. ISOLATION (DEMO)*
16. TRASH AWAY (DEMO)*
17. INSIDE (DEMO)*
18. ALIVE TONIGHT (EP VERSION)
19. SERIOUS CRIME (EP VERSION)
20. LAST TO KNOW (EP VERSION)
21. SUCCESSFUL STREET (EP VERSION)

* PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

DISC TWO
TRADE TEST TRANSMISSIONS

1. DO IT
2. INNOCENT
3. TTT
4. ISOLATION
5. SMILE
6. LAST TO KNOW
7. WHEN LOVE TURNS AROUND
8. NEVER GONNA GIVE IT UP
9. ENERGY
10. PALM OF YOUR HAND
11. ALIVE TONIGHT
12. WHO’LL HELP ME FORGET
13. UNTHINKABLE
14. CRYSTAL NIGHT
15. 369
BONUS TRACKS
16. INSIDE
17. LIBERTINE ANGEL
18. ROLL IT OVER
19. EXCERPT FROM ‘PRISON RIOT HOSTAGE’
SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD*
20. ENERGY (HOME DEMO)*
21. IT’S ALRIGHT (HOME DEMO)*
22. TAKE YOUR LIFE (HOME DEMO)*
23. SOMEWHERE IN THE WORLD
(HOME DEMO)*

* PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

DISC THREE
ALL SET

1. TOTALLY FROM THE HEART
2. WITHOUT YOU
3. GIVE IT TO ME
4. YOUR LOVE
5. POINT OF NO RETURN
6. HOLD ME CLOSE
7. KISS ‘N’ TELL
8. WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO
9. SOME KINDA WONDERFUL
10. WHAT YOU MEAN TO ME
11. PLAYING FOR TIME
12. PARIAH
13. BACK WITH YOU
BONUS TRACKS
14. WITHOUT YOU (DEMO)*
15. YOUR LOVE (DEMO)*
16. GIVE IT TO ME (DEMO)*
17. KISS ‘N TELL (DEMO)*

* PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

DISC FOUR

MODERN

1. SOUL ON A ROCK
2. RENDEZVOUS
3. SPEED OF LIFE
4. THUNDER OF HEARTS
5. WHY COMPROMISE?
6. DON’T LET THE CAR CRASH
7. RUNAROUND
8. DOESN’T MEAN ANYTHING
9. PHONE
10. UNDER THE SUN
11. TURN OF THE SCREW
12. SNEAKY
13. STRANGER IN YOUR TOWN
14. CHOICES
BONUS TRACKS
15. HERE COME THE NICE
16. AUTUMN STONE – Stevie’s Buzz

DISC FIVE
BUZZCOCKS

1. JERK
2. KEEP ON
3. WAKE UP CALL
4. FRIENDS
5. DRIVING YOU INSANE
6. MORNING AFTER
7. SICK CITY SOMETIMES
8. STARS
9. CERTAIN MOVE
10. LESTER SANDS
11. UP FOR THE CRACK
12. USELESS
BONUS TRACKS
13. DON’T COME BACK
14. NEVER BELIEVE IT (DEMO)
15. PARADISE (LIVE)
16. OH SHIT! (LIVE)

DISC SIX
FLAT-PACK PHILOSOPHY

1. FLAT-PACK PHILOSOPHY
2. WISH I NEVER LOVED YOU
3. SELL YOU EVERYTHING
4. RECONCILIATION
5. I DON’T EXIST
6. SOUL SURVIVOR
7. GOD, WHAT HAVE I DONE
8. CREDIT
9. BIG BROTHER WHEELS
10. DREAMIN’
11. SOUND OF A GUN
12. LOOK AT YOU NOW
13. I’VE HAD ENOUGH
14. BETWEEN HEAVEN AND HELL
BONUS TRACKS
15. SEE THROUGH YOU
16. HOLDING ME DOWN
17. EVERY DAY AND EVERY NIGHT (DEMO)
18. DON’T MATTER WHAT YOU SAY
19. ORION
20. DARKER BY THE HOUR
21. LOVE BATTERY (LIVE)
22. SIXTEEN (LIVE)

DISC SEVEN
A DIFFERENT COMPILATION

1. BOREDOM
2. FAST CARS
3. I DON’T MIND
4. AUTONOMY
5. GET ON OUR OWN
6. WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO?
7. WHEN LOVE TURNS AROUND YOU
8. WHY SHE’S A GIRL FROM THE CHAINSTORE
9. WHY CAN’T I TOUCH IT?
10. ALIVE TONIGHT
11. I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH MY LIFE
12. YOU SAY YOU DON’T LOVE ME
13. TURN OF THE SCREW
14. NOISE ANNOYS
15. BREAKDOWN
16. PROMISES
17. LOVE YOU MORE
18. WHAT DO I GET
19. HARMONY IN MY HEAD
20. OH SHIT!
21. EVER FALLEN IN LOVE (WITH SOMEONE YOU SHOULDN’T’VE)?
22. ORGASM ADDICT
23. I BELIEVE
24. LOVE IS LIES

DISC EIGHT
THE WAY

1. KEEP ON BELIEVING
2. PEOPLE ARE STRANGE MACHINES
3. THE WAY
4. IN THE BACK
5. VIRTUALLY REAL
6. THIRD DIMENSION
7. OUT OF THE BLUE
8. CHASING RAINBOWS/MODERN TIMES
9. IT’S NOT YOU
10. SAVING YOURSELF
BONUS TRACKS
11. GENERATION SUICIDE
12. DREAM ON BABY
13. HAPPY
14. DISAPPOINTMENT
15. IN THE BACK (HOME DEMO)*
16. DANCING AT DAWN (HOME DEMO)*
17. CAN YOU DIG ME? (HOME DEMO)*

* PREVIOUSLY UNRELEASED

Ryan Hamilton and the Harlequin Ghosts announce short run of UK dates

Ryan Hamilton and the Harlequin Ghosts announce short run of UK dates

Transatlantic Americana artist tours UK around festival appearances “One of the best live bands you’ll ever see”: Hype Magazine “Riff-driven guitars, catchy chorus’, gritty addictive vocals – straight up old school rock n roll”: Music Junkie “Absolutely cooking live. If you get the chance to see this lot play, grab it with both hands!”: Brighton News

 

Ryan Hamilton and the Harlequin Ghosts are thrilled to announce a short engagement of live shows in the UK around their confirmed festival appearances this year (with more festivals to follow).

 

Talking about his long held dream of playing UK festivals, Fort Worth, Texas based singer/songwriter Hamilton says: “Since I started playing music, it’s been a dream to play music festivals in the UK. I remember seeing the ‘Travis LIVE in Glasgow’ DVD and going, “Holy shit. I HAVE TO do that someday”. So, here we are… dipping our toes in our first UK Music Festivals, and I sincerely can’t wait!”

 

Once again to be released on Stevie Van Zandt’s ‘Wicked Cool’ label, Hamilton continues: “We’re right in the middle of recording a new album. I think we’ve finally found the right mix of Americana, Pop, and Rock n Roll. After a couple of years touring… and 1 successful album under our belts as this current incarnation, we found our identity, musically. I can’t wait to finish this album and share it with the world. I think it’s gonna be the thing to get us where we wanna go.”

 

Finally, Hamilton adds – “and before I get it on the socials that this isn’t strictly a full UK tour – we know & we’re working on correcting that by the end of this year – and THEN getting over to mainland Europe for more festivals and shows in 2021!”

 

 

 

 

 

UK 2020 dates:

 

May 2020

 

Thursday 21              Waterloo Music Bar                         Blackpool

Friday 22                   Blue Moon                                        Cambridge

Saturday 23              LeeStock Festival                            Sudbury

Sunday 24                The Parish                                        Huddersfield

 

 

July 2020

 

Saturday 4                 Maverick Festival                             Easton Fark Park, Suffolk

Sunday 12                Walled Garden Festival                  Thoresby Park, Notts

 

The Trash Bags – The Trash Bags (Muddguts Records)

The Trash Bags – The Trash Bags (Muddguts Records)

Undoubtedly the Trash Bags will often be compared to the Cramps, who are most certainly a huge influence here. And although they take a range of garage-like influences, from the opening, reverb-heavy guitar notes to the snarling vocals, fans of Lux and co. will find something to love here from the New Yorkers’ debut album.

But beyond the obvious influence, what else is packed up in the Billie Joe Armstrong-produced, trashtastically-tainted new record? Well, as they say themselves, it really is gar-bage – gloriously so. As soon as those first few notes finish ringing out, the album kicks into an uncompromising barrage of frantic, messed up garage rock ‘n’ roll.

It’s high-energy junk all the way from start to finish, drawing influences also from the New York Dolls and others. From ‘Crimes’ to ‘Sex Beat’, the album doesn’t drop for a moment. Through the trashy guitars are catchy choruses and slick, surf lead breaks. ‘Hungry for Ya’ is somewhat reminiscent of the great Street Walking Cheetahs.

The Trash Bags are noisy, brash and exciting, and this debut album is a fine way to kick up some dust in New York City. If garage with a touch of PVC is your thing, so are the Trash Bags.

 

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Author: Craggy Collide

Lucifer Star Machine ‘The Devil’s Breath’ (The Sign Records)

Lucifer Star Machine ‘The Devil’s Breath’ (The Sign Records)

While Lucifer Star Machine was a new band to me, their beginnings go back to 2002 when they released three albums before Tor Abyss (vocals) decided to relocate the band to his home country of Germany in 2012. Since that time, they have released a couple of singles and an EP with a whole new band behind Abyss which I will now be looking to find. I went into the album expecting some straight-ahead Action Rock but found many cool twists and turns throughout this diverse album.

Some cool news samples introduce us to the album with some razor-sharp guitars firing us into ‘The Void.’ This song made the ideal first video for the album as well as the first song on the album as the hooks are huge, and the adrenaline surge starts here. It’s clear the band wanted a stellar production job as the mix is deep and rich here. The guitar work is killer by Mickey Necro and Marshall Speed. ‘Dwell in Misery’ slows the pace a touch with a definite Misfits influence in the vocals, and the chorus provides a sing-along touch on the first listen.  The band exercises some restraint leading into the guitar solo which maximizes its effect.

Keeping up the diversity, ‘Cruel Hearts’ features some excellent rhythm work by Benny Zin (bass) and Jay Impact (drums) and another huge chorus. The subtle use of some handclaps adds more character to the song and showcases a band that has refined its sound from many areas to create something all their own, even with some influences standing out more than others. ‘Baby, When You Cry’ reminds me of the Ramones with Abyss singing very melodically and allowing the chorus to stick deep into your brain. The guitar work and solo stand out here again with the band creating a diverse excellent record similar to what the Dead Furies did on their latest album.

‘The Night is Young’ channels a classic hard rock feel with an awesome chugga chugga rhythm propelling the song forward with some excellent lead guitar on top. The band again gives us another larger than life addictive chorus that is simpler lyrically but hits the perfect spot. The breakdown in the song before the guitar solo is simply perfect, and this song would make an ideal single. Zin’s bass work kicks butt in ‘East Dust’ and receives a lot of space in the mix. I hear a Nashville Pussy influence here with lyrics that could have come from their first album, but the music is not as fast or reckless. This one has a cool groove with a lyrical hook that could get you some sideways glances in public. With the songs that have come before and the ones after this one, ‘A Touch of Death’ does not make as much of an impact for me. It could be more of a grower though as it connects with me a bit more with each listen. Check back with me in a few months as this might be one of those that become a favorite.

I am not sure what the new James Bond theme will sound like, but it definitely seems like there should be a Bond movie with ‘El Camino Real’ as its theme. The 60’s feel of this hard rocker and a chorus that could not be catchier make this another obvious choice for a single or song to push from the album. This has been my favorite song since my first listen. The band continues the sonic assault with the rapid-fire ‘Pretender.’ This is another one where the band utilizes another large catchy chorus that should have you singing along in no time. They continue to increase the speed with ‘Evil Blood’ sounding more menacing but still has a catchy chorus and some excellent guitar riffs.

Kicking off the home stretch of the album, ‘Midnight Crawler’ utilizes some Halloween sounding creepy vocals in the chorus that make it stand out from the rest of the album and corresponds to the quick sample to open the song. While there is a Misfits influence here, it is the other elements that create something unique. By holding back on using the chorus, it carries more weight and impact. Zin and Impact again showcase their chemistry before unleashing some killer guitar solos. The piano here again showcases that Lucifer Star Machine is crafting an album with subtle touches that will stand the test of time. ‘Your Love Remains’ smokes with a dirtier sounding mix and a huge melodic chorus that an audience needs to be singing. Wrapping up the album, ‘Devil’s Breath’ utilizes an acoustic approach that ends the album on a mellower note musically but not lyrically. I envision the band riding off into a blood-red sunset as this one plays.

Lucifer Star Machine has delivered a killer album that deserves to be heard far and wide. They have created their own sound even as some of their influences stand out in the mix. I will be going back to explore their previous work based on the strength of this album and imagine this one will be getting a lot of plays in the future. I imagine you will be doing just the same after you listen to this one. The time is now to be lucified.

‘The Devil’s Breath’ is released April 3rd.

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Author: Gerald Stansbury

 

Biff Byford – The School Of Hard Knocks (Silver Lining Music)

Biff Byford – The School Of Hard Knocks (Silver Lining Music)

Saxon We’re always a fixture of the Hard Rock magazines when I was a kid and went to see them when they rolled through South Wales and always remember going home thoroughly entertained particularly from Biff Byford and his banter as much as his vocal dynamics on their classic catalogue of songs.  Fast forward many years and apart from the odd crossed paths at festivals Saxons popularity ebbed and flowed and in recent years people seem to have given them the respect they deserved and that’s due in no small part to frontman and Bard of Barnsley Mr Biff Byford.

I’ll admit its been quite some time since I played a Saxon record but always read interviews and had a lot of kudos for Biff and when I heard he was set to release a solo album I was intrigued and sought out the press kit in order to catch up with the legend and see if he was going to take this somewhere he could ever take his band Saxon and if so would he stand or fall in what is a super competitive market and with music being the forum it is today it’s easy to get lost in a sea of streams and downloads so I opened the Email quite excited as to what was going to greet me in the ‘School Of Hard Knocks’.

 

The first thing I noticed was the pipes that have been the silver-haired frontman’s trademark are still impressive and intact even at the tender age of 69.  The album tackles topics such as the county that Biff has always championed – Yorkshire. Biff sings from the heart and bears his soul throughout the record and even has time to throw in a cover of ‘Scarborough Fair’  where he excels in his display of power and I come out from behind the sofa and without a hint of irony or sarcasm he did himself proud. There is also time later on the record for a cover of Wishbone Ash ‘Throw Down The Sword’.  Of course, there is room for guest appearances to be fair that’s the point of a solo album anyway, isn’t it?  Indulge yourself, be the boss and take the record in any direction you choose. This record isn’t short of names with guest appearances by Phil Campbell (Motörhead/Phil Campbell & The Bastard Sons), Alex Holzwarth (Rhapsody of Fire and Turilli / Lione Rhapsody), Nick Barker (Voices), Dave Kemp (Wayward Sons) and Nibbs Carter (Saxon) all present and correct.

worry not there isn’t any cod reggae or disco going on and at times its all hard rockin’ stuff but when he does stray it provides the record with its highlights such as the Wishbone Ash cover and the acoustic song from the heart ‘Me And You’. The albums title track is the only time he comes anywhere near what Saxon is famed for but then he is telling his story so I guess its only fitting there should be one of those Saxon like riffs and to be fair it’s one of the best songs on offer.

There are some long songs that are a journey in themselves like ‘The Pit And The Pendulum’ and the Wishbone Ash cover but you also get spoken-word interlude ‘Inquisitor’ that just showing off guitar noodling and if its possible I’m sure I heard Biff grinning. So all in all an album that will please fans of Biff will have people tipping their hat in respect to his service and dedication and I have some tracks I will take with me more than others but I always love hearing his voice be it on a ballad or rockin out screaming his lungs out Biff Byford has earned his stripes and stab at a successful solo album and if anyone has a bad word to say about Sir Biff of Byford send em to me I’ll sort em out.

Biff has certainly been through the School of hard knocks and has one of the genre of Rocks’ most distinguishable vocals and sang some of the best most enduring and endearing songs he wanted to tell his story and does it well. Without a hint of smugness or over-inflated egos like a lot of his contemporaries, Biff has always remained true to himself and been as honest as the day is long.  He has always come across as a man well-grounded and proud of who and where he came from and now he’s been able to release a record and sing about his extraordinary life from his heart and by bearing his soul he gets the thumbs up from me.  Arise, Sir Biff of Byford a true hard rockin’ legend.

Buy ‘School Of Hard Knocks’ Here

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Author: Dom Daley

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rain rain go away come back another day.  Shit island has had enough wet stuff falling from the sky but whilst we wait for Spring how about the brand new video from The Hangmen.  Yup that’s right LA delivers from time to time and this is exceptional stuff from Smalls and the rest of the band.

 

How about a brand new video from Rich Ragany & The Digressions. The title track from the debut album gets the video treatment as the band announced as support on the Status Quo winter tour 2020.

With a brand new album hitting the streets this month what else can we do than play the brand new lead track from ‘Deathtraps ‘Stole Your Rock and Roll’.  Ladies and germs I give you ‘Let’s Fall Out Of Love’