Ginger Wildheart – New Album & Tour dates

Ginger Wildheart – New Album & Tour dates

On April 22nd Ginger Wildheart proudly releases The Pessimist’s Companion on Wicked Cool Records. ‘The Pessimist’s Companion‘,  featuring the single Stalemate, will be available both digitally and on CD.

“Fresh from a break up, a lonely alcoholic living in a caravan poured his feelings into a collection of songs, as dark as they are confessional. The landscape is more eclectic than its predecessor, Ghost In The Tanglewood, but cut from the same tree. 

The Pessimist’s Companion never got a proper commercial release, due to one thing or another, and was hastily mixed and compiled to meet its pre-order deadline. Rough, urgent and entirely in keeping with the subject matter.

The album presented here, still wrapped in stunning artwork by Chris Mars, features a brand new mix, a different running order and five extra songs recorded for the session but not finished in time. 

This is a deeply personal release for me. I hope you find something here to warm the colder nights alone.” – Ginger Wildheart.

This official15 track album released on Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records is an aural treat, with no calculated image or reliance on nostalgia. Ginger has created a truly honest album which is an all too rare commodity in today’s world.To celebrate the release of ‘The Pessimist’s Companion’ plays 7 UK shows, with Jon Poole, starting on Sunday 17th at The Cluny in Newcastle and concluding at the Lexington in London on Saturday 23rd.

The Pessimist’s Companion  is available to pre-order / pre- save here

Ginger Wildheart April UK shows

Sun 17th              Newcastle       Cluny

Tickets for Ginger Wildheart | TicketWeb – The Cluny in Newcastle upon Tyne , GB

Mon 18th          Edinburgh        Bannermans   SOLD OUT

Tue 19th           Leicester         Soundhouse

See Tickets – ‘Ginger Wildheart Acoustic’ Tickets | Tuesday, 19 Apr 2022 at 8:00 PM

Wed 20th         Cardiff             Clwb Ifor Bach

Tickets for Ginger Wildheart | TicketWeb – Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff, GB

Thu 21st           Blackpool        Waterloo Music Bar

Ginger Wildheart Acoustic Tickets | Thursday, 21 Apr 2022 at 8:00 PM (ents24.com)

Fri 22nd            Huddersfield    Parish

Ginger Wildheart Tickets | Friday, 22 Apr 2022 at 8:00 PM (ents24.com)

Sat 23rd           London                        Lexington

See Tickets – GINGER WILDHEART ACOUSTIC Tickets | Saturday, 23 Apr 2022 at 7:30 PM

Lux And Ivy Say Flip Your Top – ‘Sinners And Penguins Doing The San Francisco Twist’ (Cherry Red Records/Righteous Records)

Lux And Ivy Say Flip Your Top – ‘Sinners And Penguins Doing The San Francisco Twist’ (Cherry Red Records/Righteous Records)

Records from the beginning of popular music or modern popular music way back in time called the 1950s.  Pre Beatles and Stones, pre-Britpop, pre-grunge.  There was always a subculture going on and music was no different and it wouldn’t surprise me for one second that Lux and Ivy would have owned a fabulous and largely unknown record collection.  They were hardly easy listening themselves and they drew their songs out of the fringes of music be it Jazz, Blues or pop.  You just know it’ll be an interesting and informative ride.

This double CD also comes with a lavish booklet full of poptastic nuggets courtesy of MOJO magazines Davie Henderson.

There are fifty tracks on offer and everyone has the potential to blow minds it’s that far out and lyrically messed up for these modern times(I can picture Lux smirking down on us all).  The fact there are two tracks with Tarzan in the title tells you something but as we swing from Jazzy RnR to big ensembles of bloated balladeering to weird Rock n Roll this is something to get the party started for sure.

A lot of music for your hard earned and a CD that will certainly have the guests impressed at your vast taste either that or they’ll be running to the hills and worrying about your eclectic collection.

The early years rama lama Rock n Roll is heavily represented here like the Charms.  If you’re familiar with the bop n roll of Chris Cerf then I bow down to your knowledge. Imagine a song called ‘Too Big For Her Bikini’ coming out today.  The insta tictokkers would have a lynching squad firing up the torches. To be fair Slim Marbles isn’t just a great name and how didn’t ‘The Switch’ catch on?

Anyway, fill yer boots and your speakers with a hefty slab of good time Rock n Roll. It’ll make you smile and fill your ears with top tunes in a world that gets madder by the day this will cleanse your soul.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

MARC VALENTINE -‘Last Train Tonight’

MARC VALENTINE -‘Last Train Tonight’

‘Last Train Tonight’ is the debut solo single from UK songwriter Marc Valentine. Released on 1 April through his own Arcane Wires label, it’s taken from his forthcoming album Future Obscure.

As frontman of cult British power-pop outfit  Last Great Dreamers, Valentine has brought sparkle to venues and turntables alike with his distinctive vocals, wry charm and songbook of secret classics. Now, with his favourite guitar in tow, he’s heading out on a solo adventure, loading his flight case with a fresh set of tunes, and polishing the trademark twinkle in his eye.

Says Marc: “A twist of fate and the things we can’t control. Taking the wrong way home and crossing paths with a bunch of midnight meatheads who can’t comprehend a guy in eyeliner. Demolition smiles and grunting fists, as you fall to the ground with the smell of blood, sweat, piss and beer in your nostrils. I’ve been there once or twice, but somehow always managed to make it home.”

Debut solo album Future Obscure sees Valentine building on his past while expanding his sonic palette, to craft a collection of should-be hits – 7-inch-shaped songs that move both body and mind. Recorded and produced by Dave Draper (Wildhearts, Professionals), and featuring collaborations with Wreckless Eric and The Boys’ Matt Dangerfield, this is a reflective, sometimes defiant album in the golden-era tradition – a pop record from the heart, packed with songs to holler, heal and hold.

‘Last Train Tonight’ is available to presave through all the usual platforms here 

https://www.facebook.com/marcvalentinemusicartist

https://www.instagram.com/marcvalentine45/

The Chats, Chubby & The Gang, Dennis Cometti – Bristol O2 -Monday 28.03.22

The Chats, Chubby & The Gang, Dennis Cometti – Bristol O2 -Monday 28.03.22


The much-anticipated trip over the bridge to watch The Chats at the Bristol O2 had finally come, after being postponed a number of times due to COVID the place was finally packed full of mullets and Aussie brilliance.

The First support band Dennis Cometti (named after a retired sports commentator) started the carnage as a people crowd surfed their way to the front to ‘on the sauce’ (which is still on repeat in my head) A perfect setup for the evening to come.

After a stop at the bar, Londoners ‘Chubby & The Gang’ send the O2 mental with their souped-up UK HC. It seemed to go by in a flash of strobe lighting, dry ice and dimly lit red lights. With a mix of songs from both albums, Chubby led his band through a pulverising set that fitted in rather well with tonights up for it crowd. Chubby seemed really pumped and up for it feeding off the pit and onto the O2’s large stage, rather than some grubby little club where this style usually lives and thrives. Tonight Chubby & The Gang brought it on to Bristol and went down a treat.

Before placing ourselves out of the bear pit that is the front stalls and go for the safer option and prime spot on the balcony the lights dimmed and out they flew. In an absolute blur of limbs, The Chats hit the stage hard and the only thing moving faster than the songs was the lighting – strobing like crazy sending the pit wilder than a dozen boxing kangaroos. Everything was played at double, nah triple, nah quadruple speed, It seemed like a Chats classics masterclass. Favourites ‘nambored’, ‘temperature’ and ‘mum stole my darts’ sent the Kungfu kicking kids at the front absolutely mental.

With barely time to take a breathe Mr. Sandwith took a trip on some of the multiple liquids flung towards the stage and lay in the pool of beer that had gathered, in excitement he returned to his feet and smashed out a breakneck ‘smoko’ and their newest song, ‘struck by lightning’ and then it seemed to come to a crashing halt. Equipment was broken and chaos was all around which seems like the best way for a Chats show to go.

What felt like a prime frat house punk rock party Australian style – the set length was perfect it was all over and leaving the salivating mob with ‘Pub feed’ was about right. The crowd was duly told to fuck off and the band legged it. Soaked in beers and a cheerio-o their work tonight was done, Bristol was left to come down from The Chats tornado that just tore the O2 a new one. Until next time from a very, very sweaty O2 g’day and goodnight you bonza bunch of noisy swines.

Killing Joke/Imbeciles- Cardiff Tram shed 28/3/22

Killing Joke/Imbeciles- Cardiff Tram shed 28/3/22

As we move further into the new normal and as restrictions drop away and we begin the learning process of living in a “post pandemic world” as things move towards becoming endemic, live music has a huge part to play in the healing process, and re-invigorate our thoughts, attitudes and ability to function in a Tory led new world order. Thinking about new world order takes my thought straight to killing joke a band that have constantly pushed against the barriers of genre, attitude and predictability.

 I mean as scribes we constantly bounce our thoughts around look for influences get hooks to our writing and try and introduce the reader to band’s they might like based on their current listening, now ask yourself two questions

  1. Who are the influences that have helped build the Killing Joke sound?
  2. Who do Killing Joke sound like?

The answer to the first is there aren’t any, Killing Joke are constantly shifting the boundaries of music, they draw their power and intensity from fantastic musicians exploring the scope of their instruments with a frontman looking both inwards and  outwards from an almost visionary perspective pulling the threads together.

The answer to the second? No-One !! Killing Joke stand out on their own an enigma pulled together by an enigmatic frontman, present post punk/post modernist future reaching music, moving ever outwards and dictating where music can go rather than following the masses.

Pulling things back there is a support tonight Brooklyn based anglo-American ‘The Imbeciles’

The Imbeciles are: Butch Dante (guitar and backing vocals), Ben Rice (guitars, lap steel, backing vocals), John Kent (lead vocals, bass guitar, backing vocals, drums, percussion), Joshua Lattanzi (guitars and backing vocals), Charlie Culbert (drums).

Youth played bass guitar and co-write the songs on their new album ‘Imbelica’.

Now I have to hold my hands up I didn’t dive in and research them prior through choice, sometimes its worth making your mind up raw without prior influence in the live setting and myself alongside the crowd  really took to the band again not really a band you could pin down to a specific genre, at times hinting at REM, at times drawing on the grunge attitude Nirvana in particular, but staying in the Seattle sound with the Meat puppets and Soundgarden again coming through and all underpinned with almost a classic rock sound. The new LP will be well worth exploring and I would urge people to check them out live.

In all the times I’ve seen Killing Joke alongside the H Bomb’s experiences who provided tonight’s photos well into double figures between us ‘Love like Blood’ has only been  experienced once and never by yours truly and they only opened with it tonight!!! Fair play and then to follow it with ‘Wardance‘ and ‘The Fall Of Because’ I was a happy man, in fact the whole gig was both intense and relentless, presided over by a frontman on top form, engaging and driven, the intensity just continued to ramp up as the band locked in and by the time we’d gone through ‘Money is Not Our God’ and ‘This World Hell’ we were on fire and then ‘Bloodsport’ just tore the roof off. There were so many highlights until we got to the end of the main set with ‘The Wait’ and ‘Pssyche’.

Time to take a breath and we’re back with Requiem dedicated to Taylor Hawkins, ‘I am the Virus’ and ‘Pandemonium’.

So returning to my initial thoughts Killing Joke are still bang on point as relevant today as they were in the beginning moving and dictating what music should sound like tearing their own path Brutal, intense, challenging and forward thinking as all music should be standing alone an Enigma but one that needs to be experienced by one and all.  

Author: Nev Brooks pics Johnny Hayward

Suzi Quatro set to play Royal Albert Hall

Suzi Quatro set to play Royal Albert Hall

Suzi Quatro is the trailblazing Queen of Rock’ n’ Roll. Not only a global legend who has sold over 55 million records worldwide, she is also a record producer, actress (Happy Days, Minder, Absolutely Fabulous, Dempsey and Makepeace, Rock School), poet, author and radio presenter (BBC Radio 2).

This year, Suzi is celebrating an incredible 58 years in the music business by performing a hit-packed, career-spanning live show at the Royal Albert Hall in London. She said, “I’m honoured to be performing at such an iconic venue. I’ll be playing a two-hour show – so be ready to get royally rocked. I can’t wait!”.

Detroit-born Suzi grew up in a musical family, forming her first band The Pleasure Seekers aged just 14 with her sisters, they recorded three singles.

In 1971, Suzi moved to England to work with celebrated producer Mickie Most. She first came to the attention of the British public as a support act alongside Thin Lizzy on Slade’s first nationwide tour of the UK. Then in 1972, she released her first single as a solo artist – Rolling Stone. She released a string of hits in the years following, including
two Number 1 songs; Can the Can and Devil Gate Drive.

In 1999 Suzi began her radio career with a series of weekly programmes and notable documentaries on BBC Radio 2.

In 2006, Suzi was nominated for Music Broadcaster of the Year at the Sony Music Awards. She is the recipient of the Woman of Valour Award from the organisation Musicians for Equal Opportunities for Women. Suzi was inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame (2013) and, in the same year, received the Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award at the Detroit Music Awards.

Suzi Quatro continues to perform live, playing 100+ shows worldwide each year.

Purchase tickets for the Royal Albert Hall show:  Here

Warrior Soul – ‘Out On Bail’ (Livewire/Cargo)

Warrior Soul – ‘Out On Bail’ (Livewire/Cargo)

2 years on from their covers opus ‘Cocaine And Other Good Stuff’, Warrior Soul return with a brand new album, the title inspired by their enigmatic singer’s past stint in the slammer.

The fact that Kory Clarke has been in trouble with the law may come as no surprise. The mouthpiece of Warrior Soul has been spitting bile for well over 30 years. A band well ahead of their time, Warrior Soul shoulda took the world by storm back in the early 90’s with their politically-charged diatribes and apocalyptical forewarnings, but sadly the world wasn’t ready for Kory’s metallic-tinged rage.

Band members have come and gone; some have sadly shifted off this mortal coil (RIP bassist Pete McClanahan) but the warrior remains…punk and belligerent to the end.

‘Out On Bail’ is a collection of 8 songs that has a running time of around 30 minutes. It has been self-produced by Kory and features a host of players in the ever-changing Warrior Soul lineup that currently includes Dennis Post on guitar and Christian Kimmett on bass. No less than 3 guitar players and a matching number of drummers (Kory even plays drums on one track) lend their talents to an album that was recorded during various lockdowns.

An atmospheric intro piece sets the cinematic vibe, before blasting into topical opener ‘We’re Alive’, a song that builds on urgent beats and that unmistakable 40-a-day gritty vocal that has certainly weathered over the years. The no-frills production suits the raw, punked-up vibe and this opener is a statement of intent for one of New York’s most outspoken sons.

‘One More For The Road’ recalls the Warrior Soul of old in both style and delivery. Road stories and past glories are all wrapped up in dirty riffage and crashing drums. It’s a hypnotic cacophony of new age noise, and we wouldn’t want it any other way, would we?

3 tracks in and ‘Hip Hip Hurray’ again takes us back to the early 90’s alt-metal sounds. A politically-themed diatribe set to crashing primal beats, sonically seductive guitars, and a trademark, anthemic Kory chorus that will remind you just how satisfying it can be to fist-punch the air along to a song! Somewhat ironically, the title track is an 80’s rock throwback. Featuring a familiar-sounding riff straight from the sunset strip, and an instantly addictive hook, it’s a song you can’t help but like. It has a ‘live in the studio’ feel and an AC/DC style finale that sits well.

Closer ‘The New Paradigm’ is Kory at his finest doing something a little bit leftfield. It builds on a stark yet hypnotic bass riff, Kory’s poetic lyric, and a guitar riff reminiscent of prime Jane’s Addiction. An atmospheric, alt-rock feel permeates throughout as the instrumentation ebbs and flows nicely, Kory’s sandpaper vocals leading us into the new world.

So, it’s pretty much business as usual for Warrior Soul in 2022. ‘Out On Bail’ is a solid, no-frills punk n’ roll album, just as you would expect it to be. A short, sharp shock to the system that is as raw, messy, and undiluted as its frontman. And while there is nothing here as exciting as my personal favourite ‘Space Age Playboys’ era of the band, it’s a satisfying listen from an artist who has weathered the storm, come out the other end fighting, and still has something to say.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

Asian Dub Foundation – ‘Enemy OF The Enemy’ / ‘Tank’ (X-Ray Production)

Asian Dub Foundation – ‘Enemy OF The Enemy’ / ‘Tank’ (X-Ray Production)

Politically charged upstarts and agitators Asian Dub Foundation first showed up on my radar in the late 90s when I saw one of their videos and whilst not a huge fan of any of the genres they touched upon the whole package intrigued me and collectively it struck a chord – lyrics, the hard rock, the ragga rhymes and that trip-hop all mixed with an Indian flavour was certainly something I’d never heard before or since. although Fun Da Mental and ‘Dog Tribe’ was a genre highlight and possible pinacle but thats for another review.

‘Enemy Of The Enemy’ is an album that crosses the path of Rage Against The Machine, Apollo 440 with a bit of Massive Attack The openers, ‘Fortress Europe’ and ‘Rise To The Challenge’ bring the energy and fist-pumping rage ADF seem to have going on. Whilst ‘La Haine’ that trip-hop Massive Attack vibe. it also had fellow rager and politically charged Sinead O’Connor on ‘1000 Mirrors’

This new version features a trio of bonus cuts including one non-album cut of ‘Illegal Minds’ feat Mark Stewart.

Buy Here

Fresh from collaborating on an opera about Colonel Gadaffi (they did) alongside the English National Opera, The Asian Dub Foundation followed up ‘Enemy Of My Enemy’ with 2005s ‘Tank’ another altogether darker more menacing opus (if that’s even possible).

Asian Dub Foundation‘s certainly turned up the darkness on this album easy listening it isn’t, uncomfortable listening (if you happened to be a fan of George W Bush) – sure. Right from the off the opening riff of ‘Flyover’, a real crossover of ragga vocals and wild drums, it’s got more than a whiff of Killing Joke going on for good measure. in as much as its political – interesting and innovative.

ADF makes no apologies for their musical stance and being one of the most political music acts around they certainly did challenge the listener and the establishment. ‘Tank’ is their fifth album and by now had really found themselves and where they fitted in or where they didn’t fit in more like. Probably culminating in their most confident record thus far. Even if you didn’t want to engage on a political level the energy they create is intense and powerful something you can’t help but be impressed with. Hell, these are the guys who’ve collaborated with the one and only Chuck D what’s not to like?

They target Home Secretaries, on ‘Round Up’ Presidents on ‘Oil’ they collaborate with Mad Mike on ‘Powerlines’ and also include a collaboration with Perry Farrell on ‘Easy Man’ It’s an intense album named after the American soldier’s vehicle of choice as they blasted Metal through speakers as they drove through Iraq. The dub bass is infectious and the arrangements captivating.

In a world that just keeps on giving these albums are as relevant now as they were almost twenty years ago when they first came out. Have we learned anything? If anything politicians are the people who just keep giving and serving themselves up on a silver platter for bands as articulate as ADF. Not an album I want to listen to every day that would make me sad but an album I’m glad I have in my collection and can dip into every now and then when I want to rage against the machine.

Buy Here

Soul Glo – ‘Diaspora Problems’ (Epitaph Records)

Soul Glo – ‘Diaspora Problems’ (Epitaph Records)

Philly-based hardcore band Soul Glo signed for Epitaph Records were always going to be challenging and thought-provoking and politically charged, it was a no brainer. with lines like: “Ain’t nothin’ as ugly as a balance in the red / I want bands on every politician’s head” and opening your record with the strained scream of ‘Gold Chain Punk (Whogonnabeatmyass?)’ has got my attention.

Moving straight into the raging screamer ‘Coming Correct Is Cheaper’ hasn’t just got my attention but I’m sat bolt upright looking for the volume control to turn this fucker up! Uncompromising – relentless – breathless and with a pulse going through the roof. Soul Glo are in da house! Fusing hip-hop, hardcore, and punk, the Philly outfit are fearless and brutal in their delivery. Taking no prisoners and most definitely no fucks given! Soul Glo aren’t looking for hipsters but people who want to jump on board ‘Thumbsucker’ mixes it up with some horn (I Think) and melody before diving back into the bearpit with their collective backside on fire for ‘Fucked Up If True’.

This is getting addictive as ‘Jump’ is outta control like a low flying drone with a saw blade attached taking no prisoners. To be fair once you lock into the vocals and a few repeated plays it makes perfect sense and the screaming is deffo addictive.

The artwork will give you an insight into what the album sounds like if that makes sense, But it won’t apologise for taking your mind on a headfucked journey into some bleak territory but the rewards are multiple. The bass on ‘The Thangs I Carry’ is filthy and reminds me of a more extreme Cerebral Ballzy clearly influenced by old school Bad Brains which is always a welcome sight for modern bands that they get where this scenes roots are. Soul Glo are blowing up and rightly so, the record is an explosion of sounds and ideas it’s harnessing those vital triggers and using them in a way people get it. It won’t be for everyone that’s how extreme music goes but given half a chance and this one can fly!

Check out Soul Glo if you dare but don’t blame me if you find yourself in a circle pit at the bus stop or moshing at the supermarket. Hardcore is here and it’s not always a bed of roses!

Buy Soul Glo Here

Author: Dom Daley