Bandcamp Friday

Bandcamp Friday

We’ve got a few suggestions this Bandcamp Friday and we’ve kept it lean for you so get yer credit card out and come with us on the Bandcamp Friday journey kicking off with a couple of recommendations from some artists we love and then a few labels who do such a great job of releasing some of our favourite records.  There are others that haven’t quite gone live at the time of writing such as a long out of sale Loyalties release you should go find and Steve Conte has an offer today

 

 

‘Be There’ (369 Music) is the next single from The Dowling Poole. Listen to the track on Soundcloud here.

It will be released on Friday the 7th of March for Bandcamp Friday when the music platform waives their fees and all revenue goes straight to the artists.

‘Be There’ features guest appearances from long time collaboratorAndy Lewis (Jackdaw4, Sugar Plum Fairies, Jocasta), on bass. Darby Todd guests on drums. Darby’s recently played with Martin Barr (Jethro Tull), The Darkness and Kee Marcello (Europe) and featured on the recent The Dowling Poole songs ‘We Are The Noise’ and ‘Slow Genocide’.

Recorded in different locations in France and the UK, Jon and Willie are busy writing their fourth album to be released later this year.

Author: Martin Chamarette

 

Another favourite round here is Rich Ragany & The Digressions so check out the latest tune Here

“There’s a place in the universe callled Boötes Void… where it’s near empty. It’s also been called “The Great Nothing”.  A supervoid. One of the largest-known voids in the universe. Surrounded by galaxies and light.

It is believed the scale of the void is such that if the Milky Way had been in the center of the Boötes Void, we wouldn’t have known there were other galaxies until the 1960s.
That’s how long it would have taken light to travel… to journey through the darkness.

The song is from the perspective of someone who is within darkness in their lives and can’t unsee it.
Then, sees it in everything. Maybe even becomes it. But finds that through the very act of experience, and through the struggle of moving forward, can begin to see the warmth and light that also exists.

I find it very moving and inspiring that, even in the expanses of space, where there is cold chaotic changes that routinely destroy, that life and creation can, and do, emerge.

The idea of all these galaxies and filaments surrounding Boötes Void is light giving it a frame that can eventually travel through to the other side, is a comforting thought.

Not always easy… but our eyes, our hearts and spirits can stretch to see something beautiful.

I try to remember this (with varying degrees of success) when things get really rough… old ghosts and doubts whisper in my ear and tell me I am alone, not worthy or with no direction.

Stretch to see something beautiful.  That was the feeling I had when writing it.  Please forgive me if it’s a clumsy metaphor.  It’s not so linear that it can’t be interpreted for your own experience (or hopefully, it will just sound pleasing to you).”  What more can we add to that?

 

Some others who should benefit from Bandcamp Friday would be those independent labels who are the beating heart of the underground scenes we all love so much.  A few of our favourites would be Beluga Records from out of Sweden who have their Bandcamp page and offer some amazing records we’ve had many an hour rocking out to some of their releases and records they put out.

 

Some of the recent records they’ve put out have been fantastic such as More Kicks, Jordan Jones, Mud City Manglers and most recently a nice compilation from Asteroid B-612 and most recently a cracking single from The Erratix.

 

 

Heading south you have Ghost Highway Records outta Madrid Spain.  They’ve long championed underground garage rock and all other sub-genres including power pop, punk rock and more.  Some of their recent releases that deserve people’s attention would be The Boatsmen and their superb ‘Verses The Boatsmen’ album they co-released as well as the tribute to the New Bomb Turks compilation.  They’ve long been champions of UK kings of garage noise The Hip Priests and given access to some of America’s finest in the shape of Jeff Dahl, Electric Frankenstein and Pat Todd.  A worthy benefactor of anyone’s Rock and Roll coin on Bandcamp Friday.

 

How about heading across the pond to Spaghetty Town Records and a label who’s partnered up with their European brothers in vinyl.  they’ve also brought to the party some epic Rock and Roll records most recently in the shape of RMBLR who’ve just dropped their new EP and Spaghetty Town is the perfect label for these scuzzy rockers. The label has a wealth of great titles so you could do a lot worse things this Friday than delve through the Spaghetty Town wormhole and head off on a rockin’ discovery trip.

 

Heavy Medication Records have for a while had records reviewed on RPM and more recently put out a couple of really impressive releases primarily a New Bomb Turks tribute that’s available through their Bandcamp page.  Based in Warsaw Poland the label have been responsible for Doojiman & The Exploders record that’s a must-own as well as records from Poison Hearts.  Hit em up

 

 

 

What about some Taken By Suprise records?  Out of München, Germany the label does a fine service if punk rock n Power Pop is your thing then they have a big catalogue up on Bandcamp that deserves your attention.  Releases from The Briefs, Suspect Parts and more recently Neighbourhood Brats.  you certainly won’t be disappointed with your catch if decide to dip in.

 

 

TNS Records out of Manchester have some cracking offers up for Bandcamp Friday as well and in turn, help support some great punk rock bands such as Wales finest Pizza Tramp.  The new Jodie Faster is also a fine addition to their catalogue.  They also do a Spotify list of New Punk Friday where they champion the best in punk, Hardcore and Ska tracks released recently.  A label that does tireless work for a scene that deserves our attention.

 

Another German label that has always had the back of punk rock and roll is Wanda Records.  With some excellent releases from Peter & The Berlin Blackouts and Mom the label has always delivered brilliant product and ship anywhere (or the UK at least).  They’ll also be handling the Euro distro of the new RMBLR EP which is good for those having palpitations when faced with some of the overseas shipping fees.

 

Finally, another label releasing really good records is Drunken Sailor Records Banging out new bands and records like its nobodys business.  Drunken Sailor also struck a distro deal to handle Australias finest Stiff Richards that should be Sold Out but they don’t hang about and are also pressing up a couple of new records that are also available for you digital fiends in the shape of Australias Jackson Reid Briggs & The Heaters out on digital through the label but coming soon on vinyl.  They trawl through the worlds best underground bands to fit into their vision of what makes a great records and release it for our listening pleasure.  Head down to their Bandcamp page and get lost investigating what they have to offer and grab yourself a new favourite band.

 

Brad Marino – ‘Even The Score’ – Video exclusive

Brad Marino – ‘Even The Score’ – Video exclusive
RPM Online is proud to get the video exclusive of the new Brad Marino single ‘Even The Score’.  Its taken from the new album  “Looking For Trouble” Out April 21’ in the U.S. on Spaghetty Town Records (Vinyl) & Rum Bar Records (CD) On vinyl in Europe from Ghost Highway Records and Beluga Records.  With such awesome record labels on board, you know its a worthwhile record to invest in.  Brad Marino – ‘Even The Score’…

Brad Marino returns with his sophomore Full-Length release, jam-packed with power poppin’ rock and roll extraordinaire… ‘Looking For Trouble’.

“Can’t stop, won’t stop Brad Marino!!” – Natalie Sweet

“Let Brad Marino know how much you dig him.” – Genya Ravan

“Brad Marino is looking to ‘Even The Score’ in his latest garage rock effort, bringing us back to the kind of garage rock the Rolling Stones have made such a long and storied career out of! Rock n roll at its most enjoyable.” – Uber Rock

“What Do You Know?” meets at the intersection of straight-forward rock and roll and the poppier side of the Ramones – which has always been a sweet spot for Marino. In my fantasy world where millions of people still buy rock and roll records, this tune is a hit! If you dig rockin’ two-minute pop songs, you need to be all over Looking For Trouble – and every other record that Brad Marino has ever been a part of!” – Lord Rutledge

“What do I know? Well, if there’s one thing I know is that Brad Marino can do no wrong, and this single proves he just gets better and better with every release!” – The Ledge, Real Punk Radio

“‘What Do You Know’ is sent around the ether like a cannonball. Sure it’s got melody and a solid rockin’ backbeat and a whole heap of hooks and of course a raw guitar making it a must-hear track. Forging the way forward in powerpop circles. Don’t delay and be sure to hit Marino up and check this out you won’t regret it.” – RPM It’s A Revolution

What you have is a release filled top to bottom with tried and true rock n’ roll. Rockpile meets the Ramones, Mick and Keef get into a tussle with the Flamin’ Groovies, The Knack get all tangled up in blue. Hints of Chuck, shades of country, stabs of punk, and jolts of power pop, celebrated and created in the Garage… get the picture?

Brad Marino “Extra Credit” still available on Vinyl LP in limited edition color variants (Coke Bottle Clear, Blue & Black) & CD direct from Rum Bar Records.


Brad Marino “False Alarm” still available on limited edition 7inch Vinyl & CD EP direct from Rum Bar Records. …while supplies last!!

Singles Club – Marching on together

Singles Club – Marching on together

Dead Dirty Dinosaurs – ‘Too Many Questions: The Abbey Road Masters’ (Riot Records) ‘Holding Back is a brooding beast of a track with the slow purposeful twelve-bar riff building into a cacophony of noise’.  To be fair its bettered by track two which is another brooding number with a menacing verse followed by raising the volume for the chorus before falling back.  A nice idea that works on ‘Revenge’.

 

A love of 90’s alt-rock, punk, post-punk and post-rock serves them well as ‘bad Timing’ rocks like a good un.  Signing off this four-track EP with the excellent ‘Monica’ mixing up the likes of Therapy? with the Pixies is a fine way to introduce yourselves for this Brisbane trio.  They’ve certainly got the chops on what is an excellent balanced EP.

Stream/buy ‘Too Many Questions: The Abbey Road Masters (Remastered)’ HERE

 

The Dogs featuring Frank Meyer – ‘Under The Coast’ ( Chicanery Chick Records/Die Laughing Records) Underground punk legends THE DOGS have unleashed a new digital single ‘Under The Coast’ that was co-written with and features fellow rock ‘n’ roller Frank Meyer (The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs, James Williamson & The Pink Hearts) on guest vocals and guitar. The socially conscious, topical song is available now on all digital formats and deals with the chaos and dissonance of modern times.  None more Rock and Roll than Frank when he’s in full fight so it’s great to have him here belting out a really good song.

Now if they were to record a whole album as good as this then the pandemic would have had a good final outcome from a year of lockdowns and turmoil.  Please make it happen.

Stream/buy ‘Under The Coast’ HERE

Die Laughing Records will also issue ‘Under The Coast’ on vinyl later this year as the B-side to The Dogs’ previous digi-single ‘Welcome to the Revolution.’ 

 

Chuck Norris Experiment – ‘Dirtshot’ (Self Release)  The Scandinavian Rockers channel their innermost DC with a huge riff that sees them continue with their pursuit of all things loud.  It also confirms them as Swedens premier Action Rock and Rollers a position they’ve had hold of for as long as I can remember.

It’s as good as anything they’ve done for ages and the solo is an absolute blast. In fact I go so far as to say it could become one of their highlights live such is the energy of the song – great effort!  Always a pleasure and never a chore to put on some CNE you should join me.  Facebook / Bandcamp

 

 

 

Cheap Trick – ‘Boys And Girls And Rock and Roll’ (BMG) With a new album coming in April Cheap Trick release another new tune and what a ball of energy it is.  Still Relevant – Still go tit and still going (Thank God) Hall of Famers are still cooking with this new record sounding lean and mean they certainly rock it up with this one. Its anthemic and pure unadulterated Cheap Trick – Awesome!  CONNECT WITH CHEAP TRICK: Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

 

 

 

The Erratix – ‘You Don’t Care’ (Beluga Records) Another new band releasing excellent music on Beluga Records.  this time it’s a slice of power pop ear candy hailing from Minneapolis, USA, and what a stonking introduction it is too.  Mixing old school Costello with some Exploding Hearts and a whole lot more besides.  It’s only two songs but if this is an indication of what’s to come then bring it on this is a wonderful debut single. Be it the A-side of ‘We Don’t Care’ and its boundless energy or the other side ‘When Will It End’ which is infectious and boundless energy poured onto a side of a 7″ record.  It’s outta the same handbook as bands like The Cry but with some added keyboard swirl or The Briefs, yeah you know and on this evidence so do The Erratix.  Buy it Here     The Erratix Facebook

 

 

 

Slander Tongue – ‘Ride’ (Slovenly Records)  what I’d like to pigeonhole as a right toe-tapper.  Slander Tongue are riffin’ it up on this one like early AC/DC but with more attitude! Yeah, thats right more attitude than Bon and the boys it’s got a house party of chorus going on here and the solo is on fire. Hell, flip it over and ‘Lockdown’ is platform shoed glam slammin’.  IF there is a better single coming out then I’ve not heard it and it hasn’t found its way onto the RPM Jukebox but this bad boy has. Berlin is a lucky place to have these cats call it home and If you have a few coins going spare and want a band to chuck em at then this is all killer and no filler, Buy it! Bandcamp

 

 

 

 

Cousin Betty – ‘Left’ (Golden Robot Records) “Distorted and psychedelic influenced indie desert rock with some grungy garage infused overtones”.  Quite a mouthful to introduce yourself but I think it does them a disservice as ‘Tape Hiss’ cracks open this EP in fine style and once it gets going it’s an infectious slab of loud rock! albeit with an abrupt end. ‘Drone’ is another slab of hard, loud, rawk!

Born out of the pandemic and boredom main architect Damien Stofka whos an old hand at this music business spent his lockdown collaborating with artists he liked from around the world and ‘Left’ Was Born. Instrumental ‘Lazy Bones’ wasn’t for me but the pop undertones of ‘Loan Sharks Of Love’ mashed up with noise and chaos my interest perked up. but they saved the best till last as ‘AWOL’ is a runaway train reminding me of something Josh Homme might put together.

Pre-order/pre-save Left HERE

 

 

DeeCRACKS – ‘Get out of My Head’ (Pirates Press) Austrian punks DeeCRACKS have released their video for “Get Out Of My Head,” the third single from the band’s new record ‘Serious Issues’. It is available now for purchase from the Pirates Press Records webstore and all you punks looking for a fix of gabba gabba Hey! can fill yer boots here because DeeCRACKS do it so well.  It’s catchy and timeless.  Now bop til you drop.   Find DeeCRACKS online:

 

Diner Drugs – ‘Need Time’ ( )  A real blast of energy from Diner Drugs as the only band I know outta New Brunswick so must be the best the area has to offer releases ‘Need Time’ as it thunders around my speakers.  Walking the path trodden by the likes of Bronx, Cancer Bats, and heart attack kids is always going to get a listen around these parts and it is with great pleasure that they did.  Top tune! get on it kids it’s a banger! Bandcamp

Featuring members of Bong Jovi, The Human Comedy and Savage Young, collectively they’ve been playing music in Moncton since 2009 and ready to take on the next trip and my advice is jump on it you won’t be disappointed -noisy bastards!  Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

 

 

 

 

Tommy’s RockTrip – ‘Got To Play Some Rock ‘N Roll’ (Frontiers) OH baby it’s like a steam train rolling down the tracks.  Retro Rockers Tommy’s Rocket Trip is on Fire! Flying V’s double bass drums its happening kids and Got To Play Some rock and Roll is running on down the track.  Formed by drummer Tommy Clufetos and featuring lead vocalist Eric Dover (singer and/or guitarist with Jellyfish, Slash’s Snakepit and Alice Cooper), Eliot Lorengo (bass), Hank Schneekluth (lead guitar) and Nao Nakashima (rhythm guitar) so it’s obvious these cats can play and play they most certainly do they might not be reinventing the wheel but they are setting it ablaze!

Facebook / Instagram

Mud City Manglers – ‘Give Me The Hammer’ (Beluga Records / Ghost Highway Records / Spaghetty Town Records)

Mud City Manglers – ‘Give Me The Hammer’ (Beluga Records / Ghost Highway Records / Spaghetty Town Records)

To be honest I know bugger all about the Mud City Manglers. I picked up their debut album “Heart Full of Hate” a few years ago off of eBay having read about them on Facebook and thought that I’d missed the boat on another great band from the turn of the century but I was wrong…….. they’re back (or perhaps they never went away).

 

It’s only taken 20 years for these Pittsburgh rock & rollers to release a their second album but was it worth the wait? Hell yeah !!!!

 

“Give Me The Hammer” drags you into a world of melodic Motorhead via the crunch and choruses of New Bomb Turks and Scumbag Millionaire.

“The Way It’s Gonna Be” and “Hangover Hurricane” have a strong Nashville Pussy vibe, which is no bad thing at all.

“One of These Days” notches up the ferocity. Lyrics are spat out with venom. These sure ain’t love songs.  “Better off Dead” dials down the speed but not the attitude. Another tail of desperation and debauchery.  Half way through the hell ride, side two kicks into gear with “Bring It Down”. There’s almost  a fucked up Sunset Strip feel to this bad boy. Faster Pussycat would have killed for a tune like this back in the day. “ Armstrong Park” doesn’t let up the pace much either, it’s kind of got me thinking of The Throbs but more nasty.

 

“Cheater Bar” is full on Motorhead or maybe melodic Zeke (if there is such a thing).  “One More Mile” is takes you right back to Pussy Town. It’s not only a stand out track on this album but it could’ve been a stand out track on “Let Them Eat Pussy” too.  Blain-tastic mate!

 

“Hammered” is an angry Orgasmatron. An exercise in controlled frustration rolled up in monologue with a message – “Be the motherfucker who is unwilling to play along, be the mother fucker who calls them out on their shit…”

 

Ten tracks in and “Jump into the Fire” throws it all up in the air with a throbbing bass giving way to a banging riff – the spirit of The Five is alive and well – “we can make each other happy!!!”

 

So there you go…. the wheel has not been reinvented and nor should it. It’s taken Mud City Manglers twenty years to release “Give Me The Hammer” and it’s a shit load better than “Chinese Democracy”. Go and listen to it on Bandcamp and if you’re feeling flush hop over to Spaghetty Town Records, Ghost Highway Records or Beluga Records a grab a copy before it’s too late.

 

Give Me The Hammer a listen on band camp whilst the limited orange pressing of 100 sold out instantly on pre-order but the traditional chunk black plastic (limited to 400) is still available from  Spaghetty Town Records in the USA along with Ghost Highway Records and Beluga Records in Europe.

Facebook

 

Europe buy Here / Beluga Records or Here / Ghost Highway Records

USA buy Here / Spaghetty Town Records

Author: Fraser Munro

Mud City Manglers give Beluga Records The Hammer along a Ghost Highway near Spaghetty Town

Mud City Manglers give Beluga Records The Hammer along a Ghost Highway near Spaghetty Town

Mud City Manglers get set to release their brand new record via some of the best independent record labels known to man.  You can get your greasy mitts on a copy by hitting the Pre Order Here or Here they’ve covered North America and Europe with this deal and it sounds blistering.  These Pittsburg punks have been knocking out filthy Rock n Roll since the mid ’90s and show no sign of old age with this new one.  on limited colours pick one up from Spaghetty Town Records and Ghost Highway Records as well.

 

 

 

No new videos yet but just revel in this bad boy from 2000 when they released their album ‘Heart Full Of Hate’

 

 

Johnny Casino – ‘Vibrations, Yours and Mine’ (Beluga Records)

Johnny Casino – ‘Vibrations, Yours and Mine’ (Beluga Records)

Roaming Australian currently plying his trade outta Spain, Casino would be known for his consistent releases and the loud guitars and big tunes of the Springsteen nature. or at least his last offering was like that however here he’s softened and moved in a totally different direction for the tone and feel of this record. ‘Vibrations, Yours And Mine’, is something more relaxed and charming, Americana like if you really need to force it into a pigeon hole. But the artwork would allude to the feel of the music if the truth were told.

Knowing how prolific Casino is with his songwriting, he has relied heavily on covers here, with only four out of the eleven songs being penned by his fair hand. Opening with  ‘I Hear You Calling’, originally by Bill Fay, could easily be a Casino original such is the delivery and interpretation, Complete with pedal steel (courtesy of Los Deltonos’ Hendrick Rover).

Not being too familiar with the originals I did my homework and compared and contrasted each version and decided that Casinos version of Dan Hicks & His Hot Licks, ‘I Scare Myself’ doesn’t alter greatly from the original, perhaps with the benefits of hindsight brushed up or rather cut up the intro and dropping the acoustics into the mix  I think this song sounds better in the hands of Casino.

His quite beautiful rendition of Chris Bailey’s Saints ‘Ghost Ships’ shines and the lap steel is a joy. Not sure this one is as tasty as the original but hey always a nice tip o fthe hat to fellow Australian rockers who should have been huge. His version of The New Christs ‘Dropping Like Flies’ sees Casino flip the rocker into something more somber without doing any harm to such a good song.

 

Keeping it southern hemisphere heavy and covering bands that Casino clearly holds dear he also tackles more current artists such as the black keys and maybe because the songs aren’t generally seen as big-ticket bands or chart hit staples the flow of the record is excellent and for a late-night listen this is an absolute home run. I didn’t see the gypsy blues of Gordon Lightfoot’s ‘Sundown’ coming, but he still manages to take ownership of arguably the most widely known of the songs here apart from the Campbell classic ‘Wichita Lineman’ which is the only weak one compared to the original on offer here but hey one below par shouldn’t spoil anything.

On Vibrations…, Johnny Casino has pulled all the stops to mix up some of his favourite tunes and taken ownership and done it extremely well.  If you’re a fan of his work then its a no brainer if you have a mild interest in any of the bands he’s covered then you should invest some time into this long-player it might just be one of the best discoveries you make all year. Americana, via Australia and Spain, what a great record to toast be it sangria or a tinnie get on it!

Buy Here

Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays
We head out to Scandinavia this morning for a great tune from Doojiman & The Explorers – ‘Milk’  from the album – ‘Doojiman & The Exploders II: Electric Boogaloo’. Buy the latest vinyl at these reputable music emporiums –    Beluga records /  Heavy Medication  / Bandcamp / Facebook /  instagram 

Swedish punk band Acid Blood has a brand-new video out for the track ‘Harvest Day’, taken from their debut album ‘Acid Blood’ (JANML/MvL). The new video was directed by Nicklas Viberg and is the 6th video released from the album. Facebook / Instagram

Might as well stay in Scandinavia for a greased up rocket ride courtesy of those Scumbag Millionaires  Hit them up at these social media hangouts – Facebook  / Instagram /  Bandcamp and pick up a copy of their brand new long player ‘Poor And Infamous’ that’s out in the next month on Suburban Records

Singles Club – 45 RPM and more – keep on spinning

Singles Club – 45 RPM and more – keep on spinning

 

Another week comes to a crashing end and another week of pretty impressive singles get dumped on the RPM Singles Club dancefloor. The finest in wax, digital and video are here to tickle your taste buds and hopefully inspire you into finding your new favourite band.  From all corners and alleyways of the world we search

Jenny – ‘Same’ (Wanda Records) When we saw that this band was fronted by LA Drugz Justin Maurer we had to go and crack it open and crank up the volume and from the first clashing chords of the harmonious ‘Stupid Band’ we smiled knowing we were in the presence of a power pop genius. But with five tunes on this release, it could only get better as the dreamy ‘Rose City’ took us in an upwards trajectory as far as moods go towards that layered vocal chorus it was already a must-have new record. ‘Cockroach Tea’ is more power-pop goodies leaning more towards the pop and then the 60s infused acoustic Thunders melodic ‘Alright With Me’ it has a really early Who mod like quality if it’s possible to mash up some Thunders, meets The Who if it’s not possible then it has just been invented.

To round it off there’s the acoustic ‘Song For Sadie’ an old Suspect PArts track but redone here making this a more eclectic offering than Maurers LA Drugz or Suspect Parts but none the less desirable.  Don’t dilly dally as they say in the olden days  get it here or on one sided vinyl 12″ from Wanda Records Here

Stiff Richards – ‘Going Numb’ (Legless Records) With two albums in the bag Australias Stiff Richards are hot property.  If you managed to get a hold of their debut album first time around then you’re good if you managed to pick up a repress then, well-done pat yourself on the back.  Then came ‘Dig’ which was also pretty spectacular to be fair and seemingly unable to do any wrong they sneak out this digital single to let us all know they’re still alive and ready to go (hopefully) with album number three due in October it looks like a winter assault from Melbourne’s finest and we can’t get enough from the southern hemisphere who are leading the way with some awesome punk rock.

Buy Here  / Facebook

 

 

Death By Unga Bunga – ‘Trouble’ (Jansen Records) The second in a series of new singles set to be released in the coming months.  These Norweigan Nutters have got a slice of summer sunshine in the shape of ‘Trouble’ With a great hook over that steady beat its catchier than a global pandemic.  once this one lodges itself into your head it’s not coming out and you’ll be muttering the lyrics for days wondering just who the hell it is.  That’s Death By Unga Bunga that is and with the news of more to come there is light at the end of this pandemic that’s for sure and it’s coming from Norway and not some lab in England it might be power pop it might be death metal but one thing for sure it’ll have the DBUB logo on it.  Get it here

Killer Hearts – ‘Get Some’ (Spaghetty Town Records) Houston we have a problem.  We’re not getting enough Rock and Fucking Roll and that’s a problem.  What isn’t a problem is when Killer Hearts this is the first glimpse of what’s coming on their long player ‘Skintight Electric’.  Lots of loose riffs and oohs and arghs and some of the best sleazy Rock and Roll since Flash Boys and The Adjusters were about.  Go Get some high octane Rock and Roll if you know what’s good for you! Buy Here

 

 

 

 

Guerrilla Teens – ‘Tell Me What To Do’ (Self Release) Another day another Guerrilla Teens record gets released via Bandcamp.  This week’s offering is a right thumper by the name of ‘Tell Me What To Do’ backed by ‘Hurry Up’. One is in your face and bouncing on its toes like a young hooligan the other is a more laid back confident slow burner but both ooze quality and will make for awesome tracks when these weekly offerings finally get pressed by some awesome record label onto a slab of plastic to nestle alongside Those Humpers, Lovesores records you’ve got.  buy Here

 

 

 

 

14 Units – ‘Listen’ (Self Release) This is the lockdown-busting debut release from 14 Units who cram five tunes into this debut EP, Five songs about drinking, getting old, murder, regret, not drinking and Brexit (possibly). opening with a neat uptempo twelve-bar with melody and somewhere between Frank Turner vocally and a cowpunk Quo.  They get their jig on from a sprightly ‘Can’t Unlike You’ its melodic and uptempo and carries a decent melody.  They certainly like to boogie and then they turn down for a more mellow knocking on heavens door progression for ‘Looks Like Rain’ which heads off down a Buffalo Tom wormhole and its probably the best track on offer with the sparse verse with just percussion before the guitars rejoin for the build-up to the chorus which is a catchy sing-along. A decent EP and first offering from 14 Units.  Buy Here

 

Grindhouse – ‘Ramma Damma’ (Tuff Cuff Records) Melbourne must have something in the water because over the last couple of years its turning up some smoking hot records and this summer has seen that continue with those purveyors of pounding Rock and Roll Grindhouse are back in the room with some sweaty flesh pressing high octane Rock and Roll. in the shape of ‘Ramma Damma’ and ‘City High’ with its bruising riff-a-rama and moon the loon like drumming this is the dogs bollocks. If there ever was a sleeve that best described what was going on in the grooves before you ever played it then it’s this bad boy. or should that be bad girl? Rock and Roll can get you high so fuckin high and Grindhouse has the goods baby!

Relentlessly good band and with a new album on the way these are good times for fans of high octane Rock and Fuckin’ Roll Grindhouse Style.  Bring it on. Buy it here

 

Girls In Synthesis – ‘They’re Not Listening’ (Harbinger Sound) Taken from the debut album ‘Now Here’s An Echo From Your Future’ this video will guarantee you a head fuck from the Jesus and mary chain feedback and the repetitive pounding to the strobe on the video GIS are fucking with you and that’s always a good thing. turn it up and then some more and get lost in that caustic guitar riff before the bass rumble nails you to the floor.  Extreme music for extreme times uncompromising and uncomfortable just like punk rock should be.  Like crass for the 2020s the album is due the end of the month.  Let’s hope this isn’t the soundtrack to the apocalypse like my neighbours think it is.

Website /  Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Cutters – ‘Cutters’ (Legless Records)   Another day another slice of punk rock from Down under.  This time labelmates of Stiff Richards Cutters are here with this tasty three-track EP.  With howls of feedback and a frantic hoof around your ears, this is relentless. ‘Chewed Up Fortune’ is first up and lead throat Al insists he wants to fuck and sleep in that order I guess.  Cutters aren’t fucking around either with their Lo-‘Fi take it to the edge of reason and give it a good fuckin’ thrashing.  If you think they would be spent after that opener then you’d obviously be wrong. ‘Robo Debt Blues’ is like Motorhead in their late 70s heyday knocking out some ANL and uk82 anthems and dragging through the Melbourne back streets before dropping them off at the studio. Nice!

But then they get all proggy on the five-minute headfuck frenzy of Twister’.  Only yanking your chain the intro is painless before they go fuckin’ ape-like Venom meets the Exploited. Its frantic, Nasty, out of control and fuckin’ champion – Buy it here

 

Zip Gun Bomber – ‘Paper Aeroplanes EP’ (Rum Bar Records) Outta Cambridge, Massachusetts Zip Gun Bombers have been a thing since 2011 and with this being a revisited yup, you guessed it its a new improved take on that EP. Sure its a Nostalgic trip for that early 90’s era Lookout! Records and all things Green Day.  ZipGun Bomber’s  ‘Paper Airplanes’ EP embraces and embodies all of that.  From the opening of ‘Chase That Feeling’ to the acoustic closing of ‘Paper Airplanes’, its easy on the ear pop-punk where the lyrics are easy to embrace and before you know it you’ll be singing the songs like they’ve always been on your playlist. Well worth checking out if any of the previous words ever meant anything to you jump in and lose yourself in the tunes.  Sure there is a familiarity here but it’s only pop-punk Rock and Roll and I like it! Oh and if you like you can download the EP for free or name your price.  Pick it up Here

 

Science Man – ‘Match Game’ (Swimming Faith Records)  Punk as fuck – a 7″ single with not 2 or 3 songs on it but nine slabs of uncompromising head mashing industrial hardcore. Science Man from Buffalo NY isn’t here to compromise he’s here to lay out his manifesto and from the opening repetitive thump of ‘Tiny Tower’ it’s game on through the frantic thirty-two seconds of ‘Steal The Street’. Don’t leave the fuckin room for gawds sake.

‘Surge’ sounds like the cassette on a Commadore 64 or finally, the aliens are coming. At times it sounds like out of control chaos but I suspect it’s far from that and the almost prog length of the final track ‘Cursed’ clocking in at almost two minutes is a challenge but industrial hardcore isn’t meant to be easy listening, I’m sure only the hearty punk amongst us will endure or even get this straight off.  But its certainly interesting as well as a challenging listen.

Pick it up here

 

S V & the Eruptions – ‘Tomorrows Promises’ (Avenue Recordz) An altogether more sombre and thoughtful SV & The Eruptions, It’s not all cheeky chappies and a bit of slap and tickle it can’t be. Here SV busts out a mid-paced thoughtful number with a big catchy chorus that drops back into the muted guitar work and into another tuneful verse.  A most excellent twist and shows how versatile and downright bloody good these gents are.  I have told him myself the tunes you aren’t expecting are some of his best work and this will grow and grow and in time will be one of those late in the set anthems you look forward to.  Excellent song with great vocals.

 Website / Facebook / Twitter / Youtube

 

Ryan Hamilton & Kay Hanley – ‘Oh No’  This dropped last minute so we thought we’d include it in the singles Club because we love some Ryan Hamilton.

The Fuzzstainz – ‘Sick! Sick! Sick!'(Beluga Records)  How could we sign off this week’s singles Club without dropping in on Scandinavia Again.  Always reliable, Always churning out quality Rock and Roll from all the corners of the world Beluga Records have released this banging 7″ platter with two tracks of sizzling Garage Punk courtesy of The Fuzzstainz. The lead track is sick – no it literally is sick! those guitars sound like razor blades trying to cut through some barbed wire.  But it’s catchy and easy to sing along to but the best is yet to come in the shape of ‘Thinkin’ ‘Bout Me’ again the same standards are set but with added floor tom and is that a buzzsaw? Gawd knows but its got swagger and I love it.  Pick it up here

Introducing…Doojiman & The Exploders

Introducing…Doojiman & The Exploders
Photo by: @wirelessmindphoto #wirelessmindphoto

Doojiman & The Exploders is the dream team put together by the mighty Doojiman and his right-hand man Woogie Wombach. They flew far and wide through the galaxy to put together a robot army of cool kids under the name ”The Exploders”. On their travels through The Milky Way, they picked up quite a few influences ranging from Ramones, Alice Cooper and The Stooges to The Hives, Turbonegro and Bloodhound Gang. And of course the sounds of animals such as Dingos, Owls and Bunnies. Mixing all of the above into a superweapon to conquer Earth. With a bunch of EP’s, singles and one full-length album (Sweden’s Newest Hit Makers) they’re now here with their sophomore album “Doojiman & The Exploders II: Electric Boogaloo” to put some lotion on your skin and so forth.

Well, that’s what they wanted to say and I hope you can make sense of where these cats are at.  Play either of those records and if you still don’t get it then maybe Rock and Roll just isn’t for you.

OK, so who the fuck are you?
Doojiman & The Exploders consists of Doojiman, his right-hand man Woogie Wombach, Timekeeper Patlanta, Artillery Battery Commander Dan Juan and Tank Commander Kallefornia. (Pata – Vox, Jeppe – Lead Guitar, Patrik – Guitar, Dan – Drums & Kalle – Bass). The band was put together by Pata and Jeppe in 2014 and has since picked up members along the way during drunk and fast travels around the city of Stockholm, Sweden. Think of them as the Inglourious Basterds of Scandinavian Rock’n’roll.
Where on God’s green earth are you from or what planet?
We’re from Stockholm, Sweden.
How did you put the band together?
By screening thousands of possible applicants Doojiman and Woogie Wombach eventually settled on three low life dropouts who do what they are told as long as they got something to drink.
What recordings have you made so far?
2014 – Police W. Rangler (Digital Single) 2014 – Watch Out! Look Out! (Digital EP) 2016 – Sweden’s Newest Hitmakers (Digital Album) 2018 – Rickety Cricket / Shameless (7″ Single + Digital Single) 2019 – Milk / Dogs (Digital Single) 2019 – From Myself (Digital Single) 2020 – Doojiman & The Exploders II: Electric Boogaloo (12″ Yellow/Black Vinyl + Digital Album) 2020 – Watch Out! Look Out (12″ Orange Vinyl (+ Police W. Rangler Single B-side)
Post Pandemic Plans?
Hopefully spread out music faster than fucking covid spread, we’ve heard that stuff spread pretty fast in Italy. We also are in dire need of a new Intelligence Officer (Booking Agency) so if you’re up for the task and love the songs, give us a ring!
Previous album reviews on RPM Online Here & Here Heavy Medication & Beluga Records respectively both offer great services and decent shipping rates from Europe

The Speedways – ‘Radio Sounds’ (Alien Snatch Records, Snap!! Records/Hurrah Musica and Beluga Records)

The Speedways – ‘Radio Sounds’ (Alien Snatch Records, Snap!! Records/Hurrah Musica and Beluga Records)

Is this Power Pop?

A question that is often all caps shouted across screens by keyboard warriors defending their record collection decisions.

Power Pop. A holy grail whose contents are loudly proclaimed obvious (depending who ya ask) and essential.  Apparently sacred (yet neverendingly argued) since the storied days of Peter Case losing his Nerves to then lace up his Plimsouls. Somehow important yet almost impossible to achieve… one wrong move, a drink too far, a chord eschewing a jangle and you’re “just rock n roll”.

Or so it seems…

The Speedways. The members languidly lean on the bars of darkened London pubs or float like spectres in corners of Some Weird Sin and Garageland gigs. Striped shirts and leather jackets. Dirty street-tamed Chucks and scuffed Thunders boots carry them from one late night heartache to another.

They are true believers who take their turn on stage with hearts outshining the Cheap Trick badges.

Heart.

How do you capture it? How do you?

This album is a stellar example of doing just that. It is the emotion, the essence of love (lost and yearned for) that makes special songs, damn the torpedoes and neat classifications.

This is their second full-length album and the growth since ‘Just Another Regular Summer’ is apparent right off the opening track. ‘This Ain’t A Radio Sound’ opens with a playful ‘80’s Cars ‘Heartbeat City’ keyboard that is somehow right at home alongside the dirty street jangle of Mauro Venegas’ guitars. Then Matthew Julian saunters in, his vocals accomplishing a feat in common with that of my favourite singers. It is instantly recognisable. Equal parts world-weary and up to the fight. Like how Phil Lynott would somehow whisper your thoughts back to you. At once like a friend and someone you wish you had the nerve to approach. A very rare and special dichotomy that gains trust from the listener. People will say you’re born with that. I can see here that you can earn it.

‘The Day I Call You Mine’ shakes off the skinny tie and gets tough. And sweet. The rhythm section of Kris Hood and Adrian Alfonso are like a modern day Mike Joyce and Andy Rourke of The Smiths. Taking the gorgeous songcraft and walking it home like schoolyard best friend bodyguards. In fact, every melody and arpeggiated chord on this long-player is kept safe in their scrappy hands.

“Daydreaming’ opens with razor-sharp back alley chords and a streetwise snarl that has me all of a sudden thinking, “Is this ROCK N ROLL???”

Speaking of that… ‘Your Brown Eyes Look So Blue’ comes dangerously close to sounding like a forgotten outtake from the soundtrack to “Grease”. High School dancing itself right to the edge of the parking lot of kitsch to puke, but teetering there and miraculously feeling much better, thank you! It was a close one boys, but then again, some imminent peril makes albums and nights out exciting.

The track order on this album has a great arch to it. The way it builds to a cinematic centrepiece starting from the dreamy fade into focus intro of ‘This Is About A Girl Who Loves The Sun’. It builds wonderfully into widescreen guitar pop. The song takes you off the dusty and noisy summer city streets and into the cinema to catch your breath and “to stop taking it out on yourself” as Matthew reminds you in the lyrics.

The exuberance of ‘Number Seven’ kicks the cinema doors wide open and the sunlight comes streaming through. We’re in The Speedways’ neighbourhood now, and there’s a place they know that’s perfect for an afternoon drink. Matthew puts his arm around you on the walk and lets ya know that you’ll get by… it doesn’t matter who believes you.

Another standout track is the band next door sound of ‘Empty Pages’. Effortlessly cool and just the right riff for just the right lyrics (“On Halloween I couldn’t hide”… who hasn’t felt that way? Vulnerable and surrounded by Pound Shop devils and clowns) The song is the sound of hanging out. Pure and simple.

The whole set does an excellent job of establishing a recognisable sound while crossing gang lines into territories that may feel like defection. The early Petty and almost ‘50s stomp intro of ‘Had Enough This Time’ giving way to a sun shower of cascading guitar shimmer and a riff that steps right off a beach to join in? Really? It works. Really well.

The album closer, the rather magnificently titled ‘In A World Without Love It’s Hard To Stay Young’, is a perfect bookend. A pocket symphony of guitars that shine like the afternoon sun reflected off a Camaro’s dashboard. Its harmonies sonically answer Julian’s proclamation, “I thought I was the only one to feel this way, until…” with the easy embrace of a close pal.

No. You’re not the only one who does, Matthew. You just have a timeless way of expressing it. Your band is right there with you bringing these songs into brilliant focus as well.

Pretty happy that a band like this exists, making albums to this calibre.

It sounds awfully good with a cold one or a double too!

OH! Power Pop?

I ain’t getting’ into that! Whaddya think, I’m crazy?

 

Buy Beluga Records Here / Speedways Bandcamp Vinyl Here

Author: Rich Ragany