Punter – ‘Australianation’ (UK Drunken Sailor Records/ Australia via Televised Suicide Records, Green Noise Records (USA)

Punter – ‘Australianation’ (UK Drunken Sailor Records/ Australia via Televised Suicide Records, Green Noise Records (USA)

Every now and then an album comes across your path that will have a real impact and knock you off your feet, almost a physical thing that can be awe-inspiring and breathtaking. Not to be too hyperbolic but Punter did that when I was sent this to review I was instantly blown away. The first play was exhilarating and I had to take a break and do something else then go back to it a day later just to see if I’d lost my senses or if my first impression lasted into the second and then the third and so on. Fuck me sideways, this album is the dog’s bollocks I liked their debut EP from a few years ago bu tthis is next level. I have no idea why, it’s not original nor is it so groundbreaking it’s genre-defying or something so new  I can’t make head nor tales of it. It’s a loud rapid punk rock record from Australia (der the cue is in the title) but the delivery and passion contained within touched me like a visit to Lourdes and a dunk in the holy water of punk rock n roll.

‘Safe In The Bubble’ starts it all off with a simple scuff of the guitar before going in both feet first it’s hardcore but with bells and whistles and so much more. The vocal spit in with more venom than I’ve heard in a while all whilst the guitars slash and hack but the sum of its parts only goes to make the devastating racket that is my soundtrack for the last month or so. Hell, there’s even bagpipes for fucks sake. Bon Scott would have thrown his pipes in the Sydney Harbour if he’d heard this and how to wheeze that bag of air.

The title track is along next with a swift metaphorical kick to the nether regions to take your breath away.  There’s something quite beautiful about a band that captures such beauty in such visceral and punishing styles. Punter have their collective finger on the pulse as the music gets faster and more manic but it explodes into a calming acoustic guitar outro that I didn’t see coming.  If you think that was brutal ‘Turf Layer’ is up next just to poke you in the eye with a very blunt stick but you keep going back for more.

It’s the soundtrack to the best bar brawl ever and could power a fleet of electric cars for days on one frantic play. ‘The Golden Hour’ almost eats itself before ‘Chin Stroker’ is like a rabid dog out of control in a supermarket taking out anything in its path – frantic – brutal take your pick this shit is happening and I fuckin love it.

Its not all thrashing about smashing everything in its path, oh ok it is but ‘Bone To Pick’ is a bit more mild-mannered and more measured with its twelve-bar riffage and a solo that’s tap tastic and like a missile boring into your ear.

The fact there are thirteen songs on this album is mental it’s spoiling us to the point that anyone hearing this should do so on their own it’s dangerous.  ‘No Normal’ is tub thumping tastic – oh fuck it you get the picture this record is the bomb and you should just get a copy its as if Clowns have joined forces with Bronx and a whole host of other great bands and joined forces to write an album that sets the tempo for all future punk rock releases.

‘Rise OF The Technocrat’ is a runaway bassline and hack n slash rampage on the guitar it’s bloody dangerous, seriously don’t drive whilst listening to this or your heading for a world of trouble. In fact this album’s thirteenth offering is the album’s finest and it would seem that everything to this point has been merely setting the way.  @It Aint Pretty’ is spot on and the absolute zenith of how to do punk rock hardcore style in 2025. Buy this album right now, don’t think about it just trust me and get your grubby hands on a copy it’ll blow you away. Absolute fuckin killer!

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Author: Dom Daley

Death By Unga Bunga – ‘Raw Muscular Power’ (Jensen Records)

Death By Unga Bunga – ‘Raw Muscular Power’ (Jensen Records)

Oh boy, it’s been a while but DBUB fell off the radar and feared missing forever until recently when we got a whisper that they were back and beefier than before and had bought new louder amps and had been working out (probably listening to Manowar and the Priest) because Raw Muscular Power is ROCKIN! that R-OC-K-I-N-! Baby with melodies galore wrapped up in a leather glove with spandex a plenty. Fellow Northern Europeans like Razorbats do this kinda crossover as well and there must be something in the frozen lakes because this shit is contagious and banging with hooks n melodies and Rock and Roll music to make you fall in love with the biz.

The title track kicks things off and boy their stall is set out early doors with a massive hook and all Amps set to 11. The new sound is dumber and rawer by their own admission, and the result is ten excellent radio-friendly rock songs, Mullets, Fascial hair, testosterone and hooks that will have you reaching for the battle jackets and leg warmers before lacing up your high tops. Haley Shae of Sløtface guests on the Paul Stanley-tribute ‘Starchild’ (der) of course this record was going to contain a Paul Stanley tribute song. which sounds like Blondie kicking ass in the modern world before the synth-punk of ‘Therapy’ featuring Mike Krol shows the boys have pulled a few celebrity favours in and expanded the sound and delivery and it’s only enhanced the record further adding different flavours. The song is dirty synth-punk with a rapid pace and melodies coming out of every pour.

‘Dogs Of Hell’ sounds like it’s been here before but is a real highlight as it races along giving your speakers a cheeky caress as it fills the ether with a floor tom rattle that’s just bloody epic. Hell, we’re only halfway through this epic journey and it’s head and shoulders the most fun the band has ever offered up and it’s a party we’re all invited to. ‘Camouflage’ has even got dive bombs on the guitar licks or should that be the Axe Attax?

To close this album off Death By Unga Bunga rage like a beast with their first native language song ‘Ring meg hvis du trenger en venn’ (“Call me if you need a friend” – an appeal to take care of the people around you. Do you need a friend? Or five friends, even? Death By Unga Bunga is there for you, and everyone’s invited now I’m getting the beers in and ringing round for the ladies we’ll pick you up in the fun bus in 15 minutes be there or be square this party will be the thing of legend. Death By Unga Bunga kick ass in 2025 and this is the ten-track proof simply epic now go buy it and join the party. Arena Rock meets dirty punk rock and chugs a beer before diving in the gene pool to fuck with us all. Top Notch as Lemmy would say.

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Author: Dom Daley

The Cheats – Set For Summer Release.

The Cheats – Set For Summer Release.

Pittsburgh Action Rock heroes, The Cheats, return with their long awaited 6th studio album, “Old Rats On A New Ship.” 

After departure of guitarist Rob Senomar in 2023, the band decided to scrap most of the songs they had written with Rob and start fresh with new guitarist/producer, Johnny Razorblade. Johnny produced The Cheats’ 5th album, “Cussin, Crying N Carrying On” (2020) as well as their Action Rock Jukebox single, “Rock N Roll Love Letter.” (2021) and the cover album “XXI” (2022). Johnny also remastered and recorded the live tracks on the “Cheap Pills” 20th Anniversary reissue (2023) The band continued to play live and work on new music. Finally ready, the band entered the studio in 2024 and began recording their strongest material in years, “Old Rats On A New Ship.” 

Tracklisting…

Side 1
1. Blood From A Stone
2. I Wanna…
3. The Only Thing I’m Fucking… Is Up
4. I Want You
5. Time To Leave
6. For You (Anti-Nowhere League)

Side 2
7. Control
8. Stuck On You
9. Lie To Me
10. Everything You Love Will Die
11. The Price I Pay

The first single will be the over the top, alcohol infused, rager, “Fucking Up.” Also, the band is currently recording acoustic versions of “No Time” and “Day After Day” off their 2006 “Life’s Short” album. These two tracks will only be available on the CD version.

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Episode 58 – The Podcast -‘When I Say I’m In Love L-U-V!’

Episode 58 – The Podcast -‘When I Say I’m In Love L-U-V!’

This Episode of the Podcast begins with possibly the finest intro ever, the one used by The Ramones from The Good, the Bad, And The Ugly. Then, we delve into another bumper episode of rock’ n roll. Infamous Stiffs kick off with their new single, ‘No Static,’ out on Golden Robot Records.

Tip of the hat to Da Bruders from Taste Testors with the happy and sprightly ‘Don’t Fall In Love With Me’ quickly followed by the majestic tones of Cyanide Pills who just happen to be Yorkshires finest and a band who certainly don’t get the recognition they deserve for serving up album after album of top quality punk rock n roll.

Before we drop The Nasty Rumours track from the EP ‘Bury Me In My Leather Jacket’ we drop the epic Dictators and the classic title track from ‘DFFD’ ‘Who Will Save Rock And Roll’

Neurotic Outsiders have their one and only album out on Vinyl for RSD 2025 so why not play the epic opener ‘Nasty Ho’.

We don’t feature too much Fuzzed out Stoner Rock Infused Rock but Caboose hit the mat of RPM Online HQ. Think Dessert Rock think Hellacopters think Wah Wah and trucker caps and wonderful drawing artwork of hotrods and the such like.

From the mean streets of New York City The Men release ‘Buyer Beware’ on Fuzz Club so what better time than to play the opening track off the album from this New York bunch of rockers ‘Pony’ it’s anything but. We love ourselves some swampy Urban Voodoo Machine style Rock tapping into the darker side of Rock n Roll owned by the likes of The Cramps and Gun Club so when we heard Sloks and their album ‘Viper we had to offer you ‘Do The Slok’ and swampy rock n roll banger I’m sure you’ll agree.

A band we’ve long since banged on about – Ravagers have a brand new album on the way ‘On The Loose’ released on Wanda In Europe and Spaghetty Town in The USA it features a track ‘Dogs’ which came out this past week so get an ear full of this and place a pre order and if yo happen to be in Mainland Europe you can catch them live as they visit in a few short months and have also been added to Michael Monroe when he hit the States Would be awesome if they had the whole tour but it might just be a one shot date.

Heading back to the UK for one of the finest bands currently treading the boards and making fine records, Continental Lovers released their debut album and seven-inch single which we played a few Episodes ago so we bring you the other track on the 7″ ‘Wedding Song’ awesome band and album and one we highly recommend.

Next is our Connections and Three interlinked tracks firstly New York Dolls released their third album in 2006 that featured Steve Conte and Sami Yaffa as well as Sylvain Sylvain and of course, David Johansen and the opening track was the rather splendid ‘We’re All In Love’ followed by ‘Taxi Driver’ courtesy of Hanoi Rocks then finally Teenage Fanclub with their take on ‘Personality Crisis’. We dedicate these connections to David Johansen who went public with his health issues this past week. You can donate at Sweet Relief or buy one of their rather fetching David J T-Shirts Here

Rum Bar Records consistently churns out good records and CDs and always lets a little ray of sunshine through the often murky waters we sail in and this offering is no exception. 20th Century Boys have a track entitled ‘Suzy’ released on the label and a new band on us so we thought we’d share it with you.

Hastings is the place and Haest released a new track on TNS Records ‘Did They Ever Find Out Who Let The Dogs Out’ and what a heart warming slice of punk rock this is too. Awesome song and another awesome label knocking out music for the underground but God knows why these bands are not household names.

Punk Rockers The Pegs from the West Coast have a track called ‘Nature Wants Us Dead’ which fits in with this fine episode .

Nottingham’s finest TV Crime have been quiet for a while but returned on Valentine’s Day with something of a Rock n Roll love letter to anyone who has a heart which is us so it was a no-brainer that it goes in this week’s playlist and what a fine slab of music it is too.

Soul Asylum had a short visit to these shores recently so we’ve been playing them at HQ for a while and whilst looking through the songs I have on the big computer I came across this banger from a while back when they did a rather good take of the DKs classic ‘Nazi Punks Fuck Off’.

The most excellent Speedways have released a digital single and Matt was kind enough to send this slice of New Wave, Power Pop perfection for our perusal and boy what an earworm this one is. Infectious Rock n Roll of the highest order and to think Matt and Joe from Continental Lovers used to do this together in The Breakdowns who also had a record released by Rum Bar Records. What a small world it is but I wouldn’t like to paint it.

The penultimate track this week had to be the closing track off the brand new album from Australians Punter and ‘It Ain’t Pretty’ should be on everyone’s want list. A stonking track of hardcore Australian punk with added saxophone (of course it has) if you haven’t already got your hands on this one then don’t waste time you’ll regret it.

To wind up the Episode we bring you the brand new track from Black Spiders ‘Never Enough’ from the album ‘Cvrses’. This brings Episode 58 to an end and once again I don’t think it’s being to big-headed but an absolute avalanche of top tuneage once again from all corners of the globe. Bringing great music to the masses call it a community service because it’s a crime that more people don’t tune in and love these bands like we do. Same place next week? With another show bursting with new songs and some olden but golden bangers. Thanks for joining us on this journey ta ta for now.

City Saints – ‘Explosiv!’ (Sunny Bastards Records)

City Saints – ‘Explosiv!’ (Sunny Bastards Records)

Swedish punk rockers City Saints are on album number six. formed in Gothenburg in 2012 they’ve toured all over Europe several times people in the UK will have no doubt seen them grace the stage at Rebellion Festival with their punchy street punk mixed with a bit of OI and some hard rock thrown in for good measure. The band have always played hard and turned in songs with attitude and always had a good sense of melody with catchy choruses, and terrace anthems if you like.

City Saints grew up with the Gothenburg punk scene in the late 70’s and early 80’s. “Explosiv!” kicks off with a surprise in the Ennio Morricone-inspired “Göta Älv”. A moody intro to lull you into a false sense of security before the high-paced anthems take you away. Sort of their own Derango 95 before songs like ‘Majorna’ and ‘På G’ are great examples of where they mix the rapid Ramones punk rock with a more dirty Rock n Roll and even though I don’t understand the lyrics I understand Punk Rock n Roll alright and this greasy punk n roll is right on the money. Sure if you mix some Sparrer with early Backyard Babies and Demons’ you might be with me in the very right place at the right time. ‘Smaken Av Blod’ just rocks out. they’re not taking prisoners and just get the foot on the monitor and go for it. ‘Stadden Brimmer’ has the gang vocal of Rancid and is a great example of that mix with a grunting bass run with some top-slashing riffage. Side one take a bow your work here is done.

Flip it over and it’s heads down for some boogie rock with the title track kicking out the twelve-bar rock n roll. Love the bridge with its thumping Bass solo and groove on the drums before some tasty harmonica honkin for good measure. It’s down and dirty rock’n’roll for sure and done really well. ‘Blod & Bly’ starts off with a measured Angus lick before it’s called to arms and rocks like fuck. Heads down the finish line is getting near so ‘Nitad’ cuts loose and just rock out before ‘Kranarnas Stad’ continues the party. The final song is something of an outro “Fan Ta Er” which is a short live cut done with vocals and harmonica like were stood around an open fire near the sea as we all stomp our feet but a great way to catch our breath before we dive back in and do it all again. Great effort from Swedoens City Saints ‘Explosiv’ by name explosive by nature. Get involved it is a cracker.

Buy Here or Coretex Records

Author: Dom Daley

Richard Davies & The Dissidents – ‘High Times And Misdemeanours’ (Gard du Nord Records)

Richard Davies & The Dissidents – ‘High Times And Misdemeanours’ (Gard du Nord Records)

Having seen Richard put in a pretty impressive shift slinging his six strings with Marc Valentine it has been something of a pleasure to have this album on heavy rotation for the past few weeks. It’s the second offering from Richard and this is another step in the right direction offering a gritty real-life view on the world be it through an acoustic guitar or the wheeze of a harmonica or some laid-back telecaster rock n roll its an album filled with twists and turns in a world just off the beaten track where everything polished and sanitised this is real campfire rock n roll with its big beating heart worn proudly on its collective sleeve. from the opening mid-tempo stroll of ‘Keep Your Fire Burning’ it breaks of moonshine Rock n roll with a chorus that digs in and refused to leave until you’ve chased that dragon one more time.

There’s a feeling of yesteryear as the guiding lights of Mott The Hoople and The South of France Stones collide with Thunders and Perrett. ‘Soldiers Of Fortune’ is a marvellously crafted song that’s pumping blood around the speakers with the likes of Thunders whispering melodies into Davies’s ear for inspiration without ever sounding like his heroes in a copycat way but leaning on their rich catalogues for inspiration.

I love the swagger of ‘Human On The Inside’ and the arrangement is excellent as the song soars toward the chorus you feel like you’ve been on a journey with the band and it was the best of times real roots rock n roll. Theres a lot to admire on ‘Born To Drown’ with its subtle keys sounding like a song Stuart and Prophet would have loved to have written in their Green On Red heyday.

‘Born To Drown’ is another unassuming earworm from the melody to the arrangement it’s not at all overcrowded even though there is a lot going on a great tune from what is unquestionably a talented band. ‘Lead Me Out Of The Wilderness’ is more laid back with a hint of Dylan and a great vocal. ‘Age Of The Blade’ is a sharp riff and ‘Higher Station’ has a hint of Americana in there and some great backing vocals to light up the Chorus. The album closes out with the Surprise cover of ‘Live For Today’ and what a pleasant surprise it is too. I always get a little worried when I hear people covering a Stiv Bator song because of the high regard I hold him in but this is spot on. Richard hasn’t tried to copy or mimic note for note rather he’s interpreted and handled it with kid gloves and paid respect to a classic in the interpretation and delivery and to be fair it just about caps off one of the strongest albums I’ve had the pleasure of in quite a while. Great effort all round and an album I highly recommend, While the world might be heading to hell in a handcart it’s reassuring to know that I can have an awesome soundtrack as I go down in flames and ‘High Times And Misdemeanours’ is right at the top of the playlist playing loud and proud. Simple one this – go Buy It!

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MILLIE MANDERS AND THE SHUTUP – ‘Me Too’

MILLIE MANDERS AND THE SHUTUP – ‘Me Too’

ME TOO // SINGLE & VIDEO – CHOOSE THE BEAR TOUR // SPRING 2025

MILLIE MANDERS AND THE SHUTUP have released their new single Me Too, taken from their acclaimed second album Wake Up, Shut Up, Work. The single is the fourth and final to be taken from the album and comes with an acoustic version on the B-side and an intensely powerful and emotional video directed by Ell Bobin. The release comes ahead of the band’s Choose The Bear Tour in the spring, which includes their biggest headline London show to date at Camden Dingwalls and will raise money for Sexual and Domestic Abuse charities along with a new Angry Ted Plushie bear. The bear will be strictly limited to 500 with £6 from each one being donated to The Survivors Trust, Refuge UK and Beyond The Streets with the aim of raising £1000 for each charity.

Pic: Tina K

The video features members of Ramona’s Tea Party, who supported Millie Manders and The Shutup on their headline UK tour in the autumn of last year, and members of the audience on those shows.

Speaking about the video, Millie says:

“Thank you to Ramona’s Tea Party for the excellent acting and for spending hours on set with us, and especially to Ramona for deeply immersing herself in the moment, making us all emotional. And thank you to the literally hundreds of people across our shows who chose to be filmed for this video. We are so sorry we couldn’t fit more in. It was staggering the number of you who wanted to be involved with this. Thank you so much for watching and for your support.”

Wake Up, Shut Up Work reached #2 in the UK Rock & Metal album chart and #6 in the UK Independent album chart upon its release in August, and is the follow up to their Telling Truths, Breaking Ties debut. The album is available on CD and vinyl from https://linktr.ee/milliemanders and a host of independent record stores alongside all major streaming and download platforms.

CHOOSE THE BEAR TOUR

FEBRUARY

Thu 13 LONDON Camden Dingwalls

Sat 22 LEEDS A Fistful Of Ska

MARCH

Thu 27 BLACKPOOL Bootleg Social

Fri 28 GLASGOW Audio

Sat 29 SCARBOROUGH Punk Festival

Sun 30 YORK Crescent

APRIL

Fri 18 MANCHESTER Punk Festival

Wed 23 MILTON KEYNES Craufurd Arms

Thu 24 ALDERSHOT West End Centre

Fri 25 HITCHIN Club 85

Sat 26 SWANSEA Sin City

MAY

Thu 01 HUDDERSFIELD Parish

Fri 02 BIRKENHEAD Future Yard

Sat 03 LEICESTER Musician

Sun 04 DERBY Hairy Dog

Tickets from www.millie-manders.com and the venues.

THE WiLDHEARTS – ‘Troubadour Moon’

THE WiLDHEARTS – ‘Troubadour Moon’

‘Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts’ 

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Headline UK Tour, March 2025

TheWildhearts.lnk.to/SROTW

The Wildhearts release new single / video, ‘Troubadour Moon’, from their forthcoming studio album, ‘Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts’, out on March 7thvia Snakefarm. 

“I was reading an interview with a well-known musician recently, and he was talking about how there aren’t any troubadours anymore – people who play music purely for the love of it. I thought it was an interesting observation, so I’ve addressed it here, along with the idea of being yourself and not being swayed by trend or fashion, by the latest thing. If you allow that to happen, there’s the danger that you’ll always be one step behind or in someone else’s shadow…” – Ginger Wildheart 

“With the new ‘Satanic Rites…’ album reflecting both the spirit and the energy of the classic ‘Earth vs…’ debut, both musically and visually, it made sense for the video for ‘Troubadour Moon’ to contain a host of references – some very subtle and obscure – to the glorious early days of the band. Plus, acknowledging the past in this way will hopefully put a smile on the faces of longstanding fans, and underline the fact that those creating the videos, the artwork and the photos, all of the imagery, are true fans of the band with a passion for detail. And if anyone knows why there’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it nod to former Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan in the clip, then you really are a serious fan! Please take a bow!” – Dante Bonutto, Snakefarm

To purchase / stream ‘Troubadour Moon’ go to: https://thewildhearts.lnk.to/TroubadourMoon

The creatively brilliant Ginger Wildheart is arguably amongst the UK’s best and most prolific songwriters, and his band, The Wildhearts, recently signed a worldwide deal with Snakefarm / Integral. 

“The songs on ‘Satanic Rites…’ were written during a period of transition, from extremely negative to positive,” reflects Ginger. “I realised how much control I have over my mental health, and the songs came from that understanding. There’s everything here – catchy choruses, proper fuck-off riffs, anger, frustration, acceptance and revelation, with plenty of insane detours. The album starts pessimistic then ends up like ‘Ah, so I CAN turn my life around?’ It’s a hard rock album for people who love hard rock!” 

‘Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts’, their 11th studio album, was produced by Jim Pinder (Bring Me The Horizon, While She Sleeps, Bullet For My Valentine) and mixed by Jim Pinder & Carl Bown (Trivium, Machine Head, Bring Me The Horizon, While She Sleeps, Bullet For My Valentine), and the record is conceived as a belated follow-up to their classic debut, ‘Earth vs The Wildhearts’ (1993).

Along with the singles, ‘Failure Is The Mother Of Success’ and ‘Troubadour Moon’, the album features a further eight tracks, including glam stomper ‘I’ll Be Your Monster’ (featuring Shining / Emperor member Jørgen Munkeby on guest saxophone).

To pre-order / pre save ‘Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts’ go to: TheWildhearts.lnk.to/SROTW 

‘Satanic Rites of The Wildhearts’ will be available on coloured vinyl LP, CD (with exclusive bonus track) and cassette. The LP & CD formats contain lyrics hand-written by Ginger, a painting by Ginger, plus other Ginger-related graphics.

To celebrate this release, The Wildhearts will be undertaking four in stores and playing eight headline UK shows in March, starting on March 7that the Leadmill in Sheffield and concluding on March 16th at the 1865 in Southampton. 

“We’ll be taking a full evening’s entertainment on tour, kicking off with party-punks Dirt Box Disco, going to rock ‘n’ roll church with Jim Jones, then being flayed alive with The Wildhearts. The party starts when the doors open, so get a buzz on and get down early. Come join the Wildhearts’ community gathering. We guarantee you’ll leave with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll firmly restored” – Ginger Wildheart

For three decades, The Wildhearts have remained at the forefront of the UK rock scene, and their incendiary live shows have cemented their reputation and legacy as one of the best band’s their homeland has produced, so miss these shows at your peril.

The Wildhearts dates in full 

March in stores 

8th Relevant Records – Cambridge – Live acoustic performance and signing

9th HMV Manchester – Live Acoustic Performance and signing

10th Liverpool – Jacaranda – Acoustic performance and signing

12th HMV Newcastle – Signing

The Wildhearts UK Tour, March 2025

07thLeadmill, Sheffield

08th  Junction, Cambridge

09th  O2 Ritz, Manchester

11th  Epic, Norwich

13th  Garage, Glasgow

14th  KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton

15th  Rock City, Nottingham

16th  1865, Southampton

May

04th Bonfest, Kirriemuir, Scotland 

07th  Wolf, Barcelona, Spain

08th Loco Club, Valencia, Spain

09th Nazca, Madrid, Spain

10th Psilocybenea, Hondarribia, Spain

24th The Big Yard Party, Old Woollen, Leeds

July 

07th Time To Rock Festival, Knislinge, Sweden

25th Steelhouse Festival, Ebbw Vale, Wales

Tickets for the UK tour (7th March – 16th March)  can be ordered here: https://www.gigantic.com/enter-code?c=9BC111E6-FDCB-4B8C-AAE3-94BA07CF575D

http://www.thewildhearts.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TheWildhearts

Gyasi – ‘Here Comes The Good Part’ (Alive Records)

Gyasi – ‘Here Comes The Good Part’ (Alive Records)

Do you remember a time when music fans adorned their bedroom walls with posters of their heroes? Larger-than-life rock stars who seemed untouchable to a wide-eyed teen? Gyasi does. The West Virginia born and raised singer channelled those very same idols: Bowie, Bolan and Zep to the max on his debut album ‘Pronounced Jah-See’ back in 2022, unapologetically wearing his influences on his satin sleeves for all to see. We here at RPM fell for him, hook, line and sinker.

Now he follows up last year’s killer live opus ‘Rock n’ Roll Sword Fight’ with his sophomore studio album ‘Here Comes The Good Part. So, let’s dip right in and see if Gyasi hits the spot second time around.

Opener ‘Sweet Thing’ sets the scene with a Ziggy stomp and a laid back, bluesy Black Keys like groove. The instant hook of a chorus makes a b-line for your brain and Gyasi is well and truly back in business with a sure-fire anthem of self-expression.

The thing I dig about Gyasi is his ability to mix up the sound of his influences to great effect. 70’s glam rock is the order of the day, add to that a smattering of west coast 60’s psychedelia and a shot of Brit Pop for good measure, and we’ve got a good thing going. This is evident on the swaggering ‘Lightening’ and the more bluesy, high-energy stomp of ‘She Says’.

‘Snake City’ has cool dynamics and a stomper of a chorus, ‘Cheap High’ is high octane rock n’ roll done just right. A sleazy, low-slung Aerosmith riff and a cocksure demeanor makes it an early album standout. As is previous single ‘Baby Blue, a shameless T Rex stomp with a chorus to die for. Yes, you know exactly where he’s pilfered it from as much as I do, but fuck me, what a tune!

Some might say there’s blatant Bowie plagiarism going on here. Yes, that arpeggiated riff to ‘Sweet Thing’ certainly carries a passing resemblance to ‘Ziggy Stardust’, ‘American Dream’ with its regimental snare beat, acoustic guitar and sexy sax has a ‘Lady Stardust’ feel to it and stunning CD only bonus cut ‘Apple Tree’ is Gyasi’s ‘Oh! You Pretty Things’. But surely, he’s just embracing his influences, and it never hurt Noel Gallagher, right?

The piano led ‘23’ sees our sequin-suited hero banging to the beat of a different drum. With its laid-back, sexy sax accompaniment and dreamy vibes, its veering towards 80’s new age pop in a good way, hints of Roxy Music come to find here. And then album closer ‘Grand Finale’ comes on like some glam rock musical reprise. Picked acoustic chords, soaring strings and a self-assured vocal performance build with cleverly produced drums to give that authentic 70’s analogue feel.

With just the right amount of sleazy riffs & power chords, a good dose of lipstick & glitter and enough dirt under the fingernails, ‘Here Comes The Good Part’ straddles Bowie in his Hunky Dory/Ziggy Stardust years, it embraces Marc Bolan between ‘Electric Warrior’ and ‘The Slider’ and brings us right up to date for the kids by digging the sounds of Jack White and The Black Keys. It would all be so laughable and throwaway if the songs weren’t up to scratch, but guess what? The songs are good, they are very good.

I’ll tell you one thing for sure, if I was a wide-eyed teen discovering rock n’ roll right now, I’d proudly have Gyasi’s poster on my bedroom wall and this sophomore-long player would be blasting from the speakers day and night.

An eagerly anticipated album from a rising star, and an essential purchase for 2025. Get it on, pre-ordered and demand a UK tour quick sharpish.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

Thin Lizzy with first New album in over 40 years

Thin Lizzy with first New album in over 40 years

THIN LIZZY RETURNS WITH FIRST NEW ALBUM IN OVER 40 YEARS: ACOUSTIC REWORKS OF THEIR CLASSICS

‘ACOUSTIC SESSIONS’ OUT NOW VIA DECCA

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FULL ALBUM TO BE RELEASED DIGITALLY MAY 9TH 

“This material brings new clarity and intimacy to Lynott’s vocals.” Mojo 

“This unique collection showcases the other side of West Bromwich-born Irish rocker Lynott – the romantic and idealistic folk poet. The results are majestic.” Daily Mirror

“A die-hard’s delight.” Record Collector  

Thin Lizzy is back with a fresh take on some of their most iconic tracks, marking their first new release in over four decades. This unique acoustic album reimagines beloved songs, offering a stripped-back sound that exposes the core of their songwriting. Original vocals from Phil Lynott are paired with brand-new guitar parts from founding member Eric Bell, creating an entirely new listening experience for fans. ‘Acoustic Sessions’ is out today on CD and vinyl and will be released digitally on May 9th.

Producer and mixer Richard Whittaker, working alongside Eric Bell, went to huge lengths to use the original tapes, vocals and instrumentation with the only new addition being Eric’s fresh acoustic guitar parts which were recorded with him in Belfast at the Oh Yeah! Centre Studios, a unique celebration of Irish artists and their craft.

Each track on the album is a freshly created version of songs featured on either the 50th-anniversary super deluxe editions of ‘Vagabonds Of The Western World’, considered Thin Lizzy’s breakthrough, alongside their self-titled debut and ‘Shades of a Blue Orphanage’.

Today we celebrate the album’s release with a sublime new lyric video for the 1971 song ‘Dublin’. These new visuals compliment this beautiful song perfectly, bringing to life Lynott’s achingly sentimental lyrics for the city he grew up in.

This album marks the first time since Bell’s exit that he has recorded under the Thin Lizzy name. Fans can now experience what might have been their “MTV Unplugged” moment—a chance to hear the band’s timeless music in its most intimate form.

For dedicated fans, a D2C edition includes an exclusive bonus track, “Slow Blues G.M,” a tribute to Gary Moore, alongside acoustic versions of these classic tracks:

The album is available in both CD and limited-edition marble vinyl formats, along with an ultra-limited vinyl edition featuring an exclusive bonus track. Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-generation release from one of rock’s most beloved bands.

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