My Ruin – ‘Declaration of Resistance’ (Magick Room Recordings)

My Ruin – ‘Declaration of Resistance’ (Magick Room Recordings)

My Ruin are back, and they are not fucking around… After a decade-long break, their latest release, ‘Declaration of Resistance’ is a damning statement on the right-wing agenda that’s engulfing US politics (the UK is not far behind!). The album is ferocious and grabs you by the bollocks from the start. Opening track (and first single) Compromised pins you to the floor. Mick Murphy’s monstrous riff, combined with Tairrie B’s spitting vocals, set up the rest of the album perfectly. Declaration of Resistance is more than just an album, it’s an assault on fascism, hate, religious radicalism and the complicity of the Western world in genocide. It’s brutally honest, as heavy as fuck, and quite possibly the most important album of 2026…and it’s still 2025.

What does it sound like, I hear you ask… Think of Rage Against the Machine at their most powerful, add in some Biohazard, throw in some Public Enemy, and sprinkle on riffs that Tony Iommi would be proud of, and then you’re somewhere near the pummelling assault of My Ruin in 2025. Seriously, tracks like The Audacity burst out of the speakers with urgency. The production is perfect, every note and lyric snaps at your heels like a rabid dog. Murphy is one of those supremely talented individuals who can play any instrument. He plays guitar, bass and drums on the album. The drum sound is a breath of fresh air. The drums sound like drums, none of that processed, sampled bullshit. Call to the Void’s Jack Osborne duets with Tairrie B on the crushing True Allies. ‘Contempt’ bumps along with a Kyuss vibe, with lyrics focusing on the vile disregard for anything tasteful by the current US President.

‘Infinite Connection’ has a doomy and dreamy atmosphere; this sounds so good in my headphones. More superb guitar work from Murphy here. ‘Fragile Like A Bomb’ blends hip hop and metal effortlessly. There is so much going on that you need a few listens to really appreciate the effort that has gone into the making of this record. ‘HHRL’ is my favourite song on the album, a down-tuned belter of a riff with more thought-provoking lyrics from Tairrie B. HHRL stands for Hitler Hated Red Lipstick – “but I fucking love it!” she screams.

‘Dark Eyes of London’ is another full-on riff-driven track, there really isn’t a weak song on the album. It’s just banger after banger. Lady Liberty is told from the perspective of Lady Liberty herself. Tairrie B mostly speaks the lyrics until she changes tack to screaming “WHY?” Why indeed…. Lady Liberty rots away as Sacred Reich said back in 1990… nothing much has changed. Muzzle Velocity is an epic track; Murphy plays a blinder here. More chugging riffs and powerhouse drumming…excellent stuff. Truth or Consequences ends the album in style with another powerhouse riff and some fantastic tribal drumming. We also get treated to a fantastic cover of L7’s ‘Shitlist’, which totally fits the vibe of the album.

To summarise, ‘Declaration of Resistance’ does exactly what it says on the tin. Extremely powerful music backed up with the most honest and relevant lyrical content. Some bands say they are not political and that it would alienate their fan base if they wore their politics on their sleeve. I say EVERYTHING is political and we should all be shouting from the rooftops as our humanity is being eroded before our eyes. My Ruin are not scared to show their colours. They speak the truth.

Buy Here

Author: Kenny Kendrick

Ravagers – Set To Hit Europe in 2026

Ravagers – Set To Hit Europe in 2026

TURNT UP IN EUROPE 2026- Here we go! Another European excursion.

Ravagers are looking forward to playing Sweden and Norway for the first time, along with all the usual spots in Germany, Belgium, France, and Spain. Sorry UK. They still haven’t gotten any offers to play over there, but who knows?.. to be continued!

Talk to Billig People if you want Ravagers in your town

TOURDATES so far…

21/05/2026 SWE-Sundbyberg, Encore, Sundbyberg

22/05/2026 NO-Oslo, Last Train, Oslo

24/05/2026 D-Bremen, Lila Eule

25/05/2026 D-Hamburg, Hafenklang

27/05/2026 D-Münster, Heile Welt

28/05/2026 D-Hannover, LUX – Concerts

29/05/2026 D-Essen, Don’t Panic Essen

30/05/2026 D-Alsdorf, Pit Rock Open Air 2026

31/05/2026 D-Kassel, Goldgrube Kassel

01/06/2026 D-Bamberg, Live-Club, Bamberg

03/06/2026 A-St Pölten, Seedose

04/06/2026 D-Dresden, Chemiefabrik Dresden (Chemo)

05/06/2026 D-Berlin, Wild At Heart

06/06/2026 D-München, Bürgerhaus Glockenbachwerkstatt

08/06/2026 D-Saarbrücken, Tante Anna

09/06/2026 D-Köln, Sonic Ballroom

10/06/2026 B-Brussels, Brasserie de la Mule

11/06/2026 B-Arlon, L’Entrepôt À Arlon

13/06/2026 F-Nantes, Cold Crash

14/06/2026 F-Périgueux, Le Moulin du Rousseau

Buy Ravagers Here USA / Europe Here

Celebrity Telethon – Exclusive new single ‘Undercover’

Celebrity Telethon – Exclusive new single ‘Undercover’

Listen to ‘Undercover’ Here

Celebrity Telethon shares the third and final single ahead of their upcoming self-titled record! ‘Undercover’ springs from the murky waters of protopunk (New York Dolls, Velvet Underground, and Flamin’ Groovies all come to mind) with a distinctly DIY home-recorded patina. Roughly hewn overdriven guitars, dungeon-like reverb and crackling vocals offset the song’s pop sensibilities in a manner not unlike Wreckless Eric’s homespun production style. Come to think of it, the tune’s marriage of pub rockin’ R&B (the riff calls to mind James Brown’s “I Got You”) and the chiming freakbeat jangle of the Kinks would have been right at home on Stiff Records’ early roster. However, according to The Gizmos’ Eddie Flowers in his liner notes, “This ain’t no retro fashion show.” 

“Undercover” arrives on the heels of two prior singles, Rock ‘N’ Roll Matinee and Skin Flicks, which both appeared with accompanying music videos co-directed by the band and Mark Habegger. The noir-tinged single art was designed by the EMMY-winning animator Dan Riba, well known for his directorial work on Batman: The Animated Series, Freakazoid!, and Justice League. 

The full Celebrity Telethon album is available for preorder now and will be released digitally and on vinyl December 31st. The tracklist runs the gamut from sleazy punk, garage-inflected roots rock, and even moments of no-wave chaos. Jo Dog Almeida from The Dogs D’Amour makes a slide guitar appearance on the Jacobites-indebted “Latkes & Brisket” while Mike Wilcox (veteran guitarist who’s collaborated with Dave Vanian and Sylvain Sylvain, among others) guests on multiple tracks. 

The band is celebrating with two release shows, in Hollywood and their native Portland, OR. The Los Angeles show is a New Year’s Eve bash at The Roxy with soul legend Swamp Dogg, Tom Kenny & The Hi Seas (yes, THAT Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob), and DJ Lance Rock (of Yo Gabba Gabba fame). On January 10th, the Portland release show at The Six Below Midnight will feature recently reformed ‘90s garage rockers The Statics, Suprr Powrr (featuring Seattle underground hero Rob Vasquez), and danceable art punks Dirt Twins. 

Pre-Order New Album Here

Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify

Deathtraps- ‘Sympathy For The Denim’ (Spirit Of Disaster Records)

Deathtraps- ‘Sympathy For The Denim’ (Spirit Of Disaster Records)

We often say there’s something in the water in Sweden, with their glut of great, noisy bands with hooks aplenty. See also Australia. But I think of Wales in the same way. 60 Foot Dolls, The Sick Livers and Deathtraps, plus many others, have a habit of penning earworms that hit hard.

Just as you start making your Christmas list, Deathtraps release the third and final instalment in their ‘666’ EP collection. That makes 18 bangers, spread over 3 CDs. As expected, there’s no time to waste, no chaff, straight in with ‘People Like You’, and the chant of “people like you need people like me” is essentially Motörhead head-butting The Hives.

‘The One That Got Away’ has a poppier edge. “You can be my poster girl, I can be your dirty secret”, is like a Jonesy riff, as is ‘Freak Out’. A lot of bands try and fail at this stuff, but you can trust the boys to pull it off (ooer, e.t.c).

‘I Used To Read The NME’ manages to resurrect the line “do you wanna be in my gang?” without causing any trauma. ‘Pop Song Singalong’ is as catchy as Dirtbox Disco used to be, and ‘Kissy Face (Feel Bad Hit Of The Summer)’ is over four minutes long, but there’ll be no flute workouts here! “Sun’s out, scum’s out…” sets the tone.

So, head on over to Bandcamp for a listen. You can even order all 3 EPs if you missed out. The perfect stocking filler. Rock, actually recorded in a garage. Remember, it’s not available in the shops, so get your order in now.

Buy Here

Author: Martin Chamarette

PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT – 50 YEARS IN MUSIC

PETER HOOK & THE LIGHT – 50 YEARS IN MUSIC

CELEBRATING 50 YEARS IN MUSIC WITH A CAREER-SPANNING RETROSPECTIVE SET

MANCHESTER ACADEMY, 4TH JUNE 2026

+     VERY SPECIAL GUESTS BUZZCOCKS

Next summer, Peter Hook & The Light will celebrate 50 years of music with a special set at Manchester Academy, spanning his work with Joy Division, New Order, Monaco and more.

On the 4th June 1976, Pete Shelley and Howard Devoto brought The Sex Pistols to Manchester for the first time for a night at the Lesser Free Trade Hall. The show attracted a modest crowd, with around 40 people in attendance, but amongst them were a disproportionate number of future legends of the Manchester scene. Future members of The Smiths and The Fall, Factory Records’ Tony Wilson, punk poet John Cooper Clarke, genius producer Martin Hannett and somewhere amongst that crowd was a young Peter Hook, with his friend & soon-to-be Joy Division bandmate Bernard Sumner.

Energised by the punk performance, Hook set out to buy a bass guitar the very next day. He went on to play in some of the most influential and iconic bands in British music history, pioneering post-punk with Joy Division before moving into more synth-driven soundscapes with New Order. Now, five decades on, Hook is set to celebrate the anniversary of that pivotal night with a special show in the city that shaped him. 

On 4th June 2026, 50 years to the day since The Sex Pistols changed the Manchester music scene forever, Peter Hook & The Light are set to perform a retrospective set spanning his lengthy career at the Academy. Playing choice picks from his time in Warsaw, Joy Division, New Order, Revenge, Monaco, and Freebass, it’s a night not to be missed by fans of Hook and his wide-spanning, widely-influential projects. “On the evening of the 4th June 1976 my life changed forever,” shares Hooky, “I hope on the evening of 4th June 2026 yours will too.” 

Hook will be joined by very special guests Buzzcocks, who were instrumental in putting the Sex Pistols on all those years ago. Since that night, the Buzzcocks have carved out their own place in British music history with hits like “Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn’t’ve)”, “What Do I Get?’ and “Harmony In My Head”, winning audiences over with their catchy punk songwriting and lovesick lyrics. Next June, they support Hook and celebrate their own 50-year anniversary in the process. 

Pre-sale tickets for the show go on sale on Wednesday 3rd December here, while general on-sale kicks off on Friday 5th December. Tickets will be available here.

Live Dates

4th June, 2026 – Manchester Academy (with Buzzcocks) 

Tickets available here. 

For more information:

Facebook | X | Instagram | Website

WOLFSBANE – ‘All Or Nothing’

WOLFSBANE – ‘All Or Nothing’

FINAL 2026 HEADLINE SHOWS

Wolfsbane, performing with their legendary original lineup, are proud to unveil a brand new video ahead of their three final headline shows to close out 2025.

+

‘Live Faster‘ is a totally new re-recording of their debut album ‘Live Fast, Die Fast’.  

To order Live Faster on CD and vinyl go Here

To stream Live Faster:Here

With a huge desire to do justice to the new version whilst respecting the old one, ‘Live Faster’ is splendidly IN YOUR FACE and everything the band had hoped it would be. “We are so pleased with the way it has turned out.” – Blaze

Wolfsbane dates in full 2025

December 5th – Sheffield – The Greystones

December 6th – Bradford – Nightrain

December 7th – Grimsby – Yardbirds

2026 

May 1st – Bonfest – Kirriermuir Scotland 

May 3rd – Roxoff Festival

May 29th – Call Of The Wild Festival 

Tickets for all the shows are available at https://www.wolfsbaneband.com/live/

Formed in Tamworth in 1984 after a couple of years with different drummers the line up of Blaze Bayley on vocals, Jase Edwards on guitar, Jeff Hateley on bass and Steve Danger on drums was established. This line up remains unchanged to this day. Gigging constantly anywhere that would have them Wolfsbane soon gained a reputation as one of the most incendiary live British Rock bands around, with an original sound fusing Hard Rock, Metal, Punk, Glam and Pop.

After receiving great reviews in Kerrang and Sounds magazines and support slots with King Diamond, Motorhead and Faith No More, Wolfsbane came to the attention of legendary record producer Rick Rubin, who signed them to his new Def American label. In 1989 their debut album ‘Live Fast Die Fast’ was released to rave reviews and included the (almost)hit single ‘I Like it Hot’. In 1990 Wolfsbane released the classic six track mini album All Hells Breaking Loose At Little Kathy Wilson’s Place. This was released to accompany a British and Irish tour supporting the mighty Iron Maiden! 91 saw the release of the ambitious and eclectic ‘Down Fall the Good Guys’ album, recorded at Abbey Road studios, produced by a young Brendon O’Brien and followed by the bands biggest and most successful British tour to date.

Wolfsbane toured across Europe, joining bands Motorhead, Anthrax and Public Enemy and Voivod in their tours, having excellent reactions and life changing escapades.

Wolfsbane then parted company with Def American and signed with the reactivated indie label Bronze Records. Their first release for Bronze was the raw raucous and legendary live album ‘Massive Noise Injection’, this was recorded on one sold out night at London’s Marquee club and captured Wolfsbane in all their unhinged glory and earned them a ten out of ten review in the NME!

Revitalised by the success of Massive Noise Injection, Wolfsbane recorded the eponymous stripped down, musically and lyrically hard hitting self titled album known as ‘The White Album’ but before it’s release Blaze Bayley left the band to replace Bruce Dickinson in Iron Maiden.

After a fourteen year hiatus, Wolfsbane reunited in 2007 at the Rock of Ages festival in Tamworth and then toured with the Wildhearts and Quireboys. In 2011 the reunion became permanent and Wolfsbane released their comeback album ‘Wolfsbane Save The World’ and this comeback was to last longer then the band had been together first time around.

This was followed by the ‘Rock’ ep and another live album ‘Wolfsbane Go Loco At The Asylum’ recorded in Birmingham.

In 2022 the band released the second full studio album of their now cemented comeback, the acclaimed ‘Genius’ album which epitomises the bands carefree attitude showing they will enjoy every minute of playing music together, with an infectiousness that can inspire others to do the same.

In 2025 Wolfsbane release ‘Live Faster ‘ a totally new re-recording of their debut album. It is a reclamation of the first album as the band would have wanted it.

Wolfsbane, still the same line up, are currently touring and played with The Almighty in November 

Babyshambles/Trampolene – Tramshed, Cardiff 27.11.25

Babyshambles/Trampolene – Tramshed, Cardiff 27.11.25

It’s been a while since we crossed paths with Swansea’s finest, and with the band expanding to a four-piece with Another Thomas Brother joining the ranks, the sound is beefier, and Jack has the support to wander where the fuck he likes and throw shapes without the sound dropping to just Wayne and Mr Williams.

Wearing his obligatory higher league and local rivals top Jack throws his head back and absorbes the chants of “You Jack Bastard” offered up by tonights hosts whilst casual non partizan gig goers might be wondering what the actual fuck is going on ‘Gotta Do More Gotta Be More’ wafts over the PA as the band go for the jugular from the opening second and to be fair fo rthe next half an hour deliver a thunderous set and sound like their right up for it and in the mood to take no prisoners. Adidas trainers are thrown into the audience as Jack is prowling the stage like a man possessed ‘Sort Me Out’ he says, ‘You Do Nothing For Me’ also sounds fantastic. It’s time for a breather as the band catches their collective breath with the more relaxed ‘Thinking Again’, the pace is put in recovery and shows they have the tunes to kick things off and chill situations out if they so choose. Jack’s smile is infectious and wins over the Cardiff crowd, who are eating out of his hand, which seems like a great time to air a brand new song.

This is as good as I’ve seen the band in a while and totally on focus and in match form, it’s an all too brief set as after the excellent new track is aired a certain Peter Doherty positions himself on the barrier in the front of the audience for a romp through an epic ‘Uncle Brians Abertoir’ Doherty appearing in the front row of the audience to contribute his vocals perfectly then tosses the mic back to Jones to seamlessly carry on almost like it was rehearsed.

With just enough time to get a pit going for ‘Alcohol Kiss’, them boyos done good and the heat of the Tramshed is turned up considerably and with Mr Williams to bow out with a timely cartwheel, Trampolene are back, and they’ve brought the goods. I look forward to more shows and a new record. Let’s have it, you fellow Jack Bastards.

On stroll Babyshambles to the strains of The Simpsons and immediately get down to business with a rambunctious ‘Killamangiro’, and onward we stumbled and puffed our chests out for a ‘Down In Albion’ heavy set. It was the confident ‘Delivery’ up next before we skanked our way through ‘I Wish’, and it was three very different offerings from three very good albums to ease us back into the experience that is a Babyshambles performance.

The band sounded tight as two rizzlas as they eased from the ska to the Strummer indie and back again via some perfectly formed balladeering. To be fair, Pete was kept on a tight leash, and his wandering off in the intro was kept to a minimum, and his jokes were kept under his pork pie hat.

‘À rebours’ was eased into proceedings via a welcome intro of Love Will Tear Us Apart’ only to make way for the set’s highlight as we reached a beautiful moment on ‘Albion’ as a visibly shaking Mr Williams joined the band for a Welsh language version, which was quite moving, and what a wonderful lilt Mr Williams has.

Pat was never far from proceedings with his action picture being the backdrop for a lot of the set, and mentions along the way, there was even time for a brand new Babyshambles song titled, fuck knows I Didn’t Hear It. However, time was of the essence, and we were in danger of having the house lights turned on, so it was an encore but no encore time.

‘Dandy Hooligan’ was the warm-up before we got the school night boppers all jumping around to a punchy ‘Pipedown’ before the curtain was drawn, but not before a sweaty ‘Fuck Forever’ really did signal time to cut the PA. Hopefully, tonight was a reminder to everyone that the magic was still in the air and Doherty and co had left everything on the stage after delivering a thoroughly enjoyable set. Until next time, that was excellent. Now onto some new music, and we can all do this again next year. The Shambles are back in the game and leaner and right on focus.

Author: Dom Daley

Märvel – ‘Brain Drain Diaries’

Märvel – ‘Brain Drain Diaries’

The self-proclaimed ‘Barons of high energy rock n’ roll’, otherwise known as Märvel, return with their 10th album, cunningly titled ‘Brain Drain Diaries’.

The Swedish three-piece have been in the game for 20 years now. King (vocals & guitar), The Burgher (bass) and The Vicar on drums play the sorta rock n’ roll we here at RPM adore, and their high-energy mix of Thin Lizzy, Hellacopters and Kiss is always something to get excited about.

Recorded and self-produced at the Sunshine Factory in their homeland, ‘Brain Drain Diaries’ is what we have come to expect from the masked trio who dress like evil henchmen from a 60’s Batman TV show. 

Lyrically, the band have taken a more reflective approach here, with themes of resilience, honesty and songs straight from the heart. But musically, it’s all about catchy hooks and killer riffs, baby! 

I’m pretty much sold on the album art to be fair, but the opening one-two of ‘Look It’s Rock n Roll’ and ‘A Beautiful Corpse’ seals the deal in magnificent style.

With the former coming on strong like latter-day Hellacopters, Märvel deliver a killer opener with a refrain to die for and a high-octane solo to boot. This is low-slung rock n’ roll at its finest. 

The latter, with its twin guitar attack, urgent beats and vintage Kiss feel, is pure rock n’ roll energy guaranteed to get the heart racing and the vocal cords working. That opening chorus will catch ya, hook, line and sinker. It’s probably the best track on the album. But it’s got some stiff competition. 

Märvel have a knack for wearing their influences on their sleeves with no shame. ‘Biding My Time’ drifts from a Lizzy-like verse to a Kiss-inspired chorus with ease, but just ends up sounding like Märvel to me. The glam rock stomp of ‘Time Has A Way’ has a very British feel, like Mud or The Sweet in their prime. It’s as instant as Instant Whip and twice as nice. You’ll be humming it before the second chorus kicks in, believe me. 

The likes of ‘Brain Drain’ and ‘Take A Stand’ prove not only that Märvel stole the beat from the Lord, but they may well have improved on it. 

Märvel may not have the same kudos as the likes of The Hellacopters, The Hives or Turbonegro in certain circles, but ‘Brain Drain Diaries’ continues a strong run of killer albums from a band who are up there with their contemporaries delivering the goods to the max.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

The Saints wind the clock back

The Saints wind the clock back
THE SAINTS’ 73-’78 BLOW THEM AWAY IN THE US & UK

SO FAR FROM HOME, ED, IVOR & GANG WIND BACK THE CLOCK AND BLOW THE REST OF THE WORLD AWAY – AGAIN 

In 1976 it was the English press who climbed on board with The Saints first. The weekly music newspaper Sounds in particular, with their multiple “The Single of This and Any Other Week” reviews, recognized that these Brisbane outcasts had beaten their homegrown punks to the punch. The US press also came on board, in particular Creem and the punk zines like Slash and Bomp!; the yanks seemed to really recognize the Saints connections to pre-punk high energy outfits like the Stooges…  All the while the Australian media of the day looked on with a fair amount of bemusement.

Fast forward 49 years, and with The Saints ’73-’78 having just completed a run of US dates and now on the UK & Euro leg of their world tour, it’s deja vu all over again in terms of the response in the upper hemisphere… This time it’s the American press who’ve taken the lead – natch, given the American shows came first – and who are hailing the band as something akin to the second coming, singling out the ferocity and brilliance of Ed Kuepper‘s guitar playing, the singular swing of Ivor Hay‘s drumming and Mark Arm‘s ability to fill the shoes of the late great Chris Bailey – or perhaps to wear different but equally as appropriate footwear – in particular:

Under The Radar: “Watching Kuepper play guitar is like watching someone at the very top of his game … do things with his right hand that humans shouldn’t be able to do… Kuepper always had a tone and sound that resonated with a heaviness that most punk bands couldn’t pull off. Therefore, it was just STUNNING to see it done live…. Out of everything I’ve seen this year, I can’t think of anything more exciting and thrilling. This was one of those performances that makes this longtime fan grateful to be there and to be alive!” 

Backbeat Seattle: “Kuepper’s churning, propulsive rhythm guitar (every bit as essential to the Saints’ early acclaim as Chris Bailey’s vocals) has lost none of its razor edge and Hay’s solid drumming pushes the band along at a brisk clip. Mick Harvey’s tasteful leads added a nice bite and Mark Arm’s vocals were just what the punk rock doctor ordered.”

Illinois Entertainer:  ‘“(I’m) Stranded” brought the audience to a fever pitch, inciting a full-throated singing from the fans as well as some semi-moshy behavior among rowdy older punks near the barrier. “Know Your Product”… maintained the crowd’s peak energy with the Saints’ influential blend of catchy brass licks and the jet-engine roar of Kuepper’s guitar.”

Spill Magazine: “They really had no choice but to perform “Nights In Venice,” a track from their debut album, (I’m) Stranded. The song explodes, and it’s no surprise that the crowd erupts at the end. Kuepper and Hay have formed an eight-piece band who perform a tight and rocking version of the song. The energy is incredible. This is followed by “No Time,” a track from the same album. Again, the band grabs the song and turns it into a force of nature.”

Chris Morris (esteemed LA music writer – RS, Variety, Billboard etc):“The Saints show at the Teragram tonight could not have been better if I had dreamed it myself…  Beginning with “This Perfect Day” and ending with a second encore of the inevitable raver “Nights in Venice,” the band dug deep into the meat of their formidable early catalog…  Kuepper…  lashed the crowd with dense, intense, feedback-laced playing all night… Mark Arm … laid down a stupendous performance that deftly channeled the spirit and sound of the group’s co-founder Chris Bailey… A lot of friends were in the house, and at the end of the gig they unanimously talked about the show with excited ecstasy. Further words are failing me at the moment. ” 

Hudley Flipside (Flipside magazine legend!): “Ed moved with his guitar like electricity. As Ivor drummed perfection and consistency as the full moon above us. The lights… made our eyes close and tune into that place of lyrics in our hearts when we sung loudly with Mark Arm…”

Falling James (of Leaving Trains & LA Weekly fame): “All around me at Teragram Ballroom, people were spinning and shaking and stomping and screaming and singing along or staring upward silently in rapt fascination, fully mesmerized and in a state of wide-eyed shock and sheer, unadulterated, pure, ever-loving joy… as founding guitarist Ed Kuepper summoned forth those monumental, incendiary, massive guitar riffs that frame some of the greatest songs of all time, all hammered home with stunning authority by founding Saints drummer Ivor Hay and such estimable all-stars as, you know, Mudhoney vocalist Mark Arm, the Birthday Party guitarist Mick Harvey and Sunnyboys bassist Peter Oxley…. “

Of course, the band’s audiences were star-studded too, with the likes of Jello Biafra, Thurston Moore, Steve Turner (Mudhoney), Stephen Malkmus (Pavement), Penelope Houston (The Avengers), Ian MacKaye, Guy Picciotto & Brendan Candy (all from Fugazi), Matt Sweeney (The Hard Quartet), Mac (Superchunk), Mary Timony (Wild Fang) and many others making the scene. 

Not to be outdone, the Brits – who we should not let forget actually dumped on our boys a bit back in ’77 after the initial outpouring of adoration because Ed, Chris, Ivor and Kym did not give two f**ks about the rules that quickly bound the London punk scene – are also responding ecstatically to the band, who played their first shows their last week, and who did a live session for Mark Riley on BBC6 on the weekend from the BBC’s legendary Maida Vale studios. 

The Yorkshire Post: “A judiciously chosen set pares down the catalogue to perhaps their 19 best songs which Arm delivers brilliantly in either an Iggy Pop-like drawl or full-throated rasp. This Perfect Day is especially brutal… All in all, a stunning reminder of the raw power of one of the finest punk bands ever.”

The band will have come off stage at the Electric Ballroom in London around the I hit send on this – we look forward to reading the responses to that.

For those of us who can’t be there, there are still copies of a new TheSaints ’73-’7812″ EPLive Nights in Venice Vol.1 – released on In The Red and limited to a crazy 800 copies only – available (along with loads of cool merch) via The Saints ’73-’78 official website. But it before disappears forever or have a listen via the usual digital outlets. 

Website / Facebook

Ed Kuepper
Website | Facebook | Instagram

Matty James Cassidy – ‘Tell It To The Ghosts’

Matty James Cassidy – ‘Tell It To The Ghosts’

“Tell It to the Ghosts”, written and performed by Camden-based Northern Irish singer-songwriter Matty James Cassidy, is a brooding, acoustic-led track with a noir atmosphere. Channelling the shadowy storytelling and grit of Tom Waits and Nick Cave, it explores memory, loss, and the ghosts we carry. Intimate and cinematic in feel, this is indie rock with depth, character, and pulse.

Matty hits the road supporting the Quireboys on their UK tour — plus a few final solo shows to close out 2025 Here

Bandcamp

Stream Here

Website