Wolfbrigade – ‘Howl From Underground’ (Metal Blade Records)

Wolfbrigade – ‘Howl From Underground’ (Metal Blade Records)

I have to admit that I’m not a big fan of the whole “Oi/Crust” punk movement. The music doesn’t move me at all. When I sat down to review the latest album from Swedish punk/metallers Wolfbrigade, I was pleasantly surprised to hear more of a hardcore sound. The band has elements of Sick Of It All, Nailbomb, ‘ 90s-era Exploited, Biohazard, and even early Motorhead vibes in their music. This made it much more comfortable, and I felt able to write a balanced review.

Wolfbrigade has been around for a long time. They were formed back in 1995 under the name Wolfpack, and Howl From Underground is their 12th LP. We get 12 short/sharp songs that all have immediate impact. Opener Caveman Motherfuck (catchy title!) soon gets underway with full pelt riffing and some fantastic up-tempo drumming from Dadde Starck. The band decided to use a producer on the album for the first time in a long time. As Wolfbrigade themselves explain: “As the songs started to fall into place, we decided to do something we hadn’t done in many years,” explains the band. “For the last decade we’ve recorded, produced and mixed our albums ourselves. This time we wanted to work with someone from outside the band whose work we respect and who we felt would understand what Wolfbrigade is about.”

The producer they used is Lawrence Mackrory (Meshugga/Paradise Lost), and he’s done a fantastic job. The band sounds huge. There are some real standout tracks, including the superb Doomrunner, Born To Rot, Headhunting, and the wonderfully titled Fat Man Hellscape. The title track is my favourite though, absolute carnage. Vocalist Micke Dahl is like a man possessed, barking and spitting out every word. Awesome.

The band explained the process of writing the songs for Howl From Underground: “Rather than building the songs layer by layer, we wanted to capture the band as a single unit, the push and pull that happens when five people are locked into the same moment. There’s a tension in those kinds of performances that’s difficult to recreate any other way. Without a safety net, the focus sharpens and something else takes over. Sometimes the songs begin to take on a life of their own. More than anything, it leaves room for the unexpected. We still work within the same narrow framework that has always defined Wolfbrigade, but we keep pushing against its edges,” asserts the band. “New melodies, new angles, new ways of getting where we’re going.” Among these new angles we may find the almost gothic melancholic melody underpinning When Dogs Cry; the crafty, atmospheric note patterns of Cold War Bootlicker; the long chords and rock-steady surge of Seeking Scapegoats. But each track is so steeped in the workings of the Wolfbrigade grinder, nothing sticks out as wildly diverse or out of place. “For us it’s never about sounding different for the sake of sounding different,” says the band. “If a song feels hungry, if there’s a primitive energy there, then it deserves to exist. That was the feeling we followed throughout the work on Howl From Underground.”

Howl From Underground is a superb record. If you’re a little weary of the punk tag, don’t be. Wolfbrigade easily navigate themselves into the metal/hardcore category. If you love some crusty punk, you’ll already know all about Wolfbrigade. Maybe don’t listen when there’s a full moon, though! AAAAWWWOOOOOO!!!

Howl From Underground is released on Oct 9th via Metal Blade Records.

Buy Here

Author: Kenny Kendrick

C.O.F.F.I.N – ‘Out In Oslo’ (p(doom))

C.O.F.F.I.N – ‘Out In Oslo’ (p(doom))

C.O.F.F.I.N are a hard rockin’ punk band from Sydney, Australia. The acronym stands for ‘Children Of Finland Fighting In Norway’. ‘Out In Oslo’ was produced by Declan Mehrtens of Amyl & the Sniffers, who they’ve toured with many times, so it’s no small jump to offer comparisons there but C.O.F.F.I.N are an altogether different proposition for a start the drummer is also the singer, and there’s no Amy prowling the stage heading this band they leave it to the music to do their talking and boy, have they got something to shout about. I wouldn’t like to call who’d win in a bar brawl either, but it would be close.

This is C.O.F.F.I.N’s fourth studio album and whilst they’ve barely moved the dial in sound or style, the songwriting might have had some subtle gear shifts and they’ve introduced different flavours to the delivery for sure.

I’d hazard a guess that what you see is what you get, and there is zero bullshit in C.O.F.F.I.N, and they certainly walk the walk and give zero fucks along the way – you either dig it or you move along; there are no half measures. This record kicks off in style after the sleazy intro it’s counted in, and boom, we’re off like a bottle rocket. If you want to let someone know exactly what this band is about, it’s captured in the opening salvo of sonic assault – three minutes and one second; there it is! Leaving the listener in no doubt what is occurring. Taking no prisoners right from the curtain drop, C.O.F.F.I.N are in the motherfuckin house.

‘Sleep In It’ is off like a boogie Woogie runaway train as Ben Portnoy hits those drums like he’s got a ten-pound lump hammer in his grip, and the drums are a red-hot anvil, but don’t be fooled, as the song charges on and the solos rage hard, the backing vocals are shaking things up like prime-time Hanoi Rocks, and I’m loving it.

Coming on a little more restrained, ‘Bad Thoughts’ is shifting on a rockin groove towards a gang vocal chorus that’s all muscle through the throbbing Bass rumble. Damn, what a record this is shaping up to be, and we’re barely a quarter in.

‘A Place To Stay’ rages on a thumping solid beat set on a wild, barely in control bass line. Hang on, an acoustic guitar and soulful harmonica? Yup, everybody needs to calm down a little and catch their collective breath, so ’13 Days’ is the perfect palate cleanser before we build up a sweat again. ‘Won’t Let You Down’ has the harmonica honkin’, and with a second wind blowing through its heads down and lets kick up a shitstorm for a few. ‘Fair Enough’ is steaming down the track before we’re thrown a curveball in the shape of the foot-stompin ‘, chest-beating ‘Gettin’ Down’ like prime-time Slade, with a guitar solo that just soars.

The penultimate track is the sound of a band confident in the knowledge that they’ve hit paydirt with this new record. From start to finish, this is an absolute banger, and I’ve already played it over and over and louder and louder; it just sounds better and better. To close the record off, Ben sounds like a rabid dog who’s been gargling razors and washing them down with petrol as the song builds and meanders to its conclusion, putting a full stop on proceedings with a middle finger to anyone who’s listening, leaving the stage in ruins.

C.O.F.F.I.N have delivered a beast, with no weak spots anywhere. It’s one of the finest albums you’ll hear from any continent on this spinning rock this year for sure. Get on board and strap yourself in: ‘Out In Oslo’ is here, and it’s fuckin special – Buy It!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Split Dogs- ‘Nice n Rough’ (Venn Records)

Split Dogs- ‘Nice n Rough’ (Venn Records)

At last! One of the most anticipated albums this year, chez moi and at RPM headquarters, no doubt. This was an immediate preorder, and, as ever, Split Dogs don’t disappoint. You already know the opening number ‘Be Somebody’, which is followed by the “Rick Parfitt on bad speed” rhythm of ‘Born Too Loose’. Very tasty, though I suspect some diehards aren’t sure about the band embracing some Quo/DC riffs. Too bad for them, because the Dogs haven’t lost anything. They know who they are, and that’s why it works. 

‘Breaker’ is 1 minute 30 seconds of pure rock, undiluted joy. If it doesn’t get you moving, you’re already dead, baby. ‘Get The Look’ should please the hardcore crew, and the band are obviously having a ball throughout. ‘Speed Demon’ sounds like a classic riff by now. Most traditional ‘rock’ bands could learn something here, few of them have this many addictive riffs. In fact, it’s so good, you could imagine they were Australian. 

And ‘Leave It Alone’ would make Bon Scott smile. The rhythm section is tighter than ever, and Harry’s vocals are fabulous. ‘Shake Sum Action’ (not that one) blasts by in just under 2 minutes, and ‘Rock N Roll Business’ still sounds magic, complete with piano rolls. One of the best songs of the year, for me. ‘Mama Said’ is dangerously close to 4 minutes long, but you won’t notice. 

You should also be aware of ‘Suffer’ by now, so let’s move on to ‘I Wanna’, which comes on like a punkier Hives. The energy levels don’t drop. There’s some ‘Dirty Denim’, which reminds this listener of The Sick Livers. Yes, I know that Ginge’s denims are immaculate. Not ones to end on a ballad, ‘Power Out’ clouts you one last time. I’ve nothing against shorter albums when they’re this good. An absolute belter from start to finish.

Buy Here

Author: Martin Chamarette

The Mary Tyler Whores – ‘As Filthy As We Wanna Be’ (Cadiz Music)

The Mary Tyler Whores – ‘As Filthy As We Wanna Be’ (Cadiz Music)

Not since Gay For Johnny Dep or Jodie Fasters were kicking up a stink on my stereo has a band had such a great name as The Mary Tyler Whores – Somewhere between sleazy early pre-appetite Guns n Roses and The Dictators. TMTW are kicking up a shitstorm, and boy, do they know it.

Hailing from the swamps of Florida, this five-piece, ten-legged groove machine are on it from the opening riff of ‘American Sex Fiend’ to the closing chords and cymbal fizz of ‘World Against Me’. That opener has a filthy Zodiac mindwarp riffola opening. It’s all Billy big balls and struttin like they’re something special it screams of a punk rock party, and we’re having the best of times doing this, and if you don’t like it, go F yourself; we have a party to attend, and besides, we’re here for a good time, not a long time, so hurry the fuck up.

Hells Bells, the third track, is a sleazy, hard-rockin ‘ take on the Lords Of The New Church classic, less dark and gothic and certainly stripped back and loud ‘Dance With Me’ wasn’t a song I had down as being covered anywhere or by anyone, well done, gents, top tune. It’s certainly not as good as the original, but I’ll take it, when any band takes on such a magnificent track, I’ll get behind it for sure.

‘Savage World’ is a party on its own, and why wouldn’t I approve of that? That’s sort of the MO for a while on the record. Make a band and come on part Guns, part Duane Peters, and part Handsome Dick is sure a recipe for an interesting record. There’s a lot of music to plough through with fifteen songs on offer it’s certainly value for money ‘Edge Of Insanity’ is almost a Rancid-sized skank, but it never goes there instead, it heads off into a punk rock gang vocal charge off by the chorus. I love the horns honkin’ out ‘Clamjacked’ it’s a real blast, and that’s not just the horns it’s a rowdy step to the left, and I love it.

To be fair, there’s a lot going on all over this record that sounds fantastic, courtesy of Greg Hetson (Circle Jerks/Bad Religion. It’s a bright-sounding record, and the bigger riffs are elevated and put right in your face, ‘Isolation’ being a great example that also has a filthy Bassline clunking away throughout.

I guess with fifteen songs mostly going full tilt you’re wondering which one is the power ballad. Well, worry not, folks, but there is some acoustic guitar work on ‘Phantom Love’ as the opening sort of crashes in before taking you down a twisting lane that is loose and meandering. Before we end the record, there is time for another cover, and this time they fuck with your head as ‘Whip It ‘- yeah, the Devo tune has the Mary Tyler Whores treatment to add another string to the bow.

The album closes on the collaboration with Riff Raff and Mike G as ‘World Against Me’ is the final offering from a very entertaining record. When it’s on it’s right on it, and that’s a great place to be. Get on the Mary Tyler Whores; they aren’t just a fantastic name they have the chops.

Buy Here

The Molotovs – Leeds Beckett SU, Leeds – 17th September 2026

The Molotovs – Leeds Beckett SU, Leeds – 17th September 2026

What a difference 9 months makes. Back in January, I caught these young upstarts, The Molotovs, up the road at The Lending Room, it has a capacity of 200. They hadn’t even released an album yet. Now, the London-based trio are in the midst of a (mostly sold-out) UK tour promoting their debut album ‘Wasted On Youth’. This venue is an upgrade from The Wardrobe due to demand; it holds around 1000. The Molotovs are blowing up, and for good reason.

Siblings Mathew & Issey Cartlidge have been gigging hard for a few years now and deliver a ferocious Mod-tinged racket that’s part Weller, part Gallagher. The debut album is choc-a-bloc with tunes and the follow-up ‘Welcome To Urbia’ is already in the bag.

The room is packed by the time they walk on and blast into ‘Johnny Don’t Be Scared’. It’s an older song, and not even on the debut, that’s how confident they are. Dressed sharp, with a bleached buzz cut, singer/guitarist Mathew may still be a teenager, but his vitriolic vocals and ringing power chords are those of a seasoned punk rock pro. The years of constant gigging have paid off in spades. Stage left, his older sister Issey is a haze of blonde hair and flailing limbs as she pulls perfect rock n’ roll chic poses, the sort only years of bedroom mirror action can create. Behind them, drummer Noah Riley bashes like the bastard son of Keith Moon. It’s all going exceedingly well, The Molotovs are mesmerising to watch, and a photographer’s dream to shoot.

Anthemic single ‘Rhythm Of Yourself’ follows, proving these upstarts have the teenage kicks needed to thrill the youth of today. If only the Leeds crowd could return the energy the band put out. I know a Leeds audience is notoriously hard to win over, but it seems somewhere along the way, we have lost the ability to lose ourselves at a gig and actually have fun.

The Molotovs have made the transition from small stage to large with ease. The trio look comfortable up there, they play tight and have buckets of energy. They look like they’ve been doing it for years. The hour-long set covers most of the debut and a selection of future hits from the upcoming album. Brit Pop-tinged rockers like ‘Daydreaming’ and ‘More More More’ thrill, and the more emotive ‘Geraldine’ with its quirky backing vocals is a set highlight. Recent single ‘Urbia’ might not have the instant feel of past singles, but it bodes well for what is to come. Its B-side ‘Down At The Café’ also gets a live airing, it may be a better song, sounds like early Antmusic to me.

Modern radio-friendly anthem ‘Today’s Gonna Be Our Day’ and the punked-up energy of ‘Get A Life’ wake the Leeds massive, and ‘Wasted On Youth’ builds to become a massive beast.

The main set closes with the obligatory raw and punky take on ‘Suffragette City’ before they return with newbie No Time To Talk’ and closer ‘Come On Now’.

The Molotovs are an exciting proposition. A band who have the songs, the energy and the aura of a real rock n’ roll band. Mathew’s ability as a writer to blend vintage Mod sounds with Britpop and deliver it with a punk energy makes most of his contemporaries look beige as fuck. If The Molotovs’ upcoming second album lives up to expectations, then they are destined to be one of the bands of 2027 and beyond. Remember where you heard the name first.

Author: Ben Hughes

  • News
  • Closed
  • 4 min read

Lorne Behrman’s New Single, “They Won’t Take Us Alive,” On Spaghetty Town Records

Lorne Behrman’s New Single, “They Won’t Take Us Alive,” On Spaghetty Town Records

Cancer and Cinematic Punk Rock N’ Roll Collide on Lorne Behrman’s Urgent New Single, “They Won’t Take Us Alive,” Out Now, On Spaghetty Town Records

“They Won’t Take Us Alive” Spotify

Art imitating life is a cliché, but it’s still crazy when it happens. When punk rock n’ roll singer-songwriter Lorne Behrman was putting the finishing touches on his third album, If Heaven Didn’t Hurt, out September 25th on Spaghetty Town Records, he found himself thrust into the narrative of its first single, “They Won’t Take Us Alive.” 

The anthemic punk rock song tells the story of a couple unravelling while they watch a loved one die of cancer. It’s a fictional account of two people bonded together by their past and a shared death. Shortly before releasing the single, though, Behrman found himself facing his own cancer diagnosis. 

“A year ago, I found out I had prostate cancer. At the time it was so minimal, that it didn’t require treatment. Over the year though, it progressed a lot, and I had to have surgery. It’s been a challenging time for me, with a lot of uncertainty and pain,” Behrman says. “The punky spirit and resilience of this song have stuck with me.”

A lone set of hooky punctuated chords sets off the song before a driving Ramones-style groove sets in. The chorus boasts a catchy minor-key chant, as the three protagonists admit their fate: they won’t take us alive. Nothing is spared in the song. 

Thankfully, Behrman is on the mend and is expected to make a full recovery. “I thought I was too young for this, but I realize cancer goes after everyone and anyone,” Behrman says. “I’m getting through a dark time with a lot of love and support from my wife, my kids, my family, and my friends. Plus, I had an incredible medical team who I am very thankful for. Shout out to Dr. Al Hussein and his staff!”

The duality of heartbreak and humor define Behrman’s upcoming album, If Heaven Didn’t Hurt. The 10-track album stumbles through New York’s East Village in a hungover stupor, tripping down the avenues, pondering the lives of two women, their husbands, and how the artist’s own story felt spiritually intertwined with their narratives. Here, Behrman has curated a cinematic sleaze-o’sphere of gritty 1970s New York, the kind you see in Taxi Drive, Mean Streets, and The Panic At Needle Park, and superimposed imaginative tales of desperation, depravity, and, ultimately, a kind of burnished salvation. 

Behrman has previously issued two critically-acclaimed full-lengths and an EP. His releases have garnered accolades and features in The Aquarian, Classic Rock Magazine, Vive Le Rock Magazine, Metronome, Glide Magazine, New Noise, Goldmine, and taste-making punk mag Razorcake. Behrman has played shows with Richard Lloyd (Television), Jeremy & the Harlequins, Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Group), Jonny Polonsky, Adam Masterson, Lulu Lewis, and Diane Gentile, among many others. Outside of his solo career, Behrman has toured and recorded with The Dimestore Haloes, L.E.S. Stitches, The Dead Tricks, The Sweet Things, and The Outlaw Vinnie Stigma. 

If Heaven Didn’t Hurt was produced and mixed by Matt Chiaravalle (Warren Zevon, Courtney Love, Debbie Harry, Joe Bonamassa), and features Howard Alper on drums (Cory Glover, Laura Branigan, $yndrm), Matthew Jacob Dougherty on bass, Rob Clores on keyboards (Black Crowes, Jesse Malin, Tom Jones), Danielle McCullough on backing vocals, and The Uptown Horns (James Brown, Tom Waits, The Rolling Stones).


Lorne Behrman Socials
Instagram / Bandcamp / Spotify

Dave Delinquent &The IOUs – ‘Scandal’ (Self Release)

Dave Delinquent &The IOUs – ‘Scandal’ (Self Release)

Imagine a band who plays their instruments drenched in sweat through overdriven amps, influenced by a whole heap of goodness from The Wildhearts through the Ramones via some prime time Dirtbox Disco and a having a real blast whilst doing so. Horns a honkin’, pianos tonkin’, whilst the band are whipping up a storm, using melodies to sing your hearts out to that’s about where I hear Dave Delinquent and his iou’s.

The album is the emobiment of all kiiler and no filler as they go through the handbook of genres and influences and toss it away and just go with their gut and what comes out of their hearts and heads.

Ten tracks on offer from the opening razor sharp ‘Rocksteady Girl’ through the melodic ‘Alleycats In Love’ complete with its horn honkin gold. The hooks are aplenty and they use every bit of catchiness they can muster. Sure its not original but so what they are knockin out killer tunes at every turn it sounds like a party on wax ‘Everybody Loves You’ is excellent and the first half closer is ‘Shame Of My Youth’ with its Big Country influenced melody which I didn’t see coming but is a most welcome shift of gears.

Side two just keeps on rockin throwing up catchy melody and riffs all over the place its like a sensless things meets The Wildhearts overload and I do love the saxophone taking it into different directions when you wern’t expecting it. ‘Not A Fan’ leaves just the uptempo rocker ‘Todays A Drag’ to close the album off and what a great way to sign off. If you want an album packed with hooks and catchy melodies then look no further Dave Delinquent and his IOU’s is here to prove that rock n roll isn’t dead its alive and kickin out the jams. Buy it!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Echo & The Bunnymen – ‘Apples For Isaac’ (BMG Music)

Echo & The Bunnymen – ‘Apples For Isaac’ (BMG Music)

The Bunnymen seem to have been around forever and continue to trudge the circuits, plying their brand of post-punk goodness, and McCulloch doesn’t seem to age. With this the band bazillionth release they’ve continued to evolve and turn out great guitar pop, with Apples containing eleven intriguing and enthralling tunes weaving their way into your noggin and leaving their mark, beginning with the vibrant ‘Take Me By The Hand’ that has the superb, inventive guitar work of Will Sergeant at the forefront of this record, the band’s first in over a decade. It also features much-missed Blondie sticksman Clem Burke adding his considerable talent to proceedings, driving this record on with his flair and style.

This seems to be grittier than previous offerings. Sure, there are some subtle strings dotted around the record, but it seems more guitar- and bass-driven, with the first single ‘Brussels Is Haunted’ lighting the way with its sprightly tempo, throbbing bass line and riff-based guitar breaks whilst Ian peels away the years with his distinctive tone and delivery. It’s nestled next to the gentler ‘I’ll Be Your Sunshine’ with those aforementioned lush strings layering the tune.

‘Hijacked’ has a thumping Bassline driving the song with the minimal chorus whilst Will meanders and weaves his guitar chops in the available quiet, filling every space with a rush of energy. Great Stuff. There seems to be an uplifting, upbeat feel to the album, with a few shaded areas where classic echo-drenched vocals fill the void, ‘An Unstoppable Force’ being a great example of a classic Bunnymen slower song. It’s a very hopeful-sounding record, ‘The Light That Surrounds You’ sounds youthful and like something that could have been written around the ‘Porcupine’ days. There’s an innocence about it that is both charming and engaging.

Bring on the dancing horns for ‘Lab Rat Ran’ which has the sound of a top live song in a packed uni hall. The other thing I should mention is that this album has the feel that it’s stacked with potential singles all over the place so many songs that would, in days gone by, have ruled the singles charts. Great songwriters never lose it, and the Bunnymen have a pair of em. Great song and great saxophone blasting out. ‘Asimov’ has a grunt about the Bassline driving it on, and it’s only then I notice this is track number ten on the album it’s flown by. Leaving only the kiss-off of ‘We Prayed In The Dark’, a more leisurely song that’s doing its own victory lap to close off a rather splendid album. I always hope for a great record from bands who have grown older with me, but like The Mary Chain, The Bunnymen seem to have delivered a real diamond when not many would have given them the accolade they probably deserve.

If you’ve ever thrown yourself around to ‘The Cutter’ or marvelled at ‘Dancing Horses’, then you’d be foolish to pass this latest offering by. Echo And The Bunnymen have delivered one of 2026’s finest alternative records, no question about it. Buy it!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Gary Marx – ‘Red Planet Blue’ ( Infrasons E.Y. Records)

Gary Marx – ‘Red Planet Blue’ ( Infrasons E.Y. Records)

Gary Marx is best known as the co-founder of The Sisters of Mercy, with singer Andrew Eldritch. Marx was there from day one. His trademark musical contributions provide many of the highlights on the Sisters’ early recordings. After parting ways, he went on to enjoy success with the band Ghost Dance, before they split in 1990. Since then, Marx has steered his own peculiar course as a solo artist, with this, his second offering, in which he comes full circle with 72 minutes of music, rounding off a symbolic coincidence. Marx never strays far from his influences from the 70s, the likes of Bolan and his T Rex and other glam rock luminaries who dominated the music scene for so many impressionable youngsters. This new album is spread over four sides of thick plastic, and while Gary alludes to each side having particular traits, he also points out it’s not in any way a concept album.

After the intro and soundscape of the opener, it’s more upbeat Roxy meets Bolan with the handclapping and whooping and hollering of ‘High Brighton Rock’. The album has a summer feel to it, with plenty of saxophone and swing, as the record is like a great big beaming smile, void of any baggage or stress and just wedged to bursting with top pop rock songs. Marx has a knack for knowing how to write sugar-sweet, rough-around-the-edges pop tunes in a similar vein to Nick Lowe and several other great songwriters.

There is a lot of music to get through, but just let it play and wash over you. On occasion, it dips a toe in pure pop like ‘Hang Up’, which reminds me of the lighter side of the Boomtown Rats. If modern kids wanted to know what it was like in the 70s diving into the TOTP albums and how it felt, then give em a blast of this bad boy. The title track begins with some cinematic spoken words before bursting out with a groove The Happy Mondays cooked up on a good day with a shuffle backbeat and some shakers for good measure.

There’s so much going on here as well; every play I hear another instrument that snuck in under the radar. ‘Next Stop’ sounds like a fucked up Tom Waits number if he escaped from his pain and wrapped himself in a feather boa and some stack heels. ‘Starsky And Hutch’ messed with my head like an early Depeche Mode song if they introduced distorted riffs n power chords. As it goes, I’m drawn to the last side of the album, where I think the songwriting is raised a notch or two and the album closes on a ballad that reminds me of the softer moments of a Julian Cope record. There is nothing not to like on this offering, and like I said earlier, you get a lot of bang for your buck and so many songs that keep vying for your attention over four sides of mighty fine music. Go on, treat your ears and squeeze into those sequined pants one more time and dance the night away to ‘Red Planet Blue’

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Daddy’s Boy – ‘Four Hombres’ (Drunken Sailor Records)

Daddy’s Boy – ‘Four Hombres’ (Drunken Sailor Records)

2022 saw Daddy’s Boy’s debut hit the shelves, well, buckle up, kids they’re back to kick the living fuck into your senses and eardrums with their nosebleed loud hardcore noise. ‘Four Hombres’ is a magnificent racket – a no-means-no style assault: angular, sharp guitar noise filling every void imaginable. It’s an intense sonic kicking your given through the medium of hardcore punk. The Chicago-based quartet push the boundaries of what’s acceptable as the songs ramble on with often hypnotic unison riffage and lick after lick whilst the rhythm section hypnotises through their instruments.

‘Four Hombres’ was recorded in Chicago with longtime friend Greg Norman. According to drummer Neal Markowski, the band were keen to ‘break any habits’ they’d developed, and sure enough, they turn in an intense record. The opener is nothing short of sensational, and my advice would be to turn it up, get your head in those speaker bass bins and take it on the chin. ‘Divorce’ sounds like a fuckin avalanche with rocks tumbling down all around you with no chance of escape. The songs are short and oh so sweet, and with no chance of any fat settling on this lean, mean machine, Daddy’s Boy are killing it.

Reflecting the current climate in America, it’s sometimes chaotic, loud, brutal, confrontational, but unlike America, this is bloody good. They should get together with Dead Pioneers and hit the road it would be glorious. ‘Crows Feet’ lends itself to the band declaring war on your senses, the vocals sound distant before abruptly ending.

The title ‘Four Hombres’ is a ZZ Top nod that was chosen, Markowski adds, because “we’re four dudes who like making music together.” This is where any link to ZZ Top ends, hell, these guys would have terrified tres hombres. Eighteen minutes of brutal sensory assault, but in the best possible way, hardcore never sounded so essential. Get a hard hat and step away from the speakers, but do remember to turn it up but at a safe distance.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley