Kevin Steele – ‘One Thing Left to Do’ (Steele Records)

Kevin Steele – ‘One Thing Left to Do’ (Steele Records)

I was 14, and 99% of my music listening involved hard rock, metal, thrash, and what we now refer to as hair metal. Z-Rock was something of a pioneer at the time, as I believe it was a national radio station, instead of just being heard locally. I remember hearing a mix of hard rock and metal back then, where it might transition from Rigor Mortis to this new band called Roxx Gang. The first time I heard ‘No Easy Way Out’ by Roxx Gang was one of those magical moments where a song just flows through your soul. Kevin Steele’s vocals had a unique charisma all their own. I picked up their debut album ‘Things You’ve Never Done Before’ and put it on repeat. While I’m convinced someone could have just made a spark and sent them into a collective ball of fire with all the aqua net they had in their hair, they did provide some differences from their peers. Some of their lyrics were a little darker, but at other times, they were as juvenile as the stereotypes of the time. The musical world changed with grunge’s arrival in the mainstream. Roxx Gang continued on with an independent label, and I remember buying their second album through Perris Records, as well as the Mojo Gurus albums. That second Roxx Gang album has received more and more listens over the years. Steele has now delivered his first solo album, and, while I find it a frustrating listen at times, there is a lot I also enjoy.

The title track gets the album started with a bass-heavy mix that leaves me wishing the guitars had more presence in the mix. They pop up a couple of times but seem to get swallowed by the rhythm section in the overall mix. It’s always great to hear Steele’s vocals, but it’s a rocky start for me. Lead single ‘Snake Charmer’ has grown on me with repeated listens, but I didn’t connect with it at all on first listen. This one features a cool groove, and the mix allows the guitar to weave its way around the rhythm. Up next, ‘The Bedspring Boogie’ has a title which could have been used in the early Roxx Gang days. I love the piano here, and the swagger of the song. I get frustrated again when the guitar gets lost in the verse,s but really like the way it is used elsewhere.

‘I Know What Yer Up To’ turns up the blues, and the mix here really works for this song. My first few listens of the album, this was the song that really pulled me back and made me pay attention. Wrapping up the first half of the album is the ballad ‘Sad, Sad Song.’ Musically, I am reminded of the Dogs D’amour and Nikki Sudden here, which is always a good thing. There is a genuine vulnerability in the vocals, and it ends the first half of the album on a positive note.

One of my favourite Roxx Gang songs was ‘Nine Lives’ from their debut album, and side two kicks off with its sequel of sorts in ‘The 9 Lives Blues.’ A bluesy rock beat with some killer piano that incorporates some of the vocal melody from 38 years ago creates a great song. Every instrument feels present in the mix, and the album’s momentum continues building. ‘Fingers Crossed’ brings a rolling and rocking country vibe to the album, where acoustic and slide guitars get the focus. Musically, this would be at home on albums by Izzy Stradlin, the Black Crowes, Quireboys, Stones, or bands in the red dirt music scene here in the States. Steele’s drawl on the vocals shows another side to his voice, while also always sounding like himself.  A rocking soulful rhythm and blues groove, strengthened with horns, highlights ‘Nobody Tells Me When to Quit.’ I like the use of the backing vocals here. It doesn’t connect with me as much as the previous songs, but it adds some fun to the album.

Hard rock ‘n’ roll explodes out of the speaker through ‘My Baby Didn’t Come Home Last Night.’ It builds on the joyous spirit from the past couple of songs, and this is another one where I love the piano. Proper album closer ‘There’s a Better Day Comin’ utilises a midtempo beat. This is one of those everyone raise your glass for a toast songs. ‘Don’t You Worry About Me’ appears to be a bonus track, as I don’t see it listed on the vinyl version of the album. It is not a cover of the Wildhearts song, if anyone had that thought. This is an acoustic troubadour celebration with some excellent guitar picking. This is probably my favourite song from the album.

While the mix of the album doesn’t sit right for me, my appreciation for Steele’s previous work helped me persevere through the beginning of the album and encouraged me to keep playing the album. I would love to see the first few songs get a bit of a remix and add some guitar in there. If you find the first song a struggle, I recommend starting with the 3rd or 4th track and then working all the way back around. I will be mixing songs from the album into my monthly playlists, which will likely lead to the whole album getting more plays.

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Gerald Stansbury

Black Viiolet -‘Dark Blue’ (Adrenalin Fix)

Black Viiolet -‘Dark Blue’ (Adrenalin Fix)

Black Viiolet released their full-length debut only a year ago and has returned with an expansive and more realised second album. Nicole Laurenne created Black Viiolet to explore a musical world outside of the garage rocking Darts, who are also releasing a brand-new album at the same time as this one. Black Viiolet explores a jazzy, retro sound with trip-hop beats. Similar to their debut ‘After You,’ this album sounds best when the sun is setting or in the darkness of the night. This album is going to slip inside your soul.

The title track oozes out of the speakers and creates a feeling of sliding off Main Street into a dark alley with a couple of dim lights over a door where a small crowd has gathered. There is a cinematic feel as you go through the door and descend an old flight of stairs. As you enter, you see the band on a small stage playing a sultry song with the crowd hanging on each word that is sung. I have always thought Laurenne’s vocals work perfectly with horns, and the sax and trumpet here sound amazing. ‘One’ feels like it has been lifted from the 70’s with a great beat, and the horns again work perfectly, giving the song a great musical hook. Laurenne knocks out the vocals with a bit of a trip hop fee,l like she has been doing it for years. For those who just know her from a couple of her other bands, The Darts and The Love Me Nots. Her work as Black Viiolet will be quite the change for you. The spotlight shifts across the small stage to the bass for the start of ‘Take Me (Or Leave Me).’ The chorus brings in a Middle Eastern touch, and I love the drum work through the song. The groove in this song does not let go.

Jazzy ‘Gimme Your Love’ finds you at the bar getting your gin and tonic. The stage is closer. You can feel the heat from the stage lights as the vocals pick up some extra volume now, and the horns are right in your ear. You spot an open chair in the middle of the room and make your way there as the song ends. ‘Not Too Bad’ opens softly before the band surges forward. There is a friction between the verses and chorus that mixes beautifully, and the piano solo complements the song perfectly. Laurenne has performed ‘Why Don’t You Do Right’ all around the world and has finally included it on the album. There is a power to the song where you can see the smoke in the room clearing away from the piano and Laurenne giving way to her vocals. ‘Bye’ begins, and you see the couple arguing in the corner. The lady leaves, and the guy quickly finishes his drink, while stumbling back to the bar. You think of lost love and empathise with both as you finish your own drink.

The slinky groove of ‘Got Me Down’ finds you ordering your next drink. The interplay between the vocals and the band are divine. I love the vocal hook in the song, and, like earlier, the refrain from the horns is extremely catchy too. ‘Don’t Fade’ showcases the power of love through the best moments and the agony of being apart. There is an extra bit of pop in the drums to emphasise the vocals. The buzz from the drinks has brought a warmth to your soul as you know the time to leave is getting close. The soulful ‘No Fool Like Me’ again showcases the chemistry between all involved in the band. The backing vocals here take the song to another level as they are mixed deeper in the mix. Laurenne’s vocals build in power and determination as she sings to convince herself and not anyone else.

Last call at the bar is happening, and the band have launched into the jazz rocker (am I inventing a genre?) ‘Just Met.’ The vocal interplay on the stage keeps you in your chair a bit longer. This is the kind of night where you know you caught lightning in a bottle by witnessing an incredible band delivering a peak performance. As you start to think nothing could be better, the band launches into their final song of the night, a torch song called ’Whiskey Eyes.’ Laurenne’s vocals begin the song, and the entire club falls silent. She plays the piano and sings in the central spotlight while the lights slowly return to the whole stage. For me, this is my favourite Black Viiolet song we have received yet. Her vocals are beautiful and leap out of the speakers. With that, the house lights release their brightness, and the jukebox begins playing our bonus track ‘One’ with Blag Dahlia making it a duet with Laurenne. It’s a great end to a great night.

Nicole Laurenne has provided two great albums to begin 2026 with totally different feels. The garage rock of the Darts provides one outlet, while this jazzy soul album provides your soundtrack for the twilight and midnight hours. Black Viiolet continues to flesh out their sonic palette with an album I cannot wait to spin on the record player.

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Author: Gerald Stansbury

Brian James – ‘Kicks And Diabolik Licks’ (Easy Action Records)

Brian James – ‘Kicks And Diabolik Licks’ (Easy Action Records)

Posthumous albums are always a touchy subject. Especially when the artist had true, legendary status. Brian James certainly fits this category; a one-off who kick started The Damned and influenced innumerable guitarists. There’s nothing I can say that hasn’t been said many times before. He had his moments, no doubt, but when I interviewed him a few years ago, he was generous with his time and happy to talk about any subject. His shadow looms large in my record collection, from The Damned, through The Lords, The Racketeers and his many solo albums.

These seven songs are the final ones he worked on. Let’s be clear, while they’ve been mixed, they are very rough and ready recordings. That should come as no surprise, but it needs stating. Some songs sound like the finished product, others are experimental/embryonic. That said, each one is undeniably ‘Brian’, so, if you “want some action?”, let’s jump in…

Joined by his regular comrades Malcolm Mortimer, Austen Gayton, Dave O’Brien and Alan Clayton, ‘In The Blood’ is the song that would fit in best on ‘The Guitar That Dripped Blood’. The familiar, knife-sharp guitar and Brian’s casual drawl is back like an old friend. ‘Soho’ is a bare-bones riff, “less is more”, but still captivating. 

‘Giallo Yellow’ is experimental meets chaotic, a hypnotic mess. The Italian ‘Giallo’ novels are apparently an influence on the album, the cover art by longtime collaborator Graham Humphreys echoing the distinctive, yellow book covers. ‘So Sad, Sonny’, with its funky piano, is reminiscent of the Blockheads at times, adding some groove to the mix. 

The version of ‘Dance With Me’ is pleasingly different to the original. Piano led, with touches of guitar, ex Mo-Dettes singer Ramona Wilkins-Carlier gives it a smoky, ‘Parisienne’ feel and a touch of class. ‘Ida Strong’ is another experimental groove, the farfisa keyboard sound keeping a primal feel, and ‘Happy Families/Zombie Song’ is practically free jazz, complete with duck quacks and Bo Diddley drums. Don’t say I didn’t warn you! The CD contains four extra songs, including ‘Living Doll’, which I haven’t had the chance to hear yet. 

Inevitably bittersweet, it is nonetheless a treat to hear Brian’s unique sound one more time.

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Author: Martin Chamarette

Large Mirage -‘Wings of Time’ (Self-Released)

Large Mirage -‘Wings of Time’ (Self-Released)

Time travel exists. Don’t ask me how it works, but I definitely have proof. I am going to urge you to check out the proof as well. Apparently, the event happened down under in Sydney, and the four-piece band Large Mirage found themselves transported from San Francisco back in the late 60’s to Australia in the 2020’s. A fortuitous rabbit hole one night on YouTube made me aware of Large Mirage. This second EP by the band stuck with me immediately, as I found myself wishing I could play multiple songs at the same time. The band takes a Nuggets approach to their music and is not afraid to put some pop filled choruses in them when needed.

‘Miss Okay’ kicks off the EP and was also the first song I heard by the band. The song reminds me of what was coming out of the garage nuggets from San Francisco way back in the day. The verses have very melodic, fuzzy pop vocals which give way to an even more harmony-filled chorus. The guitars have some bite to them as well. I can almost picture the Monkees watching them play back in the day, heck, maybe that is how they got transported to modern day. ‘Happy Now’ might be my favorite song from the,m as the song has more heaviness to it. The guitar riff could be lifted from the likes of Black Sabbath or Alice Cooper if it were cut out of the song and surrounded by some heavier drums. The chorus remains as catchy as the first song, but does so in a darker way.

Midway through the EP, ‘Wings of Time’ provides another catchy guitar riff with a hypnotic vocal. The guitar solo feels enormous and gets plenty of space in the song. When Rhino Records was releasing their Nuggets box sets (some of the greatest sets ever), I would expect to hear songs like this. That said, these songs sound fresh and vital today. The band then turn in a short acoustic ballad with ‘I Don’t Love Love.’ Everything turns technicolor while the song plays; I am pretty sure I just saw some dandelions sprout out of some really bright green grass when this song was playing. The band closes out the EP with a nearly five-minute rocker that delivers some epic passages and catchy vocals. The guitar solo rips through the speakers with all five songs leaving listeners wanting more.

Large Mirage delivers the goods, and I still maintain they are proof of time travel. The sound may come from many decades ago, but they feel current and essential today. I can see this band continuing to grow, and they won’t be a secret for long, especially when word is they are also an excellent live band. Tune in and crank this up!

‘Wings of Time’ is available now. Buy Here

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https://largemirage.com

Author: Gerald Stansbury

The Molotovs – ‘Wasted On Youth’ (Marshall Records)

The Molotovs – ‘Wasted On Youth’ (Marshall Records)

The Molotovs came about through necessity and boredom during the heady days of Covid lockdown. Teenage siblings Mathew (vocals/guitar) and Issie Cartlidge (bass/vocals) started jamming, wrote some songs and formed a band. When the world opened up again, they gigged, and then they gigged some more. And they haven’t stopped since! 600 plus shows later, and they have a ferocious live reputation and friends in high places. A series of high-quality singles, gorilla gigs on flatbed trucks and shows with The Sex Pistols and Blondie finally led to the release of their highly anticipated debut album ‘Wasted On Youth’.

The Molotovs unashamedly flaunt their influences over the course of the album. There are many short, sharp nods to Mod, Punk & New Wave and a heady dose of Brit Pop going on. Punk is certainly prevalent on gnarly opener ‘Get A Life’, a one-minute and forty-second diatribe aimed at the naysayers and the detractors. This angst-ridden mash-up of Weller and The Clash is just the sort of anthem that the disenchanted youth need to get behind. A perfect album opener, a great single choice, and the perfect introduction to the band.

You can’t help but reference The Jam while listening to ‘Wasted On Youth’, their influence is all over the likes of ‘Newsflash’ and ‘Rhythm Of Yourself’, even the emotive ‘Nothing Keeps Her Away’ brings to mind ‘That’s Entertainment’. While there is already a long line of old punks and journalists ready to bring The Molotovs down, I see no problem with anything they do. If the songs are good, then it’s good enough for me. And The Molotovs have some good songs. For a songwriter who has barely left school, Mat shows talent beyond his years; he has a lyrical suss and an ear for a catchy melody. The poignant and emotive ‘Geraldine’ recalls early Manics, with great use of structure and melody. And the title track is Frank Turner at his acerbic best. All leave their mark and warrant repeat listening. If I really want to be picky, they lose it slightly on ‘Come On Now’ and ‘Popstar’. Although both sound like early Adam & The Ants, they do feel a bit like fillers compared to the other tracks.

But they make up for it elsewhere. With its ringing power chords and urgent beats, ‘More More More’ sounds vital. ‘Daydreaming’ is an anthemic Brit Pop pastiche, and album closer ‘Today’s Gonna Be Our Day’ is a call to arms from one youth to another, a song that earns its crown and should feature in playlists worldwide by the end of the year.

At 17 and 19 years of age, Mathew & Issie Cartlidge are still teenagers, yet the sharp-dressed duo somehow capture the bridge between Punk, Mod and Brit Pop with ease, spread over 11 tracks in just over 35 minutes. They are a testament to hard graft in a business that is getting increasingly difficult to make a living in, and if they can get past the Spinal Tap drummer issues and ignore the jealous old punks who refuse to give a new band a break, then maybe, just maybe, The Molotovs can truly make this day their day.

For now, though, ‘Wasted On Youth’ is essential listening as far as I’m concerned. The Molotovs have just booked a tour for later this year. My advice is miss them at your peril.

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Author: Ben Hughes

HEAVEN & HELL Retrospective Box Set

HEAVEN & HELL Retrospective Box Set

BREAKING OUT OF HEAVEN 2007-2009

HEAVEN & HELL – BREAKING OUT OF HEAVEN 2007-2009

RETROSPECTIVE CELEBRATES DIO’S THIRD ACT WITH MEMBERS OF BLACK SABBATH ON 4CD/BLU-RAY AND 7LP BOXED SETS

AVAILABLE MARCH 27

INCLUDES THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, LIVE FROM RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, AND NEON NIGHTS: 30 YEARS OF HEAVEN & HELL – LIVE AT WACKEN

PRE-ORDER HERE

Rhino presents Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009, a new collection focusing on the final chapter of Ronnie James Dio’s celebrated tenure with members of Black Sabbath. Reuniting with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice under the name Heaven & Hell, the band returned to the stage and studio decades after their original run for an unexpected second act.

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009 will be available March 27 as 7LP and 4CD/Blu-ray boxed sets. Both editions include an illustrated book with new liner notes by Hugh Gilmour, along with a replica tour book and poster. Order now HERE

The collection marks the first time the complete Live From Radio City Music Hall performance appears on vinyl, and features eight tracks making their vinyl debut, including studio recordings from The Dio Years and select live performances. The Blu-ray expands the set with video from Live From Radio City Music Hall and Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell – Live at Wacken, plus band interviews.

The set follows the band’s reunion run, beginning with their triumphant 2007 New York performance, Live From Radio City Music Hall, followed by the Top 10 studio album The Devil You Know in 2009, and the live album Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell – Live at Wacken, recorded later that year on tour in Germany.

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009

4CD Track Listing

Disc One: The Devil You Know

  1. “Atom and Evil”
  2. “Fear”
  3. “Bible Black”
  4. “Double The Pain”
  5. “Rock And Roll Angel”
  6. “The Turn Of The Screw”
  7. “Eating The Cannibals”
  8. “Follow The Tears”
  9. “Neverwhere”
  10. “Breaking Into Heaven”

Bonus Tracks from The Dio Years

  1. “The Devil Cried”
  2. “Shadow Of The Wind”
  3. “Ear In The Wall”

Disc Two: Live from Radio City Music Hall

  1. “E5150 / After All (The Dead)”
  2. “The Mob Rules”
  3. “Children Of The Sea”
  4. “Lady Evil”
  5. “I”
  6. “The Sign Of The Southern Cross”
  7. “Voodoo”
  8. “The Devil Cried”

Disc Three: Live from Radio City Music Hall

“Computer God”

  1. “Falling Off the Edge Of The World”
  2. “Shadow Of The Wind”
  3. “Die Young”
  4. “Heaven And Hell”
  5. “Lonely Is the Word”
  6. “Neon Knights”

Disc Four: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell

  1. “Mob Rules”
  2. “Children Of The Sea”
  3. “I”
  4. “Bible Black”
  5. “Time Machine”
  6. “Fear”
  7. “Falling Off The Edge Of The World”
  8. “Follow The Tears”
  9. “Die Young”
  10. “Heaven And Hell”
  11. “Neon Knights”

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009

7LP Track Listing

LP One: The Devil You Know

Side One

  1. “Atom and Evil”
  2. “Fear”
  3. “Bible Black”

Side Two

  1. “Double The Pain”
  2. “Rock And Roll Angel”
  3. “The Turn Of The Screw”
  4. “Eating The Cannibals”

LP Two: The Devil You Know

Side One

  1. “Follow The Tears”
  2. “Neverwhere”
  3. “Breaking Into Heaven”

Side Two: Bonus Tracks

  1. “The Devil Cried” from The Dio Years
  2. “Shadow Of The Wind” from The Dio Years
  3. “Ear In The Wall” from The Dio Years

LP Three: Live from Radio City Music Hall

Side One

  1. “E5150 / After All (The Dead)”
  2. “The Mob Rules”
  3. “Children Of The Sea”

Side Two

  1. “Lady Evil”
  2. “I”
  3. “The Sign Of The Southern Cross”

LP Four: Live from Radio City Music Hall

Side One

  1. “Voodoo”
  2. “The Devil Cried”

Side Two

  1. “Computer God”
  2. “Falling Off the Edge Of The World”
  3. “Shadow Of The Wind”

LP Five: Live from Radio City Music Hall

Side One

  1. “Die Young”
  2. “Heaven And Hell”

Side Two

  1. “Lonely Is the Word”
  2. “Neon Knights”

LP Six: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell

Side One

  1. “Mob Rules”
  2. “Children Of The Sea”
  3. “I”

Side Two

  1. “Bible Black”
  2. “Time Machine”
  3. “Fear”

LP Seven: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell

Side One

  1. “Falling Off The Edge Of The World”
  2. “Follow The Tears”
  3. “Die Young”

Side Two

  1. “Heaven And Hell”
  2. “Neon Knights”

Blu-Ray Video Content

Live from Radio City Music Hall

Extras:

  • Heaven And Hell Road Movie
  • Hail The Gods Of Metal
  • Meet The Mob
  • Radio City
  • The Wisdom Of Dio

Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell

Extras:

30th Anniversary Interviews

  • Ronnie James Dio
  • Geezer Butler
  • Vinny Appice
  • Tony Iommi

Ronnie James Dio Tribute (2010)

  • Tony Iommi
  • Vinny Appice
  • Geezer Butler

Jim Jones Allstars get into a Cat Fight

Jim Jones Allstars get into a Cat Fight

HEY ROCKERS!

We’ve got a trio of exciting announcements for you today with a new album, a UK tour and biggest ever headline show all coming your way.

On the 3rd of April, Jim Jones All Stars drop their second studio album, ‘CAT FIGHT’. Produced by The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson and released on his label Silver Arrow Records, Robinson also provides backing vocals on the infectious lead track ‘Make It Rain’. With CAT FIGHT, the All Stars’ explosive sound has finally been captured and contained in twelve foot-stomping epic tracks, a true highlight of Jim Jones’ storied career. Chuck Prophet provides guest guitar, and there’s a special introduction from the Queen of Northern Soul herself, Gloria Jones!

You can pre-order the album as digital download here.
And physical copies on CD and blood red vinyl from our bandcamp.

CAT FIGHT UK TOUR

The band hit the road in April to support the release of the album. Tickets available here

Sat 4th – The Piper, Hastings
Sun 5th – Joiners, Southampton
Tue 7th – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
Wed 8th – Bongo Club, Edinburgh
Thu 9th – The Cluny, Newcastle
Fri 10th – Future Yard, Birkenhead
Sat 11th – Parish, Huddersfield
Sun 12th – Esquires, Bedford
Thu 23rd – Waterfront, Norwich
Fri 24th – Cavern, Exeter

Look out for news about festivals and European dates coming soon.

ALL STARS AT THE SCALA

We’re proud to announce that tickets are now on sale for our biggest show to date at London’s legendary Scala venue on October 18th. Don’t hang about as tickets will go quickly for this, the band’s only London show for 2026. Expect an evening of high energy riotous rock ‘n’ roll, special guests and more! 

Grade 2 like to Talk About It

Grade 2 like to Talk About It

UK Punks Grade 2 Announce New Album ‘Talk About It’ Out April 3

via Hellcat Records

Pic By Christopher Bethell

British punks Grade 2 wrestle with a whirlwind coming-of-age on their rollercoaster fourth album Talk
About It, set for release on April 3 rd via Hellcat Records. Frontman Sid Ryan, guitarist Jack Chatfield, and
drummer Jacob Hull bring over a decade of experience to the table, crafting an album that’s both a
reflection of their personal struggles and a rallying cry for a generation. An unflinching exploration of
love, loss, and the emotional toll of growing up in a band, Grade 2 promise to deliver the grit, hooks, and
hard-earned clarity that has made them one of the UK’s most exciting young punk acts.
Today, the trio shares the defiant lead single “Standing In The Downpour,” a steadfast statement
asserting that even if the clouds burst, they’ll be happy to dance in the rain. The band explains:
“’Standing In The Downpour’ is a story through reminiscence, written in a conversational manner as if
between old friends. From a British seaside town upbringing, rowdy nights and reckless decision making,
to finding your feet in early adulthood.”

Pre-save Talk About It HERE

Grief. Growth. Grafting every step of the way. Twelve years since they first cranked amps as schoolkids
rattling their music room out on the Isle of Wight, Grade 2 have plenty to talk about. 
From seeing dreams dangling precariously during COVID, to blasting back with 2023’s self-titled third LP,
the band looked to have claimed their place on top of the world. But storming festivals like Rock am Ring
and rubbing shoulders with heroes like Rancid and Slipknot was only half the story. Offstage, the trio
were dealing with the quiet dissonance of island life back at their parents’ places, finding time for
romantic relationships and plotting the path forward through a world increasingly falling to pieces.
Turbulent fourth album Talk About It is a chronicle of every tribulation and triumph.
“The title-track was initially called Communication, a song about how men don’t talk about the things
that really matter to them,” explains Sid. “But it became ‘Talk About It’, which sums up the whole album,
touching on every emotion that you feel while being in a band, from love to loss to personal turmoil to
ambition. It’s a coming-of-age story about Grade 2 entering adulthood…”
A compelling first step in the next chapter from one of modern punk’s brightest lights, Grade 2 makes it
out of the darkness. “This is everything we’ve been through,” the lead singer smiles bittersweetly, “but
we’re here!”


Grade 2026 Tour Dates
March 20 – Belfast, IRE – The Deer’s Head
March 21 – Dublin, IRE – Lost Land
March 28 – Nottingham, UK – Bodega Social
March 29 – Leeds, UK – The Key Club
March 30 – Manchester, UK – The Deaf Institute
March 31 – Glasgow, UK – The Garage
April 1 – Bristol, UK – Exchange
April 3 – London, UK – O2 Academy Islington

    April 4 – Newport, Isle of Wight – Strings Bar & Venue
    April 25 – Dusseldorf, Germany – Zakk
    April 30 – Jena, Germany – F-Haus
    June 18 – Dessel, Belgium – Plein Air
    June 20 – Zurich, CH – Stadion Letzigrund

    Kevin Steele is the ‘Snake Charmer’

    Kevin Steele is the ‘Snake Charmer’

    KEVIN STEELE RELEASES THE LYRIC VIDEO FOR “SNAKE CHARMER” FROM HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM “ONE THING LEFT TO DO”

    Kevin Steele recently announced his first solo album, One Thing Left To Do, which will be released on February 27, 2026, via Steele Records/Amplified Distribution. The first single, “Snake Charmer”, is out now on digital services, and Kevin now released the lyric video for the single.

    In a review of the entire album Sleaze Roxx had this to say about the track “Snake Charmer”: “Snake Charmer” is a hypnotic and very seductive dose of sleaze that was, quite rightly in my opinion, released as a single and is already a highlight on here.

    “Snake Charmer was one of the first songs we recorded, and it’s one of my favourite songs on the record. It’s a song about seduction, temptation and obsession. It’s a tale as old as the original sin. We went for a fuzz guitar sound ala Keith Richards when he slashed his speaker cones with a razor blade to get that kind of nasty distortion. It’s got a really good, sexy groove. It’s kind of hypnotising. That’s an actual Indian snake charming Punji flute at the beginning and end of the song.” – Kevin Steele

    Pre-save or Pre-order: Here

    The album features the first single “Snake Charmer”, with its sexy, hypnotic groove and killer guitar riffs it explores the age-old dilemma of female wiles versus a man’s blind obsession. The second single, “There’s A Better Day Comin’”, is a soaring Rock ‘n’ Roll anthem of hope. Its gospel-like arrangement is meant to convey a feeling of optimism in a world where we could all use some. In the third single, “Sad, Sad Song”, Steele delivers a poignant ballad recounting his hardscrabble life and tragic youth. Guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye.

    All of these songs showcase Kevin’s masterful songwriting across all the musical styles that have shaped his colourful career, including glam, punk, rock, blues, and even southern gospel. Kevin’s band, Roxx Gang were one of America’s great bands and the first rock band signed to Virgin Records in America. Their debut record, the classic “Things You’ve Never Done Before”, sold over 250,000 copies. In a way, they were the bridge between glam and grunge, and The Mojo Gurus played a vital role in keeping rock ‘ n ‘ roll alive in “The Tens”, working with legendary producers Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, New York Dolls) and Tommy Henricksen (Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, The Hollywood Vampires). With One Thing Left To Do, Steele brings his musical journey full circle with a truly remarkable record that you just have to hear.

    Joining Kevin on this new record is guitar phenom/co-producer Billy Summer (Florida, Luxury Mane, The New Brutarians), whose music has been heard on major TV shows and films such as Ted Lasso, The Affair, Harpoon, Life and Beth, Chicago Fire, Property Brothers and many others. The result is one hot slab of Rock ‘n’ Roll revelry covering several genres that showcase a track list of impressive playing and songwriting.

    “Billy and I made such a great team. Instant connection of the minds. He knew instinctively where I was going musically with each song before I would even tell him. That’s why they call us the Cosmic Twins”, said Kevin.

    The band is an allstar collection of Tampa Bay, Florida musicians playing at the top of their game. They formed an instant camaraderie and the good times had in the recording sessions shine across every track!

    Also, on Friday, February 27 he celebrates the release of his new record at Bayboro Brewing Company. Kevin will perform the new record in its entirety, backed by an all-star band of Tampa Bay musicians featuring guitarist Billy Summer.

    Bayboro Brewing Company Presents: Kevin Steele – Record Release Concert

    Special Guests: Saints of Saturn – Recent winners of Hard Rock Rising – Tampa

    Friday February 27, 2026

    Bayboro Brewing Company 2390 5th Ave. S., Saint Petersburg, FL (727) 767-9666

    Doors at 7:00 PM – Show at 8:00 PM – All Ages

    OK GO return to the UK November ’26

    OK GO return to the UK November ’26

    Following the release of their fifth studio album ‘And the Adjacent Possible’ last year, OK Go are set to return to the UK for their first tour dates in over a decade this November.

    Photo credit: Piper Ferguson

    Shows in Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester and London will go on sale to the general public this Friday 23rd January, but loyal subscribers to OK Go’s email list can access a pre-sale on Thursday Jan 22nd at 10am UK time. Subscribe here.

    OK Go’s ‘And the Adjacent Possible’ was met with acclaim around the world in 2025, including two Grammy nominations. The album’s vinyl package, a two-LP set on 180-gram, 45RPM discs in a custom foil-stamped gatefold with full-colour inner sleeves and a 3-dimensional sculpture that pops up when listeners open it, was nominated in the ‘Best Recording Package’ category, while the band’s innovative one-take visual for ‘Love’, which features complex choreography between the band, 29 robots, and upwards of 60 mirrors, was nominated for ‘Best Music Video’.

    The ‘Love’ video then went on to win ‘Best Rock Video – International’ at the UK Music Video Awards, with frontman Damian Kulash also receiving the ‘Icon Award’, continuing OK Go’s legacy and vast catalogue of mind-blowing ground-breaking music videos, which began with their iconic Grammy winning, treadmill dance-routine for ‘Here It Goes Again’.

    The packaging for ‘And The Adjacent Possible’ was designed by Yuri Suzuki and Claudio Ripol, with the 3D sliceform design and pop-up structure by Wombi Rose, Hà Trịnh Quốc Bảo and Emilio LaTorre for Lovepop. OK Go are now also excited to announce that they have doubled down on their collaboration with Lovepop, this time for their very own Valentine’s Day greeting card collection.

    The greeting card range is a unique take on the OK Go ‘And the Adjacent Possible’ album art and features a double pop-up sliceform heart in place of the album’s sphere. Amongst the available designs, is a limited edition of just 500 that have been produced with an embedded music player that plays ‘Love’ when the card is opened.

    Buy tickets for OK Go’s 2026 November tour dates from 23rd January 2026 here:

    11 Nov – Nottingham at Rock City

    12 Nov – Glasgow at SWG3 TV Studio

    13 Nov – Manchester at New Century Hall

    14 Nov – London at O2 Forum