Holy shit! It’s been way too long since I stood in a room with these reprobates knocking out loud filthy anthems for the more discernable music lovers amongst us. But Saturday the 3rd of October with enough people doing the right thing this event was going to happen and boy did it.
Bournemouth’s The Electric Shakes opened proceedings with a most enjoyable set of rapid bad boy boogie and tinged with enough Garage rock n Roll to shake off any long overdue cobwebs it was a pleasure to hear a trio knock out tight tunes with songs like the excellent ‘Hound Dog’ riff-a-rama grinding away at your eardrum these gentlemen are well worth checking out and are a fantastic opener on tonight’s triple bill.
Next up were the local boy’s Deathtraps who had a whole bunch of new tunes to air from their Argos book of tunage. To be fair the new ones were instant toe-tappers and slotted in very nicely alongside the more well-worn numbers from their previous recordings and on the strength of tonight’s performance, I think fans old and new will be in for a treat when the new record gets released. The band sounds tight and the dual vocal attack works really well to add texture to their sound.
All you can ask for is that your favourite bands make every album better than the previous one before they inevitably break up or come to a messy end. Deathtraps have tunes kids and are carving out a style of their own by fusing the best parts of the ones that influence who and what they are. Rumours of an encore of ‘Tears Are Falling’ Newport style were sadly unfounded but they did leave the stage to beaming smiles and very warm applause from the discernable audience. they did kick off proceedings with an excellent new song ‘Red Eye’ and peppered their set with new songs ‘Rip Em Off’ and the set closer ending on a real high ‘Never Had It So Good’ and to be fair it summed up the moment as lockdowns (fingers crossed are a thing of the past) and people get more comfortable with getting out and about with friends and fellow gig goers and its a pleasure seeing beaming smiles all over the venue as the bands entertain and blow off any cobwebs that might have gathered. Deathtraps left us wanting more – great set (and more of that cowbell, please).
Onto the main course and Nottinghams finest The Hip Priests who have managed to not lose anyone through lockdowns and had enough pent up aggression to fuel five bands let alone one. Never mind fuel crisis either because they could have got across country on the fumes of hatred for where we currently sit with Brexit and a continuation of tory lies and bullshit being the catalyst for some of the bands best most recent songs.
As always von Cruz was moving between guitar swings like he’s some fluid airbender punching and kicking his way through some classic Priests songs that seemed to get louder and louder as the set developed and the bookend duel guitar maestros of Ben and Austin compressed the energy and absolutely slaughtered Le Pub. There were no signs of rust or the fact they’d not been doing this for so long it was as if they’ve been energised by the layoff and kicked the living shit out of the set as Priests classics from opening with the appropriate ‘Survival Of The Shittest’ then ripping headfirst into the latest albums title track ‘Stand For Nothing’ it was obvious the kings of Garage punk were on fire.
New track ‘Tiger In My Tank’ sounded fantastic and wedged between the epic ‘Zero Fucks Given’ and their thirtieth single ‘No Stranger To Failure’ was simply sublime and the band were hitting the groove lots of us know they’re capable of. At times it seems effortless but the evening was moving through the gears and tonight the Hip Priests were simple on fire. There were a few classic Priests track omitted from the set and an excellent flow to proceedings, sure ‘Jesus Died’ was played as was ‘Mother Fucker Superior’ and ending the evening with a sonic flying kick to the temple with ‘Juiced Up’ was nice.
Still the champions of shit Island and still the best noisiest band in the underground, I know it, they know it and you know it but how long can they be our secret. Post pandemic wish list is for these bastards to break out and show everyone how it’s done. Fast, Loud, filthy and most definitely rocking. Nobody does it quite like the Hip Priests – Maybe not so young but definitely loud and always snotty! I fuckin’ love the Hip Priests and it’s great to be back! Newport as always delivered, see you next time.
The purveyors of all things awesome and loud on plague island have only gone and made a smoking-hot video for their brand new single ‘No Stranger To Failure’. The band has a huge back catalogue of releases with this being the 30th single of their illustrious career and as good a time as any to fall in love with their unwavering sounds.
From the looks of it, the band has spent lockdown working out and writing more top tunes – Hit em up Here
The Idolizers – ‘Riot Radio’ (Rum Bar Records) With a burst of energy this new choon released as part of the labels ‘New Believers in Rock n’ Roll’ Rum Bar campaign. The lead track from their album ‘Concretins’ which promises to be a must-have – full of bangers if this is anything to go by. Just what you want to kickstart the recovery and soak up those rays of summer sunshine. Bright energetic and with a strong hook ‘Riot Radio’ leans on Da Brudas for the energy and the riff but there’s more to it than just tipping the hat to the Ramones. It should be on the radio as you drive to the beach but you’ll have to do with buying it instead.
The Hip Priests – ‘No Stranger To Failure/ Sounds A Lot Like War’ (Ghost Highway Records) The purveyors of the beautiful noise are back and as things promise to revert to some sort of normality the universe is reset. A double A side single sees one side belt out ‘No Stranger’ it’s off like the ghost of Lemmy is amped up to eleven and the Gods of thunder give their instruments a right good seeing to. Of course, I love it and can’t wait to hear it live and shake the foundations of whatever venue will welcome them back. I love Von Cruz vocals on this one. Flip it over for ‘Sounds A Lot Like War’ and the ante has just been raised, what a belter.
Every single released sounds like a battle cry and a reason to give a fuck about Rock and Roll again. My faith in noisy punk rock n roll is reaffirmed and it’s another reason to get excited. Get hold of a copy as soon as it’s released or you might regret it. pressed on coloured vinyl it’s the bands 30th single! and the artwork is by none other than Hard-ons very own Ray Ahn. Facebook
The Manges feat. Giuda – ‘Tootsie Rolls’ (Ltd Col 7″) (Damaged Goods Records) Yeah it’s handclapping one finger piano riffing rock and roll. The Manges play Ramones-style punk rock and they are still doing to be fair but it’s not all they do so having played with Giuda and hung out with them this seems like a no-brainer. A glam stomping Hand clapping smiling rock n roll song. Massimo from the Manges had this to say – “One of our favorite songs for our new album is called ‘Tootsie Rolls’, and it kinda stands aside from the rest of the album, being a more pure rock tune. On this one, our producers could totally work on their favorite arrangements and structure, to the point that we ended up having two versions: one, the album song, and two, a remixed version featuring members of Giuda, called ‘Tootsie Rolls – Part II’. What a treat!” He’s not wrong!
Alvin Gibbs & The Disobedient Servants – ‘State Of Grace’ (T & M Recordings) A new single from Alvin and more evidence of his superb songwriting abilities as three brand-new songs on gold and blood-red splatter vinyl is released. In a picture sleeve exclusively designed once again by Gaye Black (The Adverts), a four-page colour lyric insert but is limited to 500 copies only. Joining Alvin once again is Subs drummer Jamie Oliver and Ruts DCs Leigh Heggarty. The title track leans on Gibbs previous employment with Iggy and I could also see this nestled as one of the best track if it were a Cheap & Nasty song. Cool verses and toe-tapping chorus its a top tune.
‘Too Bad She’s In Love’ has got some real grit going on as we steam towards the chorus. Great chorus and one I want to play over and over a real earworm of a song. I love the way Heggertys guitar wraps itself around Gibbs vocal as it heads to the chorus. Closing off this most excellent single is ‘Brother, Sister’ a jarring jabber of a rhythm offering something different to the other two tunes proving once again that there is some fantastic music being created out there – Buy it! Bandcamp
The Culture Industry – ‘141′ (Riot Records) Punk as fuck! Coming over like if Nirvana were from Australia and drank too much beer instead of facing their sneakers. ‘DK Stance’ is another slice of fire that’s more spat out than gently poured into the speakers. Love that bass punch they have going on it really suits the sound. ‘Middle Aged Kids’ now there a phrase I could level at so many people and there’s nothing wrong with that and once this tune gets going the lyrics might be a bit cliched but the music is excellent and its a good tune. Fuck em all indeed. Swearing might not be big or clever but who cares? I’m sure The Culture Industry don’t give a flying fig but they can certainly knock out a decent slice of punk that’s a given. Facebook
SMASHED GLADYS – ‘Go To Hell’ (Golden Robot Records) Born from the embers of the vibrant Toronto punk scene, SMASHED GLADYS formed in 1984 and then headed to New York City. The band was headed by vocalist Sally Cato and was snapped up by Elektra Records, becoming part of the legendary glam/hair metal scene.
Cato sadly passed away in 2020 and in memory of her, Golden Robot Records bring you new material which they were recording as demos for their 3rd album. This the 2nd single, “Go To Hell” will see the light of day on the 31st of May, giving fans further insight into the unreleased material. Following on from the crunchy guitars of that second album this is more of the same and just a great hard rockin tune and Ms. Cato sure did have a great voice that really suited the music perfectly. Find Smashed Gladys – Facebook /Twitter Pre-order/pre-save “Go To Hell”HERE
Roxy Girls – ‘Roxy Girls Are In The Drink’ (Moshi Moshi Records) Like a throwback to a time when singles from alternative bands and post-punk bands could dent the charts the complicated-sounding rhythms of ‘Like A Bouy’ come across as something between an abrasive Smiths and XTC. A chaotic mix that punctures the air behind a melodic vocal with harmonies galore and then it’s done rather abruptly. This Sunderland band know what they want and how to deliver it. ‘Roxy Girls Are In The Drink’ is out 27th August – Pre-order HERE
Charlie Harper & The Sub Machine – ‘Panic’ (Time & Matter Records) Double A-sided, yellow vinyl release, adorned with a picture sleeve designed by Charlie himself, the single also boasts a double-sided colour lyric insert, each copy is individually hand-numbered and the release is limited to 300 copies only so you’ll have to be quick on this one. ‘Panic’ begins with a piano intro but don’t let that fool you as the snare hits it takes off. Features Marlon Payne on Guitar & Piano, Victoria Smith on Bass & Marley Perez on Drums. The tracks ebb and flow is excellent as the heaviness of the verses pounds it does drop with a marching rhythm and Harpers Reverb laden vocal its engaging and intense and rather bloody good. ‘Post War Punks’ is perhaps more Subs like with its solid riff and Harper’s delivery is on point even if it did make me hungry whilst listening to its sandwich order list. Hurry whilst it’s still available – Here
Randy Savages / Razor Kids – ‘Split EP’ (Different Class Records) Randy Savages serve up a stellar pair of tunes opening with ‘Seagulls’ in all its big, loud, triumphant riffing with a tidy hook on the chorus and a melody that makes this something of a power-pop banger to be fair but hold on, their second offering is the sprightly ‘Delinquents & Dropouts’ as it puts on its collective shit kickers and gives this tune a good old rinsing. Excellent tune from a band I want to hear more from.
Flip it over and Razor Kids do their best to duff up those Savages as they pound out their pogo tastic Ramones like ‘Abusive’. These Portuguese punks make a pretty noise as they chew out the rhythm they soften the riff with some sugary sweet backing vocals that work really well. Their second offering of ‘Perfect HArmony’ much like Randy Savage’s pair is the strongest of their two offerings with its understated lofi number its one-note guitar solo is pure Thunders and I love that. It wraps up a very impressive EP from two quality bands I need to hear more of. Get it! Buy Here
Johny Skull Knuckles – ‘Shang-A-Lang’ (self Release) Free music anyone? Hell yeah! get yourself some of this. Skullknuckles doffs his hat to the sad passing of Les McKeown. Johny has always wanted to do a cover version of this track and now seemed like such a fitting time. Johny said “It has actually turned out a lot more poppy than I had envisaged so at some point I may record a “punkier” version but this will more than do for now. I hope you think I have done the song justice”. Absolutely he’s done it justice. Get it Here
The Riot Vans – ‘Scary Faces’ (Disobedient Records) Post-punk noisemakers the Riot Van release their first single after the ink dries on their deal with Disobedient Records and its a cold angular stabbing slice of post-punk with its jerking and grinding verses but that makes way for the blast on the chorus that’s like a loud blast of heat. I’d imagine this would be a great tune to blast out in a packed club with sprung flooring.
Dez Dare – ‘Dum Dum Dum’ (CH!MP RECORDS) Taken from the album ‘Hairline Ego Trip’ out this coming June Dez does Lofi Punk rock with added scuzz and a dash of alternative indieness Native of Victoria Australia Dez has done his years service playing in Warped and has released this frantic buzz saw riff-a-rama under lockdown to add chaos and noise to every avaialble corner. check out the video below.
It conveys his strong distaste for nationalism. “I want to push against entrenched views, closed borders and minds of large groups of the human race. There are a lot of fights happening at present around the world from climate to right-wing hysteria to unfettered capitalism and we need to work together as an animal of the same kind rather than separated by space, colour and tradition.”
Suzi Moon – ‘Call The Shots’ (Pirates Press Records) Who?, if I were to tell you she’s the ball of energy behind Civet & Turbulent Hearts then it might make sense. Pirates Press aren’t dummies and releasing this EP they know their stuff and anyone who’s seen her live knows what a performer she is. Kicking off with ‘Special Place In Hell’ its a real firestarter of an introduction but as good a song as this is this EP gets better and better.
For a debut solo record, this is setting the bar high with a slice of energy and thunderous tempo its got the lot. Great sound, playing and memorable chorus. I love it but ‘I’m Not A Man’ is like she’s channeling the spirit of Texas Terri Bomb and the attitude of Wendy O Williams whilst having the cool of Joan Jett. Honestly, it’s that good possibly the best track I’ve heard for a while at the singles club I love it. It sounds so easy and like Moon is having the best of time with her Rock and Roll and then to cap it off with the attitude soaked rocker of ‘Nuthin’ To Me’ this is excellent stuff and if this is an indication of what’s to come then bring on an album of this stuff we need to hear it!
The Chelsea Curve – ‘All in Time’ (Red On Red Records) a new single every month from this sensational band, culminating in a full-length album this coming fall! The Chelsea Curve bring their love of the sound and style of the 70’s mod scene and smash it up with the guitar leanings of their respective pasts. Linda Pardee (Orbit), Tim Gillis (Frigate), and Ron Belanger (The Winter Project) came together when Linda said no to being in Ron’s new band and instead asked him to be in her new band along with Tim. Accurately described as the sparks that fly when The Jam meets Husker Du, the trio blasts out bracing retro mod pop with hooks aplenty.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes feat Joe Talbot – ‘My Town’ (Self Release) New single from Carter is barbed wire wrapped in a velvet glove plenty of aggression yet melody and a decent hook on the chorus. With the humming synth throughout it’s an intense number that burrows into your ear and will have you craving it over and over – trust me. Also, a great move getting Talbot on guest vocals as he suits the attitude of the lyrics perfectly – A banging song! Facebook download it here
The Cocktail Slippers – ‘She Devil (Shout IT Out Loud)’ (Wicked Cool Records) Norwegian rockers, The Cocktail Slippers, are releasing a brand new single digitally and on limited edition 7″ vinyl. Both tracks are originals and are a taste of what’s to come. The lead track is a commercial slice of subtle Glam Rock – real glam rock with platform boot firmly planted in the 70s they do elsewhere but here this is their most commercial stab so far. with killer harmonies – a real earworm of a tune and one we highly recommend. The flip sounds like the Go Gos jamming on some Blondie and has a pop smooth sound. Not as good as the other side but hey it’s a grower, not a shower. Pick it up Here
Clowns – ‘Does it Matter?’ (Fat Wreck Chords) “ ‘Does It Matter?’ is about breaking the law, says Clowns vocalist Stevie Williams. the hook-heavy raucous number that demonstrates the prowess of their current lineup. Now completed by drummer and founding member Jake Laderman, vocalist Stevie Williams, bassist/vocalist Hanny J and guitarists Rod Goon and Cam Rust. On first blast, it’s not as raucous as previous offerings and might take some getting used to but it’s Clowns and they get a free pass because of previous recordings and live shows. I’m hoping it’s a bit of an earworm and the more I hear it the better it gets. Just bring the album out already and get touring we need bands like Clowns full of menace and with a whole load of piss and vinegar in their performances be it on record or live.
JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE – ‘Soul Mama’ (Golden Robot Records) Lifted from his album that we won’t get until 2022. Jizzy Pearl’s Love/Hate are up and rocking. His vocals have always been capable of melting steel and he’s lost none of that power. ‘Soul Mama’ is a retro trip back to when the metal Gods such as Zepplin roamed the earth with a laid-back beat its groove-laden with a raw and purposeful guitar lick all making way for Pearls commanding vocal.
Check out the brand new video from Dead Horse It’s for a radio edit version of their track ‘Creeper’, taken from their debut EP
Another brand new tune is this right banger from the fantastic Drippers. Live at the tilt they perform their latest single ‘Stuck With You’
finishing off is shit islands finest The Hip Priests ‘ Ain’t Ever Gonna Die Again’ taken from their last split with the mighty Supersuckers ahead of the new one they split with The Good The Bad And The Zugly. Get an eye full of this banger
Sick Thoughts – ‘Poor Boys’ b/w ‘Drug Rock’ (Goodbye Boozy Records) Punk as fuck! ‘Poor Boys’ is a roller coaster ride of buzzsaw guitar riffs that are sharp and in yer face and a guitar solo that would rival Angus Young at his best. Sick Thoughts’ massive discography – easily amassing to 20-something records is as impressive as it looks for this one man band and if you’re looking for sleazy, spit-riddled punk rock ‘n’ roll then my work here is done. Awesome adrenaline rush Punk Rock and Roll. BUY THE RECORD: Bandcamp Here / Big cartel Here
The Hip Priests / The Good The Bad And The Zugly – Split (Fysisk format) ‘Can’t Abide With Me’ is offered up to the Gods Of Rock and Roll from the champions of the 7″ single The Hip Priests. But this is no ordinary 7″ for it is a split with those Loons from Scandinavia who offer up the equally good ‘Going Postal’.
It’s been a while but having The Hip Priests deliver a single is when you know we can do this and the world is in a good (bad) place. I think Von Cruz speaks for us all in these fucked up times. When bands do split releases then The Hip Priests are a sure-fire benchmark of quality releasing new tunes every time and usually better than the last. Teaming up with Zugly for what will be a must-own collectors nugget of the future as both bands deliver absolute bangers. the single of the Week? The single of the Fuckin’ month more like – snooze you lose. Pick it up via The Spasm Gang if you join that is or from the label Here Or Bandcamp from the Zuglys Here
Jackson Reid Briggs & The Heaters – Been Waiting’ (Legless) When a band is getting released on LEgless such is their reputation for delivering top notch Rock N Roll it’s a no brainer we’re going to dig deep. Never heard of them until now but this Melbourne punk rock band have got a right earworm on their hands. IT buries itself in and like an attitude-drenched Fall track it takes a few plays to take hold but once in it’s safe to investigate further see what else they offer. Exactly what a single supposed to do right? Right! Buy Here
Indonesian Junk – ‘One More Try’ (Rum Bar Records) Taken from the forthcoming new album ‘Living In A Nightmare’ due out March 19th on Rum Bar Records CDs & Spiderbite Records Vinyl LPs & Digital!! Its power pop with some rocking guitars and sharp lyrics from Indonesian Junks songsmith Daniel James, for added inspiration they’ve recruited the awesome friend and member of the family, the one and only Kurt Baker who brings some additional vocals.
It’s got a great hook and chartable melody yet from these glam-punks, who have now added a fourth member. Guitarist Adam Turetzky gives it some welly on ‘One More Try’.
If there was such a thing as decent chart music this would be it. You know the drill it’s Indonesian Junk they write great tunes and this is another one and a brief taster of what’s to come on the new album and it’s on Rum Bar Records what else do you need to know. Gedoutta here and check it out.
Killer Ken – ‘Sonic Love’ / ‘Narrow Mind’ (Pig Baby Records) Wow! Love this bad boy, this is the sleaziest, dirtiest slice of protopunk I’ve heard in a long long time. They’ve obviously done a deal with the devil and summoned up the soul of The Stooges and MC5 and thrown it in the pot with some fucked up blues and beautifully chaotic Rock n Roll added a dash of The Cramps for good measure and Kerpow! ‘Sonic Love’ and the epic Dolls strut ‘n’ stomp of ‘Narrow Mind’, It come flying outta the speakers to steal your heart away and stomp you in the trash for good measure. It’s a real blast and a pair of tracks that we fuckin’ love, after some diggin’ off the back of their first EP, these cats and The Cavemen are injecting some excitement back into the Garage Punk Rock n Roll sound. It’s off the wall and sonically awesome – Buy this record or forever miss the boat. Bandcamp / Facebook
Eddie Mooney & The Grave – ‘Telephones’ (still-unbeatable-records) ‘Telephones’ has just been released digitally at the start of this month. Later this year there will also be a vinyl release together with another unreleased track from 1979. This one has been buried since the late ’70s and is a snappy melodic slice of power pop from Manchesters Eddie Mooney.
KOMBI KILLERS – ‘Don’t Start’ (Riot Records) Brisbane’s Old School Punk Rockers KOMBI KILLERS are set to release their new single Don’t Start via Riot Records on February 22nd. It is a classic punk anthem that delivers just the right amount of original old school punk attitude that will no doubt satisfy the most rabid Punk fan. Influences of Anit-Nowere League, Sex Pistols, GBH and The Misfitsecho throughout the track. With the Whealdstone Raider offering up the intro there’s only one place this quick steppin punk anthem is going. Shouty in yer face punk rock ave it!
Don’t Start – When everyday life gets in the way ‘Don’t Start!’
Pre-order/save Don’t Start HERE
Johny Skullknuckles – ‘Happier Days’ (self Release) A dreamy acoustic number as some ode to lockdown after lockdown and the inept Government that tried to be populist over saving lives and Skullknuckles hits the nail on the head. Sad but true and another essential song for you to invest in from the talented Johny Skullknuckles. Pick it up Here
Slander Tongue – ‘Ride’ (Slovenly Records) Berlin’s greasy glam stompers SLANDER TONGUE reenter the frey with a stonking 7″ of rock’n’roll with loud guitars and a great groove (not a million miles away from a certain mr Gilespie and his Primal Scream dish up).
It’s unfortunate that 2021’s first fist-shaking anthem has to be about screaming at one’s own walls, but here we are: “Now it’s May and I should be far away, But I do the same thing as yesterday, This shit goes all year long, And I keep playing that song.“ At least they managed to squeeze these two bangers out while stuck at home, and fortunately not stuck in a rut! Pick it up Here
Rest Easy – ‘Sick Day EP’ (Mutant League Records)Rest Easy is a newly formed punk rock band from Vancouver, consisting of members of Daggermouth and Shook Ones. This here four-track is rapid in your face punk rock. It’s got that thumping snare snap with the clicky bass and they’re fond of the in yer face screaming melodic vocals. The songs are short sharp and to the point. there isn’t really time for solos as such and all four tunes are over before you can get too comfortable. Decent effort especially when played loud! Remind me of Taking back Sunday at times Try the video for ‘Bad Idea’ which as it goes is a top video and the more I hear the songs the more I enjoyed them.
Hip hip Hooray It’s Monday and raining (somewhere) and one of our favourite noise makers has a video for the split they just released with The Supersuckers. ‘Aint Ever Gonna Die Again’ is the song and here’s the video. Love it
Taken from the upcoming LP ‘Lion on A Leash’ out March 26, 2021 on Wiretap Records. Space Cadet features Matt and Dave from The Explosion with The Bouncing Souls’ Pete Steinkopf producing, and features guest spots from Brian Baker (Bad Religion, Dag Nasty, Minor Threat, etc) providing guitar contributions.
Finally, a video to banish any lockdown blues from Rotten Mind an album we reviewed last year. ‘City Rats’ is a banger as is the video. Connect with Rotten Mind: Facebook / Instagram / Bandcamp
Right then. I’m gonna listen to this bad boy blind, just burn it to CD and let it rip a couple of times and fill in the bands and bullshit later. Six bands, twelve tracks, two each. Off we go…
The Drippers – ‘Stuck with You’: Overkill to the max. Full-on no-compromise rock & roll. Motorhead-tastic. I like it a lot!
The Hip Priests – ‘666 Sister’: Okay, I recognise Cruz’s voice straight away. Short sweet and with wah-wah frenzy soloing filling ever bit of breathing space.
Stacy Crown – ‘Heavy Rain’: Kind of reminds me of The Almighty and throws me right back to the dawn of nighties. This lot aren’t wah-wah shy either. You even get a Black Diamond build up at the end. Cool stuff.
Black Gremlin – ‘Cosmic Death’: Doomy riffing that kind of hits me with a seventies sounding Metallica flavour.
Grindhouse – ‘City High’: Yeah Grindhouse straight off the bat. A band I need to see so I can buy their records. Straight down the line rock & roll with and edge of mental.
The Empire Strikes – ‘Not in Toulouse’: This is a sleazy beast. Very different from the tunes so far. It’s a laid back and dirty affair, kind of Hanoi plays Fleetwood Mac. Ooooh, nice but naughty.
So I guess I’m half way through now and have heard each of the bands once. Retro Vox have really pulled it off again, there’s not a stinker amongst them. Honest !!
The Empire Strikes – ‘No Action, Non Rock’: Ah ha, this is the last band again. More riffed up and rockin’ than before. Kind of like a decent Reckless Love. I bet they’re from Finland !!! (Yup, I was right)
Grindhouse – ‘Shit Together’: Another slice of Grindhouse. Hooky as fuck. Proper black magic from the earth’s under carriage.
Black Gremlin – ‘Quiver’: I recognise that this must be the “doomy band” from side 1. More metal than the other bands on offer here but with some great chug going on. I definitely need to check this lot out.
The Drippers – ‘The Monetary Selection’: Okay, so this is The Drippers?!? I haven’t seen the track listing at this point so I’m still flying blind. Yeah this is right up there with the best Gothenburg has to offer. Proper good.
The Hip Priests – ‘Head Over Heels’: Back to the Priests with a cool Motherfucker Superior kind of tune. This one is right up there with their best tunes. Wah-tastic mates.
Stacey Crowne – ‘Fool Hearted’: This is Hellacopters enough to melt the hearts of any closet Scandi-rocker. Yeah…. you gotta love it.
Demolition Derby Volume 2 is released on Retro Vox Records on October 23. Give it a listen and pre-order it on all kinds of sexy vinyl: Here
If you suddenly have the desire to collect The Hip Priests 7 inchers, just forget it already! That’s tantamount to saying you are gonna start collecting Star Wars figures or Kiss merchandise…there’s just too damn many, they’re too expensive and you won’t find ‘em all! But lucky for you, those fuckin’ boys have saved you the trouble and gathered together the lost gems, the hard to find cuts and the curios for all The Hip Priest fanboys and fangals to salivate over.
Yes, if you are a fully-fledged member of the Spasm Gang or even just a casual fan, (ie you don’t wear black denim every fuckin’ day!) then you probably already own the comprehensive double album ‘A Decade Of Disdain’. An album that brought together the best of The Hip Priests singles released over 2 pretty coloured records. And if you don’t, then give yourself a slap and get it sorted before we have words!
Well, ‘Solid Gold Easy Option’ is The Hip Priests strike back! 17 hard to find tracks from singles and EPs released between 2017-2019. That’s 6 cover versions bastardised by the band, sandwiched between 11 glorious original jams previously unavailable to mere mortals until now.
If quality, high octane garage rock is your thing, if you dig sonically seductive sounds delivered with more filth and fury than a Johnny Depp/Amber Heard weekend bender, then ‘Solid Gold Easy Option’ is right up your street. The dirty, the clean and the truly obscene rub sweaty shoulders and bloody knuckles in a defiant “fuck you!” to society, with no hint of socially distancing going on.
The epic ‘No Time (Like Right Now)’ is present and correct. Clocking in at just under 10 minutes, it’s their punk rock masterpiece, channelling the power of the MC5 with the horns and suss of Rocket From The Crypt, while they rant a diatribe about political skulduggery and post Brexit fuckery. It’s a punk rock anthem for right now. The other 3 tracks from that EP are present and correct, but the punk and belligerent ‘All My Rowdy Friends Are Dead’ and album closer ‘I’m Too Good’ seems to pale in comparison to the overly cool ‘She’s A Queen’. It sounds like Ian Astbury jamming with The Hellacopters, with one finger piano stabs, overly fuzzy guitars and vocals delivered straight from the crotch. It could be my favourite Hip Priests song right now.
Covers-wise, the likes of Motorhead’s ‘The Hammer’ and Demons ‘ Hot Running Blood’ are perfect Hip Priests fodder and stay pretty true to the originals. The Stooges ‘Loose’ is suitably ramshackle, sped up and delivered with guts and glory. Saxon’s ‘Play It Loud’ follows the same path and sounds epic. It’s only Adam & The Ants classic ‘Press Darlings’ that doesn’t really benefit from the Hip Priests rough n’ ready, punk rock treatment for me.
Just because this is a b sides compilation, it doesn’t mean the quality has to suffer. ‘Nihilist Twist’ is a brutal, chanting 2 minute assault on the senses. ‘Dead By Sunday’ literally out ‘copters The Hellacopters and ‘I’m In Exile’ is all killer no filler. Wah-wah infused guitars fight with power chords as newest recruit Gentle Ben fills the right speaker and Austin the left, or is it the other way round? Who knows! But what I do know is the twin guitar attack sounds mighty.
27 singles, 3 EPs and 4 albums since their inception in 2007. It’s true to say that ‘Solid Gold Easy Option’ is more than just a stop-gap collection of odds and sods to keep their fanbase happy until album number 5 drops later this year. This is a quality collection of songs from shit island’s best-kept secret, and any self-respecting punk rock junkie should have it in their collection. The only trouble is do you choose green or blue vinyl?
The DeRellas – ‘Inner City Rock ‘N’ Roll’ (Rockaway Records) produced at Perry Vale Studios by the legendary Pat Collier. Set in a world of isolation, this is a frantic underworld of Trash as The DeRellas set their time machine for the Bowery and a table booked next to the Dolls and Bowie. Its brash and the most in your face dirty punk n Roll the band has ever sounded and its a gas gas gas! Timmy and Luca dish up an appetizing dish of Inner City Rock ‘N’ Roll its a dash of glamour in a seedy dark nighttime world thats just been set on fire and this is the soundtrack blairing across the city. The new album ‘Something’s Got To Give’ will be out at the end of 2020. so until then this will be Available on download at iTunes, Amazon, Spotify etc.,
Stevie R. Pearce & The Hooligans – ‘Rip It Out’ (Self Release) Rip it out for Rock and Roll! Stevie R Pearce & The Hooligans are in the house kids and they’re locked and loaded with a truck full of huuuge Riffs as this lead track set to be released later this month testify being locked up has fueled the fire of a beast of a band who are ready to Rock. Big stomping Riff with a super steady rhythm pounding away as Stevie swings from hushed vocal verses to the soaring chorus. Rock is not dead and a global pandemic can’t stop this juggernaut. Get ready kids its a coming! Pissed off and ready to let you ‘ave it!
Volcanova – ‘Sushi Sam’ (The Sign) Volcanova released an interesting and amusing music video for the single “Sushi Sam”, the first taste of their upcoming album “Radical Waves” out August 21st. Facebook
R.M.F.C. – ‘Reader’ (Anti Fade Records) R.M.F.C. (or Rock Music Fan Club) is the brainchild of 18-year-old Buz Clatworthy, who writes, performs and records all of the group’s output himself in his bedroom in South-east NSW.
The project began in late 2018 after showing a friend a demo, in which they encouraged a proper release. A hypnotic rhythm rattles along, an extremely listenable tune that has a great raw guitar hanging in tune by a thread but as the Buzzcocks type tune also hums with a sweet keyboard. Not an instant hit to be fair but worth investing in for sure.
Nico Bones – ‘Cheatin Heart’ (Dead Beat Records/ Wanda Records). We occasionally miss a great release and for that, we can only beg your forgiveness. Originally released late 2019 this Cali based bunch of punks showed up on our radar when Dead Beat picked it up and put it out in this month’s releases. Nico Bones plays a blend of American Rock ‘n Roll influenced by the sleazy original punks like the Heartbreakers, Dead Boys, and the New York Dolls. The first song sounds like an upbeat Ramones outtake circa 1976… rambunctious and rockin’. They follow it up with 3 more cheatin love songs with snotty vocals, supercharged leads, and catchy melodies that sit somewhere between Johnny Thunders, Stiv Bators, Sonny Vincent, and Jeff Dahl. Facebook / Bandcamp
The Hip Priests – ‘ZFG 2020’ (Shitpark Records) Nothing new going on you say? well, you might be half right but this is the 2020s latest line up of The Hip Priests taking to task one of their finest songs, ‘Zero Fucks Given’. What was already an absolute banger of a tune one of their finest I don’t mind admitting. Is it possible to love a track more? possibly. This sounds huge and I mean colossal huge but not production huge. It always had that Stooges groove but I’m sure if Iggy were to hear this he’d doff his cap and prob ask if he could cover it on his next album and bow out on top. In recognition of what was built on the Stooges foundations this raw pissed off anthem is still a fuckin’ beast. On the flipside is ‘Social Hand Grenade’ taken from the bands last album ‘Stand For Nothing’ and it seems and sounds more apt with every passing day. One of the albums standout tracks (on an outstanding album it has to be said) With a limited number of these available you have to be quick to jump on this one as the gang of believers grows with every passing day. One day they will blow up and explode on the wider public. Shit Islands finest are back in the groove. Facebook
Mäsh – I Don’t Want You’ (WandaRecords) Facebook /Bandcamp Alright let’s go! a sloppy twelve-bar Quolian riff gets proceedings off to a flier and by the second verse they’re running through the Chuck Berry guitar lick 101 handbook and we’re down with that all the way. The song fizzes like a good un and is catchy as hell. Love the breakdown all it needed was more handclaps and possibly some cowbell and it might have become the blueprint for all future punk rock n roll sleazy singles but we also understand you don’t want to shoot your wad early doors and keeping something in reserve is cool. The B Side ‘Whisper’ is like a really good Diamond Dogs tune I’m sure Sulo would be down with these cats as they shake their shit on another top tune. Rock and Roll can’t always be serious or dark sometimes its fun and living in the moment and Mäsh have got it going on and even double denim is cool as fuck just like this singe is.!
PizzaTramp / Incision – ‘Split’ (Self Release) Imagine being bludgeoned to death by a blunt weapon but quite enjoying it as long as it doesn’t hurt too much and doesn’t last more than 3 minutes. That what this Split is like. Repeatedly smashed on the head by a few guitars and a bass drum pedal and some throat-clearing its not painful though and it’s quick but like I say its enjoyable. Two songs each and Pizzatramp win by virtue of being Welsh and their two songs last a progtastic four minutes but fair play to Incision ‘Jennifer Anniston’ is fuckin’ brutal. Buy Here
Wonk Unit – ‘Summer Time/You’re Sick’ (Plasterer Records) Laugh I nearly went to Ethiopia. Fair play to Alex and the gang this is a fuckin hoot. One of if not the most surreal and barmy summers ever now has a soundtrack. Maybe inspired by the likes of Blue doing ‘Girls and Boys’. Part dance euro-pop trash but obviously with a huge dollop of Wonkiness. “Sexy boys sexy girls touch yourself” had me holing I have to be fair. but once it’s in yer noggin’ it’s not leaving any day soon. To cleanse the palate for many is the classic slice of Wonk with ‘You’re Sick’ bringing up the rear. With a steady beat and familiar caustic guitar riff-a-ram Wonk Unit knock it out of the park as they say in ‘merica Buy Here
Godfathers – ‘I’m Not Your Slave’ (Self Release) The Godfathers’ brand new, double A-side – ‘I’m Not Your Slave’ & ‘Wild And Free’ Available in limited edition, clear red vinyl single & also limited edition 4 track CD that features the 2 songs, plus demo versions of both songs unavailable in any other format!! pre-order NOW only from Here This release is for the 35th anniversary of the band’s existence. From the iconic debut to this, there has always been a recognisable sound with crisp, driving guitars and a tight rhythm section and its pleasing to say ‘I’m Not Your Slave’ has all the hallmarks of a classic Godfathers tune. The other side is a steady anthem in the shape of ‘Wild & Free’ following a healthy linage of rockers with attitude from the gang vocals in the chorus to Coyne’s spoken vocals its got groove but I tip my hat to the guitar soloing that’s on display here. Interesting times as the next chapter of The Godfathers unfolds.
The Mercy Kills – ‘Alone’ (Golden Robot Records) Melbourne’s THE MERCY KILLS release their newly remastered single ‘Alone’. The track is taken from their debut album ‘Happy To Kill You’ and has been remastered and re-released as a single for those reaching out digitally in COVID-19 isolation. The message is simple, “You can’t make it alone!” Mixing up the influences of the likes of L7 from the Grunge heyday along with something more rock such as Faster Pussycat with attitude born from the likes of The Ramones. Facebook
The Dust Coda – ‘Early Days – Raw & Unplugged’ (Self Release) In this almost surreal pandemic world, the band decided to brush the dust off some old recordings and release a collection of four acoustic tracks, which will give fans an intimate listening experience. This EP further unveils The Dust Coda calm soothing acoustic works. Each song as gentle as the previous with an almost Southern rock warmth akin to the lighter workings of The Black Crowes sound and style. Throughout the EP mellow guitar riffs combined with the gritty vocals are the key elements setting the scene for an intense acoustic journey. Electricity was used to power a guitar but not a lot. Chill out in the sun and socially distance kids this retro southern rock will do the job. Facebook
Larkin Poe – ‘Back Down South’ ( ) Featuring guest appearance from fellow Nashville musician Tyler Bryant this is another slice of Southern Roots-Rock with some really strong vocals all round and with subtle swirling Hammond thrown into the mix it’s not just about the cotton-picking guitar licking as it approaches the crossroads from the fuzzy slide, these sisters have got it going on with a tune thats got an air of extreme confidence it never breaks out remaining laid back right to the bitter end. Taken from the forthcoming album ‘Self Made Man’ this will only add to the expectations of the long player.
Onslaught – ‘Religioussuicide’ (AFM Records) U.K. Thrashers present their new single ‘Religiousuicide’, The song is taken from the upcoming album ‘Generation Antichrist’, which will be released in August. ‘Religiousuicide’ marks the debut of new vocalist Dave Garnett who recently replaced long term frontman Sy Keeler. They’re not reinventing the wheel here kids its Thrash Metal as we know it and its exercised to perfection from the rumbling gutwrenching bass to the pneumatic drumming Dave Garnett settles in nicely as the guitars buzz around the speakers towards the dueling solo. thrashtastic and you know it dives bombs rapid tapping, frantic double bass its all here present and correct and it also has the gang vocals – job done.
Dead Horse – ‘Night’ The first cut from Londoners Dead Horse EP released next month. Dead Horse formed in 2019 when former Love Buzzard frontman Kevin Lennon (bass/vox) returned to London from Brighton, meeting up with long time bandmates (Rumour Mill/Kids From K Hole) Duncan Clark (drums) and Josh Kemp (guitar) via a mutual interest in garage rock/punk, old and new. Facebook
Released on April 4th those Motherfuckin’ Motherfuckers are at it again this time with a coloured 7″ EP containing four blasts of punked-up Garage Rock and Fuckin’ Roll.
Its three originals and another cover this time it’s ‘Crash Landing’ from the Violent Femmes. There are only 170 of these bad boys available on coloured vinyl so be quick or be left out in the cold paying silly money on some record auction site in the months to come. Don’t say we didn’t warn ya.
Who are they you say? Four members of two of your favourite bands The Hip Priests and Bitch Queens from Shit Island and Basle Switzerland respectively. after their initial EP that was Fuelled by hangovers, More Lager, Nicotine, Bread and Cheese they tossed out six glorious sonic slices of Primetime, Pedal to the motherfuckin’ metal Overdriven, OD1 Scandi garage noise – smashing strings, skins and yellin’ as if their bullshit lives depended upon it. It was so good they reconvened and did it again first releasing the follow-up single ‘Trillion $ EP’ and now this ‘Dance Motherfucker EP’ so what are you waiting for get on it.
Bournemouth’s The Electric Shakes opened proceedings with a most enjoyable set of rapid bad boy boogie and tinged with enough Garage rock n Roll to shake off any long overdue cobwebs it was a pleasure to hear a trio knock out tight tunes with songs like the excellent ‘Hound Dog’ riff-a-rama grinding away at your eardrum these gentlemen are well worth checking out and are a fantastic opener on tonight’s triple bill.
All you can ask for is that your favourite bands make every album better than the previous one before they inevitably break up or come to a messy end. Deathtraps have tunes kids and are carving out a style of their own by fusing the best parts of the ones that influence who and what they are. Rumours of an encore of ‘Tears Are Falling’ Newport style were sadly unfounded but they did leave the stage to beaming smiles and very warm applause from the discernable audience. they did kick off proceedings with an excellent new song ‘Red Eye’ and peppered their set with new songs ‘Rip Em Off’ and the set closer ending on a real high ‘Never Had It So Good’ and to be fair it summed up the moment as lockdowns (fingers crossed are a thing of the past) and people get more comfortable with getting out and about with friends and fellow gig goers and its a pleasure seeing beaming smiles all over the venue as the bands entertain and blow off any cobwebs that might have gathered. Deathtraps left us wanting more – great set (and more of that cowbell, please).
As always von Cruz was moving between guitar swings like he’s some fluid airbender punching and kicking his way through some classic Priests songs that seemed to get louder and louder as the set developed and the bookend duel guitar maestros of Ben and Austin compressed the energy and absolutely slaughtered Le Pub. There were no signs of rust or the fact they’d not been doing this for so long it was as if they’ve been energised by the layoff and kicked the living shit out of the set as Priests classics from opening with the appropriate ‘Survival Of The Shittest’ then ripping headfirst into the latest albums title track ‘Stand For Nothing’ it was obvious the kings of Garage punk were on fire.
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