London’s trashiest exponents of gutter-level rock ‘n’ roll return with their sophomore long player ‘Last Suicide’, the follow-up to their 2017 debut ‘First Suicide’. Known for their incendiary and unpredictable live shows, the band has endured a few line-up changes in their short career, but the core songwriting duo of Sebastian Melmoth (vocals) and Vince Suicide (guitar) remain. While their first album line-up was an unusual 3 guitar attack with no bass, they now return to the more traditional format with new bassist Gema German and drummer May Mansur on board for the ride. Does this new 2 boy/2 girl line-up force a change in direction? Are Suicide Generation the new punk rock Abba? Read on to find out the gory details.
Recorded over a 3 day period by producer Patrice Picard, ‘Last Suicide’ is 11 slices of furious punk rock fury, delivered with reckless abandon. Beware, this ain’t no USA pop punk folks, this isn’t even Scandinavian scuzz. Recorded on the finest analog gear they could beg, borrow or steal, this is a lo-fi rebel yell, the primitive noise of a band that can barely keep it together and sounds all the more magnificent for it. With comparisons to Pussy Galore and GG Allin, you can sort of guess where this band is coming from, right?
Opener ‘Hypnotise Me’ is as raw as you like. Kicking in at Ramones speed with guitars set to stun, they take no prisoners. Melmoth spitting bile and venom for just over a minute and a half of chaos and musical deconstruction.
‘Trapped in This Place’ with its “don’t bring me down” refrain and cool surf rock solo is pure Rezillos meets Dead Kennedys goodness. Elsewhere ‘Hole In Her Head’ has a cool as you like riff, it’s a stop/start tune that barely gets going before its trashy demise like they are just practicing a riff or a song idea.
The deranged and menacing ‘You Gonna Burn’ is a highlight. ‘When I Think About You’ is a 50’s rock ‘n’ roll mash up taken down to gutter level and ‘Talk Trash’ rides on an overly familiar 50s rock ‘n’ roll progression with fiery vocalisin’ and an as always energetic delivery. They even veer into goth territory with the Cramps meets Christian Death vibes of ‘You Must Be A Witch’. Now, that I truly dig!
You can just tell from the off that this band does not give one fuck, they will do it on their terms and give the middle finger to all who question their motives. ‘Last Suicide’ is not an album to play to your mum, it doesn’t contain songs fit for a Spotify playlist, you can’t split lines of speed on a playlist anyway, you need a record cover for that, right? Well, don’t worry folks, coz Suicide Generation got all your rock ‘n’ roll needs covered. This is an album to put on at 2 in the morning when you’re off your tits on whatever, with a smile on your face and a bottle in your hand.
Here at RPM we sure do love our Rock and Roll and we also love our Bobbleheads or to be precise throbbleheads so when we see those awesome peeps at Aggronautix release a new one we can’t help ourselves and feel compelled to recommend them to you. what a lovely Christmas present this would make.
LIMITED EDITION OF 1000 — PRE-ORDER NOW — SHIPPING DECEMBER 2018
Bob Casale, one of the 5 essential gears in the original Devo Fab 5, gets honored posthumously with this hand-numbered, limited edition, sculpted figure of 1,000 units. Bob is outfitted for devolved action with his “Duty Now for the Future” era helmet and protective pads circa 1979 and his classic Devo Tee and 3-D glasses.
This year marks legendary Devo’s 40th-anniversary release of their iconic debut record, “Are We Not Men?, We Are Devo!” Commemorate Bob 2 (and his famous facial mole) by stepping up and becoming one of the few Throbblehead owning members of the Devolutionary Army.
NOTE: For customers outside of the US, your order will take an average of 3-4 weeks to reach you via economy shipping, which does not have tracking. If tracking is needed, you can upgrade to priority shipping at an additional cost but must email us for details.
Hello Noo Yawk. Hello, Sleazy underbelly where the fuck have you been? Those pesky kids the Erotics have if nothing else stayed true to their sleazy rock and fuckin roll nonstop party for God knows how long and on this evidence they’re digging their heels in and not budging any day soon – Thank fuck for that says RPM.
They’ve toured Europe even managed to visit us here on Shit Island and the one constant is their mixture of Glam rock and punk and being Stuck between Venus and Mars doesn’t sound like a bad place to be if this is the soundtrack. Maybe releasing mini albums or EP’s is the way to go as you could possibly manage one every six months or so and that would mean the public can’t forget you so easily if there is a constant carpet bombing of music hitting the virtual shelves.
‘Stop Drop Roll’ is a solid slice of sleazy rock n roll Mike Trash makes sure these sleazy boys are on top of their game as the riff chugs to its natural conclusion and business is good and there’s just enough time to take a generous slug of Jack before ‘Nice Things’ continues the party. It’s following a long list of rock n roll al a Faster Pussycats debut maybe without the finesse perhaps and more an east coast street attitude teetering down the street at four AM. But you can have nice things Mike honest you can just keep doing what you do.
Yup you guessed it ‘Venus Mars’ heads off into another trashy universe upon a big riff that shows they were paying attention when Alice Cooper was knocking out big riffs and there’s a little Gene Kiss in there as well methinks.
the boys in the band kicks back a little then and head off into a dusty last chance saloon for the one that starts off slowly but when the band all kick in the ladies will love waving their lighters in the air to this. But with their tongue firmly in their cheek Trash announces its the best damn song of the night and who am I to argue.
‘Dismember’ has more than a toe into Kiss riff territory as we head into the home straight and show the likes of Wednesday 13 how to play the horror punk shit properly which only leaves their take on the classic Misfits ‘Skulls’ – Not the most adventurous cover you’ll ever hear but a good stab at a classic song and I guess confirmation of whose side these punks are on. Always a lot of fun and never taking themselves to seriously The Erotics deliver another mini album that should satisfy any ghouls out there looking for a soundtrack to a sleazy party. Crack open another can and turn it up.
With RPM barely a month old there is obviously a huge stash of great music already released in 2018 that we’d never had the chance to share with you guys, until now!
The bizarrely named Death By Unga Bunga and their fifth studio album ‘So Far So Good So Cool’ is about as perfect a place as any to start though as having just wowed audiences across the UK in support of Irish rockers Ash we thought it was about time you also discovered why this 5 piece from Norway were handpicked by Tim Wheeler and Co out of relative obscurity to secure such a prestigious slot.
Originally released back in April of this year I first got to hear about the band when a Facebook mate of mine sent me a link to the total nerdgasm that is the video to their track ‘Into The Night ‘with a note that simply said “this is your new favourite band.”
Well that infectious slab of powerpop was certainly enough to grab my attention and the fact that the band also just happened to look like the bastard sons of Biff Malibu only helped to increase my interest. The real game changer happened just before ‘So Far So Good So Cool’ was finally due to hit the streets though when the guys dropped the second video from the record, the superb ‘Soldier’, a song so catchy I just had to get my shots at my local rock ‘n’ roll doctor and experience the full majesty of Death By Unga Bunga.
Having lived with this record (it’s also out on CD and download) for nearly six months there is rarely a day that goes by when ‘So Far So Good So Cool’ isn’t actually on my stereo, as the 11 tracker (note 2 tracks are quirky incidental interludes) is simply one of the best powerpop records you will hear anywhere this year.
With a particular penchant for writing instantly memorable 3:30 minute pop/rock tunes just like say Cheap Trick, Thin Lizzy, The Knack and yes, their UK touring buddies Ash what Death By Unga Bunga do ever so well is make their own particular brand of powerpop sound totally unique to them, something I haven’t really felt since the heady days of when Scandinavia was seducing my eardrums at an alarming rate with genre defining bands such as Gluecifer, Division of Laura Lee and Randy.
It’s simply impossible to pick a stand out track amongst the 9 equally brilliant tracks captured within the all killer no filler grooves of ‘So Far So Good So Cool’ but ‘Boys’ really is up there with the very best hard rock tracks released this year and in ‘So Cool’ the Bunga boys give Turbonegro a lesson in how to use synths without having to sound like Van Halen circa ‘1984’.
‘So Far So Good So Cool’ is quite simply essential listening for anyone who has albums by the likes of Fuzzbubble, Sugarbomb and The Semantics within their collection. I’m just gutted I didn’t get a chance hear this record played live.
After a wrapping up sell-out UK and US tours, IDLES have confirmed a 2019 world tour, headlining their biggest venues yet. The run will include two London headliners at The Electric Ballroom and their first ever run of dates in Australia. Tickets go on public sale this Friday, Nov 9th at 10 am local time, with tickets available at www.idlesband.com, full routing below.
IDLES’ new record ‘Joy As An Act Of Resistance’ debuted at no.5 in the UK charts, breaking Rough Trade’s all-time record for most pre-orders and sales in a day. It is currently the no.1 best-reviewed record of 2018 (average rating of 88 across 25 reviews) at Album Of The Year and in the Top 10 on Metacritic. The band saw not only singles but the album itself A-listed at 6 Music and earned major features, amongst others, with the likes of Q, Mojo, The Guardian and covers with DIY, Loud & Quiet, So Young and NME. They’ve arrived internationally too with only last week NPR Music declaring “I am an IDLES addict. It’s like mainlining an uplifting and unifying assault on nationalism, racism, intolerance, and class inequality.”
The band won Best Breakthrough at the Q Awards last month following their Jools Holland debut which NME called “history in the making…incomparably brilliant,” likening it to Arctic Monkeys and Kanye West’s first appearances on the show. Watch here. La Blogothèque also just filmed the band performing a couple ‘Joy’ standouts, watch them do stripped down versions of “I’m Scum” and “Gram Rock”.
“No hyperbole needed; IDLES are the most important band we have right now.” – DIY Magazine (cover story)
“Everything about Joy As An Act Of Resistance is just so perfectly realised. An instant classic, one that people will turn to in times of need for years to come.” 10/10 – NME
“This album is a heart-breaking but jubilant exploration of joy, honesty, fragility and expression as our most powerful means of human resistance.” 9/10 – Classic Rock
“IDLES have released the most relevant and at times gut wrenching album of the year.” –Drowned In Sound
“IDLES make sense of modern chaos on the utterly essential Joy as an Act of Resistance.” –The Line Of Best Fit
“Idles take their rightful place as not Britain’s, nor Europe’s, but the world’s most vital band. It’s a fist-clenched celebration of the full spectrum of phenomena – inexplicable, crushing and totally joyous – that divides and unites us all.” –The Quietus
“IDLES deliver a thunderous and sharp state-of-the-nation address.” –The 405
“Across its 40-odd minutes, Joy As An Act of Resistance makes you want to laugh and cry and roar into the wind and cradle your nearest and dearest. It is a beautiful slice of humanity delivered by a group of men whose vulnerability and heart has become a guiding light in the fog for an increasing community of fans who don’t just want, but need this.” 5/5 – DIY
“The power of ‘Joy As An Act Of Resistance.’ is how it shows society itself in a mirror. Sometimes it’s a bathroom mirror in the morning too bright and over exposed, another time it’s a makeup mirror in a car you struggle just to catch a glimpse of yourself and other times it’s a fairground mirror and everything is distorted and grotesque. But each time you have look yourself in the eye and take stock for your actions.
This is a band to get excited about. Very, VERY, excited about!” 9/10 – Clash
“This album announces IDLES as one of the most exhilarating and necessary punk bands of right now.” –Kerrang!
“…this isn’t good-time, aspirational, radio-friendly pop. But for anyone in need of music that articulates their concerns or helps them to work through their troubles–or anyone who simply appreciates blistering, intelligent punk – they might just be Britain’s most necessary band.” – The Guardian
“Over a visceral torrent of motorik punk-pop pummels recalling prime Pixies or mclusky, Joe hails his “beautiful immigrant” blood brother “Danny Nedelko” and celebrates his “mongrel” upbringing on “I’m Scum” – in a world run by bullish right-wing sex pests, his aggressive compassion is a potent antidote.” –The Independent
“This feels indispensable, as both bereavement therapy and Brexit-era protest.” –Q
“Britain’s most cult-worthy band have a raging vitality.” –GQ
“Joy as An Act of Resistance is a record that bristles with the political and emotional energy of punk’s very best.” 9/10 – CRACK
“One of the most vital albums of 2018.” 5/5 – Dork
“‘Joy…’ is a self-confessed parade. It’s a punch-up and it’s a bear hug.” –Loud & Quiet
“Their follow-up sees them crank everything up to the next level. No band is better equipped to document the here and now, warts and all.” –Mojo
“This must surely win the award for most intense album of the year. An exorcism of sadness and rage, with a burning commitment to honesty of expression throughout.” –The Times
“Bristolian punk – brutally loud, brutally honest.” –Uncut
“IDLES is the best 21st century punk-ish band I’ve heard.” –NPR Music (Bob Boilen)
“Visceral, joyous, and honest — lightning rods for collective rage, forged from love.” – Noisey
when we started this website there were going to be artists we had highlighted to cover and interview and when Jeff Dahl showed up on our radar as having something new in the shops it was as good an excuse to speak to him as any (not that we needed an excuse) Talking of new record its sort of new – Well it is new but not all the songs are new…You’ll know what we mean when you read the review (Here) Anyway where were we? Oh yes he’s a punk rock legend he’s been there done it and probably appeared on the T-shirt so here are the words from the chat we had with the one and only Jeff Dahl…
Hi Jeff, hope you’re well this morning and life is treating you as it should?
I can’t complain. Peach pie & Kava tea for breakfast. Life is good. Congratulations on the new website. Right out of the blocks you’re hitting the nail dead on the head.
ok, so firstly you played in Sweden the tail end of 2017 and hooked up with Demons was the plan always to hit the studio whilst you were there?
Well, I’ve known the Demons since they first started so when I was planning to come to Sweden for a vacation, I’m crazy for museums, the idea of doing something came together really naturally. We’d talked about a tour but I was just there for 10 days so we decided to just do some rehearsals, play the show and spend a few days in the studio. I really enjoyed myself.
They’re obviously fans of your work so they knew how the tunes went or did you forward on a set list you had in mind?
They had their collective shit totally together. We discussed it over emails and we wanted to keep it easy and loose. No stress. Plug in and play. It was easy and it was fun.
You must be delighted how the songs came out? There is a new lease of life in those songs and the energy is fantastic those guys got it straight away I’m guessing?
Thanks! Oh yeah, we set up all facing each other in the studio and just played the songs. It’s exciting to record like that and I hope the songs reflect that energy. I don’t think we played any song more than 3 times, but most were first takes, and the vocals were recorded the next day. I think there were just a couple guitar leads added and that about it. It’s raw and real and that’s how we wanted it. Plus, I have not played with a band in 10 years so this was a treat for me. Demons are a great band and fantastic guys. We had fun.
What was the show like you played?
Absolutely aces. Wonderful crowd. Even the sound system was top notch. I told them I did not want to play any venue where it would sound like shit. That’s a big deal with me. There’s no excuse for bad sound in a club.
What did it feel like to be back onstage playing in Sweden?
Honestly, I was a little jittery before we started rehearsals but that came together quick and easy and I got comfortable pretty fast. I had not played live in 10 years! Would I even remember how to do it? Haha. The one drag was that a month before coming over I blew up my left knee so even though I had loads and loads of lovely plain killers I was limping around in excruciating pain and not able to jump around as I would have liked to.
Has it given you the energy to get out there and play anywhere else?
Good question, I don’t know. I suppose that under the right circumstances I would think about it. But the days of 60 shows in 60 days are over! But the idea of going someplace and playing a show or two with a cool band now appeals to me.
The version of Sonic Reducer on the EP is amazing. I know its a much-covered number but a lot of bands just do other peoples songs and miss the point or never achieve the energy and attitude needed and can often sound lame or forced but not this.
Wow, thank you! I’ve played Sonic Reducer in every show I’ve played since the early 80 and its been a mainstay in the Demons sets so it was a natural choice. That’s a song you have to do justice to or you deserve to be stoned off the stage. Haha.
You also recently mentioned the record you cut with poison idea where you did a really heartfelt tribute to Stiv and your take on some of those songs was the best I’ve heard people cover especially the Lords tracks.
Well, thank you again!
Were these your favourite lords/stiv songs? Open Your Eyes and Method are outstanding.
These are definitely among the many Stiv tunes that are my favourites. Open Your Eyes was actually Poison Ideas choice to record. I knew I could sing the Dead Boys stuff but I was a little intimidated to record that one just because Stiv had done it so well. But it came out pretty cool. In hindsight, I wish I had done one of Stiv’s powerpop songs from his time with Bomp. He had so many great songs to choose from.
I’d say that Stiv is one of the most underrated frontmen ever and never gets the respect he deserves in the mainstream press when they talk about punk yet people who knew him had the utmost respect for the guys work be it Dead Boys, Wanderers, Lords or solo he just had such a talent.
I would absolutely agree with that. I think one of the real problems is that the back catalogues of the Dead Boys and the Lords has never really been properly exploited and promoted. But believe me, there are plenty of Stiv fans out there. He’s well remembered… just not by the press.
Have you had the chance to see any of the Stiv movie that is being made what’s your take on what they’re doing? Are you in the film? In your opinion is his work underrated compared to some of his peers?
I know nothing about this movie but I hope it turns out great. I just heard about it recently. Remember, I live one of the outside islands in Hawaii on the side of an active volcano, ha ha ha. That’s why I need a website like yours to keep me informed.
Moving onto your output you have such a large back catalogue have you tried to re-release any of the albums seeing as a lot of them are hard to find especially on record. What about a box set pulling together some of your favourite albums maybe bundled with unreleased material or alternative versions?
The Triple X Records stuff is up to them. Personally, I’d prefer if they didn’t. Maybe a Vol 2 to the Best Of album would be nice. But I’m happy with my little legacy in punk rock. I can pretty much do anything I want and I’ve got great fans and friends who will always support me. I’m really more concerned with my next project, not so much with what I’ve done in the past.
Do you ever delve into your recording past and listen to some of the records?
Haha, no, never! When I recorded those albums I was so intensely inside those songs and sessions that its weird to go back and listen to them years later. I pretty much only listen to then when someone asks me about some lyrics or some chord changes and I have to go back and listen to figure it out. Then its a trip. Almost like I never heard them before.
What in your opinion would be the go-to records for someone just finding out about your work?
The Triple X Best Of Vol 1 album is the place to start. It’s chronological and in the notes, I talk about each album. So if someone hears something they like from a specific album they can go hunt it down. And a warning, unless you are a complete maniac and half-nuts you might want to avoid Heart Full Of Snot. Its a bit abrasive for most people. One thing I do like about my back catalogue is that among my fans everyone seems to have a different favourite. I guess that means I did something right.
About a year ago I stumbled upon a record shop way out in the sticks miles from any big town and picked up brand new copies on record of Powertrip and mother fucker 666 for pennies the guy in the shop smiled and said he wondered who’d buy those haha I was delighted as you can imagine.
It amazes where my records have travelled to. All over the world and in some of the most unlikely places you might imagine. I had a fan in Antartica who brought some of my records down there.
What about the last album getting a vinyl press is it too late for that or would it be something you’d be interested in?
You mean Made In Hawaii? Yes.
Yeah, it’ll happen on vinyl. It’ll probably be a Europe only release. But CDs? No. We did just 300 copies on CD and that’s it. If you have one, its a collector’s item already. But you can buy it on download at all the usual places online.
Is there any new material written or in the can as they say? Just asking for a friend.
Funny your friend should ask, haha. Yeah, I’ll be recording a new album in December. I have to say, though the songs are all a lot more aggressive than Made In Hawaii, they are weirder and angry-ish. Fans of my punkier stuff should be well pleased. The Angry Samoan is angry again! Ha ha ha.
Is there anyone you’d love to get in a studio and play with right now if the chance arose?
Of, fuck yes. I love working with other people. The problem is that, since I live in Hawaii it makes face-to-face collaborations almost impossible. But people I’d like to do something or other with, Deniz Tek is at the top of the list. And Dave Kusworth. We’d talked about it years ago but maybe now might be the time, while we’re both still breathing. My buddy from the Samoans, Gregg Turner, and I have talked about it too. That’s one I really feel the need to do. Who else? The Nomads, Richard Duguay, Andy McCoy and my dear old pal, Freddy Lynxx… And working with Demons would be great to do again with some newly co-written material. I could go on and on. But I would want any of this to be a real and true collaboration. Starting with sitting down and writing the songs together. Not an album of 5 Jeff songs and 5 songs with the other cat.
You played with some great bands who in your opinion were the ones who did it the best, not necessarily wrote the best song but were the best to go on tour with and who just got it and killed it every night?
Oh yes. I have most definitely. This list could go on for pages but I’ll list just a few bands that I’ve had the honour to share the stage with. UK Subs, Trash Brats, NCC, Los Guarriors, Buzzcocks, GG Allin and the Jabbers, Cosmic Psychos, Hell On Heels, Throbbing Gristle, Fear, Kevin K, Slash City Daggers, Slayer, Battalion Of Saints… really, this could go on and on and I’m sure I’m missing many, many of the best. I’ve played a few shows over the years, ya know?
Do you have a favourite tour you went on or one that you never wanted to end?
This one might surprise people but the acoustic tour I did with Freddy Lynxx and Nikki Sudden. It was such a pleasure. We’d each play about 30 minutes solo then we’d play about 30 or 40 minutes more together. It was such fun and we pulled great crowds everywhere. Sadly, Nikki has passed on and Freddy is MIA but we had talked about doing it again.
Over to you Jeff, anything you want to say or we’ve missed?
I just want to thank all the people who have bought some of my records or paid to see me live or offered me friendship and encouragement over these many years. It means everything to me. I am so humbled and this bond we share can never be broken. Even on to the next world we’ll all be thinking, “What’s wrong with that guy’s hair?”
As the nights draw in and we speed towards Christmas and the mornings get darker and colder what better way to soundtrack the trip to work than with three of the best from three of our favourite bands.
Up first has to be a topical one from this past week as Generation Sex took the stage to perform some classic tunage it simply wouldn’t be fair to pass up this opportunity to play this classic from 79
Another classic from the vaults and topical seeing as a new movie hit the theatres this week the movie in question is Bad Reputation and that can only mean Joan Fuckin’ Jett!
Now settle down boys and girls because to finish off this awesome and uplifting trio of video smashes is Role Models and a song from their last album ‘Manette Street’ which also appears on Ginge Knevils charity album that can be purchased here
It seems like only yesterday that RPM top boy Dom Daley and myself were watching Glen Matlock, Earl Slick and Slim Jim Phantom deliver a very promising headlining set on one of the side stages at the annual Rebellion Festival in Blackpool. It was, however, four years ago…so that’s how long I’ve been waiting to finally get to hear what this trio actually sound like on record.
That live appearance was certainly a tough one to try to pigeonhole, largely because whilst it was an infectious blend of all three musicians’ previous bands along with elements of some of their key influences, it also included their take on Pharrell Williams’ ‘Happy’, an audacious curveball for any reviewer to try and get to grips with if ever there was one. Thankfully Glen Matlock decided well ahead of the release of ‘Good To Go’ to come out and badge the dozen tracks he’s recorded here with Slick and Phantom as “loud skiffle”, a genre he has apparently wanted to try since seeing Bob Dylan at the Albert Hall a few years back.
Dropping the CD into my player the opening 1-2 of ‘Won’t Put The Brakes On Me’ and ‘Wanderlust’ get an immediate thumbs up from me with the former a track that has a real 60s strut to it whilst the latter chugs along on a top-notch Slick lick chock full of lip curling attitude. However just as when I saw them live it’s Matlock’s vocal similarity to his Pistol-packing chum Steve Jones that really seals the deal for yours truly. Whilst we are talking of fat cockneys who like to sit around in swimming trunks ‘Sexy Beast’ is the first out and out rock and roller containing some trademark Slim Jim stick work and it’s a track that really wouldn’t look out of place on an Urban Voodoo Machine album with one hell of a catchy call and response chorus.
Elsewhere for your entry money, we get ‘Speak Too Soon’ which contains a wonderful Bowie-esque vibe whilst ‘Hook In You’ swaggers and sways on a dirty way past midnight 12 bar refrain. It’s at the midway point of the album though that I have to admit starting to feel a little bit of déjà vu creeping into ‘Good To Go’, but then up pops ‘Montague Terrace (In Blue)’ totally out of the blue (ouch) and yeah that’s the sound of me picking up my jaw back up off the floor. Tracks as sumptuous as this are exactly why the album format will always live long with serious music fans as this brooding bastard of a torch song is the main reason this record has been on constant loop on my stereo of the last few weeks. You really must listen to it all in sequence to get it though, okay?
As ‘Good To Go’ reaches the home straight ‘Strange Kinda Taste’ and album closer ‘Keep On Pushing’, both bring to mind the kind of thing Ian Hunter does these days, in so much that this is music that the musicians have grown into over their long and varied careers, and they sound very comfortable in their skin. Yes, it’s ultimately rock ‘n’ roll music (which I guess is what “loud skiffle really is anyway) but with ‘Good To Go’ Glen Matlock is certainly not trying to swindle you into thinking it’s anything else. Great stuff!
If you’re new here welcome. If you missed a thing or two then welcome back and if you’re a regular then what harm does a recap do? Right, this past week we brought you Live reviews from Ryan Hamilton & The Harlequin Ghosts as well as another show another town same old awesome show for The Urban Voodoo Machine and we also had The Dirty Strangers, The Brutalists and Rich Ragany & The Digressions live in London for your reading pleasure. We also introduced you to several debut albums and EP’s that have or are recently coming out like the driving Rock of Mike Christie formerly of The Black Marquee LA who really impressed with his debut mini album and there is more to come over the next few weeks from Mike as catch up with him for a new feature we’re cooking here at RPM Online. We also brought you reviews from Canada, Australia, Scandinavia, Germany and the UK
There was a live albums from Iggy and a very nice reissue of an album that could have been but has only recently seen the light of day for Primal Scream. Where we wondered if you the readers had an opinion of which version was better the one that saw the light of day several decades ago or this the Memphis sessions Please feel free to get into it over on the facebook page. there was also the comeback album from The Electric Boys reviewed and more. In the UK at the moment there are a few new bands making a noise that is going down really positively and one of those bands is The Speedways from Nottingham and the record was the brainwave of Matt formerly of the Breakdowns and making what could be argued as his debut solo album but instead he named it The speedways and we caught up with Matt for a few words about his fantastic album ‘just another regular summer’ thats just been released via Gods Candy Records and we think you should check it out and read Matts interview here.
there was also news of new records from Springsteen.Ginge Knevils charity CDs that shouldn’t be passed up and we couldn’t ignore the show of the week which happened in LA at the Roxy where Cook, Jones, James and Idol took the stage for a short but oh so sweet set under the banner Generation Sex. hopefully its the start of something very special to come in 2019 but who knows.
Anyway enough looking back here’s to the week ahead and RPM Online brings you more interviews from the likes of Jeff Dahl, Jack Jones (Trampolene) .and Reverend Backflash have already been covered We also have plenty of new albums from the Likes of Glen Matlock, Death By Unga Bunga, The Erotics, and Black Heart Breakers so global -a-go-go again for RPM and we leave no stone unturned around this Rockin’ and Rollin’ planet. There is also time for TV Smith in Vienna for you enjoy so keep it RPM for a music revolution and remember to Stay Sick folks! and keep it RPM!
With enough singles to keep any jukebox fully stocked with the latest and greatest RPM brings you a mixed bunch of Rock n Roll, Punk, Garage, and God knows what for your dereliction this month. As we move into November and the Christmas shopping there are more than a few stocking fillers on display here for the discernable hipster to shave off the beard put some socks on and get into some real rock and roll before it’s too late and your old and wondering what you’ve done with your life. So read – watch and listen the 45 RPM roundup is in session…
Scumbag Millionaire -Under The Spell (Suburban Records)
Gothenburg scumbags release the third single of the most excellent album ‘Speed’ (Reviewed Here) As it thunders along this is as good as fucked up rock and fucking roll gets. It sounds huge! and the seven inch also has non-album track ‘Get Out’ on the flip side of this slab of orange wax. Get involved folks these boys are blowing up and offering a thrilling mix of garage rock n roll and punk attitude and making some of the best music this year.
So Beluga in Sweden knows a thing or two about putting out fine Garage Rock n Roll singles and The Hijackers just joined the family with a high energy slab of sleazy garage rock and roll. Having been a part of the scene back in the 80’s its only taken the band some thirty-two years between releases that’s either some writers block or Axl Rose style recording process, either way, it’s here and Beluga has it and by the sounds of it, it’s well worth the wait. The lead track ‘I Don’t Like You’ is like the Hives sludging it out with the Mc5’s and the guitar solo is howling feedback that Brian James would be proud of. Cramming four tracks on to this seven inch makes it a record worth owning and real value for money. ‘Day and Night’ is a real toe-tapper with its feet firmly planted in the late 60’s as they really have this down to a fine art. Side two is off like a rocket as ‘My Little Girl’ is barely in tune but that doesn’t matter because this is flying by the seat of its pants hi-energy rock and roll and we totally endorse that. Let’s hope its not another thirty years for the next release
The Briefs – Kids Laugh At You (Taken By Surprise Records)
It’s the Briefs and after their show-stopping performance at this year’s Rebellion festival, This was always going to get a rave review from RPM because we love the likes of The Briefs. The lead track is off like a hurricane as it devastates with its pace and melody. sure you know what to expect and you aren’t about to be disappointed either because Nix and the gang deliver again and again and its a most welcome entrant into the singles club love the Damned-esk breakdown and then the chanting gang vocals that take this home. the Briefs are back kids and their laughing as well. the B Side of ‘She’s The Rat’ is another top-notch belter go on fill yer boots and click the link Buy Here
Demons – Was Here…(Ghost Highway Records)
Demons have sure been busy these past few months what with their new mini album with punk rock legend Jeff Dahl (RPM review shortly) and this here single on Ghost Highway Records. This chunk of good old Rock and Roll is just about hitting the bullseye of our heart as ‘Street Corner Of No Return’ is the lead track that just oozes class, it’s no frills yob rock with a bruising tempo and sing along chorus that you and your gang can join in on as the organ lends the harmony a helping hand. The B Side is a more laid back rocker in the shape of ‘Satellite Town’ by the end you’ll be singing along and dropping the needle back at the start to go back for some more and the solo just burns! Great single.
He’s got a Fezzbox and he’s not afraid to use it. Like the bastard sibling of Jon Spenser, These four tracks deliver a sonic fuzzed out slab of Garage rock and roll. You know what you’re going to get the second the music kicks in its a needle in the red and plenty of swing on those drum licks. The heat gets turned up as the EP plays out. I love ‘Ladyland Batswingers’ whatever that means or wherever it is I want in. It’s getting hot in here and as the solo wails on ‘You Do Not Belong’ its like a trip on the tongue of someone else as the melody and sha-la-las shouldn’t fit but they bloody well do. after you’ve shaken off the tinnitus the police sirens howl as the tempo raises through the roof ‘Rhesus Christ’ kicks over the speakers and sets fire to the console as they leave the room. quality!
Can they ever make a bad song? Nah didn’t think so either. After releasing a brand new album they left these two songs off the LP to release as a single quite why they’d leave these two off God only knows. With ‘Dog Collar’ coming on like the bastard child of a Clash song its a slab of coll as fuck punk rock and what every office party should have on at the Christmas do whilst you’re spiking the punch. But they saved the best til last as the B side ‘Talk To Us’ is a stone cold could only be The Parkinsons classic. From the laid-back gang vocals on the chorus and the funky rhythm that jars your head while the organ tickles your fancy if you don’t like this then as Alfonso says “You ain’t got no soul” and the best bongo playing since T Rex! Buy it Now!
Brad Marino – Four Track Attack (Beluga Records)
FOUR TRACK ATTACK is the debut solo release from veteran rocker Brad Marino, best known as the singer/songwriter/guitarist for The CONNECTION. Brad has to be credited for been named as “Coolest Song in the World” on Sirius XM’s Little Steven’s Underground Garage on more than the once. On its own, that merits a huge amount of Kudos in my book Well taking time away from The Connection Brad had decided to really show off by playing everything on his new EP and singing. the first couple are solid power pop then Brad turns up the tempo and starts cooking some cool licks on the six string. ‘On The Brink’ rips and just oozes rock n roll. the final track ‘Special Friend’ was written especially for this project by New Trocaderos’ songwriter, Michael Chaney. Check out Brad and then check out his band you won’t be dissapointed.
St.Jimi Sebastian Cricket Club –I Still Get The Calls (Beluga Records)
The first single out of three from St. Jimi Sebastian Cricket Club and Beluga Records. I Still Get the Calls and the b-side A Smile Within is recorded and mixed at Vibe Studios Manchester (the Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Badly Drawn boy etc) and mastered by Pete Maher, London (U2, Jack White, The Rolling Stones etc ).
A bit of a slow burner especially the B Side but ‘I Still Get The Calls’ has something of a nod to 80’s Britpop With a good old sing-a-long on the chorus this is good stuff. Good old storytelling rock n roll.
Tommy And The Rockets / Bikini Wipeouts (Kotj Records & Rocktopus Tea Party Records)
“Split The Waves” sees Tommy And The Rockets and Bikini Wipeouts knock out Two songs each, one original and one cover. Tommy And The Rockets did a cover of “Summer Means Fun” by The Fantastic Baggies, and Bikini Wipeouts did a cover of “Hawaii” by Brian Wilson and as winter comes rushing in why not pour one last cocktail and get the grass skirts out for one last party hey why not hold a party and play some tunes and why not play this slice of pop n roll .
How these Northern Europeans aren’t really from more tropical shores God only knows and Los Bikini Wipeouts aren’t too shabby either. Give it blast if you want to know what summer sounds like.
Quite simply Watts kick ass that should be all I really need to say on this one. I tip the hat once again to Rum Bar for flying the flag of good honest rock and roll music and its bands like Watts that are like moths to a flame as they converge on the label and then they feed off each other ‘Queens’ is a no-nonsense rocker with a solid beat and great full production to drive the song on. this single is backed by the balsy ‘The Night The Lights Went Down’ which is from the same gene pool as Bon era DC and that’s always going to be a good thing Right? Right! The good news doesn’t end there because there’s a long player coming early next year again on Rum Bar records these guys just keep giving.
V8 Wankers – the Last Rock ‘N’ Rollah (Ghost Highway Records)
It got one big biker boot firmly stuck in the Four Horsemen camp and the other on the monitor wedge. This bad boy has some bottleneck and is fairly generic in style and the flip side sees the band turn in a fairly honest take on the classic ‘Travellin’ Band’ they speed it up (of course they do) and thus loses some of the spark and lacking in some muscle which would have made this more of a bruising cover.
Puppy & The Handjob – I Eat Abortions (Slovenly Records)
of course, they do. They also play catchy punk rock that’s recorded in the blink of an eye and on a budget. It’s fair to say these cats aren’t from the Bob Rock school of big sound and they’ve never taken a leaf out of Def Leppard’s book (thankfully). So they do have a melody and a guitar solo but you should look away now if you don’t appreciate a wicked solo played from the heart (yeah right) good tune though to be fair. Spread out over five songs it gets a bit tired after a while must be that Arizona heat.
I love The Ramones and so does The Dirtiest and why wouldn’t they – why wouldn’t anybody. The Dirtiest play buzzsaw punk rock and roll just like Johnny and Joey used to and I love it. The first tune is like the second and funnily enough the third is much like the second and the first but the fourth is like the first second and third. 1-2-3-4 hey ho, let’s go.
Jake Starr & The Delicious Fullness (Ghost Highway Records)
Former Adam West frontman releases this spooky three-track single through Ghost Highway in Spain with its wicked cover artwork and blood red wax how could we not cover this bad boy. With three stomping rock and roll tracks ‘A Ghoul Like You’ is outstanding with that spoooooky keyboard rattling round behind the curtains and some great scooby doo effects we give this a howling thumbs up. The horns on ‘Torso Song’ are fantastic and playing these would go down a storm with the likes of the Urban Voodoo Machine and their blues bop n stroll – honkingly good single.
Following on from their last EP, More To Life, which got attention from the likes of Kerrang! Radio, Pure Grain Audio, and Alt Corner. after eighteen months in the long grass, EIGHT DAYS are back with new members. The newly invigorated quartet have released their new single, Stray, in October; they plan to tour as well so keep an eye on their pages to find out when and where.
London’s trashiest exponents of gutter-level rock ‘n’ roll return with their sophomore long player ‘Last Suicide’, the follow-up to their 2017 debut ‘First Suicide’. Known for their incendiary and unpredictable live shows, the band has endured a few line-up changes in their short career, but the core songwriting duo of Sebastian Melmoth (vocals) and Vince Suicide (guitar) remain. While their first album line-up was an unusual 3 guitar attack with no bass, they now return to the more traditional format with new bassist Gema German and drummer May Mansur on board for the ride. Does this new 2 boy/2 girl line-up force a change in direction? Are Suicide Generation the new punk rock Abba? Read on to find out the gory details.
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