This Saturday, The BIG NIGHT IN is proud to welcome The Jack Tars aka Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats), Captain Sensible (The Damned), Chris Cheney (The Living End) and Mike Peters (The Alarm) as very special guests for the Big Night In Episode 14 this Saturday night (9pm UK time).
These legendary globe-trotting musicians have an incredible rock and roll story to tell. They don’t need any introduction around these parts.
Mike Peters, will also be performing and presenting the show alongside Jules who will be hosting all the usual chat, shout-outs, requests and acoustic performances. There will be screenings of never before seen footage and some amazing on screen appearances.
Bandcamp is the place to go to pre-order your very own copy of the brand new Speedways album ‘Radio Sounds’. Look out over this weekend as we have the one and only Rich Ragany taking care of the review for RPM of one of this summers best, most hotly anticipated albums. You don’t even need to put on your PPE to venture out to pre-order just do it from your house. You can also pre-order a digital copy from Beluga in Sweden
ISOLATION SOCIETY is a three piece band from New York, made up of Julie Hair (3 Teens Kill 4): bass, samples and voice, Richard Hutchins (Live Skull, Art Gray Noizz Quintet, Shilpa Ray): drums, and Ian Wilson (Star Spangles): guitar and voice.
‘Dead Cat Bounce’ is their second offering and whilst mainlining NYC into the veins of Isolation Society it sounds from the streets of an age long gone, painting songs with broad brush strokes using samples that jar the listener and peeking around darkened corners for sure there are moments where the influences are laid bare ‘Saturation’ is an off kilt early Blondie vibe if they were jamming obscure Bauhaus songs rather than trying to be pop.
The band use samples that are everyday street sounds of obscenities and everyday urban sounds which adds to the darkness and in a strange way the beauty of the songs. the tribal drums of ‘Amusement’ along with the gothic chants and cold guitar work are fascinating and rather enjoyable it has to be said.
utilizing samples drawn from popular culture and up to the minute moronic spoken samples from potus amidst howling feedback and sampled noise ‘Foot Fetish’ is as cold as el president’s heart and head I’d wager. Fuck me ‘Family’ is dark but once you’re in, you’re in and twisted bleak lyrics are appealing what does that say about me? Other than I know a good record when it lands on my turntable or email. ‘Drug Store’ has an early ’80s feel about it I guess dark times call for dark music and Isolation Society are dark. Saying that I’m about to contradict myself as the former Star Spangles man Ian Wilson pulls out a sparkling Johnny Marr like guitar lead on ‘Out Doors’ and its good no it’s very good.
As the record grinds to a halt ‘Moisture’ reminds me of The Cult around the time of ‘Resurrection Joe’ or even earlier incarnations of Asbury’s dream of a Death Cult. with a thick bass line courtesy of Julie Hair holding down that tempo like all those great Sisters Of Mercy songs had its a great way to see off any record. Man what a trip I thoroughly enjoyed. If you’ve ever had a hankering for a band that absorbed all the great bands from the ones I’ve referenced through my review to the Banshees and beyond then this is a record you will love a little more after every play and bringing the early ’80s right into the lockdown times of the roaring 2020s then Isolation Society is for you. Hit em up and check this out you won’t be disappointed at all.
In a bid to stay sane, entertain and hopefully stay afloat in these uncertain times Matty James decided to make a brand new 10 track acoustic CD avaialble.
Obviously, Matty James being the good guy we all know he is and how the current situation is affecting us all he has decided to not leave anyone behind here so you can simply ‘pay what you like’ for the digital download pre-order and everyone will receive email updates on how the project is coming along and evolving if you sign up to the mailing list. A bit Like a Pledge campaign Should have run its operation but without anyone stealing the money and Matty keeping it in house. There will be CDs available, plus exclusive Lyric Art (just one of each song).
Matty also wants to clarify, this is Not the new ‘album proper’ he’s been working on. He will now wait until the pandemic is in the rearview mirror before that gets done.
The songs are flowing and if you are in a position to get involved then Matty James is looking forward to seeing where it goes. To run along with this he will also do a celebratory live stream online gig. So whats going on with these here Isolation #tape recordings then I hear you ask? Well, Matt being the multi-instrumentalist and all-round one-man-band we know and love has also got his fellow Dogs partner Gary Pennick in to play some Guitars and add another flavour to the backing vocals. Whilst its a snapshot into how a guy works when writing this is well above what one might call a bedroom demo there’s no Tascam four-track going on here as ‘Dangerous To Myself’ displays as the opener in a really upbeat talk of the times with big acoustic open chords boxcar style drums and a howling harmonica.
There’s a change of pace for the Americana and gentle almost balladry of ‘Stop Cryin’ (It’s Only The End Of The World)’ which has a really good chorus that leads to Mr Pennicks (cough cough) soulful guitar picking (great arrangement).
Of course, this will appeal to Dogs fans and people who have a passing interest in the likes of Classic Quireboys as ‘Uncertain Times’ borrows of the good and the greats that have paved this path long before Matty His fellow Irish roots rocker Ricky Warwick did his best work when he picked up the acoustic guitar and did his thing and there is some of that here. Matty doesn’t just lean on the past he just pours a touch in his own mix and no doubt appreciated their offerings and learnt from those great records if it’s in yer DNA its in yer DNA. Love the simplicity of just writing a good bloody tune and ‘Say Nothing’ is just that.
‘Top Of The Hill’ heads down to the delta for some cotton picking Stonesy blues Americana. It’s a great mix of styles but ultimately the fit is totally cohesive and the songs flow really nicely with songs like ‘Someone’ reminding me of when Rod the Mod used to be able to play Rock and Roll in the late 70s when he was Atlantic crossing its got that vibe and Matty has nailed those Bass guitar fills and runs. But to wrap it all up its a return to the ’50s and ’60s and just writing a simple song but making it as good as it can be just like the Everleys or Buddy Holly did. Great work Mr Cassidy these songs are some of the best you’ve done ever and I can’t wait to hear the album proper. Top songwriter, top performer and Topman. Go check it out!
Pre-order ‘The Isolation Tapes’ and join the fun here – Here
As we spend our days playing through our LP collections, looking back at stuff we haven’t played in a while, how about looking at things in a different way? How about exploring a style previously unheard? How about diving in and just trying something different? Well for yours truly this really rips up the rule book, “It’s Karma it’s Kool.”
Now this baby appeared in my inbox after one of those do you fancy giving our band a listen conversations that you have over the inter-web and whatever Social Media platform you choose to frequent. As the opening intro to “Our love is an amplifier” eases its way out of the speakers you are instantly drawn to the pop sensibilities that permeate throughout, this is undeniably catchy as Fuck, and you find yourself tapping along to it as the lyrics bounce around your brain. Now as I listen I keep thinking it’s treading a path that another band I reviewed took me down, that Band was a Brighton band called World Secret. I mean when you introduce the phrase “pop” you are looking across all sorts of era’s and all sorts of styles, this LP is very much a pop LP for now, lets not go down Brit pop or power pop or indie pop route, lets call it well crafted music that’s going to appeal across the board.
As I sit listening I’m drawn back to the sixties at times, I feel the ghost of Syd Barrett will be up there smiling, there’s definitely more than a hint of psychedelia, maybe a hint of Alternative country (especially on “I woke up in Hollywood” the title track that contains some gorgeous harmonies) definitely the seventies with an updated version of the Byrds sound, that can be pulled out right the way through. We have a band I feel that have their influences grounded in the past but not afraid to play around with it, update it, while at the same time creating something that is defiantly different.
James Styring on vocals at time’s hit’s that classic Michael Stipe sound without copying, at times moving into Counting Crows arena size sound. This LP is an LP that washes over you, hints at lots of times spent immersed in music, crossing genres but at all times keeping your interest.
There’s some gorgeous guitar work on “The girl who gave you everything”, it weaves it way throughout, drawing in your focus. There’s a real homage to the previously hinted at 60’s psychedelia in “New Age Eve” but not from where you expect, the almost early ska type guitar run sets the scene before the vocals lead you into a brass section led element that twists and turns the music into all sorts of directions.
If your not smiling by this point as you listen your way through, there’s something seriously wrong, you really need to be sat in the sunshine, preferably with mates (remember guys no more than 6 at this time) with this LP setting the scene and creating the environment.
There’s a return to that alt country feel with “Ghosts of Rome” before probably my favourite track on the LP “Battle of Burnt out Bliss”, it just holds you, and draws you in the flamenco guitar giving some real colour to the sound.
AS the band themselves say “IT’S KARMA IT’S COOL throws away the rulebook, scribbles all over the blueprints, and forges their own path. Deliciously deceiving, their melodies will wiggle their way into the empty crevices in your brain and never leave.”
Too quickly we’re into the final track “Sunflowers” This is an LP that could form the soundtrack to your summer, its meant to be played with friends, outside and I’m sure the band would sound fantastic on a festival stage (maybe next year) let yourself get drawn into the band, remember “It’s Karma it’s Kool”.
Garage, Punk, Glam, Greaser, Power-Pop, Paisley Rock, Heartland-Punk, Blue Collar Pub Rock, Twang, Dirty Blues, Cow Punk, Surf’s Up!!
Rum Bar Records presents the soundtrack of Summer. Just click the link, stream, download, share, crank to your hearts and ears content, all songs available in one easy download for Social Distanced Beach Blanket Bingos, Surf Parties, BBQ’s, Tiki Bars, Dive Bars, Radio Play, Reviews, Podcasts, Streamers, Bloggers and Screamers, we hope you enjoy as much as we have working with all of these awesome and amazing bands & artists.
Somebody Out There Is Having a Party Vol 2 ‘FREE Download‘ Summer 2020 Sampler from the Rum Bar Records Family including: new releases, unreleased material, catalogue, upcoming projects, and more.
What a time to be alive I hear you cry well, we agree and to label the point here is the first glimpse into the new record from The Sensible Gray Cells.
In other news how about the new video from Swedens Acid Blood a band we love here at RPM HQ so here’s the new video they sent us for ‘To The Grave’ Gooooooooooooo Facebook / Instagram Order their album from Here
Cheeky Blues Bop N Strollers The Urban Voodoo Machine step forward with a video shot in Lockdown for the fantastic ‘Shattered Dreams’ Filmed in May during coronavirus lockdown in the UK, Holland, Cyprus, France, USA and Iceland…Take it away chaps
It’s a little known fact that Reno resident and Hellbound Glory main man Leroy Vergil has singlehandedly invented an Outlaw Country sub-genre he affectionately calls ‘Scumbag Country’. His stories from the seedy underbelly of the place he calls home in sunny Nevada are full of character observations and introspection, set to a soundtrack of countrified Americana.
Hellbound Glory have been around for 12 years in one form or another, even surviving the main man killing the band off and going on a 2 year bender of the Nevada city bars. Coaxed back from the verge of self-destruction by friend and fan Shooter Jennings, he recorded the masterful ‘Pinball’ in 2017 with Shooter and his band backing him the whole way. Inspired by his 2 year bender, he released one of the most real and true Outlaw Country albums around. Now Hellbound Glory returns with the follow up.
‘Pure Scum’ is the most straight out Country album Leroy has made, but don’t let that put you off. Leroy’s lyrics are still fuelled by drink, drugs and partying. Lyrically, it’s still as gritty as ‘Pinball’, there still feels like there’s an element of danger, but musically it’s more of a tribute to Country music’s roots.
Recorded mostly live over a 2 day period in LA, again with Shooter Jennings producing, it’s a love letter to his hometown Reno, the world’s biggest little city. With live, one take vocals and cool cats such as Ted Russell Kamp on bass, Aubrey Richmond on fiddle and steel guitar from John Schreffler, it emanates quality from start to finish.
You can’t help but get the feeling the Leroy lifestyle and the Reno lifestyles are one in the same thing. “It’s a scumbag life for me” proclaims the singer in album opener ‘Ragged But Alright’, “I ain’t much to look at but I shine in the dark” he says in the autobiographical ‘Neon Leon’, before warning us in album closer ‘DUIORDIE’ to “not try this at home”.
Bar-room boogies such as album opener ‘Ragged but Alright’ and ‘Loose Slots’ tell the tale of a degenerate gambler over chicken-picked guitar solos and frantic bursts of fiddle. The players on this album are Shooter’s own live band, hardened veterans of the live country music scene, and he has succeeded in capturing the energy of this tight live unit, taking them from the bars and dives straight onto tape and into your living room.
Shooter believes Leroy to be one of, if not the best, songwriters of his generation and you can see why. On the surface this is just another Country album, but dig deeper with repeated listens the stories of reckless abandon and the heartbreak of lost love shine through.
The tale of loving someone who ain’t no good for you is a tried and tested road we have all travelled, but Leroy manages to bring some new sentiment to an age old story on the likes of ‘Someone To Use’ and the sublime single ‘Damned Angel’. His raspy vocals, on the verge of breaking, as he recounts the tale of a girl who broke his heart in two. It’s an overly familiar melody you will swear you’ve heard before, but that the trick to good songwriting ladies and gents.
Raucous closer ‘DUIORDIE’ sees our man drowning his sorrows after his baby left him. A drinking song about a man partying hard and not giving a single, flying fuck! It’s a high energy shuffle, delivered at breakneck speed. “Whisky, cocaine and evil, evil women…what can I say, I’m having a good time” drawls the man before the whole song breaks down with a ramshackle crescendo. It sounds live, it sounds raw and it sounds real.
‘Pure Scum’ pays tribute to Country music’s past but it has a modern edginess to it. While the likes of Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers get the headlines as the new breed of Outlaw Country, its Leroy Virgil’s Hellbound Glory who are the real deal in my eyes (or should that be ears?). ‘Pure Scum’ is a tale of hard living and partying hard like there’s no tomorrow, which seems quite a sound way to live your life in these uncertain times.
I would say that ‘Pure Scum’ is ‘Pinball’ part 2 and certainly a worthy follow up. Shooter Jennings is not backing Leroy for the fun of it and maybe it’s time the world also took notice.
Feels a bit weird yet fitting that I’m reviewing the Doojimans debut record (of sorts) second after reviewing their second release first. Cofused? You will be but I doubt Doojiman and the gang would want it any other way.
Doojiman and his side kick Woogie Wombach grabbed a few space cadets and space cakes before heading into outter space to see if they could pull together something from the influences they had here on earth like The Ramones, MC5 and The Stooges but they weren’t just going to ape their idols they were going to throw their own shapes into the bowl and mix a fucked up salad all by themselves
With a bunch of EP’s, singles and two full-length albums under their belts (including ‘Electric Boogaloo’, released in January of this year by Beluga Records), Heavy Medication is bringing Stockholm’s D&TE’s debut digital-only e.p. from 2014 to vinyl for the first time and rockin up at Heavy Medications Door seems just about right and par for the course, to be honest.
From its opening chords, the “Watch Out! Look Out!” EP is everything as good as the ‘Electric Bugaloo’ album make no mistake about that. Its not just the debut EP though to be fair it also has the added bonus of four extra tracks (including a Nobunny cover) to make this another album they will certainly have orbiting around the end of the year best albums list. From the fuzzed-up organ heaving of opener ‘Woogie Wombach’ this record just motors. ‘(I Wanna Go) Take Me Away’ is a throbbing mass of Ramones angst being whipped by a Quo like twelve-bar chug.
They fly the Hives flag on ‘Doojiwoman’ and that filthy bass on ‘I Love It When You Hate Me’ would have been terrifying in the swinging ’60s where it was surely born. It’s like the Kinks on bad Acid but they’ve still got their mojo baby.
It’s not all crash bang wallop though kids, of course, it’s not as the band tackle the Nobunny tune ‘Apple Tree’ with nothing more than an acoustic guitar and some tasteful percussion and shimmering electric to puncture the chorus. but before things are brought to a close they venture off through late seventies NYC where they tune their antenna to something Blondie used to ply through the airwaves. Basically another top tune amongst an album full of top tunes but I expected nothing less. Sign me up scotty for the next one I can’t get enough of these crazy cats. Signing off starlog 2020 scribe Daley signing out! Buy it.
Buy ‘Watch Out Look Out’ Here or from Beluga Records outta Sweden Here
Hot on the heels of Junes summer sizzlers we had a bunch of other contenders for inclusion. So, it only seemed fair to reconvene the Singles Club this weekend and hit the 45 RPM switch and drop the needle for some new singles from the superb to the very good through the downright weird or catchy but none dull or not worth inclusion. Welcome one and all round two of the June singles Club…
The Sensible Gray Cells – ‘So Long’ (Damaged Goods) This bad boy dropped out of nowhere. I knew they were recording a follow up to the magnificent debut album and then a scuppered tour then this. Fuckin’ champion it is too. A rollicking Who like anthem (handclaps as well) ‘So Long’ is a belter Welcome back gents, I can’t wait to hear the album now. In direct contrast, the humour of the characters involved asks a very pertinent question on the B Side and they’re right. What is the fuckin point of any of em? Never mind just Andrew. Damned fans should be all over this and if its a good representation of the long-player then bring it on I can’t fuckin’ wait. Facebook / Pre Orders Here
Chuck Norris Experiment / Sator – ‘Split’ (Ghost Highway Records) Not heard from CNE in a while and I love a bit of Sator and what they offer so was pleased to see they did a split on the most excellent Ghost Highway Records. Opening up is a right sharp shooting ‘Turning Me Inside Out’ from CNE. Its tight, loud, and fast! everything you want from one of the finest Swedish exports currently making noise. Then a second more laid back groove as ‘One Hand On The Hip’ is a sleazy example of the versatility of the band who can easily excel in the full-tilt rockers as well as chilling with the acoustics and now it seems keeping it short and sweet as well. As for the Sator offering ‘Feathered Remedy’ is up first and the band give it some wellie and it sounds like a runaway steam train rattling down a hill with a great chorus. Wrapping up this bad boy is ‘A Song For You’ which is a glamorous romp in all its sub one minute glory. Buy it before they’re all gone its a banger. CNE Facebook
Spaghetti & Mayer- ‘Shits Fucked’ (Acetate Records) Eddie Spaghetti & Frank Meyer from the awesome Supersuckers and Street Walkin’ Cheetahs respectively put on their shit kickers and kick some shit. Its got a stolen Stooges riff, some rollicking’ barroom piano and a bunch of profanities what’s not to like? It’s a veritable top rock n roll tune by numbers and hits the spot. Only available from Acetate Records direct download it’s the best buck-fifty you’ll spend this pandemic that’s for sure. Get on it kids and turn it up! Now, how about a whole long-player from the two imagine if that were a goer and it sounded as good as this track? Fuck me sideways I’ll take some of that
Jerry Lehane – ‘Kiss My Tattoo’ (Rumbar Records) Taken from his EP Dogmatics man Jerry Lehane releases this mighty fine slice of energetic rock and roll with the emphasis on Rock! from the gutsy solo to the punchy tempo this is like listening to a gang of brothers cruising towards a rumble knowing they will get the job done. Excellent single and well worth checking out. Get on it Here
Dirty Streets – ‘On The Way’ (Alive Records) Like a throwback to a time when long hair and bellbottoms were the thang and three-piece bands were where it’s at. Dirty Streets jam their thang and lean heavily on the dirty blues from Cream to Led Zep and the likes of Free especially on ‘Can’t Go Back’ from its classic guitar break its like Humble Pie and paul Kosoff never roamed the earth. they hit their groove and stay on it. from the hushed laid back summer tune ‘On The Way’ through the hedonistic rock out of ‘Can’t Go Back’ to the jig is up White boy blues of ‘Walk A Mile In My Shoes’ which for me is the pick of the three and quite reminiscent of a certain Georgia Brotherhood band who shook their money maker. The album is eagerly anticipated and is available next month. Website / Facebook
Brian Ray – ‘I Ain’t Superstitious’ / ‘Spell Breaker’ (Wicked Cool Records) Gia Ciambotti take a bow lady. Why did you ask? well take a listen to that voice she can sing the living hell out of that song. whilst its a cover of a classic the vocals take it to another level. that and the neon green and black splatter on that wax. The flip side features the Wicked Cool recording artist Michael Des Barres. Spell Breaker is a cool smouldering track again a great vocal performance from Des Barres on a slab of dark pop-rock with added sparkle on that production of the co written song between Barres and Ray.
The Owen Guns – ‘Fuck Cyclists’ (Riot Records) Australian Hardcore Punk act THE OWEN GUNS have released their first single & video ‘F**k Cyclists’for Riot Records (Part of the Golden Robot Global Entertainment Group). ‘F**k Cyclists’ is a short blast of punk rock born out of the frustration of frequently being stuck behind cyclists on narrow country roads. Straight to the point, it pulls no punches.
THE OWEN GUNS would like to point out that they don’t condone acts of violence towards those Lycra clad irritants, no matter how tempting.
The Rellies – ‘Isabella Is Annoying’ (Damaged Goods Records) The Rellies are brothers and songwriters Ryan (13yo) guitar and vocals and Riley (11yo) Bass and Vocals as well as Jarlath (11) on drums and Aiden (12) on guitar. All met in Sydney’s infamous suburb of Kings Cross. What were these young ones doing in such an area? Learning music of course – ha ha. The band has been playing together for around three years. Songwriters Ryan and Riley like to argue a lot at rehearsal but actually love nothing more than to grab their vintage guitars and play songs by their favourite band, The Beatles. Aiden & Jarlath seem happy to do whatever. The Rellies play a mix of indie, garage-punk and rock.
Their greatest achievement is becoming part of the Damaged Goods family and playing live at Sydney venues like The Oxford Arts Factory and El Rocco. Don’t question Damaged Goods Records for they’ve released Cyanide Pills and Thee Spivs previously so they know what they’re doing besides when this enters your head you’ll be annoying everyone you know with the sound of The Rellies.
Fur – ‘Grow Up’ Like a mash-up of Weezer, Green Day and the anti folk club ruled by the likes of Crazy & The Brains this is twisted pop at its finest.
Fontaines D.C. – ‘I Don’t Belong’ (Partisan Records)“I Don’t Belong” taken from the forthcoming album out 31st July on Partisan Records. Pre-order / Pre-save the album: Here
Jailbirds – Watery Grave’ (Golden Robot Records) Drawing their influences from the obvious (Sabbath) and the not so obvious Jailbirds are loud and they play ROCK! They come from Canada and its big riffs, big vocals and big production on this new single. Check out the video below.
Tom Wardle – ‘Secrets’ Power-Pop tastic. Big hook, Big solos & bigger production but sadly no big hair. Tom had praise from high places Namely Rolling Stone Magazine for his last single ‘Jacqueline’ and on this evidence that’s not going to stop any time soon. This power-pop rocker just gets bigger as the song motors along. The recipe isn’t a secret it’s just born out of hard work and talent (obviously) The only downside is the inspiration behind the song. The least said about the tricky trees the better but at least Tom supports his local team which we can get behind. check out the video and
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