The Virginmarys –  ‘The House Beyond The Fires’ (Self Release)

The Virginmarys –  ‘The House Beyond The Fires’ (Self Release)

“There ain’t no future, Halle-fuckin-lujah!” Spits Ally Dickaty two songs into the magnificent new opus from Macclesfield duo The Virginmarys. That diatribe sums up the frustration, the anger and the pent-up aggression of not just a small-town northern band, but the collective of a whole generation who face an uncertain future in 2024. 

Right now feels like a time where bands with something to say will shine. Rubbing shoulders with the likes of Ren, Delilah Bon and Bob Vylan, The Virginmarys join a whole host of artists who are pissed off and shouting from the rooftops social/political commentary, tackling the subject paths others fear to tread.

For a band who came close to throwing in the towel a few years back, The Virginmarys sound invigorated and ready to take on the world with ‘The House Beyond the Fires’, their fourth album, produced by Ally and go-to-guy Dave Draper.

The picked chords and sweeping strings of cinematic opener ‘White Knuckle Ride’ creates atmosphere in the same way ‘Ends Don’t Mend’ closed the debut album ‘King Of Conflict’ over a decade ago. Intentionally or not, maybe The Virginmarys have come full circle in that time? Sonically at least the duo retain all the fire and energy of a band on their first record. The big riffs, melodies and powerhouse beats remain as solid as the friendship of singer/guitarist Ally Dickaty and drummer Danny Dolan. 

‘The House Beyond the Fires’ is a viscous snarling beast from beginning to end. The singles released in the lead up shine strong on first listen. ‘Northwest Coast’ with its stabbing power chords and bombastic drums is full of northern grit and bleak desperation, like a band teetering on the edge, pulling the pin from a musical hand-grenade with their teeth. It’s glorious. 

Second single and second track on the album ‘There Ain’t No Future’ is quite possibly the best rock song of the year. If MTV was still a music channel, that striking video would be on heavy rotation, it’s a song that should be a standard on rock radio right now. Punchy as fuck, both lyrically and musically. And most recently ‘When The Light’s Go Down’, with its hi hat count and crunchy riff is about as AC/DC as you get in 2024, but the infectious melody and songwriting suss of Ally takes it to a different place entirely. The duo weave their sonic tapestry to great effect, creating dark atmospheres with urgent rhythms, effect-ridden guitars and clever use of space.

Elsewhere, ‘You’re A Killer’ is dark and edgy, punky goodness, ‘Trippin’ New York City’ is a funky curveball with killer dynamics and guitars that are sloppy as fuck, right up my street.

The intensity builds song after song culminating mid-album with the acerbic ‘Lies Lies Lies’ a brutal assault on the senses that just makes you wanna turn it up and turn it on. 

Ally is one of those songwriters that has a knack of creating imagery in his songs and putting you in a certain mind frame, ‘Where Are You Now’ is a tune that does just that. The loud/quiet/loud formula is delivered with passion, emotion and angst in equal measures. The epic ‘Dance To The City’ then veers towards Trail Of Dead territory, before closer ‘Urban Seagull’ throws one last curveball. 

‘The House Beyond The Fires’ is dedicated to Danny’s father Tommy who passed away last year. He was a big inspiration to Ally in his songwriting and the boys have done him proud. 

Equal parts emotive and raging, passionate and powerful, The  Virginmarys have delivered a masterpiece with ‘The House Beyond The Fires’. A modern rock record that is up there with the best albums this year. Essential listening. 

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

Split Dogs ask why does it burn?

Split Dogs ask why does it burn?

Bristol Punk Rock ‘n Rollers Split Dogs hit back with new single ‘Precious Stones’ out now via Venn Records

New album ‘Here To Destroy’ set for release on February 28th 2025 – pre-order HERE:

Listen/Buy HERE:

Rock’n’roll revivalists Split Dogs are doing things the old way and the best way. This is not a band content to sit behind laptop screens, fifteen second viral videos or digital marketing campaigns to spread their noise. No, Split Dogs are true road warriors, almost physically incapable of turning down a gig, they’ve spent the last few months playing every conceivable stage, space and venue to spread the word as they approach the release of their second album ‘Here To Destroy’, due for release February 28th via Venn Records.

And it’s working. The reputation for their own firebrand of frenzied, high-voltage rock ‘n’ roll is spreading fast and wide throughout the punk rock community and beyond and Split Dogs gigs are fast becoming eagerly anticipated events.

Today, the band follow previous singles ‘And What?’ and ‘Monster Truck’ with a brand new two-minute killer titled ‘Precious Stones.’

“The song shines a spotlight on the people that imply false authority in society based on their job title or financial position,” explains guitarist Mil Martinez. “From the obvious traffic wardens all the way up to entitled yoga instructors, nothing burns worse than being falsely reprimanded by another adult so they can attempt to assume dominance over you.”

Musically ‘Precious Stones’ drives along at a storming rate, building in power as it progresses, with singer Harry Atkins the architect of the intensity. The accompanying video conveys just that. Focused solely on Harry’s face, it’s an unflinching, uncompromising experience. 

“The precious stones video was all about intensity, and hard intent,” continues Mil. “There’s no escape, feeling like it’s just you in the room and Harry has you cornered. Relentlessly demanding that you answer the question ‘why does it burn?’

Born from the frustration of seeing music become commodified and soulless, vocalist Harry Atkins and guitarist Mil Martinez had the idea to form a band as far back as 2015, with the name ‘Split Dogs’ pulled from the classic zombie film ‘Return of the Living Dead’.

In South London, a young Martinez would hear Status Quo, Bachman Turner Overdrive and Dire Straits on the car radio while his father drove him to school. At home he would invade his older brothers’ record collection which leaned towards the harder sounds of punk and heavy metal. Meanwhile in the Black Country, Harry’s mother instilled a love of Northern Soul, Slade and rock’n’roll, with stories of nights out at Club Lafayette and family singalongs at home. According to Martinez, “Our sound is a culmination of all those early influences and, to be honest, it really shows.”

It wasn’t until 2022 that Split Dogs officially arrived on the scene with bass player Suez Boyle joining the band in 2023. Already a prominent figure in the queer punk scene, Suez played the first ever Rebellion Festival at the tender age of 16 with her band The Walking Abortions. Up until that point, drummer Chris Hugall, an old friend of Martinez and former member of ska punks Mouthwash (signed to Rancid’s label Hellcat back in the day), was only on hand to help design artwork. It wasn’t until 2024 Hugall joined the band full-time cementing the current line-up.

The raucous live shows and infectious lyrics saw the four-piece make a name for themselves among the punks of Bristol, a scene that has always welcomed LGBTQ+ and marginalised people. As word spread, so did the gigging, and soon enough Split Dogs were playing to sold out rooms in mainland Europe, eventually grabbing the attention of UK label Venn Records (Gallows, Bob Vylan, High Vis).

‘Here to Destroy’ was recorded over three days at Middle Farm Studios by producer Peter Miles. All tracks were laid straight to a 16-track reel-to-reel tape machine, no autotune, no effects pedals, no computers. To add to the music’s authenticity, the album was recorded live, with Harry singing along in a vocal booth. No cutting and pasting, just nailing takes. According to Martinez, “It was a blast! We fully immersed ourselves, sleeping in a small apartment below the studio, cooking meals and listening to Pete’s extensive record collection”.

As the album title makes clear, Split Dogs are here to destroy, but they’re also here to rebuild and remind us of music’s essence. “We’re not beholden to the digital age, we don’t want to get famous on social media, we just want to show the world that rock’n’roll is alive and well”.

Split Dogs are:

Harry Atkins – vocals (they/them)

Mil Martinez – guitar (he/him)

Chris Hugall – drums (he/him)

Suez Boyle – bass (she/her)

Catch Split Dogs live at the following dates:


05/11 Exchange Bristol w/Zeke
06/11 Water Rats, London w/Desperate Measures
16/11 Phoenix, Exeter w/Sham 69
6/12 Railway inn, Redditch 
7/12 Workman’s Cellar, Dublin
20/12 King Arther, Glastonbury 
21/12 Cavern, Exeter w/GBH
29/12 Electric Bar, Bath

2025

11/01 100 Club, w/GBH

12/01 Con Club, Lewes w/Subhumans

26/02 The Hug and Pint, Glasgow

27/02 Gullivers, Manchester

28/02 Billy Bootleggers, Nottingham

01/03 The Grace, London

02/03 Daltons, Brighton

07/03 Rough Trade, Bristol

18/03 Supersonic, Paris

20/03 Café Central, Bruxelles

21/03 La Zone, Liége

22/03 Café The Jack, Eindhoven

23/03 Poppodium Volt, Sittard

9-12/07 2000 Trees Festival

Find Split Dogs online HERE:

WASP & Wildhearts set for the Mountain in 2025

WASP & Wildhearts set for the Mountain in 2025

Tickets

Steelhouse 2025 weekend early birds on sale now

2025 marks the 14th iteration of Steelhouse, a now essential fixture on the summer festival map. This first wave of announcements includes the Friday and Saturday headliners, and proves once again that Steelhouse means business. There are more artist announcements to come soon, including the Sunday night headliners!
 
Legendary LA metal outfit, W.A.S.P. led by the inimitable Blackie Lawless make their Steelhouse debut appearance with a Saturday headlining set full of classics. It will be their only 2025 UK festival appearance.
 
Re-energized Brit-rockers, The Wildhearts plan to set the festival alight with their Friday headline appearance – their first Welsh date since their re-activation.
 
As ever the headliners are supported by an incredible array of the finest talent in rock. Steelhouse can already confirm that Wolfsbane make their first trip to the mountain appearing alongside Ginger’s men on Friday whilst former Runaways icon, Lita Ford makes it a double bill of Sunset Strip star names on Saturday as special guest. Wolfsbane said, “We’re so excited about the Steelhouse Festival. We love any excuse to do a Wolfsbane show!! It’s all our original members from the first album. We will be performing big hits, and a couple of new songs from our new album ‘Genius’. Jase says playing our song ‘Steel’ at Steelhouse is PERFECT! We just can’t wait”.
 
Asomvel, Kit Trigg, Marisa & The Moths, Muddibrooke, Tailgunner, These Wicked Rivers, The Treatment and Scarlet Rebels are all set to appear and represent the cream of the contemporary UK rock scene. 
 
Tickets are on sale now. For those wanting to spread the cost, a monthly payment plan has been introduced on weekend arena tickets AND for the first time VIP upgrades have been introduced for those wanting VIP bar access, luxury facilities and other bonuses!
 
Max and Mikey say, “What a way to start! If you’re looking for artists who’ve done it their way and theirs alone then we’ve got them. 
 
“We’re delighted to have W.A.S.P. finally make their Steelhouse debut. Blackie Lawless is the definition of ‘rock star’ – trailblazer, headline maker, showman and supreme songwriter… The real deal. That show, those songs ringing out over The Mountain on Steelhouse Saturday, you’ll scream and you’ll like it!”
 
“Then there’s Lita Ford, core member of the Runaways, solo star, a true icon and if you’re looking for a true original, then look no further than Ginger Wildheart. We’re delighted he’s re-activated The Wildhearts and the first show in the Land of our Fathers is Steelhouse. Their Friday headline show promises to be an absolute assault on the senses fired of course by Ginger-grade song power”.
 
Ginger Wildheart added, “We’re going to blow your mountain up and take some of it home to harness the hard rock power. Let’s fucking have this”.
 
The Festival at the top of the mountain boasts not only the best views of any UK rock event but one of the most passionate, friendly and loyal followings. With a reputation for not only bringing in the biggest and best names from the international world of Rock, Steelhouse also understands the role it can play in throwing open its prestigious stage to the best of the new breed of bands. It all adds up to a compelling mix of classic and cutting edge Rock, old and new.
 
“So, once again let’s get ready to Rocio y Mynydd / Rock the Mountain!”

Steve Vincent – ‘The Best Kept Secret In Rock n Roll’ (Self Release)

Steve Vincent – ‘The Best Kept Secret In Rock n Roll’ (Self Release)

Steve might get his fonts from his Wordsworth word processor and his drapes from Showaddywaddy but he gets his songs from his rock n roll beating heart. Oh, and he wears the best boots no question.

Joking aside Steve comes from a world that should have ruled the airwaves in the mid-eighties from Hanoi to the Lords to the Quireboys to the Throbs, sleazy rock n roll wasn’t hair bands they were genuine rockers writing soft songs for tough guys and living the dream twenty-four seven. Here Steve spills ten songs onto the digital airwaves made with style and an unwavering dedication to his beliefs. Steve is true to those roots and continues to fly the flag for punky sleaze n roll with plenty of the real Glam carved out of the likes of Stiv, Monroe and the Dolls.

The album opens with the sprightly rocker ‘Baby Don’t Cry’ and Steve wheezes a pretty mean gob iron to boot. Steve not only has his name in lights but pretty much does the heavy lifting from the drum programming to guitars, harmonica and vocals and no doubt tea-making duties as well. Steve has a distinct gravel n whisky vocals but holds onto some decent melodies throughout and also adheres to the rules of the old school in making sure the songs have a strong chorus and melody and then you can dress it however you like from the barroom guitars to the big boy solos ‘Baby Don’t Cry’ has got the jewson lot.

Steve does a decent lyric in reminiscing about the good old days and it’s a question I often ask about where have all those people who used to frequent the Buttz n Spike Club, st Moritz, the marquee a well as the clubs across the country that would sell out for shows from some sleazy mofos. Just where have all those “cool Kids” gone? They didn’t all get jobs cut their hair and have families did they?

There’s a good energy about ‘Live For Today’ and that twelve bar boogie is made for a cowboy booted foot on the monitor and lots of man hugging whilst the guitar player windmills those solos out like their shots from a bottle of jack that’s going out of fashion. Whilst Steve does the heavy lifting throughout the record he does get a heft amount of help throughout especially on the guest solos which helps add different flavours to the songs and I do like the harp throughout ‘Forgive And Forget’ is another with a standout chorus and embracing modern technologies on ‘Living In The Digital Age’ is probably a place the likes of Steve Vincent never anticipated but has embraced and used to his advantage knocking out a couple of solo albums that might never have seen the light of day otherwise.

I think Steve kept the best til last and a vibrant ‘Stop Messing My Heart Around’, the penultimate track, enhanced with the good old underused handclaps and late-night tempo the perfect set ender before the encore gets called for. That encore is the barroom honky tonk title track. Last orders boys n girls and get your dancing slippers on. Had this been on the new Quireboys album people would be saying they’ve turned the clock back to the early days and knocked out a banger but it’s not Spikes its Steves and the honkin’ Saxophone only elevates it further in my humble opinion. Good on ya Steve this is worth keeping on on its own, a slice of pure good-time rock n roll to warm the cockles of your heart. Now whisper it quietly but the best kept secret in Rock n Roll is zipping up his best Cuban-heeled Chelsea boots and he’s ready to rock, so join him and get involved you know you want to. Buy IT!

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Various Artists – ‘Action Rock Jukebox’ (Screaming Crow Records)

Various Artists – ‘Action Rock Jukebox’ (Screaming Crow Records)

I do love a cover I’ll be honest and fess up from the off. Now sure I guess its all subjective and some bands have done killer covers that are better than the original but we all know that’s not always the case and a lot of the time its really hit or miss with bands either totally missing the point or just not getting it.

This concept was first released as stand-alone 45s where the label put out one cover and one original on a real 7″ single with a big hole so it could be uploaded on a real jukebox it also came with the jukebox cut out for the listener to request the track when they dropped their money proper old school and a great concept to be fair. Then rope in some of your favourite current artists and the jobs a good un then wrap them all together and make a big splatter disc of them all and some. This is only volume one mind so who knows the possibilities are endless.

Side one track one is a thunderous Stacy Crowe taking on Golden Earings ‘Radar Love’ and giving it a shot of energy its fair to say it’s a rampant take – very good but not a song I’m too fond of if I’m being honest I remember The Alarm doing it way back in the mid-80s and I wasn’t keen then but yup its a staple on jukeboxes everywhere cool take. Their original track is ‘Dead Of Night’ and a guitar noodling rocker it is. Solid opener.

The Cheats cover is a Bay City Rollers number ‘Rock n Roll Love Letter’ and what a jolly good effort it is too. Sure they roughed it up but did keep its melody and chorus is killer which was always the point with the tartan rockers. Now their original is a rampant bruising ‘Cussin Crying Carrying on’ and what an energetic belter it is too. Black Sherriff then knock out ‘Centerfold’ by J Geils Band and it sounds like they had a blast something that shines through on their recording no question. ‘Johnnys Fight’ is more of the same to be fair with a stomping rocker with big riffs and anthemic vocals.

Someone had to do it and give Mean Gene more credits on his seasonal royalties and Dirty Denims ‘Rock And Roll All Night’ is note for note on the money. I’m happy to admit I just don’t get the Kiss love in and whilst I’ll happily admit they have plenty of bangers I fail to see the massive stadium attraction, especially after all these years but this is an impressive take and I’m sure Gene n Paul are grateful and would certainly put another coin in the jukebox to hear this again. The band’s original is a rampant ‘Better Believe It’ that boogie woogies out of the speakers in sprightly fashion and in keeping with the high standards set thus far.

Now we’re talking, Scumbag Millionaire gives Abba a good seeing to. ‘So Long’ might not be a song most of us would name when asked to name an Abba tune but this is a rollicking good time from the Scumbags. The original is ‘Gluehead’ and what a barnstorming noise this is. So we’ve reached the hottest core of the record as Scumbag Millionaire kick the shit out of the speakers with the album’s finest moment thus far. Stonkin’ loud rock n roll (try not to slip on the spilt beer mother fuckers).

Killer Hearts give an impressive account of themselves as they rough up UFOs ‘Doctor Doctor’ whilst tipping the hat to the UK rockers they also boogie like fuck. The original track is ‘Demolition Love’ and they push Scumbags pretty hard for the top spot with a hard rockin banger that’s sleazy and would be the most requested side in any dive bar jukebox but Barman hid the pool cues quickly.

The album is brought to an end with the inclusion of Hollywood Creepers taking on the power pop of the Knack and ‘Good Girls Don’t’ and in keeping with the high standards of this comp it’s done with care and love and a heap of respect. Leaving only their original to take this baby home and ‘I Wanna Feel Your Bite’ does a splendid job wrapping this up with a cool riff and even cooler chorus.

Man on this evidence I can’t wait fo volume two it’ll be a tough act to follow volume one because every one of these bands do killer originals and pretty mich the same over fo their chosen covers. Hell, go buy a jukebox and pick these up otherwise settle for the long player from Screaming Crow Records you know it makes sense. Buy It!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

EDDIE GARRITY BITES BACK

EDDIE GARRITY BITES BACK

‘a true star… all-conquering like a Mancunian Jaynecounty’ Wired up! – Performing tracks from the critically acclaimed SLAUGHTER &THE DOGS album ‘BITE BACK’

LIVE –
Star & Garter – Manchester – 28th December 2024 – Doors 3.30pm – 8.30pm – Admission
£10 Advance – £12 OTD – PLUS Stuntface/ The Sewer Cats/Hospital Food


Fulford Arms – York – 24th January 2025 – Doors 7.30pm – Admission £12 Advance – £15
OTD – Plus supports – https://www.seetickets.com/tour/eddie-garrity-s-slaughter

Central Bar – Gateshead – 25th January 2025 – Doors 7.30pm – Admission £11 – Plus Heed
Case – www.wegottickets.com


Hope & Anchor – Islington London – 21st June 2025 – Doors 7.30pm – 11pm – Admission
£10 Advance – £12 OTD – Plus The Headhunters/The Phobics
More shows TBC

Performing tracks from the critically acclaimed SLAUGHTER & THE DOGS album ‘BITE BACK’
(Produced by Mott the Hoople drummer Dale Griffin) for the first time since the 40th anniversary
reunion shows of the original ‘Bite Back’ line up back in 2021, during which the band played a sold-out
show at Manchester’s Rebellion club (Released on Secret records as ‘Bite Back Live’ – CD+DVD
25th October 2024) and also gave a memorable performance at the Empress Ballroom during the
Rebellion festival in Blackpool the following year. Wired up! Summing up Ed’s festival performance
perfectly – ‘a true star…strong and soaring, all conquering like a Mancunian Jayne county…a strong
contender for front person of the weekend’

Eddie Garrity aka Ed Banger/Edweena Banger (Ed Banger & the Nosebleeds, Slaughter & the
Dogs/Slaughter) was born and raised in Wythenshawe, Manchester. Ed worked as a roadie for fellow
mancunians Slaughter & the Dogs, when supporting the Sex Pistols & Buzzcocks at the legendary
Manchester Lesser Free Trade Hall show on 20th July 1976. Following this Ed formed The
Nosebleeds and became a fixture in the 1977 punk wars, the Nosebleeds single ‘Ain’t Been To No
Music School’ was a schoolboy anthem around Manchester in 1977, selling 10,000 copies.
Ed Banger left the Nosebleeds in 1979, and joined Slaughter & the Dogs, after original singer Wayne
Barrett had left the band on the eve of a 1979 UK tour. The album ‘Bite Back’ was released in 1980
(Ed co-writing many of the songs) under the abbreviated name ‘Slaughter’, the band then embarked
on a sold out, nationwide tour of the UK. The original ‘Bite Back’ era came to an end in 1981. Now,
fans can once again enjoy the voice behind those iconic songs as Eddie Garrity revives his musical
journey by taking a new ‘Bite Back’ line up on tour..

Mudhoney/John E Vistic – New Century Hall Manchester 28th September 2024

Mudhoney/John E Vistic – New Century Hall Manchester 28th September 2024

Punk rock, but not as we know it. The future of rock n roll always smacks you square in the face when you least expect it. No prior knowledge whatsoever of John E Vistic but I am instantly grabbed in a chokehold by this provocative, shit-kicking set. They are hard to classify without straying away from the sheer fun of their output. Simply put, with a solid rocking rhythm section, bare-knuckle guitar lines, ear screeching saxophone solos and a frontman who can put any room in the palm of his hands, stop what you are doing and seek out John E Vistic and have a better life for it.

Hitting the stage to a rapturous crowd of varying ages, Mark Arm and lads waste no time and get straight down to business. Electrifying all those assembled with varied classics but also blending in and showcasing the latest release Plastic Eternity in this career-spanning set. 

In what must be their 5th decade as a touring band, still unrelenting and no sign of rust on this big fuzz machine. Particular standouts being “suck you dry” and the obligatory “touch me I’m sick”, still effortlessly making the crowd erupt like we’re stuck inside an early 90s time capsule. The mid-era stuff sounds killer too it has to be said, they certainly keep you on your toes with the array of material in their cannon.

What initially appeared to be a blown PA turned out to be a haphazard situation where the socket got pulled out of the wall. Potentially the closest we can get to seeing the lads joining their Seattle contemporaries with a set of Mudhoney Unplugged. No acoustic guitars in sight thankfully. The big muff lives to fight another day.

A real treat today in modern gig-going culture. Ethically priced tickets and merch and a band that can still deliver a stellar live show, much to the joy of this packed-out house and sea of Sub Pop t-shirts. Catch them while you can and treasure the experience.

Author: Dan Kasm

Episode 48 – Goodbye Dianno

Episode 48 – Goodbye Dianno

On this episode of the podcast, Chris & Dom say adios to former Maiden vocalist and Battlezone singer Paul Dianno and as a mark of respect we kick off the show wearing spandex and Gola hightops with studded wristbands and matching belts on top of our lee cooper denim battle vests, ‘Feel The Rock’ is the hymn of choice but only because it features members of the mighty Tokyo Blade so Rock in Peace Mr Dianno rest easy sir. Obviously we couldn’t play a maiden song that would seem weird even for us and I couldn’t find my cassette tape of the self titled Dianno album to play one of his pomp synth rock n roll tunes so Battlezone it is.

We then get the show rockin with a heap of new bands and tunes from the Discarded who bring us to ‘Testify’ before we rock it up with Ronnie Simmons & The Redback Spiders who dish up ‘Little Miss Understood’ featuring none other than Ritchie Ramone and Johnny Martin who play on the track and Johnny plays on the album thats due to be released pretty soon.

Before the debut EP is released the band head out on a tour of Australia in November.

We then play a track off the brand new album courtesy of Rowdy whose album is released on Drunken Sailor Records and one we highly recommend with their brand of bad boy boogie mixed with some sleazy punk n roll Rowdy released a really impressive debut album. The track we played is ‘Love To Lose’.

Described as Masked UK proto punk Garage Oddballs, Thee Headshrinkers is a band we simply couldn’t ignore so its with great pleasure we give this trio some love and drop their fantastic single ‘Sunday Driver’ for your listening pleasure.

The second airing of a track off the Mar*x album ‘Green Ginger Jive’ this one is ‘Louder’ and more 70s influenced Glam Rock for your listening pleasure.

Snarling Dogs is a new band from the US of A and armed with a devastating album this is ‘Highway Of Hurt’ from the self-titled debut. Another new band and new release courtesy of those great people at Drunken Sailor Records.

We head back in time then for a track off Pure Rubbish EP ‘Tejas Waste’ and the track ‘Maximum Boy’ quickly followed by Smash Fashion and the track Marionette from the ‘Big Cat Love’ album. Keep your eyes and ears peeled because we have an interview coming up to coincide with the release of Crymwav‘s new material. A couple of months ago I got to chat with Roger Deering about his life in music and more it’ll be spread over a couple of episodes because Rogers’ life has been something that we shouldn’t edit down as he tells it like it is and we coincide with some awesome music he’s been part of so keep your eyes and ears peeled for that.

Monet are a band from South Wales who have just completed their second album recording and are about to get busy. This no-barriers bunch of nutters mix up the likes of Mr Bungle and post punk with hard rock for some mind-blowing music and they have a new single out entitled ‘Violentist’ that will fuck with you ahead of the album release.

The Silverlites are a new band featuring REMs Peter Buck alongside Rich Robinson from Black Crowes as well as Barrett Martin from Screaming Trees and Joseph Arthur on vocals. The album is out digitally on November 15th whilst the CD is out in the new year and will feature a bonus six tracks.

Delving into the mists of time to bring you The Veins and a track from their ‘Hollywoodland’ album with th rocker ‘Walk Away’. Turn up your speakers because the excellent Headhunters are o next with the A side of their recent single ‘Hour x Hour’ which I’m sure you’ll agree is an absolute banger and hopefully the start of something.

Does anyone remember a side project from Texas Terri Bomb called The Vampire Junkies? Well, they did one CD EP and we air ‘Denmark Street’ which is a cracking punk n roll number and I only wish there was more music from Texas Terri Bomb who in my humble opinion never made a bad record and managed to turn in some memorable live shows as well. Would love to get her on for a chat at some point.

Another Drunken Sailor record is by a band called Loosey and the track is the excellent ‘Hardly See Me’. Hold on we haven’t played a cover! oh yeah, how about ‘Doctor Doctor’ by Killer Hearts off the Action Rock Jukebox. Killer cover of a killer song. Don’t believe us – check it out.

Anyone with an eye on new releases can’t help to notice that Amyl & The Sniffers have a new record and the latest single off ‘Cartoon Darkness’ is the potty-mouthed ‘Jerkin’ and if you have five minutes you might like to check out the accompanying video. We’ll say no more but Hotshot have clicked like and favourites these neerdowells from Down Under.

The penultimate song is the brand new offering from Crymwav and ‘Contagious’ by name and nature get an earful of this from Roger and his band and look out for that podcast special coming in November.

Finally, this week’s show is closed out by the magnificent Wyldlife and their new single ‘Fast Dreams’. That us done and dusted for another episode and we hope you like and subscribe to our little corner of the Rock n Roll universe so until the next episode – keep it RPM Online – Its a Revolution!

Snarling Dogs – ‘Snarling Dogs’ (Drunken Sailor Records)

Snarling Dogs – ‘Snarling Dogs’ (Drunken Sailor Records)

Oh Boy, Drunken Sailor Records is on fire this year, releasing epic album after must-have record. Snarling Dogs is the latest in an ever-expanding line of stunning punk rock’ n roll records.

After submitting a demo last year, These Pittsburgh punks Snarling Dogs unleash their rabid album on an unsuspecting world with a healthy heartful of napalm these dead boys aren’t taking things lightly nor taking prisoners on this first outing they’re scorching the earth and everything in their path. This is top-notch fistful of Fury punk n roll at its finest. I could pack my review with rabid dog comparisons about biting and barking but that’s too easy so I’ll just stick to the facts when it comes to the Rock n Roll and when I get excited it makes me feel alive and almost wanting to run around like a dog with two dicks.
It’s eleven rapid, runaway revved-up rockers, taking in the first knocking of Punk rock n roll from the Stooges through the Bowery in the 70s and all the way to London when ‘New Rose’ changed everything these cats have been paying attention and absorbing it all in order to channel it into their modern twist.

‘Nothing Left’ is charging around like The Stooges only just broke outta Detroit with the speed and mixed with the cheap drug-fueled speed of early Damned or The Dead Boys. It’s all about the energy and attitude and this has it in spades.


The record isn’t just crash bang wallop mind there are more measured moments like ‘Hour at a Time’ – a building groove that sounds like the inner thoughts of some crazed killer running loose through some rainy downtown fleeing the scene of the crime with some great Iggy Style yelps on the breakdown.

‘Enemy’ is brutal and unhinged punk rock with a maniac pace and energy- exploding through the speakers. they should head out on tour with The Cavemen a thought I had when the shimmering guitar filled the void on ‘I’m An Animal’ it’s not all crash bang wallop see.

‘Overtime’ rivals anything Stiff Richards delivers whilst ‘Sniper’ takes aim (sorry, Couldn’t resist that one) is the battle cry for going over the top for WW3 like the spirit of Motorhead dines out with some snotty NYHC in 2024. These boys have a sensitive side as they demonstrate on ‘Highway Of Hurt’ but don’t think they’ve gone soft because ‘USA’ opens fire on anyone listening in. Hell, they even have a ‘Fight Song’ – get in there I’m on team Snarling Dogs sounding like a 70s Glam-inspired foot on the monitor chest-beating anthem.

The album ends with ‘2 Crosses’ as the band goes widescreen with a cool lick and rollicking rhythm proving they’re not a one trick pony and can turn their hand to whatever style they like it just so happens they prefer rockin out like they’ve got rabies and they’re on the run from the pound but don’t get too close this is one wild animal and I freakin well love it. Makes you feel alive and in love with Punk Rock n Roll Ave It! absolutely Buy It!

While the record has these intense dynamic shifts, Snarling Dogs glue it all together with their cohesive live rock-n-roll energy. Snarling Dogs is the perfect escape from the mundanity of life.
Chug that 40 oz on your lunch break, smoke that entire pack of cigs, and take a piss on your boss’s car. There are two dogs in you. Now it’s time to set the Snarling Dog free.

Buy Here

THEE HEADSRINKERS are ‘Head Cheese’

THEE HEADSRINKERS are ‘Head Cheese’

THEE HEADSRINKERS DEBUT ALBUM ‘HEAD CHEESE’ TO BE RELEASED NOVEMBER 29TH VIA PROPERTY OF THE LOST RECORDS

PRE-ORDER HERE:

If there was ever an ad for joinmyband.com, this story is it.

Rob (stocking) and Gino (balaclava) found each other there and started practising as a duo in a mate’s garage sandwiched between rusty bicycles and an old MG. They wanted to sound like The Jesus & Mary Chain. It didn’t quite work out that way. Planning for his imminent move to Hastings not to be a lonely one Stiv (doll’s head) also found the couple, who by this time thought a human drummer would be a nice addition, through the aforementioned musician matchmaking site.

The road they travel is littered with youthful memories of all bands across the world and through the ages. Being in a band is THE adventure, a gang of misfits you want to be part of. Practice rooms being raided by armed police because there was a starter pistol modification factory next door and being coined off stage after an ill-judged booking, just a couple of whimsical recollections. Rob, primarily a lover of Northern Soul and reggae, spent his youth playing in mod and ska bands and spent one summer travelling across Europe in an ambulance playing squats and community centres with crust punks Rites Of Man. It was never the plan for him to be chief lyricist and singer, he just did it until “they found someone better” but with subject matters from driving your motorbike at night and switching off the lights to not letting go of past beefs and resentments, it’s going be a long wait.

When asked for band inspiration. The answer is immediate. The Eighties Match Box B-Line Disaster, The Fall and the Sex Pistols. And ambition? “To play the 100 Club.” Can’t say fairer than that. They have all the raw power too. Songs driven by the bass line, with no middle eight, making repetition an art form. Vocals spit and sneer but touch on the pop sensibilities of The Mary Chain that Rob & Gino first wished to emulate. Gino’s turns his Vox Phantom into a full fuzz incendiary device, all held together by Stiv’s fast and loose garage beat.

From playing 20 capacity basement gigs, 2024 has seen the masked crusaders star rising with promoters and venues across the country asking for their attendance. This debut album does what every debut should. A sum up of the band right here, right now. Recorded in three days at Ranscombe studios in Rochester with Jim Riley at the helm. Home to the “medway sound” boasting a back catalogue of The Prisoners, The Dentists and of course Billy Childish. Twelve tracks delivered, most not reaching the three-minute frontier of abrasive garage energy.

Today the music world gets to sample its first taste of the albums bitter sweet charms in new single ‘Sunday Driver’ which is ‘about a man who only feels alive behind the wheel of his killing machine,’ and storms along like Mark E Smith if he was staring in 1970s car gore fest ‘Death Race 2000’. It’s raw, frantic and oozing petrol guzzling charm.

Thee Headshrinkers will be roaring into your town, and then your life, very soon. And if you don’t like it well then that’s just head cheese.

Catch Thee Headshrinkers live at the following dates:

SAT 19th Oct – Dust, Brighton, with THE SURFRAJETTES

Sat 26th Oct – Elmo’s, Bristol

Sat 9th Nov – The Pig, Hastings (POTL / GYO all dayer)

Sat 16th Nov – Chaplins Cellar Bar, Bournemouth

Sat 30th Nov – Tough Love instore, St Lenoards

Sun 1st Dec – Smugglers instore, Deal

Sat 14th Dec – The Anchor, Wingham (Garage / Psychobilly all dayer)

Find Thee Headshrinkers online at:FACEBOOK /BANDCAMP /INSTAGRAM