Bob Vylan- ‘The Price of Life’ (Ghost Theatre Records)

Bob Vylan- ‘The Price of Life’ (Ghost Theatre Records)

I first clapped my ears on Bob Vylan way back when a certain “Lynch your leaders” became my go to track as we worked our way through the first Covid 19 lock-down, then we got hit with “We live here” and the rest is history, I’ve watched Bob Vylan gain traction and get to the point of exploding into the general conscience, and as I type it rumours abound that this baby The Price of Life has hit the charts!!!!

Now let’s just say this in no reflects a move towards a more socially acceptable standpoint, no movement towards commerciality, and keeping it independent launched on their own Ghost Theatre Records what more could you want?

This is Brutal stuff a nihilistic expose of Tory led policies, outing the far right and the decision makers who stand in the background profiteering from the latest under the counter deal. As the LP opens you get drawn in with the “Walter Speaks” sample and then “Wicked and Bad” tears your face off social-commentary up front and centre. There’s no let up as we move into” Big Man” and “Take that” and that link between grime and punk seems more relevant than anything out there at the moment, both movements born in the underground and each movement within their individual generations ripping into that Tory led new world order, and what we have to do to survive and earn enough to live. By the time we hit “Pretty songs” your hooked and then everything moves up another gear, this is seriously good, from the punk side of things I keep being drawn back to Crass comparisons, while from the grime side I can’t help linking it to Lowkey, (check out terrorist) and some of the early Akala stuff, socially aware but not with the edge presented by this beauty. “Turn off the Radio” is fckin’ immense, this is a heavier LP than the first, at times it draws on grunge, while at other times we’re into straight out hardcore punk, while at others we link in brutal industrial, right up my street, that heavier lilt really hits you with “GDP”.

“Bait the Bear” is almost Slayer’esque how heavy is that opening riff!!! (it’s a rhetorical question, it’s heavy as fck). There really is no let up “Phone Tap(Alexa)” with a thrash drive at it’s core, just builds and builds and then we’re thrown against the wall by “Drug War” probably my favourite track on the lp, punk to the core, but the vocal lead just leaves you speechless, all too quickly we’re into last up “WHATCHAGONNADO”,  again there is no let up and the lp as a whole just builds and builds finishing on a high, intense, in your face, shaking you to wake up to what’s really happening, Social commentary with an attitude born on the streets, Get this LP bought, my album of the year so far, lets get Bob Vylan to number 1 !!!!!!

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Author: Nev Brooks

Mad Daddy – ‘Road Racer EP’ (Self Release)

Mad Daddy – ‘Road Racer EP’ (Self Release)

Representing the Isle of Man, it’s only fitting that the “rock n roll, punk blues guys” (Iggy Pop) of Mad Daddy are releasing their ‘Road Racer’ EP to coincide with this year’s TT race. It’s the perfect combination; oil, sweat, hairpin bends and righteous rock n roll.

‘Road Racer’ opens, full throttle through the gears, like ‘Motorbikin’ on bad drugs. Slightly heavier than before, shades of the Chuck Norris Experiment. ‘It Ain’t Easy’ and ‘Be Bad’ tip a nod to the Stooges’ ability with primal riffs, while retaining their own identity, while ‘Here To Stay’ has the requisite “hey, hey, hey”s to get you hitting the repeat button.

No need to reinvent the wheel here, just enjoy the pared back appeal of Mad Daddy. And with a spanking new t shirt design to accompany the TT races, they’ve got my order come Bandcamp Friday in June. You know it makes sense.

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Released 4th June on Bandcamp for download, available on all streaming services

Author: Martin Chamarette

The Courettes – ‘Back In Mono’ (Damaged Goods Records)

The Courettes – ‘Back In Mono’ (Damaged Goods Records)

The Courettes are hot hot hot! at the moment and rightly so. Heading over to the UK in June for an extensive tour this 10″ record brings together a whole bunch of B sides and outtakes. Striking whilst the iron is hot is a good thing and this duo are knocking out quality records and drawing these together in one convenient place is a bargain. They ask that you play this record loudly and through shite speakers but that’s not an exclusive request because it’s also available on CD as well.

You know the drill with this pair, they’re retro in a wall of sound way and bang up to date current as well. It’s not just a cobbled-together compilation because there are non-album B sides, and three tracks that have added instrumentation on them it also has the Japanese-only split ‘So What’ available right here, right now.

Their brand of pop smart melodies wrapped up in a Rock and Roll sound was perfectly described as not playing Rock and Roll because they are Rock and Roll, if you know – you know! At times you have to concentrate hard on the record because you think it is a four-piece and some making that wall of sound and not just two musicians, it’s got that warm Fuzz on the guitar and a shimmering smokey mix over the top of the whole sound. Surely it’s only a matter of time before everyone gets down with The Courettes and their music maybe one DJ who knows their music will get smart or a Jools Holland to champion this pair and whoosh! away they’ll fly. ‘Tough Like That’ is a bruiser with it’s punchy riff and then the cool smoldering ‘Talking About My Baby’ before it just takes off for the chorus before switching vocals and dropping back into that cool smolder.

Try them – buy this 10″ you won’t regret it they write and perform wonderful music that let you leave all your real-world woes at the door because for the next half an hour your gonna dream and pretend you’re onto the best-kept secret in music – The Fabulous Courettes Schh! or everyone will cotton on. Bop shawaddy bop baby! Eight tracks to tide us over. Perfecto!

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Author: Dom Daley

The Drowns – ‘Lunatics’ (Pirates Press Records)

The Drowns – ‘Lunatics’ (Pirates Press Records)

Long EP or short album you decide. For my sixpence on The Drowns blistering slab of Rock and Roll is this. ‘Live Like Yer Dyin’ just about does exactly what it says on the tin and has a healthy dose of Rock and Roll along the lines of label mates and stalwarts The Harrington Saints. their cut from the same blue-collar roots rock n roll. With a wonderful disposition and outlook of positivity and whatever doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. It’s a blast straight out of the traps.

The title track is less Rockin in one respect but more upbeat in other respects as it touches on the Galic vibe with shades of SLF and maybe Dropkick Murphys feel with a great walking bass line throughout get your martins on and go for it.

‘The Working Dead’ is a happy-go-lucky thumper with PMA running through its core. It’s comfortable and familiar for sure but it also comes across as fresh and full of excitement.

This is the real deal. If you want some punk rock but a band that also adds some Rock n Roll and isn’t afraid to rock out (‘She’s The Knife’) then this is a band you should get behind, Possibly my favourite track on the album for those Malcolm young rhythm riffs and DC stabs (no pun intended) it’s a top tune full of energy.

Six tracks just isn’t enough I’m sorry but I want more and I love the vibe on the acoustic ‘Look What We’ve Become’ – resisting breaking it out after the opening verse is great. More Gaslight Anthem meets Downtown Struts for sure but that’s another string to the bow. Then to wind things down with the final cut of ‘Tokyo Red Alert’ which pulls several styles together with a social Distortion meets Green Day kinda thing that really works with a country jig vibe on the melody. Just buy the record and go play it – it’ll make perfect sense and you can thank me laters.

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Author: Dom Daley

O.C Rippers – ‘Wasteland Blues’ (Ruined Records)

O.C Rippers – ‘Wasteland Blues’ (Ruined Records)

By no means a new record this bad boy was sent via the US mail and probably took the duration of lockdown to get over the big pond to RPM HQ. These gutter punk rockers hail from outta Ocean County New Jersey and are channeling the spirit of the Stooges, Dead Boys, Ramones, and a few other legendary punk rock bands.

From the opening riff-o-la of ‘Do The Whip’ you get the flavour of the Rippers MO and it’s a healthy dose of scuzzy punk n roll in places, they remind me of the epic legends that were Uncle Sam mixing up the punk rock with a bluesy vibe. ‘Brats’ being a great example.

Hell ‘White Lightning’ I hope its a tribute to the lovely drink of the same name but alas I think that refreshing drink never made it stateside but the Rock n Roll is like WL bottled and cut loose in the studio. then to follow it up with the Sleazy groove of the Stooges like ‘I’ve Had It’ with a good lick on that old guitar ringing out makes for a decent tune. The record gathers pace from there with ‘Born In Waco’ a thunderous ride on a hotrod fueled on moonshine.

Following that Stooges vibe Side two gathers pace and is ‘Never Coming Down’ with its meaty punk rock. The songs never outstay their welcome seeing as most clock in at less than two minutes even ‘Vomit Pig’ keeps me interested. ‘Rock N Roll Til I Die’ rocks out like a sped-up Cramps and I like that it would make for a hectic pit in a smelly boozy club. Get some O.C. Rippers whilst they’re still with us and not spontaneously combusting on some stage somewhere or a highway to hell.

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DION LUNADON (ex-A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS) New Video For ‘IT’S THE TRUTH’

DION LUNADON (ex-A PLACE TO BURY STRANGERS) New Video For ‘IT’S THE TRUTH’

SOPHOMORE ALBUM ‘BEYOND EVERYTHING’ OUT JUNE 10TH ON IN THE RED RECORDS ON ALL DIGITAL PLATFORMS & LIMITED EDITION COLORED VINYL (PRE-ORDER)

After releasing his self-titled debut album in 2017, Dion Lunadon (The D4, ex-A Place To Bury Strangers) is set to release his sophomore album ‘Beyond Everything‘ on June 10th via In The Red Records. Available for pre-order HERE.    Today, Dion shares second track ‘It’s The Truth’, with a video directed by Alexander Barton. “This is one of my favorite songs on the record,” says Dion. “It started with the opening drum beat and the rest came together quickly. It’s about me writing songs in my little hovel of a studio and looking forward to my wife’s return home from work. A “distance makes the heart grow fonder” kind of thing”.  Alexander Barton says; “In Dion’s live performance he has a wall of sound and noise, it’s very textural and real. About 3/4 of the way through his set, he drags a chain out of a bag like a snake wrangler presenting a cobra to the audience. It’s an exciting moment of the set where he breaks the routine of the rock formula and shares his experimental interests and the audience really laps it up. The cameras pop out and feed his exhibitionism. I make films that feel and use not only the beauty of film, but welcome the noise and error that come with the raw and naive nature of my tools. The chain as an object and material is a fully loaded symbol and historical icon which is a powerful character itself. I wanted to honor the chain for all its brilliance, referencing metal, design, rock n’ roll, violence, sculpture, industrialism, eroticism, and Jacob Marley. ‘It’s The Truth’ is about material and the spectacle.”   

Photo cretdit: Ebru Yildiz

Dion continues; “The record was written and recorded sporadically between 2017 and 2019. I probably wrote about 100 songs during this period. The first album was pretty relentless which I liked, but I wanted to make something more dynamic for the 2nd record. Something that could be more conducive to repeated listens. I’d get in my studio, come up with a song title, and start working on any ideas that I had. For example, with Elastic Diagnostic, the idea was to create a hum that evokes the sound of life coursing through your body. Everything else kind of formed around that idea.”     

‘Beyond Everything’ will be Dion’s first release on In The Red (an ideal match for his music), as well as his first full-length since departing A Place To Bury Strangers. Written, performed and recorded by Dion, the songs tap into a raw, palpable energy that blurs the line between the music and the person. Drums on the record were played by Blaze Bateh (Bambara) and Nick Ferrante (The Black Hollies).   

Dion will be touring with a full band in North America and Europe/UK throughout 2022. The US tour begins in Denver (some of the dates are supporting The Black Angels), with European and UK dates in November. All dates are listed below with more TBA. Ticket links HERE.

US TOUR Sat May 14 – Bethlehem, PA – National Sokols +

Thur Jun 09 – Denver, CO – Ogden *

Fri Jun 10 – Salt Lake City – Metro Music Hall *

Sat Jun 11 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory *

Sun Jun 12 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile *

Mon Jun 13 – Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre Lounge

Wed Jun 15 – Arcata, CA – Miniplex

Thur Jun 16 – Petaluma, CA – Phoenix Theatre *

Sat Jun 18 – Oakland, CA – Elbo Room

Mon Jun 20 – Los Angeles, CA – Moroccan Lounge

Wed Jun 22 – San Diego, CA – Music Box * 

EUROPE/UK TOUR

Thur Nov 03 – Reignier, France – La Poulpe

Fri Nov 04 – Gigors, France – Gigors Electric

Sat Nov 05 – Torino, Italy – Blah Blah

Sun Nov 06 – Zurich, Switzerland – Safari Bar

Mon Nov 07 – Fürth, Germany – Kunstkeller 027

Wed Nov 09 – Hamburg, Germany – Hafenklang

Thur Nov 10 – Berlin, Germany – 8mm

Fri Nov 11 – Regensburg, Germany – VOID CONCERT @ Alte Malzerai

Mon Nov 14 – Bristol, UK – Crofter’s Rights

Wed Nov 16 – Nottingham, UK – Chameleon

Thur Nov 17 – London, UK – Shacklewell Arms

Wed Nov 23 – Paris, France – Supersonic

Thu Nov 24 – Rennes, France – TBA

Fri Nov 25 – Nantes, France – Duchesse

Sat Nov 26 – Lyon, France – Le Sonic 

* with The Black Angels+ with Haldol and Death Bag

The Honeymoon Killers – ‘The Love The Lost & The Last’ (Bang! Records)

The Honeymoon Killers – ‘The Love The Lost & The Last’ (Bang! Records)

With a howl of feedback and some inspiring floor tom thumping The Honeymoon Killers are thumping their way into my affection at a rate of knots. With levels that would give a modern sound engineer a heart attack The Honeymoon Killers’ final album gets its much-belated release on vinyl thanks to the good people at Bang!.

Noo Yawk City 91 is the place and all three Blues Explosion members join up with Jerry Teal to kick out the jams motherfuckers and what a beautiful noise they make.

From the wild and reckless ‘Guess I’m Falling In Love’ the line in the sand is drawn and the chaotic, unbridled abandon in which these Rock and Rollers create their beautiful noise is blasting through the speakers. Like the love child of The Stooges, Jesus And Mary Chain, early Damned, and a whole bunch more besides sees that Noo Yawk was still getting its groove on into the 90s. The choppy guttural punch to the throat that is ‘Love Man’ is brilliant in its simplicity and the fact that these cats just want to rock n roll and to hell with the fineries of obtaining a rounded mix – it’s all about the vibe and the moment and capturing the excitement of what’s being created and this is like lightning in a bottle.

They’ve even got time for a trashy romp through ‘Oh Oh I Love Her So’. It’s all about the love on side A and when they rip a hole right through the heart of Dead Boys classic ‘What Love Is’. IT’s a raging thumper of a track but a fine line to get it right and if you have it coursing through your veins then you’ll nail it every time and The Honeymoon Killers just gets it. ‘Love Love Love Love Love’ is pure Spencer magic. To finish up side one there’s even time for a cheeky ‘Love Is All Around’ that needs to be heard – tuning is for pussies or something like that.

Side two begins with da Blooze with a gob iron honking ‘Who’s Driving Your Plane’ that twitches and twangs like a cat on a hot tin roof. The guitar tone for ‘Dead Again’ is exceptional like a refined East Cost Brian James on a hack and slash mission to kill every other instrument other than the crisp snare.

Man, Noo Yawk City has spewed some amazing bands that didn’t get the coverage they deserved when they were taking names but thanks to labels like Bang! we can pick up some of those recordings for less than a mortgage on a house. This record crosses the T’s and dots the i’s on a top turn. Get on cool kids you wont regret it!

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Author: Dom Daley

Various Artists – ‘Forever Reigning – A Tribute to Slayer’

Various Artists – ‘Forever Reigning – A Tribute to Slayer’

Slayer’s legacy is a strong one. Throughout their reign (see what I did there) as the undisputed kings of thrash metal, they influenced and inspired a whole generation of metal heads to pick up a (pointy) guitar or a pair of drumsticks. Unfortunately, that also means some of the bands that have inclusions on this pointless tribute album. There are (some very ropey) covers from bands such as the charmingly named Skull Fuckers Incorporated, Skrog, and Bloat Toad, and others you’ve never heard of. It really is about as welcome as a dose of crabs. Awful production values and poor performances just make for a total mess of an album that absolutely no one needs to hear. That’s not to say that some of the attempts here don’t have some merit, Eulogy of Blood’s version of Bloodline is half decent, along with Skrog’s attempt at a lesser-known Slayer track – Divine Intervention.

Apart from that, it’s all very forgettable. The least said about Slokill’s murdering of the track Disorder (which was nicked from the Exploited in the first place) the better… dreadful. If you’re a Slayer fan like me, do yourself a big favour and avoid Forever Reigning like the plague. Just go and listen to the genuine article, you really don’t need this in your life.

SSSLLLLLAAAAAAAAYYYYEEEERRRRRR!!!!!!

Author: Kenny ‘Don’t Fuck With Slayer’ Kendrick

Giuda – ‘Live At Punk Rock Raduno’ (Wild Honey/Striped Records)

Giuda – ‘Live At Punk Rock Raduno’ (Wild Honey/Striped Records)

Of all the bands that I miss seeing live in these days of gig drought, Giuda are top of the list. Luckily, I saw them three times before moving to France. A guaranteed great night out, and always a friendly atmosphere. For me, there are two types of great live bands; the ragged, seat-of-the-pants variety, and the ones who manage to replicate their studio sound onstage. Giuda are clearly in the latter category, but lose none of their power in doing so.

So, the logical step was to release a live album. Thanks to Punk Rock Raduno Records, in collaboration with Wild Honey/Striped Records, there is a limited (probably sold out) run of 300 vinyl copies in black, pink or white. No details of a CD release yet. For once, I’m thankful for streaming services! If you can get yer mitts on a copy, have at it and quickly.

This is a fantastic sounding set of the “hits”; a smorgasbord of delights for the ardent Giuda fan. 14 songs at just over 40 minutes, from the opening salvo of ‘Tartan Pants’ and ‘Back Home’ to ‘Teenage Rebel’, ‘No.10’ and ‘Wild Tiger Woman’. Even ‘Interplanetary Craft’ is improved in concert. The Raduno punk rock festival in Bergamo, Italy, has been going since 2016, the next one is due 14-17th July. Giuda will be back on the road from 12th May in France, maybe I’ll get a chance to see them again. If not, this is as close as you’ll get to the real thing. So, turn it up, get your thumbs in your belt loops and get with it!

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Author: Martin Chamarette

Bambara – The Future Yard – 26.04.22

Bambara – The Future Yard – 26.04.22



Southern Gothic hits the Wirral Peninsula as Bambara plays their last mainland UK date at the visionary Future Yard in Birkenhead, after an already formidable European jaunt. Delayed by almost two years and a few venue changes on the way, we’re finally here enjoying a much sought-after sonic assault.


The band brings with it a moody, introspective atmosphere akin to something you would expect from a David Lynch feature. Saturating the room with somber tones immediately on opening number ‘miracle’, until the latter half of the song, at which point frontman Reid Bateh kicks the door off the hinges vocally. Between most of the set, he moves effortlessly from cool and contemplative to frenzied and intense, unleashing his lyrical attack looking like a young Michael Shannon playing method in a crazed and epic role. 


The overall sound is explosive, hitting all the right spots and showcasing an accomplished live makeup without losing any of the dexterous qualities of the records. Although the group is ferocious yet brooding, they make it clear from the outset that they are a well-oiled machine, melding an impressive, galloping rhythm section with layers of lush Bayeux Esque synthesized backing tracks and gothic guitar lines, draping the audience in neo-noir darkness. 
Tonight we are given an array of the band’s ever-growing back catalogue, but with a focus on the latest album Stray, and the recent EP Love On My Mind. Stand-out tracks are ‘stay cruel’ from the former and ‘feelin’ like a funeral’ from the latter. We are even treated to the live debut of ‘little wars’, a definite plus for the Tuesday night crowd here this evening. 
With more dates on the other side of the Irish sea and a swift handful of shows in the US and Canada once they fly back, let’s hope they don’t tire themselves out too much and return to the UK sooner rather than later. 

Bandcamp Here

Future Yard

Author: Dan Kasm