Ghost – ‘Impera’ (Spinefarm Records)

Ghost – ‘Impera’ (Spinefarm Records)

Ghost first appeared on my radar when I saw them live at a festival, it may have been Download, or it may have been Sonisphere? Anyway…I didn’t really get them. I thought they were a little bit like Kiss, the image and the music don’t sit well together. I heard the odd song here and there; I loved the track Ritual from their debut ‘Opus Eponymous’ but didn’t really explore them much further at the time. It was with the release of the Rats video from 2018’s Prequelle that I really started to sit up and take notice of Papa and the boys. That album is never too far away from my turntable or CD player, it really is an exquisite piece of work, ‘Dance Macabre’ should have been a worldwide hit for the band, it’s their ‘I Was Made For Lovin’ You‘! I then delved deeper into Ghost’s back catalogue and loved it all. There really is no denying Tobias Forge’s genius, and I genuinely feel that Ghost is one of the only bands around now that can take the reigns from the old guard and headline big shows and festivals.

I did of course wonder how they could ever top the Prequelle album, it really is their ‘Master of Puppets’ or ‘Led Zeppelin IV‘. The first glimpse of the new material was sprung on us last October with the first single and video ‘Hunter’s Moon’ which was included on the soundtrack to ‘Halloween Kills’, (I waited for the end credits in the cinema to hear it in all its glory). While it’s a decent enough track, it does feel a little bit like Forge just phoned it in.

Next single ‘Call Me Little Sunshine’, however, is Ghost doing what they do best. Atmospheric, heavy when it needs to be and downright catchy. The video is great too. Let’s get to the new album then! ‘Impera’ is Ghost’s fifth studio album, and it gives us twelve new tracks to get our teeth into. Opener ‘Imperium’ is an atmospheric instrumental leading into ‘Kaisarion’ which jumps out of the speakers with abandon. A brilliant, up-tempo song with some superb guitar work from whichever of the latest ghouls are crunching the fretboards.

‘Spillways’ is next up, it really shows us the vocal acrobatics that Forge is capable of, he has a fantastic range. Another ear worm of a song with a keyboard riff that isn’t a million miles away from Bon Jovi’s ‘Runaway’! ‘Watcher In The Sky’ kicks off with a riff that George Lynch would be proud of, some lovely crunchy accents combined with another memorable chorus make this a real stand out track. Twenties is my favourite track on the album as I write this, just purely bonkers, it shouldn’t work but it works perfectly. A combination of prog, metal, and pop with some hilarious lyrics: We’ll be grabbing em’ all by the hoo – has. It’s just so damn catchy! Darkness ‘At The Heart Of My Love’ is one of those power ballads that Forge churns out effortlessly. It should be a major hit. Honestly, if Ghost could get mainstream airplay, I’m sure they would be huge, such is the quality of their songs. Griftwood sounds like something that would sit perfectly on a Ratt or Van Halen album from the 80s. I can imagine it on a montage from a Rocky film. The album closes with the epic ‘Respite On The Spitalfields’, a sprawling, atmospheric beast that enters a myriad of musical styles.

A solid album with everything thrown at bar the kitchen sink! Is ‘Impera’ as good as ‘Prequelle’? Not yet…But there’s still time.

Buy Here

Author: Kenny Kendrick

Asian Dub Foundation to play UK shows in April & release deluxe albums

Asian Dub Foundation to play UK shows in April & release deluxe albums

Asian Dub Foundation play five UK shows in April and proudly release deluxe remastered editions of ‘Enemy Of the Enemy’ and ‘Tank’ on through X-Ray records; both albums are released with bonus tracks and will be available on CD and for the first time ever 12” vinyl.


Remastered by Kevin Metcalfe, ‘Enemy Of the Enemy’ and ‘Tank’ are both lovingly issued as 140g on limited edition double vinyl records and are housed in a gatefold sleeves with printed inners, Tank also includes a poster. 
“We’re very happy that X Ray have put together these magnificent packages, the remasters sound crisp and a lot of the subject matter is still relevant, such as the opening lines of “Fortress Europe” exclaims Steve Chandra Savale.


First released in 2003 ‘Enemy of the Enemy’ Asian Dub Foundation’s fourth album opens with the lyrically prophetic ‘Fortress Europe’; “2022, a new European order. Robot guards patrolling the border. Cybernetic dogs getting closer and closer. Armoured Cars Immigration Officers.” . The album also includes ’1000 Mirrors’, featuring the inimitable Sinead O’Connor, and Ed O’Brien who also played the title track. This new edition includes three bonus tracks: ‘Illegal Minds’ featuring Mark Stewart, plus two remixes by Adrian Sherwood and The Bug.


‘Tank’ their fifth studio album released two years later sees the original twelve tracks joined by three bonus tracks including; “Easy Man’ ft Perry Farrell, plus two remixes by San J and Shiva Sound System.


Asian Dub Foundation are a genre unto themselves. Their unique combination of tough jungle rhythms, dub bass lines and wild guitar overlaid by references to their South Asian roots and militant high-speed rap has established them as one of the best live bands in the world. During their long and productive career Asian Dub Foundation have shared the stage with the likes ofRage Against The Machine, the Beastie Boys and Primal Scream also collaborating on record with the likes of Radiohead, Sinead O’ Connor, Iggy Pop and Chuck D.


On top of that X-Ray has managed to secure Brexit-busting shipping rates, so treat yourselves to these ADF classics today! The remasters by the legendary Kevin Metcalfe sound fantastic as well.To pre -order / pre save ‘Enemy Of the Enemy’ and ‘Tank’ go to: https://bit.ly/3tswlVq

Asian Dub Foundation April UK showFri 1st Bristol  TrinityFri 8th Manchester  Band On The Wall Sat 9th Glasgow Studio Warehouse Fri 15th London  Earth Hackney Fri 22nd Brighton Chalk

The Quireboys return to the USA in May

The Quireboys return to the USA in May

English rock’n’roll band The Quireboys will make a triumphant and welcome return to the States to finish what they started back in 2020. 

Here are the first ticket links to be announced:

05.04.22    BROOKLYN MONARCH    BROOKLYN,NY   https://bit.ly/3HYmLhL
05.05.22    ANGEL CITY MUSIC HALL    MANCHESTER, NH    https://bit.ly/366y7C6
05.06.22    VAULT MUSIC HALL    NEW BEDFORD, MA    https://bit.ly/3JCLzMm
05.07.22    ARTIE’S    FRENCHTOWN, NJ    https://bit.ly/3hYdDy2
05.08.22    M3 ROCK FESTIVAL    COLUMBIA, MD  https://bit.ly/3JEmzEP
05.10.22    DIAMOND MUSIC HALL    ST.PETERS MO    https://bit.ly/3MEnAPr
05.11.22    BILLIARDS CLUB    LOUISVILLE, KY    https://bit.ly/3t1kJsa
05.13.22    THE VENUE    DENVER, CO   https://bit.ly/3v32QKZ
05.14.22    LEATHERHEADS    DRAPER, UT   https://bit.ly/3LJJ64E
05.15.22    DIVE BAR   LAS VEGAS, NV    TBC
05.18.22    WHISKY A GO GO    W.HOLLYWOOD, CA   https://bit.ly/3oUvee4

Meet N Greet packages Here

The lads were in the throws of a stunning country-wide tour when the pandemic hit – and have been itching to get back ever since.  That time is now, and May 2022 sees the band – most famous for their hit album “A Bit Of What You Fancy” – embark on a fresh tour of the USA taking in New York, Denver, Las Vegas and many more cities across the country including a stop at the prestigious M3 Festival in Baltimore. The tour will reach a triumphant conclusion at the world-famous Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood – and for the tour The Quireboys are joined by the amazing Midnight Devils and Steve Ramone.

In addition to tickets which will be available shortly, the band are available at most venues for meet and greets – follow the link below to reserve your spot!

Following the band’s inception in London, UK in 1984 – originally as The Choirboys, then The Queerboys, before settling on the less controversial name of The Quireboys – there followed 6 years of hard graft and personnel changes before the inevitable happened – a UK number 2 album.

Spike and Guy have been the backbone of THE quintessential British rock’n’roll band ever since – a journey that has seen them play to 72,000 at 1990’s Monsters of Rock at Donington with the likes of Whitesnake, Aerosmith and Poison – supporting The Rolling Stones that same year, and joining Guns N’ Roses again a couple of years later on their “Use Your Illusion” tour.

Dub War release new video -‘Blackkk Man’

Dub War release new video -‘Blackkk Man’

Dub War share new single & lyric video “Blackkk Man”

Taken from new album “Westgate Under Fire”

Out 5th August via Earache Records

Fusion metal pioneers Dub War have released their brand new rousing single “Blackkk Man”, the first single off of their first album of all-new material in over 25 years, ‘Westgate Under Fire’.

The track packs a punch with jagged guitar, furious rhythms and tough vocals from founder and frontman Benji Webbe (who many will also recognise as the mighty Skindred’s frontman). Released in the midst of the celebration of Black History Month in the US, “Blackkk Man” is a furious revolt against racism and a bleak reflection of crucial events from this decade in particular, including the murder of George Floyd.

“This song is exactly how I was feeling at the time of Mr Floyd’s murder. This is a cry from my heart for equal rights and justice – and the other boys in the band feel the same as I do. No one chooses the skin they’re in – should the skin you’re in help you to win? It’s a question we all need to think about!” declares Webbe. “This racist injustice has been going on way too long and, unfortunately, even with all the cries and the pain, it still continues.”

The accompanying lyric video, compiled and edited by Aran Webster, serves to drive the critical message contained in the lyricism of “Blackkk Man” further, putting society’s outrageous double standards in plain sight via news footage and articles.

A thought-provoking statement song, “Blackkk Man” and the album it resides on launches Dub War back into the industry as the band who turned heads with their groundbreaking genre-bending once more. Alongside this potent punk rock-laced track, ‘Westgate Under Fire’ offers up dance infused metal, ragga-punk and sinister metal with exotic beats.

A band born and raised in Newport, ‘Westgate Under Fire’ shines a light on a crucial event in their hometown’s history, the Newport Uprising. An event which would play a role in transforming democracy in Britain and the world, the uprising in 1839 saw thousands from the Chartist movement march through south Wales, seeking social reform, including the right for men of all classes to vote. The marches ended in a bloody battle at the Westgate Hotel, which saw many of the Chartists dead or wounded. ‘Westgate Under Fire’ aims to embody the empowerment that Chartists took upon themselves and coincides with the local community resurrecting the derelict Westgate Hotel into an exciting new venue.

‘Westgate Under Fire’ is available for pre-order worldwide on signed, limited edition coloured vinyl, black vinyl, signed CD and limited cassette at earache.com/dubwar. Due for release 5th August 2022.

Peter Doherty & Frédéric Lo-‘The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime’ (Strap Original)

Peter Doherty & Frédéric Lo-‘The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime’ (Strap Original)

‘The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime’ sees Peter Doherty twist a melancholic turn down a path this time without his puta madres or his comrades in The Libertines but with Frédéric Lo as his companion and songwriting partner in crime. Doherty has been rather prolific over the last half-decade finding time to get hitched wander off on several tours with his various projects but above all, he’s managed to weave several different paths but remains very Peter Doherty if you catch my drift? Much like Strummer Doherty does what he wants when he wants and as long as the end result is of a suitably high standard then play on sir. Don’t write him off as a one-trick pony because he’ll rise to that challenge and keep on keeping on defying the odds. Tune in, switch off and float downstream as the majestic relaxed opener and title track sets the tone as the pair make sweet sweet music.

Doherty’s street poetry and lyrical meanderings are on the money as the dreamy ‘The Epidemiolagist’ is the wonderful sound of a hazy dash around some sleepy Parisian backstreets as the filter of the strings lifting you above the haze is majestic.

Written during lockdowns and produced by Frédéric Lo ‘The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime’ was recorded at Cateuil in Étretat (Normandy) and Studio Water Music in Paris and mixed by François Delabrière at Studio Moderne, Paris. All words are penned by the seemingly content Doherty whilst the music composed by Lo.

‘The Ballad Of…’ is lush in its string brush strokes and simple acoustic guitar strumming and Doherty’s hushed vocals are reassuring and comforting and reminiscent of Johnny Thunders ‘Hurt Me’ album with grander layers as it builds when the drums kick in but it lays back down gently in a very engaging manner.

The first video is for ‘You Can’t Keep It From Me Forever’ is probably the album’s most Doherty tune (if that makes sense) with a Smiths-like melody and uptempo poptastic beat. This record is like a huge sigh after a hard stressful day. It’s a gentle loving hand on the shoulder, reassuring you that everything will be alright.

The fact this record came together in six months is reflected in the uncomplicated arrangements. Sure there are strings and grande sweeping soundscapes but it doesn’t sound forced at all and very natural. The sweeping strings on ‘The Monster’ sound fantastic and Doherty’s vocals have never sounded so content and strong. He knows how to add enough emotion and where to display vulnerability and married with the talent of Lo’s arrangments make this a must-own record and loyal Doherty fans will love what they hear from one of the UK’s best indie songwriters.

when the duo keep it simple and just write a pop song like ‘Invictus’ then they nail it, what else did you expect? The Harpsichord on ‘The Glassblower’ is exactly what’s needed even though you couldn’t have guessed it. The 60’s alternative guitar-driven pop is relaxing yet exciting all at once. Then finally ending the album with the piano-led ‘Far From The Madding Crowd’ strangely reminds me of Dean Friedman and some New York late-night smokey jazz club from the late 70s and putting a full stop on a wonderful album of heartfelt and life-affirming tunes from an extremely talented pair of contemporary musicians right at the top of their game. ‘The Fantasy Life of Poetry & Crime’ is exactly what I needed to hear right here right now. Join me and let’s drift downstream with this as the soundtrack to better days.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

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Rainy Days & Mondays

Rainy Days & Mondays

Hope everyone is feeling good this morning after the weekend and didn’t indulge too much. Anyway here’s some sunshine music to take you to a brighter place – fill yer boots kids

First up is Kurt Baker and A brand new and super fun animated video for “New Direction”, created, produced and directed by Peregrine Starr https://peregrinestarr.com/ “New Direction” is from the album “After Party”, out now on Wicked Cool Records!

Next up is another Wicked Cool band, this time it Soraia with a cover of the awesome ‘My Sherona’ – check it out.

Finally, as a tribute to Nick Tesco who recently passed away, we thought it would be right to air this banger. Rest In Peace Nick.

The Nightingales – DVD/CD & Vinyl News and UK tour details.

The Nightingales – DVD/CD & Vinyl News and UK tour details.

AEG Presents announce that, following a much-postponed but largely sold-out tour of 2021, The Nightingales will again tour the UK in Spring 2022.  Described by John Robb as “The misfits’ misfits”, The Nightingales are the subject of the documentary feature film, “King Rocker” – written and presented by comedian Stewart Lee, directed by Michael Cumming (‘Brass Eye’, ‘Toast Of London’). The reviews were amazing: “One of my all-time favourite rock-Docs” said Mark Kermode, “The new Gold standard for rockumentaries” agreed The Scotsman. This is a band that matters.

there will be a Special edition King Rocker Bookback DVD/CD and  Vinyl Soundtrack Out 18th March 2022. The   
DVD/CD features full-length film with over 90 mins of extras, soundtrack cd & liner notes from Stewart Lee & Michael Cumming.

Comedian Stewart Lee and director Michael Cumming (Brass Eye, Toast Of London) investigate a missing piece of punk history. Robert Lloyd, best known for fronting cult Birmingham band’s The Prefects and The Nightingales, has survived under the radar for over four decades. But how, if at all, does Robert want to be remembered? The anti-rockumentary ‘King Rocker’ weaves the story of Birmingham’s undervalued underdog autodidact into that of the city’s forgotten public sculpture of King Kong, eschewing the celebrity interview and archive-raid approach for a free-associating bricolage of Indian food, bewildered chefs, vegetable gardening, prescription medicines, pop stardom and pop art.

All of the highlights from the film are here, along with rarities which won’t appear on any of the deluxe reissues of the Nightingales’ catalogue, among them 7″ versions of “Use Your Loaf”, the Bob Luman hit “Let’s Think About Living” and “Black Country”, a glam remix of crowd favourite “Thick And Thin” and a version of Christy & Emily’s “Ghost” which rivals the Nightingales’ take on TLC’s “Unpretty” for sheer beauty.

The only act with roots in the punk era that have gone on to make records more captivating, cutting and entertaining today than at any point in their past; 2022 will be a busy year for the Nightingales, with months of live dates planned, a limited edition remix 12″, deluxe reissues of both ‘Hysterics’ and ‘In The Good Old Country Way’, and a hardcover book collecting Robert’s lyrics.

Tickets for the bands UK tour can be found on sale: Here


 
Birmingham’s original punk group The Prefects had been part of The Clash’s ‘White Riot Tour’, recorded Peel sessions, released a 45 on Rough Trade and, years after splitting had a retrospective released by Fire Records offshoot label Call Of The Void to glowing reviews.  The Nightingales was formed by a few members of The Prefects following that band’s demise in 1979. Comprising an ever-fluctuating lineup, based around lyricist/singer Robert Lloyd, they enjoyed cult status in the early ’80s and were championed by John Peel, who said, “Their performances will serve to confirm their excellence when we are far enough distanced from the 1980s to look at the period rationally and other, infinitely better known, bands stand revealed as charlatans”.


 
In the late Eighties, the Nightingales stopped working but, following the occasional gig between times, they re-grouped in 2004, arriving at the current (and now long-standing) line up, which features Lloyd, Andreas Schmid from Faust on bass, ex Violet Violet wonder drummer Fliss Kitson and on guitar James Smith, who Lloyd had spotted playing with Damo Suzuki. The latest album ‘Four Against Fate’ is out now on Tiny Global Productions.


 
The band’s career-spanning soundtrack to ‘King Rocker’ will be released by Fire Records, alongside a bizarro 12″ remix EP ‘The New Nonsense’, and these will be followed by deluxe expanded versions of the band’s ‘Hysterics’ and ‘In The Good Old Country Way’ albums, and a bookback DVD of ‘King Rocker’. This activity is all capped off with the autumn release of their stunning new album, recorded in Spain, as well as a subsequent support tour and rescheduled shows in Europe and America.

Satan – ‘Earth Infernal’ (Metal Blade Records)

Satan – ‘Earth Infernal’ (Metal Blade Records)

Geordie metallers Satan first came to prominence as part of the NWOBHM movement in the late seventies and early eighties. They were considered as a proto thrash/speed metal band and were a cutting-edge band at the time. The band reformed in 2011 much to the delight of their loyal fan base. Satan signed with Metal Blade Records in 2018 and released Cruel Magic the same year.

Their latest effort, Earth Infernal tackles subject matter around climate change, politics, and capitalism. Very heavy topics for a very heavy band! The album was recorded in their home city of Newcastle with Dave Curle handling the engineering and mixing of the album with help from the band in the creativity department. I absolutely love the sound of the album; it has a rawness but still enough polish to highlight the great musicianship of the band. It has that NWOBHM feel, the instruments sound ‘real’, I’ve gone on record before stating my dislike of the sound of many of the NWOCR bands that seem to be everywhere and sound the same. None of that here I’m pleased to say!

Opening track Ascendancy kicks off with some nice twin guitar melodies before breakneck drums kick in and take the track into full-on headbanging mode. Vocalist Brian Ross wails away, his range is really shown off here, he sounds incredible. Burning Portrait highlights the skills of drummer Sean Taylor, his jazzy style gives him a Bill Ward vibe that fits perfectly here. Twelve Infernal Lords has an early Maiden feel with the twin guitar attack of guitarists Russ Tippins and Steve Ramsey. The instrumental Mercury’s Shadow starts off with some atmospheric acoustic guitars being strummed aimlessly, the track builds nicely after this and showcases the band’s musical chops.

‘A Sorrow Unspent’ is another barnstormer, a real earworm this one! The album continues to impress with other highlights; ‘Luciferic’, ‘From Second Sight’ and ‘Poison Elegy’. ‘Earth Infernal’ is a quality traditional heavy metal album with strong songs, performances and production values, a very enjoyable listen. The album artwork by Eliran Kantor is fantastic too. If you love your old-school metal, you’ll love ‘Earth Infernal’, there’s plenty for rabid metal fans to sink their fangs into here. Hail Satan!!

Buy Here

Author: Kenny Kendrick

Ferocious Dog with new line up, play UK shows in March and April

Ferocious Dog with new line up, play UK shows in March and April

Ferocious Dog announce new line up
& March / April UK headline shows

plus The Bearded Theory, Bloodstock and Rebellion festivals.

Ferocious Dog with a new line up, play twelve UK headline shows in March and April. “We’re super excited to get back on the road and do the 2nd half of “The Hope” tour and play in some brand new (to FD) venues. Finishing the tour at our hometown Rock City is going to be one of the best things we’ve ever done” exclaims Dan Booth. Ferocious Dog welcome back Kyle Peters on guitar; Kyle played on their debut album, which includes Pocket of Madness, which he wrote and sang on. The band will be playing fan favourite Pocket of Madness throughout the whole tour. Ferocious Dog also has a new rhythm section with new members Nick Wragg (bass) and Luke Grainger (drums) joining Ken Bonsall, Dan Booth and Sam Wood, to complete the sextet.


Following these shows, the band plays The Bearded Theory in May, with further festival appearances to follow including the Bloodstock and Rebellion festivals in August. More shows will be announced soon.
Ferocious Dog’s latest album The Hope, includes the title track, released as a single to coincide with World Mental Health day and the previous singles: ‘Broken Soldier’ and ‘Pentrich Rising’.
The Hope debuted at Number One on the Official UK & Ireland Folk Album Charts and entered the National Album charts at Number 31. While the vinyl version of The Hope entered the Top 20 Vinyl Album Chart.
The Hope flows irresistibly through tales of historical observations, to biting commentary on the plights facing the world today.  The songs follow a rollercoaster of pace and sentiment which will have you wanting to mosh one moment before having a moment to contemplate.
The Hope carries on in the strong tradition of Ferocious Dog albums, with thought-provoking and politically charged lyrics, seamlessly combining with dynamic and eclectic music. A great follow-up to the album Fake News & Propaganda – Ferocious Dog seems to have the knack of evolving their sound enough to pique your interest, without losing any of the sound or attitude that made you fall in love with them in the first place. 
To order / stream The Hope go to: https://ffm.to/thehope

UK 2021 tour dates:March Fri 4th The Junction  CambridgeSat  5th Roadmender  Northampton Fri 11thThe Parish  Huddersfield Sat 12th 1865 Southampton Fri 18th Victoria Hall Settle  SOLD OUT Sat  19th Victoria Hall Settle  SOLD OUTThu 24th The Garage  LondonFri  25th The Fleece BristolSat 26th Old Bakery Studios  TruroApril Fri 1st The Garage Glasgow Sat 2nd The Georgian Theatre Stockton-On-TeesSat   23rd Arlington Arts Centre NewburySat 30th Rock City Nottingham MaySun  1st  Nothern Kin FestivalFri  20th Keswick Mountain  FestivalSat  28th Bearded Theory Festival Derby  JulyFri  15th The Live Rooms  Chester
Sat  16th Kubix Festival SunderlandFri  22nd Chagstock Festival DartmoorSat 23rd O2 Academy  Leeds  A unique performance with 2 sets (acoustic then electric)Fri 29th Y Not Festval  Pikehall August Thu 4th Rebellion Festival Blackpool  Sat  6th  Wickham FestivalSat 13th Bloodstock Festival Walton-on-Trent November Sun  6th  The Tivoli Buckley
Tickets available from : https://ferociousdog.co.uk/tickets-and-tours/


Ferocious Dog are: Ken Bonsall – Lead singer & acoustic guitar. Dan Booth – Violin & lead vocals on some songs.Sam Wood – Multi-instrumentalist.Kyle Peters – GuitarNick Wragg- BassLuke Grainger- Drums

The Undertones – ‘Dig What You Need’(The Best Of The “Reformation Years”) (Dimple Discs)

The Undertones – ‘Dig What You Need’(The Best Of The “Reformation Years”) (Dimple Discs)

‘Dig What You Need’ is the brand new Best of compilation from Derry’s finest The Undertones. Lifted from their two reformation albums, 2003’s “Get What You Need” and 2007’s “Dig Yourself Deep”. The first time on vinyl and They’ve got Paul Tipler to remix and remaster the tracks as well.

To be fair I think I speak for quite a few and admit to not really having paid much attention to Derry’s favourite sons and their output post Fergal. Much to my embarrassment, it would seem. You see, I loved the original band they were a big fixture on my record player as a young man growing up in West Wales and when Fergal and the band broke up I guess we all moved on. I wasn’t keen on Fergals direction and That Petrol Emotion just wasn’t what I wanted either so another great band was filed in the drawer…Remember them or whatever happened to?

Now I knew they reformed with a new frontman but I’d moved on. it was a chance viewing many years later of a documentary about the band that my love for them was reignited. Now I knew they released a few albums but never got involved and seeing as the best tracks off the noughties albums are here, reissued on vinyl for the first time, I must admit to being gutted I didn’t dive in earlier and wholeheartedly regret not trusting my instincts.

Back in the day when I first heard that debut album, I like many was totally blown away by their pop-rock melodies and Ramones-like relentless wall of sound. We all know how they were championed by BBC DJ John Peel. With disco and youth club classics like ‘Teenage Kicks’, ‘Get Over You’ and ‘My Perfect Cousin’ But this is about the reformed Undertones who in 1999 with new singer Paul McLoone got back amongst it releasing two really strong albums.

Now you’ll never please all the people all the time but with releases like this its to try and catch old fans (like Me) or tempt in new ones maybe too young to remember the bands heyday. you know what? this release does an excellent job in just that showcasing just what the band has to offer and giving a great cross-section of those Two naughties albums. Damian O’Neill said of this bunch of tunes, they are all firm favourites on an Undertones set list these days, all songs penned by John O¹Neill and Michael Bradley. 

So it’s a no brainer really that there is a best-of compilation taken from the two albums with Paul McLoone. O’Neill even spoke of his excitement that producer and mixing maestro Paul Tipler was on board with the songs providing a fresh pair of ears to make them sound even better than they originally did. What you have here is a bunch of songs that flow really well and as a “new” record it sounds impressive and current. So dig this compilation people both old and new for ‘Dig What You Need’ has some most excellent tunes.

The thirteen chosen songs kick off with a straight down-the-line rocker with a great hook and melody ‘Thrill Me’. To be fair McLoone has a belting voice and knocks this one right out of the park on what I would consider to be a bread and butter sound of The Undertones. That wall of overdriven guitar – a banging melody that sounds like it’s played with huge grins all around. The album doesn’t roll out in sequence as on the original records but jumps around which helps. ‘I Need Your Love’ is Rock and Rolling along with a great air of Joie de vivre much like a lot of the band’s songs. Its power pop with a smile and an offer of a great time.

It’s not all one-dimensional though ‘Joyride’ is more pop less power and they do add keyboards to proceedings along the way which adds another texture. The chosen songs from ‘Dig Yourself Deep’ sound fresh, the title track is a great song with a big chorus and a smart mid-tempo groove. to be fair there isn’t much between the best songs on offer they all shine and it’s great to hear them for the first time. Maybe the only question I have would be why a best of and not just a re-release of both records on vinyl? I guess a taster is a good place to start before you Dig into this proper and maybe if this does well both records on vinyl will come. Until then this will more than do. Never mind dig – This is what you need – Buy It!

Bandcamp ‘Dig What You Need’ Pre-Order: https://theundertones.bandcamp.com  

Digital ‘Dig What You Need’ Pre-order: https://orcd.co/undertonesdig

Author: Dom Daley


The Undertones dates in full:

March

10 – Sheffield, UK @ Leadmill *

11 – Northampton, UK @Roadmender ^

12 – London, UK @ Electric Ballroom ^

17 – Brighton, UK @ Chalk ^

18 – Frome, UK @ Cheese & Grain ^

19 – Cardiff, UK @ Cardiff SU Great Hall ^

31- Newcastle, UK @ Boiler Shop ^

April

01 – Manchester, UK @Academy – ^

02 – Liverpool, UK @ O2 Academy ^

09 – Munich, Germany @ Feierwerk

10 – Weinheim, Germany @ Cafe Central

22 – Dublin, Ireland @ Academy

May13 – Bremen, Germany @ Kulturzentrum Lagerhaus

14 – Düsseldorf, Germany @ Zakk

15 – Hamburg, Germany @ Markethalle

17 – Malmo, Sweden @ Plan B

18 – Oslo, Norway @ Vulkan Arena

20 – Göteborg, Sweden @ Pustervik

21 – Stockholm, Sweden @Slaktkykan

22 – Copenhagen, Denmark @ Pumpenhuset

*Special guest Neville Staple Band

^Special guest Hugh Cornwell Electric

Tickets available from : https://www.bandsintown.com/a/17292-the-undertones