Pizzatramp – ‘The Last Supper’ (TNS Records)

Pizzatramp – ‘The Last Supper’ (TNS Records)

The three-piece thrash punk band Pizzatramp have finally got their acts together and made a new album. No, really they have and it’s the “classic” lineup as well which might suggest they’ve had this recorded for ages but just didn’t get around to releasing it and waited for the right time and their management team had a plan and wanted to push it out at the optimum moment on the crest of a wave…oh wait, Pizzatramps innit bruv. Fuck it, scrap that. Start again…

The trio of ne’er-do-well herberts from just inside the Welsh border have finally got around to releasing their new record but to be fair it’s fucking excellent and not because it’s a weird colour or packaged in their usual most excellent artwork and has a lyric sheet but because they do indeed bang out the finest racket of Thrash punk on the planet let alone their corner of shit island. To be fair they wrote it three years ago, recorded it two years ago, and it’s finally coming out now all the song’s subjects and references are probably obsolete (Thatcher?) Also, it’s safe to assume the trio haven’t found religion either and God botherers might just be picketing outside their gigs from here on in for their blasphemous artwork. Maybe they’ll have to find a hideout in Norway with some kindred black metal spirits for the foreseeable who knows? Anyway.

So have Pizzatramp evolved? Uhm, Nope. Have they branched out? Uhn Nope. sigh of relief all around then. AAA kicks things off in a truly thunderous Pizzatramp way with foul-mouthed lyrics a plenty, Dan’s drumming is a marvel as is Jim spitting out his rhymes like some modern-day poet who never go the beat poet memo or was born in Monmouth so isn’t a rapper either bruv. Sammy fills the huge bass hole left by…um Sammy so people can’t complain about the new lineup not being as good as the old lineup and they’ve changed since Sammy left. I see what they’ve done there. It’s also noteworthy that a band have great lyrics but aren’t massive dicks they also have a social conscience and a moral backbone even if they joke about it and they have nothing but contempt for the Tories, Farage and Thatcher which is always a winner around here.

The title track is a gurgling monster with a Bass line from Hell and on a song entitled ‘The Last Supper’ if only NYHC sounded this good in 2024. ‘Cop Fetish’ is rampant whilst live classic ‘I Do My Own Research’ pokes fun at those morons who simply don’t or join cults like Farages mob or Trump in the States. This album made me want to revisit the M.O.D and Stormtroopers Of Death era metal and my hunch was correct none of them come close to ‘Mr Slam’ #Fact not even municipal waste are this good.

‘I Spotify’ gives a swift kick to the knackers of those who deserve it. ‘You Missed Billy Elliott’ is one of the best endings ever, only Pizzatramp could deliver this. ‘Flagshaggers United’ might just be Jim’s finest three minutes. Absolutely nailed it. We all know em – a bunch of cunts n all. Not satisfied with that have an earful of ‘Skeletons’ n weep, what a time to be alive and have suffered all that shite. Like the Nazis before the second world war these lessons should be thought in schools for generations to come to warn them about that lot and never forget nor forgive I’m with Pizzatramp but wait there’s more to come ‘Bring Back Margaret Thatcher’ is the albums adios amigos we’re out of here and what an absolute nuclear blast of it is. Of course, nobody wants to bring back Thatcher unless it is to drag her around every town and city in the UK on the back of a Chopper tied to a chain. What an album.

Hats off to you gents, it’s all killer and no filler and joking aside this should be the benchmark for others to follow as far as Hardcore Thrash and Punk records go in 2024. Whatever you’re drinking keep on drinking it and raise a glass to the baddest mofos in the pit Pizzatramp fuckin’ Rule! Buy this album! Right proofread what you just typed whilst playing this record for the tenth time in a row…nah fuck it they won’t mind what’s just spilt out of my head will they?

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Author: Dom Daley

Split Dogs are ‘Here To Destroy’

Split Dogs are ‘Here To Destroy’

Bristol Punk Rock ‘n Rollers Split Dogs return with new single ‘Monster Truck’ out now via Venn Records

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

Rock’n’roll revivalists Split Dogs are not here to make 15 second viral videos, they’re not here to sell you a lifestyle, they’re here to destroy. 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”.

Back in May of this year, Split Dogs fired out the first sample of these sessions with the ‘And What?’ single that rolled in like a freight train loaded with gravel, and now the band are back with another sucker punch in new single ‘Monster Truck’.

“Monster Truck Is about lessons learnt, seeing it coming but you keep on trucking,” says guitarist Mil Martinez. “Focus on yourself and the good stuff around you. Be strong, lead with an open heart. Don’t take kindness for weakness…. You better not tread on me!”

For the video, it was clear that Split Dogs needed some seriously big trucks to do justice to the song’s giant riffs, so they called on Big Pete Ltd, the UK’s most successful Monster Truck Team, and Big Pete did not let them down.

‘When we wrote our new single ‘Monster Truck’ it was a no brainier that we had to find the best Monster Truck team in the UK to join us for the video so on the hottest day of the year, we hit the road! Big riggs, big riffs and big moves, it’s time to grab your gear stick and get your mind out of the dirt!”

The Bellrays – ‘Heavy Steady Go’ (Sweet Gee Records)

The Bellrays – ‘Heavy Steady Go’ (Sweet Gee Records)

Californians The Bellrays release their brand new long player to coincide with their mega jaunt across the USA supporting Social Distortion and what a banging record it is too. In true Bellrays fashion it’s all killer and no filler. From the bellowing pure Rock n Roll vocals of Lisa Kekaula finely complimented by the sweet tones of Robert Vennum’s guitar. The record is split by two cities, two years and two rhythm sections pulled together to make another finely balanced Bellrays record where they walk the line of punk blues rock n roll.

The record kicks off with a brooding menacing ‘I Fall Down’ that pretty much encapsulates everything that’s good and great about the band. Lisa’s voice dominates the room with another commanding performance as the song builds to a mega solo a song of real cool class with a great chorus that gives you goosebumps.

Once the band have relaxed the record opens up firstly with the groove of ‘Hard Drive’ and the even groovier (is that even a word?) ‘Snakes’. ‘One More Night’ is the sound of a band playing a song they know will be a floor filler in any live setting as Lisa’s vocals take control and I’m wondering how the hell this band aren’t a household name. Every album is packed with bangers and they know what they’re good at and stick to that formula and just deliver every time. The playing is spot on as is the tone of the record it sounds so warm and inviting you must surrender and just enjoy the ride.

There’s a shimmering coolness about ‘California’, The record ebbs and flows really nicely in the middle section from all our rockers to the more laid back rollas but always filled with great tones and a mix that is so inviting. ‘Wolfs Sun’ is a brooding gutsy song with a super fuzz guitar going toe-to-toe with the vocals.

I love the all-out twelve-bar boogie of ‘Down On My Knees’ bollocks to reinventing this wheel let’s just roll with it and do it in style. It’s a peacock strut of a song that even dares to give it some cowbell. Before the record closes there’s time to turn it up with a raging ‘All The Rage’ with a shift of the gears the four to the floor is fired up with a dirty riff that just kills it right to the solo that’s unadulterated guitar hero stuff on a real album highlight wedged into the business end of the record.

Rather than signing the record off with a ballad or laid back song they go for some sidewalk strutting cool entitled ‘Whatever Turns you On’ and they are done. The Bellrays release a record that might just be their finest hour. It ticks every box you’d want from cool to classy to rock and fuckin rolling The Bellrays are in da house mofos and their bringing the PA and guitars and the air raid siren vocals of Lisa Kekaula this record is everything I was hoping it was going to be and some and my advice is don’t let it pass you by, get on the groovy train and lets boogie The Bellrays are once again bringing the party, Heavy Steady Go! cat go just simply Buy It!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

TONY IOMMI TO RELEASE SOLO RECORDINGS WITH GLENN HUGHES ON VINYL FOR THE FIRST TIME

TONY IOMMI TO RELEASE SOLO RECORDINGS WITH GLENN HUGHES ON VINYL FOR THE FIRST TIME

‘THE 1996 DEP SESSIONS’ AND THE 2005 ‘FUSED’ ALBUM TO BE RELEASED ON LIMITED COLOURED VINYL, DIGISLEEVE CD AND DIGITAL ON OCTOBER 4TH VIA BMG.

LISTEN TO THE NEW DOUBLE A SIDE SINGLE ‘GONE’ / ‘SAVIOUR OF THE REAL’

 AND PRE-ORDER HERE https://tonyiommi.lnk.to/depfusedPR

The relationship between iconic Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi and English musician Glenn Hughes stretches far back into the mid-eighties. Best known for playing bass and performing vocals in the hard rock band Trapeze and in the Mk. III and IV line-ups of Deep Purple, Hughes sang on the 1986 Black Sabbath album ‘Seventh Star’. It was the twelth album from the fabled heavy metal originators and was initially intended to be the first solo release from Iommi, but record company and management pressures led to the album being billed as ‘Black Sabbath featuring Tony Iommi’. Despite these demands, the album was a commerical success and reached the Top 30 of the English charts. Glenn’s powerful, soulful voice complimented Iommi’s unique guitar style perfectly and even though the eighties was a turbulant time for Black Sabbath, it was clear that Iommi and Hughes would work together again in the future.

That time came in 1996 when Iommi once again collaborated with Hughes for a release that would become known as ‘The 1996 Dep Sessions’, recorded at DEP International Studios in Digbeth, Birmingham. The recordings were demos and were left unfinished due to the original line up of Black Sabbath reforming at the time. However, a bootleg recording known as ‘Eighth Star’ was circulated among fans so in 2004, to combat this, the session was eventually offically released.

After Black Sabbath’s 1995 album Forbidden, the band would go on hiatus. So when Tony and Glenn reunited in 1996 to record together, it was with a renewed creative vigour and ambition to take a step away from the signature Sabbath sound and forge a new direction. The results were a formidable, contemporary take on a classic rock sound with Glenn’s soaring vocals combined effortlessly with Iommi’s monolithic riffs. These eight songs sound as vital as the day they were recorded and are now being pressed on vinyl for the first time in limited Translucent Black Ice colour.

The official release of ‘1996 The Dep Sessions’ in 2004 proved to be a catalyst for Tony and Glenn, who rekindled their collaboration and within a year, released what would be Iommi’s third solo album in 2005. Titled ‘Fused’, the album was recorded at Monnow Valley Studios in Wales and saw Iommi sounding heavier than ever. The album is chock full of stomping, grinding riffs that saw Iommi tipping his hat to the metal genre he had helped spawn decades before. ‘Fused’ sounded completely modern for what was happening in heavy music at the time and still stands the test of time today. Once again, Glenn’s vocals glided effortlessly over Iommi’s earth-shattering six string attack. Produced, engineered and mixed by American record producer Bob Marlette (whose credits include everyone from Rob Zombie and Alice Cooper to Sheryl Crow), the album was a success and reached number 34 on Billboard’s Top Heatseekers Chart. ‘Fused’ is now reissued for the first time on Translucent Cobalt Blue vinyl and includes three bonus tracks.

In addition to being an active session musician, Hughes also maintains a notable solo career. He currently fronts the supergroup Black Country Communion, and fronted California Breed from 2013 to 2015 and The Dead Daisies from 2019 to 2023. In 2016, Hughes was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Deep Purple. Tony Iommi’s legendary status is assured and he continues to record new music to this day, always pushing the bounderies and staying ahead of the pack. It’s only right that these fantastic recordings from his solo years are being cut to wax for the first time for new and old fans to enjoy as well as new digisleeve CD and digital editions. Pre-order ‘The 1996 Dep Sessions’ and ‘Fused’ HERE: https://tonyiommi.lnk.to/depfusedPR

Swami And The Bed Of Nails UK Tour

Swami And The Bed Of Nails UK Tour

SWAMI & THE BED OF NAILS (FEAT. SWAMI JOHN REIS OF HOT SNAKES,

DRIVE LIKE JEHU, ROCKET FROM THE CRYPT) UK/IRELAND TOUR STARTS SEPTEMBER 17TH

DEBUT ALBUM ALL OF THIS AWAITS YOU OUT NOW VIA SWAMI/BMG

Swami & the Bed of Nails featuring Swami John Reis (Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu, Rocket From The Crypt, PLOSIVS and more) are following the recent release of their debut album All Of This Awaits You (stream/purchase HERE) with their first UK and Irish tour, commencing in Bristol on September 17th and ending in London on September 28th.

Produced by John Reis and mixed by Ben Moore, All Of This Awaits You was born out of the final Hot Snakes writing sessions in 2023. Transforming into what Reis describes as “a growing tributary” after the passing of his longtime friend and bandmate Rick Froberg, the songs on the eventual nine-song album presented here come from this challenging time of reflection and redirection.

All Of This Awaits You is an immediate blast of joy intended to celebrate our time on Earth. It is nostalgia for a past that probably never happened. It is the hope that the future will consider embracing the innocence of rock ‘n’ roll. It is an idealized pursuit intended to elevate the status of the simplest pleasures and ridicule the unattractive lust of the unhindered ambitious. The music is a reenactment of the past lives of elderly teenagers returning once again to sustain their echo. All Of This Awaits You is punk rock music, but what that means is your guess as good as ours. Watch the music video for new single, “Ketchup, Mustard and Relish” on YouTube HERE.

“I’ve never thought much of self reflection, at least not the deep kind,” Reis says. “I dunno, I think I felt that kind of introspection would somehow derail my rock n roll instincts and objective. My goal has always been to make explosive music, exciting records, play meaningful shows, shake hands, kiss babies and then repeat. I never treated anything I did artistically as being precious. There is always going to be a next thing that I would hopefully love even more.”

Don’t miss your chance to feel the force of this new chapter in John Reis’ musical journey up close and personal.

Swami & the Bed of Nails will be playing the following dates in September:

17 Bristol, Beacon

18 Manchester, Night & Day

20Belfast, Ulster Sports Club

21 Dublin, The Workman’s Club

23 Glasgow, Broadcast

24 Edinburgh, Voodoo Rooms Ballroom

25 Newcastle, The Cluny

26 Nottingham, Boat Club

28 London, Oslo

Swami John Reis online:

Swami Store | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music

The Dictators – ‘The Dictators’ (Valley Entertainment)

The Dictators – ‘The Dictators’ (Valley Entertainment)

So here we go 2024 and The Dictators are back in the ring swinging but let’s first address the elephant in the room. This is Andy Shernoff led Dictators no Handsome Dick Manitoba. So regardless of the why and whereforths or who did what where when and why I’m gonna review this with an open mind like the Dictators are brand new band and the baggage is left outside the studio door.

‘Get The Band Back Together’ is a sprightly opener on this ten-track proto-punk record and a jolly decent introduction it is too. Welcome to 2024 The Dictators are in da Mofo Funkin house. To be fair the tempo is fist-pumping heart-racing stuff and the energetic gang vocals on ‘My Imaginary Friend’ is most welcome and the production is massive and really helps create a really good energy. Sure they’re not here to reinvent the wheel but more designed to show the listener that these guys still have the chops to deliver good old school hard rockin punk n roll with the best of em and to be fair they deliver throughout. Its clear the MO was to rock out, do it to the best of your ability and leave nothing behind and as far as that goes it’s job done. I really enjoyed ‘All About You’ and this one showcases a really strong lead vocal on a song that is as good as anything the band has in the catalogue. Stick to what you know is always a safe and authentic move and songs like ‘God Damn New York’ hammer this home. It’s got a beating Big Apple heart and the chorus is something you’ll be punching the air to and that is always welcome be it the 70 or the 2000’s its great to hear. I guess this album does exactly what you wanted it to, if you’re a fan from the old days or you’re a more recent disciple looking for a fix from a band who knows who and what they are and just delivers.

The world is always a better place with bands like this making albums and writing new material as good as this and to close the album off there’s a tribute to one of Noo Yawks finest – ‘Sweet Joey’ is a tribute to the one and only Joey Ramone and a really good tribute it is too with heart-felt lyrics and some great riffage from Ross The Boss. Don’t worry about the politics of the band just play the record and appreciate how damn good it is, it’s only Rock n Roll baby and I like it.

Buy Here

Zeke have Snake Eyes

Zeke have Snake Eyes

Following their highly acclaimed single ‘Ride Hard Ride Free’, the undisputed kings of balls-out rock’n’roll ZEKE have a new 7′ entitled ‘Snake Eyes’ slated for October 4th.

ZEKE is a punk rock and hardcore institution, forming in 1992 in Seattle and still going strong. They are still doing what they do best, loud fast and heavy punk rock with a hint of blues. You can say that they were punked up Motörhead but they brought a certain punk rock and hardcore element to the genre that many bands after them picked up on.

RPM Online wrote, “Zeke really are like no other band in the world right now” and that “It’s not fast, its fucking hypersonic hardcore”, while Maximum Volume highly recommends “… they are the kings of the underground.”Vive le Rock in UK is pleased “the quartet will be giving Brexit the finger.” and also Ox Fanzine from Germany confirmed, “they are in top form, just as we celebrated them back in 1996 for Super Sound Racing.”

With original members Blind Marky Felchtone (vocals and guitar) and Donny Paycheck (drums) along with Jason Freeman (bass) and Jeff Hiatt (guitar), ‘Snake Eyes’ is as uncompromising as ever, with a furious whirlwind rhythm the foundation for a tidal wave of fast guitars. Feltchtone’s serrated knife vocal might be even more toxic than two decades ago.

‘Snake Eyes’ slows down the punk speed a bit in favor of a high-octane rock affair that, like Hellacopters, comes across as played at the wrong speed.

On the flipside you will find pure intensity with ‘The Knife’ and you can imagine ZEKE driving one through the night doing whatever they are doing in the back and once its finished you feel dazed and confused. Like one of those masochists who likes pain you want to put it on again too.

‘Snake Eyes’ was produced by Jack Endino (Mudhoney, Nirvana, High on Fire, The Accüsed) at Soundhouse in Seattle, WA, and mastered by Joe Bozzi at Bernie Grundmann in Los Angeles, CA.

The tracks are not available on streaming platforms.

LIVE DATES:

16.10.2024 – DE – Dresden – Chemiefabrik

17.10.2024 – CZ – Praha – 007 Club

18.10.2024 – PL – Moglino – Magazyn Zbozowy GS

19.10.2024 – DE – Berlin – Roadrunners Rock & Motor Club

22.10.2024 – AT – Wien – Arena

23.10.2024 – DE – München – Backstage

24.10.2024 – IT – Milano – Legend Club

25.10.2024 – IT – Verona – Colorificio Kroen

26.10.2024 – IT – Roma – RCCB Init

27.10.2024 – IT – Bologna – Improved Sequence Festival

29.10.2024 – ES – Barcelona – Upload

30.10.2024 – ES – Valencia – 16 Toneladas

31.10.2024 – ES – Mardird – Gruta 77

01.11.2024 – ES – Oviedo – Gong Galaxy Club

02.11.2024 – ES – Vitoria-Gasteiz – Jimmy Jazz

05.11.2024 – GB – Bristol – Exchange

06.11.2024 – GB – Manchester – Rebellion

07.11.2024 – GB – Birmingham – Castle & Falcon

08.11.2024 – GB – London – New Cross Inn

09.11.2024 – GB – Brighton – Green Door Store

10.11.2024 – BE – Gierle – JK’t Hoelske

11.11.2024 – DE – Wiesbaden – Schlachthof

13.11.2024 – DE – Düsseldorf – Pitcher

14.11.2024 – NL – Den Haag – Paard Small Hall

15.11.2024 – NL – Arnhem – WillemEen

16.11.2024 – NL – Eindhoven – Helldorado Festival

17.11.2024 – NL – Amsterdam – Melkweg

ZEKE is: Blind Marky Felchtone – Vocals, Guitar / Donny Paycheck – Drums / Jason Freeman – Bass / Jeff Hiatt – Guitar

Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts – ‘Rogue To Redemption’ (Gypsy Rose Records)

Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts – ‘Rogue To Redemption’ (Gypsy Rose Records)

“I’ve been trapped in the maze of the errors of my ways…now I am making up for the mistakes I have made”. So sings Tuk Smith on the title track of his sophomore long player ‘Rogue To Redemption’. Here at RPM we love the underdog, the outcasts and the artists who fight to keep the dream alive. Former Biters frontman Tuk Smith is one such dude who has travelled the rocky road to rock n’ roll damnation and he’s been through the ringer with the music business. But lost deals, empty promises, broken dreams and even a global pandemic can’t stop the Georgia native from keepin’ on, keepin’ on.

Following the killer 2022 release ‘Ballad Of A Misspent Youth’, Tuk and his band The Restless Hearts return with ‘Rogue To Redemption’, a 9-track affair (10 if you are a streamer, possibly more if you live in Japan). It’s a defiant “fuck you!” to the naysayers, and a glorious and triumphant trip through the annals of rock n’ roll.

The album opens with a killer one-two designed to fill stadiums. ‘Take The Long Way’ is an instant earworm with a rousing chorus that just makes you wanna reach for that volume button and blast it. ‘The following ‘Glorybound’, as with the opener, just sounds like it has always been in my ears. As soon as that chorus hits, it’s like an old forgotten friend has returned and all is well in the world. It’s a song of hope and dreams, a middle finger to the non-believers and a euphoric ride from the first beat to the last ringing chord.

Ok, so those two are previously released singles and I have already given them plenty or airplay, so there is familiarity. But third track ‘End Of An Era’ is brand new to my ears, yet those Thin Lizzy inspired twin leads, the sneering vocals and the instantly satisfying chorus just make me wanna punch my fist in the air and sing-a-long, that is proof enough that Tuk Smith is on a roll right now with his songwriting.

For me there is a lyrical suss that hits in the feels, that tells a story and transports you into the song in a way few modern day songwriters can. Up there with the likes of Butch Walker, Ginger Wildheart and Frank Turner for me.

The 70’s rock influences continue on ‘Still A Dreamer’. Not so much a nod to The Biters classic glam stomper ‘Ain’t No Dreamer’, but more to Thin Lizzy with its pumping bass line, cool vocalisin’ and use of space. One of those songs that gets better with every listen. There’s a lot of soul searching going on with this album and Side One closer ‘Little Renegade’ is autobiographical and from the heart.

For me, ‘Blood On The Stage’ is the centerpiece of a very strong record. It builds on a simple, strummed acoustic progression, and an emotive lyric. There’s an Oasis swagger and a stadium-sized chorus that begs to be familiar to millions. The title track follows, another highlight that comes on like Butch Walker doing Thin Lizzy, it builds and builds to a powerful climax. It seems every song is a winner.

In the second listen through of this album, closing song ‘When The Party’s Over’ sent shivers up my spine on the buildup to the first chorus. That doesn’t happen very often, and is a good sign that we’re onto something special.

Who was it that said “Difficult roads lead to beautiful destinations”? Well, difficult roads have certainly shaped the songs on ‘Rogue To Redemption’. For the first time, I feel the Nashville resident has not only matched, but surpassed the promise that his old band The Biters showed on their early EPs.

There’s classic 70’s rock influences, a fistful of power pop and a smattering of Brit Pop going on. With killer songwriting, great song dynamics and a top-notch production Tuk Smith has delivered the album of his career and I’m pretty sure none of us saw that coming.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

PROPHETS OF ADDICTION TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM

PROPHETS OF ADDICTION TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM

PROPHETS OF ADDICTION TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM, ‘FACE THE MUSIC,,’ – THROUGH BRAVEWORDS RECORDS

At some point in your life you just have to take account for your actions and face the music. PROPHETS OF ADDICTION mainman Lesli Sanders has taken that to heart. PROPHETS OF ADDICTION’s fourth album, Face the Music is set for a release on 25 October via BraveWords Records. The first single, Superhero, from the upcoming album will be released 27 September.
 
Kicking things off with the downright dirty “Flavor of the Danger,” the listener is immediately clued in to what they’re getting with Face the Music, an album loaded with catchy late 70s inspired glam punk n roll riffs, powerful and emotionally resonant vocals and a clever lyrical output. “Let’s Get High” sees the band slide slightly into a melodic goth route ala Sisters of Mercy. The song isn’t a drug reference, but a “recollection of the excitement that a new record would bring as a teenager and after the long wait finally able to hear it for the first time,” says Sanders. The band’s take on the Rod Stewart classic “Maggie May” is nothing short of punk magnificence, The band had the opportunity to play the track for drum legend Carmine Appice, who played with Stewart from 1976 – 1982. Appice was so impressed that he asked, “would you mind if I send this to Rod?” The album’s lead single “Superhero” comes complete with a hook that won’t leave your head for days. “Superhero is a song I have been sitting on for a few years and wasn’t going to record until the right musicians were put in place, realizing the potential. I finally found that group of musicians,” the frontman states.
 
Face the Music, PROPHETS OF ADDICTION’s debut for Bravewords Records was recorded between 2022 and 2023 in Seattle, WA and Las Vegas, NV and produced, mixed and mastered by Phil Soussan (bass player for Ozzy Osbourne, Billy idol and more). Drummer Wayne Stokely says of the album, “We wanted to make a classic 70’s style rock n’ roll album without losing our raw and punky vibe, but with a modern 2024 production. There’s not a lot of records out there like this one, so I think we achieved our goal. The songs speak for themselves,” while Sanders adds “this is the record I have been wanting to record for years. The feel is right, the musicianship is right, the songs are right and now the time is right for you all to give us your thoughts.”
 
Of the band’s signing with hotshot upstart label Bravewords, Sanders declares “We were looking for the right label and the search was extensive, the most important aspect to me was getting it out there for people to hear – otherwise, what’s the point, right?” while Stokely adds, “I’ve known Tim and Giles for years now. Plus, I’m already signed to the label with another act so it seemed like a natural fit.”

Website: https://www.prophetsofaddiction.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TheProphetsofAddiction
 

Jerry T Jones And The Chosen Few – ‘Back From Tomorrow’ (Self-Release)

Jerry T Jones And The Chosen Few – ‘Back From Tomorrow’ (Self-Release)

2024 has certainly been full of surprises so far. What with One The Juggler releasing a fabulous new album in ‘Memoir Days’, now it’s the turn of their bassist, Jerry T Jones, to spoil us with twelve new songs. And it’s no surprise that they are of equal quality, given that he wrote ‘Talking To Ourselves’ and ‘Andy’s Bar’ on ‘Memoir Days’.

The opening song, ‘Only Time Will Tell’ crafts a beautiful tune that tries to remain optimistic in the face of climate disaster. While reminiscing about Bowie’s ‘Five Years’, the sound is more in line with The Kinks, perhaps not surprising given Jerry’s Kinks tribute band, The Konks. But, this is far from being a rip off; his canny use of influences is tempered by his own talent as a songwriter.

‘Demons Fly Away’ has echoes of classic Mott, and Colin Minchin’s solo has touches of Ronno, which is no mean feat. ’20 Years’ describes how songs can touch us and form part of our lives, with a keyboard sound that evokes John Grant. ‘Diamonds In The Rain’ namechecks Major Tom, and again there is a Ronno moment, this time on acoustic guitar, fleeting but classy.

‘Mood Swing/Time Bomb’ is in quirky, Cockney Rebel territory, while ‘Back From Tomorrow’ with its  slick pop stylings and barbed lyrics reminds me of The Dowling Poole. ‘Communal Sun’ starts off like Al Stewart’s ‘Year Of The Cat’, but with a more melancholy storyline. ‘She’s On A Trip’ is a slice of mature, summer pop, so dig out your espadrilles and enjoy. ‘Toy Town’ is a reworking of the One The Juggler song, with added sax, and ‘Sleep Over’ is a nicely woozy slice of gentle psychedelia, from sleep to new beginnings.

‘Second Skin’ almost sounds like it was written for Bowie, the vocal phrasing is such that you can imagine Dame David singing it. It’s a lovely tune. And, suddenly, ‘Just One More Song (Until We Meet Again)’ brings our journey to an end. Much more than the sum of it’s influences, ‘Back From Tomorrow’ is the culmination of a life devoted to music and songwriting that deserves your attention.

Author: Martin Chamarette