Ash – Sin City, Swansea 16.11.25

Ash – Sin City, Swansea 16.11.25

It’s been a while since I last saw Ash live, which happened to be this very venue on their A to Z tour, even though they played support just down the road in the Arena, but as support to The Darkness. The middle of November, and it’s barely jumper weather outside, but in the packed, large room of Sin City, it’s like a sauna as the band takes to the sticky stage to rock the house for the next ninety minutes. The band walks onstage to the triumphant strains of ‘Zarathustra’ before launching into the new album’s Graham Coxon co-written single ‘Fun People’, which, to be fair, is met with the enthusiasm of their greatest hits, which is nice and gives the band energy right from the off.

In a bold move, the band play eight songs from the new album ‘AD Astra’, which, to be fair, is an excellent album, and the band sounds like they’re loving handing over the opening part of the set with so many new songs Tims guitar sounds crisp and front and centre even when using the tapes for the keys and effects the focus is on the threepiece who are tight as a pack of rizlas tonight. ‘A Life Less Ordinary’ is the first of the “Hits” to be offered up to the very appreciative audience. The previous records ‘Race The Night’ gets its title track aired before ‘Arcadia’ makes an appearance. Then it’s big hitter mixed with New track mixed with deep cuts as the brand new shiny songs mix in very nicely with the old staple tracks like ‘Goldfinger’ , ‘Shining Light’, followed by the awesome ‘Oh Yeah’ makes for a stunning one two of the finest power pop alternative rock thing the UK has offered in many decades.

I’m still scratching my head as to the purpose of covering the Harry Belafonte track, but hey, if they like it, who am I to disagree but it was welcome to get on track with a glut of bangers from the ‘1977’ album as the minutes flew by, it was ‘Jack Names The Planets’ from ‘Trailer’ first to warm the pit up a bit (is it really that long ago when this was released) a real time capule of a song when Ash seemed like mainstays on the music shows of terestrial TV and MTV, it still sounded vibrant and fresh with that Bass rumble sounding massive.

Tim returned to the stage alone for a run-through ‘My Favourite Ghost’ before the other pair returned for a belter of a hat-trick to finish off another superb set from Downpatrick’s favourite sons ‘Kung Fu’, ‘Girl From Mars’ and ‘Bun Baby Burn’ are exactly what an encore should sound like. That was a mightily quick hour and a half, and once again a beaming Ash came, saw and conquered.

If you do get the chance to catch the band on this tour, let me tell you they are on form, and if it’s half as good as tonight, then you won’t be disappointed. Same time next year please guys.

Author: Dom Daley

Ash

Raven – No Life Til Leather

Raven – No Life Til Leather

POWERFUL UNFORGIVING COVER OF METALLICA’S 

‘METAL MILITIA’ OUT NOW FROM SILVER LINING MUSIC’S NO LIFE ‘TIL LEATHER – A TRIBUTE TO METALLICA’S KILL ‘EM ALL OUT THIS WEEK

Pre-orders available here

DATELINE: November 12th 2025 – Silver Lining Music release No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All this Friday, November 14th. The fourth single from the all-star compilation is from the pioneering heavy metal legends  Raven, the ear-splitting take on Metallica’s ‘Metal Militia’.

You can divide the history of heavy metal into two distinct chapters: ‘before Metallica’ and ‘after Metallica’. When the Four Horsemen galloped to the top of dozens of countries’ charts with their self-titled album in 1991, they became the new measuring stick for their genre, and their standard is one that no hard rockers since have matched, let alone outdone.

No Life ’Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ’Em All unites Metallica’s favourites, their peers, and the generations that came next. Metallica’s first proper tour was with Raven in 1983, on the famous Kill ‘Em All For One venture. Thus, it is only fitting that   Raven feature on the album with their powerfully unapologetic rendition of Metallica’s “Metal Militia”. With unrelenting energy and raw precision, Raven channels the ferocity of the original while stamping their own unmistakable identity on the track — a bold statement that captures the spirit and intensity of the entire album.

“We are very happy and honoured to have been asked to be part of this awesome tribute to our old sparring partners,” comments co-founding lead vocalist and bassist John Gallagher. “Our cover version is many things, as you will hear… in the best tradition of the guys themselves, but I think we captured that Metallica “snarl”…. Especially by changing a few key elements! Features Mark on vocals, today all is revealed!”

No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is a colossal celebration of the most propulsive debut album in heavy metal history, re-imagined by the legends who inspired it and the generations that came in its wake!

The veteran likes of Saxon, Diamond Head, and Motörhead, (three of Metallica’s favourite bands) are joined by rising stars such as Tailgunner and Swedish prog metallers Soen to create a who’s-who of heavy music, with each performer lending their unique sound to one classic track. Contributions from thrash giants Testament, ex-Megadeth bassist David Ellefson, and New Wave of British Heavy Metal linchpins Tygers of Pan Tang show the label looking beyond their own artists to amass the greatest lineup possible.

The first single, ‘The Four Horsemen’, a particularly confrontational cover by hard rockers The Almighty, which propelled the band to go back into the studio for the first time with the founding line-up since 1991, is out now. Watch/listen to ‘The Four Horsemen’ Here.

The second single ‘(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth’, is a monumental cover of Metallica’s instrumental epic by the legendary David Ellefson. Watch/ listen to ‘(Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth’ Here – video by Pamela Parks, edit by Freakshot Film.

The third single ‘Seek & Destroy’, is a super-charged cover of the Metallica classic by thrash metal icons Testament. Watch/ listen to ‘Seek & Destroy’ Here – video by Freakshot Film.

No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All is an ambitious achievement worthy of Metallica’s game-changing legacy. By the fans and for the fans, it reaffirms the Four Horsemen’s ironclad influence – and its stacked roster continues the band’s mission to shove metal up your ass!

“A project five years in the making, No Life ‘Till Leather, is more than a tribute, it’s a history lesson, a love letter, and a reaffirmation of heavy metal’s unbreakable spirit.” – FISTFUL OF MEAL

“No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute To Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All has to be given extra attention simply due to the impressive list of bands and their equally astounding performances.” – METAL-TEMPLE

“I see it as a great tribute and an act of love towards a band that has now become immortal! And “Kill ‘Em All” isn’t just an album! It’s an institution! And we’re still here, with our fists raised, shouting: No life ’til leather!”  – CHAOSZINE

No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All track-listing:

  1. Hit The Lights (Tailgunner)
  2. The Four Horsemen (The Almighty)
  3. Motorbreath (Soen)
  4. Jump In The Fire (Tygers Of Pan Tang)
  5. (Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth (David Ellefson)
  6. Whiplash (Motörhead)
  7. Phantom Lord (Saxon)
  8. No Remorse (Diamond Head)
  9. Seek & Destroy (Testament)
  10. Metal Militia (Raven)

No Life ‘Til Leather – A Tribute to Metallica’s Kill ‘Em All will be available as a vinyl, CD, and on digital formats. Pre-order here

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Johnny Thunders – ‘Que Sera Sera'(Jungle Records)

Johnny Thunders – ‘Que Sera Sera'(Jungle Records)

When Jungle said they were releasing a brand new 40th Anniversary edition of the classic ‘Que Sera Sera’ album, I was curious. Having such a small repertoire, or rather official output, Thunder’s always delivered exceptional records. This latest reimagined version of this fine record is well worth investigating, not just because of its shocking pink records, but there are hidden gems within.

Completely remixed and reimagined with the big claim that this is how it should have sounded (to be fair, they’re not wrong on this claim). Gone are the muddy mixes and replaced with crisp, vast widescreen takes. The second album is six previously unheard outtakes and live tracks. Remixed by the now departed Pat Collier, having revisited them because Johnny missed the original mix back in the day, so his guitars have been put in their rightful place – Front and centre and LOUD!

This fine package comes with a splendid overview from Nina Antonia with quotes from the people who were there, like Michael Monroe, who also added some exquisite sax on ‘Blame It On Mom’ and the majestic ‘Cool Operator’. The side I went to first had to be the brand new takes on side three, where you get a raw and vibrant version of ‘Blame It On Mom’ with an absolutely fire solo. Quite how ‘Take You Up Avenue D’ never made the original, I don’t know, with its slap funk Bass and wailing sax, it’s sleazy as hell and the embodiment of the place when this was recorded. ‘Short Lives’ is more of a guide jam with the vocal deep in the mix and Thunder’s unmistakable guitar right front and centre. And Johnny fucking up on ‘I Only Wrote This Song For You’ is classic. Bringing the studio takes to a close is the awesome ‘Cool Operator’ first take. They definitely nailed the final version that made the album way more funky than this pretty straight take. Lacking the swing and arrogance that elevates the original release. But to hear Johnny rip it up on guitar is a joy all by itself.

With your usual ensemble of legends who play on Thunder’s albums, this might have been his most creative with Tregenna, JC Carroll, Monroe, Suicide, Matlock and Wilco Johnson alongside his incredible band from the time this is how ‘Que Sera Sera’ was meant to be heard. From the iconic cover to the shocking pink vinyl, this might just be the definitive version. The real gold here is the unearthed Outtakes on side three of this record, worth it for these alone, as well as the excerpts from a live show in Northern France taking up side four. Johnny Thunders is still the greatest there ever was and will ever be. Cherish his archive and get on board with this lovingly preserved collection from people who give a fuck about his music and the search for perfection of how he should have and deserved to sound.

Having unearthed the live recordings, this is Thunders at his finest. Taken way too soon, he never realised his true potential, but the studio albums he did leave behind are lovingly preserved by the likes of Jungle, and apart from the punk police wagging their fingers, I’m all for hearing these unedited takes and alternative versions. Just buy it the guy was a genius.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

*There is also a 12″ and 7″ test pressing available of ‘Short Lives’ and a mix of ‘Cool Operator’

Hound Gawd! set to unleash the new Zeke single

Hound Gawd! set to unleash the new Zeke single

ZEKE ANNOUNCES NEW SINGLE – ‘PETERBILT’ ON NOVEMBER 28 VIA HOUND GAWD!

Short. Fast. Loud. No compromise.

With their new 7″ single “Peterbilt”, ZEKE unleash an adrenaline rush only they can deliver. Since forming in Seattle in 1992, ZEKE have defined speed rock: an unrelenting mix of hardcore punk, rock ’n’ roll swagger, and breakneck fury.

The two tracks, “Peterbilt” and “From The Ashes”, are nothing short of a frontal assault—razor-sharp riffs, relentless drumming, rumbling bass, and the feral snarl of frontman Blind Marky Felchtone. Every second hits like a strike, every note is pure velocity. This is rock ’n’ roll in the red.

Led by founding members Blind Marky Felchtone (vocals, guitar) and Donny Paycheck (drums), alongside Jason Freeman (bass) and Jeff Hiatt (guitar), ZEKE channel their explosive live energy straight into vinyl. In less than three minutes, they deliver the kind of sonic intensity most bands can’t capture across a whole album. “Peterbilt” is uncompromising, high-octane punk rock—raw, direct, and unapologetically loud. Essential listening for anyone who craves speed, aggression, and attitude.

ZEKE are back—faster, louder, and more ferocious than ever.

The tracks are not available on streaming platforms.

Tour Dates

18.03.2026 – NL – Eindhoven – Effenaar

19.03.2026 – DE – Saarbrücken – Studio 30

20.03.2026 – BE – Aalst – St-Annazaal

21.03.2026 – GR – Athens – An Club

23.03.2026 – DE – Köln – Volta Club

24.03.2026 – tba

26.03.2026 – tba

27.03.2026 – ES – Vitoria-Gasteiz – Jimmy Jazz

28.03.2026 – ES – Madird – Gruta 77

29.03.2026 – PT – Lisbon – Republica da Musica

30.03.2026 – ES – Jerez de la Frontera – La Guarida

02.04.2026 – ES – Valencia – 16 Toneladas

03.04.2026 – ES – Barcelona – Upload

04.04.2026 – FR – Montpellier – Secret Place

05.04.2026 – FR – Marseille – Molotov

07.04.2026 – DE – Freiburg – Atlantik

08.04.2026 – DE – Wiesbaden – Schlachthof

09.04.2026 – DE – Düsseldorf – Pitcher

10.04.2026 – NL – Rotterdam – Baroeg

11.04.2026 – NL – Zwolle – Skroetfest

Cheap Trick – ‘All Washed Up’ (BMG)

Cheap Trick – ‘All Washed Up’ (BMG)

Celebrating their fiftieth year of playing this Rock n Roll game, the mighty Cheap Trick ain’t done yet, and with this, their latest offering, ‘All Washed Up’, is a tongue-in-cheek title because on the evidence herein, they are on fire and sounding as hungry as the day they first broke out of Rockford. From the opening few bars of the title track, you kinda know exactly what you’re in for. The band sounds vibrant and kicking it with the energy coming from the engine room, which is now driven by Rick’s son Daxx, who is proving to be a real power house and driving the music on, adding a ton of x factor to proceedings.

To be fair they are on fire here and turning everything up to 11 they’re rockin hard. by the time you get to the third track, Nielsen has decided that he wants to show everyone hes lost none of his fire and love for loud guitars as he rinses ever last drop out of how ever many necks he feels like swinging around these days. Hell, they are right on it for ‘Bet It All’ with the musicianship being put to the test and throwing down the gauntlet to anyone within earshot. I remember when Aerosmith returned decades ago after ‘Done With Mirrors’ and every man and his dog wanted to champion the band for their hunger and quality, well, this reminds me a lot of the spirit captured in these here tracks. Even the first slower ballad-like track, ‘The Best Thing’ (of course it’s called that and with slushy tempo and dreamy solo it’s built for American Radio if that’s still a thing.

Another point apart from the rhythm section and lead breaks sounding fantastic, a special mention to the amazing vocals courtesy of Robin Zander, who is pealing back the years. I’m not even sure a guy of his years should be allowed to possess a voice that bloody good; it might be illegal these days.

Throughout the eleven songs that unmistakable Cheap Trick power pop is there for all to hear, of course, it is its part of them like a gas or the lifeblood that courses through their veins, it’s always there. ‘Twelve Gates’ is a great example of the old dog and new tricks, it’s power pop gold. Hang on, ‘Bad Blood’ is even more Cheap Trick with a fantastic melody and a thick edge on the Bass, whilst Nielsen is having the time of his life all over this record. Even the parts where they might be cruising, Rick has something fire up his sleeve just so you don’t get complacent.

Finally, I’d just like to say that when they turn it up, they really do capture some magic, and whilst the production is slick and thick, it’s when they up the RPM that they hit the dizzy heights on ‘All Washed Up’, and those are the songs that take this to the next level.

To produce a product this good, this deep into a career, is nothing short of remarkable. I’ll even forgive them the skiffle and jazzy outro of ‘Wham Boom Bang’, they’ve earned it because Cheap Trick are still the cats whiskers and this is the mutts nuts now wham boom bang that one and buy this album!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

THE GODFATHERS ANNOUNCE NEW MUSIC AND U.K. SHOWS!!!

THE GODFATHERS ANNOUNCE NEW MUSIC AND U.K. SHOWS!!!

After a Summer and Autumn touring Europe, The Godfathers kickstart 2026 with a trio of UK dates and a brand new single.

The band hit the European festival circuit for shows in Croatia, Portugal, Germany, Austria and Greece, sharing stages with the likes of the Sex Pistols, The Damned, Sisters Of Mercy and The Stranglers along the way.

They’ve also found time to record two new songs, their first new material since the release of their highly praised 2022 album Alpha Beta Gamma Delta.

Set for release on 6th February and featuring guest contributions on synthesiser and guitar from Devo’s Josh Hager, the double A-side single has been described by The Godfathers’ frontman and founder Peter Coyne as “exciting, finger on the pulse rock and roll social commentary – another sonic leap forward for the group.”

The Godfathers will follow the release with their annual Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre concert at the iconic 100 Club in London as well as gigs in Leeds and Edinburgh. Full dates are…

Wed 11 February – EDINBURGH – Voodoo Rooms  (w/The Primevals) – Edinburgh Tickets

Thurs 12 February – LEEDS – Brudenell Social Club – Leeds Tickets

Fri 13 February – LONDON – 100 Club  (w/The Witchdoktors) – London Tickets

Tickets for all shows are available NOW!!

Website / Facebook / Instagram

GRADE 2 ‘Cut Throat’ Single & 2026 Tour

GRADE 2 ‘Cut Throat’ Single & 2026 Tour

British punk band Grade 2 share their blistering new single “Cut Throat”, a hard-edged anthem about perseverance in a world that never lets up. Fueled by fierce guitars and a pounding rhythm section, the track captures the sound of a band fighting to stay one step ahead while the world tries to drag them down.

“Cut Throat is about a world that takes more than it gives,” the band explains. “It’s a commentary on striving for more in situations where most people are out for themselves. It’s personal perseverance in a time that feels so empty and cold.”

The accompanying video, directed by Jason Link, with live footage by Flo Ehlich, strips everything back to black-and-white stills taken from the band’s live shows: sweat, motion, and flash-frozen defiance. It’s raw, unvarnished, and perfectly mirrors the spirit of the track—no gloss, no polish, just truth in the moment.

Grade 2 have announced a string of UK headline shows for March and April 2026, alongside their upcoming summer festival appearances. The first dates are listed below, with more to follow soon.

Tickets for the UK tour go on sale this Friday at 10am via Tickets.

UK Headline Dates:

March 28 – The Bodega Social Club, Nottingham

March 29 – The Key Club, Leeds

March 30 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester

March 31 – The Garage Attic, Glasgow

April 1 – Exchange, Bristol

April 3 – O2 Academy Islington, London

April 4 – Strings, Isle of Wight

Festival Appearances:

June 18 – Graspop Metal Meeting Festival, Dessel (BE)

June 20 – Letzigrund Stadion, Zurich (CH) supporting Die Toten Hosen

For more information:

Website | Instagram | YouTube

N.E. Vains – ‘Running Down Pylons’ (Big Neck Records)

N.E. Vains – ‘Running Down Pylons’ (Big Neck Records)

Originally formed in the autumn of 2022 during the doldrums of the lockdown, the project N.E. Vains was originally called “The Vains” but expanded their name to avoid confusion with other groups. For the band’s four Americans, the N.E. stands for New England, and for the sole Canadian in the band, it means North Eastern. (Simple as that).

With the additional efforts of Shandy Lawnson (lead guitar), Bill Bates (bass) and Elvis Belushi (drums), Jeffrey Thunders (rhythm guitar), the collaboration put together a collection of 14 songs, three of which ended up on a split 7″ with Chinese Junk in 2023 on Big Neck Records (Buffalo N.Y.) and Brassneck Records (U.K). Tragically, Bates passed in 2023 and the split was dedicated to his incredible memory. With New Haven area rock musician and engineer, Scott Fitch, taking over on bass, the band have compiled their latest 11-track LP ‘Running Down Pylons’, Think wonderfully trashy rock n roll with the DNA mixture of The Dolls, The Misfits melodies equal parts punk n roll and wonderful sloppy junkshop hand me down rock n roll.

How can you not love ‘Through With It’ with its rapid rampage through some serious sloppy rock n roll with howling feedback and sloppy timing, it’s a glorious noise wrapped in a melody Sylvain would have loved, then turn up the amps when the engineer isn’t looking and hash out ‘Time For You’ and its danceable rhythm and ear-splitting guitar tones.

Hell, ‘My Ammunition’ is a riot on wax and the snotty ‘Pinched Nerve’ is exactly where The mighty Dead Boys would be today if Stiv and the boys crawled out of the gutter in 2025, fuckin glorious noise. I love Rock n Roll that makes me feel alive and on edge, and NE Vains do just that. The cacophony of guitars rampaging over the thuggish Bass and Drums is dangerous and exciting, and the heady mix of punk and cheap drugs can only make a good time cocktail to think this was created at a distance under isolation during the global pandemic is probably for the best because buildings would have been devastated had they had the freedom of seedy clubs and ropey PA systems.

The swan song is ‘Wrong Step’ with its dark, seedy back alley swagger, it’s a great sing-a-long to take this bad boy home. A wonderful tribute to their fallen brother and a record I can’t recommend highly enough. Put on your creepers and leather jacket and get out there, pick up a guitar and turn it up. NE Vains play Rock n Roll, they play it loud and they play i toh so good. Get in on it! NOW!

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Cosmic Psychos – ‘I Really Like Beer’ (Subway Records)

Cosmic Psychos – ‘I Really Like Beer’ (Subway Records)

State the fuckin obvious. Them Cosmic Psychos always did things their own way with a cheeky nod and a grin and a tune penned for beer money to supplement the farming game, but d’you know what they quickly found out they were bloody good at it. They might well have peaked when they penned ‘Nice Day To Go To The Pub’ not like they had writers block or anything they just wrote about what they saw ever fuckin day be it nice day to go to the pub or a tale about Fuckwit City they always wrapped the lyrics in huge fuckin riffs with plenty of cowshit and snot to compensate for the manly smell of beer n bellies so why not finally put pen to paper and title this one what they really wanted to call their records.

Leading the way for decades treading paths so the scamps in The Chats or Amyl and her sniffers could follow. Giving those C.O.F.F.I.N. boys the confidence to do it like they wanna or making things ok for the civics and stiff Richards of the world to follow, thereafter the Cosmic Psychos have been there, done it and worn out the beer n piss stained t shirt.

‘I Really Like Beer’ is the culmination of a sober five minutes to complete what amounts to a stonking riff-heavy barnstormer all about one of their favourite life hacks – Beer. Of course, they could only come from the land down under, much like the other bands I mentioned, and lump in Grindhouse to that and drunk mums, hell, its only The Saints and Birdman who escape the idiot circus at this rate and The Cosmics are the daddies!

There’s a bluntness about this lot, they don’t do fancy, there’s no tunes about trendy fruit flavoured Beer, nor pouring it over Ice, it’s straight down the line, meat n tatoes Pub Punk from the wailing opener and title track, the tempo is set. Mad Macca is playing a blinder with his SG resting on his keg like gut the guys on fire.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, and their brand of thuggish punk rock is timeless and classic, and why would you want them to change anyways? It’s a sure-fire winner. There’s something quite poetic about twelve beer-soaked rockers, “You are the new age, I’m from the stone age”, so there’s a rousing middle finger right there, deal with it. ‘This Could Be The Greatest Beer Of My Life’ is a magic title, and the riff is up there with the best of em.

It’s not all crash bang wallop ‘Do It Again’ starts off with a cool run as bass and guitars lock in, and ‘Hey Mick Your Sick’ would give old Steve Jones a run for his money if he were to write for an album again, these boys could be his writing partners. ‘Have One More’ is so immature; ‘Spaghetti Weston’ is a classic play on words and the melody is supersnotty to the max, then we go out as we came in with ‘I Really Really Really Like Beer’ so lets fuck this off and go to the pub for a few sneaky looseners and hope they’ve go t ajukebox so we can crank out some Cosmic Psychos – Thirst work this writing lark is so all thats lef tis fo rme to tell you to buy this album you’ll reall reall reall like it!

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Author: Dom Daley

The Saints – ‘Long March Through The Jazz Age’ (Fire Records)

The Saints – ‘Long March Through The Jazz Age’ (Fire Records)

On 28th November 2025, Fire Records will release ‘Long March Through the Jazz Age’, the last recorded work by Chris Bailey and The Saints, coinciding closely with what would have been Bailey’s 69th birthday. It’s a moving farewell – a testament to a restless, uncompromising artist who always moved forward, one of rock’s great lyricists and iconoclasts. Sure, he was a different fella to the youth who came up with ‘I’m Stranded’ and there might no thave been the same rage as he had many years previous but he matured into a quality artist and had gravitas and can still capture a room when his music comes through the speakers.

Recorded at Church Street Studios in Sydney, Bailey and longtime Saints drummer Pete Wilkinson flew in from Europe to reunite with guitarist/engineer Sean Carey, who had previously toured and recorded with the band. They were joined by Davey Lane (You Am I) on guitar, plus a handpicked ensemble of Sydney’s most exciting young horn, string and keyboard players.

From Bailey’s rough demos, ‘Long March Through the Jazz Age’ is the sound of a man who grew up and his take on modern times.

Lead single ‘Empires (Sometimes We Fall)’ is the album’s anthemic opener, the western guitars sit nicely behind Bailey’s words: “Sometimes we rise, sometimes we fall”. It’s a great intro on an album that has gravitas and a swagger with Bailey’s punk rock heart beat flowing nicely in a really well-produced album.

‘Judas’, is a big piece, with space and thoughtfulness in the arrangement. ‘Gasoline’ has some Stones country honk in its DNA, whilst ‘Bruises’ is an introspective look inside the mind of a legend. Loads of kids who grew up in the glare of the public mellowed later on, take Westerberg as a prime example, add Bailey to that list

There are a few really epic long songs on offer here, and towards the close of the record, I love the cracks in the vocal, which is flawed and rasping on ‘Resurrection Day’ with its uplifting chorus, with beautifully poised horns and strings. It’s a crack of sun poking through the sky on a wet and rainy day, a big panoramic widescreen track.

Over four decade of doing whatever the fuck he liked Bailey and his band The Saints were truly the best from down under make no mistake, utterly pierless and groundbreaking on a global stage and this final offering shows another side of the legend and the best was saved till last with the epic trumpet-punctuated jazzy ‘Carnivore’ as the seven plus minutes unfold like a cinematic widescreen road movie with the vocal sounding both strong and vulnerable at the same time its wonderful through some good speakers or headphones. As it builds, it never really spills over but it does make your heart ache for what could have should have been.

Leaving the whistful acoustic ‘Will You Still Be There’ to carry this fine record home. Saints fans will love it, and I’m sure new fans will find it uplifting, and the full stop of this majestic band brought on for one finale. Buy this record.

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Author: Dom Daley