Desert grooves? Doomy Stoner vibes? Hypnotic Sabbath riffs? You name it and Sardinians Loose Sutures have it by the boatload! This sophomoric record certainly lives up to it’s Grindhouse B-movie title, especially now as the nights draw in….
I had trepidation at first, spying the song title ‘superfast shit kebab’ and the long noodley intro track but when the songs kick in, the band show their wares and that they know how to rock out with barn burners such as ‘stupid boy’ and low end throbber ‘sunny cola’.
‘Last cry’ has equal amounts of classic Sabbath and MKII era Deep Purple deliciously blended, whereas next track ‘mephisto rising’ channels the former with all the necessary demonic Wah every listener needs.
The record continues in this vein, constant delivery of pure evil riffs held together with excellent rhythms and grooves on tracks ‘black lips’ and ‘animal house’. Would you believe that the aforementioned ‘superfast shit kebab’ ends up being the euphoric standout track of the record! An anthem to say the least.
The album finishes off nicely with ‘death valley I’ and the follow up ‘death valley II’, delivered immediately and up front, quick progress indeed if you compare it to George Lucas standards. Part one being the heavier of the pair but don’t discount the sequel, it’s packed with day-glo Psych vibes. Both very hypnotic and encapsulating, though in different ways.
The band describes this work as a journey of toxic tastes, endless nightmares, tempting mistresses born out of a sickly strip club……. Yeah, I couldn’t say it better myself. Ingratiate yourself with this record, hit the Med, get Loose and go get Gashed!
Written and recorded while the world was still in the grips of the coronavirus pandemic, this new studio album sees the band just keep rolling and making music for the 21st Century as they did on “The Devil You Know” and “The Missing Peace” even if this has some softer lighter edges in the shape of the whistful ‘Get Along’.
Sure their classic rock influences are still in the mix. The heavier songs are present and correct but thats the beauty of an L.A. Guns album you kinda know what you’re going to get but there are subtle surprises within that keep the listener on their toes.
When fans absorb the album as a whole, they’ll see that the tracklisting is divided up into ‘sets’ or ‘suites’, where a sonic style is explored across multiple songs before moving on to the next, making for a longer-lasting listening experience that has certainly kept fans coming back for more (as well as the obvious talents within the line up).
I’ve always been a big fan of Lewis from when he was fronting Girl through Torme and as a solo artist he’s lost none of his talents over the years.
The album kicks off in style with the dirty rock of ‘Canonball’ that harks back to the real spirit of the band and when they first came to the fore. The attack of the two guitars and Lewis’ voice is excellent. then to follow it up with the groove-based boogie of ‘Bad Luck Charm’ then ‘Living Right Now’ that has attitude as well as grooving on a ‘Born To BE Wild’ opening riff its three songs in the intro and three styles that blend really well before the acoustic change of pace that is ‘Get Along’.
Going back to the ‘Sets’ where the album is divided into this laid-back, reflective acoustic section has the excellent ‘If It’s Over Now’ that has a great classic melody going on and Lewis vocals soar before gently getting back into the verse where its more softly spoken. The solo you know is coming and I got the impression of a Randy Rhodes style Ozzy feel and it hits the spot.
There is a solid more gang-like feel to this album and one the band seems altogether more comfortable with. There isn’t any need to just pummel the listener (even though they do at times) they seem more comfortable experimenting and taking different paths with the arrangments and that always makes for a better listen.
Halfway through the album, there’s plenty of grunt on ‘Better Than You’ before the boys get the feet up on the monitors for a DC like stomper in the shape of ‘Knock Me Down’. ‘Dog’ sees Tracii lead the way with a ballsy rocker.
As we head into the home straight the band shift through the gears with the slow-building ‘Let You Down’ that might just be the highlight of the whole album reminding me of the band’s darker classic ‘Hollywood Vampire’. Closing off proceedings with the sludgy, big, let’s get the fuck outta dodge grinding rhythm of ‘Physical Itch’ that closes off another long-player from a band that should rightfully get the respect of its peers for being not survivors but pioneers – a band who kept fighting against the odds and doing it on their own terms and a band that is maturing like a fine wine. Not going through the motions but a band that is going through the emotions – lifting you up and putting you down and if you turn up the speakers they’ll still throw you about. Long may this incarnation of L.A. Guns continue because they have the chops and are still very much capable of cutting the mustard and making really really good albums.
‘Slade In Flame’, the third release in the series, will be released on red and yellow splatter vinyl.
The first release in this beautifully presented re-issues collection ‘Slayed? debuted at #7 in the Official Vinyl Charts and the final release will be ‘Slade Alive!’.Slade’s first soundtrack album and fifth studio album ‘Slade In Flame’, includes the singles ‘Far Far Away’ and ‘How does it Feel’. Originally released on 29th November 1974, the album entered the UK album chart at #6 and it was certified gold by the BPI in February 1975. Slade’s seminal film was hailed as ‘the Citizen Kane of British pop movies” by Mark Kermode, BBC.
‘Slade In Flame’ follows the release of Slade’s third and fourth studio albums ‘Slayed?’, and ‘Old New Borrowed And Blue’. ‘Slayed?’ features ten songs including Number One single, ‘Mama Weer All Crazee Now’ and ‘Gudbuy T’Jane’ which reached Number two in the charts. While ‘Old New Borrowed And Blue’, features the singles ‘My Friend Stan’ and ‘Everyday’ and The Times to retrospectively state: “This is joyous, unshackled and unpretentious stuff that reminds you how they rattled off six No.1’s.”
Pictures By Barry Plummer
Slade are without doubt one of the most exciting bands to come out of Great Britain and were unstoppable throughout the Seventies becoming one of the biggest bands; releasing six smash hits albums, including three UK Number Ones, a run of 17 consecutive Top 20 singles and their hits provided a soundtrack to the Glam Generation. To pre-order ‘Slade In Flame’, go to: https://slade.lnk.to/sladeinflamePRTo order ‘Old New Borrowed And Blue’ go to: https://slade.lnk.to/onbabPR To order ‘Slayed?’ go to: https://slade.lnk.to/slayedPR
Oh yeah, groovy baby! Australia seems to be at the centre of a lot of whats happening in rock and roll from punk and new wave to rock and further afield so when I got the new Datura4 album to review I kinda put it off for a while what with the psychedelic quotes and a few bits and pieces I’d heard but Alive has always put out quality music and I love some of the rock and roll records they’ve been behind so after reading up on these cats I decided to clear my schedule and dive in.
Starting off with the title track its less Psycadelic than I was expecting and whilst there are swirling keyboards and sound effects once they get their groove on it’s obvious that Datura4 know how to rock and roll. After the intro they step back into the ’70s for a punchy groove that they keep up towards the catchy chorus. Impressive stuff to be fair and power pop with the melodies and roots that belong in the garage without it tucking up the MC5 or Birdman. I think the titles might be a bit misleading and playful but the harmonica howling on ‘Wolfman Woogie’ is a great sound. I think these cats like to Rock out rather than wig out and keep it laid back when they need to and cut loose when they want as well.
‘Mother Medusa’ sounds like the riff Lenny Kravitz had when he wanted people to go his way but it’s a great groove. They come over all Gillan on the spacey ‘You’re The Only One’. They sound like a Cream inspired barroom blues combo on the retro bustin’ ‘Rule My World’ now turn up those fuzz pedals and honk on that gob iron!
‘Give’ sounds like their take on Neil Young with added swirling organ which I’m sure Young would approve of. It’s classic retro Rock and Roll for sure but the acoustic guitar take it somewhere else other than down a simple rock route.
Before they check out ‘You Be The Fool’ is Bolan boogie and my pick of the pops on offer on this retro ride if it weren’t for the excellent barroom rocker ‘Get Out’ that follows. Simple – melodic and a great bit of boogie woogie on that joanna. I’ve enjoyed this trip and as a result, I’m digging into their extensive catalogue to see what else they have to offer.
Ten songs of variety and played by consummate professionals who’ve been doing this Rock and Roll thang for long enough they clearly love the sounds they create and live it to the max they give it that warm retro feel and are proud to don the aviator shades, bellbottoms and big furry handlebars If I’m wrong I’ll eat my Boss fuzz pedal and a whole Wurlitzer organ.
Hungarian Nu Punks The Hellfreaks return with their fourth album ‘God On The Run’. Formed in 2009 the Budapest based band released 2 albums of cool psychobilly punk rock (‘Hell Sweet Hell’ and ‘Circus Of Shame’) before disbanding. After a period of ‘creative reinvention’ singer Shakey Sue returned with a whole new band and released the critically acclaimed ‘Astoria’ in 2016. This third Hellfreaks album saw the band leave their psychobilly roots for dust and head in a more hardcore punk rock direction that saw them gain comparisons to The Distillers and Hole. ‘Astoria’ took the band spitting and snarling across Europe and the US to a whole new fanbase.
2020 sees the band evolve yet again as they challenge themselves to reach new horizons with ‘God On The Run’.
The three tracks released prior to the album promise a more modern metal approach, with precision song dynamics, frantic beats and anthemic choruses aplenty. And while the band has gone for a heavier approach this time around, the melodies retain the pop/punk sensibilities that Shakey Sue has been delivering for the last decade.
Lead single ‘Men In Grey’ is a furious introduction and a statement of intent. Sue puts those lungs to work as Jozzy’s angular guitar riffage weaves sonic metal over the tight rhythm section of bassist Gabi and Bela on the drums. It’s a full on, modern metal assault on the senses. One thing’s for sure, in 2020 The Hellfreaks are gonna bang the head that doesn’t bang!
‘Red Sky’ is the sort of single that can give the likes of Halestorm a run for their money. Crunching guitars and high octane vocals battle for competition to unite the kids and have them chanting the memorable chorus. ‘Witches Heal’ follows the same format, a modern metal single with a stadium sized chorus, this one designed to bring out the inner witch and have you dancing underneath the stars like you just don’t care.
Frantic beats and precision rifforama create urgency with no let up. The likes of ‘Hello Sea’ and ‘As Above’ show a band in their prime as songwriters and players, who have delivered an album that stands tall alongside their contemporaries.
With its tribal beat introduction, Maiden-esque backing vocals and handclap accompaniment ‘Adrenalized’ is surprisingly, one of the standout tracks on offer. It must surely be the next single.
Elsewhere, album closer ‘Tabby’ is almost industrial in feel, as Sue wails over a cinematic soundscape. The sleazy vocals are delivered nonchalantly as you like, Sunset Strip style, as jarring guitars fade in and out between the swathes of electronica. The whole song comes on like classic Garbage, Sue certainly channels her inner Shirley Manson to great effect here. Possibly the coolest cut on the goddamn record, I tell ya!
The thing that grabs me about The Hellfreaks is their ability to change and explore new horizons with each album. This shift in style keeps things fresh and does not allow the band to become stagnant or generic. Sure, they risk alienating their old school fanbase, but there is a whole hoard of teenage metal heads crying out for a bit of what Shakey Sue and her boys are offering this time around.
‘God On The Run’ is a strong album, a heady mix of punk and metal that should catapult the band to headline status and gain them fans and friends in all the right places.
Special release to raise money for wildlife injured in the Australian bushfires. All proceeds will go to Wildlife Victoria.
This digital download of ‘Thylacine’ includes a bonus, previously unreleased track ‘Song of Murray’s Brigade’, an adaptation of a 1940 poem by Australian bush poet Banjo Paterson. Purchase Here
Suzie said about this fundraiser, “ I have been completely heartbroken watching the destruction caused by the fires in Australia. I’ve created a special release to raise money for Wildlife Victoria to help injured and displaced wildlife.
This digital release of ‘Thylacine’ includes an exclusive, previously unreleased bonus track called ‘Song of Murray’s Brigade’ which is an adaptation of a 1940 poem by Australian bush poet Banjo Paterson. It was recorded at the same time as ‘Song of Artesian Water’ (another adaptation of Paterson’s poetry) though hasn’t been available to purchase previously. The song is stripped back with acoustic guitar and Gareth Skinner on cello.
Many of the species that have been affected by these fires were already threatened or endangered due to factors such as habitat loss from land clearing for agriculture and urban development, invasive species, and pressures from extreme heat caused by climate change and ongoing drought. These fires pose a huge threat for their ongoing survival, but we still have a chance to help and ensure that they don’t end up in the history books next to the thylacine (now extinct).
The cost for both tracks is £5, though you can pay as much as you want. 100% of proceeds will go to Wildlife Victoria. This release will be available for a limited time. Every little bit helps”.
Suzie Stapleton – vocals & guitar
Gavin Jay – bass
Jim Macaulay – drums
Gareth Skinner – cello
It’s been a while since we heard anything from the Sherriff McCoy. In fact, its 10 years since Hanoi Rocks performed their last hurrah and put the band to bed with a final show at the Tavastia in Helsinki. So what has Michael Monroe’s former partner in crime been up to? Well, if you believe the comments on YouTube, it appears he has been a lighthouse keeper for 10 years! While I would love that to be true, apart from the short-lived Grease Helmet and a few guest appearances, it seems he has done little musically to speak of and has spent more time on his artwork, clothes design and even a stint on Finland’s Celebrity Big Brother.
But the guitar legend is back with a 12 song slab of ‘21st Century Rocks’, his first solo album since ‘Building On Tradition’ that came out way back in 1995. And what a welcome surprise it is.
Lead single ‘Seven Seas’ came out of nowhere a month back and actually upstaged Monroe’s first offering from the highly anticipated ‘One Man Band’. Andy always had an ear for melody and ‘Seven Seas’ confirms he still has a trick or two up his sleeve. A definite classic Hanoi feel comes across, as it builds to a fantastic uplifting chorus that fills the ears and soul with a feeling of euphoria no drug can give. Can Andy McCoy possibly be the king of all comebacks? We will have to see if the rest of the album holds up to the same quality.
That familiar guitar tone blasts from the speakers as the title track sets the scene for the album. The even more familiar vocal drawl follows. Andy McCoy’s vocals are certainly an acquired taste, but let’s not forget Hanoi Rocks’ back catalogue would not be the same without those quirky ‘out of tune’ backing vocals of his. And that guitar solo… no one plays guitar quite like Andy McCoy! Killer stuff indeed.
The ghost of his bastard past is never far away. ‘Undertow’ comes on like ‘A Day Late, A Dollar Short’, there’s even a sax solo to boot. I wonder if it originated from those sessions. Whether it did or not, it’s a cool tune for sure. Then ‘Batteram’ takes things way back in time. That melody comes on like Hanoi’s ‘Desperado’ to these ears. And the way he sings “round” and “ground” in the chorus with an unmistakeable accent is cool as fuck.
Andy’s songwriting and guitar playing has always been more experimental, taking in eastern and reggae influences, and he certainly creates a few more mental beats to make a diverse album. While Monroe has stuck to his rock ‘n’ roll roots for his whole solo career, (and we wouldn’t want it any other way, right?) McCoy explores the obscure and recaptures the quirky influences that peppered Hanoi’s earlier albums.
‘Maria Maria’ is pure class. Mariachi vibes all over as trumpets and strummed acoustics take us into spaghetti western territory. The Urban Voodoo Machine comes to mind as Andy transports us to the Mexican border to smoke a doobie or two, down tequila and jam out in the scorching sun with a chiquita or two. That is what I imagine Andy has been doing in the wilderness years! While I don’t think Andy is even allowed anywhere near any US boarders anytime soon due to his past antics, the idea is spot on.
‘Soul Satisfaction’ is another track that is out there, even in Andy McCoy terms. A tripped-out pre chorus leads into a 70’s New York groove as the main man slurs his words like Keith Richards on his second bottle of Jack.
‘Bible and a Gun’ could sit nicely anywhere in his discography. A bluesy, Stonesy little number with honky tonk piano and a cool barroom boogie groove. Elsewhere, Andy makes his guitar gently weep on the opening riff of ‘The Hunger’. The laid back, jangly backing, harmonised guitars and the ‘Village Girl’ style breakdown to fade makes this a rapturous and satisfying ride.
As we reach the final stretch it comes to mind that Andy McCoy actually comes on like vintage Alice Cooper, which is something that I never realised. Take away the smoky sax on ‘Gimme Time’ and listen intently to closer ‘This is Rock ‘n’ Roll’ with its gang backing vocals and Detroit garage rock delivery and maybe you’ll catch my drift.
Obviously, ‘21st Century Rocks’ will be measured up against ‘One Man Gang’ as they literally come out within weeks of each other. Michael Monroe has an established career as a solo artist and has one of the best live bands in the business, and Andy is…well he’s just Andy McCoy, the guitar-slinging outlaw! Let’s not take anything away from either camp. Both are living legends that together produced some of the greatest albums in my record collection and influenced a whole generation of bands.
While they made magic together, they continue to do the same on their own terms. ‘21st Century Rocks’ is a testament to that, a surprise hit on many levels. Who’s for a UK tour then?
The Professor and the Madman aren’t household names in the Punk Rock, Power Pop fraternity, although they should be. Not just because former Damned drummer Rat Scabies has played on all three of the band’s studio albums or for the latest “Disintegrate Me”. Rat’s bass playing former colleague Paul Gray lends his considerable talent to it, but because the mainstays of Alfie Agnew and Sean Elliot have just as much Punk cred, having been in the likes of D.I. and The Adolescents and exuded more DIY ethos than both Wickes and B&Q combined.
The birth of this live album deserves a whole section dedicated it itself; publishing approval, Art(?) Work(??) copyright issues, Pressing problems and almost the final nail in the coffin PledgeMusic that had the band putting their hands in their own pockets to fulfill the orders, but enough of the back story let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of The Professor and the Mad Man live at the 100 Club album.
The album was recorded just over a year ago at, obviously, the legendary 100 Club in Oxford Street where Messers Gray and Scabies would be playing together live, something that they hadn’t done since July 1992 when the Damned were either departing or reforming. The twelve tracks that make up this 50 minute album span the bands 3 album career to date with “Peace Bombs” from the “Elixir II – Election” album leading straight into a cover of US Power Pop band 20/20’s “Nuclear Boy” and then “Nightmare” that had me thinking that the band have arranged the setlist as some sort of post-apocalyptic concept. It’s almost as if this live album should’ve been a studio one, no doubt to thanks to various Streaming Services it can be. Even the cover of Eddie and the Hot Rods “Quit This Town”, that features a guest appearance from former Hot Rods guitarist Graeme Douglas, lends weight to this. Either that or this is The Professor and the Mad Man’s stab at their own version of The Monkees “Head” soundtrack done live; brilliantly off the rails but bang on the money. The production is super well balanced; you can hear everybody and everything, no one is too loud or understated. The only thing missing is the crowd appreciation and reaction between songs, until “Quit This Town”, where it springs into life, before mysteriously receding into the background; I was at the gig and remember the crowd to have been on the lively, boisterous side with a lot more stories and antidotes between songs (Adam Ant) and I’m sure “Electroconvulsive Therapy” was the penultimate track and not, as on the CD, the last. Maybe that’s why it fades out?
Overall, it’s a great snapshot of something special that at the time was billed as “For One Night Only”. However, with Alfie, Sean, Paul and Rat working on new material I hope to see “A Welcome Return” sometime next year.
Jesse Malin’s transition from snotty frontman for NY punks D Generation to acoustic troubadour has been a natural progression over the last 15 years. The long and winding road has seen him release 7 solo albums, collaborating with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Ryan Adams and Brian Fallon along the way.
Critically praised, yet commercially ignored (hey, aren’t all the best songwriters? Ginger,Tyla and Butch Walker, here’s looking at you!). His live shows, whether solo or with a band, can be an immersive experience full of storytelling, comedy and crowd interaction. Jesse Malin continues to tell tales of dreamers, schemers, hustlers and dealers. These are his songs about the characters from his native New York and stories about those he meets on the road.
Jesse’s latest album ‘Sunset Kids’ is a collaboration with country legend Lucinda Williams, who Malin met by chance in a club. They discussed making an album together after she invited him to Tom Petty’s final concert. During the writing and recording Jesse lost his father, his good friend Todd Youth and even the engineer of the album Davis Bianco.
Opener ‘Meet Me At The End Of The World Again’ is a re-recording of the lead track from 2017’s ‘Meet Me At The End Of The World’ EP. This version benefits from Lucinda’s lush production and masterful guidance. The verse, sung in Jesse’s lower register with the addition of warm bass and a tinkling of the ivories, comes on like prime Lou Reed. It lends itself well as a great build to the infectious chorus full of lush, gang vocals. It’s a laid back, lazy sounding slice of retro rock ‘n’ roll, the kind that only a New York resident could produce. This is Jesse walking on the wildside and that’s about as rock ‘n’ roll as you can get.
Next up, the countrified ‘Room 13’ is a reflective ode to spending time in hotel rooms (Jesse has been known to book himself into hotels to write songs in isolation, with no distractions). This is prime Malin songwriting, featuring Lucinda’s lush vocal harmonies and twangy countrified guitars, the sparse instrumentation creates space and atmosphere that only adds to the laid back, signature melodies Jesse creates.
There’s a nice ebb and flow to the album, from the upbeat to the downbeat. Reflective, acoustic laments like ‘When You’re Young’ and ‘Revelations’ rub (leather) shoulders with funky 70’s groovers such as ‘Do You Really Wanna Know’ and the overly cool ‘Dead On’, 2 tunes that deserve to be jammed out by cool cats in smoky bars, while whores hustle and hustlers whore around them.
The upbeat ‘Chemical Heart’ has the same feel as his version of The Hold Steady’s ‘You Can Make Them Like You’ from the excellent ‘On Your Sleeve’ covers album. Nice stabs of Hammond give this song a quirky burst of energy. It’s one of the coolest on offer, along with ‘Strangers and Thieves’, co-written by Billy Joe Armstrong as part of their Rodeo Queens side project. A euphoric, countrified rock ‘n’ roll blast if ever there was one. Lucinda’s lush backing vocals add depth, great percussion and twangy guitars give a Stonesy ‘All Down The Line’ feel. A much needed dose of urgency.
Jesse’s tales of working class guys, lost love and dreaming of breaking out of the rat race have been popular themes with the guy since D Generation burst onto MTV with ‘No Way Out’, and although the production may have changed, the message is still the same. As he suggests in ‘Shining On’, you gotta keep on, keeping on. “Call me a cab for the last plane to tomorrow” he asks on ‘Promises’ and ‘Grey Skies Look So Blue’ floats along on a summer breeze as Jesse dreams about packing his bags and getting away.
When an artist goes through tumultuous times, when a songwriter experiences heartache or pain, and truly has something to write about, THAT is when they are at their best. Like much of Jesse’s solo work, ‘Sunset Kids’ is a reflective body of work, full of heartfelt tenderness and cool rock ‘n’ roll, but for whatever reason it resonates so much more than his past albums. And with the help of Lucinda Williams, he may well have made the album of his career.
Hailing from Melbourne Australia Press Club is really working the hard yards and slogging it out on the world tour circuit working hard crafting their place in the scene. With Natalie Foster leaving the stage on empty night after night ably supported by Greg Rietwyk, Frank Lees and Rufio MacRae; Press Club are giving it their best shot with ‘Wasted Energy’ and those hours spent in the van and on stages everywhere are spilled into every groove and track on the album. It seems like only a couple of months ago they were out supporting their debut album and already they’re onto album number two. Good work ethic guys tour, write, record. Its the evolution circle of rock and roll as it used to be.
There’s no easing in gently here its bang – on with the show. ‘Separate Houses’ is up and running. It’s setting the tempo for what’s to come there’s no time like now and no time for fucking about waiting. ‘Dead Or Dying’ is sharp and rattles along with a cool bass line that punches through the melody on the verses as the sprightly tempo raises like Foster’s voice.
‘Thinking About You’ is a more melodic tune. you still have the tightness but the guitar is more chiming and its no surprise to see it as the lead single off the record as its easily accessible to a wider audience. In direct contrast ‘Chosen Ones’ is the other end of the spectrum and is a far more uptempo number. To be fair it’s pretty much the band’s default sound and style but that’s not to say they lack variety because they don’t at times I’m reminded of bands like Joy Division with some of the cold sharp angular guitar attack and then on songs like ‘Get Better’ they just get their heads down and rock out and the album really soars when they hit that groove.
They can also just kick out the jams like on ‘New Year’s Eve’ where the rhythm section gets the job done with aplomb. As the album wears on the penultimate track is the thoughtful ‘Same Mistakes’ which starts off gently and builds towards the chorus (of Sorts) and is one of the standout tracks on a pretty impressive album. Press Club are working hard on their chosen craft and it’s paying dividends in the studio because ‘Wasted Energy’ is a strong outing and one that will see the band reap the rewards.
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