Gary Moore – BMG Reissues

Gary Moore – BMG Reissues

BMG Announces Reissues of Four Classic Gary Moore albums on vinyl and CD 

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BMG and Gary Moore will reissue four beloved titles from the legendary guitarist’s catalogue Ian 2026: the studio albums Old New Ballads Blues (2006), Close As You Get (2007), and Bad For You Baby (2008), along with the live album Live at Bush Hall (2014, recorded in 2007). 

All titles will be available on CD from 27th February, with each release also presented on double vinyl, arriving 24th April.

Old New Ballads Blues, Gary Moore’s 15th solo album, continued his exploration of the blues with a mix of classic blues tracks—written by legends such as Otis Rush and Willie Dixon—and his own original compositions. The album also features Don Airey on keyboards.

One year later, Close As You Get was released, reuniting Moore with his former Thin Lizzy bandmate, drummer Brian Downey, who performed on every track. Stripped down and raw, the album finds Moore delving as close to purist, traditional blues as he had ever ventured.

Released in 2008, Bad For You Baby is Moore’s seventeenth solo album and the final studio album released during his lifetime. It leans toward the hard-rock-infused blues style he had embraced in previous years and includes covers of two songs strongly associated with Muddy Waters. The album also features standout collaborations with Cassie Taylor and Otis Taylor. Gary Moore passed away on 6 February 2011.

Concluding this group of reissues is the live album Live at Bush Hall. Recorded in 2007 at an intimate, invitation-only show promoting Close As You Get, the 13-song set once again pairs Moore with drummer Brian Downey. Thin Lizzy’s “Don’t Believe a Word” is the only Lizzy track to make it into the setlist and the performance features rare live versions of several songs, including Chuck Berry’s “30 Days,” the self penned “Trouble at Home,” and Sonny Boy Williamson’s “Eyesight to the Blind.”

Gary Moore rocked the worlds of blues and rock with his virtuoso guitar playing and soulful voice. Best known for his evocative solo hits Parisienne Walkways and Still Got the Blues, as well as his on-and-off membership in Thin Lizzy, Moore’s solo career comprises more than twenty albums. Throughout the 1980s, he rose through the rock hierarchy, but ultimately turned his back on what he regarded as the empty flash of metal and returned to his true passion—the blues—where, ironically, he achieved his greatest commercial success with his blues albums of the 1990s and 2000s.

Alongside leading his own bands throughout a successful solo career, Gary Moore played with some of the greatest names in rock and blues, both live and on record, including George Harrison, Jack Bruce, Ginger Baker, Greg Lake, B.B. King, Albert King, Albert Collins, and many others. Widely regarded as one of the most influential Irish musicians of all time, Moore was honoured by both Gibson and Fender with signature guitars. The Northern Irish star remains celebrated as one of the finest guitarists in music history.

To pre-order the albums released on CD on 27th February, and on vinyl on 24th April go to: https://gary-moore.lnk.to/releases

Graham Bonnet Band- ‘Lost In Hollywood Again’ (Live) [Frontiers Records]

Graham Bonnet Band- ‘Lost In Hollywood Again’ (Live) [Frontiers Records]

What can you say about one of the most legendary voices of Rock that hasn’t been said before – not much, but I will say that Graham Bonnet and his band, the imaginatively monickered Graham Bonnet Band, are soon to be releasing a new live album that celebrates and commemorates Graham’s voice as one of the most recognisable in rock. Up there with Ronnie James Dio and only a few others. This album is a touching, yet relevant showcase of what the 77-year-old singer can do.

Recorded back in August 2024, at the famous Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles, the Graham Bonnet Band rocked and rolled, and it has all been captured here on this the Lost In Hollywood Again album.

Opening with ‘Eyes of the World’, then straight into ‘All Night Long’ – you know that this band mean business and for the 16 song setlist – prove that class doesn’t age and only gets better with time.

‘Love’s No Friend’, ‘Making Love’ and ‘Since You’ve Been Gone’ are up next, while many would keep the hits until last – Graham and band acerbate a confidence that is rarely seen these days.

Now would be a great time to introduce the band that is captured live here – Obviously, you know Graham Bonnet on the vocals, but the band, who are made up of Conrado Pesinato on guitars, Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass, Alessandro Bertoni on the Keyboards and Francis Cassol on drums. This band have clearly reinvigorated Graham, and the audience must have been in their oils as the music washed over them.

However, up next – poses the age-old question of the live album and should guitar/keyboard/drums solos should be included. I’m of the opinion that they should, as it gives the listener the time for a toilet break, just like they do in the live setting. Wasting no time, the band kick straight into ‘Lazy’ and then ‘Imposter’. Which again only highlights how good a voice Graham still possesses.

The closing gambit of this live album is another lesson in Rock N Roll greatness. How can anyone argue that the following cluster of songs is nothing short of brilliance – ‘Night Games’, ‘Into The Night’, Assault Attack’, Too Young To Die, Too Drunk To Live’ and ‘Lost In Hollywood’.

While albums like this will undoubtedly gain the artist some new fans, it is clearly a love letter to the OG fans and a record that deserves to be heard and played loud.

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Author: Dave Prince

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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Saxon – U.D.O. – Cardiff University Great Hall. 16.11.25

Saxon – U.D.O. – Cardiff University Great Hall. 16.11.25

The mighty Saxon’s Hell, Fire and Steel tour has been rolling through the UK. The final date is here in Cardiff; there’s a definite chill in the air as I queue to get in with the rest of the sold-out denim and leather-clad audience. By the time I get in, U.D.O. have already started their set. I catch most of the opening track – ‘Balls to the Wall’ (complete with giant inflatable balls), and I’m reminded of how much I love that song. I find myself headbanging (gently these days!) along to the monstrous riff and groove. Udo Dirkschneider is looking good for a 73-year-old, and his voice sounds like it always has. He has assembled a fantastic band, they play the Accept classics with flair, and we get a top selection of tracks, including the so bad it’s good – ‘London Leather Boys’, ‘Turn Me On’, and of course, they finish the set with a solid version of the proto thrash metal classic – ‘Fast as a Shark’. The audience gives U.D.O. a rapturous ovation, and we wait for Saxon to take the stage.

Yes, yes, I know you all know my love for Saxon. They were, after all, my introduction to the world of heavy metal back in 1986 when I was a young, impressionable 13-year-old. My mate in school brought me a tape of the compilation album ‘Strong Arm Metal’ and that was it! I’ve been a metal head ever since. It’s hard to believe that the band are as relevant now as they were then. The band have consistently released quality albums, some of their latest efforts are up there with the classic stuff.  They have weathered many storms in their long career. Drummer Nigel Glockler suffered a brain injury back in 2014, and vocalist Biff Byford recovered from a heart attack in 2019, and more recently has had treatment for prostate cancer. Not that you would know any of this when you see and hear their performance tonight!

The unmistakable tones of Brian Blessed blast through the PA as the intro to Saxon’s latest album – ‘Hell, Fire and Damnation’ is played. The curtain drops and the riff to the album’s title track kicks off the show with style. Biff is on fine form vocally; he genuinely sounds better now than he ever has. For a man of 74 years of age, he puts many younger vocalists to shame. The first half of their set includes the standards – ‘Power and the Glory’, ‘Never Surrender’, ‘Backs to the Wall’, ‘Heavy Metal Thunder’ and ‘Dallas 1 pm’. We also get some newer tracks that have also become classic Saxon – Sacrifice and Madame Guillotine.

The video screen behind the band is used to great effect, with images to highlight the songs. The guitar duo of long-time member Doug Scarratt and new boy, Diamond Head legend Brian Tatler, works perfectly. They play for the song, no unnecessary showboating, just tasteful playing. Their twin lead attack is a joy to behold. Bassist Nibbs Carter shows no sign of slowing down; he’s like a shirtless Tasmanian devil. Headbanging furiously, saluting the crowd with horns aloft, he’s a focal point of the band. Nice to see him using a Rickenbacker for part of the set too – a nod to their old friend Lemmy? A special mention must go to drummer Nigel Glockler, at 72 years of age, he is still a force to be reckoned with. He doesn’t miss a beat; his thunderous attacking of the drums really is something special. Saxon have a real affinity with Wales, Biff tells us stories of the band playing in South Wales when the band first started out, “the Rhondda valleys!” he shouts in a pretty good Welsh accent!

Then we get to the part of the set that everyone has been waiting for – the seminal album ‘Wheels of Steel’ played in its entirety. Biff introduces ‘Motorcycle Man’ by taking us down memory lane, he asks us what the first thing we all heard when we dropped the needle on the LP for the first time… That’s right, the roar of a bike tearing up the tarmac. They kick into the track with gusto! The audience goes nuts and sings every word. This is a real treat for all of us in the room. We get to hear deep cuts like Freeway Mad and Street Fighting Gang as well as standards – 747 (Strangers in the Night), Wheels of Steel and See the Light Shining. The highlight for me, though, is hearing ‘Machine Gun’ live for the first time. The bomb effect at the end of the track clears out everyone’s bowels… amazing! ‘Suzie Hold On’ sounds great too (even though it’s my least favourite on the album). There’s a lovely moment where someone hands Biff their beloved vinyl copy of ‘Wheels of Steel’ and he pulls out a Sharpie from his pocket, signs it and hands it back. Biff tells us that a new album is in the works and we should expect it sometime in 2026. No slowing down for these guys!

We get an encore of ‘Denim and Leather’, some of the audience throw their battle jackets on stage and the band wear them, Biff signs them all while the guys in the band are still wearing them! The final tracks of the night are ‘Strong Arm of the Law’ and the fantastic ‘Princess of the Night’. What a set, what a band. There are smiles of appreciation on every face. Saxon more than delivered tonight. Long live the Barnsley big teasers!   

Author: Kenny Kendrick

Johnny Thunder’s & Wayne Kramer’s -‘Gang War’ – (Jungle Records)

Johnny Thunder’s & Wayne Kramer’s -‘Gang War’ – (Jungle Records)

RSD 2025 Black Friday release of this live performance from Toronto and Boston, and now Max’s Kansas City is the sound of a freakin juggernaught of a band. After Thunders released ‘So Alone’ he hooked up with the newly released from Jail Kramer who served two years for Coke offenses they toured the USA and Canada with the view to making a record but it never happened but live they were at thei rbest and Previously only available on ropey bootleg, it’s now had a bit of spit and polish lovingly done by team Jungle records, and with a cool innersleeve bio courtesy of Nina Antonio, some of Kramer’s interpretations are so good on tunes like ‘ Endless Party’, leaving Thunders to concentrate on the vocals (ok ok loosely concentrate). ‘I’ll Go Crazy’ is out of Thunder’s wheelhouse, but he pulls it off just in range whilst Kramer sets his fretboard on fire.

Songs like the thunderous ‘Hey Thanks’ are role reversals with Thunder’s lighting up the speakers with his BVs and sloppy solos. Barely held together, this band had the potential to be devastating but for no particular reason, they were never made to gel in a studio and work out their differences, with Johnny claiming it was the age gap (yeah right) Hell, on ‘Just Because I’m White’ the familiar Thunders howling screachign feedback is present and made me smile remembering the feeling when it bellowed through the speakers.

Johnny’s introduction for ‘Ten Commandments Of Love’ and his inter-song banter would see him cancelled in a nanosecond in 2025, the band, however, are on fire and I’m sure if Bob Dylan ever heard their version of ‘Like A Rolling Stone’ he’d approve. The funky version almost calypso ‘Endless Party’ sounds like a lot of fun. Johnny sounds relaxed on ‘Do You Love Me’.

I often wonder what lies on the cutting room floor and attics of various labels and producers out there, never to be unearthed, so I’m always pleased to see stuff come to light, regardless of how many years later it is, and these rough live recordings from NYC are exactly that, cooked up after being in some loft for decades. On his patch, Thunders seems to have sped up the band and sounds right up for it on opener ‘London Boys’. They’ve cleaned the recording up as well as possible, but it’s more about the overall picture than audio clarity. Gang War on paper was an awesome idea that was never brought to reality like it should have. Who knows who could have made this work and its mores the pity it only ever brushed success and is the footnote of two stunning resumes and giants of Rock n Roll in their own rights. I’m glad to have these wax documents to put on from time to time and daydream of what might have been, and be glad we had them for a short while.

Black Friday, for what it’s worth, this is your essential pick up, no doubt about it.

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.

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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

Continental Lovers – Hanger 18 Swansea 08.11.25

Continental Lovers – Hanger 18 Swansea 08.11.25

On a depressingly cold and wet night, Nottingham’s Rock n Rollas Continental Lovers brought the glamour and the tunes for a rock n roll support slot that kicked the backside of many a band. It was a pleasure to catch Nottingham’s finest at the early onstage time of seven thirty, but it was showtime, and the chaps from the East Midlands didn’t disappoint and proceeded to shake their shit and put on a down n dirty sleazy showcase that was exactly what the rock n roll doctor ordered.

Opening up a show can be a tricky proposition, but when you have the tunes on board and the unmistakable look of a rock n roll band, you can be sure as hell that they can walk the walk and talk the talk. With a swagger and a cheeky smile, Joe, Ben, Kerri and Ace had great on-stage chemistry and looked like they were true believers, hashing out some dirty Rock n Roll handed down by the good and the great, a smidge of Thunders and his Heartbreakers, the undeniable Ragged Glory of The Dogs D’Amour and that swagger I mentioned of Stiv Bators and his lords. No denim jeans, or Nike running shoes with a high street T Shirt for these boys, it’s Rock n Roll SLippers and Leather jackets all the way, baby just like Baby Jesus intended Rock n Roll bands to look and sound. Playing a relatively short but very sweet set, there were plenty of tunes from the band’s most excellent CD and even time for some new tunes. ‘Tape Deck’ is snotty, and ‘St Joan’ adds some dirt to the snot as we all hail the first Lady of Rock n Roll. The band move around when they deliver the punches, and Joe holds court centre stage whilst Ace Carlton pours petrol on the drums in the engine room, whilst giving those drums a good seeing to. They burn through the songs quickly, and the standouts happened to be the single ‘Wedding Song’ and a special mention for ‘The Girl’ power pop at its finest, delivered in style.

Joe has always written great tunes, but with the Continental Lovers, he’s found his sweet spot, and the rest of the band gives sparkle and dirt to the power pop, making it sound glorious.

Easily as good as any of the bands marauding across the US of A, like The Poison Boys and Ravagers. It’s refreshing to see and hear a band that looks like they know how it’s done and, more importantly, sound like they know how it’s done. Borrowing from the good and the great, it’s satisfying that Dirty power pop is in such good hands. I look forward to seeing them again and hearing the new songs in the studio. Get on it, boys n girls, that is if you want a great time and top tunes from a band who love to rock n roll.

Buy Continental Lovers Here

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

AFI – ‘Silver Bleeds The Black Sun’ (RFC Records)

AFI – ‘Silver Bleeds The Black Sun’ (RFC Records)

Those in the know have been enjoying Davey and the lads leaning further and further into their 80s Goth tinged influences for some time now. No redundant modern catch-all Post Punk labelling here. AFI will always be the real deal. Stark guitars married with lush synths, balancing the brighter moments with the crucial doom and gloom. You’d think Steve Lilleywhite and Flood were behind the desk.

Following upon 2012’s tremendous Bodies was never going to be a simple exercise. Which in itself was also a love letter to 80s counter culture and dark aesthetics. But Silver Bleeds the Black Sun is right up there, shoulder to shoulder.

Opening with the galloping Bunnymen-esque “the Bird of Prey”, urgent, dreamy and anthemic all at once. “Behind the Clock” is a much different animal all together, heavier and pummeling, but with a groove so infectious it’s devastating when it ends. “Holy Visions” is a dancier number, exquisite guitars, the sound landing somewhere between A Flock of Seagulls and Ministry.

Although some of the styles and influences on the record can be quite apparent, this does not make what AFI are doing redundant or generic. It still has a twist uniquely their own and a distinct signature as well as the fingerprints of all the impactful artists when creating the sound to the record without being too obvious or unoriginal.

Credit as always, needs to be given to guitarist Jade Puget. A game changer for the band’s output since joining and always helping raise the game record after record. “Ash Speck in a Green Eye” offers up sublime guitar lines and a fast paced rhythm akin to overlooked 80s outfit the Sound. Leading on to the rapid “Voidward, I Bend Back”, the dark textured guitar is married to a rattling bass that takes command of your very being.

It’s a record that gets better and better with every listen. Being rounded out with the dark and brooding “A World Unmade”. With the slow and pensively (almost) spoken word vocals, reminiscent of The The’s Matt Johnson. Final track “Nooneunderground” is a screeching Deathrock anthem, at times giving the odd Punk Rock nod to their past. Just when you thought it was safe to pack away the Halloween decorations.

Another stellar record from a band that simply refuses to be pigeonholed. Thirty years into their career, they are constantly adapting and adding new facets to how they are perceived. 

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Author: Dan Kasm