Role Models/Billy Liar/Empty Page – Water Rats London. 03.10.25

It’s been a long time coming, and it’s good to be back. As I head into the big smoke for the first Role Models show in many a moon, I’m excited to hear a bunch of songs I’ve not had the pleasure of hearing live for quite some time and in a venue I’ve not been in for even longer. Hell, Bob Dylan played here, and I also believe it was the first venue the Pogues played in, as well as Oasis, so no pressure, gentlemen.

First up are the ever-impressive Empty Page; however, I entered the venue as they were exiting, much to my shame, as I wanted to catch them, as I haven’t seen them since they last played in the Black Heart with Role Models and their latest album ‘Imploding’ was one of the best albums from a UK band last year. Onto Billy Liar, who was performing with his full electric band, which is something I’ve not seen before, as previously it was just Billy on his own, which is a pretty formidable spectacle in itself, but tonight it was a very different beast, and opening with the excellent ‘Righteous And The Rats’ from his debut album ‘Some Legacy’ the band sounded tight and full of energy. By the time they hit the excellent ‘Baltimore’ they were on fire and it was an impressive sight as Billy led the band through tracks off both his albums, putting a smile on the faces of those present with his storytelling lyrics oozing style and craft with his folk meets working class punk rock but it’s all about the songs, and Billy has a pocketful of em.

There’s even time for a rampant run through the Rancid classic ‘Olympia’, and by the time ‘I Still Struggle’ filled the room, it was almost done. Only time left for a barbaric romp through ‘Hogmanay’ and the night was perfectly poised with a short while before Role Models hit the stage, and the most excellent supporting cast had suitably warmed up the audience.

The lights dimmed as Rags moved centre stage before being joined by the rest of the band for tonight’s headlining set. Opening with a wild and raucous ‘Dance Moves’ before heading straight into ‘Lie For Today’, before ‘Saturday Night Sailor’ thumped through the speakers. It was commented to me how in step the rhythm section was, holding the energy of the songs with a really tight double punch courtesy of Simon and Dan, who were on fire.

It was clear that the spirit of Role Models was filling the room with a bunch of catchy power pop punk rock n roll tunes and keeping them loose is a fine line, but tonight these four walked that tightrope perfectly, and already we were flicking through the albums from ‘Go To Guy’ via ‘Dance Moves’, and ‘(I Broke My Back) Disappointing You’ was like being hit by a steaming train. Loud, fun and boundless energy, this is what rock ‘n’ roll should sound like.

For those who don’t know, there’s more Role Models material outside of the three albums, and tonight we had them hitting us from everywhere. ‘The Charity EP, ‘Fuck You, See You At The Talent Show’ it was coming from all corners tonight. Represented from that fantastic EP were ‘New Reason’ and ‘Little Let Down’, but they bookended the soulful and emotional ‘Bullshit Corner’, a real deep cut from the ‘Forest Lawn’ album, where Rags stood alone on the stage but filled the room with raw emotion before being joined by the rest of the band. Damn, how the fuck weren’t these songs on the damn radio and these four gentlemen playing sold-out shows across the country? If I could have hand-picked the set list, I’d have plumped for a mix of what’s come so far and the bangers that pepper the second half of the set, with the deep cuts like ‘Bullshit Corner’, this was opening up to be one hell of a night.

By the time we hit the homestretch, it was the sing-alongs of ‘Cherry Dear’ followed by ‘Manette Street’, Damn, why did I just look at the time? This awesome reunion was drawing to a close, so it was ‘Radio’ followed by the showstopper of ‘This Eventually Leads Nowhere’, and we were done. Rags said his thanks and left the stage. Still, we weren’t done yet; no, sir, the audience demanded they return to the stage for an encore that was genuinely deserved. There was no fake ending; it was done and dusted. Still, being the good go-to guys, of course, they were going to play one more, Whammo!!! Songs were shouted out, but it was deemed we needed to hear ‘Disappointing You’ one more time when Nick’s amp rebooted, obviously.

It was always a pleasure and never a chore watching these boys, and I was delighted to have made the journey up to London Town to catch them again, and I headed out into the cold London night, happy that once again they delivered the goods and zero bullshit rock ‘n’ roll was delivered, and people left with happy smiling faces. That’s job done, isn’t it? Now, one last request: Can we do this maybe every year, maybe just before Christmas? Pretty please? Whammo!!! It’s been a long time coming, and it’s good to be back.

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Author: Dom Daley

*If you want to get hold of one of the CD’s drop us a message on social media.

Billy Liar – ‘Crisis Actor’ (Pirates Press Records)

If anyone deserved a break due to their hard work, high standards, and passion it was or should I say is Billy Liar. Signing to Pirates Press is proof that hard work can and will pay off – with a determination and unwavering belief in what he does is his just deserts. Billy has been gaining well-deserved praise from high places such as Tim Armstrong and we’ve always seen the talent and great songs he’s written and on ‘Crisis Actor’ he’s indeed taken it to the next level from the tub-thumping chest beating opener ‘Oblivion’ through the organ swirling rampant beast that is ‘Baltimore’ Billy has the sound that can and should break through big time Stateside. Its no accident Pirates Press recognised that talent and have released this new record.

Billy’s songs detail some outstanding storytelling, where every lyric has you hanging on his every breath its like turning the pages of a great book you simply can’t put down and you’re wondering where it’s heading next. The energy of ‘Negroni’ is superb (With added Frank Turner). The sound is arena-filling and also a breath of fresh air if you were in say the Black Heart in Camden watching him rip through these songs on his acoustic guitar it would still sound huge.

‘Phantom Limb’ is thunderous but then again the energy bursting through the speakers from the likes of ‘Osterich’ it’s no surprise to hear mr Frank Turner join Billy on this LP because I’m sure Turner will be looking over his shoulder at Liar as he steams up on the inside track. ‘Starlight On Main’ is more of the same but the highlight is ‘Cheyne Stoking’ with its chest-beating brilliance with a broken-hearted melody sung with vim and vigor Billy is stepping up here.

But hold on its not all thunder and attack there are also softer songs for tough guys like the jarring ‘Don’t Trust Anyone’ that wakes from its harsh abrasive into into a heaving monster. This is one of the finest half hours I’ve heard all year and the hoe down that is ‘Hogmanay’ if The Pogues had written never mind the bollocks and turned up the guitars instead of whistles. Simply a stunning record and one that should propel Billy Liar to being a household name in punk rock circles. Be it leading a raucous band or standing in the spotlight with just his acoustic guitar Billy Liar has hit paydirt with ‘Crisis Actor’ Man I thought ‘Some Legacy’ was good but this is on another level. Buy It!

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Author: Dom Daley

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BILLY LIAR DEBUTS NEW SONG ‘OBLIVION’ & NEW ALBUM ‘CRISIS ACTOR’

Listen to ‘Oblivion’ Here

Edinburgh, Scotland – October 06, 2023 – Following up the announcement of BILLY LIAR’s new album “Oblivion,” he has just dropped his first single “Oblivion” on all streaming platforms! CLICK HERE to listen to the song. Additionally, his album “Crisis Actor” is available for pre-order on the Pirates Press Records website.


“Billy Liar is one of my favorite songwriters. Powerful and honest.” – Tim Armstrong (Rancid)

That’s one hell of a statement coming from Armstrong, a guy who knows his way around a tune as one of the most beloved songwriters in punk rock history.

A single listen to Billy Liar’s new album “Crisis Actor” will have any listener agree with Armstrong. With this album, Billy Liar showcases his outstanding talent for storytelling and his ability to capture raw, unfiltered emotions that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level. These songs are bold, brash, and destined to be played loud in any size venue Billy steps into, from a solo show at a DIY space to a full-band set on a giant festival stage and everywhere in between…all with fans screaming back every word!

From the outset of “Crisis Actor,” Billy Liar commands the listener’s attention. From the opening track “Oblivion,” he pulls no punches when he sings “The only way I win is by not giving in to oblivion.”

Throughout the album, Billy intricately weaves anecdotes, scathing social commentary, and self-realization to craft a record that will please old and new punks alike. Drawing the inevitable comparison to the legendary punk troubadour Billy, Mr. Liar shares Mr. Bragg’s ability to address society, politics, and the world at large through the lens of lived experience and deeply personal, confessional emotion.

And just to put “Crisis Actor” over the top, a friend turns up to lend his familiar voice to one of the record’s highlights: the one and only Frank Turner joins Billy on “Negroni,” adding his trademark powerhouse grit to Liar’s boundless, exuberant energy.

With “Crisis Actor,” Billy Liar is poised to step up as a central voice in a new wave of singer-songwriters ready to tell their tales to listeners across the world. Clocking in at just 28 minutes, this album is a proverbial uppercut to the jaw. It hits you hard and fast, but it is intricate enough to reward close repeat listens. This is fortunate, because you’ll find yourself dropping the needle on this one again and again!

Whether armed only with his guitar or backed by a full band, Billy Liar will be traveling the globe, commanding stages of pubs, clubs, and arenas alike with this new set of tunes ready to catapult him into the hearts – and record collections – of punks worldwide!

For more information on Billy Liar:
https://www.billyliarmusic.com/
https://www.facebook.com/official.billy.liar/
https://www.instagram.com/officialbillyliar/

Billy Liar – Some Legacy (Red Scare Industries)

Billy Liar has been threatening this album for such a long time having teased us for years with songs and electric acoustic shows (that makes sense to me) His music is a ball of energy his lyrics are uplifting and you want to follow and listen intently and the pay off is hearing a bunch of songs that aren’t throw away –  that really means something Billy Liar in a just world would be a household name such is his talent.

The production is big the songs sound well fed and ready to blow your speakers. The beauty is when you see one guy and his acoustic guitar you can imagine exactly how these would sound recorded well with a bang on production and hey presto here it is.  Exactly how I imagined it – treated with the respect these tunes deserve and not over-egged.

‘The View From Here’ is sparkling its a ball of energy and is absolutely spot on for not being too long or too short and for not going overboard with the instruments.  The energy is from the tempo and the fire in those guitar strings.  the songs tell a story of living on Shit Island in 2019 yet as bleak as it gets these songs are uplifting ‘Independent People’ nails it with a melancholy wrapped in some fine lyrics then to follow it on with ‘Noose’ is a beautiful thing.

The charm and ragged beauty is a fine balancing act that Billy manages with consummate ease. If you want uptempo punk rock and roll then ‘Change’ will service your needs with a rapid beat it’s on fire. My biggest criticism is its only eleven songs and it’s over in under thirty minutes.  But I love me some acoustic punk rock played with soul and passion and Billy has both in spades.  I guess I can always take a deep breath and get back in there for some more but make sure you make it all the way through to get the full experience. ‘Less Vegas’ is a beautiful perspective and a wonderful way to end a thoroughly charming and quite exceptional album.

 

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Author: Dom Daley

The Hillbilly Moon Explosion – ‘Back In Time’ (Cleopatra Records)

With some bands, you always know that a new album is worth the wait. It’s been five years since ‘The Sparky Sessions’, around the same time that I finally got to see them live. My final gig prior to the pandemic, and thankfully it was every bit as great as anticipated.

‘Back In Time’ sees the variety and class that we’ve come to expect from the band. ‘Sometimes Late At Night’ swaggers from the speakers, style and substance personified. Emanuela smolders as only she can on ‘Summerlove’, like the blackest velvet. As with many of their songs, it could easily be the soundtrack to a film noir classic.

‘Knocked Down’ you may already be familiar with, as the first video from the album. Oliver’s lead vocal is as smooth as ever, next to his slap bass and Emanuela’s ethereal backing vocals, while Duncan pulls all the right sounds from his Gretsch. ‘1979’ veers towards classic Blondie, clearly a good thing when you can pull it off with panache. Ideally, this would be playing on your radio on a regular basis.

‘I Live In My Head’ was made for dancing too, hopefully, we’ll get the chance again soon at a club near you. Short and sweet. ‘Sudden Ring’ is another fine, slow song from Emanuela, she makes it all sound effortless. In a word, seductive. ‘Jet Fuel Rock N Roll’ brings back the boogie to get your boots moving, and ‘Let’s Go (Back In Time)’ has a hypnotic, Cramps-style rhythm that you rarely hear anymore.

‘Nothing Takes The Place Of You’ appears to be the only cover version, proving that the band can take a reggae song and put their own stamp on it. ‘Always Just You’ sounds like an Elvis ballad, with Duncan’s guitar picking following Emanuela’s vocal melody, and ‘Death By My Side’ introduces some gothic country to the mix. Reminiscent of The Phantom Chords at their best.

‘Reno’ by Emanuela ends the album on a classy note, the tune seemingly already familiar, yet it sounds fresh and new. Class never dates, and The Hillbilly Moon Explosion never let you down. Long may they continue.

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Author: Martin Chamarette

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“The Sinatras” at the Scott Sorry Memorial Birthday Show

Tickets – Here

The surviving members of Sorry and The Sinatras are set to reunite for a special one-night-only performance under the name “The Sinatras” at the Scott Sorry Memorial Birthday Show, taking place on October 30, 2026, at KK’s Steelmill in Wolverhampton.

Guitarists Rich Jones and Dave Kerr will come together to celebrate the life and legacy of their friend and bandmate Scott Sorry, who sadly passed away in October 2025 following an 8 year battle with brain cancer.

The performance will also serve as a tribute to the band’s other fallen members drummer Lenny Thomas in 2016 and bassist Roger Segal in 2022.

Jones and Kerr will be joined by acclaimed drummer Karl Rockfist (Danzig, Michael Monroe) and bassist/vocalist Billy Liar to complete the lineup for this unique performance.

“Sorry & The Sinatras was more than a band” comments Jones “it was a gang of great friends playing rock & roll the way the lord intended – loud, fast and furious! I’m incredibly proud to get the opportunity to honour Roger, Scott and Lenny as we blast our way through these songs for one last time. Dave & I are also very fortunate to have Karl Rockfist and Billy Liar join us as honorary Sinatras – I honestly can’t think of anyone better for the job. So let’s kick off this night right and get everybody singing loud enough that even our old friends can hear it. This one’s for you, fellas.”

Dave Kerr “I am truly honoured to be playing Sorry and the Sinatras songs again with Rich, Billy and Karl in tribute to our brothers Scotty, Roger and Lenny.

Sorry and the Sinatras was the perfect embodiment of Scotty’s love of chaos and a huge chorus – a white knuckle, full-tilt, wrecking ball of a band that I will forever be grateful to have been a part of and more so to call these guys my friends. I can’t wait to bring that spirit and energy to the already amazing lineup at KK’s for the STILL KINGS show.”

The Sinatras will kick off proceedings at the Scott Sorry Memorial Birthday show which is set to include many of Scott’s friends and bandmates.

Other confirmed musicians making guest appearances throughout the night include Scotts former Wildhearts bandmates Ritch Battersby & CJ Wildheart, Dregen (Backyard Babies), Warner E Hodges, Sami Yaffa (Hanoi Rocks/New York Dolls), Tom Spencer (The Professionals/The YoYo’s), The Scott Sorry Band and many more.

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THE DROWNS ANNOUNCE FIRST-EVER LIVE ALBUM -LIVE AT REBELLION

SEATTLE PUNK ROCKERS SHARE LIVE VERSION OF FAN-FAVORITE SINGLE “THEM RATS”
CLICK HERE TO STREAM
Seattle, WA – May 30, 2025 – Fan-favorite punk rock ’n rollers The Drowns are proud to present their brand new live album Live At Rebellion, on Pirates Press Records. The album is available now for pre-order, and the first single, the live version of “Them Rats” is now streaming on all major platforms. Click here to listen.

This is the band’s first foray into recording a live performance, but it has been an idea on the table from very early on. While the band are rightfully acclaimed for their studio albums, the first thing anyone in the know talks about is their electrifying live shows.

“Within the first year of starting the band, we saw the reactions we were getting from people live, and we had the idea to record a live album,” says guitarist and singer Rev. “Almost a decade later now, we felt like the time was right.”

While a live album recorded during the first year may have captured the raw power of a hungry band kicking off their momentum, Live at Rebellion is the sound of a seasoned band playing in front of a veritable army of international fans on their largest festival stage at Rebellion Festival in Blackpool, UK – fans that they have earned one by one, sweating it out with relentless transcontinental touring.

“Rebellion has always been a highlight of our year, and we love the performances there because the energy from the crowd is raw and visceral,” explains Rev. “That’s why we made the choice to do it there in Blackpool.”

But lest you think this is the sound of a band resting on laurels and taking a victory lap, prepare to have those expectations blow away, because The Drowns are still proving the vitality of their brand of punk rock ’n roll with every performance.

As a matter of fact, there was a new face at this performance, making it all the more extraordinary. “This album was the second show of our guitar player, Christian Martucci,” says Rev. “He learned all of the songs essentially two weeks before weleft, played a sold out show with MXPX in the Pacific Northwest for his first show, then recorded this live album as his second show, and he totally crushed it. He’s a beast!”

While far from a “Greatest Hits Live” preserved in amber, the setlist features selections from every era of the band’s career, and was determined by the band’s knowledge of what songs get their audiences fired up – all killer, no filler, as the saying goes!

The gritty attack of “Them Rats” exemplifies the band’s streetpunk influences and lyrical calls to unite against abusive authoritarian power. Meanwhile, the vital ass-shaking boogie of “Live Like Yer Dyin’” was a direct result of the band fully embracing their collective appreciation of the energetic joys of both 70s glam and original 50s rock ’n roll! Their choice of cover song – “Ballroom Blitz,” – truly hits the Sweet spot, if you’ll pardon the pun, as one of the foremost glam-proto-punk-bovver rock masterpieces. It is executed here in masterful hands by The Drowns.

The band acknowledges Daz Russell & Daryl Smith, the organizers at Rebellion, for backing the making of the record. David Casey (Success, One Step Beyond) helmed the boards to capture the recording, mixing and engineering was done by Evan Douglas Foster (The Sonics, Boss Martians), and the final master was produced by Seattle legend Jack Endino (Nirvana, Mudhoney, Soundgarden), who also recently oversaw the re-master of The Drowns’ debut album View From the Bottom.

“This album was a cumulative effort between people who still believe in rock ‘n’ roll,” sums up Rev. “We couldn’t be more proud.”

Live at Rebellion is available for pre-order NOW from the PPR webstore on 12″ Eruption Marble Vinyl, 12″ Candy Corn Marble Vinyl, or 12″ Blood Red & Halloween Orange Pinwheel Vinyl. It will be available everywhere fine vinyl is sold August 8th…the very weekend the band will tear up the Rebellion stage once again!

In addition, the band recently re-pressed their fan-favorite album Blacked Out on 12” Black Ice Vinyl with Neon Yellow Splatter, as well as putting out a re-mastered re-issue of their debut album View From the Bottom. Both albums are available from Pirates Press Records.
The Drowns: drummer Jake Margolis, bassist/vocalist Andy Wylie, guitarist/vocalist Rev Peters, guitarist Christian Martucci
Photo by Alan Snodgrass
Catch the band on tour with The Adicts & Lower Class Brats this weekend and continent hopping on tour thoughout the rest of 2025!
THE DROWNS TOUR DATES:
w/ THE ADICTS, LOWER CLASS BRATS
05/30/2025 – Pomona, CA – The Glasshouse
05/31/2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Fonda Theatre
07/01/2025 – Hamburg, DE – Hafenklang (w/ SCHOOL DRUGS)
07/02/2025 – Hannover, DE – Lux (w/ SCHOOL DRUGS)
07/03/2025 – Weinheim, DE – Cafe Central (w/ MAID OF ACE)
w/ BILLY LIAR:
07/04/2025 – Berlin, DE – Wild At Heart
07/05/2025 – Erfurt, DE – Scheiß Hitze Open Air at AJZ
07/06/2025 – Hünxe, DE – Ruhrpott Rodeo (no BILLY LIAR)
07/08/2025 – München, DE – Unter Deck
07/09/2025 – Graz, AT – Music House
07/10/2025 – Petrovaradin, Novi Sad, SR – Exit Festival
07/11/2025 – Vienna, AT – Chelsea
07/12/2025 – Prölsdorf, DE – Krach Am Bach Festival
07/13/2025 – Gierle, BE – Poeyelhei – Sjock Festival
07/14/2025 – Kassel, DE – Goldgrube (w/ WALK THE PLANK)
07/15/2025 – Freiburg, DE – Crash
07/16/2025 – Karlsruhe, DE – Alte Hackerei
07/17/2025 – Glaubitz, DE – Back To Future
07/18/2025 – Trutnov, CZ – Pod Parou
07/19/2025 – Eggenthal, DE – Rotten Cat (w/ GUITAR GANGSTERS)
w/ NEW BOMB TURKS
07/25/2025 – Detroit, MI – Magic Stick
07/26/2025 – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom
07/27/2025 – TBA (no NEW BOMB TURKS)
07/28/2025 – Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Iron Works
07/29/2025 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern
07/30/2025 – Rochester, NY – Bug Jar (no NEW BOMB TURKS)
07/31/2025 – Cambridge, MA – Sonia Live Music Venue
08/01/2025 – Brooklyn, NY – The Meadows
08/02/2025 – TBA (no NEW BOMB TURKS)
08/03/2025 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Crafthouse Stage & Grill
08/07/2025-08/10/2025 – Blackpool, UK – Winter Gardens – Rebellion Festivals
09/04/2025 – Brighton, UK – Prince Albert
09/05/2025 – Swindon, UK – The Vic  
09/06/2025 – Exeter, UK – Cavern
09/07/2025 – Newport, UK – Le Cab
09/08/2025 – Stafford, UK – Redrum
09/09/2025 – Blackpool, UK – Waterloo
09/10/2025 – Carlisle, UK – Brickyard
09/11/2025 – Glasgow, UK – Audio (w/ BILLY LIAR)
09/12/2025 – Dundee, UK – Beat Generator
09/13/2025 – Edinburgh, UK – Bannnermans (w/ BILLY LIAR)
09/14/2025 – Gateshead, UK – Central09/16/2025 – Leeds, UK – Brudenell
09/17/2025 – Hull, UK – The New Adelphi09/18/2025 – Derby, UK – Hairy Dog
09/19/2025 – Belfast, UK – TBA
09/20/2025 – Dublin, IE – Thomas House
09/21/2025 – TBA
09/22/2025 – Reading, UK – Club Velocity
09/23/2025 – London, UK – TBA
10/17/2025-10/18/2025 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge – Crash Festival
w/ BOOZE & GLORY
12/11/2025 – Warsaw, PL – Hydrozagadka
12/12/2025 – Wroclaw, PL – Stary Klasztor
12/13/2025 – Bielsko Biala, PL – Rude Boy

For more information on The Drowns:

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https://www.instagram.com/thedrowns/
https://www.facebook.com/thedrowns/

https://thedrowns.bandcamp.com

Role Models Reunion Shows

Hitting the road with Role Models and the biggest crew of amazing bands and friends across three shows starting on Aug 19th in London… gonna celebrate the rock n roll family and raise a bit of cash for St. Judes in the name of our much loved and missed friend Roger Segal ❤️🖤

Every band on all 3 bills are wonderful loved friends… all had respect and love for Roger Segal… There are MANY people over here in the U.K. that do… It just felt good and right in the heart to get the band back together now… and share the stage with members of our rock n roll family.

All done with respect to his family and loved ones stateside. Proceeds are being given to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital… which it has been shared by those very close to him is a charity he felt strongly about… Now we added The Idol Dead in Huddersfield and PowderKeg in Edinburgh!!!

Come see the Role Models with…

AUGUST 19 LONDON – The Black Heart – Tickets Here Support from – The City Kids – The Empty Page – Billy Liar

August 20 HUDDERSFIELD – The Parish -Tickets Here Support from – The Idol Dead – Mr Shiraz – The Empty Page – Billy Liar

August 21 EDINBURGH – Bannernan’s – Tickets Here Support from – PowderKeg – Billy Liar – The Empty Page

Come AAAWWWN! See you all out there

Helen Love -‘This Is My World’ (Alcopop! Records)

Nostalgia is, we all know, a big seller these days. But, usually, a nostalgic album equals a distinct lack of ideas, or rummaging through your back catalogue. Helen Love has managed to not only avoid this pothole, but also to write an album with perhaps more depth than some would give her credit for. Ten new songs, which, while remaining steadfastly pop, eschew the dayglo colours that her work is known for, and which tell her story in a way that is often very moving.

‘My Seaside Town’ sets the scene, acknowledging that your roots might be holding you back. “I think I’m about to choke on the boredom and the fumes…whiplashed by winter rain”. Wishing you were somewhere more exciting, greener grass.

‘Billy Liar’ reminisces about the kid at school who told tall tales, “your dad was a Kung fu black belt master”. ‘Go-Kart’, with its parping keyboards, manages to sound like John Shuttleworth whilst also being quite touching and warm; “we were the queens of our estate”.

‘A Quite Good Time’ remembers that first/early boyfriend, who your sister warned you about. With the wise refrain “why would you listen to anyone when you’re seventeen?”. ‘Let The Sunshine In’ is a celebration towards better times, and is as infectious as you would imagine.

‘Our House’ evokes similar memories to the Madness tune, but in Helen’s inimitable style, and with some pathos; “our history lies in the curtains, the carpets and the walls”. ‘First Day Of June’ echoes the theme of the cloying seaside town; “it can hold you so tight you might never leave”.

And so to ‘Clearing Out Mum’s House’. It’s a first; Helen Love made me cry! If you’ve had to empty your parents’ house, you’ll empathise with the lyrics here. A lifetime of belongings, what to keep, what to throw away. A lifetime of memories.

‘This Is My World’ sees some of Helen’s many achievements; walking with Joey Ramone, but also standing with the miners in the 1980s. That seaside town probably feels like home now, and it helped to create someone special. Helen Love is still here, still spreading joy, but with a broader palette than before. She’s a treasure.

Author: Martin Chamarette

Pardon Us – ‘Seamless’ (Everything Sucks Music)

Back for more this impressive trio from the North West who really impressed me with their ‘Wait’ album and they start this follow up with a hugely impressive ‘Undertow’ with its classic period Buffalo Tom flavours and pandemic punchy lyrics.  they’ve got a great sound and really know how to bring it out to the benefit of the songs as ‘Still Need Singing’. A sprightly tempo thrashing around the speakers and as the refrain of “This Voice Is All We Have” through a fractured strain is powerful and really engaging.

The melodic punk punch of ‘What Doesn’t Kill Me’ is blisteringly good. But one thing for sure Pardon Us aren’t hanging around as one track clashes into the next and they leer from one with a strong riff to one with a strong melodic chorus, theirs is a great turn of phrase to a great gang vocal sing-along chorus but its not all bluster and bravado some of the guitar solos are restrained and thoughtful ‘To, Two, Too’.

There’s a jour de Vivre about a lot of this record – a confidence in what it is they’re doing.  I think it’s fair to say Pardon Us knows how good they are.  ‘Safety Net’ is a powerful bass chug that is layered with a sprightly off-kilter beat towards the chorus when the chords jar to what is a great song. Not a million miles from the honest wholesome Billy Liar songwriting school.

‘In The Loop’ has a video to accompany it and it seems an obvious choice for a single but then you could pick anything off this album its all pretty accessible.  If these were Americans they’d be a big noise on the punk alternative scene with the likes of Bad Religion – I kid you not.

 

I guess hashtagging themselves as melodic punk is a bit of a disservice they’re more than that and this album signs off with a thoughtful ‘The Last Word’ a perfect way to sign off another hugely impressive outing from Pardon Us – do yourself a favour and don’t pass them by, stop have a listen – check em out and thank me later.  Buy it!

 

Buy Seamless Here

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Author: Dom Daley