Gluecifer – ‘B-Sides & Rarities 1994-2005’ (Konkurs/Suburban Records)

Gluecifer – ‘B-Sides & Rarities 1994-2005’ (Konkurs/Suburban Records)

They say that in life first impressions are everything, and when it comes to Oslo five-piece Gluecifer, for yours truly, that was most certainly the case.

I first encountered Gluecifer around a quarter of century ago, initially through a Rockpalast performance on (German TV channel) WDR early one Sunday morning after a night out in Abertillery Rock City. I was completely blown away by what I witnessed, not only by their rather unique take on the garage punk genre but also by the suave stylings of the band’s members, especially the ultracool onstage persona of singer Biff Malibu. I mean anyone who can wear white loafers and a red velour bowling shirt whilst ridiculing Joey DeMaio’s inability to drink a (piss weak) tin of beer is already a winner in life, right?

Having quickly taped this performance onto VHS for all my mates to see I then quickly invested in a copy of the band’s ‘Soaring With Eagles At Night To Rise With The Pigs In The Morning’ album and loved every second of it. Then, just a few short months later, me and my (pre) uber rockin’ amigo Gaz Tidey found ourselves stood stage front and centre watching the band live as they hit Newport’s Legendary TJ’s venue. This time around the guys were out on the road with Gaza Strippers promoting their then-new album ‘Tender Is The Savage’, and if they’d blown us away on TV playing live, nothing was about to prepare us for what they were like in the flesh. So, when drummer Danny Young decided that playing a gig in a fibreglass (pretend) cave somewhere in south Wales was also the best time to wear arseless leather trousers whilst at the climax of their set the guys also took a step back (they couldn’t take any more than that as they’d have been off the back of the stage) and unleashed an indoor firework display that must have set them back at least £3.50 of the tour budget, we fully understood why Gluecifer, really are the undisputed Kings of Rock.

Following on from that most eventful night, I went to see the band pretty much every time they toured the UK, and unlike some of my fellow Gluecifer fans who I have got to know through the years, I also thought they progressed as songwriters with each subsequent studio album they released, until in 2005 following the tour in promotion of their ‘Automatic Thrill’ album, they rather unexpectedly (to me at least) decided to call it a day. The world of rock was left with a giant Gluecifer shaped hole, something that not even the arrival of Bloodlights (guitarist Captain Poon’s excellent post Gluecifer band) could ever truly fill.

A posthumous Gluecifer compilation album ‘Kings Of Rock (B-Sides And Rarities)’ was released by Epic/People Like You back in 2008 and this is where the genesis of the idea behind the album I’m about to (finally) get around to reviewing first saw the light of day. That album (in their Norwegian homeland at least) took one album packed full of “hits” as its main selling point, then added a second album of deep cuts, whilst everywhere else in Europe it was that 16 track second album (with an added ‘Desolate City’ from LP number one) that hit the record shops as a standalone release.

Here in 2024 that rarities album has been expanded to a 24 track double LP/download, taking 14 of the tracks from the 2008 release and adding 10 new ones to the track listing, including some recorded during the sessions around the ‘Tender Is The Savage’ and ‘Basement Apes’ albums that have never previously been released.

Kicking off with (the aforementioned) ‘Desolate City’, which was the last track the band recorded together prior to them splitting up back in 2005, this track was penned for a Norwegian action movie named “Izzat” and since the guys reformed back in 2017 to play a series of live shows this tune has proven to be a particular set list favourite with fans. Listening to it again here in 2024 certainly reinforces my shock at the band splitting up back then, because as this tune proves, they really were going out on a high.

Not that there are any lows during the 23 other tracks that make up this compilation I trust you understand, as the band’s earlier tunes like the rip-roaring ‘Monoman’ (taken from the band’s debut ‘God’s Chosen Dealer’ single, which has all 3 of its tunes included here) sitting alongside the likes of  ‘Beg Like The Dog You Are’ (previously unreleased from the ‘Tender Is The Savage’ sessions) make for a fascinating sonic voyage through the band’s deep cut back catalogue and their development as songwriters.

The songs I was particularly interested in hearing were the 3 previously unreleased tunes that didn’t make the cut during the recording of the ‘Basement Apes’ album. With this being my (when pushed to choose one) favourite Gluecifer album the harmonica honking ‘All The Young Droogs’ is an immediate “why didn’t this make the final album?” standout, whilst the almost Saxon-esque thunder of ‘The Hammer & The Wheel’ is also a winner, which just leaves the sassy strut of ‘(Gimme That) Good Butter’ (complete with some Stonesy female backing vocals) to close out ‘B-Sides & Rarities 1994-2005’ and illustrate once again that at the very heart of Gluecifer there was always more than just a balls out garage punk band.

At just shy of 1 hour and 20 minutes long there’s a hell of a lot to get through within the grooves of ‘B-Sides & Rarities 1994-2005’ so I’m going to leave you to fully discover what Captain Poon himself calls “a nice little treasure hunt”. It’s well worth investing your time and money in that’s for sure.

‘B-Sides & Rarities 1994-2005’ is available now on “slightly” silver double vinyl, tucked snugly into a gatefold sleeve via the link below, and you never know, if enough of us in the UK go out and buy this, Gluecifer might even think about playing the UK again (I have everything crossed here anyway).

Buy Here

Author: Johnny Hayward

Dead Express – ‘Game Changer’ (DXS)

Dead Express – ‘Game Changer’ (DXS)

Action Rock or Scandi Rock call it what you like – it’s alive and kicking (and screaming) as Dead Express will testify. With this album of loud guitars with some Garage punk rockin’ attitude Dead Express sing from the same Hymn sheet as the likes of Hellacopters and Gluecifer for starters and to be fair they do it really well.

‘Game Changer’ is the bands fourth album and I’d suggest you pull up a chez lounge and a couple of cold beers and get ready to sing along. Formed in  Nyköping, Sweden. they’ve certainly not let the grass grow around their feet having produced albums consistantly with a sound DIY ethic the production is crisp and packs a punch.

The songs that come across the best are the ones with the big hooks either a riff or the gang vocals the opener ‘Roky’ has a good riff and the melody grabs your attention no doubt about it. ‘Hang Em High’ is one of the albums strongest songs. ‘Stinkin Rich’ is a badass tip of the hat to Angus and DC with a crisp riff. To be fair the Riffola is pretty relentless as the songs roll by and by the time you hit ‘Road Trippin’ with its fucked with ‘All The Day’ melody nicked from the Kinks and dragged through the dirt on the back of a drag car no doubt whist the band chug beers all the way. I dread to ask what ‘The Swamp Incident’ might be all about.

As the album screeches to a halt, there’s a track entitled ‘Method To My Madness’ – They couldn’t could they? Hell no is the answer to that, few some songs are sacrosanct and that might just be one of them. Their song of the Lord’s name is pretty decent as it wipes its snotty nose all over the song from the choppy riff to the punky melody and sing a long chorus it’s one of the best songs on offer.

This steaming rockin and rollin machine grinds to a halt with a balls to the wall all out rocker ‘The Naked Truth’ and then no doubt they all exploded into oblivion due to rockin so hard. If you want a full tilt sleazy Action Rock experience then Dead Express might just be the band you’re looking for otherwise step aside sucker because these cats aren’t stopping for anyone – they’re hellbound and outta control.

Buy Dead Express Here

Author: Dom Daley

Singles Club – November Rain

Singles Club – November Rain

Scott Sorry – ‘Black Dog Dancer’ (Generation X-Ray Records) The first new song from Scott Sorry in a while but there’s been a good reason for that as Scotts has been having his private fight that attacked his health and picked on the wrong guy. Having decided that the time was right to strap on the guitar again it’s with a huge shit-kicking grin that I’m delighted to feature this new song. those who are familiar with Scott’s previous offerings know only too well how fuckin’ hugely talented this guy is and when he lays down some music you just know it’s going to hunker down inside your ear and not allow anything to shift it for some time such is the quality of the earworms Sorry drops. It’s a track that has a huge heart and you get the feeling of optimism shining through on what I hope is only the beginning of what’s to come from Scott Sorry and his fantastic band. Play on dude because if you have more like ‘Black Dog Dancer’ then the world needs to hear it! Check it out here

Ciggie & The Darts – ‘Sessions #4’ (Pils Records) A cool label out of Québec Canada has a series of bands being championed and Ciggie & The Darts was recommended to RPM as a band we might like. Well, that’s on the button, what’s not to like from these noisy so and sos from Ottawa, Ontario?

Ciggie plays loud Rock and Roll and that’s what we’re about. Four tracks with attitude that get off to a flyer with the Action punk n roll of ‘The Moon Is High’ that rattles along with a big dirty riff supporting Ciggy as he spits out the vocals. The breakdown and solo is born out of love for early Motorhead which they hit that nail squarely on the head. Following on they get into a rapid groove on ‘Not Of This World’ and beat the living shit out of the song until it reaches a grizzly conclusion.

To be fair all four songs are quality and if you love loud guitars and well-crafted tunes then this one is a no brainer – check it out Here

Saxon -‘Carpe Diem’ (Silver Lining Music) The mighty Saxon are back in the room with a new single and album of the same name. Check out the video below and hit them up for pre orders Here

Biff is leading his troops through a full-throttle heavy rock ride that shows the band has not lost any of its class and display why they have managed to stay a headline act for so long. The long-player of the same name is due for release in Feb 2022 this will do the job of wetting the appetite.

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The Dangereens – ‘Love Jive’ (Golden Robot Records) Montreal’s DANGEREENS recently released their first 2 singles ‘Thieves’ and ‘Streets Of Doom’ from their new label Golden Robot Records. They have now released the 3rd single. ‘Love Jive’, available on all digital platforms. After the hoot that was the debut album, it’s an exciting time for the band and this Thin Lizzy-inspired rocker with its meandering duel guitars it hits the spot for some late-night Rock and Roll that oozes quality and class, and the lap steel shows another string to their bow. Its another example of what this excellent band has to offer. Facebook

The Drippers – ‘Time For Some Action’ (The Sign Records) Unashamed Action Rockers The Drippers are about to drop their second bombastic all-action second album but ahead of the December release they have a new lead single in the shape of the excellent ‘Time For Some Action’. If this review could be dialed up to eleven then this would be about the right time as they turn everything up and let loose with a rapid rocket ride of a tune and if this doesn’t wet the appetite for the album then I’d check you still have a pulse. Cracking song! Facebook Bandcamp

Idles – ‘Car Crash’ (Partisan Records) The latest single and video released from Idles ahead of the album ‘Crawler’ that’s set to hit the shelves on the 12th when asked to describe the track Talbot says: “It’s the horrific, comedown hangover — waking up in the morning and realising the smashes, like, what the fuck am I doing with my life?”

Chesty Malone and the Slice ’em Ups – ‘Turn To Crime’ (Self Release) The latest 7″ from these Brooklyn punks is in yer face and pounding your head with their brand of Hardcore Punk that we always love hearing round these parts of HQ. The opening track is an adrenalin rush as the band head full-throttle through your speakers. Love it.

Side two is more laid back, but no less dripping with attitude and perhaps a little more menacing. Hell, it’s called ‘I Like Killing’ and apparently it’s their favourite thing to do, well, who knew? This is probably the soundtrack to their favourite past time which seems apt and to be fair If your gonna get snuffed out by some punk rockers then this isn’t a bad soundtrack to go out to.

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Blue Carpet Band – ‘B Movie Boogie’ (Bomber Music) Now with added Demented Are Go members This latest spooktacular offering from Blue Carpet Band. . It’s frenzied, it’s electrifying, it’s primordial punk. This is the type of savage rock’n’roll you need in your life. new drummer and guitarist – Ant Thomas and Stan Standen from Welsh psychobilly legends Demented Are Go! With this vibrant new line-up, the band returned to the studio to record a new album, the first results of which can be heard on horrifying new single ‘B-Movie Boogie’

PRE-ORDER THE 7” VINYL HERE:

SAN QUENTIN – ‘Step Off’ (Golden Robot Records) San Quentin is a 5-piece band from Southend-on-Sea. ‘Step Off’ tells a story of the struggle to keep youth culture alive in an ever-changing world, where youth last only seconds. With big riffs and big chorus, San Quentin is confident of making a dent on the rock scene, and on this evidence, they have the chops to pull it off.

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Golem Dance Cult – ‘Nosferatu Waltz’ (Self Release) Heres is a new track from this pair of like-minded Europeans. Charles is based in London and Laur is based in France but share a love of mashing up different genres of music and making it work. Here’s an insight into the song from the pair –

Charles: I had this idea for a bass riff variation on Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker for a while so it flowed naturally from there. Inga Liljestrom lent us her amazing voice on this track and has a cameo at the end of the video.
Laur: Werner Herzog’s “Nosferatu The Vampyre” was the first horror movie I ever watched when I was like 10. Once you go black you can never go back they say…Vampire music is in my blood…

The Melbies – Reboot Me (self release) Having just played with The Wildhearts they play a series of gigs including supporting The Vibrators. ‘Reboot Me’, finds the band in their best form yet. Amping up the fun and creativity whilst sticking true to their power riff roots.  
“We’re done licking our wounds from the pandemic. We’re now back performing, writing new music and supporting the scene of local bands around us. We miss our friends and miss the music scene, so out the traps we’ve come back more excited than ever and are looking forward to playing some amazing live performances. We’ve also got a bank of songs that we’re looking forward to publicly releasing.”

Chuck Norris Experiment – ‘This Will Leave A Mark’ (Transubstans Records / Ghost Highway Recordings)

Chuck Norris Experiment – ‘This Will Leave A Mark’ (Transubstans Records / Ghost Highway Recordings)

Swedens Chuck Norris Experiment are back in circulation and armed with an album that’s busying the moves of a band that have been in hibernation for far too long and have a tonne of pent-up aggression that they need to expel or else.

 

Kicking off with ‘Dirtshot’ it seems at least they have been able to vent in a positive manner. Beginning with electric guitars being Rinsed of every ounce of Distortion possible the cowbell rings out as Chuck enters the fray and the Rock begins.  With a driving solid rhythm, CNE have found the sweet spot of Action Rock and going to detonate as they see fit.

 

It’s a confident opener that gets faster and is played harder on ‘Landslide’.  The handicaps are like an exclamation mark as the band stretch their legs and riff and roll with the

 

best of em. As ‘Landslide’ collides with the rapid ‘Kill The Night’ that struts its stuff right out of the speakers and into your ear like the best earworms.

 

There’s a change of pace as the menacing ‘In For The Kill’ builds slowly into a wall of guitars with some subtle Stooges piano tinkling for good measure.

 

One of the band’s finest tunes is punched out as ‘Turning Me Inside Out’ is slammed out of the speakers with real fire inside and attitude aplenty.

 

With twelve offerings to the Hard Rocking mofo Community, there is plenty of grunt on show as this hotrod opens up on ‘Benefit Of Doubt’ and of course, ‘Hand Grenade’ goes off. In a time when people are pulled up for over masculine gestures, there is still plenty of sweat and testosterone flowing through this album and we wouldn’t want it any other way.

 

The title track is the beneficiary of some cool backing vocals and arrangements from the floor tom thumping to the grunt on that bass.  Great tune and a real highlight. ‘Spin It Right’ kicks off like the Dictators on ‘Who Will Save Rock and Roll’ and on the evidence of this album it would seem that Chuck Norris Experiment will be in the front leading the charge. Rock or step aside and these guys are indeed kissing the viper without a care for their safety.

 

There’s time yet for some slow grinding blues at the ‘Devils Lake’ but wait that’s a cock Rock rolling riff on ‘Bad Blood’.  It seems that there is no stone unturned on ‘This Will Leave A Mark’ and the band leave the building with a post-apocalyptic ‘New Day Rising’ with its gentle chord roll out and softly sung vocals.

 

CNE has once again nailed this Hard Rockin lark and made it look easy but be careful kids these gents are professionals and have been at this game for a long time and that experience shows this will indeed leave a mark as it exits your head.

 

As the world emerges from the past nightmare 18 months it’s great to hear some things can carry on if not get better and stronger and that can be said of this album and these players.

Buy Here

Authir: Dom Daley

Just Who the F*** are Governess – interview exclusive

Just Who the F*** are Governess – interview exclusive

Governess are a sleazy bunch of sexy sailors playing a glunky blend of all action rock n’ roll that would bring a tear of pride to the guy lined eyes of Johnny Thunders and Happy Tom. Hailing from Buffalo, NY in the late great USA, Governess share the balls of their mid-west neighbours and the guts of their NYC cousins. We had a word with guitar player Handsome Erik, an all American guy with an unhealthy love for UK 90’s indie bands.

Compete the following sentence “Governess sound like a cross between………..”

A cross between deathpunk, glam, and Scandi/action rock.  Big riffs, flamboyant swagger, sick guitars, and one hand gripping your crotch.  Our influences include Hanoi Rocks, NY Dolls, Turbonegro, The Hellacopters, and the Dead Boys, to name a few, and I think that comes out in our musical style.

It’s been 4 years single the debut album “Let Me Be Your Governess”. What have you guys been up to????

Writing songs, and hitting the road, mostly.  Getting out there, grinding, playing shows has always been at the forefront of our minds.  We didn’t really want four years to pass before putting out another record; it just kind of worked out that way.  The luxury of taking that time gave us a lot of material to choose from – the best we have from the last four years!

You’ve just unleashed new tune “Grime Time” what’s the response been like?

Oh man, the response has been great! Choosing the first single is a tricky thing.  We wanted to put a song out that gives the audience an idea of what the record sounds like, but we didn’t want to blow our load early and use the strongest tune(s).  I think we made the right decision; the song rips, and there’s still plenty of gems on the record.  Every lyric in that song is true, by the way.  It’s about our best bud, and 6th Governess – “Grime Time,” Matt.  Without blowing his head up too much, he’s become some sort of quasi-fabled legend.  He travels with us, partying his ass off the whole time.  Once he learned that we wrote a song about him, shit really popped off!

What can the world expect from the new album “Never Coming Home”?

Never Coming Home sounds HUGE.  Don’t expect some weak-ass, lo-fi, art-punk crap that was recorded on an old mixtape, or something.  There’s a lot of guitars, a lot of sing-a-longs, cool lyrics, and upbeat songs.  No snoozers.  It’s dark, it’s fast, and it’s loud.  In a lot of ways, we feel like Let Me Be Your Governess was kind of like our Ass Cobra, and this new one is our Apocalypse Dudes moment.  The band has evolved so much in four years.

Have you got a label lined up or will you set up your own label to get it out there?

We are currently doing everything ourselves, but we are definitely looking to shop this around and get label support.

What’s your plan, post-pandemic battle plan?

Staying in lock-down has everyone really dying to get out play shows.  Once we’re able to do that again, we’ll be pounding the pavement hard.  This pent up energy is going to make for some wild times ahead!  We’re trying to get this record released, in physical form, by the end of the year/early 2021.  We haven’t discussed an early digital release, but that’s a possibility as well.

Are there still any great undiscovered bands out there? Give your mates’ bands a push.

Absolutely! Punk’s not dead, it’s just down on the floor…  Through the years, we’ve met some great bands, and have made some great friends. Without a doubt, the best band in our scene is Hot Blood, from Asbury Park, New Jersey.  If you’re into hardcore punk, there’s no one doing it better.  They have two guitar players that shred, their lyrics are on point, and their hooks are strong as fuck.   In early 2019 they put out Fear of a Unified Public, and we’re still all talking about it!  Another great Asbury band (now in Los Angeles) is The Battery Electric. These beautiful babies are the hardest working band in the business.  100% rock n roll, sweet hooks, and another Jersey guitar shredder!  I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Rotten UK (Rochester, NY) and the Cheats (Pittsburgh, PA).  Both bands are incredible and should be way bigger than they are.  I hear the Hot Blood guys a Rotten boys don’t get along, though….

What five albums should no home be without?

I find it curious that you’re asking for five records, and it just so happens that those first five Oasis releases are pure fire!  Coincidence???  For real though, my favorite bands/records change on a daily basis, depending on my mood, or what Kinks record I’m listening to at the moment, so this is a tough question.  How about I tell you the five records that are getting the most spins in the Handsome household?

  1. Greater Than Ever, by Baseball Furies – Buffalo punk legends. I discovered this record about two years ago, and its been in regular rotation since.  I’m mad at myself for not discovering it sooner.
  2. Off the Rails, by Gino and the Goons – I just discovered these guys too!  Their entire catalog is great.  I thought I was a huge Heartbreakers fan; these guys really love them, L U V!
  3. Funhouse, by The Stooges – This record blows me away. It’s so loud, raw, and loose. Plus Ron Asheton is fucking MENTAL!!
  4. Crystal Gazing Luck Amazing, by Compulsive Gamblers – I love that 60s vibe. The singer has a sweet voice, and that song Two Thieves always makes me want to cry. I DON’T THOUGH!!!!!
  5. Algorithm & Blues, by The Good, the Bad, and the Zugly – Jesus Christ! What can I say? Its not only the best record of 2019, but it’s going in the Deathpunk Hall of Fame.

Governess are –

Robot Rob: Vocals & Bass
Handsome Erik: Lead Guitar
Fast Teddy Clarke: Lead Guitar
Jon Swayze: Rhythm Guitar
Matty Wild: Drums

Hurl them some abuse on their Facebook page Here

Check out the latest single “Grime Time” Bandcamp

Catch up and grab their debut album “Let Me Be Your Governess Here

Author: Fraser Munro

 

Scumbag Millionaire – ‘Poor and Infamous’ (Suburban Records)

Scumbag Millionaire – ‘Poor and Infamous’ (Suburban Records)

If Godzilla was Swedish he’d be playing hard, fast and nasty rock & roll in a band just like Scumbag Millionaire. He may even grow a moustache and change his name to Max.

Now you’ve got the picture, let me introduce you to “Poor and Infamous”, the second long-player from these four Gothenburg gutter deviants. The record that’ll get you safely through the rest of this Covid craziness.

From full-throttle opener, “Demi-God” to sleazoid closer “One For The Road”, “Poor and Infamous” is an ass-kicking classic. Think early ‘copters (obvs), think classic Motorhead and you’re almost halfway there. Where ever there is !?!

Lead single “Ain’t No Doubt” is everything The Backyard Babies used to be, totally Total 13 and a bang on dyed in the wool classic. Check out the video.

“You Had It Coming” gets a little Mick Taylor-era Stones groove on, while “Chasing Dawn” pummels you in the ears into submission.

The distorted bass intro to“Put A Price On My Soul” is pure Boss DS1 magic courtesy of the legendary Sunlight Studio.  Tomas Skogsberg’s production is spot on, the man is the Phil Spector of the garage punk metal universe.

“Desperado” is a monster. A face-fucking distorted onslaught.

“Subterranean Twist” reminds me of the early Scumbag singles (check out US compilation “Fast Track Big Pack” if you missed them).

“Highway Blues” calls on those super sexy bass tones again. Not as full on as its “Poor and Infamous” bed fellows but it’s a tune that BYB would kill for.

“Trouble City” is pure Motorhead magic and “Dead Man’s Hand” ain’t no slacker either.

Rounding things off with the aforementioned Sea Hags-tastic “One For The Road”, “Poor and Infamous” is simply the bollocks.

Pre-order the album Here on limited transparent magenta vinyl, regular black vinyl or on ye-olde traditional CD.

 

While you’re at it grab the US comp “Fast Track Big Pack” along with debut album “Speed”. You won’t regret it. Guaranteed !!!

 

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Author: Frazer Munro

Stacy Crowne – ‘We Sound Electric’ (Savage Magic Records)

Stacy Crowne – ‘We Sound Electric’ (Savage Magic Records)

I’m not a massive believer in fate or why things happen but I was asked to give a record a listen and possibly review it.  The dilemma I had was it was originally released late 2019 but hey the world has been on stop for some months anyway sure I’ll listen.  Then when I was putting together the pictures and links for this review I got a message from a label and asked if I’d ever heard a band named Stacy Crowne.  Now here’s where it gets spooky up until a few weeks ago I hadn’t but they did a split with a band I love (Christmas as it goes) and I reviewed the single last month and was really impressed with the sounds coming outta Stacy Crowne and then things snowballed The singer got in touch I played the record and then the label got in touch over something else entirely and bang as I type I have one of those boxes pop up whilst I’m spinning the record on my laptop its only Stacy Fucking Crowne! now that might just be a coincidence but we all know the evil powers of Rock and Roll and how they work so it might well be a sign and horns up for the band because I took it as the rock and Roll Gods telling me to turn the fucker up and band out my review and let everybody know how damn good this slice of Hard Rockin’ action is!

Strap yourself in kid this might get bumpy! From the opening ring of the overdrive, this is most definitely in the same ballpark as the scene back a couple of decades that had Gluecifer and The D4 ruling the roost along with Hellacopters and a hint of Supersuckers and Turbonegro.  If anything this is understated which is a shame (I missed it when it was released)  because opener ‘Oblivion’ sets the tone but by no means is the standout track maybe its the loosener opening couple of shots to accompany the big one and you have to build up to that nobody dives straight in or you’ll crash and burn but its got all the vital ingredients to Rock and Fuckin’ Roll but ‘White Lies’ adds the tambourine which is nice as the band cruise through the gears with a song not a million miles from Captain Poon and Biff Malibu its loud got a cool hook and plenty of punch but remains cool as without a bead of sweat on their brow nor a hair out of place this is good no I mean Good!

There’s always time for a bit of Boogie along the lines of Backstreet Girls ‘Tightrope’ with a really tight chorus with layered BV’s almost power-pop wearing big boys leather gloves and mirror shades if you know what I mean? and the keys added really lift it.  Great track.

When they just want to rock out they do so with consummate ease (‘Some Equals None’) they add some neat bass runs on ‘Get Loaded Now!’ Basically if you ever hankered after a record that has loud guitars but not for the sake of it loud and ever wanted riffs and plenty of crash bang wallop then ‘We Are Electric’ is an album you have to hear. The title track or ‘We Are The Rest’ delivers in spades and throw in some of that dirty rock that bands like American HEartbreak or The Four Horsemen touched upon but also delivered great records.

 

If I had to pick a standout track then it would have to be ‘Lovebite’ sure it sings from that classic Gluecifer hymnsheet but damn it’s a good song with gang vocals and laid back verses it’s quality and some splendid guitar playing, especially on the breakdown. It only leaves the power ballad of ‘Too Easy’ to cruise off into the sunset.  Only joking its not a token power ballad but it is like one of the Hellacopters road movie tunes, a little more laid back than the others maybe, and with some dueling guitars noodling for good measure its been a blast.

I’m only gutted I didn’t pick this up late last year but hey we can’t be on top of everything and I’m glad I’ve had the pleasure of playing it over and over now.  I won’t be making that mistake again.  Just buy it.

Buy ‘We Sound Electric’ Here or Here 

Website / Facebook

Author: Dom Daley

The Dirty Denims – ‘Ready, Steady, Go!’ (Ghost Highway Records)

The Dirty Denims – ‘Ready, Steady, Go!’ (Ghost Highway Records)

Dutch rock ‘n’ rollers The Dirty Denims follow up 2017’s ‘Back With A Bang’ by releasing their brand spankin’ new long player ‘Ready, Steady, Go!’. It sees singer/guitarist Mirjam and guitarist Jeroen joined by a couple of new, denim-clad players aka Marc on bass and Suzanne on drums.

Continuing their tradition of releasing their albums in stages, 5 tracks were released as singles over a period of 6 months, this they entitled ‘Part 1’. Now, July sees the band release their full new album on CD, download and of course lovely vinyl.

 

This Eindhoven based band has been at it for a decade now and sound-wise they follow on where The Donnas left off. The Dirty Denims combine the traditional rock ‘n’ roll sound of The Runaways, Suzy Quatro and The Sweet with a slew of AC/DC riffs thrown in for good measure.

They claim to play ‘Happy Hard Rock’ and don’t take themselves too seriously.  Lyrically, we ain’t talking ‘The Wall’ here, the likes of last year’s single ‘Last Call For Alcohol’ is a testament to that. What they do deal in is upbeat, powerhouse rock ‘n’ roll with a sound and energy that makes you want to turn the dial up a notch and party with the best of them.

With its powerhouse 80’s drums, rumbling bass and tongue-in-cheek lyricism ‘Thunder From Down Under’ tips its hat to AC/DC in more ways than one and they even throw in the riff to The Cult’s ‘Wild Flower’ for good measure. ‘Roll The Dice’ follows a similar path, with killer riffs emanating from each speaker, stabs of piano, high-powered hollerin’ and cool, gang backing vocals.

‘Turn off The Radio’ will incite you to do just that and put a damn record on! Today’s radio tunes are boring anyway, right? The Dirty Denims know that and so do you!  Here, we are in prime power pop Donnas territory. Urgent, anthemic and melodic, just the way we like it. Elsewhere, ‘Creatures Of The Night’ is not the Kiss classic, but it crunches nicely and powers through, a solid traditional 80’s rocker that stands on its own two feet.

‘Band Not a Brand’ is killer, bubblegum pop full of handclaps and organ riffs. It’s their Saturday morning kids TV theme, a  middle finger to high street stores that sell Ramones shirts to Instagram influencers who wouldn’t know ‘Road To Ruin’ if it smacked them in the face. It’s also the best and most commercial song they have released to date.

‘Messin Around’ adds cool handclaps and percussion to the sound. This mixes well with Mirjam’s high octane hollerin’ and Jeroen’s token AC/DC riffage to give 70’s footstomping glam nostalgia.

They like ‘Last Call For Alcohol’ so much they played it twice! The album closes with a ‘Hangover Version’, stripped back and laid bare with acoustics and percussion, it’s the Sunday morning hangover remedy to the Saturday night party.

 

‘Ready, Steady, Go!’ is a fun, party record that does exactly what it says on the tin. The Dirty Denims are doing nothing new, they aren’t here to change the world or preach a message in these uncertain times.  But if you want escapism, if you desire something old school to kick your ass into next week and to blast from the stereo while you hit the highway to Hell, then you could do no better than visit Eindenhoven Rock City for 40 minutes or so.

Buy ‘Ready Steady Go!’ Here

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Author: Ben Hughes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Electric Frankenstein – Dawn Of Electric Frankenstein (Ghost Highway Records)

Electric Frankenstein – Dawn Of Electric Frankenstein (Ghost Highway Records)

Originally released as a compilation album featuring five-tracks from New Yorks Electric Frankenstein and the equally wonderful Crash Street Kids alongside The Thing and Kathedral.  what you have here is an EP of the Electric Frankenstein tracks plus the addition of ‘EF Theme’ making it a tasty six-track EP.  It’s got the same artwork as the original comp but the track running order has been rearranged.

The street-tough Action Rock of ‘Lie To Me’ gets this party started was it really twenty years ago?  Wow, time flies when you’re having fun. A year after their classic ‘How To Make A Monster’ and a most fertive period for the band who really were prolific around that period and flying the flag for punk attitude hard rock I’m not even sure we had a name for it back then and split it into sub-genres of a genre of Rock and Roll.  Damn, it loud guitared Rock and Roll isn’t it however you want to carve it up. Anyway EF always stayed true to their original sound and blueprint and pushed on regardless of who fell by the wayside or sold out because EF never sold out nor did they stray and go with the trends.  the one thing ‘the Dawn..’ sounds is fresh and as vibrant as it ever did.

Electric Frankenstein always kept it simple knocking out high energy guitar-driven songs with snotty attitude steeped in the history of the likes of the Dead Boys and the MC5 and even some early hard rock to create a monster wall of noise. This collection gives a pretty decent introduction to those who might not have crossed paths with the band before, which is fine it’s better late than never.  ‘One Last Show’ is as macho as it gets using volume and power like a lightning rod when out looking for trouble. ‘Ruin you’ is my pick of the pops with its dirty riff and snarling lyrics that are barked out sounding like a life choice of gargling razorblades and washing them down with some paint stripper but still managing to do it with style.  Top tune.

The final offering on this six of the best is one that goes right back to the heart of EF and from the birth of the band as ‘EF Theme’ originally picked off the debut album ‘The Time Is Now’ back in the midst of time or 1985 to you and me is sewn onto the end of this collection. It’s still a belter of a tune like Alice Cooper band in the backseat with a wasted Wayne Kramer controlling the radio riding shotgun to Kojak whos at the wheel a real Frankenstein party right there but there’s a bit of them all in the DNA of Electric Frankenstein and that’s the beauty of the kings of Action Rock.  It’s a great EP to own seeing as a lot of their records are as expensive as hell on the second-hand market and as some get reissued and gobbled up its nice to see places like Ghost Highway respecting the rock and breathing new life into solid gold like this – As if it needs saying but go get it, kids, you won’t regret it.

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Buy ‘The Dawn Of Electric Frankenstein’ Here

Author: Dom Daley

Deathtraps – ‘Stole Your Rock ‘n’ Roll’ (Spirit Of Disaster Records)

Deathtraps – ‘Stole Your Rock ‘n’ Roll’ (Spirit Of Disaster Records)

Album #3 from Newport’s finest exponents of gutter-level rock ‘n’ roll is finally here and it’s worth the wait bruthas and sistas! Deathtraps formed after a chance meeting between two ex Sick Livers and a Flyscreen at a Dwarves gig in the summer of 2016, and Veej(vocals/guitar), Matty (drums) and Fraser (vocals/bass) haven’t looked back since.

Riding on two killer albums, namely 2017’s ‘Justice For The Risca One’ and 2018’s sophomore ‘Gotta Get Some’ the scuzzy three-piece offer up their new long player ‘Stole Your Rock ‘n’ Roll’ and what a glorious slab of filthy noise it is too!

 

“Deathtraps stole your rock ‘n’ roll and they play it much better than you” they scream in the title track. “But who did they steal it from?” I hear you cry. Well, maybe they stole the beat from the lord or they sold their souls to the devil at Risca junction, but whatever happened, they sound like Turbonegro dry-humping The Hellacopters with their middle finger shoved so far up Motorhead’s ass it’ll come out bleeding, yeah they’re that good! Think Zeke, think MC5 or ‘Total 13’era Backyard Babies, think turbo-charged rock ‘n’ roll of the highest order and you’ll be getting close muthafuckers!

It starts with a brutal assault on the senses with their anti-love song ‘Let’s Fall Out Of Love’ and doesn’t let up for the following 35 minutes or so. An earful of dirty guitars, a mouthful of blood, spit & beers and catchy hooks aplenty. This is the sound of Motorhead jamming with the finest rock ‘n’ roll bands that Scandanavia has to offer.

With songs about killing, self-destruction and unfortunate oral encounters delivered at breakneck speed, ‘Stole Your Rock ‘n’ Roll’ is not for the faint-hearted. It’s for those who like their music hard, fast and loud.

The cool kids will love ‘Fuck The Cool Kids’, with its bass rumble, AC/DC riffage and high energy delivery. The punks will dig ‘Too Fast To Last’ a song that has ‘em coming on like a Welsh Hip Priests. And anyone who has ever donned a biker jacket in the name of rock ‘n’ roll will get down to any song that name-checks Runaways members and the band’s own deprived introduction to the queen of the Blackhearts herself. Yes, ‘Joan Jett’ has a chorus so simple yet effective, you’ll be humming it all week, while scouring Ebay for a copy of ‘I Hate Myself For Loving You’ on 7” vinyl. And that’s a mighty fine place to be in my book. What’s not to like here?

Top track for me has to be ‘Tastes Like Blood’. It sounds like Turbonegro ripping off The Wildhearts (again), a glorious gang vocal chorus and riffs to matchmakes this an album highlight any day of the week.

 

The thing that sets Deathtraps apart from the gazillions of trashy punk bands, is their use of melody. They have the fine art of a catchy chorus nailed. Yeah, they are raw and fast, but the sing-ability of the likes of ‘Backstabbing For Beginners’  and ‘The Devil and Me’ will keep you singing and banging the head that doesn’t bang for days.

‘Stole Your Rock ‘n’ Roll’ is a shot of adrenaline straight to the jugular. It’s a high energy, euphoric collection of songs and fucking enjoyable from start to finish, job done.

 

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Author: Ben Hughes