David Ryder Prangley – ‘If You Were To Kiss Me Now, All History Would Pour From My Lips’ (Self Released)

David Ryder Prangley – ‘If You Were To Kiss Me Now, All History Would Pour From My Lips’ (Self Released)

We’ve already been mulling over our potential favourite albums of 2025 at RPM Towers. It’s been a very strong year so far, and a pleasingly varied one. Yet, I’ve been patiently waiting for this, the third in the trilogy of solo albums by the glamtastic David Ryder Prangley. If you only know him from the mighty Rachel Stamp, his solo work may come as a welcome surprise. Understandably, the album release was put on pause after the tragic death of Stamp drummer Robin Guy. It’s inevitable that a period of reflection and reevaluation was necessary. I’d like to state here for the record that Robin played the only entertaining drum solos I’ve ever seen. An enormous talent, a gentleman and a huge loss.

If you already know ‘Black Magic And True Love’ and ‘Vampire Deluxe’, ‘If You Were…’ is the perfect ending. There is a dark, ethereal thread running through the trilogy, mixing fables and true-life events from throughout David’s life. I’m not here to dissect the stories, I prefer to let the music transport me to other places. While there are fewer big bangers like ‘Sweet Heartbreaker’ and ‘Black Magic…’ here, do not despair. Immerse yourself in the album as a whole, and you will reap the rewards. It has been worth the wait…

‘The Devil Has Come To Dinas Powys’ is a dream-like introduction. David’s home town sets the scene, acoustic guitar and the synths of Laurie Black evoke a haunted forest. ‘Die Alone’ was written as a duet for David and Nymphs singer Inger Lorre. Sadly, this wasn’t possible, but it stands as a beautiful tribute. Drew Richards returns for guitar and co-production, with a deft touch throughout.

‘Let’s Fall Apart Together Tonight’ does indeed have a similar mood to ‘Black Velvet’ by Alannah Myles, with a darker, dirtier edge to it. ‘Big, Bad Wolf’ brings out a low-slung, classic rock n roll riff, albeit with ‘flute’ solo. Trust me, it works! David was thinking about the Elvis films, often derided, which he was hooked on. “Elvis would just be walking around then suddenly burst into some really weird song with lyrics that sounded like a cross between a nursery rhyme and pornography, and I decided to write one of my own”. Pleasingly sleazy.

‘Jesus Christ Is Coming To Town’ is the closest thing to Americana on here, inspired by Rachel Stamp’s experiences at the South By Southwest festival. ‘Stained Glass Star’ with its smoky, film noir guitars, reminds me of the most sultry moments by The Hillbilly Moon Explosion. The fragility of stardom and temptation, in a suitably sensual style.

‘Box Of Dead Lovers’ is possibly the closest to Rachel Stamp, a crunching riff. Influenced by the Paisley Underground movement, but with much more swagger here, which is only to be expected. ‘Joanie Loves Davey’ is a paen to Joan of Arc/Jeanne d’Arc, another childhood obsession of David’s. It includes “a singalong coda in a made-up language”, which explains why I was initially confused. The Stonesy riff wouldn’t be out of place on ‘Tattoo You’. Very catchy from the first listen.

‘Falling From The Stars Down To Earth’ is the perfect ending to the trilogy. The first song that David wrote while Rachel Stamp were on hiatus in the 2000s, “ a song of acceptance and hope”. While the gentle acoustic guitars evoke Zeppelin’s eastern influences, the overall feel is otherworldly, another thread that links the albums. The stunning cover photo by Rowan Spray only adds to the atmosphere. No one else really makes music like David Ryder Prangley. With plans for a concert to cover the trilogy, and with Rachel Stamp back onstage with drummer and long-time friend Joe Holweger, let’s hope there’s a lot more music to come.

Buy Here

Author: Martin Chamarette

Mad Daddy – ‘Too Tough To Die’ (Self-Release)

Mad Daddy – ‘Too Tough To Die’ (Self-Release)

Is it really three years since Mad Daddy released their debut album? Time flies when you’re getting old, and I play it regularly, so I was pleased to hear a second album was about to arrive. With a new rhythm section, but still retaining their grimy roots, fear not. Nothing has changed for the Iggy-endorsed Manx rockers. If it ain’t broke, e.t.c…

‘Too Tough To Die’ kicks off with the title track, another primal riff that clouts you round the head, and some snappy wah-wah. A sonically perfect three minutes. ‘Hot Chicks’ would really suit Iggy, strutting defiantly as it does. And Dolyn’s harmonica playing is even more assured, this time around.

The four songs from the ‘Road Racer’ EP are included here, remixed, but I’m eager to hear the new tunes, and it’s all good news. ‘I’m An Outsider’ is equal parts Ramones and Pistols, so what’s not to like? They are clearly loving playing the songs. This time around, only the singles will be available on streaming services, so you’ll need to order the CD (vinyl to come later). This is a smart move, as it’s nigh on impossible for bands to keep going nowadays. And ‘Stoned’ is another good reason to put in your preorder now. Simple, infectious stuff that will get you bopping.

‘Ride That Train’ is like Dr Feelgood on bad drugs after a long night, very much my thing. ‘Give It Some’ most certainly does, the only song over four minutes long here, but we’re fair rattling along, distorted slide guitar and brutal drumming. The band have kept their edge, whilst getting tighter.

With gigs coming up around the UK in April and May, you’d be daft to miss them. They’ve avoided the “difficult second album” syndrome. If you love dirty punk n roll, they’re worthy of your hard-earned cash. It’s not a tough decision.

Buy Here

Author: Martin Chamarette

The Dirts – ‘ii’ (Helvete’s Kitchen)

The Dirts – ‘ii’ (Helvete’s Kitchen)

After releasing the debut album at the beginning of the pandemic and with the squeeze on pressing plants That excellent debut took forever to reach my grubby hands which was a real shame and probably a massive ball ache for Helvete’s Kitchen and The Dirts it was probably the album that I had on pre-order that took the longest to get out so when I had notice that there was a follow-up but it was only digital I was pleased they hadn’t been put off by the experience and another bunch of lo-fi fuzzed up sleazy punk n roll was heading to my speakers and sure enough ‘2’ was here.

I can’t remember how I even stumbled across the band which I’m pretty sure is a one-man band from Sweden but I do know they make a beautiful noise and the (At times) almost inaudible fuzz of the first record is still evident on the follow-up but there is a clearer production (if production is the right word) it’s certainly got attitude and the fuzzed up guitars still sound magnificent. The album charges through your speakers in the shape of ‘Waste Of Time’ – all howling fuzz and distorted melodies form the vocals but it has a tonne of charm and boundless energy. Of the nine tracks that all pretty much hover around the two-minute mark, it’s impossible to get bored the record only clocks in at about sixteen minutes long anyway. Punk as fuck!

Buried underneath the avalanche of frantic guitars there are some cool melodies ‘They’re Talking’ is a real thrash and bang but the MC5 fuzz of ‘Don’t Think About It’ is a banger. ‘Mental Problem’ is a real highlight with its rapid nasty garage rhythm and the howling guitar licks reach a pinnacle.

‘Go To Hell’ has a dramatic opening tempo like early Sabbath mixed with some Alice Cooper and then when the drums kick in it’s as punk as you like. ‘End Of The Day’ is a real Rock and Rolla shaking its ass and getting its groove on it’s a great tune – simple as you like with the vocals fighting to be heard with that boogie Woogie guitar. The final few songs are like prog length in comparison all clocking in over two minutes, honestly. We end on a high with ‘All By Myself’ I’ll say the same conclusion as I did after the last album if this was polished and released with fanfare it would be a big winner but thats the loss of the mainstream because with The Dirts dirt its destined to stay in the underground and those of us lucky enough to have them stumble into our collections will be delighted with this second album.

Do yourselves a favour and invest in some of The Dirts music – you absolutely wont regret it. No time for filler this is all killer.

Buy Here

Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin – ‘Now With More Rockets’ (Self Release)

Rob Moss and Skin-Tight Skin – ‘Now With More Rockets’ (Self Release)

Rob has once again drafted in a whole bunch of musicians to enhance his latest album and like London busses, Rob lays low for decades then boom! two albums in quick succession. This time Rob takes the songs down a darker route with a more Gothic punk rock sound that bares a passing resemblance to the likes of Andrew Eldrich and his Sisters Of Mercy or perhaps a little Iggy DNA circa Bla Bla Bla for good measure.

There are eleven tunes and as the title suggests a few with Rocket in the title which bookends the record and to be fair two of the album’s finest moments with the finale being my personal pick of the pops with its excellent Stooges like saxophone honking up the sound and giving an added dimension to what Rob does.

Some of the playing is fantastic and Rob giving over the solos to different players is an excellent idea because having someone else’s vision and interpretation on the music add to the tapestry in nothing but a positive way with opener ‘Rocket Ship To You’ being a great example.

‘Red Beans And Gasoline’ fucks with ‘Johnny B Goode’ & ‘House Of The Rising Sun’, ‘Richard Jewel’ has a great dark swirling rhythm with yet more great guitar playing, Abaad Behram take a bow.

As we reach the meat of the record ‘Rock N Roll Ralphs and the Joie de vivre rock n rolla that is ‘Rip Van Winkle ’85’ turn up the dial to eleven and if you’re getting album fatigue these will no doubt chase it away. There is no time nor room on this record for a ballad but the tempo has dropped a tad for ‘Ink Blue Smoke’ where images of Iggy are possible through the haze with some rather splendid slide chops cutting through and adding another texture.

All in all Rob has again delivered an excellent album that turns up sonic treats in different places on each play. Go check it out and have a blast (off) grooving through the ether to some tasty tunes. Keep em coming Mr Moss its been a blast!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

The Speedways -‘Borrowed And Blue’ EP (Snap Records/Hurrah Musica, Bandcamp)

The Speedways -‘Borrowed And Blue’ EP (Snap Records/Hurrah Musica, Bandcamp)

My love for The Speedways is no secret. You should shout about the bands that you love. So, while we wait for album number three, they’ve used the time to release an EP of well-chosen cover versions.

 

Hanoi’s ‘11th Street Kids’ is a perfect choice, especially on the cusp of summer. It suits the band’s style and Matt’s voice. A less obvious choice, perhaps, is ABBA’s ‘S.O.S’, but it works perfectly, the change from minor chord verse and major chorus being used to full effect.

 

Included here are the two covers from previous singles; they pull off the rare feat of covering a Kirsty MacColl song without lowering the standard. ‘They Don’t Know’ is one of my favourite songs, and I’d be obliged to say if it didn’t work, but it’s an absolute treat. And Billy Ocean’s ‘Love Really Hurts Without You’ will get your feet bopping, it’s a belter.

 

I wasn’t aware of ‘Starry Eyes’ by Roky Erickson, but, to be fair, it sounds like a Speedways song, so it’s a natural choice, and will make me check out his poppier tunes. Five songs, 5 out of 5 for me, pop pickers? Nod arf! Get on it now.

 

Buy Here

 

Author: Martin Chamarette

 

 

Skids – ‘Songs From A Haunted Ballroom’ (Cleopatra Records)

Skids – ‘Songs From A Haunted Ballroom’ (Cleopatra Records)

Open your mind and just let the music do the talking.  That’s how I approached this album of covers from the Skids but it had to meet certain criteria before being considered for inclusion on this album and to be fair, they only bloody well pulled it off!

Veteran punk rock outfit Skids have returned with a powerful new studio album that pays tribute to the band’s hometown venue, the historic Kinema Ballroom in Dunfermline, Scotland. Both a live venue as well as a traditional dance club, the Kinema became a musical and cultural epicenter for the youth in Scotland’s Fife province, especially during the late ‘70s, early ‘80s punk rock movement. It would also become the home venue for Skids who played numerous shows at the Kinema as both a support act for such legendary bands as The Clash as well as the headliners for multiple sold-out events.

Now, Skids take a walk down memory lane, performing songs by the bands who influenced them in those early years. ‘Songs From A Haunted Ballroom’ includes versions of tracks by The Clash, The Adverts, Ultravox, Sex Pistols, and Magazine PLUS new versions of their own early hits “Into The Valley” and “The Saints Are Coming!” so laying themselves open by covering some iconic punk tunes.  Let battle commence.

The first single from the album, a supercharged version of Ultravox’s ‘Young Savage’ is an eyebrow-raising moment because it’s both vibrant and has boundless energy. Then it’s one of those peek through your fingers moments as they take on ‘Complete Control’ and again I breathe a sigh of relief because they manage to stay on the right side of the cover version style and don’t do it cabaret style.  Capturing a good sound on those guitar crunches that was Jones and Strummers style and Jobson does a convincing job on the vocals.  Purists will no doubt be all over this complaining about one thing or another but I think they do a sterling job and pay tribute rather well.

 

As I relax a bit more it makes sense they do ‘Gary Gilmore’s Eyes’ it’s more Skids style and again it’s really well done. They even manage an energetic take on Rockpiles ‘Heart Of The City’  so its not quite there but to even take on such a top tune deserves some kudos.

 

What this record does do is send your mind back to what seems like better times when music was pouring out of every nook and cranny of the UK and everyone seemed to be indulging in pop culture in one way or another.  I guess they were simpler times with fewer distractions for young people’s time and energy.  I just hope Jobson will wear the Glove when they play ‘Rock On’ Live.  Cool song and a cool respectful take. One of the best versions here is ‘violence’ (never have too much cowbell), not enough bands sound like Mott The Hoople anymore.

 

Some of the best tunes here are indeed the lesser-known covers or ones you weren’t expecting  ’35mm Dreams’ springs to mind and to be fair the guitar sound captured on ‘Submission’ is most worthy then laying it side by side with ‘New York Groove’ is a great idea and two very different genres collide.

 

It’s hard to fuck up a cover of Iggys ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’ such is the majesty of the track and Skids manage to avoid any embarrassment but making it a CD-only track is a little puzzling considering the vinyl revival going on.I guess it seems only fair that the band includes two of their most famous tunes as part of this look back at what made the band sound like they did and ‘Saints Are Coming’ is still a fantastic song as is ‘Into The Valley’ and fond memories of school discos come flooding back.  This only leaves the final track which again is a CD-only affair with Vinyl lovers.  ‘Christmas In Fyfe’ is their very Scottish affair and maybe one vinyl lovers won’t mind being omitted but don’t let that distract you from what is a really good album.  On the back of the acoustic record which again I really enjoyed this will also nestle in nicely in my collection – Check it out and remember your own memories of when new bands and sounds were hitting your ears on a daily basis.  Ah, the memories thanks skids this was a real tonic!

 

Pre-order the CD & vinyl: Here

Pre-order/pre-save the digital: https://orcd.co/skids_songs_from_a_haunted_ballroom

Author: Dom Daley

Bandcamp Friday

Bandcamp Friday

We’ve got a few suggestions this Bandcamp Friday and we’ve kept it lean for you so get yer credit card out and come with us on the Bandcamp Friday journey kicking off with a couple of recommendations from some artists we love and then a few labels who do such a great job of releasing some of our favourite records.  There are others that haven’t quite gone live at the time of writing such as a long out of sale Loyalties release you should go find and Steve Conte has an offer today

 

 

‘Be There’ (369 Music) is the next single from The Dowling Poole. Listen to the track on Soundcloud here.

It will be released on Friday the 7th of March for Bandcamp Friday when the music platform waives their fees and all revenue goes straight to the artists.

‘Be There’ features guest appearances from long time collaboratorAndy Lewis (Jackdaw4, Sugar Plum Fairies, Jocasta), on bass. Darby Todd guests on drums. Darby’s recently played with Martin Barr (Jethro Tull), The Darkness and Kee Marcello (Europe) and featured on the recent The Dowling Poole songs ‘We Are The Noise’ and ‘Slow Genocide’.

Recorded in different locations in France and the UK, Jon and Willie are busy writing their fourth album to be released later this year.

Author: Martin Chamarette

 

Another favourite round here is Rich Ragany & The Digressions so check out the latest tune Here

“There’s a place in the universe callled Boötes Void… where it’s near empty. It’s also been called “The Great Nothing”.  A supervoid. One of the largest-known voids in the universe. Surrounded by galaxies and light.

It is believed the scale of the void is such that if the Milky Way had been in the center of the Boötes Void, we wouldn’t have known there were other galaxies until the 1960s.
That’s how long it would have taken light to travel… to journey through the darkness.

The song is from the perspective of someone who is within darkness in their lives and can’t unsee it.
Then, sees it in everything. Maybe even becomes it. But finds that through the very act of experience, and through the struggle of moving forward, can begin to see the warmth and light that also exists.

I find it very moving and inspiring that, even in the expanses of space, where there is cold chaotic changes that routinely destroy, that life and creation can, and do, emerge.

The idea of all these galaxies and filaments surrounding Boötes Void is light giving it a frame that can eventually travel through to the other side, is a comforting thought.

Not always easy… but our eyes, our hearts and spirits can stretch to see something beautiful.

I try to remember this (with varying degrees of success) when things get really rough… old ghosts and doubts whisper in my ear and tell me I am alone, not worthy or with no direction.

Stretch to see something beautiful.  That was the feeling I had when writing it.  Please forgive me if it’s a clumsy metaphor.  It’s not so linear that it can’t be interpreted for your own experience (or hopefully, it will just sound pleasing to you).”  What more can we add to that?

 

Some others who should benefit from Bandcamp Friday would be those independent labels who are the beating heart of the underground scenes we all love so much.  A few of our favourites would be Beluga Records from out of Sweden who have their Bandcamp page and offer some amazing records we’ve had many an hour rocking out to some of their releases and records they put out.

 

Some of the recent records they’ve put out have been fantastic such as More Kicks, Jordan Jones, Mud City Manglers and most recently a nice compilation from Asteroid B-612 and most recently a cracking single from The Erratix.

 

 

Heading south you have Ghost Highway Records outta Madrid Spain.  They’ve long championed underground garage rock and all other sub-genres including power pop, punk rock and more.  Some of their recent releases that deserve people’s attention would be The Boatsmen and their superb ‘Verses The Boatsmen’ album they co-released as well as the tribute to the New Bomb Turks compilation.  They’ve long been champions of UK kings of garage noise The Hip Priests and given access to some of America’s finest in the shape of Jeff Dahl, Electric Frankenstein and Pat Todd.  A worthy benefactor of anyone’s Rock and Roll coin on Bandcamp Friday.

 

How about heading across the pond to Spaghetty Town Records and a label who’s partnered up with their European brothers in vinyl.  they’ve also brought to the party some epic Rock and Roll records most recently in the shape of RMBLR who’ve just dropped their new EP and Spaghetty Town is the perfect label for these scuzzy rockers. The label has a wealth of great titles so you could do a lot worse things this Friday than delve through the Spaghetty Town wormhole and head off on a rockin’ discovery trip.

 

Heavy Medication Records have for a while had records reviewed on RPM and more recently put out a couple of really impressive releases primarily a New Bomb Turks tribute that’s available through their Bandcamp page.  Based in Warsaw Poland the label have been responsible for Doojiman & The Exploders record that’s a must-own as well as records from Poison Hearts.  Hit em up

 

 

 

What about some Taken By Suprise records?  Out of München, Germany the label does a fine service if punk rock n Power Pop is your thing then they have a big catalogue up on Bandcamp that deserves your attention.  Releases from The Briefs, Suspect Parts and more recently Neighbourhood Brats.  you certainly won’t be disappointed with your catch if decide to dip in.

 

 

TNS Records out of Manchester have some cracking offers up for Bandcamp Friday as well and in turn, help support some great punk rock bands such as Wales finest Pizza Tramp.  The new Jodie Faster is also a fine addition to their catalogue.  They also do a Spotify list of New Punk Friday where they champion the best in punk, Hardcore and Ska tracks released recently.  A label that does tireless work for a scene that deserves our attention.

 

Another German label that has always had the back of punk rock and roll is Wanda Records.  With some excellent releases from Peter & The Berlin Blackouts and Mom the label has always delivered brilliant product and ship anywhere (or the UK at least).  They’ll also be handling the Euro distro of the new RMBLR EP which is good for those having palpitations when faced with some of the overseas shipping fees.

 

Finally, another label releasing really good records is Drunken Sailor Records Banging out new bands and records like its nobodys business.  Drunken Sailor also struck a distro deal to handle Australias finest Stiff Richards that should be Sold Out but they don’t hang about and are also pressing up a couple of new records that are also available for you digital fiends in the shape of Australias Jackson Reid Briggs & The Heaters out on digital through the label but coming soon on vinyl.  They trawl through the worlds best underground bands to fit into their vision of what makes a great records and release it for our listening pleasure.  Head down to their Bandcamp page and get lost investigating what they have to offer and grab yourself a new favourite band.

 

Duncan Reid & The Big Heads – ‘Live At Akkurat’ (For The Love Of Beer, Whiskey, Food & Music) (Self Release)

Duncan Reid & The Big Heads – ‘Live At Akkurat’ (For The Love Of Beer, Whiskey, Food & Music) (Self Release)

So Lockdown,  did we mention we’re still under lockdown?  No live shows No clubs or venues heaving with happy smiling people falling out into the late evening streets. Well before the apocalypse, there were bands who toured the globe in search of those happy smiling faces and entertaining them with their tunes of merriment and creating memories that would last a lifetime some of those bands were exceptionally good at entertaining and one of them has decided to release one such evening in Sweden for our listening pleasure.  Not wanting to be down about it that band – Duncan Reid & The Big Heads were to be fair or should that read are exceptionally good at, to be fair I’ve also said that as much as I love the music on record or CD live is where they really do shine and the sound (complete and dare I say enhanced) with its rough edges is much better for the energy and living in the moment than they can capture on record.

 

For those of you who don’t know, Duncan used to be one of The Boys so knows a thing or two about writing top tunes and about what it takes to be a great Rock and Roll band and to his credit, he’s surrounded himself with some excellent musicians (in their own right) and musicians who trade off each other to create what is one of the finest bands you could wish to see in any venue be it the cavernous surroundings of the theatre at Rebellion or a small upstairs room of a Bristol Bar they will come and rock the socks off you and you will bloody well enjoy every minute of it.  This leads me in a roundabout sort of way to why these words are here.

 

‘Live at Akkurat’ might not be the Hollywood bowl nor is it Maddison Square Gardens but I bet the audience that evening of this recording didn’t care a jot because they were too busy having the time of their lives with Duncan and his Big Heads.

 

The album kicks off with the sprightly ‘Can’t Stop’ and motors straight into the boptastic ‘Montevideo’ the band means business and the recording has (thankfully) captured what the band exudes in the live surroundings and that’s the best of times and of course some top tunes. Going from the opening track off ‘Bombs Away’ straight into the first album deep cut of ‘Montevideo’ is a fantastic one-two. Heading for the hattrick there a raw ‘Cèst La Vie’ that motors along.

 

Duncan’s interval banter isn’t lost on the Swedes as he introduces ‘Baby Doll’ and again the mix of synth and raw guitars works well. You do get to hear how tight the band is which might be lost when you’re watching them live such is the amount of energy they put into every performance and the blend of keys and guitars works a treat on ‘Just Because You’re Paranoid’. ‘Rolling On’ sounds great and the vocals are excellent as it heads into ‘Bombs Away’ that certainly benefits from the rough edges of a live performance.

 

Through all twelve songs on offer here you do get the sense of how bloody good this band is and what a good songwriter Duncan is. Over the post Boys output how he’s managed to pen some right belters, ‘C’mon Josephine’ into ‘Wasting Time’ and then into ‘That’s The Way It Is’ followed by the epic ’77’ they’re very different songs but blend together so well and show off those talents.

 

Before the end, we get to hear the band take on and pay respect to his previous day job and Honest John Plain in particular with a great rendition of ‘First Time’ which only leaves a trashy romp through ‘One Time In Rio’ before bowing out.

 

Whilst it’s fantastic to hear this recording and I’m sure everyone who downloads this album will agree its a double-edged treat, on the one hand, it’s a fitting tribute to a great live band, the flip side is I feel sad that it’s been over twelve months since I’ve been to a sweaty venue and clapped eyes on a live rock and roll band like Duncan Reid & The Big Heads.  Hopefully, this can signal the beginning of the end of a real Annus horribilis for us live music fans and with this recording, at least we can celebrate what live music should be all about.  Entertaining, Great songs, great performers great live set.  Just Buy it! that’s my advice because it’s like a ray of sunshine and a reminder of what’s coming soon enough when we can all experience this again.  Good on you Duncan and those Big Heads you rock!  All for a fiver? Bargain of the year!

Buy it Here

Author: Dom Daley

 

 

Pete Berwick – Too Cow To Punk’ (Self Release)

Pete Berwick – Too Cow To Punk’ (Self Release)

Tennessee’s very own Renaissance man and cowpunk pioneer, Pete Berwick, is seeing off 2020 with a retrospective of his extensive and active career. The ‘Too Cow to Punk’ anthology, set for release in January 2021 through his own label Shotgun Records, cherry-picks songs from a back catalogue stretching from 1976 to 2019 over a series of critically acclaimed albums. A man of many talents, Berwick has crossed several boundaries – from amateur boxing to novel writing, stand-up comedian to actor, the wandering storyteller has a wealth of experience from which to draw inspiration for his tales of love, loss and regret.

From the hard-hitting snarl of opener ‘Is That What You’re Telling Me’, through the darkness of ‘Chained’, to the reflective ‘Streets of Pasadena’ (the final song of his most recent album ‘Island’), you’re getting all sides of Berwick’s character – a 37-song collection of heart-on-the-sleeve confessions delivered down hard-fought years. The album finishes with the defiant ‘Vacancy in My Heart’, the free-flowing slide guitar of this bluesy barnstormer capping off a thoroughly brilliant, raucous and rousing record.

The energy and charisma which have dominated Berwick’s life is presented here in almost half a century of music. The anthology is far more than just a collection of songs – it’s a journey that includes re-recordings and remasters, some rarities and one unreleased song, ‘Preachers Kid’. A songwriter long before cowpunk became a thing, Berwick has explained how the title of the album comes from when one audience member told him many years ago he was “more cow than punk”. Throughout the years, Berwick has been an artist treading a dusty road between rock, country and punk, and this latest release is undoubtedly the perfect starting place for new listeners wishing to follow him down that long, colourful road.

Buy Here 

Author: Craggy Collyde

Deathtraps – new music & Video

Deathtraps – new music & Video
The Deathtraps are putting out a couple of tunes next Friday too. They’re two of the tunes that were given away with pre-orders of the last record but they’re sitting there doing nothing so we thought we’d sling them out for anybody who’s picked up on the band since that album came out pre-pandemic. There’ll be a video too but that’ll come soon enough.
Be naughty or nice maybe Santa will drop it pre-Christmas.  Hit em up on Bandcamp and buy your family some gifts from the Rock and Roll Gods this Christmas – Here
If that’s not enough how about this bad boy? Aldora Britain Records have put together a compilation on Bandcamp for the princely sum of £1.80 but don’t be fooled there are some great bands and songs on offer Deathtraps being one who offers up their homage to Joan Jett.
AB Records is an e-zine and record label that promotes the music and work of authentic independent or underground artists from all around the world. Originally established in 2013, they revamped themselves in 2018 with a brand new approach. Their first weekly compilation, aptly titled ‘The Second Coming’, was released in late 2019. They now also release original singles, EPs, and charity projects. ‘Night Shadows’ offers twenty-two tracks from a whole variety of underground bands.  Get it Here