Swedish band Black River Delta are back with their third long player Shakin’. They have been on the scene for a few years now and have settled into their sound which mixes a range of influences from blues – rock Bonamassa style to having an air of Royal Blood and The Black Keys. I wasn’t surprised to find out that their music has been used in various TV shows. It would fit perfectly into something like Peaky Blinders.
The band are solid musicians and they certainly have style. Highlights include the muscular title track and Solitary Man with its harmonica blasts and dream-like feel. Black Gold mixes slide guitar with serious rock n roll swagger that needs to be accompanied by a JD and Coke (or two). This is a solid effort from BRD with passion aplenty and some great songs in an easy-to-digest package.
He cried More More More. Once again this month we just had to open the singles club due to some of our favourite bands knocking out a 7″.
We begin with a single reviewed by Kenny Kendrick…
Madysin Hatter – Wild & Strange (Self Release)
The latest single from New Jersey rocker Madysin Hatter is called Wild & Strange. It’s a heady mix of 80s sleaze, rap & pop. Madysin has a unique voice and the song really showcases her talent. She has assembled an all star cast on the song, Tyler Bryant (frontman of Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown), Frank Ferrer (of Guns N’ Roses), Rob Bailey (David Johansen), and Brett Bass (Gregg Allman). The song was co-written by Madysin Hatter and Rob Bailey, who also produced. Wild & Strange is a strong track and the accompanying video is a lot of fun with Madysin showing off her kickboxing skills!
Madysin has built up a strong reputation in the US and has played live with such luminaries as Winger, Faster Pussycat, Tom Keifer and Lita Ford to name a few. After checking out some live performances online, it’s obvious that Madysin is a formidable force live. After playing Wild & Strange a few times, it’s been stuck in my head all day! I’ll look forward to hearing more from Madysin Hatter, and hopefully, she can grace some stages in the UK when the madness of the pandemic is over.
Madysin Hatter is definitely an artist to keep an eye on!
“Wild & Strange” is available on all digital & streaming platforms. Here www.MadysinHatter.com / Facebook
Los Pepes – ‘Want You Back’ (Self Release) Coming out on various coloured variants it’s Londons very own music machine Los Pepe. Man, I love this band never less than 100% they manage to capture their Rock and Roll like a rocket in a bottle they have awesome melodies and a sharp sense of arrangement and usually at Ramones levels of speed and drive.
‘Want You Back’ has added harmonica as it motors along with crisp riff-a-rama and a great big hook its terrific. ‘Never Get It Right’ turns it up a notch or two as Ban and the boys just nail it. It’s like they’ve shaved off a little of the early Damned attitude. Adding a third track just for luck is the massive sing a long of ‘Tell Me’. Another thoroughly enjoyable trio from Los Pepes and it only helps whet my appetite for another album so come on guys get it on. Pick it up Here
Prima Donna – ‘Atomic Love’ (Wicked Cool Records) Christmas single aside it seems like an age since we had a record from the awesome Prima Donna. The wait is over as ‘Atomic Love’ comes exploding out of the distance and the radio-friendly handclapping singalong comes bursting out of the speakers. Sure it’s cool, Sure it’s stylish, sure it’s great. From those handclaps to the slide solo its an awesome 7″ and if there was a top of the pops this was made to be on the show. Preston knows that a perfect single is 3:10 seconds which is why ‘Atomic Love’ is exactly that and you’ll be singing along before the final chorus. The flip side is a bright and breezy cover of Gene Pitney’s ‘He’s A Rebel’ Perfect. Buy Here
BBQT/ Appaloosa – ‘Jump Outs / Nod Out’ – ‘Seasons Of Change’(No Front Teeth Records) Glam Stomping Punk Rockin Rock and Roll from Austins BBQT. Its trash tastic as ‘Jump Outs’ is like the perfect tribute to the Dolls and everything that followed. A new band on me is Appaloosa who also ploughs a glam trashy punk rock furrow and I like it a lot. Perhaps it’s a close runner up to BBQT but it’s the width of an eyeliner stroke in it. 100% of proceeds earned from both bands on Bandcamp from this release will go directly to the Sex Workers Outreach Project (www.swopbehindbars.org). Another great single pick it up here
Black River Delta – ‘Californian Sun’ (Sofaburn Records) Black River Delta is blues-rock band originating from Bollnäs, Sweden. The foursome have released two studio albums – Devil on the Loose (2016) and Vol. II (2018), and are poised to drop their latest heavy-hitting full-length effort Shakin’ this spring. I’m hearing the likes of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and even some INXS, especially in the voice. A fairly refreshing take on modern blues and rock. Check em out on their Bandcamp Page
Beastwood – The Long Road To Ho (Coffin & Bolt Records) Possibly the most disturbing sleeve I’ve seen in a long time but then I clicked play and after the big rolling guitar lick and solid rhythm the gravel and whisky vocals kicked in and off we went on some dirty greasy hard rockin tip and I fuckin liked it. ‘Electric Gangbang’ is a dirty rockin noise that certainly had my attention. Can anyone come? I’ll bring a bottle.
I’m not going to Salt Lake City by the Dwarves springs to mind every time I hear the place and that’s where Rock and Roll gave birth to these degenerates. Not all bad then. All four tracks are loud and proud I’d imagine its SG’s and Rickenbackers all the way with these guys and the engineer left the session with a banging headache because these have to have been recorded loudly. Quality check it out Here
The Flaming Sideburns – ‘A Song For Robert’ (Svart Records) A fitting tribute to Strings from The Flaming Sideburns. Lifted from their brand new album released later this week its a really fitting tribute and a great tune long overdue from The Flaming Sideburns its been a while but it’s great to have them back. (Album review coming this week) get on it Here
Teenage Fanclub – ‘In Our Dreams’ (PeMe And Murge) From the forthcoming album ‘Endless Arcade’ with its 60s dreamy verse and fuzzy guitar break it’s always a good day for the Fannies to be making records. The video was filmed in Motherwell – not something you hear every day when discussing pop videos. Pre Order it Here
Poison Heart – Sailors Stories’ (Heavy Medication Records) Poison Heart delivers two new songs, their first new material since 2018’s “Heart of Black City” album. Only 150 copies pressed so will sell out its a classic slice of garage Rock and Roll with some hard rockin guitar stylings. With a new six stringer on board the two new tracks rock like fuck as these Warsaw boys show that Poland can rock out with the best of them. ‘Good Times’ could just about be the size of it as Poison Heart have the chops to step up to the plate and take on Europes finest and head further afield on this evidence. Really strong single offering can’t wait to hear more.
Hot Laundry – ‘Shake Slide Twist’ (Die Laughing Records) Rock and Roll with attitude and a tonne of energy. The 12 bar of ‘Shake’ is infectious as San Francisco based Garage Rockers HOT LAUNDRY released their new EP ‘Shake Slide Twist’ I didn’t see that solo coming but I love it. To be fair all four tracks are bangers whilst ‘What Would I Do’ is more measured and more akin to The grooves The Bellrays get into. There is variety throughout the four tracks on offer with ‘Glitter And Gold’ which has a real swagger about it. Quality EP check it out
Danko Jones – ‘Flaunt It’ (SPV Records) Motormouth Danko Jones always seems to have a plan and on his social media he’s generally spot on as he is with his band and their Rock and Roll. ‘Flaunt It’ is a top tune lifted from their new album due late summer ‘Power Trio’. If this is a taste of what we can expect then bring it on what a rocket ride rip-snorting track it is. turn it up and Rock!
Millie Manders and The Shutup – ‘Broken Record’ (, taken from their debut album ‘Telling Truths, Breaking Ties’ released in August of last year. Its a break-up tune with attitude Millie has a thoroughly engaging powerful voice and who doesn’t love some saxophone with their rock and roll? It’s released to coincide with the bands run of shows starting this summer that was originally pencilled in for last year. Facebook
Welcome one and all as we crack open the March batch of 7″ singles and as you’ll see we have a variety of bands and some superb singles for your delectation. We welcome some old favourites and of course a format we always welcome the good old split with this months split coming from a pair of bands we love Bitch Queens and The Drippers. We also welcome plenty of debutants to our exclusive club and hope you find something you can enjoy and support… hit it…
Johnny Thunders – ‘Chinese Rocks’ (Golden Robot Records/Die Laughing Records) All Johnny ever wanted to do was make the kids dance and he sure as hell did that. Now a lot of his live shows were during the classic age of the bootleg and this bad boy is no exception the sound quality is not the best as you can imagine but it does capture the energy of his shows. Taken from the upcoming live album; ‘Cosa Nostra: Live At The Mudd Club 1983 Gothenburg’. which will be available as limited edition vinyl and on all streaming platforms. We can argue over the merits of another release of a bootleg but hell, I miss this guy like no other performer I ever bought a record of, so, as one of those sad completist types I’ll be clicking the link. They just don’t make em like Johnny anymore untouchable! Pre-Order/SaveHERE
Bitch Queens / The Drippers – Split (Lux Noise Records) Kicking off this month’s Singles Club is a right pair of bangers. Our favourite Basel boys are back with fellow European rockers the Drippers. ‘Ignorance is bliss’ they say but if you ignore this then you’re ignoring the opportunity to get involved with the latest release from 7″ from one of the best loud Rock and Roll bands who just love to knock out singles as often as possible.
This is another riot ride of adrenalin with a solid melody and some lovely wah! and duelling guitars Get on it here kids you won’t regret it! If that wasn’t enough to convince you then flip it over and get an earful of The Drippers who are the ‘Beach Kings’ and channelling their best Motorhead they hurtle off on a rapid drumbeat and more Wah! than you deserve. Its a corker of a tune to be fair and a worthy companion for the mighty Bitch Queens split repertoire.
Rich Ragany & The Digressions – ‘Marionette’ (Self Release) Like a rush of adrenaline the first song from the brand new Rich Ragany album is birthed into the ether and ‘Marionette’ is uplifting and boundless with heartfelt energy as the band head into the difficult second album but on this evidence, it’s not difficult at all. Subtle melodies clash with some fantastic duelling guitars throughout. The sound is big and makes you wanna get up and move as you search for the tennis racket and hairbrush when you’re alone in the house to join the Digressions for the solo and chorus. Get on it kids its a grower. Bandcamp
Marc Ribler – ‘Shattered’ (Wicked Cool Records) Like a lazy Sunday morning bit of Rock and Roll with a gentle chorus and melody, some nice slide guitar playing. ITs got that swirling organ laying down underneath the beat as the song jogs on like a shot of Tom Petty. The B side is even more laid back with eastern flavours from the New Jersey man as he kicks back. Bandcamp
Wheelz – ‘Twenty Twenty’ (No Front Teeth) “No Coast” punk rock outta the Midwest. Four new sloppy ’n’ snotty anthems in the vein of UK ’77 meets American Punk like a blend of The Briefs, Spent Idols, Toy Dolls and Partisans. Sure take a look at the picture, drink it in because they sound exactly like you want them to sound. Its a perfect snotty sound capsule from the late 70s’ with modern production. ‘Politicians’ is a mash-up of ‘The Last Time’ (Stiv would approve) and mid-period Rancid. Buy UK Here / Facebook US: Boulevardtrashpunk.com Hipsters can get it on Cassette: EU: Tapeordie.bigcartel.com
Dead Meat – (No Front Teeth) The second single from London’s snotty KBD punks Dead Meat. Another four killer cuts Featuring members of Kool and the Gangbangers, The Cavemen and the Speedways. The regular edition is spray paint on genuine leather… yes it smells like a new sofa, genuine dead meat… loads of different colours of leather chosen at random with each order (mine was a lovely pink). Anyway, don’t let the waffle distract you Dead Meat are four noisy fuckers who could wake the dead (Meat) with their raw punk rock. Buy Here from the excellent NFT label direct or the bands Bandcamp page Here. ‘Through The Heart’ starts off like the bastard son of Motorhead but descends into a sloppy tasty slab of punk rock. It’s like the partisans never happened but with added gob and glitter. Hold onto your knickers boys because ‘Hanging On The Weekend’ is a belter. Snotty rapid punk rock with the sloppiest solo ever before falling into a gluey mess with ‘Son Of Sam’ about the NYC killer from the 70s. ‘Don’t blink or you’ll miss em as this four-track EP is brought to a stunning halt with ‘Nuffin New (For Trash Like You)’ – Punk as fuck and you should be on top of this before they’re all gone!
Black River Delta – ‘Burning And Burning’ (Sofaburn Records) FacebookHailing from Sweden Black River Delta delivers a gritty bluesy rock and roll sound but avoid many of the cliches and pitfalls and deliver a pretty fresh take. ‘Burning And Burning’ is an impressive introduction if you don’t believe us check out the video.
Local Drags – ‘Think Straight’ (Self Release) Sure we’ve raved about previous offerings from Local Drags why wouldn’t we the guy writes great songs. This new track from Springfield’s favourite rocker does what he does best and that’s writing feel-good rocked up power pop and boy does he does it well. ‘Think Straight’ is an indication of what we can expect from the new album. as we look forward to the full-length LP ‘Keep Me Glued’ this will do. Bandcamp
The Stools – ‘Feelin Fine’ (Drunken Sailor) Crash bang wallop! we’re off lo-fi garage punk rock that would get a pit going in a morgue as ‘Can’t Feel Good’ is an attack on your senses and as rapid and fucked up as possible. What a fantastic way to introduce yourselves. Hang on ‘Half-Track Mind’ has the brown noise inducing bass rumble before soaring into the stratosphere. You’ll be fist-pumping and chanting along before you know it “Half Track Mind” indeed.
If you’re waiting for the love ballad then you’re listening to the wrong record but if you want raw in your face blues-infused punk rock then welcome. ‘Rockpile’ is a slower more groove-based song with some cool maracas for mixing it up I’m sure. Taking this sucker home ‘Eyeball Crush’ is like a punk rock fuck up garage blues hand jive – about as subtle as a flying mallet but all together thoroughly enjoyable. pick it up here
Continental Lovers – ‘Doesn’t Matter At All’ (Self Release) Another new song from the mind of former Breakdowns main man sees the catchy punch of ‘Doesn’t Matter At All’ as Joe unleashes a subtle melody that burrows into your ear and works its way into your head and as all good pop songs do start scratching its name into your memory. Joe mixes up his love of bands like Cheap Trick and T Rex and uses the influences to great effect and ‘DMAA’ even after a few plays sounds like a song you’ve heard a thousand times but still remains fresh as the first time you heard it. Backed by a nice acoustic run through ‘Sister Saint Joan’ is a nice one-two from Continental Lovers. Hopefully, when this pandemic pisses off we can get a full album recorded in a studio with a full band and we can all hold in our hands another great slab of Rock and Roll – power pop. Bandcamp
Johnny Casino – ‘Twenty Twenty’ (Golden Robot Records) What a barnstormer from Casino. Letting out all his lockdown frustrations in a three-minute record which kicks serious backside. Then flip it over and you have a more dreamy acoustic cover of the Bored track ‘People Say’. Best of both worlds and a worthwhile investment. With an impressive history in Australian Rock and Roll Casino doesn’t do bad records and this is a fierce shot in the arm that I’m sure we can all get down with. Instagram / Bandcamp / Facebook
Harker – ‘The Beast Must Die’ (Wiretap Records) Get a load of this Brighton based band taken from their soon to be released album that drops at the end of April. With its fuzzed up guitar its a fine introduction to the band and an indication of what we can expect from the album. check out the video below.
The Mercury Riots – ‘Save Me A Drink’ ( ) Hailing from the USA ‘Save Me A Drink’ is the first single from the band and is a combination of loud, fast, jet-fuel powered rock n roll its classic rock kids but with a modern twist. A classic power trio but keen followers of Bullets and Octane and The Brave Ones will recognise the band. With a swaggering riff and big groove, its got it going on and will have the classic rock writers salivating at a new band on the scene to breath new life into it.
The Blips – ‘Throw Me Around’ ( Cornelius Chapel Records) what an earworm this was. From the first play, it started to burrow in my ear and I began to crave it more and more. Birmingham, Alabama’s The Blips are set to release their debut long-player and this is just a sample of what they have to offer and on this evidence alone it’s got the potential to be a corker if this bright and breezy number is anything to go by. Pick it up Here or visit their Bandcamp page Here
The Lurkers – The Boys in the Corner (Damaged Goods Records) The original Lurkers none the less turn up with a pair of bangers that steal the crown of the singles club with a classic slice of pub rock punk rock Lurkers style. This, the second single from last years impressive album ‘Sex Crazy’ (still makes me giggle when I look at the cover) anyway one exclusive track ‘We Close The Door’ is a wonderful slice of Lurkers noise that’ll have you singing along before you’ve finished the first playthrough. with a wonderful guitar break that perfectly compliments a really vibrant song. Pick one up whilst they’re still available from Damaged Goods Here
Swedish band Black River Delta are back with their third long player Shakin’. They have been on the scene for a few years now and have settled into their sound which mixes a range of influences from blues – rock Bonamassa style to having an air of Royal Blood and The Black Keys. I wasn’t surprised to find out that their music has been used in various TV shows. It would fit perfectly into something like Peaky Blinders.
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