It’s simple, really. Do you like Ramones? The Flamin’ Groovies? ‘Exile On Main Street’? If you answered “yes” to all the above, then Brad Marino has the album for you. He’s already written two of my favourite power pop classics in ‘Wake Up, Baby’ and ‘C’mon..’, and knows how to craft a short, snappy tune with four chords.
And he wields his Telecaster in a decidedly Keef-like fashion on opener ‘Even The Score’, plenty of slide guitar and choppy rhythms, similar to the title track, which straddles Stones/Groovies camps to good effect.
‘Taillights Fade’ sees the protagonist chased out of town, complete with handclaps and a simple, effective solo. ‘Local Show’ will be a familiar tale for many musicians; “it’s a local show, which means nobody will go”. Including the inevitable list of excuses your “friends” use to avoid going/paying to see an amateur gig.
‘Tripwire’ is a classy instrumental, while ‘False Alarm’ and ‘What Do You Know’ remind me a little of The Speedways. High praise indeed! Yes, some of the songs here are similar, but that never hurt Ramones, who I feel would approve of ‘To Bleed’. And when the quality is this high, it’s not a criticism. ‘Take Your Time’ has a hint of the mighty Groovies, with some Rickenbacker twang.
In an ideal world, these would be big radio tunes, especially with summer just around the corner. And the cd has three extra cover versions, as if you needed another reason to order it. In these somewhat bleak times, this is a pleasant respite.
RPM Online is proud to get the video exclusive of the new Brad Marino single ‘Even The Score’. Its taken from the new album “Looking For Trouble” Out April 21’ in the U.S. on Spaghetty Town Records (Vinyl) & Rum Bar Records (CD) On vinyl in Europe from Ghost Highway Records and Beluga Records. With such awesome record labels on board, you know its a worthwhile record to invest in. Brad Marino – ‘Even The Score’…
Brad Marino returns with his sophomore Full-Length release, jam-packed with power poppin’ rock and roll extraordinaire… ‘Looking For Trouble’.
“Let Brad Marino know how much you dig him.” – Genya Ravan
“Brad Marino is looking to ‘Even The Score’ in his latest garage rock effort, bringing us back to the kind of garage rock the Rolling Stones have made such a long and storied career out of! Rock n roll at its most enjoyable.” – Uber Rock
“What Do You Know?” meets at the intersection of straight-forward rock and roll and the poppier side of the Ramones – which has always been a sweet spot for Marino. In my fantasy world where millions of people still buy rock and roll records, this tune is a hit! If you dig rockin’ two-minute pop songs, you need to be all over Looking For Trouble – and every other record that Brad Marino has ever been a part of!” – Lord Rutledge
“What do I know? Well, if there’s one thing I know is that Brad Marino can do no wrong, and this single proves he just gets better and better with every release!” – The Ledge, Real Punk Radio
“‘What Do You Know’ is sent around the ether like a cannonball. Sure it’s got melody and a solid rockin’ backbeat and a whole heap of hooks and of course a raw guitar making it a must-hear track. Forging the way forward in powerpop circles. Don’t delay and be sure to hit Marino up and check this out you won’t regret it.” – RPM It’s A Revolution
What you have is a release filled top to bottom with tried and true rock n’ roll. Rockpile meets the Ramones, Mick and Keef get into a tussle with the Flamin’ Groovies, The Knack get all tangled up in blue. Hints of Chuck, shades of country, stabs of punk, and jolts of power pop, celebrated and created in the Garage… get the picture?
Brad Marino “Extra Credit” still available on Vinyl LP in limited edition color variants (Coke Bottle Clear, Blue & Black) & CD direct from Rum Bar Records.
Brad Marino “False Alarm” still available on limited edition 7inch Vinyl & CD EP direct from Rum Bar Records. …while supplies last!!
Psst, want some free Rock and Roll that I guarantee will help make the lockdowns go quicker and put a smile on yer face. don’t thank me thank Malibu Lou over at Rum Bar Records.
If it ain’t Rum Bar Records it ain’t worth the shot. Vol. 2
“FREE” yes, FREE bandcamp label sampler, pouring on tap today!!
Saddle on up to the stool and get your very OWN copy
Loaded with… 30 Big Hits
Featuring, in no particular order of awesomeness:
Brad Marino, Hayley and the Crushers, Indonesian Junk, The Nuclears, Travis Ramin (of Natalie Sweet Band, The Short Fuses, Tina & the Total Babes, Nikki and the Corvettes, Beebe Gallini), Electraluxx, French Girls, The Laissez Fairs, Curt Florczak (of B-Movie Rats, The Hi-End), The Cheap Cassettes, The Lemon Drop Gang, The Black Cheers, Nana, Heatwaves, Freddie Dilevi, Cromm Fallon, Pavid Verman, Classic Ruins, Stop Calling Me Frank, Jay Allen and the Archcriminals, Beebe Gallini, Marc Platt, Eric Alesi and The Laissez Fairs, Muck and the Mires, A Bunch of Jerks, Gallows Birds, The Short Fuses, Idolizers, The Hi-End & Watts
Garage, Punk, Glam, Greaser, Hard Rock, Power-Pop, Intoxicating Psychedelic, Heartland-Punk, Blue Collar Pub Rock, Poolside Glitter Trash,, tune in, turn on and soak it up!!
If it ain’t Rum Bar Records it ain’t worth the shot. Vol. 2 ‘FREE Bandcamp Download’ Winter 2021 Sampler from the Rum Bar Records Family including: new releases, unreleased material, catalogue, upcoming projects, and more.
Before January is finished we have another session of the Singles Club to round off the first knockings of 2021and as usual the quality is impressive. Hit em up and share the love of the trusty old 45RPM…
Muck & The Mires – ‘I’m your Man’ (Dirty Water Records) We’re starting this weeks singles club with this garage rock hip shakin bundle of energy from Muck & The Mires. As you’ll hear from the guitars this is right on the money sounding like it was recorded live in the moment and with some great melody and BV’s its a right Banger! Don’t doubt it that you need to hear these cats so head over to Bandcamp Here
45 Adapters – ‘Now Or Never’ (Pirates Press Records) Emerging out of the clusterfuck for bands that was 2020, this long-anticipated EP really packs the punch everyone has been hoping for.
It Comes out swinging, and is hit after hit on a pretty cool 12” picture disc that looks like it was printed on glass. The title track, a rip-roaring addition to the Pirates’ sampler “For Family And Flag“ that we reviewed a few weeks ago. It whet the whistle of fans across the globe… and the remaining tracks stacked up on this EP
Summarizing the sentiment felt by many, it really is “Now or Never“! Time to take a stand.
Guerrilla Teens – ‘End of the Leash’ (Self Release) Two downloadable tracks from the epic Guerrilla Teens Hell Yeah! I’ll take that sir. Scott ‘Deluxe’ Drake leads another slice of hellish Rock and Roll from the garage with a bluesy guitar break that leads you down a dark alley where the band is waiting to pound you without mercy they won’t rest and who can blame them as the song tail off into the distance with howls and wah! leaving you satisfied once again with the tracks teased out of Bandcamp. But wait there’s more as ‘Running Away’ is a petulant slice of Rock and Roll that’s got some loose gang vocals snarling away on the chorus. It’s snot captain but not as we know it. I love Guerrilla Teens they’re one of the triumphs of Lockdown and Pandemic. Now get this motherload of songs onto a slab of vinyl and we can put this past twelve months behind us. Bop Showaddy indeed – Buy It! Here
Captain Future – ‘Holy Waters’ (Gypsy Hotel Records) Alex McGowan is the man behind Captain Future and the new album ‘Ghostman’ and the first single taken from the album is ‘Holy Waters’ a bluesy slice of Dub or a dubby slice of Blues, either way, it’s a trip and a trip you should take. Love and hate collide and with the backdrop of what’s going on with certain leaders, it’s a slice of up-to-date right on-the-money music. It’ll creepy crawl into your head and shifting it is hard. Subtle and flavoursome the verses are dark whilst the chorus is raised and lets in the light. clever stuff.
Automatics – ‘Irish Blessing’ (Blank Generation Records ) Taken from the recent Automatics, white vinyl, promotional 4 track ‘Octonary’ EP, and also on the album ‘A Grand Swandive Into The Void’. You might think so what? However, if I were to say Steve Jones and Johnny Thunders contribute then I might just grab your attention and you might prick those ears back and give this some deserved attention. Also featuring SLF guitarist Ian McCallum.
what you have on this EP is quality ’77 punk Rock and Roll. Considering the calibre of the players, of course, these songs have that wonderful crunch on the guitar and when recorded right it lifts a recording. As you’ll hear ‘Irish Blessing’ has a Galic slant and some typical Irish folk leanings from the acoustic guitar to the lyrics. A bit of everything on the EP means – for me, a good proper investigation into the bands back catalogue and great discovering a whole bunch of tunes that passed me by first time and when, as I say. they are as good as this its a joy to discover. Website
Brad Marino – ‘What Do You Know’ (RumBar Records) The Connection, New Trocaderos, Rydells, Jimmy Rydell, and upfront and center; Portsmouth New Hampshire’s Brad Marino has founded, co-founded, written, co-written, performed, and recorded in & on multiple garage rock, punk, and power-pop bands and releases over the last 10 years. 2021, Brad Marino returns with his sophomore Full-Length release, jam-packed with power poppin’ rock and roll extraordinaire… ‘Looking For Trouble’. But to whet the appetite ‘What Do You Know’ is sent around the ether like a cannonball. Sure it’s got melody and a solid rockin’ backbeat and a whole heap of hooks and of course a raw guitar making it a must-hear track. Forging the way forward in powerpop circles. Don’t delay and be sure to hit Marino up and check this out you won’t regret it. Bandcamp
UNDER THE INFLUENCE ‘Moon Flavoured Magnets’ (Riot Records) ‘Moon Flavoured Magnets’ is the follow up to recent singles ‘Body Parts’ and the acoustic version of fan favourite ‘Propaganda Leaks’. Whilst the title comes across as being psychedelic, this track is far from it. It is another storming hardcore flavoured punk track. A vicious and intense punk / Metal hybrid. Its the sound of the roof caving in on you but it’s ok because the band are kicking up a shitstorm and I like that. Noisy Aussie bastards
“Welcome to Kins brain. It’s infused with mushrooms, madness and wisdom but we’ll let you decide… This is a mystical magical poem I wrote to Mother Nature. Touching on human greed, space, time, pollution and disrespect. Sadly, most humans are on a self-driven vendetta. Without a care for what really matters or anything that’s connected to the natural world. The only hope I see for mankind is to reconnect to the moon and oceanic currents by the only way I know, magic of course. That’s what this song is about…. Magic.’’ Facebook
Wildstreet – ‘Set It Off’ (Golden Robot Records) new single ‘Set It Off’ is like stepping back in time onboard bill and teds cock – rock – o’clock time machine. Not quite as dangerous as I was expecting and sounding more like a homage to Def Leps.
“Be yourself and stand up for what you believe. There will be set-backs, scars & bruises but you have to pick yourself up because you will make it to the top.” oh ok righto guys but cmon. I have been transported back in time this covid lockdown has sent me down a wormhole where Warrant and Ratt are strutting up and down the Sunset Strip for sure this would be featured in Bill & Teds next movie for sure all they have to do is wait…and wait…and wait
Midnite Snaxxx – ‘Contact Contamination’ (Slovenly Records) Rough blast of sugar-sweet punk rock with a video to test your brain its Midnite Snaxxx baby and their rapid adjit punk rock is addictive like hidden E numbers in kids confectionery its fast its fun and its addictive like a rapid Siouxie & the Banshees if I might be so bold. Songs outta Oakland never sounded so good did they?
The Shang Hi Los – ‘Kick It Like A Bad Habit’ (Rum Bar Records) A new one on me but it came via Rum Bar so of course I was going to check them out. Coming on like a Jags meets Blondie with healthy dollops of Cars thrown in along with a whole heap of other power pop luminaries this is a great easy listen for a debut single. There’s enough edge to remind me of Johnny Thunders last incarnation with the magnificent Oddballs – now I’m not comparing them quite yet but there are traces of the same DNA going on and that’s always going to drag me in. Love the guitar break on ‘Funeral Home Mint’ These cats love Rock and Roll and pop from days gone by as ‘Stay’ would testify then follow it up with the luscious ‘Skipping Records’ with big chords and big harmonies. It wouldn’t be fair if there wasn’t a Smokie sounding acoustic big finale with those duel vocals working really well together. In such trying times it’s nice to be nice and The Shang Hi Los sound like a really nice band and they’ve got tunes baby that’s for sure.
Hookers & Blow – ‘Time Of The Season’ (Golden Robot Records) Hookers & Blow, the now legendary project formed by longtime Guns N’ Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed and Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi, recently hit the studios last year to record a covers album that will be released this year via Golden Robot Records. This is the fifth single off the album, a cover of The Zombie’s ‘Time Of The Season’. It follows the release of the singles Shakin’ (Eddie Money), Rocks Off (Rolling Stones) and Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie) and Trampled Underfoot (Led Zeppelin) and a jolly good cover it is too. Polished as fuck but has a load of energy, Decent.
The Cavemen – ‘Am I A Monster’ (Pig Baby Records) I’ll be honest if The Hip Priests aren’t releasing a record the singles club can be a bit quieter but those crazy fuckers from New Zealand releases anything it sure perks this place up and again these Garage Ghouls have released an absolute pair of snotty stonkers in the shape of ‘Am I A Monster’ and ‘Schizophrenia’. The lead track is a stuttering head-shaking noisefest. It’s uncompromising yet totally uplifting and I love it. Imagine a time when these could have toured with The Parkinsons and The Hip Priests now that’s a tour I’d risk.
If the A-side was a rush then the B side is a Rock and Rolla for sure from start to finish and before the second line of the chorus I’m shouting along. One simple instruction from here is Buy It Here
Real People – ‘Life Without A Head’ (Slovenly Records) Rapid shots across the bow Real People aren’t fucking about available on tape (hip fuckers) or digital it’s shouty hardcore folks and tight as a gnats chuff. Lead track is a sprint to the finish and blink and you might miss it slice of Hardcore and it’s good. It’s pretty much the same MO for all the tracks with only one breaking the two-minute barrier but where it might be brief flashes of noise its quality and that counts. As they say on their promo blurb “seven solid minutes of no-frills and cheap thrills” just about hits the nail on the head and that’s what it should be, I like the riffs and the final offering is sharp and the riff is nailed. Check em out Here and thank us later
Cornered – ‘Failure EP’ (Blindsided Records) Dutch Harcore band Cornered are a new one on me but on first play they have that NYHC sound off to a tee, and with that clicky bass they thump their way into the singles round-up. ‘Burn’ is the opener with the Metal edged Hardcore being delivered in fine fashion. ‘Jungle Law’ reminds me of Downset and with a classic seg from Planet Of The Apes introducing the track what’s not to like? It’s short sharp and to the point exactly what no-nonsense Hardcore is supposed to be. ‘Realms Of Misery’ is a measured intro then off into a huge groove. I’m sure live in a tight pit these would be perfect and go down a storm.
There’s a lot going on here and at times it’s claustrophobic but at the same time, it’s good to just lash out and Cornered does it very well this isn’t a ‘Failure’ at all it’s European Hardcore mixing it with the best of em and holding their own. Check em out Here or pick this EP up Here
Yur Mum – ‘Black Rainbow’ (Self Release) The band, consisting of Anelise Kunz (Vocals/Bass) & Fabio Couto (Drums), have decided to unleash the first track from their forthcoming album, ‘Tropical Fuzz’ considering its just the rhythm section they manage to make a hell of a din I’m sure you’ll agree? claiming to not play by the rules would be about right to be fair and the Black & White video makes perfect sense as the track is bleak and cold and wintery. For fans of Therapy? and Placebo would be just about right on this evidence. Interesting stuff indeed. check em out Here / Bandcamp – https://yurmum.bandcamp
The Last International – ‘Modern Man’ (SME, The Orchard Music) Taken From New Live Record ‘Live At Arda. Vocalist Delia Paz, comments: “We live in a time where “Girl Power” has been reduced to a hashtag, used by countless celebrities and companies to sell products. The #metoo movement continues to welcome leaders that directly carry out heinous violence against women and children throughout the world, via drone strikes and crippling economic policies. These victims have been completely ignored by mainstream feminists. Anyone, including myself, who tries to expose this hypocrisy is immediately silenced and shamed. “Modern Man” is a song that gives a voice to the overlooked and disenfranchised women all over the world. I hope it encourages everyone, not just women, to think critically and speak up against all injustices and oppression. We will not be silenced!”
When you wanna Rock and Roll and you want to do it without any bullshit or drama then Rum Bar Records is always a good bet for delivering the goods and Brad Marino is one of their charges who has the magic at his fingertips. This is Marinos second solo record with a couple of choice covers thrown in for good measure.
There’s no False Alarm here it’s the real deal – Real deal Rock and Roll actually created in the garage so bonafide Garage Rock n Roll for sure. It opens with the title track think a boogie Woogie Rockpile riffing on a Beach Boys tune and you’re kinda in the right ballpark. Always the man with a melody and cool hook.
Along with artists like Kurt Baker or Pat Todd. Marino is a songwriting machine and simply doesn’t make bad records – Like a sponge, he’s soaked up a lifetime of great songs and rinsed them into his own melting pot ‘What’s My Scene ‘ entertains a hint of Ramones style guitar playing into the pot whilst covering a Hoodoo Gurus number (it’ll make more sense when you play the song – trust me) Well that’s technically it folks the first three tracks make up Brads new single but being Rum Bar Records release it doesn’t end there which is why this isn’t in the 45s roundup. Digitally there is more to plunder. The CD, however, goes into extra time with a further five songs including a grand cover of ‘Peggy Sue Got Married’ which was previously released as a single. ‘Shoulda Known’ is very much in the vein of a CJ Ramone track from latter-day Ramones releases or certainly his solo material. Really airy arrangement and simply a good old romp. n roll tune. ‘I’m On The Brink’ is ever inch as good as a song of the same name from a wonderful UK band More Kicks its not the same song but they both have the Rock n Roll gene in their make up.
Listen if you’ve got the money and are looking for a straight forward uncomplicated slice of good time rock and roll then the hard work is done for you just click the link and hit this EP/minialbum call it what you like its a banger.
With enough singles to keep any jukebox fully stocked with the latest and greatest RPM brings you a mixed bunch of Rock n Roll, Punk, Garage, and God knows what for your dereliction this month. As we move into November and the Christmas shopping there are more than a few stocking fillers on display here for the discernable hipster to shave off the beard put some socks on and get into some real rock and roll before it’s too late and your old and wondering what you’ve done with your life. So read – watch and listen the 45 RPM roundup is in session…
Scumbag Millionaire -Under The Spell (Suburban Records)
Gothenburg scumbags release the third single of the most excellent album ‘Speed’ (Reviewed Here) As it thunders along this is as good as fucked up rock and fucking roll gets. It sounds huge! and the seven inch also has non-album track ‘Get Out’ on the flip side of this slab of orange wax. Get involved folks these boys are blowing up and offering a thrilling mix of garage rock n roll and punk attitude and making some of the best music this year.
So Beluga in Sweden knows a thing or two about putting out fine Garage Rock n Roll singles and The Hijackers just joined the family with a high energy slab of sleazy garage rock and roll. Having been a part of the scene back in the 80’s its only taken the band some thirty-two years between releases that’s either some writers block or Axl Rose style recording process, either way, it’s here and Beluga has it and by the sounds of it, it’s well worth the wait. The lead track ‘I Don’t Like You’ is like the Hives sludging it out with the Mc5’s and the guitar solo is howling feedback that Brian James would be proud of. Cramming four tracks on to this seven inch makes it a record worth owning and real value for money. ‘Day and Night’ is a real toe-tapper with its feet firmly planted in the late 60’s as they really have this down to a fine art. Side two is off like a rocket as ‘My Little Girl’ is barely in tune but that doesn’t matter because this is flying by the seat of its pants hi-energy rock and roll and we totally endorse that. Let’s hope its not another thirty years for the next release
The Briefs – Kids Laugh At You (Taken By Surprise Records)
It’s the Briefs and after their show-stopping performance at this year’s Rebellion festival, This was always going to get a rave review from RPM because we love the likes of The Briefs. The lead track is off like a hurricane as it devastates with its pace and melody. sure you know what to expect and you aren’t about to be disappointed either because Nix and the gang deliver again and again and its a most welcome entrant into the singles club love the Damned-esk breakdown and then the chanting gang vocals that take this home. the Briefs are back kids and their laughing as well. the B Side of ‘She’s The Rat’ is another top-notch belter go on fill yer boots and click the link Buy Here
Demons – Was Here…(Ghost Highway Records)
Demons have sure been busy these past few months what with their new mini album with punk rock legend Jeff Dahl (RPM review shortly) and this here single on Ghost Highway Records. This chunk of good old Rock and Roll is just about hitting the bullseye of our heart as ‘Street Corner Of No Return’ is the lead track that just oozes class, it’s no frills yob rock with a bruising tempo and sing along chorus that you and your gang can join in on as the organ lends the harmony a helping hand. The B Side is a more laid back rocker in the shape of ‘Satellite Town’ by the end you’ll be singing along and dropping the needle back at the start to go back for some more and the solo just burns! Great single.
He’s got a Fezzbox and he’s not afraid to use it. Like the bastard sibling of Jon Spenser, These four tracks deliver a sonic fuzzed out slab of Garage rock and roll. You know what you’re going to get the second the music kicks in its a needle in the red and plenty of swing on those drum licks. The heat gets turned up as the EP plays out. I love ‘Ladyland Batswingers’ whatever that means or wherever it is I want in. It’s getting hot in here and as the solo wails on ‘You Do Not Belong’ its like a trip on the tongue of someone else as the melody and sha-la-las shouldn’t fit but they bloody well do. after you’ve shaken off the tinnitus the police sirens howl as the tempo raises through the roof ‘Rhesus Christ’ kicks over the speakers and sets fire to the console as they leave the room. quality!
Can they ever make a bad song? Nah didn’t think so either. After releasing a brand new album they left these two songs off the LP to release as a single quite why they’d leave these two off God only knows. With ‘Dog Collar’ coming on like the bastard child of a Clash song its a slab of coll as fuck punk rock and what every office party should have on at the Christmas do whilst you’re spiking the punch. But they saved the best til last as the B side ‘Talk To Us’ is a stone cold could only be The Parkinsons classic. From the laid-back gang vocals on the chorus and the funky rhythm that jars your head while the organ tickles your fancy if you don’t like this then as Alfonso says “You ain’t got no soul” and the best bongo playing since T Rex! Buy it Now!
Brad Marino – Four Track Attack (Beluga Records)
FOUR TRACK ATTACK is the debut solo release from veteran rocker Brad Marino, best known as the singer/songwriter/guitarist for The CONNECTION. Brad has to be credited for been named as “Coolest Song in the World” on Sirius XM’s Little Steven’s Underground Garage on more than the once. On its own, that merits a huge amount of Kudos in my book Well taking time away from The Connection Brad had decided to really show off by playing everything on his new EP and singing. the first couple are solid power pop then Brad turns up the tempo and starts cooking some cool licks on the six string. ‘On The Brink’ rips and just oozes rock n roll. the final track ‘Special Friend’ was written especially for this project by New Trocaderos’ songwriter, Michael Chaney. Check out Brad and then check out his band you won’t be dissapointed.
St.Jimi Sebastian Cricket Club –I Still Get The Calls (Beluga Records)
The first single out of three from St. Jimi Sebastian Cricket Club and Beluga Records. I Still Get the Calls and the b-side A Smile Within is recorded and mixed at Vibe Studios Manchester (the Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, Badly Drawn boy etc) and mastered by Pete Maher, London (U2, Jack White, The Rolling Stones etc ).
A bit of a slow burner especially the B Side but ‘I Still Get The Calls’ has something of a nod to 80’s Britpop With a good old sing-a-long on the chorus this is good stuff. Good old storytelling rock n roll.
Tommy And The Rockets / Bikini Wipeouts (Kotj Records & Rocktopus Tea Party Records)
“Split The Waves” sees Tommy And The Rockets and Bikini Wipeouts knock out Two songs each, one original and one cover. Tommy And The Rockets did a cover of “Summer Means Fun” by The Fantastic Baggies, and Bikini Wipeouts did a cover of “Hawaii” by Brian Wilson and as winter comes rushing in why not pour one last cocktail and get the grass skirts out for one last party hey why not hold a party and play some tunes and why not play this slice of pop n roll .
How these Northern Europeans aren’t really from more tropical shores God only knows and Los Bikini Wipeouts aren’t too shabby either. Give it blast if you want to know what summer sounds like.
Quite simply Watts kick ass that should be all I really need to say on this one. I tip the hat once again to Rum Bar for flying the flag of good honest rock and roll music and its bands like Watts that are like moths to a flame as they converge on the label and then they feed off each other ‘Queens’ is a no-nonsense rocker with a solid beat and great full production to drive the song on. this single is backed by the balsy ‘The Night The Lights Went Down’ which is from the same gene pool as Bon era DC and that’s always going to be a good thing Right? Right! The good news doesn’t end there because there’s a long player coming early next year again on Rum Bar records these guys just keep giving.
V8 Wankers – the Last Rock ‘N’ Rollah (Ghost Highway Records)
It got one big biker boot firmly stuck in the Four Horsemen camp and the other on the monitor wedge. This bad boy has some bottleneck and is fairly generic in style and the flip side sees the band turn in a fairly honest take on the classic ‘Travellin’ Band’ they speed it up (of course they do) and thus loses some of the spark and lacking in some muscle which would have made this more of a bruising cover.
Puppy & The Handjob – I Eat Abortions (Slovenly Records)
of course, they do. They also play catchy punk rock that’s recorded in the blink of an eye and on a budget. It’s fair to say these cats aren’t from the Bob Rock school of big sound and they’ve never taken a leaf out of Def Leppard’s book (thankfully). So they do have a melody and a guitar solo but you should look away now if you don’t appreciate a wicked solo played from the heart (yeah right) good tune though to be fair. Spread out over five songs it gets a bit tired after a while must be that Arizona heat.
I love The Ramones and so does The Dirtiest and why wouldn’t they – why wouldn’t anybody. The Dirtiest play buzzsaw punk rock and roll just like Johnny and Joey used to and I love it. The first tune is like the second and funnily enough the third is much like the second and the first but the fourth is like the first second and third. 1-2-3-4 hey ho, let’s go.
Jake Starr & The Delicious Fullness (Ghost Highway Records)
Former Adam West frontman releases this spooky three-track single through Ghost Highway in Spain with its wicked cover artwork and blood red wax how could we not cover this bad boy. With three stomping rock and roll tracks ‘A Ghoul Like You’ is outstanding with that spoooooky keyboard rattling round behind the curtains and some great scooby doo effects we give this a howling thumbs up. The horns on ‘Torso Song’ are fantastic and playing these would go down a storm with the likes of the Urban Voodoo Machine and their blues bop n stroll – honkingly good single.
Following on from their last EP, More To Life, which got attention from the likes of Kerrang! Radio, Pure Grain Audio, and Alt Corner. after eighteen months in the long grass, EIGHT DAYS are back with new members. The newly invigorated quartet have released their new single, Stray, in October; they plan to tour as well so keep an eye on their pages to find out when and where.
It’s simple, really. Do you like Ramones? The Flamin’ Groovies? ‘Exile On Main Street’? If you answered “yes” to all the above, then Brad Marino has the album for you. He’s already written two of my favourite power pop classics in ‘Wake Up, Baby’ and ‘C’mon..’, and knows how to craft a short, snappy tune with four chords.
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