After reviewing the unique record ‘Punk & Roll‘ by City Saints They have released a live video to promote the track ‘Can’t Pin Me Down’ recorded live in Berlin. Check it out as well as the review (if you missed it)
Without a single record released in 2022 Shit Islands’ favourite sons The Hip Priests are about to make up for lost time with a new album released on The Sign Records and the first tune made public is ‘Shakin’ Ain’t Fakin” Taken from the forthcoming album ‘Roden House Blues’ which will be released in Spring 2023.
Finally, Golem Dance Cult release a new video ‘Dalek Rhetoric’ from the album “Legend of the Bleeding Heart” which will see the light of day in 2023. You can support the band and buy the song in digital format on Bandcamp
OK so get this, an album of Street punk Rock n Roll split into four parts. Part one is tunes sung in English – I hear you say big deal isn’t most music sung in English? but wait the split is twenty-four songs half sung in English but the other half sung in the band’s native tongue of Swedish. Cool eh? fuckin right it’s cool and judging by the pace and tone of this opening salvo of punk Rock n Fuckin Roll it’s like a dustcloud of turbocharged Rockers flinging out of the traps like their asses are on fire. Man if Backyard Babied were still kickin’ ass like ‘Can’t Pin Me Down’ then the press would be going gaga over it. Like a fireball of energy with Chuck Berry licks added for good measure to the party of gang vocals and sing-a-longs then this would be a shot in the arm people are craving for.
Continuing the party on ‘Everywhere We Go’ its Street punk alright – fast melodic and boundless energy with choruses guaranteed to make to smile and punch the air. Possibly my pick of the opening side would be ‘Gothenburg City’ with its Boys-like melody and thumping bassline its a really good tune and more restrained than the opening few offerings which helps show a different side to the band however slight a gear shift it is. Worry not my rapid street punk amigos ‘Life Goes On’ is pedal to the metal and before you know it your thrashing about in a cauldron of circle pit appreciation for uptempo punk fuckin rock n roll.
The second part of this begins with a Rockin’ old-school AC/DC riff that is on fire! ‘Street Punk Rock and Roll’ is one hell of a tune and only helps raise the temperature to the power of ten. It’s an ambitious project from City Saints but if you have twenty-four tunes that flow well and it makes perfect sense to get them out there and let the fans decide. we boogie about to Jukebox. ‘One Man Riot’ opens up comparisons with some tasty Steve Jones like rhythm guitar chords which is never a bad place to be situated. ‘Love It Loud’ shifts a few gears and flys out the speakers already making this second side a must hear high voltage blast of Rock n roll of the loud variety referencing some of their favourites I’d imagine from Kiss to The Ramones via the Pistols in the sneer. Dead Cruiser is another more assured and mid-paced rocker. ‘Bang Bang’ Finishes the English lyrics in style – what a blast thus far and most bands would be delighted with eleven songs this strong but not City Saints this is just halftime and they’ve already made the best record of their career, hands down.
Side Two or Three however you look at it is up and running and the opening track ‘Noll Kontrol’ which having a stab in the dark might stand for No Control without using Google is a toe-tapping Clash-style slice of Punk Rock and I like it. ‘Naj Naj Naj’ might mean no no no I guess but I find myself asking yes yes yes. this third offering is more straight Street Punk on the whole and whilst I might not know what is going on lyrically it doesn’t detract from what I’m hearing. ‘Sirenar’ is my pick of the third side even if ‘våld föder våld’ has some nice Stooges one-finger piano going on for good measure to compliment the Rock.
However you look at this album it’s an impressive move from City Saints with so much music on offer and then to split it down the middle with English and Swedish sharing center stage is ambitious and a move I wholeheartedly approve of. Of side four the opener ‘Lordag’ is a great vibrant slice of street punk with a cool breakdown to get those arms fist-pumping live.
‘Mandagsblues’ does what it says on the tin with some cool harmonica honking for good measure as the band ride out on a cool slice of da Blooze. It only leaves the rapid blast off of ‘Logner’ to seal this album. Hit them up and check this out and indulge in a fine album with a lot of music on offer in these uncertain times you can always rely on City Saints to dish up a hearty feast of loud Rock n Roll and this latest offering of bilingual street punk n roll is quality and fulfilling. Get some!
The Candy Snatchers – ‘Shame Shivers’ / ‘Must Be The Cocaine’ (I-94 Recordings) Formed in 1992 in Virginia Beach Their first new recordings in over 10 years! Hans Molnar (of The Hellbenders) steps in to fill the big shoes of the dearly departed Matthew Odietus. Larry May wails over it all. Larry’s unmistakable voice has held up perfectly well. This shit sounds like vintage Candy Snatchers even on a Trash Brats tune. It’s frantic punk rock and roll kids but you knew that didn’t you?
The Candy Snatchers need to make a new record, a long player like now. So, Larry get those pipes in order and get to work the world needs a new album from Candy Snatchers. This is their first newly recorded material in 12 years! way too long! but they’ve lost none of their piss and vinegar and knock their tribute to the Trash Brats right outta the park. Fill yer boots with quality Rock n Roll Here Available in a bazillion colours of wax this is the shit we all need Get on it!
Michael Des Barres and Prima Donna – ‘Aint Nothing You Can Do About It’ (Wicked Cool Records) Wicked Cool Records label-mates Michael Des Barres and Prima Donna have teamed up for a single release, ‘Ain’t Nothing You Can Do About It’. Co-written by Des Barres and Label Owner Steve Va Zandt has shades of a Springsteen rocker going on from the choppy chords and the party going on in the rhythm section of course its quality. ‘Waves’ is another uptempo rocker with plenty of foot-stomping Stones meets The Faces via the Georgia Satellites vibes going on its sunshine on a 45 kids upbeat, smiling and a rock n roll hoot. Pretty much everything a 45 should be! Go get it!
Killer Hearts – ‘Doctor, Doctor / Demolition Love’ (Screaming Crow Records) Next in the Action Rock Jukebox 45 series are one of the best exponents across the pond of sleazy punk rock n roll the Killer Hearts. One cover one original that’s the deal and boy have they got a treat in store for you 45 rpm lovers. Doctor fucking Doctor sure it’s a tough one to get anywhere near the original but if anyone can this bunch of sleazy reprobates can and for a take on a classic they come pretty darn close. Monster version is done with all the respect and tribute to such an underrated band.
Killer Hearts dont need me telling you how fanfuckintastic they are they let the music do the talking and on ‘Demolition Love’ they knock out a cock sure slab of sleazy punk n roll from the vocals oozing with attitude and menace the band are killing it for sure. Had Larry May not been delivering a single this month then this would have been my pick of the pack for sure. Maybe it should be in for next month when it actually hits the streets but hey were punk as fuck round here.
Hell, they even have the shithousery to steal Motley Crue’s best riff and fuck with it! Killer 45. Killer Heart 45! Fuckin right it is.
The Penetrator’s-‘Time Is Mine’ (CODE 213RECORDS) What a banger this is. With a sound that’s as cool as Iggy the Penetrators cut the mustard with ‘Time Is Mine’ with its driving rhythm and slashing overdriven guitars its got a cool spoken sunk lyric that’s top drawer. the kings of basement rock is about right on the money having been doing this whole garage punk rock since the latter half of the 70s their endurance is admirable and their craft is of the highest standard.
The Speedways – ‘A Drop In The Ocean’ (Snap!!/Hurrah Musica & Beluga Records) Lifted from ‘Talk Of The Town’ which is released in November, this lush slice of power pop is more of the same from The Speedways who can’t put a foot wrong when releasing records they love and believe in starting out as a vehicle for Matts songs they’ve grown into the finest purveyors of the genre in the UK and probably wider world with a steady line up that really compliment the songs and never fail to deliver the good. Instant and long-lasting they understand what it takes to write genuine top-notch tunes as you can tell from this retrotastic video.
No Fun At All – ‘See The Splendor’ (SBÄM Records) Coming on like a European Bad Religion No Fun At All see the splendor in taking on the Swedish Royal Family. This track is their second single off their upcoming album. Founded in 1991, split up and re-united over the years, the 2022 album will be the first album since 2018. SBÄM Records based in Austria is releasing their new album exclusively since they have already re-released “EPs Going Steady” in 2021.
The album “Seventh Wave” will be released exclusively via SBÄM Records on October 14th.
Soraia – ‘I Seek Fire’ (Wicked Cool Records) Upcoming Shows with Joan Jett and Tours With Josie Cotton and Hayley and The Crushers Announced for these exciting Philly rockers. They’ve also go ta pretty cool take on the Kiss classic ‘Strutter’ coming this month that you should check out.
The Slackers – ‘Second Best’ (Pirates Press Records) NYC ska vets The Slackers released their first album in six years, ‘Don’t Let the Sunlight Fool Ya’, and now they’ve got a new video for one of its songs, ‘Second Best’ It’s a dreamy groove and one of the album’s slower songs, and the video is an animated deal that was directed and illustrated by Paulo Rocker and animated and edited by Fabricio Timm.
The Prize – ‘Easy Way Out’ (Anti Fade Records) Second single from young Melbourne champs ahead of their September tour with The Chats. It’s classic ’70s punk/70’s power pop style, with killer dual male/female lead vocals, twin leads and skills that bands who’ve been at this game for many more years would kill for. The ‘Wrong Side Of Town’ EP that this is lifted from is a killer addition to your collection and one that we highly recommend you check out.
It bears comparisons to a mash-up of quality from the likes of The Boys, Thin Lizzy and the Flamin Groovies they’re all in there somewhere coursing through the veins of The Prize and there is a fire raging in their guts as well. Single of the month? Hell yeah!
Wax On Water – ‘Mexicola’ (Self Release) didn’t see this coming. Wax On Water cover QOTSA with their interpretation of ‘Mexicola’. The song is uniquely crafted by singer Maya Damaris to be a kind of ‘response’ to the protagonist in the original Josh Homme penned track Facebook
Paradise Alley – ‘Bad Timing And Silver Lining’ (Bombshell Records) Not content with releasing an excellent solo album Steve Vincent has got Paradise Alley in the studio for a four-track EP that shakes its shit from the off they ask if you dare close your eyes and be transported back – Hell, I can’t open my eyes from late night flashbacks from the early 90s and this slice of Rock n roll hits the spot with some nice gob iron honking from Steve on ‘Soho Daze’ the solo is straight outta Thunders guitar case for what makes a great opening tune.
To be fair this isn’t your bubblegum LA hairspray glam pop this is dirty fingernails sleazy late-night Rock n Roll its got silver-tipped cowboy boots on and staggering round Soho in some nice Chelsea boots vibe. ‘Backstabber’ sees the lyrics going for some rock n roll therapy sit back relax and let it all come out. ‘Walk Away’ introduces some acoustic strumming to add some variety to the EP and it works well with the gang vocals. Wrapping up this most enjoyable EP is the title track that’s the time and memorial hard lick story about exactly that Bad Timing and Silver Lining at least Steve has perspective and can look back fondly on what he did and not what he didn’t achieve. These songs are now out there forever and along with the other music released nobody can take that away from the boy. Take my advice and grab a copy and get the Thunderbird on ice. It’s only Rock and Roll but I love it! Buy Here
The Chevelles – ‘Something About You’ (Wicked Cool Records) Super cool garage rock from down under has a have love will travel vibe about it. the song is a slow burner that hangs on a cool garage rock vibe its got shades of Chesterfield kings about it and being on wicked cool shows exactly how good this is because the label doesn’t have duds amongst its ranks. Pick it up Here
Hell Diablo – ‘Push Comes To Shove’ (Self Release) OK so the name lacks originality but hey it’s just a name. You can imagine this foursome of Canadian reprobates get into mischief and love booze beer and birds Hell Yeah! they do. Fuck it I love a cliche who doesn’t? It’s got a dirty riff, tub-thumping and a freaking cowbell. It’s sleazy rock n roll kids don’t be afraid to throw them horns aloft and just enjoy it. I did. Hell Diablo – Nice. I like the piano hammering away and I love those Stonesy WooHoos. get on it! Lifted from the second album their upcoming album “Bad News Travels Fast” I bet it does. Bandcamp
Warped – ‘Match Fit’ (Golden Robot Records) Hailing from Geelong Australia, Warped are a 3-piece band that have been around the traps for 30 years and are highly respected scene veterans. ‘Match Fit’ is a right banger in the garage rock mould that those Stooges knocked out many moons ago that seems to have been embraced down under. ‘Match Fit’ is a bruising grinding slice of chaotic rock and roll that’s delivered to great effect by Warped who clearly know the score when pumping out loud uncompromising rock n roll in a similar vein to the likes of Bored and Asteroid B612. Out via Golden Robot Records, available on all digital platforms.
Steve Conte – ‘Recovery Doll’ (Wicked Cool Records) New music from the super talented Conte out on May 28 on Wicked Cool Records. This is Conte’s follow up to the rockin ‘Gimme Gimme Rockaway’. It features Conte’s 11 year old son, Zia, on backing vocals, the track has Conte’s brother, John on bass and Charley Drayton (The Replacements, Keith Richards’ X-Pensive Winos, Divinyls) on drums. The b-side is a demo of ‘Rock and Rye Queen,’ a track off of his ‘Steve Conte NYC’ album. Of course, it’s quality we wouldn’t expect anything less than exceptional here. I love the groove and vibe brought to the party by Drayton who added the Roll to the Keith Richards Expensive Winos Rock. It goes without saying this is a must buy single.
Kris Rodgers And The Dirty Gems – ‘I Can Still Feel It’ (Wicked Cool Records) Portland, Maine’s Kris Rodgers and the Dirty Gems Releasing Wicked Cool Records Label Debut ‘Still Dirty’ on July 23. The first single lifted from the record is the horn-heavy rootin tootin rock and roller that shows the very talented Rodgers who has busied himself in the past performing with the likes of RPM favourites Scott Sorry, Bullet Proof Lovers, and Kurt Baker. ITs a real blast of summer sunshine and we can all get excited for the summer when we have tunes like this to blast out. ‘Still Dirty’ Album Pre-Save link: Here
Velvet Insane feat Dregen & Nicke Andersson – ‘Backstreet Liberace’ (Wild Kingdom Records) Swedish rockers Velvet Insane goes wam bam glam and turns the clock back to 1973 in the new music video for “Backstreet Liberace” and with guest appearances from Dregen and Nicke Andersson of The Hellacopters. With a big sing-a-long chorus, Sulo has really captured the mood on this one. From the low horn honk to the rampaging keys its a real feel good banger.
If this is an indication as to where the album is going then bring it on – Great stuff. the upcoming album “Rock ‘n’ Roll Glitter Suit”is out soon!
City Saints – ‘Evil Conduct’ feat Han (Sunny Bastards Records) Oi Oi! A trio of tracks from another Swedish entry it’s like Eurovision but with decent tunes this weekend. City Saints pay tribute on this EP to Evil Conduct. With 3 tracks. One original and two covers it’s loud and proud (as you’d expect) The band mixes up rock and roll and some proper punk rock. It’s pretty much perfect Oi! and ‘Home Sweet Home’ (no not the Motley Crue tune) is respectfully delivered and justice is served by City Saints it also features Han from Evil Conduct. Facebook
Poison Boys – ‘Can’t Get You Out Of My Mind’ The third single from our upcoming second full length, “Don’t You Turn on Me,” out Summer 2021.
This is the anthemic Rock and Roll from these Chicago punk rock n rollers. It’s for everyone who’s ever had a missed connection and couldn’t shake the feeling that it could have gone better. Its a thumping tune and an indication of whats to come when this album drops its time to get excited kids – the world needs more bands as good as Poison Boys. A catchy hit brought to you by rock n roll punks the Poison Boys.
You Filthy Dog – ‘Dreamboats Annonymous’ Solo project from Liam Hill is like a welcome ray of power pop sunshine and from the opening salvo of ‘Face The Wave’ your attention is immediately grabbed. An excellent constructed tune that ebbs and flows wonderfully. With a hint of Wildhearts and a chorus that’s more Ash and that indie kid pop melodic goodness. ‘Loved’ is another melodic chunk of loveliness that’s pure summer sunshine.
The mood drops and becomes more sullen and dreamy on ‘Bitter Days’, halfway through it gets decidedly louder with a crescendo of goodness to go with the grandness it envokes – great stuff! Variety, beauty, melody everything you want when being introduced to a new band. A top EP to be fair and well worth checking out Here
SHLUG – ‘The Scent Of Roy Keane‘ (Disobedient Records) What a lovely noise this is from that thumping bass line to the qwerky chorus its a thrash, bang, wallop, and all in the best possible way for this Cardiff lot. The curious title is explained away by vocalist Ellis Acton-Dyer: “Written in a point of adolescence, ‘The Scent Of Roy Keane‘ tackles masculinity along with the question – what really turns a boy into a man? Is it through protein shakes? Or is it by pissing all over the seat? Either way, you decide. Just get the conversation going.” Another introduction to a new exciting band who makes a wonderful noise – check it out! Here
GOB PATROL – ‘Bad Vibes’ (Riot Records)inspired by bands such as Black Flag, GBH, and The Germs, Gob Patrol stay true to the genre it’s like a step back in time but its delivered with aplomb, and who doesn’t love the gurgling bass and a vocal spat out in true Dwayne Peters fashion. Gob Patrol knows what they’re about and delivers for anybody looking for a slice of retro punk 82 style. Facebook
OK, kids, The Singles club is open for March and with a few choice picks we got a right mixed bag of genre-hopping choices to suit every pallet. WE’ve got punk of all persuasions and old rockers – we’ve got some legends of several scenes and a few eyebrow raisers as well as some really exciting new bands for you starting with the single of the month as Lemmy said March or Die…
Dead Meat – Dead Meat EP (No Front Teeth Records) What a way to start the singles club round up. A four track EP on one of my favourite labels some trashy punk rock featuring some of my favourite bands out there making a noise at the moment. This one is chuffin’ awesome. Snotty, fast, down n dirty Rock and Roll. Blink and you’ll miss this one it features four track lasting between a minute and some and two minutes and some and the players have pedigree featuring members of THE CAVEMEN, SUICIDE GENERATION and THE SPEEDWAYS need I say any more? Put it this way if you don’t curl out a smile when pogoing to ‘I Give Up’ then real Rock and Roll maybe isn’t for you. Just buy it out get out of here its a keeper and my record of the month! Buy it here
Faz Waltz – ‘Grown Up Guy’ (Spaghetty Town Records (USA) and Wanda Records (Germany)) Since forming in 2007 Faz Waltz have been a non-stop rock machine recording six albums these boys are relentless. ‘Grown Up Guy’ is what Faz Waltz do they Rock and Roll with the best of them. You wanna call it retro 70s bubblegum boot boy rock and roll then fine but this lot are tough and that riff is a cracker as are those BV’s.
The B side is just as punchy it’s like a party on plastic they’ve captured the mood perfectly and this one comes with added shakers and handclaps so what’s not to like? Faz does breakdowns and solos with the best of them and this ones no exception. Just like the TV Times, I didn’t realise there was so much in it!
The Scaners – ‘X-Ray Glasses: On’ (Spaghetty Town Records (USA), Adrenalin Fix Music (FR), Dangerhouse Skylab (FR) and Ghost Highway Records (Spain) Supersonic gonzo-synth punk – Intergalactic swirling garage rock’n roll spaceship – Soundtrack for UFO pilots and weird aliens and decent thinking punk rockers (with taste)
First, it appeared on the 2019 LP The Scaners II, and two brand new songs are the order of the day for these loons. Blink and you’ll miss opener ‘Alien Boy’ with its sub-one-minute slam dance. What a mint tune that’s how to do it punk rockers. In contrast, the numanoid feast that is ‘X-Ray Glasses’. Sounding like a really cool Tubaway Army thumper from the dumbed-down bass line to the swirling synth and robotic vocals – great stuff. ‘I Really Wanna Know’ isn’t hanging about either. Brief and fleeting but a lot of fun. The Scaners are delivering the good big time on this right smart offering. What a top single.
The Outliners – ‘House Of Thieves’ (self Release)
Unleashing slamming punk cuts and appealing hooks, Brit threesome THE OUTLINES are planning their attack across the UK with the release of their new EP, House Of Thieves, It features the track ‘Mind Trip’ which they were kind enough to shoot a video for. they are the creation of singer and guitarist, Kyle Peters, who formed the band in 2015 after leaving Ferocious Dog. Peters enlisted old school friends Martyn Brown (Bass) and Dean Hill (Drums), and the newly rejuvenated three-piece began rehearsals to craft a live set and to shape a sound that would be powerful and raw, but also refined. As you will notice the song is built around a sharp guitar riff and full-bodied sound. It should do really well and will go down really well live. ‘Man Down’ is a lively opener as it comes out of the speakers swinging. Bullish and full-bloodied. ‘Mind Trip’ is more of the same with a great production giving the songs a bright punchy sound and giving it the room to just do its thing. The title track of the EP is a bit of a beast with some piraty backing vocals as the verses swirl around a decent riff it’s a really strong introduction to the band who can rock out and show restraint. Go check em out Website / Spotify
Dystopian Future Movies – ‘Black Cloaked’ (Lasairfhíona Records) Second single off their soon to be released album ‘Inviolate’
Bona Rays – ‘Poser’ ( Flashback Records) Bona Rays’ Poser, is the last great undiscovered UK 1970’s Punk single to see light of day and the only UK punk single recorded in the 1970s fronted by a woman of West Indian descent. Poser is finally released on limited 7 on 28th February.
Back in 1978, Punk Songwriter and Guitarist Tony Keating had a few songs he’d written and was looking for a singer. A friend encountered Chas at a tube station after a gig and asked her if she was interested in singing on Tony’s tracks. A few weeks later, they had christened themselves Bona Rays These tracks were pushed around labels in ’78 but to no avail that is until now. sounding a little dated it’s Drum Toms and synth giving it some on ‘Poser’.
40 years later, Chas was moving house and decided to sell her records. She took them to Flashback Records where owner Mark Burgess bought the collection. In amongst these records was an unknown 7” acetate. After Chas left the shop, intrigued by this oddity, Mark played ‘Poser’ on the shop system. Fate stepped in as Chas walked back into the shop at that moment to sell a few DVDs she’d forgotten to bring along earlier and said – “Oh – you’re playing our song”. What are the chances eh? www.bonarays.bandcamp.com
Billy Talent – ‘Reckless Paradise’ (Spinefarm Records) Canadian rockers Billy Talent have released the first official single from their forthcoming album, due out this fall. The song, “Reckless Paradise” showcases the powerful driving riffs and pointed lyrics the band is famous for. Produced by Billy Talent guitarist and Juno Award nominee (Producer of the Year) Ian D’Sa, “Reckless Paradise” is available now everywhere you listen to music. With a huge riff and distinctive vocals, Billy Talent sits between ‘Dookie’ and something totally harder rockin’ if that’s a place but the layered vocals and heavy guitar will lend itself to a wide audience.
City Saints – ‘Peter and the Test Tube Babies on the Radio’ (Sunny Bastards Records)
Swedish punks City Saints play loud guitar, bass and drums street punk. With the A-side, good old sing along with a happy go lucky hook on the chorus and a gang vocal even the drunkest of listener can join in with.
Recorded with Peter Bywaters from peter and the Test Tube Babies. It features just the one original and two covers. The band managed to capture a lot of big fun in the recording of this A-Side and having Peter from the Test Tube Babies shouting along is great I’m not sure he would shit em though they’re a bunch of buff lads.
There does seem to be a theme with the two other tunes as they follow on the time-honored tradition of Peter & his Test Tube Babies as they smash ‘Alcohol’. Then they rock and roll their way through ‘Giving Up Drinking’ with aplomb. Peter will be pleased with the credits but I think more so the fact he’s been honored with two fine takes by this handy band of Swedes who sure do know how to Rock and Roll. Facebook
Biff Byford – ‘Me And You’ (Silver Lining Music) Now everyone loves a bit of Biff. his endearing endurance is something to celebrate and his singlemindedness to carry on through the decades with Saxon and then when it was announced he was going to release solo album eyebrows were raise. you know what it is something different from the singer and opening his heart like this is great stuff it’s not what was expected and using the saxophone worked for me and this should be celebrated as a triumph. Good on you Mr. Byford you are a true legend and long may you continue to perform and make music – RPM Salutes you. to get your copy visit www.biffbyford.com
The Empty Hearts – Remember Days Like These (Wicked Cool Records) You want power pop from a supergroup? Hell, we all do. the Empty Hearts dish up a delicious helping of Rickenbacker backbeat power pop with the emphasis on the pop. With lush backing vocals and daydreams of laying on cut grass staring up at the clouds in a deep blue sky Hell they’ve even managed to rope in Ringo Star on the drums for the lead track and Clem Burke sits it out. Truly a supergroup. Elliot Easton – guitar, backing vocals Wally Palmar – lead vocals, guitar, Clem Burke – drums, backing vocals, percussion and Andy Babiuk – bass, backing vocals. The B side or is that AA side ‘Tell Me Reasons Why’ is my pick of the two tracks on offer and is the sound of some guys loving what they’re playing and delivering the good. For lovers of Rickenbacker power pop garage. Bandcamp
Johnny Jetson – ‘Love Me For My Car’ (Minnie Apple Records) Two tracks taken from his brand new soon to be released album ‘Make Your Move’ Jetson plays in yer face Rock and Roll. He’s stewed it in a vat of influences including the good and the greats. Bolan and T Rex are in the DNA for sure as the tune gyrates and does a virtual lapdance all through your ears and that’s a great feeling. Fuzzy guitars and tambourine and shakers behind a tried and tested riff that’s where this bad boy is hanging and we’re down with that for sure. ‘Knocked Out’ is an altogether nastier, sleazy slab of rock n roll. Mashing up some Pistols with the Coop as it rushes to finish before the cops turn up and throw this track in the clink. A welcome return for Mr. Jetson its been a while. We missed your confident strut and your fistful of rock n roll tunes. Keep em coming we like it! Facebook
Slumlord Radio – ‘Gonna Be A Riot’ (White Elephant records) Dirty hard-rocking mofos with a cowbell. What’s not to like? With one foot on the wedge owned by the likes of Warrior Soul with a dash of The Forr Horsemen thrown in fo rgood measure this Michigan born beat combo is dishing up a shitstorm of hard-rockin’ tunes with plenty of attitude and for extra bonus points, who doesn’t love a band who kick out the jams on ‘I Wanna Be Your Dog’. they treat it with due care and attention and don’t fuck it up but give it plenty of menacing roffola which is cool and add in that beautiful 1 finger piano riff – check it out. Pick it up Here
Lucy And The Rats – ‘Dark Clouds’/’Get Down’ (Stardumb Records, Dirty Water Records) Taken from their second album this new single is Lucy raining down some wonderful power pop on us. With lush melodies on the chorus its atop glimpse into what we can expect from the new album (hopefully), it is rounded off with a thoroughly splendid guitar break. If only all power-pop singles were this good, the charts would be in much better shape if Lucy was in the top 10 and when you got in your car for the ride to work this happened to be blaring on the radio. Until that happens go visit the band on their Facebook page and check em out – you won’t be disappointed Facebook
Eddie Money & The Grave – The Lost 79 tapes (Still Unbeatable Records)The Lost 1979 Manchester Studio Recordings + new bonus track! Recently discovered in the USA and sent over to the UK! Remastered from the original tapes! Original 1979 Power Pop Punk! Available on 7” vinyl 45rpm with a limited run on coloured vinyl you have to check this out just for the lyrics. Absolute class and of its time. It’s one for fans of The Boys and classic power-pop-punk rock. Its got that analogue crackle for good measure to give all the audiophiles a warm tingle when playing this one. Buy Here
Cockroach Clan – A New England (Fysisk Format) A song that’s been covered a couple of times and some gets the Cockroach Clan treatment. It did test my gag reflex watching the video with Farage and Widdicombe flashing up on the screen waving their butchers aprons but hey ho it takes all sorts I guess. It’s a decent stab at a great tune but sadly not as good as the original or the Kirsty McCall version but its worth a listen and stick with the video even after the intro the outro is worth the wait. Nice one guys!
Go Mod Go! – ‘Duke’s Jetty’ (Fandango Records, Ghost Highway Recordings, KOTJ Records) Go Mod Go! Whats not to like here. It’s something totally different and harks back to the swinging 60s for sure. A project consisting of Jake Starr (Adam West, Jake Starr and The Delicious Fullness) and Tom Barrick (Adam West) featuring a 10-piece powerhouse band with horns, keyboards, and a dynamic woman vocalist.
After the band recorded their debut album “Alright!”, they went into the studio to record a few new songs with original vocalist Jamie Boyd. Jamie soon left the band and was replaced by superstar vocalist Mundy, and the band started recording their upcoming second album.
These two songs are the final recordings with Jamie and showcase the 60s garage side (“Duke’s Jetty”) and the sultry French Yé-Yé side (“Zou Bisou Bisou”). Oh, la la tre bien Mr. Starr this is something left of centre and why not? Released on a limited edition 7″ of 200 on bubblegum pink vinyl, this is the perfect bridge between Go Mod Go! albums. Kiss kiss! Bandcamp
You never really know what musical curveballs you are going to get when a new album from Swedish streetpunks City Saints drops on your desk for review, although with their fourth long player ‘Pa Svenska’ you could say the writing is on the wall, or perhaps, the sleeve.
That’s because ‘Pa Svenska’ or ‘In Swedish’ is a collection of a dozen songs written and recorded in the band’s mother tongue.
Having had a bit of a soft spot for bands that do just this ever since I first heard the French language version of Trust’s ‘Repression’ LP (I learned more French from that album than I ever did from my piss poor chain-smoking schoolteacher that’s for sure) and more recently the likes of Kvelertak and the hugely impressive Ondt Blod having both made sizeable dents in my trusty old Wharfedale cones, I have to admit I’m really intrigued to find out what City Saints have to offer this time around.
Diving straight in then and if anything ‘Pa Svenska’ is the most straight-ahead street punk rock ‘n’ roll record that Stefan Johansson on vocals and harmonica, Gabriel Aadland on guitar and backing vocals, Carl Linnaeus on bass and Robbin Larsson on drums have recorded since their ‘Kicking For The Working Class’ debut.
The opening 1-2-3 of ‘Banditer’, ‘Verklighet’ and ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll’ all motor along on razor sharp riffs filled with infectious melody lines and if anything these songs remind me of another album that I was listening to around the time I first got into Trust, namely Rose Tattoo’s seminal debut record.
‘Enade’ (a song about uniting against the evils of politics) has more than a hint of City Saints long time influence, the mighty Cock Sparrer, going on in the guitar intro and I’m pretty sure that the total thrash out that is ‘Skallebank’ has more than a little bit of a Dirt Box Disco going on within its grooves. This is still very much City Saints though and as ‘Karma’ proves a fantastically catchy song is a fantastically catchy song whatever language it is written and sung in.
The boogie-tastic ‘Göteborg’ ‘Fyllecell’, ‘Stryk’ and ‘Tvär’ will immediately have you tucking your thumbs into your belt loops as the Swedish frantic four invite us to a riotous double denim party, you just need to bring your own party seven to make it complete. Rounding things off on side two ‘Parasiter’ and ‘Svin’ somehow manage to drink in the spirit of early Undertones whilst raising a one finger Stooges piano driven salute to racists everywhere.
With a running time of 28 minutes, ‘Pa Svenska’ simply flies by in a blur of memorable riffs and hooks and you’ll be speaking Swedish before you know it. Perfekt!
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