Pillbox NYC – ‘Calling from Nowhereland’ (Vicious Kitten Records)

Pillbox NYC – ‘Calling from Nowhereland’ (Vicious Kitten Records)

Pillbox NYC were a no frills RnR band, who we see here captured for prosperity on a freezing Vancouver night in February 1994. The band featured Mr Ratboy, Steve Mach and Screamin’ Joe Rizzo, who collectively blazed their own way through the grunge-filled ‘90s and with their one album – 1993’s ‘Jimbo’s Clown Room’ – became a cult classic, which this recording shows how raw and in your face this band really were!

For the glam-loving freaks out there, the late Steve Mach’s name rang bells for me, as I recognised the name from Skin N Bones, who released the glam classic ‘Not A Pretty Sight’ in 1990. And while that album is an entirely different being altogether, it does highlight the RnR side to the band! 

Many have likened Pillbox NYC to D-Generation, but truth be told, while they shared a post-punk/glam glunk style, these were more of a dirtier proposition and sound all the better for it.

With songs like ’Sinister Urge’ and ‘Holly’, you have two of the most obnoxious opening songs ever committed to tape and easily set the tone for the rest of the album. Follow that up with ‘5000 Miles’ and ‘Come Up Heroin’. You can almost feel the eyeliner, grit and filthy fingernails between your ears.

The standout track for me is the live show closer of ‘What She Wants’, which is clearly an undiscovered classic. Following the live show, which is an underrated gem of a show, we have another nine songs in demo format, which were recorded as Jimbo’s Basement tapes from 1992. Most of which appeared rerecorded on the aforementioned ‘Jimbo’s Clown Room’.

These demos are for me the true highlight of this release, showing how brilliant this band was and why they should have been massive! Again, this CD will be of interest mainly to the glunk purists out there, but every lover of glam, punk, etc should give this a spin, and you will be rewarded with a time capsule that delivers the glunk like no other.

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Author: Dave Prince

Mike Tramp – ‘Songs of White Lion’ – Volume 3 (Frontiers)

Mike Tramp – ‘Songs of White Lion’ – Volume 3 (Frontiers)

Well, if you’re reading this, then the name Mike Tramp and especially that of White Lion is obviously no surprise to you and is more than likely somewhere to be found in your record collection. As you can more than likely tell, with this being the third volume of Mike Tramp giving a new updated shine to the musical legacy of his much-loved and missed ‘80s/’90s hard rock band White Lion. While this is Mike’s voice in the right here, right now, the songs have a timeless feel to them.

As you can imagine, the ‘hits’ were re-recorded for the first two volumes. On this third entry, we have the deeper cuts, such as the opening ‘Dirty Woman’ from 1989’s Big Game. This new version is less polished than the original, but that doesn’t mean the impact is any less. As with most new recordings of older songs, sometimes it can highlight the limitations of the original. However, I can gladly say that these new versions add something to the original that can make the experience fresh.

‘Warsong’ from 1991’s swansong album ‘Mane Attraction’, is even more impactful than that of the original and with the state of the world as it is at the moment, has never been more relevant. ‘Fight To Survive’ is the first of four tracks from the band’s debut album of the same name. Now it is these tracks that retain my interest the most, as I got into the band via their major label debut ‘Pride’. So reliving these tracks is glorious. 

Another track from Mane Attraction is ‘She’s Got Everything’, which, along with many of the lyrics of the late ‘80s / early ‘90s has aged too great; that said, the song is a great reminder of what made White Lion great during their heyday

‘If My Mind Is Evil’ and ‘Don’t Say It’s Over’ both come from the ‘Big Game’ album and while being decent – I never loved the originals but these new recordings give me a reason to delve back in the the wondrous back catalogue and see if I was being too harsh to them the first time around.

As mentioned previously it is the ‘Fight to Survive’ tracks that hold the most interest for their ears, and with ‘In The City’, ‘Cherokee’ and ‘All Burn In Hell’, the new versions have breathed new life into these songs originally made some 40 years ago.

Mike has said that these re-recordings are not meant to replaced the originals but to compliment his journey and show where he is now and that this volume 3 is the emotional conclusion of a trilogy of music that connects the past to the present.

These have been recorded by Mike’s trusted band, which features Marcus Nand on guitar, Claus Langeskov on bass and Morten Hellborn on the drums. The majority of these songs were written by the main duo of the original group i.e. Mike Tramp and guitarist Vito Brtatta, with the exception of their cover of the Golden Earring classic – ‘Radar Love’.

As a fan of Mr Tramp – this will sit happily amongst my collection. There I deem this a winner in every sense of the word.

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Author: Dave Prince

Jim Bob – ‘Automatic’ / ‘Stick’ (Cherry Red)

Jim Bob – ‘Automatic’ / ‘Stick’ (Cherry Red)

Wow, can 2025 actually get any better – Well a new album from the great Jim Bob of Carter Unstoppable Sex Machine fame – is always something to cherish but up comes not only one new album but TWO brand new long players from undoubtedly the UK’s most underrated singer songwriter. With the release of Automatic and Stick, we are in indebted to Jim and his wonderful record company Cherry Red.

As always Jim Bob has been on somewhat of a golden era and the release of these two albums, his 13th + 14th respectively, show that if anything Mr Bob is riding the wave of a creative peak that shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. First up is the bold yet mellow Automatic, which is followed up by the rockier Stick but no doubt about it – this isn’t a double album but two great albums both with 11 songs that deserve their time in the spotlight!

Either way ‘Automatic’ gets straight to the point with the opener and first single ‘Victoria Knits The Wars’ and doesn’t let up for a moment. All the ways to the last notes of ‘Our Forever Home’. Jim Bob takes us on a roller coaster ride of what it is to be living in 2025. 

One thing that I have always admired about James Robert Morrison (AKA Jim Bob) is his ability to turn even the most mundane story about the banality of living in the UK into a glorious pop/rock song that speaks to everyone and gives the listener a musical way into someone else’s life, yet most people will know someone like this, especially no more so in ‘Frank’s Bought A Drone’.

This happens again on the track ‘Baby On Board’ which regales us about an everyday tale about a day which features a commute and a fight and even Google Maps along with so much more, that you can not believe it hadn’t been sung about before.

However, with the Stick album, Jim Bob has given us a short sharp shock album that is brilliant and even though it features Jim Bob singing about even more everyday routines it’s the glorious ability he has to relate to pulse of the nation – for in ‘I Go To The Park’ he has written about easily most of the population and their need to just go for a walk and clear their head. Yet in doing so – it comes in the form of a pop-tastic song that will no doubt be a future earworm that you will be more than happy stuck with.

One of the more surprising songs on ‘Stick’ is ‘Lovers Rock’, which is a perfect example of the genius that is Jim Bob, which is a love story all wrapped up in a snarling punk rock serenade. Power Punk Pop perfection all in just a shade over 4 minutes! And we haven’t even mentioned the single from the album yet – which in ‘Every Day’s A Discotheque’ highlights the brilliance of Jim Bob in just shy of 3 minutes! 

Using an adage that has been utilised to death but in this case nothing truer can be said – these two albums are all killer and no filler which in 22 songs is practically unheard of. Just do yourself a favour and buy/pre-order these albums before they are released next month.

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Author: Dave Prince

Rise Against – ‘Ricochet’ (Lorne Vista)

Rise Against – ‘Ricochet’ (Lorne Vista)

To say that a new album from Rise Against is something to truly behold as great news in 2025 has quite an emotional punch to it, and with Ricochet, Rise Against have delivered a melodic punk/hardcore masterpiece.

Never one to shy away from unpopular topics. To these ears Tim McIlrath and band have recorded a classic, with the band sounding urgent and ready for the fight, and a big thanks goes to the new production team, made up of producer Catherine Marks and mixer Alan Moulder.

Coming some four years after the band’s last album – 2021’s Nowhere Generation, Ricochet kicks straight into proceedings with ‘Nod’ which was released at the start of the year. And in this case, the nod is more like a headbutt. Getting straight in there and to the point therefore silencing any naysayers with a no holds barred aural assault. Declaring that this is indeed Rise Against for 2025 and ready for the fight.

‘I Want It All’ thankfully isn’t the Queen cover I originally expected but a spectacular call-to-arms rocker that revolves around a riff so infectious that it should come with a health warning. Coupled with lyrics exclaiming ‘It’s a wrecking ball, it’s a tidal wave’. You know this will become a live classic on their live shows from now on.

Next up is the title track ‘Ricochet’, and takes me back to better times with its sublime melody. The maturity that the band are showcasing on this album is giving me the reason I needed to revisit their back catalogue, as with similar bands of their ilk I found that going back to their roots can be problematic. However, that is not the case here as there is a clear progression and the band are clearly firing on all cylinders.

Having listened to this album a few weeks now – one thing screams louder than anything else and that is how we are all connected and the ricochet effect that ripples through everything. So with that being the central theme – the band which consists of Tim McIlrath on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Joe Principe on bass guitar, Zach Blair on lead guitar, and Brandon Barnes on drums – have created a wall of sound that has the ability to connect where other fear to tread.

Stand out songs for me are ‘Us Against The World’, ‘Forty Days’, and the urgency of ‘State of Emergency’ is captivating and asks why we are kept in a constant state of fear. It is this kind of thought provoking lyric matter that sets Rise Against head and shoulders above their peers and contemporaries.

One thing I did find strange was putting the second single out ‘Prizefighter’ as the last song on the album. But then again – nothing screams Punk Rock more than this! However, they may have saved the best until last here – the theme of mental health and community runs through each of these tracks but no more so here in this glorious ending to a great album.

So after all is said and done, Rise Against have created an album to be proud of, which going by their extensive back catalogue was always going to be the case. But I do honestly think that this can be held up there with their best! 

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Author: Dave Prince

Head Noise – ‘Twisted Histories’ [Self-Released]

Head Noise – ‘Twisted Histories’ [Self-Released]

Those avant-garde punk-tinged electronic maestros Head Noise are back with their full-length second album, which comes hot on the heels of last year’s Metric Quid [Mini LP]. The group and their unrelenting assault on the mainstream are like a welcome blast of New Wave lushness in a world full of cut-copy-paste musical puppets.

Marking out their own niche/genre is a clever way of never fitting in, but still getting out there and winning fans on their own accord. With such an eclectic back catalogue, the band has now only gone and recorded a concept album, which is the most unpunk/new wave thing to do. However, doing so is also one of the most anti-establishment things a band like this can ever do.

Taken straight from their own press release is the following quote – With song topics about slapping bald dictators, inbred monarchs and fat men getting stuck in the bath – all to an Oddball Synthpunk and Electropop soundtrack – says it all.

This is the band for those who want something different from the mass-produced chart music of today.

Album opener ‘Primordial Soup’ comes complete with a keyboard riff from heaven, and serves as a great introduction to the madness that is coming. Following this up with the album’s lead single ‘Doin Science’ is something of a genius move as the band and their wacky frontman Mitchell Tennant combine the best elements of Electropop and Synthpunk and proceed to be the innovators that have no musical peers of any kind.

What can you honestly say about songs such as ‘Tojo Head Slap’, ‘Taft in the Bath’ and the future classic that is ‘Napolean Blown-Apart!’, thankfully the only words needed are brilliantly madcap and fantastic! To be honest, the whole album is a joy to listen to and for those who fancy something different from the norm – this is the band for you in all their glorious ’80s synthpunk, DEVO-esque greatness.

Stand-out tracks for me are the aforementioned single ‘ Doin Science’ and Tojo Head Slap’ along with ‘Habsbrug Gobstopper’ and ‘History of the Future’. The band will be celebrating the release of Twisted Histories with an album release show at Clwb Ifor Bach in Cardiff on May 30, 2024 – So best get yourselves along to a show that will no doubt go down in musical history.

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Author: Dave Prince

FM – ‘Thirteen’ (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)

FM – ‘Thirteen’ (Frontiers Music s.r.l.)

While most bands of their ilk are resting on their laurels FM hit the road running with the release of Thirteen, coming hot on the heels of their double Tough It Out Live set from 2021. This album has no right in being as good as it is. Considering they are now only a few years away from hitting 40 years as a band. And the current line-up has been in place since 2008! With this album being produced by the band themselves, they having never sounded better or more on fire than they do over the 11 slabs of melodic rock gold.


Wasting no time, the album kicks into gear with a none more politically apt ‘Shaking The Tree’. When people mentioned singer Steve Overland’s voice it is normally in awe and this song proves that he can sing anything, no matter what the subject and make you want to fight, love and smile all at the same time. Single ‘Waiting for Love’ is more like what we have become accustomed too from the band, but even that sounds fresh and vibrant, especially in today’s musical climate. The flame is still burning for the page 7 stunner that is Steve Overland and I honestly do not think he has ever sounded this good.


As the band themselves continue to lay down some of the most awe-inspiring grooves, from Merv Goldsworthy’s tantalising bass lines, to Pete Jupp’s backbone drumming and Jim Kirkpatrick’s sizzling solos and last but least Jem Davis glorious keys of parp, the band can do no wrong.


Just like the big hitters of the AOR scene any of these songs could be singles as they are all, that good.
Clearly the band are enjoying and relishing their moment in the sun again. And so they should, as this album is up there with their best.

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Author: Dave Prince