When I picked up the self-titled debut from Fake Names I hadn’t heard a single song but I’m a fan of Brian Baker and Dennis Lyxzén and of course Fugazi’s body of work I’m very familiar with. So, it was a no-brainer picking up the record and when it arrived I was delighted with the strength of the song and what each member brought to the table. There were familiarities but no one overpowered the other which helped with both the flow of the album and taking it on its own strength and not just the sum of its parts.
I didn’t expect four years later to find out that ‘Expendables’ would follow it up but boy was I pleased. Brian Baker, Michael Hampton, Dennis Lyxzén, & Johnny Temple would be joined by the newest member Brendan Canty. A veritable whos who of punk rock and a wealth of songwriting talent. Something of a real dream team. ‘However instead of rehashing the past, ‘Expendables’ isn’t a rehash of the debut but a more melodic beast, sure, the punchy guitars are still present but there seems to be an emphasis on melodies and contending for chart positions or a more widespread appeal no bad thing at all.
I’m torn if this is a better collection of songs for style but it has every fighting chance to surpass its punchy sibling. Thats for future musings as I’ve only had this for a number of weeks.
The band enlisted producer Adam “Atom” Greenspan (IDLES, Yeah Yeah Yeahs). With the focus on production the melodies do pop and with the vibrant, urgent shine its got quite the rush. Having the band record in the same room certainly helped them be a proper “Band” if you know what I mean. Whilst they all hold day jobs with other established bands and for me International Noise Conspiracy are a band I miss punching in the scene with todays political landscape but Fake Names offer glimpses of INC and more. The title track is a triumphant steam train of a track with a big guitar sound sitting on top of a steady beat but the BV’s and melody is what takes charge., oh, and a great vocal.
Whats not to like on tracks like ‘Delete Myself’ and ‘Can’t Take It’ is a steady rocker with a really impressive barking vocal. ‘Go’ is an uptempo rumbling brawler bu tthe chorus is somethign of a lighter departure and a lot of the record is push pull between the urge to windmill the big distorted guitars against some sweeter melodies even if they are delivered in an aggressive manner it all adds up to a great listen.
I’m loving hitting this record up from start to finish – it makes me feel good a real throwback of an album that I’m excited to hear something new that jumps out on me and throws me around my speakers. From ‘Targets’ to ‘Too Little Too Late’ this is an album I would recommend to punks, rockers and everyone in between its such a strong record it will feature at an end of year showdown for sure. Buy it!
Fact 4 – THE DWARVES have recorded for visionary independent labels including Sympathy For The Record Industry, Epitaph, Fat Wreck Chords, Sub Pop, Bomp!, Amphetamine Reptile, Man’s Ruin, Recess, Theologian, Glitterhouse, Burning Heart, White Jazz, High Voltage, No Balls, Zodiac Killer, MVD, Midnight, Reptilian, Riotstyle, Burger and Greedy Worldwide. Some of them even paid royalties.
Continental Lovers – Really Doesn’t Matter’ (Snap Records) It’s been a while in the making but Joe has finally got round to dropping the first proper tune from the Continental Lovers and what a banger it is. A toe tapper, a ear worm, sweet baby jesus call it what you like but just check it out. Going back to his time as a Breakdown Joe knows what it takes to write a catchy ditty thats not up for debate, This has all the best elements of the songs from the mid 70s that had a bit of boogie woogie, a smash pop melody and the “worth its weight in gold” chorus. Joe knows all of that and can articulate it in a three minute pop song. Check it out in the lyric video and pre order the single as soon as and jump on board for what will no doubt be one of the best albums released this year. you Snooze – you looze innit! Record of the week? Bang on it is! You’ll be able to stream it in the next few weeks and Snap Records will have a limited 7″ soon. Can’t wait!
Moron’s Moron – ‘White Brothel Creepers’ (Wanda Records) Raised on a steady diet of ‘Methods’ by the Lords Of The New Church, The Humpers & a heap of other glamourous punk rock royalty this three-track single is an absolute blast. Raising all kinds of glorious, unbridled noise that is like ear candy at RPM HQ. All three tracks hack and slash a wonderful noise of sloppy, 77 punk rock with enough Roll to whet the appetite for a full-length album from these reprobates. Lawless Dick Stingher, Turd Awesome, John Pauly Shore II and Philo Phuckphace (Best band names ever) are just about the single of the week around here no question about that. Absolute banger. Buy Here
Split System – ‘Split System’ (Legless Records) We all know there has been a plethora of talent tumbling out of the dirt of the Australian back street over the last few years – weened on a steady diet of The Saints, Radio Birdman, Cosmic Psychos and the hard-ons. Well Split System tap into that and turn it into something pretty special. Fronted by Jackson Reid Briggs and features current darlings of the scene Stiff Richards very own Arron Mawson on guitar this is four most excellent tracks ripping it up with some old school proto-punk style and a hefty slug of Garage rock just for good measure. Get on it kids before the prices go through the roof on Discogs. Here
Ryan Hamilton – ‘Free Falling’ (Wicked Cool Records) A pretty honest and true to the original cover of Tom Petty’s 1989 hit, Free Fallin, sees Ryan performed all instrumentation and vocals, also mastered at Abbey Road Studios. Of the track, Ryan says, “This song is hallowed ground, & I’m so proud of this version I’ve recorded. Plus, it got mastered at Abbey Road, which feels like magic.” The release is the first since Ryan’s ‘1221 project’, which hit #9 on the Indie Albums Breakers on the Official UK Charts and has been accepted into Record Store Day in April. orcd.co/freefallin
Tramp – ‘Jailbait’ (Wanda Records) Wow do you kiss yer grandma with that mouth? Tramp are kicking up a filthy sleazy Dolls meet Jayne County slice of Punk Rock n Roll and we like it. Of course we like it. Viki Venom, Suzi Sleeze and Joey Deuce from dreamy New Hampshire, USA kick up some Slut Rock (why wouldn’t it be slut rock?) It’s trashy it’s obnoxious and sleazy and these punks have turned the amps up and thump those cans and chew out the rhythm with their bubblegum vocals and it’s the first taste of Tramp and I hope not the last. Wanda has the 7″ records but it’s limited – Get on ya filthy rats! Here
Infamous Stiffs – The Lockdown EP (Riot Records) SoCal punk rockers, Infamous Stiffs, are back with a six song live EP, “Lockdown Live”, their second release on Riot Records/Golden Robot Records, available for pre-order/add/save, Made in 2021 at the height of the global Covid 19 pandemic at Alex’s Bar in Long Beach, California, “Lockdown Live” is what happens after a year of…well, being locked down. Rife with pent-up energy and aggression, the results of this experiment speak for themselves. Catchy, hard and unforgiving, “Lockdown Live” offers a real-time perspective on the songs and of the current state of affairs. It’s a little something to chew on during these lean times of uncertainty and the doldrums we all face.
Nashville Pussy – ‘Come On Come On’ (Bandcamp) Boogie on Brothers and Sisters Nashville Pussy style that is. As featured on PEacemaker this is causing a stir. James Gunn knows his Rock and Roll it would seem as he’s peppered the Peacemaker show with top-quality tunes from Hanoi Rocks, Quireboys and this bad boy Come On Fuck yeah! is just about this tune in a nut shell – Banging and right on the fuckin money – Kerching!!!!. Here
Placebo – ‘Happy BirthdayIn The Sky’ ( A very understated typically Placebo dreamy track. It’s about time we had a new release from Placebo, it’s been too long. ‘Happy Birthday’ builds to the chorus from a hushed muted and restrained verse then hits the chorus in typical Placebo fashion before it drops back into a very laid-back vibe.
I Always look forward to a new Placebo record and this does the job of piquing the interest. The album ‘Never Let Me Go’ is out March 25, 2022 – pre-order now here: https://lnk.to/Placebo-NeverLetMeGo
Soul Glo – ‘Driponomics’ feat. Mother Maryrose(Epitaph) Philly-based hardcore band Soul Glo release their latest single, “Driponomics,” ahead of their fourth studio album ‘Diaspora Problems’ due out on March 25th. It’s a scathing commentary on capitalism and economic disparity. listing popular designers and brands in between a screeching distortion and a heavy bassline. The track also features a verse from fellow Philly native, rapper Mother Maryrose. Reminds me a bit of Disposable Heroes of Hiphopracy – engaging and one that gets under your skin.
The Dirty Truckers – ‘I Feel Nothing’ (Rum Bar Records) Rock n Roll baby. Sweet as, The Dirty Truckers just cruise on by with their radio-friendly distorted beer-drinking brand of Rock and Roll. With a hummable melody and cool guitar licks they know they’re good at this power Poppin garage thang and your ears will be grateful for the introduction. Like Tom Baker says Turn it up it always sounds better when you block out everything else and just give yourself up to the Rock and Roll.
Join me in the singles bar dropping coins into the jukebox and hitting up another round of Dirty Truckers tunes before the album gets released. Like the seal of approval coming out on Rum Bar Records you know it’s gonna rule! Now bring on ‘The Tisbury Joneser’
Faz Waltz – ‘Hot Cold Fever’ (Snap Records Spaghetty Town Records/Surfin’ Ki) ITs Rock and Roll alright. Loud and proud this is a throw back with a wild back beat, honkingly good ivory tinkling and a trad howling good time in every aspect from Faz Waltz. A real hoot where these cats tip the hat to the original rollers from yesteryear. If you think the A side is a hoot then flip this bad boy over for ‘Lotta Lovin’ with its big bopper, jerry Lee thumper. Do yourself a favour though turn this fucker up! then turn it up some more. you deserve it and they deserve it. Get on it and just jive kids! Buy Here
In a career that’s lasted nearly forty years and a whopping seventeen albums, this isn’t a band who’ve sat back and looked away from flexing their socio-political views whenever possible, and for a band with tracks like American Jesus and 21st Century (Digital Boy) that rank among their biggest, there’s been a clear response to it. And as the world continues to burn more and more each day, what better time for Bad Religion to resurface and take society’s ills to task once more?
Essentially its Bad Religion doing Bad Religion; For a band as right on as Bad Religion these are times that just keep giving and in return, Bad Religion keeps giving back.
As Brett Gurewitz said, “The band has always stood for enlightenment values. Today, these values of truth, freedom, equality, tolerance, and science, are in real danger. This record is our response.”
I guess it was time to don the shit kickers and kick some shit then. From the opening frantic burst of ‘Chaos From Within’ it’s slick it’s fast it driven and the guitar solo is a ball of fire lasting the blink of an eye there’s no time for bloated introductions, it’s on with the punk rock show. ‘My Sanity’ is fast but has a heartfelt melody with lush harmonies mixing sweet tunes with fast sharp punk exactly what Bad Religion is best at. The pace is constant for the first four songs and its not until ‘Lose Your Head’ does the pace relent. Another excellent song By the time you get to the album highpoint that is the acoustic driven ‘Candidate’ the band demonstrates right there how vital they are and how their sound is timeless and ageless. Graffin and Gurewitz have plenty of anger and are articulate enough to relay it through their music in a constructive and authoritative way. They go from the melodic ‘Candidate’ to the pounding ‘Faces Of Grief’ that thrashes and gasps for oxygen before ending sharply.
The ebb and flow through fourteen tracks is the sound of old pros knowing exactly how to deliver what they do to perfection its not easy staying ahead of the curve and remaining relevant in todays music scene but with such a plentiful pool of inspiration how can you not love the groove on songs like ‘Big Black Dog’ and if I’m honest the second half of this record is even stronger and the band also take a chance on breaking the pace and frantic style and their canon of songs is expanded further.
Bad Religion are one of those bands I never realise how many of their records I have until a new one comes out and I always like what I hear and am slightly taken aback at their body of work. Yet their standards are always really high even if you probably know what you’re going to get before the needle drop. That’s not a criticism by the way if the music is consistently strong as their is which is exactly why they’ve released so many and have maintained their popularity after all these years. Long may it continue because the world needs BAd Religion right here right now.
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