The Happy Fits – ‘Lovesick’ (The Happy Fits/ Diamond City/ Many Hats Distribution)

The Happy Fits – ‘Lovesick’ (The Happy Fits/ Diamond City/ Many Hats Distribution)

Imagine Silver Ginger 5 hooks baked into a power pop or guitar pop band that utilises all band members providing lead vocals at times across 15 brilliant songs that each have their own identity but still sound like the same band… This isn’t punk. It’s not metal. It is one of the best albums of the year for me. The Happy Fits have been around for over 7 years, with their debut album dropping back in 2018. I had never heard of them until I saw the lead video for this new album. There were some line-up changes, and I believe this is the debut of this formation of the band. I have not yet dug into their previous material, but will in time. These 15 songs deserve their own time to shine and showcase what a diamond they have released.

‘Lovesick’ starts with something of a curveball in the slow dreamlike ‘Do You See Me?’ where the band utilises adding layers to the song. The backing vocals are sublime, and the song becomes more powerful as it goes. ‘Everything You Do’ was the first song by the band I ever heard. It was a middle-of-the-night YouTube rabbit hole video that I put on repeat to hear it several times in a row. There is an Abba feel at the beginning, and the song just screams fun out of every pore. One of the cool things The Happy Fits have done to give them a unique sound is to replace the bass with a cello. Calvin Langman’s playing gives a unique feel to the songs, and on ‘Everything You Do’ he sings with such reckless exuberance that the listener cannot help but smile. Add in the scream by Raina Mullen after the minute mark and her lead vocals near the end to make it a song that should have been a huge hit in the late spring. ‘Cruel Power’ was another early single and was something of a grower for me. So much so, it is now one of my favourites on the album. The vocals become the showcase for much of the song, and the rhythm through the verse works perfectly. This song can make the crowd at a club dance and the crowd at a live show jump up and down. The band’s latest single, ‘Lovesick #1 (Misery)’ follows and is another brilliant song. The slow torch/ ballad gives way to a rocker that again showcases the vocal power the band has with Mullen getting the lead for most of the song. An awesome guitar solo by Nico Rose elevates the song even further. ‘The Nerve’ ends side A of the first vinyl and initially felt like a runt in the litter, given the first four songs. Multiple listens, though, demonstrate this is another rocking gem with Langman confessing to a lover ‘baby I’m a piece of shit and I’m the fucking worst.’ It is another huge chorus, and the up-tempo beat gets the listener moving.

After the initial five songs, it may take you a little bit to flip the first album over to dig into the flipside, as you keep dropping the needle back down to hear the first batch again. When you do flip it to side B, you are greeted with the infectious ‘Miss You’. At times, it feels like the verses could have been something Blondie would have done, and the chorus is as huge as an IMAX screen with some ’80s touches while still sounding current. This song is another one where the cello replaces the bass, giving the song a different, more cinematic feel. The gentle tempo of ‘I Could Stare at You for Hours’ provides an excellent touch and change of pace. As they did on the album opener, they utilise layering during the song to help it build, but here they utilise the build to let it all fall away and build again. The band pivot with ‘Sarah’s Song,’ which has struck me from my first listen as something like the Beatles with the harmonies shining brightly. It is a beautiful pop song where the beat conjures up images of the band performing in a field of flowers while the lyrics subvert expectations with lines like ‘and you know all the roses that bloom inside your mind, they all root from sordid sources and the thorns they leave behind.’ The band turn up the tempo again with ‘Shake Me’ (not a Cinderella cover). This is another vocal showcase that gets the foot moving and will have the listener singing along to the chorus quickly. Closing out side B is the brilliant ‘I Still Think I Love You.’ This is an instant power pop classic. The hook in the pre-chorus is huge, and the chorus is even bigger. This became one of my favourite songs when I first heard the album, and nothing has changed in that regard.

The third and final side of the vinyl has absolutely no let-up, with the previous single ‘Wild in Love’ getting it started. I have not spoken of Luke Graydavis on drums yet, but his playing across the album is stellar. Here, he also provides lead vocals. I love that all four members get to showcase their voices across the album. ‘Wild in Love’ has a different feel than the rest of the album, with a slightly electronic feel. The band get back to a pure rock approach on ‘Black Hole’ where the cello again provides some great riffs to add a hint of heaviness to the song. This is another early single and really gives an idea that the band knew they had recorded a classic album by putting two singles on the final side of the vinyl. ‘Superior’ brings back a torch song approach. The orchestration builds and builds throughout to deliver another excellent song. ‘Wrong About Me’ utilises a slow acoustic approach paired with a gorgeous melody. It would have been easy to make this the last song on the album, where it would end with this one really serving as a quiet note to draw the album to a close. If it were not such a great song, it could easily get lost on the album. The listener gets pulled into the song, and it sets up the epic closer ‘I Remember.’ The excellent guitar work by Mullen and Rose again showcased with the record mixed perfectly. The up-tempo beat is given time to manifest itself as everything in the song builds over the first two minutes. The vocal harmonies are beautiful throughout the song, and they end the album on arguably the best song on the album.

Fifteen songs, not a miss in sight. Fifteen beautiful, killer songs that showcase a band where pure magic is happening. The chemistry in the band is so impactful, I expect to see it bleeding out of the vinyl as it plays. One of the reasons I have not explored the back catalogue yet us I cannot get enough of these 15 songs. This is also the first album with Nico and Mullen, so it feels like a debut album to me, as their marks are all over these songs. As I said at the top, this is not a punk or metal album. What it is thoug,h is an album of the year candidate filled with the sounds of rock, pop, power pop, and incredibly huge hooks. These songs are timeless and essential.

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Author: Gerald Stansbury                   

Bad Sam – ‘Trauma’ (Property Of The Lost Records)

Bad Sam – ‘Trauma’ (Property Of The Lost Records)

It feels like an eternity since ‘Bring Me The Head Of…’ the last album by Newport punks Bad Sam was released into the world back in 2017, but when it comes to Dean Beddis and Richard Glover, the musicians behind this latest version of the band, it’s always been about quality tunes and never mind how long it takes to write them, which as a result means ‘Trauma’ is packed with 10 cuts of premium punk pomp from da Port….albeit with a 2025 twist.

Taking the live insanity of the Bad Sam line ups that have gone before and distilling it down to singer Beddis and bassist/guitarist/producer Glover might have been considered a risky move by some as the intensity of the band live had always a joy to behold – even if it was like taking your life into your own hands at times. Here though with ‘Trauma’ the “brains” behind the band have momentarily paused operations, observed what is going on around them, and then tweaked the Bad Sam songwriting formula to return angrier than ever before.

There’s been demo tracks released over the past couple of years on Bandcamp, tracks like ‘Pedigree Poor’ and ‘Terrable Dance’ (rechristened ‘Monster’s Dance’ for the album)  which hinted at what might be coming, and there’s also been a handful of chaotic local low key gigs that have seen the duo breaking in the new material to ascertain what songs best fit their twisted vision of the future, and as a result ‘Trauma’ is an all out attack on the senses, a record that actually makes you stop and think…”what the fuck is going on in this world?”

‘Emotional Hostage’ kicks things off in fine style as Slayer-esque riffage blends perfectly with industrial drum loops over which the immediately recognisable Beddis barks out his warning of living your life always looking for a return to “the good old days”.

‘Pedigree Poor’ quickly follows, remixed and rabid, it’s a grimy real-life tale of living well below the poverty line. This track demanding you to listen to it on headphones to truly absorb the avalanche of sounds that underpin this anthem for the less fortunate in our society.

Elsewhere, ‘The Van’ sounds just how Public Enemy jamming with a hardcore crossover band should have always sounded, whilst ‘Turn You Off’ is the first of a trio of tracks on ‘Trauma’ that are the closest to the Bad Sam sound of old, with a more straight-ahead punk rock approach.

As ‘Trauma’ reaches its midpoint ‘Silent Death’ comes out of leftfield sounding not unlike err Leftfield and Lydon and it’s almost Gothic chorus would instantly fill a club dance floor if the youth of today still did such things.  Recent single ‘Popcorn And Blood’ is a banger too, taking the Killing Jokey dark vibe further and giving it a savage lyrical twist courtesy of Beddis and his views on death tourism. Meanwhile if it’s a throbbing slab of industrial punk all about societal peer pressure you are looking for then you need look no further than ‘Perpetual Consumption’.

 ‘Trauma’ enters its final trio of songs with ‘Monsters Dance’ staggering out of the speakers like the perfect soundtrack to a zombie parade from a classic George A. Romero film. Then it’s time to return to the more direct Bad Sam sound of old via ‘Salute The Media’ and (the awesomely titled) ‘Tupperware Death Party’ that close the album down in spectacular full pelt punk rock fashion.

The bio that comes with this advance stream of the album sees Rich Glover comparing the band’s sound on ‘Trauma’ as having the energy of Reagan Youth mixed with the power of LARD, and whilst he’s not a million miles off with that description I think there’s actually loads more going on here than he gives himself and Beddis credit for, as ‘Trauma’ is a record that defies categorisation, and in 2025 we absolutely need bands like Bad Sam producing records like this, exciting, challenging, and above all, essential.

It would be Kriminal not to pick up a copy on vinyl or CD when ‘Trauma’ is released on the 28th of November, or you can preorder a copy NOW via the Bandcamp link below.

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Author: Johnny Hayward

The Mansters – ‘Snapshot From A Shitshow’ (Loyal Blood Records)

The Mansters – ‘Snapshot From A Shitshow’ (Loyal Blood Records)

Tønsberg, Norway — After more than a decade of carving their own unruly path, The Mansters return with ‘Snapshots from a Shitshow’, their most confident and unapologetic album to date.

Once firmly planted in hardcore, The Mansters have gradually stripped away genre constraints, letting instinct, irreverence, and raw energy lead the way. Sure, it’s still pretty rapid, and to the lazy listene,r it would still be simply hardcore without substance, but as soon as the needle drops and you get balls deep into the opener, there is a whole lot more besides going on under the hood of this hot rod rocket ride.

If there is a Scandinavian sound to a lot of these bands, then so be it. There is comonality between the harder edges of Turbonegro, Zugly and the mighty Gluecifer, and to absorb all of that and more, the result is a melting pot of goodness that spans the full spectrum of punk, metal and everything in between. Intense, melodic, raw, and Joyful, often all at once.

‘The World is My Ulcer’ sets the tone. A great sounding record would be the first thign I noticed before the songs unleashed some great playing and really well written songs.  ‘to the shoegaze-tinged closer, ‘Snapshots from a Shitshow’ delivers a self-aware, chaotic ride through punk, hardcore, and rock and to manage that to such a high standard isn’t easy nor is it easy to dish up such a strong set of songs. ‘Lessons In Giving Up’ has a wonderful gurgling bass thump with an excellent melody. The band don’t take themselves too seriously and takes aim at themselves, society, and everything in between.

Lyrically, the album dives into common themes but delivers them with a sense of humour and self-awareness, giving the record a warmth and big heart vibes. Living in the modern age, of course, it’s all about ‘I Should Be Getting More Likes’ (you and me bot,h guys, you and me both). Playing on words and song titles or well-known phrases seems to be a theme in that part of the world, so of course, there’s a song called ‘Run To The Pils.

In an era of noise and posturing, The Mansters prove that punk still thrives when it’s honest, self-aware, and free from pretension. Oh, and an album bursting with top tunes, so it’s a win-win there then go search this record out, it won’t disappoint pinky promise.


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Author: Dom Daley

The Covids – ‘Pay No Mind’ (Wap Shop Records)

The Covids – ‘Pay No Mind’ (Wap Shop Records)

Insert no end of infectious jokes here, like after infecting the European underground with their relentless live shows and a ferocious debut LP in 2023, Amsterdam punk outfit THE COVIDS are back for a second jab. Or an Infectious, catchy punk rock album number two from the Netherlands punk rockers. You can fill ’em in yourself from here on in.

‘Releasing on Wap Shoo Wap Records on September 25, their sophomore full-length “PAY NO MIND” ‘Pay No Mind’ is a 10-track barrage of melodic punk power pop influenced by a lifetime of listening and absorbing Buzzcocks, The Undertones and The Wipers, for example. There is a never-ending well of supplies for this happy-go-lucky punk, it’s not taking itself too seriously and can take on any subject for song matter, taking the time-honoured ‘Banned From The USA’ or ‘No Kids’ or punk classic ‘Waste Of Space’

‘No Kids’ is a sharp anthem in a similar vein as the daddies of the scene, The Briefs or Cyanide Pills. It’s catchy and powerful in a Briefs way and power. To be fair, that’s pretty much the MO for the album. Bouncy, catchy, rapid songs with big hooks and earworm choruses.

The Covids aren’t here to re-invent punk, its all about having a good time and making a noise that they can dance to and escape the real world and on that front its job done and a great big thumbs up from me because the main point is they have to be good and they score highly on that front which at the end of the day is all that counts doesn’t it?

The songs are short as well as sharp. I particularly liked ‘No Good Nothing’ and its punchy Bass line, then to collide into the brutal power pop of ‘Roots’ which, to be fair, is a dance floor banger guaranteed to get the pit pogoing and covered in beer and sweat.

It’s not a waste of space at all, and the Fergal Sharkey and co inspired song (Waste OF Space) is old school and another contender. Leaving the ‘Banned For The USA’ to finish this album off.

Top marks from me, I love this power poppin punk rock and the more bands doing it, the better, hopefully, the Covids will spread the word and leave their mark wherever they may roam. Thankfully, this catchy Covid is far better than getting contaminated by the other Covid. I suggest you ignore the name and go catch a show and listen to this most excellent record its got so much going fo rit I think it might pull through.

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Massive tour –

European Tour Dates: (More dates TBA)


BELGIUM

Oct 28: Antwerpen – Antwerpen Music City

SPAIN

Oct 30: Barcelona  – Sala Continental

Oct 31: Madrid – Fun House

Nov 1 : Puerto de Santa Maria – Milwaukee

Nov 2: Sevilla – Even

Nov 4: Algeciras – Sala Zero

Nov 5: Córdoba – Hangar

Nov 6: Ponferada – Cocodrilo Negro

Nov 7: Burgos – T.B.A.

Nov 8: Vitoria – Helldorado

FRANCE

Nov 10: Hossegor – 416 Crew

GERMANY

Nov 13: Dortmund – T.B.A.

Nov 14: Hamburg – Komet

Nov 15: Berlín – Kastanienkeller

Nov 17: Göttingen – Juzi Maren

Nov 18: Beiruth – Schokofabrik

Nov 20: Tübingen – Hausbar

Nov 21: Mannhein – JUZ

Nov 22: Kreuzlingen – Horst

SWITZERLAND 

Nov 23: Bern – Reitschule

FRANCE

Nov 30: Sorgues – T.B.A.

Dec 2: Montpellier – KJIBI

Dec 3: Toulouse – T.B.A.

Dec 5: Saint-Gille-Croix-De-Vie – Rock Sea

UNITED KINGDOM:

Dec 12: London – Hope and Anchor

Bad Sam – ‘Trauma’ and new video for ‘Popcorn And Blood’

Bad Sam – ‘Trauma’ and new video for ‘Popcorn And Blood’

“A bit like Sleaford Mods, but if Jason Williamson had spent the 80s and early 90s rolling about beer-soaked punk rock stages and community centre floors as front man of the legendary Cowboy Killers, and Andrew Fearn was a prolific bass player having toured the world gig circuit as part of the mighty Dub War. OK, nothing like Sleaford Mods then.”

“A glimpse into a dystopian future with executions as a public distraction and the  industry of entertainment and souvenirs built around them.”

 

A sonic shift from previous albums, bringing to mind the garage hardcore of Reagan Youth combined with the “Power of Lard”

Roots firmly in punk underground, previous albums “Working Class Holocaust” and “Bring Me The Head Of..” have sold out direct from Beddis’ Newport record shop and label Kriminal Records. This is the first material to make it onto streaming sites.

TRAUMA, the Welsh duo’s third albu,m is now pre-selling HERE 

Sugar return in 2026

Sugar return in 2026

SUGAR RETURN WITH FIRST NEW MUSIC AND LIVE DATES IN OVER THREE DECADES

ICONIC ALTERNATIVE ROCK TRIO LED BY BOB MOULD SHARE BRAND NEW SINGLE ‘HOUSE OF DEAD MEMORIES’

LISTEN HERE

FIRST LIVE PERFORMANCES TOGETHER SINCE 1995 SET FOR NEW YORK CITY’S WEBSTER HALL ON MAY 2-3, 2026 AND LONDON’S O2 FORUM KENTISH TOWN ON MAY 23-24, 2026

COPPER BLUE – THE SINGLES COLLECTION TO BE RELEASED BY BMG ON RECORD STORE DAY BLACK FIRDAY, NOV 28

LIMITED EDITION 4LP VINYL BOX SET COLLECTS CLASSIC SINGLES, B-SIDES, AND MORE WITH ORIGINAL ARTWORK AND TRACKLISTINGS LOVINGLY RESTORED

SUGAR – the iconic alternative rock trio led by Bob Mould alongside bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm Travis – return today with their first new music together in over three decades, ‘House of Dead Memories‘. Recorded at Tiny Telephone Oakland in June 2025, the song is available everywhere now via Granary Music/BMG

Listen to ‘House of Dead Memories’



In addition, SUGAR will celebrate ‘House of Dead Memories’ with their first live performances together since January 1995, set for New York City’s Webster Hall on Saturday, May 2nd (tickets here) and Sunday, May 3rd, 2026 (tickets here) and London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on Saturday, May 23nd and Sunday, May 24th, 2026 (tickets here).

Next month will also see SUGAR’s essential 1992 debut album, Copper Blue, commemorated with Copper Blue – The Singles Collection, a limited edition 4LP box set to be released by BMG on Record Store Day Black Friday, November 28th. The new box set collects such anthemic favourites as ‘Changes‘, ‘A Good Idea‘, and ‘If I Can’t Change Your Mind‘, all originally released on 12″ vinyl in the UK via Creation Records backed with beloved B-sides like ‘Needle Hits E‘ and ‘Clownmaster’, as well as live recordings from SUGAR’s 1992 performance at Chicago’s Cabaret Metro. Copper Blue – The Singles Collection now sees those classic releases returning to vinyl with original artwork and tracklistings lovingly restored. In addition, ‘Helpless‘ – previously released only on CD – is presented here on 12″ vinyl for the first time alongside updated B-sides, finally joining its companions in its full glory.

“SUGAR was a meteorite,” says Bob Mould. “I spent all of 1991 writing and performing new material at solo shows. David and Malcolm had never met but I was certain we three would work well together.

“SUGAR was a workhorse. After weeks of rehearsal in early 1992, we spent three months recording Copper Blue and Beaster. By summer 1992, the musical climate was perfect for what we created.

“SUGAR was a phenomena. No one could have predicted the results. We held onto the wheel and did our best to enjoy the wild ride. Sugar was part of a pivotal era in popular music, and a special time in my life.” 

Having already placed his indelible mark on the future direction of rock with Hüsker Dü, Bob Mould teamed with bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm Travis to found SUGAR in late 1991, making their live debut early the next year at Athens, GA’s famed 40 Watt Club. Named by NME as its 1992 Album of the Year, SUGAR’s now-classic debut album, Copper Blue, immediately proved a sensation, earning worldwide acclaim and landmark status for the melodic strength and intensely cathartic popcraft of songs like ‘A Good Idea’, ‘Helpless’, and the alternative rock radio hit and MTV favourite, ‘If I Can’t Change Your Mind’. The trio quickly found themselves performing on increasingly larger stages, including a legendary show-stealing set at London’s Great X-pectations Festival in Finsbury Park.

David Barbe recalls, “Since we last played in 1995, I have worked on hundreds of records and engaged with music people all over the world. When the subject of SUGAR comes up, it is like a misty legend that they either remember from a long time ago or have only heard about. I am excited for fans to experience it in the real.”

“The return of SUGAR is a moment that I’ve been dreaming about for a very long time,” says Malcolm Travis. “What we managed to accomplish in the short span of time we were in existence still boggles my mind. There was so much packed into that period….the travel, the shows, the recordings and getting to meet so many people who loved and supported us. To get back to working together again with Bob and David is such a gift and I’m looking forward to what the future has in store for us.”

With the wind at their back, SUGAR unleashed Beaster in 1993, making a momentous debut at #3 on the UK’s Official Albums Chart as well as at #4 on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart in the US. Though recorded during the same sessions that yielded Copper Blue, the six-song mini-album evinced a more visceral energy and dark melancholy than its predecessor, highlighted by such pulverising expressions of sacrilegious fury as ‘Judas Cradle‘ and ‘JC Auto‘. 1994’s second full-length LP, File Under: Easy Listening once again made an explosive arrival among the top 10 on the UK Official Albums Chart, this time landing in the upper reaches of the overall Billboard 200. The album saw SUGAR pushing boundaries yet again on songs like the country-flavoured ‘Believe What You’re Saying‘ and the incendiary ‘Gee Angel‘, tackling a wider range of musical approaches without sacrificing their signature intensity and unrestrained power. Despite their successes, SUGAR called it a day following a Japanese tour in early 1995. A series of live recordings, reissues, and anthologies served to magnify the band’s legacy over the three decades since, confirming SUGAR as incontrovertible masters of high-volume guitar-fueled rock for the ages. The original members of SUGAR reconvened in June 2025 to record ‘House of Dead Memories’, the first new SUGAR song in over three decades.

“The long pause is over. I’m excited to hit the PLAY button. See you in 2026!” – Bob Mould

“Can’t wait to bring it to the people in 2026….fasten your seatbelts folks.” – Malcolm Travis

“I am really looking forward to these shows. It will all get real when I feel Bob’s amp shaking my pants legs again.” – David Barbe

CONNECT WITH SUGAR:
OFFICIAL | BLUESKY | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | THREADS

CONNECT WITH BOB MOULD:

OFFICIAL | BLUESKY | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | THREADS | YOUTUBE

Supersuckers – ‘Liquor, Women, Drugs & Killing’ (Hard Charger Records)

Supersuckers – ‘Liquor, Women, Drugs & Killing’ (Hard Charger Records)

When the title dropped, it was game over. Of course, this was going to be a killer album packed with cowpunk goodness, wicked solos, awesome licks and tricks and lyrics that would make me smile, smirk and howl. Twelfth studio album deep in almost four decades, I swear, as soon as the needle drops and ‘Maybe I’m just messing with you’ kicks me square in the temple, I’m hooked. Great tempo, familiar lick and gritty spaghetti vocals that hit the bullseye right from the get-go.

What next for these supersuckers? Well, how about a melodic mid-tempo rocker? Again, it’s a great hook for number two, and this one hits you between the eyes. Is it legal for a band to be this far into their rocky rockin’ career and still make records that sound this fuckin’ monsterously good? Already I’m punching the air and firing off my guns all at once, can I get a hell yeah! And a yee haw! Those supersuckers are killing it. If you ain’t digging this, then listen to Eddie when he says Go fuck yourself. Me I’m all in and loving life and loving the new long player from Supersuckers so all that’s gone to shit in the world, there are pockets of sunlight filtering through the cracks, and music can be one. Always with a great turn of phrase and married it to some memorable earworm guitar playing, it’s a comfort and the lifeblood to hear records this badass.

Let’s ease back a little and not get overexcited; it’s a marathon, not a sprint, so let’s get a shuffle on as ‘Unsolved Problems’ eases into my head and I can’t shift it. Gentle earworms are dangerous, like audio crack, be careful kids. On another point, whilst I remember, Eddie sounds magnificent on this record after his health issues, he sounds stronger than ever and sings like a seasoned pro, bloody marvellous.

Don’t become complacent or feel lulled into a false sense of security because Eddy and the boys turn it up and remind us it’s time to put it down.

The record ebbs and flows as we relax a little and Eddie whispers sweet nothings in our ear, and he explains how he tried to write a song. And boy did he write a song, in fact, he’s written a whole bunch of em right here right now. The playing on a Supersuckers record has never been this focused has it? At times it’s blistering, and I love the tone of those acoustic guitars on ‘Meaningful Song’, proving that these boys can turn their hand to whatever they like and pull it off.

If you’re umming and ahring, then stop right now. Buy this record because the Supersuckers are on fire and on this evidence are as good, if not better than ever. They don’t need to write another ‘Born With A Tail’ or ‘Pretty Fucked Up’, been there done that.  What you get for your hard-earned is eleven tunes of varying degrees of awesome, be it cowpunk shuffle, acoustic porch torches, or rock out with your cock out. Supersuckers do it better than most and leave a bloody awesome-looking trail of destruction behind them, and we can revisit this particular crime scene anytime we want. Now put that there song ‘Volunteer’ back on, grab a beer (and one for yourself) and turn it up. Hell, there’s even a stonkin take on Lee Harvey Oswald’s ‘Rocket 69’ (that reminds me to play that most excellent ‘Blastranaut’ album just because I can, and it fits right in amongst all this awesomeness.

Edward Carlyle Daly III, “Metal” Marty Chandler (guitar), and Christopher “Chango” von Streicher (drums) take a bow, you motherfuckers are trippin good, and I urge anyone who loves rock n roll to buy this motherfuckin’ record.

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Witchdoktors ‘Before The War’ from ‘IZZATSO’

Witchdoktors ‘Before The War’ from ‘IZZATSO’

WITCHDOKTORS TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM ‘IZZATSO?’ OCTOBER 31ST VIA BOMBER MUSIC

Limited 12’’ Vinyl & CD available for pre-order from Bandcamp HERE & Bomber Music HERE

 Pre-order HERE

London based WitchDoktors have been tearing up the UK live-scene across three decades, earning their reputation as one of the UK’s most enduring and electrifying garage punk rock’n’`roll bands. Described by UK Rock’n’Roll Magazine as “the missing link between rockabilly, blues, 1970s prime-time punk and 1960s garage,” their sound is a riotous blend of snarling guitars, infectious hooks, and raw energy.

Their incendiary live shows led to a six-year residency at London’s legendary 12 Bar Club, cementing their status as cult favourites on the UK rock’n’roll circuit. Over the years, they’ve shared stages with punk and rock icons including Ruts DC, Fleshtones, The Godfathers, Nashville Pussy, Revillos, The Wingmen, Steve Marriot, Dr Feelgood, The Damned and PIL etc.

Continuing their long-term UK collaboration with Bomber Music, 2025 sees the launch of their sixth LP ‘Izzatso?’. Somewhat appropriately, this release (on vinyl, CD and all major universal Digital Platforms) is set to drop on the ‘all-hallows eve’ – i.e. Halloween 31st October 2025. Featuring 11 bludgeoning tracks, WitchDoktors songwriting has evolved and branched into new territory in their continuing journey along the dirty road of rock’n’roll and whilst their roots are planted firmly in their upbringing that feasted on Punk, Glam, & Trash there is a bitter twist of Country/Americana thrown in for good measure!

Conceived during COVID and then delayed by the sad passing of their longtime collaborator and legendary recording engineer Pat Collier, ‘Izzatso?’ is a call in this age of misinformation to question everything. Echoing the sentiment of the late great Joe Strummer ‘see through the veils of bullshit or spins on stories or propaganda and to think for yourself.”

From incendiary opener ‘Lightning Strike’, an apocalyptic vision of the impact of climate change, featuring slide guitar by Leigh Heggarty (Ruts DC) to the twisted Mexicans of LP closer ‘Kicking the Can’, the band expertly explore a range of musical styles from their collective DNA. Written by longtime songwriting partners and lifelong friends Andy Last (vocals/guitar) and Tony Major (guitar/vocals), the songs explore and challenge the pressing social and environmental issues of our time. With killer melodies and thought-provoking lyrics, ‘Izzatso?’ strikes a poignant balance between reflection and hope in these often-difficult times.

Fans, followers and future devotees of this rousing band can now sample the album with the soaring, anthemic ‘Before The War’ single, which perfectly encapsulates the album’s life-affirming sounds and words.

“It’s a Post Covid PTSD hitting home like the scarred and broken minds of a victim of ‘active service’”, explains vocalist and guitarist Andy Last. “The masses subjected to ‘the beast’ created by the few. Cannon fodder all over again. Death and Destruction without a thought for the individual. Will we ever learn? Sign-up, Serve Up, mission completed, contract terminated and now it’s someone else’s problem. here’s your plastic medal and a shoe box to live in. Whatever happened to the sparkle in those beautiful eyes?”

The ‘Izzatso?’ album once again sees our beloved WitchDoktors in yet another collaboration with Producer/Mixer Tim Palmer who provided both sonic consultancy and steer from his villainous lair in ‘62 Studios, Austin TX to the rough mixes that Pat Collier started producing with the band at Perry Vale Studios, London UK before his sad departure. Coupled with more recent recordings made by the band with Grant Strang at the controls at Silver Shark Studios in South London, the entire album had morphed into a monster production that the band were proud to take the next step with. WitchDoktors looked Stateside again and forged a new relationship with Sterling Sound in Nashville TN, calling on the Mastering skills of Justin Shturtz to finalise this latest masterpiece. 

With the decades of chaos behind them (and no signs of slowing down!), WitchDoktors remain a vital force in British punk! Legends!? Well….almost eh! With this latest offering they should be, quite rightfully, well-assured of attracting further accolades for their ever-expanding Hall Of Fame and giving a nod and a wink to the further doses of the rock’n’roll recognition they will gratefully suck-up! All hail the might of WitchDoktors because they just refuse to lie down!

And yes….it’s WitchDoktors with a fukin’ K!’

LP to be available on 12” Vinyl LP (coloured & splatter), CD and all digital platforms.

Catch WitchDoktors live at the following dates:

November:

Fri 14th – The Steamboat, Ipswich

Sat 15th – The Anchor, Wingham, Kent

Fri 28th – The Old Barn, Milton Arms, Portsmouth

Sat 29th – 100 Club, Oxford Street, London

Sun 30th – Prince Albert, Brighton

December

Fri 12th – Johnny’s Bar, Watford

Sat 13th – Frog & Fiddle, Cheltenham

Feb 2026

Fri 13th – 100 Club, Oxford Street, London

WitchDoktors are:

Andy Last – Vocals & Guitar

Tony Major – Guitar & Vocals

Joe Colfar – Drums & Vocals

Lee Page – Bass & Vocals

Find WitchDoktors online at:

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

INSTAGRAM

Former Fast Eddy frontman, Micah Morris,  serves up his first solo offering

Former Fast Eddy frontman, Micah Morris,  serves up his first solo offering

Mile high rocker Micah Morris has had his hands in the international punk rock n’ roll circuit for a long time. From his family roots in the Austin, Texas music scene, to his humble beginnings playing in a punk band in the mountains of Colorado, to busking on the 16th Street Mall, to his first Denver band Six Shooter, and on to the prolific band Fast Eddy, Morris continues to push forward into new territory with his music.

The songs Morris has authored have already been acclaimed internationally, such as Fast Eddy’s 2022 release “Take a Look”, which earned the title of “Coolest Song in the World” on Sirius XM’s Little Steven’s Underground Garage.

As the latest generation of his family’s musical legacy, Morris is the cousin of The Monkees own Michael Nesmith. His father Gene Morris is an accomplished musician of the Austin, Texas scene who played with the likes of yacht rock legend Christopher Cross, critically acclaimed guitarist Eric Johnson, and various members of Stevie Ray Vaughn’s Double Trouble. His mother Anne Norman was a production assistant to Carole King in her later 70’s era of recording.

“Tortilla Soup” is the first single from his upcoming solo record performed under the moniker of MICAH AND THE MIRRORS.  This new release was recorded and produced by Dan Dixon (credits with Doobie Brothers, Zac Brown, Ravagers, Queers)  and produced by Randy Michael (The Booze, Solid State Radio) in Atlanta, Georgia. All songs were written by Morris himself.

The future is looking bright for MICAH AND THE MIRRORS as his new music will challenge the boundaries of his former works as a reflection of Morris’ musical journey thus far and also his illuminated path forward as a solo artist!

A message from Micah

There’s a lot to say about this, but first of all I’ll say that it’s been a long time coming. A lot has changed for me lately, and ultimately it has all led me to this. I’m finally putting out a solo album. The ability to explore my own mind, soul, and emotions in relation to my music unencumbered is something that I have needed to do since I first picked up an instrument. I feel like the time has finally come to chase that dream.

This may seem like a departure for some, but for me, it’s an arrival. I promise to deliver the most raw and real version of what I have to offer. I’ll do what I can to keep rock n’ roll alive, if for no one else, then at least for myself.

Live fast and prosper 

First release from Micah Morris’ solo project Micah and the Mirrors. Full length record coming in April 2026 on Spaghetty Town Records.

Angel Face – ‘Out In The Streets’ (Slovenly Records)

Angel Face – ‘Out In The Streets’ (Slovenly Records)

After being mightily impressed with the self-titled debut, which was packed to bursting with absolute bangers. Huge melodies wrapped up in a spitfire volley of garage rock n roll. Energy and lo-fi garage rock n roll goodness tunes that burrowed into your ear, sticking to your brain like a huge happy virus. Of course I was gonna be all over this bad boy.

Join me as I lead you through the band’s “difficult” second album. Or as the case may be, the piece of piss second album that hits as hard as the first and is possibly more impressive due to them treading the same furrow and pulling out another bunch of delights. It can’t be this easy, can it? Why don’t all bands pay this much attention to detail and kick out the jams this wonderfully sounding?

‘Searching for the Truth’ opens the record with a rasping 100mph beaming smiling heartbeat packed with melody and handcaps, gang singalong vocals sounding like a long lost Gen X banger. Check out the guitar licks, they are fired from the heart of a band that loves what they deliver.

Basically, it’s a loud rock n roll album packed with great tunes played with joy and excitement and at ear-splitting volumes, or at least that’s where they are best played. ‘OUT IN THE NIGHT’ and ‘speedball are perfect examples, dripping with snot and sweat in equal measures.

It’s not all Crash Bang Wallop mind (Ok, mostly it is) ‘Let’s Go’ is cool as ice from its swaggering tempo to the finger clicks and hand claps it’s a beautiful thing. Like an avalanche of rock n roll, you don’t mind being crushed by it as the speakers are tested to the sonic max. Short and razor sharp, these tunes come thick and fast. Rapid snare rolls and clanging guitar chords, Angel Face ooze snotty rock n roll, and I for one love it.

Let’s keep it short and sharp, and let’s not give the game away. Come join me, get excited for a band that delivers the rock n roll. I mean, what else have you got planned? Whatever it is that’ll be this good, that lasts less than half an hour? ok, simmer down, you filthy animals. Put the beer in the fridge, turn the stereo up, then slip this bad boy on; it’ll make you fall in love with punk rock n roll. This is exactly how it should be done. Get these cats on tour with Cavemen, that would be one nuclear hot show right there, no holds barred wild ride rock n roll, Buy it!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley