EVIL SCARECROW hit the road for their final run of their fabulous ‘Lost In Antartarctica’ shows and kick off their run in Oxford this weekend!
Final run of ‘Lost In Antartarctica’ tour dates:
28th September, O2 Academy, Oxford
31st October, Asylum Birmingham
1st November, The Face Bar, Reading
2nd November, Corporation Sheffield
9th November, MACMILLAN FEST Bristol
7th December, The Live Rooms Chester 2020
4th January, Yadbirds, Grimsby
EVIL SCARECROW’s album ‘Chapter IV: Antartarctica‘ was released at the end of 2018.
Evil Scarecrow’s fourth album saw them take another giant leap forward with the release of the sumptuous monster of a record, blending metal and melodies with riffs, roars and razor wit, it was everything you would expect from these multi-talented and exceptionally creative musicians. Chapter IV: Antartarctica sees this unique band keeping their own surreal space-time continuum moving ever onwards & upwards, running as smoothly as only Evil Scarecrow can.
Joan Marie Larkin better known as Joan Jett was born on this day in.1958. Parents James and Dorothy had their daughter in Pensylvania at Lankenau Hospital Joan is the eldest of three children. Joan was fourteen when she got her first guitar then her family relocated to California and soon after moving her parents split when Joan took her mothers maiden name Jett and the legend was born after taking in Rodney Birgenheimers Disco where she was exposed to glam rock and nothing would ever be the same again.
Jett teamed up with drummer Sandy West. Jackie Fox, Lita Ford and Cherie Currie and The Runaways were born. Jett was originally the rhythm guitarist and occasional singer but took on songwriting credits the girl group got support slots with the likes of Cheap Trick, Van Halen and Tom Petty and also toured the UK and Japan where they became massive stars. The band managed to fit in five albums in their four-year reign at the second half of the ’70s.
Jett also got into punk rock in the late ’70s producing the Germs one and only album before singer Darby Crash lost his life. the band also had one Pat Smear playing guitars who later went on to play with Nirvana and the Foo Fighters. Jett managed to team up with Cook and Jones when the Sex Pistols fell apart and managed to get them in the studio to record some classic tracks when in London with the most famous being the version of The Arrows classic ‘I Love Rock And Roll’ which would go on to become the one song Jett would be known for more than any other. after shooting an iconic video to accompany the tune.
When Jett was a solo artist she also added the band The Blackhearts who managed to recruit some class players in the line up over the years but the original included, Gary Ryan (Bass), Ricky Byrd on Lead Guitar, and Lee Crystal on drums. One Track from the early years that has seen itself pop up over the years in loads of films is ‘Bad Reputation’ which appeared on that debut solo album along with the classic ‘You Don’t Own Me’ that also features the Pistols Cook & Jones. It was a record that showed many sides to Jett and what she was capable of performing. the album missed out on entering the Billboard top 50 by one place but it was indeed a start.
hot on the heels was the album ‘I Love Rock And Roll’ whilst it never managed to reach the number one spot on the Billboard Charts it has managed an impressive ten million copies sold in its life. it did however spawn the singles ‘Crimson And Clover’ that hit the top ten and Jett had her first number one with the Arrows track that carried the same title as the album. Jett is known for being happy to put a cover song on her records but this album was 50/50 original songs. Later Jett would pen and produce a lot of her records.
Jett still makes records and released ‘unvarnished’ in 2013 that was co-produced by Foo Fighter Dave Grohl who also co-wrote. Also, it’s notable that Jett wrote and co-wrote nine of the ten tracks on the record. this time sneaking in the top 50 as well is no mean feat for a rock record. It was also Jetts first album since 2006s ‘Sinner’ and prior to that was the Japanese only album ‘Naked’ which also featured RPM favourite Sami Yaffa on Bass guitar. Of the sixteen tracks Jett penned thirteen – one was a cover of the Replacements ‘Androgynous’ from their ‘Let It Be’ album.
Jett’s has her own model guitar which is a white Gibson Melody Maker, which she has played on everything since 1977. In 2008 Gibson released the “Joan Jett Signature Melody Maker”. which is some reward for being such an icon, not something Gibson hands out to just anyone. Jett is also happy to talk about animal welfares and is a big supporter of PETA, as she has been a vegetarian for over twenty years and is a supporter of environmental issues. Still making music and touring Jett continues to play with a biography and an excellent documentary being released last year (entitled ‘Bad Reputation’), as well as continued interest in The Runaways her legacy, will forever be passed down through time as a real pioneer for women in Rock and judged for her music and not who or what she is Joan Jettalong with Debbie Harry are rightfully regarded as legends and all Joan Jett needs now is one of those flunko statues and my work here is done. Put another (Joan Jett) record on the jukebox baby and raise a glass as we wish Joan Jett a happy birthday and here’s to another year and who knows maybe another album? That would be good.
The Wildhearts and the Backyard Babies announce a 7 date co-headline UK tour, with The Wildhearts closing and CKY opening. The UK tour starts at the O2 Academy in Newcastle on Tuesday 28th January and concludes at O2 Institute in Birmingham on Tuesday 4th February. Tickets go on sale on Friday 13th. Preceding the UK dates, The Wildhearts are also playing 4 shows in Germany with the Backyard Babies & The Bones.
“I’m surprised we haven’t done this already but it’s finally happening a tour with The Backyard Babies. Its gonna be full-on and we are sharing a bus, what could possibly go wrong? Come out and see us, dance, drink, sing and have your faces torn off… ROCK! ” – CJ Wildheart.
“This will be a badass tour. We’ve been talking about touring with The Wildhearts since the early 2000s. Finally, it happens! If you don’t like loud guitars, great songs, amazing riffs, and High energy Rock N’ Roll music…. Well, just don’t buy a ticket.” – Dregen / Backyard Babies.
“CKY is beyond stoked to return to the UK with the legendary Backyard Babies and The Wildhearts! The rock and roll runs deep on this batch of shows. Don’t miss it!” – Jess Margera / CKY.
The Wildhearts & Backyard Babies tour dates
January 2020
Thu 23th Tante Ju, Dresden DE
Fri 24th Wizemann Stuttgart DE
Sat 25th Live Music Hall Cologne DE
Sun 26th Batschkapp Frankfurt DE
Tue 28th O2 Academy Newcastle
Wed 29th Limelight Belfast
Thu 30th QMU Glasgow
Fri 31st O2 Ritz Manchester
February 2020
Sat 1st O2 Forum Kentish Town London
Mon 3rd Tramshed Cardiff
Tue 4th O2 Institute Birmingham
The Wildhearts are also proud to announce the release of theDiagnosis mini albumon October 4th through Graphite Records. This six track mini album, features five brand new songs and is released as a limited edition special white vinyl with pale blue powder splatter 10’’ (to look like a pill) and as a regular black vinyl 10” and CD. All 3 physical formats will also include an exclusive bespoke inner gatefold comic strip illustrated by the award winning Hunt Emerson, who last worked with the band on the Earth Vs’ cover and their classic logo.
The Diagnosis mini albumfollows the success of Renaissance Men, their first full-length studio album in 10 years, which gave the band’s classic line up of Ginger, CJ, Ritchie and Danny, their highest chart entry since 1994’s P.H.U.Q, when it debuted at number 11.
“Well fuck me we dropped our first new album in 10 years back in May and blow me down if we didn’t drop a humdinger of an album full of monster riffs and razor sweet melodies. Well, we’ve not only gone back in to the studio to record 5 new songs that will be released as the Diagnosis mini album in October, we’re hitting the road too. We have some great supports confirmed already, The Professionals and Janus Stark and I know there are some other amazing bands to be added to the rest of the tour.
You’re going to love the new mini album and the surprises we have on there and the tour is going to be one you should not miss. You can’t keep a good band down.” – C.J Wildheart.
The lead track Diagnosis is about “mental health institutions and the medical health profession in this country, and about how it’s letting people down. How the system is broken, and how the suicide rate is not getting any less.
Depression and mental illness isn’t an issue that attacks any one type of person. Whether you’re homeless or if you’re rich, this illness is taking people out on a regular basis. The government has pulled most of the funding into mental health research, and as a result people are still ignorant about it.
Education is everything. And the more people talk about depression, the more need there’ll be for education, and the more people will want educating about an issue that doesn’t just affect the people suffering from it, but it affects everyone around them.
And when someone is in a desperate position and their hope is taken away, then they’re at the mercy of an illness that wants them dead. There’s nothing more important in the world than education on mental health issues.” – Ginger Wildheart
To coincide with the release of Diagnosis, The Wildhearts’ play a10 date UK tour. This tour will start in Brighton at the Concorde 2 on Saturday 5th October and concludes at Booking Hall in Dover on Tuesday 22nd October.
“Can’t wait to get back out on tour. I’m one of those people that could live in a tour bus” – Ginger Wildheart
Creatively brilliant, The Wildhearts play a distinctive fusion of hard rock, perfectly complimented by contemporary melodies. With a career spanning 30 years The Wildhearts helped change the landscape of British rock through the 90’s, and to this day they haven’t shown any sign of slowing down. Miss these shows at your peril.
The Wildhearts Renaissance Men tour part 2
with special guests The Professionals+, Ferocious Dog^ and Janus Stark* on selected shows
October 2019
Sat 5th Concorde 2 Brighton +*
Sun 6th Sub 89 Reading +*
Mon 7th Live Rooms Chester +*
Tue 8th Welly Hull +*
Thur 10th Picturedrome Holmfirth
Tue 15th Junction Cambridge ^*
Wed 16th Komedia Bath *
Thur 17th Engine Room Southampton
Mon 21st KK’s Steel Mill Wolverhampton
Tue 22nd Booking Hall Dover
November 2019
Fri 29th TivoliBuckley
European shows
October 2019
Fri 11th Helsinki Virgin Oil and Co. Finland
Sat 12th Stockholm Fryhuset Sweden
Sun 13th Oslo Pa Bryn Norway Sold Out
Thu 24th Amsterdam Q Factory Netherlands
Fri 25th Essen Turock Germany
Sat 26th Paris Backstage France
Sun 27th Ooestende Manuscript Belgium
November 2019
Sat 30th Madrid Sala Spain
Tickets and ticket bundles with new album pre-orders are available Here
Brand new Michael Monroe video from the new album ‘One Man Gang’ filmed whilst in Japan recently.
“Last Train To Tokyo” is the second single from Michael Monroe’s new album “One Man Gang” available to pre-order NOW on CD, Coloured Vinyl and Digital formats: Here and as special D2C bundles: Here
The album was recorded and mixed by Petri Majuri at E-Studio in Sipoo, Finland over three weeks in March 2018, the 12-song record was mixed that following Autumn with Monroe and band-mates Rich Jones and Steve Conte on production duties.
2019 TOUR DATES:
Oct 22 John Dee Live Club & Pub Oslo, Norway
Oct 23 Pustervik Gothenburg, Sweden
Oct 24 Fryshuset Klubben Stockholm, Sweden
Oct 25 High Voltage Rock Club Copenhagen, Denmark
Oct 26 HeadCRASH Hamburg, Germany
Oct 27 FRANNZ Club Berlin, Germany
Oct 29 La Maroquinerie Paris, France
Oct 30 02 Academy Islington London, United Kingdom
Nov 01 Brudenell Social Club Leeds, United Kingdom
Nov 02 The Craufurd Arms Wolverton, United Kingdom
Nov 03 Engine Rooms Southhampton, United Kingdom
Nov 04 The Mill, Digbeth Birmingham, United Kingdom
Nov 05 The Garage Glasgow, United Kingdom
Nov 06 Manchester Club Academy Manchester, United Kingdom
Nov 07 The Fleece Bristol, United Kingdom
Nov 08 The Sugarmill Stoke-on-trent, United Kingdom
Nov 09 Hard Rock Hell Chapter XIII Vauxhall Holiday Park, Great Yarmouth, United Kingdom
A genuine rock star since birth, Michael Monroe innately knows exactly how to sing, swagger and walk the most glamorous and colourful of walks. One Man Gang, the former Hanoi Rocks man’s brand new offering on Silver Lining Music, is all about the fun of Friday nights, seven days a week, letting your hair down (or up!) for a dirty, dangerous, damn good time, and embracing a total escape into the rock ‘n’ roll dream. He’s unveiled the album’s second single ‘Last Train To Tokyo’ – a track equipped with the sort of sticky-yet-crispy riffs that were designed to take over radios from Japan to Jamaica.
The ‘Last Train To Tokyo’ video was recorded in Japan and features footage from the band’s dynamic performances at the Summer Sonic 2019 festival in Osaka and Tokyo. Directed and edited by Toni Kristian Tikkanen, the video fully captures the vigour and rock ‘n’ roll essence of Michael Monroe, Rich Jones, Steve Conte, Sami Yaffa and Karl Rockfist.
“It’s a groovy, rockin’ track paying homage to Tokyo and Japan, one of the most rockin’ countries in the world” affirms Monroe. “In the ‘80s Hanoi Rocks had, and I have always had a very special relationship with Japan and it will always be one my favourite countries. Plus, they still live for rock ‘n’ roll as it should be celebrated, they still have physical product, they still make it crazy, exhausting and really exciting every time you go there, which I am really grateful for.”
‘Last Train To Tokyo’ follows the release of previous single ‘One Man Gang’ – the bombastic ballroom blitz that serves as the title track for the upcoming album. Recorded at E-Studios in Sipoo, Finland in about three weeks in March 2018, One Man Gang was produced by Monroe and his band-mates Rich Jones and Steve Conte. The album was engineered by Petri Majuri who also mixed the album in the fall of 2018.
Vancouver’s hard-rock icons ART OF DYING are set to release a new studio album, “Armageddon”, on the 4th October 2019. The album will be preceded by a new title track single taken from the album
The Art Of Dying story starts with their talismanic front man Jonny Hetherington. From hours busking on the corners of frozen streets to gatecrashing some of North America’s biggest venues, to writing and recording records of truly earth-shattering proportions, the trajectory of the quartet’s career has astonished both fans and industry insiders alike.
ART OF DYING have been able to create muscular, vivacious hard-rock bursting with lung-shattering choruses and a sincerity that is impossible to fake. Equally at home with a lead-fingered riff or a deft slow-burner, there is an ease of breadth in AOD’s repertoire.
“I was blown away when I first heard their independent record,” enthuses DISTURBED guitarist Dan Donegan. “I lived with it for quite a while and I was so impressed with the quality of the songwriting that I had a feeling there was something special going on. David (DISTURBED vocalist David Draiman) and I had been looking for someone to sign to our imprint for a while, but I wanted to make sure the guys could do it live – it’s hard to find a band that are the complete package these days. So, we invited them out on a DISTURBED tour of America, we really threw them in the deep end!”
The band introduced guitarist Tavis Stanley and bassist Cale Gontier to their ranks on the eve of the run with DISTURBED – the quartet playing onstage together for the very first time during the soundcheck of the opening show of the tour. But suddenly, everything clicked. “The moment I knew that we had it right was when our voices started harmonizing,” says Hetherington, of the band’s now-trademark three-way vocals for which David Draiman has dubbed them “Eagles in Chains” referencing a blend of 70s supergroup The Eagles and 90s grunge rockers Alice In Chains.
Now, with two critically-acclaimed and widely-played major label releases under their belts, Art Of Dying are returning with Full Length Album “Armageddon”, their most imperious effort to date. “It’s a dark record.” Says Jonny. “Even the cover art (featuring NYC artist Stefano Losi’s painting of Pharaoh Thutmose III) is inspired by the album title. Thutmose lead the historic battle in Megiddo, (aka Armageddon) the first war in history where proper records were kept and a body count was taken.”
Themes like “No One Ever Wins”, “Dark Days” and “Unoriginal” take the listener down to visit the depths of the deep end. But no Art of Dying record would be complete without the inspirational balance of spine-tingling anthems like new single “Armageddon”, “Cut It All Away” and “ShatterProof”.
Of first single “Armageddon” Jonny Hetherington says, “Life sucks. Life is beautiful. Writing Armageddon got me through a tough time and helped shake a few of the demons off my back. If you feel like your world is caving in, like you’re trapped in your own personal Armageddon, I hope you will find the strength to get out.”
If ARMAGEDDON is about one thing above all else it is a study on the power of human will and the uplifting capacity of one’s own self belief. This is rip-snorting rock ’n’ roll that will smash your self-doubt into a million pieces.
“Armageddon” is released through Get A Grip on the 4th October 2019. The new album is available to preorder now, including a limited transparent red vinyl pressing: Here
This really is a huge one for the HRH family – the very best in sleaze rock all under one roof for a weekend of bands and booze over the 29th and 30th of August 2020
HRH Sleaze Cycle IV has gone into overdrive – we are bringing you one of the most exciting lineups ever, with bands from around the globe descending on The O2 Academy in Sheffield! Tracii Guns and Phil Lewis return to HRH Sleaze with the classic lineup of L.A. Guns – every time this iconic L.A. band hit the HRH stage we are treated to a masterclass in sleazy hard rock and Sleaze IV will be no different. Take a listen to their latest live album “Electric Gypsy Live” and you’ll soon hear why this legendary band are back to the very top of their game. https://youtu.be/hdpRskEqsgo
A firm favourite of the HRH family, former Hanoi Rocks frontman Michael Monroeimpressed everyone present at HRH AOR V with an incendiary performance that will be long remembered. The latest single by Finland’s finest – “One Man Gang” – is testament to his seemingly un-faltering talent.
The HRH Family surely need no introduction to The Quireboys – suffice to say that their latest album, the critically acclaimed Amazing Disgrace, is making waves in the music world. Spike, Guy and the gang are as busy – if not busier than they have ever been, with the quality of their recorded and live work still as vibrant and strong as it was back in 1990 when they took the world by storm with “A Bit of What You Fancy”.
Another welcome return to the HRH fold is the legendary Jizzy Pearl – one of the most recognisable voices in rock, he brings his Love/Hate to the O2 Academy Sheffield to treat us to classics from timeless albums such as Blackout in the Red Room and Wasted in America.
True veterans of the sleaze rock scene, Californians Jetboy were formed in 1983, and are in their second active spell having re-formed in 2006. Their latest album – 2019’s Born to Fly – is a staple on Hard Rock Hell Radio and is the band’s first full album of brand new music since 1990.
Hollywood leather boyz Pretty Boy Floyd have been playing with their electric toyz since 1987 with just a 5-year break in the ‘90’s – and a minor spat in the 2000s. Although they have only released 3 studio albums (the latest being 2017’s “Public Enemies”) the band are still very much active on the sleaze circuit playing iconic venues such as The Whisky and Rainbow Bar in Hollywood – the capital of sleaze.
Set to deliver a huge kick in the balls for HRH Sleaze IV next year will be Americans Kickin’ Valentina. With ex-Jetboy singer D.K. Revelle now on board the band are going from strength to strength as one of the leading lights of the new wave of sleaze rock.
The quality of bands at HRH Sleaze IV is beyond compare – in addition to L.A. Guns, Michael Monroe, Jizzy Pearl’s Love/Hate, The Quireboys, Jetboy, Pretty Boy Floyd and Kickin’ Valentina we are stoked to announce a further 15 incredible bands:
Sweden’s Confess are making their HRH debut and we can’t wait – also hailing from Sweden are Pretty Wild as they continue their goal of taking over the world with their “in your face” live set, having just released their latest album “Interstate 13” this year.
Now based in L.A., Bullets and Octane have toured with the very best from Avenged Sevenfold to Stone Sour, releasing 6 albums in almost 20 years.
One of the most active bands on the UK sleaze rock circuit are Midnite City. Formed by Tigertailz frontman Rob Wylde, the band are filling rock clubs around the country on a regular basis, and have just announced a tour of Japan.
Also joining us for HRH Sleaze IV are 3-piece The Spangles, featuring members of The Main Grains and The Idol Dead – they list cider as the band’s main interest, so that could get messy. Self-proclaimed bastards of rock’n’roll, RanKelson are back after a 32-year break – and ready to carry on where they left off. Circus Junkie Rebels make the short hop from Stoke, and Bare Knuckle Messiahs – led by former Tigertailz frontman Kim Hooker – make the trek from Wales.
Playing on their home turf at HRH Sleaze IV are Sheffield based Silverjet, while Londoners Paradise Alley have been active in one form or another since 1992. Finland are represented by veterans Plastic Tears, formed in 1992 and making a rare UK appearance while Nottingham’s Todd Michaels and the Screamin’ Heartstake a short ride up the M1 to join us in Sheffield.
Last but not least, we welcome Southampton’s The Smokin Prophets, The Suicide Notes who describe themselves as the “illegitimate sons of punk and sleaze”, and hard rockers Liberty Slaves from nearby Huddersfield.
Distill – verb – to extract the essential meaning of or most important aspects of
On their eight studio “album” Gothenburg Hard Rock Motherfuckers, The Chuck Norris Experiment have managed to do just that. Distill everything they’ve done to date into ten blistering rock work-outs in the space of twelve minutes. With a statistic that would make you think you’ve stumbled across a long-lost Ramones release or a new Grindcore masterpiece, you really have got to hear Shortcuts to appreciate just what a Hard Rock masterstroke CNE have pulled.
As the sampled intro to “Back It Up” warns you to “fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night” you can only sit back and let it all wash over you and wonder what the fuck has hit you as the last strains of “Begging For More” leave you doing just that.
Whether it’s the low slung swagger of “One Hand On The Hip”, the gnawing melody of the aforementioned “Begging For More” or the chest-beating singalong that is “Whatever You Say I Am” it’s like all the best bits of their debut album, Right Between The Eyes and Dead Central have had all the fat stripped off them (and lets be honest they were pretty fucking lean already) and been given a huge dose of steroids and a ton of adrenalin. And you’d think an album with the longest track of 1:27 might be lacking in melody and intricacy, yeah? Well, think again, because Chuck The Ripper’s leads are all over the likes of “All Your Bridges Are Burning” and “Little Demon II”. With the rest of the band on peak form and with production as crisp and punchy as you’d expect this is the best twelve minutes you’ll subject your ears to this year.
With a release as a 7 inch record (which as I write this has already sold out on pre-order), cassette and a CD in can (as well as the usual digital sources) you’ll hopefully have heeded the social media adverts and snapped up a physical copy already, but regardless, you need a copy of this in any form. It’s a little piece of hard rock genius.
FEATURING 6 UNRELEASED BONUS TRACKS, INCLUDING 2019 VERSION OF ‘WAIT FOR YOU’
REMASTERED AUDIO
REVISED & EXPANDED ARTWORK as the band head out on tour to support Black Star Riders.
Stone Broken officially re-issue ‘All In Time’, the debut album that started it all back in 2016.
Previously only available as a low-key digital release and limited CD merch item, ‘All In Time’ will now finally be available with revised artwork and lovingly remastered audio, along with expanded liner notes and premium physical packaging, including song lyrics and band reflections.
Additionally, fans will receive 6 never-before-released bonus tracks, including a stunning 2019 recording of fan anthem ‘Wait For You’, featuring strings by The Bristol Ensemble. SB chose to re-visit ‘Wait For You’ tospotlight its significance to their ever-growing fan-base, The Broken Army, who have effectively taken ownership of both the sentiment and the song, using it to celebrate key moments of happiness and as a source of hope in more reflective times.
All In Time2019 will be released by Spinefarm onCD / DL / LP, with the vinyl version carrying a download card so all of the bonus content can be included.
Stone Broken frontman, Rich Moss, says: –
“‘All In Time’ wasn’t just a stepping stone for us, it wasn’t just our debut record… it literally changed our lives! When we were writing the album, I don’t think any of us realised just how important it was going to be. We released it independently, and within the first couple of hours, the CD stocks had all sold out! We managed to tour right across the UK and Europe and gain some incredible fans and friends along the way! We feel now is the right moment to put ‘All In Time’ back into production and to let people have a piece of our history”
Having just completed a highly successful run of European shows with Black Stone Cherry, Stone Broken – completed by Chris Davis (lead guitars), Kieron Conroy (bass) & Robyn Haycock (drums) – will play a 14-date tour of the UK & Ireland this October as Special Guests to Black Star Riders. Wayward Sons are also on the bill.
“Let’s get the superlatives out of the way right off the bat: holy lord is this ever a fab record. Grade: A” – Goldmine
“I keep wondering if I went back through American Bandstand if I could find The Brothers Steve playing on the show in some weird time travel paradox. These songs are packed with hooks, diversity, and instant accessibility.” – RPM
Years ago, in the magical world of Southern California, five young rockers formed a band called The Brothers Steve. They wrote some songs, played some parties, and promptly broke up, leaving their wonderful original songs unheard by all but a handful of lucky party-goers.
Luckily for us, the legend of The Brothers Steve was not over. The band reformed, triumphantly returning to the stage at this year’s International Pop Overthrow Festival in Los Angeles.
They’ve also recorded their classic songs on a fantastic new album (#1), containing 9 hot rockin’ tracks and one acoustic jam, any of which would sound right at home blasting from the radio of a ’66 Cadillac Coup DeVille.
The band has crafted a heady mix of British Invasion, indie rock, bubblegum, and power pop, which singer Jeff Whalen described thusly:“The Brothers Steve to me is like a ‘60s meets ‘90s kind of record. I don’t think the ‘60s thing here was super-intentional. It’s more like when Os and I get together to sing and write, we very often end up in this early-Bee Gees/Association/Nilsson territory.”
The band is Jeff Whalen (vocals, guitar), Os Tyler (vocals), Dylan Champion (vocals, guitar), Jeff Solomon (bass) and Coulter (drums).
Now that these long-dormant songs have been revived, how do The Brother Steve hope to be remembered?
Os: Fondly.
Jeff: With people’s brains.
“The album will be released in mid-late September. Produced by Luke Tierney, #1 is now available for pre-order on CD.”
Dig what these cool cats are saying:
“…the best thing that I’ve heard this year… #1 is the shot in the arm that Guitar Pop needed so badly.” –I Don’t Hear A Single
“The Brothers Steve debut album #1 is a concentrated dose of poprock goodness. This baby is all killer, no filler, beginning to end.” –Poprock Record
“The Brothers Steve have channelled the spirits of The Banana Splits and The Monkees for this airy fun slice of California pie album.” –Full Blast Music
“3 members of Tsar play in The Brothers Steve, but the music of the band is more influenced by Teenage Fanclub, Guided By Voices or The Kinks. The 60s powerpop influences perfectly mix with 90s alternative Brit pop…’ –Veglam
TRACK LIST:
Angeline / We Got The Hits / She / Carolanne / C’mon Pappy / Songwriter / Carry Me / Good Deal Of Love / Beat Generation Poet Turned Assassin / Sunlight
‘Peter Doherty & The Puta Madres’ will have many rushing for the exit and some will stick around and check it out whilst others are true believers that Doherty was handed the baton of real rock and rollers who always find what they’re looking for even if they don’t quite know what it is they are looking for. They manage to write with great talents to interpret what’s coming out of their mind and who just click and make all the madness sound cohesive and at times quite beautiful, it’s fair to say the record at times is intimate with tales of love, loss, happiness, tragedy, addiction and work on many levels. The album was recorded live to capture the essence and spirit of the Puta Madres at a family home overlooking a fishing village in Étretat, Normandy, over four days in the summer of 2018. so as the needle drops we are gently led into ‘All At Sea’ with the unmistakable wavering vocals of Doherty. The band are given the room to breathe and at times I’m reminded of albums like Dylans ‘Blood On the Tracks’ and Velvet Underground for the loose arrangments and use of instruments (ok so this might not stack up to those two albums but you get the gist).
‘Whose Been Having You Over’ has a galic flavour and once you lock into the groove its a majestic thing with some fine guitar work from Jones and Doherty and as the first track the violin of Miki Beavis is exceptional and add eastern flavours. ‘Paradise Is Under Your Nose’ is Dohertys finest five minutes and his duet with Jack Jones is on another level for a quite beautiful song.
The autobiographical ‘Narcissistic Teen Makes First XI ‘ is classic dreamy Doherty. I promise the payback from this album is massive if you invest a bit of time and energy into it. sure I can see how people will play it once and call it a shambles I get that but give it a chance. There’s a gentle hand at work here and Doherty sounds content and comfortable with the musicians he’s assembled around him for this record as they play around his relaxed skiffle on tracks like ‘A Fool There Was’ as that gypsy violin leads a merry dance.
It’s not The Libertines and its not his loudest record but it might just be his best.
Recent Comments