(Swami) John Reis – ‘Time To Let You Down’ (Swami Records)

(Swami) John Reis – ‘Time To Let You Down’ (Swami Records)

Wow, that there John Reis, he be on fire people releasing records like it’s going outta fashion. No writer’s block for Speedo the former Rocket From The Crypt fella.

Celebrating 55 years in the music business! Swami John Reis is back with his second LP in eight months. ‘Time To Let You Down’ is a raw live melody man on a mission, blasting out raw feral punk rock like its going out of fashion and going to be outlawed by the federal government for being a threat to the kids. This is eleven tracks full of proper tunes from your fist in the air songs, to the nodding head collection, right through to the shit kicking department. Reis isn’t fucking about here just cashing in and phoning in a record because he has to he’s doing it because he needs to release these rabid beasts.

The album opens with the rabid title track and it never looks back from there. Its a dash to the finish with tempos raised and the melodies dialed in to the max. There’s a raw anthemic vibe Reis has struck upon, and he’s mining the seam to the limit, something he’s done all his career to be fair, but this one is bristling with vibrancy and a joy in such troubled times. It’s punk rock, baby, but with the attitude comes a maturity in the melodies that are here to take it somewhere fresh and ‘Basement Envy’ is proof enough to me that this is one hell of a band and Reis knows it. Kick out the jams you bastards, but don’t forget the Beach Boys melodies. ‘Boomer Rang’ is like a chainsaw ripping through your speakers until the soothing keys tickle your lobes like the ultimate audio sweet and sour. The first single ‘Feed The Dogs’ is a brooding bruiser in comparison to its predecessors, but that’s the beauty of this record, it sounds like it’s got the lot.

Flip the record and buckle up, this might get dangerous. ‘Prince Of Parade’ might be your typical Reis kinda song with a thumping driving beat and so much harmony and melody it makes you sick. It’s noticeable that only a couple of songs stray over the three-minute mark because Reis knows what captures the attention in the 21st Century, and time waits for no man. Get in – out and get the job done and if you can’t get the point across in under three minutes, you’re message is wrong.

Have I mentioned the melodies? sure as shit I have and disciples already know this but if this is your introduction to the world Of John Reis then let me reiterate that the guy loves a melody and here is an album packed to the gills with em and ‘Kamen Rider Theme’ is one huge melody and the only thing Stinking on here is the amount of talent on offer. ‘Because I Stink’ is fun and that keyboard is hypnotic and pinching melodies and lyrics is always cool, one of my favourites so far has to be the brilliant ‘Cold Feet’ the groove they hit is addictive and mention has to go to old comrades from Hot Snakes who make contributions Jason Sinclair, Bed OF Nails Joey Guevara is on those synths and of course Reis does a smart job on the production as well. I expect the next one before Christmas, and if it’s half as good as this, then Swami John Reis might well have a couple of albums in the shakedown for album of the year – just buy it!

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Author: Dom Daley

Swami John Reis – ‘Ride The Wild Night’ (Swami Records)

Swami John Reis – ‘Ride The Wild Night’ (Swami Records)

It was only the other day that I was listening to Rocket From The Crypt in the car. Shortly after, who should recommend the new solo album by Speedo/John Reis but our very own Mr Hayward. After listening on Spotify, I duly ordered the vinyl (no CD yet). It’s a no-brainer to any RFTC fans that this is a worthy purchase. From the first song, I was hooked. There’s a Liamesque delivery to the title track, but Mr Gallagher can’t hold a candle to these tunes. And, believe me, this album is packed with tunes.

‘I Ain’t Your Pawn’ struts like Jim Jones with guitar and piano hammering out the riff. It would be a shame if Reis didn’t play some gigs to support this release. ‘Do You Still Wanna Make Out?’, with its “shoo-wop” backing vocals and insistent rhythm would give Giuda a run for their money.

‘When I Kicked Him In The Face’ starts with a picked riff reminiscent of Elliott Smith, before launching into more familiar territory. ‘Days Of Auld Lang Syne’ ends side one with a breezy piano led tune with a reflective lyric.

‘I Hate My Neighbours In The Yellow House’ starts with a synth before the guitars kick in. While there’s a variety of songs here, it always sounds reassuringly like John Reis. ‘Vape In The Dark Alone’ is more akin to ‘Group Sounds’ with its sinister melody.

‘Rip From The Bone’ is killer, it makes you want to pick up the guitar and play along, head nodding. Simple and devastatingly effective. “We don’t see eye to eye, said the spider to the fly”. ‘We Broke The News’ is equally addictive, and ‘Keeper Of The Plains’ is a classy note to end on. As you’d expect. And it’s on transparent, mouthwash green vinyl. What are you waiting for?

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Author: Martin Chamarette