Kevin K & The Bowery Kats – ‘Rosewood’ (Vicious Kitten Records)

Kevin K & The Bowery Kats – ‘Rosewood’ (Vicious Kitten Records)

Kevin K returns in 2024 with ‘Rosewood’ – a ten-song collection to backdrop a world set with tension, AI advances and an ever-decreasing circle of real honest Rock n Rollas. That’s what the Double K and his record label want you to believe but it’s not as bad a picture as that intro might suggest, no sir. We at RPM know that it’s out there still kicking and screaming but it might be harder to find which is why we’re here and I guess why you’re still reading this here review.

Prolific Punk Rock n Roll lifer The Double K loves a Riff and ‘Rosewood’ has plenty throughout its ten tunes. Rockers, steeped in da blooze baby plus the quieter moments that find KK at his most reflective and openhearted. The format of bittersweet songs leaning heavily on his heroes such as Big Star, Johnny Thunders, the Replacements and the Stones are present and accounted for which is the staple of Kevin’s repertoire and thank God for that keeping on keeping on.

Double K has always kept close to his NYC roots and sung about his early formative years and those halcyon days are still his staple call it retro or nostalgia, for lifers like Kevin K it’s all he knows and the well can never run dry due to its rich past. The record is probably Kevin K at his best to be fair and sounding live is a real benefit for these songs no longer having to lean on a drum machine Kevin has embraced the modern world and on ‘Rosewood’ delivered a kick-ass record and captured what’s in his heart really well.

The opener ‘Sometime In The Rain’ has a great hook and melody and the wall of guitars sounds vibrant and alluring. Sure Johnny Thunders would approve but that’s the point. ‘What Will I Do’ is aggressive whilst ‘Last Train Home’ is more laid back but the rawness carries the song home. ‘Moving On’ has plenty of swing from the hypnotic riff and the fact that he resisted the temptation to rock out with the rest of the band is what makes it.

‘How I Feel’ is a really dirty Steve Jones kinda riff built around a Stooges groove. It might share a title with The aforementioned Stooges but ‘I Feel Alright’ comes out windmilling those riffs and one of the best tracks on offer here. There’s room for a loose take on ‘Brand New Cadillac’ and I do like the Thunders inspired guitar solo – very nice.

The album closes on the reflective ‘My Time Has Come And Gone’ and we’re done. The only acoustic song on the album and classic Kevin K, wrapping up a really impressive album from the man which only leaves me to say if you know Kevin K and like what he does then this is a no brainer and if you’re here for your first time then this will impress. always good to hear new music from Kevin K and smile at his cat-inspired artwork. head over to Bandcamp without paws and pick up a copy and act like you’re the cat who go the cream.

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Author: Dom Daley

Kevin K – ‘Broken’ (Vicious Kitten Records)

Kevin K – ‘Broken’ (Vicious Kitten Records)

It’s been a while I’ll give you that. One man Trash Rock n Roller Kevin K has released a bazillion self released albums over decades and its been a whilse since we heard from the man and then an email hits the virtual doormat with a thud and low and behold its only a new long players from da Man containing his heaviest bunch of lo-fi tunes to date.

He’s been leaning on the fact that these tunes are his heaviest songs in a Blackest of Sabbath way and as soon as the title track kicks in you get his drift. Kevin took himself to Detroit to record in a cold dark basement just to set the tone and boy has it shaped these tunes. In an age where you can produce a piece on pro tools in your toilet if you so wish and get amazing results but Kevin heads to the basement and digs up a tascam four track and buries it in the dirt then digs it up and then begins recording. Twelve songs the next as dark as the previous taking a heavy metalic goth sledgehammer to each track.

‘Broken’ is heavy distorted riff-a-rama but heres the thing its not a giant leap his vocal is instantly recognisable for fans of his work and the solo is sweet whilst the drum machine plays on behind the wall of fuzz its a cool riff and a great way to kick off the album.

Kevin pays tribute to one of the finest bands ever to walk the planet with ‘The Lords Of The New Church’ not a new idea one that Michael Monroe did very well on his solo path and an idea that Stiv did with the Dolls so full circle is done and I do like the use of the tracks riff. ‘Wrong Way To Hell’ is an aggressive little bugger and I also like the riff on this I can imagine this done in a studio with a real live band and a big production being a bit of a beast and the melody is really good.

The theme follows throughout with strong vocal melodies from the Double K with fuzzed up fucked up guitar riffs kicking the tunes out of your speakers with less abrasive vocals from KK. In a dark Hellhammer kinda way ‘Prayers Of Life’ bursts into life.

The lyrics tread familiar ground for Kevin but you knew that but the change here is trading in those Thunders licks n fills for a blunt trauma forced guitar hitting your speakers with little finesse and it actually works for Kevin. The album gets a little lost midway with the same tempo and drum sound and beats but ‘Winter 22’ soon sets that to rights. Something as a little interlude ‘Winter 22’ is some light relief before heading back into the darkness with ‘Catacomb Heart’ a rolling solaplex punch of a riff over a staggering stuttering beat before a brief dark bridge and then heading back into the darkness. Excellent song.

The record signs off with a one man assault on the Dead Boys classic ‘Caught With The Meat In Your Mouth’ that ends as abruptly as this record begins. A cool experiment from Kevin K and over all it actually bloody works. Dive in summon the beast and let some darkness into your world. Kevin K did and made a record.

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Author: Dom Daley

Kevin K – ‘Cadallac Man’ (Vicious Kitten Records)

Kevin K – ‘Cadallac Man’ (Vicious Kitten Records)

Go back a couple of years – 2020 to be precise. The world was being locked-down. Kevin K was also having to deal with the passing of his father a future with no financial certainty and the very real prospect of homelessness.

The pandemic hit bands and artists who needed to be out on the road to make a living hardest its where they got by be it America or this side of the pond on mainland Europe.

Kevin did what many others did and sat at home writing and writing and doing a little more writing – waiting for the day they could venture out further than their local food store. Luckily for Kevin the songs found their way out and he was the conduit for what fell from the skies.

Pandemic eased and a chance to let the world have the songs that would be ‘Cadillac Man’. Enough tunes for two albums A huge body of work that pays homage to his idols like Johnny Thunders, the Stones and Ramones Hell he even pays tribute to Da Bruthers with the tune ‘No Ramones’. Kevin K chips in with an earthy organic album that’s pressed on CD and not vinyl Uses a drum machine and home recordings. Now I’m not at ease with the drum machine its quite the early Alesis drum machine sound rather than some of the new home recording like drum tracks but Kevin isn’t someone who sounds like he embraces modern tech and would go for the warm analogue sound anyway but don’t let it detract from the songs which is what Kevin K does well. Hes a musician and a songwriter first and foremost.

It’s power pop n Rock n Roll no tricks or smart arse studio saucery its all about the songs.



The one thing I would say is this album is more Stonesy than previous offerings and the Exile vibe shines through. I’m sure Kevin K would be familiar with Exile and all it stands for and has tried to capture the feel and vibe.

KEVIN K plays every instrument on every song which is cool and considering this is his thirty third album hes come up trumps on the songwriting front and fair play to him. Using open G like Keif Richards Kevin had to reinvent himself and learning how the five string open G works has been the guiding light for these songs.

There are songs about growing up (‘Pendleton’), NYC (‘Village Girl’, ‘1989’). There are songs about loss (‘I Miss You’, ‘Tear Drops Don’t Stop’, ‘You Let Me Down’), songs about lockdowns and the weird world we live in (‘No Respect’, ‘Dum Days’, ‘Zombie Heat’), and hopelessness (‘Start Me Down’).

Fans who’ve been with Kevin K forever or more recently over the past few decades are gonna love the songs on this record and there will be those who are discovering him recently and will have the daunting prospect of delving into his catalogue. One thing for sure is the twenty songs on offer are enough to keep you delving in or playing from top to bottom A post pandemic world where Kevin K is making albums is a good place to be and I do hope he continues to hold the traditions handed down to him from the good and greats and runs and passes on the baton. Keep on Rockin and Rollin Mr K you Rolls Royce.
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Author: Dom Daley

Kevin K & Ricky Rat – ‘Party Store’ (Circumstantial Records)

Kevin K & Ricky Rat – ‘Party Store’ (Circumstantial Records)

It was once said If they drop a nuclear bomb on this planet, the only things left would be cockroaches…and Lemmy. well, that ain’t going to happen seeing as though Lemmy has left the building but Kevin K is still here and with dozens of albums under his belt and after a threatened retirement Kevin K is still kicking out the jams and still delivering the good. With forty something albums under his belt Kevin is still finding inspiration and being an inspiration to music lovers everywhere.

Then there’s Ricky Rat.  Ricky was recently part of the Cheetah Chrome Dead Boys project that was getting decent reviews for their live shows and then that all blew up just before their proposed Rebellion Festival appearance in the UK tour and that was that. He’d been a Trash Brat and a solo artist with a couple of exemplary power-pop records under his belt but the two good friends have also toured mainland Europe together so clearly get on well and have an understanding of each other so I guess it makes perfect sense they should find themselves in a studio recording a record together.

Right, 2020.  Who knew there would be a collaborated record put out between the two Rock and Rollers now the minute I heard I got excited I love Kevin’s music and Rickys so hold onto you Les Paul Jnr and get on board with ‘Party Store’.  ‘Identity Crisis’ kicks off with a vibrant jangling rock and roll number with a great steady beat and some great tone and before the third run through to the chorus you’re singing along and punching the air.  Sure it’s nothing new but it offers entertainment and puts a smile on my boat race. Joining forces offers the best of both worlds its not your usual Kevin K and neither is it the unadulterated power pop of Ricky Rats solo albums but it is catchy and rockin’ and the great big dirty twelve-bar of ‘Song For Lulu’ is the sound of two great pals just enjoying making music and Rockin’ out and that shines through like the fuckin’ sun!

I was wondering if it would be the case that I’d tell which one wrote which tune and would it be the case of Kevin singing one of Rickys power-pop tunes and vice versa but it’s not its something altogether different.  I love the vibe of ‘Shame’ it sounds like they cut it raw and live in the studio and some of the guitar breaks are pure joy. ‘You Don’t Call’ is a breath of summer cool with the acoustic guitars and strings a most welcome left turn down a really enjoyable dreamy side street.

Getting back on it with the vibrant ‘Shes Cold’ with a great pace and dirty guitars leading the charge then crashing that one outta the way is the snotty ‘Lost America’.  As the album swings back and forth it flows really neatly from one to the next but with some subtle melodies and plenty of dirt from these guys but with softer edges showing as well. They work really well together and complement each other’s strengths and the fact that the songs are strong and there aren’t any duff tracks on offer is a testament to that.  I loved it when the double K worked with Texas Terri and they did a great split as well so Kevin K has form for collaborating with others and what Ricky brings to the party is excellent as well,  both steeped in traditional punk rock and roll and long-established roots in the good and the great that have passed through here before them soaking it all up like sponges when it works it’s a beautiful thing.

They even sling in a silky smooth romp through ‘Let Go’ which sounds like they are having an absolute ball and a great way to sign off and pop back down the ‘Party Store’ for refills.  But before you go there’s a wonderful extra mix of ‘you Don’t Call’ that seems fitting to end with as the stripped bare intro and melody is like prime time Teenage Fan club its that good.

Get on it kids these ain’t no successful losers these are the real deal and this album seriously rocks!

Author: Dom Daley

 

 

Twelve days of Christmas – A look back at 2018 with RPM – May

Twelve days of Christmas – A look back at 2018 with RPM – May

It’s a heatwave

with Summer just around the corner, the (dis) United Kingdom was warming up nicely surprisingly  May was a rather quiet month for the scribes at RPM well before RPM but you get my gist. Ben was getting his head around The Future Shape Of Sound and their ‘Showdown Gospel’.  Whilst we’re on the subject of the Gypsy Hotel it might be the right time to mention that Urban Voodoo Machine also released a record this month which happened to be a compilation record entitled ’15 Shots From The Urban Voodoo Machine’ which wrapped their singles and bits and bobs up very nicely into the one package and it seemed like the best idea to then go out and tour the record.  I also got to see them once again and same as before and the time before that etc etc they were absolutely awesome and never fail to play the most entertaining live show out there. 

whilst we’re on the subject of records released in May 2018 I have to mention a few of my personal favourites that put out great records firstly a man who should need any introductions but I’m going to anyway – James Williamson & The Pink Hearts. featuring (The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs) and Petra Haden (Haden Triplets) with the fantastic ‘Behind The Shade’. also I have to note that Kevin K also put out his something like 95th solo album ‘Too Much too Sun’ I might jest about how many records the guy has released but he’s a phenomenon and deserves respect for the amount of time and effort he puts into his music and I love it when he does release his next CD and even if he says no more, trust me he will.

Also in the pre-summer rush, those cool cats from Burbank California Prima Donna saw fit to release ‘S/T’ and much like Urban Voodoo Machine they can do no wrong in my eyes and have never made a bad record. Kevin Preston leads the band into their Fourth Long Player this time coming out on the excellent Wicked Cool Records now a four piece line up ‘4 Real’ was released as the lead single from the album.

Also casting our minds back to May, Beach Slang released their long-awaited Quiet Slang altar ego that featured a whole long player full of orchestrated tunes entitled ‘Everything Matters But No one Is Listening’. James Alex is one talented guy and going from alternative rocker to string arrangements and softly delivered tunes such as the amazing ‘Dirty Cigarettes’ is no easy step. Fantastic record and not only one of this month’s highlights but one of the years highlights.

On the live front, there were a few tours that went out most notably the doubleheader that was Zeke and The Hip Priests tearing it up across the UK which Fraser noted as one of his years’ highlights.

However, it has to be noted he (Fraser Munro) also managed to see Steps play Waddon Road which is Cheltenham Towns football ground the same month he saw Zeke and the Hip Priests so maybe Zeke affected his head or he bumped it whilst on the good ship Thekla? Maybe he didn’t and he’s really a massive steps fan as he also is rumored to have a picture of Ian Watkins on his wall lets hope its the real H and not some imposter – you decide.

 

On that bombshell maybe its best we leave May and quickly delve into June.  I’ll leave you with two of the finest albums of 2018 in the shape of ’15 shots’ from the magnificent Urban Voodoo Machine and Quiet Slang’s ‘Everything Matters’.

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