We’ve reviewed Local Drags before be it the records or digital only downloads this one man band sure does know how to pen absolute killer power pop new wave, grungy classics and instant classics at that. There is no time to let them disolve into your brain (but they will) these are fizzy pop catch the bubbles before they’re gone power pop. I’ve probably said it before but this guy is a genius and his records should be familiar to the cool kids all around this spinning rock we dwell on.
this time out its ten songs all dripping with class from the opening feedback and white noise of ‘Keep An Eye’ with its distant piano/voice intro before the drums and electric guitar crash in. The melody is killer (of course it is) the chorus will have you throwing yourself around as you remember what it was that made you fall in love with alternative music.
As ‘Heard About It’ crashes in I’m thumbing through my collection looking for the classic albums I feel inspired to play after this one has finished. From Buffalo Tom to the Lemonheads to some Neil Young, Redd Kross and Replacements all via Teenage Fanclub at their peek.
It’s all about the song, not the singer and the pedal steel wheeze of ‘Call You A Baby’ this is such a joy to play especially loudly. ‘Good For Nothing’ is a mellow acoustic number with some 70s stylings and a real earworm. They remind me a little of The Speedways from the UK less Ramones and 50s pop-influenced but the alt American version but both pen great guitar-driven pop songs.
The acoustic is out again for ‘Cheap Rates’ and the Teenage Fanclub vibe bubbles to the top. Kicking back or rockin out I’m not bothered either way, Local Drags write big sweeping guitar pop/rock songs and I love ’em. Right up to the final cut of ‘Better Now’ those big crashing chords sign yet another triumph of songwriting excellence and if you take the time to dive in you will reap the rewards over and over and when you’ve delved into the catalogue of previous releases my work here is done. Get involved and get down with Locla Drags because ‘Mess Of Everything’ is all killer and no filler. Buy It!
Local Drags. A band or artist I’ve admired for a while. As far as I’m concerned ‘Shits Looking Up’ was one of those underground diamonds you stumble across from time to time and every track is a banger and it blows your mind for no specific reason other than its full to bursting with great songs and style.
How can it be possible that this guy isn’t more widely known? He plays good old wholesome heartfelt Rock and Roll like Gin Blossoms and a power popped Replacements mixed with the same qualities Beach Slang gets praised for.
Its loud pop songs pure and simple maybe an 11 on the Marshall Amp-omiter where you might find say, a Teenage Fanclub on a 9 – it’s that kind of ballpark. Don’t believe me just test drive ‘Breakable’ and get back to me. Some of the melodies remind me of prime-time Posies.
The hyped-up Americana of ‘Think Straight’ is a bit of bop til you drop that’s infectious and just downright good vibrations it’s as simple as that. Every song is like a notch up the ladder from the previous one until you start again and go back to the start and realise this is a wonderful demonstration in songwriting of catchy, pop hook, tunes and its a simple formula guitar, bass and drums. Nothing fancy just let the song do the talking – no need for special effects or layers of synths or sequencers adding compressed drum tracks just rock and roll telling stories and having a great time. Like magic just as I put the world to rights ‘My Skull’ has a synth haha! but don’t be fooled it’s only there as a texture. with a great hook on the chorus, it’s such an uplifting record.
The album closes with some big acoustic chords on ‘Way Homer’ as you wait for the band to crash in on the chorus but it doesn’t in fact it just rolls up gently to its conclusion capping off another terrific record from Local Drags. OH and as a cool aside the inner sleeve is a lovely reproduction of the suit worn on the outer jacket. – Nice touch that on a really nice album. Buy It!
Welcome one and all as we crack open the March batch of 7″ singles and as you’ll see we have a variety of bands and some superb singles for your delectation. We welcome some old favourites and of course a format we always welcome the good old split with this months split coming from a pair of bands we love Bitch Queens and The Drippers. We also welcome plenty of debutants to our exclusive club and hope you find something you can enjoy and support… hit it…
Johnny Thunders – ‘Chinese Rocks’ (Golden Robot Records/Die Laughing Records) All Johnny ever wanted to do was make the kids dance and he sure as hell did that. Now a lot of his live shows were during the classic age of the bootleg and this bad boy is no exception the sound quality is not the best as you can imagine but it does capture the energy of his shows. Taken from the upcoming live album; ‘Cosa Nostra: Live At The Mudd Club 1983 Gothenburg’. which will be available as limited edition vinyl and on all streaming platforms. We can argue over the merits of another release of a bootleg but hell, I miss this guy like no other performer I ever bought a record of, so, as one of those sad completist types I’ll be clicking the link. They just don’t make em like Johnny anymore untouchable! Pre-Order/SaveHERE
Bitch Queens / The Drippers – Split (Lux Noise Records) Kicking off this month’s Singles Club is a right pair of bangers. Our favourite Basel boys are back with fellow European rockers the Drippers. ‘Ignorance is bliss’ they say but if you ignore this then you’re ignoring the opportunity to get involved with the latest release from 7″ from one of the best loud Rock and Roll bands who just love to knock out singles as often as possible.
This is another riot ride of adrenalin with a solid melody and some lovely wah! and duelling guitars Get on it here kids you won’t regret it! If that wasn’t enough to convince you then flip it over and get an earful of The Drippers who are the ‘Beach Kings’ and channelling their best Motorhead they hurtle off on a rapid drumbeat and more Wah! than you deserve. Its a corker of a tune to be fair and a worthy companion for the mighty Bitch Queens split repertoire.
Rich Ragany & The Digressions – ‘Marionette’ (Self Release) Like a rush of adrenaline the first song from the brand new Rich Ragany album is birthed into the ether and ‘Marionette’ is uplifting and boundless with heartfelt energy as the band head into the difficult second album but on this evidence, it’s not difficult at all. Subtle melodies clash with some fantastic duelling guitars throughout. The sound is big and makes you wanna get up and move as you search for the tennis racket and hairbrush when you’re alone in the house to join the Digressions for the solo and chorus. Get on it kids its a grower. Bandcamp
Marc Ribler – ‘Shattered’ (Wicked Cool Records) Like a lazy Sunday morning bit of Rock and Roll with a gentle chorus and melody, some nice slide guitar playing. ITs got that swirling organ laying down underneath the beat as the song jogs on like a shot of Tom Petty. The B side is even more laid back with eastern flavours from the New Jersey man as he kicks back. Bandcamp
Wheelz – ‘Twenty Twenty’ (No Front Teeth) “No Coast” punk rock outta the Midwest. Four new sloppy ’n’ snotty anthems in the vein of UK ’77 meets American Punk like a blend of The Briefs, Spent Idols, Toy Dolls and Partisans. Sure take a look at the picture, drink it in because they sound exactly like you want them to sound. Its a perfect snotty sound capsule from the late 70s’ with modern production. ‘Politicians’ is a mash-up of ‘The Last Time’ (Stiv would approve) and mid-period Rancid. Buy UK Here / Facebook US: Boulevardtrashpunk.com Hipsters can get it on Cassette: EU: Tapeordie.bigcartel.com
Dead Meat – (No Front Teeth) The second single from London’s snotty KBD punks Dead Meat. Another four killer cuts Featuring members of Kool and the Gangbangers, The Cavemen and the Speedways. The regular edition is spray paint on genuine leather… yes it smells like a new sofa, genuine dead meat… loads of different colours of leather chosen at random with each order (mine was a lovely pink). Anyway, don’t let the waffle distract you Dead Meat are four noisy fuckers who could wake the dead (Meat) with their raw punk rock. Buy Here from the excellent NFT label direct or the bands Bandcamp page Here. ‘Through The Heart’ starts off like the bastard son of Motorhead but descends into a sloppy tasty slab of punk rock. It’s like the partisans never happened but with added gob and glitter. Hold onto your knickers boys because ‘Hanging On The Weekend’ is a belter. Snotty rapid punk rock with the sloppiest solo ever before falling into a gluey mess with ‘Son Of Sam’ about the NYC killer from the 70s. ‘Don’t blink or you’ll miss em as this four-track EP is brought to a stunning halt with ‘Nuffin New (For Trash Like You)’ – Punk as fuck and you should be on top of this before they’re all gone!
Black River Delta – ‘Burning And Burning’ (Sofaburn Records) FacebookHailing from Sweden Black River Delta delivers a gritty bluesy rock and roll sound but avoid many of the cliches and pitfalls and deliver a pretty fresh take. ‘Burning And Burning’ is an impressive introduction if you don’t believe us check out the video.
Local Drags – ‘Think Straight’ (Self Release) Sure we’ve raved about previous offerings from Local Drags why wouldn’t we the guy writes great songs. This new track from Springfield’s favourite rocker does what he does best and that’s writing feel-good rocked up power pop and boy does he does it well. ‘Think Straight’ is an indication of what we can expect from the new album. as we look forward to the full-length LP ‘Keep Me Glued’ this will do. Bandcamp
The Stools – ‘Feelin Fine’ (Drunken Sailor) Crash bang wallop! we’re off lo-fi garage punk rock that would get a pit going in a morgue as ‘Can’t Feel Good’ is an attack on your senses and as rapid and fucked up as possible. What a fantastic way to introduce yourselves. Hang on ‘Half-Track Mind’ has the brown noise inducing bass rumble before soaring into the stratosphere. You’ll be fist-pumping and chanting along before you know it “Half Track Mind” indeed.
If you’re waiting for the love ballad then you’re listening to the wrong record but if you want raw in your face blues-infused punk rock then welcome. ‘Rockpile’ is a slower more groove-based song with some cool maracas for mixing it up I’m sure. Taking this sucker home ‘Eyeball Crush’ is like a punk rock fuck up garage blues hand jive – about as subtle as a flying mallet but all together thoroughly enjoyable. pick it up here
Continental Lovers – ‘Doesn’t Matter At All’ (Self Release) Another new song from the mind of former Breakdowns main man sees the catchy punch of ‘Doesn’t Matter At All’ as Joe unleashes a subtle melody that burrows into your ear and works its way into your head and as all good pop songs do start scratching its name into your memory. Joe mixes up his love of bands like Cheap Trick and T Rex and uses the influences to great effect and ‘DMAA’ even after a few plays sounds like a song you’ve heard a thousand times but still remains fresh as the first time you heard it. Backed by a nice acoustic run through ‘Sister Saint Joan’ is a nice one-two from Continental Lovers. Hopefully, when this pandemic pisses off we can get a full album recorded in a studio with a full band and we can all hold in our hands another great slab of Rock and Roll – power pop. Bandcamp
Johnny Casino – ‘Twenty Twenty’ (Golden Robot Records) What a barnstormer from Casino. Letting out all his lockdown frustrations in a three-minute record which kicks serious backside. Then flip it over and you have a more dreamy acoustic cover of the Bored track ‘People Say’. Best of both worlds and a worthwhile investment. With an impressive history in Australian Rock and Roll Casino doesn’t do bad records and this is a fierce shot in the arm that I’m sure we can all get down with. Instagram / Bandcamp / Facebook
Harker – ‘The Beast Must Die’ (Wiretap Records) Get a load of this Brighton based band taken from their soon to be released album that drops at the end of April. With its fuzzed up guitar its a fine introduction to the band and an indication of what we can expect from the album. check out the video below.
The Mercury Riots – ‘Save Me A Drink’ ( ) Hailing from the USA ‘Save Me A Drink’ is the first single from the band and is a combination of loud, fast, jet-fuel powered rock n roll its classic rock kids but with a modern twist. A classic power trio but keen followers of Bullets and Octane and The Brave Ones will recognise the band. With a swaggering riff and big groove, its got it going on and will have the classic rock writers salivating at a new band on the scene to breath new life into it.
The Blips – ‘Throw Me Around’ ( Cornelius Chapel Records) what an earworm this was. From the first play, it started to burrow in my ear and I began to crave it more and more. Birmingham, Alabama’s The Blips are set to release their debut long-player and this is just a sample of what they have to offer and on this evidence alone it’s got the potential to be a corker if this bright and breezy number is anything to go by. Pick it up Here or visit their Bandcamp page Here
The Lurkers – The Boys in the Corner (Damaged Goods Records) The original Lurkers none the less turn up with a pair of bangers that steal the crown of the singles club with a classic slice of pub rock punk rock Lurkers style. This, the second single from last years impressive album ‘Sex Crazy’ (still makes me giggle when I look at the cover) anyway one exclusive track ‘We Close The Door’ is a wonderful slice of Lurkers noise that’ll have you singing along before you’ve finished the first playthrough. with a wonderful guitar break that perfectly compliments a really vibrant song. Pick one up whilst they’re still available from Damaged Goods Here
Man ‘Shits Looking Up‘ was a great record and it shone a light on the wonderful talent that is Local Drags. RPM rightly heralded it as such and many hours have been spent with their music pouring out of the speakers at HQ so when we saw a short sharp EP was on Bandcamp how could we not get some.
Basically, what we have here is a bunch of demos for songs opening with ‘Trailer’ set to a drum machine and an electric guitar demo of a great song with a sharp riff and melody and you can use your imagination to imagine how cool this is going to sound with a full band knocking it out it has the potential to sound huge and be one catchy son of a bitch tune.
Even though its only six sketches of songs the quality and talent shines through ‘Keep Me Alive’ is pretty much an acoustic guitar and voice with some shaker for timing. Rock and Roll is timeless especially when its good rock and roll and Local Drags are Good.
‘Walls’ is another acoustic ramble through a cool melody then ‘Square One’ is a more melancholy number. Reminds me at times of Evan Dando when he was on form in the ’90s.
Whilst there isn’t a full band song on offer here the electric is out for the closer and toe-tapper entitled ‘Apartment Song’ and even from this sketch you can hear a massive rocker taking shape. Great to hear how these songwriters work and the process they go through to bring the final songs to our ears and already these songs are shaping up nicely and I’m sure the neighbours in the Apartment wont mind some ringing electric guitars when they hear whats pouring outta the speakers. Local Drags could and should be huge – We’re rooting for them. Check this out!
A record thats been getting a lot of plays at RPM HQ is Local Drags and the awesome ‘Shit’s Lookin’ Up’ so before the review drops here’s a sampler for you entitled ‘Hidden Track’.
Next up, continuing a theme of fast cars and loud guitars we have Electric Frankenstein who just blazed a trail across mainland Europe and have just repressed their classic ‘How To Make A Monster’ album so to celebrate the kings of American Action Rock heres EF with ‘Learn To Burn’
Finally, today if there are any rain clouds in the sky this will banish them away and for no other reason other than I love this band and everything they do so here is The Dahmers with ‘To The Night’
Recent Comments