Following the release of their debut album ‘Trouble’ which reached #13 in the UK Independent Album Chart earlierthis year and includes singles such as the rollicking and crashing ‘Ballad of the Knucklemen’, the anthemic albumtitletrack ‘Trouble’ and the hauntingly brilliant‘How the Beautiful Fall’,The Balladmongrels release their latest video ‘Evil Under the Moon’ shot in New York City
The Balladmongrels debut album ‘Trouble’ is available on CD, LP & Ltd. Red LP now – Here
Following the rollicking and crashing guitar-driven ‘Ballad of the Knucklemen’, The Balladmongrels second single ‘Trouble’ is the title track from their forthcoming debut album. A towering anthem that will have you singing along from the start, it sets the standard for this eagerly anticipated record which is due for release 12th May 2023.
With a slew of singles being dropped down the RPM HQ chimney this past week, it seemed only fair to reconvene the Singles Club before the Christmas shutdown. What a bunch of bangers they are no wonder Santa had them on the Sleigh stereo
Rich Ragany and the Digressions – ‘December In My Heart’ (self Release) Written as a dare Rags penned this chirpy little ditty for yuletide. It might be missing some sleigh bells and children singing but apart from that, I think it’s fair to say Rags can collect on the dare if any wager was laid down.
It’s like a glass of mulled wine around the old campfire and a cheeky wink to absent friends as we toast goodbye to another difficult year and look forward to what’s ahead. It’s got one foot in the traditional Slade camp and one in that Ragany style he’s carving out for himself. Get the eggnog on my loves and I’ll fetch the snowballs its Christmas!!!
The Dogmatics – ‘Automat Kalashnikov’ (Rum Bar Records) Always a good reason to open up the Singles Club when Rum Bar Drops a new tune especially when it’s from the epic Dogmatics. A thumping barroom brawler of a tune it is too. The best news isn’t this single seeping out into the Christmas cheer but it’s from a new full-length album due in the new year.
But wait the title track isn’t even the best song on the single, nope that award goes to the primitive, unoriginal but totally awesome ‘You Say’ which is to be fair what some might call a Total Banger of a snotty 77 slice of punk rock n roll.
Rob Moss- ‘A Rocket Ship To You’ (Self Release) A brand new two tracks from Rob sees him lurch from the modern punk rock mixed with a little dash of cool Goth rock on the lead track. With a pocket full of energy the song fils the room with a cool backbeat that’s part bla bla bla era Iggy mixed with a little Eldrich or even Bowie after several plays. A really impressive tune. The second track is in a similar vein maybe with added Alice Cooper as the track entitled ‘Two Slices Of Bread’ is laid back and darker with some excellent guitar work courtesy of Sal Baglio. Pick it up from Bandcamp Here
Matty James Cassidy – ‘Extra Souls EP’ (Self Release) Crack open a bottle and turn up the stereo because Matty James Cassidy is having a knees up. The acoustic-driven ‘Make It Out Alive’ is a breezy upbeat bit of Rock and Roll. There are four tracks on offer here and second up is the bluesy acoustic rambling ‘Rosary’ but the beautiful piano ballad that is ‘Down On My Luck’ is simple but oh so effective from the excellent harmonica wheeze to the introduction of the brushed snare its a really impressive tune.
Not sure how we missed this one but I’m glad I stumbled across it now. It might be only the four tunes but when they sound this good it’s all gravy. Check it out Here
The Good The Bad And The Zugly – ‘Nostradumbass’ (Frysk Format) Things are certainly hotting up for what’s to come musically in 2022 none more so than waiting for a new GBATZ record to drop. This is the third slice of new music from the Oslo legends and it’s just what the doctor ordered. It’s loud, melodic and full of charm.
lifted from the band’s new album ‘Research and Destroy’ I can’t get enough of their tunes. Its got a great hook and those gang vocals are so aggressive but subtle its Deathpunk to the end baby and RPM loves it
More Kicks – ‘Christmas In Prison’ (Self Release) Ah seasons greetings me hearties, this is one of those festive bangers from the heartwarming lyrics and the cotton-picking guitar all that’smissing is the sleigh bells. Oh, the joy I hear you call. Seemingly incapable of penning a shite song you should head over to the link and put this cracker on your festive playlist. Getoutofhere you scoundrels
Diamond Dogs – ‘Rocket Richochet’ (Sound Pollution) Not a Christmas tune but it’s got that honking keyboard and a sleazy backbeat as Sulo and the boys n gals guide you through a retro rockin’ banger. From their soon-to-be-released double album that’s full of top tunes, this is just an appetite wetter so to speak and it does a jolly good job too. Of course the playing is top-notch on what is a most excellent little rocker hell it’s got handclaps backing girls on the, oh oh’s and the only thing it’s missing is a little cowbell.
The Peppermint Kicks – ‘It’s a Peppermint Christmas’ (Rum Bar Records) Yeah baby! Of course Rum Bar Records knows how to parteee I bet they throw the best parties and that’s a fact. This is how a Crimbo tune should Rock. Plenty of Roll and no pretenses just having a good time by turning up the amps and rocking out! Cheers guys you nailed it! Glockenspeil, Oboe, Strings, Flute, Mellotron, Sleighbell, Handclaps, Piano and loud guitars Hell, I bet there’s a kitchen sink in here as well.
The Erotics – ‘Hungover At Christmas’ (Self Release) the more the merrier folks this time it’s the turn of those sleazy Noo Yawk types The Erotics. Packing a punch its like the Christmas grinch learned how to pick a tune on his stolen guitar as he wakes up from his drinking binge and is looking for something to play. Not a sleigh bell in sight nor a ho ho ho but plenty of hungover attitude from Mike Trash and the gang.
But once you’ve shaken off the bar humbug of the lead track you have the grooving ‘Spiders And Snakes’ punching you to pour another and say cheers for the sleazy punk n roll that is The Erotics God bless em one and all. Get it Here
The Dirty Truckers – ‘3 Shots EP’ (Rum Bar Records) Saddle up to the bar with The Dirty Truckers celebrated heart-worn sleeve songwriting, delivering a sonic wall of ’70s FM thunder welded by earnest blue-collar rock n’ roll that’s a pretty spot-on description of what to expect from this band. The Truckers have a wonderful tone on those there guitars and following in a fine tradition of Roots rockers like Mellencamp and a tougher Westerberg they leave you feeling warm and fuzzy in a nice way but with enough dirt and rough ass rock n roll under the hood.
These three songs will testify. ‘Remember One’ being the pick of the bunch with a tonne of youthful energy it’s a rocker that won’t fail to get your toes tapping. Three gems to be fair that are Free at the link for Gawd’s sake, what more do you need to know? Get involved kids its only Rock n Roll whats the worst that could happen?
Stiff Richards – ‘Got It To Go’ (Legless Records via Bandcamp) New music from Australias Stiff Richards is always going to get our attention. Got It To Go isn’t the wild unleashed wreckless drunken ride but a more measured confident groove. It was mentioned it had the same vibe as Bronx and that’s a decent shout both bands are top-notch and when they cut loose their brimming with urgency and when they kick back (as it were) they sound like this. One song is fantastic but we want more so when you’re ready chaps we’ll have that long-player, thanks. and the good news there is its coming out soonish from legless in Australia and its getting a European release from Drunken Sailor Records. In the meantime check out the single here
Spunk Volcano & The Eruptions – ‘Only Got Eyes For You’ (Avenue Recordz) You want anthems for singles? fuckin’ right you do. In these tough times how about bands release singles ahead of an album and make it a bloody good un or else. SV & The Eruptions have only gone and done that twice before now with this being the last un before the album hits us in December. This one might just be the biggest sounding of the lot with a confident mid-paced number and judging by the lyrics maybe SV has softened and penned a love song (of sorts) its certainly his best vocal delivery yet with a fantastic melody and one that burrows down into the ear and sets up camp and you find yourself singing hours later. The sign of a good single? I think so. It also features ‘Snap Backbone’ from the ‘Ramraid’ EP & ‘Together Forever As Ghosts’ from ‘Shit Generation’. SV & The Eruptions are prolific and they seem to be getting better and better at this songwriting lark – long may it continue. Oh and that artwork is creepy as fuck. Buy it Here check em out – Facebook / Website
Matty James Cassidy – ‘Old Souls’ (Pirate Heart Records) taken from the album of the same name Matty infuses his folk and rock and roll roots to create a great song mixing electric with acoustic but then takes it to the next level with some welcome and excellent saxophone. There’s a bit of the Clash in here and some. Matty has expanded the troubadour tag and turned in a really impressive song to showcase his new album Website
Gob Patrol – ‘Sin City’ (Riot Records) Of course its punk rock. With a name like Gob Patrol, it wasn’t ever not going to sound like The Exploited doing Rancid doing GBH. Nothing wrong with that either. ‘Sin City’ is easy on the ear and dumb and full of fun. These Vegas punks kick-off ‘Anarchy’ as if to solidify their punk rock credentials. It’s pretty decent if the UK82 scene was your thing. It not original but then why should it be they’re just kicking the can down the road and pogoing for fun with their mates. Good on ’em I say and get down to sin city and pogo pogo! Pre-order/pre-save Sin CityHERE
The Urethras ‘Patronized’ (Pirates Press Records) Pissed off teenagers from California writing punk rock songs in 2020 who’d have thought it? Raw, unapologetic, and raging against the machine. Throw in a global pandemic, raging fires in their backyards and you’ve got a ticking time bomb of angst and it sounds like it. Imagine a rough house Rancid, Some 82 punk and the usual suspects like Dead Kennedys or Germs and a heap of Straight edge bands who used to turn CBGB into a frothing mess The Urethras are kickings it. ‘Patronized’ is that sound. Good on you kids and I mean that in a non patronising way. As for the name stop giggling you nutters. Facebook
Kids Of Skids – ‘Trapped’ (Riot Records) Sydney-based hardcore punk band KIDS OF SKIDS recently released their debut single and subsequent video Army Storevia Riot Records. Now they are set to drop their second single Trapped on October 19th. Trapped is about being Trapped in Iso during fu**ing Corona. In your face rapid hardcore punk rock oz style. Brutal shit from down under that will pummel your brain – get on the VB and throw yourself about its like Chesty Malone & The Slice EM Ups have Australian blood brothers.
Antagonizers ATL – ‘Black Clouds’ (Pirates Press Records) Oi, Oi Now rounded out as a 6 piece, Antagonizers ATL has this single out as a glimpse of the future as these street punks get ready to release the long-player with a Celtic tinge it’s not as oirish as say a Dropkick Murphys but it’s cut from a similar cloth.
The song features some extra vocals from labelmate Matt Henson (NOi!SE)as if these street punks needed help on those gang vocals.
Antagonizers ATL’s brand of dirty rock n’ roll is on full display, and these Atlanta working class street punks have carved their teeth in the scene with a relentless work ethic and a commanding live show for the better part of a decade. Fill yer glass and get a jig on street punks are in the room.
Atomic Zeros – ‘Dirty Game’ (Ghost Highway Records) A cool sleazy slab of garage rock with a great hook on the chorus. A really well-written song with some fine crunchy guitars borrowing a lick or two from the likes of Gluecifer and knocking out a cover of The Lord’s classic ‘Russian Roulette’ on the B side is never going to end badly with us. Curiously the second cover of the same song in a month. Once again the do the track proud with a killer version. Super limited numbers available from the best label in Spain Here or from the band Here
The Slackers – ‘Blue’ (Pirates Press Records) Normally, in the months leading up to arguably the biggest election, you wouldn’t want to go about releasing a new record for your band… Unless of course, that song was a taste of the color and voice you want to lend to the dialogue.
NYC legends trumpet tooting mellow bit of Ska. Harking back to some classic first wave The Slackers turn in a chilled out ‘Blue’ before the storm of what might follow. It’s not heading to the top of the charts any day soon but who cares this is great especially the Dub version (like it needed a Dub Version) Facebook
The Imbeciles – ‘Yes I Am’ Scuzzy mysterious punk rockers release the first video from their EP that’s released later this month containing 6-tracks the EP ‘Dissolution Sessions’ will be out at the end of October. Until then this amusing video deals with the band’s lineup changes as well as showcasing their wonderful talent for penning garage rock and roll the song has a great hook and who doesn’t love a riff like that?
Owner of a raspy voice and a battered acoustic guitar, a writer of words and a singer of songs, Matty James Cassidy started plying his trade at an early age in the bars and clubs of his native Northern Ireland. Years of banging the skins for Cadaver Club, and then more recently playing bass for Tyla’s Dogs D’amour have seen him gain a higher profile in the UK. Up until recently, you would most likely see him doing a set of his own material opening for his boss at many a gig in the bars and clubs of the UK.
Following the unexpected and well-received ‘The Isolation Tapes’ acoustic album, recorded and released during the lockdown, the man in black releases his new album proper ‘Old Souls’.
There’s a heart-warming familiarity to the laidback rock ‘n’ roll sound that Matty creates. He straddles outlaw country, folk and blues with confidence and ease. Simple structures and chord progressions are the name of the game, the emphasis on melody, feel and telling a story or two.
The recent singles are present and correct, showing a snapshot of the troubadour’s sound. The raucous, rogue rock of album opener ‘Said & Done’ sets the scene nicely. It’s always good to open with a fast one, innit? The brooding, folk-rock of ‘Rosary’ hits the spot, and the upbeat and balladic ‘Anodyne’ floats by on a summer breeze.
There is more than a passing nod to The Dogs D’amour, which is to be expected and is never a bad thing. But Matty adds his own inimitable style to the heartfelt tunes on offer. The mix of harmonica and stabs of piano give ‘Contradiction In Terms’ a barroom boogie feel, and he soothes the soul with the late-night smoky blues that is ‘The Art Of Falling Down’, a standout cut for sure.
Being a multi-instrumentalist, Matty handles all instruments, although his Dogs bandmate Gary Pennick adds some guitars, as does former Main Grains/Spangles guitar slinger Ben Marsden.
Upbeat rockers such as ‘Leave Your Heart At Home’ mix well with the sentimental ballads, but there are a couple of tracks that stand out from the crowd instantly for me. The title track comes on like The Specials meets Hanoi Rocks doing a Tarantino movie soundtrack. A killer, ska-styled groove skulks along at a deathly pace, as emotive sax wails away in the background behind Matty’s distinctive raspy tones. You gotta love it. You also have to love the album closer ‘Born Ancient’. A gloriously folk-tinged’, foot-stomper that will have you hitting the repeat button and swinging the bottle until the sun comes up!
For those that dig lullabies for tough guys or those that desire a little romance in their rock ‘n’ roll, Matty James Cassidy has a song or two for ya! Lyrics that are reflective and observational, set to tunes you will have heard before but can’t quite place, and it’s all drenched in sweet guitars, bluesy harmonica and soulful sax. Music that will appeal to fans of The Dogs D’Amour, lovers of rock ‘n’ roll or just the pirates, vampires and the outlaws of this crazy world we live in.
Ahead of his new album the talented Matty James Cassidy releases ‘Said & Done’ ahead of the album release later this month. This follows on from his lockdown release of ‘The Isolation Tapes‘. Check out the video below and hit up the pre sales.
SV & The Eruptions – ‘Football In The Sun’ (Avenue Recordz) Always on point with his lyrics and always relatable. Spunk Volcano does it again with a laid back summer sizzler. ‘Football In The Sun’ is right up there as far as songwriting goes and Spunk makes it look easy as falling off a grifter. Maybe Spunk headed too many of those rain-soaked leather balls and it did something magical because apart from being able to pen catchy relatable music this band hasn’t made a single bad record yet. Prolific would be an understatement as for the tune It’s understated, less in your face and a real grower it gives you a chance to listen to the lyrics and smile. It’s a top tune none the less and adds some more class to this line up of new releases in June/early July. The fact that SV & The Eruptions make music they want to and don’t compromise in any way only adds to the quality of songs on offer they don’t have to all be out and out noise as this single testifies but once it’s in yer noggin you’ll be gripped like a vinnie jones nut grab and chanting Ozzie,Ozzie,Ozzie, Ozzie Ardiles. Bastards! Available on CD or download. Get it. Website
Benji & Beddis – ‘Ebony & Ivory’ (Self Release) Well who saw this coming? With the current climate seeing racial tension being brought front and center these two ‘Port legends kick up a shit storm with the perfect cover. You know what to do you, beautiful people.
“Ebony and ivory, live together in perfect harmony.” Couldn’t have said it better myself
The Cocktail Slippers – ‘Like A Song Stuck In My Head’ (Wicked Cool Records) Very much a slow burner The cocktail Slippers deliver exactly what it says on the tin and a song that could easily be heard on your daily commute to work on some clued up radio show. It’s power-pop with the emphasis firmly on the pop side with a catchy chorus and easy on the ear guitar chords. Facebook Buy it stream it download it whatever it is you do do it here
Moot – ‘I Hate Hippies’ (Riot Records) Australian punks Moot declare that they indeed hate hippies raging on a steady diet of Jello (Biafra) and Prime Time Black Flag its punk rock baby. Plain and simple no-frills no clever production no synths just old school. Just one thing, The artwork alludes to a hipster not a hippie have Moot had one too many Victory Beers?
Indonesian Junk – ‘Pillbox’ (Rum Bar Records) A track taken from the band’s new long-player that hooks in all the Singles and rarities entitled ‘A Life Of Crimes’. If this take on the joneses classic is a hint as to what’s on offer then get excited kids because Indonesian Junk has got it going on. It was always a blinding track and has been covered many times but this version is an absolute barnstormer and Da Junk have embraced the spirit of the original and captured the DNA and that little sparkle of magic that was sprinkled into the original but could only be unlocked by people who are worthy. It looks and sounds like Indonesian Junk are indeed worthy of being passed the baton to carry into the future. If you have a beating Rock and Roll heart then you’d be foolish to pass this one by. Bandcamp
The Woggles – ‘Nothing More To Say’ (Wicked Cool Records) Retro rock and roll with a real ’60s vibe from the keys to the melodies The Woggles have nailed it from those slightly overdriven guitars and layered vocals but its those scooby doo keyboards that really nail this tune. Not since T Rex has this much bongo gone into a single.
‘Sweet Freedom’ is on the flip side created by Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil and in my humble opinion steals the show from its marching beat and Little Steven clanging guitars, its a confident pop tune struttin’ its stuff like these cats were paying attention thank God. Facebook Pick up a limited press here
Decrepid – ‘Plagued By Mortality’ (Xtreem Music) Follow this one fuckers. As some of you might know we love a bit of extreme music here at RPM and had to share with you the new single from Decrepid. There is nothing more metal I’m just glad they put the lyrics on the video otherwise I wouldn’t have a clue what they were saying and neither would the kids. From the wonderful band name to the music and the playing to the title of the song this is the most metal track we’ve had dropped on us in a while. Enjoy
Cocktails – ‘Bun E Carlos’ (self Release) San Fran has always been a destination for hip rock and rollas and Cocktail have just released a single off their new album that’s got sunshine in abundance and a title paying homage to one of the best drummers from one o the best bands the US of A ever gave the world. It’ll also cleanse your pallet if you clicked on the Decrepid video this is something of a polar opposite. Power Pop goodness with nothing but fluffy clouds in the sky and not a pitchfork, devil horn in sight. Click Here
The Psychedelic Furs -‘Come All Ye Faithful’ (Cooking Vinyl) Cool as new single from them Furs. ITs a slow cooker comes to the boil nicely and not an instant hit but it does grow as you can tell for yourself from the video below. Besides its always cool to hear some saxophone on a rock n roll record. Here
Sin City – ‘High Noon’ (Dirty Water Records) Their love for Sergio Leone spaghetti western schlock is proudly worn on their western-shirt sleeves and the video makes numerous references to the western films of the 50s and 60s. So smell the gun smoke and ride into the drunken, sepia-toned glory of Sin City! Murder ballads never sounded so good.
The song is taken from their second long-player ‘Next Exit Sin City,’ which follows fast on the heels of their April debut. In fact, Sin City has proven themselves to be a two-man quarantine song factory, as two brand new tracks accompany the High Noon single and rumours already abound of further offerings to come… There are clearly no flies on Sin City!!
The Sinclairs – ‘Dodgems’ (Cleopatra Records) Order Here Taken from The Sinclairs album “Sparkle” The Sinclairs are: Rat Scabies (The Damned) and Billy Shinbone (The Neville Staple Band / Flipron) with their instrumental filmscape tunes check out the video for the first single off the album ‘Dodgems’
NEVILLE STAPLE, SUGARY STAPLE & FTS BAND – ‘Lockdown’ (Self Release) Hit up their Kickstarter page for exclusive offers here. The sun is shining and I’ve come indoors to escape the heat and then this hit my inbox – Perfect! what a great tune from Neville and Sugary Staple. After catching them a few years ago from the side of the stage at a big festival they were blistering that night and this sounds like a worthy addition to their awesome catalogue of tunes.
Blind Channel – ‘Gun’ (Ranka Kustannus label) Intense new track from Finnish rockers who mix up pop with their nard n heavy riffs.Not a million miles from Linkin Park at the peak of their powers. ‘Gun’ is a dark song for dark times and the band assures fans it’s their method of using their music to get back at their critics. The band is hotly tipped to be the next big thing out of Finland and have mass appeal. On this evidence, I can see why Facebook
Electric Death Rodeo – EP (Ghost Town Noize) Who’s up for a new band playing some sweet sleazy snotty Punk N Roll? That should be- hell yeah! from every one of you. Well, Electric Death Rodeo is in the house featuring members of Radio Dead Ones, Motor City Mayhem and Johnny Firebird oh now you’re listening I’ve got your attention now well ‘I Don’t Care’ no not literally its the opening slab of snotty Punk N Roll mixing up early Scandi rock with some attitude (not that early scandi rock didn’t have any but you know what I mean) its a measured slick slice of bad boy boogie. Catchy with cool gang vocals on the chorus great solos and a real good time as Iggy would say. If you think the opener is a great tune then wait until you happen on the second, ‘Never Back Down’ its loud and understated but a great tune none the less. ‘Nighthawk’ is anthemic but in a good way again it’s a great riff I’m hearing Mick Jones Clash in this one on the verses especially – great effort. Then to wrap up what is my pick of the lot is some Kiss like duelling guitars (I mean early Kiss obviously) As far as new bands go Electric Death Rodeo will have all the Action Rock fans salivating as they put on their shit kickers turn the amps up and let rip. Jump on this one boys and girls it’s out the first week in July Here
Thumper – ‘Topher Grace’ (Reckless Records) Dublin’s fair city is throwing up a few alternative bands at the moment and Thumper kick up enough of a racket to wake ole Phil Lynott to clock your second single in at a nosebleeding six and a half minutes is pretty ambitious but Thumper look like a band who dance to their own tunes and not conform with convention. Check out the video and decide for yourself Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram
Matty James Cassidy – ‘Someone’ (Pirate Heart Records) A special version of the song with all proceeds going to the Samaritans not just shows what a talent Matty is but what a humble and big-hearted artist he is. The message of the song is fitting to raise awareness of an organisation who work hard to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs it.
The idea is that people will use the song as a way of reaching out, so people are encouraged to not only stream it and buy the download for themselves, but also use the ‘send as gift’ feature on Bandcamp to pass it on to anyone you feel might need to know they have a friend right now. You can also choose to pay extra if you wish.
The single’s artwork features a fantastic illustration by Kevin Mc Hugh Art and by teaming up with Hollow Hill Apparel, there is some very special merchandise on offer to help raise funds also. Listen / Buy –Here
And for more information or to seek help from Samaritans, call for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
The Idolizers – ‘Stranded (Again)’ (Rum Bar Records) As the phenomena that is Rum Bar Records the purveyors of fine records since God knows when but still not released a duff record have only gone and done it again. This time they’ve stumbled outta Boston and headed south into NYC and happened across the most excellent Idolizers who have their debut album ready to go in August but first we have this taster in the shape of ‘Stranded’ and what a snotty jet fuelled rocker it is. If you don’t believe me hit the link and check it out for yourself. Hit this here
Dead Horse – EP 1 (Self Release) Dead Horse I is the Debut EP from the Garage Punk Trio Dead Horse a new down & dirty garage/punk trio from London influenced by the likes of Jay Reatard, The Cramps, Gallon Drunk & 80s Matchbox.
The EP takes a debauched, tongue in cheek journey through over indulgence, relationships, death, sex and lust across just shy of 14 minutes. Some might argue that it’s not technically a single but I’m in charge so it’s in, besides its a glorious racket so it was always going to get in.The EP will be released across all major digital platforms as well as a limited edition run of cassettes. (bloody hipsters) The EP ‘Dead Horse I’ was recorded, mixed, produced and mastered by Connor Jones at Humm Studios, Bristol. The band were formed in 2019 and they’ve not looked back since. Featuring five tunes with the first being a sprightly heavy on the reverb rocka. I love the fact that it’s ever so slightly unhinged but you know they can bring it back from the brink but you hope you’re there the night they cant because that is gonna be one of those nights, funnily enough, the track is entitled ‘Night’ there a slight western feeling to ‘Secrets’ whereas ‘Headstone’ is most excellent a dirty slice of dark rock and roll with a time-honoured riff that hanging on by a thread. they check out with ‘Creeper’ which does what it suggests it might. Like a band who’ve struck a deal with ole Beelzebub and had to trade in their souls for a good time which on this evidence seems like a fair swap. I like it, I like it a lot check em out. Facebook
In a bid to stay sane, entertain and hopefully stay afloat in these uncertain times Matty James decided to make a brand new 10 track acoustic CD avaialble.
Obviously, Matty James being the good guy we all know he is and how the current situation is affecting us all he has decided to not leave anyone behind here so you can simply ‘pay what you like’ for the digital download pre-order and everyone will receive email updates on how the project is coming along and evolving if you sign up to the mailing list. A bit Like a Pledge campaign Should have run its operation but without anyone stealing the money and Matty keeping it in house. There will be CDs available, plus exclusive Lyric Art (just one of each song).
Matty also wants to clarify, this is Not the new ‘album proper’ he’s been working on. He will now wait until the pandemic is in the rearview mirror before that gets done.
The songs are flowing and if you are in a position to get involved then Matty James is looking forward to seeing where it goes. To run along with this he will also do a celebratory live stream online gig. So whats going on with these here Isolation #tape recordings then I hear you ask? Well, Matt being the multi-instrumentalist and all-round one-man-band we know and love has also got his fellow Dogs partner Gary Pennick in to play some Guitars and add another flavour to the backing vocals. Whilst its a snapshot into how a guy works when writing this is well above what one might call a bedroom demo there’s no Tascam four-track going on here as ‘Dangerous To Myself’ displays as the opener in a really upbeat talk of the times with big acoustic open chords boxcar style drums and a howling harmonica.
There’s a change of pace for the Americana and gentle almost balladry of ‘Stop Cryin’ (It’s Only The End Of The World)’ which has a really good chorus that leads to Mr Pennicks (cough cough) soulful guitar picking (great arrangement).
Of course, this will appeal to Dogs fans and people who have a passing interest in the likes of Classic Quireboys as ‘Uncertain Times’ borrows of the good and the greats that have paved this path long before Matty His fellow Irish roots rocker Ricky Warwick did his best work when he picked up the acoustic guitar and did his thing and there is some of that here. Matty doesn’t just lean on the past he just pours a touch in his own mix and no doubt appreciated their offerings and learnt from those great records if it’s in yer DNA its in yer DNA. Love the simplicity of just writing a good bloody tune and ‘Say Nothing’ is just that.
‘Top Of The Hill’ heads down to the delta for some cotton picking Stonesy blues Americana. It’s a great mix of styles but ultimately the fit is totally cohesive and the songs flow really nicely with songs like ‘Someone’ reminding me of when Rod the Mod used to be able to play Rock and Roll in the late 70s when he was Atlantic crossing its got that vibe and Matty has nailed those Bass guitar fills and runs. But to wrap it all up its a return to the ’50s and ’60s and just writing a simple song but making it as good as it can be just like the Everleys or Buddy Holly did. Great work Mr Cassidy these songs are some of the best you’ve done ever and I can’t wait to hear the album proper. Top songwriter, top performer and Topman. Go check it out!
Pre-order ‘The Isolation Tapes’ and join the fun here – Here
You want noise we’ve got plenty of that. Heres the new video from France’s leading HArdcore noise bringers Stinky. “Distance” is the third preview track from “Of Lost Things”
Finally taken from his excellent new release we covered yesterday here’s Matty James Cassidy with ‘The Race Is On’.
In a bid to stay sane, entertain and hopefully stay afloat in these uncertain times, Matty is making a brand new 10 track acoustic CD.
Obviously, the current situation is affecting us all and he doesn’t want anyone to feel left out, so you can simply ‘pay what you like’ for the digital download pre-order and everyone will receive email updates on how it’s coming along if you sign up to the mailing list. Like a Pledge campaign, without anyone stealing the money. There are also CDs available, plus exclusive Lyric Art (just one of each song).
To clarify, this is not the new ‘album proper’ he’s been working on. He was intending to release it soon but he’ll wait until this madness ceases.
Matty plans to get this done in a matter of weeks, the songs are flowing and if you are in a position to get involved he’s looking forward to seeing where it goes.
He also plans to do a celebratory live stream online gig, which he’s missed since the closing of Concert Window last year, but there’s a lot of those going on right now so please support them if you can and once he’s made the record and everyone’s really fed up sitting at home he’ll play the new songs for you.
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