Michael Monroe – Tramshed, Cardiff 03/03/26

Michael Monroe – Tramshed, Cardiff 03/03/26

An early showtime as part of a double header sees the mighty Michael Monroe band hit the stage at 8 pm, but fear not my rock n rolla friends, these guys are wired 24/7 and as soon as the lights drop and that familiar drum intro thunders through the PA, it’s showtime. With only seventy-five minutes to get their groove on, they hit the ground running with a thunderous ‘Dead Jail or Rock n Roll’, and it’s game on, no time for bullshit its right into business and showing this very healthy audience exactly why people like me always wax lyrically about this band’s performances. They never fall below the required standard for showmanship and just sound like they mean business and are going to give you exactly what you want every time, never just clocking in and going through the motions.

‘Motorvatin’ is as thunderous as ever. Mr Yaffa has the best thump in the business, and the machine that is Mr Rockfist hits his drums like a good un, and they stay hit. leaving the pair of six-stringers bookending the band with their own licks on such iconic legendary songs, not trying to be McCoy or Suicide but giving the songs a new flavour of their own, whilst the best frontman in the business mixes up the medicine and has any and every audience eating out of the palm of his hands. It isn’t long before we get a taster off the new album as the first single ‘Rockin Horse’ fits in rather nicely before we delve once again into some Hanoi Rocks catalogue and my brain takes me back in time to a place not far from where I’m standing as the magnificent ‘I Can’t Get It’ floats on by.

We do get a decent sprinkling of new songs in the set, which is tight but not in a over rehersed way, but a band locked in, truly believing in the power of rock n roll and letting those in attendance feel the magic. ‘Hammersmith Palais’ is the only Demolition 23 song in this shorter set before we get the third and final track off the new album.

As we head into the homestraight its Two Steps banger ‘Boulevard Of Broken Dreams’ mixes it next to ‘Ballad Of The LES’ before we reach top gear and ‘Malibu Beach’ honks the saxophone into a rowdy ‘Up Around The Bend’ sees us home and done. Literally of the thousands of bands I’ve had the pleasure of seeing this one I can’t possibly see me tiring of the energy and good times they generate is exceptional and as Michael Monroe said of the bands and musicians hes ever played with he wouldn’t swap these guys and you know what I think he means it and its easy to see why he thinks like that, The Michael Monroe Band absolutely do Rock Like Fuck! miss them at your peril.

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Buy ‘Outerstellar’ Here

Author: Dom Daley

Michael Monroe – ‘Outerstellar’ (SILVER LINING MUSIC)

Michael Monroe – ‘Outerstellar’ (SILVER LINING MUSIC)

The Monroes are finally back! It’s been nearly 4 years since Michael Monroe’s last studio album, ‘I Live Too Fast To Die Young’, and while the man and his longtime cohorts have toured extensively in that time, it feels like some new music is well overdue, and I, for one, have certainly been missing their brand of high-energy rock n’ roll.

Now, while I feel that aforementioned last album certainly wasn’t his best, it sure had some fine stand-out moments, and I’m glad to report that their brand-new long player, ‘Outerstellar,’ certainly outshines its predecessor and holds a few surprises for those who are expecting more of the same as before. So, without further ado, let’s dig in and see what Monroe, Yaffa, Conte, Jones & Rockfist have in store for us this time around.

Opener and first single ‘Rockin Horse’ is a punked-up, defiant middle finger to the critics and the naysayers, job done. The following ‘Shinola’ rocks to a similar beat, although sounding more instant, more euphoric. The critics will scoff and call them “generic”, but hey, this band are just getting started.

On the first listen, its third track, ‘Black Cadillac’, where things really get tasty. With cool dynamics, NYC-style gang vocals and an uber cool riff, it’s got full-on Hanoi meets Demolition 23 vibes going on, and that, my friends, is exactly what we need from Michael Monroe in 2026. A song that truly makes you take heed and get excited for what else they have in store.

And there is a 1-2-3 of killer tunes on offer to get excited about; ‘Newtro Bombs’ is a frantic blast of punk energy with a Clash-inspired chorus and a nifty little, almost dub breakdown (Sami Yaffa’s influence no doubt). Next up, ‘Disconnected’ is the big, anthemic celebration of live rock n’ roll music, and then the infectious ‘Precious’ has a sugar-coated chorus that will embed in your subconscious after the first play and refuse to leave. Add to that a schizophrenic harmonica break courtesy of the main man, and you have a winner on yer hands.

Elsewhere, the radio-friendly ‘When The Apocalypse Comes’ has that unmistakable Monroe drawl, a chorus that is pure ear candy and killer guitars from Steve Conte & Rich Jones. A word on the production here, while I remember, as the whole album sounds crisp, clear and punchy as fuck, job well done.

They do take things down a notch and get reflective with Lords vibes on ‘Painless’, and the emotive, acoustic-led ‘Glitter Dust’ nods to those quirky Hanoi ballads. Both sound like they will be growers.

Album closer ‘One More Sunrise’ is the curveball many would never expect. An epic trip of a song clocking in at over 7 and a half minutes, it’s a brave attempt to think outside the box, and you know what?… I think it actually pays off!  Starting off like a ‘Nights Are So Long’ outtake, it wastes no time before kicking into a multi-part rocker that takes the listener on a Michael Monroe road trip you never knew you needed. It’s too much to take in with only a couple of listens, but let’s just say if you want an emotive sax solo, a piano breakdown with a killer chorus refrain to take you back to the glory days, then look no further. The Monroes are here to bring cinematic to those who inhabited (or still inhabit) the alleyways and sleazy bars at night, with just a bottle of Jack and a greasy eyeliner pencil for company. Insane, in a very good way.

‘Outerstellar’, the difficult 13th studio album from Michael Monroe, was apparently a labour of love, with some songs dating back to 2018, yet it sounds like it was a fucking breeze from start to finish! It feels like the band has pulled out all the stops here to prove this new album is more than just ‘another Michael Monroe record’. And I feel they have succeeded way beyond their expectations. The live energy has been captured to perfection with a top-notch production to boot. The band are at the top of their game, not only as players but as writers too, and it feels like ‘Outerstellar’ is the make-or-break album this band needed to make in 2026. Essential listening for those who like to rock like fuck!

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Author: Ben Hughes

Michael Monroe gets ‘Disconnected’

Michael Monroe gets ‘Disconnected’

MICHAEL MONROE

New Video/ Single

‘DISCONNECTED’

OUT NOW

New Album OUTERSTELLAR

OUT FEBRUARY 20

PRE-ORDER AT THIS LOCATION 

Michael Monroe releases the irresistibly anthemic second single ‘Disconnected’ from forthcoming new studio album Outerstellar, set for release on February 20th via Silver Lining Music. For pre-orders go to this location.

‘Disconnected’ speaks of something that Michael Monroe feels passionately about: that live music is a rare and vital space for people to find each other in the moment.

“Technology was supposed to bring people closer together, when, in fact, people are more disconnected than ever. They’re looking at their phones and their computers and downloading stuff” comments Michael Monroe. “And, you know, the Internet can’t take away the experience of being at a live show. You’re on stage, and you communicate with the audience who are there, in that moment. That‘s where the magic really happens, and absolutely no program or device or computer can reproduce that!”

The new album Outerstellar, is an experience as much as a collection of great songs, a sweet smelling, leathery, glitter-shimmered, sweat-soaked raunch and punch wrapped in one of the great voices in rock ‘n’ roll. The harmonies and vibes roll effortlessly in silk scarves, lounging in leather pants with liquor and a smile on a beat-up sofa in those small AM hours. And the sheer attitude, which screams carefree (not careless!) confidence (not arrogance!), a cocksure sense of self-bathed in the sheer joy of playing real rock ‘n’ roll the right way.

The recently released first video and single, ‘Rockin’ Horse’, is a defiant blast against critics and judges and comes with one of the craziest Michael Monroe videos you’ve ever seen. “I am who I am and I’m not going to edit myself for your benefit,” Michael says unequivocally for anyone who might doubt that fact.

From loud crashing guitars to harmonicas, to gorgeous acoustic moments, you’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll shiver, you’ll shake, and you’ll smell this wonderful exhilarating record in all its weathered biker jacket incense-coated glory and you’ll also realize that whatever the hell is going on in the world right now, when you put this album on, it’s an instant escape to carefree days and an emancipation from worries, fears and woes.  

Outerstellar will see a whole burst of life onstage when Michael Monroe and the band bring it to stages internationally over the next year. It is EXACTLY what rock ‘n’ roll in its truest sense is meant to be, in fact, just stop reading this, get off your ‘Rockin’ Horse’ and go see Michael Monroe on tour at your first opportunity! In support of the release of Outerstellar, Michael Monroe and band will embark on a UK co-headline tour with Buckcherry, kicking off in Southampton on February 24th. For a full list of upcoming shows and tickets visit: michaelmonroe.com – more dates to be announced.

2025:

24 Nov Rock Beyond Rock Vol. 2, Osaka (JP)

25 Nov EX THEATER ROPPONGI, Minato City (JP)

2026:

24 Feb The 1865, Southampton (UK)

25 Feb O2 Ritz, Manchester (UK)

27 Feb KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (UK)

28 Feb Northumbria Institute, Newcastle (UK)

1 Mar SWG3, Glagsgow (UK)

3 Mar Tramshed, Cardiff (UK)

4 Mar The Foundry, Torquay (UK)

6 Mar Rock City, Nottingham (UK)

7 Mar O2 Forum, London (UK)

8 Mar Chalk, Brighton (UK)

3-7 Apr Underground Garage Cruise, Miami (US) to Cozumel (MX)

Outerstellar will be available on Limited Edition 12” White Vinyl, 12” Turquoise Vinyl, 12” Black Vinyl, CD Digipak, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles. Available to pre-order now at this location 

Follow Michael Monroe:

www.facebook.com/michaelmonroeofficial 

www.x.com/michaelmonroe 

www.instagram.com/michaelmonroeofficial

www.michaelmonroe.com/web/

www.tiktok.com/@officialmichaelmonroe 

Michael Monroe – Gets On His ‘Rockin’ Horse’

Michael Monroe – Gets On His ‘Rockin’ Horse’

New Studio Album ‘OUTERSTELLAR‘

Set For Release February 20

New Single “Rockin’ Horse”

Surprises are rare and wonderful. When music decides to just show up and strut and rock and roll and stomp with swagger, swing and raw energy all over you, that’s the rarest surprise and Michael Monroe does not disappoint with his brand new studio album, Outerstellar, set for release via

Silver Lining Music on February 20th 2026.

“Rockin’ Horse is a cool, rockin’ song that we made a great fun video for with the fantastic director Leigh Brooks,” comments Michael Monroe. “We got into different characters on the so-called ‘Waking Up With Michael Monroe’ TV morning show, with me as the host.

And it’s the first time you have ever seen me without make-up (!). Great fun and good times. Hope you enjoy it!”

‘What ‘genre’ is Michael Monroe?’ Oh, go and throw yourself back into the shoebox you restrict yourself to if you need a genre… How about ‘sweet smelling leathery sweat wrapped in one of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll voices?’ How about ‘harmonies and vibes swimming in silk scarves and lounging on a beaten sofa in leather pants, with the AM hours alive and the melodies so, so intoxicating?’ And how about ‘attitude! Which screams carefree, not carelessness, confidence, not arrogance, a cocksure sense of self-bathed in the sheer joy of playing the religious experience of real rock ‘n’ roll.’

From loud crashing guitars to harmonicas, to gorgeous acoustic moments, you’ll sing, you’ll dance, you’ll shiver, you’ll shake, and you’ll smell this wonderful exhilarating record in all its weathered biker jacket incense-coated glory and you’ll also realize that whatever the hell is going on in the world right now, when you put this album on, it’s an instant escape to carefree days and an emancipation from worries, fears and woes.

It is EXACTLY what rock ‘n’ roll in its truest sense is meant to be, and Michael Monroe is handing you permission to get lost in the love of it. In fact, just stop reading this, get off your ‘Rockin’ Horse’ and go see Michael Monroe on tour at your first opportunity! In support of the release of Outerstellar, Michael Monroe and the band will embark on a UK co-headline tour with Buckcherry, kicking off in Southampton on February 24th. For a full list of upcoming shows and tickets, visit: michaelmonroe.com – more dates to be announced.

2025:

24 Nov Rock Beyond Rock Vol. 2, Osaka (JP)

25 Nov EX THEATER ROPPONGI, Minato City (JP)

2026:

24 Feb The 1865, Southampton (UK)

25 Feb O2 Ritz, Manchester (UK)

27 Feb KK’s Steel Mill, Wolverhampton (UK)

28 Feb Northumbria Institute, Newcastle (UK)

1 Mar SWG3, Glasgow (UK)

3 Mar Tramshed, Cardiff (UK)

4 Mar The Foundry, Torquay (UK)

6 Mar Rock City, Nottingham (UK)

7 Mar O2 Forum, London (UK)

8 Mar Chalk, Brighton (UK)

3-7 Apr Underground Garage Cruise, Miami (US) to Cozumel (MX)

Outerstellar will be available on Limited Edition 12” White Viny, 12” Turquoise Vinyl, 12” Black Vinyl, CD Digipak, Digital Download, Streaming and special D2C bundles. Available to pre-order now at Here

https://michaelmonroe.com/web

Michael Monroe / CJ Wildheart – Sin City, Swansea 30.05.25

Michael Monroe / CJ Wildheart – Sin City, Swansea 30.05.25

The Rock and Roll show kept rolling, and Tonight it was the turn of Swansea to bear witness to the Rock and Roll phenomenon that is Michael Moroe and his band of merry men. I’ve seen the Monroes in many guises over the years in many venues, indoor and out, and the one thing I always testify is that this last one was better than the previous one. Regardless of whats in the set be it a Hanoi heavy set or a Monroe solo outing I’m always buzzing off the energy and heart and soul this band puts into every performance because that’s what they deliver folks, A performance of the highest order be it a festival slot or headline it matters not because they are going to give it everything they have for the duration. They have to, its in their collective DNA, they are the embodiment of Rock and Roll from the opening chord of ‘Dead Jail Or Rock and Roll’ it full tild zero fucks given zero bullshit Rock and Roll show.

First up to warm the punters was CJ, following on from an impressive turn last year when The Monroes did a whistlestop visit for ‘Two Steps’ and once again CJ and the band did a great job offering up plenty of solo material as well as ‘Lemonaide’ from The Jellys. ‘Go Away’ and ‘Sitting At Home’ from the wonderful Honeycrack. CJ seemed a little distracted by how dark the venue was, and it reminded him of a sex club panic room. Had the lights come on, he might have been terrified at the faces staring back at him, but the rock kept coming. Ending the set with a hat-trick of Wildhearts tracks and some amusing banter in the city of Dylan Thomas and Twin Town, the banter wasn’t lost on some of us.

The moment had come, and the intro tape of tribal drums rang out through the PA the time had come for Michael Monroe and his band to roll up their sleeves and get down to business.

Starting with his iconic hit from many moons ago its setting the bar at a height that most bands could never follow but tonight the Monroes simply ooze class and a set that meanders through the good and the great from a glittering career with added Hanoi for good measure and the best tracks Demolition 23 had to offer in a stunning one, two.

I love the rhythm section of Yaffa and Rockfist those guys play with such passion and swagger nailing it every time its a case of where do you look and have I missed anything as Monroe starts climbing the barrier and walking a tightrope and if the club had a high ceiling with tall PA he’d have been up there as well giving every breath in his body like he is playing to each and every person who truly believes in the power of Rock and Roll who came along to the show. ‘Last Train To Tokyo’ never sounded so good and was the perfect loosener for the magnificent ‘Motorvatin’ as Yaffa pounds out the rhythm to a bona fide classic.

Rich Jones and Steve Conte have developed into a formidable sonic foil bookending the Hanoi pair and keeping the repair on stage as they move across every inch of the stage seamlessly going from rhythm to lead with a cheeky smile and a nod and wink its a magnificent beast that I’ve not seen bettered for a long long time. My only thought is how the fuck are they only playing clubs its one of lives mysteries how these aren’t headlining arenas and selling millions of records. what a Fuckin mystery that is but I always feel its others loss that they’re missing out on such songs and a magnificent band.

The intensity continued with no fuckin about or bullshit between songs this group are on fire. Well, except when Michael forgot the words on ‘The Man With No Eyes’, but who cares it’s rock and roll, live in the moment. It just goes to show he is human after all. They might have struck a deal with the devil and drink from the fountain of youth, but from ‘Old Kings Road’ right through ’78’, ‘LES’, the pair of Demolition 23 classics it was nothing short of sensational.

‘Malibu Beach Nightmare’ and ‘Up Around The Bend’ signalled the end of the set as the audience gave a rapturous reception for what had just taken place, which only left an encore of the epic ‘Taxi Driver’ one of the best songs ever written followed by a tip of the hat to the much missed legend Johnny Thunders with a rapid take on ‘I Wanna Be Loved’ and we were done. A drenched in sweat band took the plaudits, and rightly so, that was exceptional and no matter how many times I see this band, I will always go back for more. Simply incredible and boy do they Rock Like Fuck!

Author: Dom Daley

Michael Monroe tours UK in 2025

Michael Monroe tours UK in 2025

After a handful of well-received shows this winter Michael Monroe and his band of merry men will return to the UK for a proper tour hitting Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and England. Tickets will be out Friday 6th December for what will be an awesome run of shows next Summer. Let’s sell out these dates and show the band that the support is out there for one of the most exciting bands currently treading the boards. Links for tickets below.

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22nd May 2025 – Newcastle University

23rd May 2025 – Glasgow

24th May – Belfast

26th May – Southampton

27th May – Brighton

28th May – Bristol

30th May – Swansea

31st May – Buckley

1st June – Call Of The Wild Festival, Lincoln

Michael Monroe – Planet Rockstock, Trecco Bay, Porthcawl – 30th November 2024

Michael Monroe – Planet Rockstock, Trecco Bay, Porthcawl – 30th November 2024

“Gonna take a holiday down Trecco Beach. That’s what I’ll do!”

Okay, I might have twisted that lyric slightly, but the charming south Wales seaside town of Porthcawl has been my go-to place for some r’n’r for some time now, only this time around with Michael Monroe in da house I’m here to rock n roll, not rest n relax.

I’m of course not alone as Planet Rock’s excellent Planet Rockstock’s (once again) sold-out festival audience are here too. They are in for the long haul though, with four days of live music and a chance for everyone to let their hair down before Winter (and all that entails) fully descends on the UK. Me I’m just here for the Saturday night headliners, and only just make it in by the skin of my teeth (all thanks to Sir Rich Jones).

After the emotional roller coaster of the ‘Two Steps From The Move’ 40th Anniversary show I’d attended in London just a few days earlier it was going to be interesting to see what the guys would do in a festival headline capacity. Would they dare play the whole of ‘Two Steps From The Move’ record here, or would it be a solo years only show? Well the answer is…a bit of both.

High kicking things off (as only Michael Monroe can) and picking right up where we left proceedings in London, ‘Dead, Jail Or Rock ‘N’ Roll’ is the cocksure opener, immediately followed by ‘I Live Too Fast To Die Young’, ‘Murder The Summer Of Love’ and ‘Last Train To Tokyo’ and everyone in the place is already dripping in sweat.

“Get some oxygen in here, open some doors”, demands the frontman’s frontman as he jumps, jives, and sings his way into everyone’s hearts. There’s no escaping Michael Monroe as he tightrope walks the barrier to clamber on top of the PA before cajoling everyone to go just a little bit crazier because the night is still so young (ouch).  He’s not alone in this either as guitarists Rich Jones and Steve Conte effortlessly work their sides of the stage whilst exchanging demon twin lead work and occasionally territories as well, and then there’s the Monroe rhythm section. Right now I honestly don’t think there’s a better bottom-end combo out there in the world of rock ‘n’ roll as drummer Karl Rockfist and bassist Sami Yaffa are rock solid, and that Yaffa bass thump when blended in with Rockfist’s bass drum and snare is a sonic punch to knock you square off your feet.

‘Horns And Halos’ is the first track up not played at the previous Anniversary shows and it slots in perfectly alongside the more recent setlist regulars ‘Young Drunks & Old Alcoholics’, ‘78’ and ‘Ballad of The Lower East Side’. One thing that is obvious tonight whilst up close and personal and not halfway back like in London is just how much fun the guys are having as a band right now. The smiles, the in-jokes, and the chemistry is simply infectious, and whilst Monroe, Yaffa and Conte are all now in their early sixties the energy they generate as a collective could power a small town…like Porthcawl, and they do just that lighting up everyone’s lives for the time they are on stage

Things do finally slow down (albeit briefly) for a run-through of ‘Don’t You Ever Leave Me’, Michael playfully touching up his make-up whilst explaining the back story behind the recent Anniversary shows to the audience, then the pace is back up to double quick time and ‘One Man Gang’ brings to a close the solo years section of the show in deafening fashion.

From here on in its Hanoi and Demolition 23 songs to take us home with ‘Motorvatin’’, ‘Hammersmith Palais’ and the ‘Two Steps’ treats of ‘Underwater World’ and ‘Boiler’ all adding to my rapidly diminishing voice as it’s impossible not to just holler along at the top of my voice (apologies to those around me). ‘Boiler’ proving once again to be a real highlight not just simply because Hanoi never played it live, but also because Rich Jones does such a sterling job filling in for the dearly departed Razzle on the cockerknee chorus sections. I’d joked with him after the London show that he could join Cock Sparrer with an accent like that, and after experiencing a second airing in just a few days, I’m now not even joking when I say it, he really could fit right in.

With the clock fast ticking down to curfew there’s no time for chatter but still plenty of time to clatter us with Demolition 23’s ‘Nothing’s Alright’ and as Dom said in his summation of the London show, what I wouldn’t give to see that band playing live in the UK next year, maybe at Rebellion?

Which just leaves time for what would have been the set closing Hanoi one-two suckerpunch of ‘Taxi Driver’ and ‘Malibu Beach Nightmare’ to lead us into what would have been the encore (but Rockstock has a strict “no encore” policy) of a confetti cannon driven ‘Up Around The Bend’, and then just like that, the party’s over and we are all left beaming from ear to ear, drenched in sweat with love hearts and stars glued to our flesh, and no doubt still finding them in our clothes and underwear for days to follow.

Michael himself probably summed things up best tonight, “the last time we played here we didn’t headline, tonight we are headlining, so we must be doing something right, yes?” Yes, you are indeed guys, and if the rumours I heard here do turn out to be true then the UK will get another chance to see the Monroes doing all the right things all over again come spring 2025, and I for one can’t wait to RLF all over again.

Author: Johnny Hayward

Sami Yaffa – ‘Satans Helpers, War Lazer Eyes And The Money Pig Circus’ (Island Records)

Sami Yaffa – ‘Satans Helpers, War Lazer Eyes And The Money Pig Circus’ (Island Records)

After the innermost journey, it seems about right we should engage with ‘Satans helpers, War Lazer Eyes And The Money Pig Circus’. Confused? Relax, sit back, and take a deep breath its only an album title.

I’ll set the picture for you, Sami Yaffa managed to turn in the album of the year when he released his debut solo album in 2021. It had everything and confirmed with many of us how fuckin talented the guy is. Not content with being the coolest bass player on the planet or playing on some of the best records ever he had to go and write produce sing and play on a solo album that was so fuckin good it was almost unfathomable. Roll on a couple of years and Mr Yaffa is back in the ring and taking precision shots again like the heavyweight player he is.

The first glimpse into album number two was the Iggyfied ‘Crashing Down’ and with a confident swagger, Sami was on top of his game with another earworm that sounded so good it made me grin for days. Excited at what was coming down the line and the first taste was exactly what I wanted to hear. Such is Samis laid back demeanour is infectious and engaging and it puts the listener in the best frame of mind for listening to some of the finest music currently being laid down anywhere by anyone.

The title track rolls in on a cool countrified lick that gathers pace before exploding into widescreen as Yaffas well worn, warm vocal wraps itself around you like a warm comforting blanket and the opening of this much-anticipated album is done.

‘Silver Or Lead’ rattles in off the back of the widescreen opener with a sharp, stripped back song with plenty of punch and gang vocals on the chorus but it’s the arrangement that gives the song an air of excitement that draws you the listener in. ‘Hurricane Hank’ is one cool motherfucker by the swagger of his soundtrack. A cool bluesy lick is held by some cool keyboard rattling over a rapid fuzzed guitar.

One thing Yaffa is clearly gifted is the ability to change pace and style yet keep it perfectly on point whatever the style so ‘Death Squad’ is the first glimpse of the reggae skank we had on that first record and it’s here with the keyboard slap with rhythmic stabs to groove alongside the skank of that clean guitar with its bluesy licks.

‘Down Home’ is laid on a bed of acoustic guitar chords and a warm pained vocal. It’s not quite a ballad but has a gentler hand maybe more Americana in the vein of say Jesse Malin at the top of his game. In contrast ‘Shitshow’ is rockin’ out at its finest from the storming the gates guitar break that’s scorching the speakers as it bursts through. No time for finery or complicated arrangments it’s heads down and lets rock! Some wonderful piano fills and backing vocals to accompany this rocka.

Whilst we’re deep into the record we have the first single that dropped several weeks ago ‘Crashing Down’ and it still sounds like the best song Iggy never wrote anytime over the last thirty years. ‘Chemical Life’ has the funk pulsing through the bassline sounding like an adventure through the NYC underbelly from the keys and that funkified bass to the cool lyric and fucked up flavours created by the brass and percussion exploding all over the place. A fantastic song and even after so few plays it sounds like a track to delve into for years to come.

A more varied album than his debut and touching upon all his previous bands and roles within bands Sami Yaffa has really spread his wings on ‘Satans Helpers’ there is perhaps a supreme confidence happening here before our eyes and ears and the off-kilter groove of ‘Far Star’ is his most varied offering yet. It could have been offered up to Harry and Chris Stein around the time they were eating to the beat it has that LES charm as the mist rolls in off the Hudson it might turn out to be the record’s buried gem the more play I give this, Only time will tell.

The record is almost done and already I’m excited to do it all again and see what pops out of my speakers on the next play. ‘Faster Than Me’ has a carefree vibe that is like a ray of sunshine after the storm. You know that satisfying smug feeling when you’ve looked forward to a new record and it absolutely doesn’t disappoint, well, ‘Satans Helper’ is exactly that record. I think it’s safe to say that Sami Yaffa will once again be challenging for the album of the year title such is the quality of this album after only a few plays.

Now, go and ask your local record store to get you a copy of ‘Satans Helpers, Warlazer Eyes & The Money Pig Circus’ it might just be the best record you buy in 2024 and you can quote me on that!

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Author: Dom Daley

Steve Conte unveils brand new video

Steve Conte unveils brand new video

New York City guitarist, singer & songwriter Steve Conte has released a video for his new single, co-written with Andy Partridge (XTC) titled “Fourth of July.”

The song & video serve as a follow-up to his 2021 acclaimed solo album Bronx Cheer, and offers an early preview of his upcoming new LP due out in 2024 via Steven Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records.

Steve says:

“Fourth of July” was written with one of my favorite songwriters of all time, from one of my fave bands – Andy Partridge of XTC. I feel blessed to be writing with one of my heroes…and to be recording for Little Steven Van Zandt’s label, Wicked Cool Records,” says Conte.

“With a title like “Fourth of July” I knew I didn’t want to make this song lyric at all patriotic American or about Independence Day – I wanted it to be about the sparks that fly, the fireworks that go off in a relationship. One with intense chemistry…love, fulfillment …bombs bursting in air, ya know? Explosions, yes – but no stars & stripes.

The chorus of the song is one that I’ve had kicking around since the 90s. I wrote the hook while getting ready to leave my NYC apartment for some July 4th event – I just started singing about what was happening that day. The hook was all there; chords, melody, the title lyric, the phrasing – complete with that odd timing. I thought it could be something special because I never forgot it.”

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Hanoi Rocks – ‘Oriental Beat – 40th Anniversary Re(al)mix’ (Svart Records)

Hanoi Rocks – ‘Oriental Beat – 40th Anniversary Re(al)mix’ (Svart Records)

The year is 2023 and I’m sat at home waiting for my Hanoi Rocks album to be delivered but with many things you simply have to wait and good things are worth waiting for and any original or should that be classic Hanoi Rocks album is well worth the wait.

I used to be a bit sceptical about bands doing a remaster or remix especially if its a classic album but as I’ve got older I’ve dug deep into some of my favourite records when they’ve had the overhaul treatment, especially some of those half speed jobs from Abbey Road and when I heard the difference Japans ‘Quiet Life’ had or some of the classic ‘Rolling Stones’ records sounding like a different album at times it can be a bit of a head fuck when they’re done well. What lowered my scepticism was hearing the Senseless Things overhaul of ‘The First Of Too Many’ and how much better the new version was compared to the muddy original I was converted and won over in one fell swoop and now I’d happily champion and shell out for a well-done remix/master which has brought us to this hallowed spot and the mighty, unparalleled, unrivalled Hanoi Rocks and this here Svart release of ‘Oriental Beat’.

Delays delays delays, I’ve put off reviewing this album and its re(al)mix but couldn’t wait any longer for my record to turn up so I’ve delved into the digital and sat back with my hands over my face as the virtual needle dropped and ‘Oriental Beat’ hit the ether and blew my fragile tiny mind. Wow, congratulations to Svart for doing something I didn’t think possible. ‘Oriental Beat’ sounds like an album that was released yesterday it’s got volume, punch, new clarity and moments I’d either forgotten about or were never listenable to the human ear. Sweet Baby Jesus! Hallalulija hark the herald angels sing. This is how Hanoi Rocks sound just listen to Sami Yaffa’s bass thumping its way through the title opening track it’s unbelievable. Truly a cut above and those BV’s are exceptional. I’ll admit it’s been a couple of years since I spun this album and when I heard it was being treated to an overhaul I wasn’t sure if Genius should be tampered with but on the evidence, Man I’m converted.

The strangest thing abou tthis version would be the track listing but dropping ‘Motorvatin’ deeper into the album is worth it because once you get your head around the sound the intro is a real highlight. The second Hanoi album saw them becomeing a real unique force sure they still leant on their heroes like the best song the Clash never wrote in ‘No Law No Order’ or the Mick n Keif locked in playing on the epic ‘Teenagels Outsiders’ where I think Monroe sounded amazing. Youthful exuberance and developing a unique style I think he’d really come into his own here and the saxophone use was and still is exceptional and I never understood why it wasn’t used more in punk rock when Hanoi used it it was brilliant as it was for bands like The Lords Of The New Church and Johnny Thunders but Hanoi were different, they used it best of all.

The groove and open-heart honesty of McCoys playing on ‘Sweet Home Suburbia’ is incredible the sustain is almost visual. I can’t express how much better this version is and once I get used to the track listing all will be well in the world and I will start to get on to whoever I have to to see if the master tapes for other albums are available for this sort of treatment. I don’t think I’m saying anything outrageous here but this album has only gone to cement how vital each member of the band was and how integral and truly amazing Yaffa was to the sound of the band. There are moments I haven’t fully appreciated before and some of the walking bass lines are majestic ‘Lightnin’ Bar Blues’ as is the harmonica of Monroe on ‘Devil Woman’. The band should be rightfully proud of this project its an emotional and exceptional piece of work that is an absolute must heart for any fan old or new it is worth every single penny and some. Special praise must also go to Petri Majuri for his input into this project and his exceptional work of drawing out the demons and replacing them with angels’ wings ‘Oriental Beat’ is already one of the best albums ever and is now even better – Buy this record!

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Author: Dom Daley