The Future Shape Of Sound – ‘Heavy Load’ (Gypsy Hotel Records)

The Future Shape Of Sound – ‘Heavy Load’ (Gypsy Hotel Records)

From the nighttime, neon city wastelands of East London, there came a group, a collective of soul divas and rock n’ roll musicians led by the mysterious and enigmatic guitarist/producer Alex McGowan (aka Captain Future). This man without a tan has worked with the likes of Primal Scream, Jah Wobble, The Urban Voodoo Machine and Jim Jones. His band The Future Shape Of Sound could be the perfect festival band and over the years have been seen plying their trade at the likes of Red Rooster, Womad, Boomtown and even the Glastonbury festival. You can catch them occasionally, where society rejects frequent, dark, seedy bars and the occasional hometown Gypsy Hotel gig. They follow up their 2018 album ‘Shakedown Gospel’ with the long-awaited ‘Heavy Load’.

Keeping with tradition, ‘Heavy Load’ features several lead vocalists over the 10-track album, but predominantly it’s James Brown’s widow, Tomirae Brown, who not only takes the lead but also co-wrote most of the material with Alex.

Opener ‘I Want A Little Slow Blues’ is a low-key affair, a mid-paced groover featuring former Jim Jones Revue man Henri Herbert tinkling the ivories, backed by The Future Sisters gospel trio. This leads nicely into killer single ‘I’d Rather Be Alone’, where the band fully hit their groove. Tomirae adds raunchy Tina Turner vibes to the foot-stompin’ rock n’ roll party anthem. Co-written by The Urban Voodoo Machine mouthpiece Paul-Ronney Angel, it’s a surefire album highlight.

Claire Allen of The Guerilla Street gospel choir takes us to church on ‘Ain’t Standing By’ and Geraldine ‘Gee Gee’ Reid of The Divettes takes over for a couple of numbers too; the rhythmic gospel laced blues of ‘Ride’ sounds like an old forgotten traditional song and the more funky jam ‘You Can Change Your Mind’ showcases the tight and groovy rhythm section of bassist Duncan DeMorgan and drummer Doc Johnson.

Elsewhere, you’ll find a couple of beauties that encapsulate The Future Shape Of Sound vibe; the funk rock explosion of ‘Take The Money’ is trashy in a good way, it fits the Tomirae vocal delivery nicely, and the wah-wah guitars give added cool factor.  Tomirae & The Future Sisters return for the swampy blues anthem ‘Oh Mama’, and there is no surprise that it was a single. The slide guitar, the harmonica and the soulful backing vocals give depth to the catchy melody and footstompin’ vibes. You’ll add it to your playlist if you’re that way inclined. Me? I’ll just buy the record and play the whole damn thing the way the artist intended.  

Recorded at Alex’s own Space Eko East studio in East London, ‘Heavy Load’ captures the soulful rock n’ roll blues of a band that thrives in a live environment. With his congregation of multi-national and multi-talented musicians and singers, he takes the sounds of the streets and the dives of old London town, turns it into a celebration and takes us to pray at the church of rock n’ roll once again. It’s good to have them back. Now, where’s that vinyl pre-order button?

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Author: Ben Hughes

THRASHERS THORNS ARE ‘READY TO STRIKE’ THE UK IN JULY

THRASHERS THORNS ARE ‘READY TO STRIKE’ THE UK IN JULY

OHIO THRASHERS THORNS HIT THE UK IN JULY – TOUR DATES CONFIRMED INCLUDING AN APPEARANCE AT 2000 TREES FESTIVAL

NEW EP ‘READY TO STRIKE’ TO BE RELEASED 26TH AUGUST VIA THESE GO TO ELEVEN RECORDS

US thrash upstarts Thorns have erupted out of an Ohio basement and into the global metal conversation, becoming one of the fastest-rising new forces in heavy music. Armed with the same uncompromising DIY spirit that fuelled Black Flag and D.O.A., they skipped the industry queue entirely — building their own studio, self-recording and self-releasing two albums and multiple singles and rallying a worldwide following in under a year.

Tapping into the same high-velocity energy surge that spawned the first wave of 80s thrash metal with the likes of Exodus, Nuclear Assault, Anthrax and early Metallica etc, Thorns are a much needed, turbo charged, heads down, head banging assault to the senses. Their new four song EP ‘Ready To Strike’ is set for release August 26th via These Go To Eleven Records and Thorns have come straight out the traps with new single ‘Bad Business’. Coming in at just under two and a half minutes, ‘Bad Business’ is short and fast and lean and mean!

“It’s the standout track from our original demo, but we re-recorded it to fit the vision we originally had. Faster, tighter, and heavier than before… ‘Bad Business’ is the definition of Thrash,” state the band.

“As a band, we’re looking to bring back elements of Metal that we feel have been forgotten over time. Not just heavy riffs but catchy hooks, meaningful lyrics, impressive solos, and the old school energy of it all. We want to put our music in front of as many people as possible.”

That relentless work ethic has paid off: 3.5+ million streams, a rapidly growing international fanbase, and a reputation for resurrecting the ferocity of peak-’80s thrash with a modern edge. Their new EP ‘Ready to Strike’ drops across four monthly singles from May to August, setting the stage for a breakout summer. July sees the band hit the UK for a full run of shows, culminating in their festival debut at 2000 Trees.

Catch Thorns on tour in the UK at the following dates in July:

3rd       Green Door, Brighton

4th       Ifor Bach, Cardiff

5th       1865, Southampton

7th       Basement, Tunbridge Wells

9th       Chinnerys, Southend

11th     2000 Trees Festival, Cheltenham

15th     Blach Heart, London

16th     The Horn, St. Albans

17th     The Parish, Huddersfield

18th     Satan’s Hollow, Manchester

Find Thorns online HERE

Ultrabomb – ‘The Bridges That We Burn’ (Virgin Music Group) 

Ultrabomb – ‘The Bridges That We Burn’ (Virgin Music Group) 

A couple of years ago I was introduced to Ultrabomb for the first time by being recommended their album Dying to Smile “Chris this is right up your alley, you will love it” and oh how DD was right, turns out that it ended up being one of my albums of the year, roll on a couple of years and Ultrabomb are back with album number three the absolute banger “The Bridges That We Burn” 

Legendary Hüsker Dü bassist Greg Norton has been on fire now for the last few years with three fantastic albums. This time, however, the supergroup has had a few lineup changes, now on lead vocals and guitar is Ryan Smith (Soul Asylum) and the man with the sticks, Derek O’Brien (Social Distortion, Adolescents). For any fan of the alternative punk scene, there is no chance this was going to disappoint and that, my friends, it does not. 

Opening the album, we have a mega riff and thundering bassline into the extremely catchy “Darwin Awards” I’ll be amazed if there’s a better opening song on an album this year. 

Straight away, I know that even though the line-up has changed, the quality hasn’t at all, the production here is very clean and loud, and the band are on fire. “Divert/Deflect” is a pounding beast that will have fists pumping during the chorus. 

Next album is the first single off the album and one of the many album highlights, “Artificial Stars”. This could be taken right out of a Soul Asylum classic, the Melodies are everywhere throughout, it’s nearly impossible to get the guitar licks out of your head on this one. 

My favourite song on the album is just around the corner with the excellent “No Cap” with verses that Dave Pirner would be proud of before exploding into a prime Supersuckers-like chorus at breakneck speed. This will have audiences jumping around like lunatics, no doubt about it. 

With a resume from these three musicians it should be no surprise that this album is so good but yet somehow it does, Greg had been away from the music business for so long to have come back this strongly is no joke, his songwriting here is on top top form, Ryan really shines here as well as his voice is so infectious with guitar harmonies all over the place and Derek keeps everything so tight, fantastic stuff. 

We’re on the flip side of the album now and we get another few album highlights the absolute brilliant “Checked Out” which boasts a anthemic chorus followed with a stunning guitar solo and then we go straight into a pounding bassline from Greg in the equally fantastic “Look Forward In Anger” another one that will get fans off their feet around venues (hopefully in the UK as well please).

We’re coming close to the end now, and we are given the smile-raising “BSS” which stands for Bull Shit Song, which had me grinning from ear to ear, and to close out the album, we have the brutal “Mosquito Crucifixion” which is a monster of a song with a huge riff throughout to end a brilliant album on a massive high note!!!

There we have it, Ultrabomb album #3 ‘The Bridges That We Burn’ in the bag, it’s safe to say it will be high up on my end of year list, give it a listen and make sure to buy it!!! 

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Author: Christian Davies  

Cyanide Pills – ‘Singled Out’ (Damaged Goods Records)

Cyanide Pills – ‘Singled Out’ (Damaged Goods Records)

Cyanide Pills could be the greatest punk band in the world; they’re surely the greatest punk band to drag their arses outta Leeds. A self-proclaimed “gang of cunts from a desolate land” consisting of Phil Privilage on vocals, Sy Pinkeye on guitar, Alex Arson on another guitar, Alarick on bass and Chris Wrist beating the drums. These lively lads from Leeds have been exciting audiences across Europe and beyond for the past 17 years, and with 5 albums under their studded belts and a whole bunch of single releases, it’s about time they released a greatest (s)hits record, right?

Well, here you go, you lucky fuckers! Here’s a tasty treat courtesy of Damaged Goods for ya. ‘Singled Out’ is all their 7” releases and the corresponding B sides (plus a couple of new unreleased singles) on double vinyl and shiny CD. That’s 33 tracks to devour. Are you excited yet?

You should be, just check out that track list. The A sides are worth the entry price alone. Spikey, power pop-infused punky goodness with buzzsaw guitars and choruses to die for, that is the signature Cyanide Pills sound, and they’ve got the songs in spades. From The Clash meets The Toy Dolls sound of debut single ‘Break It Up’ to the pogoing power pop of newbies ‘Amalia’ and ‘Second Best’, it’s a wild and melodic ride.

You’ll laugh along at the tongue-in-cheek lyricism, from the tale of forbidden love that is ‘Suicide Bomber’ to the political diatribe of ‘Government’, the band remain confidently relevant and humorous in equal measures. You may even ponder if Johnny Thunders did actually live in Leeds.

Highlights include the killer earworm ‘Conquer The World’, the ridiculously catchy ‘Big Mistake’ and recent single ‘Hope You’re Having Fun’. Songs that prove this band ages like a fine red wine.

Then we get to the really tasty stuff. If you’re a fan, but like me don’t collect 7” records, disc 2 is the place to begin. ‘Mail Order Bride’ and ‘Stick Em Up’ were on the flip side of the debut single, and to be fair, either of them could have been the chosen A side. High energy punk n’ roll with distorted riffs and choruses that most bands would die for. Elsewhere, the standouts are plentiful. For me, the ska-infused ‘Lock Me Up’, the Green Day-esque ‘Hooked On You’, and the 70’s glitter stomp of ‘I’m Celebrating’ are winners. These songs go a long way to show Cyanide Pills B-sides stand tall against the A-sides. And just wait until you hear ‘My Mind’s On Strike’, the flip side of the upcoming new single ‘Amalia’. With a verse that pummels the senses and a killer gang vocal chorus, it’s up there with their best.

It is said that true music fans don’t buy ‘best of’ albums, but this collection is a great starting point if you are new to the band, and is essential if you are a fan but don’t collect 7” records. Sequenced in release order, it’s an album that flows well and shows the progression of a band who get stronger song by song. ‘Singled Out’ is a worthy addition to any music lover’s collection from a homegrown band who are up there, standing tall against their contemporaries.

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Website

Author: Ben Hughes

Mr Dinkles – ‘R.I.P.T’ (futureless)

Mr Dinkles – ‘R.I.P.T’ (futureless)

LA and Seattle’s Mr Dinkles is a power pop punk duo made up of Mac Rettig on vocals and guitar and Rocco Ramos on drums. And they waste no time getting straight to the point with their no-frills power-punk songs.

The R.I.P.T EP is the upcoming release that collects their last two singles, along with their latest ‘Letter to Elon’ and two more tracks, for a 5-track wallop of a musical statement.

Ripping straight into the sublime ‘Socialism Ditty’, and the duo instantly set out their mission statement with a two and a half minutes lyrical and sonic attack that delivers on all accounts!

Wasting no time, the duo kick straight into ‘Eat Chips and Talk Shit’. Setting the scene from the perspective of a twenty-something in today’s world.

The latest single ‘Letter to Elon’, immediately sees Weezer come to mind, with the laidback slacker riff melody, which is never a bad thing, especially to these ears anyway. The song takes aim at the world’s wealthiest man and pokes at the world and his disconnection with how the world actually works.

The lo-fi garage vibe of the EP is a welcome sound in today’s oversaturated, mechanical sound. While the sound is clearly top-notch, it’s more the slacker vibe that shines through, especially on ‘Grinding My Teeth’.

The final song on the EP is the previous single ‘I Don’t Really Wanna’, which is also abbreviated to IDRW. The track is a catchy melodic slab of garage rock that quietly sneaks into your conscience and will become the earworm that will bug and delight you in equal measures.

Thanks to this EP, I will be checking out the duo’s back catalogue straight away

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Author: Dave Prince

MICAH AND THE MIRRORS – ‘Liar’s Chair’ (Spaghetty Town / Beluga)

MICAH AND THE MIRRORS – ‘Liar’s Chair’ (Spaghetty Town / Beluga)

Denver, Colorado — In a sense, this record has been overdue for a long time, ” shares MICAH AND THE MIRRORS frontman Micah Morris, who might be familiar around here because his former day job was fronting Fast Eddy, but alas, his world got turned upside down after ending his marriage, losing his job, and his band breaking up.

The day after Fast Eddy broke up, He played the last show in Tokyo alone on a Friday night. He called Dan Dixon the next day and booked studio time for this record. What is it they say about clouds and silver linings?

Micah recounted that when he got home, though, he hit an all-time low and felt like he could see myself burning alive on a chair that people had propped up for me. He spent many late nights alone, looking out his window towards the radio towers in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, staring into a void. He played piano and guitar until the bright hours of the morning, and at times did nothing but sit there and think.

Friends and family came through, and with their support, he regained his mojo and found the strength to start over and not give up on my lifetime of work with music.

Less than a year since Fast Eddy broke up,’ I’m now sitting on ‘Liar’s Chair’ is out in the wild, and with the speakers turned up, it’s time to walk the walk. You’re eased in with the sound of the wilds as an acoustic guitar is picked gently, as ‘Opus’ sets the mood. ‘You’ll See’ follows with Micah’s voice and a strummed acoustic guitar before the bass and drums ease in and the slower, measured intro builds. The song weaves a thoughtful melody, less bombast and dare I say it, more mature and reflective Micah.

The title track is again a dusty morning on the porch with acoustic guitar strumming towards the chorus. Not a million miles from Ashcroft post Verve in style and feel. ‘Condolences’ is more uptempo with the electric guitar sitting proudly in the centre of the mix. A midtempo slice of modern rock n roll with a lot going on from the horns to the rolling tempo, it’s a top tune and melody with excellent vocals that lift the track out of the darkness.

The single off the album ‘Yokohama Mama’ is like the Kinks meets Roxy Music in vibe, late 70s early 80s groove racing off on a great tempo to be followed out of the traps by the jarring punchy ‘Lady Blue Eyes’ before the barroom rocker ‘Hungry Hungry Heart’ is fired off like a swinging boxer who fancies his chances windmilling and dancing feet its got a hint of prime time Hives for good measure.

‘They Might Say’ is a sidestep with the piano stabs like a late-night, early-morning walk of shame, wondering where you got that feather boa from, but hey, this mellow slice of 70s glam is very welcome, adding another texture to an already most excellent record. Before the album signs off, we walk on the wild side with the bass-heavy rhythmic ‘Tortilla Chip’ coming on like a late 80s Jagger Richards thumper breaking out on the chorus.

We sign off with some ” Oh La La “, “After I Die’ which was only missing the honkin new orleans marching band for the last verse. Welcome back, Mr Morris. With a record this good, I can only see brighter days ahead. Go check it out, you won’t be disappointed.

Buy Beluga (Europe)

Buy Spaghetty Town (USA)

Author: Dom Daley

Simon Love- ‘Is The One True Prince Of Wales ( In Exile After Abdication)’ (Bandcamp) 

Simon Love- ‘Is The One True Prince Of Wales ( In Exile After Abdication)’ (Bandcamp) 

Yes, we like it loud at RPM, but we’re a broad church, and, what with Daley Towers being based in Wales, we keep a keen ear on those with top tunes and Welsh connections. Step forward, Simon Love, London-based, Welsh-born songwriter. If you don’t know the name, you should, and now is the perfect time to rectify this sad state of affairs.

Having recently released his fourth solo album, the ex-singer of The Loves brings us another batch of smart, addictive pop gems. He may be a cynic, but with a gentle soul. Imagine Nick Lowe’s stroppy nephew, and you won’t be far wrong.

‘(Feels Funny) But I’m Getting Used To It’ is already stuck in my head, due to the tune and the video. After the death of his father, Simon wrote this to describe “the weird game of hide and seek that grief plays with you”. You won’t see another video like it this year.

‘Everything Is S4C’ is equally catchy, but being upright, decent types, we can’t tell you what the title means. Buy the album and find out. You’ll be treated to ‘I’m Not Worth It’; Simon’s altercation with some unimpressed bouncers, and  ‘Green Man Blues’; belating the festival whilst sounding like a righteous blend of Madness and The Blockheads. ‘Coventry’ even evokes early 70s Kinks, so this gives you an idea of the quality throughout. 

‘Happy Birthday To Me (And Rita Lee)’ is perfect for those who have a festive birthday, while ‘Strange Technique’ is the kind of tune that Lawrence used to write so well, but the sax solo also hints at Bowie. It’s rather lovely. ‘Us Against The World’ is epic, but it may give you cause to doubt your children. 

Bookended by ‘Bore Da/Nos Da’ and with a slice of the rousing ‘hen wlad fy nhadau’, I can imagine it brought a tear to the eye of uncle Dom. My late, Welsh mother-in-law would be impressed as well. There are more songs here, but I’m going back for another listen. I suggest you nip over to Bandcamp sharpish and get your order in. 

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Author: Martin Chamarette

Interrobang? – ‘Rethink Everything’ (FOAD Musick)

Interrobang? – ‘Rethink Everything’ (FOAD Musick)

Dunsten Bruces Interrorbang? are like marmite, some people love ’em, and some simply don’t, there can be no in between, or can there? Album number two is unleashed upon the world in 2026, and this messed-up-on-fire planet probably deserves a head fuck of a record right now to properly reflect what the hell is going on.

Featuring Dunstan Bruce, formerly of Chumbawamba, and Griff, formerly of the band Regular Fries, Interrobang haven’t just made a new record, they’ve basically rewired the engine and fundamentally rethought how urgency sounds.

This record marks a decisive move away from their previous guitar-led confrontational sound. It’s a reinvention of sorts toward something more rhythmic and propulsive. At the heart of that shift is Griff, whose full embrace of synths, samplers, loops and electronic production has reshaped Interrobang into something groovier, more unmistakably dance-driven. A fine example is the single ‘Manosphere’ and the headfuckin begins.

Dive in and get head fucked by punk rock, but not as we know it, right? right! Off you, jolly well, fuck Dunstan says. Ten years in the making, it sounds complex and all over the place, dipping in here, there and everywhere and spending an hour in the head of Dunsten and Griff its like Carter on steroids but not such a leap from the previous album just different I’m not even sure how this would work live but in the safety of my house on loud it is impressive agit synth pop with chopping guitars weighing in in spaces.

Songs like ‘My Name Is’ sounds retro and very dance club retro, whilst ‘Unorthodox’ has a danceable twitch with a Bowie-like guitar lick. ‘Defiance’ sounds like it could have been paired with the Disposable Heroes of Hiphopricy.

I’m not gonna lie and say I love it because there are songs that just pass me by, but there are moments I sit up and take notice, like the acoustic string-laden ‘Broken Heart’. I’d say if you’re looking for guitar adjit punk rock, then you might want to expand your mind and prepare for a palate cleanser, but maybe over time you will grow to love this direction and the soundscapes on offer.

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Author: Dom Daley

Cyanide Pills to release Double Album

Cyanide Pills to release Double Album

On gatefold sleeve, double colour vinyl or one shiny CD!

Thirty-three tracks! Rounding up all the band’s 7” single releases to date! That’s all their A- and B-sides!

Includes two soon-to-be-released singles, one which will appear as a free 7” with the next issue of SAFETY PIN MAGAZINE, and the other as a very limited-edition lathe cut 7”.

To excite/annoy completists, there will be a third (standard) 7” released at the same time, featuring an A and B-side that don’t appear here.

Cyanide Pills released their first 7” single, Break It Up’, in 2009, following it up with a further 14 fab 45s, the most recent being a split single with Switzerland’s Nasty Rumours early last year. Most of these releases featured exclusive non-album B-sides, which we’ve rounded up for Singled Out. Good to have them in one place, innit! All tracks were recorded at the Billiard Room in Leeds with producer Carl “Razorblade” Rosamond.

“Influences? Hmm, well, we don’t just listen to punk rock, neither did the early bands because there wasn’t any,” said lead singer Phil speaking with Vive le Rock magazine in 2023. “We like the usual suspects, obviously, our favourites are the Belgian band The Kids, X-Ray Spex and Buzzcocks. We like Satan’s Rats, The Tours, Knots, The Fingers, Panic, Kleenex, Crime, The Terrorways, Victims, Wipers, The Briefs, The Spits, The Plugz, Bad Nerves, Nasty Rumours, stuff like that, loads of stuff, Syd Barrett, The Kinks, MC5, Stooges, Bowie, Ruben and the Jets, Kim Fowley, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf. The list goes on and on and on.”

We asked Phil a few questions to tie-in with the release of Singled Out…

All these tracks were recorded with Carl Rosamond as producer. What do you like about working with him?

 Mr Razorblade is a local legend around these parts. When we first went into his place we wanted to capture what we sounded like in the rehearsal room or live. He did more than that, he made us sound like a proper band. I don’t know what knobs he’s twiddling but it sure works! We are great friends and we wouldn’t work with anyone else.

What are your favourite A- and B-side tracks from this compilation and why?

For me, favourite B-sides are ‘Stick ‘em Up’ because it has the late great Jock on lead guitar, it’s our nod to glam rock. Also ‘Lock-up’. It was tradition back in the day for snotty punk bands to show their appreciation for reggae and dub by having a go themselves however crap it may be, this was our attempt.

A-sides, I like them all, maybe ‘Suicide Bomber’ because it’s becoming hard to find, I’ve heard that copies can change hands for over £8 these days! The new singles are pretty good too. 

Over the years, you’ve toured the world. What’s been your strangest gig? And what is your favourite venue to play?

Yes, we were lucky enough to meet Paul, who took us out on the road and with the help of Sandra, our booking agent, we have played in some amazing places. Highlight would be Heligoland, a small island in the North Sea, (look it up) two long boat rides away, the last boat was full of drunken punks, Conor turned green with sea sickness, bless him.

Also, a place we played just off Hollywood Boulevard called Madame Siam, I think it was once a nineteenth-century opium den. Our favourite haunts are Wild at Heart in Berlin and Freakshow in Essen, both incredible punk rock clubs. All the places we have played have been great, our tours have been eventful, and it’s been an adventure. 

How would you describe the other members of Cyanide Pills?

 Adorable! Ha, I’m not falling for that.

We asked the band members to nominate their favourite single…

Sy – ‘Waiting (For You To Call Me)’ because I’m a sucker for power-pop songs with a catchy chorus.

Chris – ‘Break it Up’ is my favourite single because it was the first one, and getting a 7” out on Damaged Goods was a big step up from playing at Batley Frontier Club. I think we put two songs on the B-side because we thought it might be our only release.

TOUR DATES 2026

1st May – Prince Albert, Brighton (with Quick Romance + Indignation Meeting)

2nd May – Punks Against Cancer @ Hairy Dog, Derby (with Skids + loads more!)

3rd May – Wharf Chambers, Leeds

20th May – Sonic Ballroom, Köln, GERMANY

21st May – Hafenklang, Hamburg, GERMANY

22nd May – Wild At Heart, Berlin, GERMANY

23rd May – Freakshow, Essen, GERMANY

7th November – Louisiana, Bristol (w/ The Briefs + Quick Romance)

8th November – Cons Club, Lewes, (w/ The Briefs + Quick Romance)

13th November – Ivory Blacks, Glasgow (w/ The Briefs)

14th November – Styx, Glenrothes (w/ The Briefs)

15th November – Morecambe Punk Festival

SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE

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Grail Guard – ‘Still No Future’ (TNS Records)

Grail Guard – ‘Still No Future’ (TNS Records)

Coventry has delivered some of the UK music scene titans in the past, such as The Specials and the whole 2 Tone movement, championing multiculturalism and the best of what we have to offer in the 70s. but there’s been a great gap and whilst its hard to whip up anything groundbreaking these days I never get let down with how damn good some albums are and how passionate some bands are about what they do and how they deliver it, Grail Guards ‘Still No Future’ a response to Rottens blank expression some fifty years ago this gives me goosebumps just how good an album this is, and how passionate they come across in the delivery of a tried and tested theme.

It’s hardcore played fast, loud and without any fuckin’ about or trying to be clever. Right from the off, ‘People Just Like You’ sets the tone. It’s like Argy Bargy with a fuckin’ migraine and a microphone, and they are about to speak their mind with direct delivery, and good on ’em. Right, strap yerselves in, this might get spikey.

‘Our Streets’ takes the Chisel meets Bob Vylan down a very dark alley and roughs them up into a riff-tastic home truth. Stay away from politics, I get told don’t mix politics and music, they say, but sometimes you have to make a stand and let it be known what side of the fence you are on, and I’m right on the side Grail Guard are on and hoisting them up. The lyrics might not be suitable for TOTP or BBC radio, but on my stereo, they are loud and proud. It’s awful that in 2026 there are still dinosaurs living in the dark ages and can’t get with the programme, we’re all equal, we are born, live a life and die. Prejudice and fascism shouldn’t be tolerated here, or anywhere and bands like Grail Guard feel compelled to sing songs like this is a great shame, but boy do they hit the nail on the head, fuckin awesome.

It doesn’t stop there, mind, and I can try and write witty quips, but I can’t sleep either when this is on my headphones at night. This is challenging music, it’s in your face and snarling like a rabid dog, and they absolutely hit the nail on the head with the style and delivery. This is a beast by any standard.

Over the ten tracks, the album ebbs and flows through various stages of anger and fury, and everything in between. The playing is spot on ‘Still Fucked Up’ is not a ballad, nor is it a gentle prod in the temple. It’s a boot to the temple and a piledriver to the throat. Inhale sharply because the thumping kick drum of ‘Anxieties’ is up next. The breakdown is immense, and the gang sing-along was unexpected but wholeheartedly endorsed.

With 2026 marking 50 years of UK punk, ‘Still No Future’ draws a stark and deliberate line between the 1970s and today. The Sex Pistols shouted “No Future” in 1977, and with this album, Grail Guard scream there is ‘STILL NO FUTURE’ (heartbreaking, isn’t it?) as many are facing the same traumatic experiences as those of the last fifty years. Holding a mirror up to society, Grail Guard deliver the goods and a message we fully endorse get angry, be angry, don’t normalise the bad guys and never make excuses for racism, prejudice, and hate. Stand up and endorse Grail Guard, they mean it, man. Buy this album!

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Author: Dom Daley