THE SLACKERS ANNOUNCE REISSUE OF “CLOSE MY EYES” & European Tour for later in 2024

THE SLACKERS ANNOUNCE REISSUE OF “CLOSE MY EYES” & European Tour for later in 2024

New York, NY – June 4, 2024 – Pirates Press Records is proud to re-release “Close My Eyes”, the 2002 album by NYC ska-reggae legends The Slackers – a complex and nuanced album that shows the band’s versatility and capacity for both commentary and introspection.

It is often said – to the point of cliche – that New York City is a “character” in the work of the city’s most noted filmmakers. A similar statement could be made about the artistic symbiosis between the city and The Slackers. From the Bronx-born accent of lead vocalist Vic Ruggiero to the band’s embrace of cosmopolitan musical traditions from a melting pot of cultural origins, New York defines The Slackers at least as much as the band have contributed to defining the sound of New York for well over 30 years.

Therefore, it bears mentioning that – aside from a 2002 collaborative album by “The Slackers and Friends” – “Close My Eyes” is the band’s first proper studio LP released after the traumatic terrorist attacks on their home city in 2001, and the band took enough time to process the global fallout of this tragedy. At first glance, the cover photograph might be mistaken for a mundane domestic slice of life, but upon closer examination, the television screen depicting a mushroom cloud and the newspaper showing explosive carnage speak of a darker world intruding on quiet home life. The lone person in the photo is turned away from both the TV and the newspaper, and, as the album title suggests, she has her eyes closed, but the implication is clear that sometimes the outside world is too big to ignore.

“So feel free go steal and rob, revolution ain’t my job,” sings Ruggiero on the title track. “And if I sing your happy song, please don’t tell me I am wrong.” It is the statement of an artist searching for a way to still sing about joy and life in uncertain times of great upheaval. And ultimately the band must reckon with these times. On “Real War,” toaster Marq Lyn takes lead vocals as the band addresses the march to war that was omnipresent in those early days of the 21st century, stating in no uncertain terms that it was “Time to fight the real war…Against hunger and poverty…For racial equality.” The Slackers make it clear that while the machinations of hawkish politicians grind on, the real needs of people all over the world are left behind.

This tension between a dangerous world and the struggles of one’s personal life are present throughout the record, and the band weaves stories from the whole spectrum of human emotion, war, heartbreak, joy, and everything in between. Bookended by instrumental tracks, opening with the energetic “Shankbon” and ending with moody dub reggae, these veteran virtuoso players ultimately take listeners on a masterful journey through the human experience.

Out of print on vinyl since its original pressing, “Close My Eyes” will be available for pre-order from the Pirates Press Records webstore on July 5th, 2024, and will be available everywhere on September 6th. It will be available on 2×12” Classic Black Vinyl as well as 2×12” Glass of Port Marble Vinyl. This new double LP pressing features 2 additional dub versions which are previously unreleased!

THE SLACKERS TOUR DATES:

06/07/2024 – Edmonton, AB – Starlite Room

06/08/2024 – Calgary, AB – Dickens Pub

06/09/2024 – Winnipeg, MB – Bulldog Event Center

06/14/2024 – New York, NY – Rocks Off Cruise

06/16/2024 – Boston, MA – Rock On Boat Cruise (afternoon boarding)

09/13/2024 – Hampton, VA – Fort Monroe – Supernova International Ska Festival

09/19/2024 – Breda, Netherlands – Mezz

09/20/2024 – Koln, DE – Gebauede 9

09/21/2024 – Kortrijk, Belgium – Wilde Westen

09/22/2024 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg

09/24/2024 – Brighton, UK – Arches

09/25/2024 – London, UK – Underworld

09/26/2024 – Glasgow, UK – Audio

09/27/2024 – Sheffield, UK – Corporation

09/28/2024 – Southampton, UK – 1865

09/29/2024 – Bristol, UK – Exchange

09/30/2024 – Swansea, UK – Sin City

10/01/2024 – Boulogne Sur Mer, FR – La Cave de Monsieur Guy

10/02/2024 – Paris, FR – Glazart

10/04/2024 – Sittard, Netherlands – Poppodium

10/05/2024 – Madrid, ES – Gruta 77 (Night 1)

10/06/2024 – Madrid, ES – Gruta 77 (Night 2)

10/08/2024 – Vienna, AT – Arena Wien

10/09/2024 – Graz, AT – Explosiv

10/10/2024 –  Munich, DE – Feierwerk Hansa39

10/11/2024 – Winterthur, CH – Salzhaus

10/12/2024 – Leuven, Belgium – Het Depot

10/13/2024 – Berlin, DE – SO36

The Complicators – ‘Self-Titled’ (Pirates Press Records)

The Complicators – ‘Self-Titled’ (Pirates Press Records)

Another day another quality record hits the shelves from Pirates Press. It’s been a while since we had some nasty snarling punk rock hit the streets, God knows there’s enough to be pissed off with around the spinning rock we reside on from the UK and our shitty corrupt government filling their greedy boots to the USA and the MAGA cult and their former commander in chief with his 30,000 lies his disciples swallow day in day out to Putin, The middle east it’s not a very nice place out there kids and sometimes we cry out for a record to mirror that instability back to us and offer us some hope and if not hope then a fist or a boot to stomp it out until the pressure is lifted and then The Complicators new album drops on my lap and all seems fair game with the opening salvo of the rapid and brutal punk rock of ‘Pressure’ no nonsense hit it and hit it hard punk rock is ringing out through my speakers loud and fucking clear. ‘Keep Your Hands Up’ is a blast as is ‘Blink Of An Eye’ bordering on the NYHC of old but a little more tempered and measured married to the Rancid early days of punk rock from the opposite coast.

Of course they’re from San Fran it is in their DNA and running through their music like Blackpool runs through a stick of rock. It’s shouty, angry, pissed off, and snarling like a badass dog who’s looking to bite your big fat lazy ass. ‘Trolls’ opens with a very tasty bass line. ‘I See’ is a great Bass and guitar riff with some sweet tones ringing out not too dissimilar from the last few Last Resort records style-wise.

As the record flows the punk rock comes thick and fast not straying from the MO with some big riffs ringing out like the tasty ‘Working Man’ with its extended intro its got some momentum and plenty of punch. ’86ed’ is leaping out of the fast Rancid riff handbook with a bit of Bad Religion going on as well.

They veer slightly into hard rock territory for ‘American Shame’ it’s big and bruising. This dozen-track album closes out in style with ‘Street Diamonds’ harking back to an Exploited style middle finger in the air. They take no prisoners and aren’t going out with a whimper. The Complicators deliver a pretty uncomplicated album full of piss and vinegar and something to play when you’re making those Molotov cocktails when the revolution comes a knocking. Turn it up, its punk as fuck!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

SUBHUMANS ANNOUNCE U.S. TOUR

SUBHUMANS ANNOUNCE U.S. TOUR

SUBHUMANS ANNOUNCE U.S. TOUR
FEA TO SUPPORT EAST COAST DATES
BAND TO PLAY TWO SHOWS AT PUNK ROCK BOWLING

Subhumans have announced a string of U.S. tour dates including two shows at Punk Rock Bowling and east coast dates supported by FEA!

In addition to these Punk Rock Bowling and East Coast dates, Subhumans have a UK tour and will be playing Punk In Drublic in San Pedro, CA.

Subhumans have more plans throughout the rest of 2024 and beyond including to continue supporting their reissued records they released in 2023.

Catch Subhumans live:
03/29/2024 – Bristol, UK – Golden Lion

03/30/2024 – Coventry, UK – HMV Empire (w/ UK SUBS & MENACE)

03/31/2024 – Stamford, UK – Mama Liz’s Voodoo Lounge

04/01/2024 – London, UK – New Cross Inn

04/02/2024 – Ramsgate, UK – Music Hall

04/03/2024 – Milton Keynes, UK – Craufurd Arms

04/04/2024 – Swindon, UK – The Vic

04/05/2024 – Guildford, UK – Holroyd Undercover Fest

04/06/2024 – Dartington, UK – Things Happen Here

04/07/2024 – Bideford, UK – Palladium

04/27/2024 – Glasgow, UK – Academy – Scotland Calling

04/28/2024 – Manchester, UK – Star + Garter

May 26 – Las Vegas, NV – Downtown Las Vegas Events Center#

May 27 – Las Vegas, NV – Backstage Bar & Billiards#

May 29 – Philadelphia, PA – Foto Club*

May 30 – Virginia Beach, VA – The Bunker*

May 31 – Baltimore, MD – Ottobar*

June 01 – Brooklyn, NY – Meadows*

June 02 – Lake Como, NJ – Salty’s Beach Bar*

June 03 – Providence, RI – Alchemy*

June 04 – Cambridge, MA – Middle East*
10/04/2024-10/06/2024 – San Pedro, CA – Berth 46 – Punk In Drublic Festival / NOFX Final Show Weekend

# = Punk Rock Bowling

* = w/ FEA

Find Subhumans online:

https://www.facebook.com/officialsubhumans

https://www.instagram.com/subhumansuk/

Cock Sparrer ‘Hand On Heart’ & Live shows

Cock Sparrer ‘Hand On Heart’ & Live shows

COCK SPARRER

‘Hand On Heart’

the new studio album 5 April 2024

Legendary punk band Cock Sparrer announce their eighth studio album Hand On Heart, alongside shows in London and Glasgow

Widely considered to be one of the most influential street punk bands in history, Cock Sparrer have been a constant on the circuit since 1972. They can name an enviable list of punk rock royalty who have covered their songs, from the likes of Rancid, Against Me! and The Interrupters to The Aggrolites, Bouncing Souls, Agnostic Front, Grade 2 and Dropkick Murphys.  

Back with their latest (and most likely last) studio album, Hand On Heart is their strongest statement yet. Their first since 2017’s Forever, it’s an album full of their trademark anthemic sound; hooks, singalong melodies and strong mob chorus’ are present in abundance and key tracks like With My Hand On My Heart, Rags To Riches, I Belong To You and Here We Stand stands out as some of their finest material to date. That’s not to say there aren’t a few surprises for old and new fans alike. On My Forgotten Dream, string arranger Simon Dobson (Bring Me The Horizon, Mike Oldfield) has added something truly unique that will excite fans.

The band will be the first to admit that the studio budget in the past has usually been spent down the pub, but with Hand On Heart they acquired the production services of James Bragg (BC Camplight, Martin Barre) who worked alongside guitarist Daryl Smith. Also on board was Grammy award winning 2022 UK Mastering Engineer of the year, Kevin Tuffy to do the final mastering.

Cock Sparrer is still the same four guys who started playing punk music 52 years ago – Colin McFaull (vocals), Mick Beaufoy (guitar), Steve Burgess (bass) and Steve Bruce (drums); alongside their new guitarist Daryl Smith, who has been in the band for a mere 31 years! They celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022 with two sold out shows at Camden’s Roundhouse, and 2024 includes a year of headline festival shows booked to celebrate the launch of the album. The shows include the world’s premier Punk Festival Rebellion, Mighty Sounds in Czech Republic and Hellfest in France where they’ll play alongside Foo Fighters and Queens of the Stone Age. However, it’s their club shows that show the strength of loyalty and love that their fans have, and to celebrate they’re playing two UK launch shows in London and Glasgow:

O2 Shepherds Bush Empire – Saturday 6th April 2024

O2 Academy Glasgow – Saturday 13th April 2024

Hand On Heart is available on 180gsm black vinyl, limited edition colour vinyl with unique artwork, picture disc vinyl, hardback book CD edition and strictly limited-edition cassette.

Suzi Moon goes ’99 Miles to Pasadena’

Suzi Moon goes ’99 Miles to Pasadena’
“99 Miles to Pasadena” is the fifth video to be released from singles off Dumb & in Love, following the title track, “Family Memories,” “California,” and “Any Other Way.”

Although currently settled in Washington, DC, Suzi is a California native through and through, and she wrote “99 Miles to Pasadena” while running laps around the city’s legendary venue The Rose Bowl, which shows up in the video.

As for the video itself, it was animated by Tommy Keeling, and viewers of a certain age will instantly recognize the loving nods to the classic cartoons of Hanna-Barbera…particularly the comic book band with “long tails and ears for hats.”

“Josie & The Pussycats is my ultimate fave!” enthuses Suzi. “Tommy made my Archie dreams come true!!!!”

Viewers will find it impossible not to share Suzi’s boundless enthusiasm while watching this undeniably fun video for this catchy, poppy rock ’n roll song “baked in the California sunshine.”

After the incredible response to her first two EPs on Pirates Press Records, the anticipation for the release of the much-anticipated full-length by Suzi Moon reached a fever pitch, and the finished product did not disappoint! Originally from Southern California, but relocated to Washington DC, Moon and her band put together an incredible debut album that is well worth the wait! Recorded and produced by Davey Warsop (Sharp/Shock, Suedehead) they are an eclectic set of catchy as f*** songs that the band immediately took on the road, where they were received by wild crowds worldwide.

Dumb & In Luv was actually written and mostly recorded before the release of her EPs – but she wanted to spend more time working on it to be able to present a cohesive collection of songs. When asked about the album, Moon says “These songs are a bit warmer and power-pop than my previous releases. They’ve been baked in the California sunshine, like the song ‘99 Miles To Pasadena,’ which I wrote while running laps around the Rose Bowl. I picked songs that fit together nicely but also offer a lot of variation, so you’re getting more of a full ride with this album than you did with the EPs!”

She continues, “The ten tracks on Dumb & In Luv represent growth and the human condition. Themes of love, loss, heartache, hope, and celebration are all ones that I have written about before and will certainly revisit again and again. My first EP, Call The Shots, had a straightforward punk ’n roll sound, my second EP, Animal, was a bit more melodic, and Dumb & In Luv is really a mix of those two styles, seeped in the influence of all those great California bands that influenced me while I was growing up, like Social Distortion, Rancid, Green Day, and Sugarcult.”

With a stellar rock & roll pedigree, reaching back to when Moon started touring at the young age of 15, she has established herself as a ferocious punk truth teller with both a distinctive personal style and a fiercely untamed stage presence.

Suzi Moon’s effortless channeling of classic ’77 punk rock spirit with a modern twist continues to evolve and grow. The response to her first two releases was fantastic, though not surprising – with support from Little Steven’s Underground Garage and the likes of Iggy Pop singing her praises on the BBC!

Her fanbase has grown immensely over the past few years, and the release of her LP has been one of the biggest things propelling her forward.

Suzi’s electrifying live show is not to be missed, and has made her a favorite at festivals like Xtreme Fest, Rebellion, Punk Rock Bowling, and Punk in the Park (just to name a few), gigs with legendary acts like The Damned, and tours with the likes of Agent Orange, The Briefs, Ravagers, and more! We can’t wait to see what the future will bring for the unstoppable force that is Suzi Moon!.

For more information on Suzi Moon:

https://suzimoon.com/

https://www.facebook.com/SuziMoon/

https://www.instagram.com/thesuzimoon/

https://suzimoon.bandcamp.com/

Billy Liar – ‘Crisis Actor’ (Pirates Press Records)

Billy Liar – ‘Crisis Actor’ (Pirates Press Records)

If anyone deserved a break due to their hard work, high standards, and passion it was or should I say is Billy Liar. Signing to Pirates Press is proof that hard work can and will pay off – with a determination and unwavering belief in what he does is his just deserts. Billy has been gaining well-deserved praise from high places such as Tim Armstrong and we’ve always seen the talent and great songs he’s written and on ‘Crisis Actor’ he’s indeed taken it to the next level from the tub-thumping chest beating opener ‘Oblivion’ through the organ swirling rampant beast that is ‘Baltimore’ Billy has the sound that can and should break through big time Stateside. Its no accident Pirates Press recognised that talent and have released this new record.

Billy’s songs detail some outstanding storytelling, where every lyric has you hanging on his every breath its like turning the pages of a great book you simply can’t put down and you’re wondering where it’s heading next. The energy of ‘Negroni’ is superb (With added Frank Turner). The sound is arena-filling and also a breath of fresh air if you were in say the Black Heart in Camden watching him rip through these songs on his acoustic guitar it would still sound huge.

‘Phantom Limb’ is thunderous but then again the energy bursting through the speakers from the likes of ‘Osterich’ it’s no surprise to hear mr Frank Turner join Billy on this LP because I’m sure Turner will be looking over his shoulder at Liar as he steams up on the inside track. ‘Starlight On Main’ is more of the same but the highlight is ‘Cheyne Stoking’ with its chest-beating brilliance with a broken-hearted melody sung with vim and vigor Billy is stepping up here.

But hold on its not all thunder and attack there are also softer songs for tough guys like the jarring ‘Don’t Trust Anyone’ that wakes from its harsh abrasive into into a heaving monster. This is one of the finest half hours I’ve heard all year and the hoe down that is ‘Hogmanay’ if The Pogues had written never mind the bollocks and turned up the guitars instead of whistles. Simply a stunning record and one that should propel Billy Liar to being a household name in punk rock circles. Be it leading a raucous band or standing in the spotlight with just his acoustic guitar Billy Liar has hit paydirt with ‘Crisis Actor’ Man I thought ‘Some Legacy’ was good but this is on another level. Buy It!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

SUBHUMANS -U.S. TOUR – May 23

SUBHUMANS -U.S. TOUR – May 23

Legendary punk band Subhumans announced a United States with support from Cop/Out and Upchuck on select dates!

This tour comes after a reissue of Subhumans’ first 6 LPs which were all remastered from the original tapes. These records were pressed on several different versions with fans from around the globe quickly snatching up copies. Additionally, a limited edition box set featuring all six records plus an exclusive 10”, slipmat, and 52 page book was released and sold out in a matter of hours.

Subhumans have more surprises and plans throughout the rest of 2023 and beyond so fans will be waiting with anticipation for subsequent announces from Dick Lucas and the rest of the band.

Catch Subhumans live:

May 26 – Minneapolis, MN – Uptown VFW (w/ War//Plague, Cop/Out, Surrogates)

May 27 – Milwaukee, WI – Cactus Club +

May 28 – Chicago, IL – Cobra Lounge +

May 29 – St Louis, MO – Off Broadway +

May 30 – Indianapolis, IN – Black Circle +

May 31 – Cincinnati, OH – Legends +

June 01 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop +

June 02 – Millersville, PA – Phantom Power +

June 03 – Washington, DC – Black Cat #

June 04 – Richmond, VA – Richmond Music Hall #

June 05 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle #

June 06 – Columbia, SC – New Brookland Tavern #

June 07 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl

June 08 – Jacksonville, FL – Jack Rabbits #

June 09 – Orlando, FL – Will’s Pub #

June 10 – Tampa, FL – Brass Mug #

+ – w/ Cop/Out
# – w/ Upchuck

Kepi Ghoulie – ‘Ramones In Love’ (Pirates Press)

Kepi Ghoulie – ‘Ramones In Love’ (Pirates Press)

What we have here is Kepi Ghoulies love letter to the love songs of the Ramones. Its as simple as that nothing clever justsimple versions of simple songs a homage to Da Bruddahs. Hey ho lets go! 1-2-3-4.

Kepi has been releasing a love song or two every Valentines for well over a decade and when recording ‘I Want You Around’ Kepi hit on the idea of enlisting as many friends as possible to add Keyboards, Horns, whatever was needed to pour in the love on these iconic tracks. I think its fair to say that The Ramones never really got the universal credit for their songwriting that they deserved and I know that people like Kepi feel the same and every now and then when someone with equal talent shines a light into the darkened corner of rock labelled The Ramones people always trip over the songwriting and rightly so. These Love Letters are reimagined and redefined and done so so well.

‘I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend’ kicks things off in the simple acoustic guitar and vocal lament you could imagine and it brings a tear to my eye. Beautiful. The saxophone on ‘Baby I Love You’ reminds me of Johnny Thunders when he last toured with the oddballs – simple and sublime. Same for ‘Here Today Gone Tomorrow’. ‘Needles And Pins’ has some lush electric guitar for texture making it sound like the Byrds but one of my favourite Ramones songs is ‘Questioningly’ and there is a cover out there by Jesse Malin that was a wonderful take on such a beautiful song and Kepi has taken it somewhere else with the lap steel.

‘Baby I Love You’ from the Phil Spector wall of sound album is taken on a trip with just acoustic guitar and saxophone is the sound of heartbreak and the strained vocals are just what this version needs. It might be hard to mix it up but not picking the mega hits and instead digging deep for tracks like ‘She’s A Sensation’, ‘7-11’ being almost acapella and ‘My Kinda Girl’ so its a great mix of deep cuts and course the more appropriate love songs.

If you love Da Bruddahs and Kepi Ghoulie or just want to hear something softer and downright interesting then this has to be something you need to check out besides if you’re having a candlelight meal for you and your love then this will earn brownie points for sure. Stick with it though because ‘She ‘Belongs To Me’ and ‘Bye Bye Baby’ are probably two of the best songs on offer for interpretation and delivery. Keep em coming Kepi I’m loving your work. Buy It!

Buy Here

Instagram

Author: Dom Daley

Suzi Moon – ‘Dumb & In Luv’ (Pirates Press)

Suzi Moon – ‘Dumb & In Luv’ (Pirates Press)

From a Turbulent Heart and Civet duties, Suzi Moon has finally gotten round to releasing her first solo album after two very impressive 12″ singles even if this collection of ten tracks was done before the EPs.

Straight from the off the vibrancy and sonic intent is obvious and there is no shrinking violet at play here Suzi comes out swinging and I promise this record will lay an earworm or two on you.

Having recently caught two shows there were a few of the tunes that stuck in my head in an instant as the songs lurch from punchy punk rock (Title track and opener) to more radio-friendly (‘California’) songs Moon has honed her craft and has invested every fiber of herself into these tunes and the end result is a magnificent beast of an album.

‘Dumb And In Luv’ sets the tone with a direct one two punk rock puncher is a step up to what we had experienced with her recordings with Civit and Turbulent Hearts both of which were very underrated bands but this time, as a solo artist, Suzi has thrown away the stabilisers and cast aside any doubts as she strides tall and proud with the beats to back up any talk. The choppy ‘Money’ has a great melody and rides on a huge groove. This should be enough to make people sit up and pay attention. The song builds and builds into a throbbing crescendo that takes no prisoners. Fantastic stuff!

After nearly two years supporting her first two EPs “Call The Shots” and “Animal,” – which has seen her music appear on Sirius XM, Iggy Pop’s BBC Radio program, over 30 terrestrial radio stations, in magazines around the world, and much more – managing to headline the Rebellion pre-show she was pumped and ready to deliver and the band and songs sounded like a finely tuned sports car. Side one closes with the sultry and more laidback ‘I Go Blind’.

Side two sounds like it’s gone through the gears and from ‘Honey’ the songwriting has broken through any expectations I might have had. Sure Moon tips her hat in the direction of the likes of Joan Jett for sure but those comparisons can be a bit misleading and lazy but I’m sure Moon would take that. ‘Honey’ has some great playing and arrangement but it’s the melody and delivery that sets this off like a Roman candle. To fan the flames of that firework ‘Any Other Way’ is a rampant, rapid jam that borrows as much from the Ramones, and with the glossy production, it’s gleaming but has a few dents and scratch marks for good measure so as it doesn’t vanish into pop-punk territory but has guts with its glory.

The song that stuck with me throughout the Rebellion Festival was ’99 Miles To Pasadena’ it’s catchy as Covid and rocks like a mother fucker. Easily one of the best songs I’ve heard all year. But amongst this album, it still shines like a diamond but it’s in good company with the other nine bangers on offer here.

To close the album the snare gets beaten with brushes and an Acoustic bass slides in for one last hurrah and something a little left of center to bring your pulse back down to a respectable level. Suzi Moon has delivered one of the finest albums I’ve had the pleasure of hearing all year, no question. I’ve had the pleasure of being able to play this record over and over and my initial thoughts are still ringing true. Check this album out, It’s an explosion of Sleazy Punk Rock n Roll at its very, very best. Dumb and in Luv… You bet I am!

Buy Here from Pirates Press or Amazon Here

Facebook / Instagram

Author: Dom Daley

The Slackers – ‘Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya’ (Pirates Press Records)

The Slackers – ‘Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya’ (Pirates Press Records)

Summer is almost here ladies and gentlemen, and this all new twelve track album from New York ska outfit The Slackers is going to provide the perfect soundtrack.

That’s right folks, because after the high intensity punk and post punk stuff I’ve been reviewing elsewhere on RPM this month, ‘Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya’ actually came as something of a welcome respite. Indeed, cranking this one out of the RPM boombox over the recent bank holiday was like a much-needed foot on the brakes of life, providing me with a chance to reflect on matters whilst also enjoying the first rays of 2022 sunshine on my face.

‘Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya’ has been seven years in the making for Vic Ruggiero and his bandmates, and for once that old adage about the best things come to those who wait has really never been more apt, because this record really is a right bobby dazzler.

The New York Times recently dubbed the Slackers part of ‘the sound of New York’, and just one listen of ‘Windowland’ later I’m suddenly whisked off to an upstate Manhattan bar one Friday night supping on a cold one totally absorbed in the band playing on the small stage in the window, with the rest of the assembled weekend crew going suitably bananas all around the place. Yup, The Slackers are bringing their A -game via their special brand of ska party to your living room, and all you have to do is pick up a copy of this record to gain entry.

At this point I do have to admit that Nev Brookes should really be reviewing this album, because after all he is RPM’s resident expert in everything with a skanking rhythm, but after hearing the album’s superb title track (which got a video release a few months back) I just had to hear the rest of ‘Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya’ and here within the context of the full album said title track still makes me think it’s a song custom bult for Elvis Costello to one day cover.

Elsewhere, the likes of ‘Hanging On’ and the riotous ‘Nobody’s Listening’ shine through via some truly inspired vocals from Ruggiero, whilst it’s the band’s impressive horn section (of Dave Hillyard and Glen Pine) that get to steal the show on the glorious ‘Way Of A Woman’ and on the subtle soul stylings of the sultry ‘Second Best’. Things get political for the powerful ‘Statehouse’, and dare I say that during the lament of ‘They Are Losing’ the long shadow of a certain Tom Waits looms large over proceedings.

‘Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya’ is very much a dance album though and when you follow the aforementioned ‘They Are Losing’ with the almost 2Tone-esque ‘Shameboy’ you’d have to be one tough cookie (or perhaps an idiot) not to find yourself immediately caught up in the dance craze The Slackers generate.

Look, we’ve all had a couple of tough years, right? Well, it’s time to heal, and great music is the perfect medicine to help us do just that.  So, treat yourself, go get a copy of ‘Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya’, smile, dance and as The Slackers themselves wisely say whilst ‘Time Won’t Set Us Free’ great music most certainly will.

Buy Here

Author: Johnny Hayward