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!

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Author: Dom Daley

Rancid – ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’ (Epitaph Records)

Rancid – ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’ (Epitaph Records)

Been living the dream for over a quarter of a century these Californians have been away for a while doing their own things from the Charger offerings from Matt to the various Lars projects as well as filling in on six-string duty at Oi! firms Last Resort and Tim has been doing everything from releasing a plethora of songs under his own steam to producing and everything in between it was heading into the territory of will they won’t they and had it been the latter that would have been a shame because Rancid has always been at their best when working as a collective be it the MTV big hits of ‘Wolves’ or the ska-influenced albums of ‘Life won’t Wait’ or the street punk anthems throughout their career Rancid as a band are an indomitable force and a top tier band absolutely no question about that. they’ve influenced a bazzillion bands along the way and always managed to turn in top records.

Signing with Epitaph Records, the band released their first album, “Rancid,” in 1993. Shortly thereafter, Lars Frederiksen (vocals, guitar) joined the band, The result, in 1994, was “Let’s Go.” maybe not the game changer quite yet but they were on their way and the seeds were sewn.

In 1995, Rancid released the classic platinum-selling “…And Out Come The Wolves.” You still remember when you first heard it or saw one of the videos on MTV. Some punks said it was selling out but what do they know. Its still a classic.

They followed it up with the unbelievably good and more ambitious “Life Won’t Wait” in 1998, and in 2000, Rancid released another album entitled “Rancid,” a step to the left and a ski to the right it was pure Rancid yet different from its predecessors.

After “Indestructible” in 2003, Branden Steineckert (drums) joined to solidify Rancid’s current line-up. They subsequently released the albums “Let The Dominos Fall” (2009), “Honor Is All We Know” (2014), and “Trouble Maker” (2017). Thats some CV right? Right!

Fast forward to 2023 and Rancid has matured into exactly what they’ve always been, trading vocals on the opening title track is a blast. Bristling with energy and thundering along with all the Rancid elements present and correct. Its like Motorhead on the solos thundering along with pace and energy a plenty welcome home Rancid we’ve missed you.

There isn’t any sitting back and coasting as ‘Mud, Blood and Gold’ is picking up the batton and galloping off into the sunset. All the songs are short, sharp and packing from the galloping ‘New American’ where Tim sounds like Shane McGowan on cheap amphetamins and even cheaper guitars licking the melody around the speakers.

There are sixteen bangers on offer here and pulling all their collective talents together must be quite the task but having had time away from the mothership has made them leaner and more focussed as ‘Don’t Mak Me Do It’ thunders along. ‘Live Forever’ is tapping into the Ramones part of the brain that genuine punks have at their disposal and Rancid do it very well thank you.

‘Magnificent Rogue’ has a little more of that Lemmy full pelt going on from the Bass rumble to the guitar lick. The fact there is no room at this particular inn for the band to change gears with a little reggae or some skanking ska is fine by me except to say that throughout sixteen songs it is relentless with no quarter given nor taking their collective foot off the gas for 99.9% of this record. Hopefully the next Rancid record wont be a decade away and they will unleash the full diversity of their songwriting there but until then the here and now is full tilt Rancid and that call for a toast – turn it up and play it loud this is Rancid putting on their shit kickers and kicking some shit. Bosh! Rancid are in the house and taking no prisoners.

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Rancid – ‘Devil In Disguise’ Video

Rancid – ‘Devil In Disguise’ Video

Rancid deliver a warning to us all with new single and accompanying music video, “Devil In

Disguise.” Ahead of their new album ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’ out on June 2nd, they pair melodic riffs and a galloping rhythm with gruff sing-along vocals that carry a message of self-preservation.

At a whopping 850 million catalog streams to date, fans and critics alike seem to agree that Rancid’s brand of high-impact, no-frills punk still flows abundantly in their blood, while easily translating to a modern audience. Now embarking on their tenth full-length effort, this is evident throughout ‘Tomorrow Never Comes’. Produced by longtime collaborator, Brett Gurewitz, its sixteen blistering tracks barely make the two-and-a-half-minute mark, boasting the same gritty, straightforward punk-with-a-purpose that the world just can’t get enough of.

Rancid Tour Dates

6/2 – Rimini, Italy – Slam Dunk

6/3 – Ljubljana, Slovenia – Media Center Cvetlicarna *

6/4 – Linz, Austria – SBAM Festival

6/6 – Warsaw, Poland – Letnia Scena Progresji *

6/8 – Hyvinkaa, Finland – Rockfest

6/9 – Solvesborg, Sweden – Sweden Rock Festival

6/10 – Stockholm, Sweden – Annexet *

6/12 – Berlin, Germany- Columbiahalle *

6/13 – Wiesbaden, Germany – Schlachthof *

6/15 – Vitoria, Spain – Azkena Rock

6/16 – Clisson, France – Hellfest

6/17 – Dessel, Belgium – Graspop

6/20 – London, UK – OVO Arena Wembley**

6/21 – Manchester, UK – O2 Victoria Warehouse *

6/23 – Ysselsteyn, Netherlands – Jera On Air Festival

6/24 – Munster, Germany – Vainstream Rockfest

6/25 – Tabor, Czech Republic – Mighty Sounds Festival

* w/ The Bronx, Grade 2
** w/The Bronx, Grade 2 & The Skints

FOR MORE INFO ON RANCID VISIT:

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK

The Mighty Mighty BosstoneS – ‘When God Was Great’ (Hellcat Records)

The Mighty Mighty BosstoneS – ‘When God Was Great’ (Hellcat Records)

I’ll confess right from the off and admit I’ve been a casual listener of Boss ToneS over the years sure they’ve made some great records but I always had other bands who I thought did it better or more consistently that would be fairer to say.  When this album dropped it was the sunniest day of the year I’d been couped up for months with this pandemic so I went on my daily walk and put it on the walkman and BANG! it hit me hard and I was skanking in no time with a smile wider than kid creoles brim hat.  Man, this album is like a ray of sunshine and such a feel-good record and it just connected with me from the opening skank blast of ‘Decide’ right through the tootin’ of ‘Don’t Believe In Anything’ to the gang choruses that make you want to join in no matter where you are its just such a great record.

 

Sure these cats know their field and are masters at their craft.  They manage to mix styles throughout without seams from the lap steel and horns blasting out the melancholy on ‘Certain Things’ with the lyrics sitting front and center the albums had me thinking and not just getting lost in the music either.  What a gift.

 

‘Lonely Boy’ is like the sound of waves lapping your feet whilst the tide drifts in whist in contrast the more edgy ‘The Killing Of Georgie (Part iii)’ is like a big band going rogue.  The title track is piano-led glancing over your shoulder kinda stuff but it’s with a smile and a mellow intake of breath – reminiscing is cool and makes the heart beat faster in a good way. The album does go a little easy listening for a couple of tracks but don’t let that distract you,  the overall feel is good, possitive, up and on point.

 

The album closes with a seven-plus minute epic story ‘The Final Parade’ and it encapsulates all that’s good about this record as it waves its magic into your ear and reaches its final destination of your heart.  BossToneS magic that is right there.  Check it out for yourself if you don’t believe me I believe in something, the power of good music.

Buy ‘When God Was Great’ Here

 

Author: Dom Daley

 

 

RANCID Skeletim V2 Limited Edition Throbblehead & HR Bad Brain is back

RANCID Skeletim V2 Limited Edition Throbblehead & HR Bad Brain is back

We love pop culture here at RPM so why wouldn’t we be all over this bad boy.

SHIPPING NOW – ORDER HERE
Limited to 1000 hand-numbered figures
RANCID’s first “Skeletim” Throbblehead was such a hit, they asked them to make another one!
This version is limited to just 1000 hand-numbered units, stands at 7″ tall, and is made of a high quality polyresin.
Skeletim is rocking a studded denim jacket, black docs with white laces, and a lime green mohawk.
Whilst were on the subject of statues HR of Bad Brains is back!  ORDER HERE
 
The return of a classic from PressPop (Japan), this officially licensed figure of H.R. is made with PVC and ABS and has articulation in the neck. His shirt and pants are made from fabric. Designed by Sof’boy comic creator, Archer Prewitt. Comes in beautifully designed large box packaging. Sculpted by Japanese master sculptor, Tomohiro Yasui.

RPM Online at the movies – Pick It Up! – Ska In The ’90s

RPM Online at the movies – Pick It Up! – Ska In The ’90s

When does a genre of music become overground?  How many records do you need to sell to stop being underground?  All questions plenty of genres deal with day in day out and year in year out.  From the origins of Ska to today there have always been plenty of bands skanking it out.  Politics or just goofy misfits acting out Ska covered it all.

‘Pick It Up! Ska In The 90s’ just about covers a whole scene with the movers and shakers playing their part and covering the story in detail.  A thoroughly enjoyable movie that gives the back story and takes on all comers using the people who were in the trenches from Tim Armstrong narrating to No Doubt being included along side the big players from The Specials to Operation Ivy to Reel Big Fish and Blink 182 right up to today’s players like Aimee Interrupter.

Focusing on the 90s explosion this film is a great two hours of musical education thats a comprehensive coverage.  Regardless of if you like or love or can’t get into it at all its a really engaging flick. I particularly like how fondly and honestly the main players talk about the scene.  When it went from the top of the scene right back down to going underground its a great story and the flow is really good.

As far as music films go its watchable and informative cramming a hell of a lot of detail into just over an hour and a half its great to see the likes of Roddy Radiator getting screen time to tell his story alongside how No Doubt broke out they give props to the likes of Operation Ivy through to Rancid and their contribution.  who knew Goldfinger played 385 shows in a single year! Amazing stuff.

Someone describes it as like a pendulum swing and I like that because its spot on from grunge to ska punk to nu metal back to rock to indie and back round again.  the endurance of some of the bands like The Slackers and Rancid has no doubt helped bands like The Interrupters and Bar Stool Preachers who are coming through and will be the next generation to challenge the BossTones and thats cool and as it should be and to see The Specials and Neville Staples filling halls in 2019 is awesome.

Check this film out its like a ray of sunshine in dark times and the soundtrack is really really good. Put on your pork pie hat and get skanking you know you want to.

Website

Charger – Charger (Pirates Press Records)

Charger – Charger (Pirates Press Records)

Out and out heavy fucking metal. No bullshit, no fuckin’ around just heads down Hard rockin’ noise in the tradition of heavyweights Motorhead and early Sabbath. But and that’s a big but this is the creation of a pair of punks.  Released early summer this seven-track slab of vinyl is an absolute blast.  From The opener ‘Crackdown’ to the final distorted fade out of ‘Dragdown’, this is something of a throwback and the best old school heavy metal, hard-rockin’ record you’ll hear in a while.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Satanic Overlords album that breathed new life into a tired and on its knees genre of music and like London busses as soon as one arrives another isn’t far behind and thankfully Charger don’t so much as open the door and walk through they blow it clean off the hinges. I guess having their “day Jobs” in other bands its a chance for them to just do something for pure enjoyment without too much pressure for it to be something to make ends meet and the fact they set it all up to have fun and enjoy the songs it shines through in the record that they love turning things up and just making an absolute racket because they love it and nothing else like I said no bullshit and nobody to please except themselves.

Like a Charger ‘Crackdown’ is a muscle car with plenty of punch don’t get in the way or you’ll get mowed down its got the hammer down on the drums and that Freeman bass rattle is a killer combination. sure its got plenty of Motorhead happening but it’s just picked up the torch and is traveling at speed with it. the playing as you can imagine is exceptional you can raise the horns kids as this is how to play heavy metal.

Its not about playing a varied assault on the genre remember it started as some fun between mates but I suspect once the music took hold they were breathing fire and wearing spandex with their gauntlets and denim cut-offs.  ‘Victim’ rattles along with some great interplay between bass and the guitar as they reach the chorus.  unlike a lot of their peers in this genre this trio don’t let any tune overstay its welcome and as soon as Freeman has finished his bass workout on ‘Damage’ and the Sabbath wave washes over us all the albums longest song clocks in at a progressive sub four minutes.

Pedal to the metal for ‘All Kings Must Die’ that get turned up a notch or two as we ‘Pray For Light’ as we head into the home straight theres still time for some fist-pumping as ‘Fall Out’ is like a tribute to Neat records wrapped up a West Coast minute. It’s almost a pity that Sounds magazine isn’t still with us to report on this one but a top tune all the same.

To finish I did wonder if there would be a little bit of Maiden happening and ‘Dragdown’ is it.  With a tip of the hat to DiAnno era Maiden Charger know what to do and with a familiar gallop it’s like Burr, Stratton and DiAnno have found their spiritual brother in 2019.

What a refreshing take on a tired genre Charger is a blast, a kick up the backside, twenty minutes of unbridled fun so strap on the bullet belts and let’s get ready to Rock!

Buy Charger Here

Author: Dom Daley