David Ryder Prangley – ‘Vampire Deluxe’ (Serena Records)

David Ryder Prangley – ‘Vampire Deluxe’ (Serena Records)

The ‘Salvador Dali of rock n roll’ is back. Was it really only last year that David Ryder Prangley released ‘Black Magic And True Love’? I’ve played it so regularly, it seems like it must be longer. From Rachel Stamp to Sister Witch and all points in between, he’s cast a singular figure. “He puts the glam in Mid-Glamorgan”, as Simon Price said. David Ryder Prangley remains outside of time, and his music is all the better for it. He should, of course, be famous, and filthy rich. Nevertheless, he is a star.

 

‘In The Palace Of Dead Stars’ croons darkly, an apparent homage to an old Star Trek episode. Oddly, I watched them all again recently, so this seems to fit the mood. ‘Hello’ is the first single, you may have seen the video already. While not perhaps an obvious choice for a single, it could only be D.R.P, the guitars sounding as sleazy as ever.

 

‘Sweet Heartbreaker’ is a brazen chunk of 70s riffage. I’ve never really liked KISS, but this was how I thought they should sound, if they were actually as good as they think they are. Now THIS is a single.

An underrated guitarist, for sure, I love his choice of tones throughout the album. And an underrated songwriter, as ‘Never Grow Up’ proves his versatility. The light touch on the piano, a beautiful tune.

 

‘Saint David Of The Bleeding Heart’ reads like a lament to the artist’s doomed soul, complete with a towering solo. ‘Song For A Witch’ is, er, self explanatory and suitably ethereal. ‘Dreaming Spires And Crystal Steeples’ could easily have been a Tyrannosaurus Rex title, but sounds more like one of Donovan’s more inspired moments. “Flutey as fuck”, I believe our Mr Hayward would say. A compliment, of course.

 

‘Heart Full Of Love, Head Full Of Poison’ brings back the raunch, and I can forgive D.R.P for nicking his own lyrics here (see ‘Captain Sugar’). It would be a great double A-side with ‘Black Magic…’ for some hip-shaking glam stomping. ‘Hey Stargazer’ ends things on a gentler note, a piano led song of sci-fi visions, but once again with a beautiful solo.

 

This is certainly a similar album to ‘Black Magic…’, which is hardly surprising, but, if anything, the choice of track list is better, with light and shade, and I might even prefer it. Given that ‘Black Magic…’ was one of last year’s best albums (based on how many times I’ve played it), that’s quite a surprise. I’m really pleased that I preordered it. July is looking up…

Buy it Here

David Ryder Prangley plays live – 15th Aug at Lexington?

 

Author: Martin Chamarette

Nikki Hill – ‘Heavy Hearts Hard Fists’ (Hound Gawd! Records)

Nikki Hill – ‘Heavy Hearts Hard Fists’ (Hound Gawd! Records)

An olden forgotten should be classic gets dusted down shaken up and released on vinyl here in Europe for the first time just prior to Christmas and thank Gawd! Nikki first came to our attention with her ‘Feline Roots’ album and we were impressed with her Blues meets Rock and Roll tunes and a voice that was as soft as Marshmallow and as loud as a clap of thunder.

As good as Nikki might be on record I’m sure she comes alive and playing Rock and Roll shows so Covid and all the shutdowns haven’t been good to her but we’ll have to make do and this delve into the back catalogue is a welcome relief from all these here lockdowns.

 

Think the obvious -Tina turner (for that soaring vocal), Joplin (for that raw blues n soul), DC (for the volume and Rock and Rolla) and hell yeah The Bellrays for lighting the touchpaper for all this noise.  All this talent would be irrelevant if Hill didn’t have the songs to back it all up and walking the walk as well as talking the talk is something Nikki Hill most certainly does.  Take ‘Oh My’ for some straight down the line boogie-woogie Rock and Roll that just kicks out the jams old school. or the Stonesy ‘Struttin’ ‘ that comes from the same school as The Black Crowes did.

The shake and shimmer of the more laid back darker ‘And I Wonder’ makes way for the glorious Faces barroom of (Let Me Tell You Bout) Luv’ it’s sunshine Rock and Roll that deserves to be heard and to compliment Hills vocals the rollicking barroom joanna playing is wonderful. It’s definitely the more swaggering staggering blues numbers that steal the show here.  ‘Hot Shot’ is gloriously confident and the lyrics “Too little ain’t enough for me” is about spot on.  The licks might be as old as time but the delivery is superb and that solo hits the spot.

 

It’s not all bluster and partying because tucked in the tail is the stingingly beautiful soulful ‘Nothing With You’ where Hill shows restraint again playing the song, which is excellent, rather than just wailing and less is certainly more here. But wait, the yang to the balladry is ‘Scratch Back’ that was surely written to be rocked out live which is where all this leads – Live has to be the place to hear this album much like the excellent ‘Feline Roots’ as an artist you can see Hill growing from one record to the next and this is a well-rounded place to start full of top tunes handled by professionals who clearly believe in what they do and if Rockin is their business then business is good…no business is great.  Check it out and come join us in twistin’ the night away.

Buy Here

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Author: Dom Daley

Indonesian Junk – ‘A Life Of Crimes (singles and rarities 2009​-​2018)’ (Rum Bar Records)

Indonesian Junk – ‘A Life Of Crimes (singles and rarities 2009​-​2018)’ (Rum Bar Records)

Man, I love some sleazy Punk Rock ‘n’ Roll. It would seem that these Bostonians otherwise known as Indonesian Junk do as well and as if by magic they write songs in that style with a bit, sorry a lot of swagger and no doubt a cocksure knowledge that what they’re doing is the best, they make it seem so effortless.

They’ve managed to absorb everything that’s good and great from the last 50 years plus and pour it into their tunes covering huge Rock behemoths in the shape of Kiss and one for the cool kids in the shape of The Joneses whilst adding some glam Starz style to their punk rock old school of Slaughter and the Dogs.

Man on the opener ‘Cmon and Love Me’ they throw in a cheeky Kiss number to draw you in but more impressively they follow it up with a super sleazy right on the money version of ‘Pillbox’ man that’s a great song but easy to get wrong but not the boys in Indonesian Junk they kill it! they take it to school and own the fucker! now that how to tip the hat to your forefathers and those who ploughed the furrow so we could all follow.

This is a compilation of curio B sides, singles and covers and they show us exactly what a tight little combo they are and you get to marvel at their swagger as they turn up the amps to 11 and just let rip. ‘Last Night Alive’ is basically a loosener, an aperitif if you like with the only lyrics being the title of the song shouted from the back of the room like a bunch of leary drunks but man it kicks your backside good and proper.

‘Now That Its Over’ comes on like a long lost Stiv Bater LA LA session and seamlessly the original tunes muscle in snugly with the covers and taking ownership of The Joneses, Kiss and Slaughter and The Dogs aren’t to be taken lightly but when you hear these version if you know you’ll know.  Bloody great stuff.

Finishing with a few unreleased numbers is cool as well this is a compilation that’s not just thrown together its been lovingly prepared for the discernable lover of all things sleazy, glamorous punk rock and roll and Starz never sounded this good on ‘Outfit’. Inspired choices for covers and inspired original tunes.  Give Indonesian Junk a chance you’ll love em then you can delve into their back catalogue knowing you’re in for a glam-punk treat, get it!

 

Buy A Life Of Crimes Here

Diamond Dogs – Honked (All Over Again)’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

Diamond Dogs – Honked (All Over Again)’ (Wild Kingdom Records)

Sweden’s much-loved and well-travelled charismatic rock ‘n’ rollers Diamond Dogs have returned to the scene and they are bringing re-releases of their first 5 albums with them. Released through the Wild Kingdom record label, these 5 LPs cover the first 10 years of their existence, which began in 1993 with the album Honked.

Honked set the scene for the coming years for the Dogs. Headed by the singer/songwriter Sulo, the band would at various points involve musicians from a worldwide spectrum of spectacular and influential bands. Honked was big news in Sweden, and it pushed their boundaries far beyond Scandinavia, with single ‘Blue Eyes Shouldn’t Be Cryin’’ making its way onto MTV rotation, back when the M meant Music and not Money. It would see them tour all over the world with some of the biggest household names.

The album now has been repackaged as Honked (All Over Again) and includes three additional tracks in Lucille (Richard’s, not Kenny’s), Sweet Sister Sunrise and Big Bayou (originally by Swampwater and then covered extensively). Many years following its original release, Honked is still brimming with that delightful charm that has always been instilled in the Dogs’ music. Raunchy and swaggering, the Dogs’ music is unapologetically 70s inspired rock ‘n’ roll, rolling in a sweet mix of the Faces and the Stones. The song writing and the energy captured in the production ensure that it still stands up now.

The Diamond Dogs have always delivered this music in the best way possible – with honesty and charisma. If you like the Black Crowes or the Quireboys, and for some cruel reason the Diamond Dogs passed you by, diving into these 5 re-releases should set you straight. And there’s no better place to start than right at the beginning with Honked.

Buy Honked Here

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Author: Craggy Collyde

 

Stacy Crowne – ‘We Sound Electric’ (Savage Magic Records)

Stacy Crowne – ‘We Sound Electric’ (Savage Magic Records)

I’m not a massive believer in fate or why things happen but I was asked to give a record a listen and possibly review it.  The dilemma I had was it was originally released late 2019 but hey the world has been on stop for some months anyway sure I’ll listen.  Then when I was putting together the pictures and links for this review I got a message from a label and asked if I’d ever heard a band named Stacy Crowne.  Now here’s where it gets spooky up until a few weeks ago I hadn’t but they did a split with a band I love (Christmas as it goes) and I reviewed the single last month and was really impressed with the sounds coming outta Stacy Crowne and then things snowballed The singer got in touch I played the record and then the label got in touch over something else entirely and bang as I type I have one of those boxes pop up whilst I’m spinning the record on my laptop its only Stacy Fucking Crowne! now that might just be a coincidence but we all know the evil powers of Rock and Roll and how they work so it might well be a sign and horns up for the band because I took it as the rock and Roll Gods telling me to turn the fucker up and band out my review and let everybody know how damn good this slice of Hard Rockin’ action is!

Strap yourself in kid this might get bumpy! From the opening ring of the overdrive, this is most definitely in the same ballpark as the scene back a couple of decades that had Gluecifer and The D4 ruling the roost along with Hellacopters and a hint of Supersuckers and Turbonegro.  If anything this is understated which is a shame (I missed it when it was released)  because opener ‘Oblivion’ sets the tone but by no means is the standout track maybe its the loosener opening couple of shots to accompany the big one and you have to build up to that nobody dives straight in or you’ll crash and burn but its got all the vital ingredients to Rock and Fuckin’ Roll but ‘White Lies’ adds the tambourine which is nice as the band cruise through the gears with a song not a million miles from Captain Poon and Biff Malibu its loud got a cool hook and plenty of punch but remains cool as without a bead of sweat on their brow nor a hair out of place this is good no I mean Good!

There’s always time for a bit of Boogie along the lines of Backstreet Girls ‘Tightrope’ with a really tight chorus with layered BV’s almost power-pop wearing big boys leather gloves and mirror shades if you know what I mean? and the keys added really lift it.  Great track.

When they just want to rock out they do so with consummate ease (‘Some Equals None’) they add some neat bass runs on ‘Get Loaded Now!’ Basically if you ever hankered after a record that has loud guitars but not for the sake of it loud and ever wanted riffs and plenty of crash bang wallop then ‘We Are Electric’ is an album you have to hear. The title track or ‘We Are The Rest’ delivers in spades and throw in some of that dirty rock that bands like American HEartbreak or The Four Horsemen touched upon but also delivered great records.

 

If I had to pick a standout track then it would have to be ‘Lovebite’ sure it sings from that classic Gluecifer hymnsheet but damn it’s a good song with gang vocals and laid back verses it’s quality and some splendid guitar playing, especially on the breakdown. It only leaves the power ballad of ‘Too Easy’ to cruise off into the sunset.  Only joking its not a token power ballad but it is like one of the Hellacopters road movie tunes, a little more laid back than the others maybe, and with some dueling guitars noodling for good measure its been a blast.

I’m only gutted I didn’t pick this up late last year but hey we can’t be on top of everything and I’m glad I’ve had the pleasure of playing it over and over now.  I won’t be making that mistake again.  Just buy it.

Buy ‘We Sound Electric’ Here or Here 

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Author: Dom Daley

Pussycat And The Dirty Johnsons – ‘Beast’ (Hound Gawd! Records)

Pussycat And The Dirty Johnsons – ‘Beast’ (Hound Gawd! Records)

Top of the list of “bands I should have seen live before I moved”, Pussycat And The Dirty Johnsons are back with album number four, ‘Beast’. Check out any live footage of the band, and you’ll see what I mean. Puss was born for the stage, and with the perfectly fuzzed riffs of Dirty Jake and tribal drums of Filfy Antz, they are a three-piece who command your attention.

 

Don’t panic, but some songs are over three minutes long, and one breaks the four-minute barrier. Almost prog length by their standards, but the music remains as feral as ever. As ‘Lying In My Bed’ batters your speakers with the fear of “existential dread”, yet you can still shake your bones to it.

 

There is much, righteous anger and venom across the twelve songs, which shouldn’t surprise anyone familiar with their work. Keeping an essentially live sound works well, ‘Doin It’ is perfect for a sweaty club, encouraging you to follow your dreams, regardless of the doubters. Zero tolerance of idiots and hidden agendas runs through ‘Not Your Baby’, ‘Knee Jerk’ and ‘Shit’, while ‘Stale’ despairs at the small town attitudes of “Basingstoke psychosis” (in itself a good title). ‘Abuser’ is plain talking, while the four plus minutes is devoted to ‘Do Ya Feel Me?’, their unique take on a love song, when you wait to see each other again.

 

‘Hey Honey’ builds from an almost hushed intro, a list of the inevitable judgements of others for carving out your own path. Puss and co. chose their own way long ago. It’s the only way to be happy, and they’re on fine form here.

Buy ‘Beast’ Here

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Author: Martin Chamorette

 

New York Junk – ‘Dreaming’ (Tarbeach Music)

New York Junk – ‘Dreaming’ (Tarbeach Music)

Nailing that quintessential NooYawk rock and roll sound but doing it in the Czech Republic is some feat but New York Junk nailed it.  It’s fair to say these cats are vets of the scene and been in the thick of the Bowery scene since its inception back in the ’70s and survived to tell the tail.  Getting Tarbeach Records to release the record of seven tunes recorded in the Czech Republic at the tail end of 2019 and mixed pre-pandemic these seven tunes are coming out on red vinyl.

It’s a simple formula.  Guitar, Bass and Drums and play from the heart, make it Rock and Roll – sing about what you see and believe in yourself then everything else is gravy.  You either have “it” or you don’t.  We know whos fakin’ it and who isn’t and on this evidence, you can take the people out of Noo Yawk but you can’t take the Noo Yawk outta the people.

New York Junk have released three previous records starting with ‘Passion of the 10th St Blues’ (2008), ‘Doing Time in New York City’ (2014), and ‘7 Train’ (2018). Their sound is somewhere between Thunders and The Stones with a bit of Lou Reed creeping in on some of the melodies but there are some real gems in here. I love side two from the more aggressive ‘Scared’ with a cool thump on the floor toms and strained vocals it’s fragile yet looking for trouble great opening tune to side two. The albums best track ‘Passion’ with its rather splendid Thunders dripping guitar solo the songs got a tonne of passion and it shines through.  They’re not reinventing the wheel here they’re just writing great tunes and relying on what’s pouring out of their hearts and spilling into the grooves of the record. Let’s stay with side two and the title track which is a repetitive riff that’s moving slowly and gently, for the most part, meandering through the cracks of the recording towards the solo sure it’s like a VU moment in time but that’s always going to be cool.

Anyway, Let’s continue as we flip flop back to side one and the opening blast of the ‘Gutter Angels’.  Like a poem to the Lower East Side leaning on the Voidoids or something Lou Reed might have penned. ‘She Don’t Care’ could have been borrowed from Walter Lure whilst ‘Walk My Dog’ is some Thunders homage and fairly standard. Closing off side one is ‘Don’t Cry For Me’ which sounds like we’ve just been dropped off in the early ’70s after finding out this time capsule is captained by Sylvain Sylvain and the cabin crew consists of Johansen and Killer Kane. Pure nostalgia done with care and a big smile – whats not to like?

All in all a really enjoyable seven tracks from New York Junk and for anyone who hankers for a slice of that time when giants walked the earth and strutted their stuff. Check it out if you’re smart enough and start ‘Dreamin’.

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Mother Vulture – ‘Doing It Live’ (Self Release)

Mother Vulture – ‘Doing It Live’ (Self Release)

Bristol based four piece Mother Vulture have been making a name for themselves in the pits and dives of the South West music scene with their incendiary live shows over the past couple of years. In packed, claustrophobic venues, music fans watch jaws agape, as they witness guitarist Brodie Maguire and bassist Chris Simpson jerk about the stage like some invisible demon is prodding them with a red hot poker. Centre stage is a diminutive whirlwind of corkscrew hair, armed with just a microphone and the biggest voice this side of Mike Patton or even Rob Halford in his prime. I say centre stage, but take your eyes off him and Georgi Valentine is gone. Into the crowd, on his back on the dance floor singing his lungs out while his bandmates seemingly defy gravity, making a cacophony of noise as intense and brutal as anything you could wish for.

This is the world of Mother Vulture. But all this is inconsequential right now, as Coronavirus has put pay to this band taking off in 2020. So what does a band like Mother Vulture do while they await the go-ahead for their return to live-action? They only go and release a live album on an unsuspecting world!

 

Recorded live at Rockfield Studios in Wales, ‘Doing It Live’ comprises 10 tracks of high octane, rock ‘n’ roll music that captures the chaos and intensity of a Mother Vulture live show.

The singles are present and correct. Album opener ‘Tell Me’, ’Mr Jones’ and latest release ‘Fame Or Shame’ are all delivered with the confidence and bravado of seasoned pros. The musical chops of Rage Against The Machine, the bluesy howl of Wolfmother and the raw, punk intensity of The Stooges combine to create a glorious musical orgasm that leaves you longing to witness them in the flesh.

The between-song banter serves as a reminder that this album was cut in one take, live in the studio. Shit, this band is tighter than a duck’s arse! Tribal beats and big guitars are the order of the day in ‘Habits Die Hard’, Brodie’s inner Ron Asheton comes to the surface as cool lick follows cool lick. The playing is confident, the rhythm section of bassist Chris and powerhouse drummer Matt West deliver with precision throughout. Larger than life beats, a crackle of distortion and feedback lead off ‘Big Teeth’ before retro riffage and screamo vocals take it to another place entirely. In ‘Bleeding Feet Blues’ they take the genre and turn it upside-down. Not so much a blues lament, as a ‘rip your head off and shit down your neck’ kinda vibe!

Epic closer ‘Objectify’ shows a depth and maturity to a band greater than their years. Finger-picked guitar chords and haunting vocals lead the listener into a false sense of security before the band kick in with a wall of distortion and soaring vocals to make your ears bleed one final time before the (virtual) record stops spinning.

 

‘Doing It Live’ is not Mother Vulture’s debut album, they’ve not even got around to recording that yet! This is their career-defining live album, they just decided to release it before their career has been defined!

You want a reminder of the intensity of a hot and sweaty club show? You want a snapshot of a young, crazy and talented new band that are hungry to get back at it? Well, what are you waiting for? Hit the link and order this record. But be quick as there are just 100 copies up for grabs. You snooze, you lose, mofos!

Buy ‘Doing It Live’ Here

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Neon Animal – ‘Make No Mistake’ (Cargo Records UK)

Neon Animal – ‘Make No Mistake’ (Cargo Records UK)

Make No Mistake I’ve got a lot of time for London Rockers Neon Animal and their first album had moments where they showed confidence and played like they had it going on and they could certainly be the next big thing and wouldn’t just be one of those bands where only a few remembered the name let alone any of their songs.

Album number two is here and ‘Make No Mistake’ is something of a giant leap for me and that hype and confidence might just be about to be realised and they now have the songs to go with the look and they are talking the talk and walking the walk.

There’s more to this record than being posers who site influences from the downright cool to the downright premier league of recording artists. It’s not a record of garagy punk rock there’s more going on here and the new Neon Animal is certainly a different beast this time around. It might well be heavier, dirtier, broader than the debut and throughout the albums nine new tracks its a more confident more expansive record that explores the time-honoured subject matter of sex, the drugs and the rock ’n’ roll. Sure it’s decadent but it’s quality.

Opening with a really strong track in the shape of ‘Rock and Roll War’ its a statement of intent and has the energy to make you sit up and listen. That heavier tag is evident on ‘Let’s Make The World Rock’ with its simple chorus and biting riff its the breakdown and into that thumping bass riff and solo that lifts this into something quite exciting and Rock and Roll needs that.  Sure its got some garage Rock and Roll going on but it’s mixed with a punk rock bass and hard-rocking riff and it blends really well. There a polished edge to this record but its also rolling on a dirty stage floor and a great example of that is ‘Rock and Roll Suicide’ it’s restrained and is a really well-written song.  Sure it’s not reinventing the wheel or anything but so what that’s for others because Neon Animal are about the here and now and we need some bands to just kick out the jams and ‘Rock and Roll Suicide’ is a real highlight, something you should be hearing on the radio in the middle of the day if there was any justice.

The band get their groove on with a straight-up groove rocker with ‘I Can Tell You Love Me’ man they make me blush it’s like overhearing a dirty conversation between two lusty teens and the mix of sleazy funk and rock is infectious,  You won’t be hearing this on any radio station I know that!

The band introduce some big acoustic guitars for the sunshine of ‘Hello L.A’ a top-down get the beers in the fridge kinda Bowie influenced number. Something quite different from the rest of the louder songs but a very nice sidestep into something altogether more ’70s glam and who isn’t down with that?

The album closes with the dark ‘Broken Mirror’ it’s like a Soho late-night mini-opera from a bygone era as it twists and turns another quite different sidestep that is excellent and adds another flavour to this record that is growing and growing the more I play it.  Had it been all riff-ola crash bang wallop then it would have been missing that x-factor but the gear shifts and twists and turns elevate this to something quite special.  Neon Animal might just have arrived and have the tunes to mess with the big boys and throw a big sleazy-glam-garage-rock ripple in the stale pool of Rock and Roll ‘Make No Mistake’ is one hell of a statement piece and I give it my full support.  Get on it kids this is most excellent.

 

Buy ‘Make No Mistake’ Here

Author: Dom Daley

 

Tommy & The Commies – ‘Hurtin’ 4 Certain’ (Slovenly Recordings)

Tommy & The Commies – ‘Hurtin’ 4 Certain’ (Slovenly Recordings)

Since their 2018 masterpiece ‘Here Come…’ Tommy and the gang have been knocking out their impressive Hooligan pop.  I like that, I like that a lot and I like Tommy & The Commies a lot as well and they play Hooligan pop for sure, its a perfect genre for their sound and captures what it is they do to a tee.

‘Hurtin’ 4 Certain’ is their time capsule to the global lockdown and kicks the shit outta any blues one might have for normal life being put into quarantine for the time being.  The opening track whilst the inevitable comparisons to Buzzcocks and The Jam ring out and so they should there is a real vintage Undertones clang happening here as well.  It’s like Tommy has slipped on some magical snorkel jacket and in the pocket there’s a magical mixtape to those that paved the way back in the ’70s & ’80s. but if you’re going to start your EP off with intent then ‘Hurtin 4 Certain’ is a bloody barnstormer.

‘Impulse Action’ is a snotty pogo with a chorus you want to punch the air too and lace up your martins and turn up the volume this is a blast.  From the Gatlin gun guitar chords being churned out the gang vocals are easy to remember and a lot of fun. ‘Power On Standby’ has a bit of a mod vibe about it imagine walking into a house party in Brighton in the ’60s and these goons are holding court in the backroom and ‘Power On Standby’ is churning the room as sweaty bodies cut loose.  Great stuff! This EP is shaking off any cobwebs or misery a pandemic can leave after three months.

Finally taking this bad boy home is the juddering riffola of ‘One Arch Town’ and I’m hearing early gen X going on as the song unfolds towards the chorus it’s a beautiful thing hearing a bunch of hooligans kick up a shit storm of Rock and Roll like this.  sure it’s nothing new and it’s not groundbreaking but you know what?  Sometimes, it’s nice to just kick out the jams motherfuckers and this hooligan pop lark has got me a buzzin’  Check em out they deserve that much at least.

 

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Author: Dom Daley