Sex Pistols with Frank Carter/Kid Kapichi/The Molotovs – London, Royal Albert Hall – 24th March 2025

Sex Pistols with Frank Carter/Kid Kapichi/The Molotovs – London, Royal Albert Hall – 24th March 2025

In the quarter of a century that the Teenage Cancer Trust has been putting on concerts at the Royal Albert Hall, over 300 bands have played over 132 shows, helping raise over £ 34 million for the charity. Cancer is something that unfortunately will pretty much affect all our lives in some way during our time on this planet and even though tonight I’m ultimately here to see Frank Carter fronting the Sex Pistols it’s why I also don’t mind breaking my ceiling limit for a gig ticket to in turn maybe help someone through their battle with this horrible group of diseases.

Anyway, once through the doors tonight my immediate take on the event and venue is they are both very impressive indeed, everyone from the door staff to the people collecting money for the charity are all happy to have a spot of playful banter and I’m in and out of the merch section (t-shirts ranging between £20-£30) with a handful of booty in double quick time. Given that this event sold out pretty much on the day the tickets were released, we managed to pick up a couple last minute, in the second-tier boxes, and I must say that the service afforded at this level is not too dissimilar to that at a Riu hotel, exceptional.

Everything runs like clockwork at these events too, and as such, bang on 7:30 after a brief introduction from a duo of Absolute Radio DJs I get to sample The Molotovs for the very first time. Not to be confused with the band of the same name singed to Fierce Panda back in the noughties, this lot are formed around the brother/sister duo of Mathew on guitar and vocals and Issey Carts on bass and specialise in the type of spikey late ‘70s mod revival choons that made The Jam household names. By the amount of Molotovs shirts visible here tonight they’ve certainly made a big impression in a relatively short space of time, and with debut single ‘More More More’ only hitting the shelves this week, it’s extraordinary to see some fans already mouthing every word to the likes of  ‘Johnny Don’t Be Scared’ (I’m not, ouch) and ‘Today’s Gonna Be Our Day’ which bookend their short, sharp set. There’s even time to give Bowie’s ‘Suffragette City’ a mod makeover, much to my travelling companion’s chagrin (Mrs H is something of a Bowie purist), but it fits right in with the band’s own material, so kudos to them for making the song their own. Expect to see The Molotovs everywhere during the rest of 2025.

“I didn’t think they’d put that up,” laughs Kid Kapichi frontman Jack Wilson as he seems genuinely surprised that the band’s ‘kissing’ Putin/Trump backdrop is glaring out from the huge video screen hung up directly in front of the Albert Hall’s monumental grand organ. The Hastings four piece are certainly not afraid to wear their politics on their sleeves, and out on the road promoting their eclectic third album ‘There Goes The Neighbourhood’ they are right at the forefront of a movement of young UK bands eager to speak their minds when it comes to subjects like Brexit, racism and austerity. The guys waste no time kicking up a racket either, ploughing straight into the likes of ‘Artillery’, ‘Can EU Hear Me’ and ‘Rob The Supermarket’, along with the tune that first introduced me to the band, ‘New England’. Sadly, there’s no Bob Vylan on hand to guest on the mid-section tonight, but Dumb Bhoys Fishing Club add their own twist to proceedings in fine fashion. Kid Kapichi are one of those great British bands that straddle genres and defy being labelled with a genre, one minute they are heavy as Black Sabbath, the next the chorus has you singing your head off like you are watching Blur and it’s all topped off with a frontman who comes from the Terry Hall school of cool too. I’ve waited a long time to see Kid Kapichi live and the lads certainly did not disappoint. I just need to witness them in a headline capacity now.

Talking of which, before we get to our headliners tonight there’s a reminder of the great work that the Teenage Cancer Trust does for young people around the UK via a short film looking at their fantastic work, with some of the patients featured in the film then joining the Absolute Radio DJs on stage for a gigantic selfie with the Albert Hall audience this simply reinforces why, outside of the music itself, many are here tonight, to make this event a total sell out.

A friend of mine commented recently that there could possibly be more people in the Albert Hall when you go to see Sex Pistols with Frank Carter than saw the Sex Pistols back in the whole of 1976/77, and you know what, he’s probably not far off the mark. So for all the “there’s no Pistols without Johnny,” and “I saw them back in ’77” (yeah right) rhetoric that seems to make social media such a toxic and divisive place these days, when you look at the demographic of tonight’s crowd, for every one of those keyboard warriors there’s an army of younger people who weren’t just not born when ‘Never Mind The Bollocks’ was released, but also not born when ‘Orchestra Of Wolves’ was released, just waiting to snap up a ticket for tonight’s headliners in their place.  The mix of young and old is something that is certainly not lost on Frank Carter as he enters the mosh pit for the first time tonight, the frontman urging the crowd to create the largest circle pit the Albert Hall has ever seen (I’d guess its possibly the first its ever seen too) during a mid-set ‘Silly Thing’, whilst making sure the audience leave just enough room for his “ego” (his words, not mine) at the very eye of the storm.   

Look, if I’m totally honest I miss John Lydon fronting the Pistols just as much as the next person, but for the band to function here in 2025 Paul Cook, Steve Jones and Glen Matlock needed a shot of something different to make them smile and enjoy their Pistols legacy once more, and in Frank Carter they have found their man. From opener ‘Holidays In The Sun’ through to the euphoric show closing ‘Anarchy In The UK’, the bloke doesn’t stand still for a second, he might be dressed like he’s up on a charge and just off to court, but the ear to ear grin on his face when he spits out the lyrics to the likes of deeper ‘Bollocks’ cuts like ‘Seventeen’ and ‘New York’ along with single B-sides ‘Satellite’ and ‘No Fun’ speaks volumes about his love of the band he’s honoured to now be a part of.

‘Pretty Vacant’ sees Carter take his first of many trips into the audience (like he’s always done in all the bands he’s fronted) whilst his crowd walking/standing technique during a ferocious ‘Bodies’ (“this is my favourite song” he declares) is up there with an in his prime Iggy Pop, make no mistake. Which rather conveniently brings me back to ‘No Fun’ and the band introductions segment where each member of the band got their chance to shine, and Steve Jones chooses to play out a series of feedback Morse code notes, laughing his head off in the process. That’s the spirit within the Sex Pistols right now, and it’s rather wonderful to witness it. Then, via a tale of admiration for the guitarist, Carter coaxes Jonesy into admitting that this is his first time inside the Albert Hall, and he’s headlining the place in front of over 5,000 people. Who said you can’t still be winning at things in life even when you are almost seventy years of age, eh?

If I could have had a version of ‘Submission’ added to the set list too it would have rounded off a perfect night, and whereas I was perhaps looking at this gig as drawing a line under all matters Sex Pistols it’s got me looking at some of their other shows now too.

All in all then tonight was another fantastic success for everyone involved, it even made the nightmare detour laden road trip back to Wales seem worthwhile. Motorways? Who needs them eh?  God save the Sex Pistols and God save the Teenage Cancer Trust.

Author: Johnny Hayward

(Swami) John Reis – ‘Time To Let You Down’ (Swami Records)

(Swami) John Reis – ‘Time To Let You Down’ (Swami Records)

Wow, that there John Reis, he be on fire people releasing records like it’s going outta fashion. No writer’s block for Speedo the former Rocket From The Crypt fella.

Celebrating 55 years in the music business! Swami John Reis is back with his second LP in eight months. ‘Time To Let You Down’ is a raw live melody man on a mission, blasting out raw feral punk rock like its going out of fashion and going to be outlawed by the federal government for being a threat to the kids. This is eleven tracks full of proper tunes from your fist in the air songs, to the nodding head collection, right through to the shit kicking department. Reis isn’t fucking about here just cashing in and phoning in a record because he has to he’s doing it because he needs to release these rabid beasts.

The album opens with the rabid title track and it never looks back from there. Its a dash to the finish with tempos raised and the melodies dialed in to the max. There’s a raw anthemic vibe Reis has struck upon, and he’s mining the seam to the limit, something he’s done all his career to be fair, but this one is bristling with vibrancy and a joy in such troubled times. It’s punk rock, baby, but with the attitude comes a maturity in the melodies that are here to take it somewhere fresh and ‘Basement Envy’ is proof enough to me that this is one hell of a band and Reis knows it. Kick out the jams you bastards, but don’t forget the Beach Boys melodies. ‘Boomer Rang’ is like a chainsaw ripping through your speakers until the soothing keys tickle your lobes like the ultimate audio sweet and sour. The first single ‘Feed The Dogs’ is a brooding bruiser in comparison to its predecessors, but that’s the beauty of this record, it sounds like it’s got the lot.

Flip the record and buckle up, this might get dangerous. ‘Prince Of Parade’ might be your typical Reis kinda song with a thumping driving beat and so much harmony and melody it makes you sick. It’s noticeable that only a couple of songs stray over the three-minute mark because Reis knows what captures the attention in the 21st Century, and time waits for no man. Get in – out and get the job done and if you can’t get the point across in under three minutes, you’re message is wrong.

Have I mentioned the melodies? sure as shit I have and disciples already know this but if this is your introduction to the world Of John Reis then let me reiterate that the guy loves a melody and here is an album packed to the gills with em and ‘Kamen Rider Theme’ is one huge melody and the only thing Stinking on here is the amount of talent on offer. ‘Because I Stink’ is fun and that keyboard is hypnotic and pinching melodies and lyrics is always cool, one of my favourites so far has to be the brilliant ‘Cold Feet’ the groove they hit is addictive and mention has to go to old comrades from Hot Snakes who make contributions Jason Sinclair, Bed OF Nails Joey Guevara is on those synths and of course Reis does a smart job on the production as well. I expect the next one before Christmas, and if it’s half as good as this, then Swami John Reis might well have a couple of albums in the shakedown for album of the year – just buy it!

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Author: Dom Daley

Human Toys- ‘At The Poor Cow’ (Soundflat/Topsy Turvy Records)

Human Toys- ‘At The Poor Cow’ (Soundflat/Topsy Turvy Records)

Isn’t it a treat when you discover a “new” band via online friends? Especially when they really tick your boxes. So, may I introduce you to punk pop duo, Human Toys? They seem to have quite a following here in France. I mentioned them to my bandmate Mickey, who already knew their stuff, typically a man of good taste.

If you get your kicks from short, snappy Ramones-style pop tunes, then look no further. Poupée, on vocals and theremin and Jon Von on guitar and vocals bring you 13 new songs that grab your attention as they fly by. 2025 seems to be the year of great, short albums, but, as ever, it’s quality over quantity/time. You just know that Dee Dee would approve of ‘Devil’s Night’ and ‘Emma Peel Explosion’. There’s no time to think before ‘Generation Shit’ takes off, not unlike Cyanide Pills, and throughout the theremin does what Pete Shelley did so well, adding simple, addictive melodies.

Another similarity to, say, ‘Rocket To Russia’, is that if you love one song, you’ll love them all. It’s been done to death, but it’s not easy to write short, catchy songs, and the Toys really have nailed it. In fact, there’s no chaff on this or their debut, ‘Spin To Win’, so I felt compelled to buy ‘At The Poor Cow’ on vinyl (no CD available). As it’s from the EU, I’m not clobbered with 14€ customs tax! Rant over.

‘Breakin’ The Law’ isn’t the Judas Priest song (sorry Mr Hayward), and whether it’s ‘Go, Go, Alco’ or ‘Human Zoo’, your feet will be itching to get bopping. It’s not big, it’s not clever, and it’s all the better for it. It’s pure fun with great tunes, and there is a hint of The Rezillos here and there. I don’t know if there’s bass when they play live, but there’s plenty on the record, allowing the likes of ‘I’m Sick Of You’ to have the required clout. If Spotify is good for anything, you can listen to it and then order the album. What are you waiting for?

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Author: Martin Chamarette

The Huntingtons – ‘Muerto, Carcel, O Rocanrol! Renacido!’ (Burnt Toast Vinyl)

The Huntingtons – ‘Muerto, Carcel, O Rocanrol! Renacido!’ (Burnt Toast Vinyl)

The Huntingtons, from Maryland, have been around for over three decades now but perhaps a little bit of history is needed as they have never really broken through to the mainstream. My first listen to them would have come back around 1997 with their ‘Fun and Games’ album. At that point, the main influence would have been the likes of the Queers or Screeching Weasel. One of the songs that grabbed me was a cover of the Ritchie Valens hit ‘Come On, Let’s Go’ which kept me coming back to the album and songs like ‘Alison’s the Bomb’ and ‘Losing Penny’ became band staples. The band would then quickly morph into a heavily influenced Ramones style band that has stayed with them over the years. In that time, they have released Ramones cover albums and numerous studio albums that have ranged from good to excellent. The band signed with Tooth and Nail Records early in their career, which unfortunately isolated them a bit from the mainstream, because the label was associated mostly with Christian bands. There has never been any gospel flavor to the band though, and they will say they are not a Christian band. Tooth and Nail did have a sizable reach for an independent label and worked with the band for many years.

About 25 years ago, the band released two full-length albums close together with the ’Plastic Surgery’ album including one of my favourite songs by them ‘Heartbreak at the Hardy Holly.’ The other ‘Get Lost’ contained another long-time favourite in ‘I’m Not Going Downtown.’ These excellent albums could have been future Ramones albums after ‘Adios Amigos’ and received a ton of play in my CD player. The band has continued to release albums over the years, but the reality of day jobs and responsibilities has reduced their output and the number of shows they play. Some things have not changed though including songs set in the world of the ‘Back to the Future’ movies that are extremely catchy. Back in 2020, the band released ‘Muerto, Carcel, O Rocanrol!’ for the first time. The band had written a bunch of excellent songs and nailed them in the studio. Unfortunately, the mix on the album just didn’t work well. It was an album that I liked, but it just felt off sonically. The band played fewer and fewer songs from it and realized it needed a remix after releasing an EP that sounded significantly better. Flash forward to today, the band has released the ‘reborn’ version which has greatly benefitted the album and finds me now playing it on repeat.    

The band holds tight to its Ramones stylings with Mikey still channeling Joey’s spirit. The first song ‘Too Old to Care’ kicks the album into gear with a sticky chorus that like many of their songs over the years includes some ‘woo ooh yeahs’ in the chorus. The band provide a nice nod to Iron Maiden in the CJ styled ‘The Slammer.’ The album really shines in this new lease on life. ‘Say Hi to Your Mom for Me’ provides another song for ‘Back to the Future’ in a stomper that lasts just over a minute and reminds me of their old song ‘Dies Saugt.’ ‘Be With You’ delivers a killer chorus using very few words but delivers them cleverly and catchily. The guitar work by Cliffy and Jonny hits the spot here and across the whole record.

The band has stretched out a bit as well with ‘Innocent’ stretching out to almost 4 minutes with an unexpected bridge that slows the song down from its mid-tempo beat and then returns to full strength in a way that makes the song more powerful in its use of dynamics. ‘Not Penny’s Boat’ delivers the goods and the unexpected bonus acoustic version works well too. The words in the chorus won’t all connect with you at once, but they will in time as the main version is a favourite among favorites here.

Lyrically, the band cover many facets of life. ‘Things Are Gonna Get Better’ provides a shot of optimism and hope in the dark times in life. As my Dad is struggling, it feels like the band is singing to me. ‘Liar’ provides another great hook in the chorus while addressing the deceitful people in our lives. Old album closer ‘I Don’t Wanna Die Alone’ provides a slower anthem that feels a bit like the Ramones ‘I Wanna Live’ and addresses something most of us have probably felt at some point in our lives. Mikey (bass) and Chris (drums) really create a great groove in the song.

I didn’t touch on all the songs, but there are no weak spots here now. This reborn version of the album has really helped save these songs from simply fading into the band’s catalogue as an afterthought. The added cover of ‘The Breakup’ provides another nice bonus. If you have never checked out the band, this isn’t a bad starting spot. Their run of albums from ‘High School Rock’ through ‘Songs in the Key of You’ would be where I would go next, but that is probably just personal taste for me as the recent live album ‘Ciao Italia! Live at Punk Rock Raduno 5’ is also highly recommended. This album? Revitalized, Reborn, and Recommended Listening!

‘Muerto, Carcel, O Rocanrol! Renacido!’ is available now.

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Author: Gerald Stansbury

Tyla J. Pallas ‘Gilding the Lily’ (King Outlaw/ Cargo)

Tyla J. Pallas ‘Gilding the Lily’ (King Outlaw/ Cargo)

Tyla has soundtracked about 37 of my 51 years here on Earth. For me, it all started with ‘In the Dynamite Jet Saloon’ by the Dogs D’amour. The first time I heard them was a life-changing experience where the band resonated deep in my soul through their songs and music. I still vividly remember the moment. Over the years, Tyla has continued to create a catalogue of songs that I can tie to specific moments in my life. I am not sure what the total number of releases between the bands and his solo work currently is. I might need to do a count after writing this review since it will take a while and may require a calculator. Over the past few years, Tyla has continued to strike gold for me with the Balladmongrels and the latest version of Dogs D’amour where he has incorporated some new elements in the likes of ‘Tree Bridge Cross,’ magical acoustic moments like ‘Ghosts,’ and bluesy diamonds like ‘Serpents Kiss.’ After 40 plus years of writing and performing, the perceived expectation is often musical artists cannot continue to develop and expand. With Tyla, there has always been an ability to blend the familiar with some new tricks. I think back to the acoustic brilliance of his first self-release ‘Nocturnal Nomad’ which is another of my all time favorite albums. Why have I dragged on and on about all this? ‘Gilding the Lily’ showcases new twists into Tyla’s sound but also recalls magical moments from his musical past.

Tyla has described this as a ‘guitar album,’ and there is definitely an abundance of lead guitar across these 18 songs with Jamie Turnbull providing plenty of opportunities to break out an air guitar in a way that I have not done since the likes of the ‘Girl Behind the Glass’ and ‘Rollover.’ Ironically, the album starts off with one of a couple of songs that have not totally grabbed me in ‘Baptism of Fire.’ It has grown on me with each listen, but there is some vocal repetition that can distract from what is going on musically. There is great piano work in the song, and it does start the album off with a rocking feel. ‘Cadillac Man’ is another upbeat rocker with some excellent lead guitar weaved through the song. As the lead single from the album, it is an inspired choice. This is prime material that would be just as home back on ‘Errol Flynn’ as it is here and still sounds fresh. The backing vocals are excellent as well. Next up is another of my favourites in ‘Glory Days.’ This is an acoustic rocker that recalls ‘Nocturnal Nomad’ or ‘In Life In Love In Dreams.’ The strings provide great depth to the song, especially the violin that breaks up that first chorus from the second verse. Tyla’s vocals here are outstanding. The electric guitar provides great accents to the song and provides some brief tasteful air guitar moments as well.

The title track slows things down for another stellar vocal performance. Musically, it would not be out of place on ‘The Life and Times of a Ballad Monger’ or ‘A Graveyard of Empty Bottles.’ The mix allows each instrument space to breathe and paint the musical canvas. We return to more rockers with ‘Gunfight’ opening with a lot of electric guitar and musically akin a little bit to the ‘Bloody Hellfire’ album. It is noisy and hopefully has an opportunity to shine in the live setting. Writing this, it dawns on me that this one and ‘Baptism of Fire’ might have been swapped if I did the sequencing. ‘Killerstown’ showcases another excellent vocal on a midtempo rocker that again recalls the likes of ‘The Life and Times of a Ballad Monger’ album.

The first epic type number is next in ‘Don’t Ever Stop Loving Me’ which starts acoustically and builds in power. The electric guitar here takes the song to another level. I sound like a broken record, but Tyla’s vocals on this album are some of the best he has ever put on tape (or digital). ‘Mickey Roses’ reminds me a bit of the previously mentioned ‘Serpents Kiss’ from ‘Jack O Byte Bluesy Volume 1.’ This is another favourite from the album and inspires some air guitar work to go with my very poor singalong, which doesn’t worry I do where no one can hear me. Closing out the first half of the album with the one other song on the album that has not completely clicked with me ‘I Really Love You.’ It is an upbeat acoustic number that, for me, suffers a bit because of the repetition in the lyrics. It also falls victim to the songs that come before it and what follow it on the second half of the album.

Kickstarting the back half of the album, Tyla delivers an epic that when I first heard it reminded me of his classic ‘The Town’ with an electric feel. ‘Human After All’ is a showstopper of only electric guitar and vocals where the guitar notes and Tyla’s vocals intertwine with one another perfectly. How do you follow up a masterpiece? Cue excellent rocker ‘It’s a Shame’ that provides another singalong tune which hits me a little harder at the moment because of my Dad’s health. Raise a glass to those that you have lost in your life. ‘In Plain Sight’ slows things down a bit but also provides plenty of glorious noise. If you want a past comparison, this is one that recalls side B of the ‘Libertine’ album where something like ‘What If’ rose and fell in musical intensity. The difference here is the added tasteful guitar solo and nuances across the song, which is the longest on here by a hair.

‘Religion Kills’ follows and is our second longest on the album. The drum work is outstanding and really helps create a hard rocking epic song. There are some distorted vocals added at the beginning to give the song a different feel. Tyla’s vocals here slay. The guitar is upfront in the mix as well to create an urgency in the song’s feel. If I had to find a comparison, I might go with a full band and studio version of something from the ‘Mightier than the Sword’ albums. After two epic songs, Tyla delivers another excellent midtempo song with some brilliant lyrics in ‘The Special One.’ There are not many choruses that work something like ‘egocentric narcissist preoccupied with power’ into its hook, but this one does masterfully. ‘Do Anything’ is a slow bluesy rocker that showcases more excellent guitarwork and vocals.

Our final songs of the album begin with Tyla whistling over the music to start ‘River of Death.’ It bears repeating again that Tyla’s vocals on this album are incredible. This is another song that hits me deeply for personal reasons, and it hits harder and harder on me with each listen. Our last epic on the album is ‘Written in Heavy Blood’ and provides lots of opportunities for the air guitar to get a workout. The song has a great groove and vocal hook to it. Acoustic closer ‘Love Will Find You One Day’ works perfectly in its tight 90 second length to bring the album to an end.

I am sure one of the ‘complaints’ about the album will be its length at 18 songs in just over an hour. It is a lot to process over the first 5-10 listens, but I would not eliminate anything here. The two songs that didn’t initially connect with me have each continued to grow with every listen. I hate to think how many songs Tyla has written at this point and love that he continues to find new ways to innovate what he does and add new wrinkles. If you are a fan of his work, I think you will love this album. If you have never heard him, this serves as a really good starting point, and I don’t think I could say that about too many artists 40 years into their career. The first quarter of the year has seen a few dynamite releases already, and this one is another that will be challenging for my album of the year. ‘Glory Days’ are the here and now.

‘Gilding the Lily’ is officially released March 14, 2025.

Buy Here or direct from Tyla – https://www.tylasarttavern.shop

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Author: Gerald Stansbury

Punter – ‘Australianation’ (UK Drunken Sailor Records/ Australia via Televised Suicide Records, Green Noise Records (USA)

Punter – ‘Australianation’ (UK Drunken Sailor Records/ Australia via Televised Suicide Records, Green Noise Records (USA)

Every now and then an album comes across your path that will have a real impact and knock you off your feet, almost a physical thing that can be awe-inspiring and breathtaking. Not to be too hyperbolic but Punter did that when I was sent this to review I was instantly blown away. The first play was exhilarating and I had to take a break and do something else then go back to it a day later just to see if I’d lost my senses or if my first impression lasted into the second and then the third and so on. Fuck me sideways, this album is the dog’s bollocks I liked their debut EP from a few years ago bu tthis is next level. I have no idea why, it’s not original nor is it so groundbreaking it’s genre-defying or something so new  I can’t make head nor tales of it. It’s a loud rapid punk rock record from Australia (der the cue is in the title) but the delivery and passion contained within touched me like a visit to Lourdes and a dunk in the holy water of punk rock n roll.

‘Safe In The Bubble’ starts it all off with a simple scuff of the guitar before going in both feet first it’s hardcore but with bells and whistles and so much more. The vocal spit in with more venom than I’ve heard in a while all whilst the guitars slash and hack but the sum of its parts only goes to make the devastating racket that is my soundtrack for the last month or so. Hell, there’s even bagpipes for fucks sake. Bon Scott would have thrown his pipes in the Sydney Harbour if he’d heard this and how to wheeze that bag of air.

The title track is along next with a swift metaphorical kick to the nether regions to take your breath away.  There’s something quite beautiful about a band that captures such beauty in such visceral and punishing styles. Punter have their collective finger on the pulse as the music gets faster and more manic but it explodes into a calming acoustic guitar outro that I didn’t see coming.  If you think that was brutal ‘Turf Layer’ is up next just to poke you in the eye with a very blunt stick but you keep going back for more.

It’s the soundtrack to the best bar brawl ever and could power a fleet of electric cars for days on one frantic play. ‘The Golden Hour’ almost eats itself before ‘Chin Stroker’ is like a rabid dog out of control in a supermarket taking out anything in its path – frantic – brutal take your pick this shit is happening and I fuckin love it.

Its not all thrashing about smashing everything in its path, oh ok it is but ‘Bone To Pick’ is a bit more mild-mannered and more measured with its twelve-bar riffage and a solo that’s tap tastic and like a missile boring into your ear.

The fact there are thirteen songs on this album is mental it’s spoiling us to the point that anyone hearing this should do so on their own it’s dangerous.  ‘No Normal’ is tub thumping tastic – oh fuck it you get the picture this record is the bomb and you should just get a copy its as if Clowns have joined forces with Bronx and a whole host of other great bands and joined forces to write an album that sets the tempo for all future punk rock releases.

‘Rise OF The Technocrat’ is a runaway bassline and hack n slash rampage on the guitar it’s bloody dangerous, seriously don’t drive whilst listening to this or your heading for a world of trouble. In fact this album’s thirteenth offering is the album’s finest and it would seem that everything to this point has been merely setting the way.  @It Aint Pretty’ is spot on and the absolute zenith of how to do punk rock hardcore style in 2025. Buy this album right now, don’t think about it just trust me and get your grubby hands on a copy it’ll blow you away. Absolute fuckin killer!

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Author: Dom Daley

Crymwav – ‘Sense Of Adventure’ Video

Crymwav – ‘Sense Of Adventure’ Video

West coast rockers Crymwav (Pronounced ‘Crimewave’) release new single ‘Sense Of Adventure’, a blend of the energetic punk sound of Angel City with the gothic rock flair of The Damned. Itfollows the late 2024 release ‘Contagious’. Both singles produced by JJ Blair (Rod Stewart, Jeff Beck, Weezer) are a taste of what’s to come from the forthcoming album, slated for a summer 2025 release. The LA rockers are crossing the pond to play a show at the famous Iron Maiden pub the Cart & Horses in London England on 28th March, also on the bill Syteria, who feature Girlschool lead guitarist Jackie Chambers, and Star Circus.

Social Media/Online

Crymwav.bandcamp.com

http://www.instagram.com/crymwav

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https://www.youtube.com/@Crymwav

Death By Unga Bunga – ‘Raw Muscular Power’ (Jensen Records)

Death By Unga Bunga – ‘Raw Muscular Power’ (Jensen Records)

Oh boy, it’s been a while but DBUB fell off the radar and feared missing forever until recently when we got a whisper that they were back and beefier than before and had bought new louder amps and had been working out (probably listening to Manowar and the Priest) because Raw Muscular Power is ROCKIN! that R-OC-K-I-N-! Baby with melodies galore wrapped up in a leather glove with spandex a plenty. Fellow Northern Europeans like Razorbats do this kinda crossover as well and there must be something in the frozen lakes because this shit is contagious and banging with hooks n melodies and Rock and Roll music to make you fall in love with the biz.

The title track kicks things off and boy their stall is set out early doors with a massive hook and all Amps set to 11. The new sound is dumber and rawer by their own admission, and the result is ten excellent radio-friendly rock songs, Mullets, Fascial hair, testosterone and hooks that will have you reaching for the battle jackets and leg warmers before lacing up your high tops. Haley Shae of Sløtface guests on the Paul Stanley-tribute ‘Starchild’ (der) of course this record was going to contain a Paul Stanley tribute song. which sounds like Blondie kicking ass in the modern world before the synth-punk of ‘Therapy’ featuring Mike Krol shows the boys have pulled a few celebrity favours in and expanded the sound and delivery and it’s only enhanced the record further adding different flavours. The song is dirty synth-punk with a rapid pace and melodies coming out of every pour.

‘Dogs Of Hell’ sounds like it’s been here before but is a real highlight as it races along giving your speakers a cheeky caress as it fills the ether with a floor tom rattle that’s just bloody epic. Hell, we’re only halfway through this epic journey and it’s head and shoulders the most fun the band has ever offered up and it’s a party we’re all invited to. ‘Camouflage’ has even got dive bombs on the guitar licks or should that be the Axe Attax?

To close this album off Death By Unga Bunga rage like a beast with their first native language song ‘Ring meg hvis du trenger en venn’ (“Call me if you need a friend” – an appeal to take care of the people around you. Do you need a friend? Or five friends, even? Death By Unga Bunga is there for you, and everyone’s invited now I’m getting the beers in and ringing round for the ladies we’ll pick you up in the fun bus in 15 minutes be there or be square this party will be the thing of legend. Death By Unga Bunga kick ass in 2025 and this is the ten-track proof simply epic now go buy it and join the party. Arena Rock meets dirty punk rock and chugs a beer before diving in the gene pool to fuck with us all. Top Notch as Lemmy would say.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

The Cheats – Set For Summer Release.

The Cheats – Set For Summer Release.

Pittsburgh Action Rock heroes, The Cheats, return with their long awaited 6th studio album, “Old Rats On A New Ship.” 

After departure of guitarist Rob Senomar in 2023, the band decided to scrap most of the songs they had written with Rob and start fresh with new guitarist/producer, Johnny Razorblade. Johnny produced The Cheats’ 5th album, “Cussin, Crying N Carrying On” (2020) as well as their Action Rock Jukebox single, “Rock N Roll Love Letter.” (2021) and the cover album “XXI” (2022). Johnny also remastered and recorded the live tracks on the “Cheap Pills” 20th Anniversary reissue (2023) The band continued to play live and work on new music. Finally ready, the band entered the studio in 2024 and began recording their strongest material in years, “Old Rats On A New Ship.” 

Tracklisting…

Side 1
1. Blood From A Stone
2. I Wanna…
3. The Only Thing I’m Fucking… Is Up
4. I Want You
5. Time To Leave
6. For You (Anti-Nowhere League)

Side 2
7. Control
8. Stuck On You
9. Lie To Me
10. Everything You Love Will Die
11. The Price I Pay

The first single will be the over the top, alcohol infused, rager, “Fucking Up.” Also, the band is currently recording acoustic versions of “No Time” and “Day After Day” off their 2006 “Life’s Short” album. These two tracks will only be available on the CD version.

Bandcamp

Episode 58 – The Podcast -‘When I Say I’m In Love L-U-V!’

Episode 58 – The Podcast -‘When I Say I’m In Love L-U-V!’

This Episode of the Podcast begins with possibly the finest intro ever, the one used by The Ramones from The Good, the Bad, And The Ugly. Then, we delve into another bumper episode of rock’ n roll. Infamous Stiffs kick off with their new single, ‘No Static,’ out on Golden Robot Records.

Tip of the hat to Da Bruders from Taste Testors with the happy and sprightly ‘Don’t Fall In Love With Me’ quickly followed by the majestic tones of Cyanide Pills who just happen to be Yorkshires finest and a band who certainly don’t get the recognition they deserve for serving up album after album of top quality punk rock n roll.

Before we drop The Nasty Rumours track from the EP ‘Bury Me In My Leather Jacket’ we drop the epic Dictators and the classic title track from ‘DFFD’ ‘Who Will Save Rock And Roll’

Neurotic Outsiders have their one and only album out on Vinyl for RSD 2025 so why not play the epic opener ‘Nasty Ho’.

We don’t feature too much Fuzzed out Stoner Rock Infused Rock but Caboose hit the mat of RPM Online HQ. Think Dessert Rock think Hellacopters think Wah Wah and trucker caps and wonderful drawing artwork of hotrods and the such like.

From the mean streets of New York City The Men release ‘Buyer Beware’ on Fuzz Club so what better time than to play the opening track off the album from this New York bunch of rockers ‘Pony’ it’s anything but. We love ourselves some swampy Urban Voodoo Machine style Rock tapping into the darker side of Rock n Roll owned by the likes of The Cramps and Gun Club so when we heard Sloks and their album ‘Viper we had to offer you ‘Do The Slok’ and swampy rock n roll banger I’m sure you’ll agree.

A band we’ve long since banged on about – Ravagers have a brand new album on the way ‘On The Loose’ released on Wanda In Europe and Spaghetty Town in The USA it features a track ‘Dogs’ which came out this past week so get an ear full of this and place a pre order and if yo happen to be in Mainland Europe you can catch them live as they visit in a few short months and have also been added to Michael Monroe when he hit the States Would be awesome if they had the whole tour but it might just be a one shot date.

Heading back to the UK for one of the finest bands currently treading the boards and making fine records, Continental Lovers released their debut album and seven-inch single which we played a few Episodes ago so we bring you the other track on the 7″ ‘Wedding Song’ awesome band and album and one we highly recommend.

Next is our Connections and Three interlinked tracks firstly New York Dolls released their third album in 2006 that featured Steve Conte and Sami Yaffa as well as Sylvain Sylvain and of course, David Johansen and the opening track was the rather splendid ‘We’re All In Love’ followed by ‘Taxi Driver’ courtesy of Hanoi Rocks then finally Teenage Fanclub with their take on ‘Personality Crisis’. We dedicate these connections to David Johansen who went public with his health issues this past week. You can donate at Sweet Relief or buy one of their rather fetching David J T-Shirts Here

Rum Bar Records consistently churns out good records and CDs and always lets a little ray of sunshine through the often murky waters we sail in and this offering is no exception. 20th Century Boys have a track entitled ‘Suzy’ released on the label and a new band on us so we thought we’d share it with you.

Hastings is the place and Haest released a new track on TNS Records ‘Did They Ever Find Out Who Let The Dogs Out’ and what a heart warming slice of punk rock this is too. Awesome song and another awesome label knocking out music for the underground but God knows why these bands are not household names.

Punk Rockers The Pegs from the West Coast have a track called ‘Nature Wants Us Dead’ which fits in with this fine episode .

Nottingham’s finest TV Crime have been quiet for a while but returned on Valentine’s Day with something of a Rock n Roll love letter to anyone who has a heart which is us so it was a no-brainer that it goes in this week’s playlist and what a fine slab of music it is too.

Soul Asylum had a short visit to these shores recently so we’ve been playing them at HQ for a while and whilst looking through the songs I have on the big computer I came across this banger from a while back when they did a rather good take of the DKs classic ‘Nazi Punks Fuck Off’.

The most excellent Speedways have released a digital single and Matt was kind enough to send this slice of New Wave, Power Pop perfection for our perusal and boy what an earworm this one is. Infectious Rock n Roll of the highest order and to think Matt and Joe from Continental Lovers used to do this together in The Breakdowns who also had a record released by Rum Bar Records. What a small world it is but I wouldn’t like to paint it.

The penultimate track this week had to be the closing track off the brand new album from Australians Punter and ‘It Ain’t Pretty’ should be on everyone’s want list. A stonking track of hardcore Australian punk with added saxophone (of course it has) if you haven’t already got your hands on this one then don’t waste time you’ll regret it.

To wind up the Episode we bring you the brand new track from Black Spiders ‘Never Enough’ from the album ‘Cvrses’. This brings Episode 58 to an end and once again I don’t think it’s being to big-headed but an absolute avalanche of top tuneage once again from all corners of the globe. Bringing great music to the masses call it a community service because it’s a crime that more people don’t tune in and love these bands like we do. Same place next week? With another show bursting with new songs and some olden but golden bangers. Thanks for joining us on this journey ta ta for now.