The Molotovs – ‘Wasted On Youth’ (Marshall Records)

The Molotovs – ‘Wasted On Youth’ (Marshall Records)

The Molotovs came about through necessity and boredom during the heady days of Covid lockdown. Teenage siblings Mathew (vocals/guitar) and Issie Cartlidge (bass/vocals) started jamming, wrote some songs and formed a band. When the world opened up again, they gigged, and then they gigged some more. And they haven’t stopped since! 600 plus shows later, and they have a ferocious live reputation and friends in high places. A series of high-quality singles, gorilla gigs on flatbed trucks and shows with The Sex Pistols and Blondie finally led to the release of their highly anticipated debut album ‘Wasted On Youth’.

The Molotovs unashamedly flaunt their influences over the course of the album. There are many short, sharp nods to Mod, Punk & New Wave and a heady dose of Brit Pop going on. Punk is certainly prevalent on gnarly opener ‘Get A Life’, a one-minute and forty-second diatribe aimed at the naysayers and the detractors. This angst-ridden mash-up of Weller and The Clash is just the sort of anthem that the disenchanted youth need to get behind. A perfect album opener, a great single choice, and the perfect introduction to the band.

You can’t help but reference The Jam while listening to ‘Wasted On Youth’, their influence is all over the likes of ‘Newsflash’ and ‘Rhythm Of Yourself’, even the emotive ‘Nothing Keeps Her Away’ brings to mind ‘That’s Entertainment’. While there is already a long line of old punks and journalists ready to bring The Molotovs down, I see no problem with anything they do. If the songs are good, then it’s good enough for me. And The Molotovs have some good songs. For a songwriter who has barely left school, Mat shows talent beyond his years; he has a lyrical suss and an ear for a catchy melody. The poignant and emotive ‘Geraldine’ recalls early Manics, with great use of structure and melody. And the title track is Frank Turner at his acerbic best. All leave their mark and warrant repeat listening. If I really want to be picky, they lose it slightly on ‘Come On Now’ and ‘Popstar’. Although both sound like early Adam & The Ants, they do feel a bit like fillers compared to the other tracks.

But they make up for it elsewhere. With its ringing power chords and urgent beats, ‘More More More’ sounds vital. ‘Daydreaming’ is an anthemic Brit Pop pastiche, and album closer ‘Today’s Gonna Be Our Day’ is a call to arms from one youth to another, a song that earns its crown and should feature in playlists worldwide by the end of the year.

At 17 and 19 years of age, Mathew & Issie Cartlidge are still teenagers, yet the sharp-dressed duo somehow capture the bridge between Punk, Mod and Brit Pop with ease, spread over 11 tracks in just over 35 minutes. They are a testament to hard graft in a business that is getting increasingly difficult to make a living in, and if they can get past the Spinal Tap drummer issues and ignore the jealous old punks who refuse to give a new band a break, then maybe, just maybe, The Molotovs can truly make this day their day.

For now, though, ‘Wasted On Youth’ is essential listening as far as I’m concerned. The Molotovs have just booked a tour for later this year. My advice is miss them at your peril.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

HEAVEN & HELL Retrospective Box Set

HEAVEN & HELL Retrospective Box Set

BREAKING OUT OF HEAVEN 2007-2009

HEAVEN & HELL – BREAKING OUT OF HEAVEN 2007-2009

RETROSPECTIVE CELEBRATES DIO’S THIRD ACT WITH MEMBERS OF BLACK SABBATH ON 4CD/BLU-RAY AND 7LP BOXED SETS

AVAILABLE MARCH 27

INCLUDES THE DEVIL YOU KNOW, LIVE FROM RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL, AND NEON NIGHTS: 30 YEARS OF HEAVEN & HELL – LIVE AT WACKEN

PRE-ORDER HERE

Rhino presents Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009, a new collection focusing on the final chapter of Ronnie James Dio’s celebrated tenure with members of Black Sabbath. Reuniting with Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice under the name Heaven & Hell, the band returned to the stage and studio decades after their original run for an unexpected second act.

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009 will be available March 27 as 7LP and 4CD/Blu-ray boxed sets. Both editions include an illustrated book with new liner notes by Hugh Gilmour, along with a replica tour book and poster. Order now HERE

The collection marks the first time the complete Live From Radio City Music Hall performance appears on vinyl, and features eight tracks making their vinyl debut, including studio recordings from The Dio Years and select live performances. The Blu-ray expands the set with video from Live From Radio City Music Hall and Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell – Live at Wacken, plus band interviews.

The set follows the band’s reunion run, beginning with their triumphant 2007 New York performance, Live From Radio City Music Hall, followed by the Top 10 studio album The Devil You Know in 2009, and the live album Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell – Live at Wacken, recorded later that year on tour in Germany.

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009

4CD Track Listing

Disc One: The Devil You Know

  1. “Atom and Evil”
  2. “Fear”
  3. “Bible Black”
  4. “Double The Pain”
  5. “Rock And Roll Angel”
  6. “The Turn Of The Screw”
  7. “Eating The Cannibals”
  8. “Follow The Tears”
  9. “Neverwhere”
  10. “Breaking Into Heaven”

Bonus Tracks from The Dio Years

  1. “The Devil Cried”
  2. “Shadow Of The Wind”
  3. “Ear In The Wall”

Disc Two: Live from Radio City Music Hall

  1. “E5150 / After All (The Dead)”
  2. “The Mob Rules”
  3. “Children Of The Sea”
  4. “Lady Evil”
  5. “I”
  6. “The Sign Of The Southern Cross”
  7. “Voodoo”
  8. “The Devil Cried”

Disc Three: Live from Radio City Music Hall

“Computer God”

  1. “Falling Off the Edge Of The World”
  2. “Shadow Of The Wind”
  3. “Die Young”
  4. “Heaven And Hell”
  5. “Lonely Is the Word”
  6. “Neon Knights”

Disc Four: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell

  1. “Mob Rules”
  2. “Children Of The Sea”
  3. “I”
  4. “Bible Black”
  5. “Time Machine”
  6. “Fear”
  7. “Falling Off The Edge Of The World”
  8. “Follow The Tears”
  9. “Die Young”
  10. “Heaven And Hell”
  11. “Neon Knights”

Breaking Out Of Heaven 2007–2009

7LP Track Listing

LP One: The Devil You Know

Side One

  1. “Atom and Evil”
  2. “Fear”
  3. “Bible Black”

Side Two

  1. “Double The Pain”
  2. “Rock And Roll Angel”
  3. “The Turn Of The Screw”
  4. “Eating The Cannibals”

LP Two: The Devil You Know

Side One

  1. “Follow The Tears”
  2. “Neverwhere”
  3. “Breaking Into Heaven”

Side Two: Bonus Tracks

  1. “The Devil Cried” from The Dio Years
  2. “Shadow Of The Wind” from The Dio Years
  3. “Ear In The Wall” from The Dio Years

LP Three: Live from Radio City Music Hall

Side One

  1. “E5150 / After All (The Dead)”
  2. “The Mob Rules”
  3. “Children Of The Sea”

Side Two

  1. “Lady Evil”
  2. “I”
  3. “The Sign Of The Southern Cross”

LP Four: Live from Radio City Music Hall

Side One

  1. “Voodoo”
  2. “The Devil Cried”

Side Two

  1. “Computer God”
  2. “Falling Off the Edge Of The World”
  3. “Shadow Of The Wind”

LP Five: Live from Radio City Music Hall

Side One

  1. “Die Young”
  2. “Heaven And Hell”

Side Two

  1. “Lonely Is the Word”
  2. “Neon Knights”

LP Six: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell

Side One

  1. “Mob Rules”
  2. “Children Of The Sea”
  3. “I”

Side Two

  1. “Bible Black”
  2. “Time Machine”
  3. “Fear”

LP Seven: Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell

Side One

  1. “Falling Off The Edge Of The World”
  2. “Follow The Tears”
  3. “Die Young”

Side Two

  1. “Heaven And Hell”
  2. “Neon Knights”

Blu-Ray Video Content

Live from Radio City Music Hall

Extras:

  • Heaven And Hell Road Movie
  • Hail The Gods Of Metal
  • Meet The Mob
  • Radio City
  • The Wisdom Of Dio

Neon Nights: 30 Years Of Heaven & Hell

Extras:

30th Anniversary Interviews

  • Ronnie James Dio
  • Geezer Butler
  • Vinny Appice
  • Tony Iommi

Ronnie James Dio Tribute (2010)

  • Tony Iommi
  • Vinny Appice
  • Geezer Butler

Jim Jones Allstars get into a Cat Fight

Jim Jones Allstars get into a Cat Fight

HEY ROCKERS!

We’ve got a trio of exciting announcements for you today with a new album, a UK tour and biggest ever headline show all coming your way.

On the 3rd of April, Jim Jones All Stars drop their second studio album, ‘CAT FIGHT’. Produced by The Black Crowes’ Chris Robinson and released on his label Silver Arrow Records, Robinson also provides backing vocals on the infectious lead track ‘Make It Rain’. With CAT FIGHT, the All Stars’ explosive sound has finally been captured and contained in twelve foot-stomping epic tracks, a true highlight of Jim Jones’ storied career. Chuck Prophet provides guest guitar, and there’s a special introduction from the Queen of Northern Soul herself, Gloria Jones!

You can pre-order the album as digital download here.
And physical copies on CD and blood red vinyl from our bandcamp.

CAT FIGHT UK TOUR

The band hit the road in April to support the release of the album. Tickets available here

Sat 4th – The Piper, Hastings
Sun 5th – Joiners, Southampton
Tue 7th – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham
Wed 8th – Bongo Club, Edinburgh
Thu 9th – The Cluny, Newcastle
Fri 10th – Future Yard, Birkenhead
Sat 11th – Parish, Huddersfield
Sun 12th – Esquires, Bedford
Thu 23rd – Waterfront, Norwich
Fri 24th – Cavern, Exeter

Look out for news about festivals and European dates coming soon.

ALL STARS AT THE SCALA

We’re proud to announce that tickets are now on sale for our biggest show to date at London’s legendary Scala venue on October 18th. Don’t hang about as tickets will go quickly for this, the band’s only London show for 2026. Expect an evening of high energy riotous rock ‘n’ roll, special guests and more! 

Grade 2 like to Talk About It

Grade 2 like to Talk About It

UK Punks Grade 2 Announce New Album ‘Talk About It’ Out April 3

via Hellcat Records

Pic By Christopher Bethell

British punks Grade 2 wrestle with a whirlwind coming-of-age on their rollercoaster fourth album Talk
About It, set for release on April 3 rd via Hellcat Records. Frontman Sid Ryan, guitarist Jack Chatfield, and
drummer Jacob Hull bring over a decade of experience to the table, crafting an album that’s both a
reflection of their personal struggles and a rallying cry for a generation. An unflinching exploration of
love, loss, and the emotional toll of growing up in a band, Grade 2 promise to deliver the grit, hooks, and
hard-earned clarity that has made them one of the UK’s most exciting young punk acts.
Today, the trio shares the defiant lead single “Standing In The Downpour,” a steadfast statement
asserting that even if the clouds burst, they’ll be happy to dance in the rain. The band explains:
“’Standing In The Downpour’ is a story through reminiscence, written in a conversational manner as if
between old friends. From a British seaside town upbringing, rowdy nights and reckless decision making,
to finding your feet in early adulthood.”

Pre-save Talk About It HERE

Grief. Growth. Grafting every step of the way. Twelve years since they first cranked amps as schoolkids
rattling their music room out on the Isle of Wight, Grade 2 have plenty to talk about. 
From seeing dreams dangling precariously during COVID, to blasting back with 2023’s self-titled third LP,
the band looked to have claimed their place on top of the world. But storming festivals like Rock am Ring
and rubbing shoulders with heroes like Rancid and Slipknot was only half the story. Offstage, the trio
were dealing with the quiet dissonance of island life back at their parents’ places, finding time for
romantic relationships and plotting the path forward through a world increasingly falling to pieces.
Turbulent fourth album Talk About It is a chronicle of every tribulation and triumph.
“The title-track was initially called Communication, a song about how men don’t talk about the things
that really matter to them,” explains Sid. “But it became ‘Talk About It’, which sums up the whole album,
touching on every emotion that you feel while being in a band, from love to loss to personal turmoil to
ambition. It’s a coming-of-age story about Grade 2 entering adulthood…”
A compelling first step in the next chapter from one of modern punk’s brightest lights, Grade 2 makes it
out of the darkness. “This is everything we’ve been through,” the lead singer smiles bittersweetly, “but
we’re here!”


Grade 2026 Tour Dates
March 20 – Belfast, IRE – The Deer’s Head
March 21 – Dublin, IRE – Lost Land
March 28 – Nottingham, UK – Bodega Social
March 29 – Leeds, UK – The Key Club
March 30 – Manchester, UK – The Deaf Institute
March 31 – Glasgow, UK – The Garage
April 1 – Bristol, UK – Exchange
April 3 – London, UK – O2 Academy Islington

    April 4 – Newport, Isle of Wight – Strings Bar & Venue
    April 25 – Dusseldorf, Germany – Zakk
    April 30 – Jena, Germany – F-Haus
    June 18 – Dessel, Belgium – Plein Air
    June 20 – Zurich, CH – Stadion Letzigrund

    Kevin Steele is the ‘Snake Charmer’

    Kevin Steele is the ‘Snake Charmer’

    KEVIN STEELE RELEASES THE LYRIC VIDEO FOR “SNAKE CHARMER” FROM HIS FIRST SOLO ALBUM “ONE THING LEFT TO DO”

    Kevin Steele recently announced his first solo album, One Thing Left To Do, which will be released on February 27, 2026, via Steele Records/Amplified Distribution. The first single, “Snake Charmer”, is out now on digital services, and Kevin now released the lyric video for the single.

    In a review of the entire album Sleaze Roxx had this to say about the track “Snake Charmer”: “Snake Charmer” is a hypnotic and very seductive dose of sleaze that was, quite rightly in my opinion, released as a single and is already a highlight on here.

    “Snake Charmer was one of the first songs we recorded, and it’s one of my favourite songs on the record. It’s a song about seduction, temptation and obsession. It’s a tale as old as the original sin. We went for a fuzz guitar sound ala Keith Richards when he slashed his speaker cones with a razor blade to get that kind of nasty distortion. It’s got a really good, sexy groove. It’s kind of hypnotising. That’s an actual Indian snake charming Punji flute at the beginning and end of the song.” – Kevin Steele

    Pre-save or Pre-order: Here

    The album features the first single “Snake Charmer”, with its sexy, hypnotic groove and killer guitar riffs it explores the age-old dilemma of female wiles versus a man’s blind obsession. The second single, “There’s A Better Day Comin’”, is a soaring Rock ‘n’ Roll anthem of hope. Its gospel-like arrangement is meant to convey a feeling of optimism in a world where we could all use some. In the third single, “Sad, Sad Song”, Steele delivers a poignant ballad recounting his hardscrabble life and tragic youth. Guaranteed to bring a tear to your eye.

    All of these songs showcase Kevin’s masterful songwriting across all the musical styles that have shaped his colourful career, including glam, punk, rock, blues, and even southern gospel. Kevin’s band, Roxx Gang were one of America’s great bands and the first rock band signed to Virgin Records in America. Their debut record, the classic “Things You’ve Never Done Before”, sold over 250,000 copies. In a way, they were the bridge between glam and grunge, and The Mojo Gurus played a vital role in keeping rock ‘ n ‘ roll alive in “The Tens”, working with legendary producers Jack Douglas (John Lennon, Aerosmith, New York Dolls) and Tommy Henricksen (Alice Cooper, Lou Reed, The Hollywood Vampires). With One Thing Left To Do, Steele brings his musical journey full circle with a truly remarkable record that you just have to hear.

    Joining Kevin on this new record is guitar phenom/co-producer Billy Summer (Florida, Luxury Mane, The New Brutarians), whose music has been heard on major TV shows and films such as Ted Lasso, The Affair, Harpoon, Life and Beth, Chicago Fire, Property Brothers and many others. The result is one hot slab of Rock ‘n’ Roll revelry covering several genres that showcase a track list of impressive playing and songwriting.

    “Billy and I made such a great team. Instant connection of the minds. He knew instinctively where I was going musically with each song before I would even tell him. That’s why they call us the Cosmic Twins”, said Kevin.

    The band is an allstar collection of Tampa Bay, Florida musicians playing at the top of their game. They formed an instant camaraderie and the good times had in the recording sessions shine across every track!

    Also, on Friday, February 27 he celebrates the release of his new record at Bayboro Brewing Company. Kevin will perform the new record in its entirety, backed by an all-star band of Tampa Bay musicians featuring guitarist Billy Summer.

    Bayboro Brewing Company Presents: Kevin Steele – Record Release Concert

    Special Guests: Saints of Saturn – Recent winners of Hard Rock Rising – Tampa

    Friday February 27, 2026

    Bayboro Brewing Company 2390 5th Ave. S., Saint Petersburg, FL (727) 767-9666

    Doors at 7:00 PM – Show at 8:00 PM – All Ages

    OK GO return to the UK November ’26

    OK GO return to the UK November ’26

    Following the release of their fifth studio album ‘And the Adjacent Possible’ last year, OK Go are set to return to the UK for their first tour dates in over a decade this November.

    Photo credit: Piper Ferguson

    Shows in Nottingham, Glasgow, Manchester and London will go on sale to the general public this Friday 23rd January, but loyal subscribers to OK Go’s email list can access a pre-sale on Thursday Jan 22nd at 10am UK time. Subscribe here.

    OK Go’s ‘And the Adjacent Possible’ was met with acclaim around the world in 2025, including two Grammy nominations. The album’s vinyl package, a two-LP set on 180-gram, 45RPM discs in a custom foil-stamped gatefold with full-colour inner sleeves and a 3-dimensional sculpture that pops up when listeners open it, was nominated in the ‘Best Recording Package’ category, while the band’s innovative one-take visual for ‘Love’, which features complex choreography between the band, 29 robots, and upwards of 60 mirrors, was nominated for ‘Best Music Video’.

    The ‘Love’ video then went on to win ‘Best Rock Video – International’ at the UK Music Video Awards, with frontman Damian Kulash also receiving the ‘Icon Award’, continuing OK Go’s legacy and vast catalogue of mind-blowing ground-breaking music videos, which began with their iconic Grammy winning, treadmill dance-routine for ‘Here It Goes Again’.

    The packaging for ‘And The Adjacent Possible’ was designed by Yuri Suzuki and Claudio Ripol, with the 3D sliceform design and pop-up structure by Wombi Rose, Hà Trịnh Quốc Bảo and Emilio LaTorre for Lovepop. OK Go are now also excited to announce that they have doubled down on their collaboration with Lovepop, this time for their very own Valentine’s Day greeting card collection.

    The greeting card range is a unique take on the OK Go ‘And the Adjacent Possible’ album art and features a double pop-up sliceform heart in place of the album’s sphere. Amongst the available designs, is a limited edition of just 500 that have been produced with an embedded music player that plays ‘Love’ when the card is opened.

    Buy tickets for OK Go’s 2026 November tour dates from 23rd January 2026 here:

    11 Nov – Nottingham at Rock City

    12 Nov – Glasgow at SWG3 TV Studio

    13 Nov – Manchester at New Century Hall

    14 Nov – London at O2 Forum

    BRATAKUS RELEASE NEW ALBUM ‘HAGRIDDEN’ FEBRUARY 13th, VIA VENN RECORDS

    BRATAKUS RELEASE NEW ALBUM ‘HAGRIDDEN’ FEBRUARY 13th, VIA VENN RECORDS

    PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE:

    Formed in 2015 by two Scottish sisters Brèagha Cuinn (Guitar and vocals) and Onnagh Cuinn (Bass and vocals) outside a small whiskey village called Tomintoul in the Highlands, Bratakus have been fiercely DIY since their inception.

    Following the release of their incendiary ‘Final Girls’, ‘Tokened’ and ‘Turnstile’ singles earlier this year, which marked their first recordings for Venn Records, (the label ran by Laurent ‘Lags’ Barnard of UK punk band Gallows, and previously the home of artists like High Vis, Bob Vylan and Witch Fever), Bratakus are ready to release their new album ‘Hagridden’, which is set for release February 13th.

    Despite Bratakus’ staunch resistance to mainstream music industry practices, the young band quickly built up a following. Their unique approach to creating their art drew the attention of BBC Scotland who featured the band in two documentary shorts, Hidden Lives’ and ‘TUNE’. Author and musician, Ian Glasper wrote about the sisters in his book The Scene That Would Not Die, a deep dive into post-millennial punk in the UK. Meanwhile in the USA, legendary punk zine Maximum Rock’n’Roll wrote about the band and even BBC radio DJ Vic Galloway added the duo to his “Ones to Watch” list.

    Word was spreading, and before they knew it, Bratakus were being booked for live performances in countries as far as Japan. Support slots for bands like Propagandhi, Bis, and Discharge helped the sisters turn into a ferocious live combo. If there was ever any doubt that a punk band could pull off not having a live drummer, these two sisters are here to prove you wrong.

    Once described by the BBC as “the most remote band in the UK”, the isolation of their surroundings made it impossible for the duo to find a drummer in their small hamlet, let alone the neighbouring villages mostly inhabited by Highland cattle, as Brèagha explains.

    “We programmed some drum tracks, plugged in for our first practice and instantly it just felt like we already had a band, so we’ve been playing like that ever since! What started out as a logistical issue now feels like a big part of our identity and we just love playing as a two piece.”

    Heavily influenced by the garage rock scene and bands like The Distillers, The Donnas and X-Ray Spex, Bratakus went on to perform their first ever gig at a fundraiser for the Glasgow Rock ‘n’ Roll School for Girls in the Glasgow School of Art. 

    “As this was a kid friendly show there were lots of young girls in attendance, which meant the front half of the venue was filled with little girls spinning around in dresses during our set. It was unusual for a punk gig but made for a really fun atmosphere.”

    From that moment, Bratakus were a real band, and with that, Screaming Babies Records was born. Unlike other record companies, Screaming Babies Records would be a family run DIY label, not only a platform for Bratakus to launch new music but also a place to revisit their father’s catalog, Angus Quinn of the influential Scottish Anarcho punk band Sedition. No publicists, no streaming services, no photo shoots, just straight up word of mouth, limited edition vinyl releases, and anti-establishment anthems for generations old and new as Brèagh explains the label’s origin.

    “Our Dad was always in punk bands when we were growing up, so we were raised in the DIY scene. When we started the band, it just seemed like the most natural step to start the label with him and put our own releases out. He thought of the idea of calling it Screaming Babies Records after the Crass lyric because our logo is a screaming baby.”

    Fast forward to the start of 2026 and the band are thrilled to be finally getting ‘Hagridden’ out into the world. They originally recorded the album themselves some three years ago, then lost everything they’d worked on when their laptop broke. From there they just decided to make a fresh start and go back into the studio again to finally get it finished, emerging with ten songs of essential and beautifully cathartic punk rock.  

    “We decided to call the album ‘Hagridden’ before we even recorded it, but it’s been a bit of a self-fulfilling prophecy because so many barriers came up when we were trying to get it recorded and released that it turned into a bit of a nightmare, so the next album might be called  ‘Smooth Sailing’ to avoid cursing ourselves again,” laughs Brèagh. “It definitely sounds way better than the first version, so in a way I’m glad it worked out this way, but we were so gutted when it happened,” exclaims Brèagh.

    Lyrically, the album’s ten sharp songs cover a wealth of subjects close to their hearts; feminism, animal rights, media brainwashing and how normalised sweatshops have become in our society are all tackled on ‘Hagridden’ with raw, raging vocals, barbed-wire guitars and pounding rhythms.  

    Whilst the band still play live with programmed drums, ‘Hagridden’ features live drums for the first time. 

    “Our first record is all programmed drums, and that’s what we were planning for this album too,” explains Brèagh. “We actually recorded every song with a drum machine, but our producer Tommy Duffin (renowned Scottish drummer and recording engineer) played with us and drummed on the album. He recorded our first album, so it was great to work with him again.” 

    ‘Hagridden’ is released February 13th via Venn Records and the band tour the UK this February. 

    You can pre-order ‘Hagridden’ HERE

    See Bratakus live at the following dates:

    18/02/2026 – Supersonic, Paris (FRANCE)

    19/02/2026 – The Grace, London

    20/02/2026 – The Exchange, Bristol
    21/02/2026 – Star & Garter, Manchester
    29/02/2026 – McChuills, Glasgow

    Find Bratakus online at:

    FACEBOOK

    INSTAGRAM

    YOUTUBE

    Lithium Kicks – let rip with debut single

    Lithium Kicks – let rip with debut single

    Lithium Kicks present their debut digital double A-side single, “I Want Something I Don’t Care About” and “Catch Me When I Fall.” Recorded at Newport’s Le Pub and on location in Cardiff, the tracks lap up punk-rock anger with catchy power-pop sensibilities, delivering a ferocious and impassioned assault on the senses.

    The band hail from South Wales and feature Ginge (vocals), Michael (lead guitar), Darren (rhythm guitar), Jonny (bass) and Dave (drums). Single available from 1st February on Bandcamp and all major streaming services. Gigs to follow in spring 2026

    Something has been brewing on the windswept streets of South Wales. Something that some of us had been hoping might happen, should the right circumstances coincide. That time is now. This cat couldn’t stay in the bag for long, especially at RPM headquarters. It is the return of Ginge Knievil. 

    From The Sick Livers to Nicotine Pretty, Ginge has left his mark on the South Wales scene, and further afield. At The Pipeline all-dayer some years ago, The Sick Livers were the most entertaining band on the bill, with the tunes to back it up.

    He’ll hate me saying this, but people respect his music and his attitude. In 2026, the name to remember is Lithium Kicks. Fear not,  the tunes are BACK, butty! 

    What a kick-off it is. From the opening riff, ‘I Want Something I Don’t Care About’ evokes early Manics pogoing recklessly with Tenpole Tudor, thanks to the gang vocals and a chorus that will have you “WHOOAH”ing in no time. And it could easily be Bradfield yelling out from ’92 at the beginning of ‘Catch Me When I Fall’. As for that final scream, I am a happy bunny. With ex-Liver Darren back on guitar duties with Michael, Jonny on bass and Dave on drums, they should be proud of what they’ve created here.

    An album of songs this catchy would be much appreciated. And with live dates coming this spring, the future’s so bright, he’s gotta wear shades. Welcome back, we’ve missed you x 

    Author:Martin Chamarette

    https://linktr.ee/lithiumkicks

    The Damned – ‘Not Like Everybody Else’ (Ear Music)

    The Damned – ‘Not Like Everybody Else’ (Ear Music)

    Like ’em or loath them, one thing is for sure: the title is spot on. The Damned have been a constant pretty much throughout my music listening life, and as they reach the twilight of a glittering career, they’ve lost another of their own, and this one hurt big time. Brian James shaped my youth from The Damned through The Lords and his solo output right through the first reunion dates that ended in tears to the triumphant second coming and a much more harmonious band that seemed to have reached some semblance of maturity and adulthood (god forbid) and returned to the stage as the original four piece whilst they still had time and nailed a series of shows that had the fire and fury of the early years as well as a much older and wiser beast they did it and came out far better and bigger than they went into it. Sadly, that was the last time they would play as a four-piece as Brian passed away last year, which motivated the remaining three, plus the long-time Paul Gray to turn in a set of covers that Brian was inspired by to put together The Damned as we knew it.

    With Rat back in the seat for the last couple of years its wonderful to see and hear the Damned from The Black Album and Strawberries knock it out of the park time after time and show the youth exactly how it’s done. Forward we move to the here and now, and this here tribute to the tunes of their youth that inspired Mr Brian James and a mixed bag it is. Sure, you’ll have your stalwarts and gatekeepers protesting and professing to not touching this with a barge pole, but The Damned have form for this with the awesome ‘Give Daddy The Knife Cindy,’ which was a pretty awesome covers album, albeit without the name The Damned. Fast forward a few decades, and we’re here paying respects to Brian in a way he’d appreciate. Ten tracks from various continents, there are the ones we would all have guessed, which are done to perfection for one reason or another, like ‘Gimme Danger’, but it’s tracks like the title track that suit Vanian’s vocals, and he manages to hit the notes to perfection, serving up a rousing rendition.

    Rats drumming is so recognisable, and his long hiatuses from the fold missed his swagger and formidable rolls, even Monty’s keyboard wheeze on songs like ‘Heart Full Of Soul’ nails it. The big takeaway I got from this record is how bloody good Paul Grey is and how he plays the songs for what they are, driving the tunes like a finely tuned Rolls-Royce. Of course, I love Captain’s off-the-cuff style where he sounds like he’s winging it (which he’s not, of course, but it’s always added excitement), just take ‘You Must Be A Witch’ which had me raising an eyebrow to mr Vanians high notes (well done, sir).

    Of course, there are a few lulls here and there, but let’s not get carried away here. This is The Damned paying their respects to Brian James and playing the guts out of some left of centre (at times) songs, of course it’s not ‘Neat Neat Neat’ or ‘New Rose’, but for some unearthly inexplicable reason this is what got us those songs. The inclusion of ‘last Time’ gives me goose bumps, and like Captain says Without Brian, etc., etc..

    The message on the inner sleeve is heartfelt and touching – long live Brian James and long live The Damned, the greatest band to ever walk the planet bar none. Another case of hit and miss, but I’ll take it because they’re not like anyone else and the likes of which we’ll never see again.

    Buy Here

    Author: Dom Daley

    The Godfathers – Double A Side and tour dates

    The Godfathers – Double A Side and tour dates

    The Godfathers kickstart 2026 with a brand new double A-side single. The release – featuring the band’s first new music since 2022’s acclaimed Alpha Beta Gamma Delta album – comes ahead of a previously announced trio of UK dates

    Set for release on 6th February, vinyl and digital versions of the new single will comprise the tracks ‘Going Wrong’ and ‘Lesbian Café’, the latter number featuring guest contributions from Devo’s Josh Hager on guitar and synthesiser.

    There will also be a 4-track CD EP release, which includes the single tracks plus a special remix of ‘Lesbian Café’ by Hager and an alternate acoustic version of ‘Going Wrong’.

    The single is the first taste from a highly anticipated brand new album from the band, expected in early 2027. Godfathers’ front man and founder member Peter Coyne has described both new songs as “truly exciting rock & roll social commentary and another sonic leap forward for the group.”

    Coyne has cited ‘Lesbian Café’ as a genuine tribute to his LGBTQ heroes, influenced in part by his visits to the legendary Club Louise in London in early ’77, which he’s said provided “a non-judgmental home from home for many people on the punk scene in the ‘70’s.”

    The vinyl single and CD EP are both available to pre-order now exclusively from Here.

    All four tracks will also be available to download from all the usual online digital platforms.

    As previously announced, The Godfathers play three UK gigs in February – Edinburgh, Leeds and their traditional Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre concert at the iconic 100 Club in London…

    11 Feb -EDINBURGH – Voodoo Rooms Tickets

    12 Feb -LEEDS – Brudenell Social Club Tickets

    13 Feb -LONDON – 100 Club Tickets

    Tickets for all three concerts are available NOW!!