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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buy Here from Pirates Press or Amazon Here

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Author: Dom Daley

Not The Ones – ‘All Cut Up’ (Wanda Records)

Not The Ones – ‘All Cut Up’ (Wanda Records)

Berlin has always been a Punk Rock n Roll City and it shows no sign of stopping post-pandemic with these new long players courtesy of punk n power pop n rollers Not The Ones. It’s not rocket science it’s a simple formula – just write top tunes and lay em down on a record and get a super cool label like Wanda to release them out into the wild.

To show how serious they are they’ve even recruited the services of power pop punk rock n roll legend Matt Dangerfield to turn in some Backing Vocals & guitars. It kicks off with the jangly ragged guitars in sprightly fashion as they take it ‘On The Chin’ which sort of sets the tone for what’s to come. Choppy guitar chords over a melodic pop song with a rhythm section that keeps surging on sounding like it could all fall apart at any moment and just nick off down the pub instead but it doesn’t – obviously. ‘Remote Control’ is possibly the finest example of this. Stabbing electric guitars over a punchy backbeat and melodic vocals.

It has a feeling of early 80s post-punk or New Wave as we used to call it. the charts always churned up some interesting tunes that would hang around for a lifetime inside our heads popping up every now and again ‘Out To Sea’ is a great reminder of this time period for me – it’s super catchy and feels like you’ve heard it before even though you know you haven’t.

The title track comes with added snot even with the quirky keyboard stab it’s a thrilling rip snorting white knuckle ride with great boozy gang vocals and then it just ends, great stuff. as the album lists from side to side spitting out tunes, it’s ‘Tightrope’ that kicks back and moves slower with a cool purposeful riff adding something different to most of this record. This only leaves ‘Let’s Go Psycho’ to close off the record which holds a candle for a Boys melody and is a fine way to end the record.

New wave, old wave, power pop, punk rock, who cares what label it has – Not The Ones dish up a sweet platter that matters – get on it kids it’s a good time on 33 1/3 revolutions per minute.

Pick it up Here

Author: Dom Daley

HRH Sleaze – O2 Academy, Sheffield 27-28.08.22

HRH Sleaze – O2 Academy, Sheffield 27-28.08.22

The sun is out and the smell of hairspray is in the air, we can only be in one place? 1985 on the Sunset Strip you say? Nah we’re in present day Sheffield and the Rock gods are smiling on us with the weather this weekend (although we are principally indoors). The venue is packed and backcombed to the rafters and has a bountiful amount of Sleaze, snakebites and hotdogs on offer for the masses. Let’s get stuck in!


First up for me is Gypsy Pistoleros on the main stage. An intriguing mix of sleazy riffs, singalong choruses and some fantastic moments where you feel like you’re listening to a Spaghetti Western score. Overall they’re frenetic and anthemic but dreadful in between song ‘banter’. Props to the excellent drummer though.


Next up over on the 2nd stage, it’s Rock ‘n’ Roll stalwarts Paradise Alley. A much-needed shot in the arm of Glam Punk for the day’s proceedings! Frontman Steve Vincent certainly has the voice of the weekend, serenading the audience and throwing in a few stories for good measure. At times the band’s performance is a bit shambolic, at other times good, but overall shambolically good. Which is a winner for me! Will definitely be checking them out on tour in the future.


Back over to the main stage to check out Kickin Valentina. Clearly a crowd favourite here at Sleaze this weekend, the audience has swelled in size with anticipation. This is a band that has never clicked with me on record but they definitely win you over with their swagger and workmanship. It’s nothing I’ve not heard before but they serve it up confidently and bolster their fans into a frenzy.


Heading further into the evening of day 1 we are treated to headliner-worthy Hardcore Superstar. A force so commanding it’s like they just turned the House PA up to 11! The atmosphere in the venue is electric, the band hitting the crowd with sonic blunt force blows with every note played. Fan favourites are supplied in abundance in the form of ‘wild boys’, ‘we don’t celebrate sundays anymore’, ‘last call for alcohol’ and early career classic ‘liberation’. Those assembled are all but won over, the point is truly hammered home with anthemic closer ‘you can’t kill my rock ‘n roll’.

It would be fair to wonder how Michael Monroe would compare after following Hardcore Superstar on the bill. As soon as the band hit full pelt into the first number, all doubts are cast aside and seem ludicrous in retrospect. With a set consisting of Monroe’s superb solo album offerings, choice numbers from Hanoi Rocks and Demolition 23, plus a few covers thrown in for good measure. Tonight’s set is certainly the showstopper everyone has been hoping for. With a band that must be one of the best in the business (Sami Yaffa, Steve Conte, Rich Jones & Karl Rockfist) they burst into a non-stop Rock ‘n Roll show, expertly led by Monroe, an awe-inspiring performance packed with boundless energy.

Stand-out tracks for me today would have to be ‘last train to Tokyo’ and the recent single ‘everybody’s nobody’. Not only does Michael rock your socks off, he has the lovable charisma to charm your sock off also. I find myself literally unable to stop smiling throughout the entire performance, I genuinely feel sorry for anybody unable to find joy in watching the show tonight.

With Day 1 over, everybody is leaving happy and appetites are satisfied with equal amounts of Sleaze and Hooch. 

Author: Dan Kasm

KISS Kollection to Launch Navy Strength 57% Gin on Kruise

KISS Kollection to Launch Navy Strength 57% Gin on Kruise

Following the massive success of the 2021 launch of KISS Cold Gin, Brands For Fans, KISS, and their licensing agent, Epic Rights, have responded to the overwhelming demand for another high-quality product with navy strength gin. As KISS are setting sail with their fans this October, there is no better place to experience this new spirit than on the high seas of the band’s very own KISS Kruise.

The history behind calling a gin ‘navy strength’ dates back to the 18th century when the British Navy stored their spirits next to gunpowder.  Should the gin barrels split, spilling their liquid into the gunpowder, the higher strength content, a minimum of 57% alc/vol, ensured the gunpowder would still explode.

KISS Cold Gin Navy Strength 57% alc/vol has a five-time distilled base including juniper, lemon peel, and a selection of fine spices. There are no artificial flavours or added sweeteners. To maintain the highest quality, additional flavours of juniper and lemon are macerated and blended with the distillate, achieving a full balance of the botanical experience. This is a superior quality product, expertly created by globally recognised in-house master blender Daniel Henriksson.

KISS Cold Gin Navy Strength doesn’t just taste great, it looks incredible too! Impress your friends with this stylish bottle, including eye-catching silver and gold details, with all four band members metallically illustrated on each side of the Brooklyn Bridge. The main label features a gold disc and the iconic landmarks of New York City, including the Manhattan Skyline.  The stunning art deco pattern behind the disc is based on the scales of The Demon’s boots. This label artwork is a magnificent homage to KISSTORY and the band’s musical roots.

“The KISS Spirit’s range, Drink It Up by KISS, has now sold over 250,000 bottles worldwide.  We are so excited to launch this fantastic addition to the KISS portfolio and just in time for KISS Kruise,” says Yvonne Wener, head of Brands For Fans.

The product is available NOW, in the UK, mainland Europe, Sweden,

The Nordics, and in the US on Kiss Kruise at the end of October.

Click here to order:

Brands For Fans

https://drinkitupbykiss.com/

WASP by Ross Halfin pre-orders

WASP by Ross Halfin pre-orders

“It’s time to meet the group who the moral majority would most like to murder and the only group I can remember who’ve had a record banned by their own label… this is WASP!” Andy Kershaw.

 
Having sold over 12 million albums worldwide, WASP were one of the pre-eminent major label American Heavy Metal bands of the 1980’s. Formed in 1982 in Los Angeles California, the band built a large and dedicated global following with their eponymous debut album and subsequent releases including The Last Command, Into The Electric Circus, The Headless Children and more.
 
Managed by Legendary Iron Maiden manager Rod Smallwood, the band played some of the seminal concerts of the era including multiple visits to the renowned Donington Monsters of Rock festival in England in 1987 and 1992 and also toured the globe with other seminal acts such as Kiss, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Metallica, Dokken and many more.
 
WASP by Ross Halfin starts at the very beginning in Hollywood CA where Ross shot the band for the first time at The Troubadour – the famous club on Santa Monica Blvd which launched the careers of many artists including Motley Crüe, Guns N Roses and Elton John to name just a few. Ross would work with the band right the way through this period from the small clubs to headlining venues such as Long Beach Arena and Hammersmith Odeon.
 
This book offers a unique insight into the classic period of WASP with an array of Ross’ fantastic dramatic live photos, coupled with candid offstage reportage capturing the humour and spirit of the characters behind the instruments, as well as studio sessions that would become iconic and defining for the band.
 
In addition to the photography, former WASP guitarist and co-songwriter Chris Holmes provides anecdotes and memories throughout the book, sharing insights and stories for the very first time that provide a truly exceptional commentary that is an absolute must for all fans of the band.
 
There are also forewords from the band’s original manager Rod Smallwood and Photographer Ross Halfin sharing their own perspectives and experiences with one of America’s most notorious and influential Metal bands of that era.

This 300 page plus coffee table book features a 3D lenticular cover, is bound in red recycled leather and presented in a protective slipcase. Only 300 numbered copies are available worldwide and each copy is personally signed by guitarist and songwriter Chris Holmes. The book costs £275 plus shipping worldwide.
 
Pre-orders start Today September 2nd, 3pm UK time and the book will ship at the end of November 2022. Here
 
A 10% pre-order discount can be claimed with the code WASP2022 at the checkout.

GG Allin & AntiSeen – ‘Murder Junkies’ (Bang! Records)

GG Allin & AntiSeen – ‘Murder Junkies’ (Bang! Records)

Probably in a time when punk rock was still able to shock and could on occasion be seen as dangerous and offensive GG and Antiseen roamed American wastelands offending every pair of ears they came into contact with.

“Murder Junkies” was the seventh studio album by G.G. Allin and featured ANTiSEEN. It was GG Allin’s final studio album to be released during his lifetime, originally released in 1991. Jeff Clayton, lead singer of ANTiSEEN, has described this album as a mixed blessing. Although he is very happy with the way it turned out, he thinks that a lot of people got the impression that they are nothing more than a backing band for G.G. Allin. Clayton has stated that G.G. Allin was very professional during the recording of the album, and he wonders how much of G.G. Allin’s stage act was real and how much of it was “For The Marks”. Something I guess many people asked of the man.

Now, this album is being released for the first time as it was originally conceived, and it has been remastered in order to deliver the aggressive sound it was recorded with. From the opening chords and roll on the drums ‘Murder For The Mission’ bursts into venomous life. If you don’t know GG then look up his tumultuous life on youtube and be amused and repulsed in equal measures. There was a time however when he was a serious punk rocker and glam punk rocker and he actually made decent records when he put his twisted mind to it without all the circus hullaballoo that was GG Allin.

The sound is aggressive, raw and like a box of pissed-off snakes. Ten Tracks in the blink of an eye lurching from one thumper to the other ‘Stab Wound’ and ‘War In My Head’ rattle past towards ‘Violence Now’ which can never have too much cowbell.

I guess in a world where cancel culture and scrutiny of the arts are front and center maybe GG would never have survived even in the murky underground of Punk Rock, songs like ‘Rape, Torture, Terminate & Fuck’ would not have got past the sensors.

‘I Hate People’ probably sums up this release with self-destruction being the order of the day. I guess the image outshone the musicians at play and the cartoon character that was GG Allin definitely overshadowed the songwriter and when he actually put his mind to it could pen decent tunes. If you want to piss yourself and others off then get stuck into this slice of Scum Punk and remember to turn it up the neighbours three doors down might want to sample a touch of Murder Junkies.

Buy it Here

Author: Dom Daley

Buzzcocks – ‘Sonics In The Soul’ (Cherry Red Records)

Buzzcocks – ‘Sonics In The Soul’ (Cherry Red Records)

Sure there is an elephant in the room but to get through this album you’re going to have to park that particular beast and just listen to the record a few times purely on its own merit. Sure Pete was/is a huge part of what made Buzzcocks what they were and that element is no longer there. However, Steve is also a massive part of the equation and he is very much still here and on that basis, he has every right to continue under the name Buzzcocks. So, on that note welcome ladies and gentlemen to my five penneth worth on the brand spanking new Buzzcocks record ‘Sonics In The Soul’.

The record was proceeded by a very nice 10″ EP that contained the opening salvo of ‘Senses Out Of Control’. Now, Buzzcocks had two singers and for me two very different styles there was on the one hand Pete’s pop melodies in contrast to Steves’s more aggressive style more confrontational style so if I were to describe ‘Senses Out Of Control’ as a Steve song for the purposes of this review then you should have a decent idea of where I’m coming from. It’s a banger of an opening track with that Buzzsaw riff thrashing away all downstrokes towards the melodic chorus. It’s a call to arms and with some neat walking bass lines going on under the riff it’s getting multiple plays here after I “got it” and it’s a fine blast of fuck you from the legend that is Steve Diggle.

Are we sitting comfortably? ‘Manchester Rain’ is another uptempo blast but this time with a tip of the hat to Shelley with a nice hook on that lead guitar. It was one of those instant tunes that grabbed me from the first play. Loving the guitar work throughout from the shimmering effect to that one string lick that we all associate with Buzzcocks.

What do I get? Well, I get an album that has a whole bunch of excellent tunes and as I went into this with an open mind I feel I’ve been rewarded tenfold. What a great record from Steve, Chris and Danny – it’s always been all about the music and this record is a worthy contender. Buzzcocks – I love ’em.

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Godfathers – ‘Alpha Beta Gamma Delta’ (GodfathersRecordings2)

Godfathers – ‘Alpha Beta Gamma Delta’ (GodfathersRecordings2)

The last few albums from Godfathers, I think it’s fair to say were absolute belters. Mainstay Godfather Peter Coyne assembled some fine musicians to hold high the legacy worthy of the band’s rich tapestry and history. Post pandemic and it all changed with a fresh raft of Godfathers to carry forward the sound and fury. Two former Heavy Drapes Billy Duncanson (drums) and Richie Simpson (guitar) alongside former Damned bass player Jon Priestley with guitarist Wayne Vermaak from The Great St Louis completing the lineup for this album.

Written and recorded during the course of the Covid pandemic, the album was produced by The Godfathers’ bassist (and former Damned member) Jon Priestley giving it a glossy yet unfussy production leaving the songs room to breathe and punch their weight. A new band can offer a new lease of life for bands who’ve existed for several decades not necessarily changing the direction but shifting lanes if you like and this is no exception.  Adding an exciting, darker tone to the catalogue. ‘OCD’ borrows a riff and then proceeds to shake the foundations with a rock-solid tour de force. The chorus is simple and will get the heart rate up during live performances.

Coyne has said previously that you don’t have to like the artist to appreciate the art and constantly rotating the musicians might not endear him to many but you can’t deny the guy employs some fantastic players who buy into the music and from ‘Big Bad Beautiful Noise’, ‘Jukebox Fury’ and the superb live album ‘This Is War!’ the players brought the best out of Coyne and the tunes and I’m happy to report that this album follows suit with some very good songs being elevated by a band who gets the MO and buys into the attitude and delivers exactly what The name Godfathers legacy deserves.

‘Bring On The Sunshine’ eases you in rather than beating you over the head with volume and attack its got a cool effortless feel-good about it which is strange for Godfathers as I often feel like picking up a brick and launching it through a window but the chorus and the layers of BV’s works a treat. ‘You Gotta Wait’ is more like it from the power chords to Coyne’s spoken delivery this is what I was expecting. the chorus again is infectious before motoring back into the vverse. The rhythm is rock solid and powers the song leaving space for the guitars to weave an excellent tune.

Song titles like ‘I Hate The 21st Century’ is more like it and the jolting Clash-like melody twists towards the gang vocals that again add a texture that isn’t something I was expecting but works really well giving the song a commercial edge and a really good break down. ‘Midnight Rider’ has an arrangement and delivery that could be Iggy ‘Bla Bla Bla’ period or Bowie’s ‘Lodger’ even. Love those subtle backing vocals – whoo whoos! are always a winner. This is a commercial songwriting edge I wasn’t really expecting and am pleasantly surprised with it. The restraint shown on the playing is really good and works with the music and rather than just Rocking out (which I wouldn’t have complained about) holding back works in the song’s favour.

There is obviously a time and a place where turning the distortion up and just kicking out the jams works and that time is ‘Lay That Money Down’ where the production shines with a clear distorted guitar that hits the sweet spot whilst Billy hits that ride and drives this machine hard.

To be fair the more plays and the deeper you delve into the cuts the better this album gets. Giving some really great songs like ‘Tonight’ and the blistering ‘I’m Not Your Slave’ Hell, the acoustic ballad that is ‘There’s No Time’ is simple in its delivery and adds another texture to the flow of this record before we head into the home straight that is ‘Dead In Los Angeles’ with its brooding hazy delivery even manages something of a West coast feel to the backing vocals as the song twists and turns like the Hollywood Hills.

Closing the album is ‘I Despair’ with its Sonic Temple feel it’s a rocker that has plenty of punch from a band that is delivering throughout the album on every level. Individually these songs are as good as anything the Godfathers have delivered for the past thirty-plus years, worthy songs added to their impressive repertoire. Yet another impressive Godfathers album.

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Author: Dom Daley

Stephen Pearcy Signs for Golden Robot Records. 

Stephen Pearcy Signs for Golden Robot Records. 

As the founder, lead singer, and songwriter of the metal rock band RATT, Stephen Pearcy led his creation to mega multi-platinum success year after year from 1984 – 1991. RATT climbed up the charts with singles from Out of the Cellar soaring past Prince’s ‘Lets Go Crazy,’ Van Halen’s ‘Panama,’ Madonna’s ‘Borderline‘ and David Bowies ‘Blue Jean.’ 
The record generated top ten singles followed by sold out tours throughout the world. This momentum remained with every proceeding RATT album to include their most recent release of Infestation in 2010. 
Throughout RATT’s nearly four decades of success with Pearcy at its helm, they released 8 albums and played thousands of shows worldwide all the while selling over 20 million records.



Given the mammoth success of RATT, Pearcy was looking for extraordinary when choosing a label and the only label deemed agile enough for the task was Golden Robot Global Entertainment headed by CEO and President, Mark Alexander-Erber with Pearcy explaining, “It is with great pleasure to announce my having signed on with Golden Robot Records. Choosing a label to handle my music spanning 40 plus years in the industry is no easy task. Although, Mark & Golden Robot have captured the modernization of the industry & marketing, as well as, held onto the old school style that has served me well for decades, both of which are needed to handle a catalog as mine and the new music I bring to the table. As an artist, songwriter, & performer, evolving is inevitable, therefore my team has to be on point & lightning quick to keep up. Mark & Golden Robot understand that concept and I look forward to our collaboration. With our first endeavor being the Stephen Pearcy Legacy album, this album will be a career retrospective from 1976 to date. I look forward to sharing never heard RATT classics in their infancy, early RATT with Jake E. Lee, Live RATT, Arcade, solo covers, the last song written with Robbin, the last song written with Warren, and so much more. This is the first time I’ve reached so deep into the archives and it’s truly been a labor of love. Cheers to Mark & Golden Robot, we are about to bring RATT & 80’s music fans the most authentic and thorough archive of music that was an interictal part of creating the 80’s Sunset Strip music scene!”

Alexander-Erber has also expressed his excitement at the finally getting Pearcy over the dotted line after years of courting “Out of the hundreds and hundreds of signings we have had over many years, I have to say after a long while courting Stephen I’m absolutely honoured he has joined our Golden Robot Family, helping us to bring rock back to the forefront. He truly is one of the best and to be part of our roster is wonderful, we have some fabulous releases planned for 2022/23.” 

Stephen Pearcy is expected to release new music via Golden Robot Records later this year. 

2 For Tuesday

2 For Tuesday

A Bubblegum Punk band from Brighton, England, Young Francis Hi Fi play 2-minute songs about talking to girls, getting high, and hanging out. Though not necessarily in that order.

Young Francis Hi Fi play a high speed, sugar-sweet mix of ’70s American Punk, ’60s Garage Rock, and Bubblegum Pop.

They aren’t just a band, Young Francis Hi Fi are a gang, like their heroes Ramones and The Monkees. Young Francis Hi Fi signs with Dirty Water Records! so expect new music any day now

Next up is the brand new video from power pop rock n rollers The Speedways, taken from the forthcoming LP ‘Talk Of The Town’ available on Snap!!/Hurrah Musica & Beluga Records in November thespeedways.bigcartel.com or thespeedways.bandcamp.com