Without delay let’s get into this album and review. From the moment the music hits the ether you can feel the intent and energy these ladies are oozing. ‘Apocolypse She’ is raging with attitude and energy. Wearing their influences on their sleeves it’s a beating heart full of napalm and L7 meets Hole meets Distillers meets Joan Jett its blood and thunder from the off.
Since 2012 the Anti Queens have been at it, with a couple of EPs and one full-length album in the arsenal they were sharpening their attack over the last few years to make the best record they could and judging by the sounds of it they’ve achieved that goal. If loud-in-your-face pop melodies wrapped in attitude and loud guitars are your bag then why are you still reading this, no, wait, read this then click the link and go get some. ‘Bulldozer’ by name Bulldozer by nature as these ladies play hard and set off another earworm that burrows hard in your brain.
The production is weighty and fulsome and befitting the songs. yeah, the songs that’s what it’s all about at the end of the day and you can tell these are really well crafted and with one eye on the commercial success it’s a fair trade-off in a genre that’s really crowded it’s not hard to see why these guys have notched up over a million plays on streaming sites and on this LP they will double that and some. ‘Saviour’ has a great sound on the slashing guitar before that pummeling bass joins in stomping all over the track. It’s not all full throttle and the band has carefully mixed up the tempos here swaying from mindful slower more chart-friendly songs especially the poptastic ‘Overthinking’ – America is going to love this if it gets into the right ears. but for me the band works best on the rawer faster songs ‘Crusade’ or ‘Owe U Shit’ but the band has a strong ear for melodies, especially on the vocals and pays attention to their choruses and to be fair are owning this sound right here right now.
It’s only a matter of time before you’re all hearing about this band and their ‘Disenchanted’ album. Get involved pop punk never had it so good or sounded so good. Move over NOFX your spot is about to be taken by this powerhouse from Toronto Canada.
‘Through The Teeth’ sees canadian punks Brutal Youth make a video for the first track off their new album set for release via Stomp Records later this month.
‘Rebuilding Year’ is the bands fourth album and this the first single with interesting video for ‘Through The Teeth’.
Formed in the underbelly of the Vancouver punk music scene in 1994, the band was a sneering, snotty, slap in the face to the Seattle grunge scene. Their raucous live shows, particularly an electrifying performance at Seattle’s Rock Candy, garnered the attention of SubPop’s Jonathan Poneman, and they promptly signed to Sub Pop imprint Die Young Stay Pretty. They began touring relentlessly with label mates The Murder City Devils, and soon were sharing stages with big names like The Damned, DOA, L7, The Offspring, Social Distortion, and many more. Within a year of recording their self-titled debut album with Jack Endino (Nirvana, Soundgarden), the band was back in the studio with the legendary producer to record their seminal second album, The Violent Years. Released on Sub Pop in 2001, the album saw them reach new heights in sales and radio play, including a Top 20 single in Canada with “Some Things Never Fall”; the accompanying video saw regular rotation on both MTV in the United States and Much Music in Canada, helping push the album to the top of Canada’s Earshot Campus Radio Charts. With The Darkness Doubled, The Black Halos are set to reclaim their crown as Canada’s premiere export of high octane punk and glam.
Canada’s legendary punk ‘n’ rollers The Black Halos have just released their anticipated new LP How the Darkness Doubled (November 25th on Stomp Records). How the Darkness doubled is the unofficial follow-up album to The Black Halos’ acclaimed 2001 release, The Violent Years. Original songwriting team Billy Hopeless, Rich Jones (guitarist with Michael Monroe, Ginger Wildheart, AMEN), and Jay Millette, have reunited, bringing new members John Kerns (The Age Of Electric) and Danni Action (ACIIDZ) into the fold. The album, recorded in Toronto and mixed by Dave Draper (The Wildhearts, The Professionals), is a return to form for the band. Guitarist Rich Jones explains “Reuniting with Billy and Jay for this new album brought my focus back to writing with a mindset that was pure, uncompromising Halos – as far as I’m concerned we’ve really achieved it. Having our friends John and Danni on board makes this feel like the strongest lineup that we’ve ever had and you can really hear it on this record. Additionally, Billy and I had always planned to call the third album How The Darkness Doubled. So it seemed natural to use that title now, 20 years later, for what I consider to be a spiritual follow-up to The Violent Years.” Following jammed-to-the-rafters shows at the Bovine during Toronto’s Canadian Music Week and two sold out nights in their hometown of Vancouver at the Rickshaw Theatre, the band is ready to win over a new generation of rock ‘n’ roll fans with their brand new album, ‘How the Darkness Doubled’.
The Black Halos were known for being tireless road warriors, playing to ever-growing audiences in clubs as they crisscrossed North America in a van (actually a series of nine vans) at festivals like Warped Tour, Edgefest, SXSW, CMJ, and The Kerrang Awards in the UK. Line-up changes followed as the band released two more albums on Century Media, touring Canada, the United States, and Europe extensively before coming to an abrupt end when their van, trailer, and equipment were stolen in Montreal at the start of their 2008 tour. With their latest release, How the Darkness Doubled, The Black Halos will be back on the road with tours across North America and Europe planned for 2023 and beyond.
First up today is the brand new tune from Ming City Rockers with ‘Jill Was An Anarchist’ its the first Single from their upcoming album ‘LIME’ out Jan 26th 2023.
Next up is the recent offering from the mighty Black Halos who have a brand new record released next month on Stomp Records. We review the album next week and trust us when we say the wait will be worth it. Stunning stuff from the kings of Punk n roll.
THE SCHIZOPHONICS – ‘Black To Comm’ (Pig Baby Records) Over the last few years, THE SCHIZOPHONICS have built up a formidable reputation around the world as an explosive live act and have just announced a 14 date US tour which kicks off in September 2021 with an appearance at Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas. The group has also just finished the final mixes on their forthcoming album entitled ‘Hoof It’ which is slated for release in early 2022 on Pig Baby Records. Leaning on their Garage Rock roots and the MC5 heaving smokin guitar antics of the lead track this is on Fire Baby! Love it large and the more fuzzed up and freaky this gets the better it sounds. Amen you crazy mofos.
Los Santos – ‘On The Strip (Vegas Baby)’ (Los Santos Inc. Records / Cadiz Entertainment) it’s a three-minute love song to 1970’s Las Vegas invoking the Rat Pack, gangster run casinos, cars as big as bars cruising the neon of sin city.
Wearing their influences proudly on their sleeves… Iggy and The Stooges, MC5, Ramones, Pixies, Husker Du, Jane’s Addiction… Nothing too new! Los Santos bring loud guitars, angelic voices, melodic bass and drums played like a deranged Keith Moon.
Stacy Crowne ‘Radar Love / Dead of Night’ (Action Rock Jukebox 45 single)’ (Screaming Crow Records) Screaming Crow Records have gathered up some of the best Rock N Roll bands from all over the world to bring you an awesome new 45 series call Action Rock Jukebox.
Each band has submitted a rockin’ version of a song that would have been found on your local jukebox in the 70s & 80s backed with an original track from the band. These large holed 45s are perfect for that old jukebox in your basement. Each single comes with a jukebox title card and a custom 45 adapter in case you don’t have one of those cool old jukeboxes. Each release will feature 100 color vinyl and 200 black vinyl versions. The first 50 copies sold will be autographed by the band. Right now the singles will only be available on Screaming Crow’s and the bands’ websites.
There are 8 band scheduled right now. Once all the singles are out, Screaming Crow will compile them into one killer double LP and CD and release them through our normal retail channels. Stacy Crowne do a top take on the Golden Earring track whilst it might have been done to death its still one of the better versions but the original track is all Action rock and fuckin’ roll and worthy of your attention.
Bambies – ‘Dirty Taint’ (Spaghetty Town Records) Wear it like a sheriff’s badge of honour. If you’re on Spaghetty Town Records then you’re worth a fuck. With that seal of approval, we dive in with the volume turned up, it’s like a snotty bit of punk n roll along the lines of Star Spangles with added Briefs for good measure, and that kids is a pretty awesome place to start. There’s an album coming this August on Wanda and Spaghetty Town so stick that in your diary as a must-have slice of Rock and Roll. Record of the week? It might just be. Buy Here
Drug Church – Tawny (Pure Noise Records) The only disappointment is this is only a four-track 12″ record and not a full album of angry, full-on riff-a-rama punk rock n roll. PRessed on a lovely pink spalt it’s no-nonsense straight to your brain ear worm.
I can’t pick a favourite track because they’re all quality from the jangling hypnotic riff on ‘Head Off’ through the kick to the temple of the title track.
‘Bliss Out’ is heavy as a bouncing bomb mixing up the likes of Helmet with Husker Du some Therapy? and a whole lot besides before checking out with the mic drop of ‘Remember To Forget’ which is something different from the other three which are all different anyway. Drug Church delivers yet another quality glimpse into the workings of a top band with a cheeky glance to the past yet plowing on into the future. Check em out and get on board.
The Jailbirds – ‘The Jungle’ (Golden Robot Records) Ontario rockers The Jailbirds come on full force with ‘The Jungle’ with a riff from the Ozzy rulebook its big and rockin check em out Here
Zoids – ‘Running Man b/w Crash Mind’ (Goodbye Boozy Records) Lo-fi noisy punks rip through two bleak relentless romps with a buzzsaw guitar riff thrashing away over a Rolf Harris stylophone if that’s still even legal? Then ‘Crash Mind’ is more of the same as the static far away sci-fi lo-fi goes gonzo as the Zoids check-in back home by the sounds of it. Robotic punk is fired into space. Put these cats in a time capsule and bury them on the moon. with some guitars and a laptop obviously. Sounds like they’ve just discovered dial-up and aren’t afraid to use it as an instrument instead of a bass guitar – Nutters!
The Cheats – ‘Rock N’ Roll Love Letter / Cussin, Crying N’ Carrying On’ (Action Rock Jukebox 45 single)’ (Screaming Crow Records) A mighty fine slab of 70s inspired power pop n roll from The Cheats. They nail the sappy harmonies and the melody is B-A-Y C-I-T-Y inspired and they nail the tone. We all love to write Rock N Roll love letters and The Cheats are no different. If you want something a little more bruising then hold onto your tartan scarves because the B side is a belter. firing out of the traps like a hot rod in a hurry ‘Cussin, Crying N’ Carrying On’ is action rock with a heap of punk rock n roll attitude as it snarls and spits to the finish line. Top single this one. Crack on guys you rock!
Jizzy Pearl – ‘Soul Mama’ (Golden Robot Records)
THE CHECKERED HEARTS – ‘Joystick’ (Chicanery Chick Records) Power Pop cover version of ‘My Best Friends Girl’ is a decent stab at a huge hit. Los Angeles-based duo Hillary Burton and Lisa Mychols, who have many credits to their names, pride themselves on having a sound that is a mixture of explosive power pop and reminiscent of long-lost favourites of the 80’s and 90’s. ‘JOYSTICK’ is a collection of classic covers by The Cars, Housemartins, Phil Seymour, Kirsty MacColl, and The Knack. In addition, the release includes a bonus track – a special version of an original Lisa & Hillary song. Stream/ Buy ‘Joystick’ Here
Real Sickies – ‘Love Is For Lovers’ (Stomp Records) Edmonton’s preeminent power-pop, party-anthem punkers Real Sickies have just dropped their latest offering of tunage for your summertime listening pleasure. “Love is for Lovers” is the second single and title track of their forthcoming album on Stomp Records. Claiming to straddle influences from The Ramones to the Strokes this tune is a banger plain and simple from the pounding rhythm to that razor-sharp riff its wedged in a heap of tuneage for your buck. the swirling keys layering the sound like an anchor to its roots it’s well worth checking out. Order New Color Vinyl LP “Love is for Lovers” Here
Pre-Save “Love is for Lovers” on all Streaming Services Here
Andrew Cantwell – Lockdown Love (Self Release) Accomplished solo artist Andrew has released a couple of tracks and ‘Lockdown Love’ is a summers breeze and a laid back offering leaning on some of his influences with a really nice guitar break and arrangement check out his video and hit him up on social media.
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