“99 Miles to Pasadena” is the fifth video to be released from singles off Dumb & in Love, following the title track, “Family Memories,” “California,” and “Any Other Way.”
Although currently settled in Washington, DC, Suzi is a California native through and through, and she wrote “99 Miles to Pasadena” while running laps around the city’s legendary venue The Rose Bowl, which shows up in the video.
As for the video itself, it was animated by Tommy Keeling, and viewers of a certain age will instantly recognize the loving nods to the classic cartoons of Hanna-Barbera…particularly the comic book band with “long tails and ears for hats.”
“Josie & The Pussycats is my ultimate fave!” enthuses Suzi. “Tommy made my Archie dreams come true!!!!”
Viewers will find it impossible not to share Suzi’s boundless enthusiasm while watching this undeniably fun video for this catchy, poppy rock ’n roll song “baked in the California sunshine.”
After the incredible response to her first two EPs on Pirates Press Records, the anticipation for the release of the much-anticipated full-length by Suzi Moon reached a fever pitch, and the finished product did not disappoint! Originally from Southern California, but relocated to Washington DC, Moon and her band put together an incredible debut album that is well worth the wait! Recorded and produced by Davey Warsop (Sharp/Shock, Suedehead) they are an eclectic set of catchy as f*** songs that the band immediately took on the road, where they were received by wild crowds worldwide.
Dumb & In Luv was actually written and mostly recorded before the release of her EPs – but she wanted to spend more time working on it to be able to present a cohesive collection of songs. When asked about the album, Moon says “These songs are a bit warmer and power-pop than my previous releases. They’ve been baked in the California sunshine, like the song ‘99 Miles To Pasadena,’ which I wrote while running laps around the Rose Bowl. I picked songs that fit together nicely but also offer a lot of variation, so you’re getting more of a full ride with this album than you did with the EPs!”
She continues, “The ten tracks on Dumb & In Luv represent growth and the human condition. Themes of love, loss, heartache, hope, and celebration are all ones that I have written about before and will certainly revisit again and again. My first EP, Call The Shots, had a straightforward punk ’n roll sound, my second EP, Animal, was a bit more melodic, and Dumb & In Luv is really a mix of those two styles, seeped in the influence of all those great California bands that influenced me while I was growing up, like Social Distortion, Rancid, Green Day, and Sugarcult.”
With a stellar rock & roll pedigree, reaching back to when Moon started touring at the young age of 15, she has established herself as a ferocious punk truth teller with both a distinctive personal style and a fiercely untamed stage presence.
Suzi Moon’s effortless channeling of classic ’77 punk rock spirit with a modern twist continues to evolve and grow. The response to her first two releases was fantastic, though not surprising – with support from Little Steven’s Underground Garage and the likes of Iggy Pop singing her praises on the BBC!
Her fanbase has grown immensely over the past few years, and the release of her LP has been one of the biggest things propelling her forward.
Suzi’s electrifying live show is not to be missed, and has made her a favorite at festivals like Xtreme Fest, Rebellion, Punk Rock Bowling, and Punk in the Park (just to name a few), gigs with legendary acts like The Damned, and tours with the likes of Agent Orange, The Briefs, Ravagers, and more! We can’t wait to see what the future will bring for the unstoppable force that is Suzi Moon!.
What a starting eleven this lot are (and a full bench) . From top to bottom, there are some real bangers here from punk rock to hard rock and plenty in between – What’s your favourite? This Singles Club is on fire this May & here’s the proof
Suzi Moon & Billy Hopeless – Nothing Left To Lose (Yeah Right! Records) Yeah Right! seems about the apropriate words to use or rather Fuckin’ Yeah Right! two awesome people rockin out the duet like a modern day peters and lee or renee and ronata these cats are awesome but together they go like punk rock peaches and cream. ‘Love Is A Stranger’ is a smokey barroom ballad that unfolds into a broken hearted call to arms. Beautifully captured from the swirling organ to the chaotic chorus. The second track is the uptempo ‘Communicado’ the yang to the flip sides ying. Suzi and Billy are a match made in punk rock heaven like that time Iggy and Debbie Harry made sweet music as a proper duet. this single is limited so don’t wait just get your mucky paws on a copy asap its the record of the month hands down! Yeah Right it is.
Throwing Stuff – ‘No Gods No Kings’ (TNS Records) I can get behind this banger from Throwing Stuff. We’re on the same page here and this is a grinding wonderful slice of hardcore. Resonating lyrics and pulverising rhythm – I like this a lot. Hailing from Manchester these guys are on it and turning in some impressive material. I look forward to catching up with them at some point because live is always the litmus test and this would sound huge. I like what I’ve heard so far and they’re on TNS so it must be promising.
Atomic Suplex – No Thanks (Self Release) Didn’t see this banger coming. Atomic Suplex recorded two banging albums several years ago and this new EP is a welcome return. what you have here is four previously unused demo tracks released via Bandcamp on Bandcamp Friday which We appreciate isn’t much help seeing as this is out on Sunday but I figure any sales are welcome sales so if you’re a longtime fan then dive in and if you’re looking for something new then what are you waiting for? Lo-fi Garage rockers Atomic Suplex have never made a bad record or rather released one. These four songs are a most welcome return to the fold. ‘I Come Alive’ is a prime slice of Garage Rock n Roll swinging from the chadeliers. But like all of these songs they’re brief and fleeting. ‘So Tough’ is Jon Spenser blues kinda vibe whilst ‘Denmark’ is a lovely romp of fuzzed up punk blooze before signing off with a suitably deranged ‘Louis Louis’. Job done, rock n roll as fuck, get some!
The Balladmongrels – ‘Evil Under The Moon’ King Outlaw Records) With the album ready to be birthed into the world the reprobates of Rock n Roll release the latest digital track from the album ‘Evil Under The Moon’. This barroom brawler lies deep in the LP and with a whippersnapper pace it’s off on its toes. With a rockin’ chorus and some swashbuckling guitar playing at work it’s a top tune from the dynamic duo.
Typical of the tracks on offer ‘Evil’ is a blood and thunder affair that will have your blood pumping and your fist shaking for more rock n roll. As good as it gets and great to hear such quality from such a talented pair.
Baby Schillaci – ‘So Bad’ (Lavender Sweep Records) The latest offering from impressive Swansea punks ‘Dead Wrestlers’So Bad’ is a heaving roller coaster through some industrial bass thumping whilst the guitars are brooding in the background before breaking out screaming and the darker edges of Manics Holy Bible era breaks through. married nicely with some more chaotic howling guitars before finishing up in a full frontal assault. These boys know their way around a top tune and with repeated plays this is certainly a contender and once the EP is out their reach will be far and wide. Excellent tune get on it.
Zeke – ‘Ride Hard Ride Free’ (Hound Gawd! Records) The tracks are not available on Spotify, Apple Music and other digital platforms. Going old school is Zeke and Hound Gawd! We love that shit and we love these songs. Pure high-grade rocket fuel flying out of the speakers like a rat-arsed slice of Slayer meets Motorhead whilst listening to some pissed-off punk al a Misfits. It’s the first glimpse under the hood of what’s coming from the full-length album due later in 2023 and to be fair if this is an indication then woohoo! bring it on – two excellent slices of bad-attitude Punk n Roll from the band that was always gonna survive a lockdown. I’m not sure which track I prefer – the full tilt no fucks given of ‘Ride Hard’ or the rough backstreet brawl of ‘Smokestack Lightening’ Hell they’re both killers – Buy It!
Rotten Mind – ‘Pointless Love’ (Lovely Records) A really catchy track sees Swedens Rotten Mind release a really nice earworm that has plenty o fdirt in the tracks and enough softer melodic shenanigans to draw you in. ‘Pointless Love’ is about never growing up. Sometimes it can actually be reassuring to think about life as something pointless. Then it’s up to you to make what you want out of it. and thats something we can all get on board with. If this is the soundtrack to not growing up then I’m in.
Chris Shiflett – ‘Dead And Gone’ (Snakefarm) Written back in spring 2020 during a time of reflection, is an ode to his hometown and some of the friends and characters that have influenced him along the way. It a countrified honkin good time with plenty of attitude and rock n Roll to help it on its way. Its got groove and some Fuzz for good measure and if its an indication of what we can expect from the long player due later this year then this is a good time to get involved. A modern day guitar hero Chris doesn’t just write songs to show off his six string talent but the othe rway around he writes good tunes and adds his considerable six string talent. ah you know where were at, get on it kids.
Kurt Baker – ‘Secrets’ (Wicked Cool Records) Man where do we start with Kurt Baker? He sure as hell knows how to write catchy power poppin’ rock n roll songs thats a given. influenced by classic Motown-James Jamerson basslines, mixed with a bit of Big Star high-volume guitar and a student of classic alternative music such as Costello and his attractions and some classic 80s pop Baker is a master mixologist and churns out 7″ bangers time after time and ‘Secrets’ is no exception. Get on it it’s got summer sunshine running all the way through it.
The Hard Ons – ‘Apartment For Two’ (Cheersquad Records) What a video this is. Hard-ons release the latest video off their new long player. , new album ‘Ripper 23’ out on 2nd June on Golden Robot Records. If this is an indication of what we can epect from these Oz icons then bring on that long player. Top notch punk rock – right here. AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER/ADD/SAVE NOW!
The Hives – ‘Bogus Operandi’ How great is it to see The Hives back in the ring swinging haymakers? Easily one of if, not Sweden’s best-ever export The Hives have a new single ahead of a new album and some live shows in some pretty cool venues. ‘Bogus’ is as sharp as they ever were and the video is top-notch. Welcome back gents its been a while
Desperate Measures ‘Back To The Rats’ (Wipe Out Music) – Keeping quality at an exceptionally high standard is the latest single from Desperate Measures. ‘Back To The Rats’ is a chugging heaving slab of in-your-face garage rock with a cool riff, wholesome punishing rhythm section topped off with a great chorus. I love the quality breakdown as the song begs to be played over and over, a real earworm.
Stream it on the usual platforms and share the love. Banger, plain and simple! and the band are playing some live shows which you can purchase tickets Here
The Empty Page – ‘Big Nasty Palpitations’ (Self Release) Continuing to release excellent singles on their terms in the best DIY fashion The Empty Page are back with a very personal song in ‘Big Nasty Palpitations’. putting their hearts and soul into everything they do it comes across in the music. It’s engaging and thoughtful and resonates through the music and words their passion shines through as does their love for the music they create. a twisting brooding slice of indie done in a really good way that draws you in and makes you think about the song. Really impressive song yet again from The Empty Page.
Grave Pleasures – ‘High On Annihilation’ (Century Media) The latest single from Finnish Goths whose brand new album gets reviewed tomorrow this is here to wet your apetite ahead of the review. Its a retro slice of pop Goth mixing some 80s synth pop from the likes of The Human League with their darker edge. It has chart bothering qualities yet still holds dear its underground roots. Catchy earworm from another quality record.
Les Lullies – ‘Zero Ambition’ (Slovenly Records) OH yeah lets put the drinks on ice baby Les Lullies are in the house and they’re bringing Zero Ambition to the party. Always with an upbeat persective on Garage punk rock n roll Les Lullies don’t do bad tunes and this one is further proof to back that up. You can pre order the new long player here if you have any sense.
Black Spiders – ‘Alright Alright Alright’ (Spinefarm) A three-and-a-half-minute rock stomper, it delves deep into the psyche of frontman Pete Spiby and takes a peek into what goes on inside his head when he’s fast asleep.
“I’ve had a few weird dreams that I actually remember, but only a few make it into song lyrics. ‘Alright, Alright, Alright’ is one of them, which was centred around Matthew McConaughey having an arm wrestle with the Devil, within some sort of crazy 80’s movie,” he says. We here at RPM can get down with those sorts of fucked up crazy dreams and to be fair at the end of it the band had a decent slab of rock out of it. Winner!
Lusitanian Ghosts – ‘The Long Train’ (European Phonographic) Fascinating instrumentations using traditional instruments to create their unique Rock n Roll ‘The Long Train’, is the first single from their impending third album and what a wonderful song it is. Not that this was ever in doubt as vocalist Neil Leyton has been consistently making superb music for decades, and this ensemble certainly know their way around their beautiful instruments and how to create excellent songs. they make it sound so easy (which I’m sure it’s not) the song builds and breaths and has the feel of a train breaking into the open countryside – fantastic song and if this is the standard for the third album then bring it on. On this evidence, it’s going to be fantastic and I love the gang-backing vocals towards the end, so enjoyable. Coming from this highly talented bunch of musicians who nail this folkey malarky every time they commit to tape. check it out.
ZAC – ‘It’s Only Words’ (Wild Honey Records) Switch on your Spector detector, turn your framed “Sergeant Pepper” LP to the wall and let ZAC’s quirky pop fuel your dancing shoes. Lorenzo Moretti (Giuda’s guitarist and creative mind) and Tiziano Tarli (multi-instrumentalist and music historian) have put together another surfeit of sensational songs. Pablo continues to provide the beats, and Sterbus returns on the bass guitar. It’s infectious power pop with added Synths with an emphasis on the melody and delivery. 80s pop at its finest.
Three years on from the last Rebellion Festival and we are finally back at our spiritual home, and there’s a few things that have changed. The Winter Gardens has opened a new Conference Centre main entrance, and the old backstage area where we’ve done so many great interviews with bands over the years is no more, so sadly bang goes any chance of doing any of those for you this weekend folks…. sorry! Then of course there’s the new outdoor stage going by the name of R Fest that you can attend on its own if you so wish, at £50 a day, or its free to those with Rebellion weekend wristbands and then finally there’s this sense of freedom in the Blackpool air, something that I certainly haven’t felt in quite some time.
What hasn’t changed though is the fact that Rebellion is still the number one punk and alternative festival here in the UK, returning with another knockout bill (that a few cancellations aside) has the RPM team arriving a day earlier than we have done previously, just so we can ensure we don’t miss any of the bands playing early on the first day of the festival. It wasn’t that long ago that I remember Thursday being the kind of “warm up” day for the event, now it’s the surrounding pubs and clubs that provide that, and we find ourselves crammed into an uber sweaty Tache watching Suzi Moon, when really we should have been getting an early night preparing for the weekend ahead, but fuck it, we really are back, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.
THURSDAY
Arriving early doors at the Winter Gardens to catch Janus Stark opening the Empress Stage line up, the first thing that hits me is the size of the queue outside the conference centre waiting for the wristband exchange. We’d followed the festival’s advice online and got ours the night before, so we sailed through, but I can understand some of the anger vented within Facebook groups if you did get caught up in this and missed a band you wanted to see. As it is Gizz Butt and the Stark guys get to play to a smaller crowd than they might have given these circumstances but this doesn’t bother the quartet one iota as they deliver an outstanding performance that proves once again that every little thing does in fact count.
“Alright you English cunts, I bet you wish you’d been stuck in queues too rather than watch us,” is certainly a risky opening gambit from Pizzatramp frontman Jimbob Theodore Logan, but having risen from playing a slot at the festival’s Introducing stage just a few years back to now playing the flagship Empress Ballroom, he’s a man on a mission, and if he can make you laugh, or indeed cry (more of that in a moment) then what the hell? Jimbob’s other half Tia is in the line-up today on bass and backing vocals and that female voice does add a new dynamic to call response element of some of the band’s back catalogue, but then when you have songs as insanely catchy as ‘CCTV’ and ‘Ciggy Butt Brain’ within that canon of work how can the Chepstow pizza crew possibly go wrong? There’s even a touching moment when Jimbob calls his son mid-set just for the crowd to sing “Happy Birthday” to him, something that sees the frontman getting “sweat in his eyes” before the obligatory ‘Bono’s A Cunt’ closes a resoundingly successful set for the trio. You know, when people say you have to be “in the know” to get on the Rebellion bill, I always say “well Pizzatramp did it and they are fucking clueless.” There’s really no come back from that one is there….
I first saw Suzi Moon take to the Rebellion stage twelve years ago, playing one of the two stages they then had over in the Olympia, when she was a member of the Hellcat signed Civet. I have to admit I wasn’t that enamoured with the set I’d witnessed at the Tache the night before, largely due to a muddy sound, but Suzi seemed to love it, and for her set in the Pavilion this afternoon, it’s the almost absolute opposite. Here right from opener ‘Special Place In Hell’ the sound out front is stunning, thus ensuring that tracks like the strutting ‘Sonic Attraction’, the glamtastic ‘I’m Not A Man’ and the sultry set closer ‘Animal’ rip through flesh to get their hooks in you. It’s up on stage where Suzi is having guitar problems, that she doesn’t seem quite as in her special place as she did just twelve short hours earlier, and smashing the offending article into the Pavilion stage, you can feel the frustration she must have had boiling up inside. Rest assured though Suzi (If you are reading this) this was a great performance, and pretty much everyone around me seemed to think so too. I mean a bit of mid-set tension never hurt Texas T at Rebellion now did it?
Heading back to the Empress for some Wonk Unit, it’s now a decade since I first witnessed Alex Wonk live (that being at Slugfest 5 back in my hometown of Abertillery) and boy how things have moved on since those early(ish) part spoken word/part grunge/part punk rock days of the band. Only the main man and bassist Pwoison remain from that gig, but once again within this performance today the spirit of vaudeville is still there for everyone to delight in. I’ve often referred to Alex as the “Ian Dury of his generation” and here in the same hall that so many tortured geniuses have played over the years he seems in his element, conducting his glorious-sounding band through the likes of ’Pathetic Merry Go Round of Existence/Heroin’, ‘Day Job Wanker’ and a furious sounding ‘Nan Is Old’. It takes a pitch-perfect ‘Awful Jeans’ to get the sprung dancefloor bouncing for the first time this weekend, and just as ‘Go Easy’ tears out the PA we have our first band clash of the weekend, as we hop, skip, and jump over to Club Casbah in time for the arrival of Dirt Box Disco.
It’s also a decade since I first witnessed the mighty Dirt Box Disco deliver their slamdunk debut at Rebellion, and today they return to the Olympia, now retitled Club Casbah, playing perhaps their finest set since that jaw dropping debut. Some might argue that this is because the set list draws heavily from the ‘Tragic Roundabout’ EP and ‘Legends’ album, but when you have a song as strong as ‘Burning’ that can immediately get the whole of the packed-out Casbah singing as one, you just need to make sure you don’t lose the audience, and then when you can follow that anthem with the likes of ‘Peepshow’ ‘I Don’t Wanna Go Out With You’ and ‘My Girlfriend’s Best Friend’s Sister’ you really are ‘Unstoppable’ and even when Spunk calls his band “rock ‘n’ roll dinosaurs” towards the end of their set, I’m sure he means it in a “Jurassic Park” Alan Partridge kind of way. “Back Of The Net!!!”
After a quick pitstop for some food (we do have to eat too you know) we move back to the Empress for Anti-Flag, or as they like to pronounce it An-tie-Flag, and I have to admit that I’ve never been a huge fan, thinking them to be a band consisting of more style than substance. Tonight, however even an old cynic like me can’t help but get caught up in the moment and singalong with the likes of ‘You’ve Gotta Die for the Government’ and ‘Fuck Police Brutality’ and whilst these tunes might now be over 26 years old they still sound as relevant today, maybe even more so. I do find it odd that in amongst their strongly politically driven setlist that they still have time to do a ‘Stars on 45’ kind of run through some cover tunes like ‘Should I Stay or Should I Go’, ‘God Save the Queen’ and ‘If the Kids Are United’, but the Empress faithful lap it up and send Anti-Flag off into the night like all conquering heroes. Me, I’m properly distracted by what’s about to follow.
Drawing the largest crowd of the day so far, it’s LA hardcore punk legends Circle Jerks who are up next in the Empress. Originally confirmed for the 2020 Rebellion Festival for what would have been the 40th-anniversary celebration of the band’s seminal debut record ‘Group Sex’, tonight, two years on it’s also the 40th-anniversary celebration of the band’s second album ‘Wild In The Streets’. Guiding us through tonight’s 32 (there may have been more) song battering of the senses that the band like to call a set list there’s the ever-convivial Keith Morris to relay the background story behind each of the blocks of songs the band, made up of bassist Zander Schloss, guitarist Greg Hetson along with guest drummer (the man who makes it all possible according to Morris) the monster that is Joey Castillo, deliver like men a third of their age. From ‘Deny Everything’ through to ‘When the Shit Hits the Fan’ via ‘Red Tape’ there’s even a point towards the end of their set where Castillo has to ask Morris to keep talking just so he can get his breath back, and if you remember that his day job is currently laying down the backbeat for The Bronx then that is surely some feat indeed. With the crowd thinning a little towards the end I do wonder how much of this is down to the relentlessly intense nature of the Circle Jerks set or if it’s just another one of the weekend’s many stage clashes, and as I’d actually forgone a long overdue chance to watch Hawkwind down on the R Fest stage for this Circle Jerks reunion set I for one was certainly glad I made this choice here tonight, as this was something I really would have hated to have missed.
Another potential stage clash was taken out of my hands literally a few days before Rebellion started when Bad Religion were forced to cancel all of their remaining European dates, including their headline slot in the Empress Ballroom, due to a family emergency back in the US. With The Skids stepping in to save the day and me having never been a fan of the band I instead headed over to Club Casbah to catch The Boys once again ploughing through a 19-song set that covered most of the hits from their back catalogue as well as a few deeper cuts to keep the diehards on their Cuban heeled toes. Singer/bassist Kent Norberg may lovingly refer to Boy’s songwriting machine of Matt Dangerfield and Casino Steel as the “Lennon And McCartney of punk rock” but through squinted eyes, Dangerfield would certainly pass more for Keith Richards these days, and not just in his looks either. There’s also the clang of his tight yet loose guitar proving to be the perfect counterpoint to Honest John Plain’s stand in Chips Kiesbye and with Steel closing down the set keyboard-less for ‘Sick On You’ he was giving us perhaps a rare glimpse of his inner Mick Jagger, albeit a slightly reluctant one. Oh, and here’s a footnote to the organisers of Rebellion too regarding this performance, because as The Boys have for some time featured two members of the fantastic Swedish punk rock band Sator. How about asking them over to play as well especially given they’ve just scored a number 1 album back home with their ‘Return Of The Barbie Q Killers’ record?
With just a couple of bands left on my must-see list it’s during the changeover between The Boys and The Bar Stool Preachers that I rechristen my RPM travelling compadres for the weekend, the Goldfish Brothers as everything I seem to tell them they immediately seem to forget. It’s no wind-up either, and never mind how many times I tell them I want to watch Bad Nerves at the ungodly hour of 1 am over in the Arena they instantly forget and ask me “who?” and “where?” time and again. In the end I have to put it down to the cider visors they have both been wearing for most of the day and the fact that one of them left home at 4 am this morning to get here, so instead I just settle in to watch the return of the mighty BSP as their career takes yet another stellar upwards turn.
Having recently announced that they have signed with Pure Noise Records on a two-album deal Brighton’s favourite ska-punk sons can seemingly do no wrong at the moment. Granted, a couple of band members do resemble extras from Nick Love’s The Business as they take to the Rebellion stage with a drum and bass intro tape booming out over the PA, but as soon as ‘Choose My Friends’ kicks in there’s no disputing this is the sound (and look) of The Bar Stool Preachers at the very top of their game. There’s also a smattering of new tunes given a spin around the Club Casbah block tonight and if this is the sound of what is to come then this is probably the last time we’ll be seeing TJ and the lads playing small venues here in the UK. This new stuff is essential listening, and I can’t wait to hear what the third album will sound like when it does finally get released. There’s only one downer tonight and that’s the fact that the band’s signature tune ‘Bar Stool Preacher’ doesn’t get to be played as the lads are on a strict curfew, but that tiny set list blip aside, this is the sound of the future of punk rock, bold, ballsy and most of all, absolutely brilliant. Look out for them across Europe and UK as the support for The Interrupters tour, things are about to go major league for these guys, you just mark my words.
So with that performance still ringing in my ears, it’s at this point I give up on ever getting the Goldfish Brothers to ever hang around to watch Bad Nerves, but as the weekend progresses I actually find myself not regretting missing them quite as much as I was fearing, but more of that to come.
Adios for now I’m off to bed for some much-needed shut eye. “Woking turn that fucking phone off!” Ha!
Black Bombers – ‘Last Bite’ (Easy Action) there is an air of confidence and an overwhelming sense of quality when the guitar chimes in on this new single from Birmingham’s finest. Channeling the spirit of Stivs Lords and the cool of Killing Joke with its howling guitars and haunting rhythm it’s a smoldering smokestack of a tune and as it reaches the guitar solo, it gives you goosebumps as the band reaches the climax before dropping back into the groove on what is a most excellent single. It’s taken a while to reach your turntables due to covid but this one has had a couple of years to ferment into this beast of noise. Flip it over and you get treated to a rather splendid version of ‘Take My Money’ from the Damned criminally overlooked second album ‘Music For Pleasure’. What a killer tune ‘Last Bite’ is and thats why its the pick of the pops for the month no question about it! Cool tunes and cool artwork – if only all 7″ singles were this good. Buy Here
Buzzcocks – ‘Senses Out Of Control’ (Cherry Red Records) The songs to emerge from the post-Shelley Buzzcocks are creeping out after the covid hibernation and ‘Senses Out Of Control’ is a lovely slice of Diggle fire and brimstone. Uptempo and out of control as Diggle fires up the telecaster and smashes the chords out of the speakers for what is your typical Diggle Buzzers tune (effectively) I’m not going to debate the should it be released under the Buzzcocks banner or not but I will say it pretty bloody decent to be fair. Live it will sound punchy and brutal but there is a huge Shelley-shaped hole happening. The B sides to this lovely 10″ record also feature the tracks ‘Carnival Of Illusion’ that tackles cancel culture in a more measured track. But the diamond in the rough here is the excellent ‘Hope Heaven Loves You’ with a great meandering guitar line. Sure to become a collector’s piece these two tracks won’t be on the album when it’s released this summer so fill yer boots. Buy Here
Suzi Moon – ‘Animal’ (Pirates Press Records) Hot on the heels of her debut EP Suzi Moon unleashes ‘Animal’ her latest EP on Pirates PRess and this time it rips out of the blocks with the super turbocharged ‘Sonic Attraction’. Her debut album ‘Dumb & In Luv’ is due this summer and if this trio of tunes is anything to go by then it’s going to be an absolute blast. the title track is a brooding, twisting, rhythm meandering along before the guitars crash in on the chorus when Moon declares she’s a fucking animal you better believe it. To wrap up this EP Moon indulges some power pop tinged punk rock on ‘Gold Record Autograph’ its another string to her bow. With a vibrant melody, the chorus is fuckin’ excellent and like a bubble gummed chorus Moon knows shes is onto something, and surely it’s only a matter of time before she sells out venues globally and she’ll have her very own Gold Record. Get it here
Flickertail – ‘Don’t You Let Me (Let You Down)‘ (Golden Robot Records) Irish Aussie rockers FLICKERTAIL release new single ‘Don’t You Let Me (Let You Down’ on 29th March, out on Golden Robot Records. liftedfrom the upcoming live EP ‘Afterlife‘, which is slated for release mid-year. The track features sizzling guitars, high-paced lyrics about parties and poor decisions and a balls-to-the-wall drum solo that could make John Bonham blush.Pre-order/add/save ‘Don’t You Let Me (Let You Down)’HERE
Chuck Norris Experiment – ‘Where Eagles Dare’ (Self Release) By no means a new tune but a new version from the mighty CNE as they lay into the Misfits classic. CNE gets the tempo and rawness of the song and capture it perfectly. Free Rock n Fucking Roll – yes please. Fill yer boots and if you already haven’t got yourself on board this is the perfect opportunity. Get it Here
WolfWolf & The Tuzemak Orchestra – ‘Monster’ (Lux Noise Records) For fans of the Bop n stroll Blues rock n roll of Urban Voodoo Machine, Wolf Wolf make an impressive mind-bending noise on this new single ‘Monster’ where they team up with The Tuzemak Orchestra: https://www.wolfwolfband.com
J Prozac – ‘Building Blocks’ (Rum Bar Records) Another band rolls off the Rum Bar conveyer belt and onto our stereos. This time its heart-worn sleeve heartland punk & garage rock from J Prozac. while still keeping the big hearted ‘whoa ohs’, snotty vocals and powerful punk rock guitar riffs of his former bands in check. It’s a memoir, diary, and photo book of lost but not forgotten moments, anthemic pop-punk lifted from the new album ‘Building Blocks’ is punk rock with a smile. Get the album Here
The Brokendolls – ‘The Only’ (Lux Noise Records) Lifted from the bands upcoming album ‘Snakecharmer’ Hard Rocking Punk N Roll sees the Brokendolls impress and march to the top of the pile giving the likes of Backyard Babies a run for their money with this new track. If the rest of the album can live up to these expectations then it promises to be a belter!
These Arms Are Snakes – ‘Camera Shy’ (Suicide Squeeze Records) US hardcore gents These Arms Are Snakes have announced a new rarities album called ‘Duct Tape & Shivering Crows’ which will be released April 15th so they have this video for the first single.
Ultrabomb – ‘Star’ (Ultrabomb Records) Greg Norton, once the driving force behind one of the most influential bands to emerge from the American punk scene, Hüsker Dü, alongside Finny McConnell, a name you’ll recognise from thirty years as the frontman of the Canadian Irish folk-punk sensation The Mahones. Completing the trio is the drumming powerhouse Jamie Oliver, having served well over fifteen years in the seminal British punk band UK Subs, as well as shorter stints with the likes of SNFU among others. Written for the singer’s daughter this is quality alternative punk rock. this second single has hints of Early Buffalo Tom and The Replacements which is always a good thing. With an album out soon the future looks written for Ultrabomb. Buy Here
Rough Gutts – ‘Control’ (Boss Tunage) From the ashes of Rotten Foxes Rough Gutts have only gone and made a record and if this video is anything to go by the Brighton rockers are gonna blow away everyone in 2022. Tour dates and a record out of control punk rock n fuckin roll is back in business and Rough Gutts are gonna rule – get on it kids before they’re all gone.
The Lickerish Quartet – ‘ Fortunately’ (Stranger Danger Records) The first song from Threesome Vol. 3, ‘Fortunately’ is Set for release May 20 on Stranger Danger Records and Tapes, distributed by Burnside and the Orchard in the U.S. and by Lojinx in the U.K. and Europe. Sony Japan recently partnered with THE LICKERISH QUARTET to release all three EPs on June 29, as a collection entitled ‘FABLES FROM FEARLESS HEIGHTS’, which will include two previously unheard cover songs, as well as a special “best of” vinyl LP in that region. Pre-orders can be found Here
The SoapGirls – ‘Breathe’ The SoapGirls consist of French-born, South African-raised sisters Noemie Debray (Mie) (guitar, vocals) & Camille Debray (Mille) (bass guitar, vocals) The fearless siblings began their music career as child street performers at ages 8 and 9,roaming the streets of Cape Town singing whilst selling handmade soap for charity, earning the name ‘The SoapGirls’. ‘Breathe’ is the first single from soon to be released 4th album ‘In My Skin’. It’s a load of energy with the uncompromising style and attitude & all the excessive, debauched live shows have paid dividends. The pair have gained quite a reputation through their live shows such as Rebellion & Camden Rocks.
You can catch the pair as Their Don’t Give A Damn tour kicks off in the UK in April at Nambucca on the 15th before heading to Europe, followed by the US in July & Japan in August.
First up today is the brand new video from Birmingham Garage rockers Black Bombers with their most excellent new single ‘Last Bite’. Released on April fools day through Easy Action Records there isn’t anything remotely funny about this slice of proto-punk, primitive Garage rock that goes straight for the jugular. Don’t delay kids because this one is backed by a most excellent version of the Damned classic ‘You Take My Money’.
This release comes as ‘UN-SCENE!’, Black Bombers’ drummer Dave Twist’s compilation album of Birmingham Post Punk, is receiving real acclaim and is already in short supply…
The band have dates around the country in the coming weeks and play the DIE DAS DER benefit show for Ukraine on March 27th at the Hare & Hounds, Kings Heath Birmingham.
To celebrate the Chats UK tour dates it seems fair to run with the video for their brand new single ‘Struck By Lightning’ Tour dates, tickets and merch available Here
Finally how about this banger to set your week up nicely. A track off her new EP out next week on pirates press Suzi Moon will release her second EP April 1st then the debut album this summer via pirates press. Check it out and pre order Here
“Nuthin’ To Me is a classic “fuck you” song about running into an ex-lover and realizing that they no longer hold a place in your heart. In fact, you can’t remember why you fell in love with them in the first place. It is one of those tunes that wrote itself in 10 minutes, the words & melody came pouring out of me. The chorus was so direct & straight to the point that I felt like there was no reason to add extra lyrics. I said what I needed to say. Repeating the hook over and over again continues to be a cathartic and empowering mantra,” says Moon.
The video, which once again showcases Moon’s directorial and editing chops, highlights her love for old B horror movies & weird burlesque videos from the 60s. “Visually, I knew I wanted a black & white video to reflect the mood of the song. I definitely see a story in there, others may see something completely different. It’s up for interpretation! I hope that viewers enjoy the weird, wild ride,” Moon adds.
Since the release of her debut EP to rave reviews, Moon is finally getting ready to hit the road. Moon and her crew will be playing songs from her EP plus a few more surprises!
Catch SUZI MOON live:
09/09/2021 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fire
09/10/2021 – Brooklyn, NY – Our Wicked Lady
09/11/2021 – Artemas, PA – Four Quarters – Camp Punksylvania
The unstoppable Suzi Moon comes roaring back with a debut solo EP Call the Shots, a powerful clutch of high-impact songs which reaffirm her status as one of punk rock’s most vibrant performers! With a stellar rock & roll pedigree reaching back to when the then 15-year-old Moon joined her sister’s famed punk band, Civet, the singer-songwriter has followed through with songs that show her incredible growth. Recording two albums for Hellcat Records and touring with the likes of Social Distortion, Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly (all before she turned 21) Moon established herself as a ferocious punk truth-teller with both a distinctive personal style and a fiercely untamed stage presence. After Civet went on hiatus, Moon formed Turbulent Hearts, a high-intensity trio that quickly gained popularity in their hometown Los Angeles scene and earned followings in the US and Europe, playing such high stakes settings as the Rebellion Festival and Punk Rock Bowling.
The restless, boundlessly creative Moon next co-founded unique garage/punk/stoner female power trio L.A. Machina. The group almost immediately issued a memorable EP for Alternative Tentacles before abruptly flaming out in late 2020. Undeterred, Moon set about crafting the groundbreaking songs which comprise Call the Shots and was in the recording studio just months later. Set for a May 2021 release on Pirates Press Records, Call the Shots is classic Moon: hard-hitting, dynamic and thunderingly expressive, the perfect artistic antidote for today’s uncertain climate. A daringly mesmerizing performer and bold, intuitive, composer, Suzi Moon consistently delivers an appealing, high-velocity authenticity that is hers alone.
OK, Firstly it seems like a good place to start, what made you decide to go solo?
I always knew I would end up going solo. As a songwriter, it is important for me to take ownership of the music I create. I have a very clear vision for my art and have brought that into every collaborative project I have been a part of. It was really only a matter of time until I had the guts to really step forward and go solo. What have you noticed so far that’s different about playing under your name as opposed to being in a band? -It comes with new challenges. Now I am solely the one to blame if something goes wrong or if it doesn’t resonate within people, I am taking that very personally as the person who is the face of the project. At the same time, it is easier in ways, like I don’t have to get 3 other peoples opinion or approval before I make a decision.
Having seen you perform at Rebellion and reviewed your music previously both with Civet and Turbulent Hearts I must admit I was really impressed with the new EP? The energy you put into a live show is something you must be really missing with the Covid pandemic interrupting live shows and travel? How have you found the downtime? What have you found fulfilling that you’ve otherwise would have filled with traveling and touring?
Thank you! I am very proud of the EP and it is a natural progression for me. I am lucky to have worked with amazing musicians, engineers, and mixers on this new music that really set the bar higher, right where I want it, for this new chapter. I miss playing live terribly. It has been very hard to stay home every weekend. I really love being around other people and feeding off the energy of a live show. That is the reason for everything else – to get onstage. That is the real payback for me. The good thing is that I have been able to keep very busy during the pandemic preparing for my new releases and that has kept me sane and on track.
Going back to the EP. How did you hook up with Pirates Press?
Well, I have admired the label for many years. They have constantly released really impressive music and the product is such high quality. I do believe timing is everything, though, and when I started chatting with them in Oct. 2020, it just made perfect sense at that moment to begin a working relationship together. They are incredibly supportive and I love being a part of their awesome team.
What about putting the musicians together to work on your solo music? Did you have a plan? How easy was it to pick the songs for the EP?
I find that whenever I make a plan, the Universe has a better one for me, haha! I try to say “Yes” to as much as possible to keep the pathways to new opportunities open. The three songs on the EP are recorded with Rikki Styxx on drums because we had been playing together in L.A. Machina and had been spending so much time jamming together it just worked out that way! She is not formally a member of my band but she is close to me like a sister, and it was very special to build the foundation for Suzi Moon solo with her at my side. My guitar player Drew Champion is just amazing, he can play anything I ask him to, it’s really cool. He is still in the project but now I have a new bass player Patti Bo (from River City Rebels) and Sean Peterson (from The Split Seconds – with Drew) so I was able to round up these amazing players who are on board to tour a lot and they are all pro’s with experience. It was very easy to pick the songs for the EP because they were already written and ready to go and they all complimented each other.
Was there a lot of music written and recorded?
Yes there IS currently a lot written and recorded! I have 13 other songs that are done – 10 are recorded for a full length and I am going into the studio in August this year to record the other. We have a plan for releasing these but I can’t say too much yet… When can we hear an LP? Then obviously see you perform them live? -The full length will be out for summer 2022. I will start playing shows this September 2021 and anyone who sees me play is going to hear a LOT of unreleased material! Going back to the beginning of this latest adventure you’re on.
What was the catalyst for going solo? Is there anything you miss thus far not being in a band situation? Is it liberating seeing your name on the artwork for your new record?
The catalyst for going solo was more like, I didn’t have a fucking choice. It was just time to do it. I had already put Turbulent Hearts behind me, and then L.A. Machina broke up, and I was in no mood to slow down. It just seemed like it was the right time.
What noticeable things would you consider an advantage now to being part of a band?
Advantages are being in control of every facet of the image/product/brand, disadvantages are being the person solely responsible for all that work, haha! I have been so lucky to be in some amazing bands over the years, and I think collaboration is one of the best facets of a band, but it’s not like I am totally alone doing Suzi Moon. I have a band, they have good ideas, it’s just that I get final say now. Which is really good because I like to be the boss.
How do you approach writing new music? Is there anyone you bounce ideas off of?
Well, I am always singing and making up little silly songs throughout the day, about random shit. Sometimes the melody is so good that I will hum it into my phone recorder and actually take it seriously. I have had songs come to me in my sleep, or when I am running. It usually starts without a guitar, and then I will sit down and figure out how to play what I am hearing in my head. After that I will wait a few days, weeks, months even and if the melody keeps playing in my mind, I know it is really good and worth finishing. So I will write the next part, and try to finish it to 90% before I bring it to the band. For years I have worked like this. It is only recently, since my boyfriend Drew has joined the band as lead guitarist, that I will ask for his opinion on things and we can work on it. He is a great songwriter in his own right, so I fully trust that together we can make something even better together. Of course, in the case of a song like Turbulent Hearts “Panic” or my new song “Nuthin’ To Me” – those are the kinds of songs that just wrote themselves in 20 minutes, ya know?
Every song requires something different!
The last couple of years have been a deep well of inspiration for songwriters with what happened stateside with Trump being dumped and what happened in January and Covid being such a mindfuck globally there’s been a lot going on out there. What has inspired you to write? Have you found the downtime from touring a productive period?
It’s really nice that Trump is out of office because he was such a fucking embarrasment but I would never give a politician space in my songs. It’s just not the kind of songwriter I am. I don’t really care for any of them, I don’t trust the system and it doesn’t feel like those guys truly have “our” best interests in mind. What I DO care about is the human condition, and I do care about the struggle and the experiences we share. This world is fucked. There is tragedy and pain all around us all the time. Please forgive me if I don’t want to relive that while I am doing something that I believe is meant to bring joy to people. I want folks to forget about their problems while they are at my show. For an hour, just have fun. There are poets and artists out there that just absolutely nail it when it comes to political statements. I respect and admire them greatly, but if it’s in everything we do, see & hear… That is pretty fucking depressing. Sometimes you just need to forget about it for a while.
The sales of the EP must have delighted you and exceeded your initial expectations. Is a repress on the cards for when you hit the road and more people want in? -Absolutely I was overjoyed and it is still very surreal! It’s been really fucking special. I can’t give out too much information yet about what’s up next but… For those people that bought one of the 200 Cyan colored records – be stoked cause those are the only ones of that color that will ever be made!
What can you tell us what’s next record-wise? Is there an album in the can? What about other titles can you let us in on what you’ve worked on. -Yes, there is a full length that is coming and another release, too. I can’t give too much away yet, but I promise it’ll be rad!
Is there anyone you’d like to work with as a solo artist? you can go anywhere you like with this what would be your dream? If you could get on a tour or record a split with someone what song would you want them to record? Any videos planned that we can watch? What about live streaming?
Living, I would love to work with Billie Joe Armstrong, and Laura Jane Grace from Against Me! Dead, Tom Petty. I have two music videos out right now for “Special Place In Hell” and “I’m Not A Man” – there will be one for “Nuthin’ To Me” next. I don’t plan on doing any livestream concerts because real shows are coming back and I want that to be the focus.
If I’ve missed anything here’s your chance. What would you like to let people know that I’ve missed out? I have a Youtube show called “Rockin’ Closets” where I interview other musicians, creators, business owners about their wardrobes and what inspires their fashion choices. It has been very rewarding to make the show and learn new things about these people. I just finished Season One and the show will be back again in the Fall with all new guests! All of those episodes are on my Youtube channel or you can watch them on my Instagram. I suggest for anyone who likes my music to check out the rest of the Pirates Press Records catalog. They have an incredible roster of bands that are doing really cool shit. I plan to tour a lot for the next few years. I will definitely be back in England during Summer 2022 so I hope to see you then! Thanks for the interview! Xo Suzi
With a new album ‘Mountain of Piss’ about to be unleashed Cosmic Psychos drop a new video for ‘Sin Bin’
‘Call The Shots’, the debut solo release for the former CIVET member and TURBULENT HEARTS frontwoman Suzi Moon. The video, which Moon self-directed and edited, is dedicated to her friend Amie who was tragically murdered by an abusive ex-boyfriend. ‘I’m Not A Man’ is here for your visual delights.
The Idolizers – ‘Riot Radio’ (Rum Bar Records) With a burst of energy this new choon released as part of the labels ‘New Believers in Rock n’ Roll’ Rum Bar campaign. The lead track from their album ‘Concretins’ which promises to be a must-have – full of bangers if this is anything to go by. Just what you want to kickstart the recovery and soak up those rays of summer sunshine. Bright energetic and with a strong hook ‘Riot Radio’ leans on Da Brudas for the energy and the riff but there’s more to it than just tipping the hat to the Ramones. It should be on the radio as you drive to the beach but you’ll have to do with buying it instead.
The Hip Priests – ‘No Stranger To Failure/ Sounds A Lot Like War’ (Ghost Highway Records) The purveyors of the beautiful noise are back and as things promise to revert to some sort of normality the universe is reset. A double A side single sees one side belt out ‘No Stranger’ it’s off like the ghost of Lemmy is amped up to eleven and the Gods of thunder give their instruments a right good seeing to. Of course, I love it and can’t wait to hear it live and shake the foundations of whatever venue will welcome them back. I love Von Cruz vocals on this one. Flip it over for ‘Sounds A Lot Like War’ and the ante has just been raised, what a belter.
Every single released sounds like a battle cry and a reason to give a fuck about Rock and Roll again. My faith in noisy punk rock n roll is reaffirmed and it’s another reason to get excited. Get hold of a copy as soon as it’s released or you might regret it. pressed on coloured vinyl it’s the bands 30th single! and the artwork is by none other than Hard-ons very own Ray Ahn. Facebook
The Manges feat. Giuda – ‘Tootsie Rolls’ (Ltd Col 7″) (Damaged Goods Records) Yeah it’s handclapping one finger piano riffing rock and roll. The Manges play Ramones-style punk rock and they are still doing to be fair but it’s not all they do so having played with Giuda and hung out with them this seems like a no-brainer. A glam stomping Hand clapping smiling rock n roll song. Massimo from the Manges had this to say – “One of our favorite songs for our new album is called ‘Tootsie Rolls’, and it kinda stands aside from the rest of the album, being a more pure rock tune. On this one, our producers could totally work on their favorite arrangements and structure, to the point that we ended up having two versions: one, the album song, and two, a remixed version featuring members of Giuda, called ‘Tootsie Rolls – Part II’. What a treat!” He’s not wrong!
Alvin Gibbs & The Disobedient Servants – ‘State Of Grace’ (T & M Recordings) A new single from Alvin and more evidence of his superb songwriting abilities as three brand-new songs on gold and blood-red splatter vinyl is released. In a picture sleeve exclusively designed once again by Gaye Black (The Adverts), a four-page colour lyric insert but is limited to 500 copies only. Joining Alvin once again is Subs drummer Jamie Oliver and Ruts DCs Leigh Heggarty. The title track leans on Gibbs previous employment with Iggy and I could also see this nestled as one of the best track if it were a Cheap & Nasty song. Cool verses and toe-tapping chorus its a top tune.
‘Too Bad She’s In Love’ has got some real grit going on as we steam towards the chorus. Great chorus and one I want to play over and over a real earworm of a song. I love the way Heggertys guitar wraps itself around Gibbs vocal as it heads to the chorus. Closing off this most excellent single is ‘Brother, Sister’ a jarring jabber of a rhythm offering something different to the other two tunes proving once again that there is some fantastic music being created out there – Buy it! Bandcamp
The Culture Industry – ‘141′ (Riot Records) Punk as fuck! Coming over like if Nirvana were from Australia and drank too much beer instead of facing their sneakers. ‘DK Stance’ is another slice of fire that’s more spat out than gently poured into the speakers. Love that bass punch they have going on it really suits the sound. ‘Middle Aged Kids’ now there a phrase I could level at so many people and there’s nothing wrong with that and once this tune gets going the lyrics might be a bit cliched but the music is excellent and its a good tune. Fuck em all indeed. Swearing might not be big or clever but who cares? I’m sure The Culture Industry don’t give a flying fig but they can certainly knock out a decent slice of punk that’s a given. Facebook
SMASHED GLADYS – ‘Go To Hell’ (Golden Robot Records) Born from the embers of the vibrant Toronto punk scene, SMASHED GLADYS formed in 1984 and then headed to New York City. The band was headed by vocalist Sally Cato and was snapped up by Elektra Records, becoming part of the legendary glam/hair metal scene.
Cato sadly passed away in 2020 and in memory of her, Golden Robot Records bring you new material which they were recording as demos for their 3rd album. This the 2nd single, “Go To Hell” will see the light of day on the 31st of May, giving fans further insight into the unreleased material. Following on from the crunchy guitars of that second album this is more of the same and just a great hard rockin tune and Ms. Cato sure did have a great voice that really suited the music perfectly. Find Smashed Gladys – Facebook /Twitter Pre-order/pre-save “Go To Hell”HERE
Roxy Girls – ‘Roxy Girls Are In The Drink’ (Moshi Moshi Records) Like a throwback to a time when singles from alternative bands and post-punk bands could dent the charts the complicated-sounding rhythms of ‘Like A Bouy’ come across as something between an abrasive Smiths and XTC. A chaotic mix that punctures the air behind a melodic vocal with harmonies galore and then it’s done rather abruptly. This Sunderland band know what they want and how to deliver it. ‘Roxy Girls Are In The Drink’ is out 27th August – Pre-order HERE
Charlie Harper & The Sub Machine – ‘Panic’ (Time & Matter Records) Double A-sided, yellow vinyl release, adorned with a picture sleeve designed by Charlie himself, the single also boasts a double-sided colour lyric insert, each copy is individually hand-numbered and the release is limited to 300 copies only so you’ll have to be quick on this one. ‘Panic’ begins with a piano intro but don’t let that fool you as the snare hits it takes off. Features Marlon Payne on Guitar & Piano, Victoria Smith on Bass & Marley Perez on Drums. The tracks ebb and flow is excellent as the heaviness of the verses pounds it does drop with a marching rhythm and Harpers Reverb laden vocal its engaging and intense and rather bloody good. ‘Post War Punks’ is perhaps more Subs like with its solid riff and Harper’s delivery is on point even if it did make me hungry whilst listening to its sandwich order list. Hurry whilst it’s still available – Here
Randy Savages / Razor Kids – ‘Split EP’ (Different Class Records) Randy Savages serve up a stellar pair of tunes opening with ‘Seagulls’ in all its big, loud, triumphant riffing with a tidy hook on the chorus and a melody that makes this something of a power-pop banger to be fair but hold on, their second offering is the sprightly ‘Delinquents & Dropouts’ as it puts on its collective shit kickers and gives this tune a good old rinsing. Excellent tune from a band I want to hear more from.
Flip it over and Razor Kids do their best to duff up those Savages as they pound out their pogo tastic Ramones like ‘Abusive’. These Portuguese punks make a pretty noise as they chew out the rhythm they soften the riff with some sugary sweet backing vocals that work really well. Their second offering of ‘Perfect HArmony’ much like Randy Savage’s pair is the strongest of their two offerings with its understated lofi number its one-note guitar solo is pure Thunders and I love that. It wraps up a very impressive EP from two quality bands I need to hear more of. Get it! Buy Here
Johny Skull Knuckles – ‘Shang-A-Lang’ (self Release) Free music anyone? Hell yeah! get yourself some of this. Skullknuckles doffs his hat to the sad passing of Les McKeown. Johny has always wanted to do a cover version of this track and now seemed like such a fitting time. Johny said “It has actually turned out a lot more poppy than I had envisaged so at some point I may record a “punkier” version but this will more than do for now. I hope you think I have done the song justice”. Absolutely he’s done it justice. Get it Here
The Riot Vans – ‘Scary Faces’ (Disobedient Records) Post-punk noisemakers the Riot Van release their first single after the ink dries on their deal with Disobedient Records and its a cold angular stabbing slice of post-punk with its jerking and grinding verses but that makes way for the blast on the chorus that’s like a loud blast of heat. I’d imagine this would be a great tune to blast out in a packed club with sprung flooring.
Dez Dare – ‘Dum Dum Dum’ (CH!MP RECORDS) Taken from the album ‘Hairline Ego Trip’ out this coming June Dez does Lofi Punk rock with added scuzz and a dash of alternative indieness Native of Victoria Australia Dez has done his years service playing in Warped and has released this frantic buzz saw riff-a-rama under lockdown to add chaos and noise to every avaialble corner. check out the video below.
It conveys his strong distaste for nationalism. “I want to push against entrenched views, closed borders and minds of large groups of the human race. There are a lot of fights happening at present around the world from climate to right-wing hysteria to unfettered capitalism and we need to work together as an animal of the same kind rather than separated by space, colour and tradition.”
Suzi Moon – ‘Call The Shots’ (Pirates Press Records) Who?, if I were to tell you she’s the ball of energy behind Civet & Turbulent Hearts then it might make sense. Pirates Press aren’t dummies and releasing this EP they know their stuff and anyone who’s seen her live knows what a performer she is. Kicking off with ‘Special Place In Hell’ its a real firestarter of an introduction but as good a song as this is this EP gets better and better.
For a debut solo record, this is setting the bar high with a slice of energy and thunderous tempo its got the lot. Great sound, playing and memorable chorus. I love it but ‘I’m Not A Man’ is like she’s channeling the spirit of Texas Terri Bomb and the attitude of Wendy O Williams whilst having the cool of Joan Jett. Honestly, it’s that good possibly the best track I’ve heard for a while at the singles club I love it. It sounds so easy and like Moon is having the best of time with her Rock and Roll and then to cap it off with the attitude soaked rocker of ‘Nuthin’ To Me’ this is excellent stuff and if this is an indication of what’s to come then bring on an album of this stuff we need to hear it!
The Chelsea Curve – ‘All in Time’ (Red On Red Records) a new single every month from this sensational band, culminating in a full-length album this coming fall! The Chelsea Curve bring their love of the sound and style of the 70’s mod scene and smash it up with the guitar leanings of their respective pasts. Linda Pardee (Orbit), Tim Gillis (Frigate), and Ron Belanger (The Winter Project) came together when Linda said no to being in Ron’s new band and instead asked him to be in her new band along with Tim. Accurately described as the sparks that fly when The Jam meets Husker Du, the trio blasts out bracing retro mod pop with hooks aplenty.
Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes feat Joe Talbot – ‘My Town’ (Self Release) New single from Carter is barbed wire wrapped in a velvet glove plenty of aggression yet melody and a decent hook on the chorus. With the humming synth throughout it’s an intense number that burrows into your ear and will have you craving it over and over – trust me. Also, a great move getting Talbot on guest vocals as he suits the attitude of the lyrics perfectly – A banging song! Facebook download it here
The Cocktail Slippers – ‘She Devil (Shout IT Out Loud)’ (Wicked Cool Records) Norwegian rockers, The Cocktail Slippers, are releasing a brand new single digitally and on limited edition 7″ vinyl. Both tracks are originals and are a taste of what’s to come. The lead track is a commercial slice of subtle Glam Rock – real glam rock with platform boot firmly planted in the 70s they do elsewhere but here this is their most commercial stab so far. with killer harmonies – a real earworm of a tune and one we highly recommend. The flip sounds like the Go Gos jamming on some Blondie and has a pop smooth sound. Not as good as the other side but hey it’s a grower, not a shower. Pick it up Here
Clowns – ‘Does it Matter?’ (Fat Wreck Chords) “ ‘Does It Matter?’ is about breaking the law, says Clowns vocalist Stevie Williams. the hook-heavy raucous number that demonstrates the prowess of their current lineup. Now completed by drummer and founding member Jake Laderman, vocalist Stevie Williams, bassist/vocalist Hanny J and guitarists Rod Goon and Cam Rust. On first blast, it’s not as raucous as previous offerings and might take some getting used to but it’s Clowns and they get a free pass because of previous recordings and live shows. I’m hoping it’s a bit of an earworm and the more I hear it the better it gets. Just bring the album out already and get touring we need bands like Clowns full of menace and with a whole load of piss and vinegar in their performances be it on record or live.
JIZZY PEARL’S LOVE/HATE – ‘Soul Mama’ (Golden Robot Records) Lifted from his album that we won’t get until 2022. Jizzy Pearl’s Love/Hate are up and rocking. His vocals have always been capable of melting steel and he’s lost none of that power. ‘Soul Mama’ is a retro trip back to when the metal Gods such as Zepplin roamed the earth with a laid-back beat its groove-laden with a raw and purposeful guitar lick all making way for Pearls commanding vocal.
First up this week we have the new track from the forthcoming DeRellas album. A rework of a familiar track sounds excellent it’s taken from the album ‘Something’s Got To Give’ which should be with us very soon.
WALKING PAPERS RELEASE LATEST VIDEO FOR “CREATION REPRODUCTION AND DEATH” FROM CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED THIRD ALBUM, ‘THE LIGHT BELOW,’ OUT NOW VIA CARRY ON MUSIC
SUZIMOON, the newest member of the Pirates Press Records family, has just released her second single for “I’m Not A Man.” The song comes from Moon’s upcoming Call The Shots 3 song EP, the debut solo release for the former CIVET member and TURBULENT HEARTS frontwoman. but there’s no video yet so check this banger out
Finally how about some dirty hard rock in the shape of Sea Of Snakes. “Ride the Line” via Metal-Temple. The song is from their recently released album “World On Fire” which came out via Metal Assault Records.
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