Initially formed back around 2011/12 as a vehicle for Dirt Box Disco guitarist and songwriting supremo Spunk Volcano to air the tunes he’d written that didn’t really fit with the day job (although some might argue some actually do fit – especially after Weab made off to pastures new) I now find myself in possession of Eruptions’ album number SIX, and I’m left thinking, where did the time go eh?

That’s because this time around we’re all going down the ‘Knackers Yard’ as the band prepares to take a well-deserved break after their decade long burst of creativity and insanity. That’s right, it’s a break, they’re not splitting up, just pressing pause on the ‘TV God’ remote control whilst Spunk and Maff concentrate on the next Dirt Box Disco record, Joey goes off to work with MeMe Detroit and Scott “allegedly” goes back to being a full-time serial killer and Faxe drinker. It’s certainly been a prolific (and most excellent) run of releases to date though (let’s not forget the 5 EPs the band also released during this time too) with many stone-cold Eruptions classics written along the way. The bazillion dollar question I guess your wondering though, is does ‘Knackers Yard’ provide the fitting finale (for now)?

Well, the immediate thing that hits me about ‘Knackers Yard’ is that after the more melodic leaning ‘Barry Milner Is Thick’ album from 2020 this time around a large proportion of the tunes once again lean more towards the darker/heavier side of Mr Volcano’s songwriting portfolio and there are a few tunes on here that could have easily been part of the hard as nails ‘Double Bastard’ album, with opener ‘I Am A Capsule’ complete with its UK82 guitar riff and “Fuck Off Leave Me Alone” gang vocal as good a place to start as any. Likewise, ‘Madhouse’ (or should that be “Fooking Madhouse”?) which whilst not being a cover of a certain tune by a legendary NYC thrash band, could very easily have come out of that scene, complete with a monster chugger of a riff and mid-section that flies off in all directions and is held together by a potty mouthed Spunk chorus that somehow also manages to twist and turn its way into a super catchy second chorus too. Genius stuff!

And therein lies the real appeal of Spunk Volcano & The Eruptions for me though, because whilst ‘It’s All Kicking Off’ and the sublime ‘My Tears Get Washed Away’ (which somehow manages to make me think of both Wolfsbane and Showaddywaddy in the same 3 minutes run time) are the type of “sing your heads off” top-quality tunes that Spunk has become renowned for penning at a truly alarming rate. It’s the polar opposites of the vicious ‘Manky Man’ and the sombre ‘Dead And The Mirror’ (yes that’s keyboards you can hear) with its almost murder-ballad feel where The Eruptions truly stand apart from Dirt Box Disco.  Likewise clock the the flawed brilliance of ‘Mordrake’ (which you have to hear to fully understand what I’m on about) and then try and second guess what is up next? How about the kick in the coin purse that is ‘Pit Bull Facelift’, a song GBH would have been proud of writing back in their early Clay Records days.

With ‘Knackers Yard’ Spunk Volcano takes the life experiences and the heart and soul that a decade of songwriting and touring offers a band and once again turns them into a dozen tracks that pack a punch so fierce, they will shock you to the core, and is that a little tear I feel welling in my eye as the forementioned ‘Dead And The Mirror’ segues into the CD only final track ‘Shit Stirrers & Scaremongers’?

With five final live shows booked running through June to September, which also see The Eruptions back to being a 5-piece once again as Tom returns on guitar, it’s no time to be down in the mouth, as its time to party and get yourself down the ‘Knackers Yard’ when it’s released via the band’s own Avenue Recordz label on CD only (no vinyl this time) on July 1st.  You can also pre-order your copy right now, along with a rather wonderful-looking limited-edition T-shirt from the link below.

There’s only one way to give SV & The Eruptions a proper send-off, and that’s by booking your trip to the ‘Knackers Yard’. We’re all going, are you???

Buy Here

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Author: Johnny Hayward

 

Another week comes to a crashing end and another week of pretty impressive singles get dumped on the RPM Singles Club dancefloor. The finest in wax, digital and video are here to tickle your taste buds and hopefully inspire you into finding your new favourite band.  From all corners and alleyways of the world we search

Jenny – ‘Same’ (Wanda Records) When we saw that this band was fronted by LA Drugz Justin Maurer we had to go and crack it open and crank up the volume and from the first clashing chords of the harmonious ‘Stupid Band’ we smiled knowing we were in the presence of a power pop genius. But with five tunes on this release, it could only get better as the dreamy ‘Rose City’ took us in an upwards trajectory as far as moods go towards that layered vocal chorus it was already a must-have new record. ‘Cockroach Tea’ is more power-pop goodies leaning more towards the pop and then the 60s infused acoustic Thunders melodic ‘Alright With Me’ it has a really early Who mod like quality if it’s possible to mash up some Thunders, meets The Who if it’s not possible then it has just been invented.

To round it off there’s the acoustic ‘Song For Sadie’ an old Suspect PArts track but redone here making this a more eclectic offering than Maurers LA Drugz or Suspect Parts but none the less desirable.  Don’t dilly dally as they say in the olden days  get it here or on one sided vinyl 12″ from Wanda Records Here

Stiff Richards – ‘Going Numb’ (Legless Records) With two albums in the bag Australias Stiff Richards are hot property.  If you managed to get a hold of their debut album first time around then you’re good if you managed to pick up a repress then, well-done pat yourself on the back.  Then came ‘Dig’ which was also pretty spectacular to be fair and seemingly unable to do any wrong they sneak out this digital single to let us all know they’re still alive and ready to go (hopefully) with album number three due in October it looks like a winter assault from Melbourne’s finest and we can’t get enough from the southern hemisphere who are leading the way with some awesome punk rock.

Buy Here  / Facebook

 

 

Death By Unga Bunga – ‘Trouble’ (Jansen Records) The second in a series of new singles set to be released in the coming months.  These Norweigan Nutters have got a slice of summer sunshine in the shape of ‘Trouble’ With a great hook over that steady beat its catchier than a global pandemic.  once this one lodges itself into your head it’s not coming out and you’ll be muttering the lyrics for days wondering just who the hell it is.  That’s Death By Unga Bunga that is and with the news of more to come there is light at the end of this pandemic that’s for sure and it’s coming from Norway and not some lab in England it might be power pop it might be death metal but one thing for sure it’ll have the DBUB logo on it.  Get it here

Killer Hearts – ‘Get Some’ (Spaghetty Town Records) Houston we have a problem.  We’re not getting enough Rock and Fucking Roll and that’s a problem.  What isn’t a problem is when Killer Hearts this is the first glimpse of what’s coming on their long player ‘Skintight Electric’.  Lots of loose riffs and oohs and arghs and some of the best sleazy Rock and Roll since Flash Boys and The Adjusters were about.  Go Get some high octane Rock and Roll if you know what’s good for you! Buy Here

 

 

 

 

Guerrilla Teens – ‘Tell Me What To Do’ (Self Release) Another day another Guerrilla Teens record gets released via Bandcamp.  This week’s offering is a right thumper by the name of ‘Tell Me What To Do’ backed by ‘Hurry Up’. One is in your face and bouncing on its toes like a young hooligan the other is a more laid back confident slow burner but both ooze quality and will make for awesome tracks when these weekly offerings finally get pressed by some awesome record label onto a slab of plastic to nestle alongside Those Humpers, Lovesores records you’ve got.  buy Here

 

 

 

 

14 Units – ‘Listen’ (Self Release) This is the lockdown-busting debut release from 14 Units who cram five tunes into this debut EP, Five songs about drinking, getting old, murder, regret, not drinking and Brexit (possibly). opening with a neat uptempo twelve-bar with melody and somewhere between Frank Turner vocally and a cowpunk Quo.  They get their jig on from a sprightly ‘Can’t Unlike You’ its melodic and uptempo and carries a decent melody.  They certainly like to boogie and then they turn down for a more mellow knocking on heavens door progression for ‘Looks Like Rain’ which heads off down a Buffalo Tom wormhole and its probably the best track on offer with the sparse verse with just percussion before the guitars rejoin for the build-up to the chorus which is a catchy sing-along. A decent EP and first offering from 14 Units.  Buy Here

 

Grindhouse – ‘Ramma Damma’ (Tuff Cuff Records) Melbourne must have something in the water because over the last couple of years its turning up some smoking hot records and this summer has seen that continue with those purveyors of pounding Rock and Roll Grindhouse are back in the room with some sweaty flesh pressing high octane Rock and Roll. in the shape of ‘Ramma Damma’ and ‘City High’ with its bruising riff-a-rama and moon the loon like drumming this is the dogs bollocks. If there ever was a sleeve that best described what was going on in the grooves before you ever played it then it’s this bad boy. or should that be bad girl? Rock and Roll can get you high so fuckin high and Grindhouse has the goods baby!

Relentlessly good band and with a new album on the way these are good times for fans of high octane Rock and Fuckin’ Roll Grindhouse Style.  Bring it on. Buy it here

 

Girls In Synthesis – ‘They’re Not Listening’ (Harbinger Sound) Taken from the debut album ‘Now Here’s An Echo From Your Future’ this video will guarantee you a head fuck from the Jesus and mary chain feedback and the repetitive pounding to the strobe on the video GIS are fucking with you and that’s always a good thing. turn it up and then some more and get lost in that caustic guitar riff before the bass rumble nails you to the floor.  Extreme music for extreme times uncompromising and uncomfortable just like punk rock should be.  Like crass for the 2020s the album is due the end of the month.  Let’s hope this isn’t the soundtrack to the apocalypse like my neighbours think it is.

Website /  Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Cutters – ‘Cutters’ (Legless Records)   Another day another slice of punk rock from Down under.  This time labelmates of Stiff Richards Cutters are here with this tasty three-track EP.  With howls of feedback and a frantic hoof around your ears, this is relentless. ‘Chewed Up Fortune’ is first up and lead throat Al insists he wants to fuck and sleep in that order I guess.  Cutters aren’t fucking around either with their Lo-‘Fi take it to the edge of reason and give it a good fuckin’ thrashing.  If you think they would be spent after that opener then you’d obviously be wrong. ‘Robo Debt Blues’ is like Motorhead in their late 70s heyday knocking out some ANL and uk82 anthems and dragging through the Melbourne back streets before dropping them off at the studio. Nice!

But then they get all proggy on the five-minute headfuck frenzy of Twister’.  Only yanking your chain the intro is painless before they go fuckin’ ape-like Venom meets the Exploited. Its frantic, Nasty, out of control and fuckin’ champion – Buy it here

 

Zip Gun Bomber – ‘Paper Aeroplanes EP’ (Rum Bar Records) Outta Cambridge, Massachusetts Zip Gun Bombers have been a thing since 2011 and with this being a revisited yup, you guessed it its a new improved take on that EP. Sure its a Nostalgic trip for that early 90’s era Lookout! Records and all things Green Day.  ZipGun Bomber’s  ‘Paper Airplanes’ EP embraces and embodies all of that.  From the opening of ‘Chase That Feeling’ to the acoustic closing of ‘Paper Airplanes’, its easy on the ear pop-punk where the lyrics are easy to embrace and before you know it you’ll be singing the songs like they’ve always been on your playlist. Well worth checking out if any of the previous words ever meant anything to you jump in and lose yourself in the tunes.  Sure there is a familiarity here but it’s only pop-punk Rock and Roll and I like it! Oh and if you like you can download the EP for free or name your price.  Pick it up Here

 

Science Man – ‘Match Game’ (Swimming Faith Records)  Punk as fuck – a 7″ single with not 2 or 3 songs on it but nine slabs of uncompromising head mashing industrial hardcore. Science Man from Buffalo NY isn’t here to compromise he’s here to lay out his manifesto and from the opening repetitive thump of ‘Tiny Tower’ it’s game on through the frantic thirty-two seconds of ‘Steal The Street’. Don’t leave the fuckin room for gawds sake.

‘Surge’ sounds like the cassette on a Commadore 64 or finally, the aliens are coming. At times it sounds like out of control chaos but I suspect it’s far from that and the almost prog length of the final track ‘Cursed’ clocking in at almost two minutes is a challenge but industrial hardcore isn’t meant to be easy listening, I’m sure only the hearty punk amongst us will endure or even get this straight off.  But its certainly interesting as well as a challenging listen.

Pick it up here

 

S V & the Eruptions – ‘Tomorrows Promises’ (Avenue Recordz) An altogether more sombre and thoughtful SV & The Eruptions, It’s not all cheeky chappies and a bit of slap and tickle it can’t be. Here SV busts out a mid-paced thoughtful number with a big catchy chorus that drops back into the muted guitar work and into another tuneful verse.  A most excellent twist and shows how versatile and downright bloody good these gents are.  I have told him myself the tunes you aren’t expecting are some of his best work and this will grow and grow and in time will be one of those late in the set anthems you look forward to.  Excellent song with great vocals.

 Website / Facebook / Twitter / Youtube

 

Ryan Hamilton & Kay Hanley – ‘Oh No’  This dropped last minute so we thought we’d include it in the singles Club because we love some Ryan Hamilton.

The Fuzzstainz – ‘Sick! Sick! Sick!'(Beluga Records)  How could we sign off this week’s singles Club without dropping in on Scandinavia Again.  Always reliable, Always churning out quality Rock and Roll from all the corners of the world Beluga Records have released this banging 7″ platter with two tracks of sizzling Garage Punk courtesy of The Fuzzstainz. The lead track is sick – no it literally is sick! those guitars sound like razor blades trying to cut through some barbed wire.  But it’s catchy and easy to sing along to but the best is yet to come in the shape of ‘Thinkin’ ‘Bout Me’ again the same standards are set but with added floor tom and is that a buzzsaw? Gawd knows but its got swagger and I love it.  Pick it up here

SV & The Eruptions – ‘Football In The Sun’ (Avenue Recordz) Always on point with his lyrics and always relatable. Spunk Volcano does it again with a laid back summer sizzler. ‘Football In The Sun’ is right up there as far as songwriting goes and Spunk makes it look easy as falling off a grifter.  Maybe Spunk headed too many of those rain-soaked leather balls and it did something magical because apart from being able to pen catchy relatable music this band hasn’t made a single bad record yet. Prolific would be an understatement as for the tune It’s understated, less in your face and a real grower it gives you a chance to listen to the lyrics and smile. It’s a top tune none the less and adds some more class to this line up of new releases in June/early July. The fact that SV & The Eruptions make music they want to and don’t compromise in any way only adds to the quality of songs on offer they don’t have to all be out and out noise as this single testifies but once it’s in yer noggin you’ll be gripped like a vinnie jones nut grab and chanting Ozzie,Ozzie,Ozzie, Ozzie Ardiles. Bastards! Available on CD or download. Get it.  Website

 

Benji & Beddis – ‘Ebony & Ivory’ (Self Release) Well who saw this coming?  With the current climate seeing racial tension being brought front and center these two ‘Port legends kick up a shit storm with the perfect cover.  You know what to do you, beautiful people.

“Ebony and ivory, live together in perfect harmony.” Couldn’t have said it better myself

To make a donation towards the pair’s fundraising efforts, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/dean-beddis-45

To download the single, visit Here

The Cocktail Slippers – ‘Like A Song Stuck In My Head’ (Wicked Cool Records) Very much a slow burner The cocktail Slippers deliver exactly what it says on the tin and a song that could easily be heard on your daily commute to work on some clued up radio show.  It’s power-pop with the emphasis firmly on the pop side with a catchy chorus and easy on the ear guitar chords. Facebook Buy it stream it download it whatever it is you do do it here

 

 

 

 

Moot – ‘I Hate Hippies’ (Riot Records)  Australian punks Moot declare that they indeed hate hippies raging on a steady diet of Jello (Biafra) and Prime Time Black Flag its punk rock baby.  Plain and simple no-frills no clever production no synths just old school. Just one thing,  The artwork alludes to a hipster not a hippie have Moot had one too many Victory Beers?

Indonesian Junk – ‘Pillbox’ (Rum Bar Records) A track taken from the band’s new long-player that hooks in all the Singles and rarities entitled ‘A Life Of Crimes’.  If this take on the joneses classic is a hint as to what’s on offer then get excited kids because Indonesian Junk has got it going on.  It was always a blinding track and has been covered many times but this version is an absolute barnstormer and Da Junk have embraced the spirit of the original and captured the DNA and that little sparkle of magic that was sprinkled into the original but could only be unlocked by people who are worthy. It looks and sounds like Indonesian Junk are indeed worthy of being passed the baton to carry into the future.  If you have a beating Rock and Roll heart then you’d be foolish to pass this one by. Bandcamp

 

The Woggles – ‘Nothing More To Say’ (Wicked Cool Records)  Retro rock and roll with a real ’60s vibe from the keys to the melodies The Woggles have nailed it from those slightly overdriven guitars and layered vocals but its those scooby doo keyboards that really nail this tune. Not since T Rex has this much bongo gone into a single.

‘Sweet Freedom’ is on the flip side created by Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil and in my humble opinion steals the show from its marching beat and Little Steven clanging guitars, its a confident pop tune struttin’ its stuff like these cats were paying attention thank God. Facebook Pick up a limited press here

 

 

Decrepid – ‘Plagued By Mortality’ (Xtreem Music) Follow this one fuckers. As some of you might know we love a bit of extreme music here at RPM and had to share with you the new single from Decrepid.  There is nothing more metal I’m just glad they put the lyrics on the video otherwise I wouldn’t have a clue what they were saying and neither would the kids.  From the wonderful band name to the music and the playing to the title of the song this is the most metal track we’ve had dropped on us in a while.  Enjoy

Cocktails – ‘Bun E Carlos’ (self Release) San Fran has always been a destination for hip rock and rollas and Cocktail have just released a single off their new album that’s got sunshine in abundance and a title paying homage to one of the best drummers from one o the best bands the US of A ever gave the world.  It’ll also cleanse your pallet if you clicked on the Decrepid video this is something of a polar opposite.  Power Pop goodness with nothing but fluffy clouds in the sky and not a pitchfork, devil horn in sight. Click Here

 

 

 

The Psychedelic Furs -‘Come All Ye Faithful’ (Cooking Vinyl) Cool as new single from them Furs. ITs a slow cooker comes to the boil nicely and not an instant hit but it does grow as you can tell for yourself from the video below.  Besides its always cool to hear some saxophone on a rock n roll record. Here

Sin City – ‘High Noon’ (Dirty Water Records) Their love for Sergio Leone spaghetti western schlock is proudly worn on their western-shirt sleeves and the video makes numerous references to the western films of the 50s and 60s. So smell the gun smoke and ride into the drunken, sepia-toned glory of Sin City! Murder ballads never sounded so good.

The song is taken from their second long-player ‘Next Exit Sin City,’ which follows fast on the heels of their April debut. In fact, Sin City has proven themselves to be a two-man quarantine song factory, as two brand new tracks accompany the High Noon single and rumours already abound of further offerings to come… There are clearly no flies on Sin City!!

The Sinclairs – ‘Dodgems’ (Cleopatra Records)  Order Here Taken from The Sinclairs album “Sparkle” The Sinclairs are: Rat Scabies (The Damned) and Billy Shinbone (The Neville Staple Band / Flipron) with their instrumental filmscape tunes check out the video for the first single off the album ‘Dodgems’  

NEVILLE STAPLE, SUGARY STAPLE & FTS BAND – ‘Lockdown’ (Self Release)  Hit up their Kickstarter page for exclusive offers here. The sun is shining and I’ve come indoors to escape the heat and then this hit my inbox – Perfect!  what a great tune from Neville and Sugary Staple.  After catching them a few years ago from the side of the stage at a big festival they were blistering that night and this sounds like a worthy addition to their awesome catalogue of tunes.

Blind Channel – ‘Gun’ (Ranka Kustannus label) Intense new track from Finnish rockers who mix up pop with their nard n heavy riffs.Not a million miles from Linkin Park at the peak of their powers. ‘Gun’ is a dark song for dark times and the band assures fans it’s their method of using their music to get back at their critics. The band is hotly tipped to be the next big thing out of Finland and have mass appeal. On this evidence, I can see why Facebook

 

 

 

 

Electric Death Rodeo – EP (Ghost Town Noize) Who’s up for a new band playing some sweet sleazy snotty Punk N Roll? That should be-  hell yeah! from every one of you. Well, Electric Death Rodeo is in the house featuring members of Radio Dead Ones, Motor City Mayhem and Johnny Firebird oh now you’re listening I’ve got your attention now well ‘I Don’t Care’ no not literally its the opening slab of snotty Punk N Roll mixing up early Scandi rock with some attitude (not that early scandi rock didn’t have any but you know what I mean) its a measured slick slice of bad boy boogie.  Catchy with cool gang vocals on the chorus great solos and a real good time as Iggy would say. If you think the opener is a great tune then wait until you happen on the second, ‘Never Back Down’ its loud and understated but a great tune none the less. ‘Nighthawk’ is anthemic but in a good way again it’s a great riff I’m hearing Mick Jones Clash in this one on the verses especially – great effort. Then to wrap up what is my pick of the lot is some Kiss like duelling guitars (I mean early Kiss obviously) As far as new bands go Electric Death Rodeo will have all the Action Rock fans salivating as they put on their shit kickers turn the amps up and let rip.  Jump on this one boys and girls it’s out the first week in July Here

 

Thumper – ‘Topher Grace’ (Reckless Records) Dublin’s fair city is throwing up a few alternative bands at the moment and Thumper kick up enough of a racket to wake ole Phil Lynott to clock your second single in at a nosebleeding six and a half minutes is pretty ambitious but Thumper look like a band who dance to their own tunes and not conform with convention.  Check out the video and decide for yourself  Website / Facebook / Twitter /  Instagram

 

 

 

 

Matty James Cassidy – ‘Someone’ (Pirate Heart Records)  A special version of the song with all proceeds going to the Samaritans not just shows what a talent Matty is but what a humble and big-hearted artist he is. The message of the song is fitting to raise awareness of an organisation who work hard to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs it.

The idea is that people will use the song as a way of reaching out, so people are encouraged to not only stream it and buy the download for themselves, but also use the ‘send as gift’ feature on Bandcamp to pass it on to anyone you feel might need to know they have a friend right now. You can also choose to pay extra if you wish.

The single’s artwork features a fantastic illustration by Kevin Mc Hugh Art and by teaming up with Hollow Hill Apparel, there is some very special merchandise on offer to help raise funds also. Listen / Buy – Here
And for more information or to seek help from Samaritans, call for free on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org to find your nearest branch.
The Idolizers – ‘Stranded (Again)’ (Rum Bar Records)  As the phenomena that is Rum Bar Records the purveyors of fine records since God knows when but still not released a duff record have only gone and done it again.  This time they’ve stumbled outta Boston and headed south into NYC and happened across the most excellent Idolizers who have their debut album ready to go in August but first we have this taster in the shape of ‘Stranded’ and what a snotty jet fuelled rocker it is. If you don’t believe me hit the link and check it out for yourself. Hit this here
Dead Horse – EP 1 (Self Release) Dead Horse I is the Debut EP from the Garage Punk Trio Dead Horse a new down & dirty garage/punk trio from London influenced by the likes of Jay Reatard, The Cramps, Gallon Drunk & 80s Matchbox.

The EP takes a debauched, tongue in cheek journey through over indulgence, relationships, death, sex and lust across just shy of 14 minutes. Some might argue that it’s not technically a single but I’m in charge so it’s in, besides its a glorious racket so it was always going to get in.The EP will be released across all major digital platforms as well as a limited edition run of cassettes.  (bloody hipsters) The EP ‘Dead Horse I’ was recorded, mixed, produced and mastered by Connor Jones at Humm Studios, Bristol. The band were formed in 2019 and they’ve not looked back since. Featuring five tunes with the first being a sprightly heavy on the reverb rocka. I love the fact that it’s ever so slightly unhinged but you know they can bring it back from the brink but you hope you’re there the night they cant because that is gonna be one of those nights, funnily enough, the track is entitled ‘Night’ there a slight western feeling to ‘Secrets’ whereas ‘Headstone’ is most excellent a dirty slice of dark rock and roll with a time-honoured riff that hanging on by a thread. they check out with ‘Creeper’ which does what it suggests it might.  Like a band who’ve struck a deal with ole Beelzebub and had to trade in their souls for a good time which on this evidence seems like a fair swap.  I like it, I like it a lot check em out. Facebook