The Hip Priests announce UK Tour in support of new album ‘Roden House Blues’.

Continuing what has been another very busy year and hot on the heels of their recent storming shows supporting Zeke, the band have just announced a string of UK headline dates in Sept/Oct. Returning to venues they’ve previously played on tours with Supersuckers and Dwarves, as well as hitting some new towns they’ve never visited, they’ll be preaching their sermon of nihilistic Rock N’ Roll on the following dates –

Weds 27th Sept – The Parish, Huddersfield
Thurs 28th Sept – Trillians, Newcastle
Fri 29th Sept – Bannermans, Edinburgh
Sat 30th Sept – The Waterloo, Blackpool
Fri 6th Oct – The Black Heart, London
Sat 7th Oct – The Hope And Ruin, Brighton
Sun 8th Oct – Tough Love Records, Hastings (Lunchtime Show)

Sun 8th Oct – Lady Luck, Canterbury

In addition, they have also been asked to support Wolfsbane at their Nottingham and London shows at the end of the year. 

Following these shows the band will begin work on their next album, meaning that this will be the last chance to catch them live in the UK for some time. So grab your tickets as soon as possible from venue websites or check links on Facebook events.

Whilst most of the rest of the UK is seemingly trying to cram itself into Cardiff tonight to watch some talent(less) show pop singer we’re (thankfully) heading in the opposite direction on the M4 (which is like a car park going the other way) as we breeze into Bristol unfashionably early, just in time to catch the first of tonight’s three band bill… which really is the antithesis of everything going on back home.

Seven Crowns from Bath who’ve been shoehorned onto the bill to give maximum value for mayhem get to give those of us in early doors an immediate bloody nose as their brand of punk/metal kind of reminds me of that time I once put an Eyehategod LP on at 45rpm by mistake (go on, try it). It’s fast., brutal and as heavy as a million burnt out suns. The fact that they have been together for 20 years and released multiple albums is quite staggering for yours truly as I really don’t think I’ve ever heard of them before, but in saying that when their singer Jonny Bainbridge admits they can’t be arsed to promote their new single, or in fact name it when they play it live, then perhaps I shouldn’t be that surprised after all. The locals must be aware of them though as they are all crammed around the doorway of The Exchange’s live room, making it almost impossible to get out for a pint or indeed a piss, all seeming positively terrified of the four piece, and there is an element of S.S.S meets Poison Idea like danger to their performance, but me I’m happy to be front and centre savouring every moment of discovering yet another great punk band.

I discovered The Hip Priests, Nottingham’s nefarious purveyors of black denim blitz-rock a long, long time ago. In fact, I’ve probably seen them live more times than any other band, but tonight is the first time I’ve seen them post the release of their fifth studio album ‘Roden House Blues’. Thankfully those who had been cowering in the corner of the venue for Seven Crowns pack the dancefloor for opener ‘Stand For Nothing’, the Jugend pleasing “woah oh woah-ing” chorus hitting the garage punk bullseye straight from the get go.

Whizzing through a set containing some of the band’s best singles (‘Jesus Died So We Could Ride’ and ‘Cheers To Me’ take a bow) along with a tasty smorgasbord of tunes from the aforementioned new album (‘The Best Revenge’, ‘Can’t Abide With Me’ and ‘Shakin Ain’t Fakin’ all getting the faithful dancing) it’s impossible to fault the boundless energy and commitment of the five guys up on the Exchange stage.  Guitarists Austin Rocket and Gentle Ben trade licks like Kramer and Smith on speed at opposite sides of the venue whilst in-between them giant of the bass rumble Lee Love along with frontman Nathan Von Cruz tease and please those diehards draped over the monitors. The surprise performance award tonight though must go to drummer DP Bomber who is like an East Midlands Tommy Lee behind his kit, and as we all know great bands all start with a great drummer.

The Hip Priests most certainly have a tiger in their tank right now, but they save the best until last as they thrash through ‘Juiced Up And Loose’ and leave everyone hot, sweaty and wanting more. Now, talking of which, where was ‘Zero Fucks…..’ Only joking lads, I know it was a support slot and time was tight, although in saying that, tonight the world revolves around Zeke Time.

Zeke really are like no other band in the world right now, as tonight they play for around 40 minutes and in that time bludgeon their way through somewhere in the region of around 25 songs. It’s not fast, its fucking hypersonic hardcore, and the fact that they do all it without a single set list on the stage is nothing short of a modern musical miracle.

Whilst trying to track said set list for the purpose of this review I just had to give up and simply enjoy the moment, as the band, as always, chaperoned by singer guitarist Blind Marky Felchtone, thundered through the likes of ‘Holley 750’ ‘Two Lane Blacktop’ and their as always awesome cover of ‘Shout It Out Loud’ like they were on dreaded a club curfew (they weren’t by the way) and my fellow gig-goers hurtled past me with expressions on their faces like they were trying to escape a zombie apocalypse, by way of some sort of twisted appreciation.

BMF is certainly a man of few words between songs (its normally just a series of noises and grunts, that to my ears have always sounded positively West Country-like) but when he tells everyone that drummer (and band co-founder) Donny Paycheck is playing everything a little fast tonight, the affirmative roar he receives in response should be proof positive that what Zeke do they do very, very well indeed.

Special mention must also go to bassist Jason Freeman and guitarist Jeff Hiatt, who put in a towering shift on the opening night of this extensive European tour, and I can just feel it in my bones that the upcoming album that this line up has just recorded is going to be an absolute headfuck.

With The Exchange situated deep within Bristol City Council’s recently introduced Clean Air Zone I can’t help think the enforcement agency employed to collect the tariff for noxious vehicles travelling within it perhaps missed a trick with Zeke in town tonight, because this eight legged punk rock juggernaut is easily the most toxic thing on the road anywhere in the world right now, and we wouldn’t want it any other way.

Author: Johnny ‘ZFG’ Hayward 

Short, fast, loud, ZEKE!  Seattle punk legends Zeke recently returned with a new single “Ride Hard Ride Free” featuring ZEKE’s signature mix of turbo-charged thrash-punk and Motörhead possessed rock n’ roll and provides the first taste of ZEKE’s new album, which will be released later this year via Hound Gawd! Records. In 2022, ZEKE was unexpectedly reborn with founding members Blind Marky Felchtone (vox/guitar) and Donny Paycheck (drums) returning to the drum kit. They went into the studio with Jason Freeman (bass) and Jeff Hiatt (guitar), they were with ZEKE before and got back in, to record a new album. The first single “Ride Hard Ride Free” is everything you’ve come to expect – or want to hear from ZEKE. A full-on thrasher celebrating speed in more ways than one, “Ride Hard Ride Free” has a very sharp style, with the band takes cues from old Motörhead riffs, then fusing it with hardcore punk roughage. A modern ZEKE classic. They tie in here stylistically with “Death Alley”. Produced by Jeff McNulty (Screamers, Blöödhag, Hell Bent For Letters) at Soundhouse in Seattle, WA, and mastered by Joe Bozzi at Bernie Grundmann in Los Angeles. The tracks are not available on Spotify, Apple Music and other digital platforms. ZEKE recently completed a successful West Coast tour.

The band return to Europe for the following dates with The Hip Priests supporting at all UK dates.

Dates: 2023

Jun 20 – UK – Bristol Exchange (with The Hip Priests)

Jun 21 – UK – Huddersfield Parish (with The Hip Priests)

Jun 22 – UK – London New Cross Inn (with The Hip Priests)

Jun 23 – NL – Groningen Vera Groningen

Jun 24 – NL – Utrecht dB’s

Jun 25 – DE – Köln Sonic Ballroom Köln

Jun 27 – DE -Regensburg Kulturzentrum Alte Mälzerei

Jun 28 – DE – Stuttgart Goldmark’s

Jun 29 – DE – Neunkirchen Stummsche Reithalle

Jun 30 – NL – Eindhoven Effenaar

Jul 01 – NL – Deventer Burgerweeshuis

Jul 02 – NL – Emmen Pitfest

Jul 03 – DE – Düsseldorf Pitcher – Rock’n’Roll Headquarter Düsseldorf

Jul 04 – DE – Hamburg Knust Hamburg

Jul 05 – DE – Berlin RESET – Live Club Berlin Kreuzberg

Jul 06 – DE – Dortmund Hafenschänke subrosa

Jul 07 – DE – Kassel Goldgrube Kassel

Jul 08 – BE – Gierle SJOCK Festival

Jul 10 – DE – München Backstage

Jul 11 – IT – Bologna Freakout Club

Jul 12 – IT – Torino BLAH BLAH

Jul 14 – ES – Barcelona Sala Upload

Jul 15 – ES – Madrid Gruta 77

Current Line Up: Blind Marky Felchtone – Guitar and Vocals, Donny Paycheck – Drums, Jason Freeman – Bass, Jeff Hiatt – Guitar and Vocals.

Online: zekeyou.comfacebook.com/zekeband / instagram @zekeband

Jesse Malin – ‘Wendy (Tail Lights Fade)’ (One Little Indian Records) A re-recorded version of the original album song ‘Wendy’ and the first of three to be issued in the coming months that have not already been included on a bonus LP of new versions with the reissue. Reimagined and re-recorded with his longtime band, the material was produced by Derek Cruz and engineered by Geoff Sanoff, who worked on Malin’s recent ‘Sunset Kids’ and ‘Sad And Beautiful World albums. Whatever Malin does is fine by me the guy has never put a foot wrong from his D Gen days through Bellvue, The Finger and beyond, his solo records are a breath of fresh air and this reimagined version of a classic is another day for Malin but a lifetime of memories for us fans. Brilliant! Bring on those live uk tour dates.

Baby Schillaci – ‘So Bad’ (Lavender Sweep Records) Dark, brooding, restrained, punchy ‘So Bad’ is a monster of a tune lying in the darkened corners of your mind before kicking off as the throb gets more and more intense. A really impressive single and video to perfectly accompany it. Baby Schillaci are building momentum before they release their EP this summer. Get in on the ground floor as these boys climb and climb. Great stuff.

Jim Jones Allstars – ‘Gimme The Grease’ (Ako-Lite Records) It’s been a long time coming but having new music from Jim Jones is always a welcome blessed place to be. ‘Gimme the Grease’ is a horn honking, snare shuffling, hip shaking howling good time. when the horns honk in over that shuffle and phat bassline it’s musical manna from the Rock and Roll Gods. Single of the month? Fuckin right it is, Hallalulia Sweet baby Jesus. This is the sound of the summer coming and I can’t wait for the live shows that are about to hit us. Greased hair, Memphis hip shaking and Dirty Horns all topped off with the unmistakable bark of Jim Jones. These All-Stars have absolutely nailed it like you ever doubted them. Get on these live dates Here

The Shunkos – ‘EP’ (Lavender Sweep Records) Being the little hipsters that they are this cassette-only release of their first five tracks has been long overdue. Of course, it’s fast, loud, a little bit dirty and a lot of fun The Shunkos have been skating around the South Wales scene now for a while and grabbing plenty of admirers with their hectic live shows in some unique venues (how about an off license?) Sure these songs were written and recorded before they’d even played a single show so it’s fair to say they’ve evolved already and whilst the core of their repertoire is inspired from down under these boyos have shread some of that skin and developed their own punk rock noise and they’re reeling in more and more admirers with ever show.

The EP kicks off with the Chubby & The Gang style ‘Uni Mate’ it’s not big or clever but the Uni Mate is real and your introduction is short sharp and to the point. Now finish your beer and get on the dance floor. ‘Meal Deal’ is inspired by the Tesco special and rides in on a surf lick and rollicking chorus that will have you bopping along. there are five tunes involved on this tape and to be fair there are some belters on offer like ‘Bepop Dan’ who sounds like a right cu next Tuesday but his tribute from these Shunkos is fitting and punching. Picking a favourite tune is a tough one but ’83’ is a tasty number with plenty of bites. Get these boys on tour with the Chats or Cosmic Psychos, it would be messy but a whole heap of fun and ‘Beer & Gear’ would sound great alongside ‘Nice Day To Go To The Pub’ so much so they should be twinned (if that’s such a thing anymore) Port Talbot has never had it so good. Get one of these powder blue tapes sharpish if you want to be hip.

Killer Kin – ‘Mr Dynamite’ (Dead Beat Records) Killer cut from their debut album is just enough of a peek under the curtain of the awesome Killer Kin. Part Stooges (ok big part) some Alice Cooper and a generous heap of Dictators and a sprinkling of The Cavemen should see you in the right ballpark. Unhinged reckless Rock n Fuckin Roll! pounding rhythm with that fuzzed-up garage lead being fired around the speakers indiscriminately hitting anything and everything and if you’re asking if this single is an indication of how damn good the album is gonna sound, then I can confirm you better hold on to your pants, this one a motherfuckin ripper! Only a couple of weeks to go and you can own the record.

Steve Adamyk Band – ‘Do You Wanna Know’ (Drunk Dial Records) These songs were never meant to be on an official release. Rather, they are the spontaneous recordings of longtime bandmates after splitting a case of Costco Coronas. Recorded in the summer of 2021 in Mayo, Quebec. Power Poppers Steve Adamyk Band do a sterling job of hammering out top-notch power pop punk rock and these covers are part of their DNA and how they sound like they do. Fantastic cover, hang on, two fantastic covers. I’m not sure which I prefer but the whiney keys on the Sedatives ‘Slip Away’ might just grab it for me. either way a cool 45 and I’m glad it has seen the light of day. check them out. Also, I love Drunk Dials’ premise for their Single releases it’s such a cool thing to do from getting bands you love inebriated to releasing 45s of what comes as a result of the drinking and rockin’.

Nosebleed – ‘All I Know’ (TNS Records) Lifted from the bands album that was reviewed on these here pages to much applause ‘All I Know’ is a cool cut drifting from dreamy garage rock to a solo that lifts the hairs on the back of your neck. Nosebleed nail it.

Midtempo homage to surf rock is just about right and with an easy singalong even the most inebriated gig goer could manage to sing along to. Hit the link and check ’em out, Top stuff.

The Hip Priests – ‘Pissed On Power’ (The Sign Records) Short sharp and to the point our favourite UK reprobates of all things noisy Garage/punk/rock have a new album about to drop in the coming weeks and have been releasing videos to accompany some of the tunes from the album and ‘Pissed On Power’ is the latest. Ferocious and fucked up the band have stepped up the energy and this earworm will testify that. From the pounding rhythm to the flashing blades vying for your ears through the relentles solos. This one has everything you want from the East Midlands based misfits. Let there be Rock and some more loud guitars for good measure. Filmed at various venues and a van that smells like the inside of Colin Grigsons jockstrap stuck to Vim Fuegos leather strides – We Love it!

Jim Bob – ‘Thanks For Reaching Out’ (Cherry Red Records) known for being the frontman of Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine this first offering from his new album of the same name. It’s a ray of sunshine in dark times from the acoustic guitar and its beautiful big chords to the semi-deadpan vocal delivery it’s a smartly constructed slice of alternative post-punk. It is the sound of a bottle being uncorked and all the fizz goes everywhere spilling out pop, punk rock Buzzcocks style, and some smart kinks melody it really is a fantastic song and if the rest of his twelfth solo studio album is half as good as this then I can’t wait it’ll be a belter.

Stevie R. Pearce and the Hooligans – ‘Out Go The Lights’ (Self Release) Stevie and his merry band of new Hooligans are back swinging their hard n heavy sounds and this time they’re getting punchy. Inspired by a near altercation Stevie R Pearce is raring to go. Taking his new hooligans out on the road for some selective dates. ‘Out Go The Lights’ is hard, heavy and in your face. Pearce & his Hooligans are locked and loaded and pounding away along their heavy path with mega riffage and screaming solos its got the fuckin’ lot and my moneys on them winning this fight. Punchy fuckers.

OFF! – ‘Keep Your Mouth Shut’ (Fat Possum Records) As if Hardcore suergroup OFF! needed to fuck with our heads anymore than they already do they go and add extra headfuckery for RSD 2023. ‘Keep YOur Mouth Shut’ is the unmistakable yelp of Morris and co kicking ass and rockin out. If thats not enough the footage for the video is cut from the OFF! movie Here Off! havent put a single foot out of place since their first four and this is just more of that magical Hardcore, get on itkids its what RSD was made for.

Loose Sutures – ‘Highway Shooter’ (Electric Valley Records) Heavy on the ride and turn that fuckin fuzz up and when you think you have enough fuzz turn it up some more. Heavy psych fuzzed garage rock from Italy are back swinging with their heavy as-hell fuzzed-up rock n roll howling good tune to showcase their new long player. Features  Nick Oliveri and Alain Johannes so what finer endorsement of what’s coming do you need? Get on this record kids it’ll give you a thousand cool credits. Absolute Banger!

The Mistakes – Heathens (Time And Mater Records) Punk rock from the streets of Poole sees The Mistakes embrace the spirit of punk rock on ‘Heathens’, the second single to be taken from the forthcoming LP ‘A GOOD HILL TO DIE ON’, scheduled for release late summer (TBC) 2023 on Time & Matter Records.

‘Heathens’ is a punchy affair from The Mistakes, It’s fist-pumping Street punk singing about the very essence of what we write about and what they play and perform for. It’s either in yer blood or it isn’t. Don’t fake it, embrace it and get the job done properly with heart and soul. The Mistakes take no nonsense and deliver the goods of street punk at its finest. Hit them up on Facebook and tell them RPM Onlinne sent you.

‘Chasing Death’ from their forthcoming album ‘Roden House Blues’ – which will be released May 5th, 2023, via The Sign Records.

The song is, say the band “about self-destruction and self-sabotage. A story stuffed with vice and excess. A tale about one person’s journey, after buying a one-way ticket on the train wreck to end all train wrecks. The age-old colourful topics of sex, drugs and rock n roll. Is it autobiographical? Is it celebration or commiseration? Hero or Rock N Roll failure? Chasing death or embracing life? Crank it loud and make your own mind up.”

Since their inception in 2006, The Hip Priests have released a mighty thirty 7” singles, four albums, two compilations and three EPs by various independent labels from all over Europe & the USA. Fiercely independent and tirelessly driven, the ‘Priests have preached their high energy sermon of misanthropy, hate and contempt across numerous tours of the UK, Europe and USA and made countless rapturously received festival appearances.

picture credit is Ralph Barklam

Gaining a richly deserved reputation as a white-hot live band, the last few years have seen the band’s popularity increasing further with them regularly playing alongside kindred spirits such as The Hellacopters, Gluecifer, The Good the Bad and the Zugly, New Bomb Turks, Dwarves and Zeke at both festivals and in clubs. Rave reviews pour in for every release, ranging from ‘a band on top of their game & steps ahead of any of their UK contemporaries’ to ‘if you’re in any doubt about how good these bad boys are then you need locking up’. After 16 years some bands would be taking it easy but in spite of a global pandemic, there was no let-up in their determination and activity. Their fifth, and by far their best full-length album – ‘Roden House Blues’ – was written, rehearsed, and recorded during this period and will be released May 5th, 2023, via The Sign Records.

Today, The Hip Priests blast out a second offering ahead of the album’s release with new single ‘Chasing Death’, a song that is, say the band “about self-destruction and self-sabotage. A story stuffed with vice and excess. A tale about one person’s journey, after buying a one-way ticket on the train wreck to end all train wrecks. The age-old colourful topics of sex, drugs and rock n roll. Is it autobiographical? Is it celebration or commiseration? Hero or Rock N Roll failure? Chasing death or embracing life? Crank it loud and make your own mind up.”

The Hip Priests. Zero fucks n’ less success since 2006. The most prolific band you haven’t heard of. High energy sweaty sermons of misanthropy, disillusion (self) loathing and despair. Get ready to have your ears torn clean off.

FIND THE HIP PRIESTS ONLINE AT:

WEBSITE

FACEBOOK

BANDCAMP

TWITTER

INSTAGRAM

CATCH THE HIP PRIESTS LIVE AT THE FOLLOWING DATES:

February

Monday 27th Dragonfly Rock Cafe, Almeria

Tuesday 28th Sala Plant Baja, Granada

March

Wednesday 1st Fun House, Madrid

Thursday 2nd Salason, Cangas De Morazzo

Saturday 4th Hell Dorado, Vitoria

Sunday 5th El Sotana Rock Pub, Teruel

(With The Dangerfields)

Wednesday 22nd Bennigans, Derry

Thursday 23rd Áras Na Ngael, Galway

Friday 24th Fred Zeppelin’s, Cork

Saturday 25th Venue Tbc, Limerick

Sunday 26th Wild Duck, Dublin

Germany

(With Lucifer Star Machine)

April

Thursday 27th Sonic Ballroom, Cologne

Friday 28th Freakshow, Essen

Saturday 29th Zollkantine, Bremen

Sunday 30th Indra Musikclub, Hamburg

UK (With Bitch Queens)

May

Thursday 25th The Pipeline, Brighton

Friday 26th Hope And Anchor, London

Saturday 27th Nice And Sleazy, Morecambe

After reviewing the unique record ‘Punk & Roll‘ by City Saints They have released a live video to promote the track ‘Can’t Pin Me Down’ recorded live in Berlin. Check it out as well as the review (if you missed it)

Without a single record released in 2022 Shit Islands’ favourite sons The Hip Priests are about to make up for lost time with a new album released on The Sign Records and the first tune made public is ‘Shakin’ Ain’t Fakin” Taken from the forthcoming album ‘Roden House Blues’ which will be released in Spring 2023.

Finally, Golem Dance Cult release a new video ‘Dalek Rhetoric’ from the album “Legend of the Bleeding Heart” which will see the light of day in 2023. You can support the band and buy the song in digital format on Bandcamp

oh, what a night. This one had been on the to-do list for quite some time some months. Fingers and toes were crossed that this would actually happen as the country opened up.

Tonight Le Pub was bouncing with anticipation for what was promising to be an explosion of energy and rock and roll that had been pent up for oh so long. Deathtraps are south Wales finest exponents of noisy Rock and fucking Roll, Nottinghams finest The Motherfucking Hip Priests and Supersuckers the self professed Greatest Rock and Roll band in the world. This motherfucker is trippin’ on what’s to come.

Deathtraps were first up and we saw Fraser sporting a rather fetching piece of headgear to rival Eddie’s cowboy hat and the band was on a mission to cram in as much music as possible in their tight thirty-minute set. The band went for it from the off delivering a thuggish set with some new tunes that showed they weren’t sitting idle during the past few years’ hibernation and got to write some more decent songs. ‘She Said’ was particularly striking and the set was wound up with a tribute to the departed Hank Von Hell with a frantic cover of ‘Denim Demon’ which went down very well to finish off a most pleasing set.

The Hip Priests have been on the whole tour around plague island with Supersuckers and hit that sweet spot where everything sounded tight and they were in their groove right from the off. Opening with ‘Black Denim Blitz’ ‘Survival OF The Shittest’ a fitting tune that signaled the avalanche of venom from the twin guitar attack of Austin and Ben as they bookend the sonic explosions that is Von Cruz, a man who can’t stand still for a split second whilst Brother Lee Love holds the bottom end that holds these tunes together along with Des the rhythmic pair sound like a carpet bombing of hard rockin punk attitude.

Supporting in a venue they often headline at saw the slimmed-down set bolstered with the sound of no less than four new songs that sounded exciting and if they’re anything to go by the new album is gonna burn. They’re about to finish off what will be a career-high and see this ten-legged groove machine burn a path to glory. By the time they hit ‘Zero Fucks Given’ they were on fire and exploding a stick of dynamite that Eddie and the boys have to try and follow.

Taking the Newport stage to the strains of EVH mr spaghetti is Looking well in his trademark cowboy hat and shades. Eddie Spaghetti was about to get down to business and shake the shit out of one of the best music venues around and show the good people present that Rock and fucking Roll was alive and kicking and in rude health. Taking in songs from all quarters of the band’s catalogue and shaking up the set from previous nights and therefore keeping it fresh my only complaint to the management would be this, With so many great songs of their own why three covers in a tight – compact set? Sure I love me some Michael Monroe and Thin Lizzys ‘Cowboy Song’ is a banger as is their tribute to ZZ Top but I think I’d have loved to hear a bunch of other classic Supersuckers tunes, just saying.

Whinge aside tonight the band was loud and proud and didn’t substitute any subtleties from the melodies with volume and Eddie was in great spirits with his banter. The Supersuckers love a cliche and why not? Rock and Roll is a celebration and not something everyone can do and do this well. They have songs with Rock and Roll in the title (and more besides) they love to let people know they are in the company of the Best band in the world and Metal Marty Chandler has the tone ringing through his les paul that would surely meet the approval of Jonesy whilst Christopher Von Streicher holds a tight ship in the engine room making it sound so effortless sure does make for a great band who sounded in fine form road worn and battle-ready. Tonight the Supersuckers have the Evil Powers of Rock and Roll well and truly harnessed and delivered the good.

It has been probably ten years since the last time I saw them live bar Eddie acoustic and whilst I regret not seeing the Evil Powers album in the full set this was a pretty damn perfect cross-section. Whilst there can and will be debating what is the perfect set there can be no debatin that when Supersuckers are on it they burn a hellbound trail and I’m always on board with that. Until next time hombres it was indeed a pleasure and not a second of a chore – three bands for less than £20 is an absolute bargain especially when they’ve been this damn good.

Author: Dom Daley

‘Silent’ Mike McKinnon has been anything but “quiet” since the singer/guitarist parted ways with Notts garage punks The Hip Priests a few years back. Initially putting together a well-received set of acoustic tunes as a self-released/self-titled debut back in 2019, before joining hard rockers Wraith as their lead singer and then subsequently re-joining NOOSE, the band he initially left to join the Priests for. Phew! In between all of this Mike somehow also found time to continue releasing solo songs and covers EPs throughout lockdown, oh and let’s not forget a live acoustic album too.

But, as that wise old punk rock sage Jimmy Cricket (eh?) once used to say…”there’s more”.

Yes siree, as coming out via Bandcamp on 21st November 2021, Mike is about to reveal the follow up to his self-titled acoustic record, in the shape of ‘All Sides Disaster’ PLUS an all-new hardcore punk album, going by the name of ‘Silent Like A Bomb’.

Building on the rock-solid foundations of Mikes’s self-titled debut acoustic record and containing a dozen all new tracks, the immediate thing that hits me about this follow up is just how much McKinnon has grown into the role of vocalist with (the curiously titled) ‘There’s One I In Win’ in particular being a superb example of a musician totally at ease with his weapon of choice. Plus, with ‘Inner Revolution’ ‘Not Giving Up’ and ‘Gotta Change’ having already crept out via Bandcamp during lockdown it’s exciting to discover that the final versions that make ‘All Sides Disaster’ are all much more developed those earlier pseudo demo versions.

There’s nowhere to hide when its just you and a guitar fronting up to an audience so the songs you play certainly have to be good to carry things off and keep people’s attention and on ‘All Sides Disaster’ Mike has written a diverse array of tunes that range from the Americana tinged ‘Run For It Marty’ to the now electro pop influenced ‘Not Giving Up’, and via  the RATM style rap breakdown during the excellent ‘Broken From The Inside’ he has more than enough musical curveballs to keep the biggest gig loudmouth quiet..

Then again Mike could always just strap on his electric guitar and play the ten songs that make up his ‘Silent Like A Bomb’ record, as this is one hell of a joyous punk rock racket that would be impossible for anyone to talk though. Simply because you’d be too fucking busy in the pit to do any chinwagging.

Recorded with the help of a couple of da Priests (Des on drums and Ben on guest lead for the deathpunk beast ‘Fuelling The Tanks’) with Bitch Queen’s Harry Darling providing the final mix ‘Silent Like a Bomb’ is a record that immediately “goes off”, from the opening riff of the 52 second awesomeness of ‘Misdirection’ it doesn’t let you go until the album’s title track and closer has left you totally drained. This is the record that the young Mike that’s grinning out at you from the cover of his ‘All Sides Disaster’ would have been kickflipping all around his local skate park to back in the day, but before you think it’s just a homage to ‘80s hardcore/crossover take a listen to the likes of ‘We May Never Know’ with its fantastic pop/punk vocal undertones or the almost Priests-like ‘Set Up To Fail’ both of which lend ‘Silent Like a Bomb’ a very modern edge indeed.

It would be great to see Mike doing these ‘Silent Like A Bomb’ songs live with a full band, simply because they are some of the most exhilarating UK hardcore tunes I’ve heard in quite some time and they really do deserve to be heard all around the world. The mission to do just that kicking off at Mike’s album release/birthday party on November 21st at Foremans Bar in Nottingham, and if you cannot make that night then both albums are available to pre-order right now via the links below.

Buy Here

Author: Johnny Hayward

Holy shit! It’s been way too long since I stood in a room with these reprobates knocking out loud filthy anthems for the more discernable music lovers amongst us. But Saturday the 3rd of October with enough people doing the right thing this event was going to happen and boy did it.

Bournemouth’s The Electric Shakes opened proceedings with a most enjoyable set of rapid bad boy boogie and tinged with enough Garage rock n Roll to shake off any long overdue cobwebs it was a pleasure to hear a trio knock out tight tunes with songs like the excellent ‘Hound Dog’ riff-a-rama grinding away at your eardrum these gentlemen are well worth checking out and are a fantastic opener on tonight’s triple bill.

 

Next up were the local boy’s Deathtraps who had a whole bunch of new tunes to air from their Argos book of tunage. To be fair the new ones were instant toe-tappers and slotted in very nicely alongside the more well-worn numbers from their previous recordings and on the strength of tonight’s performance, I think fans old and new will be in for a treat when the new record gets released. The band sounds tight and the dual vocal attack works really well to add texture to their sound.

 

 

All you can ask for is that your favourite bands make every album better than the previous one before they inevitably break up or come to a messy end. Deathtraps have tunes kids and are carving out a style of their own by fusing the best parts of the ones that influence who and what they are. Rumours of an encore of ‘Tears Are Falling’ Newport style were sadly unfounded but they did leave the stage to beaming smiles and very warm applause from the discernable audience.  they did kick off proceedings with an excellent new song ‘Red Eye’ and peppered their set with new songs ‘Rip Em Off’ and the set closer ending on a real high ‘Never Had It So Good’ and to be fair it summed up the moment as lockdowns (fingers crossed are a thing of the past) and people get more comfortable with getting out and about with friends and fellow gig goers and its a pleasure seeing beaming smiles all over the venue as the bands entertain and blow off any cobwebs that might have gathered.  Deathtraps left us wanting more – great set (and more of that cowbell, please).

Onto the main course and Nottinghams finest The Hip Priests who have managed to not lose anyone through lockdowns and had enough pent up aggression to fuel five bands let alone one.  Never mind fuel crisis either because they could have got across country on the fumes of hatred for where we currently sit with Brexit and a continuation of tory lies and bullshit being the catalyst for some of the bands best most recent songs.

 

As always von Cruz was moving between guitar swings like he’s some fluid airbender punching and kicking his way through some classic Priests songs that seemed to get louder and louder as the set developed and the bookend duel guitar maestros of Ben and Austin compressed the energy and absolutely slaughtered Le Pub.  There were no signs of rust or the fact they’d not been doing this for so long it was as if they’ve been energised by the layoff and kicked the living shit out of the set as Priests classics from opening with the appropriate ‘Survival Of The Shittest’ then ripping headfirst into the latest albums title track ‘Stand For Nothing’ it was obvious the kings of Garage punk were on fire.

 

New track ‘Tiger In My Tank’ sounded fantastic and wedged between the epic ‘Zero Fucks Given’ and their thirtieth single ‘No Stranger To Failure’ was simply sublime and the band were hitting the groove lots of us know they’re capable of.  At times it seems effortless but the evening was moving through the gears and tonight the Hip Priests were simple on fire.   There were a few classic Priests track omitted from the set and an excellent flow to proceedings, sure ‘Jesus Died’ was played as was ‘Mother Fucker Superior’ and ending the evening with a sonic flying kick to the temple with ‘Juiced Up’ was nice.  

 

Still the champions of shit Island and still the best noisiest band in the underground, I know it, they know it and you know it but how long can they be our secret.  Post pandemic wish list is for these bastards to break out and show everyone how it’s done.  Fast, Loud, filthy and most definitely rocking. Nobody does it quite like the Hip Priests – Maybe not so young but definitely loud and always snotty! I fuckin’ love the Hip Priests and it’s great to be back! Newport as always delivered, see you next time.

 

Author: Dom Daley (spasm Gang member #3)

 

15 years of misanthropy, noise, confusion, hate, and contempt. Join the celebrations/commiserations on Saturday 4th December at Fiddler’s Elbow – Camden with FLASH HOUSE, Seven Days and Doesn’t Die and Continental Lovers.

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Saturday, December 11th and you’re all invited (obvs) Bring the Xmas cheers and Liquid Light Brew Co Tap Room will bring the beers.

The purveyors of all things awesome and loud on plague island have only gone and made a smoking-hot video for their brand new single ‘No Stranger To Failure’.  The band has a huge back catalogue of releases with this being the 30th single of their illustrious career and as good a time as any to fall in love with their unwavering sounds.

 

From the looks of it, the band has spent lockdown working out and writing more top tunes –  Hit em up Here