Singles Club – January sick and tired you been hanging on me

Singles Club – January sick and tired you been hanging on me

Before January is finished we have another session of the Singles Club to round off the first knockings of 2021and as usual the quality is impressive.  Hit em up and share the love of the trusty old 45RPM…

 

Muck & The Mires – ‘I’m your Man’ (Dirty Water Records)  We’re starting this weeks singles club with this garage rock hip shakin bundle of energy from Muck & The Mires.  As you’ll hear from the guitars this is right on the money sounding like it was recorded live in the moment and with some great melody and BV’s its a right Banger!  Don’t doubt it that you need to hear these cats so head over to Bandcamp Here

 

45 Adapters – ‘Now Or Never’ (Pirates Press Records)  Emerging out of the clusterfuck for bands that was 2020, this long-anticipated EP really packs the punch everyone has been hoping for.

It Comes out swinging, and is hit after hit on a pretty cool 12” picture disc that looks like it was printed on glass. The title track, a rip-roaring addition to the Pirates’ sampler “For Family And Flag“ that we reviewed a few weeks ago.  It whet the whistle of fans across the globe… and the remaining tracks stacked up on this EP

Summarizing the sentiment felt by many, it really is “Now or Never“! Time to take a stand.

 

Guerrilla Teens – ‘End of the Leash’ (Self Release) Two downloadable tracks from the epic Guerrilla Teens Hell Yeah! I’ll take that sir.  Scott ‘Deluxe’ Drake leads another slice of hellish Rock and Roll from the garage with a bluesy guitar break that leads you down a dark alley where the band is waiting to pound you without mercy they won’t rest and who can blame them as the song tail off into the distance with howls and wah! leaving you satisfied once again with the tracks teased out of Bandcamp. But wait there’s more as ‘Running Away’ is a petulant slice of Rock and Roll that’s got some loose gang vocals snarling away on the chorus.  It’s snot captain but not as we know it.  I love Guerrilla Teens they’re one of the triumphs of Lockdown and Pandemic.  Now get this motherload of songs onto a slab of vinyl and we can put this past twelve months behind us.  Bop Showaddy indeed – Buy It! Here

 

Captain Future – ‘Holy Waters’ (Gypsy Hotel Records)  Alex McGowan is the man behind Captain Future and the new album ‘Ghostman’ and the first single taken from the album is ‘Holy Waters’ a bluesy slice of Dub or a dubby slice of Blues, either way, it’s a trip and a trip you should take. Love and hate collide and with the backdrop of what’s going on with certain leaders, it’s a slice of up-to-date right on-the-money music. It’ll creepy crawl into your head and shifting it is hard. Subtle and flavoursome the verses are dark whilst the chorus is raised and lets in the light.  clever stuff.

 

Automatics – ‘Irish Blessing’ (Blank Generation Records ) Taken from the recent Automatics, white vinyl, promotional 4 track ‘Octonary’ EP, and also on the album ‘A Grand Swandive Into The Void’.  You might think so what? However, if I were to say Steve Jones and Johnny Thunders contribute then I might just grab your attention and you might prick those ears back and give this some deserved attention. Also featuring SLF guitarist  Ian McCallum.

what you have on this EP is quality ’77 punk Rock and Roll. Considering the calibre of the players, of course, these songs have that wonderful crunch on the guitar and when recorded right it lifts a recording.   As you’ll hear ‘Irish Blessing’ has a Galic slant and some typical Irish folk leanings from the acoustic guitar to the lyrics.  A bit of everything on the EP means – for me, a good proper investigation into the bands back catalogue and great discovering a whole bunch of tunes that passed me by first time and when, as I say. they are as good as this its a joy to discover. Website

 

Brad Marino – ‘What Do You Know’ (RumBar Records) The Connection, New Trocaderos, Rydells, Jimmy Rydell, and upfront and center; Portsmouth New Hampshire’s Brad Marino has founded, co-founded, written, co-written, performed, and recorded in & on multiple garage rock, punk, and power-pop bands and releases over the last 10 years.  2021, Brad Marino returns with his sophomore Full-Length release, jam-packed with power poppin’ rock and roll extraordinaire… ‘Looking For Trouble’.  But to whet the appetite ‘What Do You Know’ is sent around the ether like a cannonball.  Sure it’s got melody and a solid rockin’ backbeat and a whole heap of hooks and of course a raw guitar making it a must-hear track. Forging the way forward in powerpop circles.  Don’t delay and be sure to hit Marino up and check this out you won’t regret it.  Bandcamp

 

UNDER THE INFLUENCE ‘Moon Flavoured Magnets’ (Riot Records) ‘Moon Flavoured Magnets’ is the follow up to recent singles ‘Body Parts’ and the acoustic version of fan favourite ‘Propaganda Leaks’. Whilst the title comes across as being psychedelic, this track is far from it. It is another storming hardcore flavoured punk track. A vicious and intense punk / Metal hybrid. Its the sound of the roof caving in on you but it’s ok because the band are kicking up a shitstorm and I like that.  Noisy Aussie bastards

“Welcome to Kins brain. It’s infused with mushrooms, madness and wisdom but we’ll let you decide… This is a mystical magical poem I wrote to Mother Nature. Touching on human greed, space, time, pollution and disrespect. Sadly, most humans are on a self-driven vendetta. Without a care for what really matters or anything that’s connected to the natural world. The only hope I see for mankind is to reconnect to the moon and oceanic currents by the only way I know, magic of course. That’s what this song is about…. Magic.’’
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Wildstreet – ‘Set It Off’ (Golden Robot Records)  new single ‘Set It Off’ is like stepping back in time onboard bill and teds cock – rock – o’clock time machine.  Not quite as dangerous as I was expecting and sounding more like a homage to Def Leps.

“Be yourself and stand up for what you believe. There will be set-backs, scars & bruises but you have to pick yourself up because you will make it to the top.”  oh ok righto guys but cmon. I have been transported back in time this covid lockdown has sent me down a wormhole where Warrant and Ratt are strutting up and down the Sunset Strip for sure this would be featured in Bill & Teds next movie for sure  all they have to do is wait…and wait…and wait

 

 

Midnite Snaxxx – ‘Contact Contamination’ (Slovenly Records) Rough blast of sugar-sweet punk rock with a video to test your brain its Midnite Snaxxx baby and their rapid adjit punk rock is addictive like hidden E numbers in kids confectionery its fast its fun and its addictive like a rapid Siouxie & the Banshees if I might be so bold. Songs outta Oakland never sounded so good did they?

Get it while it lasts Here

The Shang Hi Los – ‘Kick It Like A Bad Habit’ (Rum Bar Records) A new one on me but it came via Rum Bar so of course I was going to check them out. Coming on like a Jags meets Blondie with healthy dollops of Cars thrown in along with a whole heap of other power pop luminaries this is a great easy listen for a debut single.  There’s enough edge to remind me of Johnny Thunders last incarnation with the magnificent Oddballs – now I’m not comparing them quite yet but there are traces of the same DNA going on and that’s always going to drag me in.  Love the guitar break on ‘Funeral Home Mint’ These cats love Rock and Roll and pop from days gone by as ‘Stay’ would testify then follow it up with the luscious ‘Skipping Records’ with big chords and big harmonies. It wouldn’t be fair if there wasn’t a Smokie sounding acoustic big finale with those duel vocals working really well together.  In such trying times it’s nice to be nice and The Shang Hi Los sound like a really nice band and they’ve got tunes baby that’s for sure.

Check it out Here

 

Hookers & Blow – ‘Time Of The Season’ (Golden Robot Records) Hookers & Blow, the now legendary project formed by longtime Guns N’ Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed and Quiet Riot guitarist Alex Grossi, recently hit the studios last year to record a covers album that will be released this year via Golden Robot Records. This is the fifth single off the album, a cover of The Zombie’s ‘Time Of The Season’.  It follows the release of the singles Shakin’ (Eddie Money), Rocks Off (Rolling Stones) and Ziggy Stardust (David Bowie) and Trampled Underfoot (Led Zeppelin)  and a jolly good cover it is too.  Polished as fuck but has a load of energy, Decent.

Pre-order/save Time of the Season HERE

 

The Cavemen – ‘Am I A Monster’ (Pig Baby Records)  I’ll be honest if The Hip Priests aren’t releasing a record the singles club can be a bit quieter but those crazy fuckers from New Zealand releases anything it sure perks this place up and again these Garage Ghouls have released an absolute pair of snotty stonkers in the shape of ‘Am I A Monster’ and ‘Schizophrenia’.  The lead track is a stuttering head-shaking noisefest.  It’s uncompromising yet totally uplifting and I love it.  Imagine a time when these could have toured with The Parkinsons and The Hip Priests now that’s a tour I’d risk.

If the A-side was a rush then the B side is a Rock and Rolla for sure from start to finish and before the second line of the chorus I’m shouting along.  One simple instruction from here is  Buy It Here

 

Real People – ‘Life Without A Head’ (Slovenly Records) Rapid shots across the bow Real People aren’t fucking about available on tape (hip fuckers) or digital it’s shouty hardcore folks and tight as a gnats chuff.  Lead track is a sprint to the finish and blink and you might miss it slice of Hardcore and it’s good.  It’s pretty much the same MO for all the tracks with only one breaking the two-minute barrier but where it might be brief flashes of noise its quality and that counts. As they say on their promo blurb “seven solid minutes of no-frills and cheap thrills” just about hits the nail on the head and that’s what it should be,  I like the riffs and the final offering is sharp and the riff is nailed.  Check em out Here and thank us later

 

 

Cornered – ‘Failure EP’ (Blindsided Records)  Dutch Harcore band Cornered are a new one on me but on first play they have that NYHC sound off to a tee, and with that clicky bass they thump their way into the singles round-up. ‘Burn’ is the opener with the Metal edged Hardcore being delivered in fine fashion.  ‘Jungle Law’ reminds me of Downset and with a classic seg from Planet Of The Apes introducing the track what’s not to like?  It’s short sharp and to the point exactly what no-nonsense Hardcore is supposed to be.  ‘Realms Of Misery’ is a measured intro then off into a huge groove.  I’m sure live in a tight pit these would be perfect and go down a storm.

There’s a lot going on here and at times it’s claustrophobic but at the same time, it’s good to just lash out and Cornered does it very well this isn’t a ‘Failure’ at all it’s European Hardcore mixing it with the best of em and holding their own. Check em out Here or pick this EP up Here

 

Yur Mum – ‘Black Rainbow’ (Self Release) The band, consisting of Anelise Kunz (Vocals/Bass) & Fabio Couto (Drums), have decided to unleash the first track from their forthcoming album, ‘Tropical Fuzz’ considering its just the rhythm section they manage to make a hell of a din I’m sure you’ll agree? claiming to not play by the rules would be about right to be fair and the Black & White video makes perfect sense as the track is bleak and cold and wintery.  For fans of Therapy? and Placebo would be just about right on this evidence.  Interesting stuff indeed. check em out Here  /  Bandcamp – https://yurmum.bandcamp

The Last International – ‘Modern Man’ (SME, The Orchard Music)  Taken From New Live Record ‘Live At Arda. Vocalist Delia Paz, comments: “We live in a time where “Girl Power” has been reduced to a hashtag, used by countless celebrities and companies to sell products. The #metoo movement continues to welcome leaders that directly carry out heinous violence against women and children throughout the world, via drone strikes and crippling economic policies. These victims have been completely ignored by mainstream feminists. Anyone, including myself, who tries to expose this hypocrisy is immediately silenced and shamed. “Modern Man” is a song that gives a voice to the overlooked and disenfranchised women all over the world. I hope it encourages everyone, not just women, to think critically and speak up against all injustices and oppression. We will not be silenced!”

Album out now on general release: Digital: https://TheLastInternationale.lnk.to/…​ Physical: Worldwide excl.  https://thelastinternationaleukeurost…​ USA: https://thelastinternationale.bigcart…

The Last Internationale – Announce New Live Record ‘Live At Arda Recorders’

The Last Internationale – Announce New Live Record ‘Live At Arda Recorders’

The Last Internationale

Announce New Live Record ‘Live At Arda Recorders’

Re-Schedule UK Headline Tour Dates Announced October 2021 

The Last Internationale announce the release of their new live record ‘Live At Arda Recorders’ on 18thDecember 2020. Re-scheduled UK Headline Tour dates in October 2021. The process of recording the album was captured for a behind the scenes and live documentary. For this release The Last Internationale recorded with good friends from the French electro rock band Shaka Ponk: Ion Meunier, on drums, Mandris Da Cruz on Bass and Steve Desgarceaux on Keys.

Pre-Order HERE

Known for their live performances The Last Internationale’s new record ‘Live At Arda Recorders’ captures both the groups explosive and intense live style but also allowing the audience to feel the soulful blues roots that run deep through their sound.

Whilst the album explores a more intimate setting for the group it never shies away from the gritty, rough around the edges and heavy traits synonymous with their 2019 album ‘Soul On Fire’ which showed a song-writing evolution towards a more complex, full-bodied sound; that truly reflects the band’s musical and personal growth.

2019 was a standout year for The Last Internationale, they released their second studio album the critically acclaimed ‘Soul On Fire’, performed a host of sold out headline shows across Europe and in addition to this appeared as special guest to the legendary UK rockers The Cult and California rock outfit Rival Sons.

Today the group drop the first single and video from the up and coming record with the groove driven track ‘Try Me’The band comments: “For this record, what we wanted to do was bring the live stage energy into the studio. We want people to get the full experience of a TLI show and the team at Arda were instrumental in helping us perfectly blend our rock, blues, hip-hop, and folk influences into a perfect colourful bleeding spectrum of soft dynamics to a full sonic assault. When we mixed it, we’d take the song into the car and if the speakers weren’t kicking air into our legs or the doors rattling, we’d send it back for another revision. When we were told “it’s too much,” we’d always ask for more. The result is that NY boom-bap without the use of triggers or samples. It’s raw, it’s imperfect, it’s perfect, it’s… live. No overdubs (except the backing vocals because the backup singers failed to show up), no stacking guitars, no labouring over parts. We just plugged in and played. So turn it up, close your eyes, scream your lungs out, and pretend you’re at a live show until this damn pandemic is finally over. See you soon, in the flesh.” 

The Last Internationale – ‘Live At Arda Recorders’ Pre-Order HERE

Festival Shows – 2021

Tue 1stJune – Acoustic show Stourport (Festival Warm Up Intimate Show)
Fri 4thJune – Nova Rock, Austria
Sun 6thJune – Download Festival, UK
Wed 7thJuly – Mad Cool Festival, Spain

UK Headline Tour – 2021
Tue 1st June – Acoustic show Stourport (UK)
Sat 23rd Oct – Night People, Manchester (UK)
Sun 24th Oct – Exchange, Bristol (UK)
Mon 25th Oct – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds (UK)
Tue 26th Oct – Stereo, Glasgow (UK)
Wed 27th Oct – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham (UK)
Thu 28th Oct – 100 Club, London (UK)

Get Your Tickets – Here

For more information on The Last Internationale please visit: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Instagram

The Last Internationale Announce Headline European Tour

The Last Internationale Announce Headline European Tour

To coincide with the release of their critically acclaimed new studio album “Soul On Fire”, The Last Internationale are thrilled to launch a brand new video for the title track.

In addition, off the back of a very successful run of UK dates as special guests to The Cult and Rival Sons, the duo is excited to announce a full European and UK headline tour in February /March 2020. The band will hit the road and bring their explosive and intense live performances across the country.

The title track “Soul On Fire” further showcases The Last Internationale wide range of musical skills. The single is a lot more than an interesting take on a ballad: it’s a rock song with heavy blues influences, that changes continuously and yet it never loses itself thanks to the deep, warm and fiery voice of Delila Paz.

The band comments: “We wrote the Soul On Fire album after our escape from the major label system. It was a low point for us, where almost everyone we worked with (or called us “family”) had abandoned us. We had to make that dreaded decision of whether to quit or continue the long battle that seemed more impossible than ever. Although our physical and mental health was quickly deteriorating, we reminded ourselves that there are people in the world who are much worse off than us and that we are actually in a very fortunate position where we can continue to use our voices to uplift people and expose injustice. 

What appeared to be a tragedy instantly turned into a blessing and an opportunity to trust ourselves and once again embrace the DIY spirit that this band is about. The video for “Soul On Fire” was shot by us and a few friends and was edited and directed by us. The NYC running scenes are essentially documentary footage, as Delila was still very ill at the time. Running in NYC woke up our soul and fed our fighting spirit.”

The studio record follows their critically acclaimed debut album “We Will Reign” released in 2014, and it bears five years of human struggles within a thankless industry. Self-produced in the Estudios de Bandeira in Portugal, “Soul On Fire” features twelve powerfully intense rock driven -tracks and sees Joey Castillo (Queens of The Stone Age) on drums. “Soul On Fire” showcases the band’s song-writing evolution towards a more complex, full-bodied sound; it truly reflects the band’s musical and personal growth. The new record is a window on the band’s newly found awareness: on one hand the topics remain consistent, creating a harmonious transition between “We Will Reign” and “Soul On Fire”, on the other hand the soundscape has dramatically changed. Where previously the sound was round and clean, now it is gritty, rough around the edges and heavy. Musically, the album displays the development of their raw craftsmanship into an intense, intricate and truthful sonic dimension. With “Soul On Fire” the controversy, the fight and struggle are brought to life through the music as well as the lyrics.

Album executive producer Tom Morello (Rage Against The Machine, Audioslave, Prophets Of Rage)  says: “The Last Internationale are one of my favourites in the next wave of rebel rockers. They’re raw and real and mix East Village rock sensibilities with Battleship Potemkin firepower.”

 

UK/European Headline Tour – March 2020
Fri 21stFeb – Le Fuzz’Yon, La Roche Sur Yon (France)
Sat 22ndFeb – Le 106, Rouen (France)
Sun 23rdFeb – L’Antonnoir, Besançon (France)
Tue 25thFeb – 1999 Club, Paris (France)
Wed 26thFeb – La Laiterie, Strasbourg (France)
Wed 4thMar – Das Bett Club, Frankfurt AM Main (Germany)
Thu 5thMar – Clubcann, Stuttgart (Germany)
Fri 6thMar – E-Werk Club, Erlangen (Germany)
Sat 7thMar – Eventall Aiport Obertraubling, Regensburg (Germany)
Sun 8thMar – Spectrum Club, Augsburg (Germany)
Tue 10thMar – Futurum Music Bar, Prague (Czech Republic)
Thu 12thMar – Das Badehaus Club, Berlin (Germany)
Fri 13thMar – Grünspan, Hamburg (Germany)
Sat 14thMar – Kulturzentrum Faust, Hannover (Germany)
Sun 15thMar – Die Kantine Club, Köln (Germany)
Tue 17thMar – 100 Club, London (UK)
Wed 18thMar – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham (UK)
Thu 19thMar – Exchange, Bristol (UK)
Sat 21stMar – Night People, Manchester (UK)
Sun 22ndMar – Stereo, Glasgow (UK)

Tickets for UK dates: https://bit.ly/LastInternationaleUK
Tickets for German dates: www.piligrim.eu/the-last-internationale
Ticket for Czech date: https://goout.net/en/tickets/the-last-internationale/rbff/
Tickets for French dates: www.livenation.fr/artist/the-last-internationale-tickets

“Soul On Fire” is released today and can be purchased and listened to via links below:
UK/Europe physical: https://thelastinternationaleukeurostore.bigcartel.com
Worldwide physical: https://thelastinternationale.bigcartel.com
Stream: https://onerpm.lnk.to/SoFAlbum

The Last Internationale are Delila Paz (bass and lead vocals and Edgey Pires (guitar)

For more information on The Last Internationale please visit:
Website:http://www.tlinyc.com/
Twitter:https://twitter.com/TLImusic
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/thelastinternationale
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/thelastinternationale/

The Last Internationale Announce February / March 2020 Headline European Tour

The Last Internationale Announce February / March 2020 Headline European Tour

After a successful romp around the UK supporting the Cult The Last Internationale release a brand new video for ‘Soul On Fire’ taken from the recent album of the same name

 

Comments from Delila & Edgey: “We wrote the Soul On Fire album after our escape from the major label system. It was a low point for us, where almost everyone we worked with (or called us “family”) had abandoned us. We had to make that dreaded decision of whether to quit or continue the long battle that seemed more impossible than ever. Although our physical and mental health was quickly deteriorating, we reminded ourselves that there are people in the world who are much worse off than us and that we are actually in a very fortunate position where we can continue to use our voices to uplift people and expose injustice. What appeared to be a tragedy instantly turned into a blessing and an opportunity to trust ourselves and once again embrace the DIY spirit that this band is about. The video for “Soul On Fire” was shot by us and a few friends and was edited and directed by us. The NYC running scenes are essentially documentary footage, as Delila was still very ill at the time. Running in NYC woke up our soul and fed our fighting spirit.” Enjoy TLI x

 

UK/European Tour 
Support to Rival Sons – November 2019

Thu 21stNov – Aarhus, Train (Denmark)
Fri 22ndNov – Gothenburg, Kajskjul (Sweden)
Sat 23rdNov – Bergen, Forum Scene (Norway)
Mon 25thNov – Drammen, Union Scene (Norway)
Tue 26thNov – Uppsala, Katalin (Sweden)
Thu 28thNov – Helsinki, Circus (Finland)

UK/European Headline Tour – March 2020
Fri 21stFeb – Le Fuzz’Yon, La Roche Sur Yon (France)
Sat 22ndFeb – Le 106, Rouen (France)
Sun 23rdFeb – L’Antonnoir, Besançon (France)
Tue 25thFeb – 1999 Club, Paris (France)
Wed 26thFeb – La Laiterie, Strasbourg (France)
Wed 4thMar – Das Bett Club, Frankfurt AM Main (Germany)
Thu 5thMar – Clubcann, Stuttgart (Germany)
Fri 6thMar – E-Werk Club, Erlangen (Germany)
Sat 7thMar – Eventall Aiport Obertraubling, Regensburg (Germany)
Sun 8thMar – Spectrum Club, Augsburg (Germany)
Tue 10thMar – Futurum Music Bar, Prague (Czech Republic)
Thu 12thMar – Das Badehaus Club, Berlin (Germany)
Fri 13thMar – Grünspan, Hamburg (Germany)
Sat 14thMar – Kulturzentrum Faust, Hannover (Germany)
Sun 15thMar – Die Kantine Club, Köln (Germany)
Tue 17thMar – 100 Club, London (UK)
Wed 18thMar – Hare & Hounds, Birmingham (UK)
Thu 19thMar – Exchange, Bristol (UK)
Sat 21stMar – Night People, Manchester (UK)
Sun 22ndMar – Stereo, Glasgow (UK)

Tickets for UK dates: https://bit.ly/LastInternationaleUK
Tickets for German dates: www.piligrim.eu/the-last-internationale
Ticket for Czech date: https://goout.net/en/tickets/the-last-internationale/rbff/
Tickets for French dates: www.livenation.fr/artist/the-last-internationale-tickets
UK/Europe physical: https://thelastinternationaleukeurostore.bigcartel.com
Worldwide physical: https://thelastinternationale.bigcartel.com
Stream: https://onerpm.lnk.to/SoFAlbum

The Cult/The Last Internationale – Cardiff, University Great Hall – 18th October 2019

The Cult/The Last Internationale – Cardiff, University Great Hall – 18th October 2019

 

 

Hot on the heels of an expansive reissue set to commemorate the 30th anniversary of band’s multi-platinum selling ‘Sonic Temple’ album The Cult have long since sold out Cardiff University’s Great Hall, with this ten date run of shows across England, Wales and Scotland celebrating all things Sonic and Temple-like proving to be their most popular in many a year.

Myself having never been that big a fan of said opus (I much prefer the three albums that directly preceded it) I did initially dither a bit over whether to actually pick a ticket up for this one whilst in the weeks running up to the show itself I was half toying with the idea of passing it on to my RPM compadre Hotshot Hooper as he’d only recently discovered the delights of band’s largely superb back catalogue.

A few memory jogging spins of the aforementioned 5 CD ‘Sonic Temple’ box set though and suddenly I’m driving through stop/start Friday night traffic and seemingly endless sheets of rain (there’s a gag in there but I’m not doing it…yet) now actually half looking forward to seeing Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy back in the place they’d almost half flattened six years earlier on the opening night of their then UK tour celebrating the ‘Electric’ album.

Unfortunately due to my journey into Cardiff taking almost twice as long as usual I only get to catch the last two songs of tonight’s openers The Last Internationale with the band sounding a hell of lot feistier than the last time I saw them live just down the M4 at the Newport Centre (plying their wares for a much more sedate Robert Plant audience), and by the time I’ve finally taken up my prime viewing spot a few rows from the front of the stage singer/bassist Delila Paz is already in the crowd and loving every second of their chance to play Wales once again.  With new music to promote and upcoming dates across Europe with Rival Sons, what I did get to hear of The Last Internationale tonight sounded bluesy in a Buck & Evans kind of way yet still positively huge. So, if you’re off to one of these shows make sure you get in early doors and check them out. It’s not for me though.

After the longest intro tape known to humanity seamlessly segues into Grant Fitzpatrick’s gigantic bass rumble intro to ‘Sun King’ it feels like the audience in the Great Hall has suddenly trebled in size as the crowd slowly starts to wake up and dance along to the opening track of the night, but as Mr Astbury (who once again tonight looks and sounds back at his very best) states right from the off “it’s time to ease into things baby, let’s not rush it”.

‘Wild Flower’ quickly follows and unlike with the Love and Electric tours that have gone, it’s interesting to note that The Cult have chosen not to play ‘Sonic Temple’ in sequence or in fact as it would go on to prove in its totality, with the final trio of tracks from the album (‘Soldier Blue’, ‘Wake Up Time For Freedom’ and ‘Medicine Train’) all missing from the set list tonight.

Of the seven ‘Temple’ tracks aired during the first half of the set ‘Sweet Soul Sister’ complete with Damon Fox’s sublime Jon Lord-like keyboard intro and thunderous drumming from John Tempesta truly soars in all its stadium rock majesty whilst ‘Soul Asylum’ is still The Cult’s very own ‘Kashmir’, however aside from the new wave of classic rock brigade in attendance all trying to be teenagers once again, things (just like during the Love tour) don’t really shift through the gears until we hit the ‘Beyond Good & Evil’ pairing of ‘Rise’ and ‘American Gothic’ give us a glimpse of 21st century Cult at their very finest.

I never thought I’d be saying this after tonight’s drive, but the arrival of ‘Rain’ is welcomed with open arms (boom boom) as it finally gets all the old goths out of the shadows and going suitably bananas whilst ‘Phoenix’ complete with Stooges teaser intro courtesy of an on fire Billy Duffy sends the atmosphere off the scale. This leaves just enough time for ‘Spiritwalker’, Fire Woman’ and ‘Love Removal Machine’ all in quick succession and all those brand new £30 tour shirts in the crowd will certainly be in need of an immediate wash first thing in the morning.

Returning for an encore that sees ‘Horse Nation’ dedicated to the both long since departed and still very missed Nigel Preston and Swansea Circles club, its left to the ultimate goth anthem of ‘She Sells Sanctuary’ to close things out, and the delight on the faces of both Astbury and Duffy as the lights go up is there for everyone to see. Something that makes nights like these feel so much more special.

What lies ahead next for The Cult though I wonder? I doubt a Ceremony 30th anniversary tour is going to be high on many people’s must-see lists, so will 2020 see new music from the band, and a long overdue follow up to 2016’s Hidden City?

Whatever happens, It’ll always be CFFC.

Author: Johnny Hayward

Review of Sonic Temple 30 Here

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Deaf Havana announced as Camden Rocks Festival Sunday headliners plus another 26 acts added.

Deaf Havana announced as Camden Rocks Festival Sunday headliners plus another 26 acts added.

????Sinners and Revellers???? Bringing you Sundays headliners, Deaf Havana! Joining Camden Rocks for their first ever London festival headline! Also announced are rising stars Our Hollow, Our Home, Britpop veterans Hurricane#1, breakout indie trio GLASS PEAKS, The Lottery Winners, Red Rum Club, Sworn Amongst, Orchards, KOYO and more!

For more artists just announced and to explore festival playlists ➡️ www.camdenrocksfestival.com

They join already announced Frank Turner, Ash, The Wonder Stuff, RAT BOY, New Model Army,Wheatus, Carl Barât, Ginger Wildheart, The Professionals., Angelic Upstarts, MILK TEETH,Richie Ramone, Pretty Vicious, Raging Speedhorn,Random Hand, Discharge, Eliza and the Bear, The Virginmarys, Area 11, Sonic Boom Six, Chamberlain,The Last Internationale, [spunge], BANG BANG ROMEO, LOTUS EATER, Rews and hundreds more of the best in live music across indie, rock, punk and metal ????

Day and weekend tickets available from £40 (subject to booking fees) ➡️ www.camdenrocksfestival.com

Camden Rocks Tickets and more bands announced

Camden Rocks Tickets and more bands announced

Camden Rocks Festival 2019
1st & 2nd June
The next wave of artists for Camden Rocks Festival 2019 is here! The multi-talented punk and folk singer-songwriter Frank Turner is joined by hitmakers The Wonder Stuff, Random Hand, Discharge, Richie Ramone, The Professionals, Eliza And The Bear, Sonic Boom Six, Area 11, Spunge, Shvpes and ninety other phenomenal bands across indie, rock, punk and metal announced.

They join the first wave of acts that includes Ash, Ratboy, New Model Army, Wheatus, Carl Barat, Ginger Wildheart, Milkteeth, Pretty Vicious, Raging Speedhorn, Angelic Upstarts, The Virginmarys, The Last Internationale, Bang Bang Romeo, Rews and many more.

This year Camden Rocks Festival is a two day event for the first time! Bringing you 400 artists across twenty grassroot venues in Camden Town.

Get out your microscopes and open up a spreadsheet to map out your days.  If you were to ask us here obviously the star attractions of The Wonderstuff and Ash will have their fans but watching The Hip Priests, The Spangles or Rich Ragany & The Digressions is where the gold dust is.  We’ll be doing our bit on the run-up to the event when we know venues and band times and let you know where we’ll be heading.

Tickets

The Last Internationale – ‘Soul On Fire’ (Firebrand Records)

The Last Internationale – ‘Soul On Fire’ (Firebrand Records)

Life in a rock ‘n’ roll band ain’t too easy these days, just ask Edgey Pires and Delila Paz from NYC band The Last Internationale. They released their major label debut album ‘We Will Reign’ to critical acclaim back in 2014. With Rage Against The Machine drummer Brad Wilk hitting the skins and

guitarist Tom Morello as their friend and mentor, they toured the world with the likes of Robert Plant, appeared on US prime time TV and did the festival circuit in Europe and America, winning fans for their incendiary live shows.

Call it fate or call it bad luck, but for whatever reason, the hard work never paid off. Shafted by their label and having the record industry slam doors in their faces, momentum was lost. The duo decided to take matters into their own hands, regaining full artistic freedom to record and release their music on their own terms.

 

After lengthy delays, their sophomore album ‘Soul On Fire’ finally sees the light of day and via PledgeMusic, a vinyl copy landed on my doorstep just in time for Christmas.

As I drop the needle on the rather pretty, light blue marbled wax for the umpteenth time, the jammed intro plays out with rising feedback as Delila proceeds to croon over Edgey’s dirty blues fuelled riffs and drummer Joey Castillo’s powerhouse beats. The three musicians play off each other, seemingly live in the studio, before leading into first song proper ‘Hard Times’, a solid rocker in the vein of ‘Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Indian Blood’ from their debut album.

“I’ve been lost, I’ve been pushed, pulled and turned around” sings Delila. Written during a turbulent time in their career, ‘Soul On Fire’ is the sound of a band with a fire in their bellies, a band with something to say and a band who will not give up the fight.

‘ Mind Ain’t Free’ follows. A retro sounding groove with a modern rock ‘n’ roll twist, that mixes up Jefferson Airplane pop sensibilities with Royal Blood styled grooves…nice! ‘Try Me’ with its stabs of Hammond like keys, lo-fi guitars and a great melody gives a more commercial, yet still classic rock sounding vibe. The vocals draw you into the verse, ready to power out and sing along on the chorus.

Funked up blues workouts like the slide guitar-induced ‘Tempest Blues’ and dirty bass ridden ‘5th World’ are all well and good, but it’s when they mix it up a bit that things really get interesting.

‘Freak Revolution’ closes side one. It’s a dark and foreboding beast that skulks along like the bastard son of Sabbath and Soundgarden. A great chorus refrain that sees Delila preaching the revolution we all need, as Edgey pulls off killer solos behind her.

 

The title track gets side two up and running with understated acoustic guitars and keys that intertwine with beautiful vocal lines, as it builds to a glorious crescendo of a chorus. Name-checking Jimi, Janis, and Nina Simone, The Last Internationale proudly wear their influences on their sleeves.

‘Need Somebody’ proves to be one of the key tracks on the album. Dark, brooding and with an intensity that slowly builds, but in a different way to ‘Freak Revolution’.  With haunting vocals and with just one opening verse, it’s a song that relies on its rousing chorus refrain to see it through, and it’s powerful enough to do the job. It builds like classic Fleetwood Mac meeting Patti Smith on a dusty highway, then takes an unexpected dive into the depths on the soul for the chorus, Trent Reznor style. Cinematic and glorious.

The rocket fuelled ‘Hit Em With Your Blues’ is a signature rocker that aims for the jugular. This is the sound and feel of The Last Internationale in the live arena or the hot sweaty club, vying for your attention.

Side two closes with Delilah acapella, just handclaps accompany her. Live and in one take, like an ancient chain gang work song, a snippet of a stadium-sized tune in its rawest form. It has more power than a wall of Marshalls in Wembley Stadium and that is something special.

 

It has been said that an artist is at their best when they have to fight for it, when they are down on their luck with something to prove and nothing left to lose. The Last Internationale have delivered the album they wanted to make and more importantly, the album they needed to make.

It doesn’t have the instant, radio-friendly hooks of its predecessor. No, ‘Soul On Fire’ is a darker album that takes time to digest. But with repeated plays, the melodies dig under the skin, dig into the soul and stay there. In time it will be accepted as a modern classic rock record that stands tall against all the competition this year. Do yourself a favour, buy the album, catch them live if you can and join the revolution, you will not be disappointed.

 

(This album was reviewed from a vinyl copy that was played on an actual record player. No downloads, MP3s or streaming services were used in the creation of this piece.)

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Author: Ben Hughes