Summer is almost here ladies and gentlemen, and this all new twelve track album from New York ska outfit The Slackers is going to provide the perfect soundtrack.
That’s right folks, because after the high intensity punk and post punk stuff I’ve been reviewing elsewhere on RPM this month, ‘Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya’ actually came as something of a welcome respite. Indeed, cranking this one out of the RPM boombox over the recent bank holiday was like a much-needed foot on the brakes of life, providing me with a chance to reflect on matters whilst also enjoying the first rays of 2022 sunshine on my face.
‘Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya’ has been seven years in the making for Vic Ruggiero and his bandmates, and for once that old adage about the best things come to those who wait has really never been more apt, because this record really is a right bobby dazzler.
The New York Times recently dubbed the Slackers part of ‘the sound of New York’, and just one listen of ‘Windowland’ later I’m suddenly whisked off to an upstate Manhattan bar one Friday night supping on a cold one totally absorbed in the band playing on the small stage in the window, with the rest of the assembled weekend crew going suitably bananas all around the place. Yup, The Slackers are bringing their A -game via their special brand of ska party to your living room, and all you have to do is pick up a copy of this record to gain entry.
At this point I do have to admit that Nev Brookes should really be reviewing this album, because after all he is RPM’s resident expert in everything with a skanking rhythm, but after hearing the album’s superb title track (which got a video release a few months back) I just had to hear the rest of ‘Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya’ and here within the context of the full album said title track still makes me think it’s a song custom bult for Elvis Costello to one day cover.
Elsewhere, the likes of ‘Hanging On’ and the riotous ‘Nobody’s Listening’ shine through via some truly inspired vocals from Ruggiero, whilst it’s the band’s impressive horn section (of Dave Hillyard and Glen Pine) that get to steal the show on the glorious ‘Way Of A Woman’ and on the subtle soul stylings of the sultry ‘Second Best’. Things get political for the powerful ‘Statehouse’, and dare I say that during the lament of ‘They Are Losing’ the long shadow of a certain Tom Waits looms large over proceedings.
‘Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya’ is very much a dance album though and when you follow the aforementioned ‘They Are Losing’ with the almost 2Tone-esque ‘Shameboy’ you’d have to be one tough cookie (or perhaps an idiot) not to find yourself immediately caught up in the dance craze The Slackers generate.
Look, we’ve all had a couple of tough years, right? Well, it’s time to heal, and great music is the perfect medicine to help us do just that. So, treat yourself, go get a copy of ‘Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya’, smile, dance and as The Slackers themselves wisely say whilst ‘Time Won’t Set Us Free’ great music most certainly will.
The Slackers – ‘Windowland’ (Pirates Press Records) This incredible semi-transparent printed one-sided 12” is limited and absolutely going to fly off the shelves once people start seeing them in person! Grab one fast before it’s too late!! A horn honking slice of prime time Ska from the Slackers. ‘Windowland’ has got such a cool laid back vibe going on it’s almost horizontal. The B Side is more of the same with a super cool laid back vibe on ‘I Almost Lost You’ but by a hairs breadth, ‘Windowland’ has it.
The Dilrods – ‘One Nation Under Rod’ (Self Release) four track EP kicking off with the snotty ‘Smash You Up’ like a late-night stagger home from a jolly good night out is followed up with the swagger of ‘Raw Meat’ with its tip-top groove sounding like its been given a kickin’ but it’s still got a swagger and an attitude that it doesn’t much give two fucks. ‘Bondo’ is another bruiser like a street fighter it’s coming out swinging. Another top release from The Dilrods that leaves you wanting more as ‘Out To Sea’ is a right banger to sign off with like a vintage long lost Stooges romp its got quality running right through it and is well worth picking up even if this is only digital for now it’s a must-have quartet of tunes that clock in at under ten minutes. Get Here
Smashed Gladys – ‘Bleed For Me’ (Golden Robot Records) Another of the previously unreleased demos for the third Smashed Gladys record that brings you what might have been. Sally Kato (RIP) delivers another sleazy rock n roll performance on an otherwise standard rocker from the East Coast rockers. that doesn’t sound much like a cowbell more like the side of a whisky tumbler. some nice guitar breaks you can tell it’s still a demo.
The Dirty Denims – ‘Even When I’m Wrong I’m Right’ (Self Release) Huge sounding slab of high energy rock and roll as the band release this live take via streaming services. With a filthy bass sound that can bulldoze buildings it’s a ripper of a tune. You can also catch the band on tour through November in Spain Tuesday, November 02, 2021 La Ley Seca Zaragoza Wednesday, November 03, 2021 Dabadaba Donosti Thursday, November 04, 2021 Mardi Gras A coruna Friday, November 05, 2021 Lestrato fest Ourense Saturday, November 06, 2021 Casino Sarria Sunday, November 07, 2021 Niagara Santander, November 12th: MTC – Cologne (DE) /w Black Sheriff + Stacy Crowne More info the FB-event, November 20th: Muziekcafé – Helmond (NL) /w X Raiders Get your tickets nowMore info in the FB-event
Bitch Queens – ‘Con Man Contraband’ (Lux Noise Records) Never made a bad record – Fact! Bitch Queens are back with a high octane thumper that builds and builds and breaks new ground as the band stretch their boundaries and like a punch to the temple it hits the spot as a taster for the new record thats coming. Absolute banger! how these cats aren’t fucking huge God only knows. Album (out 5.11.21) still up for preorder here: Shop: http://bitchqueens.bandcamp.com/merch
Ryan Hamilton – ‘Do The Damage’ (Wicked Cool Records) 1221 Album Project. 10 months & 10 songs into this crazy idea… and only 2 more to go. but what a song to sign off October with. A really punchy upbear rocker. Part Tom Robinson part Quo boogie-woogie but with a big fat smile punched all over the track. Get hold of this record as soon as it’s released it’s a right Bobbie dazzler as they say somewhere or other. With variety and some top songwriting and this might just be the track that’s the cherry on the icing on the cake get it on kids it’s anthemic and rockin’ with a big chorus with some Van Halen esque keys for good measure. Here
Steve Conte – ‘Flyin’ (Wicked Cool Records) The latest video lifting a track off the new Steve Conte solo record sees Steve knock out an acoustic driven trip back to the Faces heyday with what amounts to his best ever vocal performance that will give you goosebumps.
Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band – ‘Sherry Darling’ Lifted from a November issue of the No Nukes DVD this is prime time Springsteen and his band. Not often we review Springsteen but this is knockout stuff. NYC to Jersey in two new releases. East Coast is rocking it on RPM The No Nukes is coming out on CD LP and DVD. Pre-order the film and live album here: brucespringsteen.lnk.to/NoNukes
New York, NY – The Slackers, NYC’s premier ska, rocksteady, & soul band will keep their 17 year old holiday tradition alive in 2020 with a livestream broadcast of a holiday concert on December 19th (www.livefrom.events/slackersholiday).
The Slackers started doing holiday shows back in 2003 at the Knitting Factory back when it was still located in Tribeca. It grew into a multi night stand and then they started taking the show on the road to other towns. By 2019, it had grown into a 21 date tour with 3 night stands in Chicago and Austin. The Slackers’ last public concerts pre-Covid were as part of the 2019 holiday tour with a weekend in New York City at Webster Hall and Boston at the Middle East.
Suffice to say a lot has happened since then. Unable to play live in-person concerts in 2020, the Slackers have turned online with a series of live streams sponsored by their booking agency, The Sound Talent Group, and broadcasting through the streaming platform of Live from events.
The Slackers have also kept up a busy release schedule in 2020. They released two timely politically-themed singles with Pirates Press Records, “Nobody’s Listening/Sleep Outside” and “Blue.” They also released digitally, the anti-Trump anthem, “They Are Losing.”
This December, the Slackers are releasing a series of 45s that are tributes to the Slackers holiday tours of years past. They have almost sold out a presale of a pair of 45s that were recorded last year at Reggie’s Rock Club in Chicago and Flamingo Cantina in Austin. These limited edition 45s are lathe cut by Revolution Vintage. Part of the profits goes to the employee funds of the above venues. You can order the last few copies while they last on the Slackers eBay.
Supporting local venues is very important to the Slackers who usually play around 100 shows a year. In addition to the support from the 45s, part of the funds collected for the Livestream will go to support Reggie’s, the Flamingo Cantina, and the National Independent Venue Relief Fund (NIVA).
In addition, the Slackers are offering a chance to take a momento home from this holiday show. They are going to press up a lathe cut limited edition vinyl 45 of 2 songs from this holiday broadcast! You hear the show and the Slackers will literally send you a record of it. You can order these from the livefrom.events/Slackersholiday ticket page.
Often, the Slackers have DJs as openers for their holiday tours and this year will be no different. This year, the Slackers are going to announce their DJ support on December 8th.
“After all we have been through in 2020, it was important for us as a band to celebrate with a holiday show. We are celebrating survival and endurance and trying to bring some hope and joy through music to our fans, friends, and family. We have really been lucky to have such a great community of people around us in 2020 and we want to play for them .” – David Hillyard, manager and saxophonist of the Slackers.
“We are in the midst of some very tough times, and everyone could use some great music to soothe and to revitalize. We are proud to work in concert with Live From by creating a space where many international artists can play online and profit from their work. We’re happy that we can make a difference,” Sound Talent Group agent John Pantle.
The Slackers with DJ Support to be announced on December 8th.
Stiff Richards – ‘Got It To Go’ (Legless Records via Bandcamp) New music from Australias Stiff Richards is always going to get our attention. Got It To Go isn’t the wild unleashed wreckless drunken ride but a more measured confident groove. It was mentioned it had the same vibe as Bronx and that’s a decent shout both bands are top-notch and when they cut loose their brimming with urgency and when they kick back (as it were) they sound like this. One song is fantastic but we want more so when you’re ready chaps we’ll have that long-player, thanks. and the good news there is its coming out soonish from legless in Australia and its getting a European release from Drunken Sailor Records. In the meantime check out the single here
Spunk Volcano & The Eruptions – ‘Only Got Eyes For You’ (Avenue Recordz) You want anthems for singles? fuckin’ right you do. In these tough times how about bands release singles ahead of an album and make it a bloody good un or else. SV & The Eruptions have only gone and done that twice before now with this being the last un before the album hits us in December. This one might just be the biggest sounding of the lot with a confident mid-paced number and judging by the lyrics maybe SV has softened and penned a love song (of sorts) its certainly his best vocal delivery yet with a fantastic melody and one that burrows down into the ear and sets up camp and you find yourself singing hours later. The sign of a good single? I think so. It also features ‘Snap Backbone’ from the ‘Ramraid’ EP & ‘Together Forever As Ghosts’ from ‘Shit Generation’. SV & The Eruptions are prolific and they seem to be getting better and better at this songwriting lark – long may it continue. Oh and that artwork is creepy as fuck. Buy it Here check em out – Facebook / Website
Matty James Cassidy – ‘Old Souls’ (Pirate Heart Records) taken from the album of the same name Matty infuses his folk and rock and roll roots to create a great song mixing electric with acoustic but then takes it to the next level with some welcome and excellent saxophone. There’s a bit of the Clash in here and some. Matty has expanded the troubadour tag and turned in a really impressive song to showcase his new album Website
Gob Patrol – ‘Sin City’ (Riot Records) Of course its punk rock. With a name like Gob Patrol, it wasn’t ever not going to sound like The Exploited doing Rancid doing GBH. Nothing wrong with that either. ‘Sin City’ is easy on the ear and dumb and full of fun. These Vegas punks kick-off ‘Anarchy’ as if to solidify their punk rock credentials. It’s pretty decent if the UK82 scene was your thing. It not original but then why should it be they’re just kicking the can down the road and pogoing for fun with their mates. Good on ’em I say and get down to sin city and pogo pogo! Pre-order/pre-save Sin CityHERE
The Urethras ‘Patronized’ (Pirates Press Records) Pissed off teenagers from California writing punk rock songs in 2020 who’d have thought it? Raw, unapologetic, and raging against the machine. Throw in a global pandemic, raging fires in their backyards and you’ve got a ticking time bomb of angst and it sounds like it. Imagine a rough house Rancid, Some 82 punk and the usual suspects like Dead Kennedys or Germs and a heap of Straight edge bands who used to turn CBGB into a frothing mess The Urethras are kickings it. ‘Patronized’ is that sound. Good on you kids and I mean that in a non patronising way. As for the name stop giggling you nutters. Facebook
Kids Of Skids – ‘Trapped’ (Riot Records) Sydney-based hardcore punk band KIDS OF SKIDS recently released their debut single and subsequent video Army Storevia Riot Records. Now they are set to drop their second single Trapped on October 19th. Trapped is about being Trapped in Iso during fu**ing Corona. In your face rapid hardcore punk rock oz style. Brutal shit from down under that will pummel your brain – get on the VB and throw yourself about its like Chesty Malone & The Slice EM Ups have Australian blood brothers.
Antagonizers ATL – ‘Black Clouds’ (Pirates Press Records) Oi, Oi Now rounded out as a 6 piece, Antagonizers ATL has this single out as a glimpse of the future as these street punks get ready to release the long-player with a Celtic tinge it’s not as oirish as say a Dropkick Murphys but it’s cut from a similar cloth.
The song features some extra vocals from labelmate Matt Henson (NOi!SE)as if these street punks needed help on those gang vocals.
Antagonizers ATL’s brand of dirty rock n’ roll is on full display, and these Atlanta working class street punks have carved their teeth in the scene with a relentless work ethic and a commanding live show for the better part of a decade. Fill yer glass and get a jig on street punks are in the room.
Atomic Zeros – ‘Dirty Game’ (Ghost Highway Records) A cool sleazy slab of garage rock with a great hook on the chorus. A really well-written song with some fine crunchy guitars borrowing a lick or two from the likes of Gluecifer and knocking out a cover of The Lord’s classic ‘Russian Roulette’ on the B side is never going to end badly with us. Curiously the second cover of the same song in a month. Once again the do the track proud with a killer version. Super limited numbers available from the best label in Spain Here or from the band Here
The Slackers – ‘Blue’ (Pirates Press Records) Normally, in the months leading up to arguably the biggest election, you wouldn’t want to go about releasing a new record for your band… Unless of course, that song was a taste of the color and voice you want to lend to the dialogue.
NYC legends trumpet tooting mellow bit of Ska. Harking back to some classic first wave The Slackers turn in a chilled out ‘Blue’ before the storm of what might follow. It’s not heading to the top of the charts any day soon but who cares this is great especially the Dub version (like it needed a Dub Version) Facebook
The Imbeciles – ‘Yes I Am’ Scuzzy mysterious punk rockers release the first video from their EP that’s released later this month containing 6-tracks the EP ‘Dissolution Sessions’ will be out at the end of October. Until then this amusing video deals with the band’s lineup changes as well as showcasing their wonderful talent for penning garage rock and roll the song has a great hook and who doesn’t love a riff like that?
Again its another week and another bunch of brand new, hot off the press singles. A few debutants and some seasoned vets of these pages get covered. I’m always impressed by the quality of some bands and labels and the lengths they go to to make the little records and this bunch of singles we’ve gotten hold of is no exception. If there was a prize for record of the week, month, the year there was only ever going to be one winner and that honour goes to the new one from The Black Halos. So good it is and so passionate that we drafted in Rich Rags to put pen to paper and pour his thoughts over the page on the release. It’s fair to say he does justice and some to such an awesome song. Now I’ll step aside so you can check out this weeks 7″ singles…
The Black Halos – ‘Ain’t No Good Time To Say Goodbye’ (Yeah Right! Records) Vancouver, Canada’s punk heroes The Black Halos pen impassioned tribute single for inspiration, legend and friend, SNFU’s Mr. Chi Pig.
After the critically lauded 2019 single “Geisterbahn II” and the sold-out shows that followed, many people were hoping that the new line-up of the Halos would continue as a going concern. And for now, it is. At its rock ‘n’ roll heart are the original members, frontman Billy Hopeless and the guitar team of Rich Jones and Jay Millette, joined by pals John Kerns (Age Of Electric) and Danni Action (ACIIDZ) on bass and drums respectively.
When the world’s plans changed due to the pandemic, traditional ways of creating and working had to change along with it.
This single was recorded in isolation. And you couldn’t tell if ya tried. Its rich deep sound and empathetic interplay of guitars, the ragged and street-sure confidence of the rhythm section… well… it all gives a supportive encouraging shoulder for Billy’s aching anthemic send-off. Like the friends who embrace you while still donning their knuckledusters.
The boys surely have his back on this one.
The storied public life and works of Mr. Chi Pig (Earth Name: Ken Chinn) started with the formation of SNFU in Edmonton, Alberta in Canada in the ‘80s. I personally was from a couple of hours south, so let me impart to you the influence and huge amount of PMA that their explosive early existence created. The shockwave was thus… You (yes YOU!) too can come from a city trapped within the mind-numbing cotton wool of hundreds of kilometres of prairie boredom and tragedy and still stand up, be counted and heard. He and his band let ya know you could reach out and connect… you just had to be willing to work. Hard.
Many amazing songs came from the greatest titled albums (“Something Green And Leafy This Way Comes” anyone?). From the “get yer hands off the waitress, asshole!” hardcore skirmish of “She’s Not On The Menu” to the achingly beautiful “Painful Reminder”, they showed everyone you don’t need to be a one-trick kid. Just yourself. Your humour, your heart, your anger… they all can have a chance. Get on that road and let ‘em live.
So I think it’s fitting this song was written and recorded by The Black Halos. The bleeding sunsets they themselves chased lit fires and branded hearts and minds across North America and Europe. All along the miles of matchbook stages, hotel beds and floors… looking at the same neon lights blinking through the drapes that SNFU had.
There’s a family-like connection in that, and it shows.
Billy and Ken were close friends, seeing each other regularly in Vancouver over the years. Hopeless’s love and pain are evident in the song’s lyrics. “If you’re hearing these words, one of us ain’t alive”… writing after the fact a common knowledge or pact they both carried. That whoever remained would surely remember. “I never wanted to sing these words…” pouring out of his perfectly poised poison heart.
He does sing them, though.
The great singers are obituary writers in their own way. They take the thoughts and feelings we didn’t say or find hard to share, no matter how difficult to face, and make sense of them for us. Billy has taken his personal loss and made it into something universal that we can all carry with us to help us through our own experience.
All of this is guided by the perfect touch of Rich Jones’ late-night beer-light to guide us songwriting. This is one of the very best and most emotionally realised works of their long partnership.
Getting better after all this time. Still inspired and inspiring.
The excellent cover of SNFU’s “Rusty Rake” rounds this off nicely, taking their song and giving it a respectful and energised spin back home.
I’ll leave you with the words of Billy Hopeless himself…
“Just know this; whether you cry or smile when you think of him, it’s because he reached you. And you should never let go of that.”
All proceeds of the single will be going to the Chi Pig Mural Fund, for a tribute to be displayed in Edmonton, Canada.
Author: Rich Ragany
In true Halos style and a touch of class, they have pledged to donate all profits from the sale of vinyl and digital copies of the single to theChi Pig Mural fundand as such, the songs will not be available on any streaming services. You know what to do, you good people, you always do. Pick it upHere
Adam West – ‘Hi-Ball’ 7″ EP (Savage Magic Records) Savage Magic Records is turning 10! …and what better way to bookend the first ten years than to release an Adam West record! Their first release was the live Adam West EP ‘Merci, Bon Soir!’. Ten years and over 50 records later, They dish up this little gem.
These three tracks were originally intended to make up half of a split 10″ EP on Munster Records in Spain, but something happened (as things often do) and this entire recording session from 1998 was shelved and remained unreleased in any form until now. Celebrating ten years of doing the record label, Savage Magic wanted to do something special with one of their all-time favorite bands.so here it is kids – Adam West’s “Hi-Ball” EP! The opening track is a high octane rocket ride that’s running on pure adrenaline and is of the finest vintage and being left for a decade to ferment has done it no harm as it sounds like it was penned yesterday and fired onto the wax or bludgeoned by a hefty les paul. ‘Hi-Ball’ might be a blast but the bass line of utter filthy proportions on ‘For All I Care’ is a real rush and as the song rattles along its nasty and snarling like a rabid dog. Adam West and Savage Magic you spoil us with these tunes. If these two weren’t enough there is a third, ‘Something Wicked’ is a rolling riff of gargantuan proportions and it’s making my tweeters and woofers rattle like some old man’s dentures. If this isn’t a slice of supreme Rock and Roll of the action kind then I don’t know what is. Awesome!
Pre-order it now Here but be quick they’re limited in colour and quantity
Manne Olander Following – ‘The Misanthrope EP’ (Savage Magic Records) First solo effort from Deadheads frontman. Some classic garage rock anyone? Manne Olander comes outta the blocks like his backside is on fire and only gets more intense as the track unfolds. The EP only gets better as the second track ‘Dystopia’ has plenty of thump from the lower end as the bass absolutely rattles my speakers. Flip this bad boy over and there’s a stonking Rocker ‘Backstabber’. Uncompromising Loud Rock and Roll just the way it should be. Outlaws dancing with the devil and playing all the best tunes. Oh and Manne Plays everything himself! let that sink in as you spin his single!
Very limited number here – 100 on solid red wax, 100 on white wax, 100 on black wax. Buy It Here
Guerrilla Teens – ‘Mad Love’ (self Release) Well, fuck all for an age then all of a sudden you put ’em on lockdown and they want to monkey around making new music. Recorded remotely our new favourite noisemakers from the mean streets of Portland, Guerrilla Teens are back in the house and this time they’re bringing some ‘Mad Love’ and of course, it’s a fuckin’ banger, what did you expect?
Catchy, sharp and shorter than an orangutang not one more track but two. How about some snotty Steve Jones inspired punk rock and roll riffage entitled ‘Gateway’? what a tune this is. Possibly the best this fledgling band have offered thus far. I only hope some fair-minded label picks these up and when they don’t have to social distance they get into a studio and record an album full of these songs. It’ll be in my top ten for the year no question about that. Go pick em up without delay – Here
The Lurkers – ‘Fits You Like A Glove’ (Damaged Goods Records) Yeah you read that right it’s the fuckin’ Lurkers! Stride, Moore, Esso are back swinging with this catchy little ditty. With a great big dirty riff with plenty of Chugg all the way to that chorus with its understated melody. We might be a bit early here but we couldn’t wait in giving you the heads up. The B Side ‘ When You Are Borderline’ is a bruising encounter from the thuggish riff to the chorus it means business and is pretty damn good. The A-Side is taken from the new long-player ‘Sex Crazy’ oh didn’t I mention there’s a new long-player? Well, there is and if its got better songs than the b side which is exclusive to this single then I can’t wait to get an ear full. Catchy and a bit nasty – perfect! Limited to 500 copies on Yellow vinyl keep your eyes peeled Facebook
Young Francis Hi-Fi – ‘I Wanna Hold You Tight (Tonight)’ (Self Release) Young Brighton punks kicking up a bit of a storm on this up-tempo Banger. They claim to pen two-minute pop songs about love and getting high, well, it is what it is and these guys have the chops with a confident melodic slice of energy which we like a lot round these parts and I guess they walk the walk as well as talk the talk seeing as its less than two minutes long, about Love but we can’t corroborate if they were high when recording so two out of three ain’t bad. To add some context here this Berlin-born Brighton based punk hooked up with those Rotten Foxes which might be why we love it so much and probably why we can confirm that their mission statements must be true and he does indeed love to get high and if it wasn’t for The Black Halos this would be our pick of the pile no doubt about that. – now can we have an album full of songs like this, please? thank you kindly. Check it out Here Social media – Facebook / Instagram / Twitter
The Jailbirds – ‘Dull My Brain’ (Golden Robot Records) Some classic hard rockin riff-a-rama from Canadian Hard rockin trio. With big riffs, big hooks and big vocals The Jailbirds turn the clock back to cock rock o’clock. Man this band sound like they were born several decades too late and had this been the late ’80s they’d be contenders with the big boys. Warrant and Dokken or on a technical side Mr Big fans should be all over this.
The Slackers – ‘Nobody’s Listening / Sleep Outside’ (Pirates Press Records) The Slackers are a band that shouldn’t need any introduction. They fuse the best elements of Ska and reggae. Here they release two brand new songs that showcase what they’re all about and should put a big fat smile across your face. To be fair they’re poignant and send out a timely message when they are so desperately needed. Evoking a sense of nostalgia and sending a message to your feet to not stand still and whilst you’re taking in the lyrics (and Grinning from ear to ear) remember to dance like there’s no tomorrow oh, that sax break on ‘Nobody’s Listening’ is awesome. Check it out. Facebook
Borracho with Jake Starr – ‘Borracho with Jake Starr’ (Savage Magic Records) In the not too distant past well 2015 to be exact at the Strange Magic Showcase Night #1 in Pomona, Jake Starr took the stage with Borracho and knock out two amazing versions of Adam West classics. I’m reliable informed it sounded incredible, So much so that plans were made about getting these two songs recorded in the studio and releasing a 7-inch. Lo and behold, and almost five years later it is actually happening!
‘Sixth Son of a Seventh Son’ from Adam West’s 2002 single of the same name, and ‘Bulletproof’ from Adam West’s 2005 album ‘Power to the People’ are reconstructed Borracho-style! Again super limited amounts of this available with 100 on solid purple wax, 100 on solid green wax, 105 on traditional black wax. The A-side is loud and fair play to Borracho they are fucking loud even when the volume is on low its LOUD! Stoner Rock whatever you’d call it a good tune will always be a good tune and this is proof no matter how its reimagined it’s still a banger As for ‘Bulletproof’ it sounds like something Lemmy would have recorded around ’79 – heavy fuckers . Available Here
Nekrokraft – ‘Witches Funeral / Return of the Kvlt’ (The Sign Records) From Ska to classic Black Metal complete with church organ intro anyone who knows me knows I’m quite partial to a bit of Black Metal and the likes of Venom and Midnight will always have a space in my Black Heart and classic noisemakers like early Mayhem and Hellhammer too. so, Nerokraft (top name obviously) manage to cram in as many cliches as possible from the gruff scary vocals to the double bass thump and spooky scooby doo intro I only hope they wear Monks robes to the supermarket and corpse paint 24/7 and their favourite tipple is a vintage bottle of virgins blood. Anyway, the first track even ends with a clap of thunder so far plays to that whilst ‘Return’ has a thrashing metal riff that goes for broke and is easily the pick of the two on offer here. this Swedish five-piece have re-recorded these tunes and still thrash like satanic mofos so job done. Horns up motherfuckers Nekrocraft are in da house and it’s rather splendid and I’m delighted that they resisted going into Danni Filth territory with the vocals. Nice one gents Facebook
Throwing Stuff – ‘ACIYHAB’(TNS Records) With a take on the classic Black Flag artwork Throwing Stuff are here to raise some money for Black Lives Matter UK and Food Not Bombs Myanmar so we’re always going to get behind good causes through music. The band themselves will match the donations which is a fantastic gesture. The single was recorded across the locked down cities of Manchester, UK, and Yangon, Myanmar, where vocalist Ben now lives.ACIYHAB, which stands for “all coppers inside your head are bastards”, is about how police forces serve to both consciously and unconsciously control those considered a “threat” to the status quo. In your face punk rock is the order of the day and it should be supported. Buy HereFacebook / Twitter
Volcanova – ‘Super Duper Van’ (The Sign Records) With their stoner heavy fuzzed-out rock riffs Volcanova Its the third single taken from their debut album ‘Radical Waves’ its got a big harmonic chorus wrapped up in an even bigger riff that is true to its fuzzed-out roots and God damn it I hear a cowbell! Never will there be a point where I don’t smile upon hearing a song with a cowbell in it and this is no exception. These Icelandic Rockers are cool as a polar bear sitting on an ice cube and they know it. Wear those Kaftans with pride gents you deserve it.
As the world plays hokey kokey with COVID-19 we thought it was best to try and put a grin on the nation so first up today is this new track from The Slackers. ‘Sleep Outside’
If a dash of Ska isn’t your thang then strap yourself in because Thundermother is an altogether different beast. This four-piece Swedish Action Rock combo have the tunes and the swagger to Rock da house.
Finally something different again this time from Plague Vendor as they release ‘Night Sweats’ ahead of the album ‘By Night’. Southern California’s Plague Vendor release the sophomore Album that captures the feeling of ruin and regeneration, of charisma and catastrophe and of slashing at-the-night with nothing but pure electricity.
This documentary aims to tell the story of how the genre of ska evolved from its original form in Jamaica in the 60s, through two-tone in Europe in the 80s, into an entirely new sound in the 90s and became wildly popular all around the world for a brief moment in music history. You’ll hear the stories from the early years of some of the most well loved bands including No Doubt, Fishbone, The Toasters, Let’s Go Bowling, Operation Ivy, and Skankin’ Pickle, as well as how the rise to fame occurred for the radio success stories The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Reel Big Fish, and Save Ferris!
Film features interviews with members of No Doubt, Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, Goldfinger, the Pietasters, Fishbone, Save Ferris, Let’s Go Bowling, Dance Hall Crashers, the Specials, Mustard Plug, the Toasters, Skankin’ Pickle, Hepcat, the Slackers, Kemuri, Blink 182/the Aquabats, the Hippos, The Skatalites, Sublime and many more!
A “love letter” to third-wave ska, the film delves deep into how the genre of ska evolved from its original Jamaican form, through British “two-tone” in the 80s, into an entirely new global sensation in the 90’s, when it became wildly popular for an all too brief moment in music history; From the early years of bands like No Doubt, Fishbone, The Toasters, Let’s Go Bowling and Skankin’ Pickle, to the massive radio success of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Reel Big Fish, and Save Ferris.
‘Pick It Up’ is narrated by Rancid’s Tim Armstrong and features commentary from the likes of No Doubt, Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, Goldfinger, the Pietasters, Fishbone, Save Ferris, Let’s Go Bowling, Dance Hall Crashers, the Specials, Mustard Plug, the Toasters, Skankin’ Pickle, Hepcat, the Slackers, Kemuri, Blink 182/the Aquabats, the Hippos, The Skatalites, Sublime and many more!
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