City Kids & The Suicide Notes – ‘Rats !’ (Self Release)

City Kids & The Suicide Notes – ‘Rats !’ (Self Release)
I’ll let JJ introduce what you’re reading, ” In short, the reason we did this was, we were going to record a video for Rats from the album with the guys from the notes, but, well, covid! So I also had a hard drive fail and lost some of the original files, so, we decided to rerecord it, and, also round and a round, as Billy sang on the original demo (on Best Of You) before Kory Clarke sang the album version, so, we redid that
We have a few songs already for the next album, and some weren’t going to fit, so we added a couple here. And, struck on the idea to get The Suicide notes on all the songs. Always loved Smoke It Like A Cigarette by them, so, we did our version, but, Billy sang it, Alex took the lead, and, his better half Kate had a vocal that was meant to be on the original but they didn’t get it down, so, she is on here.
Covers wise, Billy, Alex and Dame are helping with my Anti-Fashion project, so, we pinched Bad Luck from that. Drunk Like Me, I love, we love, and, knew Billy would kill the vocals. Bathroom Wall was a last minute addition/suggestion from Alex, so, we threw that down as well. On these 3, we have the wonderful Bret Barnes adding some sax
The last track we started a while back, the Alice cooper cover, and, it turned out amazing!
We also have the very talented Frank Meyer (Streetwalkin Cheetahs) adding additional vocals, keys, etc all over too.”
Ok, that makes perfect sense.  But what the fuck does it sound like I hear you shout and where can I give them my money?
 Here goes, ‘Rats!’ opens up with the title track and on a thunderously sleazy hotrod of Glam Slammin’ rock and roll it is.  It’s got a heart as big as a beachball and it’s pumping ten to the dozen and a real whiplash rocket ride it is too. but don’t think for one minute that’s where it ends.  No sirs it goes on with the party anthems of ‘Round And (A) Round’ followed by the brawling ‘The Right Way’ which is barking and snapping at the heels of the previous song.
There’s a bit of respite as ‘Inside Of You’ might be slower and more melodic but it’s not losing any of the attitude that’s pouring outta this record.  You might be familiar with ‘Smoke It Like A Cigarette’ if you were paying attention to the acoustic Suicide Notes release. Sped up and rocked out it’s a top tune no question.  I guess it makes sense to follow that with their take of the Dogs classic ‘Drunk Like Me’.
If you ever had a passing admiration for Mike Ness you might want to check out their take on ‘Bad Luck’ and of course, they slaughter the Faster Pussycat classic that is ‘Bathroom Wall’ in a suitably sleazy demolition job and the Sax is a welcome addition on the song. But the take on ‘Department Of Youth’ is impressive and the bar is raised with a great job completed on a great tune.
Closing off proceedings is a super sleazy take on Love Hates Classic Rocker ‘Blackout In The Red Room’ who said sleazy Hard Rock was done?  you might want to check this out. It sounds like an arctic truckload of pinched harmonics and distorted scales.
Get the beers in boys and girls and wrap up all breakables, move the furniture back and turn the stereo up City Kids and The Suicide Notes are taking over the decks, and it’s a nonstop Rock and Fuckin Roll Partee, motherfuckers! and none of em give a single Rats! Get on it right now!

Introducing…The Suicide Notes – ‘Pleasures Of Despair’ Electric (Self Released)

Introducing…The Suicide Notes – ‘Pleasures Of Despair’ Electric (Self Released)
Hailing from Oxfordshire and Berkshire, the Suicide Notes ooze gutter-trash rock n’ roll. With low-slung buzzsaw guitars and raw nicotine-soaked vocals, they play rock ‘n’ roll with a swagger.  The illegitimate sons of punk and sleaze, conceived on a bed of red wine, cigarettes, and back-alley attitude, in their ranks they featuring ex-Black Bullets vocalist Billy Tee and signed up with a management company in 2019 like most things it sort of ground to a halt with the Covid-19 Virus but they did manage to sneak out the very popular Acoustic EP before everything was locked down. But they’d already banked the Electric EP and with the UK currently unlocking humans from the pandemic its time for The Suicide Notes to get back to business and let the world know what they have to offer.  
On the evidence of the response after their acoustic EP came out the future looks very bright for The Suicide Notes. that debut acoustic EP sold out its initial limited art digipak edition in under 36 hours through pre-sale orders alone, and demand was such that a second edition had to be produced hence why we’re here now as they follow up February Acoustic with its more fierce alter ego ‘Pleasures Of Despair (Electric)’ but before that let me introduce the Suicide Notes or rather let Billy Tee Introduce The Suicide Notes…
Who are The Suicide Notes? 
The Suicide Notes are Billy T on lead vocals and harmonica, Holmes on lead and rhythm guitar and vocals, Dame on the four-string and sometimes guitar and vocals and Gav is on drums, pizza, and garlic bread. We play tragic rock n roll in a raw carefree and drink idled haphazard style.
How did the band come together?
I ( Billy ) wanted to form a band that reflected my music roots, the red wine stained shuffle of bands like The Faces, The Stones, The Quireboys and The Dogs D’Amour mixed the raw edge of the Izzy Stradlin GnR and the romantic tragi undertones of people like Nikki Sudden, Neil Leyton, The  Decedents and The Suicide Twins. I new Alex played guitar and Alex had played with Dame for years so they were a tuned to each other’s way of playing already. Getting the restless dynamo that is Gavin Hobbs to drum was the perfect final piece in our dirty little ramshackle outfit.
Where are the band from? 
The boys hail from Witney in Oxfordshire and I’m the posh tart from Berkshire
Whats in the name?
Gore Vidal once said, “Write something, even if it’s just a suicide note”.

So we did, we wrote a bunch of Suicide notes disguised as songs. It’s the only way I tend to write. I’ve spent a long time-fighting depressions and mental health issues, all of the band do, mine was brought on by long term substance abuse. I’ve been clean two years but I’m still one step from falling off the wagon, I can bloody taste it still, but things are looking good I’m keeping my head down and concentrating on the music and my art anyway …

 Recordings so far?

We released our first single ‘Smoke It Like A Cigarette’ for our acoustic four-track EP, ‘Pleasures Of Despair’ (Acoustic Demo’s Vol One) then we released the full EP as our debut (like you mentioned already) We then went into the studio and recorded a full almost live electric set.

Post-Pandemic Plans?

We’ve written a bunch of new tracks while in lockdown, Alex and I throwing stuff at each other via the wondernet. The plan is to pretty much start from scratch again, literally, we’d only managed four gigs before the whole ‘shithouse went up in flames’ but we had a solid year of festival appearances booked, so hopefully we can get back on the horse in 2021, record an acoustic E.P vol 2 from the new songs and try and find our feet and hopefully we ( all the bands and promoters and venues ) all find some kind of normal again.

As the bells chime on the dark ‘Black Dog Howlin’ it sleazy alright. it’s right in that pocket of early LA Guns sleaze but without the American polish this is genuine Sleaze with attitude from the rolling dirty riff to the chorus where the gang joins Billy Tee for the call back its good stuff.  A well-timed guitar solo fits right in the pocket as the three minutes fly by which is exactly as it should be.  Not for a second does it outstay it’s welcome and like a donkey punch you know its happened.
No doubt there will always be comparisons with Billy’s vocals and a certain Bard from the Black Country so it would come as no surprise to hear The Suicide Notes taking on ‘On The Rocks’ by The Dogs D’Amours. To be fair there’s no point messing with classic Dogs tunes so whilst it’s pretty much kept intact they do add their own twist on it and to be fair it holds up very well. I like the tone of Alex’s guitar licks its got bite but it isn’t dumb and has a swagger that doesn’t come over like he’s forcing his tone.
Having praised the band for their short sharp attack I did balk a little when I saw ‘Ragdoll’ was in excess of six minutes but once we got past the intro tape I was able to sit back and let the rock and roll flow over me.  sure its got the obvious comparisons but I like the chorus and the breakdown works really well and I’m always a fan of using a saxophone in my sleazy Rock and Roll. great stuff!
To wrap it up the Electric treatment of ‘Smoke It Like A Cigarette’ is really good and works better than the acoustic which was excellent to be fair. So all in all a four-track EP that gets better as the songs unfold.  The band has energy and style and can and will carve out their own niche as people get to hear them and appreciate what real proper sleaze should and could sound like.  Oh, and we need more cowbell – obviously.
Pick it up pronto if you want to get in on the ground floor before these guys climb that greasy totem pole of Rock and Roll and you miss out on the collectible early stuff. Now put on yer silken scarf slide into them boots n skinny jeans and get yerself involved.
Buy the EP Here

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Author: Dom Daley

EP Club Round Up feat Motherfuckin’ Motherfucker, The Suicide Notes and more

EP Club Round Up feat Motherfuckin’ Motherfucker, The Suicide Notes and more

 

Well when one EP arrives you can bet your bottom dollar that another is close behind. the thing this month is when one os followed by another then another and another how could we ignore them?  We couldn’t and when they are as varied as this bunch we tell you were blessed to have such talent sent our way. But above all this bunch of EPs and splits were of such a high standard it would be a crime had we brushed over them or not given them all a fair hearing.  If another month dishes up a collection stronger than these then I’ll eat my favourite hat.

 

Motherfuckin’ Motherfuckers – ‘Dance Motherfucker’ EP (Lux Noise) What an exhilarating rush this is. Easily the best songs the band has penned so far. Sure its a breakneck blood rush but fuck me sideways it’s good.  Like the kick off a defribulated donkey with size 13 hoofs, the title track lasts the length of a blink of an eye.  It’s a beauty alright. So its sweary, Hard, Fast, Loose n loud but the tunes are absolute Boss.  ‘Cat In Hell’ also comes with a beautiful guitar solo that sounds like a fuckin’ Jedi lightsabre being wielded around the studio pure bliss.

‘It’s All Shit’ is a bruiser with a great slasher intro as it builds into the frenzy you want it to. Where are the scandi bands who used to do this so well?  A pair of nerdowells from middle England and a couple of reprobates from Switzerland are leading the charge and doing it so well.  Now when are the tour dates to do this shit live.  We don’t want it we demand it! oh and the cover is a banger too but we all kinda knew it would be.  Essential purchase? Of course it is.

Bandcamp

 

The Suicide Notes – ‘Pleasures Of Despair’ (Self Release) When Billy and Alex first had the idea of doing some fairly lo-fi recording of ‘a couple of acoustic numbers’, I bet they weren’t expecting it to seel out its initial 100 copies quite so quickly and before it even had the chance to be birthed properly.

So the idea was to record some tracks in Alex’s studio, maybe record a live version or a cover or something, somewhere, unique to the EP, and then package it up with some exclusive artwork from Billy and put it out there. The fact that they are now discussing artwork and packaging for a second, non-limited ‘general’ run over and above the limited first 100 will come as a relief to everyone who didn’t get in there. Let’s run through the damn thing then.  ‘Mama Sang The Blues’ sees the whiskey and cigarette vocals of Billy croon over the acoustic shanty of the first track.  It’s called Mama Sang The Blues what do you think it sounds like?  It’s late, we’re all drunk and the band has got the tunes nicked from the devil and if you howl loud enough they’ll sing em. ‘Ragdoll’ is a haunting acoustic rendition and with less of a party going on its a wonderful melancholy number. Sure there’s an elephant in the room but hell if it sounds like the Dogs D’Amour did back in the 90s then so what if it’s good then that’s all that matters its a big world out there and there’s more than enough room for a few singers with velvet tones wrapped in too many cigarettes.  Its a simple song but the delivery is spot on. Talking of cigarettes next up is ‘Smoke It Like A Cigarette’ this initially came out with an accompanying video if I remember correctly and dark and brooding its a wonderful slice of the darker side of the city and again the delivery is superb.

To wrap up this one you have the slide guitar and harmonica honking of ‘Take A Bullet’. Sounds to me like the electric versions and studio album can’t come quick enough.  the Suicide Notes are happening and I’d love to see them blow right up because the devil hasn’t got all the best tunes The Suicide Notes have nicked some of ’em the cheeky scamps. I expect big things this year and hope that this is just the very beginning.

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Craggy Collyde – ‘Wrapped Up In Ribbons’ (Self Release) After a cracking 7″ single last year this duo are back for more except this time they are armed with a 10″ record that contains a nicely varied six tracks. Totally self-financed and independent Craggy Collyde are killing it and as the opening track says “worth investing in” RPM says Hell yeah! Built around a nice 12 bar riff and cool backbeat ‘Dead Refrain’ is a great opener. We stay on it for ‘Roll Me’ as the good times keep playing. sure its a well-trodden path but when it’s done well who cares,  The backing vocals and melodies are great.

‘Don’t Put Me Down’ has a nice mellow intro before breaking out with a melody straight from Alternative American radio that gave us the likes of Buffalo Tom. ‘Better Than A Lie’ is a chilled out laid back vibe and Craggy tells a decent story like lying on your back on a deserted beach staring at the sky as the clouds roll by its another side to the band and another really strong song. ‘Wrapped Up In Ribbons’ is an acoustic ensemble with a rolling piano and shuffle snare beat and possibly my favourite on the EP for sure. An excellent song well written and well played out.  To wrap up this record there is the excellent ‘In The Shade Of The Wide Oak Tree’ with its sparse intro you keep waiting for it to break out but it doesn’t which helps keep you engaged.  All in all, another super-strong offering that covers all of Craggys loves from the Rockers to the acoustic laid back minstrel a most worthy addition to anyone’s collection.

Website / Bandcamp

Glitter Piss / The Damn Shebang – Split EP (Guru Disques) I jumped on this the minute it became available this week and boy what a glorious decision that was. The Damn Shebang kick off with the shimmering seedy Rock and Roll of ‘Molly’ gets things off to a top start.  Part Sleazy Gallon Drunk Part punk rock part Urban Voodoo Machine part Cramps is just where you want a band to sit. ‘Molly’ deserves to be played loud, no not loud,  LOUD! you fuckers. If that doesn’t stir your Rock and Roll pants then surely song title of the year ‘Goths On A Beach’ will. Love it Love It Love It! love the guitar tone, love the solo, love the vocals love the backbeat love the lyrics. ‘ave it! If you thought the first two were good then get up and lace up those creepers because ‘Richochet’ is a dance floor filler with attitude. Don’t put away your flick knife comb yet ‘Be Your Baby’ is a howling good time. and this is only the first four on this must-own Cassette EP split!

Glitter Piss.  Hell yeah, what a great name. ‘Nothing To Lose’ is the sound of a band being fired out of a canon with their asses on fire.  fuckin’ champion tune. If youre not convinced yet then shove ‘Suck My Soul’ up your backside. Garage rock with attitude and a whole bunch of Riff-a-rama to boot – awesome stuff. when they say ‘Party Town’ sit up and listen for fucks sake.  Shaking like Iggy shitting on a hot tin roof this is a blast. With a final blast of VFM the eighth track crammed onto this split is the groovy ‘Not Like You’.  If I don’t hear another split all year it doesn’t matter because it can’t and won’t be better than this bad boy.  Now if you haven’t already rushed over to the link to buy a copy then what’s the matter with you?  Do it before they’re all gone.  You need this bad boy RPM Online Fact of the day #1.

Bandcamp

 

Mansion Harlots – ‘Happier Alone’ / ‘Until We Work It Out Tomorrow’ & ‘KUNM Sessions’(Magic Cat Records) Whilst doing the rounds to promote the Mansion HArlots record back in 2018 Baz and Rachel ended up in Luxembourg City at a radio station and laid down A quite exquisite rendition of ‘Happier Alone’ and ‘Until We Work It Out’ as Baz lets loose as part of his radio sessions found here.  Also last year Baz ended up in New Mexico where he recorded six tracks that make up the KUNM Sessions anyway Baz lets the music do the talking with a heartfelt and thunderous take on songs from across his solo album and Mansion Harlots.

‘Live, Raw as it is’ Baz is a unique talent with a fantastic sense of melody and a keen ear for a great delivery raw and live without a safety net it’s engaging and at times quite beautiful. ‘Until We Work It Out’ is a beautiful number and laid bare here sounds majestic and proves that the art of balladeering is alive and kicking as Baz is in fine form. As for the KUNM Sessions again yet more proof of the exquisite talent that is Baz Francis Duarte. ‘Eyes Of A Fool’ is chilling whilst ‘Panda Eyes’ stripped back works really well. A great melody is a great melody be it electric or acoustic and Baz knows how to write both. Lay back chill out and get an ear full of Mansion Harlots and Baz Francis Duarte you won’t regret it and if you’re here reading this you deserve it. Quality counts in a world that moves so fast sometimes music can be overlooked and we wouldn’t want you to miss out.  Hit em up folks.

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The Suicide Notes – Smoke It Like A Cigarette

The Suicide Notes – Smoke It Like A Cigarette

Now we do love a new band of misfits playing rock and roll so when the Suicide Notes dropped this new video we had to share it with the good people who read RPM Online.  Not a ballad but an acoustic song we’re told.  Now kids remember its not big or clever to smoke a cigarette not anymore but Billy loves a capstan no filter or two.  check out the video and drop by on their facebook page to see what’s happening Here

OF course, fans of Hot Knives will be all over this and so they should.  With more to come, we’ll keep you posted.