CJ Wildheart – ‘DEViL’ (self release)

CJ Wildheart – ‘DEViL’ (self release)

You could say ex-Wildhearts six-string shouter CJ is more prolific than main Wildhearts mouthpiece Ginger right now. Since stepping away from the band, CJ has kept himself busy and upped the ante with his own solo career. Recent tours with Michael Monroe and Ricky Warwick now lead to the release of his 8th solo album ‘DEViL’, an album that was apparently a true labour of love and could well be his musical swan song.

CJ is a true DIY artist in every sense of the word. On ‘DEViL’ he has recorded and played all the instruments himself, bar drums, which are more than ably handled by long-time compadre Jason Bowld, and mixing duties are once again by go-to-guy Dave Draper. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!

Lead single ‘One Of The Boys’ is a great starting point. Lyrically, it’s introspective and tackles the doubts and questions of an uncertain future. Musically, it aims for the stadiums with a chorus so uplifting that the ensuing goosebumps will contradict the lyrical message. It’s up there with his best work.

‘DEViL’ follows the blueprint of CJ’s solo career to date, in-yer-face powerful punk ‘n roll, dripping with memorable hooks and killer choruses, no slow songs and no acoustic guitars. Opener ‘Nein Nein Nein’ is a punchy assault to the senses, a wall of urgent beats and distorted guitars leads the way for gnarly vocals. The following, ‘The Art Of Being Free’, is a glorious and instant earworm with a euphoric refrain that is just what the doctor ordered. Mark my words, you’ll be singing along from the opening chorus, and it’s a song that demands the replay button.

But don’t hit that button just yet, as there is more great ear candy to devour. You could say some artists mellow with age, and some bellow with rage, CJ is firmly in the latter camp. He has perfected that vocal sneer over the years, and ‘SOB’ sees our man firing on all cylinders with a track that could be a Wildhearts B-side from 20 years ago (and we all know how good those are, right?). Elsewhere, the regimental rifforama of ‘No More’ bridges the gap between punk and metal nicely, leaving those pop melodies by the wayside, it’s the perfect conduit for a punk vocal delivery. Yet it is bookended by ‘Rotten’ and ‘Twenty Two’, a pair of ridiculously catchy tunes that walk a familiar, catchy and more commercial path. Album closer ‘Fade’ then sees our man in an introspective mood again as he soul-searches one last time.

As it becomes increasingly difficult for artists of all levels to tour and release music, you can forgive CJ for feeling it’s time to step away from the music business and move on to other things. And with the recent sad loss of former Wildhearts bassist Scott Sorry and Ginger’s recent health diagnosis, it feels like we are coming to the end of an era for fans of all things Wildhearts.

But don’t feel sad just yet, Wildhearts fans, as CJ has given us a winner with ‘Devil’, and if it is his musical swansong, then so be it, it’s a fine way to bow out in style.

Now, go pre-order the thing and maybe bag some Devilspit hot sauce for your bacon butty while you’re at it.

Buy Here

Author: Ben Hughes

W.A.S.P. Announce Ten European “1984 To Headless” 2026 Shows

W.A.S.P. Announce Ten European “1984 To Headless” 2026 Shows

W.A.S.P. Announce Ten European “1984 To Headless” 2026 Shows

W.A.S.P. announces ten European shows  as part of the “1984 To Headless” 2026 Tour paying tribute to their 1st Four Albums… Live! Selected Hits from W.A.S.P.’s 1st Four Albums promise to create a True Rock ‘N Roll Spectacle complete with a Live Stage Show bringing those Albums Alive for the 1st… and Only Time. The Band will take the “1984 To Headless” Tour to Europe and the World in 2027.

Tickets and VIP: www.WASPnation.com

W.A.S.P. cemented their place in the Rock History in those 1st Five Years with their iconic first album in 1984, followed the next year with “The Last Command”, “Inside the Electric Circus” in 1987 and capped with the their Greatest yet, “The Headless Children” in 1989.

“It’s hard to express the genuine excitement I’m feeling in describing the “1984 To Headless” U.S. Tour. Playing those songs from those 1st Four Albums in a combined package like this is something we’ve never attempted before. In addition to the songs, the entire Stage Show will look like the Album Covers from those Records will Come Alive… right right before your eyes!

Complete with all the History and Bombastic Live Presentations that’s made this Band one of the great Live Bands in the Theatrical Rock World. When elements of those Album Covers start to come alive, right on the stage before the people it’s gonna be something they’ll not soon forget!” — Blackie Lawless
 
W.A.S.P. will be again offering fans VIP tickets to all European shows that give fans a chance to meet Blackie Lawless, get a personal photo with Blackie, autographs, and take part in a very personal Q&A with Blackie. VIP tickets can be purchased at https://waspnation.myshopify.com

“W.A.S.P. – 1984 TO HEADLESS” 2026 TOUR

European Dates

06-24 – Basinfire Festival – Czechia

06-27 – Tons of Rock 2026 – Norway

07-24 – Kuopiorock 2026 – Finland

12-04 – Storm Out Festival – Germany

12-05 – Pott Out Festival – Germany

12-07 – Belgrade, Serbia – Hangar

12-08 – Bucharest, Romania – Arenele Romane

12-09 – Sofia, Bulgaria – Inter Expo Hall

12-11 – Rock Out Festival – Germany

12-12 – Knock Out Festival – Germany

U.S. and Canada Dates

09-10 – El Cajon, CA    The Magnolia

09-11 – Los Angeles, CA    The Wiltern

09-12 – Riverside, CA    Fox Performing Arts Center

09-13 – Phoenix, AZ    Celebrity Theater

09-14 – Santa Fe, NM    Buffalo Thunder Resort & Casino 

09-16 – Austin, TX    Emos

09-17 – Tulsa, OK    Tulsa Theater

09-18 – Dallas, TX    House Of Blues

09-19 – San Antonio, TX    Aztec Theater

09-20 – Houston, TX    House Of Blues

09-22 – Clearwater, FL    Ruth Eckard Hall

09-23 – Daytona, FL    Peabody Auditorium

09-24 – Jacksonville, FL    Florida Theater

09-25 – Raleigh, NC    The Ritz

09-26 – Jim Thorpe, PA    Penn’s Peak    

09-27 – Portland, ME    Aura 

09-29 – Boston, MA    House Of Blues

09-30 – Hampton, NH    Hampton Beach Casino

10-01 – Wallington, CT    Toyota Oakdale Theatre

10-02 – New York, NY    The Palladium

10-03 – Carteret, NJ    Carteret Performing Arts Center

10-05 – Montreal, QC    Mtelus

10-06 – Ottawa, ON    Hard Rock Casino

10-07 – Pickering, ON    Pickering Casino Resort

10-09 – Des Plaines, IL    Des Plaines Theater

10-10 – St Charles, IL    Arcada Theater    

10-11 – St Charles, IL    Arcada Theater

10-13 – Glenside, PA    Keswick Theatre

10-14 – Harrisburg, PA    Capitol City Music Hall

10-15 – Cleveland, OH    Agoura Theater    

10-16 – Milwaukee, WI    Pabst Theater

10-17 – Green Bay, WI    EPIC Event Center

10-19 – Winnipeg, MB    Burton Cummings Theatre

10-21 – Edmonton, AB    Midway Music Hall    

10-22 – Calgary, AB    The Palace Theater

10-23 – Coquitlam, BC    Great Canadian Casino Vancouver – SOLD OUT

10-24 – Coquitlam, BC    Great Canadian Casino Vancouver

10-25 – Seattle, WA    Moore Theater

10-27 – San Jose, CA    San Jose Civic

10-29  – Rancho Mirage, CA    The Show @ Agua Caliente

10-30 – Las Vegas, NV    House Of Blues

10-31 – Anaheim, CA    The Grove

Tickets and VIP: www.WASPnation.com

Venom get Kicked Outta Hell

Venom get Kicked Outta Hell

PLUS GLOBAL ALBUM LISTENING EVENTS – WATCH/STREAM THE SINGLE

PLUS, PREORDERS HERE – https://venomslegions.lnk.to/intooblivionPR

BRAND-NEW ALBUM, ‘INTO OBLIVION’

RELEASED ON NOISE/BMG ON 1st MAY 2026

The second single from Venom’s forthcoming new album, Into Oblivion, is the bludgeoning Kicked Outta Hell, which is a ferocious thrasher of a track and while it has hints of classic Venom it also has a modern twist of brutality. Destined to be another crowd pleaser in the live arena, it’s without doubt one of the heaviest tracks Venom have ever penned. Cronos smirks, ‘This one is me just having fun. I’m putting myself above the Devil in the lyric, which I think is an interesting twist. The Devil’s pissed off with us!’. Dante gestures, ‘You’re not staying in hell, get out!’. Rage affirms, ‘It’s one of the heaviest songs on the album, it’s grinding & straight ahead.’

‘Into Oblivion’ is Venom’s sixteenth studio album and features the long-standing line up of Cronos (bass/vocals and founding member), Rage (guitar) and Dante (drums) and marks their first new recordings since 2018’s, ‘Storm The Gates’. Into Oblivion consists of thirteen songs that are signature Venom: heavy, evil and catchy. There’s a combination of their classic 80’s sound adjacent to a more modern, progressive approach but without losing any of their fire and brimstone of old.

To celebrate the release of Into Oblivion, Venom will be hosting several album listening parties around the world on the day before release, Thursday 30th April. There will be freebies and a chance to win a signed set of test presses at every event. Come along and enjoy an evening of Metal Bloody Metal at these venues!

  • HELGI’S BAR, LONDON UK
    • 177 Mare Street, London, E8 3RH
  • HEADBANGERS PUB, MILAN, IT
    • Via Tito Livio 33/A, 20137 Milano
  • DR FEELGOOD: ROCK BEER TEMPLE, PARIS, FR
    • 34 Rue Keller, 75011 Paris
  • DUFF’S, BROOKLYN NEW YORK, USA
    • 168 Marcy Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11211
  • THE METAL BAR, SAO PAULO, BR
    • R.Artur De Azevedo, 637 – Cerquiera Cesar, Sao Paulo – SP 05404-011
  • BALLROOM KAPERFAHRT, HAMBURG DE
    • Landungsbrücken – Brücke 6, 20359 Hamburg

‘Into Oblivion’ will be released on 1st May 2026 via Noise/BMG and is available for preorder now and is available in these formats.

  • Double, gatefold smoke vinyl
  • Double, gatefold clear, black & red splatter vinyl (Limited Edition)
  • CD digisleeve with 16-page booklet
  • Digital

LENNY KAYE’S NUGGETS LIVE AT THE BBC – RECORD STORE DAY 10” RELEASE WITH EXCLUSIVE LONDON LISTENING PARTY

LENNY KAYE’S NUGGETS LIVE AT THE BBC – RECORD STORE DAY 10” RELEASE WITH EXCLUSIVE LONDON LISTENING PARTY

To coincide with two sold-out shows at London’s iconic 100 Club, Lenny Kaye (Patti Smith Group, original Nuggets compiler), alongside Joe De Lorenzo (former The Damned tour manager), who co-promoted the London shows, assembled an all-star Nuggets Band and headed to BBC Maida Vale Studios to record a session for Marc Riley & Gideon Coe on BBC 6 Music. That electrifying session is now set for release as Lenny Kaye’s Nuggets Live At The BBC, arriving exclusively for Record Store Day as a limited edition 10” vinyl.

Released via Johnny Depp’s In.2 records label, this four-track EP captures the spirit and legacy of the original Nuggets era, brought to life by a powerhouse line-up: Nick Detroit (Rat Scabies/The Damned), Dave Treganna (Sham 69, Lords of the New Church), Marty Love (Johnny Moped, Wingmen), Doctor Clive Jackson (Dr & The Medics), Greg Rice (Whiskey Town) and Jim Jones (Jim Jones All Stars, Thee Hypnotics).

Recorded live on 4th April 2024 and broadcast shortly after on BBC 6 Music, the EP features: I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night / My Little Red Book / Little Bit O’ Soul / Gloria.

The release comes full circle with I Had Too Much To Dream Last Night, famously the opening track on the groundbreaking 1972 compilation Nuggets: Original Artyfacts from the First Psychedelic Era, curated by Kaye. That seminal collection, featuring artists such as the 13th Floor Elevators, The Electric Prunes, and The Seeds, is widely regarded as one of the most influential compilations of all time and helped define the term “punk rock” in its earliest usage.

Pressed as a strictly limited run of 1,000 copies (500 black vinyl, 500 blue vinyl), Lenny Kaye’s Nuggets Live At The BBC is a must-have artefact for collectors and fans alike, celebrating the enduring impact of garage rock, psychedelia, and the spirit of Nuggets. 

To mark the release, an exclusive listening party will take place at The Spice of Life in Soho from 2pm on Record Store Day (18 April), with limited access for fans and Industry. The event will include – 

  • a preview of Riot on Oxford Street: Nuggets Live at the 100 Club
  • a screening of Alan Blizzard’s short film The Nuggets Movie
  • an on-stage Q&A
  • an exclusive playback of Lenny Kaye’s Nuggets Live at the BBC EP

Cyanide Pills to release Double Album

Cyanide Pills to release Double Album

On gatefold sleeve, double colour vinyl or one shiny CD!

Thirty-three tracks! Rounding up all the band’s 7” single releases to date! That’s all their A- and B-sides!

Includes two soon-to-be-released singles, one which will appear as a free 7” with the next issue of SAFETY PIN MAGAZINE, and the other as a very limited-edition lathe cut 7”.

To excite/annoy completists, there will be a third (standard) 7” released at the same time, featuring an A and B-side that don’t appear here.

Cyanide Pills released their first 7” single, Break It Up’, in 2009, following it up with a further 14 fab 45s, the most recent being a split single with Switzerland’s Nasty Rumours early last year. Most of these releases featured exclusive non-album B-sides, which we’ve rounded up for Singled Out. Good to have them in one place, innit! All tracks were recorded at the Billiard Room in Leeds with producer Carl “Razorblade” Rosamond.

“Influences? Hmm, well, we don’t just listen to punk rock, neither did the early bands because there wasn’t any,” said lead singer Phil speaking with Vive le Rock magazine in 2023. “We like the usual suspects, obviously, our favourites are the Belgian band The Kids, X-Ray Spex and Buzzcocks. We like Satan’s Rats, The Tours, Knots, The Fingers, Panic, Kleenex, Crime, The Terrorways, Victims, Wipers, The Briefs, The Spits, The Plugz, Bad Nerves, Nasty Rumours, stuff like that, loads of stuff, Syd Barrett, The Kinks, MC5, Stooges, Bowie, Ruben and the Jets, Kim Fowley, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf. The list goes on and on and on.”

We asked Phil a few questions to tie-in with the release of Singled Out…

All these tracks were recorded with Carl Rosamond as producer. What do you like about working with him?

 Mr Razorblade is a local legend around these parts. When we first went into his place we wanted to capture what we sounded like in the rehearsal room or live. He did more than that, he made us sound like a proper band. I don’t know what knobs he’s twiddling but it sure works! We are great friends and we wouldn’t work with anyone else.

What are your favourite A- and B-side tracks from this compilation and why?

For me, favourite B-sides are ‘Stick ‘em Up’ because it has the late great Jock on lead guitar, it’s our nod to glam rock. Also ‘Lock-up’. It was tradition back in the day for snotty punk bands to show their appreciation for reggae and dub by having a go themselves however crap it may be, this was our attempt.

A-sides, I like them all, maybe ‘Suicide Bomber’ because it’s becoming hard to find, I’ve heard that copies can change hands for over £8 these days! The new singles are pretty good too. 

Over the years, you’ve toured the world. What’s been your strangest gig? And what is your favourite venue to play?

Yes, we were lucky enough to meet Paul, who took us out on the road and with the help of Sandra, our booking agent, we have played in some amazing places. Highlight would be Heligoland, a small island in the North Sea, (look it up) two long boat rides away, the last boat was full of drunken punks, Conor turned green with sea sickness, bless him.

Also, a place we played just off Hollywood Boulevard called Madame Siam, I think it was once a nineteenth-century opium den. Our favourite haunts are Wild at Heart in Berlin and Freakshow in Essen, both incredible punk rock clubs. All the places we have played have been great, our tours have been eventful, and it’s been an adventure. 

How would you describe the other members of Cyanide Pills?

 Adorable! Ha, I’m not falling for that.

We asked the band members to nominate their favourite single…

Sy – ‘Waiting (For You To Call Me)’ because I’m a sucker for power-pop songs with a catchy chorus.

Chris – ‘Break it Up’ is my favourite single because it was the first one, and getting a 7” out on Damaged Goods was a big step up from playing at Batley Frontier Club. I think we put two songs on the B-side because we thought it might be our only release.

TOUR DATES 2026

1st May – Prince Albert, Brighton (with Quick Romance + Indignation Meeting)

2nd May – Punks Against Cancer @ Hairy Dog, Derby (with Skids + loads more!)

3rd May – Wharf Chambers, Leeds

20th May – Sonic Ballroom, Köln, GERMANY

21st May – Hafenklang, Hamburg, GERMANY

22nd May – Wild At Heart, Berlin, GERMANY

23rd May – Freakshow, Essen, GERMANY

7th November – Louisiana, Bristol (w/ The Briefs + Quick Romance)

8th November – Cons Club, Lewes, (w/ The Briefs + Quick Romance)

13th November – Ivory Blacks, Glasgow (w/ The Briefs)

14th November – Styx, Glenrothes (w/ The Briefs)

15th November – Morecambe Punk Festival

SOCIAL MEDIA & WEBSITE

Website / Facebook / Instagram

Grail Guard – ‘Still No Future’ (TNS Records)

Grail Guard – ‘Still No Future’ (TNS Records)

Coventry has delivered some of the UK music scene titans in the past, such as The Specials and the whole 2 Tone movement, championing multiculturalism and the best of what we have to offer in the 70s. but there’s been a great gap and whilst its hard to whip up anything groundbreaking these days I never get let down with how damn good some albums are and how passionate some bands are about what they do and how they deliver it, Grail Guards ‘Still No Future’ a response to Rottens blank expression some fifty years ago this gives me goosebumps just how good an album this is, and how passionate they come across in the delivery of a tried and tested theme.

It’s hardcore played fast, loud and without any fuckin’ about or trying to be clever. Right from the off, ‘People Just Like You’ sets the tone. It’s like Argy Bargy with a fuckin’ migraine and a microphone, and they are about to speak their mind with direct delivery, and good on ’em. Right, strap yerselves in, this might get spikey.

‘Our Streets’ takes the Chisel meets Bob Vylan down a very dark alley and roughs them up into a riff-tastic home truth. Stay away from politics, I get told don’t mix politics and music, they say, but sometimes you have to make a stand and let it be known what side of the fence you are on, and I’m right on the side Grail Guard are on and hoisting them up. The lyrics might not be suitable for TOTP or BBC radio, but on my stereo, they are loud and proud. It’s awful that in 2026 there are still dinosaurs living in the dark ages and can’t get with the programme, we’re all equal, we are born, live a life and die. Prejudice and fascism shouldn’t be tolerated here, or anywhere and bands like Grail Guard feel compelled to sing songs like this is a great shame, but boy do they hit the nail on the head, fuckin awesome.

It doesn’t stop there, mind, and I can try and write witty quips, but I can’t sleep either when this is on my headphones at night. This is challenging music, it’s in your face and snarling like a rabid dog, and they absolutely hit the nail on the head with the style and delivery. This is a beast by any standard.

Over the ten tracks, the album ebbs and flows through various stages of anger and fury, and everything in between. The playing is spot on ‘Still Fucked Up’ is not a ballad, nor is it a gentle prod in the temple. It’s a boot to the temple and a piledriver to the throat. Inhale sharply because the thumping kick drum of ‘Anxieties’ is up next. The breakdown is immense, and the gang sing-along was unexpected but wholeheartedly endorsed.

With 2026 marking 50 years of UK punk, ‘Still No Future’ draws a stark and deliberate line between the 1970s and today. The Sex Pistols shouted “No Future” in 1977, and with this album, Grail Guard scream there is ‘STILL NO FUTURE’ (heartbreaking, isn’t it?) as many are facing the same traumatic experiences as those of the last fifty years. Holding a mirror up to society, Grail Guard deliver the goods and a message we fully endorse get angry, be angry, don’t normalise the bad guys and never make excuses for racism, prejudice, and hate. Stand up and endorse Grail Guard, they mean it, man. Buy this album!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

The Melmacs – ‘EUPHANCHOLIA’ (Bakraufarfita Records, Wanda Records & Spaghetty Town Records,Beluga Records )

The Melmacs – ‘EUPHANCHOLIA’ (Bakraufarfita Records, Wanda Records & Spaghetty Town Records,Beluga Records )

Power Pop masterclass from the heart (beat) of Germany, Dresden to be precise, when you see Wanda and Spaghetty Town, you instantly know that Power Pop Punk with rock’n’roll guitar, organ, and sweet-and-sour melodies are on the menu and if its good enough for them then it’ll be more than enough to fill up my depleated levels of power pop punk rock.

The soppy keys with the sharp guitars and the Clem Burke style backbeat hits you right between the eyes after the misleading intro ‘The Tide IS High’ thunders on, and the F-U-N begins. Hold onto that mile-wide smile because it ain’t gonna stop there. ‘Falling’, is on hyperspeed as it crashes in with that summertime keyboard wheeze chasing off the sped up riff-o-la not to mention the immeasurable amount of joy they bring with the melodies and fun at a time when there isn’t a great deal of either to be had. Listen to The Melmacs, and that will rectify any pessimistic thoughts and turn your frown upside down.

The hits keep coming, one after the other, it’s just top-notch pop tunes wrapped in various shades of guitar riffs and lush melodies. ‘Deadbeat’ has a passing resemblance to some Stranglers keys and JJ Bass thump that walks all over the song, vying for the front and centre of your attention.

‘Run For Your Life’ has the step down from the Clash, but the pure power pop of 80s new wave and FM rock n roll radio coursing through their veins at the speed of light. Spread out over twelve tracks, they never stray from the gutsy sound that’s pure and honest as the day is long. I guess the format is simple: write a killer tune, play it hard like your life depends on it, then do it again over and over, Bingo!

If you want some snotty, zero bullshit, no fucks given punk rock old school, then head for a ‘Showdown’, it’s got attitude and plenty of street smarts to take you down. There’s plenty of variety on offer here in tempo and style, but not massive departures, but enough to keep you interested throughout its twelve tracks. Penultimate track ‘Crying My Heart Out’ is the acoustic strum off with spoken word intro into a poplicious melody and chorus that old school Johnny Thunders would really appreciate.

With one stack heel boot, stomp off before they’re out the door ‘Electric Night’ takes another turn with a killer tune the likes of The Biters would have given a kidney to have penned. I’m gutted it’s only two and a half minutes long. What a killer end to a killer album. Don’t take my word for it, get out there and pick it up, you won’t regret it. Power poppin punk rockin glam slammin records are back, and you can start with The Melmacs! Buy IT!

Buy Here

Author: Dom Daley

Rachel Bolan is at war with himself

Rachel Bolan is at war with himself

After four decades as the driving force behind Skid Row, bassist and songwriter Rachel Bolan steps forward with his first-ever solo album under the name BOLAN. “Gargoyle of the Garden State” is a bold, deeply personal debut rooted in the grit, attitude, and storytelling spirit of his New Jersey upbringing.

Produced by multi‑Grammy winner Nick Raskulinecz (Foo Fighters, Skid Row, Rush, Evanescence, Alice In Chains)The album began as a simple conversation between friends. What started casually quickly evolved into a record that would ultimately define Bolan’s voice as both a songwriter and storyteller.

“Gargoyle of the Garden State is not a project, it is every bit of my soul,” says Bolan. “Like me, it knows when to be serious and also knows where the party is.”

PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE

Musically, the album delivers hook-driven, anthemic songs that fuse punk energy with melodic sensibility, wrapped in swagger and raw edge what early listeners have already called “quintessentially New Jersey.” Among its standout moments is a surprising cover of Oasis’ “Rock And Roll Star”, reimagined through Bolan’s distinctive lens.

Expanding beyond his role as a bassist, Bolan performs the majority of instruments, shaping the record from the ground up. Drawing on influences from Brit Pop and Glam to Punk Rock and New Wave, the album represents a lifetime in music.

“Gargoyle of the Garden State” also features an impressive lineup of guests, including Corey Taylor, Danko Jones, Nuno Bettencourt, Damon Johnson, Steve Conte, and fellow Skid Row members Scotti Hill, Dave “Snake” Sabo and Rob Hammersmith.

“It was incredible to work with so many of my talented friends an experience I wish everyone could have at least once,” Bolan adds.

The album is out on June 12th and will be available as CD digipak, LP gatefold, as well as digital and download. PRE-ORDER THE ALBUM HERE

At its core, “Gargoyle of the Garden State” is Bolan at his most honest, a record full of attitude, melody, and personality unmistakably his own.

Split Dogs/Wench!/Helle – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds – 27th March 2026

Split Dogs/Wench!/Helle – Hyde Park Book Club, Leeds – 27th March 2026

Who’s up for a night of feminist shouty punk in a teeny, tiny venue at the arse end of Leeds then? Bristol punk n’ rollers Split Dogs certainly are. Riding high on a recent tour with Gogol Bordello, a new album to be released in September and a stonking new single in ‘Rock n’ Roll Business’ to promote. Tonight, they bring their wares to the ultra hipster Hyde Park Book Club, a prime student hangout filled with books, art, food, and a dark downstairs venue that is perfectly suited for sweaty punk rock debauchery.

Local band Helle are already halfway through their set as I arrive, and they seem to have guitar issues. It doesn’t phase singer Elsie, and she continues to smile and deliver her gothic-tinged riot grrl tunes, while the guitarist and soundman frantically try to fix the issue. The band continue to an already busy room with just bass, drums and an ethereal demeanour. Guitars reinstated, there’s a cool energy that makes me wish I’d turned up 15 minutes earlier. Imagine Siouxsie meets the Slits with a heady dose of Daisy Chainsaw for good measure. The girls look like rock stars, the boys look like…boys. Great stuff.

“Wench are not a girl band!” So states the blue-haired drummer from Hull-based shouty feminist punks Wench!, halfway through their set. I beg to differ as the 3-piece band are certainly girls. But I get it, when you’re playing to a largely male populated room, you gotta rage. And Wench certainly rage, with a raw and more visceral sound than the openers, their brand of aggro punk fits the bill nicely. The fact that the drummer and guitarist both handle lead vocals is pretty cool too, and gives some diversity. Two support bands that prove Northern grrls can riot with the best of ‘em.

Split Dogs are the rock n’ roll business from the moment they hit the stage. Dressed in a sparkly red number, singer Harry is the main focus, it’s difficult to take your eyes off her. Some singers just have a certain presence, and Harri is one of those singers who delivers. And by the time the new single “Rock n’ Roll Business” has floored us about 4 songs in, it’s clear they have the tunes to match.

Guitarist Mil Martinez wears his influences on his tattooed sleeves. The riffs sound like Sleazy Quo, the guitar tone is sublime, and the delivery is a Motörhead-style assault. Newish Bassist Suez is now broken in and holds down the low end, the new shirtless and moustachioed drummer already fits like a leather glove. 

“There’s room here at the front!” sneers Harry, beckoning those holding back to come forward and sweat. ‘Lafayette’ sounds killer, ‘Monster Truck’ is a beast and set closer ‘And What’ is as good as it gets. 

The relentless touring has paid off, it seems, as Split Dogs are a bit of a damn good live proposition. In a world where Amyl & The Sniffers are playing Enormodomes, it’s a travesty that a band as good as this are still playing small clubs. But hey, let’s keep it our little secret for now, ok. It’s 2026, and I watched 3 great bands for £12, now that’s a bargain night out in anyone’s book. 

Author: Ben Hughes

Marc Valentine – ‘Uncommon Side Effects’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Marc Valentine – ‘Uncommon Side Effects’ (Wicked Cool Records)

Some people just have a way with a tune, don’t they? You know that, when it’s time to release an album, it’ll be chock full of earworms. Step forward, Marc Valentine, former Last Great Dreamer, with his third long player, the second on Little Steven’s Wicked Cool label. After 2024’s ‘Basement Sparks’, it should be clear that he knows his stuff.

With ‘Uncommon Side Effects’, you get ten quality tunes, the kind you used to hear on the radio. From ‘NY UAP’, with its simple keyboard melody, we’re straight into territory from the notebook of The Boys. An understandable influence, given Marc’s recent tour dates with the band. ‘High On The Underground’ shamelessly nicks from ‘Sweet Jane’, and reminds these ears of ex-Boy, Duncan Reid. 

Marc knows the power of the key change outro, as ‘The Other Side’ shows. Simple, effective and very catchy. In fact, that is the thread throughout the album. Writing simple, memorable songs is anything but easy. Another top songwriter, Chris Catalyst, would, I suspect, enjoy these tunes. ‘Loneliest Part’ and ‘Tiger On Glass’ have echoes of his work and Eureka Machines. They’re responsible for some of my favourite songs ever, so this is no random comparison. 

‘Half Moon Pendant’ is a lovely, brief acoustic interlude, before ‘Temporary Buzz’ clouts you round the head like it’s shouting “potential hit single!”. ‘When The Light Has Gone’ ends on a glimmer of hope and a minimal, Buzzcocks-style melody; another EM motif, and a great song. Marc should be proud of this collection of songs. In troubled times, we need a little spark of optimism and joy. Preorder, and catch him on tour in April and May. 

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Author: Martin Chamarette