The Singles Club -Fab Feb

The Singles Club -Fab Feb

OK, so here we are already a month into 2024 and the first sitting of the Singles Club. Here are the first Movers and groovers of this year with their 7″ platters and new videos. Some real quality in here for you to dive into covering quite the spectrum of music as well. Enjoy…

Tuk Smith & The Restless Hearts – ‘Take The Long Way’ (Golden Robot Records) Anthemic Sing-a-long from Smith & The Restless Hearts draws inspiration from Smith’s turbulent experience of not only being kicked off the 2021 Motley Crue Stadium tour but also being dropped from both his label and booking agent amid the COVID era. The track encapsulates the classic self-sabotage meets redemption tale. It’s typical Smith but there’s a polish around this one. One foot in the past and one on the monitor wedge of the future Sith has it all to offer and if he were to hit it big I wouldn’t be shocked I loved his early stuff and this is more mature and a grower for sure bring on the album and what that has to offer.

Marc Valentine – ‘Strange Weather’ (Wicked Cool Records) Marc Valentine begins 2024 with the news that a new album is fast approaching and by the sounds of things it’s going to deliver the goods big time on the strength of this first glimpse into the new wave power pop majesty of ‘Strange Weather’ from the hooky chorus through the retro new wave of the verse this is fantastic and so catchy. If anything it’s way too understated this is a step up from ‘Skeleton Key’ which was a killer single. I’m really excited to hear what the album ‘Basement Sparks’ delivers purely on the strength of this one record so much so I promptly ordered the record. Single of the Month – yes sir, right here!

Willie Dowling, ‘The Simpleton’ (Self Release) – As a taster for the solo album of the same name, ‘The Simpleton’ is a fine showcase for the songwriting skills of Willie Dowling. For those of us who have followed his career since The Grip onwards, it’s no surprise that the melody hooks you from the start. While there’s naturally a similarity to his writing with The Dowling Poole, this song shares much with his Jackdaw 4 project.

On first listen, it sounds more personal and emotionally direct, a less complicated yet compelling tune, which suggests that the upcoming album is predominantly piano based, and this brings out an intimacy in Willie’s voice. Behind the ‘curmudgeonly’ persona is a kind, thoughtful and sensitive person, certainly someone who feels the injustices of the world very deeply.

And, put simply, his voice is beautiful here. Never sounded better. I always look forward to hearing his music, and this promises to be something special. Give it a listen now, and earmark the album for future purchase. Author: Martin Chamarette

Brigata Vendetta – ‘1000 Cuts’ (Pirates Press) Woah this is a banger courtesy of Brigata Vendetta featuring a couple of Harrington Saints this is right on the money hardcore punk rock. Short, sharp, and oh so sweet. The album was reviewed last week and this is a cracking representation of what you can expect. simply glorious – more please gents. This will wake you up on a Sunday morning an absolute stone-cold punk rockin’ banger!

The Courettes – ‘Shake’ Damaged Goods Records) Groovy baby. The Courettes deliver a dancefloor filler with ‘Shake’ its eased back on the wall of sound and went for some fuzzed-up groovin’ dance majesty. From the honkin’ organ to the swinging drum beat this shit is got some serious groove. Infectious and fantastic this band can do no wrong and the guitar solo is pure Fire! The exclusive B Side is less in your face but no less infectious more Fuzztones but damn this pair are cutting it up on record and can’t put a foot wrong they should be huuuuuge!

Mala Vista – ‘In The Dark’ (Spaghetty Town Records) Cool as a beer on ice Mala Vista rides a whirlwind of punk n roll on ‘In The Dark’ short sharp and sweet as from the punk rock rocket rie of the verse to the sweet gang vocal melodic chorus its new school doing old school and mixing it up.

The B Side is an altogether snottier slice of Dead Boys style punk rock from the throbbing Dee Dee style Bass line thumping the tempo down the line it’s lifted from their sophomore album ‘Fun Time’ due in March and from the Thunders’s licks to the Cheetah tempos this is a top single from what promises to be a killer album. More bands cutting records like Mala Vista, please.

Lorne Behrman – ‘The Blue Goes On Forever’ (Spaghetty Town Records) As cool as a summer breeze Behrman comes strollin’ in like a modern-day Lou Reed Its part spoken through a lucky strike no filter and softly sung like the voiceover on the Warriors radio link, Behrman does it again with a super cool earworm melody that you want to hear again and again. It’s rough around the edges like it could unravel itself but tight as two brothers sitting on the porch of their LES steps shooting the shit about times gone by. If the album is half as good as this then it’s going to be another treat for Rock n Roll fans who love a bit of Keith Richards, Johnny Thunders, Stiv, and miss the likes of Petty and some more radio-friendly Rockers. Top tune check it out.

Rob Moss & Skin Tight Skin – ‘Hey You (We’re Sick Of You)’ (Self Release) Old school punk n roll with plenty of gang vocals to power it along. With a snotty nod towards proto-punk royalty such as The Dictators. Rob Moss assembles a gang to power through this chuggin’ barroom slab of punk rock n roll. We’re not sick of this that’s for sure. Kick out those jams Rob.

Neil Leyton – ‘These Seeds’ (European Phonographic Records) Leyton brings his latest more somber offering to the table and this time he’s reflecting on the world at war and offers a little hope in this gentle acoustic song. originally recorded back in 2022 Leyton held back on its release but let this song wash over you as it builds into a more upbeat driven song without the bombast of his previous more indie rock styles this shows that Leyton loves to vary it up whilst retaining his identity in the music and his room-filling vocals stand out. The piano refrain is wonderful and fills your heart with hope around such desperate subject matter.

All proceeds from “These Seeds” will be paid from the European Phonographic label to Music Export Ukraine in support of Ukrainian artists and musicians.

Frank Turner – ‘Do One’ (Xtra Mile Recordings) The familiar tones of folk-punk troubadour Frank Turner is back with a brand new single from his brand new record ‘Do One’ is a smooth well produced catchy acoustic punk rock song that’s totally Frank Turner and pretty much exactly what I was expecting. He does his thing and does it really well and on this you can see exactly why he’s so popular. Short, sharp, and sweet. The new album is heading your way on the 4th of May and expect more of this for what will undoubtedly be a big hit.

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes – ‘Self Love’ (International Death Cult) You don’t get a Frank for months then all of a sudden two come along in the Singles ClubThe Second single from Carter is a melodic slice of modern alternative rock. He sings with a strong melodic melody over a more aggressive fuzz guitar but the surprise is the solo is of the guitar variety but a keyboard synth. The Rattlesnakes have bite as they mess with you on this intense new single. Catch em across the land over the next month before they head overseas. Also, in stores galore where you’ll hear this earworm no doubt – get on it.

KMFDM – ‘Airhead’ (Metropolis Records) Industrial mainstays KMFDM hit out with a fairly mainstream pop-infused single from their album ‘Let Go’. Harking back to ’80s pop on this one without the hint of distorted pounding guitars or white noise. Lead vocals are from Lucia Cifarelli which I’m sure won’t be a good representation of what the overall album will sound like. More New Order than Rammstein the VHS in the video is something that we used to watch films on kids, honest!

Wynona Bleach – ‘Swim In The Bay’ (Fierce Panda Records) Infectious new single from Grungey rockers Wynona Bleach who bring you the cool ‘Swim In The Bay’. With its big layered chorus burrowing into your ears sitting on top of a smooth cool grungey-styled rock song. Not afraid to layer their rock with pop melodies Wynona Bleach are aiming for plenty of radio play with this latest single.

WolfWolf – ‘Twenty-One’ (Lux Noise Records) In corona times WolfWolf started to experiment with keyboards and samples to keep them busy. The result was this single. A song that pushes the familiar boundaries of the band into new wave of the 80s. Nevertheless, the garage punk aspect remains.
The new romance story of a young couple could also be set in the 80s. Maybe in West-Berlin or in the gritty industrial life of post-war Manchester. The song is an ode to youth and a mission to young people to enjoy life and dance the night away while they can. Captured perfectly by the dynamic duo.

Various Artists – ‘In Covid We Trust – An Infectious Compilation From The First, Second And Third Wave Of Swiss Punk and Garage Rock’ (Lux Noise Records)

Various Artists – ‘In Covid We Trust – An Infectious Compilation From The First, Second And Third Wave Of Swiss Punk and Garage Rock’ (Lux Noise Records)

Unlucky for some this compilation has thirteen unreleased tracks from Swiss underground punk and garage rock bands.  If you’re hip and on it, most of these bands will be familiar to you or if you’re an avid reader of RPM Online there will be some familiar names but in the time-honoured tradition of compilations, there are always unpacked gems lurking that will (hopefully) set off a wormhole of discovery into a band or labels catalogue of releases some of which are quite expensive.

Right, that’s that but what about the tunes? A lot of these bands will be known internationally which is often the case that they do well outside of their own country and might have a cult underground following back home so to speak but the beauty of a compilation is the voyage of discovery or the bonus of that exclusive unreleased gem from a band you love this album offers all that and more.  up first are Nasty Rumours a band we’ve reviewed before offering up a rapid Ramones inspired sound that will indeed drive you insane.  It’s pogo punk rock – something they do rather well it has to be said.  Fans of The Briefs, The Boys and obviously The Ramones need to hear these chaps and a great way to kick off this album its sharp, quick, melodic and a lot of fun!

A band that should need no introductions on RPM is Bitch Queens who’ve long been championed around here a band who just seem to get better with every record are up next with ‘The Apocalypse’.  An anthemic slice of hard Rockin, rifftastic Rock n Roll that benefits from being played loud with the big gang vocals on the chorus its a welcome addition to the bands superb catalogue of records worth it for the opening two tracks alone.

Hang on make that opening three tracks as Bad Mojos come steaming in with ‘Weekend Warrior’ which sounds like a fuckin’ runaway train steaming towards a bunch of fluffy kittens and if you blink it’s over you missed it.  Top top tune!

 

With some genres I’ve never even heard of these Punks and Garagerockers turn in a very impressive collection. The Delilahs ‘Wheels’ is polished and anthemic as you hit the chorus and another really impressive song is unfolding. I’d only previously heard them when they did a split with Bitch Queens and I loved their contribution to that as well.

 

Its fair to say that when you scratch the surface there are a whole bunch of excellent bands all over this spinning ball and this compilation shines a light on what Switzerland has to offer.  Tight Finks remind me of a punky Levellers whereas my first introduction to Uberyou sees them as a competent mob of punk rockers as they knock out ‘How Lonely’.

 

The Monsters go hell for leather on ‘Gimme Germs’ creating their own circle pit and helping spread the disease at great volume – get fit and jump in as they blast their way through one and a half minutes of sweet noise. Lombego Surfers have a crisp overdriven guitar sound that’s swirling around and around towards their homage to Jimmy Page for the solo and it’s a two-fingered salute and off they go.

 

Here Hare Here go for the early 70s garage thump of ‘Chez Liam’ and deliver it really well a band who’ve so far alluded my ears but not anymore.  Great stuff.  It seems fitting that Monofones are up next with their hypnotic ‘Rich Bitch’ that thunders along at a frantic pace – kicking and screaming into the quirky Wolf Wolf who get groovy with ‘Black Hole’.

 

With only a couple of bangers left we receive The Lovers and their ‘Punjab Punk Rock’ which is a more reckless punk n roll building up to an exquisite solo before falling off the edge of a cliff with its abrupt ending which is a shame as I was really enjoying it.  With the whole shebang being wound up by Uristier and ‘Influencer’ being sung in their native tongue its another variant on the rock and roll disease spreading across borders with compilations as good as this one.

Getting jabbed can wait stay in and get your rocks off to this sweet record with something for everyone it’s well worth locking yourself down for.

 

Buy Here  / Bandcamp

Author: Dom Daley

Wolf Wolf- ‘Cryptid Zoo / Metamorphosis’ (Lux Noise Records)

Wolf Wolf- ‘Cryptid Zoo / Metamorphosis’ (Lux Noise Records)

Discovering new music-WolfWolf

 

How many of us settle with the stuff we listen to, happy in our own little bubble don’t really think about what’s new, different, in your face, or just challenge our own perception of what music should sound like.

 

Who knew that through exploring the wonders of the internet, you’d find an exciting, vibrant underground music scene growing, allowing individuals/groups to challenge genres, re-imagine styles and most importantly find an audience.

 

When this band appeared in my inbox with a brief note from RPM Online’s head honcho, saying this one’s for you Brooks, my first thought was, it must be right out there, or maybe a standing Prog joke?

 

But ultimately absolutely nothing of the like that usually crosses the RPM doorstep, and boy was I right!!! But conversely I love it!!!!!

 

So welcome to the strange world of WolfWolf

 

 

And first up? Wolf Wolf- ‘Cryptid Zoo’ released in 2017, and boy was the world not prepared for it!!

 

This is absolutely nuts from the off even the press pack is off the scale for weird I mean check it out,

 

“They’ve left the protective gloom of the deep forest and are slinking around the towns, devouring hippies, hipsters and bass amplifers – and anyone unable to endure their howls is one-two-three-four pounded to pieces by Mr. Wolf, the stand-up drummer. Those able to withstand them are bombarded with trash by gitarrero Mr. Wolf. Anyone left standing after the onslaught is one of those real rock’n’roll creatures that WolfWolf yowl about in their latest album: socio-, psycho- and other -paths, yetis, aliens and swamp monsters. Only those able to survive the WolfWolf assault belong in the Cryptid Zoo”

I have to be honest listening I’m getting drawn more and more towards the Legendary Shack Shakers, and vocally there’s very much the Colonel’s style of delivery over what I would say is a mutated bluegrass skeleton, mutated as in intertwined with scuzzed up delta-blues . Now if you like the Shack Shakers, the Cramps and maybe from Europe, The Country Dark, then you will absolutely love this baby, as I’m smiling my way through the opening tracks number five up catches my attention with just the right amount of Urban Voodoo machine carny “Linzer Waltzer” is the title to look out for. I have to be honest from this point I’m hooked. Next up “Roswell” definitely heads towards Devo territory but going along a very strange path to get there, via the Cramps.

For “Tuzenak” I guarantee you will be taken by surprise, this raises the weirdness bar to an impossible level , what the fuck it is? I have no clue!! There have been way too many psychedelics consumed.

But before we head back towards the alternate reality of normality that this LP pushes, I just need to screw my reviewing head back on straight and stop dribbling. “The hunter from Hell” moves it right back into the Shack Shakers vibe, but pushing even their dark boundaries. The Cajun stomp that introduces “Leave This town”, actually turns into the easiest to pin down and potentially the most recognizable genre contained within this LP.

The cunning plan would have been to push this as a single, and then laugh when you imagine people realizing that it’s nothing like the rest of the album.

Finishing both me off and the LP, “Creepy things” comes on like the bastard son of The Cramps and the Fuzztones, that’s been listening to many alternative tentacles releases while consuming huge amounts of DMT!!

Go on you know you want to, peer into the strange distorted reality of WolfWolf, it’ll defiantly alter your perception of what music should sound like, be afraid, but be adventurous and willing to experiment.

But never one to bottle it I dived in further finding a brand new release from

WolfWolf- Metamorphosis

Not quite sure where this one would take me, I think whisky is called for “just to settle the nerves. Turns out that’s a very good choice as the drawn out blues of “Lucifer” introduces the lp in a very different way, who’d have thought it, this is a very different animal, maybe a band settling on a style or maybe just exploring a very different musical heritage. There’s almost a punk rock vibe to “Klaus” before some very strange things start to happen and we dip into Shamen territory all-be -it briefly.

There’s a picked acoustic blues entry to “The Gin Diary” and I’m sure that guitar run came straight out of the Doors –people are strange!!! As I’m taking stock and just drifting through the next couple of tracks I’m drawn back to the Legendary Shack Shakers before again I’m thrown into an industrial Ministry style Land of Rape and Honey track “Birdman”.  Next up “Dark night” again is that track that will lull people into a false sense of security.  “Crushed the Devil” scratches the Urban Voodoo Machine itch, before Fat Fly takes it off into another plain, the techno drum beat, holding the track together before we start to enter Young Gods territory with a blues twist. Boy was I not prepared for the jazz saxophone that opens “She’s a threat” there’s a hint of Tom Wait’s to this baby, but its buried deep!!!

Finishing up with the Alt-country vibe of “time to say goodbye” and your left with the thought on first listen of I’ve never heard anything like it before and probably will hear nothing like it again, it’s nuts, all over the place, but stands on it’s own because of it.

WolfWolf  are not for the faint hearted, definitely not for your average Massive Wagons fan, but if your willing to challenge your boundaries and hear something totally different this band are 100% for you.

Buy ‘Metamorphosis’ Here

Author: Nev Brooks