| TURBO NEGRO 'Party Animals' (TNBHRCD195) CD May 2005 As the helicopters swoop in, we get some over the top guitar twiddling courtesy of Euroboy, and of course another mighty big Turbo intro. Which I must say is getting a bit old hat for the 3rd album in succession. But this time around they incorporate a robotic Steven Hawkins as host, before kicking off the album properly and a manic lead singer Hank asking "where are all your friends?" But I should've known coz 'All My Friends Are Dead' and out of the speakers comes a riffing monster in the best Turbo tradition. Pummelled with a pounding riff, on top a driving beat with an aggro chant that's gotta be guaranteed a new live fave. Lyrically they're still a fucking laff a minute as Hank serenades us on their next track a blowjob anthem called 'Blow Me Like The Wind'. Check out "if I gave you a tenner / would you raise my antenna / if I gave you a dime / Would you blow my paradigm" tee hee. 'City Of Satan' has an almost Freddie Mercury "we will rock you" kinda chant and vibe, and sees our punky denim clad anti-christs stooping further into rock terrain. But were soon dragged back to a more raunchy void during 'Wasted Again' which is the other highlight of this album. We get taken for a snowplough ride to the other side. And along side 'If You See Kaye' which is a hilarious take on the words FUCK, and the closest on this album we get to a love song. They rip the piss outta some frat girl with their inevitable twist in the tale. And if you know Kaye from UCLA, she probably won't see it that way. But you know what, it was always gonna be hard for our Scandinavian porn lords to keep the sleazy, cheezy momentum that 'Apocalypse Dudes' and it's more tempered predecessor 'Scandinavian Leather' had. Especially for one more album at least. Since that raw success, they seem to have been on a perpetual worldwide tour schedule. Which must've been really hard to maintain and fit in writing a new album for our sonic pleasure. Even Europboy's song writing credits and arrangements don't quite work this time around. We do get a lotta filler that brings to mind those other weaker albums they knocked our earlier in their career like for instance 'Never Is Forever' coz I think 'Party Animals' is destined to reside within that confine. They even sound like just another rock band at times, which is a crying shame with such a warped twisted pot of talent that they possess. 'Party Animals' may well please the readers of Kerrang! But it ain't got the raw animal passion that underlines their witty Swedish take on life. This is a more guitar orientated album, but misses the scuzz and lowlife we crave for from these fuckers. It was produced by the geezer who done the White Stripes so lets blame him. It's also lacking the novel arrangements too which is ultimately down to the band! There's still loads of chugging riffage to resonate out ya speakers, but the high octane tunes seem to be less dynamic this time around. They finish with the rock 'n' roll commerciality of 'Hot Stuff Hot Shit', which has touches of dare I say it the Rolling Stones. And the penultimate track of 'Final Warning' which comes complete with strings, rampaging riffs and everything you'd imagine from the arse end of a Turbo Negro album but sadly closes way too early as the prowling beast on a search and destroy mission reaches for the final countdown way too early. We are left with a crackly old gramophone record spluttering out some antique waltz. Before a very long wait where Hanks gives us a comical little Serbian sketch on the loyal fans of Turbo Negro along with a funny dig at the music biz. Pity the rest of the 12 tracks wasn't really worth mentioning. AVERAGE www.turbonegro.com |
| SNOTTYNESS... Punk Rock Classic - World Contender - Worth A Listen - Average - Plastic - No Future |
| VARIOUS 'Anti-War' (over103vp) CD February 2005 Volume 1 of a 5 CD series, that uncovers a diverse range of UK Anarcho bands, that made up this vast wing of punk in the early 80's. Overground records have done a good job here by getting someone from the inside to gather the angst. Sean McGhee (ex-Psycho Faction) has faithfully compiled a 23 strong band selection, along with his in-depth sleeve notes and background details. For the curious amongst us, we get a wealth of undiscovered tracks to cause a stink. London's Dirt kick off with a duel verbal barrage on 'Anti War'. They incorporate their by now trademark high pitched Pig-Lit squeals and aggressive yells. A style that would go on to spawn a multitude of clone bands in their wake. Hot in pursuit, is the discordant expanse of Zounds. They give us their 'War' anthem, taken off the impressive debut 45 'Subvert' on Crass records. Metro Youth from Exeter are new to me? They make good use of a sax on top of a standard punk approach. The deviously named Flowers In The Dustbin give this album a bit of style with their hypnotic 'November Song', recorded in 1986. You can see how even protest punk was moving into new territory with synths and a charismatic vocal from the diminutive Gerard. Krondstadt Uprising from Southend opt for a particularly snotty nosed approach, on their ranting 1982 song 'Blind People'. Political Asylum from Stirling, Scotland sound a bit posh and poppy on this live track. But their anthem the choppy 'Disarm Or Die' (more so the slogan, than the actual song) has become an Anarcho calling card and still in use today. Singer Ramsey went on to be kingpin in the well respected AKpress Anarcho distribution empire. Keeping in with the mellow theme, we get 'Typically English Day' from the Astronauts. These '77 Welwyn Garden City scuzzballs become the personification of the Anarcho/hippy collision. They have some hysterical lyrics (although I doubt whether that was the bands intention?) deployed on top of a delicate folky background. However we are soon dragged back to the brink by some typical dissent from Anthrax in Kent, who belt out 'Introduction To War' from their 1982 debut session. The A-heads from Warminster create some neat atmosphere, with bell tolls and the memorable vocal talents of Mel in their line-up. She gives their buzz saw attack a unique distinction, during 'Forgotten Hero', taken from their 1982, 45. The System from Wigan were regulars on the bill with Flux Of Pink Indians and Crass in the early 80's, and they dole out the drum pounding 'Dogs Of War', recorded in 1982. Sanction also from Exeter get some rare exposure here via a pissed off thrashy sax, attack, on their 1983 track 'Unknown Soldier'. The ante is upped further for the politically powered beef of the Instigators. These high octane Dewsbury punks deliver equally motivated lyrics via 'The Blood Is On Your Hands'. The Blood Robots from Newcastle boast Sned from Flat Earth HC/Punk record label infamy in their line-up, as they charge grittily through 'The Valley'. The Lost Cherrees from Surbiton in Surrey ain't quite got what some of the other outstanding female vocalists have on this compilation. But there's two of 'em, and the musical backing is a lot more melodic, and dare I say it... calming! However I think it's time for more direct action and another sneer driven vocal supplied by Dave Floyd out of Riot/Clone. Dave whose finally called it quits with the band after over 25 years of snarling gives us 'Neu-vestation', and sounds as bitter and twisted as ever. Next up is a typical example of the diversity in the Anarcho scene, and the best track on the whole album. Talk about ahead of their time, Youth In Asia were light years ahead of the pack with Kay's soaring vocals, and addictive classical delivery. The backing track is also very ingenious, as it builds up into a cacophony of guitars giving 'When The Wind Blows' a subtle, sinister ambience "penetration on naff mandrax" as one scribe described em...my arse! They are followed by compiler Sean's band Psycho Faction, all the way from Cleator Moor. They give us the passionate 'Threat' which dates from their last ever gig in February 1984. It's nicked from a live BBC TV recording with a 'were for real' vocal on top of a buzz saw rhythm track and dodgy lead break, that gives them an honest and gutsy farewell. Naked from Kent present 'What A Way To Die' from their 1982 demo, and shows us a more chugging, chunky approach. Anger and melody signals the arrival of Omega Tribe from North London, who shouldn't be any strangers to you. They perform 'Duty Calls' from the compilation 'Make Tea Not War'. Anti System from Bradford gives us a more heads down approach as they power through the rather good 'Government Lies'. Faction from Hackney in London had Rob on bass who was also the 96 Tapes label guru. They contribute their 'War Games', along with an abrasive vocal supplied by Sue. The colourful Rubella Ballet from East London punch out a dig at the squaddies in Northern Ireland, with their relentless and monotone 'Belfast' track. Finally leaving the Snipers from Oxfordshire to bring this compilation to a close, with the insistent and slightly quirky 'I Know'', "where the cruise missiles are". Highly recommended compilation with valid sentiments, so roll on Volume #2!!! UK CONTENDER Overground Records |
| VARIOUS '˜The Roots That Inspired The Sex Pistols' (mojo) CD February 2005 This collection came FREE with February's edition of Mojo magazine. And despite an array of influential names and some hard to find tracks, it's pretty damn mediocre. I can't imagine half of the artists on here being remotely inspirational to the sound the Pistols spat out on 'Never Mind The Bollocks'. But as the sleeve notes point out, you have to look deeper. Kicks off admirably with 'Roadrunner' (a Denmark St. warm up tune) and a definite influence. This groundbreaking anthem propelled Jonathon Richman from cult status to international fame in '77 when it was finally released, having been recorded 4 years previous. The original Paul Revere & The Raiders version of 'Steppin' Stone' from 1966 is a million miles away from the Goodman tapes recorded a decade later. And I much prefer the Monkeys version than this non-toxic original. Call me ignorant if you like, but I ain't gotta clue why the Count Fives 'Psychotic Reaction' is included here? Apart from being banded around as early punk pioneers, these San Jose teens only had a raspy guitar break to cut through the monotony and even that has no real bearing whatsoever, apart from being on the 'Sex' shop jukebox. Next up is a major stimulation! Johnny Thunders And The Heartbreakers perform their classic 'Born To Lose' a song that brings us New York, heroin, sleaze and of course Mr Thunders chunky guitar sound that you can't fail to hear in Steve Jones power chord style. LA teenage vixens The Runaways treat us to their parent baiting anthem 'Cherry Bomb' recorded in 1976. In 1976 these teenage chicks had probably more in common with the young Pistols than anyone on the planet, except they were doing their thing on the other side of the Atlantic but with equal amounts of attitude. Dave Berry's Brit beat 'No Lip' from 1964 seems a strange choice of cover for the teenage punk pioneers. Straight away you notice the original seems pretty bland in comparison. But once you add some of Jones's amplification, a few sneers and some subtle lyrical changes it's soon becomes Rotten! Eddie Cochran was a big influence on McLaren and later inspired Sid's classic versions on 'Something Else' and 'C'mon Everybody' but 'Sweety Pie' from 1959 sounds really dated and old to be on here. We then get a live incendiary version of 'Shakin Street' from Detroit's most infamous gang of sloganeers MC5. A band whose chaotic attitude and insurrection should be an influence on every punk band worth it's salt. The Pistols then make an appearance themselves, via a live track of 'Seventeen' taken from the San Francisco, Winterland gig in 1978. A gig that was played in front of 4,800 curious freak seekers and 200 punks/misfits. Talking of vagabonds, Thunders makes a second appearance, this time with the New York Dolls and a rather camp 'Chatterbox'. The Dolls were without a doubt a mighty influence, especially on Steve Jones and Paul Cook. This in turn is followed by one of the Dolls major influences Mott The Hoople. Who I must admit were a bit too glam for me visually, but display here a definite impact on their choppy hooligan anthem 'Clash St Kidds'. Peter Hammill's 'Nadirs Big Chance' comes from Rotten's play list in 1977. But it's hard to see a major influence on his venomous vocal tones. The New York Dolls make a second appearance with Jerry Nolan's 1981 version of their 'Take A Chance On Me', which ain't a patch on the original. But to be fair, was resurrected in Sid's live solo stint in the Big Apple during 1978. More Rotten influences abound with Can's 1971, 18 minute mantra 'Hallelujah'. Which was undoubtedly more of a PIL influence than anything Pistolero. Finally we get some Reggae by Dr Alimantado, saluted by Rotten in 1977 on Capitol Radio but like Can, 'Born For A Purpose' failed to live up to it's impressive title. So where were the Ramones or Iggy Pop then? You'll have to ask the Mojo editor who compiled this selection. Quite a few of the tracks on here remind me why I listen to punk rock instead of other music genres the world throws at us. AVERAGE www.mojo4music.com |
| RUDI 'The Radio Sessions 1979-1981' CD (wiv037) January 2005 The wheels have came off the retro punk bandwagon of late. The Saints gig last month which was on, then off, then on again, should serve as a warning to bands not to take the punk fans for granted. Just because you were BIG in the 70's doesn't mean there's gonna be a sell-out audience waiting with bated breath on you. The Saints priced themselves out of a big crowd by charging a whopping £12.50 for a small club gig, which no-one bought any tickets for. Which eventually lead to it being cancelled, due to lack of interest. Only then for it to be resurrected again within 24 hours and moved to another venue with a reduced ticket price of £7.00. Although according to reports it was a great gig, (reviewed elsewhere on the site). Due to the greed and all the messing about there was no audience (30 punters max), no support band, and no encores! The biggest losers in this recent blip on the retro punk radar have to be $hame Academy, who have lost 3 gigs in 10 days! They were the confirmed support band who were dropped from the Saints gig when it went belly up. They lost out again when their debut gig on the British mainland at this years Punk Aid festival, which collapsed when it was cancelled due to money troubles. And to add insult to injury, a proposed gig at a local bar last Friday night was called at the last minute after the promoter failed to provide any publicity for the gig. So with all this bad luck, it begs the question does the curse of Rudi really exist? I know this is a bit of a running joke and I'm sure Youngsy ex-Rudi and also a member of $A (and maybe Ronnie and Grimmey) will laugh when he reads this. But I defy you to name another young 70's punk band who had genuine massive potential with an equal amount of misfortune thrown in, which in time wore down their desire to succeed in the face of adversity. You can only take so much disapp ointment So imagine my delight when this oriental little gem straight from the land of the rising sun via east Belfast, popped through my letter box unexpectedly last week. As always with Japanese releases the packaging is first class and the music within is certainly no let down either. It's packed with Rudi's raw edged brand of pure pop punk at it's best! And captured here for radio stations, when the band were in their prime as an untouchable live outfit and our greatest exponents of the NI punk sound. Without doubt Rudi were the best band to ever come out of NI, though I'm sure there are fans of the Outcasts and the Defects (both great bands) who will disagree. But this was in my opinion then and its still my opinion now, though I've always had a soft spot for the scary Stage B too. So what have we got here,18 session tracks from the vaults of Radio one 80/81, RTE 81 and Downtown radio '79. Everyone is a classic song. 'Time To Be Proud', 'The Pressures On', 'Who? You!', 'Yummy Yummy Yummy', 'Radio On' being some of my own personal highlights. Not every version here is the finished article which is par for the course with radio sessions by any band. But the energy, commitment and passion is there for all to see. Rudi never got the full financial backing during their brief but incident packed career, they deserved to record the material properly for commercial release, but were dogged by poor production on some of the singles. While other inferior major label bands had money thrown at them. But team this CD up with the recently released 'Best Of' and the demo collections containing the bands 45's and beyond. And you'll see the evidence that this band had such a strong back catalogue. A set that would be the envy of many a band, regardless of the fact that it was all put together on a shoestring budget. Order this Japanese import now from your local record store and while your in there, pick up a copy of the Rudi 'Best Of' CD /LP and treat yourself to a classic punk listening experience and wonder how this band never made it to the dizzy heights of pop/punk stardom or regret what you missed out on all those years ago. If you have any problems in getting hold of the CD, details on how to purchase a copy are on the bands official website. By the way the $hame Academy's debut album 'Punk Rock For Dummies' is due out any day now! www.wizzard-in-vinyl.com/ rudi77.free.fr/history.htm (GUEST Reviewer Joe Donnelly) |
| LAST UNDER THE SUN 'All Empires Crumble' (IMB6011) CDEP May 2005 A raging, angry and extremely pissed off trio greet us from Birmingham, UK. Their last album showed signs of being very laid back and almost spacey. However this 4 track CDEP is a benefit for Stirchley’s (Birmingham) 'Stop The War' campaign. Which this band are heavily involved in, and like their cause they ain't giving up the ghost without a fight. It shows you how pissed off this country is with the lying elite that records like this exist. 'All Empires Crumble' comes flexing its wiry conscience out of the Brummy traps with a full on almost Dalek like vocal during the 65 second intensity of 'Fuck The Government'. This is a blaring hit and run volley of angst! However it;s track 2 'Bring Me Their Heads' that really showcases Last Under The Sun's creative ability at its best, especially when their rants and concerns are moulded into some rather appealing chugging tuneage. When that neat guitar lead with an almost Discharge like quality jumped in the mix, it took on a whole new meaning. 'Not In My Name' has some hidden booty in its all out assault as the 35 second ear shredding racket morphed into a more powerful jaunt, before jumping back into a drum, guitar, bass frenzy. Last track 'Open Fire' prolongs the anxiety as is bursts into guitar fragments on top of a relentless drum attack and some rather arty feedback, before the chilling "Death to fanatics" screams out the speakers. Good dose of peace punk done with an almost homicidal ferocity and packaged with equal passion. WORTH A LISTEN www.ironmanrecords.co.uk |
| TOWERS OF LONDON 'On A Noose' (1234Records)CD/7" February 2005 I gotta say a bunch of Scousers calling themselves the Towers Of London does leave em open to ridicule and derision, before they've even struck a chord. And along with their grubbier Guns N Roses image it don't look too good. So maybe we should all join in and take the piss? But before we write em off totally. Musically the Towers Of London deliver a fucking A1 sounding punk rock noise during 'On A Noose' their debut 45. A sound that harks back to the good old days when the Anti Nowhere League still got barred from pubs and were brutal outcasts circa 'Streets Of London'. 'On A Noose' really does gives us that nihilistic vibe. And has since proved it's class for a week at least, as it unsettled the UK charts with its presence in the number 32 slot. But alas maybe these new geezers with the big hair and smudged eyeliner were just too outta control for our brainwashed Top Of The Pops audience. Guitarist's Dirk and the Rev give us some rather rampant and obnoxious power chord abuse that bears an uncanny Sham 69 slant in execution and delivery. While Donny the lead singer and Police cell dweller supplys an over the top vocal that accommodates the tracks sufficiently. A hyped up phenomenon maybe, but the punk rock the Towers Of London kick out speaks for itself and I kick myself for missing em on their recent UK tour. Side b gives us 'I lose It' and continues the snotty, debauched theme and attitude, with an almost Pistolian swagger thus sending it into the realms of wanting to hear more. On this showing alone this is a band that seem to have the balls and enough volatile input ready to be injected into a stale corpse of the punk crossover scene. Definitely one worth looking out for. UK CONTENDER TOWERS OF LONDON |
| BILLY IDOL 'Devils Playground' (Sanctuary) CD April 2005 Old Bill comes back to haunt us with another album of rock ballads, caricatured rebel yells and even some Johnny Cash influences too. Check out the addictive 'Lady Do Or Die' for proof. Has it really been 12 years since his last 'Cyberpunk' platter? Well I can't say I will lose any sleep over that fact, but this latest item for consumption from LA's residing punk autocrat is a pretty mixed bag. 'Devils Playground' won't please everyone but may keep his legion of fans happy. He's now rebuilt links with his guitar slinging side kick Steve Stevens which helps matters somewhat. They do have a knack of creating some explosive moments when they lurch into the more guitar driven tracks like 'Supernova Overdrive' which has a surreal vocal not usually associated with Billy Idol. However they don't quite any really wicked groundbreaking tracks amongst the 13 on show. Having said that Mr idol he can certainly still do the business when he wants to, particularly on his more horse drawn crooning. And with his ear for a tune im sure it will keep his studded paw in pops cash till for a while yet. 'Rat Race' comprises accoustic guitars plus a rap, before powering into a powerchord rumbler. His most poppy song however had to be the appealing 'Sherri' which ill be very surprised if it ain't his next single. As it's mid-paced chunky guitars and sickly sweet chorus will most likely urge an explosion of underwear on stage from his female fan base this tour. His ballads seem to be more street orientated in theme this time round, as he covers religion, survival and escapism. The outstanding track had to be the single 'Scream', which can't be denied has all the Idol trademark yells, power and an almost heavy metal sheen. But bubbling under was 'Romeos Waiting' which was well worth the wait as it incorporated chiming guitars and Idols trademark vocal. Slandered and ridiculed in some punk circles as a sellout. I have to admire Billy Idols almost eternal youthful presence throughout drug addiction near death experiences and debauchery. He's danced with the devil on more than one occasion, and nearly paid the ultimate price for it. But he seems to come back and kicking for another term at least on this set. I'm stumped by the inclusion of the X-mas tune 'Yelling At The Christmas Tree' in mid April? Maybe Bill knows something we don't? Billy Idol maybe an over loaded rock star, but he still has that same devil may care attitude he always had when he was playing the toilets of London. And for one of the original punks he still looks the business as he scowls from out the front cover as though he's just risen from a night of iniquity on the wrong side of town. This slick album is a confirmation of his arena rock status, but I think it's missing a vital killer track like 'Rebel Yell' that'll make it truly memorable. AVERAGE BILLY IDOL |
| SYNKO 'Subject To Change' (Don't Records) CD June 2005 This is a brand new band to me, even though they've been around since '97. Synko hail from the Cumbrian/ Manchester area and deliver on this their debut album, a full and bright collection of breezy pop tunes with loads of influences ranging from electronica to indie and Ska. Might sound like a fuckin' nightmare to some die hard punks, but they also let loose a healthy dose of new wave punk to keep the spiky tops happy. It's probably a record I'd steer well clear of in the cold light of day, but when this came through the post and I put it on, half expecting some indie drivel, I was quietly surprised. 'Subject To Change' comes with a great production and these Northern popsters know exactly what sound they want and how to deliver it in the studio. On top of the skilled musicianship you get Carol Hodges outstanding vocals. She must be this bands find of the century, coz with her hot vocal talents they could well be in with a shout at hitting the big time if the right label hears them. Opening with 'All Hail The Critics' which boasts an hypnotic organ whirring along to a skanking beat. They have that fresh Epoxies kinda vibe which is addictive and kinda sucks you into the songs. And Carol's outstanding vocal can keep even punks like me interested for the duration. Check out tracks like the spacey 'Alien Song' which has an almost cosmic drive, or 'All Dollars,No Sense' with its crunching guitar riff, measured build up and atmospheric keyboards. They even create folky anthems that id never usually go for, but on the strumming 'To Us All' which incorporates subtle strings that are turned into an addictive winner. Which begs for a massive crowd response or maybe some major power chords to really kick it home. '10ft Tall' has a gospel kinda feel with that that deep southern organ intro before letting rip into an all out rocker that reminds me of bands like the Tourists. But where they really take us into other realms and make it work, is on the big kinda rock ballads like 'War Of The Roses' and 'Sweet Deceit' that reminds me of the Tubes for some strange reason? Some of the Ska tracks like the bouncy 'Captain Excess' were a bit throwaway but I thinks it's my personal infliction with that clean cut guitar sound that I simply can't abide. 'Love is' features duel vocals, with one of the geezers in the band sharing vocal duties creating another new dimension for Synko. Interesting band and one i'd check out live if they hit locally. If you wanna taster of their album check out their website for some nifty samples at the link below. WORTH A LISTEN! SYNKO |
| ANTIBODIES Demo CD 2005 Has it really been a decade since we first heard the dog rough diamonds being spat out and recorded in some sweaty scout hut in the middle of Harlow? Well since then they've hibernated, reformed, broke up and even checked out America along the way. But are now back in action armed with more prototype recordings adding to the ones they continued to chuck at us out at irregular intervals over the years. This time out they give us a demo that's been recorded on a 24 track. So its good to hear our Harlow heretics let loose in a real studio confine. And don't the end result sound so much better! Antibodies unsung anti-heroes from the Essex quadrant, prove what some of us already knew. And the're capable of creating something really good and diverse in our punk rock ghetto. They got the ammo, the scope and decades of frustration and anger to put some real punk rock salvoes together for our pleasure and their sanity. Coz I've a genuine feeling that if this demo was left much longer, they'd have imploded on themselves. Never to be seen or heard of again. However they are back gigging and kick off with 'Glamour Of Backwardness' which is a scrawny, chugging, love sick attack on our sad society. It's sped along by a gritty petulance that you'll be struggling to find in this era of punk! However it's left to track 2 called inconspicuously 'Game Of Soldiers' that's the complete fuckin' blinder on this demo. From its militaristic drum rolls and sinister bass runs, that along with sinewy guitar slashings and Pete's most antagonistic vocal to date. We are immediately swept up in the anti war rant and gung ho tsunami that this song classically illustrates. What's good about the Antibodies is they do it in a very clever way, as the band drop out to a bare bass and drum sequence that leaves Pete to spit out in his creepiest vocal to date "be very, very quiet witch hunting we will go/ snug as a bug and totally fucked in a foxhole2 or an even better later line of "bits of kids blown to bits in a ghetto". The menacing layered guitars gang up at various points throughout the song and turn it into one lethal piece of punk shrapnel. 'Kamikaze Karaoke' with a sarcy "you're a beautiful audience" intro is what the Antibodies seem to do best, and that's rip the piss in their most English and cynical way. They destroy the Saturday night lager lout scene without mercy. However the drum sound could've been given a more dampened sound I reckon. But as Pete spits out "Drink another, you stupid fucker, reach for the stars and die!" it all falls into place. On the final track of 'Easymeat' they incorporate a sax . Which adds a certain X-Ray Spex feel to the proceedings, and you know what I ain't complaining. Coz it sends the defiant chorus into a raunchier outburst! I do think the stop/start structure of this track could be worked on more as it don't flow too well, but with that minor hiccup, they are rapidly becoming masters of the Essex dropout which does give their sound some real bite! And along with some of the most potent lyrics this side of Crass you just gotta let these Antibodies invade yer system now! WORTH A LISTEN! ANTIBODIES |
| VARIOUS 'Anti-State' (over105vp) CD June 2005 Volume 2 of this highly impressive Anarcho series see our early 80's legions attacking the state and all its over bearing limitations. A Touch Of Hysteria from Cumbria give us their 1983 track 'The Rulers' which is a well crafted pop tune compared with the usual rant brigade and a neat opener. Urban Decay from Harlow are more gritty with their yobbish 'Severalls' and saw them supporting like minded bands like the Epileptics and the Neurotics. Things really improve with the rumbling, haunting anthem 'Gates Of Hell' by the Mob who were one of the real original bands to come out the whole protest scene in Britain at the time. Mark Mob these days runs a scrap yard recycling old engine parts. Flux Of Pink Indians from Bishops Stortford shouldn't be no strangers to your eardrums and they give us their buzz saw 'Progress' from their debut album which really epitomised the Anarcho sound of the time. Blyth Power I was always a bit dubious about. They're similar to the Astronauts with their folky tinged sound and bring us their 'Hurling Time' which has a very British sound but reminds me of Morris dancing for some strange reason? Next up are Amebix from Devon who supply a live version of 'Axeman' which is one of their rumbling metallurgist monsters. Actually their liner notes are way more interesting than their heavy handed growls. And You'll be fascinated to know singer Rob Miller produces claymore swords and other hand forged weapons these days, apparently keeping his axeman fixation running. The Subhumans are probably the most famous band on here and give us a really early track 'So Much Money' from their very first demo recorded live in their practice space and you know what, they ain't never looked back since. The Famous Imposters from Sunderland take things on a more melodic jangly route with 'Fighting Again' from the early 80's. They were a band heavily involved with the Bunker a popular North East punk venue in the early 80's. Old guard the Poison Girls give us their rendition of 'Bully Boys' sung by Richard Famous which apparently got em blacklisted by Rock Against Racism who thought it was aimed at them and likewise the National Front, paranoia eh. It's followed by another great band to feature the vocal delights of the husky Kaye (ex- YouthInAsia) in the short lived but highly entertaining Decadent Few. They give us their 1984 track 'Lowife' which also featured the jangling guitar slinging of Mike Clarke of Inflammable Material infamy. Toxic Waste were one of the few Anarcho bands to come outta Belfast in the early 80's after witnessing Crass play the Anarchy centre and went on to record for the Mortarhate label. 'Traditionally Yours' features duel vocals, buzz saw guitars and more melodic touches akin to the A-Heads. Continuing the toxicity level come the highly impressive Scottish outfit Toxic Ephex with their impressive 'Nothings Permissive' from their 1987 EP 'Punk As Fuck'. They are followed by another good outfit called the Disruptors who come from Norwich. Their track 'Stonehenge' is a suitably snotty piece of punk with good arrangements, clean sound and not an 'ippy in sight. Decadence Within feature hypnotic vocals from Andrea and a snarly alternative from Kev. On 'A Breath Of Fresh Air' they combine the two which also features future 'Burning Britain' book author Ian Glasper on bass. I was really impressed with Essex Anarcho's No Defences who slow the pace right down with a brooding almost Mob like 'Willing Cripples' from the never released late 80's album that features strong female vocals from Iggy who now teaches Tai-Chi in Scotland ill have you know. Savour the delights of Chumbawamba from Leeds who give us 'Revolution' taken from their debut 45 circa 1985. It shows em as a band with their own sound and their own take on the protest scene, which was affectionately labeled agit-prop. Pity they lost the agitation and become an irritation when they went on to become the pop idols they wanted to kill and maim. Still in Yorkshire comes Civilised Society who give us a polished duel vocalled guitar chiming 'I Can Be Free'. Singer Hammy went on to run metal/rock Peaceville Records. I've always had a soft spot for the Sinyx from Southend ever since I heard their rabid 'Mark Of The Beast' on Bullshit Detector 1. Here they bring us 'The Plague' which ain't half as nasty but still provides a bit of malicious intent with Alien on vocals circa the early 80's. Asssasins from East London serve up 'From The Gutter' that dates from a 1984 demo which has some passionate vocals supplied by young Gino on top of a transistorised backbeat. Fareham trio Polemic featured Terena drums/vocals, heather on bass (who also wrote anarcho-feminist zine Lost Faith) and Gareth on guitar/vocals. On 'Deceptive Ideals' they were a nifty little 3 piece and reminded me of a prototype early 80s UK version of the Dread from California. Last track was the runt of the litter on this album and was left to the Erratics from Waltham Cross to do the honours. Their ham fisted 'Punishment Squad' was probably only included here coz the bands history was an exceedingly hilarious tale. 21 tracks in all and like its predessor this compilation comes with some delving extensive band histories and sleeve notes by our learned punk compiler Sean McGhee. UK CONTENDER www.overgroundrecords.co.uk |
| NECK 'Sod 'Em And Begorrah!' (Hibernian records CD) July 2005 Neck are totally new to me although they've toured the UK, Europe and the USA on the folk punk circuit. Which is probably why they ain't registered on my own personnel Richter scale. They are currently one of London's hottest Irish punk outfits who display a massive Pogues influence with whistles, fiddles, banjo and Uillean (bag pipes), plus the instantly recognizable Irish brogue lead vocal. I ain't quite sure were ready for or need yet another celt psycho punk band to add to the long list of inferior imitators. It can get so predictable with hundreds of Shane McGowan imitators doing their level best to sound intoxicated, authentic or is that just the way these blaggards sing anyway. But Neck it has to be said do seem to have bona fide pedigree and can mix it professionally with a rowdy set that features some neat guitar licks by lead singer/ guitarist Leeson O'Keefe. Leeson, who has spent more time than is healthy for him amongst Shane McGowan And The Popes steers Neck through similar drunken tales and adventures, but with a misty eyed romanticism that seems a bit dubious in the cold light of day. I must admit I ain't a big fan of folk music full stop, but was partial to the Clancy Brothers and more recently the Pogues which is where these North London Paddy's are coming from. They seem to have that same attitude both in the mood and the subject matter. Only perhaps missing the sordid bite of a McGowan lyric. I dunno about you but I seem to get bored pretty fast with all the new breed of irish/punk outfits that are scattered all over the planet. Bands like the overrated Flogging Molly, or even the Dropkick Murphys, who are getting pretty stale these days. However this north London crew seem to be nearer the real classic kinda vibe that the Pogues emitted when they kicked off this whole wing of punk back in the 80's. Best songs on this their second album is 'The Ferry's Fare' which boasts some true to life lyrics about blowin ya money and bumming round the building sites. And 'Everyday's St Patricks Day' which is a wild jump around song about getting pissed and having the craic. The mammoth 'May The Road Rise With You' stood out with its anthem like chorus. I also like the way they supply explanations for the slang used in their lyrics in the attached glossy booklet, coz its informative for us all. But it was left to the pulsating 'Diaspora' their best number and a tribute to the Irish emigrants and their descendents that really stood out. Its got an addictive tune that shows Neck in a class of their own with an excellent chorus and some great fiddle and whistle work coming into their own. On 'Blood On The Streets' they confront the troubles in Ulster with a song about some Catholic murders in Portadown. But I don't think political tunes suit this band quite so well. Neck work really best when they're doing rip roarin dance round the bar numbers. They even do a version of the traditional tune 'A Star Of The County Down' which incorporates a nifty electric guitar solo which we could've heard more of. They finish off with the 8 minute instrumental called 'The Psycho Ceilidh Mayhem Set' which shows this London Irish mob can certainly play their instruments. If you're a fan of the Pogues your certainly gonna dig Neck. And they are supposedly a deadly live act too. So give this some Neck today! WORTH A LISTEN NECK |
| LOST CHERREES 'CD Sampler #1' June 2005 At last I finally get to hear the Lost Cherrees 2005 studio sound after witnessing a good live performance in bowels of digbeth last month. And this freebie which is now available at all the bands future gigs is a great taster for their forthcoming new album. Only 3 tracks but its enough to gain your curiosity and kicks off with bass driven 'Good Time' nicked from their forthcoming new album 'Free To Speak..' which parades a medium paced melodic piece of 21st century punk rock that has solid arrangements and Bev's passionate vocals, before turning into a more aggressive and vigorous finale. Track two is 'The Wait' and one of their early 80's standout tracks which is taken from a live gig in Leicester circa 2003. Not the best sound desk recording but more than ever shows the bands capability of being a tight little unit both in style and on the stage. And for a laugh they add on a less than serious cover of the Pistols 'Pretty Vacant' which reflects their pace and sounds like they had a lotta fun ripping it out. Lost Cherrees have a knack for crafting catchy 77 tunes that marry protest lyrics with a conscience and the end result is a pretty potent formula. A band to watch! WORTH A LISTEN LOST CHERREES |
