| 2012: PAGE 1 |
| VARIOUS ‘Bored Teenagers Vol. 6’ (Bin Liner Records) October 2012 2xCD A massive double CD collection here from the reputable Bin Liner records, who are an offshoot from the brilliant Bored Teenagers emporium for online punk trainspotters and the desperate collectors amongst us. This is a first for Punk Rocker, as there's a massive 5 more volumes already out on CD from their back catalogue. All of which host in depth portrayals of a who's who of late 70's British punk obscurities. And without even a snifter of any of the big names to take the glory. No, thats left to just very blemished and often unheard of collections by bands who adorned the bottom of the bill at the Roxy, or only played some god forsaken boozer in the middle of nowhere. 'Bored Teenagers Volume #6' features 9 relics from our 77-82 past, and I for one barely recognise any of the names, let alone the 30 tracks? But have no fear Mr Anorak, for the jam packed liner notes tells you each band’s story from the members themselves in most cases. So here we go onto the music, kicking off in suitable style in the form of Victimize from South Wales. They featured future Damned members Roman Jugg on guitar and Bryn Merrick on bass respectively. Their 5 track demo recorded in April ‘79 in some caretakers house of the local colliery. Shows charisma and some great tunes, despite its sheep shagging setting. Victimize really are quite good with the band showing pop punk sensibilities and some spot on back up vocals, even at this early stage. I’m sure this would've got em some John Peel airplay had they sent a copy in. Although it did score them numerous support slots with the likes of the UK Subs and the Skids which I might've seen at Barbarellas during the time, as the name seems quite familiar? They end with a cover version of John Cooper Clarke’s 'Innocence' which has been slightly altered and renamed, but was a really good start. The Stereotypes are a '77 punk band formed in Ilford and offer 4 tracks from their one and only limited edition EP 'The Countdown'. Which was released in July 1979. There was only a 100 copies printed up, giving them the dubious honour of being one of the rarest and most sought after records from the late 70’s punk era. And fair play to Bin Liner Records for tracking them down and giving us all access to this sought after disc. However collectors item or not, they sound a little less talented than Victimize on the EP title track, but pick up speed and coordination during 'Champagne Suicide' and 'Parisian'. Although final track 'Telephone Affair' boasts what can only be described as an over the top guitar solo which will bring a smirk to your face once you hear it lol. Love the name Unorfadox who came out the Bromley suburbs in '76 and offer some of the more interesting lyrics on this collection, as they name drop punk haunts like the Vortex and even wrote a song about the Roxy. Although on closer inspection musically they sound like a band who were embracing punk because it was hip and not coz it was all they knew. Which didn't really convince anyone, especially with their R’n’B influenced stab at the Roxy. However the lyrics were certainly fun, but they seemed to play songs well over the 3 minute mark which may account for the not so encouraging results. They certainly had some good juicy tales of playing to gangsters or being gobbed on by irate French tourists who probably got bored of the length of songs they were playing? The dreadful looking Machine come outta West Brom in 1978 and apparently played the Laff which was my local punk haunt. They recorded these 2 tracks 'Bored With The City' / 'Brown Eyed Girl' at Birmingham's Outlaw studios which would 4 years later see home recording debuts of Dead Wretched, Drongos and some yam yams called Stench. They released the tracks on a 200 edition only single which came out on their own label. But didn't manage to obtain any distribution deals. Which ain't no surprise, considering their long hair 'n' flares attire. Sound wise they offered pedestrian punk, well played, but a little too tame for the era to gain a name. Although to be fair 'Bored With The City' is very reminiscent of the times in sound. Meanwhile Brighton outfit F-X sound really good, and are up there with Victimize for nicking the honours on disc 1. They offer us the anthemic 'The South Rises Again' which was adopted by the local football club Brighton And Hove Albion and actually got em some Jonn Peel plays. 'OBE' is another catchy ditty with enough snot to make it of interest to any condescending reviewer of punk antiquities, or even you! F-X are the first band to offer some real angst and attitude with songs like 'Slag', but they spoilt it all with a clumsy cover of Bowie’s 'Queen Bitch', which was a bit of a let down compared with their obviously superior original material. DISC 2 Cover stars Vox Phantoms soar in straight outta Gloucester. They released a split EP with local punks Dead Airmen (who are next band up on this compilation) in 1979. Vox Phantoms secured a short lived support slot on the Ruts tour of the UK, but was cancelled after only two dates due to Ruts singer Malcolm Owens drug indulgence. The two tracks in question sound promising despite being recorded in one take. 'The Time Is Right' promises to grow into a monster, but seems held back by some off key guitar solo's droning on in the background and just as it starts to speed up disintegrates into an abrupt halt. However their best track 'Nothing New Under The Sun' which has an infectious chorus and decent solo is a good addition to this time piece period, complete with reverb. For trivia freaks, they were engineered by the then unknown Adrian Sherwood who obviously didn’t have a clue what he was doing even then. From the same session come Cheltenham's Dead Airman who seem a more livelier outfit and offer us the compulsive 'Search And Destroy', which is without a doubt their best track and has absolutely nothing to do with Iggy's masterpiece, but adds a mesmerising twist to the much over used punk call to arms! Bicesters Vile Bodies seem to be the most well known band on this compilation. And spit out 4 tracks that are gleaned from a recording session in 1978. Singer Hugh Watkins is most notable for his almost surreal vocal that swoons in on the bands transistorized punk attack. He reminds me of Jarvis Cocker or maybe Rikki from the Last Days Of Earth, coz they own that similar art school plumby vibe with a decidedly sarcy demeanour. Especially as their name was coined from an Evelyn Waugh novel about decadent young London. But on second thoughts and more plays were left a little bit disappointed after all this time. Finally The Daze were a trio from Birmingham and close the album. This mysterious outfit (no pics included), seem to have had the most interest from labels including EMI (pre- Pistols). For which they recorded 8 demos in 1976 under the hideous moniker Five Knuckle Shuffle according to their singer/guitarist. However they were promptly dropped in favour of Rotten and co by the end of ‘76 before splitting up disillusioned. They reformed as the Daze in ‘77 to play original material. Four of which are previewed here, but you can sniff the pub rock covers culture they grew up from sneaking into their laid back approach far too frequently. And was a cross too much to bear for our punk rock conscience, especially if you really were a bored teenager in '77. Interesting compilations like this despite its ups and downs means you always wanna go back for more for curiosity's sake, and if the others are of this calibre, they’re definitely worth pursuing just to set your mind at rest. Volume #7 will be released in 2013. WORTH A LISTEN Bin Liner Records |
| THE MEN THAT WILL NOT BE BLAMED FOR NOTHING ‘This Maybe The Reason Why The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing Cannot Be Killed By Conventional Weapons' (Leather Apron Records) October 2012 CD Steam punk ha! Who’d have thought it? This industrious wing of punk seems to be a growing, thriving obsession within the splintered 21st century punk scene. Especially within certain quarters of old London town where The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing (a nod to Jack the Ripper) reside. They look like a bunch of Victorian bohemians, misfits and goffs sacre bleur! And come complete with costumes and outrageous hosiery from the time period. The type of blokes you'd probably find at some Steam Engine rally, rather than in the hot sweaty punk dives they frequent whilst fighting their corner. And I hate to spoil your dream for you combustion freaks, but there’s not one shiny brass horn to be seen or heard throughout the whole album. Not even as much as a "choo choo" on the engine whistle in ear shot. Unless of course you read some of the hilarious lyrics these steam punk pioneers blow out at every god forsaken minute. We had peace punk, rail punk, street punk so why not steam punk? The punk scene does need something new in this god forsaken barren outcrop to liven things up, and the way some of these numbers speed along you be hard pressed not to be swept off ya feet as the steam rises up from the platforms edge. Kicking us off after a short monologue intro by Sylvester McCoy is ‘Victoria’s’ Secret’, which has a startling heavy rock kinda vibe as they regale the mental state of King Albert. Not what I was quite expecting from these steam heaters. Followed by the acoustic ‘Margate Fhtagn’ which transforms from a safe little holiday ditty into a chugging crust, slush, monster as our happy Victorian family meet a giant Octopussy on the south coast. An idea which might’ve sounded good in concept, but didn’t really gel on record. However they regain composure on the impressive ‘Doing It For The Whigs’ an optimistic rowdy tune which is where TMTWNBBFN really do excel and proved to be the albums other stand pout track. Victoriana was as kinky an era as most, if not more. So it came as no surprise to be offered another wanking song. Only this time from a Victorian medical advisors perspective. Which has elements of Derek and Clive set in a period comedy sketch, with its acoustic rants all about spanking the bishop. ‘Free Spirit’ signals more Tommy Steele circa ‘Half A Sixpence’ sing-alongs as the men with the long name, go all acapella on us. Complete with cardboard Cockney brogue. The lyrics are highly amusing mostly and historically correct, as we are confronted by an hysterical look into the dark distant past with tongue in cheek cheekiness. However ‘Brunel’ is by far their most accomplished steam punk number to date, and easily the best track on the album. As they speed through a rabble rousing take on Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s engineering genius. So check out its must see promo video on youtube, which has attracted over 28,000 hits. It’s gloriously followed by the rip roaring, short but sweet ‘A Real Dead Ringer For Albert’. Their mood then takes a down swing musically, as we are confronted by the great stink. A song which owns a decidedly mid paced sinister pong as our heroes take on London’s sanitation system. Don't get me wrong it ain’t shit but a rather good stench, just check out the fumes off those riffing guitars. The hilarious but scary ‘Tesla Coil’ is another fave as the Victorian form of contraception gets plugged in amid grinding guitar riffs and enough shocks to steer even old Jack well clear of those bouncing bustles. An anti war theme creeps in during mud soaked ‘Mutiny In The Common Soldiery’ which has a new twist, where the cannon fodder in the trenches ponders the thought of bayoneting authority instead of the Hun, as the lowly foot soldier screams "i got more in common with the bugger on bayonet that the toff who tells me to stick it in his guts" which I’m afraid is still relevant today. They end light heartedly with a taxidermy tale, complete with its very own Mid-Sommer Murders haunting vibe. TMTWNBBFN have created an album that’s definitely worth a butchers, even if its just to hear a new twist on punk. It comes with a professional package and a 12 page booklet that features all the lyrics plus some art. Its released on the bands own highly amusing Leather Apron records. WORTH A LISTEN So cheers to Jez Miller on drums and producing this album. He is prone to playing drums for Walter Lure on his UK travels when he ain’t busy dressing up in velvet and drinking brandy. And don't tell anyone but once upon a time he played in old Wolvo punk combo the brilliantly named but short lived Pulex Irritans. You can post them a letter via facebook at www.facebook.com/blamedfornothing |
| BITEBACK ‘Bitten And Twisted’ (Antipop Records) Summer 2012 CD A rare Liverpool punk supergroup here.... no it ain’t Frankie or even a sniff of Jayne Casey’s pigtails, but our very own lovable Richie from Mere Dead Men on guitar and the Charlie Harper of Birkenhead, Hocky from Instant Agony on vocals and bass respectively. They powered along by Rob from god knows where, on drums? They only formed this Scouse punk rock trio in 2011 and have already unleashed their debut full length album on us by May 2012. Phew, there’s no fly’s round their dog shit. Are these mutts on speed, or just addicted to pedigree chum? Whatever the case 'Biitten And Twisted’ comes dressed in a neat chocolate brown semi Slaughter And The Dogs artwork, featuring a rabid dog blowing chunks or is it wind? And no, we ain’t talking Richie here after a night out on the Carling. The album is released primarily as a digital download, but Punk Rocker has had almost exclusive access to this unique limited edition CD release, so cheers lads I'm totally exalted. Biteback have been gigging their dogs bollocks off since its release to promote it. They claim to be old school punk influenced, which is ok in my book. And I can condone that perception after a few plays. They certainly have the ability to spot and craft a tune as we snarl through this ‘Bitter And Twisted’ 14 track debut. Another bonus is, it comes with a generous production. As we unleash the hounds with the chugging opening "be yourself" number called 'No Imagination'. Which owns a nice Heartbreakers solo, while Hocky slags off all the uniformity in the punk scene. A good start, but as the album progresses, you can’t help noticing Hocky's limited vocal range. Which veers from raw to horse drawn. I reckon they could hold back some of the tracks if they ain’t too careful. I mean you can't fault him for punk hunger and integrity. He’s been around the block and has genuine ideals as his rebellious lyrics and middle aged Chas Harper stage presence bears this out. But those gravelly gruff vocals could do with a bit more snarl and a lot more variation, to make ‘em really hit home. We ain’t demanding Pete Wylie fer fux sake, just a little more melody or a shot of rhthym could do wonders for this band. I ain’t familiar with any of his Instant Agony output on record, apart from a live gig I caught em at in Brum circa 2008. But I suspect its of a similar style. So if your a fan of Instant Agony, you’ll be satisfied no doubt. But musically Biteback seem a lot more adventurous. 'She's A Rebel’ has a little more energy and Hocky’s vocals stand up to the bar (pardon the pun) as they rejoice all the heroines out there. It’s followed by the chorus laden 'Ignore Those Fools'. Which is a good fuck ‘em all anthem, that has a neat chorus and shows they're band with some potentially powerful tracks in their dog kennel. They eventually sign off with the rowdy 'Smash Up Town' which ain’t quite on a par with the Dead Kennedys 'Riot', but omits potentially the same sentiments from a Toxeth perspective. Sadly we don’t get any room for lyrics in the 4 page booklet, but there's a brief explanation of what each song represents to the band and hopefully, you the record buying public. It all comes printed above a neat live colour shot of the band in action. A band to watch out for, no doubt, and quite possibly playing a support slot some where near you in the future. It’s kept in house and released on the local Antipop record label. So for more information check out. WORTH A LISTEN http://facebook.com/bitebackpunk |
| HARD CASE 'Waiting For The Ship To Come In' (Promo) October 2012 CDEP Latest self released promo 4 track EP from Belfast's street punks Hard Case, who are slowly but steadily building up a following to rival the bigger boys on the scene. Its been hard earned after gigging more regular both in Belfast and the UK mainland, and could easily make the current daddy's of Belfast street punk Runnin Riot, look over their shoulders with apprehension. Especially if Hard Case could secure a more stable line up which would probably see this band taking a more rigorous approach to their creativity. This is thankfully a taster that is penciled in for vinyl, for an imminent future release, but Billys holding the details close to his tattooed chest for the time being. They set sail with the rumbling powerful EP title track 'Waiting For The Ship To Come In'. Which has the makings of a credible street punk anthem. Only this time round features a vocal duet between Hard Case main man Billy Riot and a buxom Belfast skin bird, who goes by the name of Nikki Guttersnipe. I used to pick faults with some of Billy’s delivery in the past, but even he has transformed his technique and made this song a credit for the band to play at their eventful live outings. So its just a pity miss Guttersnipes flat, lifeless verses weren't quite as passionate or as meaningful as the riot clone himself, but its still by far the best track. And with the added bang on production highlighting those duel guitars being their favoured weapon of choice, we finally get the feeling that Hard Case have found their sound and can deliver some much needed damage. 'God Sent Me An Angel In Fuck Me Boots' is back to the usual boisterous bollocks, and full of the double entendres you'd expect from this Buckfast swilling crew of malcontents, skins and punks such is Hard Case. Billy has made good use of some of his beloved favourite punk records from the past as he loots them unmercilessly in the lyrics. Making this a totally sexist track to boot (no pun intended). It'll definitely go right down well with the PC brigade in fanzine reviews which is always a positive note in Punk Rocker circles. It also boasts the best line on the EP with the hilarious "Got me barking at those puppies” tee hee. Its finally nailed to the mast with an authentic vintage '77 sounding guitar solo which sold it me. However this was a game of two halves. Things go swiftly downhill from here i'm afraid coz next track ‘Beauty And The Bitch' was spoilt by not playing on my CD player and skipping merrily even on my laptop? So i’ll only have to guess how good it really was, but the lyrics seemed very intriguing. Last track ‘3000 Septic Kisses (dana mix)’ suffered the same fate grrrr. I was really looking forward to hearing this track coz all kinds of everything remind me of you! C’mon Billy if your gonna burn a promo CD make sure the fucker plays on at least one format lol. Coz I'm sure MRR or even Trev Hagl won’t be half as forgiving. To dear street punker I suggest you wait for the vinyl offering which will guarantee a turntable mix of the missing evidence. You can find out more about Hard Case and future gigs at your friendly neighbourhood facebook. WORTH A LISTEN for 2 tracks www.facebook.com/Hardcasepunk |
| SUBVERSIVE FIRE ‘Wage Rage Live At The Fleece’ (Stoned As A Post Records) May 2012 CDEP New Bristol ska-punks, Subversive Fire have released a neat debut live CDEP called 'Wage Rage'. Featuring 8 good quality live recordings straight outta the sound desk at Bristol's intimate, but by now exalted punk venue, the Fleece. All captured on one night back in May 2012. I’m not the biggest fan of ska-punk, but the live intimacy of this gig actually reminds me of the quality of the now legendary 'Live At The Roxy' recordings. Especially with a smattering of small applause in between numbers, and you can actually hear everything. Including a few drum mistakes, but ain’t that what’s good about live recordings. Another bonus is this to me sounds a lot more spiky and punky than a lot of the other ska-punk outfits doing the rounds. Particularly the first track 'Squat Rave' with its "been there, done it" view of the current London squat scene. Which is underlined by lyrics like..."Gabba Drumo, reggae star, Jungle dub and punk guitar, hippies, rude boys, ketakids, All united subversives" and sums up 21st century squatting succinctly. From what I can gather Subversive Fire are a new outfit, so there’s bound to be a few teething problems especially if you smoke that much crack (only kidding kids). I’m sure some of these songs would benefit greatly and maybe sound a lot more powerful in a studio. However their flying by the arse of their pants attitude, has to be commended. They conjure up a fun based and having a good time attitude which I'd say is more on their agenda. Well it ain’t no bad thing in our current climate of austerity is it? Joking aside, they still have some gems hidden in their ruck sack to delight us with. Take for instance their most accomplished number 'No Pity For The Victim', which shines a torch on fashion victims, ooh la la! Tommy Free the singer/guitarist and all round spokesman of the band, likes to sing about the everyday local scene that affects him personally. And the lyrics so eloquently hand written in biro on the inner fold out sleeve, tells you exactly what they're saying. It also gives this release a neat glow and offers us a personal touch, as they take us on a stroll round Bristol's Stokes Croft area, where the Tesco got attacked and looted in the riots. It comes with the best heavy riff of the lot. Which certainly makes a change from their regular treble guitar signatune. Subversive Fire do have elements of London ska punk outfit P.A.I.N., but without Phil’s unique Cockney delivery. Tommy’s vocals ain't quite armed with that much impact, but they’re scrawny enough for some fast proto punk, but leave us a little ragged for the ska portions, even with the foil of shaky Ellie’s female input. I think their vocal delivery needs more work, although they do have a pinch of the Mob on the manic 'Carcrash!' number. I quite like the 'diy' integrity of this package as it come's together with a band autobiography, a full lyric sheet all on a nifty red stencilled arty design. My copy was numbered '99. There’s a bonus acoustic track with Tommy and Ellie duetting nailed to the end, which wasn’t quite finished or had that effect. But overall 'Wage Rage' as a debut is definitely WORTH A LISTEN and would be worth hanging around to see how they can engineer their sound in a studio. Overall were left with plenty of Subversion with a lot of fire, just needs more petrol to really set us alight. Its available now on the hilariously named Stoned As A Post records, which takes the biscuit as the most ingeniously named record label I've reviewed in quite a while. You can contact the band themselves at www.myspace.com/subversivefire to get your copy or catch em at a gig. |
