Toughskins - 'Keep The Faith' (7" EP)
The LA based Oi! band Toughskins are back with four new blistering songs from the streets on their 'Keep The Faith' EP. Fast paced, hard as nails, street rock'n'roll with a social conscience are what these boys deliver on 'Too Young To Care', 'Keep The Faith', 'Black and Blue' and the bruising 'Crack Some Skulls'. Toughskins have played shows with the likes of Rancid, Transplants, Old Firm Casuals, Harrington Saints, Bonecrusher, Cromags, and Menace (do I detect an early Menace influence running through the songs?). If you're into bands such as The Bruisers, Anti-Heros, and The Templars then Toughskins should be right up your alley so go check out the EP now! This is a joint release by US label Rebel Sound Music and Germany's Randale Records with 800 copies on black vinyl, 100 on red vinyl (USA) and 100 on blue vinyl (Europe). There are also different sleeves for the US and European releases. Don't ya just love vinyl!
Available from Rebel Sound Records and Randale Records
Available from Rebel Sound Records and Randale Records
Menace - 'Too Many Punks Are Dead' (LP)
This is a limited edition vinyl reissue of the bands 2011 self-released CD (available on red or black vinyl with free patch) courtesy of Rebel Sound Records. Formed in 1976, these original punks thrilled us with early bootboy stompers such as the classic single 'GLC' and 'Last Years Youth'. An obvious influence on bands such as Sham 69 and Cockney Rejects, Menace's working class anthems were certainly an influence on the later Oi! scene. Some 35+ years later the sound has matured, a little heavier but still packing a punch and a tasty tune or two. Of the 10 original tracks on the album there are a few standout numbers 'I Don't Care', 'Party Animal', and 'We Are The Boys' with the sound lying somewhere between the Angelic Upstarts, The Ruts and The Bruisers, but all done of course, in their own inimitable style. The surprise track on the album is 'My Very Good Friend' which see's the band try their hand at a little ska-punk. But the undoubted highlight of the whole album (for me anyway) is the bonus track 'One Two, One Two' (which previously appeared on the 'No Escape From Nowhere' CD). The amphetamine rush of 'One Two, One Two' _reminiscent of classic early Menace singles 'Screwed Up', 'GLC' and 'I Need Nothing'. A storming end to a decent album.
Available from Rebel Sound Records
Available from Rebel Sound Records
VA - 'Cashing In On Christmas' vol. 5 (2 x LP)
So here it is, Merry (fuckin') Christmas, everybody's having fun...... and now all you punks & skins can join in the festive frolics by blasting this Christmas cracker full volume to get the party started! This is an international punk / oi! compilation featuring bands from the US, UK, Ireland, France etc. giving us their own spin on Xmas with mostly original songs. The Double LP comes on red vinyl with a laser-etching on Side 4, and includes a bonus CD version of the album.
Cashing In On Christmas Volume 5 sports 19 tracks (plus two bonus tracks on the included CD version) from Angry Snowmans, Bishops Green, BOY, Chem D, Evil Conduct, Harrinton Saints (with a guest appearance by The Dwarves “He Who Cannot Be Named”), Hooligan (Dublin), Immoral Discipline, Lion’s Law, Maddog Surrender, Missile Toads, Monkish, On The Job, Prins Carl, Roadside Bombs, Sniper 66, Splodgenessabounds, Stranglehold, Suckered In and The Bad Engrish.
This year also features the return of cover artist Richard Stone, with a brilliant spoof of the Exploited’s “Troops of Tomorrow” album cover.
Its a pretty impressive package all round from US label Black Hole Records featuring a great lineup of bands (a few of them new to me) including quality acts like the Harrington Saints, Bishops Green and Lion's Law. One of my current favourite bands, Dublin's Hooligan, also make an appearance with a skanking little ditty 'Punk Rock Christmas' - one of the highlights of an incredibly good album. The great thing about compilations is that they usually throw out one or two bands that you're unfamiliar with and you wanna find out more about them after being suitably impressed by their tracks. Well, after listening to this album I'm off to research Stranglehold and Roadside Bombs, two bands who immediately impressed with their contributions 'Another Night Alone' and 'Christmas In California'. This album is great fun and gets a big thumbs up from N.I. Punk.
Buy the album online from Black Hole Records
or download the album from http://blackholerecs.bandcamp.com/
Cashing In On Christmas Volume 5 sports 19 tracks (plus two bonus tracks on the included CD version) from Angry Snowmans, Bishops Green, BOY, Chem D, Evil Conduct, Harrinton Saints (with a guest appearance by The Dwarves “He Who Cannot Be Named”), Hooligan (Dublin), Immoral Discipline, Lion’s Law, Maddog Surrender, Missile Toads, Monkish, On The Job, Prins Carl, Roadside Bombs, Sniper 66, Splodgenessabounds, Stranglehold, Suckered In and The Bad Engrish.
This year also features the return of cover artist Richard Stone, with a brilliant spoof of the Exploited’s “Troops of Tomorrow” album cover.
Its a pretty impressive package all round from US label Black Hole Records featuring a great lineup of bands (a few of them new to me) including quality acts like the Harrington Saints, Bishops Green and Lion's Law. One of my current favourite bands, Dublin's Hooligan, also make an appearance with a skanking little ditty 'Punk Rock Christmas' - one of the highlights of an incredibly good album. The great thing about compilations is that they usually throw out one or two bands that you're unfamiliar with and you wanna find out more about them after being suitably impressed by their tracks. Well, after listening to this album I'm off to research Stranglehold and Roadside Bombs, two bands who immediately impressed with their contributions 'Another Night Alone' and 'Christmas In California'. This album is great fun and gets a big thumbs up from N.I. Punk.
Buy the album online from Black Hole Records
or download the album from http://blackholerecs.bandcamp.com/
UK Subs - 'A Blast In Belfast, Live' (CD Digipak)
Next to recieve the Punkerama limited edition, hand numbered, CD digipak treatment is this little beauty from the UK Subs. The album was recorded at a gig the Subs played at the Warzone Centre, Belfast back in 1998 and was first released a couple of years ago by Punkerama as an LP on coloured vinyl. Live albums tend to be a bit hit or miss but this one gets the thumbs up as Charlie and crew were in great form that night as they ran through what was pretty much a 'best of...' set and the sound quality is excellent. Another nice wee Xmas stocking filler (if you're lucky enough to get your hands on a copy).
You can grab a copy from Dragon Records, Belfast or online via Punkerama Records
You can grab a copy from Dragon Records, Belfast or online via Punkerama Records
The Outcasts - 'Blood And Thunder' (CD Digipak)
First it was The Outcasts - 'Best Of...' and now the band's classic 1982 album gets the Punkerama Records limited edition, hand numbered, CD digipak treatment! A lovely job it is too. You know all the songs - 'Machine Gun', 'Gangland Warfare', 'Magnum Force', 'Mania' etc etc., classics each and everyone of them. 'Blood and Thunder' captured the bands beefier, more aggressive sound, a step up from the snotty nosed, pop-tinged punk of the earlier 'Self Conscious Over You' album. Justa nother wee reminder of how good this band were and why they were (and still are) so popular.
You can grab a copy (if you're very lucky) from Dragon Records, Belfast or online via Punkerama Records
You can grab a copy (if you're very lucky) from Dragon Records, Belfast or online via Punkerama Records
Wasted Life - 'Weapons Of Self-Destruction' (CD album)
Prolific Belfast label Punkerama Records has cast the net a little further in order to bring you the best in punk rock - hence this new album from Stoke-on-Trent hardcore meisters Wasted Life. Although the band were formed back in 2007 and have several releases under their belt, I only heard them for the first time when a couple of standout tracks appeared on last years Scarred For Life compilation. Having been suitably impressed by those tracks I was looking forward to checking out 'Weapons Of Self-Destruction'. I'm pleased to say the band deliver on all fronts. Wasted Life's style is kind of a blend of UK82 H/C and streetpunk with a US punk feel (the latter mainly due to their vocalist JJ who hails from New Jersey). The band come out all guns blazing on the opening track 'Animal Instinct', a fast-paced, melodic, fist-pumping punk anthem with blistering guitars, and packed with aggression and attitude. That pretty much sets the standard for the rest of the album - well, up to and including track 11 'Charmed Sinatra' anyway. This is way better than all that screaming, shouty, sub metal dirge that so often passes itself off as H/C these days. These lads have boss tuneage by the bucket load. Track 12 (the final track) slows the pace and shows a different side to the band - 'No More Goodbyes' is a heartfelt, acoustic driven punk rock ballad delivered with real passion and its fucking brilliant. A fitting finale to an excellent album.
You can grab a copy from Dragon Records, Belfast or online via Punkerama Records
or from Wasted Life on bandcamp
You can grab a copy from Dragon Records, Belfast or online via Punkerama Records
or from Wasted Life on bandcamp
Buck Eejit - 'The Terri Hooley EP' (7" EP)
I'd been looking forward to this one for a while and it was certainly worth the wait. Lisburn's finest pay homage to the self-styled 'godfather of Ulster punk' on the opening track 'Terri Hooley' - a tongue in cheek (or is it?), stompin' punk tribute to the 'one-eyed git'. Only Buck Eejit could get a way with it. The other 3 tracks are re-recorded versions of older songs 'Last Bus To Nowhere', 'Broken Home' and 'When The Mornin' Comes'. The songs were recorded at the Doghouse Studios and produced by Buck Defect - giving them a much sharper, cleaner sound. Funnily enough, the 4 tracks on the EP are my favourite Buck Eejit songs, so its like a mini 'Best Of....'. It states on the sleeve 'inspired by Motorhead and the Rejects' but I'd still say they are the bastard lovechild of Runnin' Riot and the Macc Lads, lol. If your into non PC, humour induced streetpunk / oi! then Buck Eejit will be right up your street. They might be Eejit's but they're certainly no idiots and as I've said before, they play a mean punk rock. Another crackin' release on the local Punkerama label. Now, the EP is available on pink vinyl with a full colour wraparound sleeve, limited edition hand numbered, of course and can be purchased from Dragon Records, Belfast or online from www.punkerama.com
The EP is also available in digital format (with bonus track) which can be downloaded here http://buckeejit.bandcamp.com/album/the-terri-hooley-ep
The EP is also available in digital format (with bonus track) which can be downloaded here http://buckeejit.bandcamp.com/album/the-terri-hooley-ep
Cadaver Club - 'A Fate Worse Than Life' (album)
From the darkest depths of the Fermanagh Lakelands comes the haunting sound of horrorpunks Cadaver Club via their soon to be released debut album. If you're not familiar with this band then I suggest you go check out their videos on Youtube, pronto! 'A Fate Worse Than Life' features 13 self-penned instant classics - short, fast, and so much fucking fun! There has been a slew of incredibly good releases from NI bands over the past year or so, and this is no exception. Its not just good, its bloody great! Obvious influenes here are the Misfits, Ramones and The Dickies - sure you can't be bad to that. The press release states - "The album features 13 original tales of woe - boasting vampires, werewolves, ghost stories and sea shanties, all set to blistering punk rock so contagious, it makes the ebola virus look like the sniffles" - well, I can't argue with that. Its all pretty much tongue-in-cheek, dark humour as reflected in song titles such as 'I'm Making A Monster, Baby', 'Do You Dig Graves?', 'Lunatic In Love', 'My Rictus Smile', 'Vampires Ain't What They Used To Be' etc etc. I know this is a bit of a cliche but this album really is 'all killer no filler', bursting with hooks and melodies more infectious than an outbreak of smallbox! Cadaver Club aren't afraid to mix it up a bit as witnessed on the punked-up sea shanty 'Sally's Curse' (shiver me timbers, it's just begging to be my favourite tune) or 'Bat Among The Pigeons' - a serious slab of glam-punk-rock'n'roll, a real stomper! 'My First Hate' has a chorus to die for and if you don't sing-a-long to 'Where Dreams Go To Die' then you're already dead. A quality debut from a quality band, no question. We'll be hearing a lot more from this self-styled 'Funeral Band' of that I have no doubt! 'A Fate Worse Than Life' will be unleashed on the populace on 31st October, 2013 (yeah that, guys and ghouls, is Halloween). Before I forget, the album is coming out on Pirate Heart Records, do yourself a favour - order a copy.
http://www.pirateheartrecords.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/cadaverclub
http://www.pirateheartrecords.com/ * https://www.facebook.com/cadaverclub
Victim - 'In Your Grave' (single)
Belfast punk band Victim's new single 'In Your Grave' coming soon on vinyl and CD. It's hard to believe that this is their first new single since the excellent Rat Scabies produced 'The Teen Age' way back in 1980. When Joe Moody (vocals / guitar) told me "it's not what you'd expect", I was more than a little intrigued.! It would have been easy for Victim to recreate the fired up punk sound of their youth but this is not 1970's Belfast. This is Manchester (where the band relocated in 1979) 2013 and I do detect a slight baggy-arsed Madchester influence running through the trippy, almost hypnotic distorted skank of this epic groove (all seven and a half minutes of it). Victim describe their new sound as 'dark, gothic pop' which is fair enough, although I'd favour a Psychic TV meets Happy Mondays kinda thing! If Genesis P-Orridge and Shaun Ryder were ever to collaborate on a song, I reckon the result would sound something akin to 'In Your Grave'! Joe was right, this is not what I expected but it's good to see a band not going for the easy option and trying something different. Was I surprised? Yes, but it was a pleasant surprise. A big thumbs up from N.I. Punk. Details on when / where to purchase the single will be posted when I get them.
In the meantime you can check out the infectious groove of 'In Your Grave' on Soundcloud or take a peek at the new video on youtube
In the meantime you can check out the infectious groove of 'In Your Grave' on Soundcloud or take a peek at the new video on youtube
Time To Be Proud: EP8 (cd)
8th in a series of 12 limited edition 4 track CD Ep's featuring a wide variety of Northern Irish bands and artists performing unique cover versions of songs from the glory days of Harp Bar era N.I. punk.
1) Ricky Warwick - Alternative Ulster
Newtownards born Warwick (The Almighty, Thin Lizzy etc) delivers a powerful version of the old SLF classic, every bit as good (if not better than) the original!
2) The Sabrejets - Seven Deadly Sins
Belfast's greaser kings tackle The Outcasts psychobilly number in their own inimitable rockin' style and make the song their own. I loved the Outcasts original but this is even better! The perfect choice of song for The Sabrejets.
3) Buck Defect - Clinical Love
A fantastic cover of another Outcasts song, this time by the Defects frontman. Not an obvious choice of song to cover but Buck's version is pretty sensational.
4) 3D Shark - Mars Bar
This Undertones song was the perfect choice for the fun-tastic 3D Shark. If this doesn't put a smile on your face then nothing will. Even better than the original.
So far, EP8 is the pick of bunch, its a killer! All the versions on here are every bit as good as the originals if not even better! You just gotta hear this....
All CD's available from usual outlets in Belfast. All Time To Be Proud releases available online via Ebay
More info on the TTBP EP series here
1) Ricky Warwick - Alternative Ulster
Newtownards born Warwick (The Almighty, Thin Lizzy etc) delivers a powerful version of the old SLF classic, every bit as good (if not better than) the original!
2) The Sabrejets - Seven Deadly Sins
Belfast's greaser kings tackle The Outcasts psychobilly number in their own inimitable rockin' style and make the song their own. I loved the Outcasts original but this is even better! The perfect choice of song for The Sabrejets.
3) Buck Defect - Clinical Love
A fantastic cover of another Outcasts song, this time by the Defects frontman. Not an obvious choice of song to cover but Buck's version is pretty sensational.
4) 3D Shark - Mars Bar
This Undertones song was the perfect choice for the fun-tastic 3D Shark. If this doesn't put a smile on your face then nothing will. Even better than the original.
So far, EP8 is the pick of bunch, its a killer! All the versions on here are every bit as good as the originals if not even better! You just gotta hear this....
All CD's available from usual outlets in Belfast. All Time To Be Proud releases available online via Ebay
More info on the TTBP EP series here
The Defects - 'Riot Free Zone' (7" single)
Following on from the recent vinyl offerings from Protex, The Androids and Hard Case, Punkerama Records come up trumps once again with a brand new punk-as-fuck single from the mighty Defects. This band just keep getting better and better. You can feel the energy and passion ooze from the grooves as Buck pleads ' never go back, never go back again...' referring to the violence that blighted NI in darker times. This is a muscular, anthemic tune calling out for an alternative Ulster where there is 'no religion, no machine gun' and it is available as a limited edition 7" single in choice of 2 different colours (300 of each, all hand-numbered), featuring demo versions of 'Hill Street' and 'Repentagon' on the b-side. If you want the best in NI punk, then buy this single....
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Punkerama-records/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Punkerama-records/
The Outcasts - 'Best Of....' (Cd album)
Punkerama Records keep pumping out the goodies! Here we are treated to the first ever 'Best Of...' collection from The Outcasts, a limited edition digipak of 100 hand-numbered copies. The 15 tracks on offer here show just why The Outcasts are one of our most loved bands. Tracing their career from the naive, snotty-nosed charm of late 70's classics such as 'You're A Disease', 'Self Conscious Over You' and 'The Cops Are Coming' to dabbling with cyber-punk 'Programme Love' and the aggression fuelled sound of the early 80's on songs such as 'Gangland Warfare' and 'Mania' and a final dalliance with psychobilly / spaghetti western on mid '80's tracks 'Seven Deadly Sins' and 'Nowhere Left To Run'. People will always argue over the inclusion or non inclusion of certain songs on a compilation like this but in this case I think Punkerama have got it spot on. I certainly wouldn't change anything. Great band, great compilation. Unfortunately, by the time you read this the CD will almost certainly be sold out. Never fear though as Punkerama plan to release it on vinyl as well.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Punkerama-records/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Punkerama-records/
Nerdmore - 'The Geordie Shore Massacre' (CD album)
Debut album from Cookstown pop-punks Nerdmore, who cite the likes of the Ramones, Queers, Screeching Weasel, and the Riverdales as influences. With influences like that you kinda know what to expect - mostly short, snappy guitar driven poppy-punk tunes under 2 minutes in length ('Tycoon' / 'Forever' / 'Stay Home and Drink Beer') with 2 songs ('The Time I Killed Eveyone In Sight' / 'The Better Life') whizzing by in a mere 44 seconds! I get a kinda Queers / NOFX vibe off those songs but the band aren't afraid to mix it up a bit with a couple of slightly less poppy and slightly more serious numbers ('Heart.Lobotomy.' / 'Dear Regret') each weighing in around the 4 minute mark. There is a haunting beauty about the aucostic, melancholic 'My Name Is Hercules' which shows a more mature side to the band. The standout track on the album, as far as I'm concerned, is 'Bye, She Goes' - a sublime slice of punky-pop goodness. With its Ramones style '1,2,3,4' intro and buzzing guitars, it reminds me of, in equal parts, classic singles by The Boys and The Moondogs! If there is one song on the album that really shows the bands potential, its this one. Considering that Nerdmore only formed in January 2013, this is a very decent debut and I look forward to hearing more from these guys (as long as they leave out nonsense like the closing track 'Everyday Is A Fucking Holiday')!
'The Geordie Shore Massacre' is available on CD or as a download via bandcamp
'The Geordie Shore Massacre' is available on CD or as a download via bandcamp
Control Zone - 'Drowning In Myself Again' (CD album)
Recieved a copy of Control Zone's 2nd album in the post yesterday, and after repeated plays I'm sorry to say that I've really struggled to write a review for it! Simply because I just can't find the words to convey just how fucking good it is! Y'know, I can throw out names such as Bad Religion, Pennywise, Social Distortion, SLF as comparisions, but thats just lazy and really doesn't do Control Zone any justice, so we'll just use them as a reference point, nothing more. From the opening track 'Drowning In Myself Again' you find yourself caught in a maelstrom of pounding drums and searing guitars, topped by Johnnie's passionate, sometimes pleading vocals. Choc full of ready made anthems, each track bursting with energy and sheer vitality, you'll find yourself fist-pumping the air and singing along loudly to such gems as 'Sonic Revolution', 'A Hill In The Distance', 'Fire' or 'Loserville' ( or any other track on the album, for that matter)! Its a non-stop sonic attack on the aural senses from the opener right through to the final track 'Taking Back The Streets'. Control Zone are one of N.I. punks best kept secrets, hopefully that's all about to change. This album needs to be heard! I loved the 1st album, I love this one even more! I'm gonna stick my neck out here and go for 'Fire' as my favourite track, just listen to those guitars, haven't heard anything as good since The Skids!
'Drowning In Myself Again' is available in all good Belfast record shops or online via http://www.controlzonemusic.com/the-band/
'Drowning In Myself Again' is available in all good Belfast record shops or online via http://www.controlzonemusic.com/the-band/
Paranoid Visions - 'Up The Anti' (CD EP)
Belfast's newest label Scarred For Life Records have come up trumps with this one - a simply stunning 5 track EP by long running Dublin punks Paranoid Visions. I must admit to not having kept abreast of PV's career over the past few years so was quite taken aback at the diversity of styles displayed on 'Up The Anti'! The EP kicks off with the intense, full throttle punk of 'No Contrition (Abandon Ship)' which is followed by the acoustic, Bowie-esque 'Log On / Bog Off' ( a wee ditty about our increasing dependency on the internet under the ever watchful eye of Big Brother'). Track 3 is the utterly amazing 'The Cycle Repeats'. This is an extremely haunting tune about Dublin's forgotten 'underclass' trapped in a never ending cycle of poverty, drink and drugs with Deko and Aoife sounding like 'those two dreadful children' reciting some kind of macabre fairytale. Wonderful stuff! The band then go into Dead Kennedy's mode, while showing their disdain for all political parties on 'United Left Annoyance'. The EP ends with the experimental, slightly hip-hopish 'False Prophet'. An excellent release all round and worth every penny for 'The Cycle Repeats' alone. Available from all good Belfast record shops or online from FOAD.
Aggressors B.C. -'The Tone Of The Times' (CD album)
Recent album releases by Belfast bands The Defects and Stage B blew me away, totally different in style but both outstanding in their own right. No other local band release would be able to touch these two, or so I thought. Well, I was wrong! 'The Tone Of The Times' the debut album by Belfast band Aggressors B.C. left me gobsmacked on first listen. Needless to say, it's been on repeat play since then. For those who don't know - Aggressors B.C. were formed by members of other notable local bands - Runnin' Riot, Pocket Billiards, Boss Sound Manifesto, and 1000 Drunken Nights - all sharing a love of ska, rocksteady, reggae and dub. 'The Tone Of The Times' is the perfect accompaniment to these long hot summer days - a nice blend of uptempo tunes to get ya skankin' and laid back reggae to chill to. The male / female vocal interplay works a treat and there's a real passion and vitality about this band. Lyrically strong, the songs tackle subject matter such as racism ('Plight'), life ('Life 101'), sectarianism / bigotry ('29 Years' and 'Hope') and getting stoned ('The Man They Call Horse'). 'A.G.G.R.E.S.S.O.R.S' adds an element of fun to the proceedings - a real gem of a song! The aforementioned 'Hope' is possibly the most poignant song I've ever heard regarding the ongoing 'problems' of life in N. Ireland whilst 'The Great Escape' is a genuine white reggae classic! Throbbing basslines are the order of the day on 'Horse Dub'. All in all, a superb debut album, released by Warzone Records and featuring guest appearances by Colin Riot and BeeMickSee. If this album doesn't propel Aggressors B.C. onto bigger and better things, then I'll eat my (porkpie) hat! The album will be officially launched at the Warzone Centre on August 16th https://www.facebook.com/events/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aggressors-BC
http://warzonecollective.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Aggressors-BC
http://warzonecollective.com/
Little Miss Stakes - 'Monster Party Hits' (EP)
I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview of Belfast based horrorpunk band Little Miss Stakes' forthcoming EP and what a pleasant surprise it turned out to be. LMS have certainly upped the anti since the release of their debut EP 'Bela Lugosi's Pro Skater 3'! The Misfits are an obvious reference point, with maybe a touch of AFI and even a wee nod to Alice Cooper. LMS play hard and fast on the 4 songs on offer 'Killer Klowns From Outer Space' (as far removed from the Dickies original as you could possibly get!), 'The Ghoul Next Door', 'Mina' and 'Drag Queen Dracula'. The songs are well produced, the band sound great, and its a lot of fun. I'm impressed! Check for further info on their facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/lmsboo
Hard Case - 'Waiting For My Ship To Come In' (7" vinyl EP)
Another wee gem from Punkerama Records, bringing us right up-to-date with the latest release from Belfast steetpunks Hard Case. The title track 'Waiting For My Ship To Come In' (with guest vocals by Nikki Guttersnipe and Colin Riot) is a cracking sing-a-long tune with all the potential to become a streetpunk / oi! classic. The other 3 tracks 'God Sent Me An Angel In Fuck Me Boots', 'Beauty And A Bitch' and '3,000 Septic Kisses' are a lyrical showcase for frontman Billy Riot's barbed rhetoric and razor-sharp wit while the rest of the band show how far they've progressed over the past few years, having become a real tight streetpunk outfit able to mix it with the best of them. Good to see that old 'having a laugh and having a say' ethos still alive and kicking. Recent live performances has highlighted just how good this Belfast outfit has become. Keep an eye out for them. Oh aye, the 4 track vinyl EP comes in the now customary hand numbered Good Vibrations style wraparound picture sleeve.
Go grab a copy while you still can from Dragon Records, Belfast or from the Punkerama online store.
Go grab a copy while you still can from Dragon Records, Belfast or from the Punkerama online store.
The Androids - 'EP' (7" vinyl EP)
Four choice cuts from one of the finest exponents of early Belfast punk rock - The Androids. Unfortunately the band never got to release any records back in their heyday but better late than never, as they say. The EP features 4 studio recordings from 1978 - 'Lipstick Heroes' / 'Nine To Five' / 'Terminal Breakout' / 'Suggestions?' - all of which give the listener a glimpse into why this band was one of the biggest live draws on the local scene all those years ago. This limited edition EP was lovingly put together by Gary Fahy of Punkerama Records. It comes in a hand-numbered Good Vibrations style wraparound picture sleeve and the first 100 copies are on glow-in-the-dark vinyl. A very fitting tribute to a band who merged the sleazy US underground sounds of the New York Dolls, Stooges, Velvet Underground with the London filth and fury punk of the Pistols, Clash etc to create their own unique Belfast twist on ye olde punk rock. If this had been realesed all those years ago, who knows what fame and fortune it may have brought? Get this on your turntable asap and pump up the volume!
Go grab a copy while you still can from Dragon Records, Belfast or from the Punkerama online store.
Go grab a copy while you still can from Dragon Records, Belfast or from the Punkerama online store.
Stage B - 'People Of The Book' (CD album) Review No. 2!
I know Punky Joe's fantastic review has already been posted here but I couldn't really let this momentous occasion pass without saying a few words, now could I?
Like Joe, Stage B were a real favourite of mine back in the hallowed days of the Harp Bar etc. Unfortunately the band never got to record an album back in their prime so when I heard rumours of a proposed debut album some 30+ years later I was, well, more than a little excited to say the least. I knew this album was going to be good but I hadn't banked on it being this good! Not just good but bloody brilliant! 'People Of The Book' is a real work of art, a fucking masterpiece! Its dark, melancholy, twisted, scary, beautiful, soulful, and strangely uplifting all at the same time. You think you know all the old songs? Lizzie Borden, Recall To Life, Light On The Hillside etc? Think Again! These songs have been dragged through the fires of hell, the depths of depravity and emerged into the 21st century totally transformed and ready to fuck with your mind. You'll find wee elements of Killing Joke, Joy Division, Alice Cooper (circa Welcome To My nightmare LP), death metal, the Middle East lurking in the shadows but Stage B sound like no-one on this earth. As for 'goth' bands such as Sisters Of Mercy, The Mission, Fields Of The Nephilim et al - huh, Stage B spit on your graves! I gotta stop now, I'm just so overawed by this album I could jabber on forever. Needless to say that if the Defects recent offering is 'Punk album of the year' then this one is without a doubt 'Alternative album of the year'! Scroll on down to read Joe's more detailed / informative review, its down the page somewhere......
Stage B have come for your souls and there's nowhere to hide - hahahahahahaaaa....
People Of The Book is available in all good Belfast records shops or online from Amazon
GT 15/06/13
Like Joe, Stage B were a real favourite of mine back in the hallowed days of the Harp Bar etc. Unfortunately the band never got to record an album back in their prime so when I heard rumours of a proposed debut album some 30+ years later I was, well, more than a little excited to say the least. I knew this album was going to be good but I hadn't banked on it being this good! Not just good but bloody brilliant! 'People Of The Book' is a real work of art, a fucking masterpiece! Its dark, melancholy, twisted, scary, beautiful, soulful, and strangely uplifting all at the same time. You think you know all the old songs? Lizzie Borden, Recall To Life, Light On The Hillside etc? Think Again! These songs have been dragged through the fires of hell, the depths of depravity and emerged into the 21st century totally transformed and ready to fuck with your mind. You'll find wee elements of Killing Joke, Joy Division, Alice Cooper (circa Welcome To My nightmare LP), death metal, the Middle East lurking in the shadows but Stage B sound like no-one on this earth. As for 'goth' bands such as Sisters Of Mercy, The Mission, Fields Of The Nephilim et al - huh, Stage B spit on your graves! I gotta stop now, I'm just so overawed by this album I could jabber on forever. Needless to say that if the Defects recent offering is 'Punk album of the year' then this one is without a doubt 'Alternative album of the year'! Scroll on down to read Joe's more detailed / informative review, its down the page somewhere......
Stage B have come for your souls and there's nowhere to hide - hahahahahahaaaa....
People Of The Book is available in all good Belfast records shops or online from Amazon
GT 15/06/13
Deja Vu - 'Deja Vu 78' (CD album)
A bit of a lowkey release this time from the highly productive Time To Be Proud label and it nearly slipped under my radar. There doesn't seem to be any major promotion which is slightly baffling as this is another wee gem of an album from the TTBP team. Deja Vu were a female-fronted post-punk band from Belfast who existed for a few years in the late 70's / early 80's. This CD gathers together 8 of their earliest, but previously unreleased, recordings 1) Violence 2) Lifelines 3) Lonely Girl 4) Mirror On The Wall 5) Recreate 6) Eve Of The End 7) Black Knight 8) Breakthrough. If you like female fronted bands such as Pink Military, Blood and Roses, or Brigandage then I reckon you'd enjoy this, as Deja Vu's sound kinda straddles the 'positive punk' of Brigandage and the slightly more 'gothic punk' of Blood and Roses with vocalist Barbara Greer sounding similar to Jayne Casey on Pink Military's classic 'Did You See Her'. This is another great little artifact from the glory days of the early N.I. punk scene that would sit well in anyone's collection!
All TTBP CD's available from usual outlets in Belfast. All Time To Be Proud releases available online via Ebay
All TTBP CD's available from usual outlets in Belfast. All Time To Be Proud releases available online via Ebay
Time To Be Proud: EP7 (cd)
7th in a series of 12 limited edition 4 track CD Ep's featuring a wide variety of Northern Irish bands and artists performing unique cover versions of songs from the glory days of Harp Bar era N.I. punk.
1) Ash - Teenage Kicks
One of N.I.'s most successful bands over the past couple of decades come up trumps with their energised take on the old Undertones classic. This track was originally recorded for a John Peel Session.
2) The Cutaways - A Place In Your Heart
This now defunct Belfast indie-pop outfit deliver a slightly unconventional take on what is arguably my favourite Protex song. A folky / electro-pop mix with beautiful female vocals. Good one.
3) Panama Kings - Self Concious Over You
Another now defunct band had a stab at covering The Outcasts, never an easy option. A decent enough offering from an indie / alternative rock band who made a waves on the local scene a few years back but its hard to beat the original.
4) Payola - Nobody's Hero
Payola (or Pay*Ola) have been around since 1998 have have made a bit of a name for themselves with their blend of classic rock / power pop, taking in elements of punk and grunge along the way. Here they deliver a rockier version of SLF's Nobody's Hero and a good effort it is too.
_All 7CD's available from usual outlets in Belfast. All Time To Be Proud releases available online via Ebay
More info on the TTBP EP series here
1) Ash - Teenage Kicks
One of N.I.'s most successful bands over the past couple of decades come up trumps with their energised take on the old Undertones classic. This track was originally recorded for a John Peel Session.
2) The Cutaways - A Place In Your Heart
This now defunct Belfast indie-pop outfit deliver a slightly unconventional take on what is arguably my favourite Protex song. A folky / electro-pop mix with beautiful female vocals. Good one.
3) Panama Kings - Self Concious Over You
Another now defunct band had a stab at covering The Outcasts, never an easy option. A decent enough offering from an indie / alternative rock band who made a waves on the local scene a few years back but its hard to beat the original.
4) Payola - Nobody's Hero
Payola (or Pay*Ola) have been around since 1998 have have made a bit of a name for themselves with their blend of classic rock / power pop, taking in elements of punk and grunge along the way. Here they deliver a rockier version of SLF's Nobody's Hero and a good effort it is too.
_All 7CD's available from usual outlets in Belfast. All Time To Be Proud releases available online via Ebay
More info on the TTBP EP series here
Stop Stop Start Again - 'Denim Boys' (CD EP)
WOW! SSSA deliver the goods big time on their follow up to last years acclaimed debut 'Serge' EP. This Belfast post-punk / glam rock influenced band have really come into their own and are a force to be reckoned with on the local scene. Denim Boys was launched on May 25th at the Poor Cow, Tokyo, no less! The band's appeal having already spread as far afield as Japan. Denim Boys see's SSSA move up a level, kicking off with Super Tweet and the Denim Boys - a spirited tale of an early 70's skinhead gang. There's less of a Bowie / Bolan / Mott style of glam on the opener - more of a bootboy / glam stomp reminding me of bands like The Jook, Crushed Butler, Geordie etc fused with Sex Pistols power guitars and New York sleaze / trash a la the Dolls and Heartbreakers. A similar beefed up sound is prevalent on the next two tracks (I’m
into you) Large Hadron Collider which considers the
sex appeal of science (think Brian Cox in “The Wonders of the Universe”) and Plastic
Fantastic, which concerns the obsession with
appearances and how things are often not quite what they seem. The final track Believe is a mash-up of Cher and the Sex Pistols and has divided opinion when played live. I must admit I was never fully convinced when I heard the band perform it onstage but it actually sounds great on the EP and works well with the rest of the songs. SSSA may have laced up their (metallic gold) DM's but they've still retained their saucy postcard sense of humour, campness (as in Carry On Camping!) and flamboyance. There's not another band like SSSA on the local scene and I suggest you check them out live if you haven't already done so! I can't praise this EP highly enough, another great release on Time To Be Proud Records. Go buy a copy, now!
Stage B - 'People Of The Book' (CD album)
Way back in the late 70s when it mattered, in my opinion there was only one outfit who came close to competing with my glam-punk heroes 'Rudi' at the top of the local punky pecking order, and that band was 'Stage B'. For the uninitiated lets play history 101, then the review.
They were the scariest , best kept darkest seceret of the Belfast scene. Gothic post punks in the latest trendy threads, obscured by a smokey veil of dry ice and faux occult imagery (but was it actually pretend ?) . Before they would perform their on stage rites, the band would insist on all the lights in the hall being turned off. The room was in complete "darkness" creating a strange but very effective and ominous atmosphere.
They took to the postage stamp sized stages of venues like the 'Harp bar' or 'The Pound' in a blaze of epilepsy fit inducing strobe lights and ear splitting feedback, amid hissing white noise, punctuated with slabs of stabbing guitar and pierced by contorted screams and howls. Reciting the lords prayer backwards, with the holy words masquerading as lyrics to the opening song, was another favourite intro. The drums would pound from a massive kit designed for stadiums not a shoebox sized club, physically assaulting the audience's senses and shaking the venue to its foundations. They were a band way ahead of their time, so ladies and gentlemen let me welcome you to the pitch black and eerie world of 'Stage B'.
Fast forward to 23.5.13, when I recieved a very welcome and un-announced cd promo copy of the long awaited debut album from 'Stage B' in the post. 30 odd years down the line, and all those tunes I loved back in the day were here in my hand at last, albeit technolocally "re-made and re-modelled". I couldn't wait to get the disc into the cd player, and as I listened to all 10 tracks back to back numerous times. I was transported back in a blue black haze of hair spray clouds and smeared make up to the days of 'The Sisters of Mercy, The Cult, The Cure, Bauhaus, Danse Society' via 'Nine Inch Nails' with a smidgen of 'Nirvana'. Even with the bands undisputed original late 70's era punk roots and pedigree, you're not going to find any 1,2,3,4 ramalama here! The naive analog charm of those much loved early demo's is left in the past where it belongs, as all the tracks included here are brought up kicking and screaming to date. Everything is given a full on modern digital revamp, where the dark shadow's of 'The Stiltwalkers' hangs heavy. Its hard to express just how much of a delight it was to hear songs like 'Continental Girls (with added 'Delilah', lol), He Came To Dance, You & Him' and especially for me the ressurected lost gem 'Open Up', which is the song I've been desperate to hear once again for such a long time. There's not a bad track included here, this album is literally all (serial) killer and no filler. If this collection had been released in the early 80's, Stage B would've been stars. There is imagination ,creativity and humour on show here, which is way beyond the tunnel vision normally displayed by reformed bands of a certain vintage and genre. As a complete piece of work, this album certainly hangs together and sounds fantastic. The songs haven't aged badly at all, and the state of the art production sheen has given the tunes a new lease of life. Having said that, hindsight is a great thing. So "Thank God" or "Hail Satan" (lol), the soundtrack for the 'Jules' generation has now arrived. It would have been shameful if these songs had been allowed to fade away with the memories of the ageing punks like me, who were there to see the band at the height of their powers. This is one of the best album's to emerge from the long extinguished ashes of the Belfast punk scene?, its so good I've had it on constant rotation in the house & car since I received it last Thursday. For me this is a better comeback than the recent Bowie album (which I also love), and it was just as big an out of the blue unexpected surprise. The good news doesn't end there, a new 'Stage B' line featuring original members 'Des Potter'& 'Charlie Reilly', aswell as long time associate 'Mike Scott' and an as yet un-named bass player & drummer are planning live show's for later in 2013. Welcome back guy's, Owen will be proud of you.
Joe Donnelly - 25/05/2013
They were the scariest , best kept darkest seceret of the Belfast scene. Gothic post punks in the latest trendy threads, obscured by a smokey veil of dry ice and faux occult imagery (but was it actually pretend ?) . Before they would perform their on stage rites, the band would insist on all the lights in the hall being turned off. The room was in complete "darkness" creating a strange but very effective and ominous atmosphere.
They took to the postage stamp sized stages of venues like the 'Harp bar' or 'The Pound' in a blaze of epilepsy fit inducing strobe lights and ear splitting feedback, amid hissing white noise, punctuated with slabs of stabbing guitar and pierced by contorted screams and howls. Reciting the lords prayer backwards, with the holy words masquerading as lyrics to the opening song, was another favourite intro. The drums would pound from a massive kit designed for stadiums not a shoebox sized club, physically assaulting the audience's senses and shaking the venue to its foundations. They were a band way ahead of their time, so ladies and gentlemen let me welcome you to the pitch black and eerie world of 'Stage B'.
Fast forward to 23.5.13, when I recieved a very welcome and un-announced cd promo copy of the long awaited debut album from 'Stage B' in the post. 30 odd years down the line, and all those tunes I loved back in the day were here in my hand at last, albeit technolocally "re-made and re-modelled". I couldn't wait to get the disc into the cd player, and as I listened to all 10 tracks back to back numerous times. I was transported back in a blue black haze of hair spray clouds and smeared make up to the days of 'The Sisters of Mercy, The Cult, The Cure, Bauhaus, Danse Society' via 'Nine Inch Nails' with a smidgen of 'Nirvana'. Even with the bands undisputed original late 70's era punk roots and pedigree, you're not going to find any 1,2,3,4 ramalama here! The naive analog charm of those much loved early demo's is left in the past where it belongs, as all the tracks included here are brought up kicking and screaming to date. Everything is given a full on modern digital revamp, where the dark shadow's of 'The Stiltwalkers' hangs heavy. Its hard to express just how much of a delight it was to hear songs like 'Continental Girls (with added 'Delilah', lol), He Came To Dance, You & Him' and especially for me the ressurected lost gem 'Open Up', which is the song I've been desperate to hear once again for such a long time. There's not a bad track included here, this album is literally all (serial) killer and no filler. If this collection had been released in the early 80's, Stage B would've been stars. There is imagination ,creativity and humour on show here, which is way beyond the tunnel vision normally displayed by reformed bands of a certain vintage and genre. As a complete piece of work, this album certainly hangs together and sounds fantastic. The songs haven't aged badly at all, and the state of the art production sheen has given the tunes a new lease of life. Having said that, hindsight is a great thing. So "Thank God" or "Hail Satan" (lol), the soundtrack for the 'Jules' generation has now arrived. It would have been shameful if these songs had been allowed to fade away with the memories of the ageing punks like me, who were there to see the band at the height of their powers. This is one of the best album's to emerge from the long extinguished ashes of the Belfast punk scene?, its so good I've had it on constant rotation in the house & car since I received it last Thursday. For me this is a better comeback than the recent Bowie album (which I also love), and it was just as big an out of the blue unexpected surprise. The good news doesn't end there, a new 'Stage B' line featuring original members 'Des Potter'& 'Charlie Reilly', aswell as long time associate 'Mike Scott' and an as yet un-named bass player & drummer are planning live show's for later in 2013. Welcome back guy's, Owen will be proud of you.
Joe Donnelly - 25/05/2013
Protex - 'Can't Leave Those Strange Obsessions To Rest' (vinyl EP)
Another splendid release from Punkerama Records! Limited to just 250 hand numbered copies on lovely black vinyl with old Good Vibrations style wraparound sleeves (which come in 3 different colours). A ready made collectors item for sure. The record contains 4 tracks of punky power-poppin' goodness - 1) I Can't Cope 2) Look Out Johnny 3) Forever 4) Strange Obsessions - all recently re-recorded by the current line-up of the reformed Belfast band. No new songs here, but these classic 'oldies' have been dusted down, freshened up and given a new lease of life. The CD version has been available for a while now but the EP sounds so much better on vinyl. Go grab a copy while you still can from Dragon Records, Belfast or from the Punkerama online store. It looks good, it feels good, it sounds feckin' great!
Time To Be Proud: EP6 (cd)
6th in a series of 12 limited edition 4 track CD Ep's featuring a wide variety of Northern Irish bands and artists performing unique cover versions of songs from the glory days of Harp Bar era N.I. punk.
1) Katie & The Carnival - I Can Only Dream
K&TC take this Protex classic and turn it on its head. This soul / jazz / folk / pop outfit fronted by sultry siren Katie Richardson take a classic powerpop tune and turn it into a torch-song! The surprise package on this EP - I like it!
2) Shame Academy - Love You For Never
The Belfast punk 'supergroup' weigh in with a rip-roaring cover of the Outcasts Love You For Never, breathing new life into a great song and showing just how good a band Shame Academy really were. Excellent.
3) Benidict LA - Get Over You
For me, this was always the best Undertones song. Benidict LA is an acoustic / indie / rock singer - songwriter from Belfast. Here he puts his own spin on a classic song - slowed down and laid back. Doesn't really work for me.
4) John Shelly & The Creatures - Listen
This alt-rock band from Belfast rock it up on the Stiffs Listen. Not an obvious choice for a Stiffs cover so kudos to the band for trying something different. A good effort. JS&TC are now known as Master and Dog!
All 6 CD's available from usual outlets in Belfast. All Time To Be Proud releases available online via Ebay
1) Katie & The Carnival - I Can Only Dream
K&TC take this Protex classic and turn it on its head. This soul / jazz / folk / pop outfit fronted by sultry siren Katie Richardson take a classic powerpop tune and turn it into a torch-song! The surprise package on this EP - I like it!
2) Shame Academy - Love You For Never
The Belfast punk 'supergroup' weigh in with a rip-roaring cover of the Outcasts Love You For Never, breathing new life into a great song and showing just how good a band Shame Academy really were. Excellent.
3) Benidict LA - Get Over You
For me, this was always the best Undertones song. Benidict LA is an acoustic / indie / rock singer - songwriter from Belfast. Here he puts his own spin on a classic song - slowed down and laid back. Doesn't really work for me.
4) John Shelly & The Creatures - Listen
This alt-rock band from Belfast rock it up on the Stiffs Listen. Not an obvious choice for a Stiffs cover so kudos to the band for trying something different. A good effort. JS&TC are now known as Master and Dog!
All 6 CD's available from usual outlets in Belfast. All Time To Be Proud releases available online via Ebay
Time To Be Proud: EP5 (cd)
5th in a series of 12 limited edition 4 track CD Ep's featuring a wide variety of Northern Irish bands and artists performing unique cover versions of songs from the glory days of Harp Bar era N.I. punk.
1) The Dollybyrds - At The Edge
Brilliant cover of the Stiffs classic by these Belfast punks. Full throttle, pedal to the metal. Dollybyrds are GO!
2) Kitty & The Canopeners - Wednesday Week
Acoustic folk-pop rendering of the old Undertones tune by this female fronted Belfast outfit. An admirable effort. Is this band still around?
3) The Indie Metal Power Rock Speed Choir - When I Was Dead
Now, here's a band I hadn't heard of before. Not a name you'd forget in a hurry! On the go around 2008/09, don't think they still exist? A big bold / brash guitar driven cover of Rudi's Jamming Records debut. Sticks pretty close to the original. Great song, well executed.
4) A Plastic Rose - One By One
Belfast alt-rockers A Plastic Rose tackle a toughie in covering Ruefrex's debut Good Vibes single A-side. One By One is a powerful song and I feared this band wouldn't do it justice. But I was wrong, APR come up trumps with a sterling version of a great song. A wee reminder of how good and important a band Ruefrex were.
All 5 CD's available from usual outlets in Belfast. All Time To Be Proud releases available online via Ebay
1) The Dollybyrds - At The Edge
Brilliant cover of the Stiffs classic by these Belfast punks. Full throttle, pedal to the metal. Dollybyrds are GO!
2) Kitty & The Canopeners - Wednesday Week
Acoustic folk-pop rendering of the old Undertones tune by this female fronted Belfast outfit. An admirable effort. Is this band still around?
3) The Indie Metal Power Rock Speed Choir - When I Was Dead
Now, here's a band I hadn't heard of before. Not a name you'd forget in a hurry! On the go around 2008/09, don't think they still exist? A big bold / brash guitar driven cover of Rudi's Jamming Records debut. Sticks pretty close to the original. Great song, well executed.
4) A Plastic Rose - One By One
Belfast alt-rockers A Plastic Rose tackle a toughie in covering Ruefrex's debut Good Vibes single A-side. One By One is a powerful song and I feared this band wouldn't do it justice. But I was wrong, APR come up trumps with a sterling version of a great song. A wee reminder of how good and important a band Ruefrex were.
All 5 CD's available from usual outlets in Belfast. All Time To Be Proud releases available online via Ebay
The Defects - 'Politicophobia' (album)
ALBUM OF THE YEAR! No question about it, ain't nothin' gonna top this one in 2013. Last years Revelator and Hill Street singles gave us a taste of what was to come but they still didn't prepare me for the (well, for want of a better word) 'awesomeness' of this album - it made the hairs stand on the back of me neck. From the opening bars of Hill Street, this album grabs ya by the scruff and pummels you into submission - well before the final track Final Solution Dub leaves you sprawling exhausted on the floor. Its hard to believe that its just over 30 years since the release of the bands seminal debut LP Defective Breakdown, but believe me, it was worth the long wait. The Defects are back with a bang - reinvigorated, re-energised, passionate and fucking angry! They've stepped up a gear (or two) both musically and lyrically and are as tight as a duck's arse. The band spit venom on the newer songs such as Repentagon, Limbo International, and Red Box Blues but the incredible Riot Free Zone delivers the knockout punch - a real powerhouse of a song. A few old favourites Metal Walls, Guilty Conscience and Killer On The Streets get dusted off and treated to a 21st century makeover, sounding fresh and revitalised. The dub versions of Revelator and Final Solution add a chill-out factor, reminiscent of the mighty Ruts. The overall sound and production is top notch, as it should be for a band of this calibre. Politicophobia could possibly be the best album ever released by a N. Irish band and its certainly up there with the best punk albums from the past 30+ years. Don't believe me? Well, go check it out for yourselves! Best punk band around today, by a country mile. Star rating? 5 outta fucking 5!
If (like myself) you can't wait for the CD and vinyl editions, then Politicophobia is available as a download right now from itunes. The CD and red vinyl editions are due out soon on Punkerama Records.
The download, CD and vinyl editions all have slightly different track listings so I'm gonna have to feckin' get them all!!!!
If (like myself) you can't wait for the CD and vinyl editions, then Politicophobia is available as a download right now from itunes. The CD and red vinyl editions are due out soon on Punkerama Records.
The download, CD and vinyl editions all have slightly different track listings so I'm gonna have to feckin' get them all!!!!
The ObjectorZ - 'Demonstration Cassette' (EP)
1) One Way Conversation 2) Its 10 O'clock 3) Can't Sit Still 4) Say It Now
Dublin band The Objectorz have been described variously as ‘Dublin punks playing Status Quo’ and ‘Not punk, but great anyways’ and even 'Pub Rock'! I can't see it myself. After having a wee listen to the four tracks on offer here I'd say their sound lies somewhere between the likes of Leatherface and Hot Water Music (but what the fuck do I know? lol). Loud, rampant guitars and gruff vocals are the order of the day with the merest hint of an SLF influence. This is good solid punk rock only slightly (and I mean slightly) let down by the Status Quo style guitar on the final track Say It Now. Pick of the bunch is track 3 Can't Sit Still. Some good stuff coming outta Dublin these days with the likes of Hooligan, The Lee Harveys, and now these guys. Just in case you were wondering about the title - well it is a demo released on cassette (yes they do still make them, but how many of today's teenagers know what a fucking cassette is???)
'Demonstration Cassette' can be downloaded (or request a cassette) from bandcamp
Dublin band The Objectorz have been described variously as ‘Dublin punks playing Status Quo’ and ‘Not punk, but great anyways’ and even 'Pub Rock'! I can't see it myself. After having a wee listen to the four tracks on offer here I'd say their sound lies somewhere between the likes of Leatherface and Hot Water Music (but what the fuck do I know? lol). Loud, rampant guitars and gruff vocals are the order of the day with the merest hint of an SLF influence. This is good solid punk rock only slightly (and I mean slightly) let down by the Status Quo style guitar on the final track Say It Now. Pick of the bunch is track 3 Can't Sit Still. Some good stuff coming outta Dublin these days with the likes of Hooligan, The Lee Harveys, and now these guys. Just in case you were wondering about the title - well it is a demo released on cassette (yes they do still make them, but how many of today's teenagers know what a fucking cassette is???)
'Demonstration Cassette' can be downloaded (or request a cassette) from bandcamp
Buck Eejit - 'Trouble Brewing' (CD)
This 2nd album from Lisburn's finest pretty much carries on from where the debut left off. Eight more tracks of non-PC, boot-to-the-balls punk rock sounding like the bastard (un)love(d)child of Runnin' Riot and the Macc Lads! The album kicks off with what must be the band's theme song I'm An Eejit, where the gravel-throated Paddy O'Doors lets you know, in no uncertain terms, that he's an eejit and he don't care! Broken Home, tells the tale of wee Tommy who's shit life can be accredited to being the product of a broken home. Paddy O'D likes to take the piss but on a more serious theme as this he actually proves that he is quite an astute lyricist i.e. with his brother's hand me downs, and his Grifter stuck in 3rd - genius! Next up is a reworked version of When The Morning Comes with added backing vocals and solos - a cracking sing-a-long Oi anthem. Decky's Sooprize a tongue-in-cheek song about getting pissed up on a sunny day namechecks such Belfast luminaries as Suckin Diesel, Runnin Riot, Billy Riot, and Petesy Burns! Keep On Fightin is a solid, plodding punk number about the trials and tribulations of the working man with possibly the worst backing vocals I've ever heard! Motorhead's Iron Fist gets a Buck Eejit makeover and then its the turn of The Animals classic House Of The Rising Sun, suitably punked up. Great song, great cover. The album ends with the obsenity filled Broken Outtake - that Paddy fella's language is fuckin' atrocious! Buck Eejits? Aye but fuckin great fun!
Available as a free download (or just a coupla quid for a CD) from bandcamp
Available as a free download (or just a coupla quid for a CD) from bandcamp
I Think I'm A Cylon - 'Rearview Mirror Surprise' (CD EP)
1) Afghan 2) Blood Is Blood 3) Buckfast Shuffle 4) Evil Ed
This is the debut release by relative newcomers I Think I'm A Cylon. The Belfast based band describe their sound as 'fuzzy garage punk' and on the 4 songs on offer here I wouldn't necessarily disagree except maybe they're a little bit light on the fuzz! Got a kind of American feel to it, reminding me of bands such as The Gories and The Oblivians tempered with a little bit of early The Fall (Mark E Smith's seminal UK band). This is a decent first offering from the band who hope to be out and about gigging by the summer of 2013. I Think I'm A Cylon add something a wee bit different to the burgeoning Belfast punk scene so keep an eye out for them. Check 'em out on facebook
Available as a free download (or CD on request) from bandcamp
This is the debut release by relative newcomers I Think I'm A Cylon. The Belfast based band describe their sound as 'fuzzy garage punk' and on the 4 songs on offer here I wouldn't necessarily disagree except maybe they're a little bit light on the fuzz! Got a kind of American feel to it, reminding me of bands such as The Gories and The Oblivians tempered with a little bit of early The Fall (Mark E Smith's seminal UK band). This is a decent first offering from the band who hope to be out and about gigging by the summer of 2013. I Think I'm A Cylon add something a wee bit different to the burgeoning Belfast punk scene so keep an eye out for them. Check 'em out on facebook
Available as a free download (or CD on request) from bandcamp
Hooligan - 'No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs' (7" EP)
I first encountered this Dublin band when they played the Pavilion, Belfast in the early part of 2012. I didn't know anything about them then but I enjoyed their set and especially the song that contained the rousing 'no blacks, no Irish, no dogs' chorus. I felt even then it had 'classic punk single' stamped all over it. And tho & behold, here it is, the title track on the bands brand spanking new 4 track 7" and on white vinyl too! (mine's white anyway but its also available on green or orange vinyl). Hooligan's influences range from 70's / 80's punk (Clash, A. Upstarts etc) to solid rock acts like ACDC and Thin Lizzy and this fusion could be heard on earlier releases. Not so this time, this EP is pure anthemic punk rock from start to finish. Kicking off with the mid-paced, anti-racist 'No Blacks, No Irish, No Dogs' - a cracking song giving off an SLF / Ruts vibe with its reggae / ska refrain, inspired use of saxaphone, plus that killer chorus. A definite punk classic! Next up is the heartfelt, guitar driven tribute to Joe Strummer simply titled 'Calling Joe Strummer' with its obvious Clash influence and Dave Linehan sounding (uncannily) vocally like the great man himself! 'Cops And Robbers' (a song about the perils of criminality) picks up the pace with more Clash style swagger while the last song on the EP 'Bandit Country', which opens with the theme from Panorama, could easily have been lifted straight off the Angelic Upstarts '2 Million Voices' album. Its another killer tune referring to an area of N. Ireland that all of us who lived through 'the troubles' know about only too well!
Hooligan have one foot, unashamedly, planted in the 70's / 80's while the other is firmly rooted in the present giving them an edge over most of their contemporaries. Hooligan are a quality act and this is a top quality release. 'No Blacks....' is set to propel Hooligan on to a much bigger stage! The EP is released on the U.S. label Oi The Boat Records.
Hooligan have one foot, unashamedly, planted in the 70's / 80's while the other is firmly rooted in the present giving them an edge over most of their contemporaries. Hooligan are a quality act and this is a top quality release. 'No Blacks....' is set to propel Hooligan on to a much bigger stage! The EP is released on the U.S. label Oi The Boat Records.
Time To Be Proud: EP4 (CD)
This is the 4th in a series of 12 limited edition 4 track CD Ep's featuring a wide variety of Northern Irish bands and artists performing unique cover versions of songs from the glory days of Harp Bar era N.I. punk.
1) The Minnows - Crimson
Indie-pop rockers The Minnows (formerly Tiberius Minnows) tackle one of my all time favourite songs and I was a bit worried about this one. But the band do a decent job and stick pretty close to the original. A little poppier and slightly more uptempo than the original but no-one is ever gonna top Rudi. Nice try.
2) Robert Holmes - Even In The Dark Hours
The Belfast singer-songwriter sure picked a toughie to tackle! Each of the preceding EP's has thrown up a real surprise / eye-opener and Holmes' cover of the old Ruefrex song is the surprise package here. Its dark, melancholy, and has a certain haunting beauty. Holmes has been likened to Nick Cave, but (don't laugh) whenever I listen to this track it makes me think of Procul Harum! Maybe its the piano? Good stuff.
3) Shibuya Crossing - Don't Ring Me Up
The indie-rockers (now based in London) put their spin on Protex's classic debut single. Again not a bad effort but it just doesn't touch the original. Maybe its the lack of Bolan-esque vocals? Or maybe I'm just an old fart? lol
4) Three Tales - Julie Ocean
Never heard of Three Tales so know nothing about them (a quick google tells us they're an indie-folk-rock outfit). This lot have a go at one of the Undertones more 'grown-up' songs and sound to me like the Jesus And Mary Chain, minus the feedback. Not bad.
EP5 due out this month (Jan 2013) - bring it on.
All 4 CD's available from usual outlets in Belfast. All Time To Be Proud releases available online via Ebay
1) The Minnows - Crimson
Indie-pop rockers The Minnows (formerly Tiberius Minnows) tackle one of my all time favourite songs and I was a bit worried about this one. But the band do a decent job and stick pretty close to the original. A little poppier and slightly more uptempo than the original but no-one is ever gonna top Rudi. Nice try.
2) Robert Holmes - Even In The Dark Hours
The Belfast singer-songwriter sure picked a toughie to tackle! Each of the preceding EP's has thrown up a real surprise / eye-opener and Holmes' cover of the old Ruefrex song is the surprise package here. Its dark, melancholy, and has a certain haunting beauty. Holmes has been likened to Nick Cave, but (don't laugh) whenever I listen to this track it makes me think of Procul Harum! Maybe its the piano? Good stuff.
3) Shibuya Crossing - Don't Ring Me Up
The indie-rockers (now based in London) put their spin on Protex's classic debut single. Again not a bad effort but it just doesn't touch the original. Maybe its the lack of Bolan-esque vocals? Or maybe I'm just an old fart? lol
4) Three Tales - Julie Ocean
Never heard of Three Tales so know nothing about them (a quick google tells us they're an indie-folk-rock outfit). This lot have a go at one of the Undertones more 'grown-up' songs and sound to me like the Jesus And Mary Chain, minus the feedback. Not bad.
EP5 due out this month (Jan 2013) - bring it on.
All 4 CD's available from usual outlets in Belfast. All Time To Be Proud releases available online via Ebay
Moscow Mules - 'Dance With The Devil' (CD single)
Debut single from punk 'supergroup' Moscow Mules who feature ex-members of Angelic Upstarts, Cockney Rejects, and Red Alert. With a pedigree like that I expected a fully charged streetpunk / oi! cover of the old Cozy Powell classic. I was wrong! What we get is the Glitter Band meet The Shadows with elements of punk / metal / dance thrown into the mix for good measure! And it ain't that bad, honest! Fair play to the band for doing something different and coming up with the unexpected. The 2nd track is an extended version of 'Dance With The Devil' and features more guitar solos, drum solos and dancey bits! haha. Fxcking show-offs. lol
Released by Belfast's newest label Scarred For Life. Available in all good Belfast record shops.
Released by Belfast's newest label Scarred For Life. Available in all good Belfast record shops.
Gripper - demo CD
Hadn't heard of Gripper before big Stevie of Scarred For Life Records sent me this demo. The band, hailing from England's lake district deliver 6 tracks of noisy sing-a-long punk with a sense of humor. Think latter day Lurkers, add a touch of the Gonads plus Peter & The Test Tube Babies and you'll have some idea of what these lads have to offer - although the more serious 'Flat Cap Hero' sounds a bit more UK Subs-ish. Standout track here is the fucking superb 'Windy Miller (Is A Psycho Killer)' with the opening track 'Pre-op Pete' running it a close second. 'Its All The Same', 'Top Quality Speed', and 'Robbie Williams' round off a pretty impressive debut. On the strength of this demo Gripper will be appearing on the next Scarred For Life compilation CD (and rightly so). I look forward to hearing more from this lot. Gripper on Facebook
The Lee Harveys - 'Gun City' (album)
Dublin punk trio The Lee Harveys first came to my attention when they appeared on the Scarred For Life compilation CD in 2012. There are some crackin' bands on that comp but the Lee Harveys were the band that really caught my attention. The song 18 Again just blew me away and I lost count of the number of times I hit the repeat play button. The Lee Harveys are my kinda punk band!
Their debut album Gun City is due for release on the FOAD label in February 2013 (on CD and possibly ltd edt vinyl) and I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview. Although we are only just into the second week of January, and you may think I'm being a bit premature here, but this album could well be a serious contender for 'album of the year'! Fourteen tracks of '77 inspired trashy 3 chord garage punk, the Lee Harveys spit the tunes out with consumate ease. From the, short but sweet, opener Gun City right through to the final track Burnin Down The Ritz its pure buzzsaw fest. Despite the influences, The Lee Harveys do have quite a distinctive sound, thanks in part to Bitzy's fairly unique vocal. They are one of those bands that you would instantly recognise even if you hadn't heard a particular song before. Do I detect a Northern Irish punk influence in the mix? Certain elements remind me of early Outcasts, Protex, Tinopeners, Undertones etc and songs such as 18 Again and Bright Lights wouldn't have seemed out of place on a Good Vibrations compilation. Add a touch of Ramones, Heartbreakers, Lurkers, and fellow Dubliners, Radiators From Space and you'll have an idea what to expect from this band - 3 minute bursts of hook laden, harmonious, pop (with a small p)-tinged punk (with a capital P). The Lee Harveys will have you bouncing and singing along, to gems such as Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh (I so fucking love this song) and Here Come The Cops, guaranteed! I think we'll be hearing a lot more from The Lee Harveys over the coming year(s). What a way to start 2013! If I was to award stars I would seriously consider giving Gun Crazy 5/5!!!!!
The Lee Harveys make their live Belfast debut at the Warzone Centre on 25 January.
Click here for details.
The Lee Harveys on Facebook
Their debut album Gun City is due for release on the FOAD label in February 2013 (on CD and possibly ltd edt vinyl) and I was lucky enough to get a sneak preview. Although we are only just into the second week of January, and you may think I'm being a bit premature here, but this album could well be a serious contender for 'album of the year'! Fourteen tracks of '77 inspired trashy 3 chord garage punk, the Lee Harveys spit the tunes out with consumate ease. From the, short but sweet, opener Gun City right through to the final track Burnin Down The Ritz its pure buzzsaw fest. Despite the influences, The Lee Harveys do have quite a distinctive sound, thanks in part to Bitzy's fairly unique vocal. They are one of those bands that you would instantly recognise even if you hadn't heard a particular song before. Do I detect a Northern Irish punk influence in the mix? Certain elements remind me of early Outcasts, Protex, Tinopeners, Undertones etc and songs such as 18 Again and Bright Lights wouldn't have seemed out of place on a Good Vibrations compilation. Add a touch of Ramones, Heartbreakers, Lurkers, and fellow Dubliners, Radiators From Space and you'll have an idea what to expect from this band - 3 minute bursts of hook laden, harmonious, pop (with a small p)-tinged punk (with a capital P). The Lee Harveys will have you bouncing and singing along, to gems such as Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh (I so fucking love this song) and Here Come The Cops, guaranteed! I think we'll be hearing a lot more from The Lee Harveys over the coming year(s). What a way to start 2013! If I was to award stars I would seriously consider giving Gun Crazy 5/5!!!!!
The Lee Harveys make their live Belfast debut at the Warzone Centre on 25 January.
Click here for details.
The Lee Harveys on Facebook