For older / archived reviews click here reviews: ni punk 2010
The Dollybyrds + Time To Be Proud CD's
The Nightmare Before Christmas -
live @ Ma Nelsons, Belfast 18/12/2011
Stiltwalkers - 12 More Hours Of The Dead (CD EP)
Time To Be Proud Xmas Party -
@ the Black Box, Belfast, 10/12/11
Paul Rowan's 50th Birthday Party -
@ the Black Box, Belfast, 26/11/11
Divine Comedy / Ash / Undertones - live @ Ulster Hall, 03/11/2011
Survival - The Story Of The Defects:
Tina Calder (book) - by Mully
Runnin' Riot - Boots And Ballads CD & limited edition vinyl album.
The Outcasts / The Defects / Runnin' Riot - live @ Rebellion Festival, Blackpool 5 - 7 August
The Outcasts + The Sabrejets - live @ the Empire, Belfast 30/07/2011 - by Mully
The Outcasts + The Sabrejets - live @ the Empire, Belfast 30/07/2011 - by Joe Donnelly
Hard Case - Not Right In The Head CD album
Pocket Billiards - S/T white vinyl LP
UK Subs - A Blast In Belfast - live LP
The Defects - Revelator CD EP + DVD
Stiltwalkers - Lets Play Jesus CD
Cut-Throat - Demo CD
Stop Stop Start Again / Stiltwalkers / The Vipers - live @ the Black Box, Belfast 11/06/2011
The Vipers - Sounds Of Confusion CD
A Tribute To Stage B (click on title to read full review).
The Sabrejets - Sin-Sational CD
The sensational, long-awaited new album from Belfast's self-styled 'Greaser Kings' - The Sabrejets. And what a treat it is too! 17 red hot and rockin' tracks of stripped to the bone, sleazeball rockabilly with just enough of a punk swagger to keep us old spiky tops happy. From the opening Lone Wolf Blues, the Sabrejets take us on a thrill ride around Sleazeville pulling up at redneck bars, sleazy strip joints, 5 & dimes, tattoo parlours, hot rod hullabaloos, and barber shops. Not a duff track in sight but the highlights for me include the Brian Young original Cindy Ray (an ode to the piomeering female tattooist from Australia), the cover of Eddie Hills classic Lets Bop, the aforementioned Lone Wolf Blues (a Liam Killen original with the big twanging guitars), Seven Deadly Sins (a cover of an old Outcasts song - possibly the greatest rockabilly song ever written by a punk band!), the instrumental closing track 39th & Norton (one from the bands back catalogue, penned by guitarist Liam Killen, conjures up images of Marlon Brando in The Wild One) and for me personally, the jewel in the crown - Blitzkrieg Bop - a live favourite, The Sabrejets sure have put their own stamp on this Ramones classic. An honourable mention for Ultra Twist - well, can't go wrong with The Cramps can ya!
Sin-Sational captures a band at the top of their game and the top notch production on the album makes this a must have CD for all self-respecting lovers of stripped down, dirty rock'n'roll - be they rockabillies, punks, drunks, bikers or greasers! Although the debut CD released many years ago was good there was just something missing - maybe it was a lacklustre production, I don't know - but there sure as hell ain't nothin' missing here - full of swagger, confidence, and great sound. If I were to score this out of 5 - I'd have to seriously consider giving it a 5! Yup, it is that good! Go get a copy.
Raucous Records official website myspace facebook
Sin-Sational captures a band at the top of their game and the top notch production on the album makes this a must have CD for all self-respecting lovers of stripped down, dirty rock'n'roll - be they rockabillies, punks, drunks, bikers or greasers! Although the debut CD released many years ago was good there was just something missing - maybe it was a lacklustre production, I don't know - but there sure as hell ain't nothin' missing here - full of swagger, confidence, and great sound. If I were to score this out of 5 - I'd have to seriously consider giving it a 5! Yup, it is that good! Go get a copy.
Raucous Records official website myspace facebook
February 2011
THE
BONNEVILLES ~ THE SABREJETS
The Second Anniversary of the death of The Cramps' lead singer Lux Interior was once again celebrated in true Rockabilly style with a free concert and, headlining this event once more, were the greaser kings of Belfast Rock'n'Roll - The Sabrejets. The Black Box on Hill Street was packed with a colourful array of punks, teds and rockabilly/psychobilly guys 'n' gals - all paying their respects to a band and a singer whose influence spanned the multi-genres present. Throughout the night Cramp videos, concert footage and interviews were played on a big screen in the corner.
First up were the Lurgan based Bonnevilles - a two-piece guitar and drum combo - playing hard man blues to a rammed venue, made up with a healthy contingent of their local Lurgan Massive fan-base. A powerful, hard rockin' sound was being produced by this duo - likened to The White Stripes - but with purer Rockabilly roots. Dressed in matching white shirts and thin black ties, the lead singer and guitarist with brylcreemed hair and Johnny Cash looks, evoked a real Fifties vibe onstage. The songs were hard driven rock'n'roll with an obvious influence from their hometown in the lyrics. In honour of the occassion they even added a dressing room rehearsed Cramp song to the set with 'The Way I Walk'. Well received, they left the stage to hoots'n'hollers and generous applause from all sections of the crowd.
The Sabrejets take the stage. Twin guitars - Fender and Gretsch - strum and twang out the riffs, ably backed by the powerhouse drums and dawg-house double bass. The well known stable songs of a Sabrejet set-list ('Too Fast To Live', 'Blitzkreig Bop' and 'Wild For Kicks ') are mere fillers for a Cramp influenced bill including not only but also 'Ultra Twist, 'Strychnine' and 'Can Your Pussy Do The Dog'. The songs come quick and fast - one rocker after another - only hindered by Liam's guitar strap having a life off it's own and Bill, in a one-handed disrobing exercise, dropping his bass (as his glasses take this opportunity to escape his face!!). Luckily no major damage was done to man nor instrument and the band played on. Brian is in his element - paying tribute to a hero - and playing the music he obviously loves. The crowd were on their feet a-hoppin' and a-boppin' as the rockabilly beat pulsing from the stage had the desired effect. All too soon, it was all over and everyone filing out into the Belfast night had another 'wild one'.
Thanks to William Maxwell for putting it all together - here's to next year.
review by Mully (16/02/2011)
The Second Anniversary of the death of The Cramps' lead singer Lux Interior was once again celebrated in true Rockabilly style with a free concert and, headlining this event once more, were the greaser kings of Belfast Rock'n'Roll - The Sabrejets. The Black Box on Hill Street was packed with a colourful array of punks, teds and rockabilly/psychobilly guys 'n' gals - all paying their respects to a band and a singer whose influence spanned the multi-genres present. Throughout the night Cramp videos, concert footage and interviews were played on a big screen in the corner.
First up were the Lurgan based Bonnevilles - a two-piece guitar and drum combo - playing hard man blues to a rammed venue, made up with a healthy contingent of their local Lurgan Massive fan-base. A powerful, hard rockin' sound was being produced by this duo - likened to The White Stripes - but with purer Rockabilly roots. Dressed in matching white shirts and thin black ties, the lead singer and guitarist with brylcreemed hair and Johnny Cash looks, evoked a real Fifties vibe onstage. The songs were hard driven rock'n'roll with an obvious influence from their hometown in the lyrics. In honour of the occassion they even added a dressing room rehearsed Cramp song to the set with 'The Way I Walk'. Well received, they left the stage to hoots'n'hollers and generous applause from all sections of the crowd.
The Sabrejets take the stage. Twin guitars - Fender and Gretsch - strum and twang out the riffs, ably backed by the powerhouse drums and dawg-house double bass. The well known stable songs of a Sabrejet set-list ('Too Fast To Live', 'Blitzkreig Bop' and 'Wild For Kicks ') are mere fillers for a Cramp influenced bill including not only but also 'Ultra Twist, 'Strychnine' and 'Can Your Pussy Do The Dog'. The songs come quick and fast - one rocker after another - only hindered by Liam's guitar strap having a life off it's own and Bill, in a one-handed disrobing exercise, dropping his bass (as his glasses take this opportunity to escape his face!!). Luckily no major damage was done to man nor instrument and the band played on. Brian is in his element - paying tribute to a hero - and playing the music he obviously loves. The crowd were on their feet a-hoppin' and a-boppin' as the rockabilly beat pulsing from the stage had the desired effect. All too soon, it was all over and everyone filing out into the Belfast night had another 'wild one'.
Thanks to William Maxwell for putting it all together - here's to next year.
review by Mully (16/02/2011)
3-D SHARK
~ KAMI KIDS ~ STOP STOP START AGAIN ~ THE DEFECTS
The re-arranged TTPB gig, cancelled due to poor weather conditions pre-Christmas, happened to co-incide with Terri Hooley's birthday celebrations - and of course the godfather of Ulster punk graced this event with his omnipotent presence, milling through the crowd, talking to all and sundry. As usual taking to the stage mid-gig to regale the audience with yet another rendition of 'Hey Mister'. But that was later in the evening.
First onstage were a young group of post-punk, new wave popsters called 3-D Shark. Quirky poppy songs (with a nod to The Undertones) were played out to their group of fans. They appeared somewhat awkward and nervy - but the toons carried them through and even the singer playing a kiddie's xylophone didn't seem out off place in the pre-pubescent songscape they created. Stand out track tonight was definitely 'Joe Summer', although the pun-tastic tribute to their guitarist 'John Major Do It' deserves a mention. Next up were young Mr Maxwell's 'new' group - Kami Kids. Not particularly my cuppa Earl Grey - a dancy-trancy guitar and keyboard led act, with haunting joint lead/backing vocals from the pretty Mrs Campbell.
As the disappointing crowd were diminshed even further, as the young 'uns left for pastures new, leaving the space free for the old punksters and skins to spread out Stop Stop Start Again took the stage with a wad of cog-sheets taped to the monitor - a pre-cursor for a bunch of new songs to be debuted. Starting with the classic Stage B anthem 'Recall To Life', the set followed their last few track-listings with 'Serge' and 'Shot By Both Sides', before previewing some new tunes - 'SSSA' and 'Back Door Man'. Paul's silver trainers seldom left the monitor as he posed for the ranks of Warzone cameras, et al flailing his guitar and commandeering centre stage, flanked on either side by the B-staged William and Fletch. The mash-up 'No Feelings/Believe' was heralded by a shout out for Pistols fans to visit the little boy's room. The set finished with a surprise rendition of Placebo's 'Nancy Boy' which fitted in nicely to the vibe this band have created for themselves. Hinted at, albeit a bit tongue-in-cheek, I hope there will be a recording at some latter point.
Due to the aforementioned Mr Hooley's gig-hogging, by the time The Defects were taking the stage, we knew they were going to have to curtail their set. Without further ado Buck and the boys were speeding their way through opening number 'Dance Til You Drop'. The band have been gigging relentlessly over the past few months and this work ethic was seen to be having the desired effect - they were tight as f*ck. Without too much inter-song banter, the songs making up the majority of their only LP were being played seamlessly - fast and furious renditions of 'Bitch', 'Metal Walls' and the title-track were entertaining the meagre crowd, as a few hardened head-bangers were upfront adding their contribution to the well known choruses. New track 'Revelator' blasted out with the Vive Le rock refrain, but just as the reggae mid-section began to kick in, the snare-drum gave up the ghost. As guitar and bass continued to play a replacement was hastily substituted, just in time for the heavy rock finish. Although the potential tragedy had been expertly averted - it did appear to have an adverse effect on the rest off the set. The energy and power seemed to have been interrupted and the band never really got back up to their previous level. Last track 'Brutality' kicked in with usual excitement - the crowd being taken down to Castlereagh - however as the infamous chorus approached, the poshest, pissed-est punk in the place made his way side-stage. Buck threw the police uniform to him, and as he struggled out off his leather jacket, donning the bottle-green one he toppled over and fell off the stage!!. As the band played on, pissing themselves laughing, he made it just in time to commence 'the chant'. With the microphone thrust towards him and as he raised his arm in a Nazi salute - a polite, clipped toned "SS-RUC" shout came over the P.A.!! Defective Breakdown.
review by Mully (16/02/2011)
The re-arranged TTPB gig, cancelled due to poor weather conditions pre-Christmas, happened to co-incide with Terri Hooley's birthday celebrations - and of course the godfather of Ulster punk graced this event with his omnipotent presence, milling through the crowd, talking to all and sundry. As usual taking to the stage mid-gig to regale the audience with yet another rendition of 'Hey Mister'. But that was later in the evening.
First onstage were a young group of post-punk, new wave popsters called 3-D Shark. Quirky poppy songs (with a nod to The Undertones) were played out to their group of fans. They appeared somewhat awkward and nervy - but the toons carried them through and even the singer playing a kiddie's xylophone didn't seem out off place in the pre-pubescent songscape they created. Stand out track tonight was definitely 'Joe Summer', although the pun-tastic tribute to their guitarist 'John Major Do It' deserves a mention. Next up were young Mr Maxwell's 'new' group - Kami Kids. Not particularly my cuppa Earl Grey - a dancy-trancy guitar and keyboard led act, with haunting joint lead/backing vocals from the pretty Mrs Campbell.
As the disappointing crowd were diminshed even further, as the young 'uns left for pastures new, leaving the space free for the old punksters and skins to spread out Stop Stop Start Again took the stage with a wad of cog-sheets taped to the monitor - a pre-cursor for a bunch of new songs to be debuted. Starting with the classic Stage B anthem 'Recall To Life', the set followed their last few track-listings with 'Serge' and 'Shot By Both Sides', before previewing some new tunes - 'SSSA' and 'Back Door Man'. Paul's silver trainers seldom left the monitor as he posed for the ranks of Warzone cameras, et al flailing his guitar and commandeering centre stage, flanked on either side by the B-staged William and Fletch. The mash-up 'No Feelings/Believe' was heralded by a shout out for Pistols fans to visit the little boy's room. The set finished with a surprise rendition of Placebo's 'Nancy Boy' which fitted in nicely to the vibe this band have created for themselves. Hinted at, albeit a bit tongue-in-cheek, I hope there will be a recording at some latter point.
Due to the aforementioned Mr Hooley's gig-hogging, by the time The Defects were taking the stage, we knew they were going to have to curtail their set. Without further ado Buck and the boys were speeding their way through opening number 'Dance Til You Drop'. The band have been gigging relentlessly over the past few months and this work ethic was seen to be having the desired effect - they were tight as f*ck. Without too much inter-song banter, the songs making up the majority of their only LP were being played seamlessly - fast and furious renditions of 'Bitch', 'Metal Walls' and the title-track were entertaining the meagre crowd, as a few hardened head-bangers were upfront adding their contribution to the well known choruses. New track 'Revelator' blasted out with the Vive Le rock refrain, but just as the reggae mid-section began to kick in, the snare-drum gave up the ghost. As guitar and bass continued to play a replacement was hastily substituted, just in time for the heavy rock finish. Although the potential tragedy had been expertly averted - it did appear to have an adverse effect on the rest off the set. The energy and power seemed to have been interrupted and the band never really got back up to their previous level. Last track 'Brutality' kicked in with usual excitement - the crowd being taken down to Castlereagh - however as the infamous chorus approached, the poshest, pissed-est punk in the place made his way side-stage. Buck threw the police uniform to him, and as he struggled out off his leather jacket, donning the bottle-green one he toppled over and fell off the stage!!. As the band played on, pissing themselves laughing, he made it just in time to commence 'the chant'. With the microphone thrust towards him and as he raised his arm in a Nazi salute - a polite, clipped toned "SS-RUC" shout came over the P.A.!! Defective Breakdown.
review by Mully (16/02/2011)
January 2011
The Defects: 1979 - 1984 LP / CD (Punkerama Records 001)
Wow, a new Defects album after all these years! It's been a long wait since the seminal debut 'Defective Breakdown' way back in 1982. This new album cobbles together previously unreleased demos and selected live material from the bands career. Released on both CD and limited edition 12" orange vinyl + a 24 page colour booklet. The 12" vinyl album features all 4 tracks from their first demo + the first single, an unreleased live track from 1984 and 8 songs recorded live at the Pound, Belfast 1980. The CD has all that (minus the single) plus 2 extra tracks from the Pound gig, 10 songs recorded live in Newcastle 1982 plus an extra 2 live tracks from 1984. The sound quality of the live stuff is pretty decent and the band kick some serious butt throughout. Not hard to see why the Defects were one of the top draws on the 80s UK punk scene. At only a tenner for the whole package this is a must buy for all Defects and NI punk fans. Hard as fuck punk from Belfast!
Buy it from Dragon Records, Belfast.
Buy it from Dragon Records, Belfast.
Protex: Strange Obsessions LP (Sing Sing Records - Sing 016)
Fuck me, its finally here! Recorded 30 years ago but never released this album reached legendary status among serious collectors the world over. Well done Sing Sing for finally getting this out.
Me, I loved Protex back in the day. Saw them many times down the Harp, Pound and various other venues. A good night was always guaranteed at a Protex gig. The music was so infectious packed with melody and hooks to die for - you just couldn't help jumping about and singing along. Although the band include The Clash and Dr Feelgood amongst their influences you can't ignore the nod of respect shown to the likes of T. Rex, Buzzcocks and fellow Belfastians Rudi on the 12 tracks on this LP. From the opening track Strange Things through to the closing Strange Obsessions its a glam rock / pop-punk stomp all the way. 3 of the bands 4 singles are included (I Can't Cope being the notable omission) but the rest of the tracks are all previously unreleased and all gems in their own right. Favourite song on the album? A Place In Your Heart. Go buy, now!
Me, I loved Protex back in the day. Saw them many times down the Harp, Pound and various other venues. A good night was always guaranteed at a Protex gig. The music was so infectious packed with melody and hooks to die for - you just couldn't help jumping about and singing along. Although the band include The Clash and Dr Feelgood amongst their influences you can't ignore the nod of respect shown to the likes of T. Rex, Buzzcocks and fellow Belfastians Rudi on the 12 tracks on this LP. From the opening track Strange Things through to the closing Strange Obsessions its a glam rock / pop-punk stomp all the way. 3 of the bands 4 singles are included (I Can't Cope being the notable omission) but the rest of the tracks are all previously unreleased and all gems in their own right. Favourite song on the album? A Place In Your Heart. Go buy, now!
Hooleygan: Terri Hooley & Richard Sullivan book (Blackstaff Press)
Hooleygan is Terri’s remarkable story, from his tireless commitment to local bands and the chequered history of Good Vibrations to his volatile encounters with the mainstream music industry, his run-ins with Bob Dylan and John Lennon, drinking binges with Phil Lynott, and his resilience in the face of setbacks such as arson, bankruptcy, bomb blasts, and attacks by racketeers. (official Blackstaff blurb)
Not a lot I can (or need to) add to that except that this is a damn fine read. Terri Hooley is the self-styled Godfather of NI punk, founder of the Good Vibrations record label, record shop owner, teller of tall tales, a pain in the arse, living legend and all round good guy! Anyone, like myself, who has been involved in the NI punk scene over the past 30 years or so will have heard most of the stories / anecdotes before (many, many times, haha) but there are still a few wee snippets in the book that were new to me. This is an essential read for anyone interested in punk rock and in particular the NI punk scene which (if you read the book) you'll see was a lot different and a lot more dangerous than anywhere else in the UK (or elsewhere for that matter). Can't wait for the movie, if it ever gets finished. Long live Terri Hooley.
Not a lot I can (or need to) add to that except that this is a damn fine read. Terri Hooley is the self-styled Godfather of NI punk, founder of the Good Vibrations record label, record shop owner, teller of tall tales, a pain in the arse, living legend and all round good guy! Anyone, like myself, who has been involved in the NI punk scene over the past 30 years or so will have heard most of the stories / anecdotes before (many, many times, haha) but there are still a few wee snippets in the book that were new to me. This is an essential read for anyone interested in punk rock and in particular the NI punk scene which (if you read the book) you'll see was a lot different and a lot more dangerous than anywhere else in the UK (or elsewhere for that matter). Can't wait for the movie, if it ever gets finished. Long live Terri Hooley.