Category Archives: Music

THE RATZ: After The Blackout.

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Ready for something to knock you out in matters of seconds? Alright then, well you need to listen to the new record by New Haven’s The Ratz. The songs aren’t meant for you to slow dance, instead they are made for you to smash your body into someone else, bounce off a wall and leave you battered and bruised. Perfect, right? Of course. Their new record consists of 8 songs that were made to blow the roof off and melt your brain.

 The Ratz are the kind of band that take you back to when Black Flag and Fugazi were ruling the world and weren’t afraid to speak out and speak loudly. The gang mentality that The Ratz have makes you want to be part of what they are giving you. They are insanely talented, and prior to listening to their new record I went back and listened to some of their older stuff, and my god this band know how to play. After The Blackout (seems apt right now) is their new record, and it is full of hyperactive Punk songs that don’t even come close to hitting the 2 minute mark, and although I can be a sucker for songs that hit over 5 minutes, what The Ratz do in so little time is just so vital. You could easily imagine this band ripping apart venues like CBGB years ago. They’ve got that gnarly and raw Punk sound that just makes you want to lose your mind. Destroy You just gets to the 2 minute mark, and it’s one of the best songs that they have ever done. I love how they are unapologetically raw with their sound and are just so brutal. Ines is a fucking incredible guitarist, and she makes you wish you were as cool as her. The way she plays is just *chef’s kiss! *

 

 

You cannot get enough of this band; I just love them. The artwork for the record is so cool, and it really gives off the feeling you get when you listen to the record; you feel a little bit dirty but in the best way possible. It’s a brutal record, and it’s got this rambunctiousness to it that you simply cannot get enough off. Put it in a drip and hook it right into my veins!

 After The Blackout is the record you play to hype yourself up. It gives you that boost, that spring in your step so you feel alright in going outside and facing up to whatever you need to. As far as Hardcore records go, this is some top level shit. I’m not a pro at Hardcore Punk, but I know what I like, and I know what I’m not a fan of, and it’s fair to say that The Ratz are definitely a band to adore and play loud. I love what they do, and I just love their whole style. Each of them brings something unique to the band, and it is so obvious on this record. Like I said, I went back and listened to earlier stuff to get mor familiar with their sound, and what they’ve done on After The Black Out is firmly let us know what they are about and they have truly shown us what they are made of.

 The Ratz are the kind of band that you psyched up to see on a weekend after you’ve had a tough week. I’m one of the lucky ones where I love my job and I love the people I work with, but there are people who work and hate their surroundings, and when the weekend hits then BAM they can unleash it all. As someone who suffers with depression and anxiety (who doesn’t! But this isn’t from a Buzzfeed quiz, I actually went to a doctor) sometimes a lot gets pent up, and my release comes from music. Finding music, listening to it and writing about it. I am so fucking grateful when a band reaches out to me and asks me to write about them because it keeps me focused on other things. I think that’s part of the reason as to why I’ve never been paid to do this, and never want to. If someone in a band ever says to their friend, “Hey, send your music to Olivia, she’ll probably write about you because she loves music!” then that’s fine by me, that’s all I want. I’m happy with that and having bands like The Ratz reach out is just the best! I love this record, and I love how it’s got that raw sound that you find in bands like Flesh Rag (Canadian Punk band that we all know I’m in love with!) After The Blackout deserves to be played insanely loud and as often as you can. Take it like a vitamin to keep you nice and healthy.

 The atmosphere that The Ratz have created on this record is one to completely wrap yourself up in. You can really picture yourself at their show with a bunch of people around you who equally love this band, your arms around each other shouting the words back. It’s a real Punk mentality with a sense of unity (see bands like my beloved IDLES for the same feeling) and this sense of unity is what Punk is about. No one gets left behind. The loudness on the record may intimidate some, but please just play the record. Soak up just how amazing they are as musicians, and you will truly hear one of the best Punk bands around. In fact, let’s leave genres out of this and soak up how great they are as a band.

 

 

 If you’re looking for a wild record to lose your shit to or if you’re looking for something new to just give you a kick- then The Ratz are for you. Immerse yourself in the record and play songs like These Streets and I Don’t as loud as you want. These 8 songs will enhance your life and make you and your record collection look that much cooler.

THE CHATS: High Risk Behaviour.

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It’s here! The debut record by The Chats- one of Australia’s finest bands. These three wonderful ratbags are back with 14 songs to get you in the mood to self-isolate. Well, what else is there to do! Doom and gloom aside, The Chats are just a brilliant band. If you love bands like Skegss and Amyl and The Sniffers then you’re probably already onto The Chats, and you’re probably excited for this record.
The Chats are that band that keep appearing at your local pub; part of the furniture and no one dares tell them to go home. Why would you? They’re everything you want from a rowdy band, and they just make you want to hang out with them and get into mischief. I love how their songs just are declarations of impish behaviour. Ignore the song The Clap- you probably don’t want to behave in that way, but as far as songs that find humour in an STD this one is pretty great. They’re owning it, and fair play to them. The humour in the lyrics and the way they just share their life with us is so cool, and they aren’t afraid to let us in on their mishaps and fuckups.

They make songs that are just destined to be chanted right back at them, and you can imagine Josh crowd surfing as the fans go mental to Identity Theft and shout the words as loud as possible. Maybe this will happen on their tour later in the year, if the universe allows us to leave our homes again for fun! I just bloody love this band and their carefree attitude. Aside from that though, they are really great musicians. They just keep getting better and better, and the production on High Risk Behaviour is really tight too.
Their two Eps showed us exactly how great they are, and how on earth does it come across on a full-length record? Well, we can call this as one of if not THE most energetic records of the year. They pick up nicely where Get This In Ya!! left off, and these songs are proper rippers. They make you want to just trash shit, skate around or just get up to no good. Dine n Dash is a great song about being too broke to eat, so you get your fill then fuck off without paying. It’s one of my favourites off the record, but it’s just a non-stop party record. The songs are made for you to just let loose and forget your troubles and find humour in what’s getting to you. They talk about being broke and doing nothing, and not really letting it get to them. Their laid-back style is what really makes you connect with the songs.
Eamon’s vocals just hooks you right in, and you want to copy his style as you chant the words back. Then you mix this with Matt’s INSANE drumming and Josh’s guitar, and also Eamon’s bass well, then you’ve just got top musicians who really love what they’re doing. Ross River is a great tale, and you picture yourself right there with Eamon as he describes what’s going on. Pub Feed is a great example of this too and how they are just craving some good, wholesome pub food. Sometimes, that’s all you need.
The songs don’t even hit the 3 minute mark, but don’t let that deter you in any way. The songs were made to be played loud and on a loop. They have this wicked energy that just makes you move and flail those limbs about. I love how freeing their sound is, and again, the carefree attitude. It’s like, “everything is shit but don’t worry about it.” Sometimes you just need to hear that, or in a roundabout way you know? Just so you don’t feel so down and out about what’s going on in your head. It’s so easy to worry and assume the worst, but with The Chats they’ll give you the brutal truth but put their own twist on it that makes you feel lighter.
There are some exceptional bands in Australia, and some really great Punk bands. The Chats are a band that I’ve seen a lot of people make reference to when talking about new and exciting bands, and it’s so easy to see why. I mean, this is their debut full length record and it sounds like something from a band who are well into their career. The energy they have on record is poured right into their live shows too. It’s like all this pent-up energy is released how they need it to be in their live shows, and on record it is just a taste of this energy. They are such an easy band to love and become obsessed with; High Risk Behaviour is a remarkable record, and I love how they have a distinctive sound but no part of you gets tired of it at all. Songs like Do What I Want are just so rebellious and mischievous, they just make you want to hang out with them and get into trouble. It’s pretty clear that The Chats will be a band that kids listen to, and are influenced by to start their own band and it is such a great thing!

High Risk Behaviour is such a great record, and it was definitely worth the wait. The two EPs they gave us were just a little taste of what was to come, and now we have it you’d be hard-pressed to let go of that excitement. With any luck, I’ll get to see them in October. I can’t wait to see how this all comes alive in a live setting. I think this is how people felt when the Ramones first got peoples attention. These 14 songs are made for wasting your days away to, go out for a walk and play this record in your ears and let every annoyance you have slip away.
High Risk Behaviour is out right now via Bargain Bin Records.

MORON’S MORONS: Looking For Danger.

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Moron’s Morons have put out one of the most exciting Punk records of the year. In fact, it’s one of the most exciting Punk records that we’ve had in a long time! It’s got this filthy, raw sound and will remind of the greats but also turn you onto something brand new.

 Of course, it goes without saying that the best way to play this record is loud. Stupidly loud. Get all the neighbours involved. One of my neighbours constantly sound like they are playing football with about 50 elephants, so it’s my turn to give them something to enjoy. The band have released a few records, but Looking For Danger is their debut full length release (they’ve previously released something via the wonderful No Front Teeth Records) and Looking For Danger has been released via one of the best labels around, Slovenly Recordings and that’s the record I’m going to delve right into.

 

 

Looking For Danger consists of 13 hard-hitting and brain-splattering songs. These are songs you’ll be playing at 2am whilst still a bit drunk, trashing your room as you try to find your way into bed. I can do this without any alcohol. I trip over my books and records a lot. I need to buy a bookcase, but I seem to buy more books and records instead of buying something to store them safely in. One day I’ll get there. One day. You Put Hot In Psychotic is not only the best named song of the year, I think it’s safe for me to call this as my favourite off the record. Imagine using that as a line on someone! If they smack you across the chops then they aren’t the one for you, dear reader. I love how this song then goes right into Noise Addiction with no time for you to catch your breath. Every song slams right into the next, and you have no time to do or think about anything. It’s a beast of a record, and if you’re wanting something really snotty and brutal- this is the one for you. If you’re looking for something gives you the same kick as Young, Loud and Snotty by the Dead Boys, then Looking For Danger is going to be exactly what you need.

 The whole record feels like a beatdown. After one listen, and not even in full you’ll probably feel by the halfway mark that you’ve been beaten up and your nose dripping in blood. As the taste of iron fills your mouth, you soak up every single song in its brutal glory. It’s a trip to listen to, and by no means can you get enough of it. Songs like Wonderlust and Garageman were made to be played so loud you think you’ll never hear again. The whole record is just a straight up noise fest, and I can’t praise it enough. The vocals are distorted in all the right places with the occasional vocals spewed out as a frustrating scream- beautiful!

 Looking For Danger is a fast-paced Punk record that is good for the soul. If you want something to mess with your head, or if you’re looking for something to just lose your mind to- then get this record. Buy all the copies you can. Hand them out to people you know and don’t know. Spread the word! But not in a preachy way- not about that here! It’s just a record that you cannot get enough of. When I listen to it, I get that same buzz I did when I heard KRAUT for the first time. They also remind me a little bit of Shady & The Vamp and DIE BÖSLINGE (one of the best and most underrated bands of all time.)

 It is such a pent-up record, and again they are one of those bands that you just KNOW are insane live. Nothing and no one will be the same once you’ve been to their shows, I can just feel it. I’d imagine it to be utterly wild with everything getting trashed and ripped to pieces on stage. You can really hear the raw energy on record, and it just makes you so certain that their live show is probably the same. Looking For Danger is a tough record, and it isn’t for those who want sickly love songs. This is for those who want something with a bit of bite to it. Truth be told though, it’s more like Tyson chomping off Holyfield’s ear.

 

 

Looking For Danger is out right now via Slovenly Recordings. You know what to do!

VAGUESS.

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With a new record by Vaguess coming out in April, it’s only right I talk about why they’re a bloody great band in order to sway you to buy the record when it comes out. I say this like Vaguess are a band, but it’s really just Vinny and if you know of his previous musical outlets then you’ll know he is nothing short of incredible. Vaguess is another outlet of his musical experiments and just shows us why he’s a remarkable guy. This is an appreciation piece on his music, and how much I love his writing, I just love him. A lot.

 If you’re looking for the ultimate sound to laze about to, or to make you want to start your own band or just enjoy some really great music then Vaguess are the band for you (it’s pronounced Vegas in case you needed to know.) They make energetic Garage Rock sounding music that just makes you want to have a good old time. I can’t count how much music Vinny has generously unleashed into the world but be assured that the guy is a machine when it comes to putting music out. He’s everything you want your favourite singer to be, and he’s got this way of creating down to earth lyrics that just hit you in the gut. Especially if you’re looking for something to just connect with; he then delivers this with a ferocious sound that cements a strong Punk influence.

 

 

There’s this beautiful venom and disdain on Two Hands which is about someone who was shitty to Vinny and let’s be honest, if you’re going to be shitty to anyone as precious as this guy- then you’re a proper doofus. The whole of Have A Good Summer is just a delight to listen to, even the songs that will break your heart like Two Hands and Everywhere Is Assholes (a pretty great and accurate name for a song.) But the way in which he breaks your heart just makes you want to delve into what makes you tick and write about it. He’s just got this way with words that leaves you in awe, and the way he delivers it vocally is so wonderful.

 As someone who is simply, obsessed with music, hearing someone like Vinny create music like this just makes me so happy. His lyrics are clever and to the bone; he’s not afraid at all to be vulnerable with his words but he’s also an absolute monster of a musician! There’s nothing he cannot do- he’s superman. I just adore everything he does, and I am SO excited for the new record next month. I can’t wait to really listen to it, and write about it like the obsessed fan I am.

One of my favourite records by him is his One Man’s Trash EP that came out back in 2017. It’s got a really raw sound to it and the lo-fi atmosphere on it is something that is really strong on this record. It’s always there, but this one it is more prominent. I just love how you can really tell that this is love and passion, and the way he gets it across just makes you wish more were like this and you kind of wish you could do it too. But hey, no one is as great as this guy. There is something so pure and innocent about his sound, but you can imagine live shows to be the complete opposite. There’s no denying that his passion for music is probably accelerated during his shows, and it’s something I really hope I get to see one day. His music means a hell of a lot to me, and his way with words are a huge part of this admiration I have for him.

 His 2013 release, Back Off Warchild became an instant classic and is still a prime example of the kind of musician he is- it’s got the reverb and fuzzy vocals that I just love so much. I can’t get enough of his music, and every so often I’ll go back to this record and it’s just like finding his music for the first time all over again. There’s no denying just how exceptional Vinny is, and like I’ve mentioned already, I’m just so excited to hear the new record. There’s isn’t too long to wait, and I just know it’s going to be one of the best things we get this year.

 

 

 

 

So, there you have it, this is just my appreciation and admiration of Vinny and the music he creates. Keep an eye out for his new record, I reckon it’ll blow all of our minds! Guest List To Heaven will be his 7th Vaguess record, and is set to come out on 4th April

KISS BOOM BAH: Out Of Our Tree.

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Right out of Philadelphia we have the effortlessly cool and slick Kiss Boom Bah. A remarkable Garage Rock band which features members from bands such as The Creamers and The GTVs and they have now created Kiss Boom Bah.

 Kiss Boom Bah’s debut EP, Out Of Our Tree came out the start of March and these two songs were made to just flip your world upside down, and back round again. Repeat! If you’re looking for something to make you feel like you’re deep in The Gruesomes’ Tyrants Of Teen Trash record, then you’re going to love Kiss Boom Bah (also, if you are a fan of anything Sam Steinig has done then obviously you’re going to love this band!)

 

 

With only two songs on the EP, it may be difficult to gauge an opinion on the band and if you can firmly work out what their style is. However, because of the unknown that’s what lures you in and keeps you there. The songs are like basement bar chants. You can definitely imagine what their live shows are like when you delve into this record, an absolute riot.

 I love the organ on the title track, it’s got this spooky feel to it and when you mix this with the vocals it just becomes an instant classic. This song definitely feels like it could have come out when The Vagrants first started and The Pretty Things too, it’s got that euphoric feel to it. When all this quarantining ends, play this at a house part or something. It’ll go down a treat! If it doesn’t, then reassess your friendship group. The EP is magical and in just two songs they give you perfect musical moments that’ll have you hooked for days and days. If snarly Garage Rock is your bag, then you’re going to dig Kiss Boom Bah for sure! There’s also this delicious Surf Rock feel to their sound that just makes you want to escape to the beach (but don’t leave your houses just yet!)

 Marilyn-A-Go-Go is just proper example of Garage Rock at its finest. Aside from the occasional chant, this song has no vocals- it’s just a straight up, no bullshit instrumental number showing us exactly why Kiss Boom Bah are bloody fantastic. Again, play this one at a house party for a solid reaction! The EP is just a swell listen, and although you want more and more, Kiss Boom Bah have given us a mighty fine taste of what’s to come.

 

 

 

The debut EP by Kiss Boom Bah is out now via Sweet Time.

BADASS MOTHER FUZZERS: On The Run.

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I have no idea what day it is anymore. I have no idea how long I’ve been ill for and my sleep pattern is every shade of messed up. It’s alright though, I guess it means I can spend more time writing about music. Then taking a nap. That lasts for about 5 hours.
Badass Mother Fuzzers are a band from Toulouse who are exceptional at what they, and what they do is give us exquisite Garage Rock music to lose our minds to. Although, I expect with us being indoors for long periods of times, we’re all going to get to that stage. I can hear my neighbours laugh, sneeze, cough and flush the toilet. Way too much. I wish the walls weren’t so thin, but I guess it means they can hear my music too, so it isn’t all bad! BAMF are a remarkable band who have this smutty Rock ‘n’ Roll sound that you just cannot get enough of. It’s got that Johnny Thunders feel flowing right through, but it’s also got something else. Something that goes beyond words but it’s something so passionately fast that you just cannot get enough of it.



Their latest release came out last September, and it was most certainly a record that deserved way more attention than it got. It’s got some real trippy numbers on there such as Love Ain’t No Crime and Breaking Down. They are just divine pieces of music, and you can’t help but wish you could see BAMF live because I’m fairly sure their shows are nothing but wild. You can just picture them all going nuts on stage, and at the end- the drumkit is smashed into pieces as chaos erupts on stage. I just love their frantic sound; I love how every song is delivered with such urgency, and if you’re looking for a top example of this you will find it on RUN RUN RUN. It’s such a great song, and although the whole record is brilliant, this song is the one where you can really hear exactly what every band member is made of. You can also hear why they are one of the best bands to come out of France.
I love that I can hear snippets of The Gun Club and Ramones in their music, and how they mix everything I love about music and make something that is just a sheer joy to listen to. The attitude that flows in the music is great too, it’s got that Dead Boys snarl to it- you wouldn’t dare mess with them. You get this from Don’t Feel Bad and Don’t You Try; they’ve got this way of making you wish you could make music as cool as this.



When you listen to BAMF you wouldn’t be wrong in thinking you were listening to something from the 60s; they’ve definitely got that feel. That hypnotic Garage Rock sound mixed with a Bluesy feel is just super addictive, and I love the riotous feel on Don’t Need You (for me, the vocals on this are my favourite on the record) and Fall For You reminds me a little bit of The Cramps, if you really listen to it hopefully you’ll understand what I mean. It could be the trembling vocals that remind me a little of Lux. Either way, it’s just wonderful. There’s just so much to love about BAMF and the fact that there’s only 3 of them making all this noise just makes it that touch better because they really do make you feel as if you’re listening to an orchestra of noise. I absolutely love this band, and I hope you do too!
On The Run is out now via 6Tone Records.

SIT DOWN.

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Well, for the foreseeable we have no gigs to look forward to but that doesn’t mean we can’t get hyped up over new (and old) bands. It just means when everything is back to whatever “normal” will be, we will enjoy the shows much more. Music is so important. It keeps a lot of us going. It is the lifeline for so many of us, and those who make the music- well, it’s their lifeline too. Before I go into writing about Sit Down, I’d just like to mention as I’m sure you know, Bandcamp are waiving their revenue fees today so all the money will go directly to the band/singer. If you can afford to buy a song or two, please help out your favourites. But please, only if you can afford it.

 Right then.

 Sit Down are a duo from Brighton. You know how I feel about duos; from The Kills to JOHN; I just love them. I love how noisy they are, and how it’s just two people that are making killer noise. You can add Sit Down to the list of killer duos. They have this beautiful and intense sound; it goes beyond anything I’ve ever really heard before. You don’t know what to expect, but every song feels like a Glaswegian kiss- perfect!

 

 

Katie has the effortlessly cool task of drumming and singing. Anyone who can sing and drum at the same time, especially like this is like a superhero to me. It takes something that is beyond human to do it, and I think anyone who can do it is just exceptional. Katie is brutal and takes no prisoners. She’s got the same ferociousness to her sound like Fay from Savages (hands down one of the best drummers EVER!) and give it time, and people will be saying Katie is one of the best drummers of all time. Trust me on that. Then you have Greg who is an absolute monster on the guitar- if you’re into bands like Table Scraps, then you’re going to fawn over Sit Down. The heaviness they both have is just intoxicating, and it’s what we need right now and all the damn time.

 Sit Down have been going a few years now, and over the past 2 years they have truly built something that is getting stronger and bigger.  Their debut EP from 2018, Cheap Luxe is such a dirty and gritty Garage Rock record, and it makes you think there’s more than 2 of them making this noise. It’s nothing short of brilliant and is such a great way to make their sound known. It oozes power from start to finish, but what else would you expect from the self-confessed Hell’s House Band.

 At the moment, I’m really stuck on Take A Seat. It’s got this Trip-Hop feel to it mixed with some spooky shit. It sounds like it was made for a Horror film, a real gory Horror film at that! I love how they can create certain moods and atmospheres with their sound, and how they really take the listener off into a fantasy world. It’s like they are possessing you with their sound, and you cannot help but feel like you’re in a trance when you listen to them. I really get that feel when I listen to Take A Seat, and when it kicks in- that’s when you fall deeper into their world.

 They’ve also JUST released an aptly titled song, Quarantine which pretty much sums up how we are all feeling now. Katie sings and screams her heart out on this one, and it’s like she is unleashing the world’s furies on this. It perfectly captures how vulnerable and unsure we are all feeling right now. One of the only good things to come out of this is bands like Sit Down giving us these hard-hitting anthems that one day soon, hopefully, we can sing right back at them.

 

 

 

Sit Down have that excellent Trashy Rock ‘n’ Roll sound going on, and it’s apparent on songs like Teeth and Honeysucker. Both songs are perfect if you’re just getting into the band. That decadent sound is throughout both songs, and the louder you play them the better they sound. Look, if we have to self-isolate then we might as well introduce our neighbours to some new music too, right? Play Teeth super loud, have a party through the walls. Enjoy!

NADU: Survive *Single Premier*

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During all this madness, we can always count on music to make everything better. Whether it be an old band you love, or a band you’re finding for the first time. With that in mind, I am beyond happy to share with you the premier of NADU’s brand new song, Survive which is taken from his brand new EP, Determinator II which will be out in May.

 I’ve already listened to the EP, and I can promise you that this is going to be one of the most exciting records we are going to get this year. It’s a real fast-paced Garage Rock record, and the fact that it is all done by one person makes it that more special. You can hear every ounce of passion and creativity in this record, and it definitely shines through on the lead single and EP opener, Survive. His first EP was released in 2017, and since then he’s been playing shows across the West Coast and Midwest of America and unleashing this brutal sound that you just cannot get enough of. On record, it’s just him but catch his shows, and you’ll find Nadine Torres and Kenny Esparza right next time. Buy the EP so they can head over this way and do some shows!

 

 

Survive is the perfect lead for this release; the bold and brash DIY sound is insane, and Nader’s vocals have never sounded so good! The way it just smacks you in the face right from the start, and when the vocals kick in and the drums- you just know that it is over. It is such an exciting song, and sure it’s just over 2 minutes long, but in those 2 minutes you are subjected to some real gnarly sounds. If this song doesn’t make you want to start your own band, make your own noise or whatever then I really don’t know what will! As a kid, Nader immigrated to Texas from Bangladesh, and a couple years ago ended up in LA where NADU was born. This is a project that Nader created after leaving corporate jobs behind and fully dedicating himself to music, and it’s fair to say that he made the right decision.

 My only advice to you is, if you’re stuck indoors for the foreseeable then open your windows and blast Survive as loudly as you can. The same advice applies for when the EP comes out. I was going to write about the EP here, but I’m going to hold off until closer to the time. Lord knows we all need things to look forward to right now!

 You can stream Survive, and pre-order Determinator II here .

BIRTHMARKS: …And Then The Rain Stopped.

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I always thought I’d find it difficult to write about friends I have in bands, but it turns out it’s pretty easy- especially when you love and believe in what they do. Little Death Machine were a band that I absolutely adored and couldn’t get enough of. That band ended, and from it Daniel formed Birthmarks with his pals- Jason and Jonno. As I listen to their debut full length record, I can hear parts of LDM but also a sound of bands/singers I love. It’s a brilliant record, and the fact that Kerrang Magazine have written about them is also a huge deal. Again, another thing to be proud of.

…And Then The Rain Stopped is out next Friday, and with all this painful doom and gloom surrounding us right now, for me, I’m finding comfort in music more than ever. The record starts with How Do You Rule Me which gives me feelings of Bjork (Army Of Me flows right through this) early Placebo and hints of Nine Inch Nails. Basically, this song and the whole damn record sounds like heaven. Daniel’s voice has never sounded so good and so powerful, and when you marry this up with Jason’s drumming and Jonno’s bass playing; you just get something that feeds your soul and beautifully consumes every part of you.

The lyrics will get you right in the gut, and if the song Breathe doesn’t move you then I really don’t know what will. The record is full of songs that will break your heart, but you won’t mind because it will also give you comfort. That’s all you can ask for. If something breaks you, chances are it can comfort you also. The vocals are as raw and as exposed as the lyrics, and because you can truly hear the honesty and feel every single emotion on the songs- you cannot help but connect with them. There’s something so haunting about the whole record, and the darkness on this record really does get you right in the gut. For some it may be uncomfortable but for others, it’s a lifeline. The record is a work of art. I knew it was going to be something truly remarkable, but it goes above and beyond what I or anyone else could ever write about this record.

 

 

The songs touch on everything from love to loss, and all that goes with it.  Daniel’s mentioned that this record took 5 years to make, and you can absolutely hear the hardwork and dedication from them all on this record. I’m obsessed with the drums on this record, and how they heighten the emotions on this record. You have songs like Wax which is such a stripped back and vulnerable song, and it is one of the more tender moments on the record. Again, you can hear the raw emotion in the vocals on this but then it goes right into You Are One which could very well be the anthem for the band. You can imagine the crowd going nuts to this at their shows, it’s got such a grand feel to it and you cannot help but get immersed in it. The way the synths and guitar go together on this is just fantastic, and the way the guitar and drums get heavy at the same time just blows your mind. This one really homes in on the feeling of loss and a sense of betrayal, and it’s a brutal listen but it’s just another reason as to why you cannot help but love this band, and this record.

As far as debut records go, it’s fair to say that this is nothing short of incredible. The production is flawless, and the way the songs sound is just remarkable. It’s hard to believe that this is their debut full length record, and like I mentioned, you can really hear the hardwork in this record. Charcoal is a fierce song, it sounds like it should be in some disturbing thriller, and to be honest I really do see Birthmarks creating the soundtracks for films. This whole record sounds like it was made for a film; it’s a very theatrical record, and the atmosphere on the record will just send shivers right through you. It’s a very dark record, and I love how brutal some of the lyrics are and how fucking honest they are. Charcoal is like a cut to the soul, but you keep digging at it. The record is like an open wound that you cannot help but mess with. It’ll disturb you, you’ll wince, and it will be the best thing you’ve ever heard. I adore this record, and I just respect anyone who is this honest with their art.

The record touches so beautifully on human nature and how we fuck up, how others fuck us up and how it can be a vicious cycle at times. I love how experimental the record is, and how it doesn’t fall into any genre or any sub-genre. It feels like a film, a work of art. If this is what we get from a debut record, then there’s no telling what else they can do. It’s obvious it’s going to be mind-blowing, but I’m just massively in awe of this record and how they’ve all played their part in creating this gorgeous record. Pale and Midnight Blue are prime examples of how talented the band are, and I love that every song on this record gives them all their own moments to shine.

 

 

…And Then The Rain Stopped is mixture of every human emotion possible, it is the beauty of carrying feelings and it is the burden of being a human in one. It is a complex listen, and I can only advise that you listen to this record the first time round on your own, and in order. Just soak up the record. Once you’ve done this, listen however you want. We’re all looking for comfort and the like in isolation, and this record is everything we could possibly need and more. Birthmarks have made the record that makes me want to write about it constantly. Bands like this are why I write about music, and why I refuse to ever do this for money. It has to be for the love of it, and I will only ever write about what I love. Birthmarks have truly made something special here, and I sincerely hope that anyone who listens to this record feels the same because it NEEDS to be heard.

Allow yourself to feel vulnerable, and just open your mind up to this record. It’ll be alright.

Pre-order the record here and you’ll also find their cover of one of the most beautiful songs ever written, True Love Will Find You In The End by Daniel Johnston.

AXETONE.

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AXETONE

If I had the money to buy all the merch and records of bands that I love due to shows being cancelled, I really would. It breaks my heart to see them struggle because of the virus; their music is their life. It pays their bills; it keeps them going. Their music keeps me going. All I can do is write about them- all I can offer is words, and it just makes you feel helpless. Then you have absolute selfish fuckers buying everything in the shops that they clearly do not need, and other have to struggle. Not to mention the government vocalizing zero concerns for homeless people. But why would the fuckers start caring now? If it doesn’t make you angry, then you’re part of the problem. And with this anger, it brings me to the wonder Axetone from Miami.

 I don’t know anything about the music scene in Miami, but if the Punk scene sounds anything like what Axetone give us, then sign me up! There’s this gnarly sound that just oozes pent up aggression and I love it. They’ve got this wonderfully brutal sound- it reminds me of Bikini Kill slightly. There’s a nod to Riot Grrrl here, but at the same time Axetone just give us something so heavy and furious. You absolutely cannot help but play this so loud you’ll feel as if your ears are going to bleed.

 

 

 Axetone haven’t been going long, and with only a couple of releases up on their Bandcamp page (with one being demos that are incredible!)  you’d think it’d be tough to get something meaningful out about them. Thing is, when a band is this good, it’s an absolute honour to write about them. Their newest release came out at the start of March, and these handful of songs are so powerful and the sheer urgency in the songs just makes you want to trash shit and jump around in your room, and probably annoy neighbours with your stomping. Here For You Here For Me is such a great record, and it’s perfectly made up of angst filled songs that will get you right in the gut. This is not for the faint hearted or for those who want awful, sickly love songs. That shit isn’t welcome here; give us this beautiful and unpolished noise any day!

 Michi has such a distinctive voice, and the way the vocals are screamed out just make you want to scream them right back. There is so much power and determination here, you cannot help but let it consume you. Take the opener, Emotional Dishes; it touches on mental health in such an unfiltered way and it then goes right into Hot Pocket which exposes just how fucked society is. This is band that are hugely observant of what is around them and their community. A huge community feel is what you get from this band, and their unity with each other is what makes their sound. There’s this tightness but not in a polished way, but in a way that you know that the band totally get each other, and the bond goes deeper than music. For a band to get that feeling across so early one is something to really pay attention.

 

 

 With one listen, I just became obsessed. I love the Punk feel. I love the Riot Grrrl tones. I love the way that they are so brutally honest with the lyrics and how annihilating yet freeing the music is. I just love everything they give. The force on Toxic Womb and Wolf/Sick Head is vital, and just reinforces why we need bands like this, and thank fuck they exist.

 Here For You Here For Me is out RIGHT NOW!