NoSo: Stay Proud Of Me.

Last summer a gorgeous debut record was released. I’m late in writing about it, but I have been listening to the record almost religiously for a few months now. Every listen just brings me such joy and even though my heart is probably with loud and rowdy sounds- NoSo’s voice is that necessary calm I need.

Representation matters and to have a non-binary singer echo the thoughts you can sometimes carry is such a relief. It’s more than a relief- it just eases the weirdness you can sometimes feel. That’s just my own personal experience, and a difficult journey I was on but I’ve reached a place of certainty now. These songs will take the doubts and fears you have and ease them in ways you didn’t think music could. In ways you didn’t expect a stranger could.

The record opens with the angelic Parasites and goes gently into the heartbreaking but beautiful Suburbia. This is one song I constantly have swimming in my head- the amount of times I’ve sang this in my flat when no one is around and usually when my cat is trying to sleep is ridiculous. I think Mary enjoys it. The line, “stay the same without me” is so haunting. The way in which they sing this is so delicate and you can hear the nostalgia and hope there. It’s just such a mesmerising song that’ll stay with you.

The next one up is David. Again, this is another that I’m constantly singing. NoSo wrote this song after they had a dream that they were a white man in a church pew. You can hear the longing in their voice of wanting to do the things that someone else does, and to be a mystery and serene. NoSo- if you by chance see this, you are divine the way you are but you probably know this.

I love and cherish the honesty on this record. I love how open NoSo is about their sexuality, their gender and who they are. This is the kind of record I’d want to have heard when I was growing up. That wish to be someone else so someone of your own gender would want you, to work out the feelings you had and what they meant, to let go of shame sooner rather than later. There’s a connection I feel to the songs that I absolutely cannot put into words. Not because it’s personal but because I simply do not have them. I’m just so grateful a record like this exists. I am so grateful that someone like NoSo exists and makes the kind of music that I can fully relate to.

To pick a favourite song off this record would be entirely foolish of me but at the moment my obsession is with Honey Understand. There’s something about this song that sounds like it would be perfect for a film. The chorus is beautiful, and throughout the whole song NoSo’s vocals sound darker than on other songs- not in a morbid way, but in a heavier way. I just think it’s a masterpiece. It reminds me a little (musically) of Sutphin Boulevard by Blood Orange. Which as we as we know, is one of the greatest songs ever made. It’s the bass. That bass and dreamy guitar just takes me right back to that song. You get hazy sunset colours in your head when you listen to this one. There’s no way I could get tired of NoSo’s voice, and this song fully justifies why.

The openness on this record is something that just needs to be treasured. The way they are so honest on Feeling Like A Woman Lately is beautiful. I’ll leave it at that because anything I write about this one will not do it justice. Just take in the honesty, take it all in. Man Who Loves You represents hearing someone you are fond of being spoken to badly by someone who apparently loves them. I think there’s an element to this where NoSo is a superhero and takes the person away from the ill-treatment and gives the person the love and respect they deserve.

The record ends with the gentle Everything I’ve Got, and the way they sing the chorus will just melt you. There’s this innocence to the chorus], but also a curse at the universe. Listen to it closely. It’s just a beautiful song that will break your heart in the most gentle way possible.

For me, this record is everything a Queer kid needs. It’s got the comfort, honesty and reassurance. These are NoSo’s words right from the heart and you cannot help but feel them right in yours. The instant connection and love I have for this record blew me away when I first heard it, and now I can’t go a day without playing the whole record in full. It is just a gorgeous work of art and I’m so glad that this record exists. We grow up in our own ways and we become the person we deserve to be in our own time- this record really expresses this. NoSo’s truth can be anyone else’s truth, and that’s why I have so much love and respect for this record.

NoSo will be playing two UK dates in March. 9th at The Lexington, London and 10th at YES (Basement) here in Manchester.

THE BATTERY FARM: Flies.

I’ve been listening to The Battery Farm’s debut record for well over a month. I had something written, but I kept going back to it. Over and over. Then I decided to delete it and start again. Everything I wrote was done in haste and a record like Flies deserves so much more.

The record has been years in the making. It is a labour of love. It is blood, sweat, tears and fears. It’s brutal and gentle. It is vital. It’s the heartbeat of society. It’s one of the most important records of the year. Bands like this are rare and when you find them, my god you love them. Everything they release will always leave you in awe. You’ll feel every emotion possible when you listen to this record. There is hope on this record and there’s also despair. There’s fear and uncertainty but there’s also fight and determination.

From the title track/intro through to In The Belly Of The Beast and right into Everything Will Be Okay. The whole record is just a firepit of hard work and passion. There are zero compromises on this record; it’ll make you feel less alone. It’ll make you take every ugly feeling you own and make into something worth feeling and carrying around. That weight on your back will feel lighter once you’ve played this record. It truly hits you on the opener FLIES. The way in which Ben’s vocals sound possessed is just out of this world. That fury and passion is throughout the whole record from all of them.

The more I play this record, the more I’m in awe of the band. There is no bad song on this record but I wouldn’t go looking for that anyway. Every single song has the potential to be screamed loud in stadiums but screaming the songs back in small sweaty venues holds the same amount of power- if not more! It’s a proper Northern record. A band from anywhere else could not make a record like this- this record is Manchester and it makes me proud to call this city home. Wooden Spoon Number is euphoric. I mean the whole record is, but this one stands out at the moment for me.

Everything Will Be Okay will rip you apart. I struggle to listen to this one just because of how close to the bone it is. It’s so beautiful and vulnerable. If you’ve made it this far in the record without crying- this will be the one that breaks you. I’ve had to stop writing a few times to pull myself together listening to this, but it’s fine to not have it all together isn’t it. Why does it matter if you do or don’t? It’s such a reassuring song and the way you feel like the band are singing this to you and only you is so powerful. I wonder if they know how influential they are? Honestly, this is the kind of record I hope some lost kid in school finds and finds the band that speak to them, and they find their way. Maybe they’ll be a writer, maybe they’ll form a band- but this band will be the root of their influence. You can’t listen to this record and not be moved to do something. Anything.

The second half of the record (Poet Boy onwards) is loud. Unapologetically loud. The whole record is but it goes up a level on the second half. You can’t help but be stopped in your tracks like, “okay this is serious now. Really serious.” Honestly, they just know how to make songs that steal a part of your soul and become like the blood in your veins. I’m basically giving you all the descriptions of how important the band are and how their words are just so vital. I can’t think of another band who are creating music like this.

DisdainGain is a proper teeth kicker. Don’t play this if you’re scared of every losing your hearing. Bloody hell! The way this goes right into it is just insane. INSANE. It’s one of my favourites. I change my mind with every listen but this one is constant. I love the rage in the song. The rage in every element of the song- not just the vocals. Everything feels like a protest on this song and it’s unreal. I adore it. I love the unfiltered rage on this song. If any song sums up what the band are about- it might just be this one. I Am A Man shows vulnerability and stigma around men talking about their mental health. No one should ever (regardless of gender) feel like they can’t talk about how they feel. But unfortunately, it happens. I hope someone hears this and it gives them what they need to find the strength to just speak out and speak up about what’s going on.

Flies is a poetic Punk record from the gutter and poured into the universe for everyone to listen to. Everyone to pay attention to. To feel something, to stand for something and to not give up. This band are what we need. They just have something that stops you in your tracks, and before you know it- you’ve become obsessed. Nothing wrong with that.

I feel like there is more I could write about this record, but the main point is- this record is a lifeline. It’s urgent. It’s important. It’s what is needed right now. It’s what we’ve always needed. It goes beyond being a debut record. Way, way beyond.

GRAVE GOODS: Tuesday. Nothing Exists.

This record came out just over a month ago, and I had something written in my drafts. Looked over it, and deleted it. How I felt about the record then and how I feel about it now is different. Not by much, but there’s a difference. This isn’t a bad thing; I’ve had the record on repeat and can safely say that it’s up there as being one of the most flawless and interesting records of the year. It’s everything you love about music, and more.

If you’ve never listened to Grave Goods before, then you are in for a treat with this record. Grave Goods are made up of members from three bands that I’m a huge fan of: PINS, Girls Names and September Girls. If you mix up their sound and influences, and style- then you’ve clearly got a perfect band haven’t you. This is such a fantastic record from that slick sounds to the way the vocals are delivered. It’s got so much excitement to it; there’s this pure thrill you get from every listen because every single listen feels like you are being exposed to something new every single time. I reckon the ideal setting to listen to this record is on the top deck of a double decker bus, in the pissing rain and watching the world go by.

These seven songs are powerful, and songs like Story are a perfect listen on a grey and rainy day in Manchester. The whole record is a huge comfort, and with just seven songs the band completely and utterly show you what they are made of. The songs are digs are what society expects, thoughts, feelings and unspoken narratives. It’s just a phenomenal record, and I honestly feel like it’s a record that just needs to be heard. There’s an urgency to this record that just gives you a kick up the arse.

Listening to this record full whack through headphones or in your room is such a great sensation. You can’t help but take in the lyrics- Miles is a perfect example of this. The storytelling on this is just divine; it’s dark and humorous. The whole record has a dark sound but the lyrics/vocals add this gentleness. It works so well. It’s a heavy record, but it’s done in such a way that leaves you in awe. That’s all there is to it really.

The record ends with Die, and although it’s probably a morbid title for some- it’s a bloody lively song. The last minute of this song is euphoric and it just makes you start the record all over again. That’s when you know you’ve found a record that’ll you keep going back to over and over. You’ll use it as a reference. You’ll compare everything you now hear to this. Every song on the record fits perfectly. They sound as if they are made for this moment and whatever Grave Goods create next will be another masterpiece like this. You just know don’t you, when you listen to a band, and you know that regardless of how much music they put out, it’ll always be mind-blowing. They evidently a band that could never ever make a shit record. They’ve got this ideal sound that I just want to constantly hear. I bloody love this record.

Tuesday. Nothing Exists. Not only is the title of the record great, but you know how Tuesdays are probably the most boring day of the week? This record adds excitement. Play this record every Tuesday on repeat to add some spice to your life. It’ll make waking up less exhausting.

DITZ: The Great Regression

Well, here we are. Another phenomenal record to become obsessed with. Nearly 9pm on a Sunday- the perfect time to play some music that is hectic, beautifully loud and wonderfully aggressive. If like me, you know nothing about the band DITZ, then well, we can go into this journey together. This twisted and eerie journey. You might need to lie down after this one.

DITZ are brilliant, and that’s putting it lightly. There probably aren’t enough words to describe how great they are and how glorious this record is. I love writing about bands I know nothing about. This is their debut record, and with just one listen, I’m finding it hard to believe that this is their first record. I know you get snobs out there who are all “it takes a lot for a record to move me.” Stay away from those people. They’ll make you feel bad for enjoying the music you love. It takes a lot for me to really really obsess over a record. I can listen to something a few times, then I listen to something else and it’s stored in my mind for another day. But every so often, I’ll hear something and I just KNOW it’ll become part of my daily listening. DITZ are probably going to be added to that. I reckon playing this record tomorrow morning on my journey to work blasting in my headphones will set me up nicely for the day. I love my job so there’s no dread there at all. It’s just getting on public transport and some people not being aware of personal space. You know how it is.

DITZ are a band from Brighton, and they have hints of heavy bands like PIGSx7(they’re supporting them in Brussels in May!) , JOHN (John Newton does appear on two tracks on the record) , METZ and maybe a taste of Sly and The Family Drone. Their debut record is a mighty fine masterpiece that will melt your brain. In just 10 songs, they fast become your favourite new band. How could you not fall in love with this sound? I love the sheer chaos in this record, and I love how it really smacks you in the face- especially on Three. That song is something else. It takes on a different direction midway, and it just blows your mind. I reckon this live will be a mental experience. The whole record was made to be witnessed live. You can just feel the sheer intensity on this record, and you just know it’ll be even more intense live. There’s something about this band that just makes you zone out from your surroundings and all you can do is let the record completely take over your brain. I don’t want to listen to anything else right now. I just want to soak up this record and play it at any chance I get. Trust me- it is beyond all I’ve described. My words don’t do it justice at all.

The band have been together since 2015, so this record has been brewing for years. They do say that good things come to those who wait, and that is so apparent with this record. They honestly couldn’t have made a better record, it’s just glorious. You’ve got the stunning single, I Am Kate Moss on there and it sounds even better as part of a full record. That song was just a taste of what DITZ are capable of. The record just shows us in 10 songs what they are made of and why they need to be heard. They must be heard. The record ends with the No Thanks, I’m Full which is just under 7 minutes long. Again, this is another song that will be ridiculous live! It closes the record, but it also makes you smack the play button and play the record from the start all over again. With every listen, you’ll pick up on new things to love about the record and the band

Something I really love about the record is that each song gets heavier and heavier. Halfway through and you’ll be right in thinking your eardrums have burst. That heaviness is part of why I really love this band, and why this record is just a real gem. It’s definitely one to treasure and it’s one of those records that you know in years to come, people will be talking about how great it is. Everything from the production to the sound to the vocals to the artwork is just divine. A flawless record that you just cannot get enough of.

There’s something truly special about this record. Although it’s a record that is so easy to love, it’s definitely difficult to pick one solid favourite song. I think if you’re looking for something really heavy, the latter part of the record will appeal to you. I just adore the record. Every single song on The Great Regression is perfect, and it’ll make you wish you could join the band. Imagine being in a band like this, and creating music like this. The band may have gone through some line-up changes over the years, but this record is a solid statement as to who they are and why they deserve to be heard.

THE CARRION CRAWLERS: Covers EP.

Say hello to your new favourite band that you’ll probably never know anything about- South Dakota’s The Carrion Crawlers.

A few days ago they released an EP full of covers, and it’s basically a handful of songs by bands I love. It’s a loud and chaotic record, and it’ll leave you needing more music from this band. The songs pack a healthy punch, and do every cover justice. All too often covers are bland and lack any creativity. And I know, I know some songs just shouldn’t be touched and there have been some really shitty covers over time. But, The Carrion Crawlers are here to disperse all these myths. Let them in. Play it loud.

On this glorious record, the band cover songs from Link Wray, Wavves, Bad Brains and Beach Goons. The record sounds like a bunch of friends dicking about in a garage or basement space, and trying to figure shit out. But, the thing is- none of it sounds like a practice run. The songs sound like they are theirs, like they did it all first. The cover of So Bored by Wavves is so good. This is such a stripped back version of the song, and you can hear the connection in the vocals to the song. If this is their first release (I think it may well be) then I’m pretty sure they are onto something really special here.

I love the raw sound on this record, and how it feels like it was all done in one take. I love how they make you forget that these songs are covers, and you just believe that they are their own. That’s just magical and a real indication of just how great they will be. There’s no imperfections on this record; my only gripe is that I want more songs. I can’t wait to hear what their own songs will be like, because this EP is just a delight to listen to. You want it to last forever. You want the band to narrate your day to day. Maybe you even want to join the band. I know it’s just one EP but they definitely give the impression that their live shows are probably brilliant. Have they even done a show yet? Who knows!

The cover of So Bored and the Bad Brains cover show the range of this band, and how they can take on any sound and at any pace. We all know that Bad Brains were one of (and still are) the best Punk bands to have ever existed, and no band will ever come close to them. I just love how fearless they are and how the can really go for it on this cover, and the whole record in general. It’s just a really refreshing listen, and such a joy to blast out super loud on an irritatingly hot day.

I’ll let the music do all the talking for this one, check out the record here:

MAD DADDY: Mad Daddy.

Well, it’s finally here (it’s been here since Friday just gone but I’ve been lazy, sorry) The full length debut record by the finest noise you’ll hear from the Isle Of Man!

Mad Daddy make a hell of a lot of noise, and if you’re a bit sensitive to noise then you should probably pass this one. Or, stop being silly and get into it! They won’t hurt you. I’m not just saying this because they are from where I grew up, but honestly, Mad Daddy make the kind of music that would make The Cramps proud. There’s the creepy sound, the snarls, the effortlessly cool and slick sound that just makes you wish you could make noise like this.

I’ve been listening to the record non-stop since I was sent a copy, and I can’t get enough of it. You just want to live in the world that they’ve created on this record. These 10 songs were made for you to blast out super loud and just have a great time. Like the great MC5 said, “Kick out the jams motherfuckers!” No truer word was spoken. Words to live by. Don’t let anyone tell you any different. Mad Daddy sure do kick ’em out. They boot them into the deep unknown. Nothing has been the same since. It’s a real Bluesy Punk number this record, and it’s one to really enjoy. For me, I feel like I’m listening to all the old bands I love on one record. You can really hear the influences here but there’s also something else going on that you can’t help but be in awe of.

The songs on this record have this brilliant rugged sound, and the production is nothing short of perfect- but not in a way that makes you feel like you’re listening to something too perfect. You can hear everything going on on this record, and that adds to that lo-fi sound that so many of us love. Nothing beats hearing something like this, and when you’ve got songs like Give It To Me, which is the perfect way to open a record. It’s 2 minutes and 55 seconds of your face getting beautifully smashed in. The whole record is just a masterpiece!

Ride With Me makes you wish you could take a road trip into the unknown. Now, you probably wouldn’t do this on the Isle of Man because the roads are TERRIBLE! But you know, you could hit the road anywhere with this blasting out and it’d just be beautiful. It’s fast and a proper gnarly Punk anthem. The harmonica makes it on this one; it adds this bite to it that you cannot get enough of. Basically, this is a killer record and you just cannot get enough of it.

Picking a favourite song off this record is impossible, but I can say that right now I’m a bit obsessed with Ain’t Gonna Stop and Let’s Get Messed Up. This whole record is just a joy to listen to. Do I associate this record with a band from the Isle of Man? Heck no! But it sure makes me proud to be from there. This is what we have there, and it is so good to hear music like this coming from such a small place. Mad Daddy could easily be one of those bands that future bands cite as an influence, and that is something to be proud of. I just want to do nothing and play this record loud. But, I’m at work and on my lunch break so I can’t really do that. But hey, if you can slack off- do it. Play this record whilst you’re at it!

There’s so much to love about this record, and you know with songs like Real Bad Day, you kind of feel that you’ve got a band that just get it, you know? The drums on this are my favourite. The drums are really out there on this record, and you can just hear the passion for music on this record from the whole band. If you’re looking for something to just burst your eardrums in the best way, to hear drums that sound like a riot in your ears and songs that will stick in your brain forever- then the Mad Daddy record is for you.

Biased opinion aside, this is just a magnetic record. You don’t want to leave it alone. Ever. You want to keep on playing it. Why sleep when you can listen to this record? Buy it. Play it loud. And when we can all travel again, go see the band play on the Isle of Man!

BLOWERS: Blowers LP.

Need an obnoxious Punk record? Blowers have got you covered. Covered in all bodily fluids and whatever else they want to throw your way. Do they make you feel like you’re listening to the Dead Boys for the first time? Yes. It’s rowdy, raw and filthy. Everything a great record should be.

The 15 songs on this record were made to make you feel uneasy and ready to throw punches at anyone who looks at you the wrong way (I mean I’d never ever do this, but you get what I mean.) These songs are beautifully aggressive and loud. 15 songs just isn’t enough, but as far as debut record go- this one is exquisite. It makes you want to go to a Punk show and just let loose. It makes you forget everything, and all you can do is soak up the music. Only a couple of songs hit the 3 minute mark, and honestly if the songs lasted longer it would take away that magic and attitude that Blowers possess. You won’t hear anything else like it; they’ve got this attitude that makes you partly scared of them but partly in awe of this beautiful noise.

Blowers may be around for decades or they may be around for 5 more months and sack it all off- irrespective of what they may do, you simply cannot overlook how incredible this record. All of the band have been in other bands, but there is something about Blowers that is next level. It’s louder. it’s faster and gnarly as hell- it isn’t for those wanting soppy love songs or whatever. It is for those who want it louder and maybe a bit crude. It’s all I could want from a Punk record. They again, are a band who you just know would be amazing live. So I guess I have to live in some kind of hope that they may come to the UK one day, and i get to experience this band in the best way possible- live and loud.

It’s fairly easy to become fed up and jaded about the world and all around you, so if you’re looking for a band to unleash those furies for you- then Blowers have got you covered. Songs like Hate That Shit, Hitman and Chainsaw justify all this, and more. This isn’t a record you play in the background whilst you get on with your day. Hell no. This is a record you play hella loud and let it take over your bones. It’ll be why your neighbours get pissed off at you at 3am. It is such a great record that you can’t help but obsesses over. One listen isn’t enough- the more you listen, the more you can hear influences from their previous bands and also a taste of bands like Black Flag, Dead Boys, The Stooges. That feeling of being fed-up and having fuck all to do; Blowers really do express this in such a great way.

To attempt to pick a favourite song on this record is impossible. You’ve got the vicious sounds of Can’t Get Started, then you’ve got the powerful sounds of Ripped and you’ve then got the intense sounds of Blow. This record has ZERO bad songs. ZERO fillers. Every song owns it’s spot in the record and just makes you want to stomp around like a toddler and do whatever the hell you want.

We all have those records that just make the day easier to get through because you’re hearing the song(s) that expose how frustrated you may be feeling or how you’ve got this rage at the world- Blowers make it alright to have these emotions, and let it all out for you.

The only way to play this record is loud. Like, stupidly LOUD. Scream along and let it all out.

HOORSEES: Hoorsees.

After waiting for what seemed an eternity, the debut record by Paris’ finest Hoorsees is finally here. We probably all need something right now to make us feel better and to zone out to, and they have truly created something beautiful with their debut record.

Their debut record came out on Friday just gone, and these 9 songs were made for you to waste your days to. This is the record you play whilst taking a solo road trip to or just hanging out by yourself and letting everything just pass you by. You can let it happen in slow motion or real time, and this is truly brought to life on the opener, Overdry. The record has hints of Shoegaze- there’s that beautiful dreamy sound that just speaks to your soul, and it makes you feel so soothed and at ease. It is such a gorgeous record. It makes you want to ditch everything, and escape to Paris and befriend the band. Sounds ideal, right? I love Alexin’s vocals and they are so distinctive. There’s no one else around with his style. I love how with his other band Dr Chan he had this really distorted and rowdy feel to his vocals, but with Hoorsees he’s showing us another side. Basically, he’s a great singer. Hoorsees are such a great band, and the wait was really worth it for this record.

Every song on this record feels like the sun on your bones- you need it and it is so comforting. Pitfall lyrically oozes some sadness, but the song is such a gorgeous listen. It is a really delicate record, and it just makes you want to laze about and forget everything on the outside. I love how the songs express disdain at times (Fuckhead is a prime example) but they are done in such a calming way. Soaking up this record over the past few days has made me really appreciate everything on this record. Of course, the vocals and lyrics are wonderful. But we need to appreciate everything else that is going on here- the production is so good. The drums feel like waves crashing and the guitar and bass feel like daydream that you don’t want to snap out of.

I’ve listened to the record a number of times, and I keep going back to Fuckhead and Instant Tea. I just think that this is such a beautifully put together record and was truly worth the wait. You know when you hear a record for the first time, and it just blows you away? It can be a record from last week or from 60 years ago, and you feel like you’ve had it with you all your life? That’s what you get from the Hoorsees record. It just makes you feel so good and you can’t help but feel happy when you listen to it.  I know I’m being biased because I just love this band a hell of a lot (and I only write about what I like) but honestly, there is something about this record that just makes everything feel okay. I know that if I’m having a bad day, I can play Major League or Get Tired, and I’ll feel a bit better. Music is such a vital part of life, and I love that Hoorsees have really captured that on this record. Imagine wandering through Paris playing this record. I don’t mean the touristy spots- I mean the places that no one else knows or may shy away from. You wander and maybe you get lost, but there’s something about this record that will guide you to where you need to be.

Hoorsees have really made something so charming here, and it’s the kind of record you just never get tired of. You can get lost in this record; you can find the things you need in this record. It’s just a sheer joy to listen to and it really does electrify the soul with every listen.

BAD NERVES: Bad Nerves.

Bad Nerves Have Announced The Details Of Their Debut Album - News - Rock  Sound Magazine

I’ve wanted to write about so many records recently but my ability to pay attention to anything isn’t great, or hasn’t been great But I think I’ve got a grip and I’m going to tell you exactly why BAD NERVES have put out one of the most exciting records of the year.

We’re all yearning to go to a show and be amongst those who love the same bands as us- to be in the unified environment, and to scream every word back to the band. I get it, I really do. I try not to think about it too much but most nights I just think, “I wish I could go to a gig and feel something other than…..” That “other than” is probably sadness and frustration, I guess. Anyway. Bad Nerves! This record is INSANE and it is a fucking phenomenal piece of art.

This self-titled beauty is not even half an hour long; so this means you can keep on playing it over and over to kill as much time as you want, and you won’t get bored. Every single song is an anthem and needs to be played so loud. I’ve bought a new record player, and I cannot wait to give this record a spin. It’s got everything you could possibly want from a gnarly Garage Rock  record, and more, From the production to the vocals; every part of this record is a treat for the ears.

These 12 songs just make you want to trash every room you step foot in; there’s this rage and passion that is in every single song, and the way every single song is performed with this stunning urgency just makes you get totally lost in it all. Prime examples of this are Baby Drummer, Wasted Days and Terminal Boy- these are the ones to really lose your shit to. They’ll help you get out of any rut you’re in, and something to really treasure about this record is that the band makes you feel as if you’re right there with them at a show. Just watching them pour their all into these songs, and being in that moment. It’s utter bliss.

If you’re after rowdy Punk songs with a whole lot of attitude- then you’re going to fall hard in love with this record. Radio Punk, Bored of Babies, Mad Mind…my god these songs are just exceptional. I’ve solidly been listening to the record since Friday, and I can’t stress enough just how brilliant this record is. Bad Nerves are just a great band who have this incredible powerful sound that kicks you right in the gut- in the best way possible.The delivery on Last Beat is so great; you can’t help but imagine this record being performed live, and this song in particular being the one that causes the crowd to go mental. Everything about this record just screams the urgency of it being performed live. When we finally get to see it in the flesh, it will be such a glorious moment!

It’s hard to believe that this Bad Nerves debut record; it sounds like a band who are well into their career and this could easily be record number 5 or 6. It’s got that feel to it of a band that knows EXACTLY what they want to do, how they want to sound and how they are going to do it. It’s just a brilliant record, and you’d be a fool to ignore this record, for sure. It’s got everything you want to make you feel alive, and to allow yourself to escape a little bit because we all need that right now. It’s a big record; it sounds huge and sounds even better when you play it exceptionally loud. If you’re looking for something to electrify your soul, then get this record immediately.

Best debut record of the year? Obviously. It’s out right now via Killing Moon Records.

DEEDEE & THE ABRACADABRAS: Self-Titled.

Block out the noise of the world and whatever is plaguing your head by listening to the new DeeDee & The Abracadabras record. It’s a real gem of a Garage Punk record- the speed of it, the sheer adrenaline pumping through every single song will send shocks right through you. It’s a mammoth of a record, and one to surely become obsessed with.

Their debut record comes out next Friday, and trust me- these 9 songs will destroy you in the best way possible. These songs were made to be performed live, but seeing as that dream has been killed for the year and god knows how long for, all we can do is play these songs loud and often. Scream the words when you’re alone because you just have to get this frustration out. I’ve struggled with wanting to write about music on and off the past few months, but every so often I’ll hear something that changes my mind. There’s a handful of labels that are consistently putting out exceptional records, and Paris based label, Le Cèpe Records are easily one of them. They are home to some effortlessly slick and great records that I love, and they’ve done it again with this debut record. It’s hard to believe it is a debut record because it sounds THAT perfect. It’s impossible to not be obsessed with this record. It has everything you could possibly want from a rowdy Punk record.

There’s only 3 of them in the band, but my god they sound like an orchestra of noise. I’m listening to it through headphones and I can hear every single part of the record just ripple through my eardrums. It’s such a brilliant record from beginning to end, and it is crafted and produced in such a flawless way. Every single song must be played loud enough to deafen you and your neighbours. It’s the only way to play this record. Don’t be a coward- play this beauty LOUD. Go Home reminds me a little of I Just Wanna Have Something To Do by the Ramones. Hopefully when you listen to it, you’ll get what I mean.

There is no point in me trying to tell you which songs are my favourite on this record because every single one is just a raw and brutal delight. All you can do is immerse yourself in songs like I Can’t Understand, Acid and the wonderfully titled Nipples. These 3 songs are the loudest and as the record ends on I Can’t Understand, all you want to do is play the whole thing over and over again. It’s heartbreaking to know we won’t see bands like DeeDee & The Abracadabras tour this year, but this phenomenal debut somewhat softens the blow of not being able to be cramped in a tiny venue that smells of sweat and booze. Those were the days! Oh how I miss them. I’d give anything to go to a show right now.

The record opens with the instrumental Leave Me. This is the ideal introduction to the band as it shows us exactly what they are made of. Tougher than old battered leather boots- this instrumental picks up speed towards the end and just turns into the chaotic mess that you cannot get enough of. Imagine this live! It’s a great opener to the record, and immediately leaves you in awe of the band and what they can do. And what they do is give us their heart and soul on this record. As far as debut records go, this is one to truly treasure. If this is what they can do the first time around, then there is really no telling what else they will give us.

This fast-paced Punk record will have you moving in all sorts of ways and longing to go to a show. But in some respects, the band makes you feel like you are right there at one of their shows. They transport you into this cool and dark world where they wonderfully corrupt you. It’s such a great record, and I honestly cannot praise it enough. What they have done with this record is something to cling to and form some ritualistic  bond with. You won’t be able to live without this record!

The record will be out next Friday (9th October.) Buy it and play it loud.