Tag Archives: Garage Punk

THE MEN: New York City.

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I completely forgot that this record came out very recently- I thought it was coming out in the Summer. I am a fool! Anyway.

The Men’s new record- New York City is their best work. Did I ever think I’d say something was better than their debut? Nope. Their debut owns a chunk of me that no other record ever could, but their new record is something else. It’s a Punk record that takes you back to NYC in the 70s. Aptly titled record, right?

Over the past few days this has been the record I’ve been listening to religiously. Every song feels like a time capsule of Punk. At times you feel like you’ve found an old Iggy Pop record that no one else has ever heard. Then you feel like you’ve listened to the New York Dolls for the first time. This is hugely prominent on the record opener Hard Livin’ which has Johnny Thunders style guitar and a real New York Dolls feel to it. Most of The Men’s records have been released via Sacred Bones but this one has been put out by the equally influential Fuzz Club. Both labels have backed so many exceptional bands and the cause of me rarely having any money!

New York City is the bands ninth record, and they’ve been going just over a decade or so. To me, they are one of the most important bands of my generation and they’ve just got this unique style that expands on every record. Sometimes when a band changes labels they can maybe lose who they were or badly flip their sound to fit the style of their new home- The Men don’t do this at all. If you listen to their records in chronological order, you will hear that this is the sound that was destined for record number nine- regardless of which label was to release it.

There are so many wild moments on this record and every song is just a delight to listen to. At the moment, Echo is the one I keep playing the most. I love the raw feel to it and how urgent it sounds. I love how the vocals are so gnarly and rough. There’s nothing delicate about this record- it’s unfiltered carnage and I can’t get enough of it! Every song flows perfectly into the next, and the production on this record is so tight- but they still maintain a strong DIY feel to it. The sound still feels brand new, and that’s one of the many reasons as to why I love this band. I love how they always go a step further and this record shows this in all its glory.

New York City is a record that you need to play in order for the first listen or so; but after that- go whichever way you want. Eye is the slickest song on the record- that’s the one that throws you off because musically it’s tamest on the record but vocally it’s probably the best. Honestly, the vocals on this are snarly as fuck and you can’t get enough of them. This record is the band at their best, and I’ve probably said that about their previous records but, with this one- there’s something truly magical about it. You feel like after being a fan of the band for so long, you’ve been on this journey with them and the journey has finally led to this record. The Punk record the band needed to make. The Punk record we all need. It’s a masterpiece and I could happily spend hours and hours listening to it. It’s a record that with every listen, you find something else to appreciate and fall in love with. Listening to this record, I feel like I’m listening to The Men for this first time but also reinforcing why I love them again and again. Every listen of this record is so precious.

I have no idea if the band will ever tour the UK with this record, but I hope with all my heart that they do because it just HAS to be heard live. And for purely selfish reasons, I’d like to finally be able to see a band I’ve loved for so long live! Every song on this record is full of this energy that you can’t get enough of. Songs like God Bless The USA, Anyway I Find You and Round The Corner are just so intense and honestly, this record will make you feel battered and bruised after hearing it. It’s a fistfight, it’s a riot and it’s so important. If you’ve never listened to The Men before, I’d normally tell you to play their debut, Leave Home first- but I think I’d now tell you to start with this one! It’s incredible, and I feel it just may be one of the best records we will hear this year.

MORON’S MORONS: High-Tension Situation.

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The finest Polish band are back! New record from Moron’s Morons is ridiculous- if you’re wanting a Halloween feel 24/7, regardless of the time of year- buy this record. High-Tension Situation is the name, and it pretty much lives up to its namesake. The songs will have you on edge, but in a good way. The songs are everything you’d want from an eerie Punk band and they are unafraid to be completely and utterly mental on every single song. The songs are live a deep dive into some kind of psychotic lapse of whatever, but don’t let that put you off. The songs would be perfect in some Horror B-Movie that is made very cheap and probably quite questionable too.

The 12 songs on this record were made to creep you out in the best way possible, and they were also made to be played exceptionally loud. They’ll sure wake you up! The record only came out on Friday (24th) but it’s one of those records that you feel you’ve had in your possession for years! There’s this effortlessly weird sound on this record that makes you feel like you’re trapped in Moron’s Morons world and you don’t want to even try escape- why would you want to when it sounds like this?!

The songs are rowdy and hella fast- songs like Nightvisions you can really imagine being played live and the whole place just erupting. They’ve got this energy that makes you wish you could witness every song in a live setting. I’ve written about this band before, and I can’t tell you enough just how exceptional they are. This energy is something else. The songs are all over the place- like mania is kicking in and the band have just thought “Fuck it! Play louder! Play faster!” and what we’ve ended up with is some of their most daring work to date. They’ve got the edge of Misfits and the charisma of The Cramps, and all in between. They’re a band that are known for their fast-paced and rowdy songs, and it works. See, some may try this approach and it sounds forced but with Moron’s Morons it sounds natural.

Psychosis Diagnosis is my favourite so far, and sure the lyrics are questionable but I love that scary feeling the song gives you. The whole record makes you feel like you’re being hunted down by something or someone, like a sea-creature that has no name yet because no one knows what the hell it is. But my god these songs are something else. Is it their best work to date? Completely. I know bands try to improve with every record, but what the band have done here is stay true to their sound but also corrupt the listener in a way that previous releases led to. This is the record they were always meant to make. It’s perfect. It’s odd and it’s loud. It is perfect in every way. I think the cover of the record also sums up what to expect from the record; strange, will burst your eardrums and will blow your mind.

It may only be their second full length record, but it sounds like something a band would make 10 years in. It’s timeless and every single song needs to be witnessed live. I hope someone books them a UK tour because you just feel like they would put on a fantastic show that sticks with you for all kinds of reasons. Fueled By Hate, Free-Time Crimes and Headless Eyes all have this snarly tone to it- wonderfully obnoxious and you can’t get enough of it. Honestly, this band know exactly what they are doing and I can’t wait to hear more and more from them.

Every song on this record needs to be heard as loud as you can stand- but also make you want to push yourself to go louder. It’s one of the most fascinating records of the year, but what else would you expect from Moron’s Morons?!

CROCODILES: Degeneration.

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It has finally happened! Crocodiles have FINALLY dropped some new material which means- a new record is coming! 7th April to be precise kids! It’ll be released via Lolipop records, and the first single from the record- Degeneration is a perfect introduction to their new record.

If you’ve ever read anything I’ve written, you’ll know just how much I love and adore this band. They are a band that have been there for all the good and bad. A band that just know how to constantly create masterpieces. Underrated and exceptional. I just love love them.

Degeneration picks up where 2019’s Love Is Here left off (not including the covers record they put out in 2021!) Their new record will be their 8th full length record (again, not including the covers record but you can if you want!) Even though it picks up from Love Is Here, I can hear some of their early sound in this song- that rugged and distorted sound; the sound that I fell in love with many, many years ago. They have such a distinctive sound and style, and that applies vocally too. They’re a band that just make everything alright. Their poetic lyrics are timeless and their sound is how you’d want your dream band to sound.

The video to Degeneration is simple but you’ll also see Brandon and Charlie’s faces melt. I reckon that’s a strong sign for how great the new record will be- it’ll melt our faces off. I cannot wait! It’s only 2 months to go, but in the meantime- I’ll be keeping Degeneration on repeat.

Check out the video below:

Upside Down In Heaven will be released on the 7th April via Lolipop Records.

TABLE SCRAPS: Coffin Face.

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Where on earth do I start with this band? Easily my favourite band from Birmingham, and one of the best bands in the country. Table Scraps are a joy to listen to, and it’s hard to believe that this is only record number three! They just keep getting better. They are incapable of making rubbish songs and awful records. They are just consistently great, and their new record (number three) Coffin Face, is yet again, a delight!

The record comes out this Friday, so that’s something for us to all look forward to. After that? Well, that’s on you. This record is not to be ignored- it is a real face melter. It’ll make you want to trash your room and just jump around without a care in the world. With gigs sort of happening now, I am so excited for this record to be played live (I missed their Manchester show a few weeks ago sadly.) They are such a great band live, and what I love about this record is, much like the previous records, you truly feel like you are witnessing this live. It feels like it was done in one take, and the magic was captured instantly. I love the atmosphere on the record. They are so loud, and just phenomenal.

Table Scraps are exquisite musicians who could blow anyone away with their talent. Poppy is one of the best drummers I’ve ever heard, Scott is one of the best guitarists around and amongst this beautiful loud and chaotic sound, you have Tim on bass who just evens it all out. There’s no time for calm on this record, but if you are looking for a song to zone out to and find some inner peace for a few minutes, then you will adore God Of The Rainbow. This is a real psychedelic number, and I really don’t feel like I’m listening to a song made in 2021. I feel like I’ve gone back in time and heard The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band for the first time. I love this one moment of peace on the record, and I love how the band then go smack into Heart Beat. There’s no time to relax with this record- they don’t make music to relax to. Thank god!

If you’re looking for a record to just blow your mind, and leave you in absolute awe of what you are listening to- Coffin Face is the record for you. It’s such a great record. I feel like this is coming across as biased but like the great Bimini Bon Boulash said, “Not a joke, just facts.” Everything about this record just oozes cool, loudness and the urge to head out of town on a motorbike and not look back. The whole record (especially Threads) sounds like an engine being furiously revved in the hopes of escaping as something is slowly creeping up behind you, The louder you play this record, the more it shakes your bones and leaves you crawling around wanting more. Songs like Never Liked It remind me a little bit of The Cramps- it’s that Poison Ivy Rorshach sounding guitar that does it, and that beautiful snarly tone mixed with a good dollop of eeriness. It’s beautiful, it’s brilliant.

Coffin Face is a bruiser of a record, and it just towers over anything you’ve probably heard in a long time. For me, it’s on a par with the new Amyl And The Sniffers record. Punk in all the right places, but something beyond words everywhere else. It’s a real joy to listen to this record, and to also hear how the band have evidently become stronger in their sound. Coffin Face is a record to not just treasure for life, but to be utterly obsessed with. There’s something about Table Scraps that just makes you feel good. You could be in the shittiest of moods, but the second you hear any of their records- all is okay. In that moment, all is okay. You can’t ask for more than that.

The past year and a bit has been a claustrophobic fuck up of a year, but so much good music has come from it. Table Scraps are one of those bands who have used something so shit and turned it to something great. Whether or not the world is ending, Table Scraps have made the perfect soundtrack for it all.

Coffin Face is out this Friday. Pre-order the record right here:

https://table-scraps.bandcamp.com/album/coffin-face

THE CARRION CRAWLERS: Covers EP.

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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:

MATT ELLIS: Full Moon Fever.

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One of my favourite Punk bands is Flesh Rag, and Matt Ellis from the band have recently put out a solo record. Even if you’re not familiar with his band, you’re going to go wild over this insanely brilliant record. If you’re in search of something to play loud or to just get your frustrations out to- then Matt has got you covered.

Full Moon Fever is an effortlessly cool record, and I’m not just saying this because I love everything Flesh Rag/Matt does. It’s just such a great Punk record- it’s got that fast-paced Ramones style, the songs don’t even hit the 2-minute mark and they are made to be screamed at the top of your lungs. These songs are anthems and will leave you even more desperate to go to a show.

There’s the to the point PigHead which is of course about the police and how terrible they can be. You’ve got the chant of Death Rattle; you’ve got Die Tonight which reminds me a tiny bit of Misfits. Life On Hold is for those of us who have no clue what’s going on or what we should be doing. These 16 songs are just so great, and it’s not the type of record you play once then forget about it. It’s by far a record that you become obsessed with.

Monkey Brain sums up what it’s like to be trapped in your own head in a proper raw way. There’s this wicked snarl to Matt’s voice on a lot of the songs, and you really hear it on Monkey Brain and DMT Is Good For Me. The songs on this record are for those of us who are just tired of the world right now, tired of being made to feel trapped and Matt just makes you feel a little less alone- someone else gets it.

For me this record is just a taste of how fantastic Matt is as a musician. All of these songs were written and recorded by Matt, and you really can hear that DIY feel in the songs. It is a batch of songs to just play hella loud and annoy your neighbours with. Or maybe they’ll enjoy it. Hopefully they’ll enjoy it- it’d be a crime if they didn’t. Of course, my only issue with the record is that I want more songs, but what Matt has created on Full Moon Fever is just a real gnarly Punk record to get lost in. You know when you have an idea in your head of what the perfect record sounds like, or when you find yourself in search of something different, and something to just shake you up? Matt’s record hits all of that, and then some. It’s just a joy to listen to.

There’s no denying how remarkable this record is, and it’s such an easy listen. Every song will hit you in the face and you’ll feel like you’ve been reborn or whatever was fucking you up before, has now disappeared and means nothing.

Full Moon Fever is out right now!

BLOWERS: Blowers LP.

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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.

DADDIES.

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Here’s another accidental find- Daddies. Straight out of New Jersey, this band are ridiculously good. Is it a crime to be this good? Daddies have just released their new EP (titled EP II) and let me tell you, it’s Garage Rock heaven. Five excellent songs to get you through the day, or maybe just through life. They make the kind of songs you learn the words to, and scream in unison in the comfort of your own home (because right now, that’s all you can do.)

They remind me a little of bands like Küken and Flesh Rag, both of which I absolutely adore to pieces. Daddies are brilliant musicians, and that really shines on this EP. I mean, it did on the first one but you know when you hear a new band and you can hear the growth in the sound? That’s what you get from EP II by Daddies. It is such a great record, and in times of uncertainty, it’s really comforting to hear something like this. You can just have it playing loudly, and you zone out. Or take a walk whilst listening to it. Again, they are another band who you just wish you could see live. I reckon a Daddies show would be completely off the wall and memorable. They just have such a tight sound, and reminds you exactly why you love music.

Daddies bio reads, “Catchy hooks, sexy rhythms, and lyrics you can’t help but get down with” which is extremely accurate. That sentence sums them up to a tee, and if that doesn’t sell you on them, then I have no idea what will. That raw and filthy Garage Rock sound is so powerful on this record, and it is the band at their absolute best. Of course, it’s a bit shit that this is only five songs long, but if like me you’ve instantly become obsessed with it- then you’ll just keep it on repeat. You want to stay in the world they create with their sound, and to probably join the band. They just make really great music to get down with. Daddies make it easy for you to become a fan of theirs; there is just so much to love about their sound. The song Dream sounds like it could be in some bizarre Thriller film as it comes to an end. There’s something really eerie about it, and it is such a huge sounding song. It’d sound perfect at the end of a film where everything comes together, and it then takes a twist and messes with your head.

Their debut EP came out in 2019, and much like EP II, the songs were made to be heard live. You can’t help but long to be covered in beer that has been thrown around by an overexcited crowd and throwing their bodies into each other, as you sing along to these anthems. I think I’m making it worse for myself by listening to bands like this, because I want to go to a show SO badly. But, I’m not the only one of course, and that makes it easier.

If you’re looking for a band to play loud to piss off your annoying neighbours, or a band to keep you sane whilst everything seems to be going to shit or if you just want something that makes you feel GOOD; then Daddies are the band for YOU. They are a joy to listen to. Two EPs aren’t enough and you will want more. I know I do, but I cannot wait to hear what’s next from them. Both EPs have differences and similarities, and it is safe to say both are incredible.

Daddies are your new favourite band. You’re welcome.

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!