Tag Archives: Garage Rock

SUCK.

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Everything has been cancelled, and everything is shit. I know, you know, we all know. I am getting restless; I need to go to a show. I need to see a band I love perform and get totally lost in everything live music gives me. It’s horrible having nothing like this to look forward to. I don’t like uncertainty. I don’t like things that mean the world to me being pulled away from me. But, I’m not the only one who feels like this and that’s somewhat comforting. I guess you have to hold onto that to get through.

 Alright, so we’ve got a great band from Germany called SUCK. Try looking the band name up- good luck with that. They’ve got a bone-rattling sound that’ll make you crave going to a live show really bad. I’m hooked on their sound, and I feel now would be a great time to see their show. They were due to play some UK dates, but they’ve since been cancelled. However, we’ve got the music still, in all its wonderful glory. So, if you’re looking for something that’ll ease the pain of being away from all you know for a while, then look no further than SUCK.

They’ve only got one EP out (I think) but this one EP is a killer. It’s a real rowdy number, and this trio are not afraid to be loud to the point where your body is like, “Should I be doing this?!” Yes. Yes, you should. Enjoy it. I love this futuristic Punk feel that they have, and that’s really clear on the song Roadkill. I love the way the guitar has this elastic sound- like you can sense it stretching as far as it can, and it becomes more and more intense. Then you hook this up with the vocals and the drums- you are SO welcome. This is the song to play whilst you drink alone in self-isolation. That’s what we’re meant to be doing, right?

 

 

There’s something really memorable about SUCK and they’ve only been going a short while. They really deliver their songs in a fast and punchy manner. You keep up with them, but as you do your best to keep up you stop every so often to marvel at what you’re hearing. I love the vocals. A lot. Isabell’s vocals remind me a little bit of Poly Styrene- she’s got that raw and super powerful feel to her vocals. You absolutely listen to everything she is saying, and their song Mama’s Got A Backpatch is one that you feel is HER moment when they perform this live. You can really hear this soothing depth to her vocals on this, there’s this captivating fragility to her vocals on this but don’t let that make you think she and the band are pushovers. Far from it. This one tender moment is rare on this heavy-hitting record.

On the flip side of this song, you’ve got the bold Bulletproof. It’s got this hypnotic groove to it, and it just loosens you up and you fall right into a beautiful Punk filled trance. Musically, this is my favourite song on the record. But right after this we’ve got Roadkill and that’s just one of the best Punk songs you’ll have ever heard- trust me. It’s like The Damned sped up mixed with Bikini Kill; nothing short of brilliant. Effortlessly brilliant, and you just wish you could let this song follow you around wherever you go.

 Frog is such a great debut record, and in these 6 songs you truly do hear something exciting and different. You long for sounds and bands like this, and you’ve just got to treasure them. Hold onto them. This is why we need Punk; this is why Punk will never ever die. Ever. Play their song Decadent Life sky high, and you’ll hear one of the greatest bands around right before you. This song is all you could possibly want. Imagine being in the crowd as they perform this and being in the midst of all that beautiful chaos. It’s got the excellent pure Punk sound that first launched itself into the world 40+ years ago!

 

 

If fast-paced riffs, intense drums and dominating vocals are your thing- then you’re going to love everything that SUCK have to offer. They aren’t sparse in showing us what they are made of and definitely get you ready for what is to come from them. It’s been a year since their first EP, and I really hope something new from them hits us soon.

NIGHT CHILL.

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Ready for some creepy instrumental noise? Good!

Night Chill are an instrumental band straight from Ontario via the dark, eerie underworld of a time forgotten. Their sound is made for horror films and dirty backstreets. Their music is made to freak you out and fall deep into their world.

Their music is for those who like to be creeped out and to expand what they listen to, and how they listen to it. It’s a real experience when you listen to Night Chill. You focus on everything that’s going on from the drums to the theremin. Everything is so vital, and you cannot help but get hooked on this.

 Their music isn’t what you’d expect from a band, oh no! Their sound is like a soundtrack to a film. You can imagine someone being surrounded by werewolves, vampires, witches or bats as they try to escape. They are the prey, and their predator catches up to them quickly as the prey stumbles and falls every so often out of fear. As they draw in to draw blood, the prey lets out a yelp- but no one can hear them. There’s something beautifully sinister about Night Chill, and the use of the theremin just gives them extra creepy tones. They are a band to truly be in awe of, and songs like Theatre of Blood (sounds like a film) really show us how great they are as musicians. The way Thea captures you with how she uses the theremin along with Denton on guitar and Adam on bass to add this slick groove. Then you’ve got J.J. Daggers on the drums to add this cutthroat tension. How could you not love this band and everything they are about!

 

 

Burial Ground is an example of their heavier side, and for me it’s another prime moment on how they all shine. As they are an instrumental band, it is easy to just soak up how great they are without the distraction of vocals and lyrics. I mean there’s nothing stopping you from making up your own words as you listen to them, but let’s be honest you’d want someone with a Vincent Price type of voice narrating this. Can you imagine! It’d be a seriously spooky trip! It’d mess with your head for sure. I love how their songs give off this image of someone being chased, like I mentioned above. There’s this fear of the unknown in the music and it’s part of their charm. Creepy’s Bite is a brilliant introduction to the band if you’re looking for a place to start. The drums on this are a step up from what we’ve heard before, and the guitar and bass are heavier and fuzzier. Everything on this song oozes the right ingredients to make an occult anthem. The theremin is there in full force to give you the heebie jeebies too!

 You can really hear a wealth of influences in their sound- there’s the beautiful oddness of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins to a subtle Surf Rock feel. There’s this distorted tone too that is a key factor in hooking you right in. They take on you a really intense journey as you listen to them, and you find yourself slipping deeper into their world. The demonic sound is wonderfully executed here, and what I love about it is that they make it sound so effortless. They aren’t doing it to be cool or to be different; they are doing it because this sound belongs to them, and you can truly tell that it is something they love. When you pick up on that, it makes it easy for the listener to really get where the band are coming from.

 Night Chill are an utterly fearless band who are here to put some fear into your bones and wake you up. I love this part of the bio that they sent over to me, and it really does sum them up perfectly: “Night Chill play music for all audiences: horror kids, occultists, art fiends, masked maniacs, weirdos, connoisseurs of unwritten horror soundtracks, trash culture enthusiasts, cosmic abominations, and all other dwellers in the darkness! All are welcome to join in on the unholy symphonic rites and dig on Night Chill’s rip-roaring rock & roll black magic ritual!”  If that doesn’t sell it to you, then I don’t know what will. It’s the perfect description of the band.

 

 

With one listen you’ll feel like you’ve been possessed, and when you accept that there’s no going back, you’ll find yourself right in the pit of the Night Chill cult. Everything about their sound is an utter spookfest, and I cannot get enough of it. The sounds they have up on their Bandcamp page are there for you to let seep right into your soul and takeover every thought and emotion you have. Let them do it, don’t be afraid. Do not be afraid and don’t look behind you.

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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SITDOWN

 

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 .

SIOUX.

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We all know that Manchester is home to some amazing places and bands. It’s an incredible place, and I’m happy to call it home. Part of what caused me to fall in love with the city was the music. It’s always the music. Some of my favourite venues are here (part of my heart still does belong to the Shacklewell Arms in Dalston though.) But Manchester has a scene that is so charismatic and evolving. Whatever you’re into, you’ll find it here and it’ll probably exceed your expectations.

 Tonight, I’m going to write about Sioux; one of Manchester’s finest bands, a band that are truly in their prime and are such a joy to listen to. With just three songs up on their Bandcamp page, you may think it’s a bit of a task to write about them, but it’s quite simple when you believe in what you’re hearing.

 

 

Sioux are a beautiful Psych band that make you feel like you’re listening to The West Coast Pop Art Experimental Band mixed with the Electric Prunes. It’s every part 60s Psychedelic with a modern and Mancunian twist. If you’re looking for something to cause your head to go into a spin, and for your body to twirl repeatedly to the slick grooves your ears are being caressed with- then Sioux are the band for you. They have this beautiful relaxing sound, and as someone who can struggle to switch off at times- they really do give you the notion that you can just let shit go and breathe. You can almost picture a young William Miller in Almost Famous being handed this record by his sister, and he becomes totally enamored by what he hears. They’ve got something about them that makes you feel so alive, and just honoured to hear their music.

 Their latest release, Fickle is a sure-fire example of why Sioux are great. If you want to compare it to their other two songs- then go for it, but what you’ll hear is a band that are not afraid to expand their sound and to be utter daredevils in what they do. They have achieved something to be proud of in their sound and having the likes of Sour Grape Records back them is another thing to be proud of too. Sioux aren’t afraid to create mind-bending sounds that totally mess with your head. It’s how I’d imagine an acid trip to be. 2020 is going to be such a great year for this band, I can feel it. I just love how they make you feel like you’ve gone back in time and you’re discovering the likes of the Electric Prunes and Strawberry Alarm Clocks for the first time. That feeling in your gut they give you just makes you feel giddy, and in awe of what you’re hearing.

 Aside from their latest single, Fickle, they have a couple more songs for your listening pleasure. I adore the song Half-Eaten Songbird. It’s a poetic number that just eases the soul and in the same league as this is Hypnosis. The band are pros at creating music to escape in- they take you on a beautiful voyage, and you don’t want to ever come down from it. With the weather currently being ever so shit, it’s bands like Sioux that make you feel like you’ve got the sunshine hitting your bones and making you feel alright.

 

 

 

Like I said, 2020 is going to be a great year for them and I cannot wait to hear more from the band.

TH DA FREAK: Hola Todos EP.

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THDAFREAK

 

Right out of Bordeaux we have a brilliant lo-fi Garage band called Th Da Freak. They’re a big deal. A huge deal, and really are one of France’s bands. These guys along with Dr Chan and Dusty Mush are out of this world. They all make this exceptional lo-fi music that just speaks to you and makes the day easier.

 Aside from releasing their latest EP at the end of January just gone, Th Da Freak have a respectable collection of releases that are really worth investing in, and getting lost in. For me they’ve the same energy of say, Wavves. There’s this summertime feel to the sound, and if you’re surrounded by grey skies and the like, then this band are going to fix you right up and get you to ignore what’s going on outside. Twisted is a killer song, it’s got this beautiful energy to it and the sheer deliverance of this song just makes you want to trash stuff, waste the day away and do whatever the hell you feel like doing. In fact, the whole record and their songs in general have this atmosphere to them. You can imagine hanging out at the beach listening to this or wandering round late at night looking for something to do out of boredom, but their sound is anything but boring. Essentially, Th Da Freak is one guy but performs with a band. He does all this pretty much himself, and that DIY feel is throughout everything he does.

 

 

 Hola Todos EP is great record and if you’re someone who hasn’t really paid much attention to the band before then it is a great place to start. Work your way backwards and let yourself become invested in their music. The energy they have on this record is incredible and if you do go back and listen to previous releases, you will definitely hear the growth in their sound. It’s like they’ve had a huge growth spurt on this record. It just makes you really excited to hear more from them and to probably become obsessed with them.

 Fear is a 5-minute riot. It’s powerful and probably a song to really absorb given the state of the world right now. Find your safety net where you can. Take a nap. Take a load off. Right after Fear they go right into the fuzzy sounding Bumfuzzle which may be one of the best named songs I’ve heard in a long time. This one sounds like how I’d imagine an acid trip to sound in someone’s head. Everything being heightened and colours appearing in your mind, slowly turning to shapes that you can no longer make out. I’ve got an overactive imagination at times, and I think that shows it right there. Anyway, it’s a great song. It’s noisy and if you want to annoy your neighbours or whatever, play this one loud. They’ll think something weird is happening and maybe try to get involved.

 Th Da Freak are a pleasure to listen to, and aside from this EP they’ve got tones of releases to really spend time on. Their record from 2019, Still Freakin’ Out is so great! It’s Just A Trip has this sort of Beach Boys feel to it mixed with something out of this world, the whole record has this feel and it’s such a joy to listen to. It shows his vocals in a totally different way. Th Da Freak makes the kind of music to just lounge about to and to really enjoy. The music is more mellow prior to Hola Todos but don’t let that fool you; it’s all part of the charm.

 

 

Hola Todos is out right now! Get yourself a copy and beg Th Da Freak and his band to do a UK tour. But maybe after all the coronavirus stuff dies down first though.