Tag Archives: Garage Rock

KILLER KIN: Bad, Bad, Minds!

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Sometimes you need some pure smutty Garage Rock to get stuck in your brain and to seep into your bones, and just move you. I think… no, I KNOW that Killer Kin are that band. Earlier this year they released the exceptional Bad, Bad Minds! record and it everything you’d want from music and beyond.

 Killer Kin are an incredible band. They are exciting and all kinds of bizarre- they make the kind of music that Lux Interior would get excited over. The kind of music that John Peel would have been in love with. They’ve got a New York Dolls bite about them, and this attitude is throughout the songs on the record. The record reminds me of The Cramps mixed with the New York Dolls, and for me that’s the ideal sound. There’s this Glam Rock and Psychobilly feel to the record, and the vocals are ridiculous. They are completely off the hook and you cannot help but wish you could sing like this! If you’re looking for a band to make you happy, you’re alive- listen to Killer Kin. It’s totally wild record, and I hope it makes them HUGE! They deserve it. I don’t know how long they’ve been around or how many records they’ve made. This might be their first? I have no idea, but I do know that is it out of this world. They have a sound that I absolutely adore, and I cannot get enough of it.

 

 

Bon Vivant is the one to really melt your brain; it’s such a heavy song, and for me everything on this song just shows us why this band are truly the ones to watch. THAT guitar solo on this from like the 2-minute 15 mark is mind blowing. You can’t help but feel you’ve gone back in time but also stepped into the future with this band. I love them, and I love this record. Can you tell? Bottom Feeder Blues and Bad, Bad Mind just show us how phenomenal this band are- they’ve got this gorgeous aggression in the sound. It’s the snarliness, it’s the smuttiness, the pure filth that’s in every single song that has you hooked. I want to live in the world they’ve created on this record. Killer Is King may be an ode to Arthur ‘Killer’ Kane? Forgive me if I’m wrong, but its sure sounds like it. You can truly hear the New York Dolls influence on this record, and to have something specifically for Arthur is beautiful. Like I said, I could be wrong but, in my head, it’s all for Arthur and I love that. Afterall, Killer Kane was a King!

 

 

With only 5 songs Killer Kin have made a lifelong fan out of me. With only 5 songs they have really made an impact that most try to do within 5 records of their career let alone 5 songs. They have this feel to their sound that makes you instantly know that their live shows are probably beyond description and unlike anything else you’ve seen or heard before- much like how they are on record. I really hope we get more from Killer Kin because they are so talented and unafraid to tamper with what most shy away from. This sheer decadent sound is beautiful and hypnotising; you just want to be constantly immersed in it. For me, this is the kind of noise that makes me love music so much and makes me want to write about it.

 All that’s left for me to do is urge you to get your mitts on this record and lose yourself in it. So far, this is one of my favourite discoveries of the year and I cannot wait to hear more from Killer Kin.

 

LOS CRVELES!

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Get your ears round this- the new and completely unexpected release from Costa Rica’s finest Los Crveles! I wrote about them last year, and my obsession has never died down. It’s probably grown; in fact it has, thanks to this new release. It’s 6 noisy AF songs that will do everything in their power to leave you deaf and crying like a baby on the floor. It’s a real gnarly Garage Rock record, and it is loud in all the right places.

 The record came out yesterday and has been released via Istanbul’s Kafadan Kontak Records. They sure know their stuff, and it is worth checking out the releases on their Bandcamp page if you want more obscure and wonderful music in your life. These masked crusaders sure know how to wow you with their slick Garage Rock/Surfer feel, you can’t help but let yourself be thrown into the insane world they have created with their music. At times you feel like you’ve stepped into some Horror b-movie and you expect some odd creature with a slimy hand to grab you by the throat and launch you into the air. Basically, the creepy sound is incredible, and I love this band a lot. A hell of a lot. The scene in Costa Rica is something to really pay attention to, and there are several bands there who are making a beautiful noise and are worth devoting a lot of time on. Your ears will love you for it.

 

 

 These 6 songs were made to make you move, shake and throw things around. The instrumental songs on this record are completely off the wall and the songs where there are vocals? Even better. Even louder. The scream-like vocals sound like someone possessed and it just works so well. You step into this unknown world, and what you get from it is a lifetime of great music. There is no band out there quite like Los Crveles and they’ve this yet again on this release. They have a similar wild sound like The Mummies but there’s something else there, and it’s that something else that stops you in your tracks. I found this band by chance last year, and it was truly one of my favourite and best finds of the year. I just love everything they do, and how they have this unfiltered feel that makes you wish you could do it. But thank god we have Los Crveles doing it.

 Alvcarda Gogo sounds like it could be on a film- it’s such a perfect sounding instrumental number that has a Spaghetti Western feel to it, and you feel like you’re in that film and this song is the soundtrack to an important fight you’re about to take part in. As your enemy approaches in a cloud of sand and dust, you’re able to get a couple steps ahead and knock the fucker out- that’s what this song gives you, the attitude and freedom to be this tough person.

 

 

 

Get your ears round this ruckus record and play these heavenly songs as loud as you possibly can. And as often as you can, of course.

 

 

THE VUMMS: Count The Roses.

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I think I may have stumbled across one of the finest debut records I’ve heard in a while. As someone who is obsessed with Garage Rock, my mind has been blown by The Vumms. I know NOTHING about them but I know they are brilliant. This release is everything I need right now, so I’m going to use my lunch break wisely to talk about why I love them.

The Vumms are from Cleveland. I don’t know about the music scene there but I’m happy to say that The Vumms are the  best band from there right now. I had NO idea what to expect from this record, and I’m just in awe of how beautiful it is. I adore the artwork too. I love the colours used and how the photo used just lures you in- like you’re going to truly experience something that is good for the soul, and something truly poetic. I’m in love with this record to the point where I’ll be obsessed with it by the time my break is over.

 

 

The 5 songs on this record are nothing short of beautiful. The vocals on Crusader have a sort of Grunge like feel to it, and when it kicks in it definitely enhances that feeling. There’s a strong 60s feel to the sound, and there’s this beautiful romantic feel to the record even when you least expect it. Count The Roses is a gorgeous song; it feels like a real Summer anthem. If I could drive, I’d blast this out so loud with the windows down and just drive. No idea where to, but I’d just drive. Ideally to a beach in California. I think that’s where my heart lies because that’s where my mind takes me. I’ve never been though, and I’m pretty sure I couldn’t handle a long flight. I’d need to be in Business Class so I can have a bed and sleep the journey away. Otherwise I’d panic and want to get off!

I’m pretty open about my mental health and how crap it can be at times, and I can honestly say that this record makes me feel good. That’s something I’ve not had in a while, and I’m treasuring it more than I normally would because it is unexpected. I don’t know what it is about this record, but it just fixes your soul and calms your head down a bit, you know. Sometimes we need that and The Vumms do it so beautifully.

Count The Roses is only 5 songs but these 5 songs are just full of beauty. Even the song Can’t Sleep has this beauty to it. It touches on how the mind can get tired too from lack of sleep. The lyrics are accompanied by these beautiful sounds, and although the lyrics could be morbid for some, The Vumms make it sound anything but. There’s no way you can listen to The Vumms and not smile, and not feel happy. They have this power to just lift your spirits and sometimes you just need that.

 

 

The Vumms have created something truly delicate and captivating. I can only hope that  their sound evolves more and more, and they of course, take over the world (or do a UK tour- I could settle for that.)

Count The Roses is out now, buy it and play it on repeat!

 

 

DUSTY MUSH: Rainbow Creatures EP.

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Right out of nowhere we have a brand-new Dusty Mush EP! Totally unexpected but definitely needed. I’ve written about this Parisian band before, well I think it’s just Cédric on this, but irrespective of band members- this is one heavy EP.

 Everything about Dusty Mush demands your attention, and the Rainbow Creatures EP is no exception. It’s like a sped-up version of Sleep or some wild shit. Cédric is a phenomenal musician, and I always look forward to hearing what he’s up to, and with this EP he most certainly brings back that excitement. Although the EP is only 4 songs long, it’s a great taster for those who have never ever listened to Dusty Mush before.

 Rainbow Creatures doesn’t really last 10 minutes but you know how it goes- you just keep on hitting the repeat button and wait for the magic to hit you between the eyes all over again. I love The Fog and how unapologetically rowdy it is. For some it could be an uncomfortable listen, but for me it just shows us how fantastic Mr. Bottacchi is! The guy is out of this world, and I think The Fog just may be his best work to date.

 

 

 

Dusty Mush is the epitome of experimental and all that good stuff. There is glorious sound going all the way through these 4 songs, and it just makes you want to lock yourself away for a little whilst and blast these gems out. They really are meant to fuck with your head and posses your body; I’m all for it. Poison Oak is the only instrumental number on the EP, and it shows us how great a musician Cédric is. It’s a great way to close the EP but as you know, it just leaves you wanting more.

 The title track is an absolute monster, and it has this huge sound to it- this almost drone-like feel to it that’s found in the likes of OM and such. It’s got this unfiltered heavy feel, and it just stays with you. The song sounds like it could be some kind of folk tale told to scare people shitless. I love the eerie sound on it, and I love how that creepy feeling is apparent through every song on the record. It is a pleasure to listen. A real treat for the ears.

 Monterey is a quicker number. You can imagine someone fleeing in a getaway car listening to this, and not looking back on what they have done. What I’ve found with this EP is that is could easily be the soundtrack to a film. It’s got that bite to it that could easily make it the soundtrack to some wonderfully messed up film- you know the kind. The kind of film that stays on your mind for days, and every so often you find yourself thinking about it, so you have to watch it again and again. You can’t shake it. That’s exactly what you get from the Rainbow Creatures EP. It’s a work of art, a gnarly masterpiece.

 

 

 

If you’re after something that’s going to take you on some blissed-out psychedelic trip, then you need to get yourself a copy of Rainbow Creatures immediately and let Cédric whisk you off to some place truly magical. The EP has been released via Dirty Slice Records, and only 30 copies of the coloured tapes have been made. You know what to do.

 

 

THE GRUESOMES: Someone Told A Lie/Make Up Your Mind.

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The coolest thing has happened- NEW MUSIC FROM THE GRUESOMES! Well, it isn’t exactly new music but it is two unpublished songs, and that’s enough for me. For now!

If you’ve had the misfortune of ever reading anything I’ve ever written, you’ll see that The Gruesomes are a band that I will mention at any given opportunity. I just idolise them- they’re everything I want from music and more, and these two new songs are just incredible. I’m not just saying this because I am obsessed with them but, okay, I’m probably saying this because I AM obsessed with them. And also, the songs are great. I’m getting the same feeling I did when I first heard them.

Also, another super cool thing about this release is that is comes with an 8-page comic. Could The Gruesomes get any cooler? Probably, but right now I’m just happy to have this.

 

 

First up we have the tougher than old leather boots song, Someone Told A Lie. It’s a typical sound of theirs, and it will just make you want to have it on repeat and as loud as you can handle. You’ll have hold of the lyrics in no time! It’s such a snarly based number, and it’s part of the reasons as to why I love the band. I love that snarly tone in the vocals and how it has this obnoxious snotty feel to it- a proper Punk-esque feel with all things I adore about Garage Rock. It has such a powerful sound that I just want to listen to over, and over again.

Then we have the second song; Make Up Your Mind. It sounds divine right after Someone Told A Lie. That guitar solo- my GOD that guitar solo! It just sets you off, and before you know it you’re in this trance, right in the groove of this beautiful song. It’s enough to make you cry over how amazing it is. The Gruesomes are one of, if not probably my favourite band of all time. Their sound is just heavenly to me, and these two songs are everything I could possibly want from a band that are such a massive part of my life.

The Gruesomes need to somehow find their way to the UK and play some shows. I would pay pretty much anything to see them- it’s that vital to me. I just love them, and I really do hope they do a tour. If not, then I’ll just have to keep on playing the records to death continuously.

 

 

Someone Told A Lie/Make Up Your Mind has been released via the Spanish label, KOTJ Records. Be quick though- there aren’t many copies left on their bandcamp page!

Play it loud!

BEST COAST: Always Tomorrow.

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For the past decade or so, I have been in love with Best Coast. I think this is the band that may have started my obsession with bands from California and becoming obsessed with the way they made me feel like I was right there rather than where I currently was. Always seeking some form of escapism, and I always find it in music. Best Coast released their new record, Always Tomorrow today and I’m so excited to listen to it and write about why I love it. Maybe it’ll bore you, maybe you’ll feel the same way as me.

 Today in Manchester it has rained pretty much all day. This week has given us the kind of weather that makes you want to stay at home and not go anywhere, even if like me, you love your job- you still don’t want to get out of bed. But that’s probably part of me having depression too but whatever. The sun has again come from Best Coast. This record is totally different; it is not like Crazy For You (the baby) or California Nights, and all in between. The thing I have always adored about Best Coast is the growth. What we got from Crazy For You and the journey from there to here is fucking insane. You feel like you’ve grown with Bethany and Bobb. You feel part of the journey. Always Tomorrow is such a mellow record, lyrically. Musically it is their heaviest and still has that beautiful honesty in the lyrics. I love how Bethany doesn’t need to be over the top with her words- she is so relatable, and personally, I think the band are criminally underrated.

 I’ve got a lot of sentimental value attached to Best Coast. When I met my girlfriend 10 years ago (we’ve not been together that long because back then I was a dick to her) and I would always bang on about Best Coast to her. She loves them too, and during our weird friendship (which was me being too much of an idiot to say how I felt) Our Deal was the song, THE SONG. This is why I feel like I’ve grown up with the band, and songs like Different Light and For The First Time are the songs that make you realise just how far the band have come, and how strong Bethany is. She’s just an exceptional writer, and I love the emotion she pours into the songs. I think For The First Time is a polite fuck you, and I love that.

 

 

Always Tomorrow is full of hope and growth; like I said it’s a heavier record, and it’s still got that typical Best Coast anthemic feel- this is apparent on songs like Graceless Kids. I’d play this stupidly loud right now if it wasn’t 11pm. I think this will be the one that is screamed by Bethany, and by the crowd back to her on tour. There is something so powerful about this song, and honestly, listen to it through headphones so you can soak up every single word. I just love her so much, and her words have got me through a hell of a lot and beyond. Make It Last is one of those songs that just make you feel something other songs haven’t quite done yet. It’s such a perfect song.

 Rollercoaster is one of my favourite songs on the record; I love the slick sound on this record, and I love everything about this song. It is hard to pick a solid favourite, and I know I don’t need to, but I feel like this might be the one I end up going back to. There is something about this record that reminds me slightly of Courtney Barnett, and that’s always a great thing, you know. They’ve both got this beautiful way with words that makes you feel like they are telling your story and spilling out everything you are thinking and feeling.

 This record will tug at your heartstrings and it will stay with you, just like all their records do. Best Coast have been doing this for a decade or so now, and I love how every record is different and a step up from what they did before. I love how well Bethany and Bobb work together, and I love what they create together.

 For when you feel hopeless, hopeful, lost, lonely or found- this record will be such a comfort. Songs like Rollercoaster, Wreckage and Master Of My Own Mind will get you right in the gut, and again are prime moments of growth on this record. Bethany’s voice has never sounded so strong, and you can feel every single word that she sings. She has such a distinctive voice, and I love how her voice and Bobb’s musicianship are just a perfect combination. They are both brilliant musicians, and Bethany’s voice is so soothing.  True is Bethany’s 60s Girl Group moment; it reminds me of the Wall of Sound era. You could imagine Ronnie Spector belting this one out, it is a gorgeous love song. It has this innocence and wonder to it that just makes you really proud of what the band have achieved and make you so proud to be a fan.

 

 

 These 11 songs will be all you need; they will comfort you, and they will be your crutch. It is such a beautifully honest record; just play it loud and let everything out. Let songs like Seeing Red be your release. Then fall into the world that Best Coast have given us for the past 10 years or so. It’s a stunning record, and just what I needed. Even the cover to the record fills you with hope; there’s something about the cover that makes you want to stare at it whilst playing the record. You can also sense the creative urgency on this record and given that it’s their first full length record in 5 years, it’s like they were never gone.

That wonderful lo-fi sound is there, it will always be there, and they do it in their own way. They make their own rules, and it’s just one of the many reasons as to why I love and will always love Best Coast.

KOLOSSUS DÄÄCHT: Lipstick Love.

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Right out of Germany we have the exquisite KOLOSSUS DÄÄCHT; a tougher than leather Garage Rock band who will be releasing their debut record at the end of March.

 I’ve heard the record, and even though I don’t really like promises- I promise you that this record is going to blow your mind and will burst your eardrums in the most decadent way possible. Germany knows how to do this kind of music, but there’s something about KOLOSSUS DÄÄCHT that stands out. They have this huge sound that you’d probably find in bands who have been doing this for decades, but instead we have been blessed with this fresh new band that will just ruin you in the most magical way possible.

 

 

The name of the record is Lipstick Love, with the first single having the same name. The second single will be Cold Soup, but singles aside- the whole record is killer track after killer track. This record was made to be heard as loud as possible for sure. I love how they make you feel like you’re hanging out with them as they blitz through the songs in some cramped rehearsal space. Of course, in a sweaty, dingy bar is probably the best place to witness what they have to offer.

 There’s this proper Punk sound all through the record, and it’s more prominent on songs like Hypochondria and Do Your Job; there’s a lot of attitude on this record, with singer Clement having this Johnny Rotten like snarl to his voice. It’s a delight to listen to, and there’s no way anyone could listen to this record once and be done with it. It’s the kind of record that finds its way into your system and festers there forever. It’s always there, and you cannot help but crave it. It’s a brilliant debut record, and it’s just a little taste of what is to come.

Some of the songs have a Psychedelic feel to them, and this is really clear on The Armor. Clement’s vocals on this sound like something from a 60s Psych band, but you’ve got Stefan (drums) beating the shit out of the drums in a true Punk style. Dennis has a Johnny Ramone kind of style to his guitar playing and this is beautifully put together with Benedäächt’s bass. The whole Punk feel just smacks you right in the face on A Mess. The record consists of 14 exceptionally produced songs that will just leave you in awe; it is one of the most exciting records of the year, and I can only hope someone brings this band to the UK because I’d love to see them. I love how they make you feel the same way you did when you first heard the likes of The Cramps, The Stooges and the Ramones- they just hit you with this feeling, right in the gut. That’s when you know you’ve found something to truly treasure.

 

 

Lipstick Love is an incredible debut record; these 14 songs will blow your mind. Nothing will sound the same once you’ve heard this record, trust me. It’s a record to completely and utterly fall in love with. When it comes out, take the day off work to do nothing but listen to this record. Take a walk round the park, or head to the beach or wherever and just play this record over and over. Get lost in songs like Bad Cough, Home Alone and Courage. The whole record. Just let it consume you, that’s all you can do.

 The record comes out 28th March via Micro Wave Music.

BAMBARA: Stray.

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My love for Bambara is something else. I practically live in my Bambara shirt, and I still think about their show from last year at the Soup Kitchen. I had no expectations from what I was going to witness, but I knew that from their records I was going to witness something that would blow my mind.

 Stray was released on Valentine’s Day- the perfect date for this record. Stray is made up of dark, deathly and romantic songs that totally justify my belief that Reid Bateh is one of the best songwriters around. For me he possesses that same genius that Nick Cave has. A fearless approach with unconventional romantic tones. Think Rimbaud, think Baudelaire and mix it with William S. Burroughs and Allen Ginsberg- then you’ll get it. My point is this- Reid is an exceptional writer, and I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if one day, he writes a novel and that novel gets turned into a film with the band creating the score for it. Can you imagine?! It would be insane.

 

 

 

There’s a fair amount of references to death on this record, and you know, it’s something we cannot avoid at all. My enjoyment for things has dipped a bit since losing my Grandma in August, but I’ve found comfort in music. Bambara have reinforced everything I love about music on this record. They just nail everything I love about dark music that is unafraid to expose the things that we try to shy away from. Everything from the production to the order the songs are in on this record is so carefully done, and you can truly hear the growth in the band on Stray. If you’ve seen them live, you’ll know exactly how intense their shows are. Reid is one of the most captivating front men I’ve ever seen. Blaze is up there as one of my favourite drummers of all time and William is so effortlessly laid-back and cool. You wish you could do what each of them do, and not only do they have this presence live but they also have it on record. Stray shows us all why they are one of, if not THE most vital band around.

 I can’t possibly pick a favourite song on this record; it’s one of those records that you go back to and with every listen, something else just blows your mind. The record is like one euphoric story that builds and builds. I adore the intense sounds on this record and maybe it has this feel due to Reid and Blaze being twins and having this bond but with William he adds this feel to the band that sort of calms the storm slightly. The way Blaze annihilates the drums and how Reid has this snarl-like feel to his vocals is beautifully wrapped up in how soothing William unleashes his inspiring bass playing, and beyond. All three of them are exceptional musicians, and for me, they do justify this on all of their records, but Stray takes you some place else. It’s another world, and a world you never ever want to escape from. It is such a comforting and powerful record, and the production is out of this world.

 Ben & Lily is a prime example of Reid’s songwriting, and how brilliant it is. The way the song flows reminds me a bit of The Bad Seeds’ Thirsty Dog. It also sounds like something you’d hear in an old cowboy film- it’s got a great Spaghetti Western feel to it. Play it loud, and maybe have it on repeat for your next few listens. It feels like a short story, but one you don’t want to end. I just adore the places that Bambara take you and how they can just take you on this ride with them; their music is so soothing and comforting. To others maybe it is too ferocious, but that’s where I find comfort the most.

 There is one part of the record from one song in particular that I keep getting drawn to. This is taken from Made For Me: “Lit cigarettes will rain. On a field where horses roam untamed. See you running with them through the flames. Wild flowers in their manes as you lead the stampede my way.” There is something about this that just hits me in the gut. I mean the whole song does, but this part really hits me. I don’t know why, but it’s just so powerful and beautiful. However, if you’re looking for a song to truly break your heart- then listen to Sweat and I mean REALLY listen to it. It’s fucking brutal, and really heavy.

 

 

 

Stray is magnificent, but what else do you expect from a band as powerful as Bambara? Stray is probably going to end up being my most played record of the year. I cannot get enough of it, nor do I want to. I’m happy to have this record on repeat for the foreseeable now. I felt this way about Shadow On Everything, and they’ve done it again with Stray. I feel I could write about this record forever, and ever. Until words become pointless and no longer carry any meaning. An absolute honour to listen to.

 

NICK NUISANCE & THE DELINQUENTS.

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If you’re looking for some rowdy Punk, then get your ears turned onto Nick Nuisance & The Delinquents. They’re a might fie band from Australia, and they take you way back to when Punk was starting out, and bands were solidifying their sound. Nick Nuisance & The Delinquents are everything you could possibly want from a gloriously rambunctious band.

 Nick’s vocals remind me slightly of Bobby Gillespie. I can’t really pinpoint what it is exactly but maybe it’s that wonderful sleazy tone that really locks you in. It’s incredible and will just blow your mind. They remind me of Primal Scream mixed with New York Dolls, with a Ramones attitude. But there’s something else going on and it defies any genre or band comparison that I or anyone else could put together. They’re worth way more than that, but I just wanted to give a slight indication to you on how great they are. When you listen to them, you’ll get what I mean.

 

 

Last year they released the dreamy Dumb Fuzz record. Five new songs that just made you want to have a good time an escape into your own little world. Talk To No One, Head, the songs on this release are so great and you cannot get enough of them but for when five songs just won’t do- we’ve got other records to fawn over. Cheap Things is another record of theirs that will just blow you away; this one came out in 2017 and the six songs on this release again just show us how amazing the band are. I think this is their most trashy/sleazy Rock ‘n’ Roll record. It’s got this 70s Glam Rock feel to it, that at times I can do without but here it truly works. It’s an exceptional record, and sure six songs aren’t enough, but it is a strong taster of what the band are about.

 Something really impressive to note about Cheap Things is that the band recorded it live to tape in just two days. If this is what we can get in two days from them, imagine what a week could churn out! I’ve got high hopes for this band, and one being that they find their way to the UK and melt our faces and steal our souls at their live shows. I love the sound that they have, and I love how it just sounds so natural to them. There is nothing forced about their sound, and they aren’t afraid to experiment with sounds that some may be cautious of dabbling in. An utterly fearless sound is what they possess, and collectively they are just a real treat to listen to. They are excellent musicians who just make you feel a sense of joy when you listen to them. Their songs go from being house party anthems to songs to waste the day to. Whatever you’re into, or whatever you spend your days doing- Nick Nuisance & The Delinquents are the perfect soundtrack to it.

 

 

Most of their songs don’t really hit over the two and half minute mark, and I guess this is one of the reasons why you just crave more music from them. They are just an absolute pleasure to listen to and when you listen to them, you just imagine yourself either hanging out with them, at their show or just anywhere that’s your happy/safe space. That’s what music should be about and given the state of the world at the moment, we should take that feeling any chance we get.

MINI SKIRT.

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Finding information about the band Mini Skirt is impossible without searches bringing up weird images and the like. Fortunately, I’ve got what I need to write about this proper rowdy band. A band that make you feel like you’re listening to Black Flag for the first time. Are you ready to throw things out of the window and trash your living room? Yes? No? It doesn’t matter. Mini Skirt are a brilliant band who have this refreshing angst and humour in their music.

 Mini Skirt formed in Byron Bay (yes, another Australian band that I’m writing about) and although I know basically nothing about the Australian music scene (I know what I like, and what I’m not big on) I can safely say that there are some fucking incredible bands out there. I’ve written about the ones I’ve found and loved, but I know there’s more out there. It’s the turn of Mini Skirt right now, and there’s something about their extremely honest and to the point lyrics that just makes you fall in love with them instantly. They have this charm that makes you feel like you’re hanging out with your best friends; they see the world in a way that may or may not irk some, but they’re telling us what they see and what they see in others. They unleash their disappointments and the like, and the way they express it is done in a way that you wish more would do. Their humour is what lures you in but it’s their evident talent that keeps you there. Completely locked in.

 

 

A band I can liken them to is Viagra Boys- they both have this undeniable charm and wit in their songs, and it is just a real privilege to listen to. Mini Skirt are a band that observe, and I mean really observe. Their song (Untitled) taken from Hello Possums (ten points if you get the reference!) is one of my favourites, and it really captures the way we observe others, ourselves and the world; and how our thoughts can just turn into a bunch of nothingness. Sometimes you just gorm out and your brain focuses on things that probably hold no worth to others, but it matters to you. So, it does matter.

 I’m not entirely sure when the band started, it may have been around 2016 with their Taste EP- which you must listen to! They have such a solid and gnarly sound; they’re just consistently brilliant, and I think that’s why what they do works. Songs like Out Of Place (from 2016) to last year’s Pretty shows just how far they have come, and how their sound has got stronger and the toughness in the lyrics is really coming through. Mini Skirt aren’t afraid to be brutally honest and call out bullshitters. We need more of that, and the way they call out various injustices is brilliant. Dying Majority is a prime example of this and is definitely one of the most vital songs of our time. Listen to it. Listen to it really loud and take in the lyrics. Going back to the Taste EP; it is made up of 6 songs that are the perfect introduction to the band. If you’re going to start here with the band, then you won’t be sorry. Songs like Billy Elliot and Dogs are so effortlessly great, and they have this lo-fi sound that makes you feel like you’re watching them rehearse right in front of you. If only we could be that lucky! It’s such a fantastic EP. They aren’t afraid to call people/society out on their shitty behaviour, and that alone makes them easy to love.

 

 

Mini Skirt are nothing short of exceptional, and I hope they take over the world someday…somehow. I love everything about their sound. I love how they make music for them, and aren’t afraid to be bold and honest, and of course- loud. The snarls in the vocals (especially on Security) to the drums that sound like a riot and everything else, it’s just incredible. They’re made up of some of the best musicians you’ll probably ever hear, and their newest release Pretty shows us that. Go listen to all the music they’ve given us, and you’ll truly hear something that will blow your mind.

 

*photo by Dougal Gorman