Tag Archives: Lo-Fi

jasmine.4.t : You Are The Morning.

Posted on by

On Friday, one of the most pure and honest records will be released. This is a record that holds so much weight in the most divine way possible. It is vulnerable and vital. It’s a record I wish I had growing up so I could navigate being queer better than I did. I think most of us wish for that and thank god this record exists because it gives so much hope. The hope is in the title of the record. The hope is in all the songs, even the sad songs. I hope anyone who is LGBTQ+ that listens to this record finds a home in it and feels safe and loved. Because you are. You absolutely fucking are- don’t let anyone ever make you feel different.

Passionate rant over. Well, maybe not.

A few months ago, I heard Elephant by jasmine.4.t and my god the way I cried when I heard it. I sobbed. I wasn’t an adult listening to the song. I was a little queer teen who didn’t know what was going on listening to it, and every emotion possible came flying at me. Now, I listen to it with a lot less tears. The tears are reserved for the rest of Jasmine’s debut record. I think if the songs don’t make you cry, then you’ve not given it the attention the record deserves. If the title track (You Are The Morning) doesn’t break you or if Breaking In Reverse don’t make you sob, then god knows what you’ve been listening to!

I’ve played You Are The Morning a number of times, and every listen just gives you so much reassurance and hope. There is so much love on this record, and it represents queer friendship in the most delicate way possible. Jasmine has dedicated the record to queer friendships, and they saved her life. There are moments of love, joy and hope on this record- and given how brutal the world is at the moment, our community need this record more than ever. There’s so much innocence but hints of hurt on the record. Best Friend’s House will ruin you. It defines finding safety and acceptance and just being able to be. That’s all we want- we just want us to be. It’s not even a minute and a half long, but the song is SO powerful. The whole record is powerful, and I hope Jasmine knows just how much of a powerful record she’s made here.

Before I touch on other songs, I want to highlight the importance of the closer, Woman. On this song, Jasmine is backed by the Trans Chorus of Los Angeles, and much like our Jasmine, they use their voice to elevate the trans community. The song defines knowing who you are and being secure, and happy in that. That’s all any of us can hope for. It’s what we all deserve. It’s the perfect way to close the record, and it’s the perfect ending to make you play the record all over again. And again.

I thought I could find words to sum up just how wonderful this record is, but honestly? I don’t think anything anyone writes about this record will do it justice. No words are good enough. You just need to sit and listen to it. I absolutely LOVE Jasmine’s vocals on Guy Fawkes Tesco Dissociation. Her vocals on this are raw. The whole record has a DIY/lo-fi feel to it. And sure, snobs out there will say “THIS ISN’T PUNK!” But they’re idiots. Punk is more than a Ramones record, and they probably would have said the same. It’s going against what’s expected. It’s about not being a sheep or being how everyone wants you to be. It’s about being secure in who you are and being unapologetically yourself amongst other things. At the heart of it, this is a Punk record for the queer community. We need it. My god we need it.

There are so many tender moments on the record, and it really comes alive on New Shoes, which is the oldest song on the record. The song was originally made for Jasmine’s ex-spouse. It touches on problems early on in a relationship but has optimism to it. It’s such a beautiful song, and when the guitar hits with the piano? My god. The goosebumps! Another tender moment is Roan. It’s such a gorgeous song. The whole record is beautiful in every single way.

I’d be utterly foolish to even try tell you what the best song on this record is, I couldn’t do it. I don’t see how anyone could. It’s just an open book, and it’s the purest record I’ve heard in a long time. I honestly don’t think we’ll get anything as fragile as this record again- it’s such a rare record. It’s the kind of honesty that stops you. I’ve tried to listen to the record whilst at work and do whatever I need to do, but my attention goes straight to every word that Jasmine sings. What I’m trying to say is- this isn’t a record you stick on and go about your day. For the first few listens, let the record just totally take over you. Don’t do anything. Just sit and listen to it. Play it to someone who means something to you. Make them listen, and maybe they’ll understand. I’ve got so many thoughts about the record, and I don’t want to be too personal because no one needs to hear my thoughts ha! Not even I want to hear my thoughts most of the time! Elephant and Breaking In Reverse are the ones that really hit me in the gut. They’re the ones I know I’ll lean into the most. God help my cat when the record arrives this week and I blast it out- she’s going to want to leave. Sorry little Mary, you’re getting You Are The Morning on repeat!

I love how the tone of the record is set with the soft opener, Kitchen and that softness stays throughout the whole record right up to the closer, Woman. I feel this is the type of record that, when I listen to it again in say, 6 months time, I’ll still feel this way about it but something new will hit me. I can only liken it to the record by NoSo (Stay Proud Of Me) with how sensitive and joyful it is. There are sad moment, there are joyful moments. It is a masterpiece. A tender masterpiece that gives you so much hope. Skin On Skin is up there with being the most paper-thin songs I’ve ever heard; it’s gorgeous. I love everything this song represents. And it goes right into the hauntingly sensitive Highfield- truly one of the most beautifully created songs we will ever hear.

When Jasmine came out as trans to those close to her, some accepted her. Some didn’t. I will never understand how you cannot accept someone for being who they are, but maybe that’s because I don’t believe in loving someone with conditions. And maybe it’s because I’m lucky to have a very accepting mum. But I’ll never understand how you can turn your back on someone just because they are being themselves. Anyway- it’s THEIR loss. Always.

The record may have stemmed from dark moments in Jasmine’s life, but my goodness she has created something so full of love, full of hope, full of joy and full of light.

I feel I have so much more to say about the record, but I think it’s best to wrap it and mention that Jasmine is a huge supporter of Trans Mutual Aid Manchester. They do amazing work here, and if you want to support them to, please go here. They do brilliant work in our community, and they are a joy to support. Thank you.

*(I think Breaking In Reverse may be song that owns my heart because I’m too sensitive for my own good!)

CHEAP-SKATE.

Posted on by

What is there to do on a boring Sunday evening but write about one of the most exciting bands from Australia- CHEAP-SKATE! I genuinely thought I’d written about them before, but turns out I’ve ignored the list on my phone of bands I want to write about for some time now, so I’ve deleted it. My notes app is a questionable place and the list of bands I had jotted down was probably the only coherent thing I had on there.

I’m very late with this, and this is a band I should have written about years ago it seems but, I do not like order or being organised. I don’t like it when it’s forced upon me, and it makes me want to do the opposite of what I’m told. Basically, I don’t like being told what to do. Even if I’m the one telling myself what to do. I’ve gone off track- sorry! By years ago, I mean in 2022 which is still pretty recent, right? Anyway, CHEAP-SKATE started in 2022 and over the past few years they’ve become a solid name in the Australian Garage Rock scene, and rightfully so.

What our boy Blaike Murphy has created as CHEAP-SKATE is something really beautiful. It makes you want to drink lukewarm beer in the sun and attempt to skate down the promenade. I cannot skate but I LOVE skateboarding as much as I love football, pizza, and music. Oh, and my cat. CHEAP-SKATE make the kind of music I wish I could; if I was in a band, I’d either want it to sound like this or The Jesus And Mary Chain. I remember listening to CHEAP-SKATE towards the end of 2022/start of 2023, and I remember getting this eternal summer feeling from the music. It felt like even on the coldest of December days, the sun was on my back when I was listening to them. That feeling hasn’t gone at all, and I know CHEAP-SKATE is Blaike’s side project, but I just hope he never stops making music as CHEAP-SKATE.

With a handful of singles and EPs already out there, there’s no denying just how bloody great CHEAP-SKATES is. I wish I could tell you their best songs or where to start, but I can’t. You just have to go in head first from the start and work your way to present day (or to a few weeks ago.) One of the last releases was SUN, which came out at the start of December if I remember correctly, and it’s made up of 5 songs and it doesn’t even hit the 15 minute mark. So, if you’ve got a really bad attention span- then it’s the record for you. CHEAP-SKATE are the band for you. There’s this divine sun-kissed sound going on, and it’s the fuzzy guitar, it’s the intense drums and blissed-out vocals that make CHEAP-SKATE the band that they are. However, there was a nice surprise drop 2 days ago and new EP GROM came out. It may only be 3 songs, but those 3 songs totally rip. They were written and recorded in a few hours, and if this is what CHEAP-SKATE can do in a few hours, then there’s no telling how great what comes next will be.

CHEAP-SKATE make the kind of music for those of us who are alone a fair amount of the time- stick our headphones on and go about our day with our favourite sounds in our ears. By no means is it a bad thing, if anything it brings a lot of inner peace and you know what? You, me, whoever- we deserve it. There’s no better feeling than being at peace with yourself, and listening to music that makes you feel good, you know? No better feeling. CHEAP-SKATE for me are just another band that I’d sell my kidneys to see live. You can just tell that the energy is right, and the show would be unreal. If I ever won the lottery (have to play it first, I know!) there’s a bunch of bands I’d be bringing over for tours, and CHEAP-SKATE would be high on my list.

I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is about the band that I love so much, but I think it’s the feeling I get from listening to them. Everything just feels alright, and given how cruel the world is- we all need that band in our corner. It all started in 2022 with the song I Don’t Wanna and now we’ve got to the GROM mini-EP; everything in between shows us why CHEAP-SKATE are such a great band, and one worth telling any and everyone about. I love that listening to the band makes you feel like you’re hanging out with someone who REALLY gets you. That’s a rare feeling- to find it in music and in a person, and Blaike does it in such a way that isn’t overwhelming, and the songs are delicate when they need to be and I think that’s part of why the band own a piece of my heart. I feel like I’m hanging out with my best mate when I listen to CHEAP-SKATE, and it’s such a pure feeling to gain from listening to music. We don’t get it enough, and I think that’s why bands like CHEAP-SKATE need to be treasured and appreciated. There’s a strong lo-fi DIY sound to the music, and its Surf-Punk at its finest (if we’re needing labels) and hand on heart, this band feel like home.

If you love bands like SKEGSS, WAVVES, Hockey Dad, Goblin Mode…all the good stuff! Then you’re going to fall in love with CHEAP-SKATE. I can’t wait to hear more from the band this year because the sheer joy they bring is just heavenly!

SHAWNIS AND THE SHIMMERS.

Posted on by

Every once in a while I find a band that makes me want to pack up everything I own (including my cat but she probably owns me) and move to the place where a band I’ve fallen in love with are. One listen of Shawnis And The Shimmers and I am hooked and mentally escaping to Richmond, Virginia to follow them around and become their biggest fan. However, I can’t do it so I’ll do it from afar and from my mind.

Shawnis And The Shimmers make the kind of DIY style music that makes you disregard everything you’ve ever heard. There’s this beautiful basement band feel to their sound- this infectious raw style that will just stay with you on a loop for hours on end. I’ve definitely fallen in love here. There’s also the side that makes me wish I had an ounce of musical talent so I could make songs like they do. Instead, I just write about what I love instead because I can just about do that! There’s this slight Rockabilly sound going on, but for me it’s the muffled vocals and that fuzzy sound of theirs that I just adore.

They’ve got a couple of releases up on their Bandcamp page, and of course they leave you wanting more. Every strong band does that. If I was someone who couldn’t get to sleep at night (for the most part I can) I’d be blasting their sounds out through my headphones every night around 2am until my body finally felt like all energy had been zapped out of me, and my brain had calmed down a bit. This band make the kind of music that you just want to have constantly playing- treat ’em like your own personal soundtrack to your daily life- even if you’re doing mundane tasks.

They released the Wasteland Demo a year ago and a few months later in October, they released the Shimmer Shake EP. I love both records, and they both sum up their sound perfectly. Unapologetically loud and the kind of Queer Punk band I can’t get enough of. They make you want to trash your room, trash someone else’s room even! Their sound is so liberating, and in a way reminds me of New York Dolls and how they weren’t afraid to really push themselves with their sound. But there’s also hints of Riot Grrrrl flowing through. In short, this band are where its at! Imagine growing up in a town in the middle of nowhere then all of a sudden you hear this band! It’d change your life wouldn’t it! You’d finally believe there was a way out.

Wasteland Demo record is ridiculous. It’s so good it should be a crime. It’s got a gnarly sound to it that makes you feel like you’re hearing the future of something that’s yet to be named yet. What I love about this record in particular is that they make you fee as if you’re watching them in a garage or basement rehearsing these songs but at the same time- having this unfiltered sound that is so raw that it is already perfect this way. A chaotic noise-fest which is just a delight to the ears. You’ve got songs like Beer Jacket and Don’t Wait Up are underground classics. You can easily imagine every single one of their songs being played in queer dive bars that exude freedom in all ways possible, and everyone just screaming the songs back at the band- covered in sweat and beer. Maybe not even your own but who cares!

There’s hints of bands like Dead Boys in some of their songs like Wasteland, and that’s all you could ever want from your new favourite Punk band, right?! I don’t know if Shawnis And The Shimmers may ever make it to the UK to tour, but in my mind when I listen to them- I am front row singing the songs right back at them. Their sound is pure magic and you just can’t get enough of it.

WORMBOYS: Smalltime.

Posted on by

The North of England is home to some wonderful bands and musicians. Too many to mention, but today I’m going to focus on Leeds based Wormboys.

How do you describe their sound? Can you pick up any influences? What makes them standout? There aren’t enough hours in the day to describe them, but I’m on my lunch break at work so I have limited time but I’ll do my best to make this make sense!

Smalltime only has 3 songs on it, but don’t let that small detail put you off. There are hints of 90s Grunge on this record (the song Worm reminds me a little bit of Something In The Way by Nirvana in some parts) but Wormboys are a band that are confident in their sound and know exactly how they want to sound. There are 4 of them in the band, and each of them are just remarkable at what they do. It may only be a 3 track EP but those 3 tracks show you exactly what this band are made of.

There also elements of the Riot Grrrl movement on this record, and I think it’s most apparent on the euphoric Tree, which closes the record. I don’t feel like I’m listening to a band from 2023 when I listen to this record. I feel like I’ve been thrown back to the early 90s in the midst of all the greats such as Garbage (best band of all time), Bikini Kill, Hole, Babes In Toyland. Wormboys have such a solid sound and with one listen of this record I can confirm that the chorus of Tree will be stuck in my head for the rest of the day.

Wormboys are the noisy Queer band I’ve been looking for; there’s no other band out there that sounds like them. Now, I know this contradicts what I’ve said above about the 90s sound but there’s no current band around that has this sound like this. I just love how care free the sound is and you really pick up on this on Something Pretty. They make the kind of music I wish I had when I was in college and secondary school- trying to find my way. I made to adulthood but god knows how! You’d definitely expect to hear their music in a Student Union bar that has a questionable sticky floor along with questionable drinks on offer. There’s a lot of fun in their sound and a lot of depth. You can’t help but be in awe of Jake and Ruth compliment each other on the drums and bass. You’ve got Sop and Harry on vocals/guitar, and their vocals together are nothing short of heavenly and again, you really feel this on the song Worm.

This is only their second EP but it sounds like a band who have been at this for decades. Everything about this EP is worthy of your time and attention- the songs are just effortlessly slick, and that lo-fi sound, and that DIY ethic attached to it really comes across. If this record moves you, then go back and listen to their other stuff- it’s as equally mind-blowing. When you play the songs through headphones, you can really hear the sound fully and truly appreciate the lyrics and songs in general. I highly recommend playing Tree as loud as your ears can stand through headphones; just so you can really pick everything that’s going on in this song. There’s a lot but by no means is it overwhelming. If anything, it’s comforting. The loudness and the tender moments on the record are exactly why I love this band, and why I’ll probably be obsessed with this EP. The shifts in moods on the songs and the way the band just compliment each other with their own styles and sounds is just an absolute joy to listen to.

The band are heading out on a small tour starting this Friday: (please come to Manchester!)

Jan 27 Wharf Chambers Cooperative Club, Leeds
Jan 29 The New Adelphi Club, Hull
Feb 06 Little Buildings, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Feb 07 The Hug and Pint, Glasgow
Feb 10 Rad Apples, Dundee
Feb 11 Wee Red Bar, Edinburgh

The EP also comes out this Friday, and I’ll end this with a gorgeous quite from Ruth about touring, which I think is so important: “It’s been life-affirming to headline shows around the country, consistently warmly received by crowds of queers and weirdos who are angry and upset about all the same shit as us.”

WAVVES: Hideaway

Posted on by
Wavves: Hideaway Album Review | Pitchfork

Nathan Williams is underrated. Wavves are underrated, and it’ll be a crime if the new Wavves record, Hideaway is overlooked.

Is it the best Wavves record to date? Quite possibly. I’ve still got a lot of sentimental attachment to King Of The Beach and Wavves, but there’s something about Hideaway that just really hits you. Maybe it’s the opener Thru Hell that really makes you feel like you’ve been turned onto something truly great, or maybe it’s because you know that Nathan is just incredible at what he does, and let’s be honest- there’s no such thing as a bad Wavves record. This is their seventh record, and maybe it’s because a few years have passed between records but Hideaway has something about it that just calms you. It soothes that part of your brain that just will not shut the fuck up. It’s hard work carrying that around, but Wavves lighten that load. Always have, always will.

I know the record came out just over a month ago but no part of me has wanted to write about anything. It happens from time to time; and I think it means my brain needs re-setting. I’ve been playing Hideaway every single day since it came out, and it’s been a lifeline. I don’t think any record of late has done that, but I’ve noticed most Wavves records have this grip on me.

Hideaway may only be a short record, but with these 9 songs the band give you everything you need and more. Every song on this record will move you in all kinds of ways. When I first played the record in full, I was just blown away with the growth in the Wavves sound. To really appreciate this record, go back and listen to previous Wavves records and give yourself plenty of to soak up Hideaway. The record opens with Thru Hell, and I know it’s super cliched but it’s the one I keep going back to. It’s the one I play the loudest, and I LOVE the line “Can’t talk now, I’m goin’ through hell. Can’t see straight, I don’t feel so well.” Just something about that line that just speaks to me a lot. The song is made to be played loud, that’s for sure.

Aside from Thru Hell quite possibly being one of my favourite songs of the year, the record is made up of anthems that you cannot help but scream along to. Help Is On The Way right through to Planting A Garden, the record just really speaks to you. If you’ve never listened to Wavves before then of course, you’ve been missing out but Hideaway is a mighty fine place to start. Be pretty cool to hear someone’s thoughts on playing this record then go backwards into Wavves records. Wherever and however you start, you’ll probably keep coming back to Hideaway. It’s got a real safety net feel to it, and I love how Nathan can put out records that just speak to how I’m feeling/how I’ve felt time and time again. That’s when you know you’ve found a band to really cling to.

For the foreseeable, I’m probably going to keep on playing Hideaway at least 5 times a day and just getting totally lost in it. There’s a hell of a lot to love about this record, and yeah it’s a damn shame we may not get a UK tour out of this. I can only imagine what this record would be like live. There’s tender moments on the record (Caviar) and there’s parts where you just feel like the song was written for you (Honeycomb.) It is just a divine record, and one I know, like all Wavves records- I just won’t ever get bored of it.

THE CARRION CRAWLERS: Covers EP.

Posted on by

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:

NEW GUINEA PIGS ON THE BLOCK.

Posted on by

Aside from having a great name, New Guinea Pigs On The Block are insane musicians. If you’re wanting something that makes you feel like you’ve heard Melvins for the first time, or if you want to feel like your brain has been smashed in and your eardrums beautifully burst- then like me, you will in love with New Guinea Pigs On The Block.

Their new record has been released via the great Italian label Area Pirata, and if you go and listen to what this label have been putting out since 2001, it is no surprise that New Guinea Pigs On The Block have found a home with them. The perfect match. This record was made to blow your mind. In the UK we have a band called PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS PIGS, and they are off the scale kind of noisy. The kind of loud that would make prudish folk squirm, and that’s exactly what New Guinea Pigs On The Block do too. They will make people feel uncomfortable with how noisy they are, but for me- it’s part of the charm.

The record has 13 songs that will move you, melt your face and make you wish you could make something like this. I wish I could. I know, I always do. I know. These 13 songs feel like they came out of someone who had been cooped up in a small space for years and just had to let it all out. Kind of like this pandemic shite really. The band are just talented beyond words. You can really picture what their live shows would be like in your mind, and when a band can paint that picture for you within seconds of getting into the record- well, you know you’ve found something to treasure.

Rib Tips is the one I’d play for someone who was on the fence about how loud they want their music to be; it’s a gentle ease into the band if that’s how you want to be. With the pubs near my flat now opened, I can drown out drunken noise with this band. Bliss! I’ll buy whatever they sell (within reason.) They are just a real joy to listen to, and I love that lo-fi feel. You feel like you’ve stepped into the deep unknown when you listen to them, and for me that’s something I really love finding in music.

You’ve got this Psych feel to the songs that makes you feel like you’re stuck in a dream, but you’re wide awake and probably a little wired too. They take you on an intense journey and part of you doesn’t want to ever leave it. Take Out The Trash is the one you probably need to play the loudest right now. It reminds me a little of MC5 in a way- that really heavy sound that you can’t get enough of. Knock On Thee Door starts quite calm compared to other songs on the record- it’s got Funk feel to it that really makes you move. Basically, this band are great. That’s all there is to it.

New Guinea Pigs On The Block are everything you could want from a band. Everything on this record they did themselves, and that gorgeous DIY feel is something to really grasp hold of. I just love the way they take you on this trip, and your mind goes off. The mind and body are split when you listen to this record, and this separation is what makes the record so addictive. Just going back to Knock On Thee Door- it is just under 7 minutes of sheer bliss. It really allows you to hear just how phenomenal they are as a band. Every band member on this song truly shines and you just can’t get enough of it. 6 minutes and 55 seconds just isn’t enough for this song. Songs like Iguana Man and Stone Hedge are nothing short of genius. The whole record is basically 13 songs of pure heaven and the insight to musical geniuses that are, New Guinea Pigs On The Block.

There’s only 3 of them in the band, but they sound like there’s about 10 of them. I love this record and this band, and with this record it is fair to say that they have created something to treasure and adore forever. I want to play it all the time and spend my days just soaking up every sound, every note on this record. It’s a monster of a record, and the band aren’t afraid to really go for it. Honestly, one of the best records I’ve heard all year!

MATT ELLIS: Full Moon Fever.

Posted on by

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!

MILKDONALD.

Posted on by

There are times when you listen to a band/singer, and you wish you could find out more about them. But it turns out that they are elusive, a mystery. Adds some romance to the experience, if you like. Yet again Kafadan Kontak Records have given us a new release to lose ourselves in.

Milkdonald is from Carbondale (Illinois) and it’s a one-man Punk riot (with some help from local bands). It’s everything you could want from gnarly, lo-fi gritty Punk band, and more! These four songs were created during quarantine and were recorded on an iPhone- pretty neat right?! I’m in love with the sheer noise on this record, and the song I Eat Pig feels like someone screaming their frustrations out because they are so pissed at how the world is. I think that’s something we can all relate to. This may be the one you need to play louder than most. I think we all need a moment (or five) to just open the window and scream. Let out all that sadness, rage, confusion, despair- whatever it is you’re feeling. Let it all out. Or do what Milkdonald has done and record some noise on your phone, then share it with the world.

The magic of these songs is that they were done in either one or two takes. You can hear that raw energy in every single song, and that pent-up fury is so great to hear. Sometimes you’ve just got to lose yourself in a loud Punk record and fuck the world off for a bit. There’s something really comforting in this, and it just makes you want to trash your room or something.

Life would suck without music, and it’d be even worse without bands like Milkdonald who are evidently unafraid to just let it all out and share their frustrations with the world. That’s how you get through. I don’t even think this record lasts 10 minutes, so even if you have a shitty attention span like me, then this record will be perfect for you.

I know nothing about Milkdonald, but I do know this- this is a record that will unleash all your fury and whatever else it is that you’re carrying around. It’s a real gritty Punk record that has a great DIY feel to it. You just want to keep on playing it until your ears can’t cope with the loudness anymore. Play it loud and let Milkdonald lure you into their world. Scream along to the songs, let it all out and do it daily.

MONOS.

Posted on by

After spending nearly 2 weeks sick with Coronavirus and doing nothing but sleeping, I can safely say that I feel a bit better. Well enough to write about a brilliant band from Florence, and after that- I will probably take myself back to bed and sleep the rest of the evening off.

Monos are the kind of band you’d accidentally stumble upon at a basement bar whilst waiting for someone or something; but what happens is Monos take you over and everything else goes out the window and doesn’t matter. You then find yourself being completely consumed by the band and whatever your plans were before finding the band have become meaningless. That’s totally fine. That’s when you know you have found a band to become obsessed with. Monos are THAT band. They have something about them that just screams PLAY THIS REALLY FUCKING LOUD! They have this creepy feel to their sound which immediately takes you back to hearing The Damned and The Cramps for the first time; this raw and unfiltered sound that you just can’t get enough of. Let it be known that Italy is the home to some brilliant bands, and if you don’t believe me already- then hopefully Monos will change your mind.

Their debut record came out last year, titled Peep Show and it is just such a great record. Every song sounds like it was made for a jukebox in a dive bar and to be played at 3am when you should be making your way home. We can’t do that at the moment, so just play their music as loud as you can at home! Peep Show is such a smutty record, and it has this effortlessly cool sound that leaves you unsure if you’re listening to a band from the past or the future. Who knows! That’s what I really love about them, and every song just sounds SO good. You can’t get enough of bands like this, and if by the grace of some higher power we can go to shows next year- I hope Monos make their way to the UK. We need them!

This duo is just exceptional. The noise they make is divine, and you just wish you could make something even a fraction as great as this. I know I do! But, I’ll stick to writing about them. Peep Show is such a great record, and I wish I had written about it sooner. Every single song is worthy of our attention, time and love. The songs would work perfectly in some trashy Horror film where you can blatantly tell that the blood is ketchup and the set shakes constantly. These 12 songs will just leave you wanting more and more, but the best thing is- you will not get tired of having Monos on repeat at all. 

There is nothing dull about this band at all, and with every listen you just find something else to adore about this band. The production, the vocals, the noise they grace us with is just insane. How can a band like this exist?! I’m so glad that they do. If you’re looking for a band to move you and make you give a shit about music (how could you not?!) then I urge you to listen to Monos. Really, really listen to them. Play it loud, play it daily and escape whatever hell you are in when you listen to Monos. They are utterly flawless. Chef’s kiss all round for this band!

Rock Party, The Snake and Monos Twist show us exactly why this duo are the best at what they do. There is no one better. Also, they fully justify my love for duos.

I am so excited to hear more from Monos, but for now I’ll just obsessively play Peep Show.