Tag Archives: Music

PENELOPE ISLES: 3.

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Do you ever listen to a record or a band, and within seconds of listening you just feel, “I HAVE to tell someone about this?” I do. All the time, and it’s probably why I’ve been doing this for 18 years. Typing into the void. ANYWAY. I’ve been listening to the new Penelope Isles record a lot this past week, and something about it just will not leave my brain. Something about this record…something. I’m not sure what, but I think it may be due to the fact that I’m from the same place as Jack and Lily, and part of the record feels like home- even if I’ve spent the past 20 years or so escaping it, ha!

Now, for the most part the music I listen to is loud and probably unlistenable to most. That kind of music eases my brain but there are times where I need to listen to something calming. Balance. Those bands are usually the likes of Beach House, Warpaint. Along comes 3 by Penelope Isles and maybe my calming trilogy is complete. This may seem like an odd thing to write, but the record feels exactly how the front cover looks. Gentle, calm and like you are at the beach on a relatively cold day. As someone who grew up by the sea, I will always stand by that being on the beach during a cold day is a billion times better than being on the beach during the summer.

3 is a record that will stand the test of time, and if you want to compare it to Penny Isles’ previous releases- go ahead, that’s okay but regardless of if this was their first or tenth record; it is their finest work. I’ve listened to the record an obsessive amount over the past few weeks, and I’ve gone back and forth with what I’ve written so far to make sure I still feel the same about the record. I clearly do, and hand on heart- 3 is a masterpiece. Maybe it’s because they are siblings and you can hear the closeness on the record, and you can feel the purity of it. Or maybe it’s because separately and together- Lily and Jack are just incredible musicians. I know my opinion is biased based on the IOM connection but let’s allow it.

I go back to certain songs on the record but the one I adore has to be Birthdays. The lyrics to it are so observant and precious. The part where Lily gently sings, “Cat goes meow” is something I sing/say at my cat whenever I walk past her. She looks at me like I have 12 heads. What’s new! It’s such a gorgeous song, and I think Another Kind Of Love is the purest song around but with hints of heartache. Jack’s vocals on this are as exceptional, and again- another gentle moment on the record, and it’s such a beautiful way to open the record. The record is gentle and calming. Whatever you need from the record or just music in general- you will find it here. I think it’s partially why I feel quite emotional when I listen to it. It makes me miss home, but at the same time- it’s not home anymore, so you find that safety wherever you can. The record makes you feel like you are looking out to see with the wind wrapping itself around you, and you’re off into a spin. Where it takes you no longer matters, none of that matters anymore and that’s when you know you have found a jewel of a record.

Something I really love about the record is the honesty in the lyrics and how observant they are, and how easy it is to find yourself in these songs. It’s so simple, but the line on Thinking Seat, “Please don’t ask me how I am because I’ll burst out into tears” is beyond relatable. There is no one on this earth that cannot relate to that. I’m going to bloody cry when I see them next month in Paris aren’t I?! Fully resigned myself to it. The day before my birthday too!

There are many things that can make a record, and a band truly special. There’s no set “thing.” But you just know when you hear it, and that’s what you get from this record. There’s a lot of emotion on this record, and it’s the kind of feelings that give you comfort and reassurance. Everything about 3 is done so perfectly. From the production to the order of the songs- it all makes sense. Also, the album was recorded live so that adds another special layer to it.

3 is their first record with the band recording as a three-piece. The addition of Joe Taylor on drums adds another charming layer to this record, and it all comes together so perfectly. You can truly feel the sibling love on this record, and it’s another reason as to why you feel quite emotional listening to it. There have been some great records to have come out this year, but I don’t think any record has clicked more emotionally than this one. It’s next level, and it just oozes care, peace, questioning and love.

I started writing this the day the record came out, and because I’ve listened to it so much- I kept finding more things I wanted to say and wanted to get it right. I think this will be a record I go back to in 10, 20 years’ time and still feel like I do today about it. This is a record to treasure and to be utterly proud of- I’m in awe of it. Truly.

PINS: All Over.

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I say this every single time a band I love release something new- especially if they’ve not put anything out in a while- but there’s no better feeling than a band you adore releasing new music, is there? I mean sure there are other great feelings out there but y’know.

My love for PINS goes back to 2013, which makes me feel old and also really bloody proud of the band. I remember writing about their debut record, and it had this insane grip over my brain. I was playing it every day, and that behaviour has been repeated with all their records. Aside from the single I’ll Be Yours coming out last year, the last full record the band put out was in 2020- Hot Slick. They say good things come to those who wait, and on the 12th February 2027, a new PINS record will finally be with us! We are all okay to agree right now that it’ll be one of the best records of 2027, so I’m glad that’s all covered in advance. That means I can now tell you about the glory that is their new single, All Over.

When I first heard All Over, I immediate thought it sounded like Human Fly by The Cramps going headfirst into the Batman theme tune then right into Dazed By You by PINS. Mix all 3 together, and you have All Over and it’s great. It’s everything you could want from a song, and more. It’s 3 and a half minutes long, and it is PINS at their very best. I love that they have always been consistently brilliant but do not shy away from experimenting with sounds. They are a band that grow in ways many others don’t. They deserve the world and more, because they really are THAT great. I could go on and on about why I love the band, but I’ll save that for the record. For now, just take my word that All Over is PINS at their absolute best and is a perfect.

The video to All Over is perfect. Filmed in Salford, and with the art direction done by my favourite bar in Manchester and possibly the UK if I’m honest (Impiety Hour) you just know that the video is going to be stunning, right? It’s dark, it’s moody, it’s a little creepy, there’s a bit of fire and it looks freezing. What more could you want? The video matches the song, and if this feeling of the new record, If I’m Alive Now, Then I was Dead, then consider me sold. Sign me up to it all! Also, the name of the record is a dream too.

All Over is being released with No Tears, and you can still order the record here: All Over / No Tears AA side | PINS I think there are some copies left.

I really hope the new record means a tour will happen because a PINS live show is always a good time. They just get better each time, and I could happily go to their shows every night. I say it every single time I’ve seen them, but I really hope that the younger generation are at their shows and it inspires them to pick up an instrument and start their own band.

GOLD CUP @ The Peer Hat, Manchester. 12th September 2026

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I was meant to write this when I got home after the gig on Saturday, but things happen and I forgot. So, excuse aside. Let me tell you about Gold Cup’s show at the Peer Hat last Saturday night.

I’ve seen them live three times now and every single time they’ve just blown my mind. After Saturday’s show, they blew my eardrums. I’d wear earplugs but I don’t want to show weakness just yet. Also, if you’re not injured after a gig in some way, did you even have a nice time?!

If you care about the music scene in Manchester, you will know that Gold Cup are one of the best around and their live shows are an experience. Their shows will make you move; they’ll make you want to drink 10 pints and move some more. Maybe don’t drink 10 pints because that’s a bit excessive but absolutely move! This isn’t a band you stand still too. They’re a band that truly come alive when you see them live, and any venue they play is lucky to have them. They deserve to be playing to thousands but for a little while, let’s just keep them safe in their home city.

Gold Cup rip through their small but thrilling and powerful discography. Every hit is played, including the more recent one I Feel Incredible, which Dan informs that this is “a song about feeling shit.” Hard relate. On repeat. I love the urgency on this song, and it does make you want to throw shit around and trash some rooms. Do it. The band want you to. Also, respect to Dan for wearing a SPUCKE shirt- really, really great band!

I Wanna Get Kidnapped is one of my favorites and it doesn’t get old seeing this one live. Neither do bops like The Numbers or 8 Ball. They do not have any bad songs, and this just proves that when we get their debut record in our ears, we will be blessed with a masterpiece. Considering the gig was nearly a week ago, my memory isn’t failing me, and I can remember just how loud (and sweaty) the show was. For me, Gold Cup are a band that you HAVE to see live. I’ve only seen them three times, but every time they’ve just been even better, and I am very aware this is a cliched thing to say, but it’s the truth. And I’m no liar!

Gold Cup make the kind of music that you can enjoy whilst wandering the streets or need something to drown out the noise of someone chewing nearby you so you don’t clothesline them or, you just need something to get rid of the heaviness of the world. Their sound is freeing and relatable. The Piss Has Been Taken and Early Bird Special are always a dream to see live, and I hope their fanbase just grows and grows because they deserve it. Manchester is home to some incredible bands, and Gold Cup are evidently one of them.

They’ve supported some amazing bands- especially this year, and I think it shows just how valued and respected they are. There’s something truly special about this band. Seeing them live once won’t just scratch that itch- you’ll probably make a habit out of it.

UP THE CUP!

SPUCKE: Zustland.

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SPUCKE are a brilliant band, and although their songs are in German and I have NO idea what is being said for the most part (I translated some of the songs, and their message is solid) what I do know, is that their music is everything you’d want from a rowdy Punk band. Translation of the band name is spit which lets you instantly know that this band have something to say- and you’re gonna sit back and listen! Every song is played with everything they have. The words are said with all their chest, and will ring in your eardrums for days. Let them do it, you’ll feel better.

Their debut record came out a few weeks ago (I’m assuming it’s their debut because I can’t find anything else online about them) and if this is what they sound like with just one record, then we should be afraid of what they are capable of. Go ahead and give this band the world, they deserve it. But only the good parts.

I love the obnoxious tone in The Armrest; they don’t want to share their armrest with you on the bus/tram/train with you, and they already took their feet off the seat- what more do you want from them?! It’s an unserious number but it’s still a great song, and it’s another example of why they are one of the best Punk bands around. The sound all the way through on this record is delicious and you can’t help but want more.

I really love Beton Verzeiht Nie (concrete never forgives, I think is the translation) and how it is delivered with this urgency and you can feel that at the bones of it, it’s like a cry for help or a cry out of desperation. Don’t let that put you off, because it can be that desperation and urgency that drives a band to create something truly remarkable. Case in point on this record for sure!

For me, SPUCKE deliver feelings of hopelessness, angry and desperation in a way that’s not been done like this in a while. There is something there in these songs that stops you, and you’re like, “Ah fuck man! I feel this way too!” And you don’t feel totally at a loss by carrying it around. This is the kind of record you play when you go for a walk on your own, and you just need some time to process whatever is going on in your head. You know, there are so many moments on this record that just leave you in awe and another great example is Aversion Gegen Teile (I think means Aversion To Parts, I could be wrong here.) It’s just over 4 minutes long, and it is dark. It’s a proper heavy number. The kind of song you let consume you at 4pm on a foggy October afternoon when the streets are strangely quiet. It’ll haunt you but in the best way possible. Of all the songs on this record, I think this one may stick with me the most.

As someone who is so scared of flying, SPUCKE make me wish I could go to Germany and get lost in the Punk scene there. But instead, I’ll just listen to the music. Close my eyes and pretend I am there. They’re the kind of band that give their all in their live shows, and I hope one day I get to see them because this is the kind of energy and sound, I want to seep into my eardrums and never leave.

In just 9 songs, SPUCKE have made their mark. They have absolutely made a lasting impression on me, and I hope when I’m 80 years old, I am blasting out their music and having a great time and maybe annoy my neighbours with how loud I’m playing it. They have that snarly energy that Dead Boys had, and when you find a band that can do that- cling onto them.

Lyrically, their songs are heavy and sound wise too they will blow your mind. They are unlike anything else I’ve heard or heard in a long time, and I really hope we hear more from them because this record is too great to be a one-off for sure. If you get the chance to see them live, take it. I feel they will change your world for the better.

If you live in the UK, and you want the record- No Front Teeth Records will sort you out!

GOLD CUP.

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I’m going to assume people have known about Gold Cup longer than I have. I only really listened to them just after they were announced as the support for Crocodiles, and STUPIDLY missed them by minutes at the Low Four x Sour Grapes recording earlier in the month. What an idiot!

Alright, errors aside- it’s time to really tell you why Gold Cup are one of the most exciting bands around and why you need to see this band play any chance you get. I’ve been very lucky to see them support two great bands- Crocodiles and Gee Tee. Imagine being in a band, and you get to support those bands?! Life would surely have peaked, right?! They’ll be headlining soon enough but for now, I want to do my best to tell you why they are incredible.

On record, they are everything you could want from a band. They are noisy, they make a racket and it’s a joy to listen to. Is it the same live? Yes and no. Yes, because they are loud. No because the experience of seeing them live is way more heightened than on record. At their live shows, the three of them play with this energy that makes you wish you could watch them every single night. I wish I could. They just exude everything I want from a band and more. I feel like I’m 13 years old and listening to The Cramps for the first time. They’ve got this sound that would probably scare your neighbours but within a few hours, they too would be fans.

Their debut full length record has yet to arrive, but when it does, I have every faith in it being one of the best things we will hear. Their new single, I Feel Incredible is the true essence of sheer Garage Rock ‘n’ Roll and they sure as shit take you on another wild ride! There are bands you can liken them to but let’s be honest- Gold Cup are evidently in their own league. They remind me fair bit of a band from L.A. called Girl Tears. The band don’t make music anymore, but when I tell you I was obsessed with them- I am putting it mildly. Gold Cup have that same feel, and it’s just so great to hear.

There are some bands I love, and when I listen to them, I think, if I made music- that’s how I’d want to sound or be influenced by. Gold Cup are a band to add to that list. If you’ve seen them live, you will know that they play with all that they have. I have never seen a drummer like Tomas before. I’ve not seen anyone make the bass look as cool as Dan does, and Josh is a master on that guitar. Put all three of them together and you have something truly phenomenal and well worth becoming obsessed over. If you are ever presented with the chance to see them live, you better take it. Bands like this don’t happen often. Manchester is the home to some incredible bands, and Gold Cup are in some solid company.

They’ve been around for a few years now, and with the EPs they’ve released so far, it’s pretty safe to say that they have a clear indication of their sound, and that confidence is what makes them stand out. They’re a band you could never get bored of, and I reckon when their debut full length record hits, it will definitely show the world something it hasn’t heard before. Their live shows will leave you in total awe of them. Songs like Stuck On Repeat and The Piss Has Been Taken are insane live. I just really love this band!

Go listen to them, go to their shows, and go nuts!

MAQUINA : Body Transmission.

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One of the coolest things about music, and bands and just EVERYTHING about music is release day for a record you are SO excited to hear.

I’ve loved MAQUINA for a couple of years, and today their second full length record, Body Transmission is out there. It’s fully out there for everyone to enjoy, play to death and dance to. Now, as it’s been released via Fuzz Club- you just know it’s going to be sensational, right? Right on.

The record starts exactly how you would expect; with one of their most recent releases (dança – featuring Dame Area) and from then on, it’s all go. Every song gets louder and louder. That urgency to move more gets you, and you can’t help but feel you are being sucked into a new world. This world that MAQUINA have already created with their sound is unlike anything else, we already know this. But with Body Transmission, every song feels like you are being ripped out of your body and into something else. That’s one of the many reasons as to why you know you are dealing with something really magical.

Any free time I’ve had today, I have played this record. I played it twice at the gym, and I can confirm that this is a record to lift weights to. There are some strong gym jams on this record, and I reckon it is going to become my most listened record of the year right next to the new Crocodiles record. Those are my solid top 2 records of the year. My mind will not be changed, or swayed. It’s already set. For me, my favourite song on the record is Bizzaro closely followed by Step On Me. I cannot wait to hear these two songs live in September. If you’ve seen MAQUINA live, you will know that their live shows are not to be fucked with. You feel like you’ve had the most intense work out of your life after you’ve been to their shows, and you find yourself unsure if life will ever make sense again. On stage and on record, that feeling remains. After you’ve played Body Transmission once, you go back to it over and over. There’s something in this record that leaves you wanting more, and you notice EVERY detail on it. When I tell you that this is one of the best produced records of the past few years- believe me. I don’t lie, and I know everything is down to taste- but this record is next level. But that’s MAQUINA all over.

Speaking about the record, the band have said: “We wanted it to feel heavy, focused, and relentless.” They have captured this effortlessly. It is a heavy record, and also really liberating. This is a record to play as loud as you can, wherever you can. If I went to a coffee shop at 8am and this record was blasting out, I would know I was about to have the best day ever. It’s a record that looks at music genre and says “NAH, NOT FOR ME!” It’s beyond any description. Sure, there are electro moments, there are heavy moments and there are more often than not- moments where you just have to move. All of this means that MAQUINA make music that appeals to everyone. They’re for everyone, and you really get that when you go to their shows. Sure, it’s a sweat fest, but it’s also the most liberating place you can imagine.

Body Transmission feels like a million frequencies going right through your body, and all you can do is give in to it. It’s a record that is made with care and must be heard with urgency. I challenge anyone to not fall in love with this band and this record. Everything they did with PRATA, they have done all over again with Body Transmission times a billion, and more. It’s a truly exceptional record.

The way that Halison can scream his lungs out and play the drums in this ferocious manner is just enthralling. João just RUINS the guitar on this record, and he does the same on stage. He’s incredible. The guitar is his weapon, and you can’t help but dig every note, every sound. Mendy again annihilates the bass on this record, and you feel it echo in your ears and starts to thump at your throat and before you know it- all these sounds crash around you, and you have a phenomenal record in your presence. It’s a masterpiece, and it’ll make you fall in love with music all over again.

If you’ve made it this far, and you want more- you can catch the band on tour over the summer and September. You’ve GOT to see them!

Body Transmission is out now via Fuzz Club Records.

CASUAL DRAG @ The Peer Hat, Manchester. 3rd July 2026

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After waiting years to finally see them and after writing about them loads, I got to see Casual Drag play possible THE hottest venue in Manchester- The Peer Hat. I’ve been to a fair few gigs there, and I don’t recall it ever being that hot. I think my eyeballs were sweating.

I also cannot hear out my right ear, so I’m assuming a good night was had!

As short as their set was, they played with all the passion and fury you would expect from a band as great as this. It was truly lovely to see so many people there to see them, and also bands from Scotland just play with slightly more bite.

What drew me to their sounds a few years ago is truly captured in their live shows. I knew it was going to be loud, but I didn’t expect to fully lose my hearing in my right ear (I’m going to see Bruise Control later so hopefully that’ll put everything back into place!) Man, they ripped right through their set last night. We got all the hits, all the jams! They played The Master, I Like It, The Talk, Out Of Sight and many more. They were just a joy to watch.

They played Johnny too which was INSANE! I think that may have been my favourite one, but it’s hard to choose with a band like this.

The energy they have is unreal, and I honestly have no idea how Matt (drummer) didn’t pass out. Richard’s vocals are as crisp as they are on record, and his guitar is a weapon you don’t want to cross. Dominic is effortlessly slick with the bass. And they just play in a way that makes you truly back them, and just love them more than you already do. The way all 3 of them play is just a delight to watch, and I’ve honestly not seen someone play the drums as intensely as Matt does. All 3 of them play as if their lives depend on it, and I guess when you’re in a band that make music as hard and as furious as this, you kind of have to. I’d say I’d watch this band play every night, but I doubt my ears would be grateful for damaging them. But hey, if you’re not a little damaged after a gig- have you had a nice time? Probably not!

I really love finally being able to see a band I’ve loved for son long play live, because everything you first loved about them just gets heightened in that moment. It doesn’t matter the size of the venue; it just matters that you finally get to experience it. I’d honestly urge anyone who gets the chance to see Casual Drag live to absolutely take it. Maybe wear some earplugs though or don’t stand so close to the front. Thinking about it, maybe this is my own fault….

What I love about their live show is that they sound exactly the same as they do on record. They’ve been doing this a while now, and they deserve way more than they get because they truly are something else live. It is an injustice that they aren’t massive, but it’ll happen. So many incredible bands have come from Glasgow, and Casual Drag are easily in the Top 5 for sure. Everything always seems louder when you witness it live, and that’s part of the charm. They have something to prove, and my god they did just that last night.

Casual Drag have that raw basement DIY Punk/Garage sound that does own my heart (and ears) and not only are bands like this vital for the scene in general, but they are so important to real grassroots venues like The Peer Hat. Live music is so important, and that importance was truly felt last night.

PINS @ Bootleg Social, Blackpool. 15th May 2026.

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I realised last night that after seeing PINS play a hell of a lot of times, I’ve never seen them play in our home city of Manchester. It’ll happen one day, and when it does it will be bloody beautiful. Instead, it was a trip last night to the seaside to see them play the Bootleg Social in Blackpool. This is a brilliant venue, and you can really tell it is such a vital part of Blackpool and it’s very easy to see why. You get a really community feel the second you step in, and you never want to leave. An incredible venue.

The band take to the stage at 9pm and start with Baby Bhangs. 10 years on, and it still feels like you’re hearing it for the first time. What I loved about this set is that we got a mix from every record. Baby Bhangs is the perfect way to open the set, and it sets the tone perfectly. Family of the band were in the crowd last night, and of course ended up on stage for Girls Like Us. Faith tried to get us up there, but I was way too shy. We compromised by me holding her mic until she got back onto the stage. I could have had my real moment there to belt out a number but 1- I cannot sing and 2- I cannot sing. When Faith said back to the band, “They don’t want to come up!” Lois replied with the wonderful, “We’ll take it to them!” And oh boy they did! I’ve seen PINS play many times with different members, but I can honestly say that this lineup of PINS is an absolute dream to watch. They play so well together, and you can really really feel the love on the stage, and it fall perfectly into the laps of the crowd.

I think I’ve said it every single time I’ve written about their shows, but you will not find anyone love being on stage as much as Lois. The way she bounces around on the stage and sings every word into the crowd even when it isn’t her part is adorable, and I think that is one of the many reasons as to why this band are so easy to love and quite clearly  go see every show you can wherever you can! I’ll be holding out for a Manchester show for now!

The setlist was a slice of heaven and then some! For me, it was the surprise of hearing All Hail live. I didn’t expect it to make an appearance and to finally see it live was insane! Trouble is ALWAYS a dream to see live as is Too Little, Too Late- which I think I may have hurt my throating singing along to! Dazed By You will ALWAYS own a piece of my heart, and getting to sing along to this with the person I love the most stood next to me meant a lot. It’s the most perfect, dreamy song.

On the drive home, I said it should be a crime how underrated and how underappreciated PINS are. They are one of the best bands to not only have come from Manchester, but in general. I just absolutely adore them. They’re one of those bands that you don’t get tired of listening to or seeing live. There’s a handful of bands I love that I would happily see play live every night, and PINS are easily in that list. Top 3 for sure! There’s something really special about seeing a band play who you can tell love each other and being on stage together, it’s truly inspiring stuff. I’ve probably said it before, but I really hope some young kid sees PINS play or hears their music and is inspired to make their own noise too. They have that about them, and that is something to be treasured.

Every song on the setlist deserved its place from Serve The Rich to Young Girls to If Only. I will say that If Only is a song that over time, I’ve felt more connected to. The lyrics are so pure and hit you right in the heart. Much like the delicate Got It Bad. The love in the songs and the observations are another reason as to why PINS will always own a piece of my heart. I just love them, and I am so happy that they are still out there touring. They deserve to sell out every venue they play and are a band that you’ve just GOT to see live.

I was in my own world last night as I watched them play. Nothing mattered outside of that room, and that’s how live music should be. PINS play with this effortlessly slick and cool energy, and even though I’m older than them- when I grow up, I want to be as cool as PINS.

CROTEAU: Silent Sound.

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What do YOU know about the Isle of Man? Let’s be honest, not a lot. Not a lot happens there. Not a lot to do, nowhere to go. I grew up there, and I have a love/hate relationship with the place. There are some stunning beaches there but if you want to feel shit, then walk round Douglas town centre. HOWEVER, I will say that there have been and there are some brilliant bands that have come from the little rock in the middle of the Irish Sea, and I am SO happy to write about the debut record from the best band around from there- Croteau.

Croteau have been around for a few years and fun fact, and also a way to make me feel old- I went to high school with guitarist Ali’s mum. Croteau are everything you could want from a local band who are evidently going places. Their sound is pretty much unlike anything else around, and it’s that rage and level of ferociousness in their sound that makes them so appealing.

What I’ve really loved seeing the lead up to the release was the band sharing music and books that have inspired the record. A lot of it includes books and bands I was listening to from like 14/15 and still do. Knowing that writers like Camus, Bukowski, Burroughs and of course the greatest- Ginsberg are being shown to younger generations still gives me a lot of hope. Punk ain’t dead- it’s everywhere. Some bands that inspired the record are New York Dolls, TJAMC, Fugazi, The Stooges- come on now! You can hear it right in the record, and it is so fucking cool. I always thought my uncle was the coolest person on the Isle of Man and was in the best band from there (The 13th Pillar closely followed by The Bastinados with THEE coolest of ‘em all, Raz) but Croteau are definitely up there. They’re the best new band from the IOM for sure and absolutely the loudest. I really hope some UK promoters get hold of them and get them over to the UK because there are so many venues that their sound could beautifully destroy. YES Basement or The Castle in Manchester would be ideal for them. Alright, so praise aside for everything they do. I need to go into the record. Buckle up.

13 songs. 13 perfectly crafted Punk anthems. These are the songs that some kid in Year 7 or 8 on the Isle of Man is listening to as they walk the corridors waiting for the day to end because the walls at school trap you. I say this as someone who had the worst time in high school. Music was my escape. Some kid trying to find their way is going to be listening to this record as they go about their day and it’s going to grip ‘em, and by Year 9 they will have found their people and started their own band. It may not be this year; it could be in a few years. But they will find this record when the time is right for them, and they’ll have their mind blown and eardrums ripped wide open and ruined in the best way possible.

Every song needs to be played loud and maybe go louder than you think with this one. I absolutely love the song Mandy- it’s one I keep going back to, and what I love about this record is that I feel like I’m finding bands like the Ramones or The Stooges or MC5 for the first time, and I’m being sucked into this world where anything is possible but I’m also angry at how fucked the world is. Every song is an anthem just crying out to be screamed back at the band. Fragile Piece? Genius. Loaded Gun? Work of art. Manic? 34 seconds of angst-ridden BLISS. The whole record oozes rage in all the right forms, and the want for change but also knowing the world is corrupt. There are no tender moments here. There is nothing but beautiful loudness and urgency.

Play this record loud enough to disturb your neighbours, and your neighbour’s neighbour and beyond. Throw your body around to Get Nowhere. Get those frustrations out. They’re the most dangerous band on the Isle of Man, don’t you know! This is the kind of danger we need. That bite and that passion in the music.

If this is how they sound on their debut record, then there’s no telling what their future holds. They’ve got IT man. Whatever you want a band to have, Croteau have got IT.

The kids are gonna be alright. It’s adults that are the problem.

CROCODILES: Greetings From Hell.

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Tomorrow my buddies and also one of my all time favourite bands release their 9th record (that’s if we don’t count the three Shitty Times records.) What can they do on record number 9 that they haven’t already done?!

Well, EVERYTHING. What I love about Crocs is that even though they have a distinctive sound (it’s in Brandon’s voice, and it’s in Charlie and Brandon’s guitar style- always) but they also manage to give you something you’ve not heard before. I remember finding their music in 2008/9, and I hadn’t heard anything like it before. That feeling is there with every record they put out and they’ve truly excelled once again on Greetings From Hell. The title for the record makes me think of The Cramps, who are according to me and those with good taste, are one of the best bands of all time. I’m only two songs in but I can tell you this is my record of the year.

Let’s Be Strangers is going to be up there as one of my favourite songs of the years. It’s a got a fuck you/fuck off feel to it, I’m always down with that. There are so many things to adore about this record, and to make you truly fall all the way back in love with Crocodiles all over again. It’s only been 3 years since their last record, and in that time they’ve both continued to work on their equally great side projects (Crush of Souls and Psychic Pigs- both are different from each other, and just phenomenal.) I do have some fear inside that they’ll stop making records as Crocodiles one day, but I hope that day comes when Charlie and Brandon are like 90 years old, and need a rest. Let’s not think about it, ha! So back to the record.

I Dream Of Genet is a billion percent a title of a song that Patti Smith would love, right? It’s a real catchy number and I hope they do this on tour because it will be a joy to witness. That’s one of the things I truly love about Crocodiles- it’s their live shows. I saw them last year in Newcastle, and I can honestly say that out of the 20+ times I’ve seen them- THAT was their best show for me. There was something about the venue, the company, the setlist and everything in between- it was just an honour to be in that crowd that night. I obviously feel a huge sense of pride when I listen to Crocodiles, and that feeling is very much there for this record. Every record is them at their very best, and this is truly one of the best things they’ve ever done. I know my opinion is hugely biased but, in this case, I know I’m right.

Brandon and Charlie met nearly 30 years ago in San Diego at an antifascist gathering (always on the right side of history these two, and will ALWAYS speak up for what’s right) and you can really hear their bond on this record. They may live on opposite sides of the world (Paris and Los Angeles) but that doesn’t stop them from making the most perfect record every single time. I guess distance does make the heart grow fonder. The 10 songs on this record are a prime example of why Crocs are the best at what they do. If you’re someone who has never listened to them (firstly, where have you been?! My own mother loves this band!) Greetings From Hell is a great starting point and work your way backwards. There’s something really special about their music, and every record for me, is right there when I need it. Music is that best friend that’s always there with no condition or expectation. That’s why I really love this band- they’ve been there through the good and bad, and I couldn’t imagine a world without their sounds!

Every single song on this record has been crafted in the most delightful way you could imagine. Listening to a new Crocs record is like going home, or having your favourite meal or drink, or hanging with your favourite person and/or cat. It’s familiar and it feels like home. For me, the band are home. The ultimate safe space. The ultimate band. The record is Crocodiles at their very best and songs like Whips and Chains are MADE to be heard live. The record picks up from where Upside Down In Heaven left off, and that’s something I love about Crocodiles. Every record picks up from where the previous left off, but always ALWAYS gives you something new and a reason to keep on fallin’ back in love with them.

I don’t normally do this, but I want to dedicate what I’ve written to a very special and cool person who we sadly lost this week- Gregg Foreman. Gregg was such an important person to music and to those who love music. From his work with the Delta 72 to Cat Power to Gossip to L.A. Witch and to Crocodiles. Not forgetting Lydia Lunch too. There’s many, many more he worked with. Everyone loved him, and now- everyone will miss him. So much about Gregg reminds me of Raz, and that’s why this loss hits harder than it may have done. Every day Gregg would post his gratitude list on Instagram, and I’d look forward to it every day because you knew he meant every word and the world around him meant so much. I hope wherever he is now, he knows how loved he is and is at peace. And I hope he’s up there creating the best band in the world with Johnny Thunders, Rowland S. Howard and Lux. Imagine the noise. Forever our Moth.

Greetings From Hell by Crocodiles is out tomorrow via Invisible Hits, and like their last record is produced by the excellent Jonah Falco.

You can order the record here: https://crocodilesband.bandcamp.com/album/greetings-from-hell

Play the record loud. Hug your mates. Go see Crocodiles live.