Tag Archives: New Music

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.

MAQUINA.

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Okay, so by now you’ve probably got hip to MAQUINA and are aware of how great they are. I’ve loved them for about a year, but I am very unreliable with my writing so I’m choosing right now to write about why they are probably one of the most exciting bands around.

If you love your music dark but also gives you space to dance or just move your body around in the most freeing manner- then you are going to feel right at home with Lisbon’s finest, MAQUINA. There’s 3 of them in the band, and their sound makes it feel like there’s an orchestra of them. Symphony of a genre of music that goes beyond a name. How they make you feel transcends any description. They make you feel like you do anything- even something like running right through a wall or trying to save the world. They make you feel like you can do the impossible. Is it like a religious experience? Sure. Is it like an out of body experience? Hell yes. HELL YES. I’ve listened to a lot of music in my time, and I’ve written about bands I love a lot. My aim is to always find something that makes me feel like I am listening to Psychocandy or Seventeen Seconds for the very first time. If I get that feeling, I’m home. I am fully there. MAQUINA go beyond that- they’ve conveyed everything I love about music. There’s this brutal feel to it. It’s like The Vacant Lots meets Depeche Mode with Psychic TV coming in for the kill. It is pure heaven, and I wish I had some musical talent because this is the kind of noise I’d want to make.

Most of their songs last just under the 10 minute mark, and I’ve been listening to them a lot whilst at the gym. Turns out this kind of music will make you lift HEAVY. I feel like, their sound would work in a 70s New York police film, where the streets are dirty and the cops are corrupt. Like you’ve properly stepped into a world you have zero business being part of. There’s an eeriness to their sound and an addictive energy that just consumes you with every listen.

Of course I am besotted with the anthem that is Body Control, but I have to tell you one of the best things they’ve released HAS to be Dirty Tracks For Clubbing. 4 songs, just under an hour. 4 songs built on this exceptional passion, rage, fury, and lyrics that are screamed in the most euphoric way. You feel like you’re on the run, but no one can keep up with you. You won’t let them. It’s like running free down a highway far from home in the dark. The car lights blind you, but you avoid being thrown about. How so? Because MAQUINA’s sound makes you feel like nothing can touch you. In decades to come, we’ll be writing about the impact this band have had; I can already feel the impact they will have on young bands starting and trying to find their way.

Normally, I’d review a record and tell you why it needs your attention but with MAQUINA, all I can do is tell you how sensational they are. Is every song a masterpiece? A billion percent and more. Every song has purpose, and every song needs to be played loud. Sure, they deserve to play stadiums, but they are made for those sweaty small venues where you can feel every hit of the drum rip through your eardrums, and your skull starts to shake. That’s how big and how powerful their sound is.

MAQUINA don’t make music for people who value their hearing or want music played softly. Oh no! They make it for those of us who want the loud, we want the distortion, we want that fury. We want it to make it way through our eardrums, deep into our skull and swirl around our bodies, and for nothing to ever feel the same again. Bands like this do not come around often. Bands like this will, however, last a lifetime. Their influence will be felt for a long time. The three of them make the perfect soundtrack to life in general. There’s no bad time to listen to this band- so if you’ve never heard them before, do it right now.

MAQUINA (meaning machine in Portuguese) make music that deserves to be heard, to be treasured and to be seen live. Their sound is like worlds clashing and creating something truly beautiful. There’s a delicious lo-fi sound that is so chaotic, you can just tell they love making music together and do what they want. There’s nothing more musically inspiring than that.

CLUB LEX.

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So, if I was to pin down my dream sound in a band it would be something along the lines of the smoothness of Sade, the energy and style of The Cramps and The Gun Club, the slickness of Ritchie Valens, the essence of the Ramones and the delightful strangeness of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. Put that altogether and you’d have my ideal sound. I’ve found it in many bands I’ve written about (or not yet written about) and in bands I absolutely adore. In everything, I look for the same feeling I got when I heard Seventeen Seconds record by The Cure and Psychocandy by The Jesus And Mary Chain.

I only heard of Club Lex a couple of days ago where I saw they were playing a show with Divorce Finance (insane band!) and wanted to check them out. I am SO glad I did because I THINK I have found my new favourite band. The capture everything I love about music, everything I’d want my dream band to sound like. They are just perfect. I think the drummer is the lead singer so that’s another cool thing about them! They absolutely do sound a bit like The Cramps which is always a good thing. They have a sound that resembles the A Date With Elvis, which is fine by me! It’s up there as one of my favourite records. Club Lex have (I think) one release out, and it’s an EP from last year called Welcome To The Club.

Welcome To The Club is a perfect introduction to the band, and these 5 songs were made to fry your brain and hypnotise your mind and body. These 5 songs are bloody powerful, and they do make you feel like you urgently need more. We all have to be patient here. It’s such a strong record, and the whole thing feels like it could be the soundtrack to a really twisted film. Shirley definitely feels like it could be on the soundtrack to a questionable and creepy film. The best songs give off that feeling and Club Lex do it so, so well. Although they are a relatively new band, their sound does make you feel as if you’ve experienced this before. You feel like maybe in a past life, you heard this band. Bands like that are so special, and I really cannot wait to hear more from them.

Their music is like a glorious whirlwind. Like you’re in an old Western film and you’re trying to escape far far away from your surroundings. Every song is delivered with such urgency and passion that you want injecting into your soul. I love what I’ve heard so far, and I really cannot wait to hear more and more from them. A sound like this is hard to perfect and to just nail. They’ve made it sound so easy and if they sound like this on record, then I’m pretty sure their live shows will be equally as impressive and intense.

So, if you’re looking for something to throw you back and forth in time. Something that makes you feel like you’ve ended up somewhere you shouldn’t have or you just want something so beautifully weird to adore and listen to- then Club Lex are the band for you. I know nothing about this band and there’s nothing about them online, which is absolutely fine! It just means you’ll always be seeking this band out, waiting for them to appear in a town near you. And when they do, you must simply go see them because they are truly something else. I could write thousands of words on this band and why their sound just speaks to me, but the music does all the talkin’ here. I’m hooked; I’m all in.

They have this sound that I cannot quite describe but I know it’s just got that something I always look for in music. They’ll terrify you; they’ll make you buy whatever it is they are selling and you will thank them for it. Honestly, one of the most exciting bands we will hear all year. I’ve fallen in love. I am HOME!

BRUISE CONTROL: Bruise Control EP.

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The best band from Manchester are BACK with a bloody delightful EP and let me tell you- it will make your day brighter, louder, and so much better. Last night I had a nice, gentle, and delicate time at NoSo’s incredible show and now it’s time for some balance. That delicious grit. That decadent loudness and effortlessly slick sounds of Bruise Control. Something to add some spice to my Friday afternoon. And also, will be my soundtrack to the gym later on. Even though right now, I’d LOVE to go have nap for 12 hours.

This EP is 6 songs and 16 minutes long. This weekend they are celebrating the release by doing some special shows in Leeds, Liverpool, and Manchester. I’ll be at 2 out of 3 of them, and I cannot wait. By Tuesday, I will be a shell of a person and probably unable to hear yet again. Last time I saw the Bruisers, I was stood RIGHT by the speaker and couldn’t hear properly until the following afternoon. Cannot wait!

Alright, so the EP is clearly a work of art. It’s brilliant and perfectly sums up why the Bruisers are the best around. The best at what they do. Nothing and no one comes remotely close to this band, and I just bloody love them. I feel that everything I could possibly write about this band has been done and I’d just be repeating myself but, sometimes you need to repeat yourself in order to be heard! So, for the (let’s exaggerate) MILLIONITH time, Bruise Control are excellent. They really are. That’s all there is to it to be honest. I just adore this band and all they stand for. I just love that you can tell how much they love what they do and how much they love each other. If you’ve ever been to a Bruise Control show, you will know how rowdy it can get but also how silly and full of love it is. It’s a beautiful environment to be in. Yeah, sure people are sweaty and slamming their bodies into each other, but it’s done with love and respect. Someone falls down, you pick ‘em up. Don’t be a dick.

The self-titled EP is a great into for those who may have never listened to the band before but it’s also a reminder for us obsessives that this band aren’t messing around. Bands like this are rare. They genuinely love what they do, and you truly sense that on this EP. The band sound so strong on this record, and that’s right from the jump on the opener Be Like You. That yell from Jim lets you know you are home. You’re right where you need to be. You’re listening to the band you should be listening to. Every single song has this beautiful snarl to it. My cat is currently sat next to me as I play the EP loud for the god knows how many times today. She’s not fussed. Little Mary is a Bruiser too! Be Like You is a solid way to start the record, and from there on in you are body slammed into some insane anthems. Left Behind will RIP live. There’s no way that anyone can stand still for this one!

On the EP are also the hits Spinners Mill and Gone To Ground (this live is unreal!) and these are moments again where the Bruisers truly shine. That’s all they ever do. Every song feels like you’re being thrown about and smacked upside the head, and you’re anything but angry about it. It’s like they are waking you up and making sure you truly feel alive. The EP was also co-produced by the band’s guitarist, Niall which makes it extra special.

In 16 minutes, they give you 6 very good reasons as to why they are the best band around. The EP is fast, loud, raw, and unapologetically in your face. Everything a solid record should be. It’ll wake you up for sure and it’ll make you feel alive. It’s the kind of record you stick on repeat and shout every single word to. They’ve outdone themselves once again, and it’s just further proof that these Bruisers get better every single time. The future is theirs to grab and do whatever they want to it. What a bloody band!

What I love about the band is their way to get across the pains of daily life. Those frustrations that are caused by corrupt scumbags in power, who are painfully out of touch with the world around them. Thank god we have bands like Bruise Control. Put them in power!

The band are doing some in-store shows this weekend and also headed out on a bigger tour. All dates can be found here: UPCOMING GIGS | Bruise Control – Punk/Garage/Indie from Manchester.

Go see ‘em and go have your mind fully blown (as well as your eardrums.)

VIVA BRUISE CONTROL! Free Palestine. Protect the Trans community. Be fucking nice to each other.

WHTVRMNS.

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Writing about bands who have only a couple of songs out can be tough but, BUT when they sound this good- it’s pretty easy to write about how great they are.

I’m on a serious gig comedown from seeing Deftones in Glasgow last week. My heart belongs to Glasgow. I don’t think I’ve ever fallen so in love so fast with a city before. Anyway, pining for a city out of the way- I need to write about a really cool and exciting band called WHTVRMNS. There’s only a couple of songs available online for you to fall helplessly in love with. They’re supporting WAVVES in Manchester tomorrow night, and honestly, there’s no better band to support them.

The two songs they have up on Spotify (yes, I know Spotify is bad) are killer. They’re the perfect introduction to the band and they make you feel like you’ve stepped back and forth in time. There’s no way you can pin a label on this band, and something tells me that their live shows will be just as ethereal as sitting listening to their gorgeous sounds through headphones. I’ve struggled to want to write about music for a little while, but when you find bands like this- something clicks.

Whatever Remains and Silence (Calling Your Name) are the two songs they currently have online, and whatever they grace us with next will also be a treat for the ears. Whatever Remains reminds me slightly of WAVVES which I guess makes them a solid choice for support but that aside, it’s a heavy anthem to blast as loud as you possibly can. I think the band are from Manchester which is probably why they are so good! The North know how to do it. They make the kind of music that makes you feel like you can close the world off for a bit and fall into your own mind and thoughts, then you come up for air, and all is okay again. That’s what I get from Whatever Remains, and I really cannot wait to hear more from them. You know instantly when you’ve found something to truly treasure, and I got that instantly from WHTVRMNS. Silence (Calling Your Name) has this early 90s Grunge feel to it, but not in a way that others have tried to copy. This feels different, and it sounds right. You can’t help but play it loudly, and on repeat. This band are doing something truly special here and if they can do it with just two songs then there is no telling what is next for them. A real joy to listen to.

There’s a lot to love and adore about this band, and I love the heaviness in their sound. I really cannot wait to see them tomorrow night. Always go for the support bands. Always, always make time for them because you may just find your new favourite band.

This won’t be the last time I write about the band for sure. I really cannot wait to hear more from them.

KÜKEN : PALERMO EP.

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Part of me was wanting to sort of stop writing about music for a little while, but a couple of days ago a band I am utterly obsessed with released an EP. Now, whenever KÜKEN release anything, I HAVE to write about it, and this EP is definitely worth writing about.

The new EP, Palermo is around 6 minutes long and in those 6 minutes you can absolutely hear why KÜKEN are one of the best around. It was a lovely surprise on Wednesday to get a notification that a new EP had been released and I’m still holding out for a UK tour. Maybe I should start playing the lottery so I can fund my favourite bands to tour! Anyway, enough of the dreamin.’  This EP is wild and it’s a beautiful way to start 2026. Let’s hope it’s better than 2025 because last year as fucking awful.

The 4 songs on the EP are perfect for those who have yet to listen to the genius and wonder that is KÜKEN, and for those of us who are already obsessed with them- well, it’s just bloody great to have the best band from Germany back. The title track smacks you right in the face, and my god it feels GOOD. For me, KÜKEN are a band I just need to see live because not only does their music mean everything to me, but I just also adore the energy their music has. They just have this way of making you feel like you’re watching them record these songs for the first time and it’s just you and them. But you know that their live shows are probably the wildest you’ll ever see. I can only liken that a KÜKEN show is probably like a Bruise Control show. Carnage and a joy to witness.

I’ve played the EP countless of times since Wednesday and although it’s around 6 minutes, having it on repeat is good for the soul and ears. For me, it’s all about Grass Green. This could be up there as being one of my favourite songs by them. The whole record makes you feel like you’re on a road trip with the band. Neither of you know where you’re going or how long it’ll take to get there, but who cares! That element of freedom in their sound is what’s addictive. They have such a distinctive sound and it’s so obvious on this EP, and their sound is one to constantly fall in love with. Split Mind is the band at their loudest and makes you feel like you’re riding a motorbike exceptionally fast (but safe) without a care in the world.

The EP ends with the sensational Ocean Breeze; I love how the EP feels like a holiday with the band. Palermo is the start of the trip, Grass Green and Split Mind are the events in the middle of the trip and Ocean Breeze concludes the getaway. In just 6 minutes, KÜKEN have created a beast of an EP and one I will be having on repeat for some time- they’re a band I always listen to, and sometimes when I want to get that love for music and to write about it, they massively help. If the EP is an indication to a possible new full-length album, then it will definitely make this year truly special.

Some bands right from the jump become a massive part of your life and record collection, and KÜKEN are easily one of those bands. The Palmero EP is the band at their very best and of course, at their loudest. Play it loud, constantly.

Palermo is out now via Alien Snatch! Records.

GIRLTEETH: Paper Hearts.

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This is going to be short because I’m pretty much typing with one hand. I sliced my finger right open yesterday when cutting a bagel open, and you know- it could have been a day off work if I put more effort into my injury!

Manchester is home to some incredible bands; we already know the bands from the past but let’s stop looking back for a bit and focus on new bands such as GIRLTEETH. I think there are 4 of them in the band (obviously member amount isn’t important) and they are all exceptional musicians. They only have one song out at the moment, but it’s this one song that will demand your time and ears. It’s meant to be played loud, and to probably annoy your neighbours if you want.

Paper Hearts is delicate and heavy in all the right places (I sound like I’m describing myself) and has this beautiful euphoric build-up; it’s the kind of song you’d play walking home in the pissing rain after a really shit day. The only thing that would make the day better would be listening to music you love and going to sleep. So whilst awake, you should probably listen to GIRLTEETH. This is a dream introduction to what’s to come from them, and to basically become obsessed with them. It’s an actual crime to not love and adore them. I don’t make the rules. It’s truly a gorgeous song, and the perfect introduction to such a divine band. There’s a lot of longing and heartache in this song, but it’s done in a way that could probably break the happiest person around. You can tell they’ve put their all into this song, and that’s part of the reason why they are such a great band to listen to.

The band will be playing The Eagle Inn on the 10th December in Salford, and you can get tickets here: https://eagleinn.co.uk/event/earbleed-inn-vol-2-humongous-fungus-moss-valley-and-girlteeth/

They are also playing a huge gig at the Peer Hat on the 14th December as part of Just Do The Thing presents The Thing: a transfem-centred fundraiser for Trans Mutual Aid Manchester and Yulia Trot’s solidarity fund. The night will have some BIG names playing but if you’ve not got tickets, then you’ve probably missed out because I am fairly sure it is sold out!

Paper Hearts is the perfect introduction to GIRLTEETH and I cannot wait to hear more from Manchester’s finest new band!

BRUISE CONTROL: Gone To Ground.

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One of the best bands around have a new single out, and I’m going to give you some reasons or thoughts as to why it may just well be the best thing they’ve done….so far!

My love for Bruise Control runs deep. Their live shows are truly something else, and I think everyone needs to experience it at least three times in their life to really understand it. For me, seeing them support Amyl and The Sniffers a few years ago at the Albert Hall still remains one of my favourite shows of all time. Their set felt like it was THEIR headline show, and I reckon it’s only a matter of time before these beautiful punks sell out venues like that. Until then, just make the most of them playing small venues.

Their tour starts in a few days’ time, and if you’ve not got a ticket yet then time is running out. As are tickets. Act fast!

So, the new single Gone To Ground is a typical Bruise Control anthem. It’s loud, it’s honest and it will smack you right in the chops. It’s the band at their very best, but even if they were at their worst- they’d still be the best. I just absolutely love this band and what they stand for. They ooze acceptance, community and calling shit out when it’s wrong. They are easily one of this city’s best bands and they make you proud to live here. Alright so the song isn’t even at the 3 minute mark, but those few short minutes absolutely nail that glorious Bruise Control sound. It’s heavy, it’s in your face and it’s loud. They make the kind of music that needs to be seen live, and trust me, their live shows are just as rowdy as they are on record. Their sound comes alive at their shows, and it feels like you are watching caged animals finally run free- it’s just a joy to watch and be part of. As a band, you will never find a tighter sound and Gone To Ground totally encompasses just how solid they are as a band. The drums? Insane. The bass? Slick as you like. The guitar? Will deafen you. The vocals? Vital. Put it all together, and you’ve got Bruise Control at their VERY best. Obviously they just get better, but this shows that they cannot be stopped. Or tamed. I just really fucking love this band so much and I feel this is what we need right now. I cannot wait to see them at the end of the month. I just adore them. Inject this song right into my veins and eardrums thank you PLEASE.

Gone To Ground perfectly describes how crap the world has gotten; from politicians lying to flag shaggers trying to divide communities. It’s a shit place to be, but there are people out there who know it’s all wrong and have some hope it may get better. The world needs more love and compassion. Go to a Bruise Control, and you’ll feel all the love and compassion you could need at that moment. I mean you may accidentally lose a shoe or have beer thrown on you, but the sentiment is there!

We all know the world is fucked, but when we have bands like Bruise Control speaking out and letting it all out- you feel less alone and, in a way, you have a bit of reassurance that it may get it better. You need hope because what else do you have? Gone To Ground is one of their strongest songs they’ve released, and you just know it will RIP on this tour. They’re playing some solid venues on this tour, including one of my all time favourites (and underrated) venues here in Manchester- SOUP on the 31st.

Tickets are available here: http://www.bruisecontrol.co.uk

*Photo by: @neilworthington_musicphoto

NoSo: When Are You Leaving?

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Sometimes you hear a song, you find a band or singer and you immediately feel like you’ve found your version of home. You’ve found someone who says everything you wish you could and maybe that person is all you wish you were brave enough to be. You find this piece of music, and everything that had been missing is right there. Something clicks, and maybe you were absolutely fine all along. You just needed something like this to pull you through or to essentially, be a mirror. When I first started listening to NoSo a while ago, that’s exactly what happened. Then I saw them live, and my world got flipped and everything clicked. Those feelings have come back around this morning as I listen to the new record, and I absolutely could not love or be more proud of NoSo.

In 2023, NoSo’s debut record came out and it felt like my brain had been rewired. That same feeling happened a year later when I heard jasmine.4.t and it’s smacked me between the eyes again with When Are You Leaving? With just 10 songs, Baek Hwong has yet again created a masterpiece for the ears and heart. It’s a beautiful record, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect going into this. I didn’t know if something so perfect could be done again. I was silly to even have a fragment of doubt. There’s no second record curse or whatever here- far from it. Every single song on this record feels like home. There’s so much vulnerability in Baek’s songwriting, and it is so obvious on this record. They are a sensational songwriter, and it’s the way he truly gets to the core of every emotion possible and makes it beautiful. This record is a thing of beauty- even when touching on difficult themes. It’s everything you could want, and more. The way Baek writes about race, gender, the way the world is- it will break your heart because of the sheer honesty, but we need it. We need to hear it, and the way he does it is sheer poetry.

I’ve played this record about 3 times so far, and with every listen I am finding more and more things to love about Baek as an artist and as a writer. This record was entirely self-produced, and you can feel the grandness in it all. It’s such an open record and you feel there’s a lot of healing within the record. And I think the title alone shows the power in walking away from something or someone that is damaging. The relief you feel from walking away from something or someone that’s harming you can feel daunting but when it clicks, you know it’s the best thing you could have done. It’s also a record that feels like self-growth and becoming the person you knew you could be but still knowing there’s more to do.

Every single song on the record is just a work of art. I couldn’t pick a favourite at all and trust me I’ve been trying to work out which songs speaks to me the post, but I can’t do it. With the debut record, it was so easy. There’s a line on You’re No Man that got me in the gut, “And she’s gloating about being a gold star, you won’t break the spell.”  I don’t want to go into detail, but it absolutely got me. I think it perfectly sums up how Baek can write something so heartbreaking in a way no other could. There’s no one else who could write something so painful in such a careful way. It’s just beautiful. I love the urgency throughout Don’t Hurt Me, I’m Trying. It feels like it could be in a film or something- it’s got a speed chase feel to it.

For me, NoSo’s music is sacred and honestly if I could listen to his music without crying then I’d be fine, ha! The way he can just pull these feelings out in such an effortless manner leaves me in awe. It’s the way he just manages to portray such fragile feelings that make you feel like he’s writing about you or puts you in his position. It’s such a glorious record and it really does feel like the next step from Stay Proud Of Me. If you listen to NoSo’s debut first then go right into When Are You Leaving? you’ll hear the growth in the words, the music, the production and all in between. It is truly a perfect record, and it feels like home.

Baek has such a distinctive voice and it’s a voice that can soothe, and I think everything beautifully comes together on the last song on the record, Let It Die. And I think after playing the record on a loop for the past few hours- this could be my favourite on the record. It has such a big and euphoric feel to it. It feels like letting go, a massive sigh after the damage is done and relief takes over. It’s the perfect way to wrap up such a divine record.

I feel I may not have said enough about the record in the way I wanted, but maybe it’s because I feel the words so personally, I want to try not get too into it. All I know is that if I was a 13/14 year old queer kid listening to this record- I’d feel like it’s going to be okay. As queer adult, I think I’m still trying to find that reassurance, ha! That’s why artists like Baek are SO important and why his words and his experiences need to be told. The record defines survival, escaping and being okay. It isn’t an easy journey but it’s not one you always have to do alone.

When Are You Leaving? is a record to treasure and to love. It’s one of those records that you play for someone and say, “this is everything I cannot say just yet, but it’s all in here.” Like a diary entry I suppose, but deeper and with more care. The honesty and the way the songs just feel like home mean the world. I feel I’ve just made zero sense in all I’ve written so I’ll leave it here. In short, one of the best records of the year. Easily.

Thank you Baek for creating something so open and beautiful.

ANGEL FACE: Out In The Street.

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Last year I wrote about one of the best bands from Japan- Angel Face, and tomorrow sees the release of their new record, Out In The Street. The title fits this record. This is a record to play whilst wandering the streets, whilst doing a bunch of nothin’ in the streets. It’s a record to kill time to, and it’s a glorious Punk record that feels like something the Dead Boys could have churned out decades ago. It’s a fantastic record, and I have to tell you all about it!

Alright so what you need to know that there’s no second record curse here. This is a record that’s as tough as old leather and stands out, and stands up. I’ve started noticing more when I listen to new records if my friend Raz would have like it or not, and I’m pretty sure he would have been into Angel Face. I’m playing the record pretty loud, and my cat is happily sleeping through it and I always think that’s a pretty sure fire way of judging how great a record is. If she doesn’t like something, she finds a way to let me know. So, this record is Mary approved. Do you need to know anything else? Probably.

Something to really love about this record is how raw it is, y’know? You feel like you’re listening in on a band practicing and you feel you need to be quiet so you don’t disturb the atmosphere. It’ll make you want to jump around and throw things about. It’ll make you wish you could go to their shows and really feel what the band are about. I like bands that make you feel like their live shows could absolutely transform how you listen to them, and Angel Face do exactly that. Listening to the record and knowing they’ve been together a short amount of time, and have put out (nearly) 2 records is just so cool! Their sound is everything I’d want from a record- not just a Punk record. It’s got a real DIY feel to it, and these 10 songs were made to be played loud and this a band that know how to play one way and that’s FAST. Okay, maybe FAST and LOUD. Thankfully there are no sloppy, slow love songs here. Just unfiltered Punk- how it’s supposed to be.

In just 10 songs Angel Face let you know yet again who exactly they are. They’ve all played in some really great bands prior to what they do as Angel Face, and when you take that experience and make something new- you end up with a bloody mammoth of a record like this. Out In The Streets. For me, it’s the record you put on and do nothing to. Go out for a walk and waste your day however you want, but make sure this is your soundtrack. I standby everything I wrote about Angel Face last year, but you can happily increase my love for them for sure. This is great second record, and like I said, they’ve played in some amazing bands too, so I guess it’s expected that they’ll always put something brilliant out. I just love the snarly vocals and how it makes you feel like you’re listening to Punk for the very first time. You can just imagine how wild their live shows are!

Out In The Streets is a strong record, and irrespective of it being record number 2- hell, if it was record number 5 it’d still be this great! It firmly shows you exactly what Angel Face are made of, and just how effortlessly slick their sound is. It’s a record that you’ll have on repeat and in about 10 years’ time you’ll still be talking about how good it is! The Punk scene in Japan is clearly something that needs more attention, and we need to bring bands like Angel Face over to the UK to tour. There’s so many venues here that they could tear the roof off of. I just know that their shows would be something else! But, until that day happens- we’ve got the music.

For me, the best tracks are…well… all 10 of ‘em! But I think right now, Wastin’ Time is my favourite. It’s the one that totally nails the Angel Face sound fully and makes you want more and more. This is the one you need to play the loudest. It’s got a little Ramones kick to it, and it’s just a real joy to listen to. The production and the sound of the record is just a real delight- you can’t get enough of it!

The new record is out tomorrow (10th October) and is being released by Slovenly Records. Buy it and play it really, really loud.