Tag Archives: New Music

OH, THE GUILT: Darkest Days.

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Bristol is home to many bands. Many phenomenal bands from the likes of Idles to Emily Breeze. There is a scene there that has no boundaries, there is a scene there that we all want to be part of. It feels like a real family unit. You can really sense that everyone is backing each other, irrespective of the genre, there is so much love and respect there.

I’ve written about Oh, The Guilt before and I’m late to the party in writing about Darkest Days. It’s a 7 minute song that deserves to be at the top of any list you make (good ones only, don’t be a dick!) I have a weakness for songs that have intense build-ups and songs that last over 5 minutes. I love the euphoria that smacks you right in the gut, and my god Oh, The Guilt completely and utterly nail this. Everything about this song is the definition of perfect. Single parts come together and just create this utterly divine song. It’s not a song-it’s a blissed out symphony.

How can a song this vital yet precious come alive in the form of a music video? Quite easily. The video to this beautiful song is shot in such a captivating manner. It is so powerful, and do emotional. You find yourself listening to the song, then immediately going back to the video. Then back again to the audio; it’s a song you need to play through headphones to truly pick up on every detail in the song. The drums are phenomenal, they are definitely one of the best moments in music this year. You want to keep it on a loop, and just lose yourself in them. I liken the drums to Stella Mozgawa (Warpaint) on Warpaint’s debut record, The Fool. Everything about Oh, The Guilt reminds you of what you love about music and what makes you fall in love with certain songs, and specific parts in songs.

Elijah, Hannah and Chris have created something truly beautiful with this song. The way Hannah annihilates the drums, and each crash wonderfully echoes into Elijah’s guitar is so captivating. They all come together with this sound that is glued together with Chris’ bass. Each of the create moments in this song that make it a work of art in its most purest way. The video reinforces the sheer beauty in the song, and the video adds more vulnerability to it- which is just absolutely gorgeous.

I’m not going to go on and on like I normally do. I want you to just take some time out of your day, bin off Christmas for a bit and play this song. All 7 minutes and 46 seconds of it. Allow yourself to have this time, and just breathe. And just be. Be whatever the hell you want.

THE HONEY CULT.

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The Honey Cult are a duo that sound like there’s about 20 of them. This huge sound is brutal, it’s fuzzy and it’s insanely loud. They come from Maryland, which is home to two bands I love- Beach House and Void. Maryland doesn’t have a set scene, and the diversity within the exceptional music that has come from there has left plenty of room for bands like The Honey Cult.

Their first release came out earlier this year, and the day after my birthday they released a few more songs. Including a brilliant cover of Do You Wanna Dance, which makes you feel as if the song is theirs. That’s the power of a great cover, but there’s something you need to know about The Honey Cult- they’re spooky as hell. Their sound is like The Mummies, The Cramps and some off the wall Garage Rock sound- which is obviously why I love them so.

They make the kind of music you want to play stupidly loud, and to then press your ears right up against the speakers. Who cares if you go a bit deaf- if this is the last band you’ll ever hear, then so be it. I love how they make you feel like you’re in a straight to video horror film. Where the fake blood is obviously ketchup, you know the film. The songs wallop you right in that mush of yours. You want every song to consume everything you are, and you want to live deep inside of these songs. There’s this alluring decadence to these songs that just completely enamour you. I can’t get enough of this band, and it’s tough to wrap my head round the fact that they are a pretty new band. They sound like they’ve been doing this for decades.

The Honey Cult make machine gun sounding songs, songs that sound like a motorbike leaving a trail of dust behind as you ride off into the sunset. That machine gun sound coming from the guitar creates these jolts that work with how you move your body to these songs. These songs are incredible. They are fast, they are off the wall and they just leave you wanting more, and crave them to be louder. I think The Honey Cult are a band that are just going to get louder each time, and I just adore that about them. They make the kind of music that would have The Cramps and Captain Beefheart losing their minds over. They have something about them that just instantly makes you want to throw your limbs about, turn the volume up to an anti-social level and just lose yourself in these songs. The songs have so much soul to them, and the creepy atmosphere that they give off is nothing short of exceptional. The only band I can think of that they come close to in the UK is Table Scraps. They’ve both got this wild energy to their songs, and this energy just makes you want to go to all of their live shows, and be free of any daily responsibilities. If you love Table Scraps, then you’ll love The Honey Cult for sure.

I love the reverb in the vocals, and how the drums and guitars speed up in certain songs (Crimson Mask is the prime example) to keep up with each other, and they then create this pace that just keeps you on edge. I love the sheer excitement that they bring, and I love how they have this ability to just make you oblivious to where you are when you listen to them. They really make you lose yourself in the music, and for me that is such a powerful thing. It’s something that doesn’t hit us all too often, but when it does- you’ve got that band for life.

If you check their Facebook page, The Honey Cult don’t even have 100 likes yet. They are still in their baby pages, but don’t let that put you off- they are absolutely one of the best bands you’ll hear. For me, they are most definitely one of the best and most exciting bands I’ve listened to this year and I can’t wait to hear a hell of a lot more from them.

Play ’em loud!

MISS WORLD.

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If you’re looking for London’s most exciting band/singer- then all you’ve got to do is listen to Miss World. If you’re a fan of Coleen Green and anything that PNKSLM has ever released, then you’re going to develop an obsession with Miss World.

With just one listen, I can safely say that I am hooked, and a little bit in love. Her vocals and this insanely brilliant fuzzy sound is just super cool. From my time in London, I learnt to somehow just become fed up with what I was hearing to a degree. Now I’ve left, I just wish I could go back to see a Miss World show. But hey, maybe she’ll do something up here in Manchester soon.

Miss World is basically just Natalie Chahal. One person making a lot of noise. One person making beautiful lo-fi music that we’ve come to expect from bands on the West Coast. We’ve got our own now. Miss World makes you feel as if you’re wasting a day at the beach with a drink in hand as you watch the world. As I look outside on this grey murky day, Miss World make me feel like I am somewhere else. With the blistering heat on my back watching the world go by.

On her debut full length record, we are treated to such excellent songs. Call them Pop songs if you want. Call it lo-fi, whatever you want. One thing you do take from her music is that there is a huge DIY feel to her sound. You can imagine her creating these beautiful songs in her room or wherever she creates these songs, and the thought and care that flows through them is such a delight to listen to.

The songs are full of lust and longing- mainly towards someone you probably shouldn’t. She’s doing this on her own, and she just gives you this effortless lo-fi feel mixed with 60s Girl Groups. The fuzzy sound reminds me of the very, very first time I heard Dum Dum Girls and Best Coast. I love, love Radio All My Bitches. It has this rough sound that is just so wonderful, and it ends on “Is butter a carb?” (10 points if you get the reference!) then it launches right into Carb Yr Enthusiasm (which has the hilarious line, “I’m going gluten-free for the summer.”) There’s nothing more irritating than someone following a fad, and the sarcasm in this song is just pretty damn cool. You just want to play this super loud and scream a long. It’s definitely one of my favourite songs on the record- especially musically. It’s a real rough sound that I adore, and can’t get enough of.

Miss World has a sound that makes you feel like you’ve possibly heard it before, but she takes you somewhere. She makes you feel like you’ve gone back to the Clueless film then catapulted right into the belly of the future. There’s innocence in the songs, but there is also something else lurking. She’s an absolute joy to listen to, and  I am so excited to see what else she hits us with. I hope she takes over the world- I’m pretty sure that she will, and can.

There’s this teenage innocence and lust within the songs, which can still hit us in adulthood. She’s just an exceptional artist, and she’s so observant which is something I really love. I love how she takes daily life, and all it throws at us- then just creates something really stunning.

I love how Miss World has a distorted vocal which makes her vocals at times sound creepy and the like, but she offers us something that is just nothing short of exceptional. You’ve got songs like This Could Be Us But U Playin’ are just made to be played loud and made for you to project all your angst out onto.

The songs are gentle. They are nothing short of sheer joy to listen to. I can hear so many bands I love her in her music, and it’s just so brilliant to hear. I have no idea if she’s influenced by them and, I’m pretty sure in a few years her name is going to be mentioned right next to them all.

Listen to her. Play loud. REAL loud.

HEAVY LUNGS.

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There is probably no more exciting place in this country for music at the moment than Bristol. From Oh, The Guilt to Idles- it’s a place full of brutal and beautiful sounds.

Combining all things rowdy with all things beautiful, we have Heavy Lungs. I should have written about them months ago, but this is worth the wait- trust me.

Heavy Lungs go where others daren’t. Danny’s vocals are raspy, hypnotising and delivered with such force. The urgency in his tone marries up completely with everything else that goes on in the music. The guitar fuels him on. The bass backs up the groove. The drums reinforce the importance of everything that is going on. Danny has the voice of someone who HAS to be heard. Oliver and George egg each other on with who can be the loudest, and it’s nothing short of brilliant. James adds some calmness but don’t be fooled- Heavy Lungs are all about being loud, and are unapologetic about it.

They’ve recently announced a tour for next year. They’re playing up here in Manchester at The Castle. A venue that is sweaty and tiny. A place perfect for them, but they could EASILY sell out a way bigger venue- in time though, they will. That is obvious. Quite simply, they aren’t a band to be ignored. But how on earth could you ignore them. See, some may label them as Post Punk, but they’re just Post everything else. What you listened to before doesn’t even compare. They are just such an enjoyable and important band who leave you constantly wanting more. I’m so excited to see them next year, I have every feeling that their live show is going to be absolutely off the wall and most certainly something to remember. Remember when a lot of people declared they were at THAT Sex Pistols show but clearly weren’t? That’s what’ll happen with this tour, and I’m pretty damn sure that it’ll happen at the Manchester show. It’s so obvious.

The five songs on their EP, Abstract Thoughts are designed to burst your eardrums and make you feel something that no other band has, or will for that matter. They have this fiery rage within their songs that makes you want to break stuff but at the same time, change the fucking world. They are loud, and I can only hope that they get louder with each record. Hell, with each song would be the dream.

What I adore about Heavy Lungs is that they just make you want to catch one of their live shows immediately. You don’t care for where- you just want to be completely engulfed in this heavenly sound. 2019 is going to their year for sure. The tours, the new music we are going to be graced with- they are going to truly leave their mark on next year with their shit-kicking boots.

Heavy Lungs may only be young ruffians to most, but they have so much to offer us all and I cannot wait to see and hear what they do next, and beyond. Some bands just instantly make you feel like you’re listening to something truly special and something you must pay close attention to- it’s plain to see that Heavy Lungs do this.

Get a ticket to the tour next year, and say you were there- and mean it!

L.A. WITCH: Octubre

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Writing about L.A. Witch for me, is just as great as listening to them. If I ever made a list of my favourite bands of all time, they’d be in my Top 5. I love how they take every type of music I love, take every element of music I love and make something that blows my mind every single time. There isn’t a song by them that I am not obsessed with. Every single song is like sweet poetry to my ears. I just absolutely love them, and I love how they have grown. I first wrote about them in 2012 and I’ve seen them become the stars they deserve to be. When they played their first ever London show- I was there, and I knew it was a love I would have for life. Get this- they’ve supported The Kills AND The Distillers. How cool is that? I’m just so proud of them. Anyway, we’ve got a new EP from them and it’s incredible. Obviously.

These five songs are vintage and typical L.A. Witch. They don’t really play these songs live anymore, but the band have let us know that these five songs need to be put into the world. Something extra cool about the record- Gregg Foreman produced it. Gregg is one of the greatest musicians you’ll ever hear and see. Him working with the band is everything I could ever hope for. The EP is just a pleasure to listen to, and the heavy moments will have you moving in no time. It’s just the coolest EP you’ll ever hear.

Hearing the songs in a new setting is so great, and my god Sleep is one of those songs you cannot get enough of. Ellie has this style of drumming that throws you way back to the 60s Girl Group era, Irita has this slick bass style that sends you off into a trance. Then Sade comes in and smacks you upside the head with her guitar. Each of them are nothing short of brilliant. Let it be known that they are some of the best musicians you’ll ever listen to. If you’ve ever seen them live, then you’ll know just how insanely amazing they are. The way they craft these songs just leaves you in awe. I can’t pin point one thing in particular that I adore about them. Each of them have something that just makes you want to pick up and instrument, and make your own noise.

BB’s Momma is my favorite right now. I love Sade’s vocals on this, and how Ellie and Irita give us this aggression in their drums and bass. Then the keys kick in (is this Gregg playing? It sounds like it) and the keys just add something to this whirlwind, and Sade’s guitar encourages the madness towards the end of the song. The instrumental break just makes you lose your shit.

Heart of Darkness has always been a song I’ve adored, and to hear it in a new way is so beautiful. There is an extra dose of darkness added to these songs on the EP, and I think Heart of Darkness is the song that possess the most. I love the eeriness in Outro. No words are needed on this one; it feels like you’re wandering round a California wasteland with the hot and unforgiving Autumn sun beating on your skin, and the warm breeze directing sand into your hair and eyes. The sun blinds you, but the heat is on your bones. You can’t help but zone out when listening to this gorgeous instrumental song, but as soon as it is over- you start the EP up all over again.

With every single song I’ve heard by L.A. Witch, I can safely say each one just shows why I love them so much, and why I can’t get enough of their sound. There are a few bands that I always have this constant need to write about, listen to and buy all their music- L.A. Witch are definitely one of them.

If you’re looking for something to still give you the heebie jeebies, then listen to this EP. If like me, you’re an old fan- hearing the songs like this will just fill you will unfiltered joy. If you’ve never heard their music before, then be prepared- you’re in for a lifetime of love, respect and admiration.

Buy the record, go to their shows and let the music completely and utterly take you over.

Stay weird x

SANDY DISH.

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Writing about a band that have only two songs is going to be pretty tough going, but it seems like I like to do these things to myself, so here it goes. Apologies in advance if this piece is shit to read.

If you’re looking for a Punk band that sound like something Bikini Kill would have taken on tour with them- then Sandy Dish are the bad for you. They have this wonderful Riot Grrrl sound mixed with something else that clearly, goes beyond words. Their songs are loud, fast and really rowdy. Maybe you’ll smash some shit up when you listen to them, and that’s totally fine.

There’s five of them in the band, and all of them are exceptional at what they do. They aren’t afraid to be totally obnoxious and gnarly with their sound, and for me that’s a real refreshing thing to hear. I love how you can hear the sheer rawness in the demos, and how it feels like you’re watching them unleash these songs for the first time in their garage. They’re not working shit out, they know EXACTLY how they want to sound and they brutally execute this. They may have only two songs up on their bandcamp page, but I’ve played them enough times now to hear all these brilliant sounds, and how the vocals are wild. There is so much going on, but it isn’t overbearing. You just want more, and you want it louder.

Sandy Dish make songs that make you feel like you haven’t showered in days or changed your clothes in a while. They have this brilliant dirty sound. Obviously the thought of not having a shower every day or not being able to change my clothes makes me feel really uneasy, I can appreciate the filth that Sandy Dish fill you with. I think this is mostly apparent in the song, Full Cream Bitch, which lasts just under two minutes. In this short space of time, you feel like the band have got you in a choke-hold and are screaming the song right at you. Sometimes you just need a band that hit you with this, and Sandy Dish do this so perfectly. Loud just doesn’t feel loud enough. Sandy Dish are addictive, but by no means do you ever feel like you can get enough nor do you feel sick from indulging heavily in their music.

Rank Dank Skank is insanely great. I love everything about this one. I love how the drums and guitars feel like a smash in the face. I love how the bass sort of relaxes the song a bit, and adds this real slick sound. The vocals are brilliant. I love the yelling and it just shows how exceptional this band are. All five of them are ridiculously great, and just make you want to catch one of their shows immediately. If this is how Punk is going to sound from now on, then we are all in for a treat. In just two songs they have created something that just fills you with excitement and anticipation for what’s to come. I really, really cannot wait to hear from them. These two demos sound perfect, and I hope this is a sound they keep because I love the rugged sound, and that raw DIY feel that is so evident here.

With just two songs, Sandy Dish have blown my mind. I want more, but I can wait. It’ll be worth the wait. Most things are. However, the pizza I had delivered last night really wasn’t.

NADU.

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Here’s another LA based Garage Rock hero for you- Nadu.

Nadu is on record, just Nader Islam but the live shows has 3 of them. Can one person make a lot of noise on their own? Can one person do everything and make it perfect? Only a fool would say no! Nadu on record, is phenomenal. So let’s get into all the reasons why Nader Islam is a brilliant musician.

Most of the time, I find music by accident or clicking on something I should/shouldn’t have, or whatever. When a band reaches out, that’s something that still takes me aback. Anyway, Nader reached out to me and with one listen- I knew I had to write about his band. A band like this cannot be ignored. A band like this need to be played loud. So, for all you Garage Rock fans- get your lugholes round this!

At the moment, we just have one release up on his bandcamp page and it is enough to satisfy your noisy needs for now but of course, you’ll want more. And more. Then some more. You get my point. For me, I love being able to hear the sheer rawness in a song or record. I love something that sounds like maybe it isn’t quite done, but you know it’s incredible either way. I get that from Nadu. The songs have this real rugged sound, and you can really pick up on the Garage Rock feel. There is something really special about this, and knowing it is all done by one person makes it that bit more impressive. I don’t think I’ve ever used ‘impressive’ in my writing before, that doesn’t mean nothing has left me feeling that way before. Now was just the right time to use it.

I’ve mentioned it so many times, but LA has some brilliant musicians of all genres but the Garage Rock bands are something else. Nadu are a band that you definitely want to hear more from. You know that with everything you hear from them is just going to blow your mind, and irrespective of how loud you play the music- you’ll hear the insane reverb, the fuzziness in the vocals, the way the drums are so brutal and how everything just comes together so effortlessly, it’s just a pleasure to listen to.

The record is called Determination, and I can safely say that this fits the mood of the record completely. You can hear in every single song the sheer passion, dedication and effort that has gone into it. The songs have this brilliant energy within them, and it’s hard to believe that just one person has done this. Imagine what the live show must be like with more musicians!

I’m pretty sure that Nadu are one of LA’s most loved Garage bands, that’s pretty clear on what I’ve seen being said about them by their fans and the like. They have a sound that massively appeals to those who are sick of hearing the same ol’, same ol’.

With just seven songs, I can confidently say that Nadu are a band I hope to write more about. I can’t wait to hear what they do next, and with a record as strong as this as their debut- they are pretty much capable of anything, and everything.

If you’re lucky enough to live in LA, make sure you catch one (or all!) of their live shows. Stand right at the front, and go absolutely nuts to the songs.

VIVA NADU!

SAFETY PINS.

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Los Angeles is home to some of the best bands in the world. A lot of bands I am obsessed with come from this side of the world. Safety Pins, if you’re interested are only in double figures for ‘likes’ on their Facebook page. However, this is to do with music- it isn’t a popularity contest so just take my word for it that these guys are great.

If you ever wondered what Ritchie Valens would sound like if he was in a Punk band, then consider yourself lucky because Safety Pins are here to give you that experience. You’re welcome.

Their songs have this gorgeous high school sorrow- you know the kind. You could imagine hearing this band play as a form of protest against prom because the person they wanted to go with went with some idiot instead. You let go of that feeling as you get older, but Safety Pins really take you there and keep you right there with them. It’s really apparent in the song, Love.

Safety Pins have songs that are brutally fast and effortlessly cool. They’re the kind of band you’d want to be friends with. Lounge about in their garage as they practised these songs, and ate a ton of pizza between songs. They have this youthful sound that is found in say, Wavves perhaps. They don’t have that surfer feel in their music, which is totally fine by me. I just love how Safety Pins don’t sound like a new band. They sound like they’ve been doing this for decades. They take everything I love about music, and everything that draws me to Los Angeles based bands it seems. They give you that constant summer mood, but also have this beautiful melancholy within the sound. For me, they are perfect.

I’m all for finding Punk bands that make you want to play their music loud enough to piss off your neighbours. Safety Pins are a pleasure to listen to insanely loud. I love how you can really hear that addictive fuzziness in the guitar, and how the reverb trickles throughout the vocals. This is pretty great on the song, Bad Brains. Which for now, I’m calling it as my favourite. It’s a condensed version of everything I love about music. The vocals are layered in this brilliant way that adds something quite haunting to it. It sounds like it should be in some straight to DVD horror film. Maybe play it at a Halloween party, if you dare.

Safety Pins aren’t a band that fall into any genre. They aren’t a band that you can easily compare to anyone else. That’s what makes them really enjoyable to listen to. I have no idea what their live shows are like, but I reckon they are a band that in time are definitely going to be making a hell of a lot of noise beyond their local town- if they aren’t already.

As I mentioned earlier, they have this summer feel to their music but there it also this sadness that is some of the songs. The vocals have this sense of sorrow and longing, but not in a “get over it” kind of way. It is done in such a tender and cautious way, and that’s just part of the appeal for me. I love how they are unafraid to show vulnerability in their songs but also be really, really loud when they want to be. Which thankfully, is often.

They may only be a small band right now, but they most certainly have the makings of being everyone’s favourite band. They’re definitely one of my favourite new bands of the year for sure.

This band are coming for you.

TEENAGE BURRITOS

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I am hugely late on writing about Teenage Burritos, but now is the right time.

Teenage Burritos, aside from having a great name, make the kind of music that I just adore. They sound like The Shangri-Las with instruments. They are just one of the most exciting bands who make this style of music, and anything that resembles 60s Girl Groups is totally fine with me. They are one of the best bands I’ve heard from the West Coast in a while, and I wish I wrote about them sooner than this. I’ve missed out way too much.

The band make songs that make the cold days warmer, and if you’ve never had your heart ripped out before- they’ll make you feel like you have, because hey- no one likes to be left out. Teenage Burritos make songs for you to play super loud in your bedroom and just yell the words back at your speakers. They’ll make you want to throw your limbs about in whatever way you wish. They’ll make you feel as if some of the songs were written for you. I love that they sound like the Ramones mixed with Best Coast and The Crystals. Basically, my ideal sound.

Earlier this year they released their debut full length record, Something To Cry About and for me the fact they have covered Black Flag just makes me love them way more than I did before. I’ll touch on this cover in a bit, I just need to rant a bit on how their songs are just the coolest first! They make the songs that make you want to just waste your days away, staring into nothing and listening to these gorgeous songs on repeat. I love the heartbreak in some of the songs. I love how they make sorrow sound like a beautiful thing, and something to not shy away from. There is longing in some of their songs (Woman is a good example of this, and is definitely one of their best songs so far.) I just love how they create this haunting yet relaxed sound. They make you feel like they have made these songs for you. I’d love to see their show, I’m pretty sure it’d just be an ethereal experience from start to finish.

If you want to call Teenage Burritos a Garage Rock band, then go ahead- be my guest. But it is worth noting that they have so much more going on for them. They don’t need a genre to define them. At times their vocals remind me of Bikini Kill (Tambourine Girls is the song that nails this totally!) and they then flip this, and just hit you with utterly soothing songs. They are just a perfect band, and a perfect example of what I look for in music.

Teenage Burritos cover Paralyzed by Black Flag. How does it sound? Fucking insane! It’s obviously a great cover, and they make it theirs. They don’t make you feel as if you’re listening to a cover. I feel like I’ve gone back to the 90s in the midst of the Riot Grrrl movement, and it just sounds so good. I love how they mess with your head on this record. One song will be gentle, and all of a sudden they just hit you with this incredible aggression and beautifully brutal sound. If you play this record loud, and you have no idea which songs will go which way- it heightens the whole experience, and it’s just brilliant.

Teenage Burritos make music that you just get lost in. There are moments for you to probably cry, moments for you to scream, dance, wallow and all that’s in between. They are such a carefree band, and the music they make just makes you feel pretty damn good. Some of the songs are taken from a previous EP, and all they have done with these songs is make them tougher and even better to listen to.

Again, this is a band that I am happy to be obsessed with and constantly listen to. Their songs have so much emotion and beauty in them. As musicians, they are just nothing short of phenomenal. Absolutely a band I would love to see live.

Listen to Teenage Burritos. Listen to them loud, and move your body in whatever way you wish. It doesn’t have to be in time, just so long as you feel free.

 

FLESH RAG: Inside Your Mind.

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About a year and a bit ago, I was in All Ages record store in Camden, and this song was blasting out of the speakers. I already had a record in my hands that I was going to buy, but after hearing this song (and limited money) I put the record down, and bought the first Flesh Rag record. Since then, I’ve been hooked. More than hooked. You can call it obsessed.

Writing about Inside Your Mind is going to be an enjoyable experience. Flesh Rag are essentially, a Punk band but there’s way more to them than being a genre. They have that raw, snarly feel that the Dead Boys had. When their songs are really obnoxious, that’s when you play them a bit louder – In Another Dimension is a prime example of that. Flesh Rag are a band that can only be played loud. If you even try to listen to them quietly, the dial magically turns itself up.

I love how Matt’s vocals remind me of Stiv Bators and Captain Beefheart. He’s got a real distinctive sound, and on this record you notice it more. Just One Kiss is definitely peak Dead Boys reference, and as someone who is a huge fan of Dead Boys- I feel Flesh Rag pick up where Punk left off. This is their first full length record, and if you’ve listened to their previous hits- you’ll hear a band that are stoic in their sound, and most certainly are our saviours. It even says so on the press release; “Flesh Rag is Rock and Roll salvation, and only believers are gonna be saved.” Embrace your sins, and forget holy water saving you- Flesh Rag are where it is at.

Sunday Morning is one of my favourites on the record. You’d like to think that a song with this title may be gentle or easy on the ears. Fortunately, Flesh Rag do not do what is expect. This is a loud number, and it makes you think a little of any song off Raw Power by The Stooges. Sometimes when you pick up influences easily in a band, it takes away the excitement and originality of the music. However, with Flesh Rag I can hear all these influences and it is just amazing. It is almost as if I don’t need to listen to all the records I love on a loop- I can just listen to this record, and it takes me where the likes of Safe As Milk and Young, Loud And Snotty do.

Inside Your Mind is made up of 13 instant Punk classics. I love that Flesh Rag again, do not make you feel like you are listening to a band from 2018. I feel like I’m experiencing Punk in the 70s and living through it. For me that is such a powerful trait to possess, and I can’t praise these Kings of Canada enough.

Flesh Rag are evidently a band that properly come alive at their shows. They probably throw things around, have stage invasions and have the crowd leaving covered in beer, and bruises. All the things any good show should do. Inside Your Mind is such an exciting record, and is easily one of the best (current) Punk records I’ve heard. But like I’ve mentioned, they go beyond being a Punk band. Love Dump is one of my favourites, and that one really messes with whatever you expect from the band, and music in general.

You can stream the record here: https://fleshrag.bandcamp.com/  and you can get yourself a physical copy now too. Inside Your Mind is released via Schizophrenic Records.

Play this record loud, because any other setting just won’t do!