Tag Archives: Psych

L.A. WITCH : 777.

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photo credit: Marco Hernandez

One of my favourite bands are back! A band I will write about until they call it a day, and even then, I’d continue. I just love them. Little secret- I’ve heard the new L.A. Witch record, and the new single 777 is just a small, small hint at how great the record is. It’s the band at their very best and is just a dream of a record. But for now, we have the lead single- 777.

The new song doesn’t even hit the 3 minute mark, so the rightful thing is to just have it on repeat for as long as you can. I recommend letting it take over your life (or ears at the very least.) L.A. Witch are one of the coolest bands around, and the new song is effortlessly that. So slick, so cool. I adore everything about this one- it’s the guitar and how it makes you feel like you’re being chased. Not sure where you are or who is after you, but there’s a calming fix to it all. And that comes from Irita being an absolute menace on the bass and Ellie keeping pace on the drums. Sade’s vocals have never sounded so good! She has one of the most distinctive vocals I’ve ever heard. You can easily liken other singers to each other, but there’s something about her vocals that just towers over anything else you’ve heard. And will hear.

The new record, DOGGOD (“The album title is a palindrome fusing together DOG and GOD—an exaltation of the submissive and a subversion of the divine. It’s a nod to the purity of dogs and an acknowledgement of their unconditional love and protective nature that’s at odds with the various pejoratives associated with the species.”) is almost a love record- it touches on every aspect of love and the devotion of it. 777 is a prime example of this, as it’s a song about devotion to the point of death. It just oozes sheer passion and the acceptance of the obvious fate that will occur. The layers of this song in under 3 minutes is just divine. It’s a proper romantic record from start to finish- and 777 is a strong introduction to the new record, and to show us what L.A. Witch are made of (but you know that already!)

DOGGOD was recorded in Paris, and I don’t know if it’s me reading way too much into something again- but the new record feels heavier in the best way possible. There’s something about that city that brings out the best in musicians/bands, and I think it’s definitely done it here with L.A. Witch. There are parts of 777 that remind me of two records by The Cure- Faith and Seventeen Seconds (which are essentially, two of the greatest records of all time) and I think you really get that from the new record in general. What they’ve done with 777 is give us a beautiful introduction into their new record and the direction of it. At times, it’s the band with their faithful sound but as wonderfully demonstrated on 777, it shows that the band are unafraid to push themselves and create something totally unexpected.

The devotion and love on 777 is prominent throughout, but it is the last line that does it; “Don’t forget I too fight by your side. First in line I am ready to die.” I would probably sing this to my cat to be honest. But in all seriousness (I would die for that little angel though!) that line is so powerful and just sums up the passion and devotion. The new record is a proper romantic record- like going to the end of the universe and back again for the person you adore, and it being no trouble. The kind of love most want and deserve, and the band just sum it up perfectly and effortlessly.

DOGGOD is out on the 4th April via the always wonderful, Suicide Squeeze.

WATERBOARDING SCHOOL.

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I know nothing about the music scene in Gothenburg, but if it sounds anything like Waterboarding School, then they’re all doing fine! There’s 5 of them in the band, and they’ve been around since 2017. Their newest single, In The Morning came out last month but I don’t want to focus on that- I’m going to do my best to write about how great they are.

Waterboarding School have a beautiful 60s Garage Rock feel to their sound, and they’re perfect to listen to as you do a whole load of nothing, because sometimes, it feels good to do just that. I’ve come home from a few days seeing my family and friends, and as I listen to Waterboarding School, my cat is sat in the window sunbathing. I think this band are the ideal soundtrack for her to do just that. She’s heading off into dreamland with the slick sounds of Waterboarding School playing. What a life she has!

Their debut record Back Rubs came out in 2019 and this was followed by 2023’s Bridge Reviews. Two records in, and it is fair to say that they’ve got a solid sound that you just can’t get enough of. I love how they remind me of the Count Five and The Vagrants, and July. Mix those three bands together, and you’ve got yourself Waterboarding School.  The band have this blissful style, and when you listen to them, it’s hard to have a care in the world and sometimes you just need a band that take that weight off your shoulders, y’know? They do it so well and you cannot help but fall in love with their sound.  I feel their debut record has more of the 60s Garage Rock feel, and releases after this, they’ve developed a slightly different sound. But it’s a solid sound regardless. I’m sold! Sign me up to whatever they are selling!

Trying to find anything out about this band obviously brings up things you don’t need to see or read, but when a band is this good- the music says it all. The first two releases only had 4 of them in the band, but regardless of how many there are of them- they just have a really distinctive sound that gets you hooked immediately. It always starts with the vocals, and Filip’s are bloody great! Once you’ve been hooked in this way, the rest just takes over your ears. If this is how good the music scene is in Gothenburg, then take me there now! This band should be massive. It’s criminal that they aren’t, but maybe the third record will be it. Maybe that’ll be the one that brings them over to the UK and they play a bunch of sell-out shows here, and we all fall in love with their sound. That’s fair, right? You’ve got the super relaxed sounds of Sighurd, then you’ve got the chaotic Moving On from the second record. They’re just so good, and they just make everything alright. Sometimes you need a band that make everything alright. I like the wave of comfort you get from them, especially in songs like So Tired. That’s an easy one to relate to! I think so far, my favourite may be Can’t Stand (from their debut record) but honestly, with a band like this, you can’t have favourites for too long!

The two new songs (You Got To Go and, In The Morning,) are a little heavier sound wise, and if this is the way the new record is going to go- then we are in for something truly special. They may have only formed in 2017, which actually, is a good amount of time to know your sound, but it feels like they’ve been around for longer. In The Morning feels like a proper summer Psych-Rock number, and I’m excited to hear what’s next from them. Go backwards from the two new songs when listening to them, and you’ll definitely hear a band that are well on their way- all we can do it listen and go on the ride with them.

If you’re looking for a band to listen to whilst you do nothing, then Waterboarding School are the band for you. Sometimes you need a band that you connect with in that way, and this band do it so well. Listen to them as loud as you want, and do nothing. What could be better?!

MAD DADDY: Too Tough To Die.

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Here comes record number 2 by one of the best bands to have ever come from my hometown (well, home country) the Isle of Man…that band is Mad Daddy. I’ve written about them before, and I stand by everything I’ve said. They are truly a fantastic band, and record number 2 fully backs that up.

Too Tough To Die came out yesterday, and it’s got everything you could possibly want from a rowdy Garage Punk record. You want songs that smack you in the face? Mad Daddy have got you covered. You want harmonica infused anthems that’ll have you feeling like you’ve discovered Iggy Pop for the first time? They’ve got you. Mad Daddy have grown on this record, and this massive sound that they are now gracing us with is purely divine. You’ll want this injecting into your veins and brain.

The record opens with the title track, and we are then smacked with Hot Chicks which definitely makes you feel like it could be a record by The Stooges. Iggy Pop is a fan of the band anyway, so it’s a justified comparison. He’s got good taste. It’s a wild ride of a record, and you can hear how they’ve really pushed themselves on this record and have made something that fits perfectly after their debut from 2021. In those 3 years they’ve had a journey and a half, and this record really shows it. They’re not afraid to be louder on this record. They’ve also gone down the road of only having singles available on streaming sites, so if you want to hear this record- then you’re going to have to buy a copy, and blast it as loud as possible.

Every song on the record feels like it was made to be played live. You totally get this from songs like Stoned, I’m An Outsider and Be Bad. The harmonica on Stoned (especially) feels like a freight train hurtling towards you at top speed ready to launch you into the throes of some gnarly world that only Mad Daddy have the keys too. I love that their sound also has a motorcycle chase to it, and maybe that’s influence of the Isle of Man and the TT Races we have there. You can imagine their songs being blasted out as racers take on the roads with every twist and turn. It’s a thrilling record, with songs that make you feel like life is coming at you a billion miles per hour but you don’t mind- especially with songs like Road Racer. Too Tough To Die is a perfectly sleazy Punk Blues infused record. Think along the lines of The Cramps going headfirst into The Dead Boys and Iggy Pop. You can hear hints of The Dead Boys on Be Bad. The vocals on this are snarly and smutty- absolutely perfect, and I think it may be my favourite on the record at the moment. Of course I’ll change my mind, but right now- this is the one I feel that needs to be played the loudest. You can just imagine how wild this one will be live.

It Ain’t Easy is another example of why Mad Daddy are probably a band you HAVE to see live in order to really get how great they are. There’s this urgency to their sound that is so hypnotising and just makes you want to listen to them on a loop whilst you go about your day. Mad Daddy are one of those bands that you just know that their sound truly comes alive when they play live. They deserve the world, and hopefully this is the record that hands them it.

Every song on this record is a real example as to why they are such an exciting band, and from their debut to now- they’ve really developed a strong sound that you cannot get enough of. The drums on this record feel like blows to the gut, and the bass and guitar add this intensity that is a joy to listen to. It’s such a great record, and you can’t tell if you’ve found something from 2024 or if you’ve uncovered a hidden gem of a record from decades and decades ago.

Check out the tour dates here:

DRUUGG: Ride Me Down Easy.

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I love finding something new to listen to by accident. Some of the bands I love and written about have been found this way. You spend ages trying to find something to listen to, and all of a sudden when you think you won’t get there- you find it. It hits you, and it’s the best feeling ever. Or one of them. I’ve just this minute found a band from Belgium called DRUUGG and they are unreal. They’ve got this heavy sound mixed with some serious psychedelic tones, and I cannot get enough of it.

Their debut record Ride Me Down Easy came out last week, and it’s one of the most electrifying records I’ve heard in a while. It’ll make you want to grab a guitar and make your own fuzzy sounds like sound like Melvins on acid times a billion. I’ve never done drugs, but I’d imagine that this is what it’d feel like, and what the inside of your head would sound like if you did. I love how for the bulk of their songs it is just sheer euphoric noise with the odd vocals creeping in. I absolutely do not know what is going on, and I love it. This is the kind of music I seem to gravitate towards- there’s no set genre or whatever; just sheer noise, talent, and passion. There are only 3 songs on this record, so I might as well go through each one and do my best to write down why they are glorious.

The first song on the record is Ride Me Down Easy. It’s over 5 and a half minutes long, and the start of it sounds like a motorbike being revved up to go give chase to anyone who dares gets in the way. This goes on for about a minute or 2, and it gets heavier and wilder as the vocals kick in. As soon as the vocals come in, you realise that this band are really onto something here. There’s this sludgey heavy sound that lures you in, and when it happens- when you truly get sucked in, you won’t be able to listen to anything else. I know it’s their first ever release but my goodness it sounds like something a band decades into their career would make. It’s a very organised sound, and it’s one that will leave you wanting more and more. More will never be enough; because they are THAT good.  I think they may have only been together for about a year, but they sound like they’ve been doing this for eternity. This is the perfect way to kick off their debut EP. It’s loud, it’s got all the reverb and fuzziness you could possibly want. Divine.

We then go into I Cried A River which was their first ever release. This is only 3 minutes and 6 seconds long- so feel free to have this one on constant repeat too if you feel like you haven’t got enough. This one is a proper Psychedellic number- you feel like someone has handed you something questionable throughout the whole record, but this one has the edge over the other 2 songs. The bass on this reminds me slightly of Warpaint- you know how Jenny Lee has that distinctive style? That’s something I’m picking up on the bass on this one. It’s such a great song, and you can easily see why it was their first single to be released. It’s got that something that grips you and fits nicely in the middle of the other 2 songs on the record.

The EP ends with You Want Me To Fall; a real headphones moment. It is one of those songs that you make time for purposely. You’ll listen to all 3 songs casually but something hits you with this one, and you know that you have to stop everything you are doing and take time out for yourself to really soak up this song. I love the distorted vocals, and I love how everything on this song just fits together perfectly. I’ll make you feel like you’ve found one of the best songs ever made. It’ll make you feel like you’ve listened to My Bloody Valentine for the first time. It’ll kickstart the dormant parts of you, and all will feel okay. It’s a beautiful song, and I feel like 6 minutes and 50 seconds of this isn’t enough. This whole record isn’t long enough, but I know that when they release their full length record, it will be one of the best things I’ll ever hear.

DRUUGG make exceptional music, and this is only the start. This 3 song taster is a perfect introduction to how great they are. It’s heavy in all the right places, and it just takes you off into a different world. Put your headphones on, shut the world out and give in to what DRUUGG have created on Ride Me Down Easy.

THE VACANT LOTS: Interiors.

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Here we are. Record number five by the most heavenly bands around; The Vacant Lots. I’ve written about nearly every record and EP they’ve released. They’re one of those bands for me that, I just always have to write about. I’ve got a handful of bands I feel that way about, and The Vacant Lots are up there for sure.

So, here we go with record number five- Interiors. It opens with Amnesia which reminds me of early John Carpenter soundtracks, which for me is perfect. The record starts off super strong and just gets better and better. It’s got that dark 70s/80s feel to it (think very early Depeche Mode mixed with Iggy’s Berlin records.) Dark and heavy songs that you absolutely can dance your heart out to. Alone in your room; that’s the perfect setting for this record. I listened to it yesterday on the way to work, and I then spent last night and today in my room listening to it as my cat had a nap lying next to me. I obviously ended up falling asleep too.

From Amnesia we are then gently led into Paradise which instantly became my favourite. I’ve played this record enough times now to claim it as my solid favourite, but trust me, the whole record is an utter masterpiece. Is it their best work? As someone who has loved them from the very start- yes. Yes, it is. You can’t compare their records to anything else in this world. It may be their darkest and some may shy away from that, but it is truly their best record so far. And this is coming from someone who holds Departure as one of the best records ever made/one of the best debut records of all time.

Interiors is the type of record you play to someone you’re really into or love, and want them to just love one band as much as you do. Could it make or break a relationship? I can’t tell you. It’s the record you play at 2am when the world around you is too loud. It’s the record you play when you just want something to calm your mind. They Jared and Brian make beautiful noise together- the synths are incredible on this, and it really is their best work. Evacuation is such a great song- could easily claim this as a close favourite too. The whole record is a work of perfection, and it’s the record you just know you have to see live. I’ve seen The Vacant Lots live a few times, and it always feels like some kind of religious experience almost.

The last time I saw them was recently here in Manchester at SOUP. There was hardly anyone there, which was mega shit because everyone should see them live, but as there were so few of us there, it felt more sacred than normal. It felt even more personal. I just really love this band, and they blow my mind with every record they put out.

If you were looking to get into this band for the first time or want to introduce someone to them, then this record is the perfect place to start. It may be their darkest but there’s something about it that just towers over the previous records. If you play Destruction to someone then play them Mad Mary Jones, they won’t believe it is the same band!

I’m really fascinated by Jared’s explanation of the record: “It’s about dealing with duality and integrating the conflicting feelings within a relationship. It’s about feeling dissociative and getting burned by the fire. Then coping with how this inevitably leads to the dissolution of the relationship. This is a mantra for all the songs on the album.” You get this throughout the whole record and it’s really vivid on Scars and the second part of the record. There’s hurt and healing on this record, and it is done in such a delicate way, It’s the synths, Jared’s guitar, Brian’s vocals, the lyrics. Everything about this record is just divine.

The record ends with Damaged Goods; a 6 and a half minute masterpiece that you feel could easily go on forever. You want to crawl into this song and just stay, and feel safe. I’ve said it throughout, but it is easily their best work to date. Every song is from the soul straight to the listener’s heart. You simply can’t get enough of The Vacant Lots, and this record fully justifies that.

THE VACANT LOTS: Closure.

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There are a handful of bands that, no matter what they release or however it sounds- I’ll always write about it. I may or may not instantly love it, but I’ll find the words to write about why I love the band. A band in particular that always stand out for me and just mean the world are The Vacant Lots. I absolutely adore this band and have done for what seems like an eternity. I feel like they are a band I’ve grown up with and just ended up loving them more and more with each record. They’re a band I could happily watch live forever, and not get bored of it. They take elements of everything I adore about music and make their own sound. It’s everything I love about bands such as Suicide, The Jesus And Mary Chain and a Henry Miller novel. Highly poetic, dark and gripping.

It’s no surprise that record number four, Closure, is a masterpiece. All they do is churn out genius works of art every single time. I’m in awe of the sheer talent that Jared and Brian have. Just the two of them. The two of them make these gorgeous sounds. Closure is everything their previous three records have been leading up to. If you’ve listened to them before, you’ll be familiar with this dark and hypnotic sound they have but on Closure they go a little lighter on the song Eyes Closed. It’s a synth-based lullaby. It’s gorgeous. Sound wise- this record isn’t as heavy as previous, but don’t let that fool you. The lightness on this record may be something slightly new, but that typical sound from Jared and Brian is still there. It’ll always be there.

Their previous work at times felt like you were stumbling out of a New York dive bar at 2am in the cold. This one feels like you’ve let that fresh Autumn air hit you in the face and you feel like you can possibly take on anything. That’s the powerful thing about music and bands you love- they can be your armor and guide. For me, Closure is one of the most enthralling records of the year. It’s chaotic and calm in all the right places. It’s just everything you could possibly want from a band you love.

The only downside to the record is that it lasts only 23 minutes but, these 8 songs will blow your mind. They’ll caress your eardrums. They’ll hit you right in the heart and soul. They’ve totally outdone themselves again, and I cannot wait for the tour in a few months. These songs live will be something else. Hearing the likes of Eyes Closed or Chase live will be insane! I cannot wait.

With a record like this, it’s hard to pick a favourite. I’ll end up changing my mind a lot but at the moment I think it has to be Red Desert that’s my number one. It reminds me of Darklands by The Jesus And Mary Chain. There’s this delicate sound on this song that reminds me so much of that whole record. It’s a joy to listen to, and it builds up perfectly the ending of the record. In just over 20 minutes, The Vacant Lots truly grip you on this record. If this is your first time listening to them; well, it’s not a bad place to start at all.

As the record comes to a gentle close with Burning Bridges, you cannot help but reflect on how remarkable the record is. Everything about the record is joyful and personal. From the lyrics to the production to the sounds and all in that is in between- Jared and Brian have yet again created something that us fans of the band will treasure for eternity.

With every record they just get better, and Closure fully backs that up. A real joy to listen to and an even bigger joy to be a fan of such an incredible band.

L.A. WITCH: Gen-Z.

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There’s a handful of good things to have happened so far this year, and one of them is the fact that we’re going to get a new record by L.A.Witch. I’ve already gone on about how amazing I Wanna Lose is, but now it’s time to tell you about  the brand new song, Gen-Z.

Do we need a raw Punk fuelled anthem? Of course! Always. L.A. Witch give us it completely on Gen-Z and there’s that solid L.A. Witch sound we all know and love on it- this is found in every element of the song from the drums, to the vocals, to the bass and to the guitar. Ellie, Irita and Sade are the best at what they do. Quite possibly one of the best bands ever, no question. They just have this effortlessly slick sound that makes you wish you had even a fraction of their talent. I love how they have this unified sound, and you can truly tell that they make music for them. They make it how they want. On their terms. Always.

Gen-Z is just another taste of their new record, Play With Fire which comes out next month. I’m so excited for this record. I just know it’s going to be one I have on repeat- that’s the thing about L.A. Witch- they make songs you can have on repeat constantly, and you don’t get tired of it. If anything, you find new parts to love. Listening to Gen-Z again (and again, and again!) I can hear parts of bands I love- at times Sade’s guitar reminds me of early Nirvana with a nod to Johnny Thunders. But there’s this Wall of Sound feeling that goes in and out of the song so perfectly. You might pick this up more if you listen to it through headphones. It’s Ellie and Irita who bring that feeling for sure. I just love how they sound, and how they make the kind of music that makes you feel cool but safe.

There’s a quote from Sade about the song, that really hit me in the gut and I think it’s something we can all relate to especially right now; “When I was a kid, music and guitar was my escape. Music was how I fought through my depressions. What will the future do to get through it? With constant pressure to be perfect and information/advertisements and brainwashing constantly being shoved in your face, you become a product of your environment. ‘Gen-Z’ is about being a slave to technology, specifically to our phones.”

I’m guessing if we could all escape (or be allowed to travel/go on holiday) right now, most of us would. L.A Witch always make you feel like you’re either at a skatepark in L.A. or at a beach watching the world go by. Two places that are perfect to listen to them at. The feel of Gen-Z is much like I Wanna Lose- it gives you that raw excitement for the record. I’ve struggled a LOT recently to write about music but hearing Gen-Z today has given me a boost. L.A. Witch are one of the few bands I listen to and instantly feel I need to write about, and just give me that love for music all over again.

I don’t need to delve into this further- check the song out for yourself right now!

Play With Fire is out 21st August 2020 via Suicide Squeeze Records.

THE VACANT LOTS: Interzone.

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There’s no better feeling than that excitement of a band you absolutely adore releasing a new record. I’ve had a copy of the new record by The Vacant Lots for a couple of months now, and it’s been so difficult to not write about it until now. But it’s worth the wait; the record is astounding and will just blow you away.

If you’re looking for something to securely take you into a different universe, with the safe reassurance that you’ll never be able to leave, then Interzone is the record for you. Songs like Into The Depths and Party’s Over fully show us why TVL are one of the best bands around, and their electrifying sound is something to truly treasure. This is their first release on Fuzz Club Records, and given the amount of exceptional records that Fuzz Club have put out, it’s only right that TVL did so too.

Rescue was our first taste of the record, and it was the perfect way to get us to fall in love with the new sound they have created. It is is such a phenomenal record that oozes tense build-ups, dramatic sounds and hypnotising vocals. The vocals on Rescue are captivating, and Brian’s vocals are so strong on this record. Jared’s guitar on this record again sound like a beast. They both have this effortlessly cool way of creating their own noise, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anything better than this!

Interzone crosses all styles and will mess with your head in the best way possible. You will want to hear this record at 3am when everything is quiet and your brain won’t switch off. The comfort of this record will give you everything you need, and more. I strongly advise you to listen to Fracture on your own and through headphones. The same goes for Party’s Over. These two songs are beautiful in all ways imaginable. For me, Party’s Over is my favourite right now on the record and I also love how gentle Brian’s vocals are on Fracture- that’s another reason as to why it is a joy to listen to through headphones. Jared’s guitar on this is tamer than normal, but this more relaxed sound just shows us why they are both exceptional musicians.

The big question. Record number 3- is it their best yet? Yes. A huge YES. I’m obsessed with everything they’ve done, and continue to do but there is something about this record that towers over previous releases. There is something about this record that just feels more sacred, and you know, it could be down to what is going on in the world. There could be many reasons as to why, but I can promise you that this record is so beautiful, so gentle but ferocious in all the right places. The times where Brian’s vocals are gentle and where Jared annihilates the guitar- when these two worlds collide, that’s when it kicks off. That’s when you know you’ve not only found an amazing band but also one of the most exciting (and most vital) records of the year.

The lyrics are poetry, and the music is like a dream. Interzone is such a gorgeous record; it will heal the parts of you that you’ve neglected. It’ll also make your record collection look cooler! Every song on this 8 song masterpiece is a work of art. I love how Station goes into Party’s Over. The way it just gently slides into the last song is so beautiful. You feel like the record is a whole journey into something you can’t quite explain, then as Party’s Over hits, that’s when your body starts to wake up. Maybe your mind too. You come alive again, in a totally different way. The essence of this record feels like rebirth or something. The slick change in style and sound on this record is divine, and it’s something you keep falling in love with on every listen. I’m utterly in love with Party’s Over, and I’m pretty sure I can call it as one of my favourite songs that Jared and Brian have ever done. I love the sorrow in it, I love how it could be a dark song but it can also be full of hope. You can take it however you want, and that’s why I love this song and why this record is a masterpiece. It’s their masterpiece, but to be honest, everything they do is a work of art to me anyway.

None of us know when we will see the bands we love perform live again, but we have the music. We have the new records, and the new music can spur us on. This is what we needed, this is what I needed. Interzone is quite simply, a vital listen.

THE VACANT LOTS: Rescue

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“American death. Nothing matters anymore. Closed casket wedding”

 

Nothing makes me happier than I band I LOVE release new music. I’ve been super vocal about my love for The Vacant Lots for a number of years now, and I still regard their live show in Hoxton as being one of the best shows I have ever seen; then I saw them play the Moth Club and my mind was just blown. My heart was healed, my soul soothed and all was okay. Basically, I love TVL a hell of a lot and they are a band that I’ll never ever be able to get enough of.

I’ve already heard the new record, but that review will be coming in June shortly before the record comes out. However, they have JUST released a brand new song from the record. I can also announce that TVL have signed with Fuzz Club- which is a huge deal. I’m super proud of Jared and Brian, and having a label like Fuzz Club sign them is proof of their hardwork and passion. Now let’s get into the single!

Rescue is everything you could want from TVL. It’s got the Suicide meets Lou Reed sound with parts from another world thrown in. We all need a rescue right now, and this song just pours out the frustrations of isolation and uncertainty. What I’ve always loved about TVL is that their influences aren’t always from music- the way you can pick up on writers such as Burroughs, Baudelaire etc shines through, and Rescue feels like it could have been placed in one of Jared’s poetry books (if you don’t have a copy, get one! I picked one up from a tour and it’s still something I go back to.)

We all have this feeling inside of us to want to escape, and sometimes we push it down because the fire to do so isn’t quite in us. I feel this quote about the song from the band really does sum up the song beautifully, and perfectly: “The need to escape & the need to fight despite things being fucked up in the world or in your life. The song deals with the conflict of wanting to escape but also feeling the contradictory feeling of wanting to fight (before it’s too late).”

 

 

Sometimes you can’t quite bring yourself to escape, but sometimes something else takes over, and I just love this quote also: “Overall in order to tackle themes like problems in society (macro) we have to overcome a lot of our own internal issues (micro).” TVL have this beautiful way of just giving you comfort when you need it, and they’re releasing this single (and the new record) during a time where everyone is unsure of what’s going. We want out, but we also want it to get better. We want something or someone to rescue us, but I guess the key thing here is to have patience and carry on as best as you can.

TVL aren’t a band that fall into one genre, far from it. Rescue is the kind of song you can play at home as loud as you want, but it’d also sound pretty remarkable in a bar/club. There’s an 80s synth feel to the song, and that’s something you’ll be treated to on the new record.

Their new record, Interzone will be out on 26th June via Fuzz Club. Rescue is the perfect introduction to the new record, and honestly, Jared sums it up perfectly:  “We don’t want to waste people’s time and we want people to play it over and over. Our mantra is ‘is it bulletproof? 8 songs. 30 minutes. It’s about intention and vision.” TVL always give us music that you can become obsessed with and keep on playing and trust me, Interzone is nothing short of exceptional.

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

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

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

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

 

 

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

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

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

 

 

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

Play it loud!