Tag Archives: Punk

FREEZ: Always Friends.

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This Friday sees the release of Italy’s finest, FREEZ’s debut record. A record that will transport you back to the summer and give you some much needed warmth. I’ve written about FREEZ before, and to now write about their debut record is something I’m really proud to do. They’re one of the most exciting bands around, and just make you fall in love with music all over again and again.

Always Friends is a really exciting record; it has everything you would want from a Surf/Garage Rock. If you love bands like Wavves and DIIV- then you’re going to really love this record. It is such a feel-good body of music, and they’ve honestly created something worth treasuring here. It may be their debut record, but it most certainly does not sound like it. It sounds like a record from a band who have been around for such a long time, and that this is their fourth record or something. They have such a strong and established sound, again it is a record to play constantly.

It is such an enjoyable record, and I hope it is one that brings them over to the UK to show us just how great they are. Always Friends is a record to do nothing and everything to; you can play it whilst on the way to work, or at home doing nothing. Wherever and whenever you play it, it will just make you feel good. With so much shit going on in the world we need bands like FREEZ to make it all a little bit easier and they most certainly do that on this record. I can definitely say that this is one of the best records you will hear this year. It has so much wisdom, youth and joy. You cannot help but feel better when you play this record. It’s got that beautiful Surfer feel to it, and sometimes when bands try to grasp this sound, they end up sounding like everything that’s been done before but FREEZ nail it. They make it their own. There’s the occasional snarl in the vocals that add some bite to the songs, and I love that. It is just a real pleasure to listen to and play super loud!

 

 

The whole record is made up of songs that could be singles and make the band just take over the world. Songs like Bleeding Skies, Heads and Soul are just perfect, but please be assured that every single song on Always Friends deserves its place. Every single song fits perfectly; they’ve crafted this record with so much thought and care. There are no fillers on this record, and that alone makes it such a great listen. Basement is the one you need to play extra loud and soak in.

You’ve got your sun-kissed anthems on this record, and they’re the ones you’ll cling to as the days get shorter and darkness comes earlier than what we’re used to. They provide this warmth and soul that just makes you feel really soothed. It’s the kind of record you’d relax to but also probably blast out at a party. FREEZ are truly a remarkable band who take you on a gorgeous blissed out journey on this record, and it just blows your mind how young they are, and they have perfected such a great sound. Then again, they’re Italian and we know what we’re doing!

I really love that with this record, you can shut your eyes and you can be almost anywhere in the world. You could be on a beach or you could just be hanging out at home. A great way to listen to this record is to just play it through headphones and close your eyes. Right now, it’s a bit difficult for me to pick one song that standouts the most because it really is a phenomenal record, but I think I’m going to mention Soul again. That’s the one I keep going back to, but honestly, the whole record is nothing short of perfect. As far as debut records go, this is definitely up there as being one of the best. I really hope this record exposes FREEZ to new fans across the world so they can show everyone just how great they are. As I mentioned, the songs just fit perfectly together, and I love how Soul flows beautifully into Waiting For which a contender for best song on the record! The whole record is perfect to laze about to, but don’t think for a second that FREEZ are lazy. Oh no! They are one of the most hard-working bands around, and they’ve already toured round Italy a bunch of times. Now it is time that they came to the UK and blow us away with their live shows.

 

 

Irrespective of the kind of music you’re into, FREEZ have made something here for everyone. You cannot ignore how fantastic this record is, and how on their first full length record they have created something so powerful and memorable. It is a divine listen, and I hope you become obsessed with it like I have.

Always Friends is released this Friday via Wild Honey Records.

LEATHERS: Class Action.

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On my day off today I have done what I set out to do- sleep past noon. I got up at about half past one. A well-earned rest, and I’m still tired. It’s okay, just a few more hours to kill before bedtime is upon me. I cannot wait. Anyway, I need to listen to some music to keep me awake for a little while longer whilst I avoid doing things I should probably be doing.

Bristol is the home to some amazing bands from IDLES to Emily Breeze to Oh, The Guilt and beyond. It’s a place that is just oozing talent of all kinds. It has this solid community and it’s a place that deserves to be praised for all the music it has given us. It is a truly phenomenal place, and there is no shortage of masterpieces coming out of there.

So here we are, another excellent Bristolian band to praise- Leathers. A brilliant duo who make you feel like you are listening to a Gospel version of The Cramps. There’s a lot of soul in this band, and they have something that just makes you want to absolutely play the shit out of this record. Before you know it, you will be chanting along to all the hits such as Bad News and One Track Mind (not a Johnny Thunders cover but still awesome!)

On their new EP, Class Action the band are firmly letting us know that this is the kind of sound that NEEDS to be heard, and it needs to be heard pretty loud. Luckily no one is home and I’m playing it as loud as I want. The more I listen to it, the more I can really appreciate how great they are as musicians. They play with this unified sound that maybe sounds tighter because they are a duo. If there was more of them, it may spoil it and besides, it just reinforces my fondness of duos. Of course, the only downside is that the EP is only four songs long, but you make do, don’t you? You just hit repeat.

 

 

I love that real trashy sound they have. It’s a really raw Garage Rock sound with beautiful notes of Psychobilly. Fully aware I’ve just made the band sound like a wine, but it’s alright! Anyway, the songs are easy to get hold of and learn by heart. You can really imagine their live shows and the crowd going nuts and singing along as loud as they can.

Class Action has a strong DIY feel to it, and I love when you can hear the hard work and passion gone into a record. I love how their song No More reminds me so much of Talking Heads’ Psycho Killer; part of me was hoping for part of the lyrics to pop up. Maybe they’ll do it at a show, that’d be pretty cool right? You know the part that would work, it’s obvious! It’s probably one of my favourites off the EP right now. There’s a level of fury in this one that coms across in such an effortless manner Ed beats the shit out of the drums on this one, and Chris’ voice just keeps you locked in- you find yourself going back to this song the most.

If you’re into trashy Garage Rock, then Leathers are the band for you and Class Action is most certainly the EP for you. Play it loud, play it often!

Class Action is released via KM Records.

BOOJI BOYS: Tube Reducer.

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If you want something to listen to that sounds like a thousand cymbals crashing all at once, and electrifying shocks invading your body in an unapologetic manner, then you really need to get hold of the new record by Booji Boys. They are Canada’s finest, and will deafen you with their snarls and their thumping drums. Along with groove-filled bass and slick guitar. They are one of the most fascinating bands around, and what they’ve done on Tube Reducer is everything you’d want from a Punk record and beyond.

If like me, you regard the Dead Boys as being one of the greatest bands of all time- then you’re going to fall crazy in love with this record. The distorted vocals, the gnarly snarls and the aggressive music is something to really blow your mind here. The songs are short and right to the point; sure we want it to last longer, but there’s nothing stopping you from playing this over and over. The record consists of 15 mighty fine Punk tracks to your fry your brain. I was going to go to the gym to clear my head, but I’ve sacked it off to play this record loud. Tomorrow night I’m heading out to see Jacuzzi Boys but right now it’s all about my other favourite boys- the Booji ones.

 

 

The songs are fast and the kind you lose your shit to. New Replacement isn’t even two minutes long, but it sends your body off into a whirlwind, allowing your limbs to move freely and questionably. Is this one of the year’s best Punk records? Damn right it is. If it doesn’t turn you on, then that’s okay. There’s a whole bunch of brilliant Punk records out there but what Booji Boys have done with Tube Reducer is bring back that raw essence of Punk. They make you feel like you’ve gone back a few decades with their sound, but also blow your mind with this really refreshing sound. Songs like Nothing Good, Calling and Honeyboy are just insanely brilliant. Booji Boys are effortlessly cool, and you cannot help but love them for it. This is the kind of music that makes me want to write about music, even if most of what I write doesn’t make sense/is bullshit.

Tube Reducer has been released on Drunken Sailor Records which is the home to some of the best records you will ever own, trust me. They stock the best and are worth having no money over. Booji Boys are the type of band that you know would put a wild show on. Maybe not the extent of say, Iggy Pop smearing himself in peanut butter amongst a sea of bewildered people but they’re up there. They give you this notion that their live shows involve drinks being thrown (out of excitement not stupidity) and everyone just moving however they want to these incredible songs. Life As A Fed is one of those songs for sure that you can imagine the band going nuts to, and the crowd getting even more out of control. Part of you feels like you’re listening to a band who are playing this in a rehearsal space/garage, and the other part feels like you are listening to a band who are completely ripping apart a basement dive bar or something with their sound.

There is so much going on in this record, but in the best way possible. You cannot help but be in awe of Alex’s vocals and how Steve and Cody compliment each other with how loud they are. You’ve got Adam adding a subtle laid-back feel, but all of this comes together in the most beautiful and chaotic fashion from Justin and his insane drumming. This band truly know how to blow your mind, and they all do it in the most divine way possible. Using gentle words to describe such an annihilating record is probably wrong, but when you listen to this record you really hear everything that not only makes you love Punk, but music in general. It is really one of the most fascinating records I’ve heard this year.

 

 

Tube Reducer was made to be played constantly, and loud. It is made to be heard in whatever capacity you want. Play it through headphones or play it super loud so the whole world can hear this deviant and raw record. However you play it, just make it loud. It’s probably what they want you to do.

SHEER MAG: A Distant Call.

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If you’ve never listened to Sheer Mag before, then where have you been? Start wherever you want in their discography, but please PLEASE get your hands on their new record A Distant Call immediately because it is the purest Rock ‘n’ Roll record you’ll hear all year. It’s got that 70s Glam Rock feel to it- it’s basically like the New York Dolls but with the absolute heaviness of Motorhead. Tina has the most powerful voice you’ll ever hear. No one else has this utter power she posses in her voice, and it’s the kind of voice that just makes you stop you in your tracks.

Her vocals on A Distant Call are better than ever, and she truly gives it to you on the opener Steel Sharpens Steel. I hope that they open their shows with this because it has got this energy to it that just makes you want to go completely nuts. There are two bands that have this immediate energy to them right not- Sheer Mag and Amyl and The Sniffers. These bands have a raw and unapologetic sound, and the heaviness and strength in their sound and vocals just makes you not want to listen to anything else but them. When listening to this record, it is so important to pay close attention to the lyrics. They are heartbreaking, but also give you comfort. It’s a record made up of loss and strength, and how it can shape you in whatever way you wish. Sometimes though, you have no control over it. A Distant Call came out the day my Grandma died; it’s taken me a month to properly listen to this record and there are some lyrics on this record that hit really hard. It is truly a powerful record, and one to really cling to.

 

 

A Distant Call is of course Sheer Mag’s best record to date, and I’m likely to say this with every record they do. I love how their songs sound like they could be in some off the wall 80s teen film (Dacre Montgomery can be the lead as the rebel who just fucks shit up beautifully, you’re welcome.) Tina’s vocals give you this solid reassurance, that you feel like someone has your back and can voice those feelings you can’t quite shake- Blood From A Stone is a prime example of this. What they did in 2017 with Need To Feel Your Love, they have evidently done again with A Distant Call. They’ve given us songs to just lose our shit to, and to just have a great time listening to. I’ve never seen Sheer Mag live but I can honestly say that their songs are made to be witnessed live. They’ve clearly got that about them, and I cannot help but be in awe of that. I love the vulnerability in the lyrics, and I love how the heaviness of the music compliments it so well. You can’t help but feel these songs were made for you. Be the loner, be on the outside, be whatever you want- Sheer Mag will guide you.

This record is made up of 10 songs that flow so perfectly into each other. In half an hour, Sheer Mag take you on several journeys. Part of you feels like you’re an outcast at a school prom which then transforms into a total badass who has stopped giving a fuck about what anyone thinks. There is so much growth in this record, and if you listen to their two records, one after another you will truly hear how much they have grown and how they aren’t afraid to push themselves. By pushing themselves they have really created one of the strongest records of the year, by far.

Hardly To Blame is my favourite right now but I’ll probably change my mind because this record is way too perfect to have one cemented favourite. I think with A Distant Call you immediately do fall in love with it but, it is so important to just listen to it over and over to pick up on different moments on the songs to fall in love with. The guitars on this record are something else, and tower right above Need To Feel Your Love. The growth is just beautiful, and you really cannot help but be proud of what they have done on this record. Cold Sword is a song that you know is going to be a real delight when/if they do it live. I love how Tina delivers her vocals on this, but everything on this song is so complimentary. I know that Cold Sword will be one I end up going back to and obsessively playing over and over. Also, you’ve GOT to get obsessed with The Right Stuff. Play it through headphones, and take in how amazing Kyle, Hart and Matt are on this. They give the listener everything you’d want from a piece of music, and Tina’s vocals are tougher than ever on this. Again, this is one I’d love to see live. It’s a masterpiece.

 

 

A Distant Call will make you feel like the toughest person out there. Put on your boots and go cause some trouble. It’s a record that has some gorgeous moments and it is just such a rowdy record that you need to play loud and often. Chopping Block is the one you need to turn up a little louder than the others- take in the heaviness of the vocals and guitar on this one, then let every other element in this song take you over. It is phenomenal. Sheer Mag ARE phenomenal, and this record justifies this 100%.

 

BAD WEED: Self-titled.

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Back in 2015 I wrote about one of Vienna’s finest bands- Bad Weed. I fell instantly in love with their Garage Rock sound. Forwarded four years, and we FINALLY have their debut record.

Their debut record consists of 13 songs to get you through whatever it is that’s eating you. I’m playing the record at a nice volume- loud enough to drown out the awful sounds that are coming from the neighbours across the way. These songs were made to be played loud and often. They’ve got a summer feel to them, and with it being pretty hot outside- Bad Weed are the ideal soundtrack. Delete Me is one of the highlights for me; I love the self-deprecating feel to it and how sometimes, you just want to hide for a while. An entirely relatable song to go nuts to. I love how they have this reverb that is really subtle within the songs and the gentle fuzzy tones in the music just makes you feel like you’ve found your own sacred place to escape to.

 

 

Maybe it is because they’ve been around for a while now, but this really doesn’t feel like a debut record. They’ve really got their sound locked on this record, and if you go through their discography, you’ll hear for sure that Bad Weed are such a focused band with how they want to sound, and it truly shows on their debut record. By no means can I skateboard (but I follow it for sure and I adore Elissa Steamer a hell of a lot) but Bad Weed make the kind of music you’d want to skate to and just zone out. Or maybe you want to hang out at the beach doing a whole load of nothing. They’re such a perfect band to just waste the day to. I’m probably going to waste my weekend away by doing nothing and listening to this record over and over. I don’t feel bad for it, and neither should you.

The only downside of this record is that I want more songs. This is because I’ve loved them for ages so of course I want more! The only time I’ll ever indulge in greed is when it comes to music. The record only came out yesterday, but I cannot get enough of it. I honestly cannot throw any comparisons your way with this record; it’s really something else. Every song fits right into the next. I really hope with this record they tour the UK. Again, they’re the kind of band I’d use all my annual leave at work so I could follow them on tour. They’ve created this energy on this record that makes you feel like you are at their show. You can imagine everyone cramped in a sweaty room throwing themselves about to these songs. I love this raw energy they have, and how they can immediately throw you back into the throes of summer.

 

 

 

Their debut record is the soundtrack to lazing about and wallowing if needed. They make you content with doing a load of nothing, and just wandering around on your own with these songs in your ears for company. They give you time to reflect on this record, and it’s one of those records that you can just dedicate time for yourself on. It’s that record you go to when you’re by yourself and just want something to free you almost. It’s got all the elements of a Garage Rock record, and hints of Punk flowing through it. I love the relaxed feel on songs like Falling Down, but I also love the hyperactivity that is there on every song, and sometimes it is subtle but for the most part this record just pumps you up. Bye Bye Baby is one of the songs I keep going back to. I love this Ramones feel it has to it. It’s mellow yet hyper in all the right places. I love how it fits perfectly into the next song, Walking. Again, this record is honestly made up of songs that flow perfectly into each other. I can’t get enough of it. Poor Boi is only 59 seconds long, but it’s still such a brilliant song that fits so perfectly. You can just keep on hitting repeat constantly and not get tired of it. Bad Weed have most certainly made something effortlessly cool and different here

These 13 songs are nothing short of perfect, and just everything I’d want from a debut record that I’ve waited so long for. I really cannot wait to see what happens next for them, but for now I’m just going to enjoy this record, over and over.

KÜKEN: KÜKEN EP

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If you’re looking for five out of control and utterly loud songs to burst your eardrums to, then look no further than the new EP by Küken

The new EP consist of 5 songs to just fry you brain, and to lower the quality of your hearing by the time you have finished listening to the record. I’ve been writing about Küken for a number of years now, and every time I write about them I feel my love for music being restored and heightened. I love how rowdy their sound is, I love how they have this raw sound that just makes you want to trash your surroundings and forget what’s going on around you. And right now, I’ll grab any form of escapism that I can get. For me, Küken go beyond being a Garage Rock band or whatever you want to call it. They have this sound that is so ferocious and it has this hunger in it that just seeps right into your soul. Their previous full length records have been two that I have been religiously playing for some time. They are full of this really gnarly and snarly songs that just make you want to play them as loudly as possible. Can they do this on an EP? Of course they can.

 

 

With 5 songs, they fully open the listener up to this world of fury and a form of rebellion that’s missing in some music. The louder Küken get, the more intense the record becomes. That’s something I really respect about the band- they aren’t afraid to be intense with their sound, and to create songs for those who are a little off the wall.  This record just makes you want to cause trouble at a dive bar (obviously, don’t do this but you know what I mean.) They make you feel like you’re part of this almost sacred scene with their sound. For me, Küken are a brilliant band to listen to when you’re doing absolutely nothing and you’re just hanging out by yourself. You could be at home blasting this record out, you could be on a train headed to anywhere or nowhere playing this record, or you could just be wandering round the city with their music as your guidance. There is something chaotic and peaceful about Küken- the music is intense and the vocals are calming. Well, for me they are. For others it may just be noise, but it is my kind of noise.

Cold is the longest song on the EP at around 2 minutes and 14 seconds. Küken don’t need to create dramatic symphonies in order for you to listen and pay attention. They can blow your mind almost instantly, and that’s all part of the charm. The songs are short, punchy and to the point. They are fast, brutal and made for chanting along with. Joey Ramone would dig them. There’s a lot of attitude in their songs, and I think from this EP Cold is the song that has the baddest attitude of them all. You don’t mess with this song. On the flip side you’ve got Say My Name which is a fuck you to having your heartbroken but not giving in to acting how you’re meant to. Küken aren’t going to sit around and cry over it- they’re going to carry on as normal, and forget about it!

 

 

I wish they’d play more shows in the UK. I think they’ve only done one short tour so far. They’re the kind of band that you’d use all your annual leave at work for in order to follow them around on tour. That could be just me, but I’d be happy to do that. They’ve got something about them that just makes you listen to them in awe. They’ve got this wonderfully loud sound that you just want to annihilate your mind, body and soul.

This EP is way more than a Punk record. It’s a vital body of music that needs to be in your record collection immediately.

EZRA FURMAN: Twelve Nudes.

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Ezra Furman has finally made the Punk record that they wanted and needed to make. It is also the Punk record that we all need. Losing my Grandma just under 2 weeks ago, I’ve felt myself lose interest in most things, I have more panic attacks than I can count, I am crying at any given moment and obviously, I cannot cope. I spent some time today really REALLY listening to Twelve Nudes. Bawled my eyes out. It’s a record that sums up everything that is going on in my head, and I’m so grateful that Ezra has made this record. Ezra’s playing Manchester on my birthday. As much as I now no longer care for my birthday (and Christmas) I’m glad I’ll be spending it watching the person who is narrating my every thought. I sure hope my girlfriend is prepared to deal with me at my crying best.
Twelve Nudes opens with Calm Down aka I Should Not Be Alone. The title alone sums up exactly everything right now. The lyrics smack me right in the gut; it’s like a relief that someone else is saying how I feel because it is so exhausting to be honest at times. The sheer fury and passion in Ezra’s voice just makes you want to shout along with them until your throat bleeds. There is something so important about this song, and having it open the record just sets the tone for how fucking truthful and vital this record is.
I have been a huge fan of Ezra’s for so long, and to hear them make this kind of record is truly mind-blowing. I’ve studied Ezra’s records religiously, and I always claimed Day Of The Dog as my favourite (closely followed by Banging Down The Doors, which is a masterpiece) but what Ezra has done with Twelve Nudes is something we all hope for the musicians we love with everything we have- Ezra has made the record of the year, the record of his career and the record for those who really need something bigger than they can comprehend.

I’ve always been in awe of Ezra’s lyrics; they have the storytelling style of Lou Reed mixed with something that really goes beyond music. When I listen to Ezra, I feel okay and safe in my skin- I’ve not had that in a while. We battle with ourselves to be honest at times, and having people like Ezra vocalise these worries, insecurities and fears tames it all slightly. Ezra really hits you in the soul with this record, and they do it prominently on songs like Transition from Nowhere to Nowhere. This song is full of hope and finding comfort in the things that go beyond us. I truly hope Ezra plays this on tour.
The more you listen to this record, the more you see just how much we need this record. In a world that is still full of every ist and phobia, records like this are so crucial because they show us the struggle that so many of us face. You cannot silence a minority, and you can silence those who have been hurt forever. Trauma is a song that is just so heavy in every single way. The music is so rugged and raw; you can truly hear the passion and fury in the music, and of course, in Ezra’s voice. There’s this bbeautiful rasp in Ezra’s voice, and it just makes you really feel every single word that Ezra aims at you. You want to scream every word out just like Ezra as he narrates everything going on in your head.
The sheer tenderness on this record and the urgency in every song just gives you this unconditional feeling of security and comfort. I may be breaking down constantly and crying but this record is almost like medicine. Twelve Nudes is the record that you cling to and refuse to ever let go of. For me, it is one of the most important records of all time- not just for our Queer culture, but for society. There are songs on this record that reach every single part of you, and just pull out the things you’re meant to be afraid of feeling. When you let yourself feel it, you feel a bit freer. Sometimes, that’s just what you need. This record has come from the heart and soul, and you truly feel that in every song.
I could probably write a full-blown essay on this record, but I think the main thing for me to say here is that it is truly one of the most remarkable records I’ve ever heard. It’s a record that I know I’ll never get enough of. It’s a record I will constantly play and keep falling in love with. Ezra has that effect; you cannot help but go back and listen to all their records and finding new things to love about them. Every record Ezra has made has always been so important to me, but with Twelve Nudes, Ezra has gone beyond everything and anything you’d expect. The sheer openness on this record and that proper Punk feel and attitude is beautifully done. It is such a joy to listen to, and to find safety in.

Although I feel utterly lost and empty, I have found something in this record that I quite possibly cannot put into words. Or the words have yet to form. All I know is that I’ll be leaning on this record for a long time, and if by some strange stroke of luck Ezra sees this- thank you. Thank you for speaking up, for creating this record and for being unafraid in your art. Thank you.

TV CRIME: Metal Town.

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I have had a bunch of records I have wanted to write about, but just couldn’t bring myself to do so. I lost my best friend- my beloved Gran on the 23rd August. Since then, everything has seemed utterly pointless. I can’t make it through the day without crying or having a panic attack. I may write about music again soon, or I may not. I have no idea. Maybe I’ll use it as a distraction. I have no idea.  I’m attempting to push through it to write about a record I have been SO excited for; Metal Town by TV Crime.

TV Crime are fronted by one of the coolest human beings around- Shaun Hencher (he fronted VIRALS, and if you weren’t a fan of them- why the hell weren’t you?!) I’ve written about TV Crime a bunch of times, but I’m super excited to write about their debut full length record which has been released via the equally phenomenal Alien Snatch! Records (fun fact: they have never released a bad record!)

Metal Town is a record that you cannot help but play insanely loud. It’s got a strong 70s Rock feel to it, but there’s also this Garage Rock feel. I know a lot of bands fall into this category, and they don’t back it up. But with TV Crime, they make you feel like you’re truly watching this band rehearse in a garage or sweaty basement room, playing with all they have. The record doesn’t sound polished in an overbearing way. It sounds like a band who are sure of themselves, and have created something that they (understandably) are proud of.

 

 

As a huge fan of theirs, I am so proud of what they have created on this record. Take songs like Can’t Remember Your Name and Neo Waltz- they really have this 70s Rock feel that bands like Amyl and The Sniffers have given us. The two bands are responsible for some of the best music around, and have been for the past few years.

TV Crime aren’t afraid to absolutely push themselves on this record. If you want to compare them to Shaun’s old band VIRALS, then that’s on you. But just so you know, they sound nothing alike. Shaun’s vocals on this record are so strong, and there’s this beautiful roughness to it that just makes you want to try snarl out the words like him. Luke absolutely destroys the drums with no hint of an apology found- just how it should be. This is prominent on songs like Clocking Out and In The Gutter. The title track of the record though, shows us just how brilliant this band are. It’s under the 2 minute mark but don’t let that deter you. In that short time, TV Crime show you that they aren’t to be messed with. TV Crime are the kind of band that make you want to ditch everything, and just follow them on tour.

Something to just adore about this record is that the 13 songs take you on this voyage through the wonder of music. They have evidently put their all into this record, and every single song on this record justifies why this is one of the most incredible debut records I’ve heard in a long time. I knew that I was going to be blown away by this record, but the level of greatness on it is truly something else. At the moment, I think I am calling Television Crime and Never Been In Love  as my favourite songs on the record, but I’m likely to change my mind because a record this great doesn’t happen that often you know. I love how it just embodies everything I love about music, and it has this unfiltered Rock ‘n’ Roll sound. It’s an honest record with a Punk heart, and for me that’s more than enough to make me fall in love with it.

 

 

TV Crime are headed out on a tour of Europe in the next few weeks, so please go see them if you can. Hopefully they’ll make their way to Manchester soon. Until then, I’ll keep playing this record as loud as I can and as often as I can.

Metal Town is released officially tomorrow via Alien Snatch! Records.

NIGHT SHADES: Dead Nerves/The Desert.

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Today I woke up to see that Night Shades had announced a new release, and I knew I was going to have a good day (I also had the day off work so that’s a plus *note- I love my job, but I do like to sleep!) Night Shades are making the kind of music I’d love to make if I was in a band. They are creepy and wild; they are just a phenomenal band that I cannot get enough of, and knowing that there’s a new release coming real soon is just great.

I’m going to give you a little breakdown into the songs- there’s only three so hopefully you’ll stick with this. It’ll be worth it, trust me.

DEAD NERVES: The first track on the record, and as Shaun counts in the band you get a sense of just how intense this song is going to be. He has SUCH a distinctive voice, and it’s the kind of voice you want to hear when you need music to just get your heart beating a little faster. The urgency on this song is exceptional, and I think for me, a large part of this is Niall’s drumming. Niall is a great drummer, and he brings this urgency to Night Shades that is backed up by Clare, Shaun and Vince on this song in particular. I guess you could sum it all up quite easily by saying Night Shades consist of some of the best musicians around. There is this bite to Dead Nerves that makes you feel like you’re the toughest person around. I love music that gives you this energy, and Dead Nerves definitely gives that feeling. It’s a real rowdy song that feels like a bar fight. If you’ve never listened to Night Shades before, this has got to be the one that wins you over.

KATIPO: To soothe your bones a little bit, Katipo is a beautiful instrumental moment on the record. Sure I love their loud and rowdy songs, but this instrumental is so gorgeous. It is delicate in some parts, but it picks up. The song twists and turns, and takes you on this trip. You stay on edge as you listen to it. One thing I adore about Night Shades is their effortless way to keep you on edge. As someone who has anxiety and can have a panic attack when I least expect it/probably at inappropriate times, Night Shades give you this positive anxiety- you’re on edge from excitement with their music. You know something is going to happen, and the butterflies are brewing in your belly- it kicks in, and all these euphoric moments occur. That’s, for me, one of the best ways I can sum up Night Shades and although there are no vocals on Katipo, it perfectly sums that feeling on edge feeling.

 

 

The Desert:  Hello song of the year! Clare and Shaun’s vocals on this are insane. Everything about this song oozes a real creepy feel and I love it. It’s like hearing The Cramps for the first time. The first time I ever heard The Cramps, it changed my life forever and I was in awe of every tiny detail. Night Shades give you that same feeling. You’re hearing something really incredible, and it just moves you in a range of ways. The way they deliver the urgency on The Desert is ridiculous, and it’s the kind of song that you know is going to be magical when they do it live. It’s a song that just makes you fall in love with them all over again. We had the instrumental in the middle, and we are smacked right in the face with The Desert. Although it ends on this song, it just makes you play it all over again. But, you’re going to have to wait until 26th July to do this.

This 3-track record was recorded live, and I think that adds some romanticism to it. The songs are perfect, loud, tender and raw. They will make you move and by no means will they make you want to rest. Night Shades make the kind of music that would fit perfectly in a eerie horror film, or a thriller. Something that messes with your head, for sure.

The launch party for the record will of course be held at The Shacklewell Arms on the 26th July. There’s no other venue that can do their sound justice nor can any other venue sum up the feel of the band. You can pre-order the record on their bandcamp page here. It’s going to be on hot pink vinyl, and will be released via El Beasto Records.

Buy it, play it loud and feel like the toughest motherfucker around.

ISSUE: Cross The Line.

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issue cover

 

 

If you’re looking for a band that sound like KRAUT mixed with VOID, then you’ll find it in Paris’s finest Punk band, ISSUE. One of the greatest guitarists of all time are in the band also (Charlie from Crocodiles, of course!) Cross The Line, their debut record, came out on Friday and let me tell you, it’s obnoxiously loud and really cleanses the soul.

Cross The Line is a proper rowdy record. Every single song, all nine of them, will blow your mind and eardrums in 16 quick minutes. The record is over far too soon, but there is no harm in playing it all over again, and again. And again. It’s record to trash shit to, it’s a record to just go completely wild to. It’s everything you want from a raw Punk record. Play it as loud as you can, then try a bit louder. Only a couple of the songs are over the 2 minute mark- how it should be done with this kind of music. The songs are full of this rambunctious energy that makes you want to just play it so loud, and throw shit out of the window. I mean, maybe don’t do that but you get what I mean. They have this ability to make you feel like you are right at their show taking it all in with elbows hitting you in the face and lukewarm beer being thrown about.

 

 

This is definitely one of the most enjoyable and out-there Punk records I’ve heard in a long time, and it just makes you feel like you’re experiencing bands like KRAUT for the first time. As soon as I heard this record, I automatically likened it to An Adjustment To Society by KRAUT (which is one of the greatest records ever made.) The same level of excellence is there, and I can’t get enough of it. By no means am I comparing the bands in a lazy way. I’m just holding them up as highly as each other because they are fucking incredible.

25 and Spit Mask are currently my favourite songs on the record, but my mind does change quite a bit. I’ve found that the record sounds best if you play it in order but the thing is, when you play it in no particular order you still get that “OH SHIT!” feel- like it’s hitting you for the first time. There is so much to love about this record. The production is perfect; the sound is something that’s been well thought out and you can definitely hear how much effort has gone into creating something so powerful. Mirror is a song that is meant to be play a hell of a lot, and definitely at a deafening volume. It’s a record that makes you want to start your own Punk band or just immerse yourself in as much live music as possible.

In terms of touring, I have no idea where they are going but if someone could get them to the UK that would be really much appreciated by me. They definitely have a sound that is made to be heard live. I love how the songs feel like an animal that’s been trapped for years, and is now being released into the wild. It has this brilliant untameable sound that I adore so much. In the best way possible, this record is so chaotic and brutal. I can’t get enough of it, and songs like  I Surrender just annihilate your eardrums in the most perfect way.

 

 

Cross The Line is out now via Third Coming Records; and the record artwork is by Nicky Rat.