Tag Archives: Punk

VR SEX: Hard Copy.

Posted on by

There are some bands that just blow your mind every single time they release something, and VR Sex are one of those bands. Of course, if you’re also in the band Drab Majesty too- then you are only ever going to put out masterpieces, right? That’s what Andrew aka VR Sex has done yet again. I’ve had a copy of this record for about a month or so, and I’ve held off writing about it because I wanted to give myself time to obsess over it and figure out why it’s probably one of the most thrilling records of the year.

Now, I’ve never claimed to be good with words but hopefully you’ll pick up on how much I love this record and hopefully it will make some sense rather than utter nonsense. I’ve listened to Hard Copy enough times now to call it as one of my favourite records of the year. Definitely in my Top 3 if I was to make lists, but my brain hates organisation. The record smacks you immediately with the opener Dictionary Talk, and it immediately grabs you and makes you realise that this record is truly something else. The record is filthy, smutty, and just everything you’ve ever been warned against- it is a thing of beauty, and I cannot get enough of it. It is very easy to love this record and become obsessed with it. It’s dark, it’s creepy as hell and it is solid produced record that only a fool would find fault with. I want this record injected into my body.

Sure, the record touches on glue-sniffing escapades (Jenny Killer Glue; an absolute monster of a song) and if you’re of a certain age you maybe shouldn’t be listening to this record but whatever! You’ll find out anyway. What I adore about this record is that it sounds nothing like previous VR Sex records. You can hear something in this record that wasn’t in previous releases, and by no means is that a bad thing. It just shows how bloody talented this band are and having this fearless approach to the record truly makes it tower over anything else you’ve heard this year. I want it constantly playing in my ears, I want to fall asleep listening to it and I want this beautiful racket waking me up for work every morning. Utter bliss.

Hard Copy is the kind of record that would be perfect for a real smutty film that not even an arthouse cinema would show. There’s this enthralling weirdness to the record that hooks you in so quickly, and you cannot let it let go of you at all. For me, this is apparent on songs like Inanimate Love (the intro to this is SO good and the vocals remind me of The Cramps.) It’s a killer record, and I want everything I ever listen to to sound as heavy and strange as this. I love that the whole record touches on strange elements of lust, desires most would turn away from and in parts; isolation. The way this record has been produced is exceptional, and it’s probably the best produced record I’ve heard so far this year.

Most of the songs on the record hit the 5 minute mark, and this is another reason for me to love this record with all I have. Hard Copy is an exceptional record that is so easy to get lost in and let consume you in the best way possible. In some parts, the record feels like it could be a film soundtrack but at other times, you just know you are listening to something where everyone involved in this record hasn’t been afraid to really experiment with their sound and get a little strange, y’know? I feel the record gets heavier and darker on the second part of the record. Runaway Runaway kicks off the second part of the record, and it’s a heavy number that has tone to it that is unlike anything else on the record and honestly, unlike anything else VR Sex have done before. If you listen to their previous records before this one, it’s like listening to a different band- and by no means is that a bad thing at all. The band worked about 12 hours a day to make this record, and you can truly hear the dedication to their work on this record. You can hear the frustrations; you can hear the urgency. It’s just a dream of a record from start to finish.

There’s no point in wasting time on trying to find a genre to lump this record with- like all VR Sex records (and Drab Majesty too) it goes beyond that. Labels are useless anyway.  I think at the moment I am calling Jenny Killer Glue as my favourite on the record, but of course I will change my mind with every listen but this one has something about it that rather than play the record in order, I start with this and I then listen in order. It’s just such a great song and I hope they make a video to this because it would be wild. It might also get banned, but it’s fine!

I feel I could write thousands and thousands of words about why I love this record. And maybe I could have summed up how phenomenal the record is with just a short paragraph but when a band you love make something like this- you can’t help but ramble on. It’s a big sounding record with zero pretentiousness to it, and that’s so rare.

Hard Copy is one of those records that I know I’ll still be fascinated with in years to come, and I’ll keep finding new things to love about it. It is a proper work of art, and in every delicate and tough moments of the record- you find a home in it and that’s such a beautiful thing. It’s the kind of record you can play at any time of day and you’ll immediately be thrown in VR Sex’s world and you won’t want to ever leave. Let the record consume you in all ways possible.

BRUISE CONTROL: Deaf Institute Lodge 24th February 2024.

Posted on by

Before I get into this, I just want to say- if you are ever given the chance to see Bruise Control… TAKE IT. Sure not everyone loves the kind of music they do, but anyone can appreciate the energy they give off and their talent. The most exciting bands around, and a reason to declare Manchester as the best city.

The first time I saw Bruise Control live, they supported Amyl And The Sniffers at the Albert Hall. To open for a band like that is one thing but to do it in a venue like that is something else. I think when I wrote about the show, I said it felt like Bruise Control were headlining. This band know how to put on a show regardless of the venue size. Bruise Control have the power to be as big as those they have supported, and last night they absolutely proved that.

They hit the stage a couple of minutes before 9 and are done about half past. But it didn’t stop there. Given that they blitzed their way through their set, they did a couple more and that included their delicious cover of Sabotage by the Beastie Boys. We know how precious I can be with covers, but trust me- this cover is ridiculous. Everyone goes ape shit to it. The crowd are handed the mic to scream and the best part is when someone is handed it, and they say “absolutely not.” Amongst the loudness of the music, this is met with gorgeous laughter and shows the love and community in the room. I’ve never felt so safe at a show. It felt like home.

They play all the hits from HMRC, No More, Dead on Arrival and so much more. I was just absolutely enamored by the whole set. This band can really really play. There is something about them on record that has you hooked but live it is truly something else. Jim crowd surfing in the shortest of shorts and his socks was insane. I reckon if anyone else did it, they’d look lame but Jim is the soundest of them all. The band are utterly ferocious pros at what they do, and the passion they have is so beautiful to see; for me it’s the way Jim is so grateful for everyone coming out to see them (as if we’d want to be anywhere else!) This band have a proper following here in Manchester, and it makes me so proud to call this city home. Watching the sea of bodies in front of me move to every sound and scream is just heavenly. Bruise Control deserve the world and more, and I hope they get it because they are SO deserving of every positive opportunity that heads their way.

Aside from the Sabotage cover being an absolute killer of a cover and a joy to watch, for me it was always about Dead on Arrival. That song is Bruise Control at their most powerful, and it truly shows how phenomenal they are as musicians. I honestly could watch them every night and not get bored; they have something that we’ve yet to see in other bands and I know their sound isn’t for everyone but my god they can put on a show. And you know what else is magical about it all? Their fans aren’t dickheads. Sometimes at shows like this you can encounter some real idiots in the crowd, but here there was none of that. It was a truly beautiful experience. I urge anyone to go see them live.

Manchester is home to some of the most incredible band and our pals in Bruise Control are leading the way. I could not be prouder of them. I think anyone there last night will probably feel the same too.

DRUNK MUMS: Beer Baby.

Posted on by

Those Punk rascals from Australia are back. The ever rowdy and always delightful Drunk Mums have new record out in a few weeks, and that 4 year wait will soon be over thank god!

Beer Baby is Drunk Mums at their best and fully explodes in your ears, and makes you think about how you made it through the past 4 years without them. They are one of the most exciting bands around, and they’ve got that effortlessly slick sound that’s found in the likes of The Chats and Amyl And The Sniffers. Put ‘em all together and you’ve got the holy trinity of Australian Punk. Beer Baby is made up of 10 non-stop drunken party anthems that will have you throwing furniture around in no time. The band are also hitting the road at the end of March, and I reckon those shows will be equally as wild as this record. They make the kind of music that needs to witnessed live, even if it’s just to see the utter carnage afterwards. You’ll be covered in cheap beer and sweat almost immediately. Total bliss!

The first two songs on the record hit you right in the kisser, and honestly the first half of the record makes you feel like you are listening to a brand new band but the further into the record you go, the more you realise “ah shit the boys are back!!” It’s a real ripper of a record, and I think their time away (as painful as it was!) has truly helped them develop a sound that grips you even tighter than before. The lead single Livin’ At Night definitely shows their rowdy side at its finest, but don’t even think for a second that this is the best song on the record. Every song on this record could have been the lead single, but this one is the perfect “We’re back fuckers!” anthem they needed to hit us with. Honestly, this is one of the most exciting records you’ll hear this year and yeah, it’s only February but there’s nothing wrong with calling it early is there.

Livin’ At Night has a HUGE Ramones feel to it- especially the chants towards the end, that remind you of Blitzkrieg Bop. It’s just a joy of a song, and the whole record is just a real pleasure to listen to and to let deafen you as you play it as loud as you can. I think I first wrote about the band back in 2018, and I still stand by everything I wrote about them- they’re just so effortlessly cool, and I know cool is a redundant term to use but this band are the exception and I think that’s also part of the fact that they are probably a band that you HAVE to see live rather than just listening to the record. The atmosphere they give on record can clearly only be heightened in a live setting, and those are the bands that we need.

I adore how lairy songs like Magazines, Mutants and Saturday are. They make the kind of music that makes you feel alright with doing nothing at all- because there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing nothing at all. I do it most of the time and I don’t feel bad for it anymore. I just really love this band, and Beer Baby is just a great record. It’ll make you feel good and you’ll feel like you’ve finally found the band you were always meant to love in Drunk Mums.

Not My Dad is one of the best songs on the record- it is a really gnarly and gritty one, and even though it’s not even 2 minutes long you will have it on repeat because the way it’s played and the way the vocals remind you of Dead Boys is perfect. The speed, the snarly vocals, that raw Punk feel is truly alive on this one and it’s easily one of my favourites. Obnoxious Punk at its finest. Hook it up to my veins please!

Drunk Mums make the kind of music that regardless of your mood, just listening to them will always make it better. What they’ve done on Beer Baby is really show us fans that the time away was worth it because this record is pure magic. Every song was clearly made to be screamed back at them and for you to join in with their rambunctious ways. A dream of a band, and a dream of a record yet again.

The record comes out on the 7th March, with a UK tour starting on the 29th March. Buy the record, go to the shows and become obsessed.

THE 13TH PILLAR: Pieces Missing.

Posted on by

Disclaimer- my uncle is in this band. He plays guitar, and in my biased opinion; he’s probably the best guitarist you’ve never heard. He’s full on responsible for my love for Punk and for my obsession with certain bands. Especially my love for Nick Cave.

Hailing from the middle of the Irish Sea (the Isle of Man) The 13th Pillar is a killer Garage Rock/Punk band that in a previous life, probably would have taken over the world. I mean, they still can. We don’t kill dreams here.  For the past 25 years, my uncle (Karl) and his buddy Selwyn have been making music together. Pieces Missing is their heaviest sounding record to date, and you can hear just how beautiful and strong their creative partnership is on this record. Their last release was an EP 10 years ago- proving that good things come to those who wait. The theme that is constant throughout the record is dysfunction and it is wonderfully prominent on the opener, These Are Strange Times. A 5-minute anthem that Iggy Pop would probably happily sing his heart out to. In fact, the whole record has that same energy as Raw Power but with something even more weird and wonderful thrown in.

The sounds on Break My Bones feel like an acid trip (I’ve never taken acid but I have taken a fair amount of CBD oil to calm my mind and that’s enough) and the guitar on this is ridiculous. If you’re looking for something to really blow your mind and brains- that’s the song you need to get familiar with, and play as loud as you can. There are tender moments on the record, and it shows just how bloody great the band are. The bass on How Much More To Make You Smile? is absolutely glorious; it sounds so ethereal, and that flows all the way through the song. It is a beautiful song and has everything you could want from a summertime anthem. It is divine; the kind of song you play whilst the sun is setting and you have a can of lukewarm Red Stripe in your hands. There’s hints of loss and longing on this one, and it is done in such a beautiful way. A really different sound for the band, but is still entirely perfect beyond words.

I can hear influences of bands my uncle got me into on this record, and I think hearing something not as heavy by the band is really surprising. I love the gentleness on the record but at the same time there are these gorgeous sun-kissed sounds on the record which you really get on the likes of Who Knows What We’re Gonna Find, and it reminds me so much of The Stone Roses. That beautiful sun-drenched sound that feels like a sunset hitting you all over. It is such a stunning song, and every song on this record was made to be heard live and loud. I cannot tell you how proud I am of them and how much I just adore this record. You can hear the years of work going into this, and the connection that Karl and Selwyn have is just out of this world.

There are many influences flowing through this record whether it be the sounds of The Velvet Underground to The Stone Roses and beyond. Pieces Missing is such a heavenly record and is entirely trippy in the best way possible. It’s like falling in love with the person you’re supposed to, which kind of fits the theme of dysfunction on this record. The diversity of Selwyn’s vocals on the record is just a delight to hear. One of the biggest moments on this record has to be Waiting For The End Of The World; it feels like it should be played at the end of a film. The kind of film you’d have found Harry Dean Stanton in- something weird, lucid, and poetic. Just like this song. You can imagine the end of the film turning to black as this song plays out. Utterly beautiful.

The record ends with the title track, and is 8 and a half minutes of something I have yet to find the words to. Everyone truly shines on this record- Selwyn’s vocals, Gyp’s bass playing is unreal. Brian beats the shit out of the drums in the most majestic way possible and you have Karl creating some serious magic on the guitar. Put this all in an 8 and a half minute song, and you get this dream of a song. It’s phenomenal. They truly saved the best till last with this one. The production on this record is just exceptional, and you can really hear it on this one. It is the perfect way to end such a glorious record. From the 5 minute mark, you get The 13th Pillar at their heaviest and at their best. It kicks off and it is a joy to hear. It’s one of those moments where you just feel like you’re being transported into a different world. Top tip- play this one through headphones to really feel every element of this song.

Every single song on this record is beautiful and put together in such a captivating way. I think my heart may belong to the title track- the last 3 and half minutes of this song will just blow your mind. Oh, and another fun fact- my uncle also did the artwork for the record.

Biased love for the band aside, this is truly a phenomenal record that deserves your time, ears, and love.

You can buy the record here: https://the13thpillar.bandcamp.com/album/pieces-missing

ANGEL FACE.

Posted on by

There are so many records that have been released by Slovenly Records that are just incredible, and one of their most recent is debut by one of the best Japanese bands around- Angel Face. This is a proper rowdy and loud record that will totally annihilate your eardrums.  A glorious Punk record and a solid debut record.

The record kicks you in the kisser with You Ain’t My Angel and immediately you can hear that snarly tone that Stiv Bators had on this record. This is everything I could possibly want from a Punk record and so much more. They make the kind of music that would have your neighbours making noise complaints about. I’m pretty sure it’s scared off my cat too but to be honest, she’s scared of the spray mop I bought so I won’t trust her judgement here.

This record is something else. If you love bands like Bruise Control, Pancakes, Dead Boys- I could go on. If you love them, then you’re going to love this. Angel Face will make you want to sell whatever you own that’s of worth so you can fly off to Japan and immerse yourself in the Punk scene there. This is some rowdy shit that you cannot get enough of. I want everything I listen to to be as loud as this.

They’ve only been making music together since 2021, but this record sounds like something from ’76 or ’77- it’ll make you feel like you are discovering Punk for the first time, and you’ll wonder how you made it this far without it. How did I make it this far without this record? Every song on this record will make you feel like you’ve snuck into somewhere you shouldn’t have. Bad Feeling and I Can’t Stop are the ones that’ll have you waving your limbs about the most. Then you’ve got the ferocious Bring Me Back; the vocals on this are SO good. That proper gritty and menacing style; it’ll make you feel super tough when you listen to it, even if you’re just a delicate little flower.

Everything about this record screams PLAY THIS LOUDLY. There are no quiet or dull moments on this record; and it just makes you want to unapologetically lose your shit. This is the kind of band that you just know will destroy their live sets- the crowd will leave feeling bruised all over in the most pleasing way imaginable. They make the kind of music that has to be witnessed live. The urgency on this record is nothing short of vital and divine- you cannot help but get caught up in it. How else can you tell that this band are something else? The lead singer is called Hercules- that alone should sway you into digging this band.

Angel Face is anything but angels, and that’s part of the charm. Their sound is dark, raw, and loud- you cannot get enough of it. One casual listen just isn’t enough- you want to just let it consume every part of you, and when you find bands like that you have to hold onto them. Even if they are on the other side of the world and they’ll probably never end up where you are! But hey, we live in hope, don’t we?! It’ll get us through, as always. They make the kind of music that makes you think you’re part of a motorcycle gang or something. I honestly can’t think of a band who are making noise like this right now, and if this is what one record can do, then the world is theirs.

KÜKEN : s/t (III)

Posted on by

After waiting for what seems an eternity, the new full-length record by the finest German band around is finally here! My love for KÜKEN has been well documented; I’ve got all their records and they are some of the most treasured records I own. I just adore this band and their sound. There’s no other band out there quite like them.

For some, Christmas Eve is probably about a wealth of traditions I’ll never get my head around mainly because I closed the door on Christmas after my gran died. I can’t face it; my brain won’t let me. So, we make our traditions. Tomorrow, I plan on sleeping as much as I can (I’ve not been well and my voice is now sort of going) and I’m going to make myself a vegan lasagna and play FIFA on my PlayStation. Maybe nap some more. For me, it’s just a day off work. An extended weekend; and I’m happy with that. But, in the midst of all this and seeing everyone else panic about buying gifts- KÜKEN have released their third full length record and it is a thing of beauty.

I’ve not made a list of my favourite records in a while- I don’t know when I last did it, but if I was to make one for 2023, this record would likely be my top record. This record consists of 11 songs that’ll smack you right in the chops and have you dancing around like someone without a care in the world, and throwing your limbs about in a questionable manner. The best bands bring this out of you, and KÜKEN do this and so much more.

This record fits perfectly after the previous 2 full length records, and honestly, if you play every record in order (EPs included) you will hear just how solid their sound is. Every record they just grow in sound, but there is something about record number 3 that just elevates itself above the others. No song on this record goes beyond the 2 and a half minute mark- proper Punk anthems to trash your room to. They make the kind of music that you know just HAS to be played live. At the moment, my most played song is Goatleather but that’ll change after a few more listens. Every single song is great- you can’t deny the brilliance of Off The Track or Out Of The Water. These are modern Punk anthems that need to played ridiculously loud.

What I love about KÜKEN is how their sound is so distinctive. There’s something about the vocals and everything else going on, that makes you instantly realise who you are listening to. It’s hugely prominent on songs like Tight Muscle and another close favourite, Sticky. Their music is just everything you could want from your favourite band. For me, they’ve got that snarly attitude of Dead Boys which I’m sure I’ve mentioned many times before when I’ve written about them. Sometimes you just find a band, and they become IT for you. KÜKEN are that band for me. They have this powerful and slick sound that makes you wish you could do what they do.

Their third record is made up of typical KÜKEN anthems that you just have to play as loud as you can. The second part of the record goes harder, and it’s those ferocious and fast songs that just make you fall in love with the band over and over again. Cold may just be one of the finest songs that they have made to date. Everything about this band is everything I love about music. This record is truly something else. The production, the songs, vocals, sounds- every element of this record just shows why they are the best at what they do. Criminally underrated but that doesn’t matter when the songs are as big as this. The excitement I feel when they release something new is unlike anything else- they really are one of the most thrilling bands around, and their new record firmly states this.

KÜKEN are a band I could never get tired of listening to or writing about, and this third record is their finest work to date. 11 songs to fry your brain to- perfect!

The record came out today via Alien Snatch Records.

DEATH GOALS: A Garden Of Dead Flowers.

Posted on by

Death Goals have released some incredible music over the years, and instead of writing about how great they are in general- I’m going to try put into words why their latest release A Garden Of Dead Flowers (released in May) is one of the most exciting records of the year, and why it is the perfect Queercore record. These angels truly know how to make incredible noisy music to piss off your neighbours!

The fact that my cat is able to sleep whilst the washing machine goes full pelt and I’m blasting out Death Goals ridiculously loud makes me question if she can hear in general or if like me, probably has selective hearing! Pet welfare aside; A Garden Of Dead Flowers is way ahead of its time. It’s a magnificent Hardcore record that isn’t intimidating, and it is ahead of everything else around and it’s one of those records that just amps you up. I sometimes have a hard time focusing on things because my brain likes to go 500 miles an hour and think about everything at once- but when I listen to bands like Death Goals- my brain can calm down and focus.

It’s weird because say if I have an anxiety or panic attack, certain bands or songs can ease my mind and for the most part- it’s really loud bands that do it. I don’t get it, but I go with it. Loveless is one of the many highlights for me on this record; I could have it on repeat for hours and not get tired. Harry’s vocals have some serious bite to it; how they can belt out those vocals is beyond me- imagine being able to do that! The sheer range!

Everything about Death Goals blows my mind; there’s only two of them making this noise, and my god it sounds like there’s about 20 of them. That’s when you know you’ve found a band to really fall in love with and adore. I love the unity around them band, and how their music is for everyone. All too often we can feel like we can’t connect with something because it doesn’t speak to us, but there’s something so beautifully different about Death Goals, and how exceptional they are is truly shown on this record. They’re the kind of band that’ll easily influence others to make their own filthy, noisy music that appeals to us misfits. We need more of this.

What I love about this record is that it gets heavier with every song. There may only be 11 songs on this record, but every single song is delivered with such urgency and a fury that makes you feel every single note and word. Harry is a beast on guitar and vocals. Nothing can compare to the noise they make. And as for George; well, if you’re looking for someone to burst your eardrums with their ferocious drumming- George is the one for you! There are so many moments on this record that will blow your mind, and everything perfectly comes together on Faux Macho.

Death Goals just quite simply, reinforce my love for duos. Duos always seem to make more noise and deliver it with more urgency. The sheer loudness of their sound, the comfort in the lyrics and the general insane talent Death Goals posses is worthy of anyone’s time. One of the most exciting bands around, and A Garden Of Dead Flowers truly shows us all just how bloody brilliant they are.

BEIGE BANQUET: Animals

Posted on by

“

“This petty urge, fills your mouth
Makes you sick, makes you sick. Animal.”

I can’t remember when I last wrote about a single, but sometimes you hear something and you just have to write down and try explain why it’s pretty great. London’s finest Beige Banquet are back with the killer new single, Animals and it’ll be stuck in your head for days.

The repetitiveness of “Animals” throughout the song will stay firmly lodged in your brain. You’ll find yourself singing it at any given time, and probably no one will know what you’re on about. Beige Banquet are one of the most thrilling bands around, and the sound on this single sees them move away slightly from that lo-fi/bedroom DIY sound they have. It’s still there of course, but this song is more refined. It’s more distinguished and it’s a firm insight into how this band are going to continuously blow us away with everything they do. Their second record is due for release next year and I cannot wait to hear it. I reckon it’ll be one of the highlights of 2024, and hopefully they will take over the world with it. They absolutely deserve it.

Animals is a darker sounding song compared to what we’ve heard on their debut etc, but that is never a bad thing. The darker a sound, the better it usually is (personal preference!) and the fact that Beige Banquet aren’t afraid to go beyond what they’ve done before and enhance their sound is just incredible to hear. There’s hints of bands we all love on Animals, but at the same time it’s a real refreshing sound and one to really get stuck into.

The drums on this are stunning, and they are part of the reason why this song will have you moving in questionable ways. Then you have the bass and the guitar over this; adding some fury and bite to it all. Top this off with the poetic lyrics and gripping vocals- well, you’ve got a hit haven’t you!

Animals is out now, and you can catch Beige Banquet at these two dates in November:

10th November – London – Oslo
11th November – Leeds – Hyde Park Book Club

LEGAL NOISE: Legal Noise.

Posted on by

Some bands are just made to make songs that stick in your brain. And boy oh boy do Legal Noise make the kind of music that sticks right in there! I’ve written about this band before, so my feelings towards their music is pretty clear. But, as there is a new record out…actually, hold on. As their DEBUT record is now here, it’s only right I go into more detail as to why this band are pretty damn great!

As far as debut records go, this one is perfect. That was always going to be the case- what else do you expect from a band as awesome as this? Every song was made for you to thrash your body around to as if something has possessed you. The kind of songs that are destined to be heard in sketchy basement bars. The kind of songs you play when you feel happy or fed up- there’s a song for every mood and more on this record. These 8 songs are wild and a solid way of getting us to know Legal Noise much better. Whatever you’ve heard from them before- but it to one side, and dive headfirst into this record. This is a great record with nothing sounding out of place or forced. You can really hear their passion, and that passion makes you wish you had some musical talent. Imagine being in a band as cool as this!

The band sent me the record a few weeks before it was released, and I wanted to wait a while before I wrote about it. I’ve found this is the case with anything new I listen to now. Normally it’d be one listen and devour it. Now I’d rather listen to it over and over, then work out what I want to say. Joel mentioned that the first half of the record is a more of a Garage feel, then the second half is a lot heavier. That’s the best way to describe this record. The second part kicks you in the gut with Dracula, and it’s my favourite on the record by far. I love the heaviness of it, and how the heaviness smacks you right out of nowhere. Then it keeps on going on the second half of the record. It’s honestly a perfect record and for me, that balance of this sort of Stoner Rock coming in halfway to kick you in the face is just divine.

There’s only 3 of ‘em in the band, and by god they make a whole lot of noise. The kind of noise that needs to heard full whack 24/7. Time is just over 5 minutes long and you know what? We need more of it. This song could easily sound as perfect if it was 3 times longer. It’s such a great song, and it’s honestly a joy to listen to. Every single song is a joy to listen to. The record ends on a 10-minute number (Try To Hide) and the second it finishes; you’re playing the record all over again. And again. Legal Noise are a band that you know you HAVE to see live. I really hope this record is the one that brings them over to the UK and they sell out every place they visit. It’s a record that needs to be heard in all its heavy glory. We all form bonds with records whether immediately or over time; this record is one you fall in love with immediately.

I just urge anyone who reads this to play this record loud and throw your body wildly around as you let every song get into the depths of your soul.

SEXTILE: Push.

Posted on by

On Friday Sextile will be releasing their new record PUSH via Sacred Bones Records. That label is home to some amazing bands and singers. Some of my favourite records have come from that label, and I’m so happy that they’ve picked up the new Sextile record.

I’ve written about the band a handful of times including the last time they played here in Manchester (they will return to the same venue in December which I’m so excited for!) Their live shows are something else, and when you listen to PUSH, you cannot help but feel it’s a record to be witnessed live. It’s a pure Sextile record from start to finish. Every song is in the right place. It starts with No Fun that goes right into the trance like Contortion. Imagine this live. When you get your hands on this record, this song will change everything you thought you knew about the band. This song is way out there- Sextile are just on another planet with this record, and especially with this song. They just take you somewhere else that no other band has, or maybe ever will.

I really love that this record still has a familiar Sextile sound but at the same time, it throws you into this underground trance world. Early 90s House music is the feel of this record mixed with everything that Punk is. That’s the band all over really, and it sounds SO good. When a band really push their limits and go beyond what even they expect from themselves, that’s when you know you’ve found something to really hold on to. It’s a joyful record that’ll put your mind right. I mean some songs may give your older relatives a headache, but maybe it isn’t for them. This record isn’t for those who love the gentle and quiet. It’s for those of us who want something a bit louder, and something we’ve not really heard before. The loudness will smack you in the chops and the intensity of this record is just heavenly.

Lost Myself Again sounds like dread kicking in that leads into some form of hangover. Whether it be an emotional one or otherwise; it really does something to the soul. All the dread you feel is released by the time you’ve finished listening to this song. I love how the whole record is beautifully chaotic. It’s a record to dance to- to really dance to, and I don’t think they’ve done this on previous records. Sure, you can move to their sounds, but this record offers something else. And it is that “something else” that has you hooked. It’s not a record that you play once and forget about it. That’s not how it works with Sextile- far from it. They’re a band that you go back to every time. I think with this record, it’ll be the one you go to when you want something that you cannot get from any other record.

For me, Crash shows just how talented the band is. This is one of the gentler moments on the record. It’s a real soothing part of the record. You can play this late at night, look out the window or go for a walk and just play this. Whatever you feel when you play it, just go with it. It’s magical in every way. Friend of the band Izzy Glaudini lends her vocals on this one, and it just sounds like an angel harmonising. It’s such a gorgeous song, and does fit in with the rowdiness of the record.

As far as Electro records go, this one is up there as being entirely different; if aliens exist- then I hope whoever meets them, plays this record to them because I reckon, they too, would embrace the weirdness and beauty on this record. You cannot help but adore songs like Basically Crazy, Crassy Mel and LA DJ. It’s just a feel-good record. You can dance your little heart out to this one. Play it whilst you’re at the gym, play it whilst you clean your apartment, play it at a queer house party. Play it wherever you can and as loud as you can.

If you’re looking for a record that oozes soul and passion, then all you need to do is get this record on Friday. It’ll get you to where you need to go.