SONIC SNIPS |
December 2024 - 'I Hate You More (Than I Hate Myself)' by Julie's Dead - A very acidic and vicious song dealing with a relationship break-up and giving vent to some serious emotions. A really snagging sonic sample with much flesh on the bone and hammered home with certainty and authority. *** November 2024 - 'Monotone Madman' by Nomatrix - A wonderful DIY band with a determination never to give up. From their latest album comes this astute snippet of terse trouble-tunery that really hits the hotspot. It hammers along with great accuracy and accent - I think it is a real raw and ready pip. *** October 2024 - 'Stuck In 77' by Daffodildos - A real throwback/spunk forward splash and scream snipe at the ones caught up in a mire of yesteryear. A vicious piece that says it how it is - and bang on the mark I reckon. GReat vocals, fine noise and a good uplifting essence that shakes the shit up. *** September 2024 - 'We Do Say Thanks' by Danbert Nobacon, Kira Wood Cramer & The Axis of Dissent - A charmimg beauty done with a sincerity and captivating gentleness that shows an apprecaition for all the precious things in life. Perhaps more punk than what many would deem, this is a sugar-sweet number that appeals big time. *** August 2024 - 'The Real Divide' by Uk Dissent - A quality band with a second full length release on their hands. Matters culminate in this choice song that has many cultured touches whilst still holding on to a good wallop and a pertinent message. I like this lot, here is a reason why. *** July 2024 - 'Merrie City Serenade (Second Take)' by Crows of Albion - A quite cultured piece of observational brilliance that has a warming-glow to the whole darn shebang and a embracing rhythm one is easily enchanted by. The whole creation is lucid, gentle and beautifully delivered - a subtle DIY masterpiece with folky caresses aplenty. *** June 2024 - 'Timeless Overdrive' by Zoo Party - A band who operate with a distinct insight into what they want to do and how they want to achieve it. They maintain and healthy balance of rhythm and power and consistently hit the hot-spots - this one is a flowing peach with a very catchy lick. *** May 2024 - 'Unsending An Apology' by Jean Mignon - A fine example of playing fuck-it and see wild-assed garage pop with the foot on the accelerator and no shits given. All the while a cohesion is had whilst the frontman lets rip with a scorching pip. *** April 2024 - 'Rich Man's War' by Queer of Hearts - This song came my way and I booked the band not long after. Politically enraged and dished forth with roughhouse gumption that has a quite honest and unaffected timbre, I was impressed and equally taken with the 'live' offering too. *** March 2024 - 'Meds' by The Missing Persons List - Fuckin' fantastic crud-cacophony with a sawbone edge. and a catchy accent and some content matter I can wholly relate to. This is a sweet track with a comedic touch that leaves one gagging for some more rot and roll goodness straight out of the gutter. *** February 2024 - 'Eco Warrior' by The Destroid - A song delivered with good relish and a pertinent message. I like the band, the content is close to my heart, I love the raw-assed and honest way in whch the point is made - I suspect the punks will listen and do fuck all, just like the rest of the masses - aaaggghhh! *** January 2024 - 'Curiosity' by Labasheeda - The strength, the post-punk suggestions and the emotive content of this short but effective tune are what make it a sincere winner for me. The rough and ready combined with the graceful and sturdy make for a fine snippet from these Dutch dabblers. *** December 2023 - 'Run, Run, Run' by Ambulanz - A real nippy jangle-jazz splat that rolls along with space-age keys, scabby guitar and shit-spray stick work of a most nervous kind, this is magnetic off-kilter music played by fidgets not following any trend - I like it. *** November 2023 - 'Sex Worker Of The Pandemic' by Rites Of Hadda - A quite stunning and inescapable track of galloping intent with a dark and spunk-splashed content not for those of a delicate frame of mind. The blend of all acoustic materials, the rough and rhythmic pounding all make for a sonic sewer flow I am delighted to be poisoned by! *** October 2023 - 'A Lifetime Of Small Events' by Mardigras Bombers - A masterclass of cultured noise construction as executed by a band I have helped now and again, whom have always done their fine DIY bit and who are now showcasing some real fine tunes. This is a real classic piece from a superb EP - kaboom baby. *** September 2023 - 'Out Of The Blue' by Suburban Toys - Charming, gentle and with a good buoyancy to get the lower digits tapping this is a DIY joy not to be underestimated. The lightly foamed skankiness and teh liberated front vocals all make for a song I for one and utterly convinced by. *** August 2023 - 'Bloody Hands' by Reason To Leave - Fast and accurate skaterised punk built on some sound insight and a great production value that gets the best out of a band who are obviously relishing their chosen brand of sonic spillage. The band are as good 'live' as they are on CD - wham. *** July 2023 - 'Up The Dirtbox' by Dirtbox Disco - A fine band suddenly reinvented and re-enthused have come up trumps with another choice album and many a great track. This one is a beauty - a double entendre sing-a-long snippet that will 'wow' the crowds and keep the smiles radiant. Smashing. *** June 2023 - 'Cosa Nostra' by Kingsway Flyers - A cover song done for all the right reasons and done with such precision that the original is duly outstripped. This is from the heart, the original was a classic, this effort is in the same league with added quality - a real moment to savour and again proving that DIY matters. *** May 2023 - 'Universally Broken' by Entropy - A superb title track from an EP that promises, delivers and gives a little extra. This track has frustration, rage and yet enough insight to keep things melodic and absolutely humming with magnetic appeal. The band are quality as is this track. *** April 2023 - 'Tomorrows Gonna Be Your Day' by Most Likely To Fail - Two fine blokes carrying forth the flag of a band I have always had a lot of time for. Here they produce a surprising tinkle of tonality that has a great positivity, a strong flow and some sweet accoutrements - I am now encouraging them to get back to gigging! *** March 2023 - 'History (Tear Out The Pages)' by Hospital Food - A band who put in the work, keep it DIY pure and crack on with good spirit. The latest album is a reliable source of rhythm and here with have a cutlet that is a shining beacon and has a strong source of sonic goodness. I am rather taken. *** February 2023 - 'Saw It On TV So It Must Be True' by The Bakeseys - Cultured and shadow-laden skank played with a cool aplomb and a tremendous insight into what makes this niche of noise work. Sober, questioning and played at a sanguine and comforting pace - The Bakeseys never fail to impress. *** January 2023 - 'The Beer On Your Breath' by Apocalypse Babys - Superb comic genius with many smile-inducing one-liners and visions summoned of an hopeless pisspot trying to convince others that he is blameless. A real AB special here - good noise and reminiscences of being on the piss. *** December 2022 - 'My Dads A Football Hooligan' by The Apparents - A song of two-contrasting and complimenting elements with street clobbering driving matched by some good observational skankiness. This is a song taken from an album laden with good honest songs, I love it. *** November 2022 - 'Year Of The Rats' by Puss Johnson and Satan's Cats - Taken from a quality 5-tracker this snippet is a smooth flowing rock and roll joy with all areas alive and kicking and the lady at the fore releasing crystal clear vocals with zealous joy. A cracking arse-kicker. *** October 2022 - 'The Thunder and the Bombs' by Bard Company - A very erudite and melodically satisfying drift that deals with the idiocy or war and the senseless stupidity of dropping bombs. This is a minor gem built on insight and a spirit that considers others - what a stunner. *** September 2022 - 'Sick Of It All' by The Sporadics - Instantaneously appealing this scuzzy upbeat bounce along emanates the counter sensations of being fucked off with everything but remaining upbeat enough to knock out a very enthusing tune. Sub-cranky skanky goodness in all its glory. *** August 2022 - 'Morrison's Jig' by The Dead Irish - A fine emerald-kissed free-wheeling reel done with such magnetising gusto and earthy charm that I for one, upon first listen, had a great desire to sup a flaggon of foaming ale and get meself a-jigging. What a joyous and escapist belter and something a little different for ye Fungal lugs. *** July 2022 - 'Jewel ' by Omega Tribe - A beautifully touching gift presented by a band well-versed, striving to spread a wholesome word and refusing to follow the punk tick-box expectations. Taken from a CD that excels in numerous ways this is a pure zenith I for one, am smitten by. *** June 2022 - 'Opposites ' by The P45's - This band have no releases to date and have only played 'live' twice. I have been fortunate enough to see them on both occcasions and this song, amongst many others, is a fuckin' beauty. Simple, catchy and just oozing inescapable rhythm - this band have some 'toon's baby. *** May 2022 - 'Knackers Yard' by Spunk Volcano and the Eruptions - From another fine album by the ever impressive ejaculating machine comes a track that deals with the aging process and the joys of falling apart. It is done with fine ill-temperament and a general ruddy annoyance to make one truly relatable hit. *** April 2022 - 'Soylent Green' by Little Bohemia - Clever cacophony combining raw scuzz, minimalism, clashing tonality and pertinent wordage that may be just a premonition of the future. An excellent recording plus an utterly pissed-off passion this is a minor beauty. *** March 2022 - 'The Rude Boys Are Staring Back At Me' by The Red Eyes - An erudite band here who have been plying their trade for many a year and simply producing quality moment after quality moment. This is an uplifting track taken from their latest masterpiece album - the band are on top of their game. *** February 2022 - 'Siam' by Smashing Red - Cultured consideration and musical care are taken with a quiet approach that holds an insight into when the doors where locked, many cowered in fear and the political rulers had a power wank. The song here is flowing, creative and maybe, a little more barbed than you may consider. *** January 2022 - 'Mad Fer It' by Rodents - I was given a one-track CD to review whilst watching Non-League Footy, I expected little and got a beauty. This single track snots and spits with youthful cockiness whilst exuding a sound of ping-inducing goodness. Powerful, natural and not overly raw - what a stunner. *** December 2021 - 'New World Order' by Blitzkrieg - The band here are producing their best stuff to date and are sincerely blowing out of the water their efforts in earlier years. This song is apt for the present climate and taken from an album that sizzles with desire. A real showstopper. *** November 2021 - 'Black Tears' by Grippers - The title track and main catch-point of a healthy 6-track EP that sees the band lay down firm foundations. This emotive song has utterly believeable elements as well as a certain acidic quality that sharpens matters no end. *** October 2021 - 'S. O. S' by Punky Ruckus - a genuinely fucked-off holler it done with wickedly absorbing vibrations that remind one of a life of youthful boredom and a time when the hamster-wheel turned and the same old shit was flung. A marvellously obvious and effective song. *** September 2021 - 'World Police' by Apocalypse Babys - this crew are long-term contributors to the DIY scene and have brought many a fine tickle to the tonal table. The snippet chosen here is thoughtful, melodic and heavyweight and indicative of a band who know what they are doing. *** August 2021 - 'Slummin' It' by Barking Poets - a very convincing piece of popped noise with great gumption and a striking fluidity. Nostalgic in many ways, modern in many others, this is a free-flowing piece of well-worked musicianship by a band with many positive assets within their armoury. *** July 2021 - 'Get Your Moon Boots On' by The Bakeseys - a solid ska band with two good albums under the belt and much nouse within the workings. This track, taken from the delightful third album, is a dance-inducing beauty ideal for those who wanna drop-out and take delight in the joys of well-played music with no underlying sub-text - have it. *** June 2021 - 'NPC' by Ghoulies - A jumble jamboree of great excitement with youthful gusto and a desire to throw forth quick and easily disgestable tunes the order of the day. Madness is the chief element used to spice things up - the band may be warped but they do tickle the senses. *** May 2021 - 'You Can't Fool All Of The People' by Vice Squad - Whilst many bands flounder and flatline after years of pissing in the wind, Vice Squad are still producing high quality music and their latest album is one granite creation. This number is a zenith and exposes the fact the band have stature and a poiltical anger still raging. *** April 2021 - 'Tyger, Tyger' by Headsticks - An emotively saturated song with profound depths and heartfelt sincerity played out with careful delicacy and consideration by a band very much at the top of their game. Sometimes a musical creation transcends the limiting boundaries of the sonica arena - here we have such an example. *** March 2021 - 'If Only I Could Remember' by Das Ghoul - A moment of gothic-tinted horror pop taken from an EP that is great testament to a band who are very much at the top of their game. This unsettling snippet has all the ingredients to become a terror-tone classic with a certain emotive strain very much in line with the theme set - fine work for sure! *** February 2021 -'Life's Hard Lover' by The Stools - A real dirty dog opener to a 4-track EP that I have recently reviewed and beeen thoroughly impressed with. The Stools play it shitty, kick up a good stink and let their bollocks hang low whilst making a a real enthused racket. *** January 2021 -'Reality Attak' by Reality Attak - An old song from a band playing from the gutter of yesteryear. The scurfy and scruffy delivery is done in the most natural way and will appeal to those long versed and without any hope of sonic recovery - I like it! *** December 2020 - 'Dirty Town' - The Inklings - An understated gem from a band who have their own style and are slowly tampering with different flavours from now, then and tomorrow. There is plenty of atmosphere going down here and some smart arrangements - a tidy contrast to more walloping tunes that I listen to. *** November 2020 - 'Star Man' - Activistas - I absolutely love this song, tis like sticking your hand in a bargain basement lucky dip and coming out with a bundle of cash - totally unexpected and very rewarding. The honest simplicity, general earthy appraoch and magnetic clarity make it a fuckin' beauty. *** October 2020 - 'This Land Is Your Land' - Activistas - Some good people I know making their best tune to date. Sub skanky, reggae-fied, sweetly serenading and with a pertinent political point you can agree or disagree with. The fact is, this is a lovely trickle of heartfelt music-making done with great belief - now have that for a change! *** September 2020 - 'S. O. P. H. I. E' - The White Ribbons - Cultural tones this way come via a very smartly executed bout of emotional wavelets that eventually rise and crash with great purpose against our sozzled consciousness. The White Ribbons have an inbread quality - here it shows. *** August 2020 - 'Heads of Nation' - Radioactive Rats - I am a great lover of hardcore noise when it is done well. Here is a billowing blow-out of stupendous proporations that hits every apprecaiative sensor and has me utterly cock-a hoop with the cacophonic outcome - prepare to bleed you doubting bastards. *** July 2020 - 'Square Hammer' - Most Likely To Fail - A cover version done by a band I hold in high regard. This quality -laden effort outstrips the original by a country mile and exemplifies the fact that this unit, even though stripped down, still have a lot to offer. *** June 2020 - 'In The End' - Red or Dead - A purist anthem for the outsider built on a folked substrate with added gumption and a touch of an old school classic. The harmonies raise the bar higher and the all-important question of if you gave it your best shot is inspiring. *** May 2020 - '1.34' - Proud City Fathers - A band with much to say, a band with ill-temper, a band with a new album to enthuse the jaded senses. This raging attack on throwback fuckery is an appealing stunner that gets the job done in double quick time but leaves a very nasty scar! *** April 2020 - 'Making A Mint' - Aborted Tortoise - I love lo-fi slop and roll shittery with a darn good rhythm that feels mighty natural and unaffected. This is the opening song from a fine EP and one that really does inspire me to seek out more spillage from this band - nuff said! *** March 2020 - 'Same Day' - The Cravats - An old band, strill letting the creative juices flow and still not following any orthodox scripts. This is the highpoint of their latest album with contrast, power and successful experimentation all combining to produce a sure-fire beauty. *** February 2020 - 'Griefcase' - Slow Jams - A work of sinister devilry with a flesh-searing attack pouncimng upon the unsuspecting listener and fuckin' giving them what for. When hardcore thrashing shittery is as animated and damaging as this I stand aroused. *** January 2020 - 'The Blank Generations' - Slow Faction - A contrasting simmer of minimalistic pushes interspersed with much nervous agitation combining to make a political creation awash with quality and disgust. The whole offering exudes old school/new school awareness and grabs the inspiring bull by the horns and aims to get you thinking...and reacting. *** December 2019 - 'Throughput Will Be Down' - Nomatrix - From point A to point Z those perennial noise making bastards from Athlone make sure this fiery snippet is slammed right down your throat and dragged out your arse without any fuckin' apology. A fine sprint against the 'comapny' - and all the shit that goes with it - bang. * * * November 2019 - 'Stoffel' - Brocker - From a fast flowing, clinically executed rock and roll album comes this magnificent piece of skankily spiced sonica - an offering that drips with erudite class and utter exacting musicianship whilst both being invigorating and an example of what heights a DIY band can achieve. * * * October 2019 - 'Acting Right' - Eye The Bomb - A fantastic opening to the bands latest punk fuck, hip-hop shake-up that shows that boundaries are indeed nebulous and if the attitude is right the vibe can always make the A-Grade. This oozes quality and street-wise sharpness - the band do it just right! * * * September 2019 - 'Got A Gun' - Blitzkrieg - A simmering piece of incendiary noise taken from an album that blazes with focused passion and heavy duty riffery. This is intensity incarnate, the players are zoned in, aiming to cause aural bleeding, this they do with consummate ease. * * * August 2019 - 'Big Man In A Small World' - Nathan Seaton - What strikes me about this song is the snagging chorus, the utter delicacy with which such an aggravating subject is delivered and the fact it is by a man who has finally decided to pluck alone - it is a six-strung beauty. * * * July 2019 - 'Happy' - The Wasters - A wonderfully sub-snotty song from a band who play it low-slung, are in no rush to go anywhere and who seem rather disgruntled with some of the shit that goes on out there. I love the lax melody, the suggestion of arrogance and the whole damn throwback style. * * * June 2019 - 'TCP' - Spunk Volcano and the Eruptions - Hefty on the licks, gushing with old time memories, rising to the task with a chorus that absolutely nails it, this is the band at their best and flowing with an unstoppable liquidity and song-creating prowess that leaves many bands standing. * * * May 2019 - 'From The Blow' - Rites Of Hadda - Heavy meat on a surperbly intense and animated bone brandished by a band on top of their game and rattling out hard rhythms of scintillating noise that exhibits great nouse and intensity. The band approach, exhibit, set fire to the aural passages with great gusto - this is a bass driven beauty! * * * April 2019 - 'Outposts' - Proud City Fathers - The title track of a very strong CD, here we have a sound blend of raw punk ignited by blistering frustration and anger and delivered with the usual annoyed stance and forthright way the band do so mighty well - a real meaty moment! * * * March 2019 - 'Wretches' - The Shady Poets - A stunning opening gambit played with minimalism and when adorned done so with just the right amount of insightful skill. The song has a skip, an earthen honesty, it is wonderfully difficult to categorise and and sates my DIY needs - a classic! * * * February 2019 - 'Policja' - Radioactive Rats - A cover song, something I don't mind now and again but only in the midst of a mush of original material. This is a fuckin' beauty, it raises the hairs on the neck, turns shit to liquid, makes the toes curl with appreciation - a hardcore sizzler delivered by a quality band - yes, yes and...fuckin' yes! * * * January 2019 - 'Running Away From Police' - The Sentence - Good and honest DIY punk rock played by saturated spiky tops who should know better but never ever will (thank goodness). This is one that will get stuck in the cranium and have you singing along at the most unexpected time. * * * December 2018 - 'I Can't Seem To Make You Mine' - The Chocolate Watchband - A glorious repeat ripple over waters of sedated comfort where players float with unflustered buoyancy and move along on a flow that is wonderfully exact. Stoned up, immaculate in many ways - a choice contrast to many punk angles! * * * November 2018 - 'Ain't Got Time For This' by Jesus Hooligan - A song that takes the basic elements of punk and shows what can be done when the balls are bared and the ass is whipped up with insight, thoughtful energy and plain old frustration - a delight! * * * October 2018 - 'The Hard Way' by The Sonics - Having watched this band earlier in the month and having been completely mesmerised I thought it only fit to pick one of their songs. The one opted for is perhaps not typical of the outut but is a marvellous piece of incessance and and rock and roll jitterisation - fuckin' A-one! * * * September 2018 - 'Get On The Ride' by The Drop Out Wives - A snippet from a wonderful compilation featuring a band that are sorely under-valued. This song is punk grunge and has a sex appeal and solidity not to overlook - tis a good un' for sure! * * * August 2018 - 'Stop The World In Its Tracks' by Carol Hodge - A well journeyed and well versed talent brings forth a new CD and starts off with this momentous track that oozes insight, high artistry and such angelic oral tones - an easy choice. * * * July 2018 - 'A Little Glimpse Of Death' by The Molochs - A bolt out of the pale indified blue, this soft and gentle blast of thermal air blew my way via a full length CD and stood out from a solid collection of lighter tones - sublime indeed. * * * June 2018 - Pills' by Lucy and the Rats - A juicy jaunt of pop-punk pleasure coloured with sweet-pink innocence and shot through with bubble-squeak sincerity that adds up to one final mouthwatering tickle of pleasure incarnate. A sweet treat to enjoy in the sun, yeah! * * * May 2018 - 'Fuck You' by Bleed - I am a fan of the band chosen but remain critical so as to try and force their hand onto better things. The song chosen is an erudite effort that exposes deep-rooted potential. There is power in the mix but this time with added subtley - I appreciate it! * * * April 2018 - 'Trails' by Splintr - The first song and title track of a darned exciting album by a band very much in the groove and producing bomb blast after bomb blast. This is a soul-stirring giant that kicks you up the arse - what a way to start a CD! * * * March 2018 - 'We Are Unique' by Black Eddy - An anthem for the outsider, a ditty for the DIY dog - played with a distinct style by a band on an upswing and keeping things quite raw but very real - it'll do for me! * * * February 2018 - 'In America' by Red or Dead - A whispered threat is far more effective than one hollered, the same can be said for many musical moments. This classic cutlet stays controlled and makes a mighty impression - tis folked punk to admire. * * * January 2018 - 'Snap' by Brash Bullets - Stripped to the waist (and beyond) DIY that finds a route, sticks to it and does so with such an earthy inescapable charm I need make no apology for loving it. Something old school but something new in the mix - nice! * * * December 2017 - 'This Guitar Of Mine' by First Base - Pop punkism done through a blending machine that produces nothing less than candy popping, corned up foam - and I just love it. The ease of the delivery is key, just wallow baby, wallow! * * * November 2017 - 'There's A War Going On' by Slow Faction - I am a sucker for reggae punk with a political edge. Here it is played out with exactitude and the expected bass vibe does what it sets out to do - sets an atmosphere and rouses the soul. * * * October 2017 - 'Everyday We Grow' by The Cowboy - A sub-maladriot DIY mush of earthy noise that will hit the hot zones of those in the low-down pit and with an ear for bare-assed rhythm and a quite unaffected approach. Dog-dirty and sniffing at its own balls baby! * * * September 2017 - 'A Black/White Interpretation of Unrequited Love' by Idiot City - I have a liking for dirty, scuzzed up numbers and when such examples hold on to something akin to rhythmic refinery so much the better. This one is an unwashed peach consistently scratching at the flakes of discordant dermatitis - cruddy man! * * * August 2017 - 'Chronic' by Haters- The closing number and title-track of a 4 song EP, this one swung my way and blessed my buggered soul with a skipping beauty rarely found in the murky mire where I operate. A scrubbed-pure piece with all areas solar-pecked and sweetly thoughtful. A fine discovery! * * * July 2017 -'Punch Little Babies' by Future Hate - Taken from an album of crazed clattering this, and several other songs, had my head in a whirl and throbbing with zested delight. Turn up the volume, loosen your shackles and just enjoy this free-wheeling tear up. * * * June 2017 -'Class Crime' by Terminal Rage - An irritated band who have pleased me 'live' and recently pulled out a solid EP that real turned me on. This snippet is from that release and is a prime example of putting your balls on the line and letting rip in unadulterated punk style - baboom! * * * May 2017 -'2*2' by Dirty Fences - A song I have reviewed before and one that as come around on a loop and reignited my favour for the rhythm, What a totally marvellous snippet of lo-fi melody, a song that oozes easy talent and has many smooth flowing snags that really ensnare the attention - a real choice find. * * * April 2017 -'Isolation' by Tripwire DC - This is one of the most unassuming punk songs on an album that is totally delicious and has many fine reggae/skank aspects. There are more crafted tracks, more cultured cuts but this little nagging snippet of noise really does get in the cranium - a positive sign indeed. * * * March 2017 -'Elevate' by The Karma Party - Taken from a compilation constructed by Eye The Bomb Frontman Ric, this streetwise snip is an absolutely smart clad tune dealing with today's themes and cultural failings and pouring through a sound that isn't punk as such but as equal, if not with more clout. Slick and classy - a joyous find! * * * February 2017 -'Mother' by Idles - A searing piece of noise straight from the heart rising onheavy duty bass with a vocal bitterness that chants and rants before becoming involved in an escalating explosion that oozes venom and seething desire. A marvellous episode from an album that...burns very brightly. * * * January 2017 - 'Biscuit Beard' by Frau Pouch - Dictated by a souped up bass line and hollered over with natural mania this is just one snippet from a band that are really turning me on at the moment. A certain unpredictabilty adds to the excitement, a suggestion that full on head violence is never far away and when the song surges one gets even closer to those teasing threats - oh yes. * * * December 2016 - 'I'd Like To Meet Your Parents' by Playboy Manbaby - A multifarious mish-mash of controlled mayhem that sees a very cute and able band splash the contents of the musical melting pot in many wayward directions and still come out with a fine degree of unmessy success. This is a fine animated beast that wrestles with itself and slips out of the assessing grasp like a well-oiled dongler - I like the challenge. * * * November 2016 - 'Disappear' by Chambers - A song from the band of the moment this pulsing sex throb is sable, sinister and unsettling in equal measure and when it cresendoes with power the inner guts flip arse over tit in appreciation of true musical artistry coming to life - a most fascinating number. * * * October 2016 - 'Piffle' by The Mobbs - I can't get this out of my mind or indeed off the turntable since reviewing this CD when it first came out a few months back. Genuinely effective stripped down music that has that classy edge and deep rooted character to make it an absolute winner. * * * September 2016 - 'This Is Planet Grot' by Ashley Reaks - An opening gambit to a very DIY outburst of seething frustration and sobered observation. The song is raging, rabid and rocking – it has an earthy effect and slams to the back of your throat without apology. I am an eager gobbler! * * * August 2016 - 'I Like My Own Seat On The Train' by Pulco - Being a seeker of oddness and more often than not uncovering a gem here we have perhaps the most orthodox track taken from an album of unadulterated experimentation. It is a snippet of sub-genius and has such a lemon fresh sugar sweet innocence that I for one am...impressed. * * * July 2016 - 'City Bike/Factor Of 10' by Rainbow Reservoir - A sugar pie slice of consistent movement that is poppoid to the extreme and daintily delivered. The vocals are chirpy, the observations incessant and the pace of the snippet exact - you can't beat a bit of pop punk cuteness. * * * June 2016 - 'Hallucinations' by The Bordellos - A genuinely haunting song that coasts on heels that are both strangely in control and almost detached from the job at hand. It is a very gratifying drift of low brow emotion that has a care, has a consideration, has a cutting angle that is most sublime. * * * May 2016 - 'Inject Me' by The Underdog - A tough, gritty song only tempered down by the artistes determination to try and stay as cool and relaxed as possible. Thankfully he fails here and lets real emotion spill inwards and expose a terrifying insight into the dead-end world of addiction/dependency. A masterstroke from a man who knows the script. * * * April 2016 - 'Skum Rises' by Skurvi - A well delivered song coined by a volcanic spunker and delivered by a band who have just released their first album and are on a pleasing roll at the mo. This is one of many fine songs and the extra barbs and tight thrust are what make it one to stand out and take note of. * * * March 2016 - 'Are You Reading A Dirty Book' by Wolf Girl - A choice morsel from a CD that has me highly hooked. Popped and crackled noise of an indified leaning with many charming nuances thrown in as well as much positive sunlight. This is a 'Smiths-esque' jaunt though but still tickles many senses. * * * February 2016 - 'Fighting On' by Wolf Bites Boy - I gave this band their first gig, I was mightily impressed. I expected much from their CD release and let me tell you their latest album is cracker. The song here is one fine example of the mastery on show and is a sing-a-long anthem loaded with guts and muscle. * * * January 2016 - 'Just Another Day' by Burning From The Inside - A song from a band I know well, a crew who have given me much pleasure and a unit who just don't fit cosily enough into any local niche so as to lift them from under the radar. This is a pulsating pearler that immediately raises the receptors and gets one absorbed, class producing class.. * * * December 2015 - 'DIY' by Cosmic Slop - I don't care what anyone says, scratching about beneath the radar is where the greatest sonic pleasures are found and this DIY anthem is a melodic, open-hearted and blatantly honest sing-a-long moment I shall be playing over and over again. Quite superb! * * * November 2015 - 'Beat Goes On' by Penetration - An old school band moving into new school pastures and really producing an absolute stunning moment of rhythm, simplicity and sing-a-long lucidity. The open acceptance of the situation and the positivity dripped forth is just added icing to a twinkling treat. * * * October 2015 - 'Lighthouse' by The Pop Pigs - This band impressed me 'live' and the track chosen here was a stand out moment. After reviewing this melodic snippet of cultured toneage on CD I was of the belief that I was dealing with a very special song by a quite special band. * * * September 2015 - 'I'm Not Sure What I'm Gonna Do' by Archie and the Bunkers - A new exciting double act who take 60's synthoid vibes, punk attitude and youthful exuberance and trash it all up, make an album and hit many schizoid highs. This is one exemplary cutlet from a well busted collection. * * * August 2015 - 'Someday' by Dogtown Rebels - Plucked from an album that oozes authority, insight and much musical nouse this acute piece of acoustic incandescently glows with several generic cultures and tuned in musicianship, quite a marvellous extract. * * * July 2015 - 'Playin' God' by External Menace - A fuckin' momentous bout of skanked up, punked up mesmerism created by a crew well versed in the spiked circle and who, for me, have never been given enough credit for the talent they have. Get this, soak it up and let the band know how good it really is! * * * June 2015 - 'Oi Is' by Bad Engrish - Not being a self-appointed ponse who feigns interest in musical delicacies I am always up for a bit of raw-boned streetpunk that never tries to be anything but. This is such an episode and has such a momentum and joyous pride that I can't help but ping and pogo! * * * May 2015 - 'Shortstop' by War Waves - A mere delicacy served on a platter of brittle foundation and creamed over with sincerely beautiful vocals and soft adornments of musical tenderness. An indified track that excels and is soaked in experience and know how - what else could I ask for? * * * April 2015 - 'Ziggurat/Pyramid' by On Trial UK - A band who set a heady standard and who have many erudite constructions open up their latest CD with a this marvellous number that exudes numerous essences of classy musicianship and thoughtful song-writing. * * * March 2015 - 'Believe' by Knock Off - A zipping cutlet of simplicity with sing-a-long zest, a superb clarity and a retrofied underscore that will attract many from the sonic yards of old and new. * * * February 2015 - 'Corridors' by Nine Bullets - More often than not I usually come across an album that sets a standard early in the year and on that album are several tracks that hide some heady highs. The song here is taken from such an album and this feisty and well-orchestrated piece is a real inspiring song high on punked melody. * * * January 2015 - 'MAD' by The Mobbs - A cutlet from a garaged album of wonderful chaos and crudity that shines forth as a real ramshackle delight capturing many old school soundwaves. This latter end chunk maintains a set theme of jaunty ravings. * * * December 2014 - '3 Steps' by Muck and the Mires - A genuine cut of retrofied wonder via a band with many years and miles on the clock and who are utterly adept at the adopted noise and deliver it with such era defying accuracy. Simple, stunning and swinging with an easy gait, it certainly keeps me happy and intrigued. * * * November 2014 - 'Just A Minute' by Scared - Taken from a 4 track EP this sub-poppy jaunt with adornments of new wave weavings is a sweet little delight that is so often lacking in this serious scene. It is a heartfelt piece of off the cuff sugariness that just does it for this enthused punk twat - lovely! * * * October 2014 - 'The Lord's My Shepherds Pie' by Bamboo Vipers - I like wordsmiths, I like a bit of fun chucked into my musical menu and I like angularity within a song. The Bamboo Vipers combine all these favourable elements and come up with a smart dish of sub-textual anti-glutton produce I must gorge on over and over...again! * * * September 2014 - 'Nothing To Display' by Eye Licker - Look, I make no bones about it, I like Eye Licker, they produce the type of hardcore passion I get off on and this song, a long time fave of mine, has been slapped on CD to show that the band have nouse within the noisy nuisance output - love it! * * * August 2014 - 'Voodoo Chicken' by MFC Chicken - Simply a lively ass-bouncing track from an album of delectable treats to suck on over and over again. Retroed and modernised, a mix that appeals in many ways and this song is one of those moments that is without politic and just built on fun. * * * July 2014 - 'Flatline Town' by Headsticks - The opening gambit from an album that, at the time of writing, is the best I have heard this year. This first flurry is folked up brilliance with a punk essence the likes of which you will rarely come across - excellence captured. * * * June 2014 - 'Haunted House' by Gums/Callum Bird - A sugar filled pie of musical excellence from a crew I have sweet favour for and who are progressing all the while. This cracking snip combines wonderful he/she gobbage at such perfect levels to give us a most rewarding listen. * * * May 2014 - 'I Need Your Hate' by Boy - A veritable punishing track delivered from an album that has that much searched for 'ooomph' factor and sizzles with an undercurrent of rock and roll know how. Boy are at the helm of their output and this fiery burst is a sheer joy. * * * April 2014 - 'Something Rotten' by Gums and Callum Baird - Sincere honesty from a real world without pretence. The delicacies, the documentary style and the radiated warmth appeal and this very genuine sub-acousticised number is a delightful change from the usual explosions I encounter. * * * March 2014 - 'Phantom Pimp' by Lemlæstet fosterbræk - Pure destruction built on flaming passion and untold amounts of pent up emotion. This one will rupture your internal organs with its raging built in powerpack that electrocutes everything in its path due to a frightening 'fuck you' severity - wow! * * * February 2014 - 'Oscura Realidad' by 13 Krauss - A rich and ornate woven tapestry of Celtic folk tuneage via the hands of a very capable and efficient band. This is one of the more deliberate tracks from an album that has much to enjoy. Spin the CD and spin yer body - lose yourself in an intoxicating song. * * * January 2014 - 'Crack Some Skulls' by Tough Skins - A slamming episode of aggression that has much threat in the noise as it does in the title. Oi-esque, rapid and with a consuming impetus that has much bulldozing beef - get it, explode, stomp like a good un'. * * * December 2013 - 'Something To Drink About' by Stoj Snak - Wow, what a stunning song to finish 2103 with and one that has an ethos and emotive drive that we should all embrace and take with is into the following years. The guy produces many highs, this is a severe pinnacle. * * * November 2013 - 'In 77' by The Outbursts - Reflective and loaded with a snottily delivered pride this one has many nostalgic touches that I usually turn away from but with a song as catchy as this, and the totally retroised sound, I have to hold my hands up and just enjoy. * * * October 2013 - 'Secrets In Me' by The See No Evils - A beautifully captured essence from a certain era is wound forward, entwined around a new tuneful tower of hope and delivered by a crew who are bang in their chosen groove. A marvellous cut from a marvellous EP that showcases some believable talent. * * * September 2013 - 'Terminal Boredom' by The Kimberley Steaks - Straight delivery, scuff marked around all peripheral tones, slightly snotted and utterly natural this is a number any punked fuck worth his weight in spittle and cider should adore, the title is punk incarnate, the delivery too - enjoy it man! * * * August 2013 - 'Pempelem' by The Nine Ton Peanut Smugglers - What an absolutely cracking song to force forth a twitch, a waggle and a full on jig. Skankily bounced, vocally and musically perfect this is simplistic and yet so hard to replicate - what a massive moment of melody from a stunning album. * * * July 2013 - 'Librarians Are Hiding Something' by The Swingin' Utters - The opening track of the bands very convincing latest CD sets a good tempo and immediately drags you along of what is the start of a pleasing journey. The band create numbers like this without almost thinking it seems. * * * June 2013 - 'Eat Meat Vegans Die' by Corrosive Machine - A cacophonic cat amongst the superior feeling pigeons, feathers fly, guts are spilled - on both sides - this is dirty, obnoxious, awkward, sub-skanked in parts and bellowing in others - the result - utterly delicious. * * * May 2013 - 'Attack' by The Franceens - Purist garage punk played by people without pretence but with much generic insight. They do it big time 'live' and on their recent 6 track CD backed up their potential. This is a sincere, thrashing, grime-laden beauty. * * * April 2013 - 'I Don't Wanna Hang With You' by Destination Venus - I am going for an older track here and one by a band who are a prime example of being overlooked underdogs. What a fuckin' massive pop song that is exceptional dance-o-mania and highlighting a crackin' band that know their onions inside and out. Book em' now! * * * March 2013 - 'Darkest Horse' by The Senton Bombs - When a band you utterly believe in rises higher and higher and starts convincing others of the utter potential one can't help take pride. This song from their latest album is a fuckin' superb example of this crews potential that is tapped and yet still has more to offer. Massive! February 2013 - 'Up Against The Wall' by The Cyanide Pills - A cracking old school pop punkoid tribe once again hitting a massive pinnacle with a song that pumps its pneumatic hips from the first screw in to the last luscious thrust. Taken from quite an impressive album too! January 2013 - 'Death Row' by The Brothel Corpse Trio - I am a sucker for a song that has plenty of vim and vigour, an easy appealing essence, a sound production and yet an underlying rawness that knows its place. This is a right cracker taken from a sound album - sniff it out and rock on down. December 2012 - 'Her Wish' by Total Bloody Chaos - Strong subject matter is never shied away from by the TBC crew and the chances are when they dig in and deal with the dirty, deviant ways of man they come up with a belter. This is a bold, black and blue gem and slams it into the face of the guilty with utter conviction. November 2012 - 'Stigmata' by Wonk Unit - Stunning mania fizzing up from a band on a very rewarding roll at the moment. The album this was taken from is class and what you have here is a song filled with wordage and noise in the realms of something very special - you'd be a fool to miss out on this one! October 2012 - 'Humpty's Wall' by The Hotknives - Taken from a Sun of a Bastard compilation this number stands head and shoulders above the other 21 tracks on show and is an erudite sub-skank moment of magnificence. Gentle, worded with wiseness and a pure joy to listen to - a simplistic red hot classic. September 2012 - 'Shit Bag' by Evil Eye - Raw and under-processed filth from a band that keep it in the gutter but stand-out due to an unrelenting style that perspires hard and is as nasty as you want. A scummy/yummy combo many will love, many will loathe - great stuff. August 2012 - 'Know Your Rights' by Bite Back - Routine rhythmic rock built on good punky insight and a determination to stick to traditional values. Bite Back take a tune, keep it honest and just capture something many should do but don't - a darn decent melody! July 2012 - 'Count Your Blessings' by Anti-Vigilante - Massive noise from a massive album filled with riffs that will tear your sonic soul in two. A band winging in with discordant defying blows and a crew you need to surely check out. You will do well not to be utterly crushed. June 2012 - 'Terrible Liar' by The Fizzy Pops - What a swift and unrelenting beauty with the flag of pop punk waving hard and into a headwind that can blow all it wants - this one will not be denied anything but high praise. Sugary buggery oozing irresistible rhythmic juice - get impregnated. June 2012 - 'Another Pack Of Lies' by Zoo Party - Loaded with old school riffage, equally rammed with top notch attention and production values. Zoo Party know how to compose a top rockin' tune that fizzes with energy and ensnaring melody - lush! May 2012 - 'Rabid Red' by Biting Elbows - Another good song from an album that has one on the back foot and considering the cryptic talent on show that will surely go on to bigger and better things. Go seek out this gem and get the album - on both fronts you win big time. April 2012 - 'The Young Conservatives' by Night of Treason - What a fuckin' great album this stunning effort has been taken from and what a monumental moment we have here. A subtle and accurately delivered piece of honest, heartfelt tuneage with many delicacies to admire. April 2012 - 'Don't Ask Me' by De Keefman - This Dutch band capture an often sought source of pure grimed garage and, unlike the many, nail it with desperate and submissive tones. The edge is gothic, the layers beneath haunting and the overall essence harks to something bleak but memorably enjoyable. March 2012 - 'Can't Buy Me Love' by The Beat Holes - The audacity to combine a hit by The Beatles and a hit by Motorhead is wonderfully punk and to then go and pull it off by using darn good musicianship and stunning insight is exciting enough. This Italian mob do just that and give us pure energy. February 2012 - 'Punk Rock Debauchery' by The Guntys - A rough-house sound that holds onto a good melody and a pure amount of passion and pours over a tale of a fondness for yesteryear and a still flaming spirit for the here and now. A terribly overlooked band - wake up - do not be guilty. January 2012 - 'Skin' by Criminal Brainstorm - A good band 'live' and proving to be a good band on CD. This tasty effort has many emotions running through but it's the old-skool punk vibe that is the major aspect. The guitar in parts is mouth-watering and adds to what already is a solid song. December 2011 - 'Hulk Hands 'Cryin' Into My Cafitere' by Cleavers - Rhythmic trash that has just one thing in mind - to create a discordance straight out of the shithouse for your punked and deviant pleasure. It is a nasty brew but definitely one that should be on your hit list if you like it raw. November 2011 - 'Drop The Bomb' by Loaded 44 - I have been too busy lately and so put this month's choice up rather late. Boy, and am I glad I was a little over time. Loaded 44 come up with a cracker here and appeal to all my primitive punk rock needs with a right good 'kick up the arse' number. The album ain't bad either! October 2011 - 'Sith Vicious' by Animal Train - If you are indeed a punk, if your thread of spiked DIY runs deep beneath the cacophonic cuticle then this admirable piece of 'fuck you defiance' will be right up your alley. To the point and with a joyous chorus that cunts like me live by - awkward and up front - success! September 2011 - 'Technol Freak' by Electro Punx - Beaming in from a stranger angle than is deemed the norm in many a pre-programmed bonse this music is punked, off the traditional route and filled with just enough electric vibe. The words swing my favour - its all about slavery ya know! August 2011 - 'Thin Blue Linen' by Celebrity Stalkers - Superb attitude, swaggering rhythm, excellent structure and with veins filled with pure spiked blood this is just a delightful song that hits all the right noisy hotspots for the punk rock seeker of something special - oh man! July 2011 - 'Needle' by Asezawallas - I love this band and the fact that they capture the dirty side of punk rock and yet somehow manage to grind out beautifully melodic mixes that bruise with an inner brutality. Harsh and hard - this band should be getting more noticed and I am still trying on their behalf. This song is a belter! June 2011 - 'This Chaos' by UK Subs - It is no great secret I am a UK Subs fan and to uncover another gem like this so late in the bands career is just bloody wonderful. Perfectly paced, flowing from several cacophonic creeks and with Harpers voice oozing familiarity this is an epic number. May 2011 - '3 From 6' by Random Hand - A strength soaked song from a very good CD this is a band who are firing at the top of their game at the moment. The confidence of the crew drips from the speakers and I suggest ye get on bended knees to lap it up. April 2011 - 'The Ballad Of Tobias Gill' by East Town Pirates - A tale told with sincerity, belief and precision and upheld by a darn thoughtful tune. This is one example of just how good these Pirates are on an album filled with pure plank wanking pips. March 2011 - 'Sea Of Tediocrity' by Thracia - A solid rock outfit who dabble on the fringes of the punk rock pool but don't go for a full on swim. Nevertheless their latest 4 track CD is class and this is the mightiest track of the lot. Powerful and slamming - go seek it out! February 2011 - 'My Country' by The Bullet Kings - A song that is a classic but here given the acoustic treatment and surprising and winning in big measurements. For big fat bastards these dudes pull off the delicate moments so well - this is the finest example to date. January 2011 - 'Devil On My Shoulder' by The Supatones - A golden oldie this one but one I've been playing again. Gentle skank with a delightful voice at the front and some well structured brass attacks this one should be sought out and pushed further. December 2010 - 'Chaos 200AD' by Total Confusion - A strong song oozing a saturated sensation that is an ideal way to resurrect a band who have long been away from the pit. I'm very excited by the intensity so here's wishing for more. November 2010 - 'Irony' by The Plimptons - The Plimptons create a sweet goonish tone during their latest album and this is a tiny snippet I for one utterly adore. Sub 60's, sub pop and highly sugared - glorious success in one tasty package. October 2010 - 'Scumbag' by Total Bloody Chaos - A tribute in some respects, a tirade in the main but one thing is sure - TBC get their point across with charming emotive venom and take no prisoners along the way. The pinnacle so far by a very convincing band. September 2010 - 'Nut Nougat' by Roughmute - Rough as old rope and liable to turn yer bowels to liquid if played loud but I like nasty punk when its done correctly and this surely is. Tangents come and go and all make for an interesting upheaval. Enjoy! August 2010 - 'Rough Justice' by Superyob - Textured, thought-provoking, engraved with passion and just an all round good fuckin' listen. This fine Oi band once again pull out an epic piece of song writing and showcase a talent that really deserves more acclaim. July 2010 - 'Guns In The Gobi' by The Pain - A superb piece of dub reggae cruising smothered in punk attitude and blended with high refinery and know how. The Pain produce the goods with this one and spring out one of the best songs of the entire year. June 2010 - 'Glory Days' by Sense Of Urgency - Compiling a disc of material for a US Fungalpunk special radio show I came across this gem I had recently reviewed. A great song and worthy of airplay and done by a great bunch of people with the right fuckin' attitude. May 2010 - 'This Guy I Know' by The Cellophanes - Ok I am a sucker for the garage sound and a bit of a push over for pop punk. When they are combined I hold my breath and when played so deliciously as this I can fuckin' whoop with utter delight. Whoopee! April 2010 - 'Your Ass Is A Storage Room' by The Horny Bitches - Taken from the album '13 Reasons To Fuck' this is nasty, vehement rage curled down into the sonic lavatory with nothing more than stinking intent. A 'cack'-ophony to sniff over and over again. March 2010 - 'Fleur De Lis' by Leather Zoo - Far removed from typical punk rock noisiness this sweet sub-ballad is accurately delivered, contains verdant individuality and captures a freshness of sound I have a real liking for. February 2010 - 'Tink' by Neck - Emerald green emotion spilled over with a song that charms every musical sensation within the soul and just forces you into wanting just one more play. A sub-genre encapsulated in one epic burst - sprinkle yer fairy dust on me. January 2010 - 'Sixteen' by The Stitches - Slag glam punk filth with a sneer, leer and fungal covered garage sound that I for one love parking in. There is a belief beneath the grime and a surging spittle soaked aggression which only black-lines the whole effort. December 2009 - 'Howards Alias' by Skylar - Emotively strained giving a unique style that I personally have taken to. Something tells me I shouldn't but alas I do think this is a sweet ditty. This was found on a recently acquired CD from Do The Dog by the way. November 2009 - 'The Movement' by Suburban Losers - What a purely delicious piece of emotive post-punk poppology from a band who don't apply too much polish to their products and thus keep things very real. A tucked away treat that may get overlooked (not if I can help it though). October 2009 - 'My Life' by Last Rough Cause - Rather than go all out for a typical Oi Boy noise the LRC crew play a blinder by relying on subtle melody and crafty composition - the result is fuckin' marvellous. September 2009 - 'Blood Bath At Burger King' by Teenage Bottlerocket - A great tuneful song with nasty lyrics - what a combo! A band to be admired knocking out a sweet pip of pop. August 2009 - 'Perry Boys' by DILE - Some people think this band are shite - or are they just blinkered and bitter. On this evidence (and the rest of the album) DILE are quality and this snippet is a peach. July 2009 - 'My Cage' by The Pandaz - Basic punk poison that some will pompously try and rise above but a noisy potion which I am more than happy to drink. Fuckin' punk fizz I love - no more needs adding. June 2009 - 'Break Down The Walls' by One Man Stand - a band that have hit a rich vein of form and just ain't letting up. This is a beauty and shows what can come of hard work and determination. May 2009 - 'Time' by 3 Black Dwarfs - almost a golden oldie now but this finely constructed song, from a band still finding their feet, is testament to some fine potential. April 2009 - 'Stand Proud' by Citizen Keyne - back to the modern day and this is one of those classics every punk should have in their grotty collection. An anthem, a masterpiece, a veritable classic of the 30 odd years of punk so far. * * * * * * January 2009 - 'Cellophane' by Wild Trash - pure unadulterated poppology with a pertinent theme as regards today's all embracing consumers. A real beauty with a joyous chorus that brings tears of punk delight to my bloodshot eyes. If you can't pogo to this gargantuan chorus rhythm then you really are finished!
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