HEADSTICKS - THE BEST THING ON TV

It seems like an age since I reviewed anything by this angsty folked off band and I was gagging at the bit to get my lugs wrapped around the latest listening matter. Of course many will receive and jack off a review in double quick time whereas I like to ponder, toss around the palette and then put digit tip to keyboard.  The band have set high standards, I am a pernickety bugger at times (with the best of intentions tha' knows) and the coming together of two forces produce the following outcome.

Track the first and as the musical cup doth overfloweth I sip gently at first before becoming insatiably desirous to get loaded on an opening tune that more than quenches the thirst.  Thumpings with certainty, a tumble clatter approach and the first verse envelopes our attention with the recognisable passion-tones of the frontman further adding to the snag-factor.  Trouble in the cranium is the state of play, it seems this life and its confounded unpredictable tombola of fortune is all too much and as the song progresses the music combines a schizoid madness whilst holding on to the reins of organisation.  The band do what they do with a very convincing affect and get the best out of the production values which accentuate the end result.  A very steady and pleasing start with 'wallop' both subtle and developing.

'Keyboard Warriors' are an increasing force in a digital realm that gives a platform for those who are discontented and aroused by putting others down.  Everyone knows best, all talk some pretty hot shit whilst doing sweet fuck all for the betterment of the bigger picture. This is a delicious tune that points the finger, rises in angst and frustration and pounds away with a very gratifying effect.  The band have a healthy gush of gumption shining through a very articulate song of many nuances.  Sub-skankiness nips in, twilight secretiveness creeps from recesses untouched and free-flowing naturalness spills in rewarding gushes as the band reacts and appears to musically ad lib. We end up with a cultivated and cultured snippet of sniping nastiness – oh aye!

Lightened tones of cables caressed is a Headstickian texture that brings unabridged reward to this eavesdropping appreciator.  The delicate tones are what first turn my aural receptors to the bands outpourings, the early days where the band where producing many classics that still work wonders for this ragged soul.  'On Top Of The World' is a beautiful trinket of treasured tonality that says so much in its own poetical and unassuming style.  Questions asked, answers hinted at, all the while a relaxed sense of an inescapable situation is proffered.  The worry of the final fall is always there, the emotive angle, the triumphant partnership of the cacophonist and the crooners is a glorious example of being in cahoots – I reckon there has been hat-trick scored! 

Crisp guitars, a tub-thump thunder pound, a whistle and in we go, 'God Song' is the number under the searchlight.  The opening verse is regular, has all the meritorious points that the band do so ruddy well.  There is no over extension of the ability here, the band are staying within their own safe and tidy realms but... this is no duff thing because there is clout here, lyrical content to ponder more deeply, and a scenario that should, if you have any gumption and life energy, get you doing something for the greater good.  Again the productive mix is par excellence, the verbals of high quality and like I say, the content erudite and thought provoking. 'Ashes' has a very retro band feel, it takes me back to the crews early creations when things flowed with earnestness, folk-tattooed tenderness and subliminal power - things still go on with the same value and one-hundred percent passion - thank fuckin' goodness.  More questions are posed, off-shore textures pervade, the liquidity of the movement is appealing and within the twitch of an attentive ear this one is done and dusted and can be utterly trusted.  The sub-title track comes '(Don't Spoil) The Apocalypse' is a fiery titan that strides forth with a forceful reality and a fact-filled disgust.  The wank-headed bog-eyed beaten are walking to Hell with heads screwed on backwards and eyes turned only to the self-congratulating prize the fuckers will have you believe is a signature of success.  Really?  Yes - and what is coming will create rivers of shit and great proclamations of 'not my fault' personal conmanship.  This is a song borne from consideration of the planets plight and that of the human gunk - it has a bitter sting that will fall on ears clogged by wank-cheese - this is a shame.  Please folks, admire this beauty but get off your arse and do for the greater good rather than your own gain.  A cracking piece of work.

Another trio with 'There's No One Left' a gossamer touched melodic dirge with a docu-style infection pervading a song that deals with emotions, mental struggles and a somewhat disappearing world.  Doleful, bleak and perhaps overly morose, this is a funereal stroll through increasingly shadowed thoroughfares where hopelessness seems to dictate.  It can be a daunting prospect to deliver a song such as this but the band remain undeterred and send forth a self-assured song that knows just what it wants to be - it is also a great contrasting composition that helps the CD thrive.  The rumble rolls and nagging repeat snarl of 'Each And Every Day' self-escalates from a situation where an inner tortuous turmoil is perpetuated by the madness in the world where the lunatics continuously contribute to the shambles.  The frustration rising is like a simmering volcano one is standing too close to - the incandescent heat sears, one is trapped and as the layers of epidermal resistance peel away the pain is exacerbated and the options to escape are running out.  We are frying, we are dying, instead we should be fuckin' DIY'ing and resisting the flows.  I like this song (another one) - it gives me an added hoof in the rear.  The last of the latest trio is 'Dark Waters', an ascending number with yet more turmoil exposed.  Anguish emerges from seemingly stable realms in a movement that is steady, soulful and quietly absorbing.  I find this one a creation that is easy to fall in line with and one to embrace without straining any part of the aural gubbins.  Delicacies and drives force their way into chambers resonating and once more the band lullaby, lilt and passionately plea - who are we to resist and indeed, pick holes in the end product.  This is all rather marvellous.

The closing trinity of tone and chilled vibes with an underlying sinisterism come via 'St George's Infirmary'.   A look at a pigpen in disarray, a crumbling thinking mush losing, whilst all the while prejudice and hate are increasing, morals declining.  Can we give people freedom when they can't handle it?  Textures are rippled, emotive contours unfold, a mocking of the so called 'great green land' comes, I smell great slabs of gammon sizzling. Once more the intricacies are intimate, warming and cranially piquing - can we please listen, enjoy and move on to a better place?  'I Keep You Alive' has a highly relished sub-whispered opening verse with a releasing chorus that eases the obviously tortured soul.  Anguished torment overspills in a vibrant and free-flowing manoeuvre that keeps the senses still intrigued even at such an advanced stage.  Another accomplished track with good vibe and levels of, may it be said, pizzazz.  The bass here is very effective but when isn't it and the drums still showcase excelled life whilst the guitar work is eternally spot on the mark.  I could add that the vocalists thrives but the bugger may just get carried away tha' knows.

Finally we shut down with a funky, reggae, jazzy composite that lets natural juices splatter the canvas in something akin to the artwork of Jack the Dripper, aka JP.  The situation I know and remember well, a couple of folk mentioned are held in high regard (RIP Stu my mate) and of course 'the hostest with the mostest' - who the fuck could that well be?  That young chap Mr Tranter is responsible for an attack on a believer of greens and goodness and of course, low-end awkwardness.  The chap at the bottom end and dwelling in many dirty dingles is nailed, who on earth could it be - crikey?  The song is a joyous composite and really off-the-cuff cultivating that I really do appreciate.  I hope the intent is done with kindness and jesting good will, I reckon it is but if ever I need to call upon the judicial system I reckon this lot would have no chance of avoiding jail ha, ha.  A fine finish, cheers chaps, tis’ quite lovely.

So, Headsticks were on the cusp of a critical kicking if they didn't come up to scratch here.  It would have been done with kindness and good intent but they are at a dangerous stage when the foot could be taken off the gas and a cruise-mode taken with an album released just for the Hell of it.  This is what many bands do, it really isn't good enough.  Thankfully Headsticks have nailed another beauty, they are really pushing themselves along and I for one am fuckin' chuffed about it. 

NEON CRABS - MAKE THINGS BETTER

A coupling of forces, a strange manifestation from folk who have interfered with my discordant decadence and further bent it into shapes both intrusive and vulgar - I suppose it needed doing.  If you are up to speed with my online scribbling you will know where things are coming from here.  If you are dragging your lackadaisical ass and need further insight, go and do some acoustic investigations and let me do what I do.  Come on, we have to be fair tha' knows.

'Make Things Better' has a scurfy move and groove infection inflection that goes some way to producing an appreciable semi-erection.  The bass is the driving force, it has focus and a seeming pre-destined date with the final full stop that it appears very much in need of making.  The metallic scratch and sniff six-strung wire work is real, unaffected and reactive whilst the skins know their place and roll out necessary regularity.  The oral tones are more than familiar and do a great deal in helping create a veritable angularised post-punk product.  Nice!  We fall into the second cutlet of tonality with 'Goth It' - a shimmery meander dream sequence with all areas wallowing in the shallows and in no rush to get from point A to point B. The tones that emanate from the headphones and drip into my lug caverns are mighty familiar and so I am attracted (I do wonder if others will feel the same).  This is slow going and mood-laden with the thoughtful oral abstractions off-the-cuff and seemingly without preparation.  A middling movement and certainly not every day listening but, it has its own brand of intrigue.

'Space Vibes' is indeed just that, intergalactic gently fantastic temperate warp weaving that summons visions of escapist oddballs jiving and jacking whilst the asteroid belts continue to turn til time doth duly expire.  There is a great and obvious B52-ian edge here, a distinct off-the-wall, outside the radar effect that keeps the noise trundling with tangents and a certain freshness.  Get your spacesuit on, hop on board SS Capricious and enjoy the trip outside the stratosphere of normality.  The oral donator has a good relish here, I think we should all adopt the same inclination although I think we best leave the 'Robot Dolls' to those who have specific needs - the last thing I need to do is short-fuse my conkers.

'Age Of Annihilation' is a sober and quite bittersweet sounding song with a stark disbelief at the world around us and the idiot goings on that the human junk can only keep on creating.  The tepid brew swirls with a confounding disillusionment with the questions eternal and seemingly without answer.  I find this one a real conundrum with its content clashing with the soothing bubble-bath tones - I am happy to lounge within the foam and consider - I think this ain't a bad way to be.  A mellow meander that does what it does well - ooh aye!

Next and 'Some Random Country' jingles and jangles and has a good electrical spark.  There is a paradoxical connected disconnection between components with the bass the cementing factor.  A multi-legged frog of racket-making with the next jangle jump liable to end up anywhere.  There is a subtle sci-fi, 'another world' sensation and a general oddness that seems to wind itself up.  Music once again to thrown in the mix of more sedate and routine fare - it all helps the end meal taste spicier.

The last brace, 'Hard Times' is a rising reptile of rhythm,, waking from a slumber and slowly predating the decency of ones senses.  There is a darkened glint in the eye of this stalking cacophonic creature - dare you step too close and risk the denouement?  There is an unstoppable quality to the doom laden advancements with an almost drooling abandonment of hope.  Something impending and unavoidable is set in stone, the future is written and maybe these players are mere vessels to pass on the outcome - not a bad do for those of a pessimistic bent!  Lastly and 'J Spaceman's Blues' is a fair finish but with sable details regarding substance abuse and the inescapable circle of decline one is destined to end up in.  The druggy companions seem to help each other but instead contribute to the unforgiving drag.  The approach here is matter of fact, a lick is found, a mode used and stuck to and we begin, progress and finally tumble away on an interesting footing.  

And another CD review done, another dabbling in the arts of the abnormal it would seem and I reckon, during my investigation, I have been entertained, kept on my toes and come across something a little different for ya.  The turntable of twisted tonality from the vaults of DIY dabbling must be a vehicle on which to emanate all sorts of vibrating invasions - here is something for you to have a think about and maybe include in your play lists.

AUSTIN T - GOING OUT EP

Nah then man, as ya may know I like to mix and match the vibes that I showcase and of course, vary those that bounce off the lug drums when I am in solitude.  Music is one of the spices of my life and I am not one to stick to a single flavour.  Austin T have played a couple of my DIY sonic scab showcases and have entertained me no end.  The earthy blues, the sliding string work, the smooth streetwise gobbage and the energy, laden harmonica highs as well as the general back rhythm all had me aurally agog so when the chance came to review some toons, I duly accepted.  A 5 track EP was sent forth, I invested my time and rocked along to some sweat-free dude beats with plenty of snazzy know-how - here are the Fungalised thoughts that tap-tapped from the end of my 'Bell Ringers'.

'Shot To Ribbons' is a cool cruiser done with a delightful ease that captures some real sun-baked throwback blues that I for one am right in line with.  The delicacy of the oral gifts is a surprise, the smooth, unassuming application of the strings and skins is ideal and the reclined feel to the perfectly positioned gob organ is precise and highly effective.  There is an insightful tattooing of tone here that displays a unit who know their style and certainly know how to deliver it.  The tempo and temperature is balanced and sweetly middling and what we end up with is an appetising slice of sublime sonica that doesn't over face the eavesdropper.  'Going Out' follows, a song with a similar style but with a bit more forcefulness in part and a trifling touch of increase in the beat.  Ultimately, the snippet is an uncomplicated episode of sound that sees the band take no risks and not force any issue.  This one sits slightly in the shadow of its predecessor but it is a minor tickler that keeps matters intriguing and the flow moving. Subtle artistry with understanding shadings!

'Why You Talkin' To Me'  pootles in, a quick count, the harmonies of the gob come, the first verse is slightly relaxed before the chorus is quick, effective and chomping.   A terse number that has a good edge to it and a 'don't fuck' acidity that gives the song further gumption.  The contrast between the approach keeps up the danger levels and gives a certain 'untrustworthy' aspect.  I suspect if one was pushed to name and shame a number as the most punky (whatever that is) then this would be it.  A neat and 'at it' inclusion.  The following number is a real gem, a Man in Black moment with a slow and considered approach delivered with such insightful erudition and exactitude so as to sweep the listener of their feet.  A slow break with minor threatenings that are more effective due to the almost cold and calculating oral spillages.  The whole meandering motion of the song is delicious and complements all other tracks in no uncertain style.  The influences are obvious, nothing outrageous erupts but this is a well-crafted moment with plenty of traditional touches - a cracking job and the definite pick of the pops.

Cough, splutter - wot no spit?  A controlled opening sequence takes us into the closing track, a number that is played out under the appellation of 'Just Around Midnight'.  A grooving mover with a distinct drive.  A sinister accent helps matters and offers a slightly new angle to CD.  The approach is still perspiration free and remains under the full control of the cacophonists, cacophonists may I add who certainly know their stuff.  Almost akin in slant to a certain 'Lemonade' advert I reckon but on a more serious note, this is a real shuffle-inducer played with erudite insight into a subgenre sorely neglected in these apparently eclectic times.  All round good stuff and the bass is given good room to breathe here too - shady man, shady.

Well, what a cracking 5 tracker this is - away from the spiky realm, outside that which I expected and all parcelled and packaged with great unassuming texture, a fine thermality and a variation of theme that has me waiting in great anticipation for the next offering.  I have the crew booked again, I am tickled purple by the fact, I hope they do the business as usual and a few more folk switch on to the vibe - tis' all round wholesome and entertaining stuff!

DROPPING LIKE FLIES - 5TH GENERATION PROPAGANDA MACHINE

A very articulate band who are based in the recessed realms of Wales and who pour forth an eclectic cum hectic cavalcade of cacophonic passion that may just tread on a few toes and of course, delight those of a tonally intrepid nature.  We live in times though when socialising, posing and wanking off each other's popularity ego seem to override actually taking note of noise and striving to throw a spanner in many works.  Comfort zones kill, apathy speeds up the process, overlooking angles is a disgrace.  Anyway, I throw caution to the wind, chuck in my attention and knock out the following assessing text.

Explosion Alpha - 'The King's Shilling' - a screwing guitar, a rise in the heat with a shuffle scuffle and then a deep breathe exhalation, stick rattles and we are away.  Fast, vicious and intense with liquidity within the molten molestation very much a key factor.  Multifaceted switches and surges amid tribal chants and rantings make this an off-kilter lesson in the seethingly unorthodox.  The message - fuck the wars and the profits and spit back against this ongoing vile crime where the select keep on gaining.  Within the weave is a mellowed moment to consider all, and then we head to the finale with all muscles flexed, the route meandering but all the while... absorbing.  A very healthy and kicking start with hefty levels of piquing excitement.

'Look At The Zoos' deals with subject matter that is close to my heart.  Animals always seem to get a duff deal in this world, the wild ones more so.  Here the zoos and circuses become the centre of the spittle spraying as well as the welfare of animals in general.  A tub thump, some grunts and compressed wire wanks and then a scream increase the tempo and in we go.  Darkened recesses are opened, a sinister atmosphere is threaded through the eye of your attentive needle - the intensity comes in waves, the band are in no rush to slap home their point and we get many heave-ho's thrown at us from various tangential nooks and crannies.  A growing song that has a swelling stature you may just be consumed by and one that may just force you to think a little harder (it ain't a fuckin' crime tha' knows). 'Midnight' is a filthy mauler liable to molest your nether realms of decency and bring about a climax of sheer unease.  The contrast of pace, the eccentricity of the arrangement, the whole capricious feel make for a schizoid bout of untrustworthiness that sees a potential copulation of strange forces and dubious decadents.  A very strong piece that showcases a band with great thermal energy and a poetically astute creativity that transcends the expected 'crash, bang, wallop and sometimes caveman' arenas of spiky obviousness.  The result of the fiendish intercourse is the freakish birthing of a concrete song with appreciable longevity.

'5 Second Edit' comes, the declining realm due to TV overdosing continues, this song starts with heavy tub tumblings, a metallic guitar wank and some AC/DC style throat screeches.  A chant and sub sing-along opening burst ensues, a great wealth of muscularity is exposed as the throat of sonic stress is torn asunder.  Some insane ranting, unhinged warblings molest matters, we continue with the heavy rock string show with extra wallop and ill-temper added to keep one guessing.  A multifarious mush of momentum that gathers its own speed and sucks one in (not 'off' unless you are very lucky of course - ooh heck).

'Throw That Needle Away' is a superb blast of unstoppable turbine-powered wind whipping.  A veritable anti-drug mad dash that flashes by and leaves one beaten, battered but utterly resolute.  A superb speed surge with an intolerance exposed and a fervid zest to crack on and defy the drag of the dope.  A great delivery with a manic momentum that really does rise high and keep the whole CD's momentum rushing - surely the only rush you need folks!  'Nostalgia For Ignorance' is a desperate yearning for times when the head was laden with naivete, awash with innocent magic and not slam-dunked with the constant barrage of soul destroying shittery.  From the opening flourish this one is fuckin' having it and, as a result, - so am I!  There is a heartfelt quest and a searching need that works within the hammering weave whilst all the while matters are perfectly balanced, lucid and with many a neat touch.  This is a well-oiled machine lubed in parts many others may not even consider (unless they have a lot of time on their hands).  From the opening flourish this is a one mighty mover and  in its own special way, is tattooed with a distinct sadness - crafty work indeed.

There is a very forthright 'fuck off' tattooed deep within the sinewy flesh of the next number.  'Look Him In The Face And Say His Name' has a superfluity of passion, defiance and knowledgeable ringcraft that sees the thriving pug jab, hook, uppercut and ultimately 'kaboom'.  There are many layers to the foaming intentions with all perfectly functioning and brawling for centre stage without ever overpowering their nearby kicking and thumping neighbour.  The flaming incandescence of the overall assault is effective and very draining.  This is noise to abandon oneself too and to really fuckin' appreciate.  The tick boxes are trashed, we move on without generic snags and hindrances - crackin' stuff and ideal for hitting the bag with (no, not your elderly neighbour ha, ha).  From another powerful behemoth we plunge into the tenderly texturized intricacies and open-hearted 'Beautiful Lies'.  The content deals with lost love and pain, has a carefulness and timidity to the opening throes before a blossoming comes and inner emotions are revealed.  The skins are trampled, sighs are heaved out and all matters are off the leash.  Like the effect of a primeval scream, the stress is relieved and after a swift rant the whole scenario is given stunning extra life via a quite beautiful chorus cut.  Contrast comes, paces is varied, rich and ornate moments are delivered with great relish and again we see a 'thinking band' thrive and oversplash the fruit of their fecund loins.  I find this one a highly satisfying banger with added culture - nice.

'We Are Not For Sale' spiral twists, screws to the core and chants.  A personal song that deals with the goings-on in the life of a trying soul - it is good to share.  A sub-rappy mish-mash with meat on the bone walloped here and there and heavy duty musicianship to keep you alive and kicking.  One of those moments when time is needed to fully grasp the gist and a song that doesn't initially grab the gonads of the eavesdropper and squeeze out pure pips of praise.  Evolution of the nodding erection takes place, a seepage of appreciation cums, the tremble-tastic suggestion is of a grower - I am wondering if I will need a bigger pair of shorts come this time next revolution - there is certainly promise and arousal here.

We fuck off, sign the dotted line and slam the door with 'Magpies'.  An escapade that deals with vile abuse, the commanding and demanding slave drivers who use and abuse the innocent young un's and set up failings for life.  A really lush and fruity escapade that bounces in like a jive-assed gold nugget hunter with his chestnuts on fire.  The jig soon becomes serious and we morph into a slam-dunk style with good rhythm shown.  This is very talented music that doesn't sit still, rest on its laurels and take the easy route.  There is a controlled chaos borne from a 'head full of tangents' approach that soaks up the attention like a blood thirsty tampon never to be sodden.  Head transfixing master works done by heads cultivated, cultured and I suspect, a tiny bit clutter-bucketed.  Smashing!

You know what, I like this lot.  Fuckin' friendly people with a fiery musical approach coming at ya from all angles.  The last time they played for me many folks gasbagged at the bar rather than give the band a chance.  The few that watched were impressed, next time I will chase up every ass and get them paying full attention to the racket - it is only fair that they get a look at something quite fuckin' exciting.  Tha' gotta be persuasive at times tha' knows - by crikey it is tiring but thank fuck for worthy music makers and their art!