Month: December 05

Music Releases

AFTER THE FIRE - Aggression Ep (Nordisc)

3 track 7" single from a Dutch oi band whose sound is pretty close to their fellow countrymen Discipline . Mid placed music with very aggressive (no pun intended) vocals. Another one who's website seems to be down so I can't find any info on them. I actually prefer the first track on the b side "90 feet" which is the livliest of the three, anyway if you like brutal oi Discipline style then this is for you.
3 out of 5
Review by Ian

AGAINST ME! - Searching For A Former Clarity (FAT WRECK CHORDS)

Against Me! are a band who impress because like so many of punk rock’s movers’n’shakers and opinion makers before them this American band embrace punk, not as a straightjacket but as a springboard to vision, inventiveness and imagination. Their own distinct brand of individualism means that ‘Searching…’ may surprise many with its well crafted and more thoughtful approach, the atmospherically absorbing ‘Justin’ adding a new angle to the Anti-War song theme. A cross genre appeal is further demonstrated on the evocatively titled ‘Unprotected Sex With Multiple Partners’, a telling expose of the machinations of the musick industry, resplendent in a psycho/60s punk presence that mutates into ‘From Her Lips To Gods Ears (The Energizer)’; a direct head-on musical assault on the Bush administration. They pull more surprises out of the bag with the shimmering wee small hours moodiness of ‘How Low’ and how many bands would have the courage to follow the stripped back acoustics of ‘Joy’ with the punchy piledrive of ‘Holy Shit’. ‘Even At Our Worst We’re Still Better Than Most’ is another example of their inimitable and idiosyncratic approach to this thing we call punk rock, written, as their lyrics seem throughout, like a note from a lover trying to break up but desperate to avoid heartache. The change in mood and pace, adding emphasis to the songs raison d’etre. Constantly engaging, occasionally confusing, often startling, sometimes frustrating but at all times something truly special.
5 out of 5
Review by Sean McGhee

ANDY BLADE - Treasure Here (Cherry Red Records)

The fact that Andy Blade was the front man with Eater is probably the closest this album comes to being "punk", so anyone expecting songs like "Outside View" or "Lock it Up" will be very disappointed. The title track reminds me of early T Rex (probably because of the use of bongos or something similar) while the rest are similar to TV Smiths solo stuff but with less aggressive vocals, infact I think a lot of the songs would sound great with just an accoustic guitar. An interesting fact is that he sent Robbie Williams publishing scout packing when he asked if he'd be interested in contributing the song "The Astronauts" which I could imagine Mr Williams singing and probably make a lot of money for Andy so he deserves a lot of credit for sticking to what he believes in and not selling out, how many others would do the same. Also included on this album is a spoken word extract from his boo "The secret life of a teenage punk rocker" which is quite interesting. It's not going to appeal to many readers of this site especially the under 40's, but if you fancy a change give it a listen.
3 out of 5
Review by Ian

BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME - Alaska (Victory Records)

When the press release goes on about the band being hard to categorise and that the music can be called death metal, hardcore and poignant rock I thought ‘Not another bag of Emo wank’ but first track in and I was very wrong. Between The Buried And Me open up the album with a track that’s not a million miles away from Dillinger Escape Plan or The Mars Volta style of mixing almost every musical style you can think off in one song. Part Marilyn Manson style vocals against a thrash, death, doom laden metal guitar track that occasionally goes into Queen harmonies and jazz noodling? weird and good all at the same time. This continues throughout the album 53 minutes and whilst not being to everyone’s taste I thought it was fantastic and a great way of getting rid of stress- something to do with the vocal style I think. Anyway if you can stop yourself listening to 77 style punk for about an hour go and get this, if nothing else it will annoy the neighbours no end. For more info go to www.betweentheburiedandme.com
5 out of 5
Review by Paul

BILETY DO KONTROLI - So Bored (Prosta Gra Records)

6 track c.d. from this Polish band who I have never heard of before-then again it’s a long time since I’ve been to Poland i.e. NEVER!!! All the tracks are sung in English and the band play pretty basic sounding streetpunk/oi. Best track by far is there cover of the Blitz song ‘Criminal Damage’ For more info go to www.biletydokontroli.band.pl or email lukaszbdk@o2.pl
3 out of 5
Review by Paul

BOMBSHELL ROCKS - The Conclusion (COMBAT ROCK INDUSTRY)

A Swedish punk band that record for a Finnish label, sing in English and are fixated with American punk! Confused? Well thankfully Bombshell Rocks aren’t. This is a band quite possibly as close to a Rancid tribute as you could get without covering the Californian band’s material. Shit, these guys even sing with American accents and add the ‘hey, hey, hey’ responses in all the right places! That said what they do they do very well, and invest more than a little of their own talents into proceedings ‘Bloodbrothers’ (a track that wouldn’t sound out of place on Rancid’s ‘Indestructible’ album) is the kind of super-addictive stomper that can’t fail to hook you. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery they say and Bombshell Rocks have obviously worked fucking hard to get this good at their superbly plagiarist punk rock. They’re also no slouches when it comes to writing, consistently penning effective melodies and real tunes. Although the accompanying percussion (bongos!) is unnecessary, full marks for that piece of inventiveness. ‘The Conclusion’, is sort of like that third cup of coffee in the morning. You know it’s doing you no good, but you just gotta have it.
4 out of 5
Review by Sean McGhee

BRIEFS - Steal Yer Heart (BYO RECORDS)

Seattle based retro-punks return with their fourth album, and as ever it’s a full on back to the future fest. The reference points are everywhere, The Boys, The Buzzcocks, The Adverts and an all pervading atmosphere of punks year zero. But what prevents The Briefs from being sad old re-hashers is that they magically turn the whole thing into an art form shoving their rough’n’ready influences into a mix that somehow churns out the other side a punchy, infectious brand of punk-pop dripping in hook lines and laden with great singalong choruses. From the opening blast of ‘Genital General’ to the closer, the slash’n’burn fired ‘Razorblade Heart’, the album is a non-stop neo-nostalgia trip, dealing exclusively with the bittersweet side of love’n’all that. Their lean dual guitar attack upfront sounds more effective than ever, augmented by especially expressive basslines and faultless drum battering at the back blending into a really cohesive punk unit performing at the peak of it’s power. Put simply The Briefs are purveyors of a perfectly formed pogo-inducing punk-pop that in ‘Steal Yer Heart’ has catapulted them to the top of the pile.
5 out of 5
Review by Sean McGhee

CHAOS UK - Enough To Make You Sick + The Chipping Sodbury Bonfire Tapes (Anagram Records)

Well this should needn no introduction. 2 original albums on one cd from Bristols favourite cider drinkers. To be honest I've never been a big fan of the band but I wouldn't say I dislike them, they're ok in small doses. This is another album that people will probably buy to replace their battered vinyl copies, and good value, a whopping 23 tracks of cider fueled hardcore punk and a bit of lunacy. "Cider I Up Landlord" is a classic along with their cover of late seventies band Alberto y los trios paranoias (who I hear you young uns ask) "Kill" and I have to say Chaos UK's version is better. For anyone who's not heard the band this would be a good place to start.
3 out of 5
Review by Ian

CHELSEA - Faster, Cheaper And Better Looking (Captain Oi Records)

At last, the release of Chelsea’s long awaited new album. This was a troublesome journey for the band who had to work around other commitments and illness along the way. But they got there and the result was certainly worth it.
Chelsea are one of the original London punk bands. Unfairly derided of late, they have persevered and gone back to their original line up and retained the original 1970’s punk sound. This album features (of course) Gene October on vocals, James Stevenson on Guitar (Original member also playing with the Alarm), Tony Barber (Buzzcocks) on bass and original drummer, Chris Bashford, on drums. Bashford appears to be the driving force behind the album and has written the majority of the material.

The album kicks off with the furious ‘Living in the urban UK’. October spits out the words with real venom and paints a desolate picture of modern life in Britain. ‘Sod the war’ follows with a driving rhythm. ‘Bad advice’ ‘new utopia’ and ‘cosy family way’ are good old fashioned Chelsea standards. Then the album really kicks into life. ‘sliding down a stream’ is a classic, Stevenson’s guitar rings through along with great lyrics delivered by the old master October. ‘KXLU radio’ is a fast paced Ramoneseque tune and ‘I don’t need it’ is another classic. Chelsea cover the Alarm’s 45RPM with Gusto, I’d love to see them do this one live. ‘Ritalin kid’ is possibly the best track on the album. October lives and breathes every word, you can sense the parallels with his own life. The penultimate track is a love song (?), a first for Chelsea surely. But it’s a good ‘un. They leave us with ‘If we knew then’ which is a retrospective look back to how we could all have changed our lives if we’d known a bit more back then.

I loved this album. Chelsea are massively underrated. Stevenson claims in the sleeve notes that this is, in his opinion, the best ever Chelsea release. It certainly ranks alongside their best (Evacuate and Alternative hits). This Chelsea line up is touring in the spring, buy the album and go and see them.
5 out of 5
Review by (Woking) Pete

CRASHED OUT - Pearls Before Swine (Captain Oi Records)

This is another long awaited album from the Jarrow lads, and they've written 13 new tracks for it as well as reworked two of their classics, One Of The Boys and The Jarrow Song. As well as this they have also incuded as a bonus a video track of The Jarrow Song. Moneywise they are looking after their fans as well as the album can be sourced directly from them for £8. go to www.crashed -out.co.uk for further details. The lads were originally going to self finance this album as they have done in the past, but were snapped up by Captain Oi Records for it. A sign of their hard work paying off.
1/ Fast 'n' Loose; A new song but with the old Crashed Out sound. A good song to start with as it gives an idea what the listener will be getting with this new album. Hard street punk alternating over to street rock.
2/ Fat Punks Don't Pogo; Another song where Lee's guitar playing is to the fore, with Chris also making the song his own with forceful vocals as Decca hits a couple of his trademark drum solo's. Crashed Out are creating their own trademark sound and this one has that sound written all over it.
3/ I'm The Outcast; This sounds like a Bon Jovi one when Chris starts, then moves quickly to a reggae type of street  sound with deep bass before changing again at the chorus to a street punk sound.
4/ Murder On Sunset Strip; Yet another one where Lee's guitar is to the fore. Here Chris is back to his usual brash self, and this song is going to be a great one live as Crashed Out need to play a song at a certain pace for it to be one of their own. My only criticism here is Lee's lead guitar being overused on the solo's. As good as he is on the guitar, 35 seconds is a bit long on a punk song for guitar solo's.
5/ Freakshow; Another great song, that will have the punters enjoying it live, and this one features Olga ( Toy Dolls) as well. This time the guitar solo's lasted 57 seconds in one segment alone. Lee's backing vocals are to the fore here like all the songs, and his voice compliments Chris's 
6/ One Of The Boys; A reworking of the Crashed Out classic here and still my favourite song from the lads. I'm delighted that this is included on the album. This time though we have Chris's daughter Karleigh giving an earful to "One of the boys" , before the start of the song in her finest Geordie accent. Brilliant, reworking of this song, great singing, great guitar work from both Geordie and Lee and Decca in great form as well.
7/ Heroes; A fast action packed number here, really , really love when Chris is singing in the middle of the track with just Decca backing him on drums. Great twist to the song, and Decca finishes it off with his drum roll signature as well. One of my favourites on this album.
8/ I Want It; Another typical song from the lads, more than an album filler, and importantly this song like some of the others seem to have been written with the fans and live sets in mind. As this song has a great terrace type sing along chorus, this time though it's Decca going overboard on the drums a bit, as we wait 50 seconds for Chris to cut back in and start singing again. But a good song none the less and one that will go down a stormer live.
9/ For You; Chris and Lee combine well here again but this song doesn't sound as good as the others. Like some of their numbers it is more a live one then a recorded one, because essentially they are a live band. None of the songs on this album would be bad performed live because of the forcefull presence that they bring to the stage, but it is very hard sometimes to reproduce atmosphere on a cd, so many listeners will appreciate this and others more if they've seen the boys live.
10/ The Jarrow Song; Here we have the reworked version of another of their anthems. A great song, made better by Crashed Out. Here Lee's guitar solo compliments the song totally. I can't fault any part of this track, everything is perfect, great.
11/ Shout; Typical C/Out song not one of my favourites though. Too repetitive for me , and it only lasts 2 mins
and 17 seconds !
12/  Sink The Ink; Hard, street rock type of song. With Lee continuing to experiment on another song.
13/ Reality Punk; Again, this one is hard to classify, it's got the slow reggae type of start before changing over to street punk, before changing again to a soft rock and onto hard rock. This song has so many styles in it it's fun to listen to.
14/ Take The Pain; Here Lee shifts the emphasis to Street rock and his influence on the song is a major one. With Geordie also having a major role playing heavy bass throughout the song.
15/ Raise Ya Glasses; My favourite one of the new tracks featuring Kev Banba from Rigid Digits. This track has it all, and one that will be included in every Crashed Out set in the future I am sure. An absoloute stormer of a song that will have punks everywhere singing along with their fists in the air.
16/ The Jarrow Song;Bonus enhanced video track, for all the fans. This is one of the big plus's for me on this album and a great step the lads took. This was shot in the Ex Service Mens social club in Jarrow, Newcastle. Sadly this will only work on Quick Time Player , but most people have computers nowadays. This was shot by one of the producers from Men and Motors on the satellite tv channel and all Crashed Out fans will want to have this to watch the band perform this track over and over again. A great addition to the cd and a great start to the video shot with a hapless punter being accosted outside the club by door staff. But I really love this video, I've seen the band perform this over and over again and love it, now even better I have a copy of it for ever. A great version of a great song, professionaly recorded and video'd, top marks to the lads for this. 
                                      So what do I think, glad to have heard it, glad to own it, but I would not love all the songs, then again I never have on any album ever, including The Bollocks album by The Pistols. The sign of a good album is where you can take 2, 3, or 4 songs from it and include them in your regular live sets. This the lads can do, no problem. A big plus is that the insert not only includes all the words of the songs, but also a footnote as to what the song is about.
           So many bands piss me off that just because they know every word to every song they can't be arsed bothering to include lyrics for the punters that buy the album. Not so Crashed Out, and going one step forward and telling their fans what each song is about is also a major plus. Crashed Out have not only cemented their sound, but widened it and are now chasing the street rock 'n' roll fans as well as keeping their own fans happy.
                        The only criticism I have is that the guitar solo's sometimes go on a bit too long for me. Lee's excellent guitar work is at times overplayed and in a couple of the songs you feel it's a time gap filler rather than an integral part of the songs. He is though a fantastic guitar player and I wonder would Lee consider getting Chris to sing "The Devil Went Down To Georgia" , as this would give him the chance to really show his stuff and be an integral part of the song when it was performed. That said this album has far more good points than bad ones, with the excellent price and bonus video it will be snapped up.
4 out of 5
Review by Colm PSYCHO Callanan

CUCKOOLAND - Banga Boom Boom! (Damaged Goods)

Rising phoenix like from the ashes of Reading’s finest, Shelley’s Children in 1992, Cuckooland attracted more critical interest and perhaps should have enjoyed more commercial success, but it wasn’t to be, with the band calling it a day around 1997. Their recorded legacy is a joyous archive that takes you on a voyage of discovery through some of the most perfectly formed cuts of hard-edged pop-punk bliss. Listeners can bask in the gloriously overpowering furnace blast of ‘Painting The Town Red’ all get all teary eyed and nostalgic on the punk history lesson of ‘Richard Jobson Dance’ or just lie back and enjoy the Ramones flavoured wall of sound that heralds ‘Oblivion’. Even a cursory listen to the slice of punk-pop heaven that is ‘Happathy’ can’t help but beg the question; why weren’t this band huge? Add to this the fact that they possessed two female vocalists who lead proceedings with a flair and spirit that is absolutely infectious, and with all their Damaged Goods singles and a slew of unreleased demos and rare tracks also included this is a fitting testament to a band who should have gone so much further.
5 out of 5
Review by Sean McGhee

D.O.A. - War On 45 (march To The End) (SUDDEN DEATH RECORDS)

Time-served Canadian punk veterans D.O.A. find their original classic 1982 eight-song e.p. ‘War On 45’, re-issued with a bonus ten tracks from throughout their recording career to date, all based around the anti-war/anti-state theme. Alongside a slew of D.O.A. stormers like the strident in your face attack of ‘I’m Right You’re Wrong’, 1979’s punchy and powerful ‘World War 3’ and the effective punk-skank of 1981’s ‘Smash The State’ are their own unique and compelling takes on Edwin Starr’s’ ‘War’, Bob Dylan’s ‘Masters Of War’, The Dils’ ‘Class War’, John Fogarty’s ‘Fortunate Son’ and more. Especially topical and as always with D.O.A., inspirational and stirring stuff. File under vital.
4 out of 5
Review by Sean McGhee

DOWINA - Brezalauspurch (From the band)

Don’t ask me what the band name or the title of the c.d. mean as I don’t speak Slovak or whatever language they speak in Slovakia. Anyway language barriers aside the band give you 5 tracks of mid paced metally streetpunk and even though the title is unpronounceable all the songs are in English. I found the c.d. a bit boring if I am being perfectly honest, the songs didn’t really do anything for me but I know loads of people who would love this. Not for me but if you’re a fan of European streetpunk this could be your thing. For more details email dowina@zoznam.sk or dowina_sk@hotmail.com
3 out of 5
Review by Paul

DRONGOS FOR EUROPE - (Punk Shit Records)

12 tracks of pure punk fury (well apart from the one reggae style track) from one of the UK’s best kept secrets, I remember seeing this band way back in the mid 80’s and they still give it as much now as they did then, it’s just a shame they never got bigger than they are as they really do deserve the recognition. I don’t think there’s a bad track on here but ‘Punk Rock Radio’, ‘This Life’ and the title track stuck in my head and I’ve been singing the choruses to myself since I first played this. You really are missing out if you don’t get this. For more details go to www.drongos-for-europe.tk or www.myspace.com/drongosforeurope or email mondodrongo@hotmail.com or dekbaker@cherokeecomics.freeserve.co.uk
5 out of 5
Review by Paul

ERUPTORS - The Eruptors (From the band)

This is a two track cd from a UK/Irish based sleaze punk n roll band ( that's what the info which came with the cd said) and it also went on to say "a fusion of AC/DC and Motorhead strutting power". I wouldn't disagree with this it's like rock n punk squashed together, and considering this band have been around since 2002 they're good at what they do. So have a look at their website and see for yourself.
3 out of 5
Review by Steff

MODERNETTES - Get It Straight (SUDDEN DEATH RECORDS)

Although described as pop-punk, Vancouver four piece Modernettes (1980-83) produce a sound more akin to the bubblegum-punk of The Ramones and even hint at an affection for the sixties pop-rock of The Searchers and even The Byrds on a cut like ‘Rebel Kind’. Surprisingly though a song like ‘I Can Give You Everything’ (remixed from their ultra-rare 300 only pressing debut,- and only LP) sounds remarkably contemporary putting me in mind of Razorlight! Throughout they exude a confidence and exuberance that only comes with self-belief; this band knew how good they were. With a heavyweight 25 tracks on offer, including five from the bands final show, and as ever resplendent in the Sudden Death thoughtful and informative packaging, there couldn’t be a better time to discover another one of those cult punk acts that somehow managed to get away.
4 out of 5
Review by Sean McGhee

MOUTHGUARD/ DRONGOS FOR EUROPE - Split Album (Bullpit records)

2 bands who I think I have said in other reviews deserve a lot more credit than they have ever received Australia’s Mouthguard and U.K. Drongos For Europe. You get 14 tracks from each band including a guest appearance by Spike (ex-Blitzkrieg and Paradox UK) on a couple of Mouthguards’ tracks. If you like mid tempo angry streetpunk you can’t go wrong with this c.d. there isn’t a bad track on it, don’t take my word for it check it out for yourselves. Go to www.bullpitrecords.live.com.au or www.mouthguard.com.au or www.drongos-for-europe.tk for more info NOW!!!
5 out of 5
Review by Paul

PRISCILLAS - Aloha From Holloway (Damaged Goods)

The info says they sound like the Shangri-la's croosed with pounding of The Sweet and that they dress up in various costumes from Doctors to Pirates and shower the crowd with glitter, fake blood and other assorted crap. They have played twice at Glasontbury. The first track "Gonna rip up your photograph" is slow and poppy, the next couple pick up the beat and I can see where they get the Sweet sound bit from, but then it goes slower again. The final track "Can't Decide" is faster and about shopping. Possibly one for the skaters, bit poppy. The finished cd will have a couple of videos on it which the promo hasn't got.
3 out of 5
Review by Steff

PURGATORY STATE - Seek And Betray (From the band)

This is a 3 piece band from Manchester, which is fronted by the angriest girl on the Manchester scene (thats what the info says) also that the rhythum section is tight, pounding and antagonistic. This is very fast paced and the band play well together but it kind of makes me think of Brodie does hardcore. That's not in any way degrogatory, the singer has the range and power of Brodie along with the kind of hardcore music they play.
3 out of 5
Review by Steff

RADIATIONS - 3 Track C.d. (From the band)

The Radiations are from France and play 77 style punk with a little bit of a rock n roll edge to it. The band have made an effort to make this stand out as it comes on a tiny 3 inch c.d. complete with badges and a booklet with a little information about the band. The band wouldn’t have been out of place in a punk club in the late 70’s and my only criticism is that it’s all over in less than six minutes. For more info go to www.myspace.com/11485975 or email rockandrollradiations@hotmail.fr
4 out of 5
Review by Paul

RED ALERT - Wearside (Anagram Records)

Re-issue of Red Alert’s 1999 album ‘Wearside’ which has been unavailable for years now. 14 tracks of metal edged sing a long punk classics, the fact that album is the best part of ten years old doesn’t alter the power it puts across. As far as melodic punk goes this has got to be an undiscovered gem and I would recommend this to anyone who has even a passing interest in punk. For more details go to www.cherryred.co.uk
5 out of 5
Review by Paul

RED LETTER DAY - Everything Matters (Zip records)

12 track c.d. of not what I’d call punk. Red Letter Day may have played punk once upon a time but this is more like some bizarre Indie band mixed with the odd funk bass line and U2 leanings, i.e horrible!! I’m not exactly sure which kind of fan this is aimed at, the punks won’t like it it’s not aggressive enough, the indie kids won’t like it- it doesn’t sound like Franz Ferdiwank and it doesn’t have the guitar wank fest of U2’s dire sound. The sound of a band discovering new pastures? I’m not sure but it’s not something I want to hear in a long time. If you need to find out more, and I for one can’t see why go to www.redletterdaymusic.net
0 out of 5
Review by Paul

RISE AGAINST - The Unraveling (FAT WRECK CHORDS)

“Are you ready to rock?” a voice poses the question as the intro to the Chicago bands debut album ‘The Unraveling’ (newly remastered with two bonus tracks), and indeed they are and do with a bass driven, melodic edged hardcore. ‘Six Days Til Sunday’, evokes an image of Red Hot Chili Peppers with a jalapeno up their collective arses, as they utilise bass harmonics to added effect, while elsewhere they run like a well oiled machine in full acceleration mode sharpening the blunt, rusty edge of hardcore into a razor sharp lethal device. Consequently I can forgive them the occasional glitch and clichéd stylings, and when they pull out of the bag the more radio friendly commercially flavoured ‘Everchanging’, its obvious that even in 2001 this was a band willing to push things forward. The two bonus tracks, especially ‘Join The Ranks’ burn with intensity are, managing to close the album on a real peak.
4 out of 5
Review by Sean McGhee

SALVATION - The Complete Collection 1985-1989 (Cherry Red Records)

The dry ice, the black clothes, the back combed hair, a crappy little club in a cellar in a Leeds shopping centre can only mean one thing 1980’s Goth. Not the kids who hang around outside shops now a days but the original miserable buggers from years ago. Salvation were one of the original Leeds Goth bands in the 80’s who were very much under the wing of Andrew Eldritch (Sisters of Mercy)- he produced their first recordings etc. Anyway one for nostalgia fans I think or one to put on while your doing something, I couldn’t sit and listen to this on it’s own. Old goths will love this and the fact that it has an added bonus track ‘Girlsoul’ which is previously unreleased. Not for me I’m afraid but I suppose it’s almost bearable. Go to www.salvationhq.co.uk for more details on the band.
2 out of 5
Review by Paul

SHELLEY'S CHILDREN - Everything (Damaged Goods)

Although the scant sleevenotes reveal little, the music on ‘Everything’ manages to speak volumes. Shelley’s Children were a band from Reading circa late eighties who created a bit of a fuss on the underground punk scene. Performing alongside the likes of Blyth Power and Chumbawamba and the remnants of the UK Anarcho-punk scene the band began fashioning buzzsaw punk-pop perfection two decades before it would become de rigeur. Their own ‘punk-rock meets the Shangri La’s’ fusion didn’t exactly gain them many plaudits or much radio play back then, but this album that seemingly provides the ‘missing-link’between post-anarcho punk and the indie/anorak scene is a joy nonetheless. The mouthwateringly effective female vocal harmonies often work to perfection, producing the kind of punk-pop gems that many of todays pretenders for the crown would kill for. Added to this they also possess a infectiously melodic quality that gives the whole collection a timeless attraction. Their sense of fun is well represented in the inclusion of a hand-picked group of choice covers including ‘Be My Baby’, ‘I’m A Believer’ and ‘Summerlove Sensation’ whilst their own material is possibly the finest example of anglo punk-pop with folky flavouring emanating from these Isles at that period. Including their entire recorded output of a mini-album, a single and a couple of tracks culled from compilations alongside eight bonus demo/tracks in progress the strident, confident sound is pretty much guaranteed to make you smile. Methinks the Shelley’s Children revival is long overdue.
5 out of 5
Review by Sean McGhee

SKEPTIX - Live At Cbgb's (Thunk records)

Well this does exactly as it says on the tin, well the c.d. case anyway. It’s a live album from The Skeptix at CBGB’s from July 2003 with 9 extra tracks tagged onto the end from gigs in London, Cambridge and Cologne from way back in 1983. The more recent stuff is obviously better recorded but that in no ways detracts from the early recordings. The c.d. booklet contains a tour diary from their U.S. visit and gives you a glimpse what it’s like on the road. For more details go to www.TheSkeptix.com
4 out of 5
Review by Paul

SMUT PEDDLERS - Ism (Ransom Records)

Released in 2001 this was the 4th album from the U.S. band. 14 tracks of great rock n roll trashy punk. The band formed in the summer of 1993 and have played with some of the biggest names in the punk scene, have a look at their web site for the list it’s too long to put on here!!. I’d not heard anything by the band before but was pretty impressed by what is on this c.d. definitely worth checking out if you’ve never heard of the band before. For more details go to www.smutpeddlers.net
4 out of 5
Review by Paul

TOSSERS - The Valley Of The Shadow Of Death (Victory Records)

Another American band who sound just like the Pogues. The Tossers hail from Chicago and well er they sound like the Pogues (look a bit like them as well). The first three tracks are really good, fast and lively, the rest are a bit slow for my liking, but they are really good at what they do and I bet they're excellent live Oh and did I mention they sound like the Pogues? (I'll get my coat) well they do, so if you're into the celtic sound this album is well worth checking out.
3 out of 5
Review by Ian

VARIOUS - Hellsplit Nummer 2 (KJHell records)

12 track split album by Swedish bands Royal Stakeout and Contemptuous. First up are Royal Stakeout who play Rancid style punk, with the occasional nod to Dropkick Murphys sing a long drinking songs. Contemptuous are next with their six songs and on reason or another they remind me of The Offspring, but without the high pitched whine of Dexter!! All in all a pretty good introduction to 2 Swedish bands, who you probably wouldn’t have otherwise have heard of. For more info go to www.kjhell.se
3 out of 5
Review by Paul

VARIOUS - Conform Or Die (Stranded Records)

Now then you certainly get your money’s worth with this c.d. 2 discs each containing 28 tracks from 28 bands, that’s 56 in total from 28 bands if it didn’t make any sense!! It would take me all day to list all the band son here but they include Assert, The Threats, Demob, Picture Frame Seduction, Swellbellys and Capo Regime to name but a few. The album is dedicated to the people who died in the bombing of Hiroshima, as this year is the 60th anniversary, and to the people who suffer through war. An excellent album and a great way to get to check out a load of bands, some of who you may not have heard of before. I particularly liked The Dontcares brand of thrash punk which reminded me of early English Dogs and had me jumping around at work like a looney. For more info go to www.strandedrecords-scotland.co.uk or email strandedrecordsscotland@f2s.com
5 out of 5
Review by Paul

VARIOUS - Look At The Love We Found: A Tribute To Sublime (Kung Fu Records)

18 track tribute compilation album to Sublime who’s singer/ songwriter/ guitarist Brad Nowell died in May this year. The list of bands is quite impressive but alongside the punkier bands, No Doubt, Pennywise, The Vandals the album also has artist of varying styles. The album opens with Jack Johnson doing a laid back version of ‘Badfish’ and continues along the laid back feel with Michael Franti & Spearhead covering ‘What I Got’. Next up are Fishbone do a funked up version of ‘Date Rape’ the list goes on and other highlights include Avail doing ‘Santeria’, No Doubt’s live version of ‘D.J’s’, Pennywise’s take on ‘Some in the End’ and The Vandals covering ‘Ball and Chain’ (which is one of 2 tracks available on the European version of the album only) A bit of a mixed bag overall but I think fans of Sublime will appreciate the different versions of familiar songs. Not something I’d buy for myself and other than the few songs I’ve mentioned not a great deal of punk on here. For more details go to www.kungfurecords.com
2 out of 5
Review by Paul

VARIOUS ARTISTS - Lambination (DEAD LAMB)

18 track compilation featuring a wide variety of bands and styles which range from hardcorey, 77 style, picnic, streetpunk and a couple which lean more to the skatey side of things and the Poguesey sound of the Greenland Whale Fishers. A good all round mix, and a chance to listen to bands you're unfamiliar with and old favourites. The bands featured are Semmi Komoly, Arthritic Foot Soldiers, Moutpiece, Nomatrix, The Pints, Los Langeros, Dogshit Sandwich, Evil Elviss, Jacknife Powerbombs, Bredford, Bits of Kidds, Lone, Shorty and the fat Bastards, D'Conner Bois, Greenland Whalefishers and Academy. Some of the tracks are previously unreleased stuff.
4 out of 5
Review by Steff

VARIOUS ARTISTS - Good Vibrations The Punk Singles Collection (Anagram Records)

Good Vibrations was the main Independent record label in Northern Ireland in the late seventies and was home to most of the best known Irish bands of the time with the exception of Stiff Little Fingers. I think this would have pleased the late John Peel as it features not only the Undertones but quite a few others that appeared on his show, they are in order of appearance Rudi, Victim, The Outcasts, The Undertones, X Dreamysts, Protex, The Idiots, Spider, Ruefrex, The Tearjerkers, The Moondogs, The Shapes, The Bankrobbers, The Bears, The Jets, Shock Treatment, The Lids, The Androids and Terri and the Terrors. Between 1 and 4 tracks from each band - 25 in total, most are pretty similar in style so if you like any of the bands listed you'll probably like the rest.
4 out of 5
Review by Ian

VEROS - Do It With Style (Guilty Records)

Not heard anything by this French band before but I was told that all their previous albums had more or less the same cover design, which I thought was a bit odd, to say the least. Anyway what you get is thirteen tracks of really good but odd sounding streetpunk/oi. What I mean by strange sounding is that it has more in common Eddie and the Hotrods than the 4 skins et al. More like pub rock in the 70’s than any oi band I’ve heard before, but the band are clearly aiming fro the streetpunk/oi market, the song titles alone give that away, ‘Bootboy Train’ is just one example of what I mean. Anyway apart from the track ‘Bad Reputation’ this is excellent stuff and even that track isn’t that bad, I didn’t like the vocal that’s all. So if you are after oi with a difference I’d recommend this. Go to http://bonisnix.free.fr/ or email boni.snix@caramail.com
4 out of 5
Review by Paul

WESTERN ADDICTION - Cognicide (FAT WRECK CHORDS)

Bursting into action with an energetic and tough muscular punk sound welded to the extra-strained vocal attack falling somewhere between the desperate scream of Ian McKaye, circa early period Minor Threat, and the desperate screamer Nick Blinko of Rudimentary Peni, ‘Cognicide’ is a potent calling card of intent. Power chord hardcore, minus the metal posturing, rules supreme throughout; the precision of delivery reminiscent of the burning strength of Crucifix’s masterwork ‘Dehumization’. The four guys who make up Western Addiction are all punk scene veterans serving their time in the pit and on the stage, they’ve certainly done their research, interpreting a variety of influences to create a supremely well-formed whole. Very occasionally there are moments where they take the foot off the pedal, ‘It’s Funny I Don’t Feel Like A Winner’, a case in point, sounding lightweight amongst such an overwhelmingly powerful collection. Their lyrics equally read like a more vocabulary obsessed Discharge and an attempt to create a new band name every line. The manically charged ‘Face Cancer’ being a good example, check this out! “ Deceptive perceptions, insure my protection. Inconsistent systems reinterpret, correct them” Heads down, no nonsense, straight for the jugular hardcore punk-rock.
4 out of 5
Review by Sean McGhee

YOUNG CANADIANS - No Escape (SUDDEN DEATH RECORDS)

Forged in the flames of the same punk furnace that produced DOA, Subhumans and The Pointed Sticks, Vancouver’s Young Canadians (originally performing under the moniker K-Tels) are another early punk band (in this case forming/recording early 1979), as explained in the thoroughly entertaining booklet/sleevenotes, that should have created more than a local reputation. They certainly display an accomplished sound that successfully fuses elements of the drive of sixties punk, the raw power of The Stooges, the rama-lama charge of seminal UK punk and post-punk stylings that suggests a band willing to push things beyond musical rules and convention. Including all three of their e.ps, bulked up with a solid, gutsy and entertaining live set, The Young Canadians certainly deserve more than a sidenote in punk history.
4 out of 5
Review by Sean McGhee

ZOMBINA AND THE SKELETONES - Staci Stasis (ECTOPLASTIC RECORDS)

3 track single from this Liverpool band. This sounds a lot more poppy than the one Stuart reviewed last month with a touch of rock n roll, sixties style keyboards and female vocals which give a sound somewhere between Blondie and the Rezillos or maybe the Primitives. "Astroboy" is probably the best of the three.
3 out of 5
Review by Ian

DVD / Video

LAUREN AITKEN AND FRIENDS - Live At Club Ska Dvd (Cherry Red Records)

Lauren Aitken was Jamaica’s first real recording star, he was one of the first artists to release a ska record and was the first to work at promoting his music in the U.K. After numerous hits for many different labels in the 60’s his popularity returned during the Two Tone revival of the late 70’s early 80’s. He continued to tour up to his death of a heart attack in July 2005. Before his fatal heart attack he fell ill and many of the major acts on the ska scene performed a benefit show in his honour including Prince Buster, Gaz Mayall and Dennis Alcapone. After making a recovery Laurel preformed a show of his own in January 2005 and was joined by fellow ska legend Rico. The Laurel and Rico performance, along with various interviews, makes up the first disc of this two disc DVD set which is an essential purchase for any ska fan, the second disc is the benefit performance along with unseen live footage of Laurel, a photo gallery, a full discography of Laurel’s recordings, more interviews and Club Ska contact page. All in all nearly 4 hours of material on 2 discs which was made with Laurel’s full cooperation just before his death. If you like ska this really should be in your collection. For more details go to www.cherryred.co.uk
4 out of 5
Review by Paul

Fanzines / Books

Gigs

LONDON WASTED - London, Astoria (11/12/05)

So it was that me and 4 other Essex punk nuts made our way to London’s Astoria for the Wasted bash at the Astoria. There were 2 bands I wanted to see – The Saints and The Pork Dukes – neither whom I have seen before. That is, I was at Speedfreaks Ball and Wasted this year but missed the Pork Dukes both times.

We arrived a bit late so missed Menace – never mind – sure we’ll catch them again sometime. Being a bit of a guitar plucker myself I am always keen to check out the competition! The Straps were on next and were less than average I have to say so maybe best to gloss that over! Anyways what a line up and great show – especially from Angelic Upstarts – great to see Splodge getting up there and giving it some welly! By now we were suitably oiled with the brew – but the prices at £3.50 a beer was disgusting so didn’t have much dosh to buy anything else.

Great sets from 999 and UK subs of course as always – and seeing that they get reviewed more times than I have had hot dinners I need say no more. Also, loved the Can Can girls. Thirty drunk girls falling over each other was a riot! They should do this at every Wasted festival! I’m not much one for acoustic sets at punk concerts, but TV Smith gave a good account as usual.

I came especially to see the Saints and they were absolute crap. Having got the ‘I’m Stranded’ album years back I was expecting something good. Instead we got real hippy bollocks and a crap sound – and it wasn’t only me who thought so -and it wasn’t any of us throwing beer cans at them. I’d like to know how much they got paid though – what a shame. They made some great records but on this showing they should stay in Australia!

The other band I really wanted to see was the Pork Dukes. I bought there records back in 1997 and didn’t know until recently that they were still alive - let alone playing gigs. Anyone else who bought there records like ‘ Bend and Flush’ and ‘Telephone Masturbator’ would probably agree that you don’t play these in certain company! [My Missus hates them and I have to hide them from my kids!] Neither did I get to see them when they were around in the 70’s. In contrast to the Saints – they were absolute knockout. Two little guys and the rhythm section from The Revillos! The guitarist in the band who I think is Horrendus Styles is brilliant – certainly one of the best I’ve ever heard - and the band were very tight and their sound – in
contrast to others that night – was very clear – you could at least hear what they were singing! The songs were excellent too – besides some of the oldies – I especially liked there ‘ I don’t wanna go to Work.’

The Dickies were excellent too – if that were possible – tight, great sound and lots of fun. We had to miss the Rezillos – because we were well drunk by then and I had to get up 6.30am to go to work! Thanks Wasted for putting on another great show – keep up the good work. But do something about the beer prices. Outstanding on the night was the Can Can
girls – and the Pork Dukes. They should be made a national treasure.
Reviewed by Old Punk

F.T.W.L - Birmingham, Market Tavern (26/11/05)

Well folks another cracking gig at the Market Tavern. There is only one band to night and it’s the F.T.W.L a cracking band from Burton On Trent. This band rocks with Fat Bob on vox !!! They have loads of gigz coming up in the new year I am going to be there for sure !! Ok there is quite a few people in tonight it’s a cold one, but I am sure that Bob will warm us up, we get lots of the older trax…. well I say older ‘’Just For You’’ ‘’Fuck The Royals’ the classics. I love this band and you can not keep Bob and the co lead singer down all over the place oh by the way I have forgotten the other singers name so no disrespect. When I see you again, I will speak to the guitarist Rob he’s a cracking guy ! Oh by the way this is ‘’tramp core’’, don’t knock it it’s going to be big!! Lots of crazy dancing by Bob they always put a great show on. It’s a very short but cracking set I have said it before but do not miss this band there ace!! I went home with a spring in my step cheers bob and the rest of F.T.W.L [I love ya]
Reviewed by Adam Ward

BROKEN BONES - Newport, T Js (19/11/05)

Well folks it’s that time again, as I make me way to Newport on a very cold day, well early evening, and the fog is all ready coming down. It takes us a good 2 half hours to get there, and we stop off at a friends house for a warm drink, and it is well looked forward to I can tell you. Right off to the venue it’s about 15mins away from my friends house to get there. We arrive and we unload some gear, well me first time in Newport and its well cold!!, I was hoping the venue was going to be nice and warm and it’s more cold inside than out !!, Anyways I was all so expecting the pa guys ready a waiting to go, as the gig was supposed to start at 7pm, and now its 8.30pm and still nothing going on, a bit of a no-goer!!, The pa guys are well mixed up! At last the first band does a sound check and to say the least I did not take much notice of them not bad there was two other bands were ok, but I could not remember their name. The one I did remember was Suicide Watch, not bad Carcass sound I think. The punters have started coming in. The second band go on and not many people are it might be the cold weather, and then Suicide come on, and a few people started dancing, not bad, a bit thin on the ground. Tonight the punters as the Broken Bones take the stage and its supposed to finish at 11,.30pm and it’s now 11.10, and they only play about 4 songs and they were cut it was a shame as they were well loud and on form !!, but hey I loved what I saw, hail to the bones again, next and last of the year Dec 10th Glasgow rockers!! Cannot wait !! See you down the front !!!
Reviewed by Adam Ward

SUBHUMANS - Birmingham, Edwards no8 (19/11/05)

Well my friends I find my self at a cracking gig in Brum tonight - the classic Subhumans. There was two support bands tonight but I manage just to catch the one!, which I forget the name but they were like the Icons Of Filth, cracking stuff. The place is full and there is a good atmosphere as the Subhumans take the stage. We get all the classic’s here; The Day The Country Died hits off, plus Peroxide, Labels …. all the classics and the crowd being very young and would probably not remember the first time around as I did, but in away I think it is better, as the punks today are more into it, and not looking at how spiky there hair is !! Dick does a cracking job as usual, and I really enjoyed me self great night at the gig thanks to the Subhuman’s see you down the front very soon.
Reviewed by Adam Ward

PETER & THE TEST TUBE BABIES - Manchester, Satan's Hollow (01/12/05)

Don't know who the support band was, but they were fronted by an Uncle Fester/Lurch lookalike, and did a decent set of mid-paced Punk, which was well received by the audience. They kept having the club's sound engineer running onto the stage to move cables around. (Judging by the width of his strides, all he needed was a bit of tartan trim for that Bay City Rollers look.) The only song title I could remember was Honeypot. Last but one number was a version of the Cockney Rejects classic, Bad Man, which merged into the ending lines of Macc Lads Party. Even then, the guy from the Candy Flip Barmy Army was still changing the cables about.

You know when you see on some music videos, a band playing on a stage, surrounded on all sides by the audience? Well, this is what it is like in Satan's Hollow. So, if you stand to be attacked by the audience, this is not the place to play, as you are just as surrounded as the British Army at Rourke's Drift. Not that there were thousands of Zulus in attendance. (The numbers were more like the British at the end of the battle.)

Once the Test Tubes took to the stage, the audience went into bull's head formation, with a head and neck section, and a left and right horn on the sides. If you like politically incorrect stuff, this is for you, with the old favourites like Moped Lads, Transvestite, Maniac, Blown Out Again, and Intensive Care blasted out. They performed some new stuff off the latest cd, like Driven To Beers, and Minor Celebrity, which Peter introduced, adding that the Vietnamese have no Christmas lights, because they are going to hang Glitter instead!

Peter likes to have a bit of crack and banter with the audience, and tonight was no exception. The bull's head was by now all over the place, although I took more of an observer role. I had to miss the encore, as I had a tram to catch. Banned From The Pubs was one of the last songs, and it was great to hear them play Student Wankers, towards the end of the set. I've never heard them play that live before. The ending number was probably Banned From The Pubs, as I noticed it written on their set list by the drummer's side.
Reviewed by Wolverhampton Ex-Punk

THE DAMNED + WRECKLESS ERIC - Leeds, Irish Centre (30/11/05)

We got to the Irish Centre about 8.30pm and it was already packed, which is quite surprising for a Wednesday night in Leeds and after a long wait at the bar which was ten deep and only three bar staff Wreckless Eric was on stage. Well this wasn't what I'd expected, admittedly I've only ever heard a few of his songs but the only one I recognised was the last one "Whole Wide World", the rest of the set was quite wierd, Andy (ex reviewer) said "he sounds like Pennine Smith" Who?? "Sorry Patti Smith" (senile old git) and we both agreed that had this been 25 years ago he would probably been gobbed off stage. (Have to agree with the boys on this one, and the crowd were certainly very restless throughout the set Steff).

On to the Damned who kicked off with "Nasty", at this point I should be saying and the crowd went mad but apart from a few pogoing at the front not much of a reaction at all. I don't know if this has an effect on the band but tonight they never seemed to get into full swing, I know the Captains been ill so that won't have helped. I went back to the bar during the intro to "Smash it Up" and was spoken to by an old Irish guy who said " I thought these were a noisy punk band but they're quite musical, a bit like the Rolling Stones" Oh dear, hope he didn't say that to the band. Before the encore Mr Sensible came back to play "Happy Talk" with a young Japanese (I think) girl dressed in a chicken suit, which was met by a small chant of "there's only one Gary Glitter", probably started by fellow reviewer Paul, well that's what he said afterwards as well as "that's the worst I've seen them". I'm not sure about that as I've lost count of the amount of times I've seen the Damned and one bad gig won't put me off going next time.(I have to say that I enjoyed the gig and didn't think that they were that bad, but the crowd were certainly very quiet which I don't think helped at all Steff)

I'd like to thank the band for putting us on the guest list to do this review and I hate to slag off one of my favourite bands, but I hope they'll appreciate my honesty when I say that by their high standards tonights gig was poor although the set was full of crowd pleasers Nasty, Disco Man, Little Miss Disaster (the new single), Noise Noise Noise, Alone Again or, Neat Neat Neat, Eloise, Smash it Up, Curtain Call, Street of Dreams, Would you be so Hot, Perfect Sunday, Melody Lee, 13th Floor, Second Time Around, Love Song, History of the World, Ignite and New Rose. On a more positive note I bought a copy of the MGE 25th anniversary DVD which is fucking brilliant and worth buying for the 3 hour bonus disc alone, a must have for any Damned fan.
Reviewed by Ian and Steff (Steffs comments in brackets)

SUNDERLAND PUNK FESTIVAL - Sunderland, Manor Quay (03/12/05)

The Manor Quay was the venue for the North East's biggest Punk all-dayer. We got there about half four, and found out what time the bands we wanted to see were on. As there was nobody I wanted to see until 6:30pm, I had a pint, then took a short walk to Sunderland city centre, for a cheap drink in Weatherspoons, and to see if the match was on. I met one of my mates in there, who has been absent from Punk gigs for a while, and persuaded him to miss the drum & bass club, and come and hear some REAL music.

The UK Subs came on, with people flocking onto the mosh pit, for the opening thrash of CID. Next thing you know, the mix went all pear shaped, and we couldn't hear any vocals or guitar. Just the drums and a bit of weak bass coming out of the PA. Charlie Harper waved his arms, and the audience provided the vocals, everyone well familiar with the lyrics.
The sound was quickly sorted out, and they blasted through a load of old favourites, with the core of the set still based around Warhead, Emotional Blackmail, Tomorrows Girls, Stranglehold, and Live In A Car. The audience were well lapping it up, with the mosh pit now in full swing.

Brighton Punks, Peter & The Test Tube Babies were up next. I missed the first couple of songs, (probably Moped Lads) as I was meeting my girlfriend at the Metro station, as she didn't know the way to the venue. Smoothie that I am, I serenaded her as they played Transvestite. The mosh pit wasn't as full as when the UK Subs were on, but all the same, there were plenty in there. They performed a cracking set, including old standards like Banned From The Pubs and Blown Out Again, and newer ones like Driven To Beers.

Penetration were next on, but I didn't see much of them, apart from my favourite number of theirs, Don't Dictate, with Pauline Murray's melodic and nice voice carrying over nicely.

The Damned have headlined many Punk all-dayers, all over the world, including this place a couple of years ago. Video Nasty kicked things off, and from my vantage point in the balcony, the mosh pit went crazy, with bodies flying all over. It seemed to pass really quickly, with old gems like Noise Noise Noise, Love Song, New Rose, Neat Neat Neat, and I Fall running alongside the new single, Little Miss Disaster. In between songs, there was Captain Sensible's usual banter and crowd baiting.
Sensible took over Monty's keyboards for an impromptu version of Cheer Up Sleepy Jean. I don't know if he is aware, but Newcastle United fans have a version of this song, with unkind references to a former monkey-heided Sunderland manager. The Geordies in the audience didn't pick up on this, although I'm sure it would have been different if the gig had been in Newcastle, especially if Stiff Little Fingers' Toon-supporting vocalist, Jake Burns had done this. Again, we had to leave before the encore, as we had to get the last Metro train home.
Reviewed by Wolverhampton Ex-Punk

UK SUBS - Poulton le Fylde, Royal Oak (29/11/05)

This was a packed house of mostly retired Punks and skins in a little out of the way venue, near Blackpool.  Support was from Merseyside band, Instant Agony, who stormed the stage with plenty of early 80's style numbers, like Ripped Off.  As raw as a slash on the back from a Stanley blade, and faster than a scally legging it with your car stereo, they produced a bigger buzz than any powder you can buy in a Toxteth boozer.

Going to a UK Subs gig is a bit like going to the football.  You never really know who's gonna be playing for them until the last minute.  I think it was the same young drummer as last time, but with Clara of Zero Tolerance pummelling the bass lines, and an Oriental chap I'd never seen before churning out the power-chords.  (If I were the local diversity co-ordinator, I'd be giving Charlie a pat on the back, here.)

I had a bit of a chat with Charlie Harper earlier on, and he was mentioning that he couldn't go fishing off any Blackpool piers, as the tide was too far out.  Hey, I never realised how much of an extreme sport dude he was.  I'm not an angler myself, but I advised him not to go fishing in Weston Super Mare, as it's all mud.

CID opened up, as always.  Then, Charlie shouted, "Where do I live?  I Live In A Car", which was followed by I Couldn't Be You.  A bit of a breather, then it was time for Squat 96.  The crowed bar lapped it up, enjoying old classics like Emotional Blackmail, Rockers, Endangered Species, and most people's favourite, Warhead.

They couldn't leave the stage without doing the likes of Stranglehold, Tomorrow's Girls, Teenage, and Riot, which have all become mainstays of the UK Subs set.  I bailed out to get the last bus to Blackpool, as the opening chords to Limo Life were ringing out.
Reviewed by Wolverhampton Ex-Punk

LONDON WASTED - London, Astoria (11/12/05)

Well I've just come back from London Wasted and had a really good time... heres what happened...

I caught an early train upto London with my mate Bone (part Time Punk Ian), and yes we got there early, which gave us enough time to wander past the 100 club, and look at the guitars, drum machines and Synths downstairs in Virgin Records.

We got into the Astoria around 12:15, just about got to the front of the stage, and there were the frist band called The Grit, who put on a really good show, they were a four piece punkish/rockabilly band with a double bass. They certainly knew how to entertain, and were always jumping about and moving around on stage. Their best song was a song called Surrender which sounded a bit Clashy, but they were a good band to start things off with.

Next up were Menace, now I hadn't seen the last line up of Menace, although I saw the one before that, which I though were brilliant. Anyway Menace have a new lead singer called Jasper, who before this gig had only rehearsed once with the band. That probably explains why he had to keep looking down at the words on stage. Anyway you've got to give him time to settle down in the band. Like the Grit the sound let both bands down, with the instruments turned up too high so you weren't able to hear the singer very well. Menace played amogst other, C & A, Punk Rocker, Insane Society, GLC, and finished up with Last Years Youth.

Next up were the Strapps, with both Dave Reeves and Jock putting on a bit of weight since Morecambe. They played a set consisting of New Age, House of the Rising Sun, Brixton, Ex Directory. They were certainly much better than at Morecambe last year.

999 came on next, and got the crowd going. They have a great catalogue of very good songs to choose from. They played Emergency, Feeling alright with the Crew, Homicide, Nasty Nasty and finished up with I'm alive.

This was my first time of seeing the Pork Dukes, I'd wanted to see them for ages, and missed out on them up at Morecambe last time. They put a great lot of fun into their set which was very enjoyable. If you haven't seen the Pork Dukes yet, they are well worth it, full of fun, and dont seem to take things too seriously.

TV Smith was next up, Although I'd only just seen him three weeks ealier in Winchester he was excellent. He played New Church, punk rock poem, Gary Gilmore eyes, Bored Teenagers, and ended up with One Chord Wonders. Each one a classic.

I missed part of the Subs set as I went out to get some food, but I came back in to see them play New York State Police, Endangered Spices, Stranglehold, Party in Paris, Riot and a few others. Charlie was joined on stage by Jock Macdonald of the Strapps at one stage for one song. I find I enjoy the Subs better at smaller venues, and with such a back catalogue of tunes to play, I do wish they would vary the set a bit. I suppose that must of been the 14th or 15th time that I've seen the Subs. Come on Charlie get rid of Warhead and Party in Paris, and swap the set around a bit.

The Upstarts were on next, and were the hilight of the day. They played amongst others Safe heaven, 2 million voices, Women in Disguise, Never Ad Nothing, Liddle Towers, and ended with the Anti Nazi song England. Mensi is a really good front man, and for one song was joined on stage with Max splodge and a few others.

Now it was the turn of the Saints who to be honest got heckled by a few morons. Their set was probably the worst set of the day, which did include Perfect day, No time and I'm stranded.

The last set that I saw was the Dickies , which included Paranoid, Silent night and lots of others. Of course the inflatable doll, and puppet made a stage entrance.

Shame I missed the Rezillos but I had to go and catch a train.

Of course the beer was really expensive in here.. its London.. 3.30 for a can.. I spent most of my time in between sets nipping in and out of the place, visiting different pubs, knocking a pint down in 10 minutes and then back for the next band, and of course getting searched every time on the way in.

It was also good to see a mixture of different types of punks, rather than the 1980's black leather jacket, mohican look.

So there ends another Wasted festival, yes I enjoyed it, the atmosphere as normal was good, there were some good bands on show, shame the Weirdos didn't make it, maybe next year..
Reviewed by Dave

LANGELY PUNKS CHRISTMAS PISS UP - (27/12/05)

Well folks I found my self at Langleys Punks Christmas piss up !! With Dfe , Obnosiousx Uk Radition Angels, The Nilists, some local talent here from the black country and very good too. The Obnosiousx Uk were up first they were a mix of Demented Are Go with the Misfits - not bad but I think they need to work on it a bit. The Angels were up next, they are a local band to Dudley and they sound very much like Rancid, cool shit and they get every body dancing too. Next up were the Nihilists a cracking out fit with good punk rock tunes I love em. Loads of shows lined up for next year as far as I know. Yhey have played wth Sham 69, Uk Subs ,Anglic Upstarts so they are no new comers to the scene hopefully see more of them next year. There were loads of people dancing, and the night was turning into a good one !! Jock from gbh was there, I had a chat with him for a while Gbh on tour in the Usa next year hopefully be there myself to cheer ‘em’ on. And I had a few words with Dek and Tommy Drongo gearing up for a load of uk shows next year. I am looking forward toit - they are playiny the Derby Vic on Jan 6th so I might just see you there. Ok I manage to see the first 5 mins two trax of the Drongos I had to go to get me last bus home but never mind it was a caracker of a night, see you lot really soon I think in 2006 now have a good one I will tell you more a bout my shows really soon ….
Reviewed by Adam Ward

NOTTINGHAM PUNK FESTIVAL - Nottingham, Rock City (18/12/05)

I am on me way to the rock city for an alldayer this week with some of me fav bands, the Abrasive Wheels, Uk Subs , Anwl, Slf, The Beat etc. Some cracking acts here for this festive bash. I arrive with the Wheels fresh from their Leeds gig the night before which was a cracker to at The Josephs Well (corker of a venue see you there next year for the class ‘Discharge, Certified gig - check punkoi site for gig details of that one), ok we arrive as Resistance 77 are finishing and the Wheels go almost on, we get one hundred and ten per cent from these guys in a 30 min set , Burn ‘Em’ Down, Wake Up, Just Another Punk Rock Band and new trax ‘I Want It ‘ now !!, This band gets better and better. I manage to see the Uk Subs next they also were really good this afternoon the hall was packed, and the kids and me were loving it. We get Strangle Hold, Cid, Warhead, Riot, Party In Paris, Squat 96 a fav off mine, reminds me off the days when I was on the streets, not a friendly place all the time. Ok after that lot, I was off to see the ANWL, but I start talking to people well some of my very good friends from Nottingham and I manage to miss ‘em’ but then I see Steve Certified, and Dean from that cracker of a band they play next friday @ the Junktion 7 23rd with the Varukers do not miss this gig its gonna be cool. And my friend from Liverpool Eve was there a cracker of a gal, soon you soon my friend, I also meet the night before Rebecca Punkoi at the Wheels gig I did speak to her for a while she loved the gig that night too. I manage to see some of the Beat , I did remember these the first time around I did like ‘em’ them not bad. Well they get people together dancing more, next up I see the mighty Slf with Bruce Foxton [ex jam] who did speak to for a while a very nice guy and a most excellent bass player] fly the flag good gig by these guys, ok the last band I see of the day was Vice Squad, a couple of trax, not bad , a roomful just to see Becky Bondage can not be bad. I make my way home feeling on top of the world and thinking to my self [punk is not dead !!!!] thanks to every body I spoke to I loved every second of it !! See ya next week for it again, and again,
Reviewed by Adam Ward

SEX PISTOLS EXPERIENCE - Newcastle, Star (10/12/05)

The Star is one of the pubs used by Newcastle United supporters on match days, due to it's proximity to St James Park. As there was a late kick off against Arsenal, there were plenty of Toon Army in the house. Together with the usual Punk fans, most of whom are also Newcastle United fans, it was chock full of radgies in here tonight.
Singer, Johnny Forgotten is a Leeds United fan, and made no secret of this as he gave a few Leeds United chants over the mic, adding the odd "We're not scared of you lot." for effect. My lass reckoned they would have shit themselves if the Toon Army lads had invaded the stage.

The intro tape of clips from the Great Rock & Roll Swindle film signalled the band's entry, and they burst into I Wanna Be Me. There was a really mental mosh pit, with loads of radgies joining the Punks down the front, and as the lyrics to No Lip said, "pushing and a shoving, pushing and a shoving". It was all great oldies like Anarchy In The UK, God Save The Queen, No Feelings, and Liar, "For all you Tony Blair voters," as Johhny Forgotten said.

After the first half of the set, most of the radgies seemed to leave, and the mosh pit calmed down a bit. Although there were still a few blokes down the front linking arms to stop the bodies washing over the front of the stage, which wasn't really a stage – just a raised part of the drinking area, with the pool table moved to one side.

The second half of the set included a few numbers from the Sid Sings album, with the bassist, Kid Vicious handling the vocals, and Steve Clones singing on Silly Thing. Then, it was back to giving it some Bollocks. The drum beat and spoken intro to No Fun gave way to the opening chords to Bodies, and once again, the mosh pit became a pile of thrashing bodies. The radgies obviously thought the first half of the set was all they were gonna play, and missed a great second half.
Reviewed by Wolverhampton Ex-Punk

EAST END BADOES - London, Garage (03/12/05)

Well the same could be said for the "youths" of 'The East End Badoes' as they took to the stage at The Garage supporting The Business.

The debutants had been reheasing like fuck for this one ever since their frontman Terry Hayes was supposedly working ( sunbathing ) with 'Percy Thrower' ( me ) on a red hot day during the summer in good 'ol' SE12. When he told me that the band was actually happening and was not too many lagers talking in the pub. I'd just found out i was doing a 'mini ' UK tour ( agency take notice it wasn't long enough ) so without Terry knowing i phoned my agent and asked him to put them on, which was ok'd by Ian Armstrong of Hidden Talent and of course John Viner of the venue.

The big day arrived, i was half way through a small tour and had gigged with our mate Sweenys band' The Dead Pets Society' the previous day in Bradford and the lads were on this large bill as well.

A good band, a good line up, the Badoes had their work cut out and Terry, Dom,Chris & Texas Joe knew it! I've done thousands of shows & i still get as nervous as fuck so i knew exactly what was going on in their heads. It's not what you know, but who you know in this life and i wasn't sure if the lads had said to each other "well, it's shit or bust". In the space of 2 weeks they're up against the so called 'big boys', Argy Bargy from Hertfordshire, The Business from London (and Rome ) and not forgetting our scottish mates The Drop Kick Murphys.

4.30pm on they came first on the bill. I was sitting on a wall near the 'merch' with Paul North while The Badoes ripped into songs such as 'Believe in me', ' Heart full of hope' and' The way it's gotta be'. Me and Paul remained seated but our mouths were aghast, they're good, tight and with some great songs of their own songs set the pace for what was a really good day.
For those of you who've been looking for an 'Oi' band in the traditional sense i think you may have found them. With more of their own songs, less covers and the will to work with as much committment as they did tonight, The future is in their hands.
Reviewed by Micky Fitz

ANTI NOWHERE LEAGUE + PICTURE FRAME SEDUCTION + VIVA KNIEVILS - Cardiff, Clwb Ifor Bach (16/10/05)

The clwb ifor bach ( in English The Welsh Club ) is fast becoming a serious punk rock venue in South Wales, and judging by the very poor turn outs elsewhere in East Wales at shows it is stamping its mark on the local populace as ' the place to be ' Tonight I am here for 2 reasons, the main one being The Anti Nowhere League who I last saw in Cardiff with The Dammed in 1982 at the old Top Rank. The other being my favourite live band at the moment - Picture Frame Seduction. Ive seen these a few times in recent months and by fuck do they give it some shit on stage. Pure punk rock fury. So me and the Mrs are all togged up and ready for a night of punk rock discipline in Cardiff. My senses tell me outside the venue that this will be a big gig. In town tonight are Adequate 7 as well, and both shows are competing with each other for the best punk rock turn out of the night. Outside the clwb is a long queue of punters which tells me this one will sell out, and inside the venue is packed. I have seen The Viva's before, and they re not my cup of tea but what they do bring to the party is a psychobilly type punk fusion which is well played and as ever they are mad as hatters on stage. They love it, and will forever have a place in some punters hearts in Wales. But the crowd only watch and slowly wander off to the bar and to the packed merch stall which is selling loads of goodies including PFS cd / shirt deals for seven quid ! Im in there.

Next up, and theres a real murmur of anticipation are the PFS lads from West Wales, for some this will be the first time they have seen these guys, for me its about the tenth and they just get better and better. Theyve been around since the start of the UK82 punk thing, so ' know the moves ' as the song goes. The sound tonight is excellent, and the band tear in to ' crowd favourite ' ' Getcha Rox Off ' and then ' Sex War' two mighty tracks on their new album. The venue is packed to the back and are held there by Keith's on stage antics and cajoling and Robin's extreme guitar work. Is this guy not the best guitarist in punk rock ? Pure UK82 energy as the fly through the set which lasts 40 minutes and sends the crowd berserk by the end of their show. This band are tight. They have tasted Cardiff and Cardiff loves it. The band name has never done their music justice, but then again as the song ' UK82' goes

' When your up your up, and cos the music's cool, dont take liberties - we are nobodies fools ' They are as good as any GBH line up, and have that Motorhead edge which all punk audiences just crave for. Why the fucking hells christ are this band not at Wasted ? A great set, and seeing The Oppressed at the front cheering their mates on tells me that Welsh punk and Oi music has come a long away. Im knackered. To the bar Mrs, its time for a diet coke.

Twenty minutes later and the packed venue greets on stage Animal and the ANWL. He looks younger than he did 20 years ago - bastard ! And the crush to get close to the stage means me and the rather mid 40's Mrs Tranter have to move back a few yards. Yes, Im loving this. Its mayhem, sing a longs like ' Streets of London ' and ' So What' are creating an energy Ive not seen in Cardiff for years. All the old faves and that subtle arrogance the league are famous for send the crowd even madder. A few tracks from their album ' Kings and Queens ' tell me that this band have not and will never lose it when it comes to real punk rock n' roll. Im totally knackered but they play on. Nowhere Man, For You and I Hate People just keeps the crowd on the edge and after 55 minutes they are gone. Its been a great night of punk rock and even though I am fucked I want more, and truly hope we get to see more gigs like this in Cardiff. Now where's my wish list - Discharge, Partisans, Broken Bones. By fuck we are lucky bastards that these bands have hit the revival button as well as they have. Stand back Mrs Tranter, there is more to come. Oh, GBH in January, now theres a thought.
Reviewed by Trant, Swine Flu Zine

GBH + DRONGOS FOR EUROPE + 3CR - Birmingham (22/12/05)

Well my friends its Christmas and the goose is getting fat !!! I think that’s me ! and we find ourselfs at the punk event of the year, Gbh, Drongos 3cr oh and its only £7 in a bargin, for this lot we get a lot of people getting togethere outside ready for the event. I phone me old mate Tommy drongo, and we meet and talk about tonights bash, its become an annual event, and I personally love it !!! The kids now are coming in thick and fast and I get the sence of its gonna be a gig to remember. I bump into Col Gbh, and we chat about the old punk brum sene me and Col go back a bit and I can remember when Ross was not in the band thats a few years ago, but Ross is a god and nothing can change that. 3cr hit the stage good old Boggy on vox, and we get ‘’And She Bummed Me !!!’’ ‘’bang ! bang ! bang ! were the sun does not shine!! All classic trax see you after Boggy, for a video ?? [hush,hush]. Ok the mighty Drongos take the stage we gona get it tonight I feel ,British Summer Time, May Day,Black Cross, the works and the kids lap it up !!! Good show lads next gig dec 27th at Langley see ya there. Gbh take the stage and we get Give Me Fire,The Hunted, Catch 23, a well good set I think Gbh went a little bit, samey for a while but these lads are deff on form again ! I went home a very happy bunny see ya next year lads.
Reviewed by Adam Ward

VARUKERS + POUNDAFLESH + CERTIFIED - Nottingham (23/12/05)

Well folks its to Notts for a cracking Christmas bash, with me fav bands the Varukers ,Pof,Certified. Loads of people here tonight in the festive spirt, me too. Ceritfied go on first and what a cracking band these guyz are, we get a few new er trax thrown in for good mesure here. I have heard the new roughh mix of the cd and it ripps this is punk rock to day !!!!, ‘Open Your Eyes,Dead Before Time,Fake,Fight To Fight,And March Together , what a truelly fantastic band. They are on tour next year do not I repeat do not miss these guyz !!! Ok after all that I need a drink, as I get me drink Pof take the stage , and Flipper is missing tonight and no-bodys knows were he is ??? and Pof play a cracking set its a shame there is no-Flipper for that added extra I feel is missing from tonights gig !! Never mind they play with Bait next year in Brum in Jan.... only a few days away - make sure you are there check the web-site for details. Ok the Varukers, are on next this band that has been going for a few years now, are still to me the best band, that they allways was cracking, ‘’How Do They Sleep’, March Of The Sas, All Systerms Fail, Solider Boy, and Get Out Of The Gutter make tonight a truelly brill night, I was very happy tonight, and as I am at home now doing this for you to read it still brings a smile to me face. Cool night, cool people see you lot in Nottingham again really soon up the punx !!
Reviewed by Adam Ward

BROKEN-BONES + DOGSFLESH CONSTANT FEAR + SWELLBELLYS - Glasgow Rockers (09/12/05)

Well my friends off to Glasgow for a cracking night of punk with the Bones tonight plus that band the Swellbellys, another cool band from the highlands. It’s well wet tonight and I get lost on the way to the venue but a quick call to to Hoddy the ace ‘’bass player’’ with the Bones plus not forgetting Conflict’’ and I am on me way again. Ok I get there and the place it pretty full tonight lots of Bones fans there I get me a drink and Dogsflesh have already started if you have not seen this band well you are missing out , reminds me off old English Dogs at there best’ “Mad Punx’’ 12inch time. Cool rocking band, I loved ‘em’ not many people dancing but it is early. Ok another drink and Constant Fear take the stage they are very much like early Conflict. I love this band ‘fucking awesome’, Scottish punk at it’s best I think. People dancing lovely, ok the Swellbellys time there time getting ready to hit the stage but it was well worth the wait, by this time the place the place is well packed a great pub underneath a railway hanger. The ‘Bellies take the stage and the get the place rocking loads of stage diving cool shit from these guys the drummer was the old Uk Subs drummer - cool guy, and Needles the singer is a classic front man, and the guitarist is well good. I loved em. Ok the Bones take the stage it’s been quite a few years since thy played here, and, I think they were looking forward to it !! I was ok we get all the classic’s Wealth Rules, G8 newer one, Stand Up, Crucifix, hoddy vox and bass cool dude, and that wizard on guitar Bones!! Will nobody stop this guy, cool night I loved every second of it. I went back to me hostel a well please guy, up the Bones, and Scottish punk rock of course!!
Reviewed by Adam Ward

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