POST CATEGORY : Punk

Rotation Round-Up #3

Time is becoming increasingly precious and difficult to obtain these days but I still have a grá on me for blogging.

So, this is an attempt cover more of what I am listening to on a regular basis, with a relatively quick roundup of what has been on rotation over the past week or two.

The aim is to keep them coming on a weekly / biweekly basis or failing that, I may as well pack this malarkey in altogether.

Stephen Durkan – ‘Prayer’

Glaswegian artist Stephen Durkan released his debut EP The Stories We Tell Ourselves About Ourselves last week and ‘Prayer’ is the latest single lifted from it. Less energised and meaty than previous single ‘The Acid Commune’, we find Durkan poetically reflecting on a lack of divine belief as hard-edged, introspective words play out amid muted swathes of downbeat electronica. Like the rest of the EP, ‘Prayer’ will captivate and will have you hooked from the get go. Durkan is a voice worth listening to.

Langkamer – ‘Teeth’

From Bristol in the UK, Langkamer are commonly described as country rockers (the best yet is Avon Americana, serious thumbs up) but they land somewhere between Pavement, Creedence, Wilco and Hooton Tennis Club. Their latest single ‘Teeth’ is undoubtedly a perfect blend of these components, crafting a supremely addictive, smart and contagious sound that is simultaneously familiar and excitingly fresh. There’s a lo-fi aesthetic to the drums and vocals, lending a garage band vibe as a slide guitar bathes ‘Teeth’ with an alt country shade. It is bright, catchy and playful, finding a sweet spot between off-kilter and hooky, it is a vivid and irresistible tune.

Captain Rico and The Ghost Band – ‘Dracula On A Skateboard’

French surf-rock aficionados Captain Rico and the Ghost Band will release their second album Fréquences d’outre-tombe (Rhythms from beyond the grave) on March 4, 2022, which promises 1’1 new instrumental tracks  featuring a kaleidoscope of guitar riffs, from powerful to simply off the wall’. Ahead of the new album, Captain Rico and The Ghost Band has shared lead single ‘Dracula On A Skateboard’. A free flowing and energetic ramble, it has a vintage yet timeless air to it, with serious echoes of 60’s surf sound of The Shadows and Dick Dale as bright, energetic surf guitars and glistening riff thrive over frantic rhythmic groove that hares off at a furious pace from the off. Wonderful.

Maida Rose – ‘Fallen’

Maida Rose is dream-pop pairing of Roos Meijer and Javièr den Leeuw from Dutch seaside city the Hague, and will release their debut LP Tales Of Adolescence on March 25. Ahead of the album, the pair share new single ‘Fallen’ which perfectly captures their prowess for rich and wistful dream-pop. It oozes with nostalgia and a pang of melancholy, as soft vocals purr with feeling and heartstrung melodies hover above a languid meandering groove and soft shimmering guitar. ‘Fallen’ is yet another beautiful and moving single from Maida Rose; the album promises a lot.

RIFLE – ‘Flag’

RIFLE are a North London punk outfit who’s debut EP, Holloway Demos was recorded live and in one take at Storm on Holloway Road, and all for the price of a tube fair. Fronted by blistering single ‘Flag’ – it, like the EP – is a short, sharp shock to the system, the proverbial kick in the bollocks if you like, filled with scintillating guitars played at breakneck speed, over a furious beat, while raspy vocals fight to be heard amid the barrage of noise. A bolt of biting raw punk energy; an absolute tour-de-force.

NANCY – ‘7 Foot Tall Post-Suicidal Feel Good Blues’

Based in the North East of England, NANCY have demonstrated an enigmatic talent with a propensity for audacious sonic adventures that are anything but conventional, and hot on the heels of the ‘Happy Oddities EP’ comes news of a brand new mini album ‘7 Foot Tall Post-Suicidal Feel Good Blues’, and we’ve been afforded the title track as a taste of things to come.

Inspired by all the bullshit he had to deal with getting picked on growing up, ‘7 Foot Tall Post-Suicidal Feel Good Blues’ is as wonderfully warped as anything NANCY has done to date. It’s dark, it’s stark and super catchy as it swaggers through a haze of fuzz with a super seductive glam rock era groove and stomping riff, and vocals unfurl with a drawn out warped drawl. Sounding like a warped record played on a dodgy turntable, this is a sleazy, stomping and groove ridden reminder of NANCY’s enigmatic talent and flair for the unconventional – perfect imperfection if you will.

With the 10 track mini album set for release on January 15, check out the title track below.

Lauran Hibberd – ‘Boy Bye’

Lauran Hibberd has fast become a reliable go-to name for irresistible blasts of fuzz-filled indie pop with her satiric, tongue-in-cheek approach is wrapped with fuzz, crunchy guitars and anthemic tendencies

The hotly tipped Isle of Wight native has returned with yet another top quality tune in the shape of new single ‘Boy Bye’. While marked with a lot of the recognisable Hibberd characteristics – it is satirical, sarcastic, punchy and hooky – ‘Boy Bye’ takes a more measure tempo as it meanders melodically through swathes of warm fuzz and feedback. It is potent and powerful with roaring guitars complimenting her angry vocals as it swells to anthemic climax. Hibberd has crafted yet another powerhouse  slacker anthem bursting with all that hooky, sarcastic brilliance that we all know and love.

And just a final note, even taking a cursory glance at Hibberd’s existing work and it is easy to see why she’s built a rep for super catchy and fuzz-filled guitar-pop heroics. It has been solid gold tune after solid gold tune, and what’s here is as good as any of them.

Listen to ‘Boy Bye’ below – and if your into this, there is an interview with Lauran Hibberd in the 10 Year Celebratory Zine from a few months back – read it here.



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Bee Bee Sea – ‘Day Ripper’

Italian garage-psych trio Bee Bee Sea specialize in loud, propulsive and guitar-driven psych infused garage rock stompers – something patently clear from a cursory glance at their output to date.

Following on from ‘Daily Jobs’ & ‘Gonna Get Me’ early in the year, the Italian outfit continue to get us hyped for their new album Day Ripper – due on October 9 via Wild Honey Records – with the record’s title track. ‘Day Ripper’ is packed with all those trademark upbeat, frenzied riffs, sharp tempo shifts, melodic choruses, singalongs and huge hooks; all bathed in a haze of warm fuzz and distortion. Driven relentlessly onward with a propulsive motorik groove and  mesmerising, angular guitars, hypnotic vocals and bold and addictive choruses do battle with the jerky, spiraling riffs and swirls of distortion. ‘Day Ripper’ is a relentless, all-consuming and addictive jam – no question about it!

Listen to the single below and Day Ripper (the album) is due on October 9 via Wild Honey Records.

Field Trip to the Moon – ’62 Bullets’

Field Trip to the Moon is the musical project of London-based Manchester native Angela Christofilou, who with band in tow, has a flair for dark, potent – sometimes jagged or dramatic – post-punk infused garage-rock.

Together they released their debut album Something Owed in 2017 and they are back with a new self-titled EP, heralded by lead single ’62 Bullets’; a raw, raucous and thrilling jam. Opening with a catchy, fuzz-drenched riff introducing Christofilou’s raspy vocal before ’62 Bullets’ hurtles off in a blaze of buzzsaw riffs, stomping beats and shredded guitars all basking in a sea of fuzz and distortion. From the off, ’62 Bullets’ is a rip roaring blast of guitar wielding brilliance underpinned by a relentlessly driving beat and fiery energy, and whirlwind of fuzz, that is utterly irresistible.

Listen to the brilliant ’62 Bullets’ below and check out the new EP here.

Bee Bee Sea – ‘Gonna Get Me’

Italian garage-psych trio Bee Bee Sea specialize in loud, propulsive and guitar-driven psych infused garage rock stompers – something patently clear from their latest single ‘Gonna Get Me’, taken from their upcoming new album ‘Day Ripper’ which is due on October 9 via Wild Honey Records.

Following along the same lines as previous single ‘Daily Jobs’, new one ‘Gonna Get Me’ is a wildly addictive blast of scuzzy, hyperactive and incredibly catchy garage rock. The Italian trio combine their trademark upbeat, frantic and frenzied tempo with sunny vibes, cheery melodies and huge hooks; all bathed in a haze of warm fuzz and distortion. This is, like ; ‘Daily Jobs’ before it, hugely addictive stuff – but the kind of addiction that leaves you better for it.

Tune in to ‘Gonna Get Me’ below:

Panic Shack – ‘Jiu Jits-You’

Cardiff noisemakers Panic Shack introduced their raw, spiky and incendiary punky stylings with debut ‘Who’s Got My Lighter?‘ in February – and they have made a rip roaring return with new single ‘Jiu Jits-You’.

‘Jiu Jits-You’ is a fierce, fiery and furious blast of guitar wielding brilliance as Panic Shack give both barrels to unsolicited approaches on nights out. It hurtles off upon a relentless rhythm and snappy snare while riffs roar, guitars crunch and vocals are spat put with a snarl. An unforgettable three-minutes of taut indie-punk, it is delivered with swagger, raucous energy and fuck you punk attitude but also with fun, hooks, catchy chorus and shout-out chants.

Listen to ‘Jiu Jits-You’ below – the video too, is great and well worth some of your time:

Bee Bee Sea – ‘Daily Jobs’

Italian garage-psych trio Bee Bee Sea specialize in loud, propulsive and guitar-driven psych infused garage rock stompers.

New single ‘Daily Jobs’ encapsulates everything you need to know about their scuzzy, frantic and frenzied sound in just over three minutes. It is a furious assault of frenzied riffs, crunchy guitars, sharp tempo shifts, melodic choruses, euphoric singalongs and whopper hooks all bathed in fuzz and distortion; it is both wildly manic and ridiculously catchy. The latter reflective of the burden of life as it swings wildly and the all-consuming thirst for hope, release and escapism; shitty jobs can be suffocating. ‘Daily Jobs’ a frantic, frenzied of barrage of scintillating riffs, hooks and fuzz; an absolute beast but one that is rather easy on the ear at the same time.

Listen to ‘Daily Jobs’ below:

Dumb – ‘My Condolences’

Dumb are a Vancouver foursome who’s output to date has been nothing short of startling. Their intoxicating brand of post-punk noise wields a mighty power and it is a sound enhanced by dalliances with indie, punk, garage, post-punk and even occasional surf elements.

A fact abundantly clear from even a cursory glance at their back catalogue; Dumb have impressed no end from early EPs Friendship and Tulips, and of course albums Beach Church and last year’s Club Nites. While on the road supporting the latter, Dumb recorded a Tapetown Session between shows on the Scandinavian leg of their European tour, and the song the chose to perform is ‘My Condolences’. Lifted from 2019’s Club Nites, it captures the raw energy of the bands live shows caught for posterity in a ‘live in-studio’ setting. It is a frantic, frenzied of barrage of barked vocals backed by scintillating riffs, angular guitars and relentless jerky rhythms; ‘My Condolences’ is an absolute beast but one that is rather easy on the ear at the same time.

Listen / watch ‘My Condolences’ below & check out their back catalog here



Guest Post: Johnny Feeney’s Albums of 2019

Aside from compiling my own lists, I really enjoy looking over other people’s albums of the year rundowns and none more so than Mr. Johnny Feeney.

An insightful musical sage, Johnny’s guest appearances are always interesting and bring added flavour to the blog and I look forward to reading his contributions – of which, surely I’m not alone?

Yes, we’re a bit late with this one but sure better late than never, right?

A huge thanks to Johnny for taking time out to compile this list, and on that note, I’ll leave you with his favourite records of 2019.

10: DIIV – ‘Deceiver’

Following up 2016’s supreme Is the Is Are, Brooklyn shoegaze quartet DIIV’s third album Deceiver draws obvious comparisons to My Bloody Valentine with its multiple layers of shimmering, squalling guitars and lead singer Zachary Cole Smith’s dreamy vocals. Expect plenty of loud / quiet / loud moments on this dazzling return.

Listen in full here.

09: Hot Chip – ‘A Bath Full of Ecstasy’

Although their newer material has perhaps lost some of the menace of their early output, ultra-consistent Hot Chip prove they are still adept at releasing dance-pop of the highest calibre. A perfect antidote to the grim global political and environmental situation we find ourselves in today, I challenge anyone to listen to the likes of ‘Positive’ or ‘Melody of Love’ and not feel a wave of joy wash over you.

Listen in full here.

08: Black Midi – ‘Schlagenheim’

The Mercury-nominated debut album from this four-piece experimental-rock band hailing from London is definitely not going to be to everyone’s taste. From the brutal opening salvo of ‘953’ to the wonderful closer ‘Ducter’, this relentless record is one that never lets go. A highly ambitious record, understandably it doesn’t always quite come together. But when it does hit the mark it’s absolutely thrilling. Improvised mayhem never sounded so good.

Listen in full here.

07: Marika Hackman – ‘Any Human Friend’

The latest LP from Marika Hackman certainly has a much more pop-leaning sound than her early fans would expect from the English singer-songwriter. Hackman’s usual vocals and guitar lines are regularly joined by jaunty synths to create upbeat tunes merged with deeply personal lyrics exploring themes such as same-sex relationships (‘All Night’) and masturbation (‘Hand Solo’). The jaw-dropping title track that closes the album is beyond staggering.

Listen in full here.

06: Drahla – ‘Useless Coordinates’

This bludgeoning debut record from Leeds post-punk outfit Drahla comes with driving guitars, a pummelling rhythm section, and Luciel Brown’s breathy vocals. Viciously, skewed saxophones add to the overall sombre atmosphere. Clocking in at a breathless half an hour, Useless Coordinates starts off dark and doesn’t veer off course once.

Listen in full here.


05: Mattiel – ‘Satis Factory’

The highly accomplished second album from the Atlanta-based singer-songwriter prominently features Mattiel Brown’s distinctive, booming vocals and some delightful, grooving and soulful blues-rock. Brown has an uncanny ability to create expertly crafted sub three-minute rock songs with an infectious hook. A very impressive piece of work.

Listen in full here.

04: The Murder Capital – ‘When I Have Fears’

The superb debut album from the Dublin post-punk five-piece is a moody, atmospheric affair. Brooding, menacing guitars and percussion are paired to pulsating effect with the haunting, angst-ridden vocals of lead singer James McGovern. A formidable live act, the group’s sound has been captured masterfully on record by UK producer Flood. Along with Fontaines DC and Girl Band, the Murder Capital are at the forefront of an exciting wave of great new Irish rock bands.

Listen in full here.

03: Aldous Harding – ‘Designer’

New Zealand folk artist Aldous Harding’s third studio album is the epitome of easy listening – nine tracks of blissful, exquisitely arranged songs. Harding’s tender vocals are accompanied by multiple layers of instrumentation and backing vocals to devastating effect throughout. A gorgeous album that gets better with every listen.

Listen in full here.

02: Vampire Weekend – ‘Father of the Bride’

After a six year hiatus and losing a key member in multi-instrumentalist Rostam Batmanglij back in 2016, Vampire Weekend fans could be forgiven for worrying if maybe this was the beginning of the end for the New York indie-poppers. Instead Ezra Koenig re-emerged with an exceptionally strong set of tracks, enlisting the help of the likes of Danielle Haim on vocals and guitarist Steve Lacy. The result is an immensely enjoyable, if overlong, album.

Listen in full here.

01: Fontaines DC – ‘Dogrel’

The eagerly awaited debut of Dublin punk rock quintet Fontaines DC delivers emphatically on every level. An extremely diverse and lyrical record, lead singer Grian Chatten’s miniature vignettes of Dublin City are accompanied by an ever-changing soundtrack from the rest of the group. From the piledriving punk of ‘Chequeless Reckless’ and ‘Hurricane Laughter’ to the jangling stomp of ‘Sha Sha Sha’ and ‘Boys in the Better Land’ via the tender ‘Roy’s Song’ and ‘Dublin City Sky’, not a single foot has been put in the wrong place. In a new Golden Age of Irish guitar music, it’s the Fontaines DC’s star who’s shining brightest at the moment.

Listen in full here.