Sunday, 19 April 2026

Bard Company - Born In The North, Die In The North

 


  Bard Company (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100035953076131) are a folk punk band from Wigan. A working class outfit with anthemic, tuneful songs that are often political and always from the heart. 

  I played a couple of songs from their 2022 album Northern Powerhouse on the show a few years ago and I've repeated that by playing a couple of new songs on the last two shows (both went down a storm with the listeners).

  The new album is titled 21st Century Bullshit Detector and it's deserving of your attention. It opens with the title track and it's a song that pretty much sums up the band's anger towards our ruling elite (and those that are in opposition)... "They promise you the earth in their manifesto All you get’s frustration with the end results though." 

   Other tracks encourage the listener unite against the rise in right wing rhetoric and remind us that "we  might not have much but we got each other." There's even a touching song about Ian Curtis "You gave us Unknown Pleasures You made the shadows play Till you took desperate measures And your own life away Destroyed by epilepsy You stared into the void Premature mortality Took away our joy." 

  A quality album throughout, it's available on cd and digital download :  https://thecrowsofalbion.bandcamp.com/album/bard-company-21st-century-bullshit-detector

  This song touches the heartstrings of someone who was born in Lancaster and will probably end his days in Chorley. It's called Born In The North, Die In The North... 

Born in the North, die in the north We’re working class folk from northern towns Born in the North, die in the north We’re working class folk from working class towns We’re anti-racism, we’re anti-Fash We believe in people not power and cash So come and join us, you’ll take no harm We’ll welcome you with open arms Born in the North, die in the north We’re working class folk from northern towns Born in the North, die in the north We’re working class folk from working class towns From the land of cotton, industry and mines Working class struggles in the hardest times Everyone together black, brown and white One working class struggle one working class fight Born in the North, die in the north We’re working class folk from northern towns Born in the North, die in the north We’re working class folk from working class towns We’ll pull no punches – say what we will We don’t really care if we die on this hill A song and chorus to those who inspire Raise your voices in the land of fire BREAK Born in the North, die in the north We’re working class folk from northern towns Born in the North, die in the north We’re working class folk from working class towns Born in the North, die in the north We’re working class folk from northern towns Born in the North, die in the north We’re working class folk from working class towns Born in the North, die in the north We’re working class folk from northern towns Born in the North, die in the north We’re working class folk from working class towns



Friday, 17 April 2026

Down And Outs - Last Orders

   


  April 17th 2026. Both a great day and a sad one. Liverpool trio Down And Outs (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063529751445) have just released their 6th album. Sadly, after 23 years of treating us to some of the best punk tunes you'll hear, it's also their final album. 

  Featuring a line up of Chris Howard (bass/vocals), Morgan Brown (drums/vocals) & Mark Magill (vocals/guitar) the album is titled Disconnect and it's available on vinyl (Brassneck Records & Dead Broke Records), cd (Waterslide Records) and as a name your price digital download. 

https://downandouts.bandcamp.com/album/disconnect

https://brassneckrecords.bandcamp.com/album/disconnect

  You'll already know what to expect by now (if not, go wild and take advantage of all the name your price downloads on their Bandcamp page)... a bunch of finely crafted melodic punk gems. It'll not be the same without these guys (although Mark has mentioned "There's some unreleased songs, demos and bits and bobs in the vault that I'll upload at some point. I'm sure you can manage without it, but why not, eh?" so maybe there's a little more to come one day). 

  This seems an apt song to feature, it's called Last Orders... 



Wednesday, 15 April 2026

Cowboy Hunters - Shag Slags Not Flags

   


  A nice booming singalong chorus today in a song that deals with one of the hot topics of our times.

  Cowboy Hunters (https://www.facebook.com/CowboyHunters) are a noisy duo from Scotland who've been pretty prolific over the last 3 years. A mix of old school confrontational attitude and modern day soundscapes they should appeal to pretty much everyone (I say should but unfortunately most people wouldn't know good music if it bit them on the arse!). 

  They recently released a 5 track ep titled EPeepee. Duelling vocals, anger and humour, cd and digital download. Give it a listen... https://cowboyhunters.bandcamp.com/album/epeepee



 Song title of the week goes to this one, it's called Shag Slags Not Flags... 

Long day at work she comes home to a mess
Said he'd clean up but he's over at friends
Is she getting some tonight
She's not holding her breath
Gets her laptop
Then it's open to vent
(I'll have what she's having)
43 with a flag in her bio
Says she hates blanks
But that is a typo
The sexual frustration
You could catch with your eyes closed
Lonely at night
So turned to a wino
I know a few guys 6 out of 10's
Could sort your life out
Make a chick of a hen
Get your dickstraction
You'd be listening then
But for now she's finding foreigners
And wishing them death
She goes

Oh no you crossed a line one a map
You better get online
Cause it's time to attack
Maybe get outside
Try and lie on the grass
Mate you should
Everyone

Shag slags not flags
Shag slags not flags
Shag slags not flags
Shag slags not flags

Let me guess
Your wife left didn't she
Took the house, kids, money,
And your dignity
How you cope has got your
Twitter feed in disbelief
Any prick can see
You're on the wrong side of history

Oh no you crossed a line one a map
You better get online
Cause it's time to attack
Maybe get outside
Try and lie on the grass
Mate you should
Everyone

Shag slags not flags
Shag slags not flags
Shag slags not flags
Shag slags not flags



Monday, 13 April 2026

Magic of the Marketplace - The Spectators are Leaving

   


  Today's song is the one I played at the end of last night's Just Some Punk Songs show (a pretty apt choice I thought).

  Magic Of The Marketplace (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571905406046) are a band I featured on here back in 2019 when they had the even longer name of Higgins and The Magic Of The Marketplace   https://justsomepunksongs.blogspot.com/2019/02/higgins-and-magic-of-marketplace-emily.html 

  I mentioned at the time that it was the solo project of Andy Higgins from Blackpool band Litterbug. Hopefully you remember them (https://justsomepunksongs.blogspot.com/2018/05/litterbug-dont-change.html). 

  There's a new 5 song ep out in which Andy's aided and abetted by Luke Hesketh Drums (Sonic Boom Six), James Routh Difficult bass bits (Sonic Boom Six) & UK Nige Vocals and additional guitars (Sick 56, One Way System, The Diggers). It's titled The Spectators Are Leaving and it's available on cd and as a name your price download https://jsntgmrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-spectators-are-leaving

  There's a video for opening track When The Story Ends (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3AOkKNtPqs) but the song I'm highlighting is the title track, The Spectators Are Leaving... 



Saturday, 11 April 2026

Sweat - Smaller Cages, Shorter Chains

   


  Sweat (https://www.instagram.com/sweat_rockers/) have been around since 2019, having fun, making noise and gaining a lot of fans. They play hardcore punk chock full of hard hitting riffs AND catchy melodies. 

  They've just released a new album titled Tear It On Down. Featuring a line up of  Tuna Tardugno  (vocals),  Anthony Rivera (drums), Justin Smith (guitar/vocals) & Kevin Conway (bass), it's an energetic blast that'll appeal to fans of bands such as Amyl And The Sniffers, Slaughterhouse & Scowl. Check it out here : https://sweatrockers666.bandcamp.com/album/tear-it-on-down

  This is just one of many highlights, it's called Smaller Cages, Shorter Chains... 

Opposition a long standing tradition Pitting me against you And us against them But we won’t take the bait Can’t give them the satisfaction Because all we get is smaller cages and shorter chains They didn’t pull the trigger They just made the mold Don’t want any trouble Just do as they’re told Ammunition another tradition Turn their backs applaud misuse Applaud abuse Can’t let them have comfort cause all we get Is smaller cages and shorter chains They didn’t pull the trigger They just made the mold Record profits Before the guns gone cold Don’t want any trouble Just want the gold Your days are numbered Your days are numbered While The cages getting smaller The chains are getting shorter The rage is growing stronger The kids are getting smarter Your days are numbered Where’s the melody in murder Where’s the melody in murder The cages getting smaller The chains are getting shorter The kids are getting smarter Your days are numbered You’re outnumbered And getting number But we’re not



Thursday, 9 April 2026

The Dear Boys - I Hope You Know How Fucking Cool You Are


"You’re the greatest you’re the latest you’re that superstar..."


Do you remember back in the day when we had punk pioneers such as The Pistols, The Clash, The Damned etc. 3 chords, attitude and some spiky melody? Do you remember we also had the likes of Wreckless Eric, Ian Dury, TV Personalities etc. DIY acts that weren't quite punk but comfortably fit under that umbrella. Today's song reminds me of them.

The Dear Boys are from Bexhill On Sea in East Sussex. They're a trio made up of Tony Page, Tony Fletcher & Brett Buddy Ascott and last month they released their first single of 2026 (their 5th physical release). It's part of the build up to an album which is planned for later this year. 

Dedicated to the next generation, it's a song that seeks to promote self worth. Get out there kids, the world is yours. Take it. You're great!

It's available as a double A sided cassingle and digital download :   https://thedearboys.bandcamp.com/track/i-hope-you-know-how-fucking-cool-you-are-2


This is I Hope You Know How Fucking Cool You Are... 



 

Tuesday, 7 April 2026

The Hallingtons - I Met The Mothman

   


  I don't think I've posted much in the way of pop punk recently so let's rectify that today. 

  The Hallingtons (https://www.facebook.com/hallingtons) are a trio from Oslo. They've been on here a few times previously and have been one of my favourite purveyors of this kind of catchy punk tuneage. This was their first appearance https://justsomepunksongs.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-hallingtons-running-from-ussr.html

  Last November saw them release an album titles No Plan. It was definitely a case of if it ain't broke, don't fix it. Songs about girls and various Sci-Fi shenanigans, it was crammed with hooks and harmonies. You can check it out here : https://thehallingtons.bandcamp.com/album/no-plan

  They've just posted a video for one of the songs, it's about an encounter with a legendary winged humanoid creature with glowing red eyes. As I recently read a novel by Hunter Shea titled Shadow Of The Mothman it kind of struck a chord. This is I Met The Mothman... 



Saturday, 4 April 2026

Cittizins - The Last Resort

 


  Cittizins are a new oi band from New England. And there ends my knowledge of the band!

  This is the catchy title track from their debut album. You can find it on Spotify  https://open.spotify.com/track/76WM3bs6y3c50vI7AqnL6q

It's called The Last Resort...

Boots pound the pavement, storming the streets

No more warnings, no more peace
Shaved heads gleaming under the lights
You wanted war? we’ll do it tonight

Steel-toed vengeance, cold as a corpse
You called us out, now get ready for war
No second chances, no room for regret
You’ll pay the price, you won’t forget

(Chorus)
This is the last resort
You’ve given no choice
This is the last resort
Go get all your boys
The talk is over
The dance is finished
When we catch up with your crew
We won’t leave a witness

Fists like hammers, crackin’ your jaw
No mercy given, we break the law
Brass knuckles shine in the neon glow
This ain’t for show—it’s all we know

Battle scars from a hundred brawls
Backs to the wall, but we never fall
Loyalty’s inked deep in our skin
Blood for blood, let the game begin!

(Chorus)

Iron-clad code, we stand as one
No one runs ‘til the job is done
Streetlights flicker, sirens scream
But the gang rolls on—the sickest team

The battle’s won, the street is ours
Echoes fade through the midnight hours
Remember our names, remember the pain
Cross us once—you won’t do it again!

(Chorus)



Friday, 3 April 2026

Kotskat - Knit (Guest Review By Dirk Ceustermans)


KOTSKAT - FLOWERS (Pang Pang/Zwendel)

Hey does it get any better than this?

It's shaky, 

it's like "Can you dance to it" (cfr Snuky Tate),

It's honest, 

it's childish,

it's fun,

Exactly what punk is about.


Flowers makes me happy

and it ain't too shabby

if you like your lo fi

in full on D.I.Y


Renske worked hard

to stick some eyes

on the middle part

Kotkat never tries

is what their manifesto said

Check it out : https://kotskat.bandcamp.com/album/flowers

This is Knit... 



Thursday, 2 April 2026

Lotus - Ouroboros II: One Life, One Weight (Reprise) (Guest Review By Dirk Ceustermans)

   


 

  My favourite Belgian, Dirk Ceustermans, returns with a review...

  LOTUS - FOREVER MARTIAL 12" (Shield Recordings, SLD163)

  https://lotusbelgium.bandcamp.com/track/ouroboros-ii-one-life-one-weight-3

  Coming back into the picture with a 12" are LOTUS (https://www.facebook.com/LotusBelgium/) a band that always ranked high in my Belgian list of great bands. They play hardcore but with a different approach than the majority of other bands here in Belgium. Their style is defined by spartanic power riffing and a pounding rhythm section that alternates tempos. Blended with passionate vocals that scream out the parlando manifestos of each song added to this cocktail of angry short assaults.

  For sure a style that I can devour with delight. Ever since their first release "ISRAEL", they've left an impression on me, and again on this 13 odd minute 10 track release, they managed to do so again.

  Last weekend I went to see their release show, I was looking forward to it as it had become a bit quiet around Lotus (or was it me not paying attention?). So taking the opportunity to get me a copy of this 12" and now listening it for a few times, it is yet again a production so solid that could crush your little ear cells. 

  I picked out the song in which they tried out a bit of different approach through adding reverb on the vocals, it adds value to "Ouroboros II: One Life".

I didn’t walk out on a town that just wouldn’t burn when I was on fire

Into the fever of the city to get a little more nowhere
The days crawl by and for some sick little reason
The nights make me feel even less alive

The routine moon, the aisling sun
The mechanical grind, the perpetual drudge
And all my rage, the rage of stone
It’s weighing me down with savage disgust

And it’s dragging me back under again

The routine is coming in heads over tails
Teeth into scales
And it’s biting down hard again

Whenever I’m light on my wings
The pendulum always swings
And I come down hard again

The moon shines cold on my head full of lead
And I don’t feel like I’ve come out of my twenties alive
Each passing day, I grow unwell in a new way
And time keeps eating away at the good stuff

The worst always turns to worse, I’ve been dealing in hurt
Like a memorial of youth idly biding its time
But “our life is a journey through winter and night
We look for our way in a sky without light”*


*Words humbly borrowed from ‘Song of the Swiss Guards, 1793’ as referenced by Louis-Ferdinand Céline in ‘Voyage au bout de la nuit