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...
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
"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!
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...
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!
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”*
I've just noticed it's been a week since the last update. Sometimes the enthusiasm waxes, sometimes it wanes. Should I post more often or should I call it a day? Or should I just post as and when something comes along demanding to be shouted about?
I mentioned I was looking forward to hearing more. Now I have heard more as they've just released a self titled album. There's loads of great Aussie bands around at the moment. Antics are one of the best. The album's available on limited edition transparent red vinyl and as a digital download and I recommend you check it out https://the-antics.bandcamp.com/album/the-antics-2
Passionate vocals, blitzkrieg guitars and even a bit of barking! This is Dogs Bloody Dogs...
I'd not come across them before but they've been around since 2001 when "two failed teachers hit Swiss shopping streets with a toy drum kit, battery amp and wild punk “lessons”, earning a reputation as mostly dangerous but always educational." Now "in 2026, the world is completely fucked and satire is dead, but Failed Teachers are back with anthems that make any stadium crowd switch sides, raw rage-soaked hardcore rippers and flute parts played by TV celebrities."
Lots of highlights to choose from so I'll play Antifa-Fa-Fantasy on this week's show and for the blog I'll go with All Jobs Are Bastards...
A - J - A - B
I know they rip me off and I’ve got to bow my knee
Clocking in at 8 o’clock, let ’em put those chains on me
They call it deadline — I know exactly what it means
Eight hours, suicidal dreams
All jobs are bastards — can’t you see? (Lay down all your tools)
All jobs are bastards — can’t you see? (Wage labour is for fools)
All jobs are bastards — all jobs are bastards
All jobs are bastards — can’t you see?
Doesn't matter where you stand — you're up against the wall
Woodworker, manager or packer at a mall
I walk like a soldier, like a coffee-drinking jerk
I am not me when I’m at work
A - J - A - B
All jobs are bastards — can’t you see? (Let’s go back to bed)
All jobs are bastards — can’t you see? (The working class is dead)
All jobs are bastards — all jobs are bastards
All jobs are bastards — can’t you see?
A - J - A - B
I don't think we really need any introduction to the Dropkick Murphys (https://www.facebook.com/DropkickMurphys). They've been around since 1996 and have been one of the most successful punk bands of the last 30 years.
Hopefully by now you're also all aware of Boston hardcore heroes Haywire. I've featured them a couple of times previously.
I'm always excited when I hear they've new music out. I think their songs are equally as catchy as the Dropkick Murphys' (maybe just in a slightly different way?). So the news that both bands were collaborating on a split album really got my pulse racing.
Every track is a winner but today I'm highlighting Dropkick Murphys covering a Haywire favourite (you can compare and contrast it with the original here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4aLz_68d47c). This is Always By My Side...
They've contributed a track to a new ep on Belly Button Records and Pang Pang Records titled 50 Years The Kids. It features a couple of tracks by legendary Belgian band The Kids as well as covers by Hetze, Colère and Kotskat. It's available on mega rare vinyl (there's only 87 special red/blue copies) and digital download : https://bellybuttonrecords.bandcamp.com/album/50-years-the-kids
This is a blistering cover by Colère of a song by The Kids that originally featured on the 1978 classic Self Titled album (https://thekids.bandcamp.com/album/the-kids). It's called Do You Love The Nazis...
I love the way they dressed, they seemed so decadent
I love to wear their medals, they make some people mad at me
Do you love the nazi's, do you love the nazi's?
And do you like the gestapo? and do you like the fascists?
Oh no, oh no, oh no Oh no, oh no, oh no
Why should i be a fascist, because i wear my clothes like them
And why should i be bad, because i raise my hand to heaven
Do you love the nazi's, do you love the nazi's?
And do you like the gestapo? and do you like the fascists?
A new band to me, they're called The Film Critics, they're a trio from London, Ontario and they feature a line up of Kell (guitar/vox/melodica), Soph (guitar/backing vox) & Isaac (drums).
Latest God are from Newcastle, Australia and are influenced by the Washington DC melodic punk scene and by bands such as Embrace, Dag Nasty, Swiz and Rites Of Spring.
This is the opening track on the album, it's called Joy Bringer...
The greatest challenge is the greatest gift, my son you
are magnificent. Sometimes life gets intense that’s when
patience and love become immense. I need you, you need
me, bonded by blood and serendipity. We’re exactly where
we’re meant to be. Together we ride and it’s such a vibe.
Joy bringer you light up my life. We only knew what we did
before, looking beyond duality. Let go of all that left us
small, this present moment is all we have. Family nest,
a safe space to rest. Find wonders in the little things.
Listen deeply our essence is speaking. Together we ride
and it’s such a vibe. Joy bringer you light up my life.
A warm embrace, a wide smile. Joy bringer you make it
worthwhile. When you’re different you just need a
different song.
Sick Shooters are a new garage punk quartet from Utrecht, Netherlands. Inspired by the likes of The Reatards, New Bomb Turks, The Oblivians & The Nerves, they'll be releasing a debut album on March 19th. Titled Super Sonic Rock Saga, it'll be available on vinyl via Amsterdam label Wap Shoo Wap Records. https://wapshoowaprecords.bigcartel.com/product/sick-shooters-super-sonic-rock-saga-album
How good is it going to be? Just check out this killer single. It's called Evacuation...
Modern day politicians digging their graves Streets filled with Broken glass and barricades Told to be calm, told to be still Never trust them and I never will
Evacuation! gotta get away Evacuation! Got No time to stay Evacuation! What you gonna do? Evacuation! When they're coming for you
This day and age they won't let you do it all But if you do they just tell you to move on Stay in their lane and don't ever be yourself Cuz if you do they will make you live in hell
Evacuation! gotta get away, Evacuation! Got no time to stay, Evacuation! What you gonna do? Evacuation! when they're coming for you
"Check this out…proper old school hardcore…" says my friend Darren Pike. Darren's head honcho at Sunderland label Serial Bowl Records (https://serialbowlrecords.bandcamp.com/). The label is gearing up for their latest release, a 6 track EP coming at you on March 27th!! From Orange County US. It's "hardcore punk that will make you wanna skate n' slam! An ode to 80's and 2000's hardcore punk."
The band are called Mr.Radical and they feature a line up of Andrew Gonzales (Vocals/Guitar), Max Foster (Guitar), Gavin Smith (Bass) & Chris Sigur (Drums). You can find the ep on their Bandcamp page as a name your price download : https://mrradicalhardcorepunkoc.bandcamp.com/album/promo
This is the opening track, it's called Mr.Radical...
1, 2... 1, 2, 3, go!
Yeah!
I'm up, ready to jump the gun.
and I'm really riled up to start some fun.
And you know it's gonna be sick.
You better start coming too or else you're a fucking bitch.
What's so sick when there's nothing to do?
I might go skate, it's fucking cool.
I'm gonna go out and act like an animal.
I'll do some stupid shit cause I'm fucking radical.
I'm radical!
What I'm about to say might get you started.
People don't like it, they think I'm retarded.
But I don't care what the fuck you say.
Once you take a look you'll see everyday;
I'm tried of the same old shit.
I wanna skate n' slam, but no one likes me one bit.
But I don't care if they think I'm laughable.
I'll do some stupid shit cause I'm fucking radical.
I'm radical!
Yeah! I'm Mr.Radical!
I owe Pulsebeat host Wayne Elliott a thank you for recommending today's song.
It's by a band from Los Angeles called Gottlieb and it's taken from the band's upcoming debut album The Far Fallen Fruit. The album will be released by Quiet Panic on May 1st and you can pre order the vinyl here : https://gottlieblosangeles.bandcamp.com/album/the-far-fallen-fruit
The band "mix hardcore urgency with post-punk poetry; for fans of Chat Pile, IDLES, Soul Glo, Militarie Gun, Bob Vylan. Drawing from Ceremony, Crass, and Refused, their sound is confrontationally political yet sharp, pairing raw intensity with brooding hooks and unsparing anti-fascist lyrics."
This teaser single certainly piques my interest. It's called Pipe Bomb...
“Nothing more dangerous than a failed artist,”
what about the factory that produces failed artists?
Weapons contractors selling death for profit,
a Fortune-500, public-traded business?
“Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.”
People make guns. Then they kill people
making guns of people who just want to be people.
Can’t sell people ‘til they’re shaped like guns,
lamps, signs, cars, fun,
ass, cash, hundreds, ones.
One’s won ones.
One’s won ones.
“Nothing more dangerous than a failed artist,”
what about the factory that produces failed artists?
They’re weapons contractors selling death for profit,
a Fortune-500, public-traded business
“Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.”
People make guns, then they kill people
by making guns of people who just want to be people.
Can’t sell people ‘til their shaped like guns
lamps, signs, cars, fun,
ass, cash, hundreds, ones.
One’s won ones.
One’s won ones.
Sons make dads; dads tell sons
“Keep the world bleached and ammonia’d”
“Keep the world bleached and ammonia’d”
“Keep the world bleached and ammonia’d”
“Keep the world bleached.”
And I wonder how long…yeah, I wonder how long
I wonder how long I’ve been molded in their image
from the parts of a pipe bomb.
I’m a pipe bomb.
I’m molded in their image from the parts of a pipe bomb.
“Nothing more dangerous than a failed artist,”
how ‘bout the system that makes ‘em?
We Might Die are a trio from Las Vegas. They formed in 2024 and feature a line up of Liv (bass/vocals), Travis (guitar/vocals) & Chance (drums). They released an album last August titled Hate You https://wemightdie.bandcamp.com/album/hate-you
Their latest release is a new song which tackles a topical subject by channelling their feelings about recent goings on in their own country. It's written from the perspective of an ICE agent and it doesn't hold back "Who cares if it's illegal? This land is mine, and I've got the rights"
Proud to be an American citizen Not like those fucking aliens Crossed the border without permission By God's will, I'll exterminate them I'll take your life cause mine matters more Because I'm white, I've got the right Who cares if it's illegal? This land is mine, and I've got the rights Iced Out!
Gotta, Gotta, Gotta get away Enemy, Enemy, Enemy of the State Gotta, Gotta, Gotta get away Enemy, Enemy, Enemy of the State Gotta, Gotta, Gotta get away Enemy, Enemy, Enemy of the State Gotta, Gotta, Gotta get away Enemy, Enemy, Enemy of the State!
I'm just doing my job I'm just doing my job I'm just doing my job! I'm just doing my job!
I've got a gun; you all need to run I own the right to start the fights Reality is what I make it I'll never forgive and always forget Murderers, rapists, they're all dangerous But I'm innocent, she asked for it You'll fear me, the secret police Iced Out!
Gotta, Gotta, Gotta get away Enemy, Enemy, Enemy of the State Gotta, Gotta, Gotta get away Enemy, Enemy, Enemy of the State Gotta, Gotta, Gotta get away Enemy, Enemy, Enemy of the State Gotta, Gotta, Gotta get away Enemy, Enemy, Enemy of the State!
Those 4 individuals are Mhairi (Vocals), Mark (Bass), Brian (Guitar) & Tommy (Drums).
I've just cottoned onto the fact that towards the end of 2025 they released a 7 track ep titled Numb Down The Pain. It's available on Bandcamp as a name your price download :
This is the opening blitzkrieg, it's called Prime Real Estate...
Prime Real Estate Everything is up for sale Gentrification Progress to the banal and stale- Everything has a price In the land of corporate greed Prime Real Estate!
Places destroyed Our towns and cities bleed Serving corporate interests Not what common folk need It’s not like the old days Local shops and locally sourced Every high street looks the same Empty buildings, Yuppy flats!
Prime Real Estate Everything is up for sale Gentrification Progress to the banal and stale- Everything has a price In the land of corporate greed Prime Real Estate!
Decimate our communities Scatter us far and wide History and heritage Wilfully, cast aside.
March 13th will see Punkerton Records release their debut album, Thanks For The Invite... There's a pre order available for some rather cool looking vinyl variants (hot lava, sky high & stone age). It'll also be available on cd. https://punkertonrecords.com
This is the latest single from it, it certainly had my toes tapping and it was a definite 'HIT' with the listeners to last night's show. It's about the fallout from a toxic relationship and it's called Chernobyl...
Prison City Brigade (https://www.facebook.com/PrisonCityBrigade) are a Joliet, Illinois based trio who've been around for over a decade and who feature a line up of Paige "Ratchet" Melnick (Vocals / Bass), Eddie "Zero" Cavanaugh (Vocals / Guitar) & Jose "Possum" Gastelum (Vocals / Drums).
They've just released a very fine new single which immediately felt like an old friend. Straight from the off I was thinking I'd heard it before. Was it a cover? Was it a re release? Nope, it's just one of those timeless sounding punk releases that immediately hits the sweet spot.
Of it the band comment “We’ve done our best over the years to avoid being “too political”, but subtly it’s always been there in different forms. This country and world has come to a point where Ratchet was pissed and it couldn’t be ignored anymore.”
Do you hear the people scream?!
All amongst these bloody streets,
That are paved with policies for inequality,
When the beating of the corpse,
Makes the rich fall off the bone,
Grab your dinner plates and forks,
‘Cause tonight we feast.
Ed Gein our way to freedom,
Dahmer the democracy,
Fish out the beasts and bigots,
To give them Holmes underneath,
Our fight will not die until rights are revived you’ll see!
Do you hear the people scream?!
All amongst these bloody streets,
That are paved with policies for inequality,
When the beating of the corpse,
Makes the rich fall off the bone,
Grab your dinner plates and forks,
‘Cause tonight we feast.
They’ve Barr’d our voice for freedom,
So that the clown and grab around,
Sam is now our leader,
Not the uncle, but the son,
They Manson’d our minds but we see through their lies you feel!
Do you hear the people scream?!
All amongst these bloody streets,
That are paved with policies for inequality,
When the beating of the corpse,
Makes the rich fall off the bone,
Grab your dinner plates and forks,
‘Cause tonight we feast.
Parker-Ray the politicians,
Bundy the bureaucrats,
Raid-er the homes worth billions,
Since the wealth don’t trickle back,
Live within means or we’ll build guillotines,
You’ll see
Do you hear the people scream?!
All amongst these bloody streets,
That are paved with policies for inequality,
When the beating of the corpse,
Makes the rich fall off the bone,
Grab your dinner plates and forks,
‘Cause tonight we feast.
From the river to the sea,
Palestine will be set free,
You can’t aim your bombs at children
And get away Scott free,
War crimes by the ICJ,
There will be your judgement day,
From the rind now to the seed,
One day you’ll see.
Blisterhead (https://www.facebook.com/Blisterhead) are the Swedish street punk veterans who previously featured on here in 2017 with the title track from their Border Control ep.
Next month will see them embarking on a European tour.
With that tour in mind they've just released a new single (it's their first single and their first overseas release). It's available on limited edition vinyl via Bachelor Records https://shop.bachelorrecords.com/private-lives
Rivalry are a melodic punk supergroup featuring the vocal talents of Mark Magill (Down And Outs, Dropout, Grampus Eight, Hey Maxine!, SSS, The No Marks), guitarist Neil 'Mackie' McLennen (Blitz, Epic Problem, Rose Of Victory), guitarist Jake McCullough (Dead Subverts, Epic Problem, Kamikaze Sperm, The Dangerfields) and drummer Pete Wright ( Broken Window Effect, Ducking Punches, I Said Goodbye, Millie Manders and The Shutup, Roshambo, The Doublecross, The Phase Problem, Visual Offence, Whiskers).
10 years ago, Brassneck Records released a split 7" featuring Epic Problem and Minneapolis band The Slow Death. Epic problem said their fond farewells a few years ago but from the ashes came Rivalry. It seems fitting Brassneck have now released a Rivalry/The Slow Death 7". 2 (top notch) songs from each band including Rivalry's cover of Blitz's 1983 single Solar.
Lithium Kicks (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577421907306) are a quintet (Ginge (vocals), Michael (lead guitar), Darren (rhythm guitar), Jonny (bass) and Dave (drums)) of "impassioned South Wales punk rock ‘n’ rollers with low-slung hearts on their sleeves."
They've just released a debut double A sided single of which they comment "the tracks lap up punk rock anger with catchy power pop sensibilities to deliver a ferocious and impassioned assault on the senses."
My lack of knowledge isn't going to deter me from saying I'm getting Blvckhelicopters vibes from this song. It's angry acoustic and political and I'm liking it a lot. It's called Welcome To The Police State...
They're from Vancouver and are fronted by Bishops Green's Greg Huff. Also in the band are Noah Heath (bass), Matt Vogler (drums) & Robert Foster (guitar). Their No Escape album was one of my favourites from last year https://mendekudiskak.bandcamp.com/album/087-first-attack-no-escape-12
They've just released a new single and it's another winner. It's a slow burn anthem that reels you in. No doubt they'll be playing it at their upcoming live dates.
When I played this song on this week's show, one of the live listeners (Atti) instantly remarked "No doubt that this will be the best song on the show" and to be fair, he had a point. It's called More Sorrow...
