Chubby and the Gang - I Hate the Radio

    

  So I'll assume you all know of London 5 piece Chubby And The Gang (https://www.facebook.com/Chubbyandthegang/). 

  Maybe some of you first discovered them via this blog? Back in 2019 I first featured them on here when I enthused about stumbling upon a stunning new song called All Along The Uxbridge Road (https://justsomepunksongs.blogspot.com/2019/06/chubby-and-gang-all-along-uxbridge-road.html). At that point the song wasn't even on Youtube so I had to stick it there myself (it's racked up a decent 3721 views despite an official video subsequently being released and making my upload redundant). The song was so good, it ended 2019 topping the annual Just Some Punk Songs end of year chart  https://justsomepunksongs.blogspot.com/2019/12/top-50-songs-of-2019.html 

  So I'm claiming this blog brought Chubby And The Gang to the masses! 

  Although in reality, they've morphed into one of this country's best bands because they're bloody brilliant. Their status as punk icons was confirmed with the release of debut album Speed Kills and that position is going to be solidified with the August 27th sophomore lp The Mutt's Nuts. Telling stories of modern London and "marinating speed and sick-of-it-all energy in a mixture of 50s pop sounds"  Charlie Manning Walker (aka Chubby Charles) and "The Gang" (Tom ‘Razor’ Hardwick, Meg Brooks Mills, Ethan Stahl and Joe McMahon) look to have another winner up their sleeves. 

  The release of a video yesterday means we've now heard 4 tracks from the album and you can stream them here (as well as pre order the vinyl, cd cassette & digital versions)  https://chubbyandthegang.bandcamp.com/album/the-mutts-nuts

  Possibly my favourite of the 4 tracks so far, this veers more towards the 50's pop sound of their musical spectrum. It's a naggingly beautiful mid tempo song called I Hate The Radio... 

Important talks we need to have. I sit and think of what to say. Stare at a lonely cup of tea. As speakers echo through the café. Melody, so soft. Makes it better? Not so much. After that day I always find those tunes repeating in my mind. Now all the violins and choirs don't sound the same. Every time I hear that beat, that tune once, “oh so sweet” I say. I hate the radio. They always play the songs we used to know. Hello heartbreak my old friend. It's been a while since I’ve seen your face. But you always stop to say hello. Same old time. Same old place. Now all the violins and choirs don't sound the same. And every time I hear that beat, that tune once, “oh so sweet” I say. I hate the radio. They always play the songs we used to know.

Chubby and The Gang - Hold Your Breath

 

  Chubby and The Gang Rule OK? Both a statement of fact and the kick ass opening track to the debut album from London's best new band. Those of you that saw the Just Some Punk Songs list of the Top 100 Songs Of 2019 will be in no doubt as to how impressed I was with the band's debut single, All Along The Uxbridge Road (https://justsomepunksongs.blogspot.com/2019/12/top-50-songs-of-2019.html), so it was a given I was eagerly awaiting the release of the album. The release date is January 17th and you can pre order the vinyl version from Static Shock Records now (the ltd edition blue vinyl is definitely worth checking out). Happily for those of us with an impatient nature, the album's already streaming on Bandcamp so you can listen here :   https://staticshockrecords.bandcamp.com/album/speed-kills

  The band don't have much of an online presence but basically Chubby is Charlie Manning-Walker (aka Charlie Fresh) from Crown Court (https://crowncourt.bandcamp.com/) ably backed up by three members of Brighton band Gutter Knife; Luke Austin, Ethan Stahl and Joe McMahon.  (https://gutterknifeuk.bandcamp.com/). They play fast paced punk rock (the Bandcamp write up throws in names such as Motorhead, The Kids and Cockney Rejects) though they can slow things down when required (as on the tracks Trouble (You Were Always On My Mind) and album closer Grenfell Forever). Their sound is bolstered by the occasional use of Hammond organ.

  If you're in The States, you'll soon be able to catch them live as they're over there later this month touring with The Royal Hounds

  I was watching a BBC 4 programme last night, Chris Packham : Forever Punk, and it was an enjoyable enough look back at the 70's but what bugs me about those type of shows is that they wax lyrical about something that changed many of our lives 40 years ago but never seem to acknowledge that plenty of great new punk bands are still releasing exciting and very very good music in 2020. If by any chance you read this Chris, check out the new breed. They're great.

  This is an unapologetic blast of speedy aggro punk called Hold Your Breath...

Chubby And The Gang - All Along The Uxbridge Road

  It's no doubt a sad indication of how boring my life is but not many things bring me the joy that discovering a stunning new song does. Sometimes you can click a link you've stumbled across and get a pleasant surprise, other times you'll see the band name, the song title or even just a picture (or in the case of today's song all three) and know it's going to be a joyous moment. If you're anything like me you'll find it impossible to listen to the song you'll find below without wanting to immediately play it again....and again,

  A new band, Chubby And The Gang are from London and feature Chubby Charles (Arms Race, Violent Reaction) plus 3 members of Gutter Knife (http://justsomepunksongs.blogspot.com/2019/03/gutter-knife-boots-on-ground.html). They've a debut double A sided 7" single due out on July 5th. Limited to 300 copies it'll be available from Static Shock Records. You can pre order it here :   https://staticshockrecords.limitedrun.com/products/645076-chubby-and-the-gang-all-along-the-uxbridge-road-7

  Don't have a turntable? Then go here for the digital version :   https://staticshockrecords.bandcamp.com/album/all-along-the-uxbridge-road

  So what does it sound like? The Bandcamp page namechecks The Kids, Cyanide and The Carpettes, the tags include punk, hardcore and power pop. I can't really argue with their assessment. The production job by Fucked Up's Jonah Falco is spot on, it's a hardcore stomper that's really upbeat. It's an exuberant blast of fun, it's even got handclaps and harmonica! Now I'm off to listen to it again! I suggest you do to.

  It's called All Along The Uxbridge Road...