I spent my Sunday morning doing some gardening. I don't like gardening but it was made more palatable this time around as I was listening to the band's new album Trawler. It's their second full length following their 2023 self titled debut.
It's an album that gave me flashbacks to Teenage Fanclub (possibly around the time of their classic Grand Prix lp). Silky smooth punk influenced rock melodies with the occasional heavier track such as Snake Oil added to the mix.
There's a glut of great songs to pick from but I'll go with one they've a video for. This is First To Know...
time to throw stones
i hate you
but you already know
something i still keep close
i keep asking myself
will i hold on forever?
when the time comes
to mend this heart for the better
you’ll be the first to know
burning through notes
what would i say to you?
try to speak and just choke?
seeing you around would make me sick
i can’t live like this forever
i’m checking number plates
of oncoming traffic
i hope i don’t run into you
something to let go
i don’t wanna hate you
try and let it outgrow
these roundabouts on sleepless nights
i plead to myself
don’t hold on forever
Birkenhead's top beat combo Half Man Half Biscuit are back today with a typically rib tickling tune. They've been a Just Some Punk Songs favourite for decades before Just Some Punk Songs was even a thing and have brightened up these pages several times (including this classic https://justsomepunksongs.blogspot.com/2018/05/half-man-half-biscuit-knobheads-on-quiz.html).
They've a new album on the way titled All Asimov And No Fresh Air. It'll be available on vinyl and cd and you can get more info here : https://hmhb.lnk.to/AllAsimovAndNoFreshAir
They've just released a teaser track from it. It ruminates on the notion that the likes of Pennywise and Art aren't as scary as anything conjured up from the minds of M.R. James or Edgar Allan Poe ("get a decent mob together, they don't wanna know"). It's called Horror Clowns Are Dickheads...
So today's song is one of those that you gravitate towards it because of the title before realising it's really rather good. It's by a "foamcore" (yeah, fucked if I know what that means too) band from Norwich called Rudimentary Paste (https://www.facebook.com/RudimentaryPaste).
They're a trio featuring Sim (vocals/guitar), Bob (bass/vocals) & Nigel (drums/vocals) and they debuted this time last year with an ep titled Octopus Milk & Other Tall Tales.
Reminding me a little of Mclusky, this is the title track. It's called That's Why She Lost Her Job as a Blue Peter Presenter...
She says, drink paint And I say, no you probably shouldn't drink paint Shouldn't drink paint Shouldn't drink Shouildn't drink paint Shouldn't drink paint Drink paint!
She says, eat soap And I say, no you probably shouldn't eat soap Shouldn't eat soap Shouldn't eat Shouldn't eat soap Shouldn't eat soap Eat soap!
Sometimes, she says, you just have to Eat the apple
Picking the bones of progress of sorts and I am concussed by milky affectation
She says, brush until your gums bleed And I say, don't brush that hard Dentists say do not brush that hard
She says, don't eat my filthy bread She says, don't eat my filthy bread She says, don't eat my filthy bread And you definitely shouldn't eat that bread 'cos that bread will definitely kill you
Sometimes, she says, you just have to Stitch yourself into the walls
Picking the bones of progress of sorts and I am concussed by milky affectation She's carrying something Now she is walking What is she carrying? Where is she?
I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine I'm fine
Melter are a new band from Sheffield comprised of Ellis (Trust Fund), Sean (Consolation), Kev (The Winter Passing) and Haz. They've just released a debut ep. It's titled Holding Court and it's available via local label Delicious Clam Records.
It boasts a quartet of jangly tunes that Mikey Young (who seems to mix and master pretty much every great new release nowadays!) compares with such luminaries as Royal Headache, Eddy Current Suppression Ring, UV Race & Pete Shelley. It's available on cassette and digital download : https://deliciousclamrecords.bandcamp.com/album/holding-court
They'll be making their live debut sharing a stage with Adults and Grazia on Saturday 1st February at The Birds Nest in Depford.
This highlight is short and simple but really effective. It's called Song For You...
You probably already know that Soft Play (https://www.facebook.com/softplayband) are Tunbridge Wells duo Isaac Holman (lead vocals/drums) & Laurie Vincent (backing vocals/guitar/bass) who were previously known as Slaves.
Earlier this year they followed it up a couple more noise laden tunes (Mirror Muscles & Act Violently).
Today, they return with something a little more heart wrenching. It's a lot gentler musically than what's come thus far but it hits even harder lyrically. A tale of what it's like living with loss from someone who sadly knows only too well.
Formed in the lockdown of summer 2020 they have already released a few tracks and now a new EP “Versificator” which, after a quick bit of investigative work, means “one who creates verse;a poet”. They're a trio with a line up of Alice Brown (Drums/Vocals), Alan Gow (Guitar/Vocals) & Charlie Loveday (Bass/Vocals).
There are 4 tracks on the EP that musically sit in the punk structure with some great lyrics. The EP kicks off with the track “Empty Words”, which is very relevant here in the UK as we enter into 6 weeks of “national empty words” campaigns. The second track “Not My Job” is a brilliantly observed story of all the things you should be capable of doing yourself, like picking up after your dog and forming your own musical opinions.
Next up “Physical Things”, which reminded me lyrically of some of Buzzcocks songs where Pete Shelley used to list things, like in the track “I Believe”. This track is all about things the band like, such as “fish and chips” and “pick `n` mix”. Closing out the EP is musically the least “punk” track called “Cry” which lyrically is a bit more introspective.
Quite often on a Monday morning, choosing which song I feature is very easy. I just go with the one that was most popular on last night's show. I think it's fair to say that this week it was this one.
It's an album that mixes Aussie punk with alt rock and it features some very fine (and catchy) tunes just like this one. A real mean tune, this is I Think Your Boyfriend Likes Me Too...
I First came aware of Stuart Pearce from Nottingham when Mick kindly sent me a link to their Bandcamp page telling me that they were similar in sound to The Fall whom I've been a diehard fan of since first hearing them in 1978. Without hesitation I clicked on the link and started to listen to some tracks from their debut album "Red Sport International". I could immediately hear the Fall sound influences in some of the tracks but obviously they were more than a direct copy but also had some great ideas of their own and I pre-ordered the red vinyl without hesitation. It is now one of my favourite albums from last year and one I regularly listen to.
Onto this new release which has one studio recording "Nuclear Football" which is another great track in the same vein as their previous tracks. An upbeat keyboard led song with great vocals and lyrics on one of their favourite topics "football" . There are four more tracks on the EP which were all recorded live and sound excellent including a live version of the lead track. I would love to see them live at some point in the near future and based on the sound of this it would be well worthwhile. They are back in the Studio in February to record their follow up album according to their Instagram page which I'm already looking forward to hearing. I've always been passionate about music and the older I get finding something that sounds fresh and hits the target gets less and less often but Stuart Pearce are definitely high scorers. The Nuclear Football EP is now available as a digital download on Bandcamp.
They touch on issues of the day such as the power of the media, the rich getting fat whilst the poor are dying younger and how the elite need stopping.
I'll highlight the song they've just released a video for. Making money from misery, this is Exploited...
A new band for you today who Bandcamp describe as playing "a fusion of rock, punk, metal, indie, post-rock and hardcore with influences extending far and wide, creating a sound that displays calculated and lovingly crafted music." They're called Terrorpins (https://www.facebook.com/terrorpinsbanduk/), they're from the north of England and they feature current members of Bruise Control & Roughneck Riot, Ex-members of Bootscraper & Wonk Unit and they're fronted by singer-songwriter/antifolk musician, Tim Loud... (Tim Loud, Ryan (Roughneck Riot), Tommy (Bruise Control) and Dan (Bootscraper)).
They've an ep on the way which will be released via Toxic Wotsit and they're just about to kick off a tour...
They've also released a debut single of which they say "It’s a song inspired by the strikes and collective trade union movement that works under the banner Enough is enough. The movement is striving to improve working conditions and fight back against years of Tory austerity, cuts and outright theft of public funds. The poverty and suffering in this country is not a necessity, it is a decision made by those who lied and cheated their way into power. All of society is a construct and we can do better."
I've had enough. I can't take anymore. I'm sick of watching my friends struggle to meet the ends while we are fighting their war. Cos we invented the wheel, they just use it. And if we learn how to feel, they abuse it. Their world isn't real, we just choose it. I've had enough.
I've had enouh of the lies, I've had enough of the ties that fucking bind us to nothing til the day that we die. Another worn out cog in their shitty machine. Their machine that can't work without us as the fuel. Their machine built on prisons and churches and schools. Their machine that can only consume.
I'm not talking about them as in colour of skin, the place they were born or the one that they live in. I'm talking about those who would seek to have power, to hold it above us, to cause us to kneel and to cower. They want knowledge just to make you feel dumb. Their time has come.
I've had enough. I can't take anymore. I'm sick of watching my friends struggle to meet the ends while we are fighting their war. Cos we invented the wheel, they just use it. And if we learn how to feel, they abuse it. Their world isn't real, we just choose it. I've had enough.
I've had enouh of the lies, I've had enough of the ties that fucking bind us to nothing til the day that we die. Another worn out cog in their shitty machine. Their machine that can't work without us as the fuel. Their machine built on prisons and churches and schools. Their machine that can only consume.
Another Halloween friendly tune for you today from a new band called The Kurls. They're a duo from LA featuring Samantha Westervelt (Egg Drop Soup, Death Valley Girls) on vocals, bass and keyboards and Travis Pavur (The Alright Alrights) on drums, guitar and percussion.
They've just released a debut single which will also be the theme song from Andrew Bowser's upcoming short film Frankenbabes from Beyond the Grave.
They return today with their first release since then, it's equally as impressive. It's a song that deals with religion and it's misappropriation. It's a song that suggests Heaven is inside us, not somewhere we can aspire to go if we follow some religion. It's a song that blends pop melodies with punk riffs to create what would have been a 90's rock radio staple. You can get it here : https://mannequinpussy.bandcamp.com/album/i-got-heaven
It's called I Got Heaven...
I went and walked myself
Like a dog without a leash
Now I’m growling at a stranger
I am biting at their knees
And if I wanted it, you really think I’d wait for the permission?
For protection and assurances that all would be delivered?
And like our fathers did
Our mothers did
And them and those before
And you say you want a difference
The honor to be yours
And like our fathers did
Our mother did
And them and those before
The echo and a retell
Of some shit we’ve heard before
And what if we stopped spinning?
And what if we’re just flat?
And what if Jesus himself ate my fucking snatch?
And what if I’m an angel?
Oh what if I’m a bore?
And what if I was confident would you just hate me more?
Oh, I got heaven inside of me
And oh, I’m an angel
I was sent here
To keep you company
I’m on an endless march to nothingness
With only breath inside my chest
And the promise of a life
That you deserve, that you thought best
I’m stuck inside my loneliness
I’m stuck inside my grief
I wish I could have been there
To save you from the reach
I am spiteful like a god
Seek a vengeance like the rest
For what they did to you
I will never lay to rest
It’s raw and unrelenting
It is absolute regression
It is vileness wrapped up
And disguised as happy endings
Oh I got heaven inside of me
Oh I’m an angel I was sent here
To keep you company
It's a busy time for San Francisco sextet Spiritual Cramp. Not only are they about to embark on a mammoth tour which will see them trek around The States before popping across the pond to play a number of UK/Ireland gigs, they're also gearing up for the release of a new Self Titled album.
Teasing us nicely, this is the first single. It's called Talkin' On The Internet...
Another day - another credit card declined
Don’t worry about it we can just use mine
On another day, in a different place, in another state at a new time
Think I’m getting sick of always hearing about it
You’re always talking on the internet
Red flag/Green light/ Close call / Don’t text –Don’t call
All day and night all you do is talk, it’s a lot
On another day, in a different place, in another state at a new time
Think I’m getting sick of always hearing about it
You’re always running your mouth
About somebody else
You never leave your house
We don’t see you around
You’re always talking on the internet
About somebody else
You’re always talking on the internet
We don’t see you around
You’re always talking on the internet
RISKEE & THE RIDICULE (https://www.facebook.com/RiskeeandtheRidicule) are back. They've been playing "DIY South East Grime Punk since 2011" and as demonstrated by their new album Platinum Statue, they're very much at the top of their game.
That song blazed a trail and heightened expectations for the album (I commented at the time "I doubt punk will ever die whilst people still have something worthwhile to say and still have the passion to shout it out loud.") and those expectations have more than been met.
With a line up of Scott Picking (Lead Vocals/Lyrics), Jimbo Aglony (Guitars/Screams), Jordan Mann (Lead Guitars/Vocals) & Matt Verrell (Drums/Bass/Vocal Harmonies), the band have once again produced a collection of energetic songs that'll appeal to both punk fans and fans from outside the genre. It's got the melodies of radio friendly pop songs but it's got added crunch. Shouting compliments the singing, the music varies from light to heavy. It's my 2nd full listen and it's already seeped into my pores.
This is the opening track, I think it's safe to say the band still have plenty to get off their chest. It's a song that displays both their melody and rage to full effect. It's called God Tier...
I feel like I’m on another plane, another dimension, run when normality beckons. Everything just comes at once this is our sphere, there ain’t no bond here and that’s when you elevate into god tier. I feel like I’m on another plane another dimension, I don’t believe what you reckon. Everything just comes at once this is our sphere, there ain’t no bond here and that’s when the elevate into god tier.
Break those chains, those chains ain’t yours to maintain, what’s the point in chasing fame, you're never gonna see this place again. I will break those brains, reset everything that they create, I’m a bloody bloodhound in this game, I can see lies and I can smell fakes, dead it.
I hold myself in such high esteem 'cause I plucked reality out of a dream, blew off the dirt and I kept what I like, I moulded the shape, tarted up the sides. Keep your blind rage, we craft the vision do what you do, we’ll do what you didn’t, when they talk about you and you don’t care that’s when you’re elevating to god tier!
I feel like I’m on another plane, another dimension, run when normality beckons. Everything just comes at once this is our sphere, there ain’t no bond here and that’s when you elevate into god tier. I feel like I’m on another plane another dimension, I don’t believe what you reckon. Everything just comes at once this is our sphere, there ain’t no bond here and that’s when the elevate into god tier
I’m an iron fist in an iron glove, I'll body any front man you’ve ever loved, we are not slaves we are not idols we are the underground we hold the title. I came from the dirt as did many to show you we were planted and not buried, we grow we do not rot, in bloom all year round we don’t stop.
Inflation skyrockets the wages remain, where is your fire where are you flames? Where is the anger, where is your rage, I’m alright Jack yeah I’m alright Jane, dead it. You want rich but how do you want it? A Fiesta In the forest or Tesla to the office. If I’m honest time is the only commodity my seconds ain’t for sale it’s my hours that honour me.
Who are you who am I? Can we exhume truth from the lies. you play a role you are a character you are a vessel you are an avatar. You are the worker you are the passenger. You are the driver but the manager manage ya. There’s no fast track no, there’s no time trafficker there’s no shortcut sliding down the banister.
The canister is already split open and the contents is already pre-written. Open the box strike the flame, flick the match light the game, wear your Docs, wear your chain here’s the catch you’re the same. Take your pain and package it up. They’ll market you as deranged and stuck. What do you know you’re just a fool, they can’t smell a thing sitting in their own stool!
I feel like I’m on another plane another dimension, run when normality beckons. Everything just comes at once this is our sphere. there ain’t no bond here and that’s when you elevate into god tier. I feel like I’m on another plane another dimension, I don’t believe what you reckon. Everything just comes at once this is our sphere, there ain’t no bond here and that’s when the elevate into god tier.
Today's song was written by Nick Lowe and released by his band Brinsley Schwarz on their 1974 album The New Favourites of... Brinsley Schwarz. The most famous version was released a few years later by Elvis Costello & the Attractions.
Cheekface are a trio from Los Angeles comprising of Amanda Tannen (bass guitar and backing vocals), Greg Katz (vocals and guitar) & Mark Echo Edwards (drums and percussion).
It's called (What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding...
As I walk through this wicked world Searching for light in the darkness of insanity I ask myself, is all hope lost? Is there only pain and hatred and misery?
And each time I feel like this inside There's one thing I wanna know What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding? Oh, what's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?
As I walk on through troubled times My spirit gets so downhearted sometimes So where are the strong and who are the trusted? And where is the harmony, sweet harmony?
'Cause each time I feel it slipping away It just makes me wanna cry What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding? Oh, what's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?
Another exciting new band for you today. Touch Excellent are a young trio from Dublin featuring Lenny Hennessy (bass guitar/vocals), Ló Boyle (guitar/vocals) & Amber Excellent (drums).
As far as I'm aware, they've only released 2 songs thus far. Houses, which came out in February and dealt with the crises of homelessness, dereliction and emigration in Ireland. May saw a new song exploring the tension of depending on something while knowing it can hurt you with the lyrics using the hospital room to express this tension.
Something a little different today. As I mentioned when I played this song on this week's Just Some Punk Songs show, it's not really punk, but it is very good. I wasn't sure what reaction it'd get from the chatroom folk but they've good taste and they loved it.
It's a song that has a very 60's feel to it, especially in the rather lush vocals. Probably the nearest thing I've posted to it on here would be something by The Exbats.
It's a song by Big Blood, a band from South Portland, Maine, who I don't recall having come across before despite them being pretty damn prolific over the last (almost) 20 years. It's a sad state of affairs on my part and something I need to rectify.
It's a song that'll feature on an album titled First Aid Kit which will be released on June 9th. If this teaser track is any indication, it's an album I'm going to fall in love with. You can get your pre orders in here : https://dontrustheruin.bandcamp.com/album/first-aid-kit
A new band to me with a song I stumbled across yesterday that made my ears prick up. They're called Big Girls Blouse (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100076534412179), they formed in October 2020 and they're from Glasgow.
They've a new ep imminent titled Man Up and it's the 2nd single from it that'll you'll find below (the first one was titled Everybody Nearly Dies All The Time). Featuring a line up of Emmy Leishman (rhythm guitar/vocals), Ross Mills (lead guitar), Harrison Todd (bass) & Reece Craig (drums), they're one of those bands that when you scratch the surface possess a little more bite than you might think on first listen.
The Horse Heads are a band from Chelmsford in Essex who've been getting themselves noticed by the likes of Steve Lamacq (BBC 6 Music) and John Kennedy (Radio X). They've previously written songs about pricks, irritants and government surveys (check out their previous releases here : https://thehorseheadsuk.bandcamp.com/) but for their new single they've brought out a love song. Happily, it's still got plenty of edge... "Sometimes love songs are more political than anything else."
The press release claims the song "lurks somewhere between the dissonant rebellion of Minor Threat and Black Flag but with the post punk hooks and tension of She's Lost Control' era Joy Division." Not sure I hear much of that to be honest (I'm getting a more Slaves/Kid Kapichi kinda vibe). What I hear is an exciting, modern day rock band taking the primal essence of punk rock and adding their own distinctive spin. This is a song that the punk kids of both '77 and '23 can enjoy.
