Melvic Centre - First to Know

  

  Melvic Centre (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091329802054) are from Newcastle, Australia. 

  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. 

  It's available on vinyl via Evil Tone Records 

https://eviltonerecords.com/product/melvic-centre-trawler-lp/

  Digitally you can find it here : https://melviccentre.bandcamp.com/album/trawler

  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

Fresh - Merch Girl

  

  Tuneful London emo punks Fresh (https://www.facebook.com/freshpunks) have been turning out some of the best pop punk ditties for the best part of a decade and their excellent new single has been blasting out of my headphones several times this morning. 

  The band line up with Kathryn Woods (guitar/vocals), Joely Smith (guitar/vocals), George Phillips (bass/vocals/percussion) & Daniel Goldberg (drums) and they've a new ep out on April 19th. You can find more details here : https://freshpunks.bandcamp.com/album/merch-girl

  This is the title track, it's an earworm about aspiration. Don't just watch from the sidelines, get out there and do it yourself. It's called Merch Girl... 

Standing at the back of the room Wishing I could do what they do After all, I could play that guitar part better I could hit those drums much harder I could sing that song far louder But I’m just a merch girl I’m tired of living like this Letting people talk over me for years and years and year and years Gonna start doing things my way Gonna write a song with a voice so strong it knocks you sideways I’m not just a merch girl

SHIT PRESENT - Voice In Your Head

  

  SHIT PRESENT are from Exeter and describe themselves as "an emo pop rock punk indie guitar-based music project." They got together around 8 years ago when vocalist/guitarist Iona Cairns (ex Great Cynics) teamed up with members of bands such as Gnarwolves, OK Pilot, The Computers & The Smith Street Band; Ben Cottam (drums), Nic Heron (bass) and Thom Weeks (guitar, vocals).

  In May, they'll be releasing a long awaited debut album. Titled What Still Gets Me, it'll be available via Specialist Subject Records on clear vinyl and digital download :                 https://specialistsubjectrecords.co.uk/products/shit-present-what-still-gets-me-lp  

 https://shitpresent.bandcamp.com/album/what-still-gets-me

  On the evidence of the two songs streaming on Bandcamp it's going to be a little bit special. This is the type of accessible alt rock music that should be getting daytime airplay on stations like Radio X rather than shite like Sam Fender, Blossoms and the rest of the anodyne wannabes they clog up the airwaves with. 

  This one's titled Voice In Your Head... 

Heart Attack Man - Cool 2 Me

    

(photo : Courtney Emery)

  One of my favourite songs from last year was by a trio from London called Rabies Babies. It was titled Rape Is Rape, Even If The Rapist Is In A Band That You Like (https://rabiesbabiespunk.bandcamp.com/track/rape-is-rape-even-if-the-rapist-is-in-a-band-that-you-like). The band commented on it thus; "Just because a man is in your favourite band it does not mean that he is incapable of sexual assault. This song is made from comments on social media after some men in bands on our local scene were accused of sexual assault. We are shocked at how the ‘cool guys’ are excused for their actions and the victim of the assault is blamed or accused of lying."

  Today's song deals with the same topic and whilst somewhat different in style is still every bit as powerful. 

  Heart Attack Man are from Cleveland, Ohio and feature a line up of Peric Peegan (vocals, guitar), Adam Paduch (drums), Ty Sickels (guitar) & Logan McNeal (bass). They play a mix of hardcore, emo & power pop and if I'm being honest, I'm not a fan of all their music. It's not bad by any means but it doesn't quite connect.

  I have to admit though, new ep, Thoughtz & Prayerz is more my cup of tea. Opener, Puke, is an angry rant. It's a beast of a song about the disdain felt for someone who's crossed the line. Next up is the title track and it's another sonic behemoth about a phrase that seems all to often to roll off the tongues of uncaring celebs and world leaders. The last couple of songs on the ep revert to type and are big chorus pop punk singalongs but are decent enough and will please long term fans. 

  But it's the meat in the sandwich which is the standout. Track 3. The one that would possibly be written off as a 90's pop punk throwback if it wasn't for the scathing lyrics and the underlying sense of rage that spews out. It's a song that addresses an issue that shouldn't be an problem in 2021 but unfortunately still is. 

  You can get the ep on white or black vinyl from Triple Crown Records https://store.triplecrownrecords.com/products/711029-heart-attack-man-thoughtz-prayerz-vinyl and on digital download here : https://heartattackman.bandcamp.com/album/thoughtz-prayerz

  This track is called Cool 2 Me...

Stubborn Hearts - Our Hearts Are Turned To 10 Tonight

 

  Today's song comes highly recommended by Greg Mongroll ("this song is so great, play it again and again and again..."). After thinking it's about time The Mongrolls   (https://themongrolls.bandcamp.com/) released new material I immediately checked out the song and thought, damn Greg, you're right. So without further ado....

  Stubborn Hearts are a melodic punk duo from Rhode Island featuring Jenn Lombari (guitars/vocals) and Doug Metivier (drums). A new name to me but not new to some, Jenn Lombari has also released solo material (https://jennlombari.bandcamp.com/) and featured in heartfelt punk rock n roll trio Lucky United (https://luckyunited.bandcamp.com/). With Stubborn Hearts the influences include the likes of City Mouse, Gameface, Mobina Galore, The Muffs etc and the songs are about relatable stuff like relationships, anxiety issues and pets. You can get more info, including show dates, here :   https://www.facebook.com/stubbornheartsband/

  They announced themselves earlier this year with a song that managed to touch on all 3 of relationships, anxiety and pets (I'm Alright) and you can find it on Bandcamp alongside their new 5 track ep Trixie https://stubbornhearts.bandcamp.com/album/trixie

  Trixie is heartfelt, it's energetic (track 2 Down With It being pretty damn punchy) whilst ep closer Afterlife (Happy Anniversary) is a touching slowed down acoustic post breakup song. The song I'm featuring today though (as recommended by Greg) is the opener. To my ears, this conjures up memories of some of those awesome 90's bands such as After School Special who wrote quality indie punk love songs, it's called Our Hearts Are Turned To 10 Tonight...

Our hearts are turned to ten tonight 
I cried my eyeballs dry
As sunsets we’d romance about
Sorry about the way I left your house
And I know – that I’m a little bit broken
And I know – that you’re a little bit broken
I know how to live without you enough to know that I don’t want to
I know how to live without you enough to know that I don’t want to
I’m getting better baby I’m getting better
I’m getting better baby I’m getting better
I wished upon a star tonight
Like kids in movies do
I shouldn’t say what I wished for out of fear it won’t come true
Broken things Broken Things
We are all just broken things

Fresh - Revenge

 

  It's Sunday which means it's Just Some Punk Songs show day. Tune in at 8pm (gmt) to hear an hour's worth of great new music, including the song that I'm featuring on here today (Details and link here :   https://www.facebook.com/events/466833420739257/).

  Fresh are no strangers to this blog (https://justsomepunksongs.blogspot.com/2017/09/fresh-bible-camp.html), they're the indie punk 4 piece from London who formed in 2015 and released a very impressive 2017 Self Titled album. Now they're back with a new album (and numerous gigs including a tour with Slingshot Dakota).

  The album's titled Withdraw, it features a dozen emotionally honest songs written by vocalist Kathryn Woods based on real life experiences. Alt pop influenced by the likes of Martha, ONSIND, Lemuria, Muncie Girls etc. Catchy but with an edge, razorblades wrapped in velvet. It's available on vinyl and cd from Specialist Subject Records and digitally...
http://shop.specialistsubjectrecords.co.uk/products/637101-fresh-withdraw-lp-cd

https://freshpunks.bandcamp.com/album/withdraw

  You can get more info here : https://www.facebook.com/freshpunks/

  This song starts out gently before building into a joyous and passionate singalong. "I am valued I am loved, I will get revenge on everyone who's done me wrong..."  It's called Revenge...

Triple Sundae - Pollution

  Forming in 2014, Triple Sundae are a 4 piece melodic punk band from London who's influences include the likes of The Menzingers, Lifetime, PUP, Spraynard etc. Their first release was The Brainfreeze ep, they followed it up a year later with Flaked Out and then took things up a notch with line up changes and last year's Peace Of Mind ep. Gigs alongside Jeff Rosenstock, Authority Zero, Ducking Punches, Petrol Girls etc have seen them grow their fanbase and that fanbase will no doubt be impressed with new ep, Glow. This time around you get 6 songs for your cash and the lead track is on Bandcamp : https://triplesundae.bandcamp.com/album/pollution They'll be self releasing the full ep on June 7th.

    They're currently on a UK tour with Jukebox Romantics and are making plans for a debut album. You can get more details here :  https://www.facebook.com/triplesundae/

    Glow is a well produced ep that reminds me a little of Iron Chic. Frontman Hassan Afaneh has just the right kind of vocal range for this type of music and the rest of the band, Mike, Andy & Zandro provide impressive backing. As with previous releases, the ep deals with mental health issues, case in point being the song you'll find below which "highlights how our own bad habits and ways of procrastinating can poorly affect our mental health without us noticing directly."

  This is Pollution...

Find a better way, 
To clear your mind, 
Reset your brain. 
I need some time to illustrate 
my thoughts before I start the day, 
but I always check my phone as soon as I’m awake, 
and it sets the tone for the rest of my day. 

It's mental pollution, 
and constant distractions. 
Reality loosens, 
Leads to subconscious destruction. 
I need to practice moderation, 
to overcome compulsion 

Roll another one, 
never mind my spoiled lungs, 
don't wanna stay up all night, 
With my thoughts. 
Swear if I don’t roll another one, I’ll stay up all night, 
So I rolled another one, 
And shut my brain off. 

It's mental pollution, 
and constant distractions 
Reality loosens, 
Leads to subconscious destruction. 
I need to practice moderation, 
to overcome compulsion. 

Need to practice moderation 
To overcome my compulsion 

Reality loosens, it’s mental pollution. 
We're all deluded.

Burnt Tapes - Don't Make Me Play Bocelli

(photo : Luigi Sibona)

  Back in May of last year I featured a Top 10 list chosen by Shout Louder webzine's Sarah Williams in which she spoke about London based band Burnt Tapes...

"The DIY scene’s answer to emotional behemoths like Iron Chic and Polar Bear Club, The Burnt Tapes have invented an irresistible take on sad punk. Things Get Weird is this band at their gritty, melodic best, showcasing their signature dual gruff vocals and an unmatched capacity for evocative, gut-wrenching lyrics. They’re poised to explode this year: get on the bandwagon now."

  Well hopefully you're all comfortably settled onboard that bandwagon because their time is nigh. February 22nd will see them unleash debut album Never Better. Featuring Panos (vocals/guitar), Phil (vocals/guitar), Tone (bass) and Jordan (drums), it's the sound of a band at the top of their game. 10 modern day emotionally melodic classics, the hooks are many, the lyrics are thoughtful and a definite highlight. As vocalist/guitarist Phil says, "you can expect a lot more self-deprecation and regret."  Burnt Tapes stand out in a genre usually associated with gravel voiced American bands. Whilst you wait for the album to drop check out their back catalogue (plus Never Better's first single) here :   https://burnttapes.bandcamp.com/

You can preorder the album from Wiretap Records : http://wiretaprecords.limitedrun.com/products/634942-burnt-tapes-never-better-lp or Lockjaw Records : https://lockjawrecords.co.uk/shop/the-burnt-tapes-never-better/

This is single number 2, heartfelt and anthemic, it's called Don't Make Me Play Bocelli....

My head weighs heavy, 'cause I keep on forgetting To regret all the fucked up things I did Head down I’m silent You’re screaming but I can’t make out the words Are we living the dream yet? Are we living at all? Filthy habits on repeat In the dark room where we used to sleep And I’m not moving on You’re gonna miss me when I’m gone And you are the reason I’m so hard on myself Tell me what’s the point of being anything? Still holding on to the past Still restless, still full of doubt Should’ve let go of my grudges, been holding on way too tight But I got older, I turned grey Who’s gonna miss you when you’re gone? Now I’m moving on Who’s gonna miss you? You were the reason I’m so hard on myself

Elm Tree Circle - Feel The Burn

 

  Elm Tree Circle are an emo pop-punk band from Iserlohn in Germany who've been together for a couple of years or so. During that time they've been busy touring around Europe and Asia sharing stages with the likes of The Ataris, Pears, Such Gold etc. Starting up as a solo project, they're now a 4 piece featuring Jo (drums), Henne (guitar), Nic (guitar/vocals) and Rob (bass).

  Their debut release was 2016's Drawn ep (check it out here :  https://elmtreecircle.bandcamp.com/album/drawn). They'll be following it up in May with a debut album, The Good Life, that'll be released by their new label Krod records. Keep an eye out for that plus check out their tour dates here :  https://www.facebook.com/ElmTreeCircle/ 

  As a lead up to the album, they'll be releasing a few singles, the first of which you'll find below. They should appeal to fans of bands such as American Football, Modern Baseball and Pup. Their sound is a bit more polished than what I usually listen to but they're undeniably catchy so give them a listen.

  This is Feel The Burn....

 

Gnarwolves - Straitjacket

 

  Brighton punks Gnarwolves last appeared on Just Some Punk Songs over 3 years ago with a song from their Chronicles Of Gnarnia compilation (http://justsomepunksongs.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/gnarwolves-tongue-surfer.html). Since then, they've released a debut S/T album and the Adolescence ep and are now bursting back onto the scene with a new album titled Outsiders.

  They're a trio featuring Thom Weeks (guitar/vocals), Charlie Piper (bass/vocals) and Max Weeks (drums). Their sound mixes up elements of punk, emo & indie whilst  the new album, out now on Oxford indie label Big Scary Monsters, reminds me in places of early Weezer. You can check it out here : https://bsmrocks.bandcamp.com/album/outsiders 

  The band are currently touring the UK and you can find details here : http://gnarwolves.com/

  Below you'll find the video for the opening song on the album, this is Straitjacket....

Moose Blood - Bukowski

Photo: Nicole Busch



"They're the best English band at the moment in my opinion. Big

 claim I know but I can listen to their songs for a week solid and

 still not be bored of them."


  So said Eric Evans of Just Some Punk Songs' favourites Modern Tribes. He was referring to Moose Blood, an emo band from Canterbury, England who have signed to Hopeless Records and will soon be releasing a new single called Honey. There's a new album set to follow later this year.

  Forming in 2012 they released an album in 2014 on No Sleep Records called I'll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time and it's from that record that today's song (recommended by Eric) is taken.

  The band (Eddy Brewerton, Mark Osborne, Glenn Harvey and Kyle Todd) are currently on a tour of the UK that has seen all dates sell out in advance. They'll also be playing The Truck Festival in Oxfordshire in July (alongside The Manic Street Preachers and a host of others). The new single will debut this Sunday so watch out for that but this is the song I mentioned earlier, it's called Bukowski.....

Bukowski's growing old
this coffee's getting cold
I guess I'll never know
why you closed the window
Start reading Hemingway
start drinking cups of Earl Grey
then I guess maybe one day..
I'll be yours forever
I'm the best book you'll never read
you make me feel like Jimmy Dean
you make me feel like Morrissey
when you undress from your best dress..

To keep warm, I'll bring a sweater
you can have mine, it looks better
and honestly, you can take it home.

To keep warm, I'll bring a sweater
you can have mine, it looks better
and honestly, you can take it home.
You can take it home.

We'll take blankets to stay safe
I'll do my best to stay out of your way
then I guess maybe one day,
I'll be yours forever
I'll introduce you to Clarity
teach you the words to The Sound Of Settling
make you watch High Fidelity
on a Sunday, maybe one day...

To keep warm, I'll bring a sweater
you can have mine, it looks better
and honestly, you can take it home.

To keep warm, I'll bring a sweater
you can have mine, it looks better
and honestly, you can take it home,
you can take it home.

To keep warm, I'll bring a sweater
you can have mine, it looks better
and honestly, you can take it home.

The Wunder Years - Hopeless Romantic

 

  From Berkeley, California, The Wunder Years (yep, that's Wunder not Wonder) were together between 1998 and 2001 and originally featured Brian Moss (vocals/guitar), Nate Jensen (guitar), Peter Sullivan (bass) and Adam Elliot (drums). Later line ups included Josh Staples (bass/vocals), Shane Stevens (vocals/guitar) and Caitlin Love (drums).

   Their first release was the Take It Off, Let It Go, Start From Scratch ep (1998), they followed this up with an album, Pitstops On The Road Less Travelled (1999) and finally there was 2001's Function Over Fashion ep. All were on Tomato Head Records.

  Their Pitstops... album is an example of how to make top notch emotional pop punk and often reviewers offer up comparisons with Jawbreaker or The Broadways. Raw, heartfelt songs about life and being a kid it's one of those albums that passed most people by but made converts of many of those who did discover it. Brian Moss later featured in The Ghost, Hanalei, Olehole and Great Apes.

   This is Hopeless Romantic........
     

Oh! Nullah - Jaded Summer

  Another new release for you today, this one is by a band from Hong Kong called Oh! Nullah. Comprising of Ben Tse, Nic Tse, Ding Lee and Glenn Bogador, they're a diy outfit that share a love of "90's pop punk, indie rock, midwest emo, DC hardcore and all that good stuff..."

  Originally a post hardcore band called The Lovesong, they morphed into their present incarnation following the departure of guitarist Ephraim Bano and the introduction of replacement Glenn Bogador who had previously been a member of metalheads, Shepherds The Weak. Active since 2014, they've already released an album titled She Spoke In Tongues, I Spoke Incompetence and a self titled single and now a healthy work ethic has seen the release of sophomore album, Jaded Summer. You can check it out "name your price" here : http://ohnullah.bandcamp.com/album/jaded-summer 

  Sounding like something that could easily fit into the Dischord Records' back catalogue, this is the title track from the new album......

" I wrote this song for a good friend of mine after his mother passed away. It was a difficult time for him and his family, and I wanted to write something which reflected those moments as honestly as I could but also offered hope because I didn’t know how else to respond in a time like that. It’s a tribute to him, his family and his beautiful mother." 

Tired eyes won’t rest inside this broken logic 
Can we carry the weight of time 
Back from our failures? 
The season’s changing 
Will we feel fine without retaining 
The things we’ve lost, those dear to our lives 
The moments passing? 

This summer is changing our lives 
Never knew what winter had lost 
Springtime has found us a dream 
Autumn air extending the cost 

Jaded summer can’t erase 
All retired, sober pain 
Jaded summer won’t forget to tell us 

Our minds rely on highs (So hesitant inside) 
That will shape our lives (To solitude confide) 
Inconsistent thoughts (No one really knows) 
Won’t join the dots 

Take the path that works (That no one travels on) 
Mocked, unseen, absurd (You’re going the wrong way) 
Where the path shall end (Time might find a friend) 
No one knows when 

The time will pass 
It’s temporary 

Surely sadness won’t change our lives 
It’s only emotion 
But what I’ve thought would turn out right 
Was something different 
The world goes on without my thoughts 
The same things happening 
Finding meaning to call my own 
But would it find me?