U-Foes – No More No More

Live @ Fru Lundgreen, Trondheim, Norway

It may say No More No More but ears swiftly demanded the opposite once falling under the sonic hail and brimstone of the new single from Norwegian outfit U-Foes. The track is an insatiable slice of noise punk infested hardcore which batters and tempts with increasing rigour; nagging, harassing, and pleasing in equal measure.

Rising from the ashes of hardcore outfit Silence the Foe, Oslo hailing U-Foes is the trio of made up of guitarist Marcus Forsgren (The Lionheart Brothers, Jaga Jazzist, Bror Forsgren), drummer Peter Rudolfsen (The Lionheart Brothers), and long-time friend of The RR, vocalist Anders Voldrønning (Shevils). Embracing aspects of their earlier work together and on-going projects, the threesome have twisted all elements into a whole new trespass of sound with plenty more fresh and creative animosity loaded craft involved.

A teaser of the band’s debut album due for release in November, No More No More is a carnal assault of sound; a track as primal and feral as it is skilfully manipulated and manipulative. It scowls with contempt from the first caustic surge of guitar, its sound a scuzzy yet precise blur inciting just as irritable intent from senses harrying rhythms. Voldrønning’s familiar roar intensifies the antipathy of sound and emotion, sharing greater toxicity to the wounds already incurred from the band’s raucous enterprise. Even so there is an infectious side to it all which quickly had hips swinging and limbs punching with zeal.

However you drape the track, it is rock ‘n’ roll rock at its primal best; punk rock to arouse the senses and spirit and the sign of big exciting thing to come from that impending album and we suspect for the band itself in its wake.

Check out the video for No More No More on our Video Selector page, the single available now on Marw Melodee Music.

https://www.facebook.com/ufoesofficial/ http://u-foes.com/

Pete RingMaster 24/09/2018

Hardball – Dirty

Jul28

We are not sure if the North East is Britain’s capital of rock ‘n’ roll trespass but there has been a definite vein of rousing rock bands escaping its depths over the decades. The latest is Darlington quartet Hardball who have just uncaged their debut single/EP in the shape of Dirty. Offering three tracks as individual to each other as they are united in stirring up eager attention, the release is a bruising yet inescapably inviting slice of hard and punk rock embroiled in aggressive enterprise. It is also a potential stocked introduction from a band already sparking a real appetite to hear much more of.

Months maybe mere weeks old, Hardball consists of vocalist/guitarist Tim Smith, guitarist Phil Bailes, bassist Neil MacGillivray, and drummer Denz (Gareth Westgarth). There is little more we can tell you about the band though there is probably little more to share with the band so early in its emergence though you might recognise Denz’ uncompromising dextrous swings from bands such as Hung Like Jack, ill fated riot, and Supercharger.

Recorded live at White Wolf Studio, the band’s debut encounter swiftly had ears on board with opener Dirty. A lure of guitar dangles potent bait first, its classic rock feel a tease into the waiting rapacious embrace of the track. Riffs and rhythms instantly impose once unleashed but with incitement rather than threat while the harmonious tone of the vocals only adds to the rousing temptation already raised, as too the grooves which need seconds to get under the skin. Though surprises were few, everything about the track was fresh and distinctly individual ensuring that the first contact with Hardball was strong, highly enjoyable, and firmly memorable.

The invention within the song was soon escalating as Ballad Of John Fox stepped up next, the song a calm but bold saunter with shimmering melodies and intimation fuelled enterprise to its instrumental and a spirited raucousness to its vocal expulsions. It has an anthemic feel which grows by the minute and a great weave of guitar enterprise as bluesy as it is hard rock inspired.

Our favourite track though is Closed For Inventory, a real gem of a proposal from its initial groove draw to its punk ‘n’ roll roar and scheming rhythms. Carrying a predatory intent at times, especially when those delicious grooves steer the rack’s inescapable manipulation, the final track stole the passions with ease here even against the definite prowess and quality of its companions.

With a first release, any band can only hope for attention and an awakening of their presence as its main success and Hardball will surely achieve that and much more with Dirty. You want some honest, spirit sparking rock ‘n’ roll? Then look to the North East for some Hardball.

https://www.facebook.com/Hardballrock/

Pete RingMaster 28/07/2018

Hot Sauce Pony – Burnt Ends

Jun20

With the debut album from Hot Sauce Pony prowling anticipation, the UK outfit unleash its first lure in the shape of the carnally seductive Burnt Ends. The track is a ravenous teaser of that forthcoming self-titled offering, a song which has calm, beauty, and ruin colluding for a frustratingly but imperiously short one minute plus.

Formed in 201, the London band consists of vocalist Caroline Gilchrist, guitarist Ross Davies, bassist Stephen Gilchrist, and drummer Anna Dodridge. Their sound is a unique fusion of noise and punk rock with grunge, post punk, and hardcore hues. They call it Avant Hard; we call it in regards to the new single feral sensuality. The track and the upcoming Steve Albini (Pixies, Nirvana, PJ Harvey) album follow a first single in Fenced In which aroused rich attention and intrigue. Burnt Ends more than builds on its ear grabbing success and thick potency with a moment where extremes unite to devour the senses with beauty and ruin.

From its first breath Burnt Ends had us licking lips, the charred growl of the bass a bestial temptation matched by the just as roasted snarl of the guitar. Swiftly the melodic siren tempting of Caroline’s vocals drew ears deeper into the cremated offering, the slow manipulative swing of Anna’s beats just as irresistible. Like a fusion of Horse Party, Morass Of Molasses, and Mudhoney with a whiff of Young Marble Giants yet firmly individual, the track just got under the skin and into the psyche as hips continued to sway to its primal groove.

Such the pleasure, it really does frustrate when the track stops suddenly and without warning barely a clutch of seconds past its first minute. It leaves nagging, teasing fingers though as its elements continued to echo in thoughts long after departure.

Leave them wanting more is the key to success some say, and without doubt the hunger for the band’s eponymous debut album is on the point of rabidity thanks to Burnt Ends.

Burnt Ends is released June 22^nd via Brixton Hillbilly. The band also has first single Fenced In available as a free download @ https://soundcloud.com/brixton-hillbilly/fenced-in-by-hot-sauce-pony

Upcoming Hot Sauce Pony live dates:

23rd June Club 85, HITCHIN

30th June Betsy Trotswood, LONDON

16th August – HY-Brazil, BRISTOL

https://www.facebook.com/hotsaucepony/

Pete RingMaster 20/05/2018

Ben Wood & The Bad Ideas – The Reveal

Jun19

Luxurious in its temptation, haunting in its touch, The Reveal is the new single from Ben Wood & The Bad Ideas. The song is a proposition which tantalises as it seduces, every one of its creative threads uniting in a weave of real magnetism for ear and imagination. We have not every track from the band’s repertoire but we can be confident in suggesting that The Reveal is one of if not THE finest moment from them yet.

Ben Wood started life as a busker and acoustic guitarist in Essex scene. An opportunity to contribute to an X-Ray Spex charity album in the US, Wood and co one of only two British artists involved meant he had to find a band, record a track and get it sent over to the States in just 48 hours. Succeed he did and in 2012 Ben Wood & The Bad Ideas, its name inspired by his doubts over swiftly resolving that scenario, began going on to play Prince Charles’ Garden Party at Clarence House, headline the Yes To Life festival and releasing that compilation track, Obsessed With You as their first single.

Alongside Ben Wood in the band is Andy Duke of Top Buzzer, Cauldronated, and most recently Flesh Tetris fame; the two co-writing the new single. For The Reveal, the pair is also joined by Bruce Thomas from Elvis Costello & The Attractions on bass; a line-up which alone bred instant intrigue for the release with also features Cristabel Christo . It is an anticipation swiftly fed and pleasured by the song, keys and rhythms immediately teasing and wrapping ears respectively. The latter’s atmospherics caress the dark pulsing of Thomas’ bass as a post punk-esque resonance blossoms. Even at this early point there is feeling of The Sound to the song, a hue thickening and enriching its growing prowess and lure. It is a flavouring though which is woven into the track’s uniqueness and increasingly haunting majesty.

Wood’s vocals are just as captivating as every element entangled; the track a web of strands rather than a boiling mass but just as powerful in its emotion, intimation, and craft. From verse to chorus, note to rhythmic enticement, the track is pure captivation and for us simply one of the best tracks heard this year so far.

The Reveal is released on 25th June.

https://www.facebook.com/BenWoodTheBadIdeas https://twitter.com/benwoodbadideas

Pete RingMaster 19/06/2018

Das Fluff – Ringmaster

May9

As writers, we are constantly inspired by the sounds and records we cover; words sparked and imagination stoked by the craft and invention of others. It is a rare honour to return the favour but that is exactly what we have managed to do. Last year we introduced ourselves to electro/art rock outfit Das Fluff, the brainchild and creative vehicle of Berlin/London-based vocalist/writer/producer Dawn Lintern, through firstly the single Far Gone and in turn the band’s current album Flower With Knife. It was our review of the latter which seemingly sparked the imagination of Dawn into writing a new track. That song has now become the band’s new single, Ringmaster, and even without the bias of our lucky involvement it has to be said it is one mesmeric seduction of a proposition.

The single comes ahead of a fourth album the band is currently working on, the magnetic tones and lyrical agility of Dawn uniting with the electronic experimentation of Christian Ruland. It is a proposition among fans and media alike for which anticipation is full and one sure to be escalated after the release of Ringmaster.

The song opens with a melodic sigh swiftly joined by the caress of guitar and throb of rhythmic shadow. Just as quickly the alluring voice of Dawn slowly swings from their textures, her tones writhing around the sounds like a sultry dancer whilst coaxing ears and imagination with seductive intimation. There is a dark carnival meets shadowed burlesque breath to the track, an alluring glaze which adds further colour and shape to its instinctive romance and darksome heart.

Haunting and transfixing, like a flirtatious sunset lined with melancholic beauty, the song is pure captivation and alone more than enough reason to get excited about the band’s forthcoming full-length. Ringmaster is a track which outshone even our pride spun hopes and comes with a stunning video which you can see on our Video Selector page, another pleasure from Das Fluff.

Upcoming Das Fluff live shows:

May 25 – Petersburg Art Space / Berlin

June 2 – Electrowerkz / London

June 9 – Stigmata / Glasgow

June 16 – Zosch / Berlin

http://www.dasfluff.com https://www.facebook.com/dasfluff/ https://twitter.com/DasFluffTwit

Pete RingMaster 09/05/2018

The DeRellas – High Rise Supersize

May3

Pic David Newbold

Paving the way to a new album later this year, UK glam punks The DeRellas have just released brand new single High Rise Supersize. Consisting of three tracks, it is a rousing slab of punk ‘n’ roll sparking sure anticipation for the band’s forthcoming full length.

With previous mini album of 2016, Freakshow, thrusting the band’s sound to a new plateau in craft, imagination, and energy, it has been easy to hope, even expect, another elevation in prowess and adventure in any successor. Eighteen or so months on, High Rise Supersize more than offers, indeed realises, plenty of the potential of such success.

Producer by ex-Vibrator, Pat Collier, High Rise Supersize is the first release to feature new vocalist/rhythm guitarist Joey DeRella and comes as the band venture across the UK on a string of live shows including playing Rebellion in August. High Rise Supersize opens with one of those hooks you just have to take a bite of, guitarist Luca DeRella luring swiftly keen attention, leading it into the waiting rhythmic incitement of bassist Timmy DeRella and drummer Billion Dollar Bish. There is boisterousness to the track which just entangles the spirit especially once Joey’s eager tones join in the rock ‘n’ roll romp. The track is DeRellas typical yet soon shows a fresh character and intent with its animated melodies and sneaky hooks. Equally there is a touch of old school punk devilment to its roar which only adds to the fun.

The lead song is accompanied by I Got Something To Say and a great cover of The Sweet classic Fox On The Run. The first similarly lays down tasty guitar bred bait to set things going, rhythms in tandem snapping across the senses. As quickly the track shows a darker and dirtier attitude loaded nature to its predecessor, snarling as it stomps spilling open belligerence as it swings. The track is superb, for personal tastes even eclipsing the lead track, and another reason to get a touch excited about that impending album.

Its successor also carries that dirty texture in its infectious stroll, The DeRellas infesting the veins of Fox On The Run with their own creative and mischievous juices. The band does not dissect and rebuild the well-known encounter but gives it a growl and a raw layer of rock ‘n’ roll soil which works a treat.

It is set to be a very busy summer for The DeRellas and if High Rise Supersize is a sign of things to come an extremely successful end of year through the release of that new album.

High Rise Supersize is out now on the band’s own label, Rockaway Records; available on 7” vinyl, CD, and download @ https://store.cdbaby.com/cd/thederellas

https://www.derellas.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheDeRellas/ https://twitter.com/thederellas

Pete RingMaster 03/05/2018

Louis Antoniou – Rag Doll

May3

Having been introduced to British rocker Louis Antoniou through two-track single Lonesomeville / I Let The Rain Fall Hard this past March, it was rather easy to find a keen appetite for his flavoursome rock ‘n’ roll especially now after the release of its successor, Rag Doll. As tempting and enjoyable as those two songs are, the new track just blows them out of the water.

With his equally well-received single of February, You Ain’t The Girl, the trio of tracks this year to date revealed a great broad and imaginative canvas to Antoniou’s sound which Rag Doll stretches just a little more. The track has a tasty line in dark blues rock in its virulently infectious swing, a teasing almost sinister texture infesting the delicious groove and rapaciously tenacious character of the song.

Antoniou again shows his vocals to be a just as potent lure as his music and instinctive devilry on the guitar. This added to a rascality of unpredictability and a Queens Of The Stone Age-esque spicing made the song an irresistible lure, a devious one too as the track just seems to get bolder and more virulent by the listen.

Rag Doll is another in a planned five singles from Watford hailing Antoniou this year but after this latest offering is it being too greedy to hanker after a full album?

Rag Doll is out now.

https://www.louisantoniou.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Louisantonioumusic/

Pete RingMaster 03/05/2018