Slippertails – There’s A Disturbing Trend

 

     US rock band Slippertails is a bit of a mystery you will find when looking for info on the creators of new album There’s A Disturbing Trend. Based in New Jersey and formed by its members in Bloomington, Indiana where they roomed together, the band is apparently a duo though the only name seemingly offered up is that of frontman Nick Casertano who recorded demos alone in his basement which would eventually become this album. Other than that it is pretty much left to the imagination to wonder what the band is about, but what is not a secret is the stirring addictive sound band and release persuades with. A merger of sludge bred tendencies within an alternative rock/garage punk narrative and steered by a hypnotic vocal drawl which at times embraces shoegaze mesmerism, Slippertails creates a presence which worms deep under the skin and into the psyche with irreverent contagion.

     The album is not a flawless affair if being critical but such its potency and potential it is hard not to be excited about the prospects and future creativity of the band whilst glossing over any small negatives. Varied in fuzz drenched sonic spice and caustic imagination which sears and scores the senses, There’s A Disturbing Trend has a nagging almost pestilential beauty which just empowers and improves over time and though a raw lo-fi proposition which maybe will grate on some, the nine track tempest of noise is a masterful slice of sonic alchemy. The immediate description of the band’s sound which comes to mind is Frank Black meets Everclear, the latter thanks to the vocal delivery and alternative rock/grunge tendencies of songs, with plenty of Melvins juices in the mix but that is only part of the story to be honest as the songs soon reveal.

     Opening with its first single Hip New Jerk, the album makes an energetic entrance with keen punchy rhythms puncturing the instantly compelling smog of scuzzy guitar. The vocals of Casertano soon seize control with a Frank Black like presence which infuses into the heavy garage punk sounds too. It is an irresistible lure of a starter with a very relaxed breath which fits in perfectly with the more boisterous and scowling aspects of the song. A great single and opener it makes an early strong plateau for the album to maintain which the following Failure matches with its different type of temptation. A slow almost stalking encounter for the ears, the track seduces and intimidates with equal efficiency, flames of guitar smouldering in the air whilst bass and rhythms scowl belligerently beneath them. Again there is a Frank Black like suasion which predominantly seems to guide the inspirations for the whole album but it is not so overpowering as to dismiss any of the uniqueness of Slippertails.

     Both Walk and Garden State Of Mind ignite the appetite into a hungrier state of eagerness; the first from a hypnotic drum coaxing evolving a garage punk tempting which latches on to the exceptional rhythmic bait whilst a sonic web of guitar toxicity and effect showered vocals play out their narratives. It is one of those songs which holds a virulence which the emotions unavoidably get infected by whilst its successor with another crawling sonic festering of an approach, wraps its fuzz sculpted arms acidically around the ears before serenading them with delicious vocal harmonies alongside the ever engaging core vocal causticity of Casertano. The pair only inflates the already buoyant pleasure spread by the album and though it at times takes time to fully recruit the passions There’s A Disturbing Trend by this point already has full command of thoughts and emotions.

   The following pair of Gold Tooth and I Will Peel You Open move into that Everclear side of things, the vocals very much reminding of Art Alexakis whilst the expressive emotive sonic casting is a close cousin to that created by the Oregon band. It is fair to say that both songs fall short of what comes before them, the second almost labouring in its persuasion, but still the two ultimately convince with a craft and infectiousness which can and does only enhance the presence of the album. Things are soon back on course though with the brilliant All Seeing Eye, a song which sounds like Jesus and Mary Chain in tandem with House Of Love as they seduce The Walker Brothers. It is a transfixing mesmerism which leaves imagination and senses lost in a fuzz drizzled evocation of an emotively crafted sunset.

     The brief punk surge of Altar Wine also has a sixties temperament to its aggressive outburst whilst closing song I Wanna Take Pills With You is a psyche addled piece of sultry enchantment, a shadowed soaked melodic psychedelic glow of danger and seduction. It is a slow burning conclusion which like the album just gets more potent and magnetically thrilling over time and plays. There’s A Disturbing Trend is a striking encounter which makes you work for its rapture but pays handsomely with some quite enchantingly abrasive treasures.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Slippertails/487759917932606

8.5/10

RingMaster 14/01/2014

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Mod Fiction – Hoax EP

   

The Hoax EP from US rockers Mod Fiction is one of those releases which from an intriguing and strangely magnetic seed in its first initial encounter grows into an irresistibly compelling and thoroughly exciting provocation. Consisting of four fuzz drenched persistently nagging tracks which simply infect and infest the psyche over time whilst breeding an eager hunger for much more from the Albany trio, the release provides an acidic and caustic landscape of minimalist noise invention, scuzz kissed guitar imagination, and hooks which are unrelenting in their temptation. Part noise rock, part garage punk, and part alternative rock, a mix which borders schizophrenic toxicity, the band’s sound merges different decades in an inventive brew that takes its time but all the time works a captivating spell upon thoughts and emotions.

     Formed in 2011, Mod Fiction released their debut album Come Back Down in the summer of 2012.Citing influences from the likes of Mudhoney, Velvet Underground, 13th Floor Elevators, Neil Young, Nirvana, The Beatles, The Kinks… and the list goes on, the threesome of vocalist/guitarist Kevin Gadani, bassist/vocalist Peter Monaco, and drummer Greg Gadani have honed a presence which certainly points and hints at their inspirations but equally sculpts an identity of its own. It does not leap out as fully unique quite yet but as Hoax reveals it is well on the way.

    A sonic spear of feedback and forcefulness surges on the ear to open up first track Quit Stalling before being rapidly joined by a heavy gaited deep throated bassline which would find a home in any L7 song. Soon acidic grooves and barbed riffs alongside crisp rhythms enter the provocation and intensify the temptation. Into its stride the track is a contagious mesh which plays for UK fans like a mix of The St Pierre Snake Invasion and Houdini, a raw melodic coaxing aligned to a punk causticity which ingrains its bait deeply in the appetite. The core groove of the song is a virulent lure from which everything else erupts and swings from whilst the twin vocal suasion only accentuates the raw and magnetic presence of a destined to be favourite of a great many, especially with another little Nirvana like spice breaking out at times to spice things up.

     It is an impressive start taken on by the following Losing Interest, a song which is rendering flaming chords and melodic tempting on the ears from its first breath. A sixties garage pop air coats the song though equally a seventies garage rock essence is working its charm just as vibrantly within the twenty first century fuzz driven keenly cast enterprise. Like its predecessor the song is impossibly infectious through its summery chorus and ever present hooks around bluesy grooves, especially at its climax, but it does just fall short of making the same impact sitting in the middle of the first song and the EP’s best offering which comes next. Silence in Stereo is a prowling treat of a song, a delicious menace which nags and probes the senses through its bass built spine and jagged cuts of jangly guitars. It immediately takes thoughts back to seventies/eighties punk and bands such as Swell Maps whilst its garage blues outbursts pulls up later decades and insatiable flavours.  The song swells and saunters along with a hypnotic allurement, which like the sonic flavouring, ebbs and flows through different gaits and structures. It is a masterful piece of noise alchemy, simple and concise within its muggy air but beautifully sculpted to belie its expertise.

    The closing track Is This Morning? for personal tastes just does not come close to matching the first three though its unique intent is as welcomed proposition. A heated ambience washes the ear whilst singular key notes plonk a lone discord narrative before all come together in a haunted union. With spoken samples colouring its air the piece is an evocative and intriguing, as well as intimidating, drama but so different to what came before that it does not sit easy on the EP itself. This is a band to keep you on your mental toes though you suspect so the track certainly succeeds in that aspect.

     Mod Fiction is a band destined and sure to challenge and thrill us ahead on the evidence of Holly Wax Records released Hoax EP. The potential revealed on the release is mouthwatering and already fully enticing meaning this is one more band to add to that ‘To Watch’ list.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mod-Fiction/349666908443016

8/10

RingMaster 13/01/2014

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The Amputees – Scream EP

It has been over a year since US punks The Amputees released their excellent Commence The Slaughter EP, a release which certainly put the New York City based band on the radar whilst expelling a wealth of promise for their future endeavours. The Scream EP is the next encounter to be unleashed and it not only builds on that strong base but sees the band leaping up big levels in maturity, craft, and just plain quality. Released November 23^rd via Money Fire Records, the five track release is an eclectic mix of numerous vibrant hues of punk rock for one very contagious slab of bustling rock ‘n’ roll.

The seven strong unit immediately has feet and emotions leaping with opener Beanie. A raucous riot of pop punk with a vein of Ramones like addictiveness to its charge, the track is one of those anthems which lingers and hides in the psyche to appear at its own will at any time. Described as “a theme song dedicated to their bass player”, the song stomps with energy and craft, guitars carving up the air with infectious lures whilst bass and drums add a hungry texture which only adds to the contagious body, the snarling four string presence of Geena Spigarelli especially irresistible. The vocals of guitarist Louis Ramos backed by the appealing tones of Carrie Ramos reinforce the catchy and magnetic call of the song and against the strong driven rhythms of drummer Kaleen Reading make a tempering persuasion.

The outstanding start is soon matched by the darker colder charms of Holden. With riffs striding purposefully alongside again rigidly uncompromising rhythms, the song offers an intimidation missing in its predecessor and a heavier rapacious breath. Irresistible and resourcefully sculpted grooves vein the compelling track, their ridiculously addictive and almost insolent prowess mouth-watering assistance to the great vocals of guitarist Nova Luz, her voice and delivery helping send the track into comparisons to the likes of The Distillers and L7. The song continues the grip of the EP with ease, the first two songs already igniting a real passion for the release and giving a real task for the other songs to stand up to.

Both King Jubs and the title track go for it with relish, the first a thirty second stab of punk ferocity, prime old school hardcore punk spewing exhausting exciting venom whilst the second merges hardcore and pop punk into a fiery scuzz lined blaze of sinister garage punk, guitars and vocals a great caustic combination speared by those ever brisk and urgent rhythms. Though neither quite manages to rise to the heights of the opening pair of tracks, both leave hunger and emotions wanting much more for the diversity and matured strength The Amputees have bred.

The release closes with the contagion expelling 88, a song which has limbs and energy recruited with its Ramones meets Late Cambrian like blend. It is simple, raucous, and irresistibly incendiary to the passions and limbs. A final anthemic bait to send the EP off in fine style, the song equally ensures there is no option but to go back to the start of Scream and bask once again in its punk rock triumph.

The EP is the perfect invitation to newcomers into one of the US’s best emerging punk bands. A quick mention also goes to guitarist Gary Young, he another contributing strong craft to songs though it is hard to know which guitarist appeared on which song, and to Screaming Females’ frontwoman Marissa Paternoster who provided the great cover art to the release. If you are looking for punk which maybe is not yet ground-breaking but certainly refreshing and most importantly thrilling than The Amputees and the Scream EP is a must.

http://www.theamputees.org

9/10

RingMaster 20/11/2013

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Sneeze – I’m Going To Kill Myself

    I’m Going To Kill Myself is a record which engrains itself into the psyche, a collection of raw and undemanding yet attention grabbing songs which rile up the ears before seducing them with a striking merger of garage punk and grunge. In the same way the likes of Weezer and The Pixies create a contagion which follows the senses until total submission, this album’s creators, Sneeze conjure up a fluid and hungry temptation. Though arguably an album which initially does not make the easiest of engagements, given time it emerges as one of the more enterprising and riveting releases to provoke the senses.

Consisting of Derek Desharnais, Julian Moore, and Danny Boyd, Sneeze come from Boston, MA and include former members of L’antietam and Ape Up. Following on from first release Grandma in the Trenches of 2011, I’m Going To Kill Myself was first released as a limited cassette last year but now has its deserved wide release on both sides of the pond on download and limited vinyl with Midnight Werewolf Records in the US (a pressing limited to 300 on Cloudy Clear coloured vinyl), and in the UK via Essex based independent label Close To Home Records (limited to 200 on Transparent Blue coloured vinyl). It is a release you can only suspect will make the band a name on a tide of active lips once its raucous charms lay their roughened dance upon the wider world.

Starting with Intro, a track which slowly emerges from a sonic haze coated stark ambience into a full blown tirade of aural corrosiveness and equally scorching energy still within a crawling gait and oppressive breath, the album flows seamlessly from one track to another, a sonic link hooking the listener immediately leaving no chance to take a breath. The following Canker takes up the attack with striding rhythms and scarring riffs whilst the vocals of Desharnais tease and taunt words with raw and direct brashness to match the sounds.

Through both the scuzz loaded Park Her Road with its throaty bass lures and acidically melodic temptation and the potent resonating rhythmic call of Bad Head, a reference to another band teases thoughts especially with the smart and infectious hooks which vein the fried surface of sound. It is as the title track next tempts the ear with further melodic barbs that the name of the band opens its recognition. Throughout many of the songs there is a definite essence of Everclear which whispers in the ear in the contagious melodies that run through the tracks. Smothered in the distinct energy and character of Sneeze it is a spice adding to the intrigue and appetite sparked already by the album.

From the strong start another plateau is grasped with Vaticant and Dark Elf, two sure pinnacles of the release. The first is a punk rock bruising with a carnivorous grilling from the riffs and predatory snarl from the bass whilst vocals growl and snap at the ear. Barely 50 seconds in spiteful attack, it is an outstanding blast soon matched by its successor.  Dark Elf unleashes thumping rhythms and rapacious shadows which remind of The Eighties Matchbox B-Line Disaster whilst the caustic voice of its tense caress has a Melvins/Gruntruck like mischievous menace. Again brief the track is a burning flame of sonic antagonism and seductive grit that only leaves rich pleasure.

From the following persistently compelling Quit Shitting, the likes of Brainage Pipe, Crumb, and Under the Fridge leave further satisfaction, though this particular part of the album does dip from the impressive start. They do make for a pleasing if slightly underwhelming passage of the album which still ensures there is never a moment when attention flirts with other things and can easily enjoy the offerings before once more being sparked into stronger passion with the mighty Blank Man. It is another track with extra growl to its inventive exploits and a raging vitality cast over a mesh of chewing riffs and again the great grisly bass sound.

Completed by the more than decent Scabass and Outro and its final plaintive invitation, I’m Going To Kill Myself is an album set to recruit a wealth of eager hearts. Fifteen tracks of punk fuelled, melodically sculpted, grunge distortion it is a treat not to be missed. Go on have a Sneeze.

http://facebook.com/sneezeband

http://closetohomerecords.com

8/10

RingMaster 05/06/2013

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The Rattlin’ Doors – In A Tree House

With their debut single, UK rockers The Rattlin’ Doors stand before us as a compelling and scintillating piece of devilment, a band with a sound which it would not be a surprise if it was claimed by the devil or any wickerman ceremony bred by pagan worship. In A Tree House is a riveting and thrilling shadow stomping slice of aural mischief, a song born of folk rock and cultured in a psychobilly, hillbilly, and garage punk vat of caustic revelry. Imagine the mutant offspring from a union of Eighteen Nightmares At the Lux, The Cramps, The Fall, and especially The Dancing Did, and you get a whiff of the psyched out rock ‘n’ roll of The Rattlin’ Doors.

Consisting of guitarist and vocalist Andy Teece, bassist Phil Elt, and drummer Leeroy Evans, the Worcester trio bring a fusion of rockabilly, punk, and blues into a unique recipe of their own and already have made a strong impression in the UK and over the pond. In A Tree House will only accelerate and enforce their striking and imagination capturing presence, their first introduction to the widest audience a tantalising almost niggling seed of triumph which truly ignites the passions.

The first of their ‘tainted tales of country life’ to be unleashed, In A Tree House charges up to the ear in a blaze of intense strumming before breaking into a hungry stroll of expressive and sinisterly grinning vocals alongside slide guitar teasing and rhythmic prowling. It is an immediate recruitment with a sonic hook which seduces the passions instantly. Around that barbed lure the bass of Elt romps and crawls over the ear with a rapacious greed, its menace bringing dark corners to bear upon the country rock lined stomp to find a dark union with the equally nightmare seeded lyrical narrative wonderfully expelled by the vocals of Teece.

In A Tree House is an exceptional treat with the skills of Evans caging its contents and the ear in an inescapable and irresistible encounter of sacrificial caustic beauty, village life taken to extremes for a delicious dance of picturesque malevolence. The Rattlin’ Doors is destined to find a legion of eager victims for their startlingly fascinating cause as they take over UK rock, we are already a willing conspirator so come join the burning with us.

Released July 1^st, In A Tree House will be available as a free download from The Rattlin’ Doors website.

http://www.rattlindoors.com/

https://www.facebook.com/TheRattlinDoors

Upcoming The Rattlin’ Doors gigs:

15th June @ Flapper & Firkin – Birmingham

16th June @ Himbelton Cricket Club – Himbelton

10/10

RingMaster 31/05/2013

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The Elixirs – Long Gone

With a re-release via the excellent Texas independent Psycho A-Go-Go Records, Long Gone the debut album from Indiana cowpunk/psychobilly band The Elixirs returns to exhilarate and exhaust the world with its riots of passion driven energy fuelled rock n roll. The release is a nineteen track bonanza of contagious eager to devour slices of often bruising, occasionally provoking, and always thrilling adventure, the songs seeded in the devilry of horror, outlaw infamy, and salacious rock n roll roguishness with an impossibly infectious temptation from start to finish across the whole album.

The sound of The Elixirs brews up a 100% proof fusion of rockabilly, punk, country, and psychobilly with plenty of other rich additives such as punk and blues bringing their potent flavourings to play too. It is a sound which has marked the band out since forming with the album set to be with justice the trigger to the widest recognition and awareness. The beginnings of the band began with The Stumblers in mid-2007. Formed by vocalist and then bassist Dan Tedder (moving to guitar later in the story) with drummer Joe King and guitarist Dan Savage, the band progressed without really getting anywhere. The following year saw Tedder and King step forward with a new bassist as The Boneyard Elixirs, the trio playing as often and as hard as possible. A seemingly constant battle to find and hold on to bassists followed whilst highlights in their live events accompanying the period as well. The band by now simply The Elixirs next released the EP Gut Cuts with help from Gas City Records. This was followed by the departure of another bassist in Dewayne Hughes who had been with the band for well over a year over their most successful time to that point. 2011 saw Whitt join the band with for the first time an upright bass entering the equation. The recording and mid 2012 release of their debut album followed to strong responses and acclaim which the re-release this year will only accelerate. The story is not quite settled as since the album King left the band to be replaced with the sticks by Dave the Dudeist in the late fall of last year. Hopefully a settled period in members will allow the band to exploit and leapt forward from the might of what will be the first impressive introduction to a great many in the stirring shape of Long Gone.

The album opens up its charms with Water and Bread, a track with psychobilly sinews and melodic rock n roll endeavours speared by the delicious bass call of Whitt. Though it is not the most urgent charge to start the album, the song has a bite and prowl to its hunger which intimidates and seduces with pure primal potency. The vocals of Tedder drip expression and passion from every syllable passing his rapacious lips whilst his guitar equally sculpts an enslaving temptation proving irresistible not only here but across the album.

The following title track swaggers in with a vibrancy which awakens the senses even further whilst its catchy swing and anthemic chorus badgers a full compliance from the listener. It is an easy to ride song leading into firstly the wicked tease of the loping country punk hooked Tits Deep and the first of the highest pinnacles reached by the release in Cry For Me. The latter of the two walks into view on a Cramps like abrasive discord, the building stroll niggling mouth-wateringly on the ear whilst the beats and bass persuasion is a merciless repetitive invitation  to song and heart to which there is no defence. The core of the song would not be out of place on the classic Songs The Lord Taught Us release with the Gas City trio bringing their own unique extensions for an individual flame of excellence.

Across the likes of the country twanging Pleasure N Pain, the sixties punk spiced 17-12, and the darkened rockabilly crawl of Soul, the album ignites further fires of ardour towards its presence even if the tracks compared to others are only merely outstanding in comparison to the genius like statures of the two songs sandwiching the third of the three mentioned as an example. These tracks, Torn Rose and Sea of Lies are two more overwhelming beacons within the album, the first bursting from a gnarly confrontation into a roaming charge of biting riffs and enslaving rhythms, a near runaway train of Gene Vincent like garage punk, whilst the second is a horror punk/psychobilly blaze of raucous and coarse grained rock n roll, and both a match to the passions.

Every track deserves a mention to be honest, songs such as Dangerous Ways with its Sex Pistols riffs and Cramps squall, and the predatory death dance of Cowboy Rot feasts to devour but with the closing stretch of the album it’s most impressive, songs such as Park It On the Lawn shout for attention. The track is a carnivorous stalking of the ear with insatiably rubbing riffs and matching ravenous intent from drums and bass, its virulent groove and consuming energy illegally addictive. Its staggering presence is closely matched by the likes of the smouldering croon of Misery, a fifties seeded rockabilly siren of a song, and the brilliant Faster Than Hell, the string plucks and slaps of Whitt the bait for another full on enticement of epidemic proportions.

Long Gone is an exceptional album, a skilfully crafted seizure of the heart with nothing less than undiluted pleasure and inciting rascality in tow, as evidenced by a final boost of potency with the voracious Loser, another contender for best track, and the closing cowpunk stomp of Asshole. Thankfully we have all got a second bite at grabbing this outstanding album, only a fool would pass on or miss out on The Elixirs a second time.

http://www.theelixirs.com/

10/10

RingMaster 26/04/2013

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Limozine: Johnny Got Shot By A UFO

It is Limozine time again as the UK rockers release their new single Johnny Got Shot By A UFO. It only seems like yesterday since they raised the temperature with previous single Tokyo 1970, but then the London based band have never held restraint in releasing their sounds with the last three years or so seeing nine singles, including the new one, and three albums. The new release continues the strong and intriguing presence of the band and their riot of uncomplicated energy to leave again keen satisfaction and enjoyment.

Formed in 2005, the band has earned a strong reputation for their unpolished encounter of garage punk and rock n roll, the sound a raw and honest brawl with feisty mischief able to charm and ignite audiences to their live shows and to releases such as their albums Car Crash Casino in 2007, Evil Love in 2010, and Full Service of 2012. With a new full length release You’ve Been Limozined, due later this year the new single sets it up with enterprise and intrigue even if the song arguably lacks the spark to ignite the ardour it probably deserves.

Released via Beat Atlas Records, Johnny Got Shot By a UFO instantly grabs attention with its psychobilly intimidation and rockabilly swagger locked to its punk rock core. The grooved riffs of Johnny Zero are an instant temptation alongside the bass enticement of Karl ‘da Kops’ Atlas whilst the snaps of beats from drummer Skip Intro frame it all with undemanding yet senses provoking craft. Bringing his guitar and vocals in to play soon after the initial tease, Limo Dean courts the ear with a delivery which matches the sound, uncluttered, direct, and deliberately devoid of anything not organically bred. Across its length the song sparks with its addictive grooves veining the rougher rock rub and throughout it leaves one engaged and involved.

The song does seem to fall one step short of firing up a full passion for its offering and though it certainly does the business of earning strong appreciation it does feel a little like the song missed the opportunity to stand out as one of the most addiction capturing singles likely to appear this year. Despite that Limozine continues to stand as one of the more entertaining emerging bands with Johnny Got Shot By A UFO making a good and pleasing persuasion for band and forthcoming album.

http://www.facebook.com/limozineband

7/10

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RingMaster 11/03/2013

 

Electric Shit: Downtown Blues

    The combination of blues and punk can often make for a dirty slab of pleasure which thrills and energises the appetite whatever the hunger the time. The new single from Mexican trio Electric Shit is certainly evidence to that, a two song attack of raw insatiable rock n roll which whets the taste buds. The release is unrefined and raucous with the kind of honest sound which goes a long way and on this occasion certainly leaves a depth of satisfaction and enjoyment which cannot be dismissed as just another record from just another band.

From Ecatepec, the band consists of Marco aka Thee Preacher (guitar and vocals), José Reza aka Leadbelly (bass), and Eduardo H (drums) and was formed around a year ago.  There is not much else we can share about the band except to express further the promise and pleasure their single provides a declaration for.

The title track is immediately a fiery encounter speared by sonic flames and a pulsating throaty bass groove. Its initial blaze soon settles as the excellent bass groan and crisp beats drive directly through the ear for a stronger compelling enticement whilst the swagger of the expressive accent soaked vocals brings an extra persuasion to the infectiousness of the song. The continual groove is repetitive and in league with mesmeric shadows to bring a firmly gripping captivation from first note to last which allows the skilful craft and acidic spirals of fire from the guitar of Marco to sizzle as it offers its own full temptation. Admittedly the song does not ignite any undiscovered avenues but with a stoner breath to is riled core and a roughen blues surface it catches the imagination with every scuzzy surface it brings.

As strong and appealing as the first song is, second song All My Troubles leaves it in its garage punk wake. Starting with a bass hook to open vats of nostalgia and soon finding an accomplice in the great Richard Hell like vocals in that deed, the song is punk rock at its best aided by another rich pulse of blues rock n roll. The groove and swagger of the song leaves a grin on the face and emotions whilst the drums and bass enlist feet and thoughts to their uncomplicated contagion. Once more the guitar of Marco leaves sparks with his great sonic fire which seamlessly expels from within his constantly enthralling riffs and adding to the instinctive feel of the song.

With debut album Dirty & Heavy due later in the year, Electric Shit has raised an excitement and anticipation for its release with heart and accomplishment. Downtown Blues and especially All My Trouble are the strongest persuasion for an investigation in to the forthcoming release and to keep a steady eye on this impressive band.

Find out how to get your free download of Downtown Blues @ http://www.facebook.com/electricshit

8/10

RingMaster 01/03/2013

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Šut / Big Charmin’ Men: Hladna Soba / Birthday 31 split cd

    A release all fans of garage punk/ punk will find more than a fleeting interest in is the split album from two raw and intriguing Serbian bands, Šut and Big Charmin’ Men. The album is a retrospective release from the pair of Svilajnac bands in that it brings together potent moments from their undiscovered careers, beyond their borders anyway. 2000 album Hladna Soba (Cold Room) from Šut (an album from what we can tell was unreleased), consisting of 13 tracks makes up half the release along with an additional three songs from 1998 and is matched in the number of tracks by the 2006 mini album Birthday 31 and an additional eight songs which include covers of tracks from legendary bands from the former Yugoslavia by their compatriots. Released on underground label  T2 (Torpedo Boom), it is a raw and honest collection of sounds and tracks which from start to finish are compelling and enlightening.

Šut was formed in 1993 by Mouse and Pop alongside Voja (bass). Their sound from accounts evolved over the years until 2002 with the band building a strong reputation and fan base for their fiery sounds. A demo was released in 1997 to be followed by the recording of Vetar (The Wind), an also unpublished album from which the three additional songs on this album come from. With a line-up of Mouse (guitar/lead vocals), Voja (guitar/vocals), Darius (bass/vocals), and Dreja (drums/backing vocals) for Hladna Soba, the band has brewed up a tasty mix of garage and post punk for songs which capture the imagination constantly.

The quartet open up the album with an excellent instrumental simply called Intro, a piece of rock n roll fused from punk, garage rock, and a loud whisper of rockabilly neatly moulded into a brief and infectious invitation.  The following Ovih Dana is a boisterous fusion of old school punk and garage punk abrasion which hits the spot with its heavy bass breath and riotous energy and attitude and as with the majority of the songs on the album and all from Šut the lyrics are sung in Serbian but ensure it is not an issue by raising a passion and energy which triggers the primal instincts only punk of any form can touch. The first full song is seeded in punk but from the following Pesak U Satua a post punk vein begins to make its voice heard especially within the best tracks from the band in the magnetic form of Pad, Pucaj, and Predsoblje. The first is a mesh of blustery sonics, harsh snapping drums, and a cold yet incendiary groove. There is an underlying drone to it which is irresistible and within the melodic sonic flames it tempers and compliments the heat of the instrumental elsewhere. Pucaj immediately from its discord dripping groove and scathing riffs reminds of bands like Artery and Crispy Ambulance and offers a cold contagion impossible not to devour eagerly. It is the best track on the whole release though easily equalled by Predsoblje, the song a Joy Division meets Thee Headcoats which again just enthrals and leads limbs in to a chaotic response as does the band for most of their presence on the album.

Big Charmin’ Men sound like their influences are similar to their conspirators but offer a more blues and sixties punk breath to their garage furnace of noise. Consisting of Mihajlo Belolule, and Andreja Vlajic the band began in 2005, recording the eight track mini album which makes up half their contribution here the following year. Their first CD New Life appeared in 2010 to good responses to be followed by Born (Down Somewhere) a year later with the band apparently calling it a day the same year.

The duo start off their part of the release with the challenging attitude of Iskovan Od Bola, a slab of provocative rock n roll which stamps and stomps like a belligerent teenager. Next up the Ramones veined I Dalje Tu is an excellent piece of punk rock whilst the blues fire raging within Ja Sanjam shows the diversity of the band and their open sound. Elevated highlights from the band come through the punk grazing of Jedva Čekas Da Odeš with a great guitar blaze for is climax and the muscular intimidating Dobro Sam, again the songs bringing an accomplished variety from the band. The band take influences from the likes of Majke, Pokvarena Masta, Machine Gun, and Kaoticne Duse, and contribute a few very decent covers including one of the Pokvarena Mašta song Ne Budi Divlja and the Majke track Loš Život featuring the harmonica skills of Sarma. They end their participation on the record with the wonderful Rođen Negde Dole, a blues driven romp of total pleasure with more mesmeric harmonica craft this time from the soulful skills of Knucklehead. It is a delicious brawl of rock n roll and the perfect way to end a fine release.

If punk, garage, and to some extent blues raises strong flickers of passion within than checking out this thoroughly enjoyable release could just make your day.

To find out more about the album and how to get it https://www.facebook.com/mihajlobelolule.markovic?ref=ts&fref=ts

7/10

RingMaster 08/02/2013

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright

Inca Babies: Deep Dark Blue

    Deep Dark Blue is easily one of the best albums of 2012 and one of our favourites, a release which shows that the creativity of Inca Babies just gets richer and more delicious. The thirteen track album is a sensational treat which teases and ignite the passions with all the expected shadows conjured by the band brewed in a sweltering vat of new imagination and mesmeric enterprise.

Since its beginnings in 1982, the Manchester band has brought a distinct and hypnotic presence to rock n roll with their punk spine combining trash rock, surf punk, garage blues. The early days brought great acclaim and popularity, the band playing four John Peel Show sessions over the years, frequently topping indie charts, and playing tours and dates across Europe, not to forget releasing four acclaimed albums and numerous equally received singles. The time also saw the band struggle with holding onto drummers and singers to remain alongside guitarist Harry Stafford and bassist Bill Marten. This eventually led to the demise of the band in the late eighties, Inca Babies running out of suitable options. The release of the Best Of… compilation album Plutonium in 2006, ignited great interest on the band again and it reformed the following year with Gold Blade drummer Rob Haynes joining Stafford  who took on vocals too, and Marten. As gigs followed inside and beyond the UK, the band began working on their first original album since reforming but sadly midway through Marten passed away and everything was put on hold as the band came to terms with the devastating loss. Eventually in tribute to and to keep his legacy alive the band, with friend and former A Witness bass player Vince Hunt coming into the setup, completed the album Death Message Blues which was released late 2010.johnn

Released on their own Black Lagoon Records, their sixth studio album is quite possibly their best work yet, the maturity and experiences of the band leading to songs which just lay organically on the heart as if born from your own personal passion. Rightly or wrongly we have always thought of Inca Babies as the UK version of The Birthday Party, not necessarily in sound but in journeying through the darkest of shadows and using them as a wrapping to their unique vision. Deep Dark Blue again gives plenty of evidence for us to remain casting that ‘shadow’ over them whilst continuing to mark the band as something which is one of a kind.

The album opens with is their first single for twenty five years, My Sick Suburb. Opening on simple beats and a grouchy bass the track is an instant bluesy attraction especially with the jangly guitar and vocals of Stafford soon adding their presence. It is an uncluttered track with a sure swagger which ticks all the boxes, and though the choice of single from the album would have been different for us you can see why it was chosen and not argue with its open effectiveness.

From a strong start the album just gets better and better. The following But Not This Time is a fiery stomp of sonic guitar rubs and what in no time becomes an addictive element of the whole release, that heavily prowling and throaty bass invention. Throughout many of the songs the Cramps like breath which lacquers the sound is irresistible with this song and the next up title track the first such pleasures. This track is a smouldering stroll through a heated atmosphere with caging rhythms and sizzling guitar sonics which place the senses on edge and set the heart alight. It is a twisted blues piece of grandeur with an acidic twang and viral infection to its gait.

It is so tempting to wax lyrical about every track on the album but will resist and just mention personal highlights amongst only nonstop irrepressible and contagious slices of delight. Firstly there is the twin scintillation of the gallows themed Following Jorges and the psyche elegant Bikini Quicksand, both with a similar yet different heat to their coruscate air. Tracks like Tower Of Babel and Monologues Of Madness also trigger all the passions possible but all are exceeded by two songs, Endgame Check Out Club and Sven Hassel v Billy The Kid. The first of the pair is a track which plays like a psychobilly Johnny Cash track spiced with The Screaming Blue Messiahs, its infectious groove and scorching solo a welcome sonic branding which any one would be proud to bear. The second is just brilliance in action, everything about the song an ‘orgasmic’ addiction. Punk guitars graze the ear whilst sharing time with vocal and bass lures just impossible to resist, their combined mischief sheer genius. Easily one of the best songs heard this year its mix of bruising storms and magnetic simplicity is quite masterful and a true triumph.

As declared earlier every track on Deep Dark Blue is outstanding, making for an album which should stand to the fore of any best of lists and the heart of all who engage its magnificent company.

www.incababies.co.uk

RingMaster 07/12/2012

Copyright RingMaster: MyFreeCopyright