It’s strange how some of the most abrasive, fierce and downright evil-sounding music comes from some of the sunniest, most beautiful places. For example, the so-called ‘sunshine state’ of Florida has birthed what is arguably the USA’s most fertile death metal scene. And clearly even picturesque Portugal must have a dark side; how else to explain the existence of Dokuga and Continue Reading
Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate nearly 40 years of a record that was never actually released in the first place. Long-disbanded North Carolina hardcore punks Subculture unleashed a beast of a debut in 1985’s ‘I Heard A Scream’, but this follow-up was shelved after the band broke up the following year. Apparently, rough mixes of the tracks on 'Fred' Continue Reading
Śmierć haven’t set any boundaries for themselves, and it’s this which makes ‘Opór’ so compelling. Simultaneously authentic and forward-thinking, this is a record which we didn’t realise we needed, but trust us when we say that you need it too. Continue Reading
Rock legends Thin Lizzy have returned with an album of acoustic reworkings of some of their most beloved songs, combining the original vocals of late frontman Phil Lynott with brand-new guitar parts from founding member Eric Bell. Fans can now experience what might have been their ‘MTV Unplugged’ moment - a chance to hear the band’s timeless music in its most intimate form.Continue Reading
I find out that Shake Some Acton will have put on a whopping THIRTY gigs by the time 2024 draws to a close! The Phobics were great when we saw them back in April at The Trinity in Harrow, and this time the Deptford quintet are back with a banger of a new album in ‘Gimme Cyanide’. We’re happy to report that Fantazmaz are still their usual deranged selves, and that Continue Reading
It’s rare that we’ve seen an opening band ignite a pit as large and chaotic as the one which bursts into action as soon as Rifle hit the stage. The Prize come across as both a band and a gang - how Nadine manages to simultaneously drum so maniacally and sing note-perfectly is beyond us, but ultimately, we’re too busy grooving along to the swoonsome power-pop of ‘Easy Way Continue Reading
Songs like ‘What’s Behind The Sun’ and ‘Affected Kid’ are proof that Spleen are already masters of the quiet-loud dynamic that was (yes!) grunge’s hallmark in its heyday, and a mid-set cover of ‘Making Plans For Nigel’ transforms XTC’s original into something fabulously fierce. By the time Yur Mum drop ‘Tropical Fuzz’ fourth song in, they’ve well and truly hit their Continue Reading
Hailing from Montreal, Canada, ‘H’ is No Real Hero's first release of new material since 2018. The band originally emerged in 2012 as a hard rock outfit, but have since progressed and gone through changes in both their line-up and their musical direction. ‘Where The End Is Never Near’ is a mid-paced effort with some maddeningly catchy guitar work and another great chorus, Continue Reading
Ah, the Vive Le Rock magazine X-Mess gig - it’s becoming a great tradition indeed. The Water Rats gets increasingly packed and sweaty tonight, and so it should; with four quality bands - and a raffle! - on offer, it’s a fine way to cap off another successful year for the publication - which is highly recommended by us! Janus Stark singer/guitarist Gizz Butt boasts serious Continue Reading
Chubby and the Gang's Charles ‘Chubby’ Manning Walker is - by his own admission - not a man of words. It matters little, because this time around, he’s armed with ‘And Then There Was…’ his band’s best album to date. Support from Jade Hairpins who mix styles like a teenage partygoer mixes his drinks, they barrel through their set with obvious relish, and leave us wanting Continue Reading