Dropkick Murphys recently detailed their annual St. Patrick’s Day Tour that sees the band tour the US for a month. They have now added European dates that kick off in Dublin in April – and include the Groezrock Festival. More info on all shows in below.
Dropkick Murphys recently detailed their annual St. Patrick’s Day Tour that sees the band tour the US for a month. They have now added European dates that kick off in Dublin in April – and include the Groezrock Festival.
More info on all shows in below.
German melodic hardcore quintet Empty Handed have released a new track. “Patience” is the first track since the band’s 2015 album “In Between The Goodbyes”. You can have a listen to “Patience” below.
German melodic hardcore quintet Empty Handed have released a new track. “Patience” is the first track since the band’s 2015 album “In Between The Goodbyes”.
You can have a listen to “Patience” below.
Norwich, UK based ska punks Millie Manders and the Shutup have released a video for “Lollipops”, a track from their recently released, EP “Shutup”, which came out back in September. The video follows single “One That Got Away“. Have a watch below.
Norwich, UK based ska punks Millie Manders and the Shutup have released a video for “Lollipops”, a track from their recently released, EP “Shutup”, which came out back in September. The video follows single “One That Got Away“.
Have a watch below.
London, UK punks Drones have released a video for “Anchors”, a track from their album “Exiled”, which came out back in March via Lockjaw Records. Have a watch below.
London, UK punks Drones have released a video for “Anchors”, a track from their album “Exiled”, which came out back in March via Lockjaw Records.
Have a watch below.
The lights dim, the crowd quiets, and a chorus of “Tonight, we’re gonna, fuck shit up! Tonight, we’re gonna, fuck shit up, Tonight, we’re gonna, fuck shit up,” fills the cavernous Warsaw International Polish Home before the demonic despot Jack Terricloth hits the stage with his mischievous gang of rabble-rousers The World/Inferno Friendship Society. It […]
The lights dim, the crowd quiets, and a chorus of “Tonight, we’re gonna, fuck shit up! Tonight, we’re gonna, fuck shit up, Tonight, we’re gonna, fuck shit up,” fills the cavernous Warsaw International Polish Home before the demonic despot Jack Terricloth hits the stage with his mischievous gang of rabble-rousers The World/Inferno Friendship Society.
It doesn’t take them long to break into their perennial opener “Tattoo’s Fade” and with its opening notes the clawed hands of the WIFS faithful reached for the heavens and moved toward their frenetic leader, the Pumpkin King. Their mere appearance on stage is a happening, but when the World/Inferno are on like they were for Hallowmas 21 they are one of the most powerful sonic forces on Earth
Hallowmas is so much more than a Halloween concert, it is a New York City underground tradition as important for its fun factor as it’s cultural significance. 21-years isn’t just a tradition, it’s an (and I apologize to Mr. Terricloth for using this word) an institution. It’s New York City’s officially unofficial punk-rock Halloween party.
Year after year WIFS pulls out all the stops for their flagship show and without fail they top themselves every time. The giant Jack puppet that performed the show’s overture was a fitting and creepy ode to Jack’s 1950’s aesthetic, while the addition of an LED screen and graphics added a more modern flair the often more vintage tones the World/Inferno are known for taking on.
Modernity aside The overall feel of the band remains that of the devil’s lounge act and what better night for them to show out than all hallows eve. The crowd full of familiar faces bounced around the room pushing and shoving and singing along because every World/Inferno show is a sing-along.
Through their extended set WIFS played a mix of the hits and the deep cuts and through the revere “Politics of Passing Out” sticks out as a complete highlight of the evening. As does their classic Halloween closer “Pumpkin Time” which when performed was accompanied by a stilt-walking great pumpkin who mid-song stripped out their orange costume into a bedazzled BDSM outfit.
But Hallowmas is about so much more than what songs World/Inferno played or which band’s open, Crazy and the Brains, and Gallows Bound as it were.
It’s about the fact that every year you know it’s going to happen. It’s about getting out there and mixing it up with the creatures of the night and it’s about throwing a New York City Halloween Party that’s meant for the weirdos.
Astoria, NY’s Amber Lamps have released their second EP On the Lamb, which is a follow up to 2017’s Plaidypuss. The easiest label to use is pop-punk, as there is plenty of it, however it is delivered with a groovy soulful twist that makes this album stand out. On the Lamb opens with “Wanderlust” a […]
Astoria, NY’s Amber Lamps have released their second EP On the Lamb, which is a follow up to 2017’s Plaidypuss. The easiest label to use is pop-punk, as there is plenty of it, however it is delivered with a groovy soulful twist that makes this album stand out.
On the Lamb opens with “Wanderlust” a song that immediately grabs your attention with a hard driving intro that is reminiscent of early punks that started with a pop influence, it would not be a far stretch to see a song like this on a Green Day album. The lyrics “it still makes me happy to come back home” fit perfectly because there are a lot of bands attempting to expand the boundaries of genres and push punk to extreme limits, but it is nice to come back home to a place where punk is fast, emotionally gritty, and infectiously catchy.
This soulful and raucous style of pop-punk is further explored with songs like “Trophy Beer” and “This Just In” but perfectly nailed in the album closer “Hindered Spirits.” A small step back in the tempo opens the song up to a sound that is more akin to Hot Water Music but without the gruff. The comparison continues with more emotionally vulnerable lyrics. “I don’t have a keeper when it’s all said and done, I’m just a hindered spirit on the run. Is this a mistake, if it is, then it’s mine to make as my life goes on and on and on” is an intrinsic look into the nature of relationships. How is the singer hindered? Does the use of “spirit” imply alcohol or the fear that we are doomed to be alone as the obstructive force? Given the way the line is sung and the way “on and on” is repeated, especially in the outro, makes me believe it is the lonely nature of an empty eternity that forces the singers mistakes.
Throughout this album there is some great instrumentation at work, the shiny example of this is “Catastrophe.” Heavy bass and drum lines give it a bluesy vibe that is further accentuated by a very solid guitar solo and makes it a slow dance diversion from the rest of the album. The other deviation from their driving punk sound is the acoustic “Sola Catuli.” The song is an emotional look at the downfall of a relationship and perhaps sets the table for the mistakes and fear of being alone mentioned in “Hindered Spirits”, making it an effusive one-two punch to end the album.
Coming in at around 18 minutes long, the only real complaint is that On the Lamb is too short. It explores a groovy but gritty side of pop-punk that will certainly have you coming back for more.
4.5/5 Stars
It’s official, Teenage Bottlerocket are in the studio recording new music. Here’s proof. Whatever they’re cooking up, it will be the first new music since their “Stealing The Covers” album was released in March, 2017. We’ll keep you posted as more details are announced.
It’s official, Teenage Bottlerocket are in the studio recording new music. Here’s proof.
Whatever they’re cooking up, it will be the first new music since their “Stealing The Covers” album was released in March, 2017.
We’ll keep you posted as more details are announced.
Street punk stalwarts The Casualties have released their eleventh studio album, Written in Blood. This album marks the end of the Jorge Herrera era and introduces David Rodriguez from Starving Wolves as the new voice. Where both of them engage a style of unhinged chaos being pushed to the edge of restraints, David’s vocal delivery […]
Street punk stalwarts The Casualties have released their eleventh studio album, Written in Blood. This album marks the end of the Jorge Herrera era and introduces David Rodriguez from Starving Wolves as the new voice. Where both of them engage a style of unhinged chaos being pushed to the edge of restraints, David’s vocal delivery is less raspy and a little cleaner. The difference is minimal but refreshing and could potentially open the doors to new listeners.
The album opens with the drums of war leading us in a march with blaring sirens in the background. “1312” which stands for A.C.A.B. and is an acronym for All Cops are Bastards, is an open protest of the police and their methods. It encapsulates exactly what to expect moving forward, a fury laid upon frenzied guitar licks and a call to war rhythm.
Next up is “Fucking Hate You” a blitzkrieg of anger because apparently The Casualties fucking hate you. “Ashes of My Enemies” follows with a oi-sounding tune that will imbed itself in your brain with its infectious guitar work and catchy sing-a-long chorus. This style of soaring guitar riffs overlaid with a chant along chorus is widely used on this album, most notably with “Guard Dogs”, the titular “Written in Blood”, and “Ya Basta”which is delivered entirely in Spanish.
There is a distinct fiery pit-opening chaos that permeates this album. From the classic punk rage of “Demolition” to the borderline thrash metal “Feed off Fear” to the state destroying “Smash” there is an urgent need to grab some friends and start a circle pit. However Written in Blood is not pure vitriol as “Lost” showcases a depth of emotion over trying to carry on with the loss of a loved one. Accentuated by some drastic tempo changes, the song delivers this emotion without sacrificing the albums ridiculously high energy.
The album ends as it starts with marching drums sending us off to war with the social injustices being forced upon us. “Fuck your president and Fuck your wall, Fuck your border and Fuck you All” being repeated over and over is the perfect point to end on. A direct unapologetic middle finger that blurs the lines between street punk and hardcore delivered with a fury that is unmistakably The Casualties.
4.5/5 Stars
Keep True (Kansas City) released their brand new EP, “Digging Up Bones”, on November 16th. Checkout two singles off the EP, “Living” and “Deal With It” below.
Keep True (Kansas City) released their brand new EP, “Digging Up Bones”, on November 16th.
Checkout two singles off the EP, “Living” and “Deal With It” below. [Read more…]
Brendan Kelly And The Wandering Birds (side project of Lawrence Arms frontman) are releasing a new album titled “Keep Walking Pal” on Black Friday 11-23 via Red Scare Industries. This album is electric, and upbeat, with an oddly funky pop punk sound instead of the darker tones of his previous one. It’s definitely not your […]
Brendan Kelly And The Wandering Birds (side project of Lawrence Arms frontman) are releasing a new album titled “Keep Walking Pal” on Black Friday 11-23 via Red Scare Industries.
This album is electric, and upbeat, with an oddly funky pop punk sound instead of the darker tones of his previous one. It’s definitely not your normal “solo guy” record.
Check it out below. [Read more…]