Dry Cleaning are an English post-punk band who formed in South London in 2017. The band is composed of vocalist Florence Shaw, guitarist Tom Dowse, bassist Lewis Maynard and drummer Nick Buxton. They are noted for their use of spoken word primarily in lieu of sung vocals, as well as their unconventional lyrics.
Sleep Token. Everyone knows their name by now, as they’ve taken the world by storm with their latest songs. The first 5 singles that they dropped in anticipation of the full release of Take Me Back To Eden gave us all a teaser that still left us blindsided by the incredible taste of the main […]
Sleep Token. Everyone knows their name by now, as they’ve taken the world by storm with their latest songs. The first 5 singles that they dropped in anticipation of the full release of Take Me Back To Eden gave us all a teaser that still left us blindsided by the incredible taste of the main course. Before getting into the review, I’ve got to be honest, I re-wrote this at LEAST three times. The third time restarting being because I got to experience Sleep Token at Aftershock 2023 from the front bar. Their set was incredible and to experience 5 out of the 12 songs from Take Me Back To Eden was easily something I’m never going to forget. I had the absolute pleasure of hearing 2 of my 3 favorite songs on the album and will keep those memories forever. The album is incredible to begin with, but to now have heard some of them live and know that Vessel sounds just as amazing live as he does on track makes it that much better in my opinion.
Getting to the review now, overall, I love this whole album. Cover to cover, this album flows so beautifully and makes me wish I knew how to do production stuff like this personally. They opened the set at Aftershock 2023 with “Chokehold”, which is how the album also starts. Easily one of my favorite songs on the album, musically and lyrically. Having someone in your life that you’re so infatuated with that you can say they’ve got a “chokehold” on you is an incredible, yet unnerving, feeling. I’m sure some can listen and relate to the song on some level, whether it be a passion, person, hobby, place, etc. There’s typically ONE thing most people can say has a hold on their love and affection to this seemingly extreme degree.
“The Summoning” came further in the set at Aftershock, but hit just as hard as it did when it took the world by storm last year. The lyrics of the song still ring true to many and had the entire crowd at Aftershock screaming along to the lyrics. This song’s seductive and sexy vibe makes it a crowd favorite and I don’t see it leaving their setlist for live shows for years to come. “Granite” is the third song up on the album and it brings a different perspective lyrically than a lot of the others. Speaking of a person who chose to take advantage of their loved one and treat them as though they are just another body in their world, and not someone who is supposed to mean the world to them. It’s a song that I fear many can relate to and I can say I, too, have been there.
“Aqua Regia” is a smooth and vibey song that gives the listener a nice buffer between the heavy and intense instrumentals of the previous tracks. The intensity of most of the tracks are greatly appreciated by many, I’m sure, but having these breathers that give us a nice little break from the intense heavy topics, and into a chill and calmer vibe. Then they launch you into “Vore.” One of the heaviest songs on the album for sure. I love to go listen to this song when I need to just sit back and let the music scream for me. It’s got a slightly haunting, yet angry and broken, feel to the vocals and it genuinely seems to help relieve some of my anger when I’ve had a bad experience/interaction in life since it hit the streaming services.
“Ascensionism” is easily my top favorite song on the album. I have loved telling people that it’s been my anthem since the album was released. Not only did the lyrics speak volumes to me, but they more or less describe an individual who desires both redemption and ascension, but at the same time, a longing to escape from reality with a person who understands them, and potentially even one that shares the same dark desires they have. Asking who made them like this to have them feel so “broken” and trying to show they understand who the individual is at their darkest. Inviting them to dance in the darkness they find themselves in together and take to the broken skies with their soulmate, hand in hand. It may be a hopeless romantic outlook on it, but this depiction is a large part of why I love it and it’s been my anthem since it hit our ears when the rest of the album dropped on May 19th.
“Are You Really Okay?” I’m sure had thousands of people bawling their eyes out and eating their comfort foods. I know I was at least once since the full album’s release and I will shamelessly admit that. Getting vulnerable, slow, and all around deep into those feelings like they did for this song, really hit home for many of us music lovers. If I really need a good cry, but I can’t quite figure out how to get it all out without waiting around for something to make me cry. I just throw on this song, and by the time he says the title for the first time, I’m bawling. 10/10 recommend if you need a good cry or just a wholesome song to listen to.
“The Apparition” is about two-thirds through the album and I love the low-key aspect of it, giving us a two out of three song breather from the heavy and intense instrumentals. It’s got some good higher notes that have beautiful orchestral music behind it and is a perfect segway into the next song, “DYWYTLM” (Do You Wish That You Loved Me). The low-key sound of “The Apparition” flows into “DYWTYLM” with such ease and keeps that slow and less intense instrumentals while bringing the lyrics back to a bit more of a relatable feel. There is one line in this song that resonates with me, though. At the 3:14 mark there’s a line where he sings “But I cannot hope to give you what I cannot give myself.” That line alone had me replaying the song a few times and really sitting with it and wondering how many people heard it and did the same. It’s a powerful reflection to have two-thirds of the way through the song, if you ask me.
Moving on to my last favorite song of the album, “Rain.” This song is about finding your soulmate and having their touch wash away all your problems, getting hurt by them was something you could deal with because they’ve got their hooks in you. Knowing it’s a two-person game and wanting to give what they’ll take and take what they’ll give. Having this feeling that you’ve come together for a reason and seeing them in your future has to be a fateful sign of your unification. Acknowledging that it could all just be a part of life’s game, but looking forward, you can swear they’ll be there. I’m in a spot in my life I can confidently say I can relate to the feeling of finding a soulmate, and that feeling was only solidified further getting to experience this song from front bar at the festival.
Now for the title track… “Take Me Back To Eden” was such a rollercoaster of a song. Genre-wise and lyrically. I love the analogies and the cryptic messages that seemed to be sprinkled throughout it. The song seems to be about wanting to go back to the start when life wasn’t confusing. Losing yourself and not knowing where you’re going can be disorienting and will absolutely send many into feeling like if they could just go back to the start of a situation or experience, then all would be fixed. It’s such an incredibly produced song and I’m absolutely impressed with the instrumentals’ seamless transitions throughout the track.
Last, but absolutely not least, “Euclid.” This song was an homage and revisit to a previous song in a previous album. If you’ve been listening to Sleep Token long enough, maybe you’ve heard the song “Night Does Not Belong To God” from Sundowning. This song has a very deep and heavy meaning behind it. This struggle with his relationship with Sleep and wanting its eternal embrace, but also having that person that he doesn’t want to leave. The back and forth in his head in accepting eternal sleep or pushing forward to continue on. Finding the beauty in the darkness and he’s handed over the darkness to his love to survive. At least, that’s my interpretation of it.
Overall, this whole album was a banger and I absolutely loved that they wrapped it up with a song that references another previous album/song. I’m not sure I’ve known a whole lot of artists to do that and it’s refreshing to hear something uncommon. Their multitude of genres and the seamless transitions into each style is mind-boggling and I am constantly recommending Sleep Token to anyone who will give them a chance.
You can stream Take Me Back To Eden on all streaming services as of May 19th!!
Reporting by Dying Scene Staff Members, MerGold, Jay Stone, Rae, and Nasty Nate Dying Scene staffers are fans of “The Beautiful Game,” and we are not alone. Some of your favorite punk musicians from all over the United States and internationally discuss the game they love and what they are looking forward to as World […]
Reporting by Dying Scene Staff Members, MerGold, Jay Stone, Rae, and Nasty Nate
Dying Scene staffers are fans of “The Beautiful Game,” and we are not alone. Some of your favorite punk musicians from all over the United States and internationally discuss the game they love and what they are looking forward to as World Cup 2022 kicks in to action in Doha, Qatar. The selection of Qatar as the host nation the subject of FIFA itself, has been rife with controversy from the get-go. Some of the musicians don’t mince words about these issues. Indeed, many of us are also torn over the question of whether to watch the World Cup or not in light of the deserved criticisms. That’s for each of us to decide as individuals. However, in response to our questions about the World Cup and the sport in general, here are the answers from the participating musicians. Also, for newbies to the sport or those needing a refresher course here is a guide from The Athletic for World Cup 2022 viewing.
Jake Burns of Stiff Little Fingers is a living legend. Burns, now living in Chicago, is unafraid to be blunt when expressing his views, whether in song or any other form. Here, he tackles the elephant in the stadium straight on.
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
JB: “Nothing. Seriously. I cannot ever remember NOT caring about the World Cup since I was transfixed by the great Brazil team of 1970. I was 12 years old and marvelled at the mercurial Jairzinho, the only player to score in every round. The selection of venues for the last two World Cups stinks to high heaven. (See the great Netflix documentary “FIFA Uncovered”.) However, there was some footballing merit on the tournament being awarded to Russia last time around. This time, there is none. To move the tournament from its usual summer schedule to the winter just to facilitate it being played in the desert is only one reason to ignore this travesty, perhaps the least salient reason in fact.”
DS: Which team(s) are you rooting for and which teams do you think are going to be there are the end fighting for the trophy and will win that trophy?
JB: “I spent the longest period of my life living in England and, obviously I’m most familiar with those players so, insomuch as I will be rooting for anyone, that’s who I will be pulling for. It’s also great to see Wales there after a huge absence. As a fairly recently minted American citizen, I also hope the U.S. do well. As to who will win it? Brazil. Not a particularly brave call on my part, but I think the temperatures will suit them more than any of the European teams. And, IF they play to their full potential, I honestly think England can make it all the way to the final.”
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s))/player(s) in the English Premiere League, United States Major League Soccer or any other leagues around the world?
JB: “Newcastle United. A team that for decades was mired in unfulfilled potential. As a one club city, Newcastle has long been one of the many “sleeping giants” of English football. A recent takeover by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund, for which read “Saudi Arabia” (honestly that “PIF” stuff is fooling no-one), has led to renewed investment both in staff and facilities that might, finally, see the Toon realize their vast potential…albeit at the cost of a considerable part of their soul.”
DS: How did you become a fan of the team if not from the area?
JB: “I lived in Newcastle for about sixteen years. As I said, it’s a one club city and if you don’t follow the Toon, then you don’t talk to anyone, at all, about anything!”
DS: Did you ever play football/soccer yourself?
JB: “Every kid in Britain or Ireland at one point fancied themselves a footballer, but as my eyesight was rubbish from an early age, I always sucked at it. So, no.”
Mike Park (past: Deal’s Gone Bad {DGB}; Lord Mike’s Dirty Calypsonians; present: The Crombies.) is a die-hard fan of West Ham F.C.
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
MP: “The Qatar thing is sketchy I’m not saying I’m looking forward to drama but there’s gonna be drama. I’m ACTUALLY looking forward to seeing the US back in the mix. The collapse in qualifying last time was brutal.”
DS: Which teams do you think are going to be there are the end fighting for the trophy and will win that trophy?
MP: “I want interesting things to happen, go underdogs! Often the further in your go the more boring and predictable the teams get. An Argentina Spain style final would be lame. Snore…“
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s))/player(s) in the English Premiere League, United States Major League Soccer or any other leagues around the world? How did you become a fan of the team if not from the area?
MP: “I’m a Declan Rice, West Ham guy. I definitely got into West Ham via the punk scene. I got to see them at Upton Park years ago when they were down v Rotherham. I think West Ham’s biggest name that year was Marlon Harewood so I can say “I saw Marlon Harewood live!” Lol
The Chicago Fire once had a THRIVING supporters scene that was heavily influenced by the punk rocks. Years of failure and overt front office hostility eventually chased it away. It still exists but isn’t welcome anymore by the organization.“
DS: Did you ever play football/soccer yourself?
MP: I grew up in a blue collar suburb of LA in the 70s and soccer wasn’t really available to us, you had to move to a fancier neighborhood for that, it was all baseball and football near me. I did play bar league for the Delilah’s team for a couple years back in the early 2000s. It was hilarious, a bunch of hungover punk rock types up against folks who had played in college, were fit and hydrated. We had the most tattoos of any other team and eventually even won a couple games.“
DS: Favorite Football related punk songs?
MP: “Obviously my favorite punk soccer song is the Chicago Fire goal song Deal’s Gone Bad recorded back in 2002. They used it for like 15 years and it was always a trip to hear myself on ESPN.
In all seriousness I think my fave punk soccer song isn’t really explicitly about soccer but it captures the spirit of the whole scene and the vibe that makes it so exciting – “If the Kids are United” by Sham 69.”
Vee Sonnets presently performs with Park in the Crombies and formerly with him in DGB. He also leads The Sonnets.
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
VS: “All of it.“
DS: Which team(s) are you rooting for and which teams do you think are going to be there are the end fighting for the trophy and will win that trophy?
VS: “I’m rooting for my team Ecuador but it’s looking like Qatar is gonna run away with it.” [DS note: Ecuador beat Qatar in the opening match of the 2022 World Cup]
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s))/player(s) in the English Premiere League, United States Major League Soccer or any other leagues around the world?
VS: “Tough one but I am rooting for [Lionel Messi. He deserves to win one.
DS: How did you become a fan of the team if not from the area?
VS: “Nationality.“
DS: Did you ever play football/soccer yourself?
VS: “Yes. H.S. and pick up games throughout my life.”
DS: Favorite Football related punk songs?
VS: “Kick in the Eye.”
Jordan Salazar of Vultures United is such an Association Football fan he has favorite clubs from almost all of the most prominent leagues around the globe.
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
JS: “Just the whole thing. It’s like a month-long gift”
DS: Which teams do you think are going to be there at the end fighting for the trophy?
JS: “Rooting for Mexico then Portugal then the US. Fighting at the end? Argentina, Brazil and France.”
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s)/player(s) in the English Premier League, Major League Soccer, or any other leagues around the world?
JS: “English Premier League = Manchester United / MLS = LAFC / La Liga = Real Madrid / Ligue 1 = PSG / Liga MX = Chivas / Serie A = Juventus and Roma“
DS: How did you become a fan of the team if not from that area?
JS: “For Manchester United, it was all Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez. He came up in Mexico and played for Chivas, who are from the town my Dad and uncles grew up in. So Chivas and Mexican International Soccer was the first sports teams I was exposed to as a kid and just never stopped following them from then on. Oddly enough, out of all teams mentioned, Manchester United is definitely the team I care and pay attention to (and suffer with) the most.”
DS: Did you ever play football/soccer yourself?
JS: “I play 1 to 2 times a week
with an adult league team or pick-up soccer with friends (our pick-up
group has been doing it for 15 years!)”
“I’m part of an adult club team still called Green Valley Football Club.”
Singer-Songwriter Sam Russo is as hardcore soccer supporter so he’ll be keeping his eyes on the matches. Russo will also be on the lookout for commentary by his Red Scare Industries boss Tobias Jeg.
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
SR: “The thing I’m looking forward to most about the World Cup is watching England win the World Cup. Also, Jeg on Twitter defending the refs.”
DS: Which team(s) are you rooting for and which teams do you think are going to be there are the end fighting for the trophy and will win that trophy?
SR: “I’m rooting for England, and I’m pretty sure Germany will be hanging in there at the end as usual. I follow all the Italy games because my family is Italian, and I always root for Mexico, too.” [DS note: for the second consecutive time Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup.]
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s)/player(s) in the English Premiere League, United States Major League Soccer or any other leagues around the world?
SR: “I support Ipswich Town – the Tractor Boys. My favourite player in the Premier League is a guy called Robin Koch. Great punk name.”
DS: How did you become a fan of the team if not from that area?
SR: “I became a Tractor Boy when I was a kid because Ipswich were the only team we could afford to go watch play. Me, my brothers and my Dad used to go to every home game. We had awesome seats because nobody went. It was great!”
DS: Did you ever play football/soccer yourself?
SR: “I play 5-a-side with a group I’ve been playing with for over ten years! It’s the highlight of my week and I love those bellends.“
DS: Favorite Football related punk songs?
SR: “Olé by the Bouncing Souls, and Three Lions by Baddiel, Skinner, and The Lightning Seeds.“
Sam Russo says about the photo he included with his answers:
“Yeah! This is me and my team from an 11-a-side match before the pandemic – WE ARE THE SMSC! On yer touch! Shoutout to the excellent humans I play with, they always support my music and we have a bloody good time on a Friday!”
Ryan Packer of Slapshot, is a massive Chelsea F.C. supporter (as are my cousins; I am a long-time supporter of the current EPL-leading Arsenal FC.). So naturally, he, along with Jake Burns, was one of the first people I solicited for this piece. I recalled the photo I shot of him in his Chelsea kit as he worked producing a Boston punk rock weekend several years ago.
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
RP: “I would obviously like to see the US make a round or two. That’s all we can hope for with that squad.”
DS: Which team(s) are you rooting for and which teams do you think are going to be there are the end fighting for the trophy and will win that trophy?
RP: “The last two cups I was lucky enough to be in Europe. I have some great memories of Belgium advancing. Maybe they can put a couple of wins together.”
[on what is one of the best aspects of the World Cup] “That’s what’s great about the tournament it can go a million different ways.”
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s)/player(s) in the English Premiere League, United States Major League Soccer or any other leagues around the world?
RP: “Premier league I’m a Chelsea FC supporter. I have to support the hometown team so I also back the [New England] Revolution.”
DS: How did you become a fan of the team if not from that area?
RP: “I became a Chelsea fan by going to a local bar that a lot of supporters hung out at Saturday mornings so I became a fan.”
DS: Favorite Football related punk songs?
RP: ‘“War On The Terraces” by The Cockney Rejects is definitely a stand out.”
For Felipe Patino, from SACK, disappointment struck during the Qualifiers. His native Peru’s national team did not qualify for the World Cup. Still, he will be cheering on one team in particular.
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
FP: “Argentina winning.“
DS: Which team(s) are you rooting for? Which teams do you think are going to be there are the end fighting for the trophy?
FP: “Rooting for Argentina and France.”
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s)/player(s) in the English Premier League, Major League Soccer or any other leagues around the world?
FP: Haaland, Martinelli, and Luis Diaz for the Premier League. Flores and Gallese for the MLS. Messi and Ramos for L1. Advincula for Primera Division.
DS: How did you become a fan of the team if not from that area?
FP: “Just by enjoying the talent and appreciating the sport.”
DS: Did you ever play football/soccer yourself?
FP: “Yes, still do occasionally.”
DS: Favorite Football related punk songs?
FP: Domingos by Dos Minutos.
Pedro Aida, of Fire Sale, does not have a particular bar or spot on his couch from where he’ll be watching the matches. But he still plans to watch as many as he can.
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
PA: “I’ll be on tour in Europe for most of it with The Iron Roses and I’m looking forward to the experience of watching some of those matches in that environment. All but one of the countries we’re performing in is in the World Cup. Additionally we have some time off so I’ll be in Paris for the semis and London for the final. It would be a dream if France or England were in those matches.”
DS: Which team(s) are you rooting for? Which teams do you think are going to be there are the end fighting for the trophy?
PA: “Since my home country of Peru missed out in the playoff I’ll be pulling for the Yanks. My final four bracket is Argentina, Germany, France, and Croatia with Argentina winning the cup.“
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s))/player(s) in the English Premier League, Major League Soccer or any other leagues around the world?
PA: “Fulham FC from the Prem. Tim Ream is my guy, excellent defender and will be holding down the backline in Qatar for the US. I’ve forgiven him for being a former [NY] Red Bull (barf).”
“The team I’ve been watching and supporting since I was a teenager is D.C United (VAMOS UNITED). Grew up watching Ben Olsen play and then coach for DC. Named my first born Olsen.”
“My local home team is The Richmond Kickers in USL League 1. My guy Emiliano Terzaghi, an Argentinian striker, just took his 3rd League MVP in a row. #UpTheRoos!”
DS: How did you become a fan of the team if not from that area?
PA: “I’ve been a casual Fulham supporter for about 20 years since they brought in Brian McBride and are known for bringing in Americans well before it was common to see Yanks in European football.“
DS: Did you ever play football/soccer yourself?
PA: “Played as a kid and through high school (rec). Didn’t really play regularly throughout my 20’s. In my 30’s I dove back into it pretty seriously in adult rec leagues here in Richmond. I’ve been taking it easy this past year with touring and stuff ramping up, I can’t risk getting injured.”
DS: Favorite Football related punk songs?
PA: “Not so punk but it’s Men Without Hats “Pop Goes The World”. I could say something by Cockney Rejects or The Business but they don’t represent any of my clubs.”
Dying Scene’s Nate Kernell has curated a special playlist for the World Cup. Check it out here and let us know what tunes should be added! Also, stay tuned for more installments of (World) Cup The Punx!
We’ve made it to the knockout round of the 2022 World Cup! So far, there’s been jubilation and disappointment in supporters of various Clubs and a few surprises. Among the highlights: USA followed up draws against the two UK teams, Wales and England, with a win against Iran. Saudi Arabia shockingly beat Argentina; before its […]
We’ve made it to the knockout round of the 2022 World Cup! So far, there’s been jubilation and disappointment in supporters of various Clubs and a few surprises. Among the highlights: USA followed up draws against the two UK teams, Wales and England, with a win against Iran. Saudi Arabia shockingly beat Argentina; before its elimination by the USA, Iran stunned Wales with an extra-time win. THAT goal by Brazil’s Richarlison de Andrade! There were acts of courage by fans and team members; and broken promises by the host nation. Legendary United States Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis (1856-1941) introduced the oft-quoted idea that sunlight is the best disinfectant to counteract negative governance. Hopefully, in the case of the tournament, the eyes of the world that are focused sharply on both the host country and the governing body overseeing the World Cup act as that disinfectant. Punk rock has a long legacy of acting in that same manner whether or not the musicians know of Louis D Brandeis’ and/or his famous words.
Here we present more diehard soccer/futbol fans. Most indicate that they are watching the World Cup with that awareness. One musician understandably chose to boycott. Yet all discuss their love of the beautiful game. Remember, you can read Part One of “(World) Cup The Punx” here and you can check out our World Cup playlist, chock full of all your favorite futbol-related punk anthems, right here!
Part 2 of our World Cup special, as with Part 1, starts with a musician hailing from Northern Ireland. Adam Carroll aka Mad Adam, vocalist and bass player with the band Good Friend, reveals his take on the tournament and which clubs he regularly supports.
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
AC: “I’m looking forward to how The World Cup brings people together. Football is on the tip of everyone’s tongue and even people who usually don’t relate to the sport are supporting a team passionately. And there is always drama!“
Carroll adds:
“That’s what sports supposed to be about, right?”
DS: Which team(s) are you rooting for? Which teams do you think are going to be there at the end fighting for the trophy?
AC: “As there is no R.O.[Republic of] Ireland or N. Ireland and our usual back up of Iceland also didn’t make it this time round, I’m rooting for Argentina. An England v Argentina final and [Lionel] Messi wins the game with a hand of God. That’s how I think it’s all gonna happen.“
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s)/player(s) in the English Premier League, Major League Soccer or any other leagues around the world?
AC: “I support Liverpool (Premier League) and Coleraine FC (Hometown team).“
DS: How did you become a fan of the team if not from that area?
AC: “My older brothers support Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle United and rather than swear allegiance to one I wanted a team of my own. I loved how Liverpool played. They were fast and frantic and anything could happen in front of the Kop.“
DS: Did you ever play football/soccer yourself?
AC: “I did, I was a right winger and played for a few local teams. I once had an unsuccessful trial for Leeds.“
Kyle Bawinkel, bass player for Flatfoot 56, has worn his Chicago Fire scarf around the world. It’s kept him warm from Murmansk, Russia (Arctic Circle) 2013, (photo on right) and back home on the sidelines of the team’s pitch (photo on the left, below, with Part 1 participant, Mike Park of The Crombies.)
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
KB: “It’s hard to not get excited over the first Poland vs Mexico match. growing up in predominant Polish and Mexican neighborhoods. it’s going to be an all out brawl.” [The match ended in a 0-0 draw.]
DS: Which team(s) are you rooting for and which teams do you think are going to be there at the end fighting for the trophy and will win that trophy?
KB: “I’m excited to watch this young USA team and think it’s time for Brazil to hoist.“
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s)/player(s)in the English Premiere League, United States Major League Soccer or any other leagues around the world?
KB: “I’ve always been a Bundesliga watcher so I followed Breman and St Pauli but favorite player has been Schweinsteiger, so I guess you can say the Chicago Fire was watched a lot as well.”
DS: How did you become a fan of the team if not from the area?
KB: “I watched the Chicago Fire growing up because they played down the street and watched a lot of Bundesliga on tour. Our driver was a huge Breman fan so I started following them. My first love of Bundesliga though is St Pauli. I’ve played many of their supporters’ events over the years and obviously what they stand for is 100%.“
DS: Did you ever play football/soccer yourself?
KB: “I only played pickup games growing up. I was never in an organized league.“
DS: Favorite Football related punk songs?
KB: “How can it not be Hardcore Hooligan –The Business?“
Henrike Baliú (Blind Pigs; Armada) will be experiencing the World Cup with his children. The musician is from Brazil, where the National Team has won the World Cup 5 times. That makes the South American nation the winningest in the tournament’s history. Will 2022 earn the Brazilians their 6th title? Baliú shares his thought on that and more with us.
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
HB: “Well, I’m looking forward to Brazil bringing home the World Cup trophy. Not because I care, ‘cause I don’t, but I’d like to see my three sons have this experience. I’ve had it in 1994 and 2002 when football (not soccer, that’s how Yanks call it) was still a big part of my life.“
DS: Which team(s) are you rooting for? Which teams do you think are going to be there at the end fighting for the trophy?
HB: “Brazil, obviously, even though our national team’s shirt has been stolen by neo-fascists here as their uniform. So, I’ll be rooting but you won’t see me wearing the jersey.“
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s)/player(s) in the English Premier League, Major League Soccer or any other leagues around the world?
HB: “I was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. My dad is Flamengo. It’s like a religion that your dad passes on to you.” [The photo to the left is of a young Baliú, in 1982, sporting a Flamengo shirt for his Angell School portrait in Ann Arbor, MI.]
DS: Favorite Football related punk songs?
HB: “1982” by my band, Armada. It’s about the classic match between Brazil and Italy in 1982 in the World Cup in Spain. I watched it on TV. I was 8. Brazil lost and I couldn’t stop crying. It traumatized me so much that I wrote a song about it decades later.”
Aspy Luison of The Real McKenzies is a diehard supporter and player of futbol but not of this year’s World Cup. Whilst some of us believe eyes focused on the tournament hopefully will lead to change, Luison has a different point of view. He, understandably, believes boycotting the game is the way to avoid rewarding those who deserve anything but.
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
AL: “I don’t expect anything at all. I’m not going to watch it and I hope that all of us who love the real football, football with values, please do the same and turn off the fucking TV.“
“I am not going to support a World Cup that the corrupt and mafia-like FIFA gets richer with their shit modern football. Qatar is a country where human rights are violated, it oppresses the rights of migrant workers, women, people from the LGBTQIA+ collective, in addition to preventing freedom of expression.“
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s)/player(s) in the English Premier League, Major League Soccer or any other leagues around the world?
“My team is Deportivo de A Coruña, but I sympathize with all the anti-fascist and anti-racist teams like Celta Vigo, Athletic Bilbao, St.Pauli Hamburg, Celtic Glasgow…“
DS: Did you ever play football/soccer yourself?
AL: “I have been playing football all my life, until I was 16 years old I was a defender (centre-back) and then for due to team needs I have changed to goalkeeper until I was 28 years old.“
“Now I am coach of the women’s team of my town of 4ª division.“
DS: Favorite Football related punk songs?
AL: “Right now the only songs that come to mind are: The Adicts – ‘You’ll never Walk Alone‘ [and] Los Fastidios – ‘Antifa Hooligans‘”
John Payne from Heart and Lung is hoping one of the best players in the history of the sport never wins a World Cup.
DS: What are you most looking forward to in the World Cup?
JP: “I cannot wait for the moment that Messi fails to win in his last Cup ever.” [Lionel Messi’s Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia but it did beat Mexico.]
DS: Which team(s) are you rooting for? Which teams do you think are going to be there are the end fighting for the trophy?
JP: “Viva Mexico! They’re at the top of my bracket, but I think Germany, Brazil, and Uruguay are gonna stick around for a while. Then again, I’m nearly always wrong.“
DS: Do you have a favorite team(s)/player(s) in the English Premier League, Major League Soccer or any other leagues around the world?
JP: “I wake up super early on the weekends to root for Tottenham, mostly because of Son Heung-min. Kulusevski is fast becoming a favorite, though.“
DS: How did you become a fan of the team if not from that area?
JP: “My buddy lived in London for a bit, and when he got back he asked if I wanted to get up early to watch matches with him. I said no. He told me I could get drunk at the bar at seven am. I said yes.“
DS: Did you ever play football/soccer yourself?
JP: “I was on the purple team in fourth grade. My parents neglected to tell me about the traveling team in fifth grade because they didn’t wanna drive me anywhere in the morning.“
DS: Favorite Football related punk songs?
JP: “The Real McKenzies ‘Raise the Banner’ is a fun one!“
Here in America we’re still recovering from Thanksgiving and the food comas that ensued. Meanwhile across the pond, London punks Old Chase are releasing a new single. Here at Dying Scene, we’re all about bringing the punk to the people, so we’re stoked to premiere the band’s brand new music video for “Superman Diazepam”. Check it out […]
Here in America we’re still recovering from Thanksgiving and the food comas that ensued. Meanwhile across the pond, London punks Old Chase are releasing a new single. Here at Dying Scene, we’re all about bringing the punk to the people, so we’re stoked to premiere the band’s brand new music video for “Superman Diazepam”. Check it out below!
This track is taken from the band’s upcoming Showtime Split LP with their countrymen The Upshot. The record is coming soon via Cat’s Claw Records (UK), Punk Rock Radar (US), and Fast Decade Records (EU). Stay tuned for more details.
Melodic punk fans, listen up! Nuremberg, Germany’s Melonball will be releasing their debut album Breathe tomorrow, March 31st on Thousand Islands and Lockjaw Records. Your friends at Dying Scene are pleased to bring you this exclusive album premiere a day before it lands on all major streaming platforms. This thing’s fast and furious from front […]
Melodic punk fans, listen up! Nuremberg, Germany’s Melonball will be releasing their debut album Breathe tomorrow, March 31st on Thousand Islands and Lockjaw Records. Your friends at Dying Scene are pleased to bring you this exclusive album premiere a day before it lands on all major streaming platforms. This thing’s fast and furious from front to back; try to keep up!
Don’t just take our word for it: listen for yourself below, and peep the dates on Melonball’s impending European / UK tour while you’re down there. After you’re done doing that, grab Breathe on vinyl or CD (or both!). It’s available here (North America), here (UK), and here (Australia).
Catch Melonball on tour:
23/04/01 – “Breathe” Album release show @ Nuremberg, GER
23/04/02 – “Breathe”-Tour w/ Heathcliff, Drunktank @ Saarbrücken, GER
23/04/03 – “Breathe”-Tour w/ Heathcliff, Drunktank @ Antwerp Belgium
23/04/05 – “Breathe”-Tour w/ Heathcliff @ Brighton, UK
23/04/06 – “Breathe”-Tour w/ Heathcliff @ London, UK
23/04-07-09 – Manchester Punk Fest 23 @ Manchester, UK
23/04/12 – Dankeschatz, Melonball @ Munich, GER
23/04/14 – Melonball, Chris Magerl, The Bloodstrings @ Fürth, GER
23/05/01 – 1st of May Fest @ Regensburg, GER
23/05/15 – showcase @ Nuremberg ClubStereo
23/05/19 – @ Weiden Salute Rock Club
23/05/20 – @ Graz Musichouse
23/06/17 – Balarock Festival @ Bad Laasphe, GER
23/06/30 – Mission Ready Fest @ Giebelstadt, GER
23/08/07 – Der Krater Bebt Festival
23/08/08-11 – Punk Rock Holiday, SLO
London (England, not Canada) punks Modern Shakes have a new record coming soon on Cat’s Claw Records and Punk Rock Radar, and we’re enthused to premiere the music video for their brand new single! “Ask the Dust” is an insanely catchy song with one of the ear-wormiest choruses I’ve heard in a long time. Check […]
London (England, not Canada) punks Modern Shakes have a new record coming soon on Cat’s Claw Records and Punk Rock Radar, and we’re enthused to premiere the music video for their brand new single! “Ask the Dust” is an insanely catchy song with one of the ear-wormiest choruses I’ve heard in a long time. Check it out below and stay tuned for more to come from these guys!
See Modern Shakes play live music at the following dates and locations:
Aug 26 The Ostrich – Peterborough, UK
Sep 03 THE MUSEUM VAULTS – Sunderland, UK
Oct 06 New Cross Inn – New Cross, UK
In case you haven’t already heard, London (England, not Ontario) punks Old Chase have a new record coming out later this year on Cat’s Claw Records and Punk Rock Radar. To tide you over, we’re premiering the video for their brand new single “Until the Bitter End”. Check it out below! And stay tuned for […]
In case you haven’t already heard, London (England, not Ontario) punks Old Chase have a new record coming out later this year on Cat’s Claw Records and Punk Rock Radar. To tide you over, we’re premiering the video for their brand new single “Until the Bitter End”. Check it out below! And stay tuned for more to come on the band’s upcoming Showtime Split LP, also featuring their countrymen The Upshot.
London punks Modern Shakes are releasing their debut album A Bolt from the Blue on May 24th, and today we’re stoked to be premiering the brand new single “Watch it Flicker”. Check out the music video below! “This song is about diving into a 17 year old flame that was rekindled on the brink of human […]
London punks Modern Shakes are releasing their debut album A Bolt from the Blue on May 24th, and today we’re stoked to be premiering the brand new single “Watch it Flicker”. Check out the music video below!
“This song is about diving into a 17 year old flame that was rekindled on the brink of human existence. Assume we only get one chance at this life. Fear not of the heartache, and pain that we must carry to make it to the end. Keep on shining, don’t be afraid to flicker.” -Philosophical musings from Modern Shakes on their new single “Watch it Flicker”
A Bolt from the Blue is being co-released by these fine labels: Punk Rock Radar and Double Helix are bringing it to the US, Disconnect Disconnect and Cat’s Claw Records are holding it down in the UK, and Fond of Life and Keep it a Secret Records have you covered in Europe. So no matter where you are in the world, you can – and should – buy this record!
This premiere is brought to you in part by Punk Rock Radar. If you’d like your band’s music video to be premiered by Dying Scene and Punk Rock Radar, go here and follow these instructions. You’ll be on your way to previously unimagined levels of fame and fortune in no time!
Day 2 of Riot Fest 2022 took place on September 17th. The temperatures rose and because it was a Saturday, so did the crowd size. It was a day of both music and expressions of solidarity with one nation under attack. Red Scare Industries’ No Trigger was assigned to the smallest music stage in the […]
Day 2 of Riot Fest 2022 took place on September 17th. The temperatures rose and because it was a Saturday, so did the crowd size. It was a day of both music and expressions of solidarity with one nation under attack.
Red Scare Industries’ No Trigger was assigned to the smallest music stage in the park, the Rebels stage. However, that did not stop the boys from Boston from giving a powerful performance, including the tunes “Antifantasy,” “Holy Punks,” “No Tattoos,” and “Neon National Park.” There is little doubt in my mind, or at least lots of reason to hope, that No Trigger will be promoted to a larger stage at its next Riot Fest appearance. I’m not much of a gambler but I’ll take the bet that they will indeed be back at the festival, and sooner than later.
Fans of Bully were fortunate to not only see one of their favorites treat them to a fantastic set, but they did so from the Radicals Stage. That stage provided the most shade and the coolest setting on an otherwise boiler of a day. Rolling through “Trash,” ”Where to Start, ”Stuck in Your Head, ”Kills to Be Resistant, ”Milkman,” “Hate and Control,” “Lightsabre Cocksucking Blues” Bully gave the crowd what it was looking forward to and needed.
A formidable amount of joy was felt as The Joy Formidable took over the Roots stage. That line might be of questionable quality, however, the performance by the pride and the Formidable Joy of Mold, Flintshare, Wales (ok, I’ll stop now) was quite palpable. The band, presently based in London, and composed of Rhiannon “Ritzy” Bryan, Rhydian Dafydd Davies, and Matthew James Thomas performed solidly a set that included “The Greatest Light Is the Greatest Shade,” “Y Bluen Eira,” “Sevier,” “CSTS (Come See the Show),” and “Whirring.”
The Get Up Kids were one of the 2022 Riot Fest bands doing an “album play” set. The album in this case was its classic Four Minute Mile on its 25th Anniversary. Though not dedicated to running legend Roger Bannister, as the title might suggest to near-lifelong runners (such as myself), it does feature track runners on the cover. More importantly, the band’s debut studio album transformed the members of the group into stars of the emo punk sub-genre. For attendees who became fans at the album’s first release and those just discovering its music, it was great to hear the full track listing, including, “Stay Gold Ponyboy,” “Lowercase West Thomas,” “Washington Square Park,” “Michelle With One “L”,” and “I’m a Loner Dottie, a Rebel.”
7Seconds announced their retirement in 2018, citing health issues as the primary reason. For that reason, the band appearing at Riot Fest this year was especially compelling. The band returned to touring earlier this year as support for Circle Jerks, alongside Negative Approach. Sammy Siegler sat in the drum chair in place of Troy Mowat, whose health issues continue to keep him sidelined. Kevin Second’s voice was strong and the setlist featured many entries from the band’s classic 1984 album The Crew. The album was remastered and reissued in deluxe style by Trust Records in 2021. Among them: “Here’s Your Warning,” “Definite Choice,“ Not Just Boys Fun,” “This Is the Angry,” “Here’s Your Warning,” “Definite Choice,” “Not Just Boys Fun. 7Seconds also played “We’re Gonna Fight,” plus covered “99 Red Balloons” by Nena.
For those who might not know, Alexisonfire is from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada and named after an American porn actress. There was some controversy surrounding that latter fact but let’s move now to its Riot Fest appearance. It was a crowd pleaser, featuring in the setlist “Accidents,” Boiled Frogs,” “Sweet Dreams of Otherness,” “Pulmonary Archery,” and “Drunks, Lovers, Sinners.” For a hot late summer day, near that stage was a pretty cool place to hang.
Yungblud is an excitable boy (a nod to Warren Zevon there) and an exciting performer. Dressed in black dress pant style shorts held up by a single suspender over a long sleeve black and white striped shirt added up to him looking a bit like a post-modern day Pinocchio sans the pointy cap. Yungblud’s infectious charm was obvious, as he bounced across the stage almost nonstop through “The Funeral,” “superdeadfriends,” “parents,” “Tissues,” “I Love You, Will You Marry Me,” among others. His set ended with a show of support for the Ukrainian activists at the festival as the English rising star brought a group of them onstage. The Ukrainian flag being held high by said activists demonstrated again the solidarity for the war-torn nation on display at Riot Fest 2022.
Bad Religion is yet another of what I call FORFs — Friend of Riot Fest. As in, the band is a regular part of the festival’s lineups over the years. This should continue ad infinitum. They are a brilliant group every bit deserving of the word legend which has long been attached to them and the innumerable tattoo tributes across the globe. One crowd member expressed their love with the BR symbol shaved into and painted onto his skull. Meeting Greg Graffin for the first time, in the media tent, he exuded humility and kindness. Graffin: “Hi I’m Greg.” Me, in an attempt to be professional and not fan girl the PhD Punk icon from one my top 5 bands: “Thanks, I gotta go shoot 7Seconds now.” Yes, I’m a dork. But I’d hazard a guess Graffin was ok with that awkward bailing out. Back to their performance though. When the music kicked in Graffin, Jay Bentley, Brian Baker, Mike Dimkich, and Jamie Miller got straight to the point with “Recipe for Hate.” That was followed by “New Dark Ages” and “Fuck You.” With so many classics over the decades of its existence, the band couldn’t possibly hit all of them. However, it did a pretty good damn job of getting in a lot of them. Among those they drove through were “Dept. of False Hope, “We’re Only Gonna Die,” “Suffer,” and “21st Century (Digital Boy),” They concluded the set with “Fuck Armageddon… This Is Hell,” “Sorrow,” and my personal favorite, “American Jesus.” Whew and Wow. That about sums up Bad Religion in general and its Riot Fest performance in particular.
Gogol Bordello returned to Riot Fest as a replacement for Bauhaus which had to cancel its American tour due to lead singer Peter Murphy entering rehab. The Gypsy Punks released their latest album, Solidaritine, just one day before its set at Douglass Park. It appeared clear a priority for the band was to continue increasing and solidifying support for Ukraine and its efforts to fight back against Russian Vladimir Putin, his government, and the Russian military (Putin, of course, directed the military invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022). Earlier in the day, Eugene Hutz, the Boyarka native singer of Gogol Bordello, participated in a moving tribute to his homeland in a performance alongside a Ukrainian dance troupe. The full band known for its rousing performances did not disappoint as they ran through “Immigrant Punk,” “Wanderlust King,” ”My Companjera,” “Immigraniada (We Comin’ Rougher),” “Think Locally, Fuck Globally,” and “Mishto!”
Yellowcard was one of the three Saturday Night headliners. The band performed in full, its fourth album, also its major label debut, 2003’s Ocean Avenue. “Way Away,” released as the album’s first single, and credited as Yellowcard’s injection into the realm of mainstream popularity, started off the set. Title tune “Ocean Avenue,” was followed by ”Empty Apartment,” and “Life of a Salesman.” The rest of the album including “Miles Apart,” “Twentythree,” “View From Heaven,” “One Year, Six Months,” “Back Home” took diehard Yellowcard fans on a nostalgia trip. But what a trip!
See more Riot Fest 2022 day 2 photos below!