Wednesday 30 September 2009

THE ARTERIES Mutual Friends

Brixton Windmill
September 29th 2009



One of the most impressive live punk bands in the UK, the Swansea boys have done it again with this infectious and melodic, yet punchy, sing-along. Touring like crazy, make sure you catch them any chance you get and prepare to be blown away!

This song is also taken from the split 7" with The Cut Ups, featuring three songs from The Cut Ups and two from The Arteries. It's green vinyl and comes with a download code. Nice. The record is out this Sunday (Oct. 4th) on their own new label S.W.F.U! They're playing a matinee release show on Sunday in Swansea which is sure to be insane.

myspace.com/thearteries

THE CUT UPS Torches

Brixton Windmill
September 29th 2009



Another belter from Exeter's The Cut Ups. This song is about "how punk can sometimes mean just records and CDs but sometimes it can be something that changes the world". I think that's roughly what Jon said before the song. Playing with passion and honesty as always, this anthem is sure to become another fan favourite. I hope they come back soon.

This song is taken from their split 7" with The Arteries, featuring three songs from The Cut Ups and two from The Arteries. It's green vinyl and comes with a download code. Nice. The record is out this Sunday (Oct. 4th) on S.W.F.U! They're playing a matinee release show on Sunday in Swansea which is sure to be insane.

I've been reading great interviews with UK punk bands like The Cut Ups and Cutting Class at themediocremessage.wordpress.com Check it out for interviews (not just UK), album reviews and news.

myspace.com/thecutupsfromexeter

Sunday 27 September 2009

SERF COMBAT Hand Cast In Music

Kingston Fighting Cocks
September 24th 2009



It was only the one band for Steve's leaving show (Kingston gigs won't be the same!) but thankfully it was Serf Combat and fun was had. A great night. Playing for longer than they've ever played (probably), there was plenty of banter and even a Heroic Doses cover. Here's the first of a couple of videos I shot that night and the only one not to contain intense strobe lighting!

This song is taken from their new split tape with Colt Seavers (2 songs from Serf Combat, 3 from Colt Seavers. It comes with a download code too). Message them through MySpace to order a tape or pick up a copy at their next gig.

myspace.com/serfcombat

Tuesday 22 September 2009

OUR TIME DOWN HERE Stolen (feat. The Steal's Mark Pavey)

Kingston The Peel
September 18th 2009



Another new track from the OTDH boys and this upbeat melodic hardcore blast features guest vocals from The Steal's Mark Pavey. Will and Mark's vocal trade offs on the song and on this video, filmed at the last Steal show, show why the Southampton quartet are set to blow your face off. Also, with The Steal calling it a day, Mark's vocals shouldn't go to waste - a new band please!

This song is from the OTDH's debut full-length, 'Live. Love. Let Go.', out October 12th and available to pre-order now from Banquet Records.

Check out three new songs at their MySpace page:
myspace.com/ourtimedownhereuk

ABOVE THEM For Those Who Paved The Way

Brixton Windmill
August 2nd 2009



Another video from the Yorkshire three-piece's show down in the Big Smoke back in August. Plenty of rocking out is done by the guys to this chunky riff and rightly so. Oh and sorry about the bit of another song stuck on the end!

Make sure you catch them with a whole host of other great bands (Duncan Redmonds, The Arteries, Bangers, Brothers, OK Pilot, Calvinball, You Me And The Atom Bomb, Wooderson and Apologies, I Have None) at the Official UK Pre-Fest 8 all-dayer at Dorking's Lincoln Arms Hotel on Saturday October 3rd. Doors are at 3pm and it's just a fiver in. It's going to be a lot of Fest related FUN.

This song is the opener (and download single, out now) from their awesome debut album 'Blueprint For A Better Time', out September 28th (but available to pre-order now) on Inhaler.

myspace.com/abovethem

Saturday 19 September 2009

THE STEAL Little Dip

Kingston The Peel
September 18th 2009



Here's the only other video I filmed before deciding to party like crazy instead. I couldn't help it, sorry. If you look in the foreground you can see Dan Yemin in the dark grey hoodie loving every second. Brilliant.

This song is from their amazing self-titled debut album, out now on Banquet.

myspace.com/thesteal

THE STEAL No Control

Kingston The Peel
September 18th



Stick a fork in it, hardcore's done! Only joking but this was Kingston/London/Brighton melodic hardcore heroes The Steal's final ever show, having announced it to be so only a couple of day ago, and it went off accordingly. Mark is reading from the londonpaper at the start, which was sharing the event with their final issue, before he, Rich, Dave and Lindsay explode into this ripping opener and send the place crazy! Plenty of stagediving happens. Nice.

I've only got a couple of videos (another one very soon) because I thought 'fuck it, I'm getting involved' and I'm glad I did. Stagediving for the first time in years (really badly!) and being the base (as always) of a human pyramid as The Steal played what was one of the best gigs I have ever seen was amazing. Incredible.

This song is from their amazing second album 'Bright Grey', out now on Banquet.

myspace.com/thesteal

The Steal RIP. Thanks so much guys. Keep moving forward...

Friday 18 September 2009

THE SHITTY LIMITS Here Are The Limits

Guildford The GYC
September 17th



With these garage punk favourites playing a hometown show you know you're always going to get an energetic and passionate performance. Louis is one hell of a frontman too. Featuring former members of Crash The Pose, The Left Behinds and TV Party, these guys are the best garage punk band in the UK. I missed the start of this song (blink and you'll miss a Limits song!) but you get the idea. Ignore Steve's neck too. With a string of 7"s and a recently released full length to their name, you need the Limits to appear in your life!

This song is from the 'Here Are The Limits' 7", out now on Static Shock/Sorry State Records. You can download this and their other releases for free on their blog.

myspace.com/theshittylimits

Wednesday 16 September 2009

THE ARTERIES Remember This

Brixton Windmill
July 7th 2009



Another infectious anthem from Swansea's finest. This is one of my favourites and that guitar solo kills it. They've just got back from a European tour and are playing Fest and have a load of UK shows lined up before heading to Florida for the Fest. Always amazing live, catch one of their shows and sing along. For those about to rock...

This track is from their debut full-length 'Blood, Sweat And Beers', out now on Household Name.

myspace.com/thearteries

Tuesday 15 September 2009

CHILLERTON True Dudes

Kingston The Peel (K Fest 2)
May 31st 2009



I've finally got around to finding out what this song is called (thanks Bailey!) so here it is. Despite the guy in the bobble hat, it's always great to see Jack, Bailey and Greg play. Featuring former members of Jets Vs Sharks (amongst others), check out this Portsmouth/Isle Of Wight/Cambridge trio's 'Bleak Unison' debut album, especially if you love Jawbreaker and Small Brown Bike.

This video is pure K Fest 2 chaos, with inflatables flying everywhere and the grass skirt landing on Craig's head at the end with perfect timing! True dudes all round.

This song is from Chillerton's upcoming 7" on Kiss Of Death.

myspace.com/baileygregandjack

BREAK THE HABIT Driving Home

Kingston Fighting Cocks
August 11th 2009



Another video of the Break The Habit guys and this captures the Brighton quartet on their tour with Spraynard. That's who Jay is pointing and looking at early in the song. Bros! Showing a different, slower side to their sound, BTH are becoming a really great band.

This song is from their upcoming split 7" with tour buddies Spraynard, out in late October.

myspace.com/wearebreakthehabit

Sunday 13 September 2009

BANGERS Most Wanted Men

Kingston Fighting Cocks
June 21st 2009



This new song from the awesome Falmouth trio is another infectious anthem. One of the most exciting new punk bands on the UK scene, Roo, Andrew and Hamish have another incredible song to add to the Bangers arsenal. Sing it loud!

This song is from the upcoming four-way split 7" 'Brits Abroad', featuring a track each from The Arteries, OK Pilot, Brothers and Bangers, out in late October (in time for The Fest in Gainesville, FL which the bands are all heading over to play, hence the 7") on Specialist Subject Records.

myspace.com/bangersbangers

ROOFTOPS Untitled

Brixton Windmill
September 3rd 2009



This is the last song of their first (proper) gig and, according to Greg before they start, his "personal favourite" so far. Only just starting out, their songs don't have titles yet but it shows why their raw post-hardcore punk shows promise. Featuring former and current members of The Scrape, Beat The Red Light, Fletch Cadillac, TV Party, Visual Offence and PJ & Gaby (phew!), this London quartet already have some gigs lined up so try and catch them live.

There's no tracks on their MySpace yet but find out more and see when their shows are at:
myspace.com/rooftopslondon

THE DAUNTLESS ELITE Ordinary Days (Close But No Seagal)

Kingston Fighting Cocks
September 7th 2009



Another belting sing-along from Dauntless' recent return to Kingston shows why this Leeds four-piece are one of the best punk bands in the UK in my opinion. Sorry that Lee is lurking in the shadows, but that's what he gets for forgetting the first line! Dual vocals (that actually sound different to each other) are always amazing.

This song is from the band's debut album 'Graft', out now on Bombed Out (UK) and Plan-It-X (USA)

You're best off catching them live as they have a website but don't often update it. Check it out anyway.

thedauntlesselite.com

THE DAUNTLESS ELITE It Takes A Ship To Sail

Kingston Fighting Cocks
September 7th 2009



This was the opener from Dauntless' amazing return to the Cocks. The "awwww!" you hear at the beginning is the response to Joe saying something like, "I really like playing Kingston because it feels like coming home". I've sailed my last ship, now I'm coming home! The Leeds four-piece are one of my favourite UK punk bands and this melodic sing-along is a great example of why. Sorry if the camerawork gives you motion sickness.

This song is from the band's debut album 'Graft', out now on Bombed Out (UK) and Plan-It-X (USA)

You're best off catching them live as they have a website but don't often update it. Check it out anyway.

thedauntlesselite.com

Saturday 12 September 2009

OUR TIME DOWN HERE Calendar

Kingston Fighting Cocks
April 30th 2009



The Southampton melodic hardcore boys show progression with this Lifetime-influenced, infectious tune. This was from back in late April but soon I'm sure everyone will know and be singing along to this and their other new songs. This is my personal favourite. It's always fun to see Will leaping around!

This song is from the band's debut full-length, 'Live. Love. Let Go.', out October 12th and available to pre-order now from Banquet Records.

Check out three new songs at their MySpace page:
myspace.com/ourtimedownhereuk

ATTACK! VIPERS! Le Morte Noir

Kingston The Peel
May 21st 2009



Another ferocious song from the mighty Southsea quartet from K Fest 2 back in May. Joe, Ben, Hussey and Mark are going for it as always and show why they're one of the most exciting UK hardcore bands. Great stuff.

This song is from their debut album 'The Mirror And The Destroyer', out now on Rat Patrol Records.

myspace.com/attackvipers

Thursday 10 September 2009

BIG CITY PLAN When The Going Gets Tough The Tough Get Radical

Brixton Windmill
September 3rd 2009



Lewis' grin and entertaining babble gives way to another energetic song in the vein of Leatherface and Gunmoll. I hope these guys release something soon because they're impressive live and their songs on the MySpace page sound great, even without Lewis having a chat.

Check them out at
myspace.com/bigcityplan

CALVINBALL Goodnight Sweet Prince

Brixton Windmill
August 10th 2009



Another song from the Sheffield punks' set last month down in London. Building from a catchy guitar line into a big anthemic finish, this was an amazing closer for their set and I can't wait to see them again now I know it to sing along at the end! Not enough of the mighty 'tache in this video though - it's shown exclusively to the drummer.

The song is from their 'Live Fast, Go To Bed Early' album, which is now apparently sold out. They've got a new 5-track EP, 'Moving Homes And Breaking Bones', on sale soon.

myspace.com/thisiscalvinball

Tuesday 8 September 2009

THE DAUNTLESS ELITE I Am Ninja, My Life Is Lonely And Difficult

Kingston Fighting Cocks
September 7th 2009



It's been far too long since The Dauntless Elite have been down to Kingston so it was a massive sing-along for their whole set. Joe, Lee, Andrew and Steve played another amazing show. Just in case you don't know, this Leeds band features former members of Joe Ninety and Fig.4.0 and are one of the best bands in the UK in my humble opinion. For no reason, here's the final song of the night, with another couple of songs on the way soon.

This song is from the band's debut album 'Graft', out now on Bombed Out (UK) and Plan-It-X (USA)

You're best off catching them live as they have a website but don't often update it. Check it out anyway.

thedauntlesselite.com

Monday 7 September 2009

FASHANU Yoko Ono vs Bob Hoskins... Go!

Kingston Fighting Cocks
September 7th 2009



I was blown away by this young trio from Durham. Describing themselves as "emo-ish pop punk", there's also a life-lovin' party feel to their songs. Hell yeah! If you enjoy dual vocals (if not, why the hell not?!) then Fashanu are for you.

Incidentally, it's John Fashanu's birthday on September 18th so send him a card.

This song is from the band's new 6-track CD 'Science Is Awesome', out now on Discount Horse Records.

They don't have a MySpace but check this song out at:
Myspace.com/discounthorse

THE ARTERIES Major Threat

Brixton Windmill
July 7th 2009



I'm not sure what I enjoy more in this video from back in July - Miles and Jamie headbanging like crazy to such a ripping song or Giles' hug/rugby tackle on Miles! Great stuff.

This track is from the Swansea punks' debut full-length 'Blood, Sweat And Beers', out now on Household Name.

myspace.com/thearteries

Sunday 6 September 2009

ABOVE THEM Keep Smiling

Brixton Windmill
September 3rd 2009



Hailing from Pontefract in West Yorkshire, this three-piece's rocking melodic punk tunes should see them gain plenty of new fans. The girl who screams and her voice breaks - "good scream", as the bassist (name?) points out. I keep smiling (unforgiveable) because Above Them seem to be getting better every time I see them.

This song is from the band's debut full-length 'Blueprint For A Better Time', out September 28th on Inhaler Records. Pre-order your copy now!

myspace.com/abovethem

THE CUT UPS These Bones Were Built On Rice

Kingston Fighting Cocks
May 13th 2009



This video from back in May shows Exeter's The Cut Ups blasting out one of their driving punk songs. It's like a personal serenade to Virgins/ex-NMDS frontman Sam at one point. Tourmates love a plenty.

The song is another from their second full-length 'The High And Mighty', out now on Household Name.

myspace.com/thecutupsfromexeter

MILLOY Less Said

Brixton Windmill
August 2nd 2009



Wakey's finest unleash a welcome surprise here. Jim's laughing at Brigga's constant use of the cowbell that he seemed so pleased to find on the kit. More cowbell! It was great to hear this song live again.

This classic Milloy track is from their debut album 'More Than A Machine', available now from Household Name.

myspace.com/milloy

OUR TIME DOWN HERE Four And Ghost

Kingston Fighting Cocks
April 24th 2009



23 seconds in, Ash's face in the crowd says it all. Southampton's finest bring it with this party hardcore anthem and the energy, big sing-along at the end and Will being made to crowdsurf (good work Sean) are normal sights at OTDH shows.

This track is from their debut EP 'Revelations', out now on Banquet Records.

myspace.com/ourtimedownhereuk

Saturday 5 September 2009

COLT SEAVERS Out Of The Traps

Kingston The Peel (K Fest 2)
May 31st 2009



Another one from K Fest 2 back in May. Great times. Describing themselves as "Black Flag meets Paint It Black mixed with None More Black and a touch of Black Sabbath", it's a pretty good description of the raw, honest and passionate hardcore this new south-east London four-piece unleash. They're getting tighter and more relentless with every show so check them out.

This track is from their self-titled demo, available from their MySpace below. Expect a new release in the near future too.

myspace.com/thecoltseavers

CALVINBALL Nobody Throws Me My Gun And Says Run... Nobody

Brixton Windmill
August 10th 2009



Hailing from Sheffield, Calvinball can write raw, shouty songs that have guitar lines that embed themselves in your brain. Case in point. Sadly the 'tache has gone now though. Boo.

This song is from the band's debut album 'Live Fast, Go To Bed Early', which you can order here. They've got a new 5-track CD out too!

myspace.com/thisiscalvinball

BREAK THE HABIT So What If We Know All Our Audience By Name?

London Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes (Punk N Bowl 2)
May 10th 2009



Just found this video from Punk N Bowl 2 back in May. Brighton's Break The Habit may be quite a new band but they put everything into their live show and love every minute. You probably will too!

This song is from their split 12" with Bangers, out now on This One's For The Crew.

myspace.com/wearebreakthehabit

HIT THE BEACH Stay Between The Flags

Steve's flat, Kingston
June 21st



With covers and some of their own songs played (some of these are still to come once I figure out how to edit down a long video into two to fit on YouTube), Bangers played a couple of old Hit The Beach favourites, after a little persuasion. The tops were off and the dudes were definitely on! Watch Steve crowd surf in his own flat. Good work.

This track is from Hit The Beach's self-titled CD. I don't know if they're still available but check some songs out at:

myspace.com/hitthebeach

THE ARTERIES Three Cats

Steve's flat, Kingston
June 21st 2009



Incredible. That's the only word for an afternoon house show in the middle of summer with The Arteries and Bangers playing my mate Steve's flat in Kingston. Well, maybe 'sweaty' too. Spot yourself if you were there and just enjoy if not. Thanks again Steve! Sorry if the footage is quite shaky, I was standing on the back of a couch. Plenty more from this house show to come.

This belter is from the Swansea punks' debut full-length 'Blood, Sweat And Beers', out now on Household Name.

myspace.com/thearteries

Friday 4 September 2009

ATTACK! VIPERS! Atlantic Hearts

Kingston The Peel (K Fest 2)
May 31st 2009



Hailing from Southsea, the mighty Attack! Vipers! had the beach clobber nailed. Mark's lifejacket, Ben's sailor costume, Joe's Baywatch t-shirt and Hussey's 'FUCK BANGERS' vest are all the more entertaining when matched up with their always savage and atmospheric hardcore. We're going to need a bigger boat...

This track is from their 8-track split CD (4 songs from each band) with Austria's Astpai, out now on We Heart Records.

myspace.com/attackvipers

BANGERS The Hard Way

Kingston The Peel (K Fest 2)
May 31st 2009



Roo put a bit more effort into the beach theme of K Fest 2 than Andrew and Hamish but he ended up looking like the (skinny) Hulk at the seaside in the green lights, hence the laughter at the start as this realisation dawned. Seaside Hulk punk?

Anyway, Bangers are my favourite new band, with their immense raw pop punk anthems. Formerly they were beach-themed hardcore band Hit The Beach and they live in Falmouth, Cornwall. Enough beach talk - great guys, great band.

This live favourite is from their split 12" with Break The Habit, out now on This One's For The Crew Records.

myspace.com/bangersbangers

Thursday 3 September 2009

BIG CITY PLAN Paint The Town Rad

Kingston The Peel (K Fest 2)
May 31st 2009



K Fest returned for its second year of some of the UK's finest punk bands. With former members of Shermer and Redcarpetrobots, Birmingham's Big City Plan may have only formed early this year but this sing-along shows why their Gunmoll-esque sound is more than a little promising.

I don't think this song has been released yet but check out four songs on their MySpace and, in their words, "Get loose, get rad, get gruff!!!"

myspace.com/bigcityplan

Wednesday 2 September 2009

MILLOY Propofol

London Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes (Punk N Bowl 2)
May 10th 2009



Ey up cocks! As anyone who knows me knows, Milloy have been a favourite of mine for years and they never disappoint live. It was another awesome set to round off Punk N Bowl 2 so thanks again to Wakefield's finest. If you know them you probably love them. If you don't but you're a fan of HWM, Samiam and Leatherface, get involved. The banter should seal the deal.

This track is the opener from their second album 'Creating Problems While Practising Solutions', out now on Household Name.

myspace.com/milloy

THE CUT UPS Last Night I Dreamt I Saw Fugazi

London Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes (Punk N Bowl 2)
May 10th 2009



The boys from Exeter sure as hell know how to pen a song that gets the crowd singing and their set was a definite highlight of Punk N Bowl 2. All together now, "we're still here/ but we're not trying!" Amazing fun.

Find this song on their second album, the aptly titled 'The High And Mighty', out now on Household Name Records.

myspace.com/thecutupsfromexeter

THE 255S Booze Hound

London Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes
May 10th 2009



The intricacies of this Northwest punk-infused indie/pop rock trio are lost somewhat on this video but any fans of the Weakerthans, Nathaniel Green or Ted Leo should love 'em.

This song is from debut album 'Broadcasting', out soon on a ROIDH imprint apparently. Can't wait guys.

myspace.com/the255s

KELLY KEMP Song For Solidarity

London Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes (Punk N Bowl 2)
May 10th 2009



The first of several videos I filmed at Punk N Bowl 2 back in May. An all-dayer of acoustic tunes and punk anthems combined with bowling - flawless.

Sorry, I missed the first verse but this infectious punk-influenced folk track from former NoComply singer Kelly Kemp is a belter so I've posted it anyway.

Find this song on her 8-track EP, out now on This One's For The Crew Records.

myspace.com/kellykempmusic

Also, Kelly plays in Portsmouth's acoustic country/folk five-piece Livers And Lungs, alongside members of Chillerton and You, Me And The Atom Bomb.

myspace.com/liversandlungsband

PINK/GLUE We Are Dadaists

Hull The Adelphi
April 12th 2009



Da·da or da·da (dädä)
n.
A European artistic and literary movement (1916-1923) that flouted conventional aesthetic and cultural values by producing works marked by nonsense, travesty, and incongruity.

So that's the title of the track explained if you were curious. This new Hull thrash/garage hardcore punk four-piece are building an arsenal of impressive ragers so expect to hear more from them soon.

Pick up their demo too.

myspace.com/pinkglue666

Tuesday 1 September 2009

KEEPING SCORES Total Annihilation Of The Heart

Kingston Fighting Cocks
April 24th 2009



Are they "on hiatus" or split up? Who knows. But one's thing's for sure, this London melodic hardcore band showed a hell of a lot of promise. One of their later songs that saw them moving away from the Strike Anywhere and Rise Against comparisons to something heavier and more intense, here's hoping there's more to come from KS.

I think this song was unreleased. Sort it out guys!

myspace.com/keepingscores