Tuesday, 18 May 2010

MEN Workin' In The Office

London Shoreditch Old Blue Last
May 8th 2010



Norwich indie punks MEN are fast becoming one of my favourite new bands in the UK, with a sound that's pretty fresh and exciting, not to mention brilliantly catchy songs and lyrics about things like the global economic downturn. Did I mention they love Huey Lewis And The News. Great guys. As vocalist/drummer Carl explains, "this song is about working in the office. It's called 'Workin' In The Office'." Perfect.

This song is one of the tracks you can download for free from their MySpace. What are you waiting for?

myspace.com/menoftheuk

SAUNA YOUTH Weird Friction

London Shoreditch Old Blue Last
May 8th 2010



Although it was really weird to be in such a 'trendy' venue for a great gig, the bands were awesome, even if there were too many bobble hats and 'taches around (and I'm just talking about Sauna Youth. Way-oh!!!) Joking aside, these guys are Rich and Lindsay from The Steal (the other half going on to form Pacer), joined by Rezza of The Cut Ups and some dude (sorry!) on bass. Anyway, they're pretty damn awesome live as you can see. This was my first time seeing them and Rich makes the most of not playing an instrument in Sauna Youth by, well, getting involved. Expect the unexpected! Influenced by the likes of the Ramones, the Buzzcocks and Swell Maps, it's an arty garage punk party.

This song is the opening track from the band's first 7", 'Youth', that you can order from the band (see the details on their MySpace).

myspace.com/saunayouth

THIS BUSINESS IS CLOSED Spitting Teeth

London Brixton Windmill
May 6th 2010



This Norwich post-hardcore punk trio may describe themselves as 'grog punk' but they're more interesting than that gives them credit for. Striking some kind of middle ground between two of their influences - Hot Water Music and Fugazi - and with a sound similar to Above Them, this was the first time I saw them and I was impressed. Hopefully they'll be back around this neck of the woods again sometime soon.

'Spitting Teeth' is on the Sea Shepherd Benefit 7", out now on Happy Days. It's a split with three other great bands - Rooftops, Leagues Apart and Sammy's Fatal Mistake (with one song from each). It's for a good cause too so pick up a copy and give it a spin!

myspace.com/thisbusinessisclosed

Tuesday, 11 May 2010

THE DAUNTLESS ELITE 14 Year Hangover

London Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes (Punk N Bowl IV)
May 2nd 2010



It was fantastic to see Leeds' finest back down south and playing a set that mixed early material with brand new, unrecorded songs. I've filmed a new song too so I'll post that in the near future but, for now, here's a rare oldie for you. More cowbell! The Dauntless Elite play the kind of gruff, melodic punk that'll have you singing every word and shredding your voice... while loving every second. I'm really excited for them to record and play more soon. Fingers crossed. A perfect Punk N Bowl band.

I'm not posting any Leatherface videos because of 'the incident' where Frankie Stubbs punched someone and put a bit of a dampener on the day. However, I want to focus on the amazing bands, food, bowling, friends and good times.

Thanks again Greg and Cara! Come to Punk N Bowl 5 in Bristol on Sunday August 15th. I can't wait!

This song is from The Dauntless Elite's amazing 2004 EP 'Security?', a split release through Bombed Out and Plan-It-X. Sadly it's out of print though.

thedauntlesselite.com

SSS Thrash With A Small Moustache

London Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes (Punk N Bowl IV)
May 2nd 2010



While not really keeping with the kind of music I normally cover on Strike A Chord UK, I thought I'd put Liverpool crossover thrashers SSS (it stands for Short Sharp Shock) on here anyway because the song has an awesome name and they didn't hold back. Influenced by the likes of S.O.D., Negative Approach and Suicidal Tendencies, they certainly tore it up at Punk N Bowl and unapologetically, along with Hammers, added a ripping dose of metal-loving to the day. As frontman Foxy stalked the floor and their riffs cut through the air, they gave Punk N Bowl a good thrashing!

This song is taken from the four-piece's latest album, their 2008 second full-length 'The Dividing Line', that you can buy now by emailing them. Check out the email address detailed under the album on their MySpace.

myspace.com/shortsharpshockuk

ABOVE THEM For Those Who Paved The Way

London Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes (Punk N Bowl IV)
May 2nd 2010



Okay, so you probably know the score with Ponty favourites 'Buv 'Um. With driving rhythms and huge anthems (just check out the sing-along to this very tune!), they're one of the most exciting live bands on the UK punk scene at the moment, even with little mistakes at the start of their songs! With a huge riff and emotional vocals, this is a passionate and powerful song. Check out the singing from the crowd on the bridge too. Wow, this was definitely some of the loudest crowd participation at Punk N Bowl! Great band.

This song is the opener from their 2009 debut full-length 'Blueprint For A Better Time', which you can buy on both record and CD from the band's own merch store.

myspace.com/abovethem

HAMMERS Title Track

London Bloomsbury Bowling Lanes (Punk N Bowl IV)
May 2nd 2010



Influenced by the likes of Tragedy, Baroness and Neurosis and taking their name from a song by The Holy Mountain, fans of d-beat, crust and hardcore will enjoy the relentless brutality of this Manchester three-piece. They sure do make one hell of a noise for a trio and you can't help but be impressed. I know Kev was. An impressive force live, they're as unstoppable with recording too, having already put out several cassettes and records and with loads more (including an LP in late 2010/early 2011) planned. They're also heading out to tour mainland Europe in June/July. Bring the noise!

This song is the opening track from their latest release, the one-sided, six-track 12" 'Oregony' (the process of the formation of mountains by the collision of techtonic plates). You can order it from them by clicking on the email link on their MySpace.

myspace.com/hammers625