Hung Like Jack - She's Not Dead

I'm sitting in a car park, enjoying the late spring evening sunshine after dropping off my dad at a meeting. I was going to while away the next 90 minutes or so ‘til he comes back on Facebook and Twitter but I’ve just remembered about my recent email from John of Darlington based alternative rockers Hung Like Jack.  I know the name of the band and follow them on Twitter but haven't got round to checking out their music yet so now seems as good a time as ever!

First of all can I just say I have come across a lot of musicians who don't consider visual art to be particularly important when it comes to touting their wares to Joe Public. Sorry guys but you're wrong! Upon opening the email, the cover art of Hung Like Jack’s new single ‘She’s Not Dead’ immediately grabbed my attention. I'm a big fan of all things Día de Muertos so their cover, depicting a very pretty and very much alive Catrina complete with floral headdress staring imploringly (or is that actually slightly threateningly?) through a frame ticked all the boxes for me. Great photo and relevant imagery - win!

Now for the song.

I'm going to really have to revise my opinion of myself whereby I think I switch off when a song runs over 3 minutes. She's Not Dead runs for 4.13 and I’m more than happy with that. It kicks off with an 8 second drum intro that instantly has me tapping my fingers on the steering wheel, then the guitars burst in and the party begins! 

This is an energetic, more than foot-tapping  tune, great riffage and plenty of power. Definitely required to be played and enjoyed LOUD. Please note that I can pretty much guarantee you will embarrass yourself by singing along to the infectious tune when you’re on the bus or walking down the street (or sitting in the car waiting for your dad…..) so bear that in mind when you listen to this one!  Lead vocalist John has a great voice and totally belts this song out plus the band really know how to play - great timing and the overall sound of a top band. 

The atmosphere surrounding the song gives me visions of pirates with pistols and damsels – dead or not - in long frilly dresses cavorting in the creepy woods with skeletal trees beside the cemetery that gets mentioned in the chorus. That's probably due to the cover art but I have to go with the story my imagination gives me. Who knows what yours will say to you? Maybe a whole different story. I don't know!

The verdict? I like this. A lot. Let's face it I've just spent the last hour listening to it on repeat and I'm still enjoying it so go and listen immediately!!!

I’m pleased to say that these lads are supporting LoGOz at The Three Tuns at Gateshead on 5 May and I will definitely be there - with bells on!!  It's no secret that LoGOz are one of my  pet bands but coupled with Hung  Like Jack and tripled with All Out Attack who are returning to the scene after a short hiatus, this is is guaranteed to be a rather special night! 

See you there! 

Kickback Generation – Rant

I've seen Kickback Generation a few times over the last couple of years at assorted shows and always enjoyed their live sets. I've also heard a couple of tracks from this album being played on Radio Northumberland which floated my boat so the purchase was made and here's what I think!

From the f-bomb in first few seconds of RANT you can take an educated guess that your granny most likely won’t care for this very appropriately named album. Well, not unless she’s a super-cool granny, that is. For example, my nieces’ granny is in her mid 70s and is a big Rammestein fan - there is a funny story attached but I digress.....

Back to the point. If, however, you like your punk stamped with a big P for Political, then RANT is just the thing to put a smile on your face. To be honest, even if you’ve been turned off by political punk in the past, please don’t let that put you off this album! Kickback Generation have splendid tunes and attitude in equal measures so if you like your punk a bit more tuneful and not just raucously powerful then you’re onto a winner.

I’m going to comment on my 3 favourite tracks from the album and leave the rest up to you. Tell you what though, it was tricky picking the favourites – a bit like when you have a 10p mix-up and you can’t decide between the white mouse and the fizzy cola bottle ‘coz they’re both SO good!!

Ok, here goes:

Track #2 - WHO ARE YOU –   “Check you out on Google  - comes back no identity” is one of those snippets of a song that has taken up residence in my head and I find myself singing randomly at any given time of the day or night. Superb tune with lots more f-bombs that’ll make your granny tut but so what? This is proper music not some rubbish twee pop from the x-factor!!

Track #7 - SHALLOW – I just LOVE this track!! 100% bang up to the moment 21st century social statement. Opening up with a soundbite from Cheryl Tweedy Cole Fernandez-Versini that’s been perfectly snicked from her hair advert days and then diving head first into an extremely beguiling tune which I just know will be sung to you non-stop by your inner voice because it can’t help but nod in agreement to the sentiment. Plastic people indeed. 

Track #8 – 79 – This is an epic 5:53 obituary lamenting the death of heavy industry along the banks of the River Tyne and the heartfelt lyrics make me wonder if this is partly, or even wholly, autobiographical? It's a great song with a smashing riff that bounced round my head for several days after first hearing it and continues to do so.  

(c) Clemmy Scotswood

The band leave you in no doubt as to which side of the political toast their butter is on and I noticed that are references to a certain “lady” from the 1970s and 1980s littered throughout the songs that strongly suggest there's no love lost there!!! "Kiss my arse and rest in piss" kind of says it all really.

The album is a non-stop Kickback Party Political broadcast and just so happens to pretty much coincide with the length of my average journey to work so it's perfect listening for my daily commute – result!

So, in summary, this is a brilliant album. Good tunes and clever, meaningful lyrics.  Buy the album at one of Kickback Generation’s live shows and keep an eye on their Facebook page for all the latest news.

Great work chaps – see you again soon!

Temple Avenue - BY THE RIVER

I have been lucky enough to be sent a pre-release copy of Tyneside Alternative Rock trio Temple Avenue’s brand spanking shiny new single entitled BY THE RIVER.

Starting off with a soft and gentle intro of vocals and guitar from Craig Brown, the song soon smashes into a fusion of sound with Martin Hudson's driving bass and Dom Aitkenhead's thundering drums that does a whole lot more than get the feet tapping! Craig's vocals convey an emotional energy that strongly suggests that he's feeling every minute of the tune. This band are excellent musicians and this mega-track is best part of 5 minutes of pure delight! I love the way it goes from soft and quiet to blasting you away and then the calm returns. In fact, I love it so much I’m going to play it again!

Temple Avenue are playing tomorrow night (7 April) at the Head of Steam in Newcastle. Get yourselves along there and give these lads the support they deserve!

This review is pretty short as I wanted to get it out there before the gig!

BY THE RIVER will be released by RNE Records and available for download as from 18 April so you don’t have long to wait to get your copy. Keep an eye on Facebook, Twitter and the band’s website (which has recently had a bit of a makeover) for more details.

I believe that Temple Avenue are playing at the Woodhorn Music Festival in Ashington on the weekend of 23 July. Stick that one in your diary – it’s always a great weekend with loads of brilliant bands and I’m really looking forward to it myself! 

Mindswarm

Mindswarm are four young chaps from Huddersfield -  Arley on drums, Fab on lead guitar,  Lewin on guitar/vocals and Sonny on bass/vocals who have been playing together for a couple of years.

I’m not sure what to expect from Mindswarm’s music. I’m going in totally blind and all I know is that they  describe their genre on Facebook as ‘grunge/hardcore/alternative/sludge metal’. Their Twitter biog says ‘Vicious & Heavy Hardcore Grunge. Played Loud & Fast.’ Hmmmm, that covers pretty much everything doesn’t it?

Let’s get one thing clear before I go any further. One thing I’m not a massive fan of is the old death growls and screeching vocal combo that so many bands, especially those with two vocalists,  insist on employing. When it’s done well I can almost get away with it…almost...but for the majority, my finger automatically homes in on the off button. It’s just fingernails down a chalkboard to me I’m afraid!

(c) Mindswarm

I must admit that I’m fearing the worst. However, I take a deep breath, pop my non-judgemental head on and press play on track one of their self-entitled EP……here goes!!

The first track is Consumption. It starts off promisingly with strong thumping Pink Floyd-esque bass……then just on 13 seconds in, the thick, grungy guitars and drums come crashing in…..so far so good!! Ok, here come the vocals and - oh - wait a minute…..what’s this??? No screeches, no growls but a kind of 'sprechgesang' with a curious megaphone style tone. Nice!! I’m liking this – a lot!! I’m not sure which of the vocalists this is but he’s good and I’m very pleasantly surprised.  Actually, what I find very interesting about this track is the timing – long, slow, almost lazy and slightly angst-ridden verses interspersed with the more furious, harder and faster shorter chorus.  This tune lasts a perfect 3 minutes.

Next up is Skin. A 1:44 instrumental is not what I was expecting but I tell you what, these boys know how to play! My cat actually goes mental when this track is on – I think she’s a big fan!!

The final track is Province, which doesn’t mess around, smashing straight in right from the start with a riff that it’s impossible not to, at the very least, nod along to but as the track goes on,  I challenge you not to want to get up and have a damn good headbang!! Slightly more harsh, shouty vocals on this one fit in well with the overall mood. Mindswarm do the business again with this one as it lasts a whopping 4:56 but certainly doesn’t feel like it!! 

Mindswarm mentioned on Twitter recently that Bleach is their favourite Nirvana album and I can see it waving to me through the rawness and muscle of their sound. I would definitely say that if you’re a fan of Mr Cobain & Co’s less commercial brilliance, you’ll love this!

The lads tell me that the EP is essentially a demo that was recorded in a single take and they are currently in the process of recording a studio album. I hope the producer of the album takes note of the raw power of this band and doesn't dilute it or pretty it up, as their sound is rather immense. 

(c) Mindswarm

I’d love to see Mindswarm playing live and hope that one day our paths will cross, which they may well do as the world of music tends to move in mysterious ways!

All in all I think these young fellas deserve to go far. This is smashing little EP which you could just stream via bandcamp but why not do the lads a favour and buy it – it’s cheaper than a pint and bag of Quavers!!

Keep up the good work fellas!

CJ Wildheart - Robot (Album review)

I'm dead chuffed that a fellow writer FiZZy P has asked to share their review on my page! My reply is - of course!! The more the merrier! If anyone else would like to join in the fun, just drop me a message! >>>

Following on from 2014's well received 'Mable' album, and after another successful Pledge music campaign, 2016 sees CJ return with his latest offering 'Robot'. The title track opens proceedings with a monstrous riff and soaring melodies we have become accustomed to since CJs return to the recording scene. The pace doesn't let up as next track 'Light it up' boasts some menacing guitar work his long term Wildheart partner in crime Ginger would be proud of. 

The cleverly thought out 'Ctrl-Alt-Delete' brings us up to the modern age with an electronic Kraftwork-esque verse paving the way for a wonderfully robotic chorus that will be digitally implanted in your head forever!

The album really sees CJ pushing his songwriting into new territory with some clever sonic tangents obviously picked up during the halcyon days of his on/off day job band. 'Sleep Depravation' is a prime example of this. Here, the writer gives us an insight to his recent journey into fatherhood and is as joyfully delirious and exhausting as its title suggests. 

The interweaving hook laden razor sharp guitars are a constant threat throughout, leaving the way for CJ's sugar laced vitriolic vocal tones.

'F.U.B.A.R' is as heavy and frantic as anything he has ever offered us before, yet you can still tell the guy is loving every minute. 

This isn't a bad time for fans of The Wildhearts. While the band remain on  a seemingly indefinite recording hiatus, the remaining members past and present are as busy as ever. Ginger Wildheart has recently released his 'Year of the Fan Club' album and about to unload Hey! Hello! Too. Danny McCormack is returning with a mini album with new band The Main Grains. Scott Sorry has just put out his debut solo offering. Also not forgetting imminent new material from occasional ex members The Dowling Poole. Yet CJ Wildhearts 'Robot' is right up there with the best of them. Trust me.

There's even room for a cheeky cover of Split Enz 'I Got You'. As enjoyable as it is, I personally would have preferred another original track, and that's testament to how much I've enjoyed this album. 

'Sasquatch' closes things with a trademark melodic driven verse before launching into a beast of a riff with "I'm a Big Foot" apeshit singalong chorus bringing the album to a glorious climax. 

According to CJs recent post on Twitter he's already begun recording the follow up. It seems like after spending so long in the wings he has now truly found his stride as a consistent songwriting guitar slinging frontman. Long may this continue. Here's to the next one. In the meantime, I'm gonna go back and play this again. 9/10. 

FiZZy P. (2/4/16)