Review: The Wildhearts - Diagnosis EP (2019)

Genre - Hard Rock

Label - Graphite Records

Track listing:

01. Diagnosis

02. God Damn

03. A Song About Drinking

04. The First Time

05. That's My Girl

06 LOCAC

Earlier this year the mighty Wildhearts made a triumphant comeback, after a decade away from the studio, with what is already proving to be one of the best album releases of 2019, Renaissance Men. This EP's lead track Diagnosis, is taken from that aforementioned album, and to be honest was one of the albums strongest and dare I say immediate tracks, definitely one of my favourites anyway. with its slow intro of great melodic riff and guitar feedback, before bursting into life with its venomous lyrical dissection of the medical professions attitude to mental health. A truly great song that has a lyrical theme close to my heart. Next up we have God Damn, the first of five new tracks recorded especially for this EP's release. God Damn slams itself into life with a great riff before the rather melodic vocals kick in for the verse, which feature CJ's vocals rather high in the mix, bringing to mind Wildhearts Must Be Destroyed era. The song packs so much attitude and aggression yet remains melodic but heavy) before going off on some great riff journeys ala the Wildhearts of the old days. A great song that should be a bloody blast live. Next up we have a song with a rather self explanatory title, in A Song About Drinking. This tracks opens with some blistering drums from Rich Battersby. A fast paced punk blast that only really slows down for the chorus. Brilliant. Next up we have The First Time. A great and rather typical Wildhearts track, possibly destined to be a classic where Ginger and co are celebrating their Renaissance and new lease of life. A heavy but melodic track that only the Wildhearts know how to deliver! That's My Girl follows, another punk infused rocker, that I can see Danny having heavy involvement in. A great song that brings to mind songs like Dancin' some of the more rock n roll leaning tracks. Would have made a great Yo Yos or Main Gains track too! Simple yet effective. Great fun song that pays tribute to someone girl!  The EP closes out with LOCAC, Now this track would have been right at home on the Wildhearts divisive and controversial Endless Nameless album or even one of Gingers Mutation projects albums. A great song, full of aggressive vocals and guitar riffs. 

This EP really does manage to showcase almost every side of the band, with each track reflecting something just a little different, yet the Wildhearts classic sound holding it all together seamlessly.

A great EP and together with Renaissance Men welcome additions to one of the worlds most underrated bands catalogue proving there is still life in this band even after all of these years!

God Bless The Wildhearts!

Buy IT!!!!!!!

Rating: 10/10

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News: THE WILDHEARTS To Release 'Diagnosis' Mini-Album

THE WILDHEARTS To Release 'Diagnosis' Mini-Album: THE WILDHEARTS will release the 'Diagnosis' mini-album on October 4 through Graphite Records. 

This six-track effort features five brand new songs and is released as a limited-edition special white vinyl with pale blue powder splatter 10-inch (to look like a pill) and as a regular black vinyl 10-inch and CD. All three physical formats will also include an exclusive bespoke inner gatefold comic strip illustrated by the award-winning Hunt Emerson, who last worked with the band on the "Earth Vs" cover and their classic logo.

"Diagnosis" follows the success of "Renaissance Men", THE WILDHEARTS' first full-length studio album in 10 years, which gave the band's classic lineup of Ginger, CJ, Ritchie and Danny their highest chart entry since 1994's "P.H.U.Q.", when it debuted at No. 11.

To coincide with the "Diagnosis" announcement, THE WILDHEARTS have unveiled a new video for "Renaissance Men".

Says C.J Wildheart: "Well, fuck me, we dropped our first new album in 10 years back in May and blow me down if we didn't drop a humdinger of an album full of monster riffs and razor-sweet melodies. Well, we've not only gone back in to the studio to record five new songs that will be released as the 'Diagnosis' mini-album in October, we're hitting the road too. We have some great supports confirmed already, THE PROFESSIONALS and JANUS STARK, and I know there are some other amazing bands to be added to the rest of the tour.

"You're going to love the new mini album and the surprises we have on there and the tour is going to be one you should not miss. You can't keep a good band down."

Added Ginger Wildheart: "The lead track 'Diagnosis' is about mental health institutions and the medical health profession in this country, and about how it's letting people down. How the system is broken, and how the suicide rate is not getting any less.

"Depression and mental illness isn't an issue that attacks any one type of person. Whether you're homeless or if you're rich, this illness is taking people out on a regular basis. The government has pulled most of the funding into mental health research, and as a result people are still ignorant about it.

"Education is everything. And the more people talk about depression, the more need there'll be for education, and the more people will want educating about an issue that doesn't just affect the people suffering from it, but it affects everyone around them. And when someone is in a desperate position and their hope is taken away, then they're at the mercy of an illness that wants them dead. There's nothing more important in the world than education on mental health issues."

"Diagnosis" track listing:

01. Diagnosis

02. God Damn

03. A Song About Drinking

04. The First Time

05. That's My Girl

06. LOCAC

Review: Ginger Wildheart - Headzapoppin' (2019)

Genre - Hard Rock / Pop

Label - Round Records

Track listing:

01. Meet My Killer

02. Catch That Stranger

03. Saturday Matinee

04. Yorvik (My Hood)

05. Love Is

06. As Theodos Spoke

07. Boxes

08. The Answer Is Yes

09. Poundcoins & Kitchen Roll

10. Zap.

So it was little over a week ago that Ginger Wildheart started teasing the release of a new album, then bang, there it is titled Headzapoppin,  available to pre-order straight away through the Round Records website. The 10 track album will be released later this year, but those buying it now will get an instant digital download. Now that has to be the perfect way to get your Ginger fix on! Well as I have been a huge fan of both Ginger and The Wildhearts since around 1992 and the controversial Mondo Akimbo EP how could I resist? So what's the album all about? Well I will let Ginger explain that himself, 

Ginger says: “Writing music is a form of therapy for me. It keeps my mind occupied and ensures that I live in the moment.

“This album is a collection of songs written while walking my dog Maggie on early mornings with very few people around and tons of ideas not suited to either The Wildhearts or my more rootsy solo albums.

“I figured if this album merely pays for itself, through a modest amount being actually available, then my work was worth it, and I subsequently will try to release one of these mixed packages every year. 

“As of now, before anyone has heard this grab-bag of brain zaps, I have no idea if people are going to love this collection of musical mutts or hate it.

“My work here is done for now. Next stop, your ears. Wish me luck.”

The best way to describe the overall sound of Headzapoppin is that is more akin to Gingers solo out- put prior too his Ghost In The Tanglewood and Pessimists Companion albums. Giving the fans of Gingers work such as Valor, Yoni, Market Harbour, 555%, Albion and GASS a much needed fix, after his recent change in musical direction where he has been following a more rootsy musical path. The album opens with the excellent Meet My Killer. A great riff that drops into some almost ethereal vocal melodies, and a great chorus hook line! A great start to any album! Catch That Stranger follows, opening with a great melodic vocal melody before breaking down into a great guitar driven track that wouldn't have sounded out of place on either the Valor Del Corazon or Yoni albums. The refrain just before the chorus also brings to mind Gingers Mutation project or even the Wildhearts glorious Endless Nameless era for a brief moment, before the melody of the chorus kicks back in. A great song!

Up next we have the simply beautiful and melodic Saturday Matinee. A wonderfully soft track that I could have imagined easily worked into something that would have fitted onto Gingers more rootsy Ghost in the Tanglewood or Pessimists Companion albums. Once again a great song with some great heartfelt and honest lyrics too! Next we have Yorvik (My Hood). The song opens with a great bass line which leads into a little ditty where Ginger regales us with a description of his neighbourhood. Once again a great song that instantly worms its way into your brain. Love Is follows, a great song with a darkish moody feeling, in which Ginger describes his views on love, both the good and not so good points in a way that only Ginger can. A ballad of sorts I guess, a fantastic atmospheric and moody song none the less. As Theodos Spoke is strange little number. Opening with guitar feedback and a stomping bass line before Ginger slightly distorted vocals kick in. The song feels like its constantly building towards the chorus section. The best way that I can describe this track is imagine a cross somewhere between How I Won the Punk Wars from the 555% sessions and Gingers Mutation projects Frankenstein Effect. Boxes is a great little melodic rocker with tons of pop sensibilities thrown in. Next we have The Answer Is Yes, yet another great melodic song that could have been a great Hey Hello track in my opinion. A great singalong chorus and some atmospheric guitar arrangements. Love it. The albums penultimate track, Pound coins and Kitchen Roll has to feature some of the most down to earth introspective and honest lyrics ever written! Once again a lovely simple melodic song that just works so well. The album closes out with Zap. The track opens with a great single guitar riff, with Ginger singing over it, before more guitars kick in and the song explodes into life. Once again the lyrics are brilliantly honest and down to earth!.

A great way to close out any album.

As previously stated Headzapoppin provides a much needed fix, after his recent change in musical direction where he has been following a more rootsy musical path.

Rating: 10/10.

Pre-order this great album here!

Ginger Wildheart announces Birthday bash 2018

C.J. Wildheart - Blood (2017)

Genre - Hard Rock / Punk Rock

Label - Pledge Music

Track listing:

01. Tea Leaf

02. Gutless

03. Lazybones

04. Beak

05. 50 Percent Indian

06. Tired Of Sex

07. Kiss It

08. Plastic Invasion

09. Itch

10. Lost In The Game

Wildhearts guitarist CJ Wildheart returns with his third full length solo release, and follow up to last years rather excellent release, 'Robot', in the form of 'Blood', and his musical evolution continues to develop. Gone are the bubble gum pop/punk melodies of his first post Wildhearts solo projects such as  Honeycrack and The Jelly's, in favour of the harder edged more riff based direction that began with 'Robot' and its predecessor 'Mable'. I have to say that 'Blood' is some of the most heavy and riff based (and dare I say intense?) material that CJ has put his name to outside of The Wildhearts to date. 'Blood' opens with 'Tea Leaf', a great track that would have sat well on 2014's 'Mable'. A few electronic samples mixed into some great riffs and CJ's instantly recognisable vocals fitting perfectly. Next up we have 'Gutless', a song driven along by some great intense riffs, and a song that would have sat well on any Wildhearts release. A great statement of intent, and brilliant indication of what is to follow. 'Lazybones' follows and continues to deliver on both the quality and intensity fronts. Another great riff too! 'Beak' is up next, a slightly more melodic and up tempo track than its predecessors, and a great song to showcase a slightly different side to CJ's song writing talent. '50 Percent Indian' marks the half way point to this great album, a great song with a great lyric throughout. Next up we have 'Tired of Sex' (surely that cant be true!). Here the keyboards are slightly more prominent, adding atmosphere to this songs fairly laid back feel. 'Kiss It' follows and is a short sharp blast based around a great riff with very few vocals.  'Plastic Invasion' sees things slow down a little and return to the type of blue print used throughout 2014's Mable album with electronic samples being mixed with some great guitar rhythms and riffs. The albums penultimate track is 'Itch' which follows a similar blue print to its predecessor, and seems to be a rather autobiographical track, concerning the career path the mighty Wildhearts. 'Lost In The Game' closes out the album, and is one of the best songs CJ has ever been involved with.
I have to say that 'Blood' is the best album so far from CJ's solo output. It truly has everything. Intensity, melody, riffs, great songs, brilliant production (once again courtesy of Dave Drapers magical ears!).
This is one album that you really do need to check out! 10 tracks that clock in at around the 33 minute mark, leaving you hungry for more!!

Rating: 10/10

Ginger Wildheart - Ghost In The Tanglewood (2017)

Genre - Rock / Country / Folk / Roots

Label - Pledge Music / Round Records

Track listing:

01 - The Daylight Hotel

02 - Paying It Forward

03 - Golden Tears

04 - Phantom Memories

05 - Minus You

06 - Remains

07 - The Words Are Gonna Have To Wait

08 - My Old Friend The Blues (Stevie Earle Cover)

09 - The Reaper

10 - Don't Say Goodbye

available as part of the "This Is Not A Raffle" pledge.

11 - A Few Old Memories (Acapella) (Dolly Parton Cover)

12 - Has She Got A Friend For Me? (Richard and Linda Thompson Cover)

13 - I Could Have Cared For You

So here we have it folks, "Ghost In The Tanglewood", that album the Ginger Wildheart has promised and threatened to make since time began. In all seriousness Ginger has been hinting at this kind of album for years now, with the folksy Wildhearts classic, "Geordie In Wonderland", through the spoof country album World Of Filth, released under the pseudonym Howling Willy C##T, and through the Rootsy tracks that emerged as part of the tremendous G.A.S.S. project such as "Toxins & Tea", "Last day Of Summer", "The Pendine Incident" and "Cear Urfa". Now he delivers a full 10 track album of sublime heartfelt country / folk music
As Ginger himself puts it, "My fairly unavoidable accent means that the songs come off less Willie Nelson and more Bobby Thompson, but every lyric is purely heartfelt and every song is as true a story as you’ll ever hear in roots based music. This is Country music, played by a working class Geordie raised on Country and Northern Folk music. This stuff has always been in my blood since I was a wee nipper and it’s an honour to finally get to play it for you."
And what an album it is, sure it lacks the venom and attitude that has made some of Ginger's Wildhearts songs such classics, but here was have out favourite Geordie once again opening up his heart and bearing his soul in such a moving and tender way that you would have to be one cold hearted mutherpuger not to be moved, especially with the way in which the albums closing track, "Don't Say Goodbye" tugs at the old heart strings. The album really does run the full range of emotions, with songs such as "Golden Tears" and "Paying It Forward" giving hope and imploring faith and "Minus You" and "The Words Are Gonna Have To Wait" and the aforementioned "Don't Say Goodbye" giving glimpses of Ginger's more fragile side, together with the honest genius of "The Reaper". Plus Gingers cover of the Stevie Earle classic, "My Old Friend The Blues" is simply sublime!
This really is an album that needs to be digested and absorbed. Quite possibly Gingers crowning glory that tops off his long, long list of song writing achievements.

I have included three bonus tracks in the track listing that do not appear on the album proper, primarily because they were recorded as part of the albums sessions and are available through the albums pledge campaign, but also because they are great songs. The three part acapella harmonies of "A Few Old Memories", the melancholy bleakness of "Has She Got A Friend For Me" and the pure brilliance of "I Could Have Cared For You". All worth having and adding to any Ginger fans collection.


Rating: 10/10

Mutation (Ginger Wildheart) - III - Dark Black (2017)

Genre - Hard Rock / Noise / Alternative

Label - Round Records

Track  Listing:

01 - "."

02 - Authenticity

03 - Toxins

04 - Devolution

05 - Irritant

06 - Skint

07 - Hate

08 - Victim

09 - Dogs

10 - Deterioration

III - Dark Black is the third instalment of Ginger Wildhearts Mutation project. This time around all of the tracks were written by Ginger Wildheart and Scott Lee Andrews, with Devin Townsend adding to the mix on Devolution. Ginger himself says that Mutation will not be for everyone, and its certainly not for anyone who has a weak disposition. Its loud, its noisy, its brash, its bloody brilliant. A great noisy mess!
The album begins with a very short intro in the form of "." before launching all guns blazing into 'Authenticity', which really lets you know exactly what you are in for with the rest of the album! 'Toxins' blasts past, before we have the Devin Townsend collaboration, the rather excellent 'Devolution', which is exactly what you would expect from a collaboration between such noise loving merchants! 'Irritant' has quite possibly one of the best chorus's ever written in, "fuck off you cunt, you are an irritant", just pure class! 'Skint' hurtles along leading us into the brutal 'Hate'.  'Victim' is pure unadulterated chaos, as is the albums penultimate track, 'Dogs'.
the album closes out with 'Deterioration', yet another blast of intensity. In fact the intensity levels never drop below maximum from the albums start to its finish. Clocking in at twenty six minutes this album is short, but not all that sweet.

For this album, Ginger has not only attracted the talents of Scott Lee Andrews and Devin Townsend, but has also roped in the likes of Phil Campbell (Motorhead), Givvi Flynn, Toshi, Paul Catten, Jamie Oliver and Dom Lawson to help out.
Recorded by Jase Edwards and mixed by the magic ear of Dave Draper, III - Dark Black really is the crowning glory of the Mutation project.

If you like it loud, noisy and chaotic, check it out, if you don't, well I really wouldn't, this album could give you nightmares

Rating: 10/10

Drama Club Rejects - Drama Club Rejects (2016)

Genre - Hard Rock / Punk / Alternative

Label - Self released

Track listing:

01 - King of Second Chances

02 - 1 Day Week

03 - Solarflare

04 - Space Invaders

05 - I Wanna Be Your Everything

06 - Homesick Alien

07 - Destination Anybody

08 - Idiot Brigade

09 - Kickin' A Hole

10 - Hate Song

11- Wish You Were Here

Drama Club Rejects are a new melody driven punk rock band consisting of an amalgamation of artists who have already got... quite a history in the genre. Nick Parsons ( Almighty, Whatever, Supercharger) Stidi (Wildhearts, Whatever) and Nash (Supercharger). Combining edgy riffs, power pop chorus's and down right dirty mood swings, and they are bloody awesome!

The album opens with King of Second Chances, a hearty up-tempo blast of melodic hook laden punk rock n roll, which really sets the tone for what is to come with the rest of the album! Musically the guys are in fine form, churning out solid track after solid track here on their debut. Musically the guys sound like the perfect blend of their previous bands, you can here elements of Whatever, Supercharger and even The Almighty and Wildhearts in places. Blending punk rock attitude with power pop sensibilities and melodies, which makes for an exhilarating and thoroughly enjoyable album!

Highlights have to include the aforementioned King Of Second Chances, Homesick Alien, Kickin A Hole and Hate Song, although to be brutally honest there just isn't a bad track on the album!

Well Worth Checking Out!

Rating: 9/10

Ginger Wildheart - Market Habour (2016 Re-master)

Genre - Hard Rock / Classic Rock

Label - Round Records / Pledge Music

Track listing:

01. Casino Bay
02. Soap Hammer
03. The Queen Of Leaving
04. Attentionette
05. The Ninns Of Mourning
06. House Of Moths
07. How Hard Can You Make It?
08. Awareness And The Great Integrity
09. A Philosophical Conversation About Age
10. Josser Bank
11. Tennant's
12. Regret.Com
13. Black Yeah
14. I Knew You (An Amnesis)
15. You And Me (That's What I Want)
16. Couple Trouble
17. The Perilous Burden Of Prodigal Obligation
18. A Malibu Chronicle
19. Overeasy
20. Eye Of The Rotunda
21. Shatterproof

Originally released in 2008, Ginger Wildheart's Market Harbour now gets a full re-mastering over haul and release along with his two preceding solo albums, Valor Del Corazon and Yoni.
Now I know of absolutely no reason why this album required a re-master, it has always sounded great to my ears. yet saying that I am fairly sure that this re-master (once again handled by the uber talented Jase Edwards), has a slightly brighter and clearer sound, especially evident on the drums and cymbal's. Also the vocals seem a little clearer in the mix.
Market Harbour was always a special album, with each track merging into the next to create the illusion of one continuous piece of music, something that Ginger and the guys involved pulled off very well, as the listener very rarely skipped a track. This album has some great songs on it, tracks like 'Casino Bay', 'House Of Moths' and two of my personal favourite Ginger songs of all time, 'How Hard Can You Make it' and the bluesy 'Awareness And The Great Integrity', just two examples of Ginger's musical and lyrical genius sitting side by side on this album. there are also the fan favourites such as 'Couple Trouble' 'A Malibu Chronicle', 'Overeasy' and the epic album finale, 'Shatterproof'!

Of the three re-releases, Market Harbour is probably the least essential of the up-grades, (Yoni being the most essential of the three!)yet in my honest opinion it is still worth having as it sounds fresher, brighter and clearer than its original release.

Rating: 10/10

Ginger Wildheart - Yoni (2016 Re-mix and Re-master)

Genre - Hard Rock / Classic Rock

Label - Round Records / Pledge Music

Track  listing:

01 - Black Windows

02 - When She Comes

03 - Holiday

04 - Smile In Denial

05 - Jake

06 - The Night I Was Born Again

07 - Why Can't You Be Normal All The Time

08 - Can't Drink You Pretty

09 - This Bed IS On Fire

10 - Save Me

11 - Wendy You're Killing Me

12 - Siberian Angel

Originally released back in 2007 and the follow up to Ginger's debut solo album Valor Del Corazon, Yoni is also being re-issued. Only this time Yoni is not only being re-mastered like Valor Del Corazon and Market Harbour, no, Yoni is also getting its long over due re-mix treatment. Once again re-mastering, and in this case re-mixing duties fall to long time Ginger producer and friend Jase Edwards, and it has to be said he has done a fantastic job here!
Firstly it has to be said that although it has always been recognised that Yoni is jam packed with brilliant songs, its production, well to be more accurate its mix, has at times come in for a little criticism. It also seemed to sound thin and well tinnie in comparison to other albums, especially when you played a track from Yoni in a playlist with other non Yoni tracks. and although I always loved many of the songs on this album I often found myself not listening to them for that particular reason. Well no  more! Jase Edwards has done a fantastic job in rebuilding the alum from the bottom up Yoni now sounds huge!
Not only is every instrument and vocal clearer and more defined, but they sound fuller, and well more powerful throughout. You finally get to hear Random Jon Poole's awesome bass playing, especially the awesome solo / run on the mid section of 'The Night I Was Born Again' and 'Why Can't You Just Be Normal All The Time'!
'Smile In Denial', always one of my favourite Ginger tracks sounds awesome as do Ginger classics like 'Black Windows' and 'When She Comes.' The new mix really brings to life the string arrangements and intricate guitar works on 'Jake'. Amazing.
To be fair you start to notice new hidden textures that had previously been buried in the mix with each and every new listen of the album.
I would hazard a guess that Yoni finally sounds as it was intended to sound, rich full and amazing!

Very highly recommended!!!!!!!

Rating: 10/10

Ginger Wildheart - Valor Del Corazon (Re-mastered) (2016)

Genre - Hard Rock /  Pop / Powerpop / Punk

Label - Round Records / Pledge Music

Track  listing:

Disc One

01 - Ugly

02 - Mother City

03 - G.T.T.

04 - Yeah, Yeah, Yeah

05 - This Is Only A Problem

06 - Ten Flaws Down

07 - Paramour

08 - The Man Who Cheated Death

Disc Two

01 - The Drunken Lord Of Everything

02 - L.O.V.E.

03 - The Way

04 - Drinking In The Daytime

05 - Keep It Cool

06 - Only Lonely

07 - Your Mouth

08 - Change

09 - My Friend The Enemy

10 - Bulb

11 - Something To Believe In

Originally released back in 2006, Ginger Wildheart's proper debut solo album, Valor Del Corazon,  gets the full re-mastering and re-release treatment (along with 2007's Yoni and 2008's Market Harbour albums). Valor del Corazon was original written and recorded during a very turbulent part of Ginger's life, with him dealing with various drug abuse issues and the collapse of his family. Recorded in Texas and produced by Ralph Jezzard (who had previously produced Endless Nameless by The Wildhearts.)
The album contains a lot of very personal lyrical references throughout and was an instant hit amongst Wildhearts and Ginger fans.
But how does the re-master sound?
Well to be fair I personally never had any issues with the original release, but I have to say Jase Edwards has done a sterling job here. Now don't get me wrong, this is a re-mastering not a re-mixing (unlike Yoni) but non the less the difference is noticeable. First of all everything sounds brighter and fresher, every instrument sounds that little bit clearer and more defined. the listener starts to notice things that had previously gone un-noticed, such as the guitar melody / riff during the mid section of 'G.T.T.' which Ginger would later recycle into the main driving riff of Market Harbour's 'Shatterproof'! The acoustic guitars are more defined on 'This Is Only A Problem' which emphasize
 the country feel of the song even more. The sound effects during the first verse of '10 Flaws Down' are less annoying and distracting allowing the song to achieve its full impact. One of the biggest differences that I noticed is just how bright and clear the piano sounds on what I believe to be is one of Ginger's greatest ever songs, 'The Man Who Cheated Death'. Truly breath taking.
The re-mastering also brings out more textures in songs like 'The Drunken Lord of Everything' which I have always felt is 'Geordie In Wonderland's' big brother, here the drums seem sharper and clearer.

So there you have it, this re-mastered edition of Valor Del Corazon is well worth checking out, and hey if like me you already own the original then its still worth the investment if just for the fact it upgrades the originals sound quality a little.


Highly recommended

Rating: 10/10

The Main Grains - Don't Believe Everything You Think (2016)

Genre - Hard Rock / Punk / Rock N Roll

Label - TSB RECORDS

Track listing:

01 - Unscrewed
02 - We're Happy (Around Here)

03 - Spend Your Money

04 - Fine By You

05 - I'd Rather Be In California

06- Teenage Kicks

07 - She's A Catch

Former Wildhearts and Yo Yo's bassist Danny McCormack returns with his new project The Main Grains, accompanied by John JJ Watt on Rhythm Guitar/Vocals , Ben Marsden on Lead Guitar/Vocals  and  Ginna Rhodes on Drums/Vocals, with Danny obviously handling Bass Guitar and vocal duties. How to best describe how The Main Grains sound, well imagine if you will a slightly more polished Yo Yo's sound and you be far off.
Don't Believe Everything You think is the bands debut release, and its a pretty solid one at that. Opening with lead single, Unscrewed, the guys set their stall out from the off as they work their way through a small selection of punk tinged rock n roll tracks. Their cover of Teenage Kicks is simply brilliant! She's A Catch could easily be mistaken for a Ramones track, and well the rest of the Ep is just as good.
I don't think that The Main Grains are going to be setting the world on fire any time soon but they do deliver good solid punk flavoured rock n roll, in the way that it should be delivered!

Well Worth Checking Out

Rating: 9/10

The Wildhearts - Never Outdrunk Never Outsung: PHUQ Live (2016)

Genre - Hard Rock / Punk / Alternative / Britrock

Label - Self Released / Round Records / Pledge Music

Track  listing:

Disc 1

01 - I Wanna Go Where The People Go

02 - V-Day

03 - Just In Lust

04 - Baby Strange

05 - Nita Nitro

06 - Jonesing For Jones

07 - Up Your Arse You Fucking Cunt

08 - Woah Shit You Through

09 - Cold Patootie Tango

10 - Caprice

11 - Be My Drug

12 - Naivety Play

13 - In Lily's Garden

14 - Getting It

Disc 2

01 - Don't Bout Me

02 - Weekend

03 - Stormy In The North, Karma In The South

04 - Red Light, Green Light

05 - White Lies

06 - 29 x The Pain

Now I have never been the biggest fan of live albums. The sound is usually crap or they contain so many overdubs that they cant really be classed as a live album any more, so it has to be said that I faced listening to the The Wildhearts Never Outdrunk, Never Outsung – PHUQ Live anniversary show live album with a certain amount of trepidation. I needn't have worried though as this is exactly what a live album should bloody well sound like!
Recorded in London during the PHUQ twentieth anniversary tour this is a warts 'n' all recording, featuring the album played in its entirety, together with the encores. But what makes this album special is the sound. this album sounds fantastic! The mix is perfect, thanks to the mixing talents of Dave Draper. I really can not stress just how good this album sounds, every instrument is crystal clear, (yes even CJ's guitar!), the mix captures the power and finesse of the songs and performance. This album is definitely the closest thing to actually being there!
Any fan of the band, or even Gingers solo work really should check this release out!

Definitely the best live album that will be released this year!

Very, very Highly Recommended!

Rating: 10/10

CJ Wildheart - Robot

Genre - Hard Rock / Modern Rock / Alternative

Label - PledgeMusic / Self releasd / Vinyl Junkie Recordings / Devilspit Records

Track listing:

01 - The Robot

02 - Light It Up

03 - Ctrl-Alt-Delete

04 - The Box

05 - Sleep Deprivation

06 - Delirium

07 - F.U.B.A.R.

08 - No Rhyme Or reason

09 - I Got You

10 - Sasquatch

11 - Maureen (Fountains of Wayne Cover) (Japanese Bonus Track)

12 - Sick of Myself (Matthew Sweet Cover) (Japanese Bonus Track)

13 - Black Bugs (Regurgitator Cover) (Japanese Bonus Track)

Ok this album has been available for a couple of months now, (it was released back in March!) so I will keep this review short and sweet.
The Robot is the second solo album to be released by Wildhearts and former Jelly's and Honeycrack singer / guitarist CJ Wildheart. (His first solo release came out under the moniker CJ and the Satellites), the first being 2014's Mable.
The album sees CJ take a much heavier route, with the likes of F.U.B.A.R.' and 'Light it Up' highlighting a more aggressive sound. CJ adds "This is something that has happened naturally and also due to having Jason Bowld on drums. You can't help but go heavier when you have an engine like that behind your music." The Robot showcases CJ Wildheart as one of the best - and most underrated - songwriters operating in Britain today. Robot is him operating right at the top of his craft. It's a complex work, with songs that rise and swoop and deliver catchy beats "The Box", crunching power "F.U.B.A.R." and pace changes "Sasquatch" aplenty. There's not a bad track on here!
As for just how this album sound, well for anyone who is familiar with CJ's history it sounds pretty much exactly like you’d hope an album from someone with his back grund would sound. It combines  the gorgeous harmonies of Honeycrack, the bounce factor of the Jellys, the aggression and heaviness of The Wildhearts. In fact it would be fair to say that a couple of the songs here would have made fantastic additions to Wildhearts album!
Do yourselves a favour and check this album out!

Rating: 10/10

Ginger Wildheart - Songs & Words (The Book) (2016)

Published - Round Records / Pledge Music

So what after seem like an eternal wait Ginger Wildhearts Songs & Words book has finally arrived. Now first lets just clear something up, the above statement is in no way meant to sound derogatory to anyone involved in this mammoth task, in fact Ginger has himself stated that when he began this project that he had absolutely no idea as to the timescale involved in both writing, editing, re-editing and then getting a book of the scale published, but by god it was worth it!

This book is first and foremost a beautiful sight to behold, jam packed with wonderful phots etc and informative stories.

Like the DVD of the same name, Ginger here tells the story of his career, only instead of making it a typical biography, he chooses to tell his story through his songs, giving us the stories behind them and what was going on in his world at the time that they were being written and recorded.

  

The book is as huge as the project to create it was, and well worth IT

I cant really say too much about this book without giving away spoilers, but it really is worth checking out!

Rating - 11/10

Baby Chaos - Blackbirds EP (2015)

Genre - Hard Rock / Pop / Punk / Alternative

Label - Self Released

 

Track listing:

01 - Blackbirds

02 - All Quiet

03 - The Logic Dies

04 - Things I Left Unsaid

Hot on the tail of their excellent comeback album, June's Skulls, Skulls, Skulls, Show Me the Glory, Scottish brit rock legends unleash a brand spanking new Ep upon the world.
The opens up with the excellent title track, 'Blackbirds', a fantastic song taken from said comeback album and really sets things off well. We then have three previously unreleased tracks, (hey kids remember when that was the norm back in the day!), that the band say were recorded during the  Skulls, Skulls, Skulls, Show Me the Glory sessions and only just missed out on being included upon the album. Gratefully they are getting released because they are great songs. 'All Quiet' with its mellow chilled out feel and melancholy vocals, absolutely brilliant song in my honest opinion. 'The Logic Dies' is a rockier song with an electronic feel and beginning. This track is a million miles away from its predecessor, but thats the magic of a good band, the sheer variety and quality that they can produce, one of the many reasons that Baby Chaos' comeback is long over due!
The Ep closes with 'Things I Left Unsaid', a song that builds withslow plodding bass / riff before exploding into something magical. Yet another great song!

The Ep is aavailable exclusivly through the bands web site and is very highly recommended!

Rating - 10/10

Ginger Wildheart - Clout EP (2015)

Genre - Experimental / Hard Rock

Label - Pledge Music / Self Released

 

Track listing:

 

01- Nelson

02 - Benn

03 - Darwin

04 - You

Hmmm now this is a strange one. Clout is a free download Ep, one of the exclusive incentives to Ginger Wildhearts latest Pledge Music campaign, Songs & Words. Clout was recorded by Ginger and Jase Edwards at Jase's studio.
 I say this is a strange one because once again Ginger throws us a real curve ball with Clout. Four songs inspired by great heroes, but not in the usual hard rockin style that we have come to know Ginger for. Opening track, Nelson comes across as the bastard off spring of Clam Abuse and Mutation. Lots of loops and samples creating an interesting and rather unique soundscape. No real lyrics or vocal line here, just some crazy twists and turns. Interesting track.
Benn follows and is similar in style and feel to a rare Ginger track entitled Patience and Gratitude from a few years back. Opening with a monologue speech from Tony Benn. This melodic track has a great feel to, the speech working great as a spoken word kind of track. I'm loving this track!
Darwin is definitely the most unique track that I have ever heard. It just evolves through so many twists and turns its ridiculous and almost impossible to keep up with. The lyrics come in the form of Ginger quoting various quotes from Charles Darwin. A weird song that if I am honest I have difficulty wrapping my head around.
The Ep's closing track, You is inspired by, well inspired by You, and the incredible journey that you make in life. Its the most melodic track that the Ep offers, with Ginger providing a spoken word commentary on the miracle of life!
A brilliant song!

Clout is a really different EP, with Ginger once again keeping his fans on their toes. Unfortunatley I don't think that it is going to be for everyone. Personally I bloody well love it!

Well worth checking out

Rating - 9/10

Baby Chaos - Skulls, Skulls, Skulls, Show Me the Glory (2015)

Genre - Hard Rock / Punk / Alternative Rock

Label - Pledge Music / Self Released / Three Hands Records

 

Track listing:

 

 

01 - You Can’t Shut Us Up

02 - Blackbirds

03 - The Whispering Of Giants

04 - Have Faith In Yourself

05 - P P P Peaches

06 - Poison Ivy Girls

07 - We Were Youth

08 - Out Of The Silence

09 - Risk and Writhing

10 - A Tingling On Your Bright Skin

11 - Habibi

Returning with their first new album in seventeen years, Baby Chaos unleash Skulls, Skulls, Skulls, Show Me The Glory upon the world. And what a comeback album it is!
Pretty much picking up where they left off in the late nineties, Baby Chaos return with their perfect blend of melody, punk, rocking riffs and alternative attitude. By God we've missed these guys!
Opener ‘You Can’t Shut Us Up’ doesn’t sound like they’ve aged at all, packing in more energy and ideas than many groups half their age, and the momentum generated by this lasts well into the second half. ‘We Were Youth’ sounds mean and frenetic in the same way that recent groups like Pulled Apart By Horses and Future Of The Left do. ‘Poison Ivy Girls’ and ‘P P P Peaches’ show those melodic blasts reminiscent of American college rock.  ‘The Whispering Of Giants’ see's vocalist Chris Gordon really unleash his voice to awesome effect,  and the intricate closer ‘Habibi’ builds slowly from modest beginnings into a glorious noise. And then swerves left into a slick, smart outro.. 'Have Faith In Yourself' is another brilliant standout track, with its creepy kids choir.
'Skulls, Skulls, Skulls, Show Me the Glory' is a great comeback album from a band that should have been huge years ago!

Very Highly recommended!

Rating - 10/10

Hung Like Jack - Life's First Sign Of Rage (Single) (2015)

 

Genre - Hard Rock / Metal / Punk

Label - Self Released

 

Track listing:

 

01 - Life's First Sign Of Rage

02 - Fire Beneath Me

Hung Like Jack return next month with a two track signal that's set to be the soundtrack to your summer with Life's First Sign Of Rage!
Two blistering tracks that manage to combine the bands hard rock, metal and punk influences perfectly. There is enough angst and energy contained within these two tracks to satisfy any one, all the while tempered with the bands acute sense of melody.
The single's / EP's title track burst into life from the on set with a gang chant and great melodic riff.
The guitars and bass line really driving the song along, yet restraining themselves enough to allow the songs melody and vocals to take centre stage. A great song that I can see becoming very popular with the bands fans. Love the break downs too, heavy riffy monsters!
The EP's / singles other track, Fire Beneath Me (the b-side in the good old days!) is another monster of a track. This song has more punk leanings to it, yet is still undeniably Hung Like Jack. Again the guitars really drive this song along, it also has plenty of chanting and some great lyrics. I can really see this one becoming a firm live favourite has it just about has everything.
If these two new tracks are anything to go by then I cant wait to hear a bloody album from these guys, its long over due!
You really do owe to yourselves to check these guys out, think Supercharger / Whatever mixed with The Jelly's and Wildhearts.

Very Highly Recommended.


Rating - 10/10

The single is launched live at The Railway Tavern (Darlington) on Friday May 22nd.

 Find out more here

The Dowling Poole - Kiss On The Ocean EP (2014)

Genre - Melodic Rock / Powerpop

Label - Self Released

Track Listing:

01 - A Kiss On The Ocean

02 - Fuck You, Goodbye (Previously Unreleased)

03 - The Straw Man (Previously Unreleased)

04 - Hey Stranger (Live In Manchester)

Here we have the second official release from the excellent if rather eclectic new out fit The Dowling Poole, put together by music scene veteran's (if not legends!) Willie Dowling (of Honeycrack, Jackdaw4 and The Grip fame) and Jon Poole (of Cardiacs, The God Damn Whores, and Wildhearts fame).
This rather excellent little Ep features the title track, which is a brilliant little melodic track that even the Beatles would be proud of. This track also features on the bands debut debut album, Bleak Strategies, which was reviewed by the site previously. The other three tracks are all previously unreleased numbers, two studio tracks and one a rather touching live track, which is dedicated to legendary Cardiacs leader Tim Smith.
The two new studio tracks include, Fuck You Goodbye, a brand spanking new track written specifically for this Ep. Again this a rather melodic song, propelled along by its acoustic framework before building into quite a powerhouse of a song. Its a great track and if the bands second album is heading in this musical direction then we are all in for a treat. The other track, The Straw Man was recorded during the Bleak Strategies sessions, and for some reason left off of the album. Despite its rather dark subject matter, the nasty Jimmy Saville business, this is a great little track.
All of the songs here have both Willie Dowling's and Random Jon Poole's legendary quirky sense of humour stamped all over them, making for a fun ride for the listener.
This is a great little Ep, and good introduction to the band. Available at the bands bandcamp page for
 just 99 pence this really is something that you should be checking out!

VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

Rating 10/10