Favorite Tracks: Radioactivity, Nervous Wreck, This Machine Empowers Facists and Darkness Glows
Sounds Like: Exploited, Almataha, Rene SG, Minor Threat, and Gorilla Biscuits
We get a ton of reviews requests on a weekly basis. Some are so good, we can’t refuse. Some we have to pass, because it may not fit our format. On that note if you would like to help keep our reviews and website up, please donate here.
On that note we get a ton of pop punk review requests. Don’t get me wrong I love me some good pop punk, but sometimes you just need some good street punk in your lives. You need the energetic, fuck the establishment, pure and raw sound. Melbourne punks, Dead Already are doing just that with their latest release, “Gilded Age Of Piss”.
This EP is non stop train of old school classic punk straight out the back alleys of Melbourne. With songs like, ‘Nervous Wreck’, ‘This Machine Empowers Facists’ and ‘Darkness Glows’ I find myself fist pumping inside my office. My boss is probably thinking I’ve gone mental. Oh well fuck him anyway. So if you need something to accommodate an angry outburst, socially powerful, Dead Already’s, “Gilded Age Of Piss” is exactly the EP you NEED.
Album features a cover by The Strike, and a feature by Paul Sorrels of the The Virus
Label:
Food Waste Records
Back From The Dead Records
Location: Toronto
Current Lineup: (Per Facebook)
Zack-Lead guitar/Vocals
Mac-Bass/back up vocals
Sal- Drums/Vocals
Favorite Tracks: Where Are You, Let’s Hit The Road, Never Say Die, and Hogtown Hooligans.
Sounds Like: Street Dogs, Almataha, US Bombs, Exploited, Subhumans, Zipperz, Potato Pirates, Bad Engrish, and Last Reel Hero.
Toronto-based punks, Dirty Work released their new album back on October 12, 2018. CPRA has been slammed with album requests. If you didn’t guess by now we love music! I go into every album review with an extremely open mind. This is because what’s considered “Punk” to someone may not be, “Punk” to another.
We also like to review other subgenres like ska and rockabilly so keeping an open mind is essential when it comes to music. So how is the Dirty Work new album, “In The West End”? In one word, excellent, na two words fucking excellent! I’ve probably listened to this about 20 times in the last 24 hours. This album combines some epic elements, classic punk like the Damned or Subhumans, OI like Cocksparrer and The Business, and old fashioned street punk like the Street Dogs or GBH. There’s also a sweet turbo smash here and there. I reached out to Sal (Drummer) for comment regarding the new album. “We started writing this album about a year and a half ago. We were hoping to have it out before our last U.S. tour, “Dart’n USA”, when we played at fywrok, but unfortunately the labels that were interested would have needed a year to put it out, so once we got back from that tour we started pressing it ourselves to have it ready for our last Canadian tour, “Hogtown to Halifax”.
We will be touring down to Florida, along the east coast, in April and hopefully back throughout the Midwest next July. Rather than that, a few more Canadian runs and hopeful plans to make it back out along the west coast up through to Denver at some point.
We absolutely love hitting the road and bringing our tunes to new places and new faces. We have started writing new stuff, but no plans as of yet for a new release. Right now we’re just focused on touring this album” Hopefully we get a Denver show sometime in the future!
Some of my personal favorite tracks are, ‘Let’s Hit The Road’, ‘Ready To Go’, ‘Never Say Die’, ‘In The West End’, and ‘Hogtown Hooligans’. My favorite by far is ‘Force To Fight’. The drums are wicked good, and the gutter style is just fucking epic.
I’ve laced my reviews with expletives so my job here is done. This album is guaranteed to blow your speakers out! Pick up this record, right now, https://dirtyworkofficial.bandcamp.com/.
Tracks: (Per Bandcamp)
1. Ready to Go
2. Attack, Attack
3. Force to Fight
4. Hogtown Hooligans
5. The Kids (Know What’s Going On)
6. Let’s Hit the Road (featuring Paul Sorrels)
7. Steel Toes
8. Never Say Die
9. Where Were You?
Favorite Tracks: Crazy Kids, Damn Your Soul, London Boys, She Doesn’t Love You Anymore, Little Black Book, and Where Were You (On Our Wedding Day
Sounds Like: The Heartbreakers, New York Dolls, Ramones, Bruce Springsteen, The Jam, Sham 69, and The Damned.
Photo by Spencer Lloyd
In 25 years a lot can change. We’ve lost some legendary punk pioneers like, David Bowie, Steve Soto, GG Alin, most of the Ramones and sadly the list continues to grow. This leads me to Johnny Thunders and the legacy he left with his iconic sound.
Of course you’re like Ska Bones. This isn’t about Johnny Thunders and his legacy? This review is about Walter Lure and the Waldo’s. Well Yes I say on both accounts. Johnny’s unique sound left an unforgettable impression throughout the punk world.
Walter Lure and Johnny Thunders photo by Justine Fitzpatrick
Walter Lure and Johnny Thunders photo by Justine Fitzpatrick
From his start with the New York Dolls, Johnny aka John Anthony Genzale, was changing the face of North American rock. In my opinion punk was direct spit in the face to so called, “Pop” music. His guitar riffs and style can still be heard today through various other bands.
Per Johnny’s Wikipedia page, he formed the Heartbreakers after the New York Dolls began to have issues. Thunders formed the Heartbreakers with Jerry Nolan, Richard Hell and Walter Lure. Ratch replaced Nolan shortly after.
The Heartbreakers would go on to tour after with such acts as the Ramones, Sex Pistols and The Damned. Their popularity was stronger in Europe and there they recorded their iconic album, “L.A.M.F.”. This is one of my favorite albums of all time. They would sadly breakup shortly thereafter.
Walter Lure and Johnny Thunders photo by Justine Fitzpatrick
Sadly we lost Johnny Thunders to a drug overdose and some people may argue foul play. Let’s fast forward 25 years later. The punk scene has changed, but the Heartbreakers have remained in our hearts. Walter Lure has picked up the pieces of the Heartbreakers to form Walter Lure and The Waldos. His new album, “Wacka Lacka Boom Bop A Loom Bam Boo” drops August 17, 2018 via Cleopatra Records.
We decided to give the record proper spin and also because it contains the introduction track, “Crazy Kids”. Per Lure, “Crazy Kids”, is about the final days of Johnny Thunders. This song will be featured in the upcoming full-length film ‘Thunders: Room 37’. So let’s go ahead and start the review here!
“Crazy Kids” starts off with an amazing drum intro. The guitar and bass soon join in. This is really a fitting tribute to Johnny Thunders. It maintains that classic punk sound with edgy and steel like riffs. This song is extremely catchy and sure to strike some nostalgia from the CBGB days.
“Damn Your Soul”, this one has some great lyrics and that steel sound from the guitar. This one really reminds me of more of an English pub rock style song. The guitar solo midway through is quite impressive. “Where Were You (On Our Wedding Day)”, is up next on the track list.
Photo by Spencer Lloyd
This cover of Lloyd Pierce’s song is backed with trumpets. Who says trumpets don’t belong in punk rock? I’ll fight anyone who disagrees. Haha! Lure’s voice on the track really adds the needed edge to this one. “London Boys” is a cover of the original Thunders/Heartbreakers tune.
You should definitely read the history of this song over at Punk 77. This song brings a cleaner version to it, yet continues to pay tribute to Johnny. “Lazy Day”, follows it’s probably the slowest track on the record. Yet it’s catchy and fun. The chorus pushes in that classic punk sound. “Take A Chance On Me” and no this not an ABBA cover, thank God
Photo by Spencer Lloyd
This one has more of a Pittsburg/NYC sound to it. It reminds of something Bruce Springsteen would compose. The harmonica sends the message of power, but sends in the sexy. The chorus is almost addictive. “Wham Bam Boo”, keeps the harmonica style from the last song. The drums are really prominent on this one. Is Walter Lure really the Wanderer? I kid of course.
“Bye Bye Baby”, is up next on the record. The lyrics make this a great anti love song. The guitar chords and progressions are remarkable. This is probably my favorite next to “Crazy Kids”.
“Bye Bye Baby,
I ain’t that crazy,
I know that it’s time to go,
I ain’t that lazy,
You’ll be the first to know”
“She Doesn’t Love You Anymore”, this one has melodies reminiscent of the Ramones. Considering Lure worked with The Ramones on their albums ‘Subterranean Jungle’ (1983), ‘Too Tough To Die’ (1984) and ‘Animal Boy’ (1986) this sounds fantastic.
“Little Black Book, comes next with a kick ass opening bass line. This song has sort of a jazzy southern/City Of Steel sound to it. The combination of the bass, guitar riffs, harmonica, and saxophone contribute to this blues like anthem. “Don’t Mess With Cupid”, comes ripping back to set the album tone. The trumpets in the background, along with the background vocals push the progression along. This one is catchy and fun jam.
Photo by Spencer Lloyd
Now let’s talk a cover song. The classic song, “You Talk To Much”, by Joe Jones, gets a proper cover treatment from Walter Lure And The Waldo’s. This version sounds almost like some kinda rockabilly sock hop version. The sax comes in blasting to join the popular melody. Lure has definitely made this song his own.
In conclusion I am absolutely honored that CPRA received this review. This album pays tribute to Thunders, while proving Walter Lure is still an absolute punk icon. Lure has compiled a record that will appeal to old and new punks alike. Be sure to hit that preorder button on this one!
Track List
Crazy Kids
Damn Your Soul
Where Were You (On Our Wedding Day) (Lloyd Price cover)
Sounds Like: The Damned, The Exploited, GBH, Rat Scabies, NY Dolls, The Cramps, and Sex Pistols
In yesterday’s review of Blinding Eye Dog- “R’Lyeh Wasn’t Built In A Decade, Hon!”, I talked about how punk rock has changed so much over the last 40 years. In fact I’ve been on bit of The Damned kick lately, probably since they are due back in Denver this October. I recently listened to the Damned’s, “Plan 9 Channel 7”.
Don’t get me wrong I love the song, but it has this lady singing in the background. It just sounds super strange. In fact it’s actually kind of annoying. Yet it was downright creepy. I popped on the Bamboo Viper’s latest ep, “Haunted House”. How awesome is it CPRA gets to review two bands that have a classic English punk sound back to back? Let’s check this one out!
“Haunted House”, this track is amazing. It has this kind of rockabilly Misfits undertone to it. The guitar shreds on this one. The vocals are dark, yet still have a fair amount of OI. These guys should’ve been on an episode of the, “Young Ones”!
“Malcontent”, is up next on the list. This one has a great little guitar riff leading the song. The sound on this one is fantastic. The song is a bit slower, but the progression leads back into mayhem. “Payback”, rolls us into the next. The hooks on this are spectacular. The bass lends it low tone to follow suit.
This one sounds a little more western than the last. It’s basically about catching your spouse with your boss. Haha! Again there’s another awesome riff. The drums really stick out on this track, by being a bit more commanding and noticeable. This is one of the longer track on the record. It clock’s in at 07:02.
Being a fan of classic punk rock I have to say. I was very surprised how much I REALLY loved this ep. The Bamboo Vipers are paving the way for the return of horror punk. I don’t mean punk like the Lillington’s (Still love them too). I mean punk with a grittier street sound. This whole ep sounds like it came straight off the record player. That my friend’s is a truly great thing!
Ron “Elvistopholes” Clark – Vocals and Latex Modeling;
Sean “Rev. Von Horrorsin” Harrison – Drums and Baby Making;
Bugsy “Dr. Pervert West” Bryant – Guitar and Heavy Drinking;
“The Goatman”, Jude Iscariot – Guitar and Prison Stories;
Nick the Genie – Bass and jumping around
Favorite Tracks: Puppet Massacre, Baltimore Lean, Call of Cthulhu, Seed, Stupidville USA,
Sounds Like: Black Flag, Minor Threat, The Exploited, FEAR, The Damned, Circle Jerks, The Cramps, New York Dolls, Dead Kennedys
Blinding Eye Dog – “R’Lyeh Wasn’t Built In A Decade, Hon!”
When writing album reviews sometimes I have the hardest time aligning a band with a certain genre. There are so many different genres of punk these days. It actually makes my job somewhat difficult. There’s post punk, hardcore, horror punk, pop punk, skate punk, and etc. Most people, not all have their own favorite genres. My favorite genre is more of a classic sound like the Clash or The Damned.
So what happens when you find a band that combines so many different genres? You get Baltimore punks, Blinding Eye Dog! Their latest album, “R’Lyeh Wasn’t Built In A Decade, Hon” dropped on the 4th of July. This album struck me. I really wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of different genres. Lately we’ve had our fair share of hardcore and pop punk.
So let’s check out some of my favorites from the album. “Icenian Queen” starts off the album with a horror punk sound. It reminds me a bit off the Damned’s, “Machine Gun Etiquette”. It has a great classic sound, with ripping shreds on guitar. “StupidVille USA, is next up on the track list.
This song has a powerful message and sadly defines the state of the American union. How many bad things in small towns are swept under the rug? I really enjoy the progression and drums on this one. “Feel The Bern”, is up next. This song has a more hardcore edge to it and it kicks ass!
“Baltimore Lean”, a little slower, yet still has somewhat of a steely sound on bass. This one has some catchy lyrics to it and sounds a little like the New York Dolls. “Puppet Massacre’ is up next. This would be my favorite on the album. It’s more on the horror punk side. It has a kick ass guitar intro and wicked vocals.
“Tom Otter’s Lane”, is up next on the track list. This song sounds very Black Flag influenced. It fast and heavy. There’s a sweet little guitar shred towards the end. “ I Can’t Believe It’s Not Haggis”, rolls the album on. This one really sounds like a Cramps song at the intro. See where I’m going with this?
“Call of Cthulhu”, is up next on the album. This would be my second favorite song. This one has more of a Dead Kennedy’s sound. It’s catchy and drums pound. This one is a crazy pit waiting to happen. “Frankenhooker” comes in with a Dead Boys like sound. The lyrics are funny, better watch out for the Frankenhooker!
“Bong of Cthulhu”, well this one has more of metal sound. I guess this would be called, “Stoner Punk”? Haha. This one slows the record’s progression down, with a little funk. “Seed” is up next on the track list. This one really sounds like FEAR. It speeds the album back up.
“Grab Life”, is up next. It continues the speed with some great drums and excellent vocals. This is about the evil orange haired monster, “Führer Trump”. “Rush Hour” is up next. It continues the fast pace of the album. This is probably my third favorite song on the record. I love the surf punk fuzz on this one.
“Cum On Aileen”, this is a pure horror punk song. This one has some great drum work. “Berserker”, is up next on the record. No not the “Berserker” song from Clerks, haha! This one has almost a metal undertone to it. “Honey, It’s Okay”, I absolutely love the trumpet and vocals on this one. This is like a serial killer’s theme song!
Overall “R’Lyeh Wasn’t Built In A Decade, Hon”, should be in every punk’s collection. Personally I’d love to have this on vinyl simply for a more raw sound. The combination of genres and influences marks this one as one of the more memorable albums of 2018. You can pick up a physical copy here, https://blindingeyedog.bandcamp.com/album/rlyeh-wasnt-built-in-a-decade-hon
Well, to start, what can I say about this band that hasn’t been said before? These guys are legends; 35 years of kicking some serious ass. So it makes sense that they look back and pay homage to a record that helped define their sound.
It’s been 20 years since Punk Rock Confidential first landed, but with the revisited release, it sounds like it could’ve been made yesterday. Having been a while since I heard this album, I was excited to hear it again. Within the first few seconds of the opening track, Tamara is a Punk, it all came rushing back. This is one of those albums you’d blast on a boombox during the summer while biking or skating around town. Yea, I’m old, shut up.
The Ramones influence has always been so palpable on this album, but not in a derogatory way. The music doesn’t feel like a rip off, rather like a continuation of the amazing music The Ramones created. In my opinion, its hard to do that, but The Queers make it seem effortless. The spirits of the Ramones clearly live on in these dudes.
Of course, this release wasn’t done without a little fanfare. Two new songs have been added from the original release (Punk Rock Confidential Revisited and Beat Your Heart Out) as well as two killer color choices, if you’re like me, and want the vinyl.
Bottom line, this revisited version is worth the time to check back in. It’s everything to be fondly remembered from 1998. Now, excuse me, I’m gonna go find my boombox.
The rock world has pretty much shit on the idea of drummers writing songs, ever since the Beatles decided to put “Octopus’ Garden” on an album. To hear people talk about the song, one would think that it was the musical equivalent of the Hindenburg explosion or something. That ONE song has been a curse to drummers all over the world who want to write songs (a curse which Dave Grohl seems immune to… perhaps we should examine his DNA, for a cure). It’s safe to say, there isn’t a modern drummer alive who hasn’t been the butt of a joke relating to a song that they had absolutely NO influence in writing!
Well, maybe it’ll kill some of my cred, but I’m willing to risk it, in defense of the drummers… I’ll just come out and say it…
I fucking LIKED “Octopus’ Garden,” and I don’t fucking care WHAT anybody thinks about that!
So, HERE’S TO THE DRUMMERS!
The BACKBONE of the rhythm!
The one ALWAYS obscured by the other band members!
Usually, the CRAZIEST member of the band!
OI OI OI!!! DRINK UP, FUCKERS!!!
… now…
Having said that, Rat Scabies, the ICONIC drummer from The Damned, has his own album out now, and it kicks ass!!!
It’s eclectic, quirky, and would fall into the same kind of “unclassifiable” genre as bands like Ween. The album takes routes through several genres; everything from Big Band, to Pink Floyd, to a song that feels like you’re in a seedy basement punk show in London, c. 1980; and just about everything in-between. It’s largely instrumental; only a few tracks have vocals, but it is heavily laden with clips from various places.
In it’s entirety, the album is a really fun, very British-sounding album that’s best enjoyed while completely stoned out of your mind. Take a few dabs, pour yourself a nice sipping whiskey (I recommend Tullamore Dew or Bulleit Bourbon), and then sit back and enjoy this trip through eclecticity!
… and because I’m sure you want to know where to pick up this spinning disc (or other means of digital transfer), you can find it here: https://ratscabies.bandcamp.com/
