Brown Acid: The Twenty-First Trip – Album Review

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Various Artists – Brown Acid: The Twenty-First Trip 

RidingEasy Records 

Release date: 31/10/2026 

Review by: Alun Jones 

7.5/10 

Verily, pilgrims, ‘tis time for another feast of forgotten Rock’n’Roll fun, curated by the esteemed veterans at RidingEasy Records.  This is the twenty-first edition of their Brown Acid series (in case you didn’t read the headline) – a series that continues to run and run.  As with previous albums, herein lie ten hard rock songs that despite their brilliance, never blossomed into the classics they could-a (should-a) been.  The RidiingEasy boffins have dug ‘em up and are now re-presenting these tracks for our shared enjoyment. 

There’s a wide range of styles on display this time round, probably more so than usual.  We get things rolling with Opus Est and ‘Maggie Johnsons’, a short and furious proto punk number that has some ‘Communication Breakdown’ in its DNA.  A brief but great way to start.  Freedom North feature some very welcome female vocals on their song ‘Losing You’, a thumping psychedelic rocker with a deadly lead guitar.  ‘Friendly Stranger’ by Accents has a galloping rhythm, fuzzy guitar and brash organ that resembles Steppenwolf.   

And what’s this?  The Rolling Stones on a Brown Acid comp??  No, it’s Brother Love with ‘Rock N’ Roll Band’ – though that fuzzy riff sounds very like a certain legendary song by Mick, Keith and the other three.  Still, it’s a fun tune with decent lyrics and a catchy chorus.  Side One rounds out with ‘Bike Writer’ by River Styx, a solid, fast paced acid rock song with squealing lead. 

Some nice wah-wah warms up Side Two and we’re off again, this time with Maxx.  Their song ‘200 Years’ has a Stooges-like groove.  Pump are next, and despite that terrible band name, their ‘Kinda Like’ is a highlight of this collection – featuring more skronky organ and fierce guitar.  29.9 (much better band name) then unleash their version of ‘You Got Me Floating’, which despite being an authentic rendition, is still only a cover of a Hendrix tune that most people forget. 

Apparently, there was once a band called Wakefield, if you can believe that.  I can, ‘cos their song ‘Here I Am’ is on this compilation.  These guys seem to have Prog aspirations, with time changes and different sections, finishing with a glorious, melodic pop sing along for the last minute and a half.  But that’s not all folks – our last track is the psyche swamp blues of ‘Lazy River Blues’ by Peacepipe – a melancholy, sinister sail down the bayou. 

Volume Twenty-One of Brown Acid is another solid collection.  Not all the songs work, but they’re honestly all worthwhile – ‘Rock N’ Roll Band’ seems like a blatant rip off at first, but develops its own charm and style.  I felt a little short changed with a cover being included, but the overall quality doesn’t really suffer.  There’s still tons of acid-roasted, psychedelic fuzz on offer, and more variety than we’ve had previously. 

Next time, remind me to tell you the real story behind why the cover of “Beggars Banquet” was banned.  Clue: Mick still won’t speak to me and every Christmas, Keith sends me a gold toilet brush.

Visit the RidingEasy Records website here.

This review is presented by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.

Comic Con Midlands 2026

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Comic Con Midlands

Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th July 2026

NEC, Birmingham

Much time has passed since I last attended a Comic Con at Birmingham NEC. However my good buddy, Adam, and I decided to venture back to the cavernous halls of this huge venue, to visit Comic Con Midlands, organised by the Monopoly group. These same guys run the huge Liverpool convention that I’ve been to several times recently.

The reason for our trip was because Adam had convinced me to go halves with him on a photo with a celebrity. This is not usually my kinda thing. I’ve queued up for signed autographs from actors etc in the past, and often (though not always) been very underwhelmed by the experience. For a big cash outlay I’ve been left with a colour pic and heaps of embarrassment. It would take something major to drag me out of my celeb-meeting retirement.

Something big would be the cast of cult 90’s comedy Mallrats, including Jason Lee, Renee Humphrey and Ethan Suplee. The cultured amongst you will know that Lee and Suplee also starred in legendary comedy series My Name is Earl, of which I am also a huge fan. Of course, the really hip cats out there will also know that Jason Lee is also an ex-professional skateboarder – one of the greatest to ever do it and a living legend.

So it didn’t take too much persuasion to sign me up for the My Name is Earl duo photo with Jason and Ethan.

Doors opened at 9am, and we were there bang on time. That meant a very early start for me on a Saturday morning, which is NOT a good thing. Waking up at 6.30am at the weekend? That’s pure criminality. Never mind, there would be plenty to keep us occupied till our photo op at 3.15pm.

Well, you would assume so. Usually these events (and certainly based on previous experience at the NEC) have hours worth of merch stalls to wander round. Merch stalls there were, but not enough – we’d completed a circuit by 10.30am. What??! Absolutely crazy. I mean, OK – I picked up a few comic books for my collection. Action figures were a scarcity, however (this would’ve been unbelievable in the past) – so it was relatively slim pickings on the merch front.

With hours to kill, we did some more circuits of the merch and explored outside the events hall to find refreshment. It was like a ghost town out there – even the Wetherspoons was shut.

Eventually it was time for the Mallrats Q&A session, featuring all three of the guests. The panel was very entertaining and informative, each of the cast members came across very well. They all seemed relaxed, happy to be there and divulged some interesting and funny stories. I later decided to quickly say hello to Jason Lee at his signing station. We had a really quick chat about skateboarding and I got a fist bump from the master. A very cool and memorable experience.

Later (much later) it was time for the photo op. Adam and I waited in line on our best behaviour, and soon enough were ushered in to have our photos taken with Lee and Suplee. Both stars were friendly, greeting us warmly with handshakes. The assistants barked orders at us and the photo was taken, then milliseconds later the same assistants barked at us to get out.

I was left feeling embarrassed and as if I’d been rude to two of my heroes. But the assistants were just doing their job, Jason and Ethan were lovely and I got a cool photo of us all together.

After that, it was time for the journey home. It had been a successful day – my experience of the Mallrats/My Name is Earl stars was very positive and I got a bunch of Marvel comic books. In future though, a later start wouldn’t hurt. I learned to my cost that no one needs to be in Birmingham at 9am.

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – Gig Review

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Joan Jett & The Blackhearts + The Meffs

Saturday 4th July 2026

Manchester Academy

Another busy weekend for Daughtertron and I – last week Metallica in Cardiff, this week a shorter trip to Manchester to see Joan Jett & The Blackhearts. We’re both big fans of this Rock’n’Roll icon, and as this was the band’s first headline tour of the UK for many a year, the decision to attend didn’t take much mulling over.

Our support band tonight were The Meffs, and the Academy seemed fairly lively and busy for their slot. I’ve head of The Meffs, but knew nothing else – I was to learn that they’re from Essex and they’re a two piece band (vocals/guitar and drums) – all of which was news to me. I was aware that they are highly regarded though, and their short but energetic set was ample proof of that. Covers of ‘Breathe’ by The Prodigy and ‘Identity’ by X-Ray Spex nestled comfortably next to their own raucous tracks like ‘Stamp It Out’ and ‘Deathwish’. Great noisy fun, plenty of attitude and something to say – a superb set.

July 4th being Independence Day in the once mighty realm of the Orange Chimp had slipped my mind, but I guess Joan and her band probably weren’t bothered either. Instead the massive audience were amped up and ready to rock out with a genuine icon, celebrating 45 years since the release of Joan’s earliest solo recordings. Starting things off with the rowdy ‘Victim of Circumstance’ followed with a very welcome rendition of The Runaways’ ‘Cherry Bomb’ was a confident, bouncy, sing-along success.

After that, we got ‘Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)’ – a Gary Glitter cover that left me confused and a bit queasy. I know Joan’s been covering this song for years, but it still seems surprisingly tone deaf. I don’t even want to type that guy’s name in this review! We were soon back on track though with ‘You Drive Me Wild’ (another Runaways number), ‘The French Song’ and ‘Fake Friends’ – all diamonds that are often overlooked by the casual listener.

More recent output was showcased with ‘(Make The Music Go) Boom’ and ‘If You’re Blue’ the former being a real highlight. Predictably, it’s the final run of mega hits that lights up the entire performance. From ‘Everyday People’ the energy in the room rises, then explodes for the legendary anthem ‘I Love Rock’n’Roll’. But that’s not all, kids! With ‘Crimson and Clover’ (Daughtertron’s favourite), ‘I Hate Myself For Loving You’ and ‘Bad Reputation’, Joan Jett & The Blackhearts unleash a tsunami of powerful, unforgettable Rock that lifts spirits and moves the bodies of all those gathered.

The sound was also very impressive throughout: Joan’s rapport with the audience and unmistakeable voice, along with the band’s instruments – never seemed to waver. It was a solid performance, expertly put together by a bunch of total professionals. Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ music was all the fireworks and all the party we needed in Manchester tonight. A legendary artist and a classic gig!

Metallica Gig Review – Cardiff June 2026

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Metallica + Gojira + Knocked Loose

Sunday 28th June 2026

Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Cardiff city centre was literally swarming with people, nearly every single one of them wearing a Metallica t-shirt from one era of the band or another. Fans of all ages crowded the streets and bars, as music poured from the speakers. I’ve never witnessed anything like it before. And the atmosphere was crackling as soon as we got there.

Last time I saw Metallica live was at Sheffield Arena in 1993, on their Nowhere Else to Tour tour. I was a student, 21 years of age, seeing them for the first time and having been a fan for several years already. Metallica were rising in popularity on the back of their mega selling, self titled album.

Thirty three years later, I was finally going to see a Metallica gig again, this time with my old friend of fifty years. Joining us were our fifteen year old daughters, as we set about passing the torch to the next generation. We met up with another old pal and his family, ate some great burgers and headed to the venue. It was set to be a special event.

The Principality Stadium is bloody huge, let’s put it that way. Mightily impressive, the air was still full of excitement as we bumbled around to find out seats and get our bearings. Feeling like a mountaineer as I climbed to my seat, it was dizzying seeing the acres of people below. From my eagle like vantage point, the circular “in the round” stage was clearly visible, surrounded by huge poles supporting cylindrical screens.

The first band of the day, Knocked Loose, were already on stage as we entered the stadium, earlier than expected (probably due to a Sunday curfew, I guessed). Described as a Hardcore Punk band, their distinct crunch and harsh vocals gave them a more Metalcore sound. They came across well from what I saw, appearing confident and happy to be there. A band to keep an eye on.

Up next were Gojira, who were definitely comfortable on the huge circular stage. Their confidence shone through in the exquisite delivery of their technical yet emotional music. I’m not hugely familiar with their work, though I have listened to Gojira albums in the past. Based on this performance, I’m intrigued to revisit their albums and investigate further. With a sound that covers various Metal genres – Thrash, Death, Progressive – and an enticing lyrical content, I enjoyed what I heard and I’m keen for more.

Anticipation was set to boil over as AC/DC’s ‘It’s a Long Way to the Top’ teased the audience. By the time the traditional intro song, ‘The Ecstasy of Gold’ played (I’d warned my daughter that this tune heralded the main event), I was full of fire and ready to burn. The four members of Metallica appeared like tiny demons, miles away on the huge stage, and burst into ‘Creeping Death’. Perfect!

This diamond quality start was followed by a ferocious ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’, and both Daughtertron and I were very happy. The band hopped about through time, performing tracks from various albums – I’d forgotten how great the riff to ‘Cyanide’ actually is – the most recent being ’72 Seasons’ from their most recent offering. Two tracks from “Reload” were aired, ‘The Memory Remains’ and a blistering, explosive ‘Fuel’ that lit up the entire stadium and with pyrotechnics that warmed our faces.

Rob and Kirk’s now familiar ‘doodle’ spot gave us a surprise treat with a rendition of Tom Jones’ ‘Delilah’ – I’d never had expected that back in the early 90’s! But it was the “Black” album that dominated the setlist, with five tracks including ‘Sad But True’, ‘The Unforgiven’ and an emotional ‘Nothing Else Matters’, played in a darkened stadium with thousands of phone lights gently bobbing like fireflies. The song may divide hardcore metal fans, but you’d need a heart of stone not to feel the magic this evening.

As is expected, the band rotate around the stage and James seemed particularly on fine form, absorbing the audience energy. The set official presumably ended with ‘One’ which was truly engrossing and showed off some great Thrash skills from Lars. There was no “off they go and come back in ten minutes for the encore” – Metallica raged straight through with the classic ‘Seek and Destroy’. ‘Master of Puppets’ was justifiably held back till the end before it was aired, given the respect that defining song deserves. Finally ‘Enter Sandman’ wrapped things up in a glorious, euphoric crescendo.

Manging to cover most of their albums wasn’t going to be easy for a band with as many enduring tracks as Metallica have, but that was a damn fine setlist. Both Daughtertron and I were very satisfied, being able to hear some of our favourites in a live setting.

For over forty years, Metallica have been at the forefront of what they do. That a bunch of guys in their sixties can put on that good a show is encouraging enough – but the real success of this was seeing the multitudes of fans, of all ages and walks of life, coming together and loving the music. So many of us grew up with Metallica and we’re in the midst of introducing the next generation to this passionate, life-affirming music. This gig was genuinely exciting, moving, inclusive and more important than I expected.

Warlockhunt – Prey Album Review

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Warlockhunt – Prey 

Pyrrhic Defeat Records 

Release date: 14/11/2025 

Running time: 

Review by: Alun Jones 

9/10 

Autumn in the UK seems like the ideal time of year for a new release from Warlockhunt.  The days are getting shorter and cooler, the leaves turning to orange and yellow and falling to the ground.  The veil between this world and the next is at its thinnest, and the dark melancholy of nature can be best observed. 

Warlockhunt is a three-piece band, consisting of Chris on drums, and two bass players: Mark and Lorraine (who also handles vocals).  This choice of instrumentation allows Warlockhunt to exist as something very different from the rest of the Doom Metal crowd.  The absence of crunching guitar allows the music to explore a more atmospheric, though no less heavy, landscape.   

The album begins with a lengthy intro of synthesised bass, which thaws out the beginning of ‘Turn Away’.  Slowly, a pulsing bass emerges, punctuated with stark, precise drumming.   The dreamlike female vocals blossom and float alongside the melody, rather than dominating it.  ‘Diary of Hate’ has a more direct but no less minimal approach, with a simple bass sound and thumping percussion creating a hypnotic ground for the vocals, till the pace increases for a frenzied finale.          

‘Mourn’ has an almost folky, medieval character, still prevalent when the drums crash in with a marching rhythm.  The tribal drumbeats have a Post Punk crispness that are as much a feature as that moody bass – see ‘Fake’ as a prime example.  On the title track, those drums reach Killing Joke-like intensity, leading the dark revelry as much as underpinning it.  And over all of that are the vocals, both sombre and enchanting.   

Warlockhunt have been called Doom Pop in the past (most notably by me, haha!) and the description still stands.  This is less the onslaught of Cathedral or Trouble, and more like Joy Division creating a soundtrack for a folk horror movie – with Nancy Sinatra singing.  “Prey” is an exercise in climate, in ambience – though still heavy with the air of dark melancholy.  Watch the sun go down and enjoy the darkness.  

Check out Warlockhunt on Facebook and Bandcamp.

This review is brought to you by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.

STYLE Update: The Aquabats Outfit part 2

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STYLE is never ending.  It never stops.  Like the relentless tick tock of time itself, STYLE marches on.

Regular readers will recall my recent STYLE post, focusing on my Aquabats outfit.  I said then that this was an ongoing quest, and I have now reached another milestone.

Thanks to their online store, Gloopy, my mission to become a fully uniformed, intergalactic, crime fighting Aquabat was able to progress.

I have now acquired an official Aquabats rash vest!  Worn with my previously purchased Anti-Negativity helmet and goggles, the look is coming together nicely.

This photograph had been previously published here, but as it accomplished the job so well, there’s no shame in reusing it. 

Now I’m just missing an official belt, but as this doesn’t appear to be available anywhere at the moment, I’ll just have to improvise.

My thanks to Gloopy for excellent service, and the awesome Aquabats t-shirt (not shown) I also got.

STYLE: it pays to be SUPER RAD.

Welsh Mountain Zoo

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Back in late February this year, we had a family day trip out to the Welsh Mountain Zoo, nestled high above Colwyn Bay in North Wales. Despite the time of year, it was a mild day and no rain – so not too bad being out doors. We were keen to explore somewhere different – all of us had been to this zoo before, but not for a good few years.

We climbed up through the back roads of Colwyn Bay to reach the zoo. The site is spread out across the heights with a grand view of the mountains on one side, and the coast on the other. Pretty spectacular.

There were plenty of other visitors on the day, but due to the time of year it wasn’t too crowded. Ideal to get a good view of some of the wonderful species to be seen here. There’s a wide variety of animals to see – including some pretty spectacular favourites – so no need to worry that we wouldn’t be entertained.

The sea lions were the first creatures we found, looking sleek as they zoomed around doing laps in their pool. There were also flamingos, penguins, red pandas, otters and of course, the ever popular meerkats. I particularly liked seeing the otters, we had to wait patiently for them to make an appearance but it was worth it.

The chimpanzees are always a favourite, and there were several other primates as well: tamarins, lemurs and gibbons for a start.

The big cats were the absolute top tier sight of the day though. The snow leopards looked beautiful as they prowled around. The tigers were amazing and my favourite, without a doubt: it was incredible seeing these magnificent creatures in real life. Sadly, I couldn’t get a decent photo, but just seeing them was thrilling enough.

Along with a camel and whole bunch of reptiles and amphibians, there was plenty for us to do before the inevitable trip to the gift shop. The Welsh Mountain Zoo was an excellent day out, it was fun and educational, learning about the impressive conservation work they’re involved in. We’ll visit again. In the meantime, this report and a few photos will commemorate our adventure nicely.

Visit he Welsh Mountain Zoo here.

Zombina & The Skeletones – Album Review

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Zombina and the Skeletones – In Sinistereo

9×9 Records

Release date: 31/10/2025

Running time: 42 mins approx

Review by: Alun Jones

9/10

Yes, they’re back! Liverpool’s finest Rock’n’Roll revenants, Zombina and the Skeletones, have returned – the stake has been removed, and their hellbound hearts beat once more! But you probably already knew that, right? Their spellbinding comeback, “The Call of Zombina”, was released last year – and made Top 3 in my Ever Metal end of year favourites for 2024, as I’m sure you’ll recall…

So what’s going on here, then? Well, the songs on “In Sinistereo” were originally released as four separate EPs some ten years ago, as a digital only deal. But they’re not just being re-released here: the songs have been remixed and remastered, sure – but many are also enhanced with additional keyboards, horns and vocals that were previously absent. Songs have been edited longer or shorter, meaning that we have a whole new creature, reimagined Frankenstein-like from its previous form.

Lend a pointed ear, and the listener will also find a cauldron-full of the signature ZATS sound: a bubbling mixture of Punk, Rock’n’Roll, Psychobilly and glorious pop that revels in a B-movie graveyard of monsters, ghouls, murderers and broken hearts. With the sweet yet deadly voice of Zombina masterminding the whole crazy shindig along with partner in crime Doc Horror on vocals and guitar, this party never stops.

Opening song ‘(All I Wanna Do Is) Decompose (With You)’ is a fast paced Punk rocker and an ideal way to wake the dead. Chugging guitar and circus keys devolve into a spooky, theremin laced outro. ‘Phantom with the X-Ray Mind’ adds some skronky keyboards to a Devo/B-52s style mash up, whilst the jangly guitar of ‘Witch Mountain’ evokes early 80’s Damned.

The Skeletones add touches of 60’s girl groups with ‘Haunted House of Love’ and ‘Whatever You Do, Don’t Fall in Love’. Elsewhere they bring in a cheeky, Madness-does-The Addams Family-with-horns style stomper with ‘The Stakeout’. ‘Kill!!!!’ adds a synth pop sheen and is the least convincing track here, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of raucous tracks like ‘Ramon’, ‘The Wild’ and ‘You Swallow Spiders in Your Sleep’ to keep you bouncing like the Devil’s on your tail!

The production is warm and clean, with all of the musical parts seeping through perfectly. ‘In Sinistereo’ is rejuvenated as a vibrant and varied experience, a Tim Burton movie-like album with the songs dancing their way out of the crypt. Zombina and the Skeletones are without doubt the perfect band for Halloween. Trust me, this is all treat, no trick.

Check out Zombina and the Skeletones on Faceboo, Instagrot, ChewTube, Spookify and Badcamp.

This review is brought to you by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.

Syncolima – Move Mountains Album Review

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Syncolima – Move Mountains

Self-released

Release date: 05/09/2025

Running time: 38 mins

Review by: Alun Jones

9/10

OK kids: listen up, and listen up good. There’s a new release from those revved up, lightning charged Derbyshire hell-riders known as Syncolima, and we need to talk business. The three piece, consisting of Josh on guitar/vocals, Stoff on bass duties and drums courtesy of he-who-shall-be-known-as Harry, have gone full warp speed ahead and dropped their third full album release. I’ve been checking it out like an eager little monkey and here’s what I have to share.

“Move Mountains” plays to Syncolima’s considerable strengths, and delivers a tasty, chewy platter that’s a step up from previous. Launching with the furious and interestingly titled ‘Gluten Free Toast’, there’s an immediate declaration of Metal intent. Loaded with a sneering disdain, this full-on rocker sets the tone for the album in uncompromising fashion. ‘Shipwrecked’ bounces out of the speakers like a runaway galleon on a stormy sea, and ‘Kill All the Billionaires’ bursts at the seams with obvious contempt. If they put this song title on a t-shirt, I’ll be front of the queue for one.

Aggression isn’t the only trick in the bag though, as Syncolima nimbly intertwine other shades and shifts in pace. This is particularly evident in what I consider the album highlight, ‘Mistakes Were Made’. Here, the band meld angst driven riffs, mellow sections and a blinding melody. ‘Ouroboros’ also delves into the band’s Grunge influences with an ear friendly marriage of tuneful musicality and chugging Rock.

Syncolima’s exploration of different genres, from groovy Stoner to nasty Metal and on to gritty Grunge helps to elevate their songcraft to higher levels. Rather than cherry pick in an obvious manner, they’re mature and clever enough to absorb influences rather than merely ape them. Which is why songs like ‘The House We Build’ can stand on their own, rather than sound derivative. And it’s why “Move Mountains” is more than a satisfying release, it’s essential. Quality of a very high order.

Check out Syncolima on Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

This review is brought to you by Platinum Al in association with Ever Metal.