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Pentre Fest 2026

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Pentre Fest 2026 

Friday 27th and Saturday 28th February 2026 

Mcleans Pub, Deeside, North Wales  

Pentre Fest – it’s no secret that I’m a fan of this two day Metal festival held in a pub/club down the road from me. Organised by the hard working and hard rocking people at North East Wales Metal Productions, it’s a non-stop feast of fine tunes, the very best of underground Metal from around the UK.

Here’s my write up my experiences from this years event. You can read a full account from Team Ever Metal over at their site.

Day 1

Hiraeth 

My excitement had been steadily rising for weeks ahead of Pentre Fest.  You just can’t beat this mini two-day festival in North Wales, it really is the gig highlight of the year for me.  I arrived just in time to catch Hiraeth, a great Black Metal band who originate from not too far away in Wrexham.  Taking the Black Metal template and weaving tales of ancient Welsh folklore and history, these sword wielding warriors bring a positive, inclusive vibe with their increasingly accomplished musicality.  A great band and a real high point to start with. 

Attic Theory 

Liverpool’s Attic Theory were up next on the main stage, and though they were new to me, they really made a good impression.  Full on, hard hitting alternative rock, Attic Theory ploughed through the room with a big riffs and anthemic vocals.  I love me some Grunge and these guys had the power and a magnetic groove.  Unfortunately they buggered off home before I could buy their delightful album on sexy vinyl! 

Battalions 

The band I was most excited to see at this year’s gathering was Battalions, who I’ve developed a bit of a fanboy adoration for.  They’re on APF Records so that’s a mark of quality right there.  Thankfully, Battalions’ monstrous, doomy, fuzzed out riffs were even more satisfying than their quite brilliant album ‘King of a Dead World’.  They warmed my ancient, jaded soul with a sludgy set that really was a Pentre Fest highlight. 

Miserable Sinner 

Outside, the cold drizzle made viewing the Keymo stage a bit of a challenge – never mind actually playing on it!  I did catch Geordie of Bad Earth performing his Miserable Sinner solo acoustic set in defiance of all the mighty Thor could unleash upon him, with AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie” being a particular favourite! 

Basement Torture Killings 

A brutal, Death Metal Grindcore band of lunatics who’ve watched too may serial killer documentaries, Basement Torture Killings certainly know how to entertain.  It was a case of “Netflix and kill”, as they tore through a visceral set and eviscerated a huge cuddly teddy bear.  Not my usual type of O Positive, but BTK served up a memorable, blood soaked show.  Time for bed.   

Day 2 

Firefly 

Running late as per usual, I actually wasn’t punished too badly this time as apparently Edd Case had declined his opening slot!  Instead I arrived just in time to see Firefly, who had only just started their set.  An amazing start to the festivities, Firefly brought their own brand of Industrial Goth Metal to give everyone a big wake up call.  Like a mix of Rammstein, NIN, Gary Numan and Sisters of Mercy with the smoky vocals of Marianne Faithful (like what Mare said), this was pretty damn unmissable.  Check ‘em out! 

Victim of Damp 

Opening proceedings on the outdoor stage was Victim of Damp, alias Pentre Fest die hard Frank Williams.  His amalgamation of gentle covers and humorous originals improves with confidence every time.  A free shot of the old alcohol helped warm us all up too! 

Losing Light 

This band sounded like an interesting premise, and indeed they were.  Four guys from fairly close by, they have plenty of experience but are a relatively new proposition as Losing Light.  Usually, their set would include a couple of covers, but these were dropped for this first Pentre appearance.  Very confident and excellent musicians, their own self written songs were more than capable – Losing Light gave us an electric performance.  Let’s hope they return soon. 

Oliver Carins 

Quick, no time to put your feet up – get out to the Keymo stage!  Oliver Carins, usually part of Scarfoot (who are a hell of a band anyway) gave us a superb acoustic set with fine vocals and masterful guitar skills.  Folky and warm, the songs still had that signature epic Scarfoot edge. 

The Raging Mabels 

Sadly, Any Given Reason were unable to play this afternoon, so the daring Raging Mabels parachuted in to save the day.  And boy did they rage!  A set of powerful yet tuneful rockers, the Mabels played an energetic non-stop set that rattled by like a rocket riding coyote chasing a roadrunner.  Equally at home playing for fans of Motorhead or the Ramones, it’s no secret that this pretend rock journo is a mega fanboy – the Mabels are pure joy!  And they (finally) brought some merch!!! 

Chain of Survival 

Theigns and Thrawls did a brilliant acoustic set oustide next, but more about them later.  Let’s skip forward a little to Chain of Survival.  Another Liverpool based band, this time we have a Hardocre Thrash Punk four piece who are utterly uncompromising.  If you ever played DRI or Sick of It All casettes from a boombox while skateboarding in a local supermarket carpark (as I still do) then you’ll love COS too.     

Fallen North 

These guys have played McLeans gigs before, but they showed up in full force – this was not a dress rehearsal!  Full on, no apologies modern metal with crunchy riffs and soaring vocals, Fallen North soon had the crowd won over.  They stepped down from the stage to join a fan on the dancefloor, still playing, and giving one of the most heartwarming moments of the weekend.  Well played all round. 

Kevin Plant (Cry For Mercy) 

Blues rock royalty Cry For Mercy weren’t playing this weekend, but vocalist/bass maestro Kev Plant braved the elements outside on the acoustic stage for a solo performance.  Great playing augmented with Kev’s trademark soulful, Paul Rogers like voice was an oasis of calm.  It takes some cojones to tackle Chris Cornell’s vocals, but Kev’s version of Audioslaves ‘I Am The Highway’ was respectful and stirring. 

Ogun 

The world needs more authentic Thrash Metal.  Thankfully Liverpool’s Ogun delivered a rousing set of the genuine article at Pentre Fest.  Not dated or old fashioned in anyway, just modern thrash in the spirit of Testament, Exodus and even Slayer.  Speed but without compromising on songcraft or melody, there’s plenty to enjoy in Ogun’s set.  Not their first time here and hopefully not their last either. 

Bad Earth 

OK, so I’ve seen Bad Earth before – but they’re always exciting.  And loud!  Playing their own, patented Rockcore (TM), this three piece always seem to be ready to decimate wherever they play.  It’s dirty biker rock dialled to eleven and kept up way past it’s bedtime, as Geordie, Karl and Ben assault their instruments like they’ve insulted their mothers.  Always a pleasure to be in the crowd for a Bad Earth gig! 

Edd Case 

Closing the Keymo stage outside, this wasn’t the first I’d seen of Edd this Fest.  He’d already played a blinder the day before, and this time gave us a very welcome rendition of ‘Mother’ (note to bands everywhere: play more Danzig) amongst some select covers.  Original material also got an airing, including the magnificent ‘Letters Back Home’, a moving and sadly still relevant masterpiece.  Edd, you truly are a poet. 

Theigns and Thralls 

Earlier in the day, I witnessed an eye opening and refreshing performance by Theigns and Thralls on the outside acoustic stage.  I always enjoy a trip into different genres at Pentre Fest and this folk set was a definite highlight.  In the evening, they plugged in fully to give us a real taste of Folk Metal, the energy of which had the audience jumping and dancing around.  Glorious fun for all!   

Fury 

This year’s esteemed headline act, there was a fair buzz around the venue for Fury’s set.  And to be fair, they were worth waiting for.  Specialising in the unrecycled, sheer joy of Heavy Metal in all its Iron Maiden/Judas Priest glory, these guys were undoubtedly on top form.  The dual female/male lead vocals of Nyah and Julian help the band transcend any Hard Rock cliches with an outstanding, individual sound.  Fury are undoubtedly excellent musicians, and have the performance and songcraft to back up their reputation.  I can’t really think of a bone to pick with them.  Other than if they don’t make a return visit one day, we’ll all be very upset. 

And that’s it: the end of another Pentre Fest.  A wonderful weekend of fine music and great company, I’m already counting down to next year.  I’ve definitely got post Pentre Fest blues.  

Read the full report on the Ever Metal website.

Check out the Pentre Fest Facebook page and North East Wales Metal Productions page too.

Spider Kitten – Album Review

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Spider Kitten – The Truth is Caustic to Love 

APF Records 

Release date: 27/06/2025 

Running time: 40 mins approx 

Review by: Alun Jones 

9/10 

The wild and wonderful world of Spider Kitten: a place, a frame of mind, an attitude – there is nowhere else like it.  Both welcoming and confrontational at the same time, this band follow their own desires and to hell with the consequences.  There are no rules in this lawless land, just an exploration of whatever realm of consciousness the band happen to be channelling at any one point.  But it all makes perfect sense. 

APF records have released this latest album by Spider Kitten, entitled “The Truth is Caustic to Love”.  Within its sonic walls are a myriad of styles and journeys, encompassing everything from the gloomiest of doom, sludgy grunge, magnificent acoustic ballads and Spaghetti Westerns.  Plus everything else you can think of. 

Now that’s probably the most pretentious intro to a review I’ve ever written, so I’d better back it up with some serious wordology.  The menacing crawl of ‘13 of 6’ is our first destination, its crushing heavy sections contrasted with sparse ambient passages, tense with expectation.  First single ‘The Dose’ is next, coming on like a Death Metal Melvins; followed by the delightful acoustic guitars and Mexican sunset of ‘Sueño’.  Then it’s back to the heavy, with ‘The Spoiler’ sounding like Alice in Chains on a major comedown. 

This contrast in light and dark isn’t necessarily a new idea, but with Spider Kitten, the experimental, melodic and melancholy moments seem more extreme.   

‘Three Shots’ is a central track here, and a personal favourite, with its moody, dusty Ennio Morricone soundtrack vibe.  ‘Woe Betide Me’ and the closer, ‘Guilty’, both have a weeping blues feel and offer some calmer moments.  These songs are surrounded by noisier relations, such as ‘Revelation #9’, ‘Crying Towel’, and ‘Wretched Evergreen’, all of which are gloriously abrasive and aggressive. 

Surprisingly, it doesn’t take multiple listens to appreciate “The Truth is Caustic to Love”.  This is because the heavy is beguilingly heavy and the mellower moments shine in the murk, and together it’s a fascinating smorgasbord of sounds and ideas.  Spider Kitten are beyond easy prediction, best just enjoy wherever they take us. 

You can find out more about Spider Kitten via Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, YouTube, X and Bandcamp.

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

Platinum Al’s Top 10 Rock & Metal Albums of 2025

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Well 2025 certainly delivered the goods for new music. As in previous years, Ever Metal asked me to compile a list of my Top Ten albums from the worlds of Rock and Metal, so I did. The list has already been published over on EM, but I’ve reproduced it here for anyone who missed it…

You know what?  It would be easier to pick my All Time Top 20 Albums than a Top 10 for the year.  I know I say this every year, but 2025 has been a really strong one for new releases.  Whatever the genre, there have been some beauties.  So here are ten of my favourites, listed from one to ten, but to be honest – the ranking between these exemplary specimens doesn’t mean that much.   

10. Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs – “Death Hilarious” 

Admittedly, I was late on the bandwagon with this band, but I don’t care.   Pigs x7 dropped this Stoner Metal monster and I shamelessly joined the admiring throng.  “Death Hilarious” is crazy riffage for a good time.  

9. Warlockhunt – “Prey” 

This album of dreamy Doom Pop has been played relentlessly chez moi since its release.  Mournful bass, crashing drums and reflective vocals create an otherworldly tapestry. 

8. Spider Kitten – “The Truth is Caustic to Love” 

A beguiling soundtrack for a strange world, Spider Kitten knit the heaviest of sludgy riffs, avant garde Doom and Spaghetti Western music into something truly original and unforgettable. 

7. Froglord – “Metamorphosis” 

I saw Froglord live and immediately fell in love with their sludgy, amphibious grooves.  “Metamorphosis” is a masterclass in swampy riffage and it has constantly cheered me up since it oozed into my possession. 

6. Syncolima – Move Mountains 

This band go from strength to strength, and their “Move Mountains” album became one of my most played albums of the year.  A full-on Stoner Rock, Grunge and Metal hybrid that always drags you back for another listen. 

5. Black Spiders – “Cvrses” 

Sheffield’s finest returned with another high-speed dose of Rock’n’Roll that might just help me stop missing Motorhead so much.  Awesome fun. 

4. Torso – “Annihilation Day” 

Grindhouse Garage Metal soundtracking an imaginary VHS Video Nasty, Torso deliver another prime slab of horrifying, lo-fi brutality. 

3. King Kraken = “March of the Gods” 

The second album from King Kraken builds on the triumphs of its predecessor, but adds an even tougher, uncompromising Metal edge and daring new textures.

2. Master Charger – “Posthumous Resurrection” 

The absolute Overlords of fuzzy Doom Boogie, Master Charger’s 2025 masterpiece delivers everything that you could ask for, plus more.  Extremely infectious in every good way.  Essential! 

1. 1968 – “Royal Bastards” 

Right from the first spin, I knew this glorious album would be a contender for the best of the year list.  A stunning album that isn’t afraid to branch out in new directions, whilst staying true to the core of what 1968 do.

And there you go, ten superb albums that I’ve loved this year.  Honourable mentions go to Supersuckers, Melvins, Toranaga and Jonathan Hultén for releasing top quality music that nearly made the cut.   

Happy New Year all – here’s to the new sounds of 2026!

Don’t forget to keep visiting Ever Metal – and Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub – for the best music!

N.E.W. Metal Productions All Dayer Oct 25

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N.E.W. Metal Productions All Dayer

18th October 2025

Mcleans Pub, Pentre, Deeside North Wales

Halloween is over, so time for yours truly to get back to being the legendary Rock Journo that I was born to be. Spooky month is a big deal chez moi, so we’re taking a trip back a couple of weeks here for a fairly recent All Dayer at Mcleans, Pentre, which was organised by our good friends North East Wales Metal Productions.

As usual, there was a great selection of bands playing throughout the late afternoon and evening, though sadly there’s always some last minute shuffling of the line up where someone can’t make it. No matter, there was more than enough to get your fangs stuck into.

First up, all the way from North Yorkshire way, were Alt Rock trio Kath and The Kicks. I was most excited to see this band, as they’d been unable to make a previous appearance here. A really solid, professional set with a machine-like drummer, powerhouse bass and Kath herself on super compelling guitar and voice. A bit like Joan Jett fronting Soundgarden but much more fun, it was loud, intense and grungy and a great start to the day. I loved them, and hope they come back soon!

Kath and The Kicks

Syntara were next, a young group who took to the stage with supreme confidence. Their music is best described as “Modern Metalcore”, which is not really my scene, man – but their performance was captivating. They owned the stage like they’d been born behind the drum kit. My only advice would be they need a live bass player to fill out the sound. Oh, and they need to get rid of the utterly vile looking, funny shaped, headless guitars. Other than that, very impressive.

Syntara

Travelling up to Pentre from Leicester, Voidwalker brought the Technical Death Metal along with them to bedazzle us all. Another ultra confident band, Voidwalker unleashed a Tsunami of sonic venom, a dual guitar attack driven by a relentless rhythm section. Their front man prowled the room and growled and roared above the thunder. Powerful and performed with obvious fervour, Voidwalker’s set was brutal but unmissable.

Voidwalker

When a bloke stands on stage wielding a huge medieval broad sword, you kinda sit up and take notice. This was how Hiraeth began their set, and though the sword soon disappeared I stuck around anyway, ‘cos they were great. Playing black metal inspired by Welsh folklore, history and culture, the band are excellent performers and obviously have a passionate message to get across. They’re also a lovely bunch of people. BENDIGEDIG!

Hiraeth

Deified were our final band of the evening, and they were very worthy headliners. A five piece band from Merseyside, they’ve been around a few years now and have developed a confident presence to deliver their mighty Metal. They didn’t bring any merch, but they did bring a set of huge, aggressive and uncompromising Metal that devastated the entire building. Here’s hoping we get a new Deified album soon.

Deified

And that’s your lot, kids! Another successful N.E.W. Metal Productions event showcasing some fine musical talent. More soon!

N.E.W. Metal Productions All Dayer

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N.E.W. Metal Productions All Dayer

26th July 2025

Mcleans Pub, Pentre, Deeside North Wales

By now, you’ll know my love of Mclean’s Pub in Pentre, Deeside, North Wales – from all the Pentre Fest gigs and so on I’ve covered from there. Thankfully, rather than make us all wait till February 2026 for the next full weekend festival, North East Wales Metal Productions have set up some “All Dayer” gigs at the same, friendly venue to keep us going. Plus, even more live events at XS, Wrexham.

Sadly, two bands had to drop out of this particular event. But no matter: the show would go on! And first up was our valiant comrade, Steve AKA Geordie from Bad Earth, performing a solo set in his Miserable Sinner guise. Now Bad Earth have been regulars at Mcleans for aeons, and it’s always great to welcome them back – or at least, one of them! Much merriment was had as the Sinner launched the afternoon’s proceedings. Key songs were covers of Billy Idol and Foo Fighters tracks that successfully got the crowd moving. Plus, a couple of older, now sadly retired Bad Earth tracks – ‘120 on the 55’ receiving a much appreciated airing!

Miserable Sinner

Up next, a new band on my radar, Fallen North. These boys have had a couple of new guitarists join recently, and if anything, they all seem really energised by the injection of new blood. Fallen North’s sound is a crunchy, riff laden heavy rock/metal creation, with pounding rhythm section, exemplary guitars and off-the-charts vocals. Very professional, yet still crazy good fun, these guys gave us a stunning set and even threw in a couple of cheeky covers (like RATM’s ‘Killing In The Name Of…’). This approach gave Fallen North the chance to enjoy themselves as much as the audience did!

Fallen North

HollowKin had travelled all the way up from the South West England area to play this gig, and it was a trip well worth it. These guys have had an EMQs featured on Ever Metal, so it was nice to actually catch them in the flesh. HollowKin gave us a set of utterly uncompromising, metalcore fury. Part speedy thrash, part bludgeoning, cold riffs and guttural vocals, the band haven’t been together all that long, but you’d never guess. An assured performance and solid musicianship.

HolllowKin

“Some Good Riffs” is an album title by our next band, Melted Messiah. Somewhat amusingly, they took this title from an Ever Metal review a couple of years back. It’s not often I get called out at these gigs, but I did. Luckily, I escaped unscathed! Melted Messiah are in fact a very, very cool blend of Stoner, Doom and Black Metal, and they belched out a brilliantly furious set with tongue firmly in cheek. Their sludgy thrash had many “good riffs” indeed and I became an instant fan of this two-piece of Scottish nutters. They travelled far to be with us, I really hope they come back!

Melted Messiah

Our final band of the evening was Syncolima, headlining the show – and justifiably so. They played at Pentre Fest a couple of years ago and I loved them then – seeing Syncolima agaiin, it’s easy to understand why. A superb blend of stoner rock, grunge and chugging metal, they had powerful riffs and catchy melodies. Heavy music with depth, performed by excellent musicians, means you can’t really go wrong with this Mansfield, Notts three piece. Magnificent stuff, no complaints from me! They’re on tour and come highly recommended by moi.

Syncolima

That’s almost it – but I nearly forgot to mentioned the well intentioned N.E.W. Metal Prod Ozzy tribute that the guys threw in the middle of the evening. With the Prince of Darkness sadly departing this mortal recently, a memorial to the great Oz was nicely timed. Our mates from Fallen North led the tribute, with ‘Crazy Train’ and ‘Mr Crowley’ before a group sing along to ‘War Pigs’. I made sure I got up front for that one, hoping it would be my moment to be discovered, but sadly it never happened. No one asked me to join a band, despite my fantastic performance. Oh, well…

Despite this insult, I had a thoroughly enjoyable time and came away with several new favourite bands. So a good result, regardless. Well done to Fozzy and Beany (and Frank and Kelly!), plus the Mclean’s staff, for putting this show on. More gigs soon – BE THERE!

North East Wales Metal Productions

1968 – Album Review

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1968 – Salvation, If You Need…

Self-released & No Profit Recordings

Release date: 20/04/2021

Running time: 44 minutes

Review by: Alun Jones

9.5/10

For this review of “Salvation, If You Need…”, the second album from UK stoner rock titans 1968, I promise that there will be no messing about, no silly stories, no nonsense whatsoever.  I’m not even drinking.  Rather, I will endeavour to write a serious review that treats this album with the respect it deserves.  Not enough respect to get the article written on schedule, mind; but hey – I never said I was perfect.

Anyone familiar with 1968 from their previous efforts will not be disappointed to learn that the band’s strengths are in full flow here.  Thankfully, they’ve also pushed boundaries and explored their psychedelic tendencies further than ever before.  Witness opening track “Railroad Boogie”, which teases a funky Blaxploitation groove before unleashing the glorious big riff sound that we expect.

Comparing 1968 to Kyuss is far too obvious and lazy.  Jimi Ray’s voice has some of that gruff John Garcia sound (with a little later-period TSOL vocalist Joe Wood), though his vocals have matured to a sincere, soulful timbre.  See also, guitarist Sam Orr: schooled in Sabbath riffology and Lizzy attitude, here his Hendrix aspirations are allowed to fly unrestrained.  Magnificent washes of sound cascade and add colour everywhere, without being obtrusive.

“Blackwing” is the highlight for me: a refrain that’ll slip into your ears and lodge there.  It’s pointless trying to remove it.  Whether happy accident or hard slog, this is an epic riff.  “Eastern Wind” follows a similar path, but offers enough of its own controlled chaos to stand on its own two feet. 

Tom Richards’ bass warms up “Here It Lies” and expertly keeps the vibe dialled on a grungy, early Soundgarden pace.  The raw, unrefined blues of “Small Victories” and “God Bless” also allow drummer Dan Amati to show he can play refined and delicate, as well as thundering and determined.    

Yes, 1968 are undoubtedly still inspired by the classic rock of the late 60s/early 70’s, but we’re also drinking beers in Satan’s Dive Bar, somewhere in Seattle, with a jukebox that’s stuck on Badmotorfinger.  And some Budgie, too, based on the solid cover of that band’s “Guts” that shows up here.   

Look, I’ve tried to be serious for once, and I hope you appreciate it, reader.  “Salvation, If You Need…” is a truly magnificent piece of work.  I’ve been playing it for ages and it hasn’t aged.  I’m still discovering little delights everywhere.  It has scale and pace that other bands don’t dare trifle with.  A contender for Album of the Year, so long as I can get hold of the imminent vinyl release.

Now, who wants to hear about the time Ozzy, Belinda Carlisle and me gate-crashed Venom’s Satanic picnic?

I lied about not drinking, by the way.     

You can find 1968 on Bandcamp, and also follow their social media adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

This Platinum Al review has been produced with the aid of Ever Metal.       

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub #24

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One of my favourite types of night in: a random stack of 7 inch vinyl, and a big old crate of booze. I’ve not held a Singles Night at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub for a little while, so allow me to put that right.

You see, I’ve got a load of 7″ singles that I haven’t listened to yet. They come from various sources, though most are second hand. So I play ’em through, A side then B side, and enjoy the sonic delights. Accompanied with a tipple of two.

Here’s the latest batch:

  1. Mudhoney – “Warning” / Meat Puppets – “One of These Days”
  2. Cockney Rejects – “The Greatest Cockney Rip Off” / “Hate of the City”
  3. Metallica – “The Unforgiven” / “Killing Time”
  4. The Shipbuilders – “Silk Road” / “La Fee Verte”
  5. Huey Lewis & The News – “Stuck With You” / “Don’t Ever Tell Me That You Love Me”
  6. The Archies – “Sugar, Sugar” / “Melody Hill”
  7. Boney M – “Painter Man” / “He Was a Steppenwolf”
  8. Twiggy – “Falling Angel” / “Virginia (And the Circus Side Show)”
  9. Freddie Mercury & Montserrat Caballe – “Barcelona” / “Exercises in Free Love”
  10. Yes – “Going for the One” / “Awaken Pt. 1”
  11. Bad Manners – “Special Brew” / “Ivor the Engine”
  12. Kylie Minogue – “Better the Devil You Know” / “I’m Over Dreaming (Over You)”
  13. The Jam – “Going Underground” / “The Dreams of Children”
  14. Siouxsie & The Banshees – “Cities in Dust” / “An Execution”
  15. Gary Numan – The Live E.P.: “Are “Friends” Electric?” / “Berserker” / “Cars” / “We Are Glass”
  16. Del Shannon – “Runaway” / “Jody”
  17. The Smurfs – “Silly Little Song” / “Little Smurf Boat”
  18. The Proclaimers – “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” / “Better Days”
  19. Stray Cats – “Stray Cat Strut” / “Drink That Bottle Down”
  20. Eurythmics – “Sexcrime (Nineteen Eighty Four)” / “I Did it Just the Same”

From Metallica to the Smurfs, there’s a right old mixture in that playlist. A nice wide coverage of genres from pop, disco, ska, prog rock, punk and – wonder of wonders – even some opera. Not to mention all the various subgenres on the list (Goth? Post punk? New Wave? Make your own conclusions).

Another fine evening of music, I can recommend a Singles Night for the variety and fun. Dig out your old singles collection and have a knees up!

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub #21

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I promised you lucky readers more Singles Night fun soon – and here you go. Another twenty 7″ vinyl singles, played one after the other, to create this sensational playlist.

Pour yourself a drink and join me, as we delve into the deep recesses of my thus far unplayed record collection for a night of rock’n’roll mayhem. Prepare to have your socks well and truly rocked…

  1. Chris Cornell – “Patience” / “Nothing Compares ” U”
  2. Sweet Apple – “I’ve Got a Feeling (That Won’t Change)” / “Dead Moon (Demo Version)”
  3. ABBA – “The Winner Takes It All” / “Elaine”
  4. The Knack – “My Sharona” / “Let Me Out”
  5. Free – “Wishing Well” / “Let Me Show You”
  6. Thin Lizzy – “The Boys Are Back in Town” / “Emerald”
  7. Cheap Trick – “I Want You to Want Me” / “Clock Strikes Ten”
  8. The Who – “5.15” / “Water”
  9. Bachman Turner Overdrive – “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet” / “Free Wheelin'”
  10. The Beach Boys – “Break Away” / “Celebrate the News”
  11. Stakker – “Humanoid” / “Humanoid (Part 2)”
  12. Flying Lizards – “Money” / “TV”
  13. Faith No More – “Anne’s Song” / “Greed”
  14. Hi Tek 3 ft. Ya Kid K – “Spin That Wheel (Turtles Get Real) 7″ Pizza Mix” / “7” Pizza Dub Mix”
  15. Phil Collins – “In the Air Tonight” / “The Roof is Leaking”
  16. Forrest – “Rock the Boat” / “Loving You”
  17. Stan Ridgway – “Camouflage” / “Rio Greyhound”
  18. Ella Fitzgerald – “Desafinado” / “Stardust (Bossa Nova)”
  19. Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Green River” / “Commotion”
  20. Python Lee Jackson – “In a Broken Dream” / “Boogie Woogie Joe”

Boom! What a great collection. My favourite Who song, Thin Lizzy’s best (?), BTO and Free. That Knack song is, of course, a classic – as is the Cheap Trick track. All were from a record fair (remember those?) if I recall correctly.

That Faith No More song is their very worst, by an otherwise spectacular band. I’m no Phil Collins fan really, but that track is pretty good, admit it. Throw in Flying Lizards and The Beach Boys and you’ve got a helluva playlist. And if you don’t love “Camouflage” there must be something wrong with you.

The Chris Cornell was a Record Store Day special which I picked up from VOD records in Mold. Great shop who also organised the record fair I mentioned above. Check them out here.

Till next time – keep rockin’!

Ryuko Interview

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In February last year, I interviewed Chester based punk/grunge band Ryuko at Pentre Fest. Due to numerous unavoidable issues – not least this blasted pandemic – the piece was unfinished till recently. Not long ago, this post finally appeared on Ever Metal, and I thought I’d republish it here too. Enjoy!

“Grandpa, what’s a gig?”

“Well son, a gig was what we used to call a band playing live music, in front of an audience.”

“What, people watching musicians play their instruments?  Crazy!”

“I know it seems like a strange idea to you youngsters, but it used to be a fantastic experience.  Actually being able to gather with friends and strangers to enjoy hearing music.  It was another world.”

That’s what the situation seems like right now: no gigs, no gatherings for entertainment – the old days sometimes feel like a lifetime ago.  At least it seemed a whole different world back in February 2020, before the pandemic, when I caught up with Chester based band Ryuko at Pentre Fest.

The three piece – comprising The Bobfather (guitars/vocals), Captain Andy (bass) and MattMan (drums) were something of an anomaly at the metal-centric Pentre Fest.  Not that Ryuko don’t rock out, but their brand of punky, alternative rock was a little different from the other bands on show.  I found their style of honest, yet far from pretentious rock’n’roll refreshing and it added a vital tone to the proceedings.

Post gig, I caught up with the band to pose some questions and contemplate the meaning of life.

First off, the cliched yet crucial discussion on influences:

Bob: It’s weird, ‘cos we’ve got influences from all over.  If you listen to one of our sets, it has stages: it starts off punky, then it goes alternative rock.  Then it goes a little metal/grungy, then back to punk at the end.

Matt: Drop D then back to punk!  I’m a huge fan of Motorhead and Metallica, the list goes on, so me being the drummer, I was always doing these thrash beats.  To go from that to stepping into this, this was more fun to me.  I really enjoy myself when I’m behind the kit with these guys.

Bob: When I write the songs, I listen to quite a broad variety of music, so I think that becomes apparent in my songs.  I don’t like to write the same song twice.  As far as when I started out, I would say when I was a teenager, I first started listening to Nirvana, Carter USM.  I also drew influences from a lot of electro – The Prodigy and stuff like that – so sometimes I’d try and work out how to play dance songs on a guitar.  And then that would give me the influence to write more interesting songs.  I like to try and fuse a bunch of different genres together, make it more interesting.

Andy: I listen to a lot of Neil Young, I think he’s a very diverse artist.  He’s done folk, he’s also done electric stuff.

How do you promote yourselves?

Matt: I’m more into social media than these guys are.  We’re promoting ourselves on Facebook, we’re gonna make a new YouTube account.  That’s kind of going up and down at the moment…

Bob: We don’t know how to work it!

Where does the name Ryuko come from?

Bob: I’m really into anime and all things Japanese, Japanese music… At the time I was watching an anime called Kill la Kill.  The main character is called Ryuko Matoi and I just thought it was a really cool name.  Some really fun facts: Ryuko is one of the least popular names in Japan.  It basically means “rebirth”, start over.  So I thought, we’re starting again, it’s a really cool name.

Andy: Well it’s not a cool name in Japan, is it?

Bob: It’s cool to me!  I think it’s cool!

Andy: I do wish we’d chosen a name that’s easier to spell and pronounce.

Bob: People can never say it.

Your cover of the Madness classic “Baggy Trousers” tonight was a surprising choice, but great!

Matt: We decided to spruce that up to make it ours.  The original is completely different to how I play it, I add extra little bits just to make it more funky.

Do you feel you’ve got the right band dynamic between the three of you?

Bob: We’re pretty good as we are.  More people add more complications cos you’ve got to think – are they free; do they drive, are they going to be available…

Matt: I’ve got a son, he’s 9, we discuss upcoming gigs before we agree to it.  If I’ve got my son and he comes along with us, if he’s allowed in the venue we play – he’s got his little ear defenders, he just sits in the corner and watches us or plays his game.

Bob: I’ve got three jobs…

Sounds like a positive environment to work in.

It’s got to be positive, if it’s not it just doesn’t work.  If no-one’s happy, nothing gets done.

So, what’s next?  What are your plans?

Bob: World domination!  One step at a time…

Andy: We’ve been working on re-doing our EP, we’ve been recording on and off.  Recording, playing as many gigs as we can.

And there you have it: an enjoyable chat with the gentlemen of Ryuko.  Make sure you check them out live, as and when we can return to the experience of live music.  If grungy, punky alt rock with some metallic crunch is your thing, then Ryuko will be just the antidote you need in these dreary times.

With apologies to Ryuko, who have waited months for this interview to see the light of day.

Check out Ryuko on Bandcamp and Facebook. Plus you can follow this link to listen to the interview on YouTube – yes, you can admire my fantastic interviewing skills for real!

And don’t forget to pay a visit to Ever Metal!

SK88: Old School Skateboard Playlist

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Best years of my life? 15/16 years old, skateboarding all day and hanging around with my friends.  It was the late 1980s, and the days of the 180 Boneless, No Comply and learning to Ollie.  Back when kickflips were the raddest trick in the car park – except we called them “Ollie kickflips” back then.

This was also the time when I started to really veer off the obvious track as far as music was concerned.  Skate videos and Thrasher magazine began to open up a whole new world of music.  Sometimes these bands would enter the mainstream a couple of years later; sometimes they never did.

I remember hearing a great song on a Vision video.  I had no idea what the song was called, but worked out from the credits that it was most likely performed by the Descendents.  I recorded the song onto cassette off the TV as there was no other way to hear it.  A few months later, on a skate buying trip to Manchester, I stumbled across a record shop that stocked a few records by the band.  I had to buy one: taking a gamble on “All” as it featured a song called “Coolidge”, which fitted the lyrics of the track I loved.  I was so stoked when I got home, played the vinyl and heard the song I was hoping for!  Great album, all in all.

This practice of researching and hunting became a big feature of my relationship with music ever since.

Skating all day, then listening to music in the evening was a big part of my teenage years.  This playlist is designed to reflect those days: music I enjoyed back then and became the soundtrack to that time.

Some songs featured in skate videos (McRad, Odd Man Out).  Some were checked out after I saw them advertised or reviewed in Thrasher (The Cult, Misfits).  Others were just part of the current soundscape, and are forever linked with those halcyon days.

Here’s the playlist I made, split into a two CD format:

Part 1

  1. McRad – “Weakness”
  2. Odd Man Out – “Four Thirty One”
  3. Descendents – “Coolidge”
  4. Sex Pistols – “Holidays in the Sun”
  5. Devo – “That’s Good”
  6. Black Sabbath – “Paranoid”
  7. Motorhead – “Killed by Death”
  8. Faith No More – “We Care a Lot”
  9. Misfits – “Astro Zombies”
  10. Hard-Ons – “Don’t Wanna See You Cry”
  11. The Stupids – “Skid Row”
  12. Beastie Boys – “She’s On It”
  13. Circle Jerks – “Wild in the Streets”
  14. Spermbirds – “Something to Prove”
  15. Dead Kennedys – “California Uber Alles”
  16. Suicidal Tendencies – “Possessed to Skate”
  17. Generation X – “One Hundred Punks”

Part 2

  1. The Cult – “Wildflower”
  2. The Damned – “Love Song”
  3. Red Hot Chili Peppers – “Higher Ground”
  4. Fishbone – “Freddie’s Dead”
  5. Iggy Pop – “Cold Metal”
  6. GBH – “Too Much”
  7. Mudhoney – “Sweet Young Thing Ain’t Sweet No More”
  8. Ramones – “I Just Wanna Have Something To Do”
  9. The Stranglers – “Peaches”
  10. Bad Brains – “Soul Craft”
  11. Gang Green – “Church of Fun”
  12. Metallica – “The Thing That Should Not Be”
  13. Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Purple Haze”
  14. Rolling Stones – “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
  15. Jesus Jones – “Never Enough”
  16. The Skids – “Into the Valley”
  17. Fugazi – “Blueprint”

Some of the above tracks I owned on vinyl or cassette back in the day; some I found in later years.  There are still plenty of other bands from skate videos that I either still haven’t tracked down, or as I didn’t own them at the time I’ve omitted for now.

Instead, this is a basic playlist to represent my late 80s skateboarding days, boiled down to the bare essentials.  I hope you enjoy and these bring back some memories.

And this sin’t an exhaustive list: how Anthrax and Run DMC didn’t get included is baffling.  Maybe I can expand with some more for a Part 2…