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.
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.
What’s that I hear? Those loyal Hot Tubbers have been going ape for my Singles Night vinyl playlists? They want more, more, MORE?! Then it shall be so, my friends! With great humility I shall acquiesce to your rabid response – here we go again for another Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub!
For the stragglers at the back, this playlist includes a bunch of 45 rpm singles that have ended up in my treasured collection. I spend an evening playing them – both sides – and with the aid of a little alcohol, have a fine old time.
Join me again for another evening enjoying playing 7 inch records of all genres…
The Kinks – “Dead End Street” / “Big Black Snake”
The Steve Miller Band – “Abracadabra” / “Never Say No”
Status Quo – “What You’re Proposing” / “A. B. Blues”
Prince – “When Doves Cry” / “17 Days”
Madness – “Grey Day” / “Memories”
Kate Robbins – “The Real Me” / “Photo Fit”
Ron Grainer – “Tales of the Unexpected” / “Malice Afterthought”
Belinda Carlisle – “Big Scary Animal” / “Windows of the World”
Bananarama – “Love in the First Degree” / “Mr Sleaze”
Barry White – “You’re the First, the Last, My Everything” / “More Than Anything, You’re My Everything”
Yes, you read that right: Agadoo by Black Lace is now in my vinyl collection. Well, you never know – it might be useful to entertain somebody one day.
Well, I certainly must’ve enjoyed myself on this particular night – 25 songs in one go is a record of a different type. I think. And what a killer collection of tunes! Classic tracks from The Kinks, Quo, Kate Bush and ABBA elevated the playlist nicely. Plus a quality punk rock section with Ramones, Buzzcocks and X-Ray Spex – and some more pop hits from Madness, Barry White and many more.
Enjoy the tunes Hot Tubbers, I won’t keep you waiting long for more!
Notes:
The Wolfmother record is single with a blank B side, which I didn’t realise when I bought it. The Horrorpops single is a picture disc, as is the POTUSA vinyl. Pretty stylish stuff.
Oh and yes, that’s the legendary theme tune from the Tales of the Unexpected television programme. Pretty cool to have that.
Singles Night! Singles Night! At the Virtual Hot Tub, yeah!!! Yes it’s that time again, hot tubbers – grab yourself a drink and let’s enjoy the latest Singles Night playlist!
If you’re not sure what’s going down, it’s like this: your Old pal Platinum Al has a big pile of unplayed, sexy 7 inch vinyl records – and they need to be played. So we’ll spin ’em, A side then B side, one after the other, and have the rad time while we do it.
Sound like fun? Ok, here we go…
The Stylistics – “You Make Me Feel Brand New” / “Only For The Children”
Scott McKenzie – “San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair)” / “What’s the Difference”
Sylvester – “You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)” / “Was it Something I Said”
Nik Kershaw – “Don Quixote” / “Don’t Lie”
The Mighty Wah! – “Come Back” / “The Devil in Miss Jones”
Blondie – “Dreaming” / “Sound Asleep”
Bryan Adams – “Can’t Stop This This We Started” / “It’s Only Love (Live)”
The Creatures – “Mad Eyed Screamer” / “So Unreal” / “But Not Them”
Los Lobos – “La Bamba” / “Charlena”
Kate Robbins – “Run Wild” / “Cassie’s Song”
Kim WIlde – “I Can’t Say Goodbye” / “Sanjazz Megamix”
Crystal Gayle – “When I Dream” / “Someday Soon”
Samantha Fox – “Aim to Win” / “Holding”
Billy Ray Cyrus – “Achy Breaky Heart” / “I’m So Miserable”
Boney M. – “Gotta Go Home” / “El Lute”
Nina Simone – “My Baby Just Cares For Me” / “Love Me or Leave Me”
The Monks – “Nice Legs, Shame About Her Face” / “You’ll Be The Death of Me”
Transvision Vamp – “Baby I Don’t Care” / “Time For Change” / “Strings of My Heart”
Sinitta – “love on a Mountain Top” / “Don’t Tell Me Not to Cry”
The Alarm – “Unsafe Building” / “Up For Murder”
Now that’s a pretty eclectic playlist. Covering all manner of genres from pop, soul/disco, rock, punk, country, blues and more.
The absolute cream of the crop is the Muddy Waters single – “Mannish Boy” is one of the greatest songs ever written. This version came from a late 80s Levis commercial, always a handy way to pick up reissued classic songs. Similar with the equally awesome Nina Simone record.
The Stylistics are one of my Dad’s favourite bands and something I grew up with. Any Disco records on these lists are a result of upbringing
Sinitta crops up again, due to the fact that I always had a crush on her. Likewise Sam Fox, Kim Wilde and Crystal Gayle and of course Debbie Harry. Though I never fancied Wendy James of Transvision Vamp. Good track, though.
No absolute stinkers this time round, either. “Achy Breaky Heart” is a kitsch classic and I love it – stoked to find that one in a charity shop!
And we’re done. Another pile of 45 rpm goodies played – stay tuned for more, very soon!
Have you been good all year? Have you eaten your greens, minded your Ps and Qs, and got your Ever Metal reviews in on time? If yes, then good news: the final North East WalesMetal Productions shindig of the year is here – the annual Christmosh party! A fabulous six bands appearing at Mcleans Pub in Pentre, Deeside, covering a wide variety of Rock/Metal music and all gathered together to celebrate a festive end to 2025.
Warming us up like a welcome open log fire was Victim of Damp, alias N.E.W. Metal Prods ally Frank Williams, here given a seasonal makeover as Christmas of Damp. With Christmas jumper and trusty guitar in hand, COD gave us some choice cuts including new additions such as Therapy?’s ‘Screamager’ along with free shots and a melancholy Pink Floyd cover. The promise of Crimbo tunes wasn’t forgotten, with a rousing version of Slade’s evergreen ‘Merry Xmas Everybody’ – event guru Fozzy (in Santa suit) on vocals.
‘Agro’ by The Raging Mabels is one of the Greatest Songs Ever. Their entire set of high speed, thundering yet melodic Zeke-like Punk Rock was an absolute, total joy from start to finish. I cannot praise this band highly enough, even though they forgot to bring merch (again). There should be a new Raging Mabels album out in the New Year, so be prepared for a cultural explosion of Nirvana ‘Nevermind’ levels. And if that doesn’t happen, every single one of you can suck balls.
Sadly, last time SOOTO (Something Out Of The Ordinary) played Pentre a couple of months back, I failed to write up my review. That cruel oversight is about to be reversed. SOOTO deal in classic Hard Rock/Metal, and with the female vocals they’re like Stevie Nicks singing for Thin Lizzy. Professional but not superficial, SOOTO have a raw energy and love of the riff, combined with dynamic songcraft and expert playing. A fantastic set that was over too soon.
The only band I’d never seen before, Heroes of the Gauntlet were a pleasant surprise indeed. Billed as “Symphonic Power Metal”, I was concerned these guys would be a full-on cheese fest. They have two singers (male and female) with fantastic voices, and a microphone that turns into a sword. Add in some serious Power Metal riffage and super confident stage personas, and you’ve actually got one hell of a show. Heroes of the Gauntlet were gloriously over the top and it’s impossible not to love them! All they need is a live drummer and these Heroes cannot fail.
Bad Earth we have met before, and yes – hands up, I am a bit of a fanboy. But when a band deliver this much power and presence on stage, how can anyone not be? A “Rockcore” trio from the North Wales area, what that genre entails is dishing out filthy Punk/Metal riffs and pummelling, killer rhythms that you can feel as well as hear. They get better and bolder all the time – though the silly buggers are very humble about it – and this night was no exception. New recorded material is due soon, so beware: Bad Earth have never shied away from delivering crushing, groove infused Rock and I don’t think they will.
To say I was excited about the return of the fuzzed out, sludgy sound of Master Charger to Mcleans would be an understatement. Their album “Posthumous Resurrection” was one of the never ending delights of 2025, plus last time they were here, these boys absolutely killed it. Make no mistake, Master Charger can and will deal out a mighty, megalithic slab of Stoner/Doom that will make the earth tremble. And that’s exactly what they did, with every asteroid-heavy riff and mammoth beat ploughing through the audience mercilessly. Another off-the-charts performance and a great finale.
What a night. Quite possibly the strongest line-up at Mcleans that I’ve ever witnessed, featuring many of my personal favourites.
But now it’s down to you. Christmosh was the last North East Wales Metal Productions event of the year, till the return of Pentre Fest in February 2026. These events, these bands need your support. If you’ve ever considered a trip to Mcleans, then you need to be there on 27th and 28th Feb 26. No excuses!
Are you ready for more rock’n’roll? And very possibly lots of other genres of music too? In that case, pilgrim, you’ve come to the right place. You know it – it’s another Singles Night here at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub!
Now, for any of you brave readers who are muddled and befuddled by what a Singles Night involves, here’s the lowdown. You see, I possess a huge collection of 7 inch vinyl singles, none of which have been listened to (yet). So the concept is to spend an evening playing these records – both sides – and have a grand old time doing so.
During the course of the night, we’ll hear a variety of music, old and new, with plenty of surprises.
That’s not so scary, is it?
Grab yourself a drink and let’s check out the latest playlist:
Cheap Trick – “The Flame” / “Through the Night”
Stiff Little Fingers – “Silver Lining” / “Safe as Houses”
Belinda Carlisle – “Live Your Life Be Free” / “Loneliness Game”
Salt-N-Pepa- “Let’s Talk About Sex (True Confessions Edit)” / “Let’s Talk About Sex (Super Crispy Mix)”
Herb Alpert’s Tijuana Brass – “Up Cherry Street” / “Numero Cinco” / “Mexican Shuffle” / “The Girl From Ipanema”
Magazine – “About the Weather” / “In The Dark”
The Lotus Eaters – “The First Picture of You” / “The Lotus Eaters”
James Brown – “Rapp Payback (Where iz Moses?)” / “Rapp Payback Pt. II (Where iz Moses?)”
Huey Lewis & The News – “World to Me” / “It’s All Right (Live)”
Dannii Minogue – “This is it” / “It’s Time to Move On”
Queen – “Bohemian Rhapsody” / “These Are the Days of Our Lives”
The Kinks – “Tired of Waiting for You” / “Come on Now”
Big Country – “Wonderland” / “Giant”
Timbuk 3 – “The Future’s So Bright I Gotta Wear Shades” / “I’ll Do Alright”
Derek & The Dominos – “Layla” / Eric Clapton – “Wonderful Tonight”
Jesus Jones – “Right Here, Right Now” / “Move Me” / “Damn Good at This”
Big Country- “In a Big Country” / “All Of Us”
Electric Light Orchestra – “Don’t Bring Me Down” / “Dreaming of 4000”
The Belle Stars – “The Clapping Song” / “Blame”
S’Express – “Hey Music Lover” / “Have a Nice Day”
Not a bad evening’s entertainment at all. A thrilling exploration through several genres, from pop to punk, rock to funk, and more. The only song I wasn’t a fan of was that hideous Clapton claptrap, so that’s a pretty decent result.
Lots of highlights, and I’m shouting out SLF, James Brown, Big Country, The Kinks and Jesus Jones as particular favourites.
Hope you enjoyed that list of killer tracks. More soon!
Singles Night! At Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub! It’s back – and better than ever!
What is it? A night where I play through a pile of as yet, never spun 45rpm vinyl singles. Both sides, whatever the genre, in whatever random order the fates have decided for me. There’s all sorts in that collection of 7 inch records, so it makes for a fine playlist (with a couple of drinkies to aid the process).
Here’s the latest playlist:
Toyah – “Don’t Fall in Love” / “Snow Covers the Kiss”
Doctor and the Medics – “Waterloo” / “Damaged Brains”
The Screaming Blue Messiahs – “I Wanna Be A Flintstone” / “Jerry’s Electric Church”
Blue Oyster Cult – “Astronomy” / “Magna of Illusion”
Motorhead – “Overkill” / “Too Late, Too Late”
Sex Pistols – “C’Mon Everybody” / “The God Save The Queen Symphony”
Pete Mac Junior – “The Water Margin” / Godiego – “The Water Margin”
Peter Sellers & Sophia Loren – “Goodness Gracious Me!” / Peter Sellers – “Grandpa’s Groove”
The Professionals – “Little Boys in Blue” / Gillan – “I’ll Rip Your Spine Out”
Stevie Wonder – “Lately” / “If It’s Magic”
Psychedelic Furs – “Heaven” / “Heartbeat (Remix)”
The Cars – “Drive” / “Stranger Eyes”
Sex Pistols – “God Save The Queen” / “Did You No Wrong”
Run DMC – “It’s Tricky (Remix)” / “Proud To Be Black”
Bow Wow Wow – “Go Wild in the Country” / “El Boss Dicho”
Atomic Rooster – “Tomorrow Night” / “Play the Game”
Black Sabbath – “Hard Road” / “Symptom of the Universe”
Anthrax – “I’m the Man” / “Caught in a Mosh (Live)”
Anti-Nowhere League – “I Hate… People” / “Let’s Break the Law”
Eighth Wonder – “I’m Not Scared” / “J’ai Pas Peur”
Lynsey De Paul – “Ooh I Do” / “Nothing Really Lasts Forever”
Sly Fox – “Let’s Go All the Way” / “Como Tu Te Hama”
A great selection. I can honestly say that I’m not ashamed of any of those singles. Except, maybe, “Goodness Gracious Me” which is somewhat… ah, dated, shall we say? At least the lovely Sophia Loren adds a touch of class. And she’s not the only beautiful lady in the list – I always had a crush on Lynsey De Paul.
Notes:
Two Sex Pistols records included here. including the wonderful “God Save The Queen”, one of the greatest rock’n’roll songs ever recorded. And we all know it got to number one really! There’s also a track from Jones and Cook as The Professionals, here on a Sounds flexi disc with Ian Gillan.
“The Water Margin” was a classic Japanese television series, shown in the 1970s. I vaguely remember it, but watched a later 1980s re-run religiously. The theme tune is brilliant. This single features a version in English on one side, and Japanese on the other.
Some great classic rock in this list, with Blue Oyster Cult, Atomic Rooster and a later Black Sabbath single (on purple vinyl in this case). A legendary couple of Motorhead tracks too, plus Anthrax throwing down some proto rap metal.
More punk from the Anti-Nowhere League: both of those tracks are fantastic.
A really enjoyable evening of music: random but unforgettable. More soon.
The good old Crown & Liver in Ewloe used to be my home from home for many years. In fact, it was utilised as a club house of sorts not just by myself, but the members of KASP and a large chunk of tonight’s audience. Quite apt, then, to see these guys crank out some tunes that effortlessly recreated the sounds of the 1990s in this venue. The Crown may have been jazzed up over the decades, but it’s the same old boozer at heart.
KASP are four mates who got themselves together and formed a band, performing well known and appreciated cover songs. They’ve been gigging in the local area for a while, but this was the first time I’d caught up with them. It was a nice reunion of sorts with several welcome faces and a good atmosphere.
Wouldn’t you just know it, things didn’t get off to a stellar start: the set opener was ‘Rock’n’Roll Star’ by Oasis, and I’m not a big fan! To be fair, it’s one of the better Gallagher brothers songs, and KASP rattled the song out in confident fashion. Simon on lead vocals and guitar slotted right into the role with ease. Next up was ‘You Stole the Sun From My Heart’, a killer Manics cover where Adam ably took over lead vocals from Si and still delivered a formidable guitar part. Now we were starting to get bouncing!
Solid musicianship all round to be fair, meaning that a couple songs I’m not a fan of (that James monstrosity, ‘Sit Down’, being a prime offender) were superbly delivered with self assured style. Of course, this means that the quality songs in the rest of the set couldn’t really go wrong – especially with genuine energisers from Green Day, Stereophonics and even Steppenwolf’s old evergreen, ‘Born to be Wild’!
A special shout out to the closing song of the first set, a devastatingly great rendition of ‘Hate to Say I Told You So’ by The Hives. Classic track, rendered brilliantly by KASP. Kev’s nimble bass playing was particularly impressive, shining in that solo middle section; and Pete’s drums managing to keep everyone on track with all cylinders firing .
The band returned for part 2 after a short break, though I have to admit that my memories of the second set started to get a bit fuzzy…
I do remember a rousing version of Lenny Kravitz’s ‘Are You Gonna Go My Way’ getting the crowd moving. And a nice dedication for yours truly from Si in his introduction for Foo Fighters’ ‘Times Like These’ (thanks!). There was more dancing for this set as the audience started to really warm up. More first rate tunes by White Stripes, Kings of Leon and Stereophonics kept the mood high and feet moving as everyone sang along.
KASP at the Crown turned out to be a fun night of solid musicianship and camaraderie. A great band who possess some real skills, delivering a non-stop run of hit songs for all to enjoy. It was kind of cool to have that gig with that band in that pub, too. The evening wasn’t just about nostalgia, though. It was about good times with good people, and that’s what live music’s all about, right?
There I was, just casually chilling between sets at McLeans in Pentre, when Frank – AKA Victim of Damp – said to me: “Hey Al, you should check this band out. They’re a Spanish Metal band, and they’re really good.” Frank sent me a link, and I gave said Spanish Metal band a listen. They’re called ILEX, and the album is called “Mutatio”, and he wasn’t wrong, to be fair.
“Mutatio” was actually written and worked on beginning some years ago, and eventually released back in April 2024. Even though it’s not a new release, I figured it was worth a review. What we have here is some fine thrash metal, with plenty of groove and some gargled Death vocals, with a nice experimental edge to set it off.
We start with some fine acoustic guitar on ‘Ardet Nec Consumitur’. a moody piece which erupts into the furious death-thrash of ‘F.P.T.S’. This track is fast, with a brutal chugging riff and growled vocals. Next is ‘Changing the Archetype’, where Ilex play with some contrasting tempos and sections. As we listen through the album, they’ve obviously challenged themselves to create progressive, expansive soundscapes and channel different styles.
‘Iceberg’ then begins with a slow, melodic intro: it’s an extended, progressive piece that really starts to evolve the sound. The aggressive metal in this track diverges brilliantly from the excellent, mellow middle section. The crunchier, ruthless riffs of tracks like ‘Rubble Survivor’ manage to comfortably nestle next to the spooky sound of instrumental ‘Omnia Mutantor, Nihil Interit’, as well as the bouncy groove of ‘Eyes of the Messiah’.
There’s the old school Metallica/Testament Thrash of ‘Cambrian Explosion’, but one of the highlights of the album is ‘The Pilgrimage’. Here the vocals are cleaner. but it’s the almost NWOBHM gallop of the track that really captures the groove here. Nice Purple style skronky organ at the end, too!
The production on “Mutatio” is really impressive, everything sounds clear but also has plenty of guts. The real success though is the mix of genres that Ilex are comfortable in exploring, whether that be Hardcore/Crossover, trad Thrash, Death or Groove metal – as well as the exquisite delicate moments. “Mutatio” has been maturing for a while, it’s well worth seeking out and dusting off.
WARNING: This is NOT a Heavy Metal album. If you’re the type of listener that only wants to hear the loudest of pummelling riffs and ear slashing vocal roars, this may not be for you. And that’s fine. We all like to rage like Satan with a stubbed toe. This is Ever METAL, after all. If, on the other hand, you’re the kind of discerning listener who likes to temper the ferocity with atmosphere and introspection, take a seat.
Jonathan Hultén is a Swedish singer-songwriter who first arrived on my radar as the support act for The Cult on their 84/24 tour last year. Hultén was not what I anticipated at all for a major rock show: his music, performed solo, is a dark yet beautiful expression of acoustic, gothic melody and ethereal charm.
This second album, “Eyes of the Living Night”, takes the listener on another fairy tale like walk in enchanted woods. Beginning with ‘The Saga and the Storm’, the music is more soundtrack for a folk horror movie than a typical rock album. This opening track is like a lost Morricone classic and builds to a gloriously uplifting finale. Just wait for that mid song moment when your neck hairs will raise to the sky.
First single ‘Afterlife’ features swirling keyboards and angelic vocals, while ‘Riverflame’ has the plaintive ambience of a Nine Inch Nails/Alice in Chains mash up. The dreamy folk of ‘The Dream was the Cure’ offers a widescreen Scandinavian epic of reflection, and is a highlight of the album. Weaving genres further, ‘Through the Fog, Into the Sky’ is a wonderful classical piano piece whilst ‘Vast Tapestry’ sees Hultén n the role of gentle folk troubadour.
The concluding track, ‘Starbather’, works more like a rock ballad and bookends the album with a final flourish of bright optimism.
“Eyes of the Living Night” won’t destroy your speakers, but it will take you to a mystical and unforgettable place. With its layers of gothic ambience and mood elevating nuance, this album deserves to be a part of the Ever Metal community’s world. The music of Jonathan Hultén will be there for you when you need to reach inside yourself, to heal and unwind. Or to transport your mind to another world. I genuinely love this album and heartily recommend it, I hope you’ll give it a chance.
Platinum Al's Virtual Hot Tub 