Tag Archives: pop punk

STYLE: The Aquabats Outfit

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STYLE. It is for the bold. Never be afraid to be different when it comes to STYLE.

We return to the world of STYLE with what is a work in progress. If you’re up to date with everything at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub, you’ll have seen my review last week of The Aquabats gig I went to in Wrexham. At this gig, I picked up some awesome merch that has enabled me to follow a path long desired.

But first: a brief re-cap. The Aquabats, for anyone not familiar, are a musical punk/ska band from California. And yet they are more than this: they are also superpowered crimefighters, dedicated to saving the world from the dastardly deeds of villains such as ManAnt, Uberchaun and Cobra Man. Their TV programme, The Aquabats! Super Show is a crazy, funny and absurd masterpiece and Platinum Al has become a huge fan.

To join the ranks of The Aquabats, at the gig I purchased an Anti-Negativity Helmet and goggles. They weren’t cheap, but are worth every penny. I’m now working on acquiring an official blue rash guard (that’s the top, kids) to complete my outfit. Soon I aim to be the clad in full Aquabat uniform.

STYLE: it’s what you make it.

Bouncing Souls + The Aquabats – Gig Review

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Bouncing Souls + The Aquabats + Bar Stool Preachers

Wednesday 4th March 2026

The Rockin’ Chair, Wrexham

I’ve been stacked out with gigs recently (Pentre Fest review incoming), though I can’t ever get to see everything.  And I don’t get time to write up a review of every gig I go to. But there was one I simply couldn’t miss: The Aquabats, playing not far from me in The Rockin’ Chair, Wrexham.  Even though it was a Wednesday night, I was driving, and not sure if anyone i knew was actually going…

But this was a dream come true! The Aquabats have been on my bucket list for years, ever since I became a huge fan of their hilarious, surreal kids TV show.  Now they were second on the bill for this event.  Luckily I’ve also long been aware of Bouncing Souls, so everything was in place for a fantastic night.

Unfortunately, I missed the first band, Bar Stool Preachers – though I was reliably informed they were really good.  I’ll check ’em out later based on that recommendation.

The Aquabats were a spectacle unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed.  The full band were in attendance, all eight of them, dressed in their cool superhero outfits.  Of course they were.  It was an unbelievable sight, seeing them all in this smallish club.

Starting with a rousing rendition of “Shark Fighter”, The Aquabats launched into their set, accompanied by three huge inflatable sharks flying around the room.  Energetic pop punk and joyous ska formed their sound, with their TV show theme tune as another highlight of a fun, crazy set.

You’ve never seen anything if you’ve never seen an audience member crowd surfing on a giant inflatable slice of pizza.  Or an eight foot tall Mummy Man attacking the band on stage.  Or a yeti dancing with the crowd.  I was grinning from ear to ear for the full set: The Aquabats were RAD!

Headliners Bouncing Souls have been on my radar since the late 90s, their fast, melodic skate punk fitting right in with my Descendents loving musical tastes.  Though The Aquabats were always going to be my reason for attending, Bouncing Souls played an incredible, crowd pleasing set: lightning paced, huge choruses, barely a break between songs.

Third song in, they played “Hopeless Romantic” which was the highlight I was waiting for.  I would’ve been happy with just that one track!

I’m glad I made an effort to get to this gig.  It really was an event unlike any other, worth every penny.  It’s not every day that a band of punk rock superheroes save the earth whilst playing in Wrexham.

Stiff Little Fingers – The Singles 1978-1983 Album Review

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Stiff Little Fingers – The Singles 1978-1983 

Cherry Red Records 

Release date: 09/05/2025 

Running time: 30 tracks on 2 CDs, you work it out 

Review by: Alun Jones 

9/10 

Welcome back to Platinum Al’s Punk Rock Corner, here at Ever Metal HQ!  Where yet again, I’ll be taking a detour from our more traditional hard rock/metal path and into the wonderful world of Punk Rock!  This time, a 2 CD collection of classics from Northern Ireland legendary rockers, the one and only Stiff Little Fingers.  These guys should need no introduction, but if you need a place to start, this compendium from Cherry Red Records is a good enough place to begin. 

All of the band’s singles – A side plus B side – between the years 1978 to 1983 are contained herein, and in chronological order, natch.  Thus, we start with the original Rigid Digits recording of ‘Suspect Device’ c/w ‘Wasted Life’ – and what a way to start.  Urgent, in-your-face and literally bounding from the speakers, both songs have a frantic yet melodic purpose with huge choruses.   

Those tracks are followed by another bona fide classic (and possibly their best song?): ‘Alternative Ulster’.  Jake Burns barks out the vocals to make this ode to boredom seem anything but boring.  You’ve probably heard this track before, and if you haven’t you’re a.) in for a right old treat and b.) you’ll swear you HAVE heard it before after just one play, because it’s that flaming good. 

Other blinding tracks on the first disc include ‘Gotta Getaway’, ‘Nobody’s Hero’, ‘At the Edge’ (I’ve got the 7” single of that one!) and of course the furious, growling ‘Straw Dogs’ – the first SLF song I ever heard, fact fans!  The songs are a mighty combination of Punk Rock acidity and catchy choruses, with the odd reggae influence creeping in and adding some variety (such as on ‘Mr Fire Coal Man’).  A couple of the B sides are more for completists – though I admit that the live cover of ‘White Christmas’ gets a habitual playing in my house every festive season.       

Disc 2 blasts out more of the same, starting with ‘Just Fade Away’ with its brutally brilliant melody and rousing pace.  ‘Go For It’ has been the instrumental live intro for SLF for absolute donkey’s years – and it’s another ear tickler that stays in the memory.  Indeed, the second disc shows the Fingers stretching their musical muscles ever further: the reggae swing of ‘Doesn’t Make it Alright’ and ‘Safe As Houses’ are truly irresistible whilst ‘Silver Lining’ boasts a glittering brass section with joyous results. 

Stiff Little Fingers manage to introduce some socio-political subject matter into their material – they did, after all, form at the height of the troubles – but this is only part of the story.  With the usual Punk topics of teenage boredom and frustration, along with some tracks that are just plain old good fun, their songs aren’t preachy – but there is usually a message.       

As Disc 2 progresses, the songs become more accomplished, but not necessarily more commercial.  Certainly not in the vein of “selling out”.  ‘Bits of Kids’ and ‘Touch and Go’ still retain that essential Punk Rock bite, even as the band develop.  That early venom and energy is still discernible, but tempered with a greater grasp of songwriting craftsmanship. 

This singles collection does a fine job of replacing my ancient vinyl copy of “All the Best”, the Stiff Little Fingers comp from the 80’s that covered the same material.  It updates that old album very nicely, with a damn fine inner booklet covering info on all the releases.  Ideal for the completist fans, covering all the essentials, it’s also a handy jumping on point for curious new listeners – though you’re gonna want the studio albums, too! 

Check out Stiff Little Fingers on their website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.

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

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub #37

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You wanted it – you got it! Another Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub. This is where I spend an evening playing 7 inch singles that have found their way into my vinyl collection, from any number of different sources. None of the records have been played before, so I spend a few hours playing both sides and working through that pile.

There’s usually plenty of variety in the stack, with songs old and new, from any genre. Anything can happen, so just enjoy the ride.

Grab a drink and let’s check out the latest playlist:

  1. The Beatles – “Now and Then” / “Love Me Do”
  2. The Dickies – “Banana Splits” / “Hideous” / “Got It at the Store”
  3. S.S.S. – “CDC” / “Bath Night” / “Thrash with a Small Moustache” / “Black Night White Light”
  4. 999 – “Little Red Riding Hood” / “Wait For Your Number to be Called” / “I Ain’t Gonna Tell Ya”
  5. Roxy Music – “Jealous Guy” / “To Turn You On”
  6. Ram Jam – “Black Betty” / “I Should Have Known”
  7. Bee Gees – “Tragedy” / “Until”
  8. ABBA – “One Of Us” / “Should I Laugh or Cry”
  9. Sweet – “Love is Like Oxygen” / “Cover Girl”
  10. The Alarm – “Spirit of ’76” / “Where Were You Hiding When the Storm Broke? (Live)”
  11. Nancy Sinatra – “Love Eyes” / “Coastin'”
  12. Kool & The Gang – “Joanna” / “Tonight”
  13. Rick Dees & His Cast of Idiots – “Disco Duck (Pt. 1)” / “Disco Duck ({Pt. 2)”
  14. Matthew Wilder – “Break My Stride” / “Break My Stride (Instrumental)”
  15. Bee Gees – “Night Fever” / “Down the Road”
  16. Dire Straits – “Romeo & Juliet” / “Solid Rock”
  17. Nilsson – “Without You” / “Gotta Get Up”
  18. Sinitta – “Right Back Where We Started From” / “I Just Can’t Help It”
  19. Sabrina – “Boys (Summertime Love)” / “Get Ready (Holiday Rock)”
  20. Oceanic – “Insanity (Legendary Mix)” / “Reality”
  21. Charlie Pride – “The Most Beautiful Girl” / Johnny Cash – “Ring of Fire” / Crystal Gayle – “Miss the Mississippi & You” / Tammy Wynette – “Stand By Your Man” / Bertie Higgins – “Key Largo”

Twenty one records this week, and enough variety to keep anyone on their toes. Disco, punk, pop and rock classics – this was one of my best Singles Nights yet.

Notes:

The Beatles single is their last ever song, released recently and backed with their first ever single. A must for the collection.

That Dickies single is on yellow vinyl, naturally. The 999 record is plain old black vinyl, but I’ve been after that for a very long time. It was one of the songs on the first punk/new wave compilation I heard, it confused me as it didn’t sound “punk” (or what I thought was punk at the time). Great song.

SSS stands for Short Sharp Shock, a hardcore/skate thrash band from Liverpool that I can’t believe I never saw live. The last track is dedicated to Metallica bass legend Cliff Burton.

That final 7″ country record i picked up for 50p in a charity shop. Plain sleeve, so very little information – some fantastic songs though. not least my all time hero, Johnny Cash.

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub #35

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For the first time of 2025, let’s indulge in another Singles Night. A night of spinning records, having a few drinks and enjoying the vibes.

The “singles” in the event title refers to vinyl singles: the 7 inch, 45 rpm discs that were once the pocket money swallowing masters of the weekly music chart. Now I have a massive stack of said singles, and on some nights I dig a load of ’em out, and play ’em. Both sides – A then B – and onto the next.

There are many wonders to be found amongst the hefty pile of 7″ records. And a few oddities. But the randomness and variety always an entertaining night.

Grab a drink and settle in with my latest playlist:

  1. Generation X – “King Rocker” / “Gimme Some Truth”
  2. David Bowie – “Modern Love” / “Modern Love (Live Version)”
  3. Motorhead/Girlschool – “Please Don’t Touch” / “Bomber” / “Emergency”
  4. The Alarm – “Presence of Love (Laugharne)” / “Knife Edge”
  5. Depeche Mode – “See You” / “Now, This Is Fun”
  6. Dana – “All Kinds of Everything” / “Channel Breeze”
  7. The Steve Gibbons Band – “Eddy Vortex” / “Little Suzie”
  8. Shirley Bassey – “So In Love” / “As Long As He Needs Me”
  9. Darts – “Don’t Let It Fade Away” / “Early In The Morning”
  10. Elvis Costello & The Attractions – “Oliver’s Army” / “My Funny Valentine”
  11. David Bowie – “Blue Jean” / “Dancing With The Big Boys”
  12. AC/DC – “Guns For Hire” / “Landslide”
  13. ABC – “The Look of Love” / “The Look of Love (Part 2)”
  14. The Jam – “Start” / “Liza Radley”
  15. Jimmy Cliff – “Reggae Night” / “Love Heights”
  16. The Sweet – “Little Willy” / “Man From Mecca”
  17. Propaganda – “Duel” / “Jewel”
  18. Patrick MacNee & Honor Blackman – “Kinky Boots” / “Let’s Keep It Friendly”
  19. A-Ha – “Hunting High and Low (Remix)” / “The Blue Sky (Demo Version)”
  20. The Creatures – “Miss The Girl” / “Hot Springs in The Snow”
  21. Queen – “Somebody To Love” / “White Man”
  22. Ike & Tina Turner – “Nutbush City Limits” / “Help Him”

Twenty two records this week, and a few strange ones are still creeping in – some are the remains of a bundle of singles I bought at a car boot sale for a fiver. I kept Dana in the collection due to the Eurovision connection, but Shirley is a superstar.

Punk and New Wave genres are nicely represented in this selection, with great songs from Generation X, The Jam and Elvis Costello. A-Ha, Depeche Mode and ABC bring in some pop classics, while good old rock’n’roll is delivered by AC/DC, Motorhead and Girlschool.

Two great 1980s Bowie discs made the playlist and there’s a favourite from Queen (though it’s one of my least favourite songs of theirs). Adding to the 70s vintage is a cheeky number from Sweet, which never fails to raise a smile!

Another successful night spinning vinyl. More to come soon.

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot tub #34

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Here we go with another Singles Night! Just like Kool and the Gang said – no wait, that was “Ladies Night”. Totally different event altogether. Well, don’t let that be any concern for you, good reader – let’s spend an evening of musical fun and adventure anyway!

What, you may well ask, is “Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub”? If you know, feel free to skip this bit. Otherwise, I’ll explain.

Singles

In essence, I have a huge stack of 7 inch vinyl singles that I haven’t played yet. And they need to be played before I can add them to my super sophisticated filing system. So on Singles Night, I grab a bunch of these records and play ’em, A side then B side, one after the other, whilst having a wee drinkie or three.

It’s great fun. It rocks. Here’s the latest playlist:

  1. The Rezillos – “I Can’t Stand My baby” / “I Wanna Be Your Man”
  2. The Rezillos – “Top of the Pops” / “20,000 Rezillos Under the Sea”
  3. The Ruts – “Something That I Said” / “Give Youth A Chance”
  4. Sweet Dreams – “Honey Honey” / “I Surrender”
  5. The Steve Gibbons Band – “Tupelo Mississippi Flash” / “Till the Fire Burns Out”
  6. Showaddywaddy – “You Got What It Takes” / “Showboat”
  7. Goombay Dance Band – “Sol de Jamaica” / “Isla de Suenos”
  8. KC & The Sunshine Band – “That’s the Way (I Like It)” / “Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong”
  9. Dollar – “Mirror Mirror” / “Radio”
  10. Siouxsie & The Banshees – “Hong Kong Garden” / “Voices”
  11. Suzi Quatro – “I Go Wild” / “I’m a Rocker”
  12. Rose Tattoo – “Rock’n’Roll is King” / “I Had You First”
  13. Deep Purple – “Black Night” / “Speed King”
  14. Elton John – “Blue Eyes” / “Hey Papa Legba”
  15. Berlin – “Take My Breath Away” / Giorgio Moroder – “Radar Radio”
  16. Motley Crue – “Primal Scream” / “Dancing on Glass”
  17. The Damned – “White Rabbit” / “Rabid (Over You)” / “Seagulls”
  18. Booker T & The MGs – “Green Onions” / “Boot Leg”
  19. Bobby Brown – “On Our Own” / “On Our Own (with Rap)”
  20. De La Soul – “Ring Ring Ring (Ha Ha Hey)” / “Pile and Piles of Demo Tapes Bi-Da Miles”

And there we go, mes amis. A right old concoction and no mistake. But you know what? The odd dud in the playlist only makes the good stuff sweeter. And when you’re having fun, those duds ain’t so bad anyway.

The odd horror from the fabled car boot box of doom still lingering here, but they’re slowly dying off. Instead, a veritable feast of punk rock wonders, from the Rezillos, Ruts, Siouxsie and The Damned. That Damned track is, of course, a cover of the Jefferson Airplane song, and not one of my favourites – though the two songs on the B side are absolutely wonderful.

Plenty of other delights with Rose Tattoo and a double sided banger from Deep Purple, not to mention a Crue song I actually really like.

I hate the film Top Gun – never managed to see it all the way through – and not a huge fan of the Berlin track, but hey, it was a freebie. Likewise, that Bobby Brown song from Ghostbusters II is a huge drop in quality from the Ray Parker Jr classic. Some pop genius from KC & the Sunshine Band and Booker T keeps us on track nicely, though.

All in all, another successful night’s entertainment. Stay tuned for more soon, folks – I’ve got loads of these discs for ya and they’re itching for a spin!

Bring Your Own Vinyl Night #19

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Bring Your Own Vinyl Night

The Queen’s Head, Mold

Saturday 22nd April 2023

What could be better: playing vinyl records in good company, with some beers in a great local pub? Sounds pretty good to me. Yes, Bring Your Own Vinyl Night was back again, in the traditional home of The Queen’s Head in Mold, North Wales.

Following both Record Store Day, and a record fair – both of which VOD Music in Mold were involved with, it has been a wax packed day anyway. So it was good to finish the day’s events off with a chance to spin some records.

So what exactly is involved with Bring Your Own Vinyl Night? It’s simple: everyone gets 15 minutes to play whatever songs they like, on quality record decks with a mixer. But it can only be vinyl format.

Here’s my playlist:

Jimmy McGriff and Groove Holmes – The Squirrel

You know those funky jazz instrumentals that the Beastie Boys did on “Check Your Head” and “Ill Communication”? I was immediately infatuated with those songs (see also their compilation “The In Sounds From Way Out!”). Research revealed that the main influences on those songs were Jimmy McGriff and Richard “Groove” Holmes, two soul jazz organ players and band leaders. I tracked down some records of each, and they are amazing. This track is from their joint album, “Giants of the Organ Come Together”. “The Squirrel” is a groovy number indeed, but you should check out the full album (and their individual recordings). Nice!

Queens of the Stone Age – Make It Wit Chu

A slinky, sexy number from the “Era Vulgaris” album by Queens of the Stone Age. This track quickly became one of my favourite QOTSA songs, though it’s from what’s probably my least favourite of their albums. Originally appearing on “Desert Sessions Volumes 9 & 10”, where it featured backing vocals by the wonderful PJ Harvey, “Make It Wit Chu” is pure class.

Clutch – The Regulator

More Clutch, ‘cos I just can’t get enough. This song, “The Regulator”, starts with a folky, bluegrass feel before it erupts into a pounding blues rocker. You can find it on the album “Blast Tyrant” and I suggest you go and track it down right now.

Devo – Gut Feeling

Ah, Devo. What can I say about Devo? We go way back, I heard their first album when I was a kid and it baffled me at first. Took a while to get it, but it was worth it. “Gut Feeling” is of course from the “Q: Are We Not Men? A: We Are Devo!” classic debut. It’s a sunny, dreamy song with a surf rock feel.

And that wraps it up for my set. Four great songs which I enjoyed playing, I hope others liked them too. Either way, it was a great evening catching up and talking music with a few beers.

Thanks to Halcyon Dreams and VOD for organising a superb event.

And thanks to The Queens Head – a great pub, I really enjoyed my food too!

The Halcyon Dreams blogspot is here.

The Halcyon Dreams mixcloud page is here.

The Halcyon Dreams Facebook page is here.

The VOD music website is here.

Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub #30

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Boo-ya! It’s the thirtieth instalment of the ever popular Singles Night, where yours truly plays through a big ol’ stack of 45 rpm singles. It’s all vinyl, all the time folks, as I dig into the never ending pile of 7 inch wax.

Let’s take a look at he latest batch:

  1. The Four Horsemen – “Nobody Said It Was Easy” / “Homesick Blues”
  2. Van Halen – “When It’s Love” / “A Apolitical Blues”
  3. Ramones – “Baby, I Love You” / “High Risk Insurance”
  4. Chesney Hawkes – “The One and Only” / “It’s Gonna Be Tough”
  5. Brenda Lee – “Break It To Me Gently” / “So Deep” / “Tragedy” / “Will you Love Me Tomorrow”
  6. Lulu – “Boom Bang-a-Lang” / “March!”
  7. Rubettes – “Kid Runaway” / “Southbound Train”
  8. Neal Hefti – “Batman Theme” / “Holy Diploma, Batman – Straight A’s!”
  9. Charles Aznavour – “She” / “La Barraka”
  10. Bobby Goldsboro – “A Butterfly for Bucky” / “Another Night Alone”
  11. Phil Collins – “If Leaving Me is Easy” / “Drawingboard”
  12. Phil Collins – “Another Day in Paradise” / “Heat on the Street”
  13. Hawkwind – “Angels of Death” / “Trans-Dimensional Man”
  14. Van Halen – “Runnin’ with the Devil” / “D.O.A.”
  15. Perry Como – “My Days of Loving You” / “Happiness Comes, Happiness Goes”
  16. Alice Cooper – “Elected” / “Luney Tune”
  17. Judge Dread – “Big Seven” / “Dread”
  18. Golden Earring – “Radar Love” / “The Song is Over”
  19. Herb Alpert – “This Guy’s in Love With You” / “A Quiet Tear (Lagrima Quieta)”
  20. Shakin’ Stevens – “A Love Worth Waiting For” / “As Long As”

Well that box of singles I got for £5 is still stinking up the list a bit, hence the double Phil Collinson offer this time. At least double Van Halen more than compensates for that. Incidentally, I owned the “When It’s Love” single when I was a kid, bought it from Woolwroths in Shotton when it was released. This copy is a replacement, as my original was swopped a long time ago.

The Batman theme is quite possibly the best TV theme of all time, so glad I have that in the collection. Also, some genuine classics from Ramones, Hawkwind, Alice Cooper and Golden Earring made this one of the best sessions yet. And The Four Horsemen are great, though long forgotten band.

As I mentioned, the pile of 7 inch records never seems to dwindle, so there’ll be another Singles Night at the Virtual Hot Tub soon. Make sure you don’t miss it!

Eddie & The Hot Rods – Album Review

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Eddie And The Hot Rods – The Singles 1976 – 1985

Cherry Red Records

Release date: 14/10/2022

Running time: 2 hrs 13 mins approx.

Review by: Alun Jones

9/10

Yes it’s me again, sneaking in some more punk rock alongside your regular dose of Ever Metal.  Because variety is the spice of life, right?  Although tbh, some trainspotter’s gonna testify that Eddie and the Hot Rods aren’t punk, they’re “pub rock” or “new wave”.  Like I care. 

This compilation from Cherry Red includes 40 tracks over two CDs, full to the top of the pint glass with pub/punk/new wave from Eddie and the Hot Rods.  All the single A and B sides from 1976 to 1985 are squeezed in – in chronological order – leaving no stone unturned, to create a definitive journey through the bands career. 

Starting with the first 45, ‘Writing on the Wall’, and including numerous energetic cover versions like ‘Woolly Bully’, ’96 Tears’ and ‘Satisfaction’, it’s easy to imagine being in a packed pub rocking out to the Hot Rods.  These early tracks illustrate nicely how the band were really a revved up R’n’B band in the style of the Stones and early Who – just faster and even more gung-ho.  There’s a direct line here from the rebellious rock’n’roll of the MC5 – as evidenced by two collaborations with Rob Tyner at the end of disc one.

The punk association really blossoms with the superb ‘Teenage Depression’; it’s like Mick, Keith and the other three time travelling ten years into their future and being inspired by the Ramones.

The obsessive nature of this collection means we get three versions of all-time classic (and new wave comp standard) ‘Do Anything You Wanna Do’ (including the US single edit and live version from a B side).  It’s a good job it’s such a great song.

There’s a clue with that repetition where this compilation will find its audience.  For the die-hard fan or seasoned collector, it’s a handy collection covering all bases.  The booklet is perfect: details about every single and repro art of each record.  It’s far more than a “greatest hits” set, though, so may be too much for the casual listener. 

The last couple of tracks on the second disc suffer from heavy handed mid 80s production, but it’s quality stuff all the same.  Some will prefer to write the band off as coat tail riders, based on the boozy covers, but the sheer exuberance of the performances is addictive.  “The Singles 1976 – 1985” shows Eddie and the Hot Rods at their very best; the final product is so chock full of detail it’s a treasure.

Check out Eddie and the Hot Rods online, on Facebook and on Spotify.

This review originally appeared on Ever Metal and is now presented here too.

UK Subs – XXIV/Yellow Leader Album Review

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UK Subs – XXIV/Yellow Leader

Captain Oi/Cherry Red Records

Release date: 27/05/2022 and 08/07/2022

Running time: 38 mins and 52 mins

Review by: Alun Jones

9/10 and 8.5/10

Recap time: regular readers may remember that yours truly recently reviewed the re-issue of “Work in Progress” by punk veterans UK Subs.  You may also recall that that album covered the letter W in the bands ongoing mission to release an album for every letter of the alphabet.  Well, the good news is that Captain Oi/Cherry Red Records are also releasing the next two instalments in the series – that’s the letters X and Y (but you knew that).

Working through chronologically, we have “XXIV” – which the lovely record company peeps have released on drool-worthy double 10” vinyl, one green, one clear.  Yummy.  Our first song is an absolute belter: the full-on turbo romp ‘Implosion 77’.  Hold on tight and buckle up!  There’s plenty more fast’n’nasty thrills on offer too: ‘Speed’ has a merciless UK82 vibe; ‘Monkeys’ has a classic Subs singalong chorus; ‘Garden of Good & Evil’ is another pogo-till-your-pants-fall-off rocker.

There’s some well-placed variety too, with the harmonica adorned political thrust of ‘Coalition Government Blues’; and Bo Diddley swagger of ‘Wreckin’ Ball’ – both showing hints of the bands R’n’B origins (like as in, what R’n’B used to be).  Lyrically there are plenty of targets for Charlie to attack, both politically and socially.  ‘Memento Mori’ finishes the album off with one most aggressive tunes on offer, leaving us with a great album of 14 adrenaline infused songs.

“Yellow Leader” follows in a similar fashion, featuring 18 songs (whereas the original vinyl was cut to just 14 due to running times).  To be released on slinky, divine double 10” vinyl (one red, one turquoise here), it’ll be a feast for the eyes and ears.  Again, the album is crammed with more relentless punk rock shenanigans like ‘Sick Velveteen’, ‘Chemical’ and ‘Heathens’, all of which will have you jumping around the room like a monkey on a lava stream.

As the previous record, there’s plenty of other sounds and ideas here: single ‘Sin City Blues’ has a killer rockabilly feel; and ‘Rebellion Song’ breaks out the acoustic guitar.  The only mis-step is ‘Archaeology’, a strange post -punk/goth style experiment that while not awful, isn’t a total success.  All in all, the quality of music is impressively high and the recordings sound excellent.

And there you go, music lovers: not one, but TWO albums of mighty UK Subs songs, lovingly compiled and curated by those nice folks at Captain Oi/Cherry Red Records.  You lucky people.  Pick ‘em up while you can, nobody is this fortunate twice.    

You can find UK Subs on Facebook and Twitter.

Cherry Red Records have a website. Plus you can find them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Bandcamp.

This review is a joint presentation from Ever Metal and Platinum Al.