Now here’s a great album to play next time the vicar pops round for a cup of tea. Invite him in, sit him down; offer a nice cuppa, custard cream perched tenderly on the side of the saucer, engage in some small talk about replacing the glass windows in the vestry. “What’s this delightful music?” the padre is sure to enquire. “Why, it’s the new album by Loose Sutures,” you reply helpfully, “it’s called “Sado Sex for Dummies””.
Of course, you’ll then be able to tell your friendly priest that Loose Sutures are a band from Sardinia, Italy – and that this is their third album. They’re a threesome, (oo-er), consisting of Antonio Pilo (guitars/vocals), Marcello Meridda (bass/percussion) and Marco Angius (drums/vocals). And what pleasant, well mannered young men they must be.
Their music is a divinely fuzzy, scuzzy stoner rock with an intoxicating slather of punk attitude. You can both bop along enthusiastically together in your armchairs to the rolling, out of control ‘Highway Shooter’, or bounce about gleefully to ‘Sadism and Gallows’. The fun continues with the sleazy punkorama of ‘White Line’, while ‘Kinky Katy’ (featuring Alain Johannes) and ‘He’s My Friend’ (featuring Nick Oliveri) offer cheap thrills and menacing rock, in that order.
If you, or your fellow upstanding members of society are fans of Kyuss, the first QOTSA album, fuzzy Mudhoney or maybe even a little Electric Wizard distorted doom, you’re sure to love this. Loose Sutures have recorded an album of wholesome, frolicking rock’n’roll that’s drenched in filth. Invite the neighbours round to sample it with coffee and a slice of Victoria sponge. Maybe leave the gimp locked in the under stairs cupboard for now, though.
Just as per last year, I compiled my Top 10 Rock & Metal albums for Ever Metal, which was published on the site. Now you lucky devils over here at the Virtual Hot Tub get to take a look too!
Absolutely ridiculous, that’s what it’s been like trying to pick just 10 albums to make my “Best of the Year” list. There’s been a ton of great music in 2023. Here’s my attempt to pick out my favourites:
Sludgy, Grungy, Stoner Metal from Huddersfield, this album features Trouble’s Kyle Thomas on a couple of tracks adding even more class to a solid record.
Folk Metal, flute infused Occult Rock that sounds both ancient and modern at the same time, we waited a long time but this album will cast a spell on you.
I was one of many waiting anxiously for the third Green Lung album, and it didn’t disappoint. Exquisite Occult Rock that’s doomy and hook filled, Green Lung have exploded with this record.
Three years ago, Desert Storm were number 2 in my 2020 Top 10, after a little band called AC/DC. This year they deservedly take the top spot, with a massive album that I’m still enjoying months later, up against some stiff competition.
Plus some honourable mentions:
Baroness, who’s latest album “Stone” probably would’ve made the top 10 if I’d listened to it sooner.
The Damned – their “Darkedelic” album may not be for all of Ever Metal’s audience, but it’s bloody great all the same.
Metallica – that “72 Seasons” thing was good but too long. Nice try.
Keep coming back to Ever Metal and Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub for all the best rock reviews!
Yet another massive coup for the good ol’ Tiv! The Tivoli Venue in Buckley, North Wales is a legendary spot and has attracted some amazing, big names over the years. The latest to pay a visit and astonish us with their prowess were alt-rock icons Living Colour. This was, indeed, a big deal. I bought my ticket as soon as it was announced.
No surprise, the Tiv was packed to the rafters on this Saturday evening. It was a good atmosphere from the start, a feeling of warm anticipation in the air. I caught up with several friends old and new, but that meant I didn’t get much experience of support band Red Zephyr. What I did hear, they seemed to be a supremely capable and enjoyable hard rock band – one to investigate further in the future.
Now me and Living Colour go back some way. I still have an old 7 inch vinyl Sounds EP featuring the band that a friend gave me in 1988, which is where my fandom began. I’ve never seen them live though (ah, if only I’d been able to go to Lollapalooza 1991!), so this gig was really something to look forward to.
Opening with their infectious track “Middle Man” before launching into playing their “Stain” album in full, it was immediately obvious that Living Colour were still at the top of their game and playing exceptionally well. It was also nice to be reminded just how many great songs – and of varying styles and grooves – this band have in their repertoire. Crunchy metal provided by guitar maestro Vernon Reid on “Go Away” nestles up comfortably with the sublime pop of “Nothingness”. On all tracks, the Haribo fuelled voice of Corey Glover roared majestically and crooned sweetly.
Post “Stain” run-through saw a jigsaw of originals and covers, the highlight being a 50 years of Hip-Hop medley featuring “White Lines” and “The Message”. Doug Wimbish, the king of bass, shone here, although his skills dazzled all night. And drum master Will Calhoun gets a well deserved solo spot: he ably showed both relentless power and effortless grace throughout.
Of course, two of the big crowd pleasers are “Love Rears It’s Ugly Head” – which is uncannily well played – and the crushing, monster riff of “Cult of Personality”. All the songs sound great, with Corey’s vocals in particular sounding like they came direct off the vinyl.
Well done to all at the Tiv for making this happen, and huge thanks to Living Colour for turning up and playing their hearts out. They had the musical skills, they were vibrant and entertaining on stage – Living Colour absolutely ruled one of the best Tiv nights in a long, long time.
The Lords of Altamont – To Hell With Tomorrow, The Lords Are Now!
Heavy Psyche Sounds Records
Release date: 17/03/2023
Running time: 35 minutes
Review by Alun Jones
9.5/10
Ladies and gentlemen, I am excited! Why am I excited, you ask? Because I freakin’ love this album by the Lords of Altamont, that’s why! Here we have ten unrelenting tracks (plus a bonus) of fast and furious rock’n’roll, created by a gang of motorbikin’ miscreants on their own highway to hell. It’s leather, denim, roaring hogs and cheap booze fuelled rock the way that it should be.
Now you may know I’m a tad dubious about live albums. Often times, live records are fumbled contract fillers or a shoddy cash in. Well, you can relax here, pilgrim – “To Hell With Tomorrow, The Lords Are Now!” is a live in the studio release with pristine sound. It doesn’t lack the crowd atmos, but it does more than over achieve by being a rowdy collection of tunes performed as if the band are in the room, right there with you.
If you’re new to the Lords of Altamont, you can expect an explosion of gritty rock’n’roll instilled with the sound of garage rock, Detroit punk and 60’s R&B. So hang on tight as The Lords tear through filthy, feel good tracks like “Going Nowhere Fast”, “Velvet” and “Going Downtown”. Sing along with the wind in your face to “I Said Hey” and shake your booty to “7th Day” – all of these infectious tracks will hit their mark.
This album works as a great introduction to the band and their two decades plus history, in a no nonsense, no holds barred presentation. Like a forgotten B-movie soundtrack from 1969, “To Hell With Tomorrow…” is one for all the rebels and wild ones out there. Park up, step inside the truck stop and let yourself go.
You need to ask yourself: is this review late? Or have I, the humble author of this review, chosen to emulate the gonzo journalism style of Hunter S Thompson? And by that I mean, get so baked listening to this latest EP from Stöner that I lost all track of time in a psychedelic swirl, handing in the assignment a month late? Or did the dog eat my review? Only you can be the judge. And the Ever Metal editors of course, who may decide to hand me my marching orders.
Let’s ignore all that and have a little chat about this release, shall we? Gather ye round!
In a perfect example of a band name doing exactly what it says on the tin, Stöner are essentially a stoner rock supergroup comprising of Brant Bjork (Kyuss, Fu Manchu, solo), Nick Oliveri (Kyuss, QOTSA, Mondo Generator) and Ryan Güt (Brant’s drummer). As a band, they take the desert rock template and steer it off into the ultimate version of this style.
As a result, the head bending riff of ‘Stoner Theme (Baja Version)’ and the grooving rumble of ‘Night Tripper vs No Brainer’ slouch comfortably alongside a punkier ‘It Ain’t Free’. All the influences and intricacies of desert rock are succinctly demonstrated with a clanging garage rock cover of ‘City Kids’ (Pink Fairies/Motörhead); through to ‘Boogie to Baja’: a ten-minute driving rocker that reeks of desert parties, never ending skies and lamentable substance abuse.
‘Boogie to Baja’ is the highlight of this set, but the whole EP a great primer for the band Stöner and the varied music they create. Almost an Idiot’s Guide as to what to expect for the uninitiated, it’s also inventive and addictive for the aficionado. I ordered the vinyl copy and I’ve already played it to death. That’s how late this review is. But don’t you be late: go check out ‘Boogie to Baja’ now.
PS: I don’t own a dog.
PPS: Would’ve finished this review sooner, if not for adding all the umlauts.
All hail the return of the forgotten kings! Yes, it’s another instalment of long lost and forgotten classics with the second “Scrap Metal” collection from RidingEasy Records! Much like their Brown Acid series, which compiles obscure late 60’s/early 70’s psych hard rock, here we’re delving into the murky depths of early 80’s metal. This is the realm of studded belts, band patch covered denim jackets and of course, mullets: prepare to ROCK!
We begin with ‘Running for the Line’ by JJ’s Powerhouse – a lightning-fast ripper that reminded me of Judas Priest playing a cover of Budgie’s ‘Breadfan’. It’s a great, energetic start to the proceedings. Next is Storm Queen, with another fast-paced attack in ‘Raising the Roof’. Furious fun from this Welsh power house.
‘It’s a Crime’ declare Jameson Raid, and it is indeed a crime that these Brummie bruisers didn’t achieve more in rock’n’roll. A.R.C. have a punk’n’roll edge that makes their song ‘Homemade Wine’ something to savour, it’s the rawest track here so far. Metropolis hail from San Jose, and their track ‘The Raven’ has a dark, mid eighties thrash sound and killer intro riff.
Staying with the USA, Prowler from San Diego offer up ‘Temporary Insanity’ – more mid-eighties thrash infused metal that recalls early Anthrax. Following that, Christian Steel deliver ‘Need Your Love’ – a fairly cliched, but still fun, banger. If these guys are Christians, I’ll bet their church group won’t be impressed with what they’d like to do to a lady (outside of matrimony too, I suspect). ‘Sidewinder’ is one of the best tracks gathered here, a punchy rocker from Black Rose.
‘Star Trippin’’ is by Dark Age. Dark Age are apparently a band of youngsters: the guitarist was jut 12, and his brother on vocals two years younger when this song was written. It’s fun, but very strange listening to the helium high-pitched voices. It’s like Alvin & The Chipmunks playing Crue covers. Finally, we have Sorcery with their mystical Zep-a-thon ‘Whales’. Crazy title for a crazy tune. There’s a mellow hippyish intro, which is obliterated by the crushing mega riff which powers the song along. Over the top magnificence.
From NWOBHM inspired tracks, to proto thrash and full-on goof ball metal ragers, Scrap Metal Vol 2 has plenty of variety. Maybe not so much depth, but it’s not for want of trying with some of these bands. At the end of the day, all of these songs are fun and it’s great to know they’ve been rescued from oblivion. Now, raise those horns and roar!
Gather ye round, Hot Tubbers! Tis time once again to dip our toes into the warm waters and enjoy another Singles Night.
What am I babbling about? Regular readers will know that Platinum Al likes to spend an evening playing through my collection of 7″ singles, both sides, one after the other. I have a large unplayed pile of 45 rpm records that need spinning, so sometimes I like to blitz through ’em, accompanied with a few drinks (or several).
Why? Because it makes a fun evening! You never know what’s crept in to the “play me” pile: old or new, good or bad. And when the night is over, these discs can be safely added to my collection.
Men Without Hats – “The Safety Dance” / “Security”
Third World – “Now That We’ve Found Love” / “Night Heat”
Bomb the Bass – “Beat Dis” / “Beat Dis (Dub)”
Phil Collins – “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” / Mike Rutherford – “Making a Big Mistake”
Hale & Pace and the Stonkers – “The Stonk” / Victoria Wood – “The Smile Song”
Bob Geldof – “Love or Something” / “Out of Order”
The Whispers – “And the Beat Goes On” / “Can You Do The Boogie”
Queen – “It’s a Hard Life” / “Is This the World We Created…?”
Bob Marley & The Wailers – “Jamming” / “Punky Reggae Party”
Sweet – “The Six Teens” / “Burn On The Flame”
Belinda Carlisle – “La Luna” / “Whatever It Takes”
Baccara – “Yes Sir, I Can Boogie” / “Cara Mia”
The Stranglers – “Bear Cage” / “Sha Sha a Go Go”
Bucks Fizz – “One of Those Nights” / “Always Thinking of You”
Rod Stewart – “How Long” / “Jealous”
Ghost – “Kiss the Go-Goat” / “Mary On a Cross”
The Beach Boys – “Darlin'” / “Here Today”
ZZ Top – “Gimme All Your Lovin'” / “If I could Only Flag Her Down”
A mixed bag, as always – with a few left overs from my “100 singles for a fiver” car boot sale purchase. But this is what Singles Night is all about – you take the rough with the smooth, learn to appreciate stuff that you might’ve previously written off.
There are a couple of stinkers in that list, but surprisingly the Comic Relief single ” The Stonk” isn’t one of them. Daft it may be, but it features Brian May, Tony Iommi, Dave Gilmour, Cozy Powell and Roger Taylor in a Quo-esque rock boogie that I quite enjoyed.
I love the Boney M. single, as the B-side reminds me of being on holiday in Greece. “Safety Dance” is brilliant, Bomb The Bass is class, and I even enjoyed the Phil Collins song!
Obvious highlights in this set came from Queen, Bob Marley, Sweet, The Stranglers, Beach Boys and ZZ Top. Always wanted to hear that Bob Marley B-side, as he name checks several punk bands such as The Damned, The Jam and The Clash.
I was a surprisingly cool dad, thanks to the Ghost single (coloured vinyl, nice). Apparently the B-side is a social media craze, so my daughter was impressed!
Great tunes, fun times exploring music – that’s Singles Night. More soon!
As a teenaged skateboarder in the late 80’s, Boston hardcore legends Gang Green were definitely on my playlist. They appeared on a Thrasher Skate Rock tape, what more do you need to know?! Merging hardcore punk with a more metallic edge, Gang Green added a technicality and rock’n’roll, beer drinking party vibe to their unique take on crossover/thrash. It was mostly fun, though sometimes dumb, times – with a fast and crazy energy. Eventually finding a home on Roadrunner records in 1987, the albums Gang Green recorded for that label are collected here by Cherry Red Records.
Working through the discs chronologically, we’ll start with the first Roadrunner release, “You Got It”. Featuring what is possibly the worst album cover all time – the band in a sewer? Why is (vocalist/guitarist) Chris Doherty jumping through a fence? And where are his legs?! This atrocious shot always bothered me, so I’m delighted I get to bitch about it now (though it only appears as a small pic!). Music wise, “You Got It” is chock full of belters: the storming thrash of ‘We’ll Give it to You’ setting out Gang Green’s goods; ferocious hardcore with ‘LDSB’ and ‘Born to Rock’. There’s even a surprise social conscience (and mellow intro) on ‘Another Bomb’. Plus, bonus track ‘Skate to Hell’ is worth the price of admission alone.
If Roadrunner were relieved they’d done the right thing signing this bunch of unruly punks after that first record, ‘Older… Budweiser’ went even better. Armed this time with a great cover/title (thankfully), Gang Green delivered more of the same, but amped up even further. ‘Church of Fun’ bolts out of the gates; ‘Just One Bullet’ and ‘We Can Go’ show exactly how to meld hardcore and thrash into a furious, fun time. The rock’n’roll edge that began on the previous record becomes more prevalent, adding a distinct flavour to the band’s sound (see ‘Tear Down the Walls’). The humour misfires on ‘Bedroom of Doom’, but the does-what-it-says-on the-tin ‘Ballad’ is a nice attempt to branch out musically before closing time.
On disc three, we have the live album “Can’t LIVE Without It”, recorded at the Marquee Club in London in 1990. Most of the live tracks appear already on this compilation, but it’s a solid recording of an energetic, relentless show. There are a bunch of non-Roadrunner tracks which add value for money; plus, the inclusion of the “I81B4U” EP and ‘Living Loving Maid’ single, which is great news for obsessive nerds like me.
Finally, the compilation album “King of Bands” rounds out the collection. If you’ve not had enough of hearing some of these songs twice already, prepare to experience some of them yet again with this “greatest hits” set. Although, there are two new tracks and three from Gang Greens first album on Taang! Records for VFM. The two tracks – ‘Thunder’ and ‘Rub It In Your Face’ are OK, but not up to the standard of older material. Still, this last disc seals the lid on this barrel of good times very nicely.
The history of Gang Green proves to be a fascinating tale. Predating Jackass by some years, the party hard doctrine of the band remains resolutely in place. Some of the lyrics are juvenile at best, out right sexist at worst (‘Cum In You’, oh dear); but if you can forgive that, the attitude and fun remains infectious. Yes, it’s all about partying and beer, but the music is still great. Not as metal as COC, or as punk as Circle Jerks, Gang Green added a rockin’ flare to their brand of crossover and brought the party home.
A great compilation featuring tons of interviews, info and photos, “We’ll Give It To You” is a comprehensive guide to beer-soaked thrash punk. It’s time to get out on your skateboard, rock out to Gang Green, and celebrate with a few beers. Afterward, that is. Ever Metal wants you to take care: don’t drink & skate.
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 crowds were thin at first at The Tivoli in Buckley, North Wales, for this evening’s entertainment – but that changed soon enough. Happily, the situation started to develop during the opening set, meaning that support band Red or Dead were able to play to fair sized crowd.
I say happily, ‘cos Red or Dead deserved to play to a decent size audience. Hailing from a bit further up the road in Conwy, the fourpiece are an accomplished group of musicians who are obviously inspired by classic 70’s punk, such as The Clash. Very impressive, with catchy tunes and a message, Red or Dead easily grabbed my attention and refused to hand it back. Definitely a band to keep an eye on, there’s a variety in sound and musicianship that hinted at an even wider repertoire – some research reveals they often play acoustic sets, which sounds very tempting.
Anti Nowhere League shouldn’t really require any introduction. I became aware of these deviants thanks to their association with The Damned many years ago, tales of debauchery spreading ahead of them like a bushfire. Now with just head lunatic Animal remaining in the band, he’s backed by a great, well tenured group of musicians who can really deliver on the band’s legacy, performing it with the respect – and ferocity – it deserves.
Hit singles aren’t really the order here, but of course ANL give us their wonderfully raucous treatment of “Streets of London” (yes, that one) in a set riddled with classics. That songs infamous B-side, the still unbelievably filthy “So What” makes an appearance too, earlier than I’d expected, complete with a concise history lesson from Animal, covering police raids and the later Metallica renaissance. The song still raises a smile and rocks like a nun on a washing machine.
The whole band play brilliantly, the result being a set that was even better than expected. For the uninitiated, Anti Nowhere League live in the corner of punk that’s largely UK Subs with a big, fat dollop of Motorhead. From “I Hate People”, “Let’s Break the Law”, a cover of Del Shannon’s “Runaway” (my Mother-in-Law wouldn’t dig it) and through to “We Are The League”, song after song is fast and furious with never a dud.
As anticipated, the audience loved it and the atmosphere in the Tiv was one not to be missed. Classic punk rock from Anti Nowhere League, who gave us quality tunes performed with the zeal and attitude it deserved. So glad I was there.
