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.
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:
Generation X – “King Rocker” / “Gimme Some Truth”
David Bowie – “Modern Love” / “Modern Love (Live Version)”
The Alarm – “Presence of Love (Laugharne)” / “Knife Edge”
Depeche Mode – “See You” / “Now, This Is Fun”
Dana – “All Kinds of Everything” / “Channel Breeze”
The Steve Gibbons Band – “Eddy Vortex” / “Little Suzie”
Shirley Bassey – “So In Love” / “As Long As He Needs Me”
Darts – “Don’t Let It Fade Away” / “Early In The Morning”
Elvis Costello & The Attractions – “Oliver’s Army” / “My Funny Valentine”
David Bowie – “Blue Jean” / “Dancing With The Big Boys”
AC/DC – “Guns For Hire” / “Landslide”
ABC – “The Look of Love” / “The Look of Love (Part 2)”
The Jam – “Start” / “Liza Radley”
Jimmy Cliff – “Reggae Night” / “Love Heights”
The Sweet – “Little Willy” / “Man From Mecca”
Propaganda – “Duel” / “Jewel”
Patrick MacNee & Honor Blackman – “Kinky Boots” / “Let’s Keep It Friendly”
A-Ha – “Hunting High and Low (Remix)” / “The Blue Sky (Demo Version)”
The Creatures – “Miss The Girl” / “Hot Springs in The Snow”
Queen – “Somebody To Love” / “White Man”
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.
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:
The Rezillos – “I Can’t Stand My baby” / “I Wanna Be Your Man”
The Rezillos – “Top of the Pops” / “20,000 Rezillos Under the Sea”
The Ruts – “Something That I Said” / “Give Youth A Chance”
Sweet Dreams – “Honey Honey” / “I Surrender”
The Steve Gibbons Band – “Tupelo Mississippi Flash” / “Till the Fire Burns Out”
Showaddywaddy – “You Got What It Takes” / “Showboat”
Goombay Dance Band – “Sol de Jamaica” / “Isla de Suenos”
KC & The Sunshine Band – “That’s the Way (I Like It)” / “Ain’t Nothin’ Wrong”
Dollar – “Mirror Mirror” / “Radio”
Siouxsie & The Banshees – “Hong Kong Garden” / “Voices”
Suzi Quatro – “I Go Wild” / “I’m a Rocker”
Rose Tattoo – “Rock’n’Roll is King” / “I Had You First”
Deep Purple – “Black Night” / “Speed King”
Elton John – “Blue Eyes” / “Hey Papa Legba”
Berlin – “Take My Breath Away” / Giorgio Moroder – “Radar Radio”
Motley Crue – “Primal Scream” / “Dancing on Glass”
Bobby Brown – “On Our Own” / “On Our Own (with Rap)”
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!
Yeah, it’s that time again! Time for another Singles Night at my Virtual Hot Tub. These nights are always huge amounts of fun, with some rockin’, some ripe cheese and some surprises. Plus the occasional dud, just to keep me on my toes.
Recap time, for the newbies: Singles Night is all about digging into my collection of 7 inch singles, which have come into my possession from various sources. I play through the pile, one after the other, A side then B side. There’s all sorts of genres and styles in that pile and sometimes the unexpected CAN happen.
So grab the’sen a drink (I recommend the booze) and let’s see what we get in this pile of 45rpm glory…
Royal Blood – “Limbo” / “All We Have is Now”
The Cult – “Spiritwalker” / “A Flower in the Desert”
Zodiac Mindwarp & The Love Reaction – “Planet Girl” / “Dog Face Driver”
Slade – “Mama Weer All Crazee Now” / “Man Who Speaks Evil”
Kevin The Gerbil – “Summer Holiday” / “Hawaiian Holiday”
Boney M – “Belfast” / “Plantation Boy”
Elton John – “Part Time Love” / “Cry at Night”
Chas & Dave w/ Rockney – “Strummin'” / “I’m in Trouble”
Showaddywaddy – “Rock’n’Roll Lady” / “I’m a Traveller”
Suzi Quatro – “She’s in Love with You” / “Space Cadets”
Chuck Berry – “My Ding-A-Ling” / “Let’s Boogie”
Queen – “Hammer to Fall” / “Tear It Up”
Def Leppard – “Animal” / “Tear it Down”
Queen – “I’m Going Slightly Mad” / “The Hitman”
Gary Moore – “Parisienne Walkways” / “Fanatical Fascists”
Music from ‘The Sting’ ft. Marvin Hamlisch on piano – “The Entertainer” / “Solace”
Showaddywaddy – “Heartbeat” / “Lucy Jane”
David Soul – “Silver Lady” / “Rider”
Frank Sinatra – “I Believe I’m Gonna Love You” / “The Only Couple on the Floor”
Hot Chocolate – “You Sexy Thing” / “A Warm Smile”
Who wants to guess the lamest track of the bunch? If you guessed Kevin the Gerbil’s song, you’d be dead wrong! I’m a lifelong Roland Rat Fan and anything from his world is golden to me. In actual fact, there’s noting awfully cheesy on that last – certainly not Chas & Dave or Showaddywaddy, either.
Starting off bang up to date with a great single from Royal Blood, the rock genre delivered the goods with bangers from The Cult, Zodiac Mindwarp, Queen and Def Leppard. I’ve only just noticed that Queen wanted us to “Tear It Up” whilst the Lepps wanted us to “Tear it Down” – crazy!
Talking of crazy, I love Slade and that single was a gift from my pal Greeny at his wedding (it was number 1 when I was born). A happy addition to the collection.
Another fun night, it got a bit hazy with the beverages piling up. I’ll keep you posted with more of these soon.
Poland’s mighty Dopelord return with a humongously heavy album of slow rolling, occult driven doom on “Songs for Satan”. Released via Blues Funeral Recordings, they’re celebrating the work of Lucifer in their temple of stoner sludge, and you’re invited. Throw on your hooded robes and join the throng!
Of course the songs are slow and heavy, and Dopelord manage to stamp their mark on the stoner-doom template by adding melody to their powerful, drawn out compositions. Whilst the music rumbles along demonically, the vocals add a surprising, idiosyncratic sheen. ‘Night of the Witch’ is executed in perfect, scuzzy doom style. ‘Evil Spell’ is skull crushingly heavy, but both tracks feature sing along choruses that will steal your soul as well.
It’s difficult to get all the lyrical intent on this album without a lyric sheet, but it’s safe to say that the message here is a direct and scathing criticism of the Catholic church in Dopelord’s home country. Whereas many a doom band is content to revel in Hammer Horror/Dennis Wheatley themes, Dopelord have taken this typical 1970s influence and added a real-world attack on religion too.
The album is book-ended by instrumentals, the latter of which, ‘Return to the Night of the Witch’, comfortably re-establishes “Songs for Satan” in the dreamlike, mellotron-soaked occult realm. It’s a fine album, melding inexorable, fuzzy doom with themes of devil worship and hellfire. Dopelord’s latest is genuinely well crafted, spell binding stuff. I wouldn’t bother sending them a Christmas card, though.
Welcome back, folks, to Platinum Al’s Punk Rock Corner, here at Ever Metal HQ. The eagle eyed and elephant brained amongst you will recall that we’ve already reviewed some of these UK Subs albums, although that was in their delicious vinyl form. This time around, our mates at Cherry Red have lovingly curated a 5 CD set of Subs albums, together with a healthy bunch of bonus tracks to make this a tantalising package.
We’ve already discussed, in previous reviews, how UK Subs mastermind Charlie Harper has overseen an alphabetical run of albums with titles from A to Z. This compilation gathers together the final parts of that run, from W to Z (though to be honest, these Subs nutters didn’t even stop at Z, they kept going). Thus, listeners are gifted with an indispensable collection that covers output from the exceptionally strong line up of Harper, Jet Taniguchi, Alvin Gibbs and Jamie Oliver (not that one).
I’d be a pretentious fool if I didn’t tackle these albums in alphabetical/chronological order, so let’s jump in with “Work in Progress”. This is probably my favourite of all the albums in this collection, though accepting the high standard on offer, I have no reason why. It’s a rambunctious bundle of high-speed punk rock: ‘Creation’, ‘All Blurs into One’; coupled with clever ventures into rockabilly (‘Eighteen Wheels’) and more. The wonderful ‘Hell is Other People’ has become something of a personal anthem for me, and it will for you, too! This disc includes seven bonus tracks, comprising some old Subs classics and new bruisers such as the joyously MC5 sounding ‘666 Yeah’.
From W we’re on to X, with “XXIV” – and more fast’n’furious punk rock shenanigans with ‘Implosion 77’, ‘Monkeys’ and ‘Momento Mori’ – just for example. The Subs aren’t afraid to go off tangent with the jangly acoustic guitar with attitude of ‘Coalition Government Blues’ and R&B energy of ‘Wreckin’ Ball’. There’s just one bonus track this time, the riotous and righteous co-operative anthem of ‘Workers Beer Company’, rounding off another solid and varied album.
“Yellow Leader” may or not have been written concerning a certain political party leader, you’ll have to listen and decide for yourself. What I do know is that this album kicks off in supreme style with the frenetic pace of ‘Sick Velveteen’, bouncy thump of ‘Artificial’ and blues punk of ‘Bordeaux Red’. ‘Chemical’ sounds almost metal, ‘Rebellion Song’ is an acoustic punk protest song and ‘Sin City Blues’ throws in some welcome Rockabilly, creating another multi-faceted and accomplished recording.
Eventually, Charlie and the lads completed their mission from A to Z, with the monster that is “Ziezo”. The end may be in sight, but the UK Subs don’t take their foot off the gas – as proven by tracks such as ‘Oligarchy’, ‘Banksy’ and ‘This Machine’ fulfilling the full throttle end of the punk rock promise. The pallet is embellished by the punk-blues of ‘Disclosure’ and jaunty ska of ‘City of the Dead’, delivering a fine album that’s accomplished and enjoyable.
So we’ve reached the end of the alphabet, kids – but that’s not quite the end of our story here. The set also includes “Acoustic XXIV”, an album comprising of acoustic tracks that were originally packaged with a limited edition version of “XXIV”. I had assumed the songs here would merely be acoustic versoins of songs from that parent album, but far from it. There are 13 songs making a surprisingly great change of pace. Comprising of folk punk (‘Sleeping Rough’)’ and protest songs (‘Stop Global War’), it’s an accomplished and satisfying listen in it’s own right. I could image Johnny Cash having a go at ‘Higher Tide’, and I think that’s some compliment indeed.
Who would’ve guessed that the UK Subs would actually fulfil their aim and complete this bonkers endeavour, releasing an album for every letter of the alphabet? Punk rock wasn’t supposed to burn this brightly for so long, but it has. What’s more, the UK Subs haven’t let their standards slip – these final albums in the run are as strong as anything they’ve released in their long career. Genuinely brilliant. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you – UK SUBS.
Here we go again, my little Hot Tub amigos! Yes it’s time for another Singles Night at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub – grab a cocktail and jump right in, we’ve got some listening to do!
Do I really need to explain what we’re up to, here? OK, well very quickly then: I have a pile of 7 inch singles that I’ve acquired from various places, all of different artists and genres. On Singles Night, I play through a stack of ’em in order, A side then B side, and we go on a musical odyssey.
Sound like fun? Well it is. Drink up and let’s rock with this latest selection:
The Cult – “She Sells Sanctuary” / “No. 13”
Iron Maiden – “Infinite Dreams (Live)” / “Killers (Live)”
Rod Stewart – “Lost in You” / “Almost Illegal”
Steve Miller Band – “Rock’n’Me” / “The Window”
Bob Marley & The Wailers – “Mr Chatterbox” / “Mr Chatterbox (Version)”
Wizzard – “Rock’n’Roll Winter (Loony’s Tune)” / “Dream of Unwin”
Hot Chocolate – “A Child’s Prayer” / “Everything Should Be Funky”
Mud – “Show Me You’re a Woman” / “Don’t You know”
Bay City Rollers – “I Only Wanna Be With You” / “Rock’n’Roller”
The Kartoon Krew – “Inspector Gadget” / “Inspector Gadget Dub”
Snap! – “The Power” / “The Power (Dub)”
Nicole – ” A Little Peace” / “Thank You, Mercy”
Bob Marley & The Wailers – “Stir It Up (Alt. Jamaican Version)” / “Stir It Up (Alt. Jamaican Instrumental)”
Katrina & The Waves – “Walking on Sunshine” / “Going Down to Liverpool”
Hot Chocolate – “Disco Queen” / “You’re a Natural High”
UK Subs – “She’s Not There” / “Kicks” / “Victim” / “The Same Thing”
Run DMC – “Walk This Way” / “Walk This Way (Instrumental)”
Iron Maiden – “Run to the Hills” / “Total Eclipse”
The Nolans – “Attention to Me” / “Old Feelings Again”
Chas & Dave – “Gertcha” / “The Banging in Your Head”
Another twenty 45 rpm slabs of varying quality there, but I’m not including Katrina (great song!) or Chas & Dave (who can do no wrong) in the dodgy list.
We started with possibly my favourite song of all time, the wonderful “She Sells Sanctuary”. Love that tune. I never had the 7″ as a kid, I bought the 12″ as it had an extra track on it, as I was always obsessed with collecting B sides. That was in 1989, however, well after the single was originally released in ’85.
Other highlights included a double dose of Iron Maiden, a UK Subs EP and the classic Run DMC single “Walk This Way”. Not to mention a couple of very cool Bob Marley singles, both of which were Record Store Day purchases.
As I said, Singles Night is always a journey, from well known paths to the very different excursions. I can recommend it as a fun evening.
A weekend of full on metal and hard rock, Pentre Fest is a highlight of my musical calendar. Held at McLean’s pub in Pentre, Deeside, North Wales over two days, the event always showcases some of the best bands from around a vast area of the UK.
This year I missed Friday’s gig as I was otherwise engaged. However, I was raring to go for Day 2, and a whole load of awesome music. Here’s my review for Ever Metal, covering everything I could of that day’s entertainment.
Day 2
Day 2 at Pentre fest – you could say I was a bit excited to get going. The ever-reliable Edd Case was performing in the marquee outside as I arrived, so I missed a chunk of his set sadly, as I paid my hard earned coin to get in and neck my first ale. Luckily, Edd did another slot of his excellent acoustic performance later on, so I got to catch him then. I think he was filling in for some band called Trashatouille, who couldn’t be arsed to turn up and attempt to play their own acoustic effort.
First band on the indoor main stage was Scarfoot, and they made a hell of an impression. A three-piece band, they add an extra edge to their already formidable musicianship with the use of a 12 string guitar or a Dobro. This gives the band a huge, Zep-epic and individual sound. They all play with a convincing passion and were absolutely enthralling. I’d never seen them before, but had caught singer/guitarist Oliver Carins last year doing a solo acoustic set. Next time, these guys need to be higher up the bill! Scarfoot also blazed all over the acoustic stage later on, with a similarly massive sounding set, even without the drums.
Frank Williams
Next on the second stage: a World Exclusive Live Debut! Frank Williams in his first official live gig, though sadly not billed asVictim of Damp. Frank is a Pentre Fest die hard, an unsung hero who has supported the event and pitched in with Fozzie and Beany from the beginning. This afternoon, Frank graced us with some acoustic covers (nice bit of Floyd) and banter, then introduced some comrades to help with humorous originals such as ‘Beany’s Car is Full of Shit’. Excellent crowd participation helped Frank’s set gallop home as a pedigree winner.
It really wouldn’t be Pentre Fest without these guys. With a line-up change – or should I say, addition – in the shape of new vocalist, Gaz (who used to be the drummer. Come on, keep up!). This latest incarnation of Lullaby for a Unicorn was a refreshed and fun stallion, rather than a lame pony. There’s a little work to do to settle the new line-up in, but it was the same boisterous energy as ever as the Unicorn boys turned Pentre into a beautiful, rainbow adorned meadow. Or blood-soaked battle field of metal mayhem, you choose.
Scarfoot was next on the second stage. I’ve already covered that, go back and read it again.
Despite a tech issue with the bass throwing a wangler with the first song, The Human Condition kept their shit together and provided another surprise. I had done no research whatsoever and didn’t know what to expect. By Odin’s beard, The Human Condition are a megalithic, doom metal colossus! Doom in the vein of Candlemass, or think Geoff Tate screaming for Trouble. Riffs are drip fed, leaving the audience begging for each new note. Add the most powerful live vocals I’ve heard in eons, and you have a force of biblical proportions. I bought a CD. You should check them out NOW.
Back to the Second stage for an acoustic Pelugion set – but we’ll get to them later.
A melodic deathcore band from Manchester way, Portrayal of Ruinn isn’t quite my thing on paper, but fucking awesome live. Possibly the most energetic band on stage at Pentre Fest all day, their combination of gutsy, nasty metal and bouncy, yet ferocious vocals proved a winner. They also know how to pace their set brilliantly – a few mellow sections lull the crowd into a comfy security blanket, only to have it ripped maliciously away. It’s the audio equivalent of a Video Nasty psycho killer – you’re never safe, Portrayal of Ruinn will never stop – and they will get you in the end!
Reading back my notes here, and I can’t make a thing out of them. All I can fathom is that I REALLY liked this band: “Syncolima = great!” is about all I’ve got. They were excellent. Some kind of biker/stoner super heavy rock, they have groove aplenty and massive fuzzed out riffs. This three-piece from Mansfield, Notts were unmissable. New album “Wavelengths” is out soon, you’d be wise to watch out for it.
Wait a minute – it’s that bloke from Bad Earth doing an acoustic set! Yes, it’s Steve from one of Pentre Fest’s favourite bands, backed with the other two ‘orrible ‘erberts, Karl and Ben (so semi acoustic, then?). The Bad Earth songs translate surprisingly well to the stripped-down sound, though they can’t compare to the full force fury of the full trio amped up and going for it. But then, what could? A great set that also included some cruel (ie hilarious) comedy signage behind Steve’s head, it also delivered a much needed bongo workout that was otherwise sadly lacking this year.
Mind. Blown. Thank the trident of Posiedon, King Kraken travelled up from South Wales (a right old trek) to play Pentre Fest, and I’m so glad they did. The Kraken are a huge, boisterous metal machine with crushing riffs and awash with an almost psychedelic lead guitar. My favourite band of the day, despite fierce competition – I made off with some booty from the merch desk and toasted their performance with a tankard of ale. Please check this band out, you will not regret it. Magnificent!
Last year, one man electronica fiend Leatherback was first on the Pentre Fest main stage. This year, it’s a second stage headlining slot, which worked well. Nine Inch Nails comparisons are obvious, but relevant when there’s a cover of a Reznor classic included. Leatherback ripped through a roaring set that went down extremely well with the lively crowd, even though it was freezing outside – receiving a well-deserved, enthusiastic reception.
Pelugion had performed an excellent acoustic set on the second stage earlier, which seems to have been a great way for them to warm up for their main stage appearance. I’ve seen these guys before at Pentre Fest and they never disappoint. Skull smashing mega riffs, born from Sabbath and with a dose of Alice in Chains and early Soundgarden – a stoner/alt metal monster – is what you can expect. These guys are super professional, but with grit and determination that keeps the performance compelling.
Headliners on the final day of Pentre Fest, The K*nts drove over five hours from down Essex way to entertain us. With hits such as that Christmas favourite ‘Boris Johnson is a F*cking C*nt’ and ‘F*ck the Tories’, we knew we were in for a treat. Hilariously, the Green Room reserved for the bands had been double booked with a meeting for a local Masonic Lodge. I wonder how The K*nts and this bunch of blazer-and-badge wearing eighty-year-olds got along back stage. Honestly, you can’t make this shit up. It’s like Phoenix Nights on crack.
A strange choice to headline a metal festival for some, never the less The K*nts put on a top show and had the audience on their side before the first song was even finished. Delightfully obscene, but with a political edge that helps retain a tiny bit of highbrow cred too, it’s like Sham 69 with Tourette’s. Most of the song titles are unrepeatable for a family website like Ever Metal, but let’s just say that The K*nts and their filthy brand of punk rock and humour were a mad but genius way to finish Pentre Fest off. And it probably will be finished off, if those old Masonic dudes have anything to say about it.
Oh, and yeah – Fuck the Tories.
It was my absolute pleasure to cover Pentre Fest for Ever Metal again this year. Huge thanks to the bands, the audience, and the staff at McLean’s for putting this on. And finally, thanks to Fozzy and Beany for daring to dream it up and make it happen.
I just wish Pentre Fest could be every weekend. Or once a month, at least.
Yo! Here we are again, tout le monde – a treat for lovers of music on vinyl! That’s right – another Singles Night at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub, where I play my way through a big ol’ stack of 7″ singles and have a big time knees up whilst I do it.
There are literally dozens of 45 rpm records chez moi: some classic, some crap. I love ’em all. With a few drinkies to ease things along, we’re in for a great evening.
Here’s the latest playlist:
The Mission – “Severina” / “Tomorrow Never Knows”
Joe Fagin – “Back with the Boys Again” / “Get it Right”
Samantha Fox – “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Me Now” / “Dream City”
Samantha Fox – “I Surrender (To the Spirit of the Night”) / “The Best is Yet to Come”
Lacuna Coil – “Our Truth”/ “Without a Reason”
Paul McCartney & The Frog Chorus – ” We All Stand Together” / “We All Stand Together (Humming Version)”
Slade – “7 Year Bitch” / “Leave Them Girls Alone”
Demon – “Wonderland” / “Blackheath”
Sex Pistols – “Silly Thing” / “Who Killed Bambi”
Bad Manners – “Can Can” / “Armchair Disco”
Doctor & The Medics – “Burn” / “Captain Frazer”
2 in a Room – “Wiggle It” / “Take Me Away”
Slade – “My Oh My” / “Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply”
T’Pau – “China in Your Hand” / “No Sense of Pride”
Belinda Carlisle – “I Get Weak” / “Should I Let You In?”
Madonna – “Crazy for You” / Sammy Hagar – “I’ll Fall in Love Again”
Billy Ocean – “Get Outta My Dreams, Get into My Car” / “Showdown”
Scorpions – “Wind of Change” / “Restless Nights”
Jack Parnell & His Orchestra – “Galloping Home (Theme From Black Beauty” / “Hawaii Five-O”
Then Jericho – “Big Area” / “The Big Sweep”
Wow. From the Sex Pistols to the Frog Chorus – as always, it’s an eclectic night at the Virtual Hot tub on Singles Night! That might not be Paul McCartney’s greatest moment, but to be fair, I loved Rupert the Bear when I was a toddler, so consider me a fan.
Some notes:
The first Sam Fox single is credited as the “Samantha Fox Box”, as it comes in a carboard boxset thing with a poster. The second Sam Fox single is a Limited Edition blue vinyl single, in a gatefold photo pack. Pretty cool, and both from bargain bins.
Also from a bargain bin, the Lacuna Coil single is picture disc – and only cost me £1. Crazy bargain!
Lots of songs I loved in this evening’s playlist: the Pistols easily being my favourite. The worst was that Scorpions song, that was rubbbish.
Variety is the spice of life, and this Singles Night playlist was indeed spicy. Great tracks. More soon!
Platinum Al's Virtual Hot Tub 