Our Man Jamie is a top bloke and a top poet. Derby poet Jamie Thrasivoulou has a long list of accolades to his name however I suspect being the official Derby County Football Club poet ranks as one of his favourite. Check him out on YouTube in front of over 30,000 fans at the Pride Park stadium spitting out his lines to the poem ‘We Are Derby’-if this don’t make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up then nothing will!

Jamie kindly sent me a copy of his book ‘Our Man’ released last year and I haven’t stopped reading it since. Don’t expect fine verses, love poems, an abstract ode and words you constantly have to google for an explanation. This guy spews out real honest lines that real people understand. Words like ket, choonz, crack, yam, twat, shite and much more. He’s brave with his work and happy to stir you up a bit, like JESSICA which is just 4 lines and 9 words long but cleverly leaves you thoughtful and wanting to know more. I personally loved ACT 1: THE PURGE and #IDENTIFYING THE MISSING and the 7 pages left me happy, sad, loyal, angry and smiling in different shades-awesome words. I loved the raw honesty and humour in LOVE and the pain in #NUB. I laughed out loud at INTERGALACTIC SEXUAL RELATIONS.

Do yourself a favour and buy his book from Burning Eye Books. It’s half the price of a vinyl album and it will take you on a similar journey.

Peace, Love and Cowbells

Bassey

This place isn’t homely

I don’t know exactly

I’m getting pretty lonely

But I’m now Psycho for Candy

I’m living in gluttony

I’ll trade sunlight for honey

I’ve got no money

Yet I’m Psycho for Candy

Beg cash from Daddy

Put weight on badly

Eating so sadly

Still Psycho for Candy

Possessed by anxiety

Obsessed, I’m depravity

They think that I’m crazy

I’m just Psycho for Candy

I’m writing this medley

Then I’ll get hit by a Bentley

It won’t hurt bad

But I wish it was deadly

Peace, Love and Cowbells,

Oscar

The Kingcrows play 1970’s style punk. It’s a fast, no frills style punk sound that is loved by the purists for the simple, fast 4/4 beat and songs rarely lasting more than 3 mins 30 secs. Think back to the greatest punk bands and you will understand where these guys are coming from. They consist of Phil E Stine-vocals, Lee J-guitar/vox, Rocco-bass/vox, Ratbag-drums/vox and they have developed a classic sound that they play tight. This latest album is released on lovely neon green vinyl and the 13 tracks give you an insight into their influences….I can hear The Damned, The Ramones, The Clash, UK Subs, Motorhead, and many many more.

The Kingcrows are not screaming, prog metal or emo wannabes with long guitar solos. They are old school punks with short and snappy songs for old school punks and long live The Kingcrows.

Peace, Love and Cowbells,

Bassey

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_l-zwFcCkbRX-tHJBCQDvRcvptpTLc0GjY&fbclid=IwAR3ocwRs_YB69IDnb_KrH3Q0Ywjevh13abdh4pOsmebJqTbBKcdMpYjG2gU

Bunkerpop. What a group. Influenced by the likes of Talking Heads, Bunkerpop delivers a brilliant mashup of experimental lo-fi and groovy krautrock that points to both past and future. I don’t think anything cooler has come out of hull since Throbbing Gristle themselves!

First you’ve got the wonderfully danceable bass and drum groove that is the hardcore backbone of Bunkerpop. I absolutely love the rhythm section here, but especially notable on tracks like “Don’t Upset The Hawk”.

The second thing you’ll notice is the brilliant synth work. The bass synth on “Start Something With A Stop” makes it into such a danceable anthem. The music video of this live looks absolutely mental, I’d love to see this lot play.

There’s pure musicianship on display here. The members of Bunkerpop are a little older than your typical band and clearly that experience gives them an ability and understanding of music that gives them the edge over other bands in the scene right now.

Brilliant live shows, creative music videos and mind blowing music, Bunkerpop has everything an artist dreams of obtaining. I truly wish them all the successes that are surely coming their way. Check out Bunkerpop, and if you ever get a chance to see them live please do, you won’t regret it!

Peace, Love and Cowbells,

Oscar

Yammerer released Reality Escape Resort ep late last year and for some reason I completely missed it-my mistake and my loss but I can now make up for lost time. Let me start by saying they are really really really good and I really really really like them. They have deliberately chosen to avoid social media so that listeners/fans/curious folk will make an effort to seek and find them. This ep is available on bandcamp and vinyl (great value for money by the way) and that is it. You must make the effort to search for them and you must take the time to consider if you like them.

This 4 track ep has set the bar for me this year and I can hear influences of Gang of Four, Wire (now who remembers them?), Julian Cope and The Fall. The members are Perm Doner-drums, Connor Simpson-bass, Steve Dee-guitar, Gajo Paco-guitar and J George JC-vocals and this post punk, psychedelic sound they have developed into a raw, energised sound with many layers that just keep getting better the more you listen.

Rather than list each of the 4 tracks and try to discuss each song I’m gonna give my opinion of the overall feel I have from the entire ep-driving bass lines alongside tight drums are the foundation, leaving the guitarists to freely riff to their hearts content and raw, emotional vocals that leave you uneasy, almost disturbed. There is such urgency in their songs that you are left with an itch that cannot be scratched. It’s intense, raw, emotional and now have to see them play live somewhere, anywhere.

https://www.facebook.com/events/944163559319252/?action_history=%22%5B%7B%5C%22surface%5C%22%3A%5C%22messaging%5C%22%2C%5C%22mechanism%5C%22%3A%5C%22attachment%5C%22%2C%5C%22extra_data%5C%22%3A%7B%7D%7D%5D%22

A couple of weeks ago I played an acoustic set in Nottingham with these chaps and I was immediately struck by how friendly all the members of the band are. Really nice guys who showed an interest in how other musicians write their songs, sources of inspiration and influences. No egos on display just a keen interest to get better at their songwriting and one of the best young bands to come from Mansfield for many years.
They are Kai Doyle on vocals and rhythm guitar, Josh Weston on lead guitar, Leon Chapman on bass and Frank Ashley on drums and this debut single is worth several of your listens. OK OK I know you will say the subject is naive and at a time when most bands want to get heavier in their sound, The Timeouts have a more pop/Arctic Monkeys style about them however they do it well. The sound is accessible and catchy and Kai manages to put over a some great vocal lines including……….He’s got a bottle of Stella Artois in his hand, watching me flirt with his bird. My escape routes planned. You know he gets up as though he’s gonna walk over but he’s too late, her arms are firmly wrapped around my shoulders.
Please don’t dismiss these guys, give them a listen and I bet you want to know them better? https://open.spotify.com/album/27wPQYyPvG4u7OoPkOS9eD?si=oxiiCKGASBKCYutCqS8azA&fbclid=IwAR08VOGPRvsJU3RZOIekp_YuyxeZfmpVO9QRKrzFdC8x5h5zlnLStB1xgVQ

Peace, Love and Cowbells,

Bassey

Eerie, mysterious, brutal. These are the words that spring to mind when listening to Export’s debut single “Eaten By The Sun”. Truly a haunting track. Louis Perritt of Sunlight For Honey who you may remember me reviewing way back when this blog started. I loved SFH and I’ve been eagerly awaiting to hear material from Louis’ new band. And let me tell you, Export pulls no punches with this one.

Now as we are aware, I generally criticise bands for not making records that aren’t accessible. But that is because if they don’t then they will never achieve mainstream success, which is something nearly every young musician wishes for. But Export clearly have gone against that idea in this song and it’s something I applaud them for. With this debut they are clearly trying to stand out.

“Eaten By The Sun” is not an easy song to listen to. It’s not danceable, you can’t whistle along to it. You feel uncomfortable listening. And all of this is clearly intentional. Truly revolutionary, different and utterly terrifying. With thunderous bass, heavy drums and dissonant synth, this track destroys your eardrums and melts your brain. In a good way of course.

We need bands like Export to push the limits of rock and roll, and they have been building this track up for a long time through their efforts on social media. It’s definitely paid off. Incorporating noise influences and Louis’ howling, spitting vocals. This isn’t a track you forget easily. Not because it’s catchy and sits in your head because you like it. But it’s something so utterly unique and frankly traumatic to listen to. I want to thank the band for allowing me to receive an early listen so I can review this absolute monster of a song. It’s available on all streaming platforms TONIGHT at 6pm. It’s truly an experience and I highly recommend listening to and following Export closely.

Peace, Love and Cowbells,

Oscar

This 4 track EP music project by Always Upstream is actually a collaboration by musicians from several other German Punk bands including old school 80’s style punk band- S.A.D, Ska Punk Band-NO AUTHORITY and Oi Punk Band-DRINKING SQUAD. The members are Marco on guitar and vocals, Fips on drums and backing vocals, Simon B lead guitar and Simon N on bass and backing vocals.
4 songs that in total last just over 9 minutes. Fast paced punk like it used to be and always straight to the point.
Track 1-You’re The One immediately hits you with a lead guitar riff and then vocals, 2 minutes 17 seconds of raw, fast punk and snarling vocals. By the time you are liking this track it’s over and gone!
Track 2-Weakdays is 2 minutes 9 seconds of hard hitting punk. Really tight and solid bass/drums absolutely on it. Nice bridge on this song and as always, relentless in tempo.
Track 3-You Said!. Great guitar riff intro and the shortest song (just) it wastes no time in getting to the verse, chorus pattern
Track 4-I still Believe is the longest of the songs at 2 minutes 46 seconds and personally my favourite. Really attacking guitar sounds and the bass and drums are sooooooo tight.
There’s nothing fancy or pretentious about these guys and if you like your Punk old school then you have to give them a listen. The great thing about them is that the musicians are all in other bands and you can check them all out on social media easily which helps you understand their various influences.
I just need to find out when they are gonna leave The Black Forest and come over to England to play! https://alwaysupstream.bandcamp.com/album/you-are-the-one?fbclid=IwAR0BtWB6Dt0KFvtQEPuhVkYzWfgCcznd_2gB2A287hNZY1Uq6xzQyEAtr0I

Having loosely followed the band since the release of their 2017 single “Down” I jumped at the chance to see Blackwaters live when they played my city. However sadly my dumbass brain decided to have a complete mental health episode at the time so I’m afraid I couldn’t make the gig. I was super hyped to see them and I wanted to review the gig for Needs More Cowbell, but instead at high demand (literally one person, but this ones for you Rita!) I decided to review their latest single.

“Two Time Lover” is definitely an interesting track, that potentially says a lot about the industry today. I’ve had a look through their entire discography and they’ve undergone quite the development. It’s still upbeat punk tunes all the way through, however it’s clear the boys have been trying to move in a slightly more accessible direction. Taking hints from the early 2000’s rock music scene. And you know what? There’s nothing wrong with that. This is a cut throat business. With the success of indie pop rockers Blossoms recently, with their second number one album. It’s really no surprise that bands are starting to take notice of that and want a taste of that success.

These days its damn near impossible to get attention from both mainstream audiences and most importantly, the major record labels as a dirty underground punk band. You have a few bands in that stream of consciousness that have achieved a modicum of success like idles with a top ten hit. But it’s clear that Blackwaters were never going to be huge stars with their old sound, as much as I would love them to be.

They’ve certainly dropped most of the rage and angst heard in tracks like “Let The Good Times Roll” in favour for a cleaner guitar sound and lyrical themes that, while I’m not a fan of, I can understand that they are more approachable now. I’m also really missing the dirty bass that was a key reason why I loved those early singles so much. However the intended audience seems to be loving it! Blackwaters are getting more and more talked about and the fact that they are currently on a headline UK tour shows that the new ideas are working.

While I feel as though they’ve lost some of their edge, these past few singles aren’t bad songs. They do exactly what they set out to do. Catchy, fun, romantic, charming. These things “Two Time Lover” has plenty of. It’s worth a listen and the tunes can easily worm their way into your head. There’s not much more I can say as I’m personally not a fan of the new sound, and I’m sure I’m not the only fan who feels slightly alienated. But as I said these songs are fun and I’d happily see them live the next time I get the chance and probably dance my ass off to them. I wish all the success and happiness for the band. Good luck lads, you’ll need it!

Peace, Love and Cowbells,

Oscar

I genuinely discovered Dashing Marbles by a random link up with Russ Forster on facebook and I can’t stop listening to their album ‘Complete’. Russ is/was/is a key member of the band Dashing Marbles and he kindly sent me a soundcloud link to their recently released album that began in 1989. You can never rush a good thing and this release has been well worth the wait.
The story-as I understand it- is that Dashing Marbles part recorded the album in 1989 at Steve Albini’s home studio (tracks 1-6) and completed it in 1995 at King Size Studio, Chicago (tracks 7-13). The key musicians are/were/are Russ Forster on bass, guitar and backing vocals and Joey Aspect on lead vocals and several guest musicians have contributed along the way including Erika Hoffmann vocals/violin, Dion Fischer ring modulator/guitar/Moog synthesizer, Wade Kergan Farfisa organ/clarinet.

Moving onto the tuuuunes.
Track 1′ In The Name Of The Lord’ at just over 1 min 30 secs reminded me of the Buzzcocks song ‘Oh Shit’ which is about the same length in time and both just want to cut out the fancy garnish and simply give us the meat. Fantastic bass sound, raw vocals and power chord guitar-rock n roll as it should be.
Track 2-‘Words’ has that growling bass again and I can hear many influences that have helped shape this sound and considering it was recorded in 1989 it is remarkably fresh sounding.
Track 3-‘In My Car’, I really loved the backing vocals and it reminded me of B 52’s for some reason.
Track 4-‘On My Couch’ is a fantastic song and the bass line made me think of the song Itchycoo Park by the Small Faces which is not a bad thing. A growling, prowling bass line that keeps you guessing where it will go next. Vocals almost naive sounding but just right for the song.
Track 5-‘MTV Girls’ hits you with a great guitar sound that is lovely in it’s rawness and vocals very similar to The Slits at their best. I like the almost shallow subject of this song and probably a reminder that life was more simple back in the 1980’s!
Track 6-‘Dancing Queen’. Yes that classic ABBA song but not like you’ve ever heard it before. WHY was this not played extensively in the early 1990’s? It’s a serious must listen for any ABBA fan! Slow. moody, raw and slightly grungy and the backing vocals put a big smile on my face.

OK halfway through the album and the recording now jumps to 1995.
Track 7-‘Think About It’, synthesizers/keys are now more prominent and the singing sounds more nuanced and subtle. Musicianship has definitely moved up a notch or two since the 1989 recordings.
Track 8-‘Nice Time’ has a really catchy melody and deserves several plays-DO NOT MOVE ON FROM THIS TOO QUICKLY
Track 9-‘Mya’ I loved from start to very quick finish and again a really menacing bass that would sound great live.
Track 10-‘Traffic’ has a great drum beat and works well with the bass to give a solid rhythm that holds the songs together, power pop, power punk, power grunge…….take your pick it’s power just the same
Track 11-‘Je Pense A Toi’ which means I think or I care about you (I think) has a more complex sound and is a great track, fragile guitar sounds that you think will fall apart at times but whatever the era this is a beautiful song that deserves your time……and ears for a little while.
Track 12-‘Shopping’ fantastic bass, guitar and drums sound. The opening bass line and sound reminded me of ‘Borstal Breakout’ by Sham 69 from 1979 but that’s probably just me showing my age…….great sound just the same.
Track 13-‘Capetown’ all of the above, all of the above, all of the above. really catchy and only lasting 1 min 5 secs. Bands these days seem to lack the confidence to write short songs but this track shows it can be done successfully.

I heard so many influences in The Dashing Marbles and after a chat with Russ he mentioned many more influences that I have not included above. Perhaps that’s the magic of this album and the songs make everyone think they have heard this sound before-only you haven’t. Give it a listen and listen to something you have definitely not heard before.

Peace, Love and Cowbells

Bassey