(That’s Not Skanking and TNSrecords recollections of that night later in this Welcome to the Fanzine) later in this issue. issue, by Lee from The Blunts and ‘Ten Years of Dave, both who played that gig. The The fanzine was the first incarnation line up also included 3DBS Down TNS’ anniversary of TNS, but it was all always geared (who have recently reformed and will fanzine. towards starting to put on gigs and be playing the birthday party, after We have details of our tenth birthday even in the very early days, starting not actually playing the first gig - see party on page 4, and the full line up some sort of label. I’d written reviews Lee/Dave’s articles for the full story) is on the back cover. I imagine it’s for a couple of other fanzines and and Monkfish. It was also the first going to quite a lot more boozy than fancied having a go myself. I finally ever gig for a new three-piece punk your average tenth birthday party, did that in November 2003 (ten years band featuring myself, Dave and Big but in many other ways it will be quite to the month ago). Pretty much at the Hands. We are also celebrating our similar. It is going to be our biggest gig same time as starting the fanzine, birthday by playing the anniversary yet. Please get your tickets in advance myself, Big Hands and Dave, who gig. McGraw were supposed to play, so we don’t get too TNStressed were three quarters of a band but we’d unfortunately decided to split about it all. We’ll also have a ten called McGraw, (incidentally, all four up. We’d started jamming songs for a year anniversary box set, including a members of McGraw are still involved new band, but we were by no means t-shirt, a 7”, badges, stickers, posters in TNS on some level - three have ready. However, a band pulled out on and your ticket, which you can get written for this issue) were all living the day and we decided to give it a from tnsrecords.co.uk in Manchester. We were becoming go. We didn’t even have a name until disheartened by promoters asking the day, but we found a funny DVD I hope you’ll forgive us for taking the bands to sell 30 tickets if they wanted in a pound shop, called ‘Revenge Of opportunity to be a little self indulgent a gig, by disjointed line ups and The Psychotronic Man’ and decided in this issue. Lots of the features poorly promoted events, where the to use that for one night only. Ten are very much related to TNS, with organisers clearly couldn’t care less. years have passed and that seems to people sharing their first experiences We’d put on gigs ourselves since have stuck. and favourite moments. When I asked being teenagers, both in my home people to write about this theme, I town of Stafford and also whilst living Another part of our master plan (I really didn’t expect people to be quite in Stoke. We decided that the only say master plan - I mean drunken so nice. It means a lot that people way to combat the shit gigs we were idiots making things up as we went have said such nice things about witnessing was to do it ourselves. along) was to try and get the music the past ten years. We have at least I don’t think we even necessarily of the bands we were playing heard attempted to cover some other things thought about things in terms of the by people who might want to go to too. punk DIY ethic back then. It was the gigs. We were aware that lots of simply common sense. If no-one is the bands weren’t particularly ‘known’ It’s funny trying to remember how it all doing the things you want to happen, and that you couldn’t necessarily started after such a long time. I don’t then make it happen yourself. Simple. just expect people to go and watch think anyone involved anticipated bands they had never heard of. Our we’d be trying to document all this ten Doing it ourselves meant we could way to combat this was by burning years on, when we came up with TNS actually get bands we liked to play at CDRs and sticking them to the (or ‘That’s Not Skanking’ - a jokey our gigs, and that we could also make front of the fanzine. Issue 4 of the outburst at a gig in my home town of the first few gigs free to get into, as fanzine included volume 1 of the Stafford, many years ago). The early we weren’t arsed about making any CDR collection. That CD included issues of the first incarnation of this money. Big Hands had worked at The tracks by 3DBS Down, The Blunts, fanzine have helped me piece it all Thirsty Scholar and convinced them to McGraw, Monkfish and also, amongst together. They have also made me let us use their upstairs room for free others, Gunpowder Plot, who recently cringe a lot. It’s amazing how your on a Sunday night. As well as being a reformed and released an album opinions change over the years. Most fanzine in its own right, we also used through our friends at Pumpkin people don’t document that. For me, the zine to build up a bit of interest in Records. it’s all there in print for me to cringe the first gig we put on, which was on at, to laugh at, and also, occasionally, 11th April 2004 (yes, we have timed The second ever TNS gig took to give myself a big pat on the back the anniversary gig to the day). It place on 20th June, 2004. Alongside about. Despite the embarrassing wasn’t at that point too successful. Revenge Of... the line up included bits, it’s still pretty cool to have The first gig was pretty quiet to be Morning Pizza (who went on to be documented it all through the fanzine. honest. But it was a starting point pretty successful as Pendleton), I’ve collated the covers of every issue and it was a lot of fun. You can read Harijan (who have been a big

Massive thanks to everyone who has contributed to this issue. There are too many people to list you all, but we really appreciate it. Thanks also to everyone who has advertised with us. We couldn’t manage without you. If anyone does want to advertise, get in touch. You can also donate to help keep this fanzine free (each copy is worth over 60p), you can do so through paypal at [email protected] (or just grab something from our webstore. Every sale goes back into the label in some shape or form). Contact us: Fanzine/live - [email protected] Website/label/podcast - [email protected] Post: 17 Heywod Road, Prestwich, Manchester M25 1FB 2 influence on so many current bands, that first release. That said the Hopefully this fanzine is a good and were one of the first bands who catalogue number is TNS001. We showcase of how many people have we released stuff for when starting always remember Mikey Wong, who gotten involved. I’ve tried to not write the label) and, for the first time in is a big part of what we do today, too much myself this time as it’s really Manchester, the headliners of our saying “why is that the catalogue cool to get other people’s opinions ten year birthday party, the mighty number? Are you going to do 100 about it all. If anyone fancies getting Random Hand. We are really pleased releases?”. Clearly at the time that involved with any aspect of what we to have a band headlining who seemed ludicrous, but it’s maybe not do in the future, we’d love you to get featured so early in our history and such an impossible scenario now. in touch. have gone on to do so well. We are now up to 32 releases, which Sometimes TNS makes us tear our The gigs quickly became more has surprised us as much as anyone, hair out, and sometimes it’s all a bit regular, and gradually became especially because we are still very much to keep on top of. But I don’t busier too. I couldn’t possibly list all much making this up as we go along. think any of us would change doing the bands who have played TNS The gigs are slightly less frequent this for the world. We have met nights. Many have disappeared and no longer free (the bands travel so many awesome people during into oblivion, many have gone on to from much further afield and need the last ten years, heard so many bigger things, and a handful of the their fuel covering). They are still fantastic bands and made life-long bands who played early on are still pretty cheap mind. The fanzine is friends. There are so many brilliant part of the label today. Revenge Of... far less frequent, but it is still free. memories (and it is also massively also started gigging more and more It’s been a while since our last issue, responsible for our lack of memories, frequently. In 2005, we recruited a but this is the biggest one yet, so due to the sheer amount of booze- second guitarist, Liam, who was in hopefully that makes up for things. fuelled nights). the band for a couple of years. We We’ve also added further strings to booked our first tour and a friend of the TNS bow, such as the podcast, We’d love it if you came along to our Liam’s (Tim ‘Bev’ Bevington) offered the CD/vinyl/fanzine distro, stages at ten year birthday party to celebrate to drive. He has been on every festivals and gigs much further afield. with us, and to check out some single Revenge tour since. However, It’s quite time consuming to say the amazing independent music, which is perhaps more importantly for this least. It is all still not-for-profit and made by people doing it for the right story, after what must have been DIY too. reasons and who genuinely give a hundreds of drunken conversations shit. It’s going to be a great weekend. over a two or three year period, It’s also much more of a collective myself and Bev decided to finally turn these days, which can only be a good And after that we’ll be continuing to TNS into a record label. thing. Sure, myself and Bevington are release new music. We have lots and the ones who take the financial risks lots planned. Maybe even another Our first release was in 2008, and with all this, but without the many, ten years worth. we’ll never forget the excitement many people who help us out, this of the CDs turning up. We never label really couldn’t survive. We are Andy particularly expected to get beyond so grateful to all of those people.

2 3 We recently celebrated our 30th release. Our good friend Bunty (who designed the art for both Bootscraper albums) has designed the fantastic illustration on the opposite page, which incorporates elements from the art of each release. We’ll be getting some t-shirts of the design printed, which you can buy from our webstore. However, if you can prove you own all 30 releases, we’ll send you a free t-shirt, to reward you for winning at life. Simply tag a photo of all the releases on Facebook or email [email protected] and we’ll get one in the post as soon as they are printed. We have details of all our recent releases, plus news about TNS031 and TNS032 later in the fanzine.

Our brand new website is now online. We know some of you had problems with the old site, so we’ve upgraded it all and it should be far more user friendy now. We have absolutely loads of CDs, vinyls, fanzines, posters, t-shirts and hoodies from a huge range of underground bands and labels, so check it out at www.tnsrecords.co.uk The new site was built by our good friends at Pumpkin Web Design. Check them out. www.facebook.com/pumpkinwebsitedesign

Tickets are now available for the TNS 10 year birthday party, which will take place on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th April, 2014. The full line up is on the back cover. There will be a gig on the Friday night at the Bay Horse, the all-dayer at Sound Control on the Saturday and an aftershow at Joshua Brooks on the Saturday night. Tickets for Sound Control are available from tnsrecords.co.uk, Rockers England or direct from Sound Control for £9adv. The first 100 ticket sales get guaranteed entry to Joshua Brooks before 12.30pm. Capacity is limited on Friday night and at the aftershow. All ticket holders get in free until capacity is reached, but it is on a first come, first served basis. Entry to Joshua Brooks is £5 if you do not have a ticket for the Sound Control gig. There is a 10 year anniversary pack available for £20, which includes your ticket, 7” Revenge Of... ‘Get Pissed...’ 10 year birthday vinyl with download code, TNS 10 year t-shirt, a gig poster, a pin badge, and much, much more. This is only available from the TNS site. There is a cheaper version available, without the ticket, for those who can’t attend/band members. THE TNS MASSIVE SALE TO CELEBRATE THE LAUNCH OF THE BRAND NEW TNS WEBSITE WE ARE OFFERING 25% OFF ALL CDS/VINYLs/T-SHIRTS/DISTRO ITEMS FOR THE WHOLE OF NOVEMBER. TNSRECORDS.CO.UK

USE THE CODE: TNSIS10 AT CHECKOUT TO GET YOUR DISCOUNT. 4 5 New releases: TNS027: Sounds Of Swami - S/T (CD) Well, it has been a long time coming, but long term TNS favourites, Sounds Of Swami have finally released their explosive debut album. Their 2009 ‘Halycon Days’ 7”, gained rave reviews from the underground music press, concentrating on the band’s hardcore influences. Their full length, as anyone who has seen their superbly executed live shows would expect, has a much bigger mix of sounds. It ranges from the almost NoMeansNo-esque ‘Grump’, atmospheric and almost prog fuelled tracks, such as ‘In Retrospect’, the abrasive grunge of ‘Surfing The Cesspool’ and At The Drive In-esque anthems such as ‘Stitched Up At The Sewing Circle’, whilst never forgetting the band’s hardcore punk roots. It’s technically superb, it constantly challenges genre boundaries and it has been well worth the wait.

“When they are in full noise rock abandon mode, they can kick it with the best of them.” Big Cheese

TNS028: ACiD DROP - The End of Days (CD) ‘The End Of Days’ is a split release with the band’s own Pie Race Records. This Leeds based band has been releasing quality skate punk, mixed with a bit of folk and a touch of ska for a few years now, building a great reputation for their thoroughly entertaining live shows. This album is their best work yet and it’s really cool to be helping to release it. The fifteen tracks on offer here dip into all the genres mentioned, whilst coming together in a coherent way, which sees the band really nailing their own sound down. Fans of NoFX, Street Dogs and fast catchy punk in general, will love this.

“Raised from the teat on the sounds of Fat Wreck, but as British as roast beef... a great punk album you need to grab.” Big Cheese

TNS029: Braindead - Libertalia (12” vinyl) Another split release, with some other great independent labels. This is on lovely red vinyl and is another album smashing genre boundaries, bringing elements of fast punk, ska-core and dub to the mix. We co- released their 7” Dub Of Transgression EP last year, but this new record, whilst still dipping into that sound, offers much more of the band’s aggressive, energetic edge. Braindead are based in Hamburg, but have toured all over mainland Europe and the UK. They are an absolutely brilliant live band and this album does a very impressive job of showcasing what they do onstage.

TNS030: No Fealty - In the Shadow of the Monolith (12” vinyl) This is another collaborative release, with some awesome independent labels from all over Europe. No Fealty are from Copenhagen. We caught them live last year and were blown away, so really eager to get involved with this release. This is one of the heaviest things we’ve released on TNS, offering 12 blasts of brutal hardcore. It’s all packaged together beautifully as a 12” gatefold vinyl. A cracking way to reach 30 releases.

“Mauls you like a lion, tramples you like an elephant, submerges you like a hippo and overruns you like a cheetah. It’s like the Safari 6 of Pain.” Sputnik Music Pre-order now: TNS031: Revenge of the Psychotronic Man - In Session From Maida Vale It’s been quite an exciting year for REVENGE OF... in terms of radio play. In June, they visited the famous Maida Vale studios in London to record a live session for the Radio 1 Punk Show, which was aired in July. This was followed by airplay from the legendary Steve Lamacq, who was incredibly complimentary about last year’s ‘Shattered Dreams Parkway’ LP. He recently picked a Revenge Of... track as one of his five choices taken from his favourite recent independent releases, for a limited edition vinyl, which was pressed for the AIM Awards. The album was passed to Steve by Maida Vale engineer, Nick Fountain, after they recorded their session. Massive thanks to Nick, Steve and, of course, Mike Davies and Dave King from the punk show for their support. It is much appreciated. The band were so happy with the tracks they recorded at Maida Vale, they decided to splash out on the publishing rights for the four tracks they recorded for the session. We are releasing this on a 7” vinyl, which comes with a download code. Boss Tuneage, 5FeetUnder and Entes Anomicos records are also helping out. The vinyl includes the tracks ‘An Aggressive Lecture’ and ‘15 Million Merits’ from ‘Shattered Dreams Parkway’, Available for pre-order now. ‘Needles To Say’ from the sold out 2009 TNS album ‘Make Pigs Smoke’ and a cover of ‘The Suffering’, by their TNS label mates, Official release on 9th Dec. aggro-folkers, Bootscraper.

TNS032: The Franceens - Stepford Smiles We are incredibly excited to welcome THE FRANCEENS to the TNS family. We’ve been watching this 3 piece, which consists of Dan Gott (guitar/vocals), Naomi Westerman (bass/vocals) and Miles Morrison (drums), tear it up live for the last year or so. You can’t fail to be impressed by their tight delivery, stage presence and, most importantly, the quality of the songs. Their sound offers a refreshing blast of catchy garage punk, which has hints of 50s rock n’ roll and pop punk. You could make reference to the likes of The Hives or Randy, or perhaps The Computers, as well as The Briefs and The Queers. But the band clearly have their own sound too. They are also very active within the York DIY live scene, running ‘Behind The White Door’ gigs, actively encouraging good bands to play in York and helping to build a vibrant live scene. The album will be released on CD, through TNS on 9th December. Available for pre-order now. You can stream tracks from all new releases on the band’s bandcamp pages. Official release on 9th Dec. Both Revenge Of... and The Franceens have free music available too. Visit the webstore at revengeofthepsychotronicman.bandcamp.com thefranceensyork.bandcamp.com tnsrecords.co.uk 7 8

to ‘turn it over’. This lead to a great album, consists of only Eight great 8s tendency for artistes to throw a strong tracks, and in many By Lee Morrissey ‘killer’ track towards the middle ways this is true (though never (@DangerousMoz) of an album, as that track belittle a well-placed intro would be the opening track track, interval, or reprise), We live in what has been of side two (the B side was but even such an album must described as the “Best Ofs side two to people who paid consist of tracks which are Generation”, that is to say, 5d for a record, (d stands for stronger than others, and that thanks to iPod playlists, pence, and there were 240 in thus the principle of the ‘Great youtube and spotify (other a pound) and claim MP3s are Number 8’ still holds. methods of stealing music are confusing). Now, ignoring for available) some feel that the the moment the implication This has lead me to compile a ‘art’ of the album has been that the greats of the 60s and list of eight (naturally) tracks, lost. (Some) People see a 70s seemed to feel that their from various albums, which to CD/download as simply a fans would potentially lose me typify this concept. I have collection of songs, when in interest midway through the intentionally chosen albums truth; a truly great album is a act of turning over a record, from the last twenty or so single work of art. Now, most or ejecting and turning over years, which would most likely of us are aware of some of the a tape, it is clear to see have been primarily released ‘rules’, for example, you put why many older albums, on a CD or download format, your hardest-hitting track, or when rendered in shiny CD and yet have upheld the at least the one with the most or convenient electronic tradition of a strong track 8. I captivating intro, first, and if format give the impression also have not ranked these in you have a long sing-a-long, of suddenly springing to life any way, nor do I claim them that goes at the end. Track part way through the album, to be definitive. In fact on two should be intelligent; track usually around track eight or another day I could well find one gets them listening, track nine. Now, there are those myself choosing an entirely two gets them interested, and in the music world, some of different eight tracks, and I am so on. There are however, whom run independent record sure if you peruse your own other standards that can be labels, who hold the archaic collections you will find many observed. mediums of yesteryear in more examples. But without nostalgic esteem, and as further preamble, I present In the days of olde, music such naturally favour a track Eight Great 8s. would be primarily published list that lends itself to these on a thing called vinyl, and formats. However, even those The Skints – Rubadub (Done sometimes also on cassette of us who have embraced the Know) ‘tapes’. Both of these modern electronic mediums (if Album: ‘Part & Parcel’, 2012 mediums had one thing in not necessarily modern forms (Bomber Music Limited) common (aside from being of language and spelling) can A quality dub-reggae tune, ridiculously fragile); an ‘A’ side appreciate the place that a uplifting and relaxing at the and a ‘B’ side. This would strong track eight holds in a same time, features The mean that half way through an well-crafted track listing. Now, Skints trademark twin-vocals, album, you would be required many would argue that a truly though this is definitely Marcia’s tune in the main. bling, extortion, tax evasion, father and his mates should do The song starts lively and and loansharking. Well, it. Especially if it references switches pace midway with a everyone deserves a second the transforming Decepticons, truly mesmerising dub beat. chance right? It is followed by and forewarns of a ‘Coalition Still not sure what ‘done know’ a stunning cover of We Have of Folly-ticians’ – Eight out of means though. All The Time In The World, but eight for this one. that’s for another article The Newtown Grunts – Bootscraper – The Family Toepokes and Tradgedies The Hyperjax – Talkin’ New Album: Bootscraper, 2012 Album: Disgruntled, 2002 York City (TNSrecords) An acoustic number about Album: The Wildest Card, The Bootscraper-boys deliver Scottish Football heroes, 2008 a 5 minute feel good folk song complete with sampled (Cherry Red Records) well worthy of the noble 8 spot. commentary of Archie Gemmill An unashamedly There can be little doubt that scoring against Holland (see Ramones-esque number this song is ‘proud to be part of also, Trainspotting). The complete with 1-2-3-4. This the (track 8) family’. chorus proclaims ‘from the track, which could launch Forth to Clydeside, you shall any album, sits nicely at 8 Well, there, eight track 8s each return a hero’, though in truth here, fusing punk rock and worthy of mention. There are 8th was probably far beyond psychobilly so smoothly that of course others, whilst ‘The Scotland’s dreams. you’d never know they used Backyard Babies’ ‘8-balled’ to spit at each other in the is maybe too clichéd, and the Morrissey – First Of The Arndale (Manchester shopping Offspring’s ‘Self Esteem’ too Gang To Die centre). obvious; I find myself already Album: You Are The Quarry, feeling ‘Raise The Banner’ 2004 Pressure Point – Give Me by King Prawn should have (Attack Records) Liberty made the list, and there have An often underrated track Album: Resist & Riot, 2007 been some heavenly 7s down about the (presumably) (GMM Records) the years too – see also ‘Joy fictional ‘Hector’ who A true Track 8 on a Division Oven Gloves’ by Half apparently stole and got shot well-structured album; ‘give Man Half Biscuit, Alestorm’s through the throat, but was me liberty or give me death ‘Set Sail and Conquer’, and nonetheless well loved. The from my first to my last dying ‘Wine and Roses’ by that Lars highlight is a middle section breath’ is a real streetpunk chap from Rancid. which declares ‘he stole from battle cry if ever there was the rich and the poor and the one. On an album like Resist Right, I’m off to my room to not very rich and the very & Riot it’s hard for a track to listen to some tapes. poor’. The circumstances of have stand out impact as each Lee Morrissey Hector’s death are unclear, successive song is delivered it is known only that he was in a manner akin to rabbit shot, and he was the first one punching. Nonetheless, this Play it again… in his gang to die. There’s also track fires the engines ready It seems to be the “done” thing something about being in love for the (marginally) more for bands to come and play and a school for the blind. contemplative tracks that albums in full to celebrate a follow. certain milestone from their Fun Lovin’ Criminals – King first release. So with this Of New York Damian “Junior Gong” being a ten year milestone Album: Come Find Yourself, Marley – Move! anniversary of TNS thing 1996 Album: Welcome To going on and them wanting a (Capitol Records) Jamrock, 2005 piece related, here we go. A smooth commentary on (Tuff Gong Records) New York mobster John ‘The What can be said about At first it seemed like quite a Dapper Don’ Gotti, protesting Move!? On an album that’s cool idea. You go to a special his custodial sentence after already thrown at the listener show to see a band play an he was found guilty of five its take-no-prisoners title track album in full. The first one I murders, conspiracy to commit where can track 8 go? Well, caught was The Lemonheads murder, racketeering, obstr a fast paced reggae blast that playing “It’s A Shame About uction of justice, illegal gam samples Exodus by Marley’s Ray” a good few years ago now. It was seriously great 9 fun, took me right back to Kings’, and they’re planning stomping cunt. No SORRY, my youth and seeing them on coming to play it in full next I am being blunt, yeah, ‘me’, loads back in the early to mid year here in the UK. Problem ‘me’, ‘moi’, the only thing oui, 90s. But the problem is, I’ve is, they play all the best tunes oui, oui! (see). So can ‘we’ still now seen them play it twice in their set already, and you feel? Something? Have ‘we’ since. Yep, not content with can end up missing a load of lost everything? Even within just making it a special thing other classic tunes ‘cause the some scene of obscurity what ,it seems like this is the latest stage time just doesn’t allow. should mean the whole world way to try and get bodies into to the person. the venues. So, the idea for me is nice, if it is billed as a celebration and A person who thinks differently. Of course, there are times not used as a marketing ploy. when these shows are By all means, be proud of your Life is real. Not a story. Not amazing. I caught Presidents work, just please don’t try and an ideal. Not something in a Of the USA play their debut con fans. Oh, and congrats to dream. Not a game learned album in full. What a bouncy TNS on hitting ten years, keep from the TV. Not some social and fun night that was! And up the good work chaps! internet conceal. Not been a earlier this year, I saw The Mr. T BASTARD for some drama Wildhearts play “Vs” in full. Lights Go Out Zine (www. based publicity. Not been Although, never a band that lightsgoout.co.uk) anything other then real. Be really made their mark on real. Try it. Stop been the me, it seemed that the crowd youth culture stereotype appreciated the 20 year Simply ‘WE’ screen. Stop believing you are theme. Like a bubble, I have been a the answer to every fucking ‘round’. Without a ‘pop’ things stupid situation and tag But why this craze of always seem (pro)-found. everything. Do something to celebrating an album’s Unlike walking, flying is always challenge and feel. Before we anniversary? Is it actually a the way we sound loud. But feel absolutely nothing. celebration of its release? Or crashing, yeah, crashing is it just billed as that to help is dead bottom of a crowd. Jim Sorrow is again fed up attendances increase? Does Applause they may, and thank of idiot scenes (hiding behind it mean people who say things you for the great songs of the good ideals). like “I used to like the band day, but hang man was always and saw them loads back in there and always prayed you X As always, buy my FEAR!!! the day” and “they’ll never all away. And guess what??? X play much of the old stuff” will IT WAS ALL REAL. Nothing actually make shows? of this was ‘shit’ to do the deal, just fuckers and gravy Ten years of TNS I’d say it’s quite a novel thing train ideals, something of a fanzine to do; I quite like the idea. It’s steal without knowing energy. As I said in the intro, writing great for the real hardcore PUMPED from having nothing a fanzine for ten years and fans to hear tracks that might or norms each day to see. That looking back over the past not have been played live head just PUMP(ing) away, issues has made me cringe for many, many years, or and pissing off so called [asso so much it’s untrue, but it’s maybe not even played live {friends}ciates] of that trail, also helped me to revisit at all. Again, earlier this year, and ideas not thought of yet. . some incredible music from I went to see one of my all .just “motion of a clear fear”. the past ten years. In recent time favourite bands, Jesus So now I say, ‘I no longer issues, most of the columns I Jones, play their debut album give my shit away’, my life is have written have been quite from the late 80s in full. A one whatever you thought it should politically motivated rants. off, intimate show, to help a be, in another fantasy fiction There are still plenty of things venue that was closing down are the dreams we cannot real, annoying me, that I will at go out with a bang. Now, for and the shield we provoke is a some point have a big moan me to hear certain tracks from kind of healing feel- about. However, for the ten “Liquidizer” was something I year anniversary I decided never thought would happen. (because nobody makes a that it would be nice to write And, of course, being a total meal out of ‘me’), something about music. After Jesus Jones fanboy for well all, that is the reason this over twenty years now, this only ‘I’ and ‘me’ because I fanzine started. was one hell of an event for don’t kid no big [EGO] feels, me. just drunk on hope and a My initial idea was to write lonely ‘no’, in a world of about a few of my favourite And, last night I saw Dog Eat shadows and posers looking albums from each of the last Dog. They said it’s twenty at posters and quotes of twats ten years, using the back years in 2014 since ‘All Boro with the ambition all head issues to pick through what I’d 10 liked at those times, so maybe have been 2004, because in played on repeat for the some of you might check issue 2 of the zine I reviewed whole of a 2005 Revenge tour those bands out. I figured The Bronx supporting The too, so there are some great that might be quite long and Distillers at Manchester memories here. We also got to boring, so I settled on picking Academy, which was in support them this year, which one album from each year November 2003. In that review was nice. instead. I am not saying that I mentioned that their first EP Track to check out: ‘Filter’ I have necessarily picked my was to be released soon after is a top notch blast of gruff, favourite album from that year that gig. I bought that EP and melodic and fast punk rock - that might be different every reviewed it in early 2004. I with great lyrics, which time I tried to decide, and I will definitely would have bought epitomises the bands sound. almost certainly forget some the album as soon as it was albums and want to change out, so for the purposes of this 2006: The Lawrence Arms - this as soon as it is published. article it’s 2004. It’s my fanzine Oh Calcutta (Fat Wreck) I guess this is more of a list of and my rules. It was also listed There was some amazing albums, that looking over the in my top ten albums of 2004 music released in 2006. old zines reminded me of, or too. Number two in fact. I had I considered making this something with an interesting Thought Riot at number one, selection a tie, as The Steal story behind it. Or maybe which I do still think is OK, but was released in 2006 too, something that led me to with hindsight The Bronx were but I decided they could have listen to new bands I like now. clearly better. What can I say 2008. The Lawrence Arms are Also, I’m not going to put any about this band? I’ve gone on another one of my favourite TNS releases in this, but I do to see them so many times bands. Anyone who knows me obviously like them too. over the years after being will know that I quite literally blown away at that Academy have a ‘Lawrence Arm’ (it’s a So here goes, an album I’d gig and they remind me of so tattoo). This is in my opinion, recommend from each year I many good times. They have their best album. There isn’t have been writing this fanzine. consistently released amazing a bad song on it. It’s fast, albums and I also love their with a raw punk energy and 2003: Rise Against - Mariachi incarnation. They sing-a-long choruses. It’s Revolutions Per Minute are simply one of my favourite again great lyrically. In the (Fat Wreck) bands and I think most of their review I wrote in 2006 I wrote These days Rise Against albums could have been my “buy this fucker now”. I’d stand certainly divide opinion. There pick for the years they were by that. is the whole political lyrical released, but this one is still Track to check out: ‘Requiem content, released on a major probably my favourite Bronx Revisited’ is one of the fastest label debate, which I won’t go album. tracks on the album, and I like into now. It’s fair to say more Track to check out: ‘Heart fast. But to be honest, it’s hard recent albums have been a Attack American’ is not only a to choose. little watered down in terms perfect blast of hardcore punk, of musical aggression too. but it’s also one of the best 2007: Smoke Or Fire - This I can’t say they are a band opening album tracks ever. Sinking Ship (Fat Wreck) I particularly listen to now, I was reluctant to put a band but back in 2003 this was an 2005: Smoke Or Fire - Above in twice, but this is another album I listened to on repeat. The City (Fat Wreck) great album so worthy of your And it’s still amazing now. After getting over the shock time. It also seems that after It’s fast, aggressive melodic of realising that I made 7 the highs of producing seven hardcore, with interesting fanzines in 2005 (yes 7!), I fanzines in 2005, I managed lyrical content, which I can still also realised that I bought a lot just one in 2007. I’m sure I enjoy ten years on. It’s recently of music that year too. My top probably bought a lot of music been re-released as a ten year 20 for that year, surprisingly that year, but I’m struggling anniversary edition. I only had mostly contained albums that to find out what. The fanzine the CD, not the vinyl. I don’t I genuinely still like, which is I did write (which is about really need two copies, but.... kinda good. I did have this as half arsed as this bit of Track to check out: ‘Dead listed at number one for that my article) suggests I quite Ringer’ is a sub two minute year and I’d probably stand by liked the Tim Armstrong solo blast of brutal hardcore punk that choice. I still listen to this album at the time, as well as that wouldn’t sound out of album regularly. Smoke Or the Lifetime album that came place on an album by The Fire are fast and catchy, with out that year. Looking through Steal. a punk rock edge. I also love other online top tens from their lyrical content. I bought 2007, I can’t particularly find 2004: The Bronx - S/T this album when I saw them anything I still listen to now, (White Drugs) live at the 2005 Deconstruction whereas ‘This Sinking Ship’ is Officially this came out in 2003, tour and remember absolutely an album I frequently revisit. but I think the UK release must loving them. This album was So Smoke Or Fire get in twice, 11 and deservedly so. Maybe this I only listened again after It’s such a shame they lacklustre year has something really enjoying last years self didn’t release more. Driving to do with why we launched titled album. When I reviewed basslines, raw guitars, hard the label the following year. that, I said it was my favourite hitting drums and powerful Or maybe, I’ve just forgotten Gallows album to date. But vocals all combine to make most of what happened? I I take that back, this is my a sound that is somewhere was, afterall living the rock n’ favourite. It’s just a brilliantly between grunge and hardcore. roll age of 27. written album, which works Track to check out: ‘Le Track to check out: ‘Cars’ is as a whole record, rather than Regard’ is a great showcase of a great blast of fast, melodic just as individual tracks. It is what Pettybone are all about. punk rock. incredibly atmospheric, yet A melodic verse, building up brutally heavy. I listen to this to a screamed aggressive 2008: The Steal - Bright Grey record all the time and I’m so chorus. Great stuff. (Banquet Records) glad I rediscovered it. Celebrating everything that Track to check out: ‘I Dread 2012: The Domestics - Keep made Kid Dynamite so special, The Night’ is a heavy yet It Lean (Kibou) The Steal were a real breath melodic tune, which displays The first time I heard this of fresh air when they first Frank Carter’s distinctive album I liked it. Now after appeared a couple of years vocals very well. seeing them live a few times before this album. I remember and after numerous listens, seeing them at Jabez Clegg 2010: Mighty Midgets - I really love it. It’s brilliantly in 2006 and being completely Raising Ruins For The executed hardcore punk. Lots blown away. This is probably Future (5FeetUnder) of short songs, played very the best of their two amazing These are a band who we quickly - exactly my sort of albums. The production have since released music for thing. These are a band I am is huge. It’s fast as fuck, on TNS. We first came across very much looking forward aggressive, heavy, but still them when we were sent a to hearing a lot more from in maintaining some melody. The copy to review in the fanzine. the future. Make sure you give Steal are basically everything We love it. We later found out them a listen. I want in a band and I can’t that these guys were running Track to check out: The best begin to tell you how much their own label (5FeetUnder) showcase of everything that is everyone at TNS loves them. in Denmark and have since so good about The Domestics If you like fast music, just buy become friends and worked is probably the blazing live both albums now. together on several projects. favourite, ‘I Want To Be Feral’. Track to check out: They are This album has nods towards all amazing, but ‘Got Ideas’ is the likes of Propaghandi and 2013: Who knows? a sub one minute blast of pure Strike Anywhere, but also has There is more exciting music hardcore punk perfection. its own distinctive sound. The coming out than ever. Amazing pace and energy is relentless bands who have released 2009: Gallows - Grey Britain throughout. This is a superb stuff in 2013 already include (Warner Bros) album and we have a few the likes of Terveet Kadet, This is a really interesting copies on the webstore, so Honningbarna, Maximum inclusion, because when I grab one. They also feature RnR, ИO​/​/​/​sé, and many, first heard this album, I really on TNS016: The International many more. I am definitely wasn’t that arsed about it. I Split, alongside Revenge Of..., just as excited by new music remember writing a review and Fist Of The North Star and as I was ten years ago, and not even printing it as what Broken Aris. We are running looking back through the old I wrote was so bland. How fairly low on stock of that too zines, it’s amazing to see how interesting it is how opinions so grab a copy whilst you still the bands I am getting into change over time. Whilst most can. have come from such a wider of the albums I have listed are Track to check out: ‘Freezing range of styles and locations. ones I liked from first hearing Factory Floors’ is a balls to the The punk community spreads them and in general still really wall blast of hardcore energy. worldwide and there is so like now, this is a record that much out there waiting to I was indifferent too, but in 2011: Pettybone - C.O.W be heard. I constantly look hindsight, I absolutely love. It’s (Emancy) forward to finding my new hard to pinpoint why I wasn’t Pettybone were a short favourite band, but I have also initially into it, but it really lived but fantastic band from very much enjoyed revisiting highlights how important it London. We had them on the some of my old favourites too. is not to judge things on first TNS stage at Strummercamp Andy listen and also the importance 2012 and I listened to this of an album being a grower. album absolutely loads. 12 day, so his new band were The first TNS gig: nowhere near ready, but they By some guy who might play a set, depending on played guitar in one of how the night went. Little did we know how fate would play the bands on the bill its part that evening, launching Firstly, for anyone who the mighty Revenge of the remembers it differently, this is Psychotronic Man. Monkfish just my recollection of events played a storming set, then we (with a few helping hands from hit the stage. The good people Andy), and things do tend to of Manchester greeted us get glamourised after 10 years with moshing, skanking, and in the memory banks but hey, everything else that is good it’s rock n’ roll. I thought I would and great in the world. One of recall the first time I met the our friends (who shall remain guys from TNS. If you go on nameless) had grown up in revengeofthepsychotronicman. Manchester but moved south com, and scroll down to the to the midlands, was still a bottom of the gigs history you huge Manchester City fan (and will see their first gig, which season ticket holder) travelling also happens to be the first from Telford most weekends TNS gig. My band “The Blunts” to see his beloved team play. were from Wolverhampton and Anyway, he met up with an old we were doing well at the time, friend of his in Manchester and gigging all around the UK, and dragged him to the gig to see had a potential album on the us all play. Around four songs cards with a medium label. A in to our set, around two thirds friend of mine was studying of the crowd emptied from at Manchester University, and the bar, leaving us playing to he knew some guys in a punk some stragglers drinking at band so he introduced us to the back of the bar. What we “McGraw”. We instantly fell in hadn’t seen was that our friend love with their energy and DIY Sean... I mean our anonymous attitude and set up a gig swap friend, had somehow through emails. Andy told us accidentally managed to he ran a fanzine called “That’s skank onto his mate’s head Not Skanking” and this was breaking his nose, and they to be the first TNS gig so we both went outside to catch their promptly filled up a minibus breath, kiss and makeup. The with beer, gear, and as many bouncer assumed they had people as possible who had been fighting, and wouldn’t let nothing better to do, and drove them (or the rest of the ensuing up to Manchester. crowd) back in to the gig and We were playing at a place somehow the bouncer ended called ‘The Attic’, which was up in a headlock and wasn’t too under the arches in New pleased. In the mean time, the Wakefield Street, just off bassist from 3DBS Down was Oxford Street. I’m not sure walking across the bar floor, what it’s like now, but back then saw the pool of blood, and it was a proper dive, where proceeded to faint. Eventually, the place rocked when there everything somehow worked was a good band on, or when out OK, the crowd returned the train drove on the railway by the 6th song, and we track above it. We were hoping finished our set. 3DBS Down for a well-timed train during had to cancel as their bass our set, naturally! McGraw player had been carted off were headlining, we were on by his very worried looking second, with Monkfish first and bandmates (“what have you 3DBS Down on third. When been taking son?!??!”), so this we turned up, Andy informed left the artists formerly know as us that McGraw would not be McGraw with no option – they playing as they had just split up had to play. They took to the – we were gutted! Then he said stage anyway, announced they that one of the originally booked were now called “Revenge of 13 bands had pulled out on the the Psychotronic Man”, and all their songs were going to (when I was still affectionately and this was obviously too be named after B-movies. known as “the boy”), so that tempting to avoid, so me and They were awesome, and puts me at nearly 30 now... I’d a select group of Scumbrian proceeded to “rock our faces lost count! Good work boys, folk met up in the country’s off” - a phrase I believe was here’s to another 10 years! drizzle capital to hit the beach. invented by the Revenge Of… The Boy By the time we arrived the boys on that very night! After party was in full swing, and that gig, we played a few gigs Beach parties and with cheap rum at the bar it together with Revenge Of... took no time for the entire around the UK, bringing them beer blackouts; scene to descend into a blur down to Wolverhampton and TNS at ten of punks in Hawaiian shirts, the ever-turbulent Birmingham So it’s now 2013; TNS is now loud music and inflatable punk scene. The Blunts sharks. Missing the first bands disbanded a couple of years ten years deep since the first fanzine, I’ve been in the North due to an unfortunate mixture later. Over the years, TNS’s of booze-induced faffing organisation has gotten better of England for six years, and for all my liver knows it could and insatiable pizza lust, we (I think anyway!) and TNS has reached the venue in time to grown in strength exponentially be 50. When I first got to Leeds I was aware of That’s catch the Emo’s, a now sadly from the help of dedicated defunct band whose balls volunteers, but it hasn’t lost Not Skanking fanzine in an abstract way; having been out race-to-the-finish punk the energy or excitement of included paeans to takeaways those early days. stuck in the enclosed Royston Vasey-esque black hole of that held a special significance My own experience in the for our grease-eroded student last 10 years is this: having East Sussex, I had heard of the zine through various punk brains, songs about ninjas, signed a deal with a “proper” and the perfect mixture of label leads me to conclude focused websites but had never actually read a copy. speed and melody to get feet the DIY route is the only way moving and inflatables flying. to push your band, stay in My move to the north was well timed however, soon followed In the lull between bands control, and enjoy your music. plenty of rum was consumed, After all, Revenge of… are still as it was by the launch of TNS Records and the subsequent I staggered around happily for going when The Blunts are a a bit and was rewarded with distant memory. Most of all, in renaming of the zine. After the opening shot of the ‘Music the sight of Scumbrians and anything you do you have to Scots comparing beer bellies, make it happen yourself - don’t for People who Drink Cider in the Gutter’ compilation, which and the atmosphere was at full be lazy, don’t wait on anyone hype mode. else, grab your destiny by the a group of us quickly agreed was the best compilation name Well almost… the moment balls, get out there and make it Revenge of the Psychotronic happen. I’m currently working ever, I started keeping up with the goings on from across the Man hit the stage everyone on a building project, which went ballistic. I’ve seen these should result in me finally Pennines. The drinking and student living continued to get guys plenty of times since and having my own recording they always smash it, but the studio, and I plan to help local more funny and retarded, and I kept going to gigs in Leeds, but combination of band, crowd bands who are struggling to and situation made this show make or fund records, but it was a while (barring possibly a couple of shows where a definite high point. Everyone that’s a few years away yet. It’s showed an impressive astonishing that TNS keeps on Sounds of Swami played) before I got my first full TNS determination to live up to the keeping on when most people lyrics to ‘Get Pissed, Talk Shit, would have given up. It’s also experience when we started seeing flyers for a beach party Dance like an Idiot’ and by the astonishing to think it was end I’d sweated out enough nearly 10 years ago when we - in Manchester, in the barren arse end of winter. poison that I almost felt sober. played this first TNS gig, and I Luckily I had time to top up had not long gone 20 years old Add in a line-up of some of the finest bands in hardcore punk before the legendary Stupids 14 15 appeared, and remained partner went into the gents over the place turning up, so happily intoxicated for their toilets three times because any reward for their efforts is entire set of high octane skate she thought it was the well earned. Make of that what rock. Any connection between ladies, but put her hood up you will. punk rock and skateboarding when leaving because “that Oh, and Mikey Wong. My life is means I’m pretty much made sense”. At last year’s richer for knowing you xx guaranteed to enjoy, but the Strummercamp I spent an Iain Wright band clearly had both skater afternoon watching bands and non-skater alike amped at the TNS stage next to an A decade of DIY: and ready to jump around and electrical socket, desperately fling beer, ripping through a set charging my shitty phone TNS and getting it of old classics and new soon and glowering at anyone that right to be classics with abandon. If got too near. At a recent one So, ten years of TNS Records, it hadn’t been Manchester in at the Bay Horse, inspired eh? In all honesty I’d never January with all the weather by other peoples efforts to even heard of ‘em until a inherent, I probably would circumvent the extortionate couple of years ago when Ed have been forced to go for a prices, me and my partner Ache passed me a copy of the skate immediately. sneaked in vodka. I remember ‘These Troublesome Thinkers’ By the time we were safely seeing a friend tucking red compilation. A few tracks stood back on the train to Yorkshire stripe cans under a hoodie, out right from the first play, I had already placed this in and a glass collector scuttling many others grew on me after my top five gigs list, and since away wild-eyed. I got charged a couple of spins and a few then I’ve drank, danced and £3 for a pint of coke that night, did zero for me and continue human pyramid-ed (if that’s they knew what we were doing to do so – a real mixed bag, a word) around plenty of top but didn’t dare stop us. The but y’know, the chances of notch DIY TNS shows. Roll on Roughneck Riot finished, and liking every single track on a the next fucking ten years! I was walking up the stairs I 42 track compilation is pretty Jono Coote saw dirty scuff marks on the unlikely I guess. You might ceiling that i saw some guy be thinking that’s not a hugely Make of that what from a Dutch band leave as auspicious start for a column you will... he was crowd surfing and I did about TNS and their place in not envy whoever had to clean the punk rock universe in their I don’t remember my first that mess up. That’s TNS for own ‘zine but bear with me! TNS gig. The only thing i you, crowd surfing in a cellar. From my first contact with think I remember is a phrase Another thing I thoroughly TNS, initially through Andy, the singer from Revenge of enjoy about TNS gigs is when I could feel that here were the Psychotronic Man said people who aren’t interested some people who, like me, onstage, and I’ve used it ever in that type of thing cross were really keen on doing since: “Make of that what you paths with the TNS faithful. I stuff. There’s nothing better will”. remember a typical northern than doing stuff, getting off Its such a good phrase to use! quarter type aghast at the your arse and just getting on “My cat smells of dirt. Make of display he was subjected to with things, turning thought that what you will”. at the Bay Horse. It’s even into action if you will. TNS has TNS gigs bring out something better when they join in! Some that attitude in spades. In the chaotically destructive tweeded daftie forming the following months my band, and bizarre in me. When I base of the obligatory pyramid. The Domestics (I promised attended the Alan Partridge I’ve always been too self myself I wouldn’t resort to a all-dayer (7pm I got there. conscious to join the pyramid. cheap plug for the band in this I know, part-timer) I got so I’m very happy that TNS are column but it is integral to the drunk I decided I was going getting the type of success narrative, honest guv... if I do to tell people I was from that they’ve got. It’s got to be it a second time punch me in Venezuela, and put an accent a logistical nightmare sorting the guts though), have played on. I convinced no-one. My out a gig with bands from all several gigs for the label, are sharing space with Revenge of one of your songs then double Radio One session an’ all!). the Psychotronic Man on an 8 fuck off! In the grand scheme of things band 7” on Kibou Records that Anyway, where was I? Ah, I’m a Johnny come lately to comes out any day now (and yeah... it really doesn’t matter TNS but y’know, I’m a convert. should be out by the time you that I don’t personally like Happy tenth, Andy and Bev. read this) and have tried to every band on the label – I James Domestic help each other out wherever can’t feel bad about that, there possible with tour dates etc. probably aren’t any labels My point really is that TNS (punk or otherwise) where I The wonderful are about a lot of things – like every band they release. world of TNS passion, fairness, D.I.Y. ethics There are undoubtedly a I was first introduced to the to name but three – but they’re number of labels who can sell wonderful world of TNS also about solutions and a bands’ records just by dint around three years ago, reciprocation. of it being on that label (I see when someone leant me a To that end then, TNS are this a lot in U.S. hardcore) but copy of “Mainstream Music akin to a microcosm of what y’know just because that label Is Shit”. I thought nothing of the punk/D.I.Y. scene is/ can sell out of every release the guys who had released should be. They are an active in a month that doesn’t mean it and listened to it in the car participant, an important node every release is actually constantly for about two weeks in the network which reaches that great. I guess if you’re before I thought to actually beyond the confines of the UK lucky enough to make an check out the bands featured and into mainland Europe (and unassailable reputation on on it. That one little Google beyond). Making connections, the strength of a few amazing search led me to a website furthering the cause of releases this is where it can where I’d end up spending a non-mainstream music (‘cos lead you if you’re not careful. good chunk of my income each mainstream music is shit), Anyway, my point (yeah, I did month. I couldn’t get enough. having a good time doing stuff, have one, I know I wandered When I started to wonder what working (and playing) with off a bit there...) is that TNS “TNS” stood for, I stumbled into like-minded creative people don’t operate that way and the world of modern fanzines. who aren’t content to sit on the that there are undoubtedly I must’ve read every PDF sidelines and want – no, need some truly excellent bands of back issues the boys had – to dive headfirst into the next with a TNS logo on their online, all the time annoyed at project and the next project release(s). The fact that I’m myself for having no physical and the next project. I totally not that fussed about some copies. They were something fucking respect that, that’s of the others does nothing to else, more personal than any what it’s all about, not sitting diminish the coolness of what blog post, somehow more about fucking whingeing like TNS stands for in my eyes. informative because you end some spoilt brat with an over TNS do what labels should do up reading full articles. I didn’t inflated sense of entitlement, – put out music by bands they understand why we didn’t have hovering around the internet like. Although that may sound anything like that in Liverpool. expecting people to give a shit like the most obvious thing I guess what I’m trying to say about your band when you in the world, I get the distinct is that it’s thanks to the TNS haven’t actually done anything. impression not all labels work rabble that I started my own By all means invite me to that way. TNS don’t stick to zine, Brew For Breakfast. check out your facebook page, one sub-genre of punk in some I wanted Liverpool to have nothing wrong with letting kind of branding exercise something similar, something people know it’s there – if I and neither do they appear corporeal they could pass like what you’re doing I may hit to be only putting out records between their friends. I think that precious ‘like’ button, but by bands that they think it was about a third of the way for fucks sake stop begging! will ‘break big’ or whatever into my first issue that my ‘Like us on Facebook’? Fuck (although I guess some are respect for Andy, Bev and the off! And while we’re at it, if I becoming pretty damn popular rest of them soared. Putting have to ‘like’ your band to hear in an underground sense – 16 17 together a zine is so time time we put on our own gigs, brought a crowd with them all consuming (and it’s a lot harder where bands didn’t have to the way from Wolverhampton to get enough content to be pay to play or sell tickets. We and this crowd were wild. So divided by 4 than you’d think). hired out The Attic, using Chris’ wild that their best friend Sean TNS do something beyond connections, and advertised got hit in the face during a amazing. They give bands the first TNS gig night. Billed to mosh, breaking his nose and the chance to put their music play that night were The Blunts, spilling blood everywhere. out there, fans a way to find it, McGraw and 3DBS Down. We The result included bouncers, they keep us informed, bring had played with 3DBS Down people thrown out and fights us awesome merch and my a few months back and they being instigated outside with favourite thing of all - they give were excellent. Little did we the bouncers. All this going on us the gigs to go and skank know then that would be our while The Blunts still played. our arses off at. I don’t think last gig as McGraw. Chaos did not decide to end it anyone would disagree with Andy, Chris and I had still there. Little did we know that Si me when I credit TNS as some been practicing and writing from 3DBS Down was uneasy of the people responsible for songs and wondered if it was at the sight of blood. After he keeping the DIY (Punk) Scene a good idea to try out the ‘new’ fainted, managing to hit his going as strongly as it still is band that evening. After a lot head on the way down causing today. I know I for one would of persuasion from The Boy concussion, he was taken to be lost without them. (The Blunts and possibly my hospital for checks and tests Emz Banks twin?) we decided to give it a to make sure he was OK. go. Band name? Well, after fits Needless to say 3DBS Down Start as you mean of laughter that had occurred didn’t play that night. at a recent visit to The Pound The evenings events came to go on Shop in Piccadilly bus station to an abrupt end, but we felt We were a punk rock band in (‘Where Everything Is Pound’), we had achieved something. need of gigs and gigs didn’t we decided on the most A way of getting regular gigs, come easy. If we weren’t ridiculous of DVD titles and providing a punk night in paying for the privilege to Revenge Of The Psychotronic Manchester and starting to play then we were entering Man was born that night. build a community. It was a competitions or snapping up The gig itself was a bit of night that we would talk about rare favours. Promoters were a whirlwind. We (ROTPM) for years to come and was greedy and our drummer, Chris played about five songs, filling a great (yet crazy) start to could only get so many favours the inbetween with everything something wonderful thing from his connections whilst from jokes to flat out insults. I for punk bands in and around working at Jabez Clegg. We remember a few people in the Manchester. were a punk rock band called front row crying with laughter If someone had asked us then McGraw and we were getting and one girl even doubled if TNS nights would be going pretty bored of it all. over. We even made jokes 10 years after the first night, That’s Not Skanking fanzine about how big Chris’ hands we would have said… ‘Of had started almost a year back are and got him to show the course they are!’ We were full as Andy’s ‘baby’. It was a way audience. From then the name of ourselves back then after all. of reaching out to bands stuck just stuck and Big Hands was Dave Allcock in the same rut as us as well born. We had not done much as voicing an opinion about audience interaction before music, gigs and other things we as this was always done by 10 years down loved. I even made the cover of McGraw’s front man Adam, Ten years seems like as issue 2. We used the fanzine so this was new to us and we good a time as any to ask the as an outlet for McGraw (and seemed to pull it off. The Blunts question: what does it mean others) by sticking free CD’s to were up next. We became for all this to be successful? the cover in hope. Still the gigs great buddies with The Blunts The question of success is a didn’t flood in and McGraw after this gig having lots of perennial one in new social wasn’t to last much longer. future gigs with them and half a movements and alternative In April 2004 we decided it was tour. I digress, The Blunts had political projects, and is 18 posed the minute we become talent shows, the pop industry things with and for each other. suspicious of the motives, has transformed popularity Getting the music out, through agendas and values of the from a criterion of success to distro and radio, is a first step mainstream. But rejecting the a precondition of it, and even in making those connections standards of an egotistical and further to something that can and this is something TNS consumerist mainstream is not be engineered (with the help does well, but it is just a the same thing as knowing of touching back-stories, start. We must all think more what does count as an stylists and televised tears) creatively about going beyond achievement. DIY punk is no and mass-produced. But does just producing or consuming different, especially if we are rejecting this consumerist music, and transform our to realise the political promise fetish mean abandoning shared love of fast, noisy, punk inherent in it. What matters the desire all bands have rock into a basis for solidarity is having a conversation of having their music heard and mutual support against the about what success means and enjoyed? The trick is corrosively bland emptiness of in this context, or we risk to separate popularity – modern Western culture. unconsciously rehearsing the which is an alienated form Tom Houseman same tired mantras of profit of interaction based on and popularity. automaton expressions of Ten years of TNS Instinctively, profit is the first preference, assessed by criterion to be rejected and so quantity, not quality – from I guess I was aware of TNS it should be (stop reading now engagement: the scene is long before I first went to a TNS if you need me to explain why). successful as resistance gig or saw any of the bands But it is complicated: the line to consumerism only when play live. I spent the first part between ‘not for profit’, where bands and audiences have of those ten years propping any surplus goes towards chance to interact critically up the bar at Retro working the next thing, is not entirely and intensively, to develop on a growing drink problem, dissimilar to the capitalist logic and nurture the connections but I was always conscious of competition, where profits that music makes possible, of the gigs going on beneath assume the form of capital for rather than letting them ossify my feet. I did read the fanzine further investment. Resisting into the authorised relations of however (the earliest I have is the corporate criteria of growth producers and consumers. #3 with the free Mcgraw cd) – keeping the hideous cycle One of the strengths of DIY and I bought the CDs online, of accumulation rolling ever is that it forces us to work infact I have a distinct memory on – becomes all the more together and collaborate, of two members of The urgent. But does that mean to not rely on established Shadowcops hand delivering TNS and the scene in general mechanisms and middlemen the first TNS compilation CD must aspire to remain small? for organising. The collective, to my house after I ordered it There’s something oddly elitist inclusive, cooperative and alongside ‘Ready When You and scarily puritanical about genuinely warm atmosphere Are’. Apparently they made wanting a scene to confine of TNS gigs is for me one of the trip because they were and restrict itself to a small the biggest successes of the curious to see the lass who’d group of those in the know, but past decade. But vigilance bought their CD, unfortunately the alternative of obstinately or is needed: communities, if they hadn’t remembered to inadvertently running at a loss they are not ongoing, tend put a CD in the case though (which is the truth of it for most to degenerate into mere and I still only have an empty bands) is a recipe for failure. networks – in much the same Shadowcops case. If we all empty our pockets to way as actual friendships I first started going to the produce the next album or put now quickly deteriorate into gigs after finally dealing with on the next gig, it will quickly facebook friendships, a my alcohol dependence. become the last one. Money semi-terminal condition. Post-detox I had been can’t be avoided (yet...) but It’s this idea of community that informed that I needed to neither can it determine what is at the heart of punk’s political replace alcohol with a healthier success or failure means. promise. A free and energetic obsession and the natural Popularity is a tough desire association of like-minded but choice had been music. In to wriggle free of. With all not homogeneous people, particular I was keen to see the manipulated phone-vote engaged in making and doing what Manchester’s local scene had to offer and a natural to be more humorous and less pool of boozy anecdotes starting point had been the schmaltzy than it is, but the (“don’t be blue, Peter”). Some basement of my old drinking truth is that I bloody love TNS! years later Davies (as he shall haunt, and so it was that I went Vicky Hartley always be known to me, but no to my first TNS gig. I would doubt “Andy” for many of you) always go alone, still far from TNS von Stafford espoused the idea that the comfortable with sobriety and legend “That’s Not Skanking” struggling with my ridiculously 14 years ago I played a gig. No great feat in itself. would be the name of a fanzine introverted personality. I’d find he was planning to write. I a quiet corner to stand in and However, little did I know that this particular gig would be the eagerly endorsed the idea and watch the bands, occasionally swiftly banged out a gushing venturing to the merch stall to catalyst for something I could never have pre-empted. I live review of an Alkaline buy music, shirts and fanzines. Trio concert. Being a busy Despite my initial nerves at had been fortunate enough to meet a group of people who, bee (and a bit crap) I haven’t being alone and out of my contributed since, but now 10 comfort zone the crowd there although a few years older than my 16 year old self, were years on I felt it necessary to couldn’t have been more contribute to this anniversary friendly, I think that people nice enough to take a punt on a daft and slightly chubby kid edition. I couldn’t sit idly by worked out fairly early on that without telling Davies that, conversation wasn’t my strong by asking him to be in their band. I had been knocking well, I’m really proud of him. point but there were always Now as I sit here and write I plenty of smiles and pats on around in one tin-pot band or another for years, but had can scarcely believe what the the back. TNS have released ‘That’s Not Skanking’ brand some amazing music by some this time managed to strike it lucky enough to play with has grown to become. I watch awesome bands but that’s not with pride as my old mate the whole picture of the label three individuals who, whilst remaining fiercely committed Andy (along with Bev, Phill for me. I don’t think I’ve ever and their merry men) strives been to any other gigs where to making loud, fast and angry music, did not take themselves to continue to document the there’s so much emphasis on music he loves. There is participation and the crowd too seriously and had no preoccupation whatsoever something legitimate and always remain as integral true about what the guys a part of the shows as the with the wanky and infectious ‘cool’ we so often see ruining have done here, something bands. Be it wheelbarrows which I feel is done without or human-pyramids there rock music. In fact, at this particular gig we were playing pretence or expectation. The is nothing that compares to various labours that I know the TNS experience. Health in front of an 8 foot high screen onto which we had projected a these guys go to in honour of problems have left me unable what they love is something I to attend gigs over the last VHS of ‘I’m Alan Partridge’. It set the tone. can hardly comprehend and eighteen months but I’m have only ever really admired hoping to change that soon and Somewhat bizarrely the gig was attended by a local from a distance. For me what certainly don’t plan on missing the guys have done over the ten year anniversary gig running club; one member of which took a shine to our the past ten years evokes next year. It’s also as a direct everything right and true about result of my years reading the music and proceeded to give the dance-floor a right good, independent arts practice. I TNS fanzine, as well as the may be babbling, I may be other zines I first picked up at albeit eccentric, leathering. The frankly odd dancing was sentimentalising my mate those TNS gigs, that I started but if ten years of something my own zine, something awarded with the cry “That’s not skanking!” from another like TNS isn’t something to that’s proved to be invaluable celebrate then I don’t know in keeping me busy and punter; a moment I remember vividly. what is. Here’s to ya. positive over the last couple Ad Rogers of years. TNS have even So funny was the proclamation been awesome in helping me that Andy Davies and I to distribute the zine through instantly indoctrinated the their distro. I had meant this claim into our already leaden 19 to the policies of Vladimir Putin. and animal faces can cure all Home Economics Punk, as a genre, is a reaction the world’s ills for several years with TNS to society, which is shaped by now. I first became aware of I didn’t really distinguish politics and economic policies. That’s Not Skanking not long between home economics and These are just a few examples, after I moved to Manchester economics until I was in my but economics, it seems, is in in late 2005 and due to my late teens. I’d be completely everything. Which makes me migration from Liverpool for baffled by people who went think Beyonce, love, girls do its lack of rockin’ gigs, I was to university and studied not run the world - economists pointed in the direction of two economics; I’d be thinking do. of Mancland’s finest alternative “Why are they doing a degree emporiums – namely Roadkill in how to run a home?... the So, how does all this relate to Records (RIP) and Rockers crackpots”. So when I did TNS? Well, I love punk; I love England. finally make the distinction I the whole spirit and ethos of realised these people weren’t it. When I first saw Revenge It was regular Saturday into homemaking at all; they of the Psychotronic Man I just afternoon visits to these fine were learning how to run the thought they were a great band shops that would introduce world! - it was fast, hardcore punk me to two institutions that which is exactly how I like it. would change my life forever, I’ll hold my hands up to the What cemented it for me was in the form of Revenge Of The fact that was partly my own when I reviewed the Shattered Psychotronic Man and the stupidity but it was also partly Dreams Parkway album and TNS fanzine. 5 years living in a failing of the educational the sleeve had the lyrics in; Liverpool had shaped my love system. At the secondary these lyrics were about society, for psychobilly, garage, punk, school I attended not once did the breakdown of communities, ska, and rock’n’roll music, but that national curriculum touch politics, economics, and they there just wasn’t enough of on economics, let alone have even quoted Naomi Klein! But, it, and when I started reading it as a compulsory subject as well as talking about all the sleevenotes to ‘Shitty regarded as important as these important subjects they Zombies’, the debut album by maths, science and English. manage to combine it all with a ROTPM, and the light-hearted I did make some lovely apple huge sense of fun. yet in-depth reviews and pies in Miss Irving’s home opinions in the TNS zine, I economics class though. For me, TNS seemed to fully realised I had found like-minded encompass the spirit of punk folk in my new-found home of Fast forward to me reading and through them I also got Manchester. DIY promoters The Shock Doctrine by Naomi turned on to other artists like against pay-to-play gigs and a Klein. This book completely Stoj Snak, Sounds of Swami, band with songs named after changed my outlook; not Hated ‘Til Proven and so forth. Chris Morris and Armando only did it give me a grasp of Ultimately, I felt like I’d Ianucci references… I had to economics but it also pointed somehow stumbled across a meet these guys! out the massive effect of group of like-minded people economics on politics. Looking who make amazing music. I must admit, the first few times at it now it’s evident that Leanne Durr I saw Revenge Of… I wasn’t economics is involved in every blown away by their music, but aspect of our lives, such as: Mikey Wong’s to be fair it didn’t really matter consumerism, employment, – they were entertaining, loud, world economics and so TNSperience didn’t overstay their welcome, on. Furthermore, we see its Howdy. For those who don’t and you could tell they were influence in history; after the know me I’m Mikey Wong, doing it for the right reasons, Wall Street crash, Germany Facebook fiend and omnipotent rather than financial gain. sank into a depression which North West gig-attendee. I’ve Heckling the band with Alan Hitler used to his advantage been proudly assisting TNS Partridge references endeared to win votes. Its effect is also Records with their mission to me to the guys, to the extent prominent in art, for example in spread the positive message where a few years later I was music: Pussy Riot’s opposition that ska, punk, Alan Partridge, living with their (now former) 20 guitarist Liam, and after I set a new world record for several years of helping flyer It started in a pub, in Rhyl opening a CD. I was blown ROTPM and TNS shows, (Where else could it start?... away by what we had created; helping on the paying-in desk, The pub, not Rhyl). No one we really didn’t know what we DJing, and joining in with else was going to release this were doing but after all that human pyramids, Andy & Bev music and there was no point work here was TNS001. The asked me to be a part of TNS. waiting for someone else to do possibilities were endless. I Be it in Joshua Brooks, it. We decided we had to do jumped in a borrowed van and Retro Bar, Gullivers, Kraak, it ourselves. We just needed headed to Andy’s to show him or a rugby field in Cheadle, to work out where to start. our creation. Our bastard child wherever they may be, TNS We came up with a plan; a (I’m not his wife). The label always aim to provide top compilation. We wanted to had been born. We have had quality UK acts (& the odd show the world the amazing 29 releases delivered since European invasion too!) to bands playing underground then (more soon), every one bring a smile to the face, a gigs every week. That was being very special for lots of skank to the, erm, leg, and where the plan ended. different reasons, but none an animal mask to the, erm, have matched the excitement face as well! I’m proud to be What followed was an of that first compilation; the a part of it, not just for the exercise of Andy, George knowledge that we could do it. namechecks from bands for and myself making it up as doing relatively little within the we went along. We had put After that we were convinced collective! Hahaha. If you were out CDR compilations before to go through it all again. Next to think of TNS as the human (TNS fanzine freebies and up we decided to try a split body, then Andy and Bev are ‘Born to Rock’ Vol.1) but this release, then, we would see the brain, heart, hands, and was a step up and we didn’t what happened. 32 releases, reproductive organs. Think (don’t) know what we were and a lot of support later, here of me as the mouth and the doing. There were lots of we are. A massive thank you feet. This paragraph’s got a bit meetings (visits to the pub), has to go out to everyone that weird hasn’t it? Anyway, keep working out who we wanted on supported that first compilation on supporting what we do, it the compilation, asking them, and everyone that has does mean a lot to us, & we’ll myspace, walking around supported us since. Without see you in December at the Rusholme in the freezing you there is no TNS. Manchester and Leeds Xmas cold with a camera, bottle of parties! SEE YA LATER! cider and that gold dollar sign TNS as a label, 6 of those 10 Mikey Dubya. hoodie, finding a pressing years, has been an amazing plant, what is a record label?, experience. It has filled my agonising over the track free time with both incredible The possibilities order, sorting the launch gig, experiences and some that are endless trying to advertise with no are very mundane – please The day had finally arrived. money, working out who would check out the new webstore I wasn’t expecting it in the review it, lots of mistakes, – but I wouldn’t change it for morning, but that afternoon I cover designs/re-designs, so the world. Amazing people. received the call from Liam. many emails, TNStress, more Amazing bands. Good times. There are some boxes waiting ‘meetings’ and a little bit of Here’s to the next 10 years! for me in the corridor. The rest excitement. Tim ‘Bev’ Bevington of the day at work dragged. So that got us to that Spring The train was late, the bus afternoon 6 years ago when was taking ages to get down we received our first pressing through traffic to Rusholme; plant delivery. I can vividly the standard after-work remember those 11 boxes experience but made worse by piled up along the corridor. expectation. 1100 TNS compilations (which This was nearly 6 years ago was unfortunately the last time and had been months in the they over-pressed) to share planning. with the world. That day I think 21 Making lists of obscure footballers, mainly from the 90s, is one of the best things you can possibly do at around 2am in a pub. In days gone by, when the fanzine was perhaps a little sillier, we made an attempt to put together an ‘obscure footballer dream team’. One of our biggest regrets is that that team was never finished. However, after a recent late night drinking session, this idea was revived and with this being the ten year anniversary, we figured it was time to commit our ‘dream team’ to paper. There were of course disappointed players. Both Perry Digweed and Jeremy Goss have had their agents on the phone ‘kicking off’, but imaginary football teams are a dog eat dog world and only a few will make the grade. This team was compiled by manager, Colin Armstrong, with help from myself, Andy (Director Of Football), Ian ‘Tree’ Robinson (Assistant Manager) and Chris O’Neill (Coach). Next issue, we’ll take you on a magical trip around the inevitable follow-up discussion - footballer/food puns. Just to whet your appetite, here are a few of our favourites: Patrick Burger, Sardino Baggio, Snickerless Anelka, Ruel Foxes Glacier Mints, Graeme Le Sauxsage, Keith Curly Wurly... And if you think this is daft, you should have seen how long the Facebook thread was, when we put this together. The fanzine would have been out about 2 weeks earlier without this bit.

22 Festa (15) Chris Kiwomya (16) Vladimir Kinder (17) Ricky Holden (18)CraigHignett (17) Kinder Vladimir (16) Kiwomya Chris (15) Festa Gianluca (14) Srnicek Pavel (13) Ndlovu Peter (12) Subs: Wegerle Roy (capt) (10)LeeSharpe(11)RuelFox (9) Abou Samassi (8) Woan Ian (7) Prunier Bjornebye (4) Paul Warhurst (5) Ian Culverhouse (6) William Inge Stig (3) Barrett Earl (2) Kharine Dmitri (1) Squad: Full Subs: 23 24 25 Fanzine covers: 2003 - 2012. That’s Not Skanking 1 - 18. TNSrecords Fanzine 1 - 14. Leeds based band, ACiD punk through to folk. Was Ben) What inspires you DROP have been heavily this deliberately done? lyrically and what would you involved with the UK DIY want your audience to get from scene for a while now, Ste) It wasn’t deliberate at all, your lyrics? I think sometimes putting on the superb Pie it just sort of happened, By the I sit down to write a song and Race Festival and playing first questions answer you can lyrics just happen to be what I their brand of energetic tell what Stiv and I (Ste) are was most angry about at the skate punk up and down the into, plus other influences for time, other times I quite like to UK. They recently released me are Youth Brigade, Good build up this world in my head their ‘The End Of Days’ Riddance, Mad Caddies, and think about the people album, which is definitely Lagwagon and basically Sk8 that live in it. Lyrics are one of their best yet. punk. those things we write on our own. We all have a different TNS) Can you give us a Ben) Before the band I was approach. Most of all though I short introduction to the kind of into a lot of folk-style think we all agree that we don’t band. When and how did punk like Briggs, Flogging want to be too preachy about you form? What were your Molly and Street Dogs and what we think... lectures are objectives when you started it was clear Stivy and Ste no fun. the band? liked NOFX from the outset, but I had never really been Stiv) As an unconscious thing, Ste) Stiv and mesen (Ste) that into them so we ended I think we’ve always tried to back in 2007, started jamming up with a bit of a blend. My keep things quite light hearted. and we basically wanted to influences kind of change ‘coz That’s not to say we don’t start a NoFX/Bad Religion/Sk8 my music collection changes. have serious things to say, punk rip off band. We get a lot of free stuff but you can get your point through CD swaps and the across without ramming your Ben) We’re a four piece like so sometimes the sounds politics down people’s throats Folky-Punky-Skatey-Skaey I’m surrounded with will get constantly. We always write band from Leeds. I’d just thrown in. about what we know and feel moved back to Leeds after passionate about and above finishing Uni in Liverpool in Stiv) Well we’re all into loads all else, we’re doing this to 2007 and I’d been in a punk of different kinds of music, have fun. band called The Blue Casket but we all have common there (we only played three ground in punk, metal, folk, Pete) I can’t even hear the gigs- no-one would have us!). ska, hardcore... so I suppose words… TSH TSH TSH. I was just looking around for we we’re always gonna be a like minded people and found bit of a mash up. For me it’s TNS) Despite the serious some people after a singer the epi-fat bands, but loads of content of some of the for “a melodic punk” band on other stuff from pop to metal tracks, your live show is Leeds Music Scene’s website. and everything in between. incredibly light hearted and I don’t think there were any good fun? Do you see your objectives when we started. Pete) I like a lot of music but gigs as a place where having Probably write songs, practice I think mostly I like thrash… fun is the priority? songs, play gigs, make album, TSH TSH TSH TSH. play a tour, repeat! Ste) At the moment life is TNS) You also have a real mix pretty dull due to cutbacks, Stiv) Well me n’ Ste bumped of of lyrical content, ranging Cameron’s idiotic policies into each other at a Rancid gig from religion, politically and people being skint, so we in Leeds and said we should and socially aware content wanna put some fun in there, start a band and eventually alongside more tongue in but then again we’d be like this in 2007 we started jammin’. cheek songs. What inspires if everything was rosy. We were both skaters who you lyrically and what would loved Bad Religion, NOFX, you want your audience to Ben) If you can’t have fun Pennywise, SNFU... and get from your lyrics? playing music to a bunch of figured we should give it a go. drunks you shouldn’t be in a Ste) I just write what comes punk band. Pete) I googled ‘drummer into my head and what wanted’ ‘cos I hadn’t played for mood I’m in; anger and Stiv) For me, yes, it’s all about a while and for some reason hopelessness of ‘New Riot’, engaging with people and these guys didn’t mind how to stupidity of ‘Dogs Die In having a good time. I think loud I hit my hi-hat… TSH TSH Hot Cars’. I’ve never thought that’s the best way to get your TSH TSH TSH TSH TSH TSH. what the audience will get but point across and the point is hopefully we are serious about good times, good company TNS) You mix an eclectic the fun. and good ale! range of sounds from skate 26 Pete) I like fun. music...We finally found the it is to put on a gig. Everyone ACiD DROP sound. So far should try it just to see how TNS) You recently released we’ve had nothing but good much work’s involved and your ‘The End Of Days’ response to the album what’s needed to run a album. What sort of successful night. reception has it received Pete) Well, Ben let me have so far? How would you the hi-hat louder in the mix in Pete) My favourite colour used compare it to your previous this compared to ‘Full Deck’ to be purple, now it’s green. releases? TSH TSH TSH TSH TSH so definitely my favourite release TNS) And finally, what do Ste) Feedback so far has been so far! you have planned for the very, very positive, the best near future? release so far! TNS) You run the Pie Race Festival. Can you tell us Ste) We are trying our hardest Ben) We’ve had some great about this? How important to get on some more festivals reviews from it and there do you believe it is for bands next year and hopefully over to hasn’t been any negative to get involved with gig Europe. thoughts as of yet. I’m really promotion? proud of this one. There was Ben) I’m currently trying to a point where we were just Ben) Well we were a band for sort a venue out for the next playing the same songs over quite some time before we Pie Race, but because The and over and it was getting a started Pie Race and it got to Well shut down it has had to bit repetitive, so Ste came into the point three years in where be delayed until the start of the practice room one day and we thought it would be great 2014. Pete and I have been said lets stop gigging for a bit to put the bands on that have recording a Podcast for Punk and concentrate on writing sorted us out over the last Britannia (which has sadly now some new songs. So we all few years, so we tried it as a finished) so we will be starting brought ideas to the table one-off. People liked it so we to do some TNS Podcasts and within a few months we’d carried on. We do odd gigs soon, so we can play other written an album. I think this here and there when bands people all those free CDs we is the first time where we’ve need sorting out, but it’s mostly get. The new album feels like all just agreed on everything. Pie Race. Touring bands are a new start so we need to get We all worked our ideas into definitely the best people to out there and play it to people. each song so it really feels like promote gigs because they it’s the first truly ACiD DROP know exactly what other Stiv) We’ll be giggin’ as much album. One of the reviews on bands need. Sometimes as possible and we wanna try One Metal said “Acid Drop promoters who haven’t had to get out on tour into Europe are really growing into their that experience don’t really in the new year. Hopefully sound here” and I thought that know what a band would some festivals too. The next kind of hit the nail on the head expect when they turn up to Pie Race is coming up and ‘coz this is us and it isn’t bits a venue and some just think maybe a new record... watch and pieces of other bands, they are doing you a favour by this space! like our last album seemed putting you on. If you are in a to be. Producing it ourselves band and put bands on that is Pete) I’m watching it Stiv… It’s also gave us unlimited time to what builds a scene, a network not doing anything… wait… work on building up layers and of people who can put you in guys ……. guys? trying parts that we wouldn’t contact with other like-minded necessarily be able to do live. bands and you can gig swap We dipped into different ideas and just generally get to know on Full Deck? but this was some dead nice people! really a ball park, where were free to try anything. Stiv) Well Pie Race really started as a thanks to all the Stiv) Personally I think this is bands who’ve helped us out the best thing we’ve done so and sorted out gigs for us, so far. This album is much more we figured we should return a collaboration in every way the favor. It certainly helps and I think it shows in the bands understand how hard “If you can’t have fun playing music to a bunch of drunks you shouldn’t be in a punk band.” 27 We’ve been big fans of BD) We just like a lot of lucky to get our personal “first BrainDead since hearing different styles and also don’t choices” to release our stuff. their ‘Weapons Of The want to be pigeonholed. It Weak’ album. It’s really would be too easy to jump on TNS) You recently toured exciting to be working with the “dub-punk” bandwagon... mainland Europe with The them now. They recently We just like playing the Autonomads, followed by visited the UK again and blazing HC-punk too. It’s a a visit to the UK. How was have released a brand new whole different kind of energy. that? Where have been your album. If you like genuinely I noticed that audiences who favourite places to play? interesting ska-core punk, haven’t heard us before tend with informed lyrical to find it hard to follow what BD) The tour with the content, you will love these we’re doing. It takes them a Autonomads went really well, guys. while to get into the groove. we really had a blast! We saw Gigs are better if we stick to some really nice places too. TNS) Hi, can you please danceable tunes, but I’m not It’s a good way to spend your introduce the band and sure that’s what we’ll always summer vacation. The recent describe your sound for our do from now on. Sometimes it trip to the UK went OK too. readers? can be fun to really confuse an Playing the Dirty Weekend audience. But we tried to keep festival was one of this year’s BD) Hi, we’re Braindead from styles apart on the new album, highlights for us. The other Hamburg city. We started and make a clearer distinction dates were a bit quiet, but we playing skacore in 2001. between the HC/punk songs met some old and made some Jano our drummer joined and the ska/dub songs. Not so new friends, and that’s a big us in 2006. We play a mix of much for the audiences, but part of a successful tour as hardcore, punk, skapunk and because we got tired of trying well. dub, without horns. to fit 5 styles into one tune. Our favorite places? That’s It’s much more challenging to always a hard choice... TNS) You’ve recently make a good song out of a I already mentioned the released your new album. really simple riff. Dirty Weekend. Playing the Can you tell us a bit about War Starts Here camp (an it? TNS) You released the album anti-militarist action camp in and the 7 inch collectively north-eastern Germany) was BD) The new album is called through a few labels. How a highlight for me, because Libertalia, after the legendary important is it for you to it was so much different than anarchist settlement in the work with a variety of labels playing a venue or pub. The Indian Ocean (look it up). It’s and how did it all come bands weren’t the centre of an 11 song album, all new about? attention, like in a regular gig. material. We initially planned We weren’t the reason for on making an EP, but in the BD) We wanted good people to come out. People end had enough material for distribution in different were there anyway doing a short album. We wanted it countries. We knew that really great political work, to sound more spontaneous there’s more of an audience and we justed popped in to than the first album “Weapons for what we’re doing in entertain them for a while. It of the Weak” and I think we France and the UK, so having really turned around the audi- succeeded in that. It was all labels/distribution there was ence-band-hierarchy. I felt like done very quickly, including important to us. Another point we were doing those people the song-writing, unlike the is the financial side: getting a a favour, and they were very first album which took us record out is quite expensive, appreciative. I liked that. several years. and we’re not a band that sells an enormous amount of TNS) What do you have TNS) You mix up your sound records, so splitting the costs planned in the near future? quite a lot. Your last release between different enthusiastic was a dub 7 inch and there people seems reasonable to BD) We haven’t got any are a few dub moments on us. We didn’t have a whole lot specific plans for the near the new album, but there of contacts with labels before future, except writing new is also some blazing punk the first album and I think we material. Touring in winter too. How important is it were really lucky to get some sucks, but we’ll be back on the that you mix up your sound of the best European DIY roads of Europe next year! We and how does it affect your labels to release our stuff. hope to play some good UK audience? We just sent e-mails to some dates too. labels we knew and were

28 TNS) Anything else you’d like to share with our readers? BD) News just in: climate change is now a fact, 95% man-made, but let’s all stick to our cars and flights. A minimum of 150 just died at the EU borders, fleeing war and poverty and famine, just to be let to drown as the frontex patrols watch them. Smash capitalism! Fight fortress europe! Also: smash the EDL! Do drugs if you want to, but stay away from the ketamine. It tends to fuck people up. Big up TNS and Pumpkin records. Thanks for your support.

“Sometimes it can be fun to really confuse an audience.” 29 “A night or a week on the road with your mates drinking, laughing and playing loud – what’s not to like?”

It’s been a long time coming, analogue and whilst it was messed up with our previous but we are really happy to sounding good, it took us too efforts. We even wrote ‘Mani have released the debut full long and we weren’t ready. Pulite’ in the studio the night length album for the amazing Eventually the whole thing before we started. The album Sounds Of Swami. These was scrapped along with the was recorded over 8 days guys have been part of TNS songs. We then turned to Tim and is as honest and raw as from the very beginning. In G and recorded three brand our live sound. We recorded fact they are one of only four new songs as well as two old all the music live (albeit with bands who have featured on songs ‘The Lions Share’ and a few extra overdubs) and all three TNS compilations. ‘Political Politeness’ which made a point of using our own We’ve been looking forward became the Vent EP. Two of equipment, no drum sampling to this album for a long the demo recordings ‘Tension and certainly no vocal tuning. time after their superb EPs, Seekers’ and ‘S.I.T.A.R.S’ Humans did it. ‘Vent’ and ‘Halcyon Days’. It were released as bonus tracks certainly doesn’t disappoint, on that. We then returned to TNS) How would you spanning so many genres Tim G to record an album but describe your sound? and not losing any of the we ran out of time half way Your Halcyon Days vinyl energy that makes them through the recording and definitely had a nod such an exciting live band. individually we were extremely towards 80s hardcore, Here is what they had to say poor. So inbetween sessions, whereas the album adds about the new release and we wrote and self-recorded elements from prog, punk, life in the ‘Swami Army’. Halcyon Days live in our grunge and much more. practice room and released it Do you deliberately try to SoS) We are Kurt Wood on vinyl through TNSrecords. bring a range of different (Vocals, Guitar), Luke Yates However shortly after, our influences into your music. (Guitar, Vocals), Rob Gilbert original drummer Matthew How important is it to you (Bass, Vocals) and Joe Wade left the band to move to challenge yourselves Dimuantes (Drums). We to Brighton and slowly, the musically? formed in Keighley, West album came to a halt. Months Yorkshire in September 2005. later, Joe joined the band and SoS) I used to make a point We’re a noisy alternative 80s we wrote an entire new album of saying things like “we feel post hardcore style punk band during a flurry of creativity. It the need to be challenged” (I suppose). With poppy bits. was always our intention to and “punk should be cutting finish and release the second inside and outside of its circle” TNS) You recently released attempt, but with Joe came but in the end, we just do what your self titled debut album. a fresh start. In the end; we we’ve always done and satisfy It’s been a long time coming decided to record the new ourselves. If an idea comes and I believe you even songs instead. For the album, out and we’re feeling it then re-recorded it too. Can you we only re-recorded ‘Stitched it’ll get turned into a song. We tell us a bit about the writing Up at the Sewing Circle’, bring in a lot of genres and we process, why it took so long ‘Sheep’ and ‘Jack’ from those all like an eclectic mix of music and how pleased you are sessions. But afterwards, but in the end, with different with the outcome? we eventually rerecorded groups of people comes ‘Twenty Twenty’, ‘Grip Joystick different sounds. Sounds of SoS) It’s been a very long time Rapid-Fire’, ‘Pushing Papers’ Swami is just the noise that’s coming and it’s actually our and ‘Cliché To Say’ as b-sides generated from the four of us third attempt at recording an for digital singles leaving messing around. We don’t feel album. But, we did manage to only 3 or 4 unreleased. Our the need to be anything but unofficially release two demos self-titled album was recorded loud and snotty. and officially release two EP’s at Middle Farm Studios in in that time so we weren’t Devon with James Bragg TNS) You have all also sitting on our arses (the entire in April 2012. It was written featured/currently feature time). Before we released during an intense period in other bands. How do you Vent (2008), we tried to when ideas were flying out find balancing your different capitalise on our second demo all over the shop and we kind musical projects and what by recording extra tracks but it of rushed into the recording; are you all up to at the came out badly. We did it fully probably due to how we moment? 30 got plenty of fuck you stored far? SoS) Difficult. As well as for when we’re being treated playing in other bands, we like shit. SoS) Our biggest highlight all work and have home lives has been releasing our album (no brats yet though). Dividing Our favourite band we’ve ever and it coming out exactly how your attention is always going played with is Die Plankton - we wanted it. We had a great to have an effect on each two guys, one table, a hundred time getting to know James, activity in your life but I think ridiculous objects sampled hanging out in the countryside it’s healthy to keep yourself through a loop pedal. They and having total control over happy. Do what you want to had everyone fooled into thing how we wanted to do things do. Our other bands are Foxes they were serious Avant Garde in the studio. The man is a Faux, The Human Project, musicians. They really weren’t legend. We’ve always had The Classical Definition of and wasted everyone’s time. a great time on tour too and Madness and Zounderkite… Fucking amazing! People been lucky enough to clock up amongst others. have become too serious, the miles on many tours across don’t you think? the UK. We’ve made some TNS) It’s very difficult to amazing friends and have an pigeon-hole your music. TNS) You’ve been involved even better time annoying Does this cause you in the UK music scene for those that didn’t get it. In fact, difficulties or help you years now. What are the it’s probably more satisfying when booking gigs? Do you pros and cons of the live for us when we get up peoples find yourselves playing on scene? noses. That’s always been a eclectic lineups? highlight. SoS) Once you’ve been out SoS) If anything it makes and done the rounds as much TNS) And finally, what do booking gigs easier because as we have, you get to know you have planned for the we’ll play anywhere with how promoters, bands and near future? anyone. But with that comes people in the scene work. an over all feeling that we’re Once you become cynical SoS) Our plan is just to gig. kind of overlooked and enough to be able to weed We’ve got a few new riffs and underrated, unlike bands out the bullshitters, it’s pretty we’ve jammed on some stuff who stick to one genre. New much all pro’s. A night or a but who knows what’s next. It audiences never expect us to week on the road with your would be good to get out and be any good. We don’t wear mates drinking, laughing and do another textbook UK tour to a uniform, we’re not too picky playing loud – what’s not to try and shift a few copies of the on the sound, we don’t do like? A huge con are service album as bands do. For now, much talking in an attempt to stations and Southern prices our upcoming gigs for this year connect – we just play. When for everything. We’re country are… people get it, they really get it. bumpkins where a pint of 07 Dec - TNS Covers Night @ When they don’t, they leave. bitter is a halfpenny and the Kraak Gallery, Manchester That’s fine. We’ve done gigs electricity meters still take (See page 47) with just about every genre in a shilling for a week’s warm 13 Dec - The Colour and The the guitar based spectrum and water (see The Dauntless Shape @ The Exchange, always had a great time. I’d be Elite). Keighley lying if I said it’s not a pleasure 14 Dec - TNSrecords All to destroy bands who turn TNS) What have been the Dayer @ Santiagos, Leeds their noses up at us – we’ve highlights for the band so (See page 38)

31

After seeing No Fealty though we are from the same city Shadow of the Monolith are quite absolutely smash everything and play hardcore. Therefore we different from the songs that and everyone in Copenhagen have probably developed our we’ve released with TPB. It was last year, we were really eager sound in a somewhat different definitely the logical outcome. to get involved with releasing direction compared to some of their full length album. And those bands. Jakob) When we started out it’s absolutely brilliant. Their with Thought Police Brutality in blend of atmospheric and TNS) You’ve recently released 2006-2007, our first lead singer brutal hardcore is probably your debut album. Can you was somewhat more of a singer the heaviest thing we’ve tell us a bit about the album? and we were playing a more lo-fi, released so far on TNS. It Are you pleased with the sometimes even poppunk-in- come beautifully packaged outcome? spired kind of hardcore. But on 12” vinyl with a gatefold that somehow changed over the sleeve. Here is what they had Tobias) It took us two and a half years. Actually I don’t think that to say about life and music in years to complete it (not counting In the Shadow of the Monolith is Denmark. the time it took to write the songs) that different in sound to what we - a long and hard process, but it had been doing in TPB, but of TNS) Hi, can you please feels really good to get through it course Morten’s voice is a huge introduce the band and and to put the fruit of ones labour step towards a more crust and describe your sound for our on the record player. The record grind-inspired sound. On top of readers? is a DIY-project for us and, that I think that Tobi’s incredibly as always when you’re doing hard work on the whole mix and Tobias) Hi, sure. We’re a five stuff yourself, you get wiser production side of the record has piece from Copenhagen, and (hopefully) better - which added a whole new dimension Denmark. We’re playing in turn makes you want to start to our sound, adding a more music. Usually of the fast and on the next project even more. I thick and textured sound, that abrasive kind. Our inspirations guess what I’m trying to say; to we have been trying to find over are diverse, but I think many us, or at least to me, it’s just as the years, but only have been will recognise influences from much about the process as it is really able to come up with on crust bands like Skitsystem and about the product - and I’m very this record. Martyrdöd, mixed up with more pleased with both. Soundwise grindy stuff like Arson Project we set out to make the record as TNS) You released the album and Nasum. Whoa, that was a much “in-your-face” as possible collectively through a few lot of Swedish bands... We can’t and I think we succeeded. labels. How important is it for deny that we’ve been listening you to work with a variety of to a lot of Converge, Nails, Trap Jakob) We recorded the drums labels and how did it all come Them etc. as well. I could go on for this record in March 2011. about? naming bands that I like and that Lucky for me I have also been are similar in sound to us - think I taking care of the more practical Tobias) I don’t think we’ve best stop here, hehe. stuff around the release, such as discussed whether we wanted coordinating with the labels and to work with one or more labels Jakob) To be honest I guess the pressing plant etc. Therefore - we just assumed that no one we also all grew up on a heavy I have not just been sitting wanted to work with us badly overdose of SoCal pop-punk/ around waiting for the others to enough to actually pay for the MTV-hardcore/whatever get their things done for two long whole thing themselves, hehe. mainstream punk. And later we years, even though I have also found out that there could be so been doing that a lot Jakob) Hehe, what Tobi said. much more to music if you do it First of all we just did a bit of yourself instead of sitting around TNS) You used to be called writing around to all the cool in your rehearsal room or in front Thought Police Brutality. Does labels that we know of and lucky of MTV waiting to be spotted by this band have the same line for us quite a few of them wanted someone or something. I would up? How does your sound to be a part of this release. also say that we are inspired differ or was it a logical Doing this kind of a co-release is a lot by, and in some ways are progression? really a good way for us to get standing on the shoulders of, the our music out to some different whole K-town hardcore sound Tobias) No, the line-ups are not countries and people. On top of and scene that has had a good the same. One guy left and two that it is a really big privilege for reputation in some parts of the new guys joined - we felt that us to be able to do a thing like this global DIY community for many those changes were so big, together with some genuinely years, with bands like Death that we wanted a fresh start, good guys like yourself. For me Token, Hjertestop, Nuclear so we changed the name of the that is one of the main aspects Death Terror, No Hope for the band. It just felt right, and we’re of DIY: to make friends and to do Kids, the Assassinators, Night happy that we did it. Soundwise cool stuff with them. Fever and a million more. But we’ve changed in that Morten, we have never really felt that we our lead singer, has a different TNS) What’s the underground were a part of that scene - even sound. Also, the songs on In the music scene like in Denmark? “Support your local DIY and underground scene. If you don’t have one – start one!” 34 Any bands we should check truly brought the heart back in tape through a German label out? hardcore! called Wolves and Vibrancy - a limited run of only 70 copies. Tobias) It’s growing, I think. The Jon) Definitely check out Hexis, We’re also releasing a new 7 Danish DIY-zine “Martyrium” just Tobi’s other band, as well. And inch split with kollapse which did a video-documentary on the Ajuna, that we’ve shared the hopfully will be ready for our subject called “Vandrer blandt stage with a couple of times tour with them. In the beginning skygger” (which translates into have a new record out soon, of 2014 we’re also planning a “Walking Among Shadows”), that you should check out. minor release - stay tuned for featuring yours truely. Sadly for Lastly, we just played a show more news about that one. you English speaking folk, it’s where Swarm also played and in Danish. One Danish band I really enjoyed that, so I would Jakob) Hopefully we have a I’ve kept listening to over the recommend them. They are also second and third press of the LP past years is Dead Instrument - featured in the documentary Tobi coming out soon. Well maybe definitely worth a listen! mentioned. not, but at least we hope that people will receive our record Jakob) I would say that it is TNS) What do you have well and that we will be able to pretty vibrant at the moment - planned in the near future? do some more records in a not at least in Copenhagen, where too distant future. we tend to hang out the most. I Tobias) We have two small tours think we have a lot of new and planned for this fall; one in a TNS) Anything else you’d like cool bands popping up all the couple of weeks with the German to share with our readers? time. Also a lot of people are emo-violence band Svffer and in starting to set up shows and November we have a tour with Tobias) Yes. do festivals and stuff, which is kollapse, here from Denmark. In a positive thing. Our label and February we’re heading abroad Jakob) Buy all 30-something soon to be tour mates, kollapse, with Hexis, also from Denmark. TNS-releases and support your are definitely also worth a listen. Funny story; on “Rabies God” local DIY and underground Also check out the band credits (track twelve) you can hear scene. If you don’t have one – on our record, there are many Leonie from Svffer doing guest start one! cool acts to check out there. vocals, on “Damnant Quod Talking about Danish bands I Non Intelligunt” (track five) you have to say that you should all can hear Troels from kollapse check out Mighty Midgets, they and on “Feed the Leviathan” have been good friends of ours (track three) you can hear Filip and a huge inspiration for many from Hexis - touring with guest years. I hope they will stop that vocalists is always fun. Also, stupid hiatus thing soon. They we’re releasing the album on

34 35 36 “Almost every song is fast as shit.” Our good friend Magnus has tracks is in Swedish and one in English. that gets in its way. been working on a showcase of Since these guys usually only sing in awesome Swedish punk music for Swedish, that’s one more reason for you Finally, closing out the record is Broken the last couple of years. Here is to get the record and find out yourself Aris, which is actually my band. We his introduction to a very exciting either how weird the Swedish language haven’t really released much since the compilation. sounds, or how good these guys are in four band split with Revenge of.../Fist either language. Also one of the songs Of.../ Mighty Midgets that came out here More than two years ago...or three... reminds me of the 60s Batman theme on TNS, as well as two other labels, a I don’t really count the days, an idea (that’s yet another reason). while back. Well... get ready to shit your was formed to make a compilation pants!...These two songs will confuse with unreleased tracks from Swedish Gothenburgs Rebuke are third out. And and amuse you for years to come. “This Punkrock bands. Or to be pre- here where we start mixing in people is the Last One” might actually be the cise...’Skatepunk bands’. Punkrock and from other countries. On drums we have most personal song I’ve ever written. So skatepunk is in theory the same thing... none other than Andy Dazzler from the there you go. but somehow I think the term skatepunk UK, who also made the CD-master for more puts the finger quite precisely on the record (thanks man!) With their Finally, did I mention that almost every bands like Lagwagon, Satanic Surfers brilliant mix of technical riffs, strong song is fast as shit? and so forth... melodies and breakneck speed, you better have a good excuse for missing I would like to thank all the labels Anyway... making a compilation like out! for helping out. So to all the guys at this... in the end involving 7 bands Make-that-a-Take, Deadlamb, Riot and 7 labels, takes a lot of time. I did Swedish/Scottish band, From The Ska, Less Talk More Records, Lockjaw, not originally intend to do everything Tracks are next out with two songs. Socks Off Collective and TNS: You have by myself down to the tiniest details, They split up the vocals with the two my uttermost thanks and appreciation but once you get into the middle of lead singers taking on one track each. for helping out with this project. You’ve something like this, that is always what These songs have something of a all been a huge help and I couldn’t have is going to happen. Anyway, it is finally softer feel to them, than what these done this without you! finished and I couldn’t be prouder. guys usually deliver... but don’t let that Thankfully all bands are still active too! fool you. That’s no good reason for the Once again I feel the need to thank Although I do feel like something of a songs not to have very fast passages, Andy and Bev for helping me out and hero for making this record possible, I, and this is just as good as any of their picking me up when things seemed at myself am not very interesting. other stuff. their darkest and I couldn’t really see the light at the end of the tunnel. So let’s go more into depth with the Lapdog is the fifth band out of the tracks bands and labels involved. All of them (see what I did there?). These guys are Now the finish line has a date. The 10th are just as heroic. the old school band of the bunch and of December is the time for Sweden The hail back from the sweet 90s, when this Deal! Starting off the CD is Kept. I think these kind of music was a lot more common. Magnus Svärd are probably the freshest on the scene. These two songs might be the greatest Formed through the remains of Charlie stuff these guys have ever done. Since at the Olympics, they serve up two most they made their comeback a few years excellent tracks with something of a back they have just being going from pop-punk vibe to them. These tracks one clarity to another. were actually recorded by Gustav Burn of Atlas Losing Grip fame, so don’t be Next up, Same Old Story starts off surprised, if you get suprised by just with a real epic clocking in at 4.14 (the how good they sound both musically longest song on the record), and ends and audiowise (If you ever start a with a fast piece called “Devoted and Pennywise tribute band you should use Damned”. This one reminds me a bit of that word). “All I Want” by the Offspring. More due to ‘the kind’ of song it is, than the actual Next up, Trevolt barges in with a more melodies. Energy is just bouncing out of old school Bad Religion feel. One of the the speakers and infecting everything An introduction to SwedenThe Deal An introduction to SwedenThe Deal 37

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SLAVES TERMINUS VARSITY DRAG / CHESTNUT ROAD VIOLENT ARREST “SUGAR COATED BITTER TRUTH” CD “GRAVEYARD OF DREAMS” CD SPLIT 7” EP (SOLD OUT) “DISTORTED VIEW” 12” 39 REVIEWS POLICY: intro and ‘Irish Coffee’ is a good Baby Godzilla – Knock Out We try to only review stuff we opener full of tempo changes and Machine like - it’s nice to be positive and catchy riffs. There is also a bit of Having loved Baby Godzilla’s we don’t wanna waste our time old Ataris in here found in the title previous EP ‘Oche’, and seeing and space slagging off your track ‘Sawdust City Soundclash’ their now famous live show, I was hard work, when we could use and the fantastic ‘10/22/1844’. Full very much looking forward to this our pages to tell people about of Larry Arms story telling and D4 release. What we have here are stuff we think they should have song structures this album is good, 5 songs of raucous riffs, shouting, a listen to. We also need to but not great. There are one or discord and more riffs, which be honest. There is no point two songs I found myself skipping provide the soundtrack to having being positive if it’s not truthful. (though they are growing on me). a good time and has been the Therefore if we do hate your That said I really enjoyed this and it soundtrack to my September. music, we will attempt to pass had me reaching for ‘The Greatest ‘A Good Idea Realized’ is the first it on to someone who might like Story...’ and ‘Midwestern Songs…’ track (released as free download a it. If no-one does, then you won’t to combine with ‘Sawdust City’ to while back) and is just a slap in the get a review. Simple as. We have make a rather enjoyable playlist. face with a musical edge. limited space for reviews so if Dave Allcock ‘Trogloraptor’ was also released as you do send stuff, obviously we a single and has the best video to it are also reviewing stuff we have Autopsy Boys - Def Elements I’ve seen in a while. The band down bought and the fanzine is getting Autopsy Boys are a hardcore, 12 shots of Jagermiester each in less and less regular, so there is post punk, 80s synth band who 36 seconds (which is the length a good chance you’ll have to wait have produced a schizophrenic, of the song), with vomit being the a while to see your review. disjointed album that is injected with inevitable outcome. The song itself humour; you wouldn’t expect this is what you would expect in 36 That said if you do want to send combination to work, but somehow seconds, a wall of fast noise. us something, the address is it does. ‘Whorepaedo’ has the only at the front of the zine. Please ‘About Last Night’ is a hilarious sing-a-long line on Knock Out send the artwork. Art is part of homage to the film Scream, but Machine. ‘You’re all whores and I’m your release and we think it is soon turns into disappointment at its Jack The Ripper’ buries itself into integral to what you are trying to ensuing sequels, which ultimately your head. put across, so we want to see the digresses into their annoyance at The off kilter, technical blast of full package. We prefer to review the lack of creativity in the modern ‘A Great Idea Bastardized’ starts a physical CD, vinyl or tapes, as horror genre in general. Lines like where ‘A Good Idea Realized’ I think we all prefer to listen to “the killer was fuckin’ Jackie from finished and ‘In The Name Of our music on a decent sound Rosanne” makes for a funny and Science And Progress’ is a system. I know I do. However, we original song. headbanging onslaught with a will accept digital in the interests The unpredictability of the songs slight harmonic few seconds, which of saving money (but include the leaves you anticipating what is helps you catch a breath, but not art please). coming next; much. This track does seem to ‘Double Dipped’ is like a psycho wear out slightly toward the end We will also attempt to get some nursery rhyme, whilst ‘Crushing being my only criticism of a great of the releases we really like on Cynthia Leech’ is more synth / free EP, that’s right it’s free on Baby stocked in our distro, so check pop- punk, whereas ‘Knee Deep Godzilla’s bandcamp page. A 7 inch out www.tnsrecords.co.uk for in Dead’ takes us into more of new material is in the works for that. hardcore territory and ‘Cheerleader a late October release on Venn Massacre’ wouldn’t go a miss on Records (Gallows). Arms Aloft – Sawdust City the soundtrack to some crazed If you get the chance to see this (Kiss Of Death) slasher flick. band live I wholly recommend it. For those of you still awaiting the With the ability to make punk Dave Allcock next Lawrence Arms or Dillinger and synth seem like a natural Four album, this is the perfect combination, the horror obsessed Bad Religion – True North stopgap. Influences are certainly Autopsy Boys fit a plethora of ideas (Epitaph) on record sleeves when you look into this intriguing album that makes After the disappointing ‘Dissent Of at the song titles (particularly DOU- you want to investigate them further Man’, I didn’t hold out much hope BLEDRANOPERCOCETNOICE) as a live band. for the next Bad Religion record. and the humor herein. Skip the Leanne Durr But, after listening to the pre-album downloads of ‘True North’ and the rapid ‘Fuck You’, I was genuinely looking forward to this release. This album starts out fast with the title track and sounds like classic Bad Religion. As ‘Past Is Dead’ begins it starts to feel like a let down but soon I discover that this is just the intro and it accelerates with Bad Religion haste. ‘Robin Hood In Reverse’ is a highlight as is ‘Land Of Endless Greed’. ‘Dharma And The Bomb’ is a welcome change of speed and an absolute rocker. This is Bad Religion at their best (best album since ‘No Control’?). ‘Vanity’ speeds things back up and continues to impress. ‘Nothing To Dismay’ is my favorite track, very Pennywise in its assault. Overall, this is a bit good. Dave Allcock 40 Bloodlights – Stand Or Die Andy in Manchester on October 24th (People Like You Records) (a show which will certainly sell Featuring ex members of the great Cartoon Violence – Tit For Tat out), and if duelling trumpets and Gluecifer this is the 3rd album by (Do The Dog) dancing all night are your game, I new outfit Bloodlights. For me, most Cartoon Violence return with their hope to see you there. Scandinavian punk rock sounds second album, a continuation of Em Johnson the same, as if Turbonegro are the ground covered in their debut. A trying to cover Social Distortion with mash up if mid 80s UK post 2-Tone The Crash Mats - Giving It Big added 80s glam, and this falls into ska, Ian Dury, ‘Nutty Sound’ period Licks that category. That doesn’t mean Madness and a dash of Chas and After seeing these guys playing that it’s bad. Starting with a touch Dave, it’s music to make the feet some very entertaining live gigs of Motorhead, it’s easy to see how itch and want to skank. (including Fresh Prince Of Bel popular this band has become in You can hear odd influences too, Air covers), I was eager to hear their local scene. ‘Arms Around not so obvious as The Stranglers this. I wasn’t disappointed. There It’ feels like it’s trying to cover The in the waltz-time ‘Broken’, and the is a sense of humour throughout, Beatles, Helter Skelter, the chorus is rock and roll tinged ‘Colourblind’ showcased well in the rock n’ roll a catchy little bastard and is ideally Not the heaviest of albums, the of ‘Girl I Like’. The ska driven ‘The why this is the album’s lead single. upbeat cheeriness and catchy Terrible Tale Of Pablo’ is probably ‘Shit For Gold’ is a great tune, which choruses exude a feeling of bon the highlight, building towards a big, reminds me of early Hellacopters. homie, which grabs the attention aggressive chorus. Elsewhere, ‘Dive Into The Void’ is and drags you into the party that’s The Crash Mats are going from the most radio friendly song you’ll included on the little shiny disk. strength to strength. I’m just gutted hear on a punk rock album all year. A catchy little number that, whilst I didn’t get to see them playing as There is much to enjoy on here with being reminiscent of a lot of things Black Lace at the TNS covers gig. twin lead guitars, rousing vocals that have gone before, manages Andy and uplifting melodies but, there is to cut its own way through the ska no originality to be had and probably sound. Darko – From Trust To won’t hold my interest for too long. One for when you fall in from a great Comformity Dave Allcock night out and don’t want the party Self Released to end, it has that feeling of a ‘boys After hearing quite an impressive Bratan - the Genius Of Germs night out in the pub’ captured for EP by Darko not so long ago I Musically I found this quite posterity. was eager to buy ‘From Trust To interesting, despite not being what Nik Skeat Comformity’ as soon as I knew I would typically listen to. The mix about it, I wasn’t disappointed. of atmospheric distorted noise, with The Cat Empire - Steal The Light ‘AWOL’ kick things off with superb spoken word over the top is certainly The ska community in the UK form, fast, catchy, riff tastic and energetic and aggressive. However, seems to broadly split into two full of technical lead guitar layered the thing that I was most impressed categories - those who have never over the top. This is the melod- with was the handmade packaging, properly listened to the Cat Empire, ic-hardcore punk that we have been put together by Karl Whiting. It is and those who are obsessed with waiting for. ‘Neo Was An Amateur’ completely hand drawn, with full them. This isn’t unusual for bands has a chorus reminiscent of Funeral hand-written lyric sheets, making hailing from outside the US or UK For A Friend before they released this a really nice little artefact in it’s (especially ones that are in no way an album and went mainstream. own right. For anyone interested in strictly ska!), but the Cat Empire The vocals throughout this 6 track illustration, it’s worth getting hold of are certainly unique. They bring a EP switch from aggressive shouts one of these just for the artwork. very Australian take on life - on the to melodic harmonies and has that Musically, it’s not necesarily my cup surface they don’t take themselves Rise Against feel to it. ‘Chewbacca of tea, but I imagine there are lots of too seriously, but underneath lies a Defence’ builds up nicely to it people who will get into it. steely focus to do what they do well. crescendo and has some top class Andy Very well. guitar work (as well as being my With the best brass section this personal favorite track). Buy the Brassick - Broke And Restless side of Streetlight Manifesto, and physical version of this EP (only £1 After a recent TNS night, songs that seem to have about five extra) because the green vinyl has Dutch rockers, Black Volvo and choruses, they are a band that (even a wonderful splattered effect on it, Birminghams finest, Waste Of sober) make you feel like you are which is nice. Organs stayed over at my house. on a beach, dancing with bronzed Dave Allcock Waste Of Organs stand in drummer, surfers, having drunk seventeen Jay told me excitedly about a cocktails. Like the concept of Dead Ending – II new band he was drumming for, drinking cocktails, they don’t suit (Alternative Tentacles) ‘Brassick’ and passed on this all tastes... but when forced, most How did I miss the first EP by EP. After a very heavy drinking people find themselves admitting this ‘supergroup’? Rise Against, session, I was convinced it was a their effectiveness. Alkaline Trio and the legend Vic good idea to get up the next day ‘Steal the Light’ is the sixth studio Bondi on vocals has all cylinders and to go to see all three bands album released, and in common with firing on this, their 2nd 5 track EP. play at what turned out to be an 2010’s ‘Cinema’ strikes a frustrating Classic sounding hardcore that is absolutely belting afternoon gig in balance between glimpses of their hard, fast, loud and growling. Songs Ashton. Brassick (and the other best, an acceptance that they are average a minute long apart from two bands) were excellant and I’m evolving / testing new styles, but ‘Indefinite Detention’ (barely 2 mins) pleased to report that this EP is a deep rooted sense that 3/4 of and the closer ‘Speed Of Lies’, the very good too. It offers five songs the album won’t stand the test of latter divulging in a slower, harder of catchy and raw punk rock, with time. ‘Still Young’ is undoubtedly edged post-punk rant. 2nd track, some really good choruses. I don’t the stand out track, and definitely ‘Dead Ending’, is a beast of air really want to make the lazy Brody worth looking up - not least for its punching song. Dalle comparison to the strong lead sentiment. But for anyone new to This is a project I will certainly be vocals, but it’s in that ball park. the band, I’d still recommend their keeping an eye on. There is a hint of ska in the title self-titled record, or ‘Two Shoes’ as Dave Allcock track, but it’s when the band are at an introduction. full throttle in the likes of ‘Rome’ that The best part of this band remains I’m most impressed. Good stuff. their live show - they hit the Ritz 41 The Domestics – The G.D.P EP opportunity soon! crossovers don’t come much better (Runny Bum/Kibou) Nathan Mallon than this, my ears feel battered. I had the pleasure of reviewing The Consisting of equal parts Municipal Domestics album, ‘Keep It Lean’, Honningbarna - Verden Er Enkel Waste and Darkest Hour, Iron so I was eager to get my hands (Rough Trade) Reagan are tearing it up on this on this 6 track EP. In my opinion I saw this lot supporting The Bronx their debut full length. Sounding like this is better than the album, punk in Stoke last year and they really a more serious version of Municipal rock at its most rapid and thrashy impressed me. Last week I saw Waste it opens with speed, riffs hinting toward the likes of Black them headline a Monday night in and heaviness on ‘Drop The Gun’, Flag and Discharge. Fast guitars the tight confines of Retro Bar and which is pretty much the standard and growling vocals mixed with they absolutely smashed it. So throughout this album. ‘Slightly Out catchy lyrics that have you singing how does this blast of Norwegian Of Focus’ is probably the fastest away while you’re doing mundane hardcore, with a cello playing song you’ll hear all year (and house work. frontman, transfer to record? Very, only 33 seconds long). ‘Cycle Of ‘I’m Tanked’ is the first track and it’s very well is the answer. I’ve been Violence’ gives a slight change of a corker (loving the line ‘Give me listening to this constantly. They pace showing a classic 80s thrash/ some… whisky’). ‘Idiot Jamboree’ certainly take influence from their hardcore sound, giving the pits weighs in at a mere 32 seconds, Scandinavian heritage. You simply something to mosh to. The only but is still a weighty addition. The cannot avoid making comparisons downside to ‘Worse Than Dead’ is b-side shows a playful face to this with Refused, particularly in opening that at 19 songs, all averaging at 1 band, ‘N-N-N-N-Nervous’ and ‘I’m track ‘Dødtid’. There is also a Hives min long, they do tend to blend into A Chimp’ complete with monkey or perhaps Randy-esque garage each other, but it’s still a full speed impressions is surely a winner. This swagger to the sound. This is well sonic assault on your tympanic has rarely been off my turntable showcased in ‘Fuck Kunst (dans membrane. Take a listen to my since I bought it. dans)’. Add to that some energy and favorite tracks, ‘Eyes Piss Tears’, Dave Allcock riffs that wouldn’t sound out of place ‘Midlothian Murder Mile’, ‘Eat Shit in the heavier parts of The Bronx’s And Live’ and ‘The Debt Collector’, Drones - Free Marked Kid EP set and you won’t be far off the mark with its fantastic breakdown at the (Lockjaw) musically. This is a quality album, end. Plus I think the artwork on Drones are one of the most exciting from a very exciting live band, who the front cover is top notch, worth young bands in the country right might wear their influences on their buying the vinyl for. now. They absolutely nail it live sleeves, but still throw in enough Dave Allcock every time, with a high energy, in the way of interesting twists and gravity defying show. Their full lenth turns to keep things fresh. This is The JB Conspiracy - The Calm album, ‘Mutiny’ is a superb blast highly recommended. EP of fast hardcore punk rock, which Andy In a world where ska has often led the band to a Radio 1 session. translated to poppy nonsense & Whilst this EP is still rooted in that The Indecision – New Faces (Do bad lyrics, the UK scene has always sound, it does offer a bit of a change The Dog) craved something different. The of direction, with a nod towards the Longstanding UK ska label Do The success of Capdown underlined likes of early Rise Against, with a Dog return after a lengthy hiatus this in the last decade, with our bit of more melodic approach, par- with a slab of modern soulful reggae other most successful bands often ticularly vocally. There is also a bit and ska on this mini-album. leaning towards an unusual take of Anti-Flag in there too. I wasn’t If you’re familiar with their fellow - from King Prawn and Howards as immediately blown away by this musical travellers, By The River, Alias, to modern-day bands like as I was by ‘Mutiny’, but as with all then you’ll know what to expect. Beat the Red Light. good music, this is a release that Every track has something to offer, What we’ve never been grows on you with every listen. It’s a an infectiousness that runs through overwhelmed with are volumes very well written follow up to the full from beginning to end whilst being of high quality, straight forward, length, utilising the recently added different to each other. ska-punk bands. Good hooks, second guitar well and offering The title track is surprisingly laid decent variety, well-executed and five very strong tracks. These are back, almost to the extent of being no silliness. In the north we’ve been definitely a band to keep a close horizontal, whilst the next track spoilt in recent years by Stand Out eye on. The future looks very ‘Sweet Girl’ has dancefloor written Riot (now too old to be silly), but exciting for them. I’ve listened to all over it. ‘Colour Me In’ has its feet for anyone looking for something this a lot and I recommend you do set firmly in the sixties, but with its similar, the JB Conspiracy are for the same. heart in today’s sound. you. Andy If old fashioned rocksteady is your Amazingly this band’s first release thing, then ‘Who Are You Dancing in 2004 (as ‘Duff Muffin’) has only The Fits – Lead On For’ will do you. In my opinion this been followed by one full album (the Another band who were forgotten is one of the best two tracks on the excellent ‘This Machine’). In fact, as and have come back. However, album and shows an understand- a big fan, it says something that it these lads from Blackpool have ing for the music that a lot of bands took me nearly a year to realise done it with a massive kick in the miss when they start to concentrate they had a new EP out. Whilst chops, namely with their EP, ‘Lead on the offbeat. understated in volume and publicity, On’. Opener, ‘Son of A Gun’, has a And so it continues... By the time this band certainly don’t disappoint quick three chord change riff which ‘Water’ comes around, you’ve been in terms of sheer quality. provides the backbone of the track. entertained and inspired by their The Calm EP is four tracks of The guitar sound could be bigger modern take on traditional ska, exactly the sort of music that should and the drums are rather flat, reggae and rocksteady. make the UK proud of our contri- yet somehow the spirit of the One of the best releases this year, bution to this genre. Each track is song shines right through. This well worth picking up. incredibly well-crafted, complete is something that the rest of the Nik Skeat with variety / speed changes, EP has, but it still maintains the blistering vocal harmonies and the catchiness throughout. I’ve got Iron Reagan – Worse Than Dead kind of catchiness that gets you a gut feeling that these guys are (A389 Records/Magic Bullet nodding your head and immediately best seen live in order to get the Records) putting the entire record on repeat. full experience. Hope I get the Thrashy punk/metal/hardcore It also walks that fine line between 42 appealing to people who would it and people who certainly know Lyrically, Old Radio are deeply ordinarily sniff at the genre, whilst how to have a party. Get it. thought provoking covering subjects in no way doing so deliberately or Andy such as: capitalism, foreign policy, bordering on pretentiousness. poverty and politics. There is a The JB Conspiracy are a band Neighbourhood Brats – No Sun, song about peace protester Brian whose only ever disappointment No Tan LP (Deranged) Haw who passed away in 2011, and has been lack of output. This EP is This LP is a combination of the ‘You Call This A Democracy?’ calls a brilliant use of £3, and make sure band’s first three releases: Neigh- into question government policies. the lack of hype doesn’t stop you borhood Brats EP, We Own the ‘Them and Us’ is a reggae/ska from buying it. Night 7”, Ocean Beach Party 7”, infused track which is quite haunting Em Johnson and two unreleased studio tracks. and with the heavily anti-capitalist I was late to the party and only lyrics it makes for a belter tune. The KADT – Dawn of the Shred have Ocean Beach Party as the ‘Consume and Keep Smiling’ is an (Street Rat DIY) previous two sold out in no time! I angst filled album that pushes for a I’m not a massive fan of puns, but can console myself with the fact change for the better; it manages to I am a massive fan of hard hitting, that Ocean Beach Party is the most take all this frustration and disen- fast as fuck bratty punk rock. I’ll perfect punk 7” of 2012 (I shit you chantment that is so prevalent and leave the obvious comparisons out, not!) and that I can catch up with channels it into a vehement album. but listening to this made me happy what I’ve missed on this handily Leanne Durr and want to break shit at the same compiled album. What’s it like? time. ‘Dawn of the Shred’ opens Snotty female-fronted U.S. punk Only Strangers - S/T with ‘Dawn of the Shred’, so catchy, with buzzing guitars, solid rhythms This new EP from Stoke’s Only does not leave one’s head, yet my and great catchy songs. Fun Strangers is another very solid set favourite is ‘Phone in Dead’ which, without being annoying; gutsy and of songs. They play gruff melodic it’s got to be said, is even better than raw, but still melodic. If you took punk, somewhere between The cheese spread on actual bread. the Adolescents’ more hardcore Lawrence Arms and Jawbreaker, Nathan Mallon material and fused it with the catchy and they do it far better than most. hooks of The Avengers (a reference The songs are very well written The Liabilities - Malignant they must be getting bored of by throughout and this is their best Humour (Gurnard) now to be honest) or the Rezillos, material yet. The vocals are raw The Liabilities offer a refreshing you’d be somewhere near the mark. and gruff, but they maintain the blast of melodic punk, with a touch of Most of the songs clock in at under melody, which is so important to ska thrown in every now and again, 2 minutes so you don’t have time this sound. Some good guitar work to keep things interesting. With 18 to get bored – not that you would, and some big choruses keep it tracks, you certainly get value for these are great, well constructed, interesting, especially in stand out money and there is very little in the effortlessly catchy tunes. Features track, ‘Baxter Mine’. If these guys way of filler on an album, which Jenny Angelillo (ex- Orphans) and a got on the right line ups they would certainly lives up to their excellant couple of members of Neo Cons. As make a lot of friends, because this live shows. They are not afraid to, I write this they’re on their European sound is popular at the moment and as the album title suggests, drop in tour – no UK dates though, which is Only Strangers do it well. some lyrical content, which is not criminal. Check it out here: neigh- Andy for the easily offended, which I hear borhoodbrats.bandcamp.com – has got them into the odd scrape. it’s currently available from Static Pistol Joke – ‘We Just Shit’ 7” But their tongues are clearly very Shock Records in the UK. Buy this, (Noise Punk Records) firmly wedged in their cheeks. play loud, drink beer, repeat. First press of this is no doubt sold The artwork is also hilarious. I James Scott out now (just 290 copies on mustard was laughing for ages at the illus- coloured vinyl) but you might pick tration of ‘the ketjet’. Musically, ИO///sé - S/T (Yo Yo) one up on discogs if you’re lucky or it’s incredibly catchy. ‘Isn’t Life As with Honningbarna, who I maybe there’ll be a repress? Like a Beautiful’ is a big live favourite, but reviewed earlier, I recently saw mix of early UK hardcore – CHAOS my personal favourite is ‘Terrorist this band absolutely smash it on UK, PARTISANS etc - and the Anthem’, which will be stuck in a Monday night in Manchester. Japanese hardcore those bands your head for days. It’s all expertly Apparently, they feature members (CHAOS UK especially) inspired played, with great attention to detail of ‘Young Livers’, but this has a far – GAUZE for starters – plus extra and impressive technical ability. more garage feel to it, with trashy feedback and noise. If distort- This has grown on me with every guitar sounds, that wouldn’t be out ed-to-fuck pogo punk with broken single listen. If you like fast melodic of place on an early Hives album. English and that particular charm punk, you can’t go far wrong with Having three vocalists helps them only the best Japanese punk holds this. Well worthy of your time. to mix things up and there is plenty sounds like your idea of a good Andy of pace to keep the energy of the time (it certainly ticks the boxes for record going. It’s expertly delivered me!) then you should track a copy Maximum RNR - The Rough Side and I am enjoying it very much. of this down immediately and see Of The Dial There isn’t a bad song on here, but what all the fuss is about. You could I’ve seen this Canadian band ‘Sick About It’ was my favourite. try contacting noisepunkrecords. absolutely smash it live a few times Definitely a band to check out if you blogspot.co.uk/ to see if there’s an now, most recently at Rebellion and like riffy, garage punk rock. Very odd copy lying about, but I seriously at a fun packed night in Amsterdam. impressive. doubt it (your neighbours may be Up until now I’ve never thought their Andy pleased about this). recorded output really showcased James Scott what a mind blowing live band they Old Radio - Consume And Keep are, but this certainly does the job. Smiling (AntiPop) Question The Mark - EP (Team 11 tracks in around 13 minutes ‘Consume and Keep Smiling’ is a Bear Records) says it all. If you like Zeke, this is more than impressive debut album This nice little collection of punk absolutely essential. To be honest, from Liverpool Skacore band Old rock ditties kicks off with some anyone who likes fast, loud and Radio. It’s a really considered mean sounding guitar, which is heavy rock n’ roll music would album that gives the impression this prevalent throughout the record. be a fool to not add this to their band have been together for a lot ‘Land of Wrong’ is a great opener collection. This is absolutely belting longer than they actually have - as but is sound followed by something music, played by people who mean it is seamless. much more catchy and melodic, in 43 the form of the pessimistically titled, Restarts several times recently Terveet Kädet - Musta Hetki ‘Tonight We’re Gonna Give it 80%’. (with varying levels of sobriety on I saw these at Rebellion and they Ironically, an uplifting 4 minutes my part) and they absolutely smash were one of my highlights of the and 19 seconds. Bottoms Up and it live every time. Quite simply an weekend. They smashed through W.t.H.i.H.N?, top notch gruff as amazing band. a set of perfectly executed, tight buggery, punk rock. It’s not until we Andy as fuck blasts of very fast hardcore get to ‘Holy Ship’ at the end, that I punk. It was exactly what I like and think I’ve found my favourite track. Johny Skullknucles and the I had to get this record. It is very, The guitars sound massive and it Kopek Millionaires – Heartaches very good. If you like things that cannot be questioned that the lads and Hardons (JSK Records) are fast and shouty, these guys do aren’t giving 100% I’ve had this on This is the debut release from that very, very well. Apparently they in the car for quite a few days now; Goldblade guitarist, Johny formed in 1980, so I have quite a top driving music! Definitely for fans Skullknuckles, and his new project back catologue to get through. They of Hot Water Music. The Kopek Millionaires. This is a fun are also (according to that fountain Nathan Mallon and catchy release for any bedroom of often unreliable knowledge that is punk n’ roll boppers out there. wikipedia), one of Max Cavalera’s RAD - Loud And Fast LP (Phone ‘S.F.I.L.’ starts us off with a short favourite bands. I’m not entirely Select/Sacramento) Hanoi Rocks sleaze punk style sure what to make of that bit. I play this album A LOT. It’s easy to song, which soon transforms into Andy play it a lot as its 20 songs clock in at ‘One Broken Heart’ combining the about 11 minutes in total. To me this sleaze punk with pop sensibilities, Tosserlad – Fuck The Neighbors four piece from Sacramento sounds capturing your brain and igniting it I listened to this on a recommenda- like early D.R.I. (before they got into with the ability to sing along after tion and really enjoyed it. The whole all that crossover metal shit), M.D.C. only hearing 30 seconds of audio. 7 song EP sounds like a good night and Negative Approach – basically There is something of The Bones in out and I will be catching them live classic full on USHC. It’s unapolo- this one. ASAP. getically the sum of its influences ‘Over You’ is my standout track as Tosserlad certainly have a and often that’d put me off, but it had me reminiscing of the late Motorhead sound about them, when your influences are so damn 90s and the CJ Wildheart bands which can only be a good thing great AND (crucially) you can totally of Honeycrack and The Jellys and named after a type of troll pull off what you’re doing to this combined into one, pop punk at its (watch Troll Hunter!). With songs degree, who the hell cares! This is finest with more hooks than Captain about cider, curry, Hellraiser and an amazing blast of real hardcore Hook’s spare hook draw. more cider there is something for from people who’ve been around ‘Sometimes (Love Just Isn’t everyone to connect with. the block and know their stuff inside Enough)’ continues where ‘One ‘Dirty White Cider’ is fast and fun out and back to front. So hard to Broken Heart’ left off and ‘Six and will have many raising a glass name favourite tracks as the whole O’Clock In The Morning’ begins to the chorus. damn thing is great from start to quietly and builds up to more gutter ‘Breakout’ has a Zeke-esque riff to it finish, but ‘Corporate Drugs’, ‘Never punk pop n’ roll. We are also treated and ‘Fuck You Rocko’ is in your face Turn Your Back (On a Mosh)’, to a Vibrators cover to complete the fast just how I like it. ‘S.I.M.P.L.E.’ and ‘This is not a Final EP in the form of ‘Amphetamine ‘Curry Core’ is in the same vein to War’ were immediate favourites. I Blue’. A great raucous start and ‘Dirty White Cider’ and ‘I Just Can’t don’t know of any UK distros that hopefully more to come. Connect With Hellraiser In Space’ have this at the moment (I had to Dave Allcock is very Send More Paramedics. get mine direct from the label) but I ‘Hellraiser in space, you’re a pile of love it so much that the band have Swingin’ Utters – Poorly Formed shit’ I couldn’t agree more. given me permission to do a limited (Fat Wreck Chords) ‘It’s Not Just Cider’ is my favorite run cassette (with download code) Having only heard the odd song by song on here, a touch of Black Flag containing this LP and their sold out Swingin’ Utters on Fat Wreck com- about this one. ‘This is Rad’ 7” on Kibou Records. pilations I thought it was high time Finally ‘I Want To Kill Everything Should be out in late October. If you to give this band a proper listen. I See’ is the band rocking out a don’t mind the shipping costs, head Each song I have heard in the past typical blues riff in true Motorhead straight to http://sacramaniacs.com/ has always been good but didn’t style, with the speed of an express releases/loud-fast/ and pick this up grab me enough to buy an album. train. on vinyl NOW! ‘Poorly Formed’ is a right bag of If you have a spare £3 (the price James Scott mixed balls. Starting with an out of a pint of cider), head over to and out punk rocker this record Tosserlad’s Bandcamp page and The Restarts - A Sickness Of The has a decent start. ‘Brains’ is an make the purchase. It’s cheaper Mind interesting track, sounding like the than a curry and better than The Restarts have been one of Velvet Underground it was certainly Hellraiser: Bloodline. the UKs finest bands for a very unexpected on a Fat Wreck album. Dave Allcock long time and I am already a huge This joins nicely with the acoustic fan, so I was very excited to hear intro to ‘Stuck In A Circle’, which The Wife Beaters – The Beat this album. It certainly does not becomes a Vandals-esque track Goes On disappoint, offering some of their without the comedy lyrics. The Having a bad day at work certainly finest material to date. The Restarts main body of music on here is turned out well when I stuck this in are fast, raw and genuinely have reminiscent of The Dwarves slower my headphones to try and block something thought provoking to songs and all are catchy in their reality out. The trailer trash boys say. There are very few bands who own way. ‘I’m A Little Bit Country’ from Burgerville are back with their do this as well. This is an all guns is a great little country ditty which third album ‘The Beat Goes On’. blazing, fast punk assault, with wouldn’t be amiss on an Eddie Sounding like a good 1950s rock twelve very strong tracks. My pick Spaghetti/Supersuckers album. n’ roll knees up with added over would be the superb ‘Independent- All the songs on here are short drive this is three chord punk rock zia’, but there isn’t a weak song. (which appeals to me), the longest stripped back to basics which is It’s also very nicely designed, with lasting 2.35mins. ‘Dreadlock Dread refreshing from all the technicality Kierons distinctive illustrations, Reggae’ is a standout track and the whored out by todays modern punk a very nice gatefold sleeve and album as a whole is a grower. bands. The obvious comparison snazzy yellow vinyl. I’ve seen The Dave Allcock here is the Ramones with songs 44 like the tongue in cheek ‘Granny Gallows influence. But, there are a for me to be honest. I decided Get Your Gun’ and ‘Strip Tease’, couple of filler tracks too, ‘Choke’ for instead to stay in Manchester on which has a bluesy feel to it. This one, which doesn’t make this album the Wednesday night, thus saving is just ol’ fashioned fun. The blues an instant classic. money on an additional night in a sound gets grimier with ‘Scumbag On the plus side, any band whom B&B, & meaning I could watch the Blues’ and speeds up to air guitar, sing about drinking gets a thumbs Alan Partridge movie for the second head banging anthem and personal up from me. time that day. Nothing warms you favorite, ‘Sleazy Places’. There are Dave Allcock up for a 4-day punk festival more more dimensions to this album with than that. Arriving via train on the the Animals esq ‘I Don’t Want It To Dirty Revolution Thursday morning, the first B&B End’. Matrix Bar, Grimsby I found with ‘vacancies’ signs, With 17 tracks to choose from there 31.05.2013 erm, kinda didn’t have any rooms. is plenty of fun to be had on this It’s fair to say that tonight’s crowd Fortunately the second hotel I tried album and it won’t make you beat of roughly 30 people, including two did, charged me less as I didn’t your wife… but you may crave a support bands, isn’t going to be the want breakfast (the previous year I burger. largest crowd these guys are going think I managed to make it down for Dave Allcock to play to on their current U.K tour 2 out of 5 mornings. Bleurgh), & put promoting recently released, “The me in a double room for the price of Wonk Unit - Muffy Heat”. As Dirty Revolution take a single as they’d had a cancella- Wonk Unit are such an original to the stage, Reb begins to play tion. AH-HA!!! band. It is actually impossible to the Melodica for the first time this categorise them. I’ve heard some evening and you can see the band Joe McCorriston was an early people say they are an acquired are going to give the audience highlight of the Thursday line-up, his taste, but if you acquire that taste 110%, not letting low attendance chirpy tunes based around previous (as I have), you are going to dampen their spirits. ‘Holidays In The Sun’ HQ - namely absolutely love them. It’s live where The set flowed seamlessly, mixing his hometown of Morecambe they are most exciting. Alex is such old songs from the debut album, - bringing a smile to those up a charismatic frontman and I would “Before the Fire” (2010) with the handy enough at the acoustic recommend anyone to check out latest effort, “The Heat” (2013); stage. In Evil Hour, Biteback, and their live show. But ‘Muffy’ does a in particular, “Feel the Fear”, “Let an acoustic set from Obsessive very good job of replicating what Them Try” and “No Man’s Land”. Compulsive brought a darker edge they do onstage. On this album, you The set, which was very well to a sunny afternoon, & the rest of have everything from the two-tone thought out in my opinion, consisted the day had a distinctly ska-tinged fuelled opener, ‘Spooky House’, of a mix of old songs from 2010s flavour to it, with up-and-coming through to the dark, acoustic debut “Before the Fire” and 2013s UK bands Karma Party, Counting and cello driven sounds of my sophomore effort “The Heat” which Coins, Copasetics, and The Talks personal favourite track, ‘Horses’. flowed together seamlessly. “Feel adequately holding their own Other stand-out tracks include The Fear”,” Let Them Try” and against US punk heavyweights The the grungey punk in the shape of “No Man’s Land” from “The Heat” Menzingers and Leftover Crack. Vic ‘Pearl White Awkwardness’ and particularly stood out live. Since I Ruggerio from The Slackers played some superb acoustic goodness in last saw the band, last October, at a rootsy, Americana / country the shape of the excellent closing the Star and Garter in Manchester, acoustic set as opposed to his usual track, ‘The Woods’. This is an they’ve lost a member and gained ska-stylings, but no such schizo- album, which gives more and more two; with these additions they have phrenia from Neville Staple of The with every listen. Wonk Unit are a gained a fuller sound in the live Specials, who played his regular genuinely inventive and exciting environment. Following a bit of no-nonsense set of upbeat 2-tone band, who I have a great deal of confusion over the allocated time, stompers. The night was rounded time for. So should you. it looked as though the last two off by the awesome Johnny Cash Andy songs from the set were going to be covers band Jericho Hill. Their June dropped but after a quick word with Carter was a tad sparkly for my Wounds – Die Young the DJ the band took to the stage liking tho. Just saying. (In At The Deep End Records) once again to finish the night off After listening to the b-side of the nicely with “50p”. Friday morning & I’m up bright & latest Send More Paramedics EP, Ebo Morrice breezy, as the day is kicked off I was suitably impressed with how with a bouncy, energetic set from the bands had covered SMP songs Rebellion Festival 2013 Clay Pigeon, followed by a no-frills- (check out Gallows doing ‘Zombie Like thousands of other punk punk-rock-triple-whammy in the Crew’ if you can). I had never heard rock fans, since 2006 I’ve spent ‘car park of doom’ (sorry, Olympia) of Wounds and thought they were one weekend every August in from Army Of Skanks, Wasted worth checking out, and I am so the glamorous northern town of Life, & Skurvi, before an as-usual glad I did. Hailing from Ireland, Blackpool. Formerly ‘Wasted’, for awesome set from Drones. This they bring a hefty mix of Gallows the last 7 years ‘Rebellion’ has band keep getting better & better. hardcore and Bronx swagger to brought the finest punk / ska / Check ‘em out. Jim Sorrow their own brand of rock. Opener psychobilly / acoustic acts (and twanged his banjo-strings expertly ‘Killing Spree’ absolutely rips off Chas & Dave) to the Las Vegas of on the acoustic stage, but him the intro to Heart Attack American England, yet this is the first time I’ve encouraging the crowd to ‘boo’ me by The Bronx. As this is my favorite felt the need to write an account of for reasons unknown encouraged Bronx song and has the best intro, I my weekend in the Winter Gardens. me to flee early to catch TNS an- don’t see this as a bad thing and the Or what I can remember of it at archo-folksters Bootscraper tear chorus is awesome. ‘Dead Dead least… so here it is - Rebellion Blackpool a new one. The next 3 Fucking Dead’ is available as a free 2013 : bands I saw perfectly demonstrate download and I can’t help but think the eclectic nature of Rebellion this is how The Computers should In previous years I’ve headed over booking, with feisty-femme-punks have sounded before they turned on the Wednesday evening for the Pink Hearse; dub-ska-reggae- their guitars down. ‘No Future’ is customary pre-show, but the line-up rude-boys (and girl) The Skints; a great track with a shout-a-long this year was rather similar to the and Canadian punkrock’n’roll- chorus, crunching guitars and 2012 gig (Drongos For Europe, ers Maximum R’n’R sending me fiercely shows again the Bronx/ Crackshot) which didn’t do much rip-roaring into the psychobilly 45 section of the evening. The Arena My liver hurts. But it’s yet another catch the last couple of tracks by suddenly filled with quiffs, brothel early start to the day, as last minute rock/punk band Dead Punk who creepers and neck-ties… & that posters are put up & flyers are were a fine example of volume was just the women! Bud-dum-tish. hastily distributed to entice people over talent... There’s potential, but Vince Ray & The Boneshakers and into Revenge Of The Psychotron- it needs work. Long Tall Texans brought a much ic Man’s debut performance at Next up were a surprisingly needed dose of double bass to Rebellion, rocking the Arena with popular three piece punk-reggae the proceedings, before the punks blistering high-speed punk rock band called Back In The Habit invade the Arena once again for at the almost too sensible hour who dragged in the previously The Flatliners and The Restarts, of 1.40pm. Electric River have smoking punters for a short, but two bands I keep meaning to listen the unenviable task of following well executed set. The reason they to more stuff by. I’m a busy guy, ROTPM, but I thoroughly enjoyed were so popular? They were led what can I say?! Mad Sin pulling their Gaslight Anthem-esque by none other than a certain Matt out at the eleventh hour meant stadium rock. Captain Hotknives Crosher. If you don’t know who he that I rounded off the evening in made his regular appearance in the is, then why are you reading this? the Bizarre Bazaar with Liverpool’s Bizarre Bazaar, leaving a crowd of I’ll leave that there! Sufficient to say, Pete Bentham & The Dinner Ladies. cider-fuelled punks in stitches with they went down incredibly well, with The Friday night had a plethora of his anti-drugs / babies / transvestite Matt showing that he’s lost none of heavyweight headliners – from The sex-romp acoustic comedy. The last the touch or audience rapport. Exploited, Neck, The Buzzcocks, & ska band of the weekend followed The final support of the night were even 90s Britpop also-rans Space! in the form of Tyrannosaurus Alan, Byron Street Social. A confident – but I didn’t watch any of them. a veritable skanking machine that reggae and ska set ensued, and Sorry. I nipped to the psychobilly lead me nicely into the remaining while I appreciate there wasn’t a aftershow to catch The Goddamn 6 hours or so, which solely seemed huge amount of room on the stage, Wallbangers instead. I think I made to consist of blistering psychobilly when there are seven or eight of the right call. (The Creepshow, Hillbilly Moon you on there, someone needs to Explosion, The Peacocks, The be moving. Watch old Specials Saturday started off as a relatively Brains) and balls-to-the wall punk footage for clues.... quiet day – probably for the rock (Face To Face, The Bronx, Finally we got to the headliners. best! - with the only bands I saw Roughneck Riot, Fucked Up). What can be said about Jaya The before 5pm being female-fronted Lovely stuff. With The Creepshow, Cat that hasn’t already been said? B-movie punks Dragster and US / Peacocks & Roughneck Riot being Somewhat unconventional in European reggae rockers Jaya The the only bands of the last 8 that appearance, from white Rasta to Cat. The floodgates opened after I’d seen more than once before, it surfer punk, they show the truism 5pm though, with Anti Vigilante was an evening of giving bands a that image is nowt, it’s how well you and King Prawn both getting the second chance when they’d under- play that counts. And by god can crowds skanking enthusiastically whelmed me before, or in the case they play.... to their ska-punk anthems, with the of The Brains, seeing a cracking They began by asking if it was reunited latter showing the relatively Canadian psychobilly band for the anyone in the crowds birthday (so fresh-faced former how it’s done, first time. I’m rambling now, it was they could make it into a birthday but with AV showing that the UK a long weekend, sue me! 48 bands party and carry on playing and ska scene is in safe hands once KP (5 I’d never seen before), & 6 solo partying beyond the normal hours) hang up their boots again. Good to acts. Not bad. Roll on 2014! Kicking off with ‘Rebel Sound’, they have ‘em back for now. NA-NOW- Mikey Wong ripped through the majority – if not NA-NOW! A previous highlight all – of the tracks from New Inter- of Rebellion don’t disappoint, as Mikey Wong’s Anthems of national Sound Of Hedonism, with Street Dogs once again brought Rebellion 2013 a shit load of older material thrown their high-energy US street-punk REVENGE OF THE in too. to a rapturous reception in the PSYCHOTRONIC MAN – Get Look at this for just a part of the Ballroom. Bringing a more surreal Pissed, Talk Shit, Dance Like An set list: ‘Fake Careras’, ‘This Could edge to the acoustic edge, former Idiot All Go So Horribly Wrong’, ‘Hello Dwarves guitarist HeWhoCannot- ROUGHNECK RIOT – This Is Our Hangover’, ‘Thank You Reggae’, BeNamed wore just a gimp mask & Day ‘Twist The Cap’, ‘El Camino’, what appeared to be a large nappy, STREET DOGS – Punk Rock & ‘Peace And Love’ and, of course, before my drunken confusion Roll the brilliant ‘Here Come The carried me back to the Ballroom THE CREEPSHOW – Hellbound Drums’. And that was only about for possibly the highlight of my KING PRAWN – Day In Day Out thirty minutes worth of an almost weekend. Chas. Dave. Human THE FLATLINERS – Monumental two hour set. There was much, pyramid. Say no more. (Chas & THE PEACOCKS – Older Than much more beside. Dave weren’t in the pyramid, but Punk Due to the limited capacity of by god enough of the crowd were. The Parish, it didn’t take long I was on the bottom. It hurt.) Dizzy Jaya The Cat & Support, for the venue to become a mass with Cockney-knees-up-euphoria, Huddersfield Parish, August of skanking, sweating, grinning I hopped off to the Olympia for the 15th 2013 bodies. Grabbing photos was a final 4 bands of the night – Newtown If you’ve heard the stories, but not challenge as my elbow was being Kings (skankalicious), The Rezillios seen the band, I can assure you jostled every other beat by people (meh), Random Hand (awful sound that American/Dutch ska-punk having a great time and dancing for the first few tunes, but managed heroes Jaya The Cat live up to like there was no tomorrow. to keep up the momentum & played their reputation as being one of the A welcome intermission saw a typically ferocious ska punk set), hardest partying and best live acts Geoff taking a moment to stop an & ‘The Misfits’ (left after 3 unrec- on the scene. For two hours they introduce the previously mentioned ognisable songs, the sound was ripped up the bijou Huddersfield Matt Crosher, who was guesting on dreadful & the band looked like Parish with a well rehearsed and one track – ‘Thank You Reggae’ if I they couldn’t be arsed. Even for executed set, but with an aura of recall correctly – and who managed zombies, they were a bit dull. Dis- perhaps not quite being as in focus to break the borrowed guitar. No appointing. I went to drink more as the rest of the crowd! one cared though, least of all the instead. Good night...) I executed my traditional ‘missing band. the first support act’ manouvre with By this point, the heat had got to On to the Sunday. The final hurdle. the usual aplomb, just managing to stupid levels and, after a moment of 46 encouragement from the band, the activities such as the DIY zine popular day evidenced by the crowd started to get semi-naked. making workshop led by Loosely swelling crowds filtering through At this point I’d like to apologise to Bound, the documentary playing in the gates with their day tickets; a the rest of the crowd for inflicting my the cinema tent about the decline tactful move curated by the people sweat drenched, overweight, inked of independent record shops and at Beacons perhaps? Blistering and ironed middle aged body on the the philosophical lecture “Morality through the sleepy morning haze rest of you, but you weren’t such a Without God” offered up for came a penetrating performance pretty sight yourself. breakfast on Saturday morning. by The Wytches; their surf-doom I can’t really add much more. JTC Fucked Up, a band who embody black-psychedelia instilled horrors played on until well after midnight, this vibe so well, were fittingly of a bad trip to all who innocently and by all accounts were still chosen to headline Friday night. happened to stumble into the tent. partying hard into the morning after, These guys are true performance Following in a similar pulsating and I came the 55 miles home up professionals, working the crowd as blue vein were local noise act the motorway with their finale – a only they know how – in what other Hookworms. Driving rhythms of hugely extended version of ‘Here situation would a group of people looping white noise fused by layers Come The Drums’ pounding in my get whipped up with a mic lead, of screaming vocals, searing guitars ears. have a giant sweating man force and stabbing keyboards appeased Na na na, nana na nana na nana them to touch him as he shouts in the voracious crowds working up an na... their face, then walk away feeling appetite for the delectable evening Nik Skeat like the most loved individual in feast that was in store. the world? Outsiders may consider Beacons Festival it abuse, but I’m sure spectators That came in the form of highly As I prepared to write this review, caught up in this show felt the sense anticipated headliners Savages, I found myself compiling a set of euphoria, community and togeth- whose band name suitably of notes that disconcertingly erness that Fucked Up deliver with described the ferocious moments resembled an end of year school their music and spirit. that followed. The sides of the tent report. I decided to go with it - were nigh on splitting with the sheer Beacons has been a pleasant Saturday, disappointingly, didn’t volume of fans trying the squeeze member of the festival scene this sustain the hard work that Friday themselves in. Savages tore at their year; quiet and conscientious but had set, but earnest performances songs with seething venom, inter- growing in confidence, developing by female fronted bands Wolf Alice spersed with unsettling moments a real sense of individuality and and Findlay punctuated the largely in which singer Jehnny Beth showing signs of great potential. average day. The latter brought scanned the crowds like a predator Yes, the small independent music us sassy, bluesy, sandpapered calculating its next attack. festival based in Skipton offered pop delivered by what seemed Natalie Walsh an intriguing and eclectic line-up like Betty Page with a roaring featuring a handful of carefully hangover, whereas the former selected headliners nestling evoked sun-bleached mid-90s amongst a pool of fresh-faced, as- grunge-rock nostalgia of hanging pirational young acts. out in next-doors garage with an unplugged electric guitar. There was definitely a lefty vibe about the place exemplified by Sunday was by far the most

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