NEWS: Massive Wagons sign worldwide deal with Earache Records and plan next album

WITH an ever-growing fanbase, and many loyal devotees here in Northern Ireland we're pleased that Massive Wagons are taking the next step in their career by signing a worldwide deal with Earache Records.

Formed in Lancashire by brothers Adam (guitar) and Alex (drums) Thistlethwaite, both in their 20s, MW are the newest rock 'n' roll hopefuls to sign to Earache.  Rounded out by Barry "Baz" Mills (vocals) and Adam Bouskill (bass), and as the press release says Massve Wagons "play straight-up, feel-good rock 'n' roll in the English tradition - no gimmicks, no agenda."

The band have been nurtured and developed by Off Yer Rocka for several years - and have expressed their thanks to the label for enabling them to develop to this point in their rock 'n' roll journey.

And, good news for fans is that Massive Wagons hope to release their latest album early in 2018

"You always hear people talk about 'making it'; rock fans chatting about who they think will 'make it' or who they'd like to see 'make it'," said frontman Baz.

"I've never really known what that truly means to be honest - I suppose everyone has a different take on what it means to them - but if you ask me, I'd say 'making it' means being lucky enough to reach a platform where our music is taken seriously, recognised and respected; where our music will be cemented in history, referenced in the future maybe by our peers as a band that did something; remembered by rock fans.

"I wanna leave a legacy - however big or small that is, I want to leave our mark, and although I want to take this thing much further, I firmly believe through signing with Earache that we have achieved this.

"I'm so proud to sign this deal; to be able to work with such a huge label like Earache is a dream come true.  The new Wagons album is just about written, next is the studio, then the biggest, baddest release yet.  Bring it on!  I just wanna thank the people at Earache for having faith in what we do and giving a group of guys from the street an opportunity to stand out.  Much love and rock on."

"We're mega excited to have signed to the world's toughest and truest hard rock and metal label, Earache Records," adds lead guitarist Adam.

"We have always been impressed by their artists and are extremely confident that the best material we're writing has found its rightful home in Earache for many years to come.  We are straining at the leash to get stuck into 2018 and beyond."

NEWS: South Cali heavy blues rockers set to new album release of 'Rite'

SOUTHERN Californian Heavy Blues Hard Rock trio, Idlewar are set tp release 2nd Album, RITE, worldwide, via Off Yer Rocka Recordings on October 12th 2017. The first single, “Keep Your Word”, will be released on the 8th September 2017 - see the link below.

Southern California heavy blues hard rock trio Idlewar have upped their game with their second release. Singer/bass player James Blake solidifies why he is one of the best singers in rock today. With a continuation of varied moods, tempos and groove. IDLEWAR’’s music is far from one dimensional. With the record being produced by drummer Pete Pagonis, Rite maintains the inspiration and grit of their debut.
 Their singer, James, describes the record as “a Mad Max machine like convoy; a group of ferocious apocalyptic vehicles barreling through the wasteland full throttle...about to come apart at the hinges. Then every so often they slow or even stop to survey the landscape all the while contrasting their silhouette of destruction against a backdrop of serenity.”
 
The band returns to the UK in early Nov for a tour with a date at the already sold out Hard Rock Hell XI and an appearance at the Inaugural HRH Awards on Wednesday 8th.

Idlewar have only recently signed to Off Yer Rocka and the titanic Californian trio insist they have found the perfect home for their heavy blues rock after joining a powerful roster that includes The Quireboys, Bonafide, Tequila Mockingbyrd and more. The band has one album and an EP under its belt and is readying the release of a second following the success of 2015’s devilish Dig In EP and last year’s instinctive follow-up Impulse.

“We are excited to be partnering up with Off Yer Rocka for so many reasons,” said the band. “For one it is a label that is currently geared toward our type of music. It’s what they know. We think that is important, in this day and age, to really try and distill down what you are and how to present it. Finding an audience is by far the toughest challenge facing bands right now and we think Jonni and the folks at OYR really have some great ways to do just that.”

Idlewar made it to the UK last year for a brief run of shows supporting rising stars Stone Broken. But that tour only whetted the band’s appetite for more as their fusion of Led Zeppelin, QOTSA and Clutch captured the imagination of British fans.

Jonni Davis, CEO at Off Yer Rocka, added: “We are always scouring the world for fresh new talent and we feel we’ve found something special where Idlewar is concerned. They are not young guys but they are hungry for success and determined to succeed.

"That’s what I love about Idlewar. They’ve only scratched the surface as far as the UK and Europe is concerned and we’ll be bringing them back over here in the autumn. I’ve heard the new songs and they are killer. They’re already lined up to play HRH XI and we have exciting plans for this band.”

Fronted by James Blake – an unstoppable vocal force who teaches physics and is a qualified martial arts coach – Idlewar leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of some seriously heavy music. Rick Graham’s iconic guitar solos add a unique energy to the talented trio while no-holds-barred drummer Pete Pagonis is a musician reborn after ending a self-imposed seven-year exile from the live scene.

Check out the brilliant video for Glory, from Idlewar’s Impulse album, click
here.

Track List – RITE

1. Sullen Moon
2. Break
3. Keep Your Word
4. Sing Loud
5. Come to save
6. Hold on
7. Strain
8. Panic
9. Caught
10. Hang
11. You’re gone

INTERVIEW: Welcome to the Massive Wagons world...

AS Massive Wagons prepared for their return to the Diamond Rock Club stage we grabbed a few minutes to chat about the band's progress and influences.

With their charity single tribute to Rick Parfitt coming out on Monday, we also managed to hear some of the reasons to buy 'Back to the Stack'.

Watch and listen below...

ALBUM REVIEW: Riffs aplenty as stoner, doom and blues collide on Regulus' release of Quadralith

FROM the depths of Louisiana - sorry we meant Sheffield - comes a beast of an album that straddles every preconception you might have about what constitutes a stoner sound, a blues vibe, all with added dashes of doom.

Regulus took us a bit by surprise when they played at HRH Stoner Vs Doom last year, for once the hometown hype proved to have heft rather than hyperbole.

And, as such the release of their album 'Quadralith' on Off Yer Rocka Recordings was eagerly awaited to see if that live menace could be captured in the studio. Thankfully it has.

From the rollicking pace of 'Last Chance to Die Young' through to the dirty NOLA groove of 'Heart of Stone' and the bluesy soloing on title track 'Quadralith' Regulus touch all the bases.

But, this isn't some magpie like plundering of styles. This is a band that wears its influenced on its sleeves and if you don't like it you either have cloth ears or you can fuck right off...

The way each track is allowed to evolve and develop its own distinct vibe is impressive. The aforementioned title track allows the blues solo to migrate to wah-wah speed driven mania and maintain speed without ever losing its core sensibility.

There is a coherence within Regulus' soundscape that means it has something of the swamp and the bright city lights. This is a band that doesn't bow down to the clichés.

Luke Jennings and Thomas 'Oz' Osbourne intertwine guitar lines and structure their playing that is complimentary rather than wandering off in different directions. The sense the listener is left with is one of harmony and hardness, never mind the fretboard heroics that others focus upon.

That said, to bring it all together on one collection of songs would have tried many other bands patience, but Regulus have managed to make their diverse sound, keep it within the right parameters and roar loudly.

Yep, this is Sheffield Steel that cuts the unwary to the bone - in the best way of course.

Review by Jonathan Traynor

Quadralith is out now on Off Yer Rocka Recordings

NEWS: Attica Rage release new single and bonus live track ahead of autumn tour

ATTICA Rage descent upon Belfast’s Limelight2 on October 22^nd in a power line-up that includes Donum Dei and Conjuring Fate.

Ahead of the UK and Ireland tour the band have released their new single ‘All Summer Long’ via Off Yer Rocka Recordings along with a bonus live track of fan-favourite ‘Crazy Horses’, a rocked-up cover version of The Osmonds' 70's chart hit.

Watch the video below:
You can buy on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/…/all-summer-long-sin…/id1148029101 or the full digital catalogue: https://atticarage.bandcamp.com

All Summer Long is the second single taken from the new Attica Rage album Warheads Ltd, available in CD Digipack & digital formats from Amazon, HMV, iTunes and all major music stores worldwide as well as direct from the band at http://atticarage.bigcartel.com

The video for ‘All Summer Long’ was filmed on location at Ardeer Beach, Stevenston in North Ayrshire, Scotland on one of the hottest days of summer.

NEWS: The Quireboys to releases August EP and September LP

WE make no bones about it, we love The Quireboys. And, when news came out today that the gypsy rock 'n' rollers were to release a new EP ahead of a new album the floors of metal mansions reverberated with the sound of delighted rockers dancing in joy.

As if that wasn't enough to keep us happy it's the fact that the band are going to rock it out with guitars to the max.

Rather than us wax lyrical about the news, here's the full press release:

The Quireboys announce new album ‘Twisted Love on 2^nd September

Four track EP ‘Twisted Love’ out on 19^th August 

The summer of 2016 is the time to fall in love all over again as The Quireboys rediscover their passion for quintessential British rock and roll.

Produced by The Quireboys and Martin Ekelund, the new full length “Twisted Love” lays bare a collective desire to win the hearts and minds of long-time fans and secret admirers alike. It’s the sound of six musicians bound by the past and excited by the future. Unashamedly loud and justifiably proud, “Twisted Love” celebrates a legacy and adds to a legend.

The band’s 10th studio album marks a welcome return to a time when the Quireboys rocked – and rocked hard. “There are no ballads this time”, confesses front-man Spike, “I approached the songwriting from a different angle and it felt good. There’s a lot of passion there.” A bullish reworking of crowd favourites “Gracie B” reinforces the point. More akin to the thumping live version beloved of fans far and wide, it’s dominated by the driving guitars of Paul Guerin and fellow six-stringer Guy Griffin.

Title track “Twisted Love” – released as the lead single – sees Griffin, Guerin and front-man Spike join forces to deliver one of the darkest Quireboys anthems to date. Featuring the sultry backing vocals of blues-rock chanteuse Lynne Jackamann, it’s a song that shimmers from start to finish. But highlights are everywhere on this bold record: “Ghost Train” takes the listener on a bluesy, Hammond-sound-tracked journey to the band’s classic era, while the rock and soul of slow-brooding set closer “Midnight Collective” is simply sublime.

Once again the stark Swedish town of Klippan provided the perfect bolt hole for a band focused on following up 2015’s critically acclaimed St Cecilia And The Gypsy Soul with an equally compelling – yet creatively distinct – Quireboys record. “We locked ourselves away again and worked our arses off,” said Guerin. “We perform well under pressure. And I have to give immense credit to Spike – the lyrics on “Twisted Love” are some of his best ever.”

Enjoying a richly deserved renaissance, The Quireboys continue to tour extensively and write records that will stand the test of time. With a line-up that’s built to last – Keith Weir (keyboards), Nick Mailing (bass) and Dave McCluskey (drums) complementing Spike, Griffin and Guerin – the days of proving their critics wrong are long gone. “We used to worry about what everyone else used to say,” said Griffin. “Now we don’t waste time on those people who still don’t get what we’re all about. Our time is too precious and its time to be positive.”

Twisted Love is released via Off Yer Rocka Recordings on 2nd September 2016.

ALBUM REVIEW: The Amorettes on blistering form - true White Hot Heat

HARD working three-piece, The Amorettes, have earned their stripes on the road, with solo shows and support slots with the likes of Danko Jones and Europe to name but a few. Most recently they had a Download slot when they had a chance to air some new tunes.

Those tunes have emerged like a slick snake of fun from their release on Off Yer Rocka of the album 'White Hot Heat'. And, what an album it is!

This is a collection of 10 tunes that put you in the mood to party, grab a beer and get set for one mad night out.

Those hard hours on the road have been captured in the studio by Thunder's Luke Morley who rests the best from Hannah, Heather and Gill.

Bursting with energy, riffs, licks and infectious melodies this is an album that shows that the band have evolved into a mean hard rock machine.

'Come 'n' Get It' moves the songs along at a blistering pace after the openers set the mood, especially the party anthem 'Let The Neighbours Call The Cops'.

This has the sound of late 70s, early 80s rock - as if Suzi Quatro, Joan Jett and Lita Ford were thrust into 2016 and given a shed load of good drugs.

But this isn't generic. On first listen there may be a temptation to just nod away, but soon the feet are tapping, and the smile on your face grows wider.

There is no one fixed tempo, no song when you can just put the band into a single frame of reference.

The mood is changed up on 'Pervert Alert' with it's middle finger to lecherous males and misogyny.

What is clear from every song is that 'The Amorettes' pen great tunes, play with a sense of enjoying what they do, and just get their heads down to the hard work.

Morley's production, and Nick Brine's work on engineering and mixing may be an important factor in the sound on this release, but you can't work studio miracles on a rock album if the raw material isn't really good in the first place, and no miracles were required here.

The Amorettes have the sense and sensibility to know that they're not re-inventing rock 'n' roll, but are instead adhering to its essential spirit, distilling that unique drum, bass and guitar formula into a fiery liqueur that will blister your throat with each delicious sip you can take.

Party? Yes, I think we shall with 'White Hot Heat'.

Review by Jonny

ALBUM REVIEW: Massive Wagons welcome us to their world on latest album

OPENING with grunt and ending with a roar Massive Wagons deliver a widely diverse set of tunes on their latest release 'Welcome To The World' and although they shouldn't in theory they meld together on the album so well as it is an almost seamless release.

It is a hard trick to achieve, almost impossible for most, but Massive Wagons pull it off on this their third full length release.

There is sense on this that they have taken the rock clichés, poured a pint or six down their throats until they are spitting fire and kicked into new life.

But for a band readily billed as rock opener 'Nails' introduces a metallic edge, with a snarl and a tasty edge to the track. No sooner as you take a breath 'Tokyo' brings a satisfying radio friendly song, with lyrics that will make sure it won't get played on the radio (which they declare).

That balance of heaviness and melody permeates the album, allowing Baz (vocals) the perfect foil against Adam and Carl's guitars.

Guitarist Adam said: "Our sound has always drawn on many different influences from classic rock to AOR to heavy blues and prog.

"Those influences are deliberately more polarised from track to track on this album. We love to be able to morph from highly accessible rock to deeper cuts.

"The result is something a lot more diverse yet a lot more ‘us’. We had a much heavier hand in the production beyond just the performance.

"I think we’ve achieved what we set out to do."

Whether it is the blues of 'Sh1t, Sweat, Death' or the bite of 'Fighting Jack' elements have been carefully drawn together.

Bowz (bass) and Alex (drums) make sure that there is a solidity to the songs, rolling along with a sensibility to know when to flourish and when to let it ride. There is real depth to the rhythm pieces.

Add in a sense of fun, and this is the killer punch. Laughter abounds on closer 'Fee Fi Fo Fum' as the band kick into party mode.

If you are a fan of Northern Ireland label mates, Trucker Diablo, you'll love this album. And, if you loved the previous Massive Wagons' releases then you'll want this on your hi fi a.s.a.p.

Welcome To The World is out now on Off Yer Rocka.

Review by Jonny

NEWS: Massive Wagons rolling in 2016 with new album and tour

MASSIVE Wagons have been carving out quite a live reputation and on revved up anthem Tokyo the fighting spirit at the very heart of Massive Wagons shines through. ‘You won’t play us on the radio’ blasts frontman Baz Mills. But this time we just might.

Because on brand new record Welcome To The World, Massive Wagons carry all the passion, power and party attitude missing in the slow lane of British rock.

It’s the sound of a band accelerating towards stardom and overtaking the opposition.

Guitarist Adam Thistlethwaite said: "Our sound has always drawn on many different influences from classic rock to AOR to heavy blues and prog.

"Those influences are deliberately more polarised from track to track on this album. We love to be able to morph from highly accessible rock to deeper cuts.

"The result is something a lot more diverse yet a lot more ‘us’. We had a much heavier hand in the production beyond just the performance.

"I think we’ve achieved what we set out to do."

Listen to Ratio – where Massive Wagons promise to ‘go to a place where the beer is cheap, the craic is good and jukebox is free’ – and you’ll want to jump aboard and party hard.

Load up Shit Sweat Death and it’s as if Vince Neil is fronting Nashville Pussy. On the uplifting set closer Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum fans will lap up the giant-sized hooks that put the ‘massive’ into Massive Wagons.

In fact the band’s new album is rock and roll road trip referencing everyone from AC/DC to Black Stone Cherry, Green Day to Iron Maiden. And with Welcome To The World the Wagons are surely well on the road to long-term success.

After signing to Off Yer Rocka Reordings in 2014, Massive Wagons released Fight The System – the record that persuaded label bosses no MOT was required.

"I loved their songs from day one and didn’t want to change a thing about them," said Off Yer Rocka CEO John Davies. "They already have a huge reputation as hard-gigging live band but Welcome To The World will confirm Massive Wagons as serious songwriters.

"People won’t believe this is the sound of five guys from North West England. This is music made for North American arenas."

Massive Wagons hit the road with label mates Trucker Diablo, Screaming Eagles, Skam, Chase The Ace and Thirteen Stars this spring and will play the following shows in April:

And, you can catch Massive Wagons in Belfast with The Quireboys and Screagles.

Single/Video Tokyo Released March 4
Album Welcome To The World Released April 29
UK Tour Starts April 14

ALBUM REVIEW: Screaming Eagles roar to next level on Stand Up And Be Counted

THERE’S nothing new in this world - or so the saying goes. And, there are those that would argue that in the field of hard rock there is nothing new.

To some extent they might be right – it’s guitars, drums and singing; but in every other aspect the saying is wrong, as Screaming Eagles prove on their sophomore release ‘Stand Up and Be Counted’.

How you write and play hard rock determines whether you have added your own creative weight, and whether you have the ability and songs that make the listener stop in their tracks and get ready to raise their fists in salute to you. Screaming Eagles have achieved this.

With talent in abundance, as proved on their début release, this time they have upped their game, with superb playing, better song composition and a mature approach to their craft.

Album closer ’27 Club’ and ‘Breaking All The Rules’ are just two examples of how Screaming Eagles are spreading their rock wings and getting ready to ride the air to further success.

They are also not afraid to acknowledge their influences - the album title, and track of the same name are a direct nod to AC/DC (it's the first line of 'For Those About to Rock), and throughout there are references to classic hard rock bands.

But this is no slavish rehash of the same old riffs and hooks: no this is bringing hard rock bang up to date; fresh sounding, raucous and proud. No better example of this is the lead single 'Save Me' with its creative arrangement, slick solo and a hook that will snag you into its delightful refrain.

Lyrically the album also showcases grit and angst, as well as insight that rarely finds its way on to recording - add in Chris Fry's vocals makes for a killer album. This time Fry has elevated his work to a higher plain.

The same could be said for Adrian McAleenan's guitar work. McAleenan has always been acknowledged as one of the top rock guitarists in the land. On 'Stand Up And Be Counted' he has developed his tone and added more diversity to his sound, with the title track showcasing those in the perfect context.

Underpinning it all is the rhythm section. It rocks and rolls, holding the whole album together like gaffa tape. Ryan Lilly (bass) and Kyle Cruikshank (drums) have added a new groove such as on 'Bow Down To The Blues' and the eponymous 'Screaming Eagles'.

That track is worthy of note - it's not about the band, but rather the US Army's 101st Airborne Division, whose nickname is the Screaming Eagles. What could have been a cheesy track ends up as a chest-thumping anthem.

Track by track there is an abundance of what fans of rock want - and need. But taken as a whole this a huge step up in writing and performance; add the production and mastering by Russ Cullen and you have a winner.

Stand Up And Be Counted is available digitally now from the usual online stores and the bands site.

Review by Jonny

 

 

NEWS: Big Truck rolls on with single release date, and Off Yer Rocka release to have added acoustic tracks

WE previously brought you the news that Trucker Diablo had been signed to Off Yer Rocka Recordings for the release of the previously Pledge Music album 'Rise Above the Noise' and now more details are emerging of what that will entail.


The first single from the label release will be “Where Angels Fly” on the 8th of June, which will also contain newly recorded acoustic songs.


The band have recently finished recording the video for the single and are lining up for a series of UK festival appearances as well as the Bash At The Bridge in Fermanagh on July 4th.


They will be performing at three UK Festivals, Pentrich Rock n Blues, Hard Rock Hell and Steelhouse, appearing alongside the likes of UFO, Dee Snider, Y&T and SAXON.


Rise above the Noise will be available via all good record stores n platforms late June with a teaser EP out shortly before. More details and links to buy are below.
www.offyerrocka.com
www.facebook.com/TRUCKERDIABLO


iTunes - http://smarturl.it/TruckerDiablo-iTunes
Amazon - http://smarturl.it/TruckerDiablo-Amazon
Google Play - http://smarturl.it/TruckerDiablo-GP

NEWS: Trucker sign deal +++ Last chance to see The Who indoors+++Beholder for Belfast

+++

Off Yer Rocka climb aboard the Big Truck

TRUCKER Diablo have been signed to Off Yer Rocka Records for the release of 'Rise Above The Noise' the album they recorded after a successful Pledge Music campaign.

OYR CEO Jonni Davis said: "We've known Trucker for a long time this is a huge musical thrust north, it's just a great FKN album and sits perfectly into what we're all about..can't wait to get this one out there!"

Tom from Trucker added his tuppence worth on the news: "When we decided to set up a pledge campaign for our new album, signing with a label was far from the agenda. When OYR got in touch it was like an old friend getting in contact.

"We have been friends with the guys for quite a few years now and have been lucky enough to be a part of the amazing festivals they host. So for us its an easy decision to make this next step into the OYR family and we trust our new album will find more ears through the great team they have working with them."

The rest of the world will soon see why the Big Truck Keeps on Rolling!

+++

Last chance to see The Who...indoors

THERE has been much talk about The Who of late, with some of the more controversial comments coming when Pete Townsend saying that he could not be Roger Daltrey's friend because of Daltrey's wife...

But, they have been getting the front pages as much for their celebration of 50 years. Fifty fucking years! And, with a sold out Glastonbury headlining set and a Hyde Park show you have to say that when The Who play Belfast's Odyssey Arena on 21st June it may be the very last time that we will have the chance to see them live at an indoors arena.


With tracks such as 'Won't Get Fooled Again', 'Pinball Wizard', 'Who Are You' and 'Substitute' The Who have always been a rock band first and foremost even if there are mods who hang about for some unknown reason (have they ever watched The Who at Woodstock?).

Their influence - and rock credentials - are clear, not least because of the bands who have chosen to cover their songs: WASP recorded a stunning version of 'The Real Me' and the Sex Pistols gave 'Substitute' the working class sneer that it deserves.

And, if you were to be thinking about Hyde Park, you'd have to put up with the likes of Johnny Marr, Kaiser Chiefs and Paul Weller...much better to book your ticket for The Who in the Odyssey on June 21st.

+++

Beholder book Belfast date

THE mighty Beholder have booked in for a Belfast date on September 24th in Limelight2 thanks to The Distortion Project.

Joining the ferocious assault will be Sinocence and By Any Means...sure to be a noise fest to not to miss!

 +++ENDS+++

ALBUM REVIEW: The Quireboys excel on St Cecilia and the Gypsy Soul

SPIKE and his merry band of troubadours churn out excellence so consistently that when they release a new album it seems a given that it will be another stellar platter. And, that's the case with the latest offering from The Quireboys 'St Cecilia and the Gypsy Soul'.

It would be possible to just leave it there - The Quireboys unleash a great album, full stop, end of review.

But, hell that would be a disservice to this lush offering of heartfelt odes to the human condition. Whatever was in the water in Swedish town Klippan when the band got down to recording it should be distilled and shared globally.

Just listen to the yearning, the heartache and broken words of 'The Promise' strings, acoustic solo runs and a nagging repetitive riff that tugs and tears at the soul.

And, in contrast the title track, 'St Cecilia' has that wild air of people living on the edges of society, where it is dangerous to be, but safer than the world where suits and billionaire banker bask in their ill-gotten gains.

'Can't Hide It Anymore' is the song that will have every American middle-of-the-road rocker gets down on their knees, knowing they'll never be able to match in terms of balance and perfection. Spike even gives a slight twang of mid-Atlantic accent at times to add to the atmosphere.

However, that wasn't the plan when Spike, Paul, Guy and Keith headed to Scandanavia...

“The plan was always to record some new acoustic songs and rework some originals,” said Spike. “But the plan changed. There was something about that place – the vibe got better and better and we just went with the flow.”

Aptly there is a track on the album called 'The Best Are Not Forgotten' because this release comes as a four-CD package, including 'Halfpenny Dancer' – finally available again – and two discs covering the previously unreleased 2010 Halfpenny Dancer live show featuring fiddles, pedal steel, mandolin, banjo and more.

“This side of the band needs to heard,” said Spike. “And we’ll be taking the new music out on the road with our most intimate tour yet.”

That road  trip concludes in The Diamond Rock Club (tonight, 28th March) and if you missed out on the show then make sure to grab this album.

Back to where we started - The Quireboys, steeped in excellence, releasing excellence.

St Cecilia and the Gypsy Soul is released on March 30th on Off Yer Rocka

 

Review by Jonny




 

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ALBUM REVIEW: Bonafide strip it down to damn fine essentials on Denim Devils

SWEDEN - like all the Scandinavian countries seem to have an excess of bands, pounding out a range of metal and rock genres - and leading the hard rock charge from Malmo are Bonafide, who have just released a stormer of an album in the shape of 'Denim Devils'.

There is always a case for heads down rock 'n' roll fun and Pontus Snibb and his compadrés deliver that in shedloads on the 12 tracks on this OffYerRocka release. Damn  - it's hard not to raise a pint to their efforts.

They take the basic hard rock template and give it additional umph - just listen to 'Get A Grip' and the riff melds into a melodic chorus to die for, and a sweet as a six-string nut measured solo.

Their last release 'Bombo' is a hard act to follow, but somehow they have managed it. All the songs were penned by Snibb, and recorded in bassist Martin Ekelun's own studio.

Snibb echoes our sentiments when he said: "This record has a tougher live vibe and sound than the previous one, as it was recorded almost live in he studio.

"We wanted to get as close to a live show as possible - to capture that magic that happens on stage when everything's coming together."

Throughout that live vibe stays to the fore on the likes of '50/50' and 'One Kiss';  a track Snibb said: "I recall thinking about Foo Fighters meets Weezer when I wrote that song last spring."

That is perhaps to under-estimate a great track; but then again the track prior to that, is Airbourne, DC, and The Answer all wrapped up in four minutes of sheer fun - 'Rock 'n' Roll Lifestyle' is a balls to the wall rocker: never mind the clichés, when a song is this much fun it's best to take those clichés and enjoy every second.

But that might suggest that Bonafide are one-dimensional in their take on hard rock. Quite the reverse. From the tender 'Missing You' (which is excellent!) through to the measured 'The Game' and closer 'This Ones for You'.

That song is a tribute to fans, and as every fan who has seen Snibb, Rosell, Ekelund and Matson live will know that they push every fibre of their rock 'n' roll dark hearts into performing for fans.

Bonafide are the sort of band that the mainstream media - and the rock media - tend to ignore in the UK. That's their loss -  because those in the know appreciate that Bonafide are part of a market they'll never understand, while we in the know glory in it. Denim Devils? A damn fine album from a damn fine band.

Review by Jonny

ALBUM REVIEW: Hey you! Listen up to the gospel of rock 'n' roll delivered by The Quireboys on Black Eyed Sons

 

Delivering the rockin' gospel, The Quireboys turn in

triple feast on Black Eyed Sons release

FOR a moment picture a scene: it's a ballroom in a hotel; midnight is imminent. Languishing around tables couples get together or break up. The round tables are filled with half empty glasses of booze.

The men have loosened their bow ties and the women have kicked off their high heels.

At the front a wild-eyed gypsy singer is delivering odes to heartbreak and lullabies of love. The people in the ballroom begin to move to the front, some signing along, some entranced by the sounds of blues and songs of beauty. And, then as midnight strikes the audience gets a second breath, the energy surge from the Black Eye Sons kicks into high rock 'n' roll.

This, readers, is the scene that could encapsulate the mood evoked by The Quireboys on their Black Eyed Sons album. From What Do You Want From Me and Julieanne, through to the hard rockin' statement that is the album opener Troublemaker (Black Eyed Sons).

This an album for ballrooms, balmy summer nights by the sea, an album when played live will have sweat dripping down the walls and cheers raised loud.

Spike's voice has, as always, produced an evocative, lightly gravelled tone: angst, heartache and joy all delivered from a larynx and vocal chords that were bestowed on him by some strange quirk of rock 'n' roll fate.

Guy Griffin captures the mood of each track, whether it is an acoustic romp, pained solos, well timed riffs, mirrored by Paul Guerin's literal ownership of tone and tempo, with added flourish and flair that is both to the fore and at time appropriately restrained in the mix to allow each song to evolve. No doubt producer Chris Tsangarides had a hand in this balance.

But the band also have an ace card now in the shape of Northern Ireland's own Keith Weir, who adds the luscious keyboard background to tracks, but also can unleash full on honky tonk blues such as the rolls on You Never Can Tell.

Thirty years on and the band are still fresh in sound; never mind the road wearied looks.

“I’ve always felt like I’m 30-years-old,” said Spike. “So this is our time. And I’d just like to raise a toast to the next 30 years.”

Never one to shy away from a gargle, Spike can also do something special such as the delicate closing tracks Mothers Ruin and Monte Cassino (Lady Lane). Simply stunning ballads, careful song structures working to capture the lyrics Spike delivers with aplomb.

"Well I left my heart in a letter, at the tree where we first kissed Lady Lane I hope you'll never read" 

Thirty years? A landmark sure, but more importantly this is not some retro lame ass shtick: this is a band right up to date; it's just the world hasn't caught up with The Quireboys quiet revolution.

Is this a worthy release to follow the awesome Beautiful Curse album?  Yes.

For those who want the whole deal the top line release is packaged alongside a CD of The Quireboys’ main stage acoustic set at 2013’s Sweden Rock festival – in front of 40,000 fans – and a live 7 CAM shot DVD featuring the London leg of last year’s Beautiful Curse tour.

That live CD alone is worth spending that bit extra as a congenial band deliver to a congenial audience acoustic renditions of the likes of There She Goes Again, Devil of a Man, Sweet Mary Anne and 7 o'clock.

Review by Jonny

 

Black Eyed Sons is out now on Off Yer Rocka Recordings

 

The Quireboys play Belfast's Limelight2 on November 21st, with guests the Vargas Blues Band. Tickets are £16 and available from Ticketmaster and all usual outlets.