Chubby And The Gang - Company I Don't Want To Keep

 

1. Who are Chubby and The Gang?

Chubby and The Gang are a punk rock band from West London, England. They are Charles Manning-Walkers' band and he formed it in 2019. Charles used to play in hardcore punk bands and still is the guitarist for punk rock's latest and greatest band The Chisel. Company I Don't Want To Keep (Oct, 2024) is an album cut from his third album And Then There Was ... (Chubby and The Gang) (Sept, 2024).  

2. What kind of tune is Company I Don't Want To Keep? 

Company I Don't Want To Keep features abominable production, organ that is as useful as tits on a bull, vocals that might as well have been shouted down a phone and a chorus like an old man rooting; a shadow of his former strength and it comes far too late. I loved songs from the first two albums and I genuinely wanted to find something I liked about this album. This song is a reasonable addition in my opinion. It grew on me slowly like Chlamydia. But Chubby will always be a legend to me.

3. Who do Chubby and The Gang sound like? 

Something pub-rockish, Ian Dury, Dr.Feelgood, maybe even The Stranglers. I don't know, it's not great. Chubby's vocals are very Joey Ramone though.

4.  Which bands have influenced Chubby and The Gang? 

Some of his influences include Lightning Hopkins, The Bobby Fuller Four, Dr. Feelgood (huh, I got one), The Ramones (two), and Coloured Balls. it reminded me of a Japandroid's song for some reason.

5. What have people said about the album And The There Was?

"Rage and vulnerability that blends hardcore punk with the most infectious element of 70's rock'n'roll" - Punk Rock Theory. 

"A mix of control and chaos, love and loneliness" - Flatspot Records.   

"A much more refined effort taking influence from a myriad of genres" - Punktastic.

Chain Cult - Harm Reduction

 

1. Who are Harm Reduction?

Harm Reduction are a Greek post-punk band from Athens, Greece. They have been playing together since 2017. Harm Reduction (Sept,2024) is a single from their second album of the same name.

2. What kind of song is Harm Reduction? 

Harm Reduction is an average modern post-punk song without any of the obvious tropes that run riot in British or American mainstream punk. Except for the Joy Division and Cure comparisons. They are hard-core punk musicians trying to be a bit more melodic and moving towards the centre and it works out okay.

3. Who do Chain Cult sound like? 

MESS, The Cure, and The Sound.

4. Which bands have influenced Chain Cult? 

The bands that have influenced Chain Cult include Misfits, Ramones, Offspring, Youth Avoiders.

5. What have the press said about Chain Cult? 

"Combining gothic atmosphere with basement punk urgency" - Stereogum. 

"Clearly interwoven guitar work frames catchy anthems" - Sorry State Records.

"Fucking solid tune and you are welcome in China anytime" - YouTube Comments.

Split Dogs - And What?

 

1.  Who are Split Dogs? 

Split Dogs are a punk band from Bristol, England. And What? (May, 2024) is the first single from their second album. 

2. What is And What? about? 

And What? is more garage rock'n'roll than Oi or Street Punk with riffs reminiscent of the kind of reappropriated AC/DC guitar riffs Amyl & The Sniffers and The Chats love. What's more And What? is redolent of a bygone British culture.

3. Which bands do Split Dogs sound like?  

Amyl & The Sniffers, Giftshop, and Vice Squad.

4. Which bands have influenced Split Dogs? 

I dunno. They have some love for Sham 69, Murphy's Law, and GBH though. 

5. What have the cut and paste merchants had to say about And What?  

"Stomping, high voltage" - IPA Music.

"Starts with a swinging guitar hook and doesn't take it's foot off the gas" - Punk In Focus.

"This blistering track is a raucous anthem" - Scene Music Media.

"It's rained the whole summer again,

Playin' shows just to keep me sane,

No fuckers standin 'in my way"

Béton Armé - L'Union Fait La Force

 

1. Who are Béton Armé? 

Béton Armé are an Oi band from Montreal, Canada. They have been playing together since 2018 and L'Union Fait La Force is from their fourth EP Second Souffle (June, 2023).

2. What kind of tune in L'Union Fait La Force? 

If you liked old school eighties Oi like Infa Riot, Sham-69 or Cock Sparrer but you thought they it could be done better if the band just stuck to the Oi's and the sticky choruses then L'Union Fait La Force is the song for you. All the good part of classic Oi concentrated into one sweet concoction. 

3. Which bands do Béton Armé sound similar to? 

The Chisel, Violent Way, MESS, Syndrome 81, Claimed Choice, and RIXE. 

4. Which bands influenced Béton Armé?  

Some of the bands they enjoy are Camera Silens, RIXE, Trotkids, and Collabos. 

5. What have people said about L'Union Fait La Force?

"Harder than hell" - Stereogum.

"Ear worm choruses, buzz-saw guitars, and gang vox" - Maximum Rock'N'Roll.

"This is proper stomping, lift your knees up to your chin and fist pump the air Oi!" – Band Camp.

MESS - Don't Look Back

 

1. Who are MESS? 

Mess are an Oi/Street Punk band from Mexico. They have been playing since 2020 and have recorded one album and a couple of E.P's. Don't Look Back (Nov, 2022) is from a split E.P. they made with The Chisel.

2. What kind of song is Don't Look Back?  

Don't Look Back is pretty, chill and mellow. It reminded me of indie rock songs like BRONCHO more than anything else. The vocals are delivered in a "listen up cunt, step outside" manner well known to Oi bands though. Honestly it's the way this song wormed it's way into my unconscious that made it stand up head and shoulders above the masses; just reading a book and the words and melody kept running through my head. 

3. Which bands do MESS sound similar to? 

They are a bit like Blitz, No Class, The Business, and obviously The Chisel.

4. Which bands have influenced MESS?

I couldn't tell you. Stiff Little Fingers, The Exploited, Blitz, and Cock Sparrer maybe.

5. What have people said about Don't Look Back?

"Their energy and talent is undeniable and they've mastered that adrenaline-charged fists-up singalong style" - The New Times Events.

"It's pure perfection. Shouty vocals with pretty little guitar lines" - DIY Conspiracy.

"Powerful anthems of working class struggle" - Pirates Press Records.

"And we, we care for today,

To stay alive and breathe another day"

The Chisel - Cry Your Eyes Out

 

1. Who are they?

The Chisel are are one of the finest punk rock bands to ever come out of London, England. Born out of fire and ash in 2020 and with two long players to their roll of honour, Cry Your Eyes Out has two versions, an early 2021 one, and the May, 2023, one from their second album What A Fucking Nightmare (Feb, 2024).

2. What have they got?

The sound of furious punk from the streets and the only thing that matters to me since I put a needle down on Motown Junk in 1991. Cry Your Eyes Out bursts out of the traps like a steroid and cocaine soaked Conor McGregor in a fight ready to to punch a local drunk for disrespecting the pish he calls whiskey or break his own leg in the ring and then call you and ya ma a pussy. It also doesn't spare the rod having a harsh word for anyone who gets handsy with their missus and that's God's work right there. It's Oi but it's melodic and with an earworm of a gang vocal chorus. Done and dusted in two minutes and leaves you wanting more. It's the song I hum when I wake up every morning looking for my jocks and socks and regretting my life choices.

3. Who do The Chisel sound like?

Chubby and The Gang for sure, Cock Sparrer, Booze & Glory (maybe), even a bit of hardcore like Big Cheese or Conservative Military Image if you're feeling it.

4. Who have influenced The Chisel?

The Angelic Upstarts, The Ramones and The Exploited for starters.

5. What have other people said?

"An even catchier version of their already appealing sound, without losing any of their gritty aggression"- Brooklyn Vegan.

"The bands whole sound remains fast, direct, and catchy" - Stereogum. 

"Shards of glorious melody amidst all the the broken glass" - Kerrang.

"Sitting there with your head in your hands,

And you wonder where it went wrong,

After all the shit you put her through,

You wonder why she's gone?"

Cagework - Eileen

  

1.  Who are they? 

An indie rock/punk rock three piece from Brixton, London. Playing since 2018, Eileen (2019) is a single from their debut E.P. Cagework (July, 2019).

2. What have they got?

A quaintly snide rollicking and rolling sing-a-long indie crowd pleaser with a little bass note rest and rousingly noisy and shouty choruses.

3. Who do Cagework sound like?

Some say Pavement. Blur? Sports Team? I don't know.

4. Which bands have influenced Cagework?

Some of their influences are Husker Du, Modest Mouse, and Pavement.

5. What have the press said?

“A touch of melancholy seems to seep through before the guitars rise up”- Gig Wise.

“Another standout track highlighting the bands knack for a melody”- The Line Of Best Fit.

“Feels like a jovial sing-a-long”- Indie Is Not A Genre.

"And it really makes her mad"

SWMRS - Berekely's On Fire

1.    Who are they? 

SWMRS are a pop punk band from Oakland, California. 


2. What have they got?

Berkeley’s On Fire (Aug’18) is a standalone single at the moment. SWMRS are three albums deep. 


3. Who are SWMRS similar to? 

The Frights, FIDLAR, and WAAVES. 


4. What have the press said? 

“Social commentary wrapped in churning guitars” – Paste Magazine. 

“Vibrant song” – Alt Press. 

“Thundering drums and wailing guitars” – We Are The Guard. 

5. Which bands influenced SWMRS?

Some of SWMRS main influences are The Ramones, The Beach Boys, The Clash, Public Enemy, and Weezer. 

6. Why should I give Berkeley's On Fire a listen?

The song has a word to say about far-right politics, the propaganda machine and outrage culture. They aren’t in favor of any of them! And vitriol is the best sauce for cooking pop punk songs in. Berkeley's On Fire is angry and catchy (in a Beastie Boys Fight For Your Right To Party kind of way) in equal measure. 

7. What are SWMRS best songs? 

Figuring It Out and Miley are the best SWMRS bangers. 

8. Any more words? 

The drummer is Billie Joe Armstrong's (Green Day) son.

RAT BOY - Internationally Unknown

1.    Who is RAT BOY? 

RAT BOY is Jordan Cardy from Chelmsford, England. He has been making music since 2012. Internationally Unknown (Oct’18) is the title track from RAT BOY's second album Internationally Unknown (Jan’19). 


2. What's he got? 

A commercially pleasing song that mixes hip-hop beats and radio-friendly production with faux-angsty punk. And a sticky chorus. Standard issue wank but its done well. 


3. Who does RAT BOY sound like? 

Jamie T (to a t). The Streets or Beastie Boys at a stretch. 


4. What have the copy and paste cunts said?

“Rabble-rousing riot act” – Discover Music. 

“Pure punk with LA sunshine drenched production” – Nest HQ.

“Upbeat and angsty, infectious tune” – It's Not Records.

5. Who is RAT BOY influenced by? 

The Clash, Beatie Boys, The Streets, Blur and Rancid.

6. Why should I give the tune a listen? 

Unknown Internationally is pure pop stupidity with enough of the musical trappings of angry rock (read: punk) that it just might tickle your tail feather. RAT BOY is one of the genuinely most interesting cross-genre artists England has at the moment and his (second going on third) album has some straight up punk credibility. 

7. What other tunes does RAT BOY have worth a listen? 

Revolution is genius. And No Peace No Justice with Tim Armstrong (from Rancid) has got to be done. On principle. It isn't too shabby either. 


8. Any more words? 

Unknown Internationally (the album) was knocked up in a couple of weeks after a bromance between RAT BOY and Tim Armstrong (singer from Rancid). Armstrong produced the album and at different times members of The Interrupters and Rancid lent a hand.

The Spitfires - New Age

 

1.    Who are The Spitfires?

The Spitfires are a socially conscious indie rock band with an old school English punk side to them. They are from Watford, England, and New Age (June'18) is a single from their third album Year Zero (July'18).

2. What kind of tune is it? 

New Age is next generation English guitar rock. Born of bands like The Clash, The Jam, The Specials, and singing about what's important to them now. Which in this case is crusty cunts who refuse to change. But as always the music comes first. Melodic, but with a sense of urgency and anger. A song that, for all it's obvious influences, feels immediate and relevant.

3. Who do The Spitfires sound like? 

SHARP/SHOCK, The Rifles, and The Jam. 

4. What have the press said about New Age? 

“Speaks to the youth and welcomes a new age of British guitar music” – New SoundExpress. 

“Loud guitars and energy with a sort of ‘back to basics’ approach” – Merch Bar.

“Their sound is original but full of the best of the best classic British guitar influences” – New Music Times. 

5. Which bands have influenced The Spitfires? 

Some of their influences are UB40, TOUTS, The Ordinary Boys, The Beautiful South, and Madness. 

6. Why should I give New Age a spin? 

For the Specials-eque breakdown or because you like music with a word to say. 

7. What other bangers do The Spitfires have? 

On My Mind is the one you want. 

8. Anything else? 

The Spitfires have supported both The Specials and Paul Weller (The Jam). 

Buster Shuffle are a ska rock'n'roll band from London. They started together in 2007 and have four albums in the vault. Buster Shuffle are similar to Madness and Heavyball. They are influenced by The Clash, Madness and Ian Dury. You're Alright is a track from their debut album Our Night Out (2010). 

Alex Lahey - I Haven't Been Taking Care Of Myself

1.    Who?

Alex Haley is a popular indie rock/punk musician from Melbourne, Australia. She broke big in 2017 with her debut album I Love You Like A Brother. I Haven't Been Taking Care Of Myself (Sept'17) is the third single from the album.


2. What?

I Haven't Been Taking Care Of Myself is a power pop/pop punk song that is catchy but you won't be embarrassed to get caught listening to it. It features typically wry Australian lyrics.


3. Who does Alex Lahey sound like?

No Doubt meets The Smith Street Band (and with Alex The Astronaut's lyrical self-depreciation).


4. What have the magazines said?

“Instantly accessible” – Triple J.

“The highlight of the album” – Punk News.

“A mighty chorus and weighty emotional punch” – NME.

5. Which bands have influenced Alex Lahey?

The Killers, Paramore, Bruce Springsteen, and Dolly Parton.

6. Why should I listen to it?

Because sometimes you like middle of the road music.

7. Does she have any more bangers?

Everyday Is The Weekend found it's way into many Best of 2017 lists and Lotto In Reverse is good.

8. Any more words? 

Zip.

“I’ve gained weight and I drink too much,

Maybe that’s why you don’t love me as much”

Amyl and The Sniffers are a pub rock/punk band from Melbourne, Australia. They have a rough as spilled guts sound of early 70's rock/pub punk. Their influences are AC/DC and Dolly Parton. Honestly. The band have two short E.P's. I'm Not A Loser is the first track from the second E.P Big Attraction (2017). It did prove to be a big attraction, and they scored opening slots for Weezer and the Foo Fighters in 2018. I'm Not A Loser is song with all the subtlety of a shit stain. 

“People look at me like I’m a hooker,

But I just want to be a venue booker”