Category: Music News

Social Distortion Postpone Summer Tour

Today, legendary OC punks Social Distortion announce that they have postponed their upcoming North American headlining tour due to the stage-one tonsil cancer diagnosis of vocalist Mike Ness. As he recovers from a recent surgery, the band is also temporarily halting the recording process of their eighth studio album. The previously announced tour, set to kick off on June 30th with support from fellow California rockers The Bellrays, is now being rescheduled for future dates. Check out the emotional statement from Ness below: 

“We think that life is going to go according to our plan, but it has a way of saying “I don’t think so!” 

In the midst of pre-production, I was diagnosed with stage one tonsil cancer. I was feeling well enough to continue with recording in the studio up until the very day before surgery.  The band and I were so inspired and excited to lay down these tracks, which by the way sound f-ing AWESOME!   

The recovery from surgery is a day-by-day process and in three weeks we start radiation and that should be the last therapy I need.  The team of doctors are certain that once finished with this course, I will be able to start the healing and recovery process.  We expect a full recovery enabling me to live a long and productive life.   

It breaks my heart to post pone tours, and this album release, but time is required to heal. I can’t thank our loyal fans enough who have been waiting so patiently for this. While it will take a little longer-I promise you that it will be delivered and it will exceed your expectations.  

I want you all to know that this has opened my eyes to a whole new struggle.  I know it’s one that many of you or your loved ones have personally endured, and my heart goes out to you-because I now know what it’s like from this heavy experience.   

I’m surrounded by love and support from my friends and family ESPECIALLY my lovely wife and incredible boys (oh and don’t forget my 3 dogs and kitty)  THANK YOU ALL in advance to our unbelievable fans for YOUR love and support right now.  ♥️ 

We WILL get through this….” 

Formed as rebellious teenage punks in the working-class suburb of Fullerton, California, Social Distortion survived their tumultuous youth to pioneer an undeniably honest and fiery brand of rock ‘n’ roll that would incorporate outlaw country, classic seventies punk and primal blues. Seven studio albums and countless electrifying live shows have earned the band a dedicated worldwide fanbase and catalog of timeless anthems including “Story Of My Life,” ”Ball And Chain,” “Prison Bound” and more. The band’s last release, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes entered the Billboard 200 at #4 and in 2019 they celebrated 40 years as a band. 

For More Info On Social Distortion Visit: 

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER 

ZEKE – New single “Ride Hard Ride Free”

Short, fast, loud, ZEKE!

New single “Ride Hard Ride Free”
due out June 9


Seattle punk legends ZEKE return with new recordings. “Ride Hard Ride Free” contains two tracks laced with ZEKE’s signature mix of turbo-charged thrash-punk and Motörhead possessed rock n’ roll and provides the first taste of ZEKE’s new album, which will be released later this year.

In 2022, ZEKE was unexpectedly reborn with founding members Blind Marky Felchtone (vox/guitar) and Donny Paycheck (drums) returning to the drum kit. They went into the studio with Jason Freeman (bass) and Jeff Hiatt (guitar), they were with ZEKE before and got back in, to record a new album. The first single “Ride Hard Ride Free” is everything you’ve come to expect – or want to hear from ZEKE.

A full-on thrasher celebrating speed in more ways than one, “Ride Hard Ride Free” has a very sharp style, with the band takes cues from old Motörhead rlffs, then fusing it with hardcore punk roughage. A modern ZEKE classic. They tie in here stylistically with “Death Alley”.

Produced by Jeff McNulty (Screamers, Blöödhag, Hell Bent For Letters) at Soundhouse in Seattle, WA, and mastered by Joe Bozzi at Bernie Grundmann in Los Angeles, CA. Cover photo by Mike Mitchell.

“Ride Hard Ride Free” will be released via Hound Gawd! and distributed by Amped (US/CAN), Rough Trade (DE/AT), Phonag (CH), Plastic Head (UK), Kuroneko (FR), Compact (PT), Border (Scan), PIAS (BeNeLux), Gran Sol (ES), Heathen Natives (GR), Audioglobe (IT), Hangfelvetelkiadó Kf (HU), Matrix (SI HR, RS) and Disk Union (JP).

The tracks are not available on Spotify, Apple Music and other digital platforms.

ZEKE recently completed a successful West Coast tour. The band also has a number of high-profile European performances scheduled in the coming months, including Sjock Festival in Belgium and appearances at Pitfest in the Netherlands and Sardina Fest in Spain. The group will return to America later this year. Stay tuned to www.zekeyou.com/tour for further details.

Ride with Zeke!

“Zeke are the dive bar that’s survived onslaughts of gentrification, knowing that the charm of lawless riffing and broken bottles never fades.“

– Pichfork


Visit ZEKE online:

Home

https://instagram.com/zekeband

https://www.facebook.com/ZekeBand

https://www.zekeband.bandcamp.com

THE DIRTY NIL READY NEW ALBUM 

Album Artwork by Carlo Schievano

The Dirty Nil, Ontario’s rock ‘n’ roll torchbearers, are emerging with their fourth album, Free Rein to Passions, and it’s a return to a more reckless approach for the JUNO Award-winning trio. In order to incinerate their apparatus, they had to destroy it completely. After experimenting with some smoother, more radio-friendly sounds on 2021’s Fuck Art, The Nil promptly returned to the studio and got back to the basics of what their band is about at its core—thrashy riffs, bashed out drums, and levels-to-the-max volume.

Set for release on May 26th, 2023 via Dine Alone Records, click here to pre-order Free Rein to Passions now.

“Fuck Art had a lot of singing on it. There were not a lot of parts where you could just jam out on riffs,” says frontman Luke Bentham. “Free Rein to Passions is a bit of a nastier record where we didn’t sweat the small insignificant details. If it sounded cool, we went with it.” The band pays homage to some of their loudest, gnarliest influences on Free Rein to Passions, with subtle nods to everything from Power Trip to the Jesus Lizard.

On the album’s catchy first single, “Nicer Guy,” The Nil reminds listeners that they also still wield the power to stitch a perfect, infectious pop hook into their rock fabric. “I’d been sitting on some of the guitar parts for a long time, husbanding them for a suitably righteous song,” Bentham explains. “In the depths of lockdown, I dusted them off and came up with the words. It was a happy day in an otherwise lonely time. Special shoutout to Kyle‘s extremely tight playing and Sam‘s stampeding elephant bass. Sincerity can feel uncomfortable, but this one feels right.”

Watch the accompanying “Nicer Guy” music video now.

Toronto’s Debt Cemetary Unveil New Single ‘Let’s Murderlize ‘Em!’

Debt Cemetary strikes again with the aggressive new single “Let’s Murderlize ‘Em!”. This hard-hitting release explodes with huge vocal harmonies and ripping guitar riffs that soar throughout the track.
Inspired by the height of the civil rights movements that spanned across the globe in 2020, the song reflects the thoughts and feelings of guitarist/vocalist Eddie Knowlton. Mixed and mastered by Matt Gauthier, this latest release from Debt Cemetary shows a new side to the band while keeping true to their original and unique brand of fast punk.

This latest single is further proof that Debt Cemetary is on the rise to bigger and better things.

Public Serpents – When Pigs Lie (Official Music Video SBÄM Records 2023)

New Jersey crust-ska punks Public Serpents (featuring former Choking Victim member Skwert Gunn) released their new song and video “When Pigs Lie” today. The video was shot and edited by Benjamin Clapp. Watch it below.

The Slackers Announce Reissue Of “The Question” 2xLP

Available On March 3rd Through Pirates Press Records And March 24th Through Record Stores Comes In Two Different Variants

New York City, NY — February 10, 2023 — Legendary reggae act THE SLACKERS have announced that their 1998 album, “The Question,” will be reissued via Pirates Press Records. The double LP, available in 12″ Black and 12″ Blue & Green ‘Galaxy’ vinyl, will be available on March 3rd on Pirates Press Records’ webstore and on March 24th in record stores around the world. This release is the latest chapter in the fruitful relationship between The Slackers & Pirates Press Records. With the reissue of “The Question” joining those of “Redlight,” “Wasted Days,” and “Live at Ernesto’s,” the band’s LP output from their explosive creative period between 1997-2000 – as well as the acclaimed 2006 LP “Peculiar” – are all back in print on vinyl for fans & collectors alike! The band has also issued their best-selling brand new LP “Don’t Let the Sunlight Fool Ya” via the label, alongside numerous 12″ and 7″ singles.

“The Question” was originally released in 1998 on Hellcat Records and followed up their breakthrough, critically-acclaimed release “Redlight.” While “Redlight” put them squarely in the spotlight of the reggae and ska scenes of the late 90s, “The Question” undoubtedly reaffirmed that they were deserving of such recognition. CMJ’s Mark Woodlief proclaimed “The Question” was “…one of the brightest and most understated moments of the modern ska era.”

The Slackers took no time in 2022 making up for two years of inactivity due to the pandemic. Last spring, the band released “Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya” which hit #1 on the Billboard Reggae Charts. They coupled this with relentless touring and could’ve easily rest on this. Instead, they then released a two-song 12″ UV printed record called “New York Berlin / Tell Them No” which added two more tracks to their already massive catalog.

In support of these new releases and reissues, the band will continue to travel the world including an already announced U.S. tour coupled with several European festival appearances.
Rolling Stone has hailed The Slackers as “THE legendary New York City ska band” and this is by no means hyperbole. Having formed in 1991, The Slackers released their debut album in 1996, “Better Late Than Never,” and then signing with Epitaph Records and releasing their breakthrough full-length, “Redlight,” in 1997. From there, the band traveled the world and began to develop a prolific audience through their fun and energetic shows.

14 full-lengths later, countless EPs, singles, and touring all around the world playing to thousands and thousands of fans from Tokyo, Japan to their hometown of New York City, The Slackers have remained the standard bearer for modern ska and reggae. Marc Wasserman, author of “Skaboom! An American Ska & Reggae Oral History,” says The Slackers’ “…songs are about real darkness, depression, anger, sadness and loneliness, and some of the political songs as well are pretty vibrant.”

The New York Times dubbed the Slackers part of ‘the sound of New York,’ and The Slackers just keep at it, only improving with age and experience – writing better and better songs, and continuing to build and strengthen that global Slackers family. Washington Post has described the impact The Slackers have left on the ska scene: “The Slackers have become the elder statesmen in American ska music, setting the stage for a new generation of musicians and a thriving scene….they remain at the top of their game.”
Catch The Slackers on tour:
04/17/2023 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
04/18/2023 – Charleston, SC – Tin Roof Alley
04/19/2023 – Charlotte, NC – Neighborhood Theatre
04/20/2023 – Blacksburg, VA – The Lyric
04/21/2023 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage
04/22/2023 – Croydon, PA – Broken Goblet Brewery
04/23/2023 – Pittsburgh, PA – Crafthouse
04/25/2023 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop
04/26/2023 – Buffalo, NY – Mohawk Place
04/27/2023 – Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Opera House
04/28/2023 – Kitchener, Ontario, Canada – The Hub
04/30/2023 – Ithaca, NY – Deep Dive05/17/2023 – St. Louis, MO – Blueberry Hill
05/18/2023 – Kansas City, MO – Madrid Theatre
05/19/2023 – Omaha, NE – Slowdown
05/20/2023 – Denver, CO – TBA
05/21/2023 – Colorado – TBA
05/23/2023 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
05/25/2023 – Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
05/26/2023 – Flagstaff, AZ – Yucca North
05/27/2023 – Las Vegas, NV – Punk Rock Bowling
8/03/2023-8/05/2023 – Blackpool, UK –  Rebellion Festival
08/08/2023-08/11/2023 – Tolmin, Slovenia – Punk Rock Holiday

The Slackers are:
Vic Ruggiero – vocals, organ
Agent Jay – guitar
Dave Hillyard – saxophone
Glen Pine – trombone, vocals
Marcus Geard – bass
Ara Babajian – drums

Alberta Canada’s Trashed Ambulance Release New Standalone Single “Cyntax Error”

Alberta Canada’s Trashed Ambulance has unveiled the new standalone single “Cyntax Error,” which follows on the heels of the band’s third LP, 2022’s critically celebrated ‘Future Considerations.’

The single is a loving tribute to Thousand Islands Records label co-owner and label manager Cynthia Charpentier, in honor of her recent birthday. The band says, “When a great friend/mom-ager turns 40, you have to make sure she feels the love. This song is an ode to Cynthia for always kicking ass and taking names while being the best gal East of the Saskatchewan River!”

Stream “Cyntax Error” here: https://bfan.link/cyntax-error.

Cyntax Error Written by Josh Hauta, Jason Ezeard, and Riley Bourne Guitar/Vocals – Josh Hauta Bass/Vocals – Jason Ezeard Drum/Vocals – Riley Bourne Additional Vocals – Casey Lewis Recorded at Echo Base Studio in Calgary, Alberta Recorded, engineered, and produced by Casey Lewis. Mixed and mastered by Casey Lewis.

Inspired by the likes of Pulley, Face to Face, and The Flatliners, Trashed Ambulance continues to churn out gloriously angry yet hopeful punk anthems! Formed in 2014, Trashed Ambulance has survived a plethora of member changes and hangovers to continue forging ahead as a reputable option in the Central Alberta punk scene.

With a handful of EPs, LPs, CDs, and cassettes already under their belt, the boys hit Echo Base Studio in Calgary to work with Casey Lewis (Belvedere) on their most recent LP ‘Future Considerations.’ To date, the band has shared the stage with such punk juggernauts as Face to Face, Belvedere, Voodoo Glowskulls, The Real McKenzies, The Murderburgers, and Ten Foot Pole and have even made an appearance at Pouzza Fest – Montreal’s annual premiere punk fest.

The guys already have some Western Canadian tour dates lined up and plan on terrorizing as many pubs, curling rinks, and bowling alleys as they can play this year.
Trashed Ambulanced Cyntax Error

Hit The Dirt Release Lyric Video for Heart Social Chlamedia

Berlin skate punker’s Hit The Dirt have released a lyric video for their song “<3 Social Chlamedia”. The track appeared on their Six Pack EP that was released earlier this year via High End Denim Records.

The band had this to say about the song: “<3 Social Chlamedia is a song about how our phones, social media and the modern digital world in general has taken over our lives. From the moment we wake up until the moment we go to sleep, we are mostly addicted to this crazy digital world inside of our phones.”

Sludgeworth Release Losers of the Year on Vinyl

SLUDGEWORTH, CHICAGO PUNK PIONEERS, TO RELEASE ’95 COMPILATION, LOSERS OF THE YEAR, ON VINYL FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME

For the uninitiated, Sludgeworth are Chicago punk pioneers from the 1980’s that released a posthumous collection/discography album on Lookout Records back in the day — and it sold tens of thousands of copies, which was impressive for a defunct band. With members of Screeching Weasel, they had obvious leanings towards melodic punk, but they also had a quintessential Midwest sound mixed in with some post-punk. Think Naked Raygun and Fugazi.

And now, for the first time ever, Red Scare Industries is releasing Sludgeworth’s first and only LP, Losers of the Year, on vinyl and streaming services. The CD/digital version is getting two previously unreleased tracks: “To Be The Same” and “Here For A While.”

The reissue also comes with live photos from back in the day and liner notes featuring contributions from Naked Raygun’s Jeff Pezzati, Rise Against’s Joe Principe, Mikey Erg, Dillinger Four’s Patrick Costello, and more. It comes out on Friday, December 9 (pre-order).
“This has been in the works for well over 5 years. I know Dan (Sludgeworth singer) from The Methadones records we did. He gave me the green light, but it took ages to track down the audio for this. When I finally had the good sense to contact Chrisser (Appelgren, President/Owner of Lookout Records) he immediately wrote back that he had one last shoe box of tapes, but it was unlikely. Minutes later I got an email that was basically, ‘Ope, I’ll be damned, it’s in here!’ He overnighted me the DAT tape and that was the first promising sign! He’s one of the real heroes of this salvage project. Something else I found out: not easy to transfer a DAT tape these days! I know all sortsa fancy studios, but no one can keep a machine in working order because they’re impossible to maintain. And since THE VERY LAST copy of the master audio were in my hands, I wasn’t about to put it in the mail. Next stroke of luck was that I learned Arik from Creep Records still had a working machine and he hooked me up. He’s hero #2 in this tale! When we were transferring files he was like, ‘Damn, this is good!’ Yet another promising sign! Obviously the art was lost to the winds and there’s literally no band pic or promo shot, so Eric from Wall of Youth had his work cut out for him, but he pulled it off. The final package came out great: we got a buncha live shots and some blurbs from Sludgeworth’s contemporaries. Folks like Jeff from Naked Raygun, Joe from Rise Against, Mikey Erg, Patrick from Dillinger Four, etc. It took some time to cobble together, but I think people will be stoked to finally have a vinyl copy of this.” – Toby, Red Scare
1. Waste It Away
2. Someday
3. Anytime
4. Only One
5. Another Day
6. I Analyze
7. Never Say Never
8. Follow
9. Over And Over
10. She’s Not Disposable
11. Cry Baby
12. Nearest One To Stand Behind
13. Angry Man
14. Two Feet On The Ground
15. You And I
16. To Be The Same*
17. Here For A While*
*CD Only Bonus Tracks