THE FILAMENTS – LOOK TO THE SKIES

 
THE FILAMENTS have released a new track called “Rip-Off World” from their new LP “Look To The Skies,” out June 15th. You can listen to the new song HERE.
 
The band previously released the title track, “Look To The Skies,” which can be listened to HERE.
 
Since The Filaments reformed in 2009, they’ve taken their long-established track record of amazing songwriting and energetic stage performances to new heights, and have been steadily attracting swaths of new fans across England, Europe and the world. With multiple full-lengths and countless tours under their belts, these veterans are still full of drive, and roaring to deliver this amazing new album to the world.
 
This music, like the band, is really one-of-a-kind. Almost like UK ’82 style punk battered by a barrage of dub, 2-tone ska, psychobilly and even a bit of traditional Oi!/streetpunk. It creates an overall sound that is like nothing else; it has something for everyone, and a general appeal that gets people from all segments of the punk community dancing and singing along.
 
The Filaments are now absolute staples in the punk world, especially at the essential European festivals like Rebellion and Punk ‘n’ Disorderly; but they have also graced the stage at larger outdoor getups like Glastonbury (UK), and others. They are as punk as it gets, but because their music is so unique and SO FUN, and their positive message is so clear, they are by no means ‘too punk’ to scare off the masses. In fact, their very clear message rings even louder, and they stand out even more amidst a backdrop of so much banality.
 
TRACK LISTING:
1. Fuck The “Alt”-Right
2. Look to the Skies
3. Rip-Off World
4. No Men to Parade
5. Living in the Crosshairs
6. Underdogs
7. Tread Carefully
8. Ask No Favors
9. All We’ve Ever Known
10. The Verge
11. Killing Machine
 
CATCH THE FILAMENTS ON TOUR!
06/08/2018 – Dijon, France – Maloka Fest
06/09/2018 – Opwijk, Belgium – Loco Fest
06/16/2018 – London, UK – Underworld Camden (Record release show)
08/04/2018 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Rebellion Festival
08/09/2018 – Bristol, UK – Boomtown Festival
09/14/2018 – Derby, UK – Hairy Dog
10/06/2018 – Rennes, France – The Bobbleshop Rennes
 
Find THE FILAMENTS online:

ALKALINE TRIO ANNOUNCE US TOUR DATES IN AUGUST AND OCTOBER

[Photo credit: Jon Weiner]

Today, Alkaline Trio announce US tour dates in August and October. The August dates begin August 3 in Dallas, TX at The Bomb Factory and go throughout August 26 in Orlando, FL at House of Blues. The second leg picks up on October 4  in Santa Ana, CA at The Observatory and will conclude on October 18 in Santa Cruz, CA at The Catalyst.

Matt Skiba explains, “Seems like ages since we’ve properly toured and we couldn’t be more excited to get back out and play for the best fans a band could ask for. If people are half as psyched as we are then it’s gonna be a party!”

Fan club ticket pre-sale begins Monday June 11 at 10 am PST at http://alkalinetrio.shofetti.com. Public pre-sale begins Thursday June 14 at 10 am local time.

ALKALINE TRIO TOUR DATES

Aug 03 Dallas, TX – The Bomb Factory

Aug 04 Austin, TX – Emo’s Austin

Aug 06 St. Louis, MO – The Pageant

Aug 08 Royal Oak, MI – Royal Oak Music Theatre

Aug 09 Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom

Aug 10 Columbus, OH – Newport Music Hall

Aug 11 Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom

Aug 13 Millvale, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre

Aug 14 Baltimore, MD – Rams Head Live!

Aug 16 Sayreville, NJ – Starland Ballroom

Aug 17 Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel

Aug 18 Boston, MA – House of Blues

Aug 19 Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory

Aug 21 Norfolk, VA – The NorVA

Aug 22 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle

Aug 24 Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works

Aug 25 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade – Heaven

Aug 26 Orlando, FL – House of Blues

Oct 04 Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory

Oct 05 Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern

Oct 06 San Francisco, CA – Warfield Theatre

Oct 08 Portland, OR – Crystal Ballroom

Oct 09 Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo

Oct 11 Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

Oct 12 Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium

Oct 14 Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl

Oct 15 San Diego, CA – House of Blues

Oct 16 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre

Oct 18 Santa Cruz, CA – The Catalyst

All dates with together PANGEA as support

 

For more information on Alkaline Trio, visit:

https://alkalinetrio.com

https://www.facebook.com/alkalinetrio/

https://twitter.com/alkaline_trio

Anthony Bourdain

The first thing I read this morning was news of Anthony Bourdain’s suicide. I didn’t know him personally. I never met him as a fan, but he inspired me. He took me to places I never thought to go, and on adventures I would not have otherwise had.

Through his books and shows I was inspired to travel on my own. I was inspired to read. I never know of the love I would grow of travel books. If it weren’t for Tony, it’s less likely I would have ever sought out a copy of Down and Out in Paris and London, or The Idiots Abroad. There are countless books that may have never met my gaze without that gentle nudge.

I was also envious of Anthony Bourdain. The veneer that I saw was framed in a very enviable way. Even in the midst of lockdown gunfire in Lebanon, the spirit of the intrepid adventurer was palpably alive. It was adventure TV though, and it’s the show’s job to make you want to be in the host’s place. For me, it did.

Several years back I took the opportunity to visit Bombay Beach, on the Salton Sea. It’s not precisely a resort destination. It’s not a place that I would have likely otherwise gone, but I saw the No Reservations Southwest episode where Anthony visited the Ski-Inn. I thought it seemed outer-worldly fascinating. I stopped at the Ski-Inn as well and sat at the same bar stool that Tony had sat in. It felt like a very tiny brush with a personal hero.

Anthony Bourdain seemed like the king of the world, a defiant, rebellious, and dashing culinary adventurer. I wanted to be like him. Travel the world. Take in the culture. Float down the Amazon, dine in the mountains, have drinks and bbq on the rooftops of Medellín.

Yet everything is not always how it seems.

I’ve got some tears in my eyes as I write this. Don’t be too proud or afraid to get help. Depression recognizes no station in life, affecting kings and cooks alike.

Please, if for any reason you need help, there is help out there:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255
Available 24 hours everyday

My sincerest condolences to all of Anthony Bourdain’s family, friends, and fans.

-Jerry Actually

Bargain Bin Heroes – Droppin’ The Deuce

Ahhhhhh yeah, the soothing sounds of the 3rd wave of ska. Say what you want, but the mesh of distortion, horns, and pop sensibilities with the upstroked, unity-filled, jumped up Kingston-come-London of two-tone really floats my boat. Droppin’ The Deuce, new from Florida ska act, Bargain Bin Heroes is currently the ska water keeping my boat afloat.

The new “EP” provides eight tracks (and a bonus) of fun-filled good times. I can wax nostalgic all day about this I suppose: Sounds of Mustard Plug, Buck O Nine, MU330, LTJ, and the rest fill my ears and it puts me at ease. I don’t want to pigeonhole the sound or any such thing, as all bands bring their own dynamic to any given genre they pursue. Bargain Bin Heroes are no exception. They’ve got their own take on what is now a fairly venerated sound.

All the tunes are performed abely, and the sound is tight, but not restrictive. Evidently this EP was mastered by Roger Lima. (whom I’m sure you’re familiar with) I’m certainly in favor of the more peppy of the lot. Track 4 “Coming Home” is a personal favorite. It’s a bit more uptempo and has a nice bounce to it.

Bottom line is that if you are in any way a fan of 3rd Wave Ska, please do yourself a favor and check out Bargain Bin Heroes.

Cheers!

Jerry Actually

Bio:
Bargain Bin Heroes is a high energy Punk/Ska (and Touch of Reggae ) band from Fort Myers, FL.

We formed in the summer of 2014,And have played all over the state of Florida ,and performed with acts such as Mustard Plug, The Independents, Unwritten Law, Fenix Tx, Mephiskapheles,
Whole Wheat Bread, UNRB, Victims Of Circumstance, and many more local and touring bands.

We released our first self titled EP in fall of 2015 and quickly gained a strong following playing as many shows as possible. Fast Forward to 2018 and Bargain Bin Heroes is gearing up to release their follow up EP Titled “Droppin’ The Deuce” recorded in their home town and mastered by Roger Lima Of Less Than Jake. Droppin’ The Deuce is eight tracks of punk,ska,and reggae goodness.

¡No Acción! – Hymns of the Working Class

Gut and grit, check. A street punk old school hardcore vibe, check. Call / response bilingual vocals, check. Rock and roll, CHECK! I’m rocking the new EP, Hymns of the Working Class by Santa Cruz based ¡No Acción! and it is punk rock and roll that’s right up my alley. They tracks are brief, fast, and intelligible.

I’m not going to delve into lyrics and meaning. I’m just going to scratch the surface a bit. The songs are about fast cars, fast women, the working class, and social justice. I think that is something that might resonate with the kids, ya know.

The music is akin to SoCal staples like Social Distortion, The Cadillac Tramps, tempered with more NorCal punk like Rancid, all founded in the roots of whatever hardcore punk anyones listened to since before your dad could drive.

Here’s their website, http://noaccion.net Check ‘em out! Go see a show. Support local music!

Cheers!
Jerry Actually

Tracks:
1 Stand Together 02:14
2 Breaking Tides 02:17
3 Faster 02:00
4 Salad Bowl Rock’n’Roll 02:30
5 ¡No Accion! 01:50

Bio
¡No Acción! is a four-piece band with a Punk Rock attitude and a RockN’Roll soul. We grew up in the Salad Bowl of the Salinas Valley, stretching through Watsonville and on to Santa Cruz California. We’re the sons of the working class… los hijos de campesinos y la clase obrera.

Ease Up – Return to Sender

I’m giving a quick listen to the new three track EP by ska/punk/reggae band Ease Up. I suppose that two and a half songs may be more apt. There are certainly three tracks, but two are very distinct versions of the same song, “Return to Sender” (not a cover). Bear in mind, the order that I am listening to the tracks is not the order that they will be on the release. (See below)

If you are down with any of the above mentioned genres, I think you’ll be pleased with the results of the band’s efforts. The two versions of “Return to Sender” alternate between a decidedly 3rd wave initial take into an sun-drenched island reggae version, heavy on the sleepy ganja-laced vibe. The final track cuts back to the faster and heavier vibe of the first, but with a rather Sublime vs. Less Than Jake appeal.

At the end of it all, this is quintessential SoCal summer beach music. Ska and Reggae vibes mixed with a decent dose of punk swagger.

Cheers!
Jerry Actually

Track Listing:
1. Return to Sender (2:43)
2. Turnaround (2:58)
3. Return to Sender (Mix) (3:35)

Get some: http://www.easeupmusic.net

Fire Next Time – Knives

I’ve not heard of Fire Next Time until just today, but in all fairness, I’m so far out of the loop that I don’t know shit from Shinola any longer. Nevertheless, Knives is the brand new release from the punk rock band out of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

The one sheet says the band is “folk punk”. I don’t know that’s really the case. We can nitpick about genres/subgenres all damn day and never agree. I’m going to go ahead and call them punk. The tunes aren’t out of place on set with Against Me, Dead to Me, American Steel, Street Dogs or Social Distortion, so you file that however ya like.

Knives provides 10 tracks of riff heavy, hard rocking storytelling. I suppose that is where people might slap on the “folk” badge. The band has something to say. Good for them, say it.

What I hear though, is a great album of heavy driving punk rock, with some amount of sensible pop melody.

The band is on tour this spring / summer in Canada, if you live in the area, or are visiting our neighbors to the North, check ‘em out:

ON TOUR!
05.11 – Calgary, AB – Dickens
05.12 – Edmonton, AB – Brixx
05.13 – Saskatoon, SK – Black Cat Tavern
05.14 – Winnipeg, MB – Park Theatre
05.16 – Timmons, ON – The Working Class
05.17 – Hamilton, AB – Absinthe
05.18 – Toronto, ON – Hard Luck
05.19 – Montreal, QC – Pouzza Fest!
05.20 – Ottawa, ON – Maverick’s
05.25 – Regina, SK – The Mercury
05.26 – Medicine Hat, AB – The Silver Buckle

https://twitter.com/firenexttime

FIRE NEXT TIME – Knives
CD/LP/DIGI Release Date: May 4, 2018
With ten years under their belt, Fire Next Time’s latest album KNIVES is a culmination of shared experience, heartbreak and triumph. “My spirit is broken” are the first words screamed over a sea of distortion on the first track Wanderlust. The anthemic anguish meanders with Collars reading like a confession letter that will never be sent. Never afraid to proudly display their influences, a haunting Nebraska-esque quality is brought to Old Scratch thanks to the support of stellar Vancouver vocalist Jody Glenham. KNIVES is Packed with visceral imagery and leaves little room to breathe. The themes explored on the album are sure to please your inner cynic. In Walking Blind they are eager to remind us that, in the end, “we all choke.”

For Fans of: Against Me, Gaslight Anthem, Flatliners, Tom Waits, Off With Their Heads

SQUIDHAT RECORDS WELCOMES BAY AREA SKA LEGENDS MONKEY TO THEIR ROSTER

SQUIDHAT RECORDS WELCOMES BAY AREA SKA LEGENDS MONKEY TO THEIR ROSTER WITH THE RELEASE OF “INTERMITTENT” ON CD & LIMITED EDITION ORANGE VINYL

Las Vegas, NV, April 14, 2018 –SquidHat Records is proud to announce the release of Intermittent waves, the new album from Monkey. Available digitally, on CD or limited edition orange vinyl nationally and internationally through MVD Entertainment. The street date is 5/5/18.

The hardest working band on the West Coast is back with their sizzling sixth album! This 5 piece high-energy ska group from the SF Bay Area is famous for intense live shows and rock-steady rhythms that not only get the crowds dancing but have won them several awards, including the prestigious California Music Award. Monkey sets the pace for in-your-face ska, performing over 200 shows per year, while constantly recording and touring.

Archie and The Bunkers Cover The Screamers

Stream “122 Hours of Fear” via Dangerous Minds

Songs From The Lodge Out 4/20 on Dirty Water Records (pre-order)
Archie and The Bunkers is the Cleveland-based duo of Emmett and Cullen O’Connor, brothers who have been playing music together for as long as they can remember. With Cullen on organ and Emmett on drums, they play “hi-fi organ punk” and have made a big splash since forming in 2013, sharing stages with everyone from Iggy Pop and The Sonics to Echo and the Bunnymen, Black Lips, and Thee Oh Sees and releasing music on Norton, In The Red, and Jack White’s Third Man Records.

Today, they share a cover by one of their biggest influences, LA synth-punk band The Screamers. Dangerous Minds caught up with the O’Connors to chat about their journey — which started when they were just thirteen and fifteen years old — and their new album, Songs From The Lodge, due out next week on Dirty Water Records. You can read the piece (which also includes anecdotes from former Cramps member Nick Knox & Norton Records founder Miriam Linna) here, and stream the duo’s take on “122 Hours of Fear” via SoundCloud.
Archie and The Bunkers will celebrate the release of their new album with a hometown show at Mahall’s on April 28th — more info here.

Songs From The Lodge is currently available for pre-order.
   Track Listing:           
1. Bill’s Bad Day
2. You’re My Pacemaker
3. She’s A Rockin’ Machine
4. The Cutting Edge
5. Riot City
6. Fire Walk With Me
7. The Roaring ’20s
8. Laura
9. Lost in Today
10. Midnight Attraction
11. 122 Hours of Fear

Rebel Spies – RISE!

I had this album collecting a little bit of dust on my desk and I feel a bit remiss about not having reviewed it sooner. The album actually came out late 2017. I’m sorry I didn’t get to it sooner, because I think these guys need a shoutout. At any rate, I’m here now, and here it is.

RISE! Is the debut full length from Rebel Spies, a Detroit area hardcore punk band featuring past and present members of the Suicide Machines, Telegraph, Hellmouth, HiFi Handgrenades, fordirelifesake and many more. Pedigree aside, the album rocks through 11 tracks of punk rock, with solid riffs, compelling intelligible vocals, and whole lot of guts and heart.

I’m going to offer you a bit of an odd comparison as to what I’m making of the sound, so bear with me here. Rebel Spies sounds a bit like if Rob Hellford’s slightly more gravely throated brother was singing lead vocals for a bit more punk/metal version of The Lawrence Arms. … Maybe I’m off my rocker here, or maybe it’s that I’m a bit hungover, but that’s the vibe I’m picking up.

While the band bills itself as a hardcore punk band, the riffery doesn’t stick strictly in the punk/hardcore vein. Track four, A Domain of Evil (Chapter One) delves into some ska territory, but track five, A Certain Point of View brings it back solidly with an aggressive old school sound. Track six, See You In Hell takes it you into a more straight up Rock and Roll direction.

It’s punk rock. It’s hardcore. It’s rock and roll. It’s got a lotta fucking balls. Get some!

Cheers!

Jerry Actually

https://rebelspies.bandcamp.com/

https://undercomm.bandcamp.com/album/rise