THE ANGRY ITCH EP



Angry Itch are back with a new self titled EP and this time they mean it maaannnn!

For just over 12 months Angry Itch have been gigging in and around Birmingham, and up and down the country, gathering support and getting quite a few rave reviews along the way.  To celebrate their debut appearance at the recent Rebellion festival in Blackpool they managed to find time to get into the studio and record another four songs for this, their second EP.

And boy have they upped the bar this time.  The four choice tracks here proudly display just how far they have come in a really short time. 

It kicks off with the frantic I Hate You More, a melodic thrash of a song (from day one I've always found comparisons with the melodic hardcore of early Husker Du, only with a trademark Birmingham punk element stamped right through their sound). 

I Hypocrite is in the same mould, and why not? 

The brilliant Rise Again, with the audience participation closing refrain "They got kicked out... they're gonna start a riot" really shows just how savvy these guys are at putting together great songs that will just get engrained in your brain at the first listen. 

Closing song 1st Floor is my choice track, starting slower than most of their songs, it's a call to grab a beer and enjoy the company of great friends, before really kicking into life - if this doesn't have you singing along by the end, then I think we probably need to call the crash trolley and check for a pulse.

Angry Itch - 1st Floor

12 months ago I thought this band were amazing.  I've been lucky enough to catch them quite a few times since and I'm always left feeling like I've just witnessed something a little bit special (their appearance on the new band stage at Rebellion was astounding and one of the highlights not just of that stage but of the whole festival). 

Definitely one of the releases of the year so far - start spreading the fucking word - ANGRY ITCH are coming!

Check out their Facebook page for regular updates on forthcoming gigs including an appearance at Birmingham Punx Picnic at the Wagon & Horses on 6th September.  And I'm sure if you speak to John, Richard or Luke nicely they'll be able to hitch you up with a copy of the E.P.

https://www.facebook.com/AngryItch?fref=ts

https://twitter.com/angryitchband 
   

MENACE - G.L.C.

Nice little ditty dedicated to the very now defunct Greater London Council.  At the time of release the GLC had a resolutely right-wing administration, cutting spending, selling council housing and deprioritising London Transport.  But worst of all they tried to ban all punk gigs in London - luckily they failed!  Originally released in 1978 on Small Wonder records and Menace's second single.

 

Menace - G.L.C.

 

Spirit Bomb / Angry Itch / Complete Dysfunction / The Nerks - Live 1st March 2014

If you are standing outdoors at the beginning of March sipping cold lager then it must be another punk rock night at the Wagon & Horses. 

Tonight was a special night being the debut gig by Spirit Bomb but more on that later. 

The evening kicked off with Complete Dysfunction, with a slightly different line up to the one I’d seen last September.  Despite a few on stage sound problems they put in a good performance with their politically tinged songs. 

Next up were Angry Itch and these guys quite literally are going places.  2014 has got off to a busy start, already playing gigs in Birmingham and further afield in Portsmouth and Derby and sharing stages with the likes of 2 Sick Monkeys and Paranoid Visions and other local bands such as Rotunda and Brassick.  They have been picking up some extremely positive live reviews even featuring on John Robb’s Louder Than War blog and the word is spreading so much so that they have been invited to play on the new band stage at the Rebellion festival in Blackpool In August. 

 

 

And tonight’s performance was excellent.   The songs come at you fast and frenetically but have a sing along quality that pulls you in then grabs you by the jugular, refusing to let up until the trio have expended every last drop of energy out of them.  If they are this on form come August, then the Rebellion weekend is going to get off to one hell of a start. 

Although not actually headlining the evening was all about Spirit Bomb, tonight was their debut gig and the entry fee included a copy of their Killer in Your Stereo e.p. (and it's a corker).  Made up from members of local bands Drongos For Europe, The Liarbilitys and Vincent and the One Pots.  They entered the stage like a band of bad mother fuckers and from the opening notes they sounded like they meant it. 



A large and enthusiastic crowd saw them plough through a set of high octane punk rock n roll blending elements of their other bands and in their own words they wanted 'to make the kind of music we love, with passion, power, rock 'n' roll with a punk rock soul" and on tonight's performance they succeeded.  Exciting times ahead with Spirit Bomb.

(the rather cool Spirit Bomb photos courtesy of T.C.B. Photography / Chris Hill Photography)

Unfortunately I had to dash for the last train so left to the opening strains of the Nerks but hope to catch them soon.

Tonight really highlighted that there is a really great punk scene in Birmingham at the moment with regular gigs at a number of venues with lots of newish band such as Angry Itch and Brassick mixing it with the old guard like GBH and Drongos for Europe.  If you need any further proof check out how many Birmingham bands are on the line up for Rebellion and on tonight's performance it's gonna be epic.  Bring on the Birmingham Invasion! 

Links:
https://www.facebook.com/SpiritBomb4
https://www.facebook.com/AngryItch
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Nerks/328504867170942?fref=ts
https://www.facebook.com/ChrisHillPhotographyuk  
 

ANGELIC UPSTARTS -THE MURDER OF LIDDLE TOWERS

Angelic Upstarts debut single issued initially on their own label and then reissued by Small Wonder (with Rough Trade).  The song is about Liddle Towers who was arrested for being drunk and disorderly but was then beaten while in police custody and died several weeks later from the injuries sustained.  

 

 

Angelic Upstarts - The Murder of Liddle Towers

 

FM359 - WHEN THE PEOPLE CHECK OUT

Featuring members of Street Dogs, FM359 brand of acoustic punk have more to say and offer something a little different to the usual run of the mill punk side projects, definitely worth checking out.

 

 

FM359 - When The People Check Out

 

IVY GREEN - MISTER MISTER

Dutch punks Ivy Green - taken from their 1978 eponymous album

 

 

Ivy Green - Mister Mister

 

CROWNS- STICHES IN THE FLAG

 

So we came to jazz it up

“The Cornish self-styled ‘fish-punk’ four-piece released their debut LP Stitches In The Flag in November, and it was a catchy-as-fuck collection of ramshackle folk-rock that lodged in the head like a hammer”

May 2013,  Download line ups released. 40+ metal bands, 2-4 Punk bands.   A lot of bands I knew, a few I didn’t.  Every band i didn’t know of, I sampled.  Of all the bands I checked out, none caught my ear as much as Crowns.  I was in love at first note.  I listened to one song, and then another and then another and before I knew it, I had listened to every song from the album Stitches In The Flag, it was only Saturday and I had already made out my playlist for the week.   It was Stitches In The Flag on repeat.  Was now looking forward to Download more than ever.  I had to change my schedule around to fit Crowns in, but the way I was feeling that week, if Metallica and Rammstein had both been on at the same time as Crowns, I may have been the only man at the Pepsi Max stage getting my punk on.

With Indie folk becoming more popular in the last few years, Crowns are set to top the latest trend.  With their debut album out on their own label ‘Ship Wreckords’, Crowns are on a mission to set up themselves with a unique sound nobody can turn a nose up to.

Hailing from Cornwall, their nod to traditional Cornish folk music is clearly evident throughout their album. From the first track this album lays down what this band are all about.  After that this album gets catchier and catchier with every song. 

The album is full of reference to their hometown of Launceston which can be heard on tracks such as ‘China Clay’  – “people live here more than twice a year” is a clear dig at the nature of Cornwall as a second home location and is a standout song on the album with single written all over it.

The album is full of short, punchy tracks which really give us an idea what Crowns are about.  Although not necessarily a band I would immediately be drawn to, ‘Stitches in the flag’ has impressed me and leaves me wanting to experience their live shows again and again.

At their first attempt, Crowns had me searching in my collection for other folk punk albums. It’s not easy to put a description on the songs, feel good punk maybe? Makes you smirk as you sing down your nose punk maybe? Somebody knew what that feeling was, Spider Stacy from the Pogues.  Who after hearing the magic, invited Crowns to join them on their Christmas tour.  After that it seems to be a rollercoaster of punk fame for the boys from Cornwall. Joining King Blues and the Cerebral Ballzy on tour was just another step on the stairway to stardom.

Warning – Make sure you have at least a free 30 minutes before entering this album into your CD player. So those who are either heavily pregnant or have a problem which means you have to leave the room on call, stay away. This album will not let you go quietly.

 

Blake

Song of the Week - Dropkick Murphys - Rose Tattoo

The pictures tell the story
This life has many shades
I’d wake up every morning and before I’d start each day
I’d take a drag from last nights cigarette
That smoldered in it’s tray
Down a little something and then be on my way

I traveled far and wide
And laid this head in many ports
I was guided by a compass
I saw beauty to the north
I drew the tales of many lives
And wore the faces of my own
I had these memories all around me
So I wouldn’t be alone

Some may be from showing up
Others are from growing up
Sometimes I was so messed up and didn’t have a clue
I ain’t winning no one over
I wear it just for you
I’ve got your name written here
In a rose tattoo

In a rose tattoo
In a rose tattoo
I’ve got your name written here
In a rose tattoo

This ones for the mighty sea
Mischief, gold and piracy
This ones for the man that raised me
Taught me sacrifice and bravery
This ones for our favorite game
Black and gold, we wave the flag
This ones for my family name
With pride I wear it to the grave

Some may be from showing up
Others are from growing up
Sometimes I was so messed up and didn’t have a clue
I ain't winning no one over
I wear it just for you
I’ve got your name written here
In a rose tattoo

In a rose tattoo
In a rose tattoo
I’ve got your name written here,
In a rose tattoo
In a rose tattoo
In a rose tattoo
I’ve got your name written here
In a rose tattoo

This one means the most to me
Stays here for eternity
A ship that always stays the course
An anchor for my every choice
A rose that shines down from above
I signed and sealed these words in blood
I heard them once, sung in a song
It played again and we sang along

You’ll always be there with me
Even if you’re gone
You’ll always have my love
Our memory will live on

Some may be from showing up
Others are from growing up
Sometimes I was so messed up and didn’t have a clue
I ain't winning no one over
I wear it just for you
I’ve got your name written here

In a rose tattoo

In a rose tattoo
In a rose tattoo
I’ve got your name written here,
In a rose tattoo
In a rose tattoo
In a rose tattoo
With pride I’ll wear it to the grave for you
In a rose tattoo
In a rose tattoo
I’ve got your name written here,
In a rose tattoo
In a rose tattoo
In a rose tattoo
Signed and sealed in blood I would die for you




Dropkick Murphys - Rose Tattoo video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9d8SzG4FPyM

Song of the Week - Louise Distras - Stand Strong Together

LOUISE DISTRAS - STAND STRONG TOGETHER

The music that brings us together
is the same thing that tears us apart
Stand strong together with unity in your heart

Voice in the street sells broken lies
Shoulder to shoulder stand in line
... Scar of your heart you cannot fight
The day has fallen into night

They put us down in every way
It only makes us stronger every single day
Broken window scar tattoo
Waging war on the chosen few

You are punk, you are skin
If you fight the government wins
It's your life, don't give in, unite and win
Born original loyal and true
Waging war on the chosen few

The music that brings us together
is the same thing that tears us apart
Stand strong together with unity in your heart
Breaking rules in everyway, the working class is here to stay
with unity in our hearts!
 
Stand Strong Together video here:

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeIR3HFlYrU

Check out Louise's website here:

http://www.louisedistras.co.uk/


 

GOD SAVE THE QUEEN - SEX PISTOLS

With the jubilee celebrations just around the corner a storm appears to be brewing and with the slightest sense of déjà vu it concerns the Sex Pistols and their God Save The Queen single. 

Back in 1977 the Sex Pistols were courting controversy left right and center and the release of their now infamous single, timed to coincide with the silver jubilee celebrations, did nothing to discourage the column inches.  The single reached number 2 on the official charts kept off the number 1 slot by Rod Stewart’s ‘I Don’t Want To Talk About It’.  It’s widely thought that the single sold enough copies to be number 1 and this led to accusations that the UK Singles Chart as used by the BBC, who in addition to the Independent Broadcasting Authority denied the single any airplay effectively banning it, had fixed the chart.

There have been suggestions in recent weeks that the single should be re-released to tie in with the diamond jubilee, prompting a call for all the ageing punkers (and no doubt their children, maybe even grandchildren) to get behind this movement and ensure the single gets to number one, thus righting 35 years of injustice.

It now looks as if Universal Records, who now own the rights to the Pistols back catalogue, are going to release God Save The Queen as a single in the last week of May. 

This in itself is causing a mini backlash with shouts of corporate sell out threatening to drown out the cries of No Future.

So what do I think? I think that most of us bow down to corporate pressure most of the time, sometimes because it's the only option, mostly because it's the easy option.  I agree with John Robb on his Louder Than War blog, God Save The Queen is truly one of the greatest rock 'n' roll songs of all time,  ands wouldn't it be wonderful just to stir things up a little bit once again, especially for the likes of Peter Whittle writing in the MailOnline who seems to be getting a little hot under the collar already.  Sorry Peter, just because you didnt like punk doesn't mean it went away.

So at a time when the charts are widely acknowledged as being insignificant I urge everyone to dig deep and spare a few pounds to ensure the jubilee is celebrated with a bang - and it is still a fantastic record.

And I'll tell you what I think - NEVER MIND THE BOLLOCKS - HERE'S THE SEX PISTOLS!

SEX PISTOLS - GOD SAVE THE QUEEN
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtUH2YSFlVU&feature=related

Check out what John Robb had to say about the Pistols release as well as lots of info on new bands on his Louder Than War blog here:

http://louderthanwar.com/sex-pistols-to-re-release-god-save-the-queen/

...So we came to jazz it up...

I bought this single a week or two after its release in August 1980.  We were on a family holiday at Weston Super Mare and I was 15 at the time.  Me and my brother had been heavily into music for around 18 months and really just buying anything that we could afford that was vaguely punk.  We were already big Clash fans by this time and having been exposed to the London Calling album, knew that they were capable of creating a varied sonic landscape and we loved their forays into reggae.  But this was something special.  I bought it from a record store in the indoor market and couldn’t wait to return home from the holiday so I’d got access to a turntable and could play it for the first time.  It seemed to sum up everything great about The Clash, Strummers voice had never sounded better and the band perfectly fused the link between punk and reggae.  In hindsight the song was the ideal stepping stone between London Calling and Sandinista.  My love affair with the Clash has continued for over 30 years and this song pretty much is ever present in any Clash mix tape that I put together.  And I still can’t go to Weston without a little bit of me longing for those days when visiting the record store in the market and being able to spend some of my holiday money on those punky 7”s was always the best part of the holiday.      

THE CLASH - BANKROBBER

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSl0w5Cqj-Y