Dustin Kensrue - Wrecking Ball

Dustin Kensrue is best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist in the rock band Thrice, as well as a solo artist.

As a solo artist he has released a number of albums, his last being 2016's Thoughts That Float on a Different Blood. His first live album, it was recorded over two shows at the Constellation Room in Santa Ana, California in December 2015.

One of the absolute standouts on the album is the cover of Wrecking Ball by Miley Cyrus. I always you can tell how great a song is by if it works in different styles. This is a great pop song that Dustin really makes his own. It takes on a whole new meaning and depth. A song that will give you the chills.

Bruise Control - Useless

Bruise Control are a 5 piece from Manchester who play an instantly recognisable style of shouty UK punk. It's familiar but fresh and it'll make you want to move around. There's 4 tracks on the ep and they're all energetic and gnarly garage bangers. It was released on a cool looking yellow cassette but this seems to have quickly sold out.

Useless is the opening track and it also appears on a very good compilation called Punk Without Borders which is in aid of Liverpool Migrant Solidarity Network.

Check both out below!

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Liverpool Migrant Solidarity Network

Red Alert - Too Many Goodbyes

Red Alert are a long running band from Sunderland who formed way back in 1979. The 2020 incarnation of the band sees original vocalist Steve "Cast Iron" Smith living just outside of Barcelona but still managing to carry out frontman duties ably aided and abetted by Mick Jones (guitar), Dave Jones (bass) and Axel Klempin (drums).

The new record is a split ep with French oi band 1984. Both bands contribute a couple of tracks each and the ep's available on 10" vinyl from Dirty Punk Records 

Too Many Goodbyes is a mid paced tribute to those rock n rollers that leave us too soon. The band's original guitarist Tony Van Frater sadly passed away in 2015 so I'm guessing he's very much the inspiration for this song.

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Dirty Punk Records

The Dead Milkmen - Punk Rock Girl

The Dead Milkmen are an American punk rock band formed in 1983 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their original lineup consisted of vocalist and keyboardist Rodney Linderman ("Rodney Anonymous"), guitarist and vocalist Joe Genaro ("Joe Jack Talcum"), bassist Dave Schulthise ("Dave Blood") and drummer Dean Sabatino ("Dean Clean").

The band distinguished itself in the hardcore punk scene of the early 1980s through its jangly punk sound and sardonic humor delivered with thick Philadelphia accents. They attracted college radio attention with their 1985 debut album, Big Lizard in My Backyard, and the song "Bitchin' Camaro". Extensive touring and further releases helped the band garner an underground following.

They enjoyed international success on the strength of "Punk Rock Girl", a single from their 1988 Beelzebubba album which entered into MTV rotation. After an ill-fated stint with major record label Hollywood Records, health problems and industry frustrations in the wake of their success led to the group's 1995 breakup.

The group reunited in 2008, with Dan Stevens replacing the deceased Schulthise. In 2011, they released The King in Yellow, their first studio album in 16 years. They remained active thereafter, touring sporadically and releasing further records.

Punk Rock Girl has been considered one of the first pop punk hits, as well as a breakthrough for the comedy rock genre. It remains the band's best-known song, and has been covered by numerous artists and licensed for a variety of media.

No Use For A Name - Justified Black Eye

Ah, back to the 90's and skate video's and games!

No Use for a Name (sometimes abbreviated NUFAN or No Use) was an American punk rock band from San Jose, California, United States formed in 1986 by Chris Dodge (guitar), Steve Papoutsis (bass guitar) and Rory Koff (drums). The band's sound evolved considerably through its career, starting off as a Bay Area-influenced punk band, moving on to a much heavier metallic-tinted sound to finally taking on a much lighter brand of melodic punk as the years passed. The band's career ended in 2012 following Tony Sly's death on July 31 of that year.

I could have gone with many songs and I will probably post more in the future, but I am going with Justified Black Eye today.

Days N Daze - My Darling Dopamine

Days N' Daze is a band from Houston performing a type of folk punk they have called 'H-Town Thrashgrass'. Promoting a strong DIY ethic, Days N' Daze independently records, produces, and promotes all their own music. Song themes range from anarchism and environmental issues to anxiety, alcoholism, and parties. They are known for their energetic live shows. Days N' Daze have toured extensively in the US, Canada and Europe, playing anything from house shows to festivals, playing alongside the likes of Leftöver Crack and Weezer.

They reccently released their 9th album since their debut in 2008, Show Me the Blueprints and I am going for a track from this album. If you like your folk punk catchy then this track is for you. In both a musical sense – rhythmic mandolin strumming and melodious trumpet playing – and lyrics-wise this hits the spot. Jesse and Whitney manage to make the dark topic of poor mental health, feel like a fun time. I imagine that’s not quite the intention here but it does make for a memorable song. I particularly enjoy how Jesse and Whitney sing in harmony in the chorus, really drilling the words home – ‘Oh, my darling dopamine, Does the reward outweigh the risk? Well I'm on the fence, Is a numbing normalcy on tap, Worth a week trembling and sick? And every time I tell myself's the last, ’Cause goddamn the price is high, To rot in comfort this gruelling routine, I’ve succumb to has grown so fucking old, I just want out.’. Fantastic.

Modern Shakes - Fair Do's

Modern Shakes are a four piece from London who formed in the early part of 2018. Since then they've shared the stage with the likes of Teenage Bottlerocket, Clowns, Billy Liar, A Wilhelm Scream and The Dopamines, alongside appearing at Might As Well Fest and Polite Riot Fest. They play a hook-heavy, uptempo, midwestern style of punk rock.

The song I am sharing today is the lyric video for their track Fair Do's which is taken from their upcoming second EP Someday, One Day.

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Mononegatives - Lower Animals

Mononegatives are a Canadian trio (featuring members of Isolation Party and Klazo) who play some 70's influenced raw punk meets new wave/synth-punk.

I don't know much more about them and there isn't much out there either other than they are from London, Ontario Canada and describe themselves as Synth Punk/New Wave.

This is Lower Animals

Bandcamp

Petrol Girls - Touch Me Again

Petrol Girls is an English punk rock band formed in London in 2012 by Ren Aldridge and Liepa Kuraitė, with Joe York and Zock Astpai joining later. The band is named after the historical Pétroleuses and is outspokenly feminist.

The song I am going with today is one of the most powerful that I've featured on here. One comment I have seen states that they sound like a female fronted At The Drive In).

This is Touch Me Again.

Heavens - Patent Pending

Heavens was an indie rock band featuring Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio, and Josiah Steinbrick. The duo signed to Epitaph Records and released their debut album, Patent Pending, on September 12, 2006. This is the only album released to date.

Although the music is entirely electronic and very `80s-inspired, it produces a really genuine sound and comes off as surprisingly organic. There's a complexity in most of the compositions that comes through the use of a number of layers and effects that don't rely too heavily on the `80s influence.

Today I am sharing lead single and title track Patent Pending. A great drum beat and some good Skiba vocals. This was recorded shortly after Alkaline Trio's Crimson album as an idea of where Skiba was at.

Nightmare of You - I Want To Be Buried In Your Backyard

Nightmare of You is an American indie rock band from New York City. Formed in 2004, the band currently consists of original founder vocalist Brandon Reilly, guitarist Joseph McCaffrey, and drummer Michael Fleischmann.

Brandon Reilly was originally a member of the now defunct band The Rookie Lot, alongside current members of Brand New; Jesse Lacey, Garrett Tierney and Brian Lane. After the band parted ways, he became the guitarist of The Movielife and then eventually formed Nightmare of You. More recently The Movielife have reformed and Brandon appears to have been working on solo music making Nightmare Of You inactive but still together over recent years.

Their self-titled debut was released in 2005 and it is a great album at that. Influenced by Joy Division / The Smiths / The Cure (delete as applicable). I am going with I Want To Be Buried In Your Backyard. Great volcals and that bassline....

This is the demo version

Dopamines - Public Domain

The Dopamines are an American punk rock band from Cincinnati, Ohio, formed in late 2006 by Matt Hemingway (drums), Jon Lewis (guitar, vocals) and Jon Weiner (bass, vocals). In 2008, Hemingway left the band and was replaced by Michael Dickson.

In 2010, the band released its second album "Expect The Worst" on Paper + Plastick Records, and went on tour with Paper + Plastick founder Vinnie Fiorello's band Less Than Jake. The new album was recorded by Less Than Jake guitarist Roger Lima and Teen Idols drummer Matt Yonker, and mixed by Descendents guitarist Stephen Egerton.

The track I am sharing today is Public Domain from that album. It is a great American punk rock type song. Everyone really does have a masters degree in telecommunicationary tactic with a minor in therapy, or so they think.

Anabollic Steroids - All For One!

The Anabollic Steroids are a London, UK, based band who formed in the late 70's. Piss takers with attitude, regarded as antagonists by Crass & Exploited fans alike. Gigging in London, they established a loyal fanbase dubbed the Steroid Barmy Army, before splitting in '83. They reassembled in 2012 to kill punk off once & for all. 

They recently released a new single, dedicated "to the Steroid Barmy Army and the glory days we shared."  It's an old school punk tune looking back in fond reminiscence and it features live excerpts from that 1982 gig at The Old Queens Head in Stockwell. You can get it name your price on Bandcamp.

Standard Issue - Like to Know

Standard Issue are a 3 piece melodic hardcore band from Riverside, California. They released a S/T ep at the end of 2017 and followed it up with The Cost Of War album and the Out Of Time EP. Earlier this month they were back with new album "Those Who Have Come Before" and it's one you definitely don't want to miss. All the songs are great though and the high octane pace doesn't take away from the melody which is present in abundance throughout. The vocals borderline what I like to listen to, but they do have some great energy.

Bandcamp

Rise Against - Give It All

Rise Against is an American punk rock band from Chicago. The group's current line-up comprises vocalist/rhythm guitarist Tim McIlrath, lead guitarist Zach Blair, bassist Joe Principe and drummer Brandon Barnes. Rooted in hardcore punk and melodic hardcore, Rise Against's music emphasizes melody, catchy hooks, aggression in both their sound and playing, and rapid tempos. Lyrically, the band is known for their outspoken social commentary, covering a wide range of topics such as animal rights, economic injustice, environmental disasters, forced displacement, homophobia, modern warfare, and political corruption.

The band spent its first four years signed to the independent record label Fat Wreck Chords, on which they released two studio albums, The Unraveling (2001) and Revolutions per Minute (2003). Both the albums were met with underground success, and in 2003 the band signed with the major label Dreamworks, which was absorbed by Geffen. Rise Against's major label debut Siren Song of the Counter Culture (2004) brought the band mainstream success, largely in part to the popularity of the singles "Give It All" and "Swing Life Away".

The track I am going with today is Give It All from Siren Song of the Counter Culture. It is a good introduction to the band from, probably, my favourite album from them.

Cockwomble - Henchmen

Cockwomble are a post punk trio from Brighton featuring a line up of Ali Gavan (vocals/guitar), Vicky Smith (bass) and Leah Dennison (drums) who apparently chose their magnificent name after seeing former pig bothering pm David Cameron described as a ham faced cockwomble.

They say their music should appeal to those amongst you who are fans of the likes of IDLES, Ramones, Undertones, Adverts, McClusky, Peter Paul & Mary and Husker Du.

Rumbling basslines and snappy, intelligent lyrics are very much the order of the day. "If you work for Captain Hook mate, you're basically a pirate."  I was only following orders has never quite cut it. This is Henchmen....

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Chas Palmer-Williams - Absolutely Some Regrets

Chas has been posted before. He is the singer of the ska punk band Lightyear and I saw him on the acoustic stage at Slam Dunk last year. I say "stage" as it was more a pallet with a couple of speakers. He is a great entertainer and didn't disappoint. He only had a 20 min set that included being told off by security, trying to get security to get on the top of a crowd made human pyramid amogst some songs. He released his solo album in 2015 but never really promoted it or played shows. The album's called American Smile British Teeth and it's a more laid back affair than his work with Lightyear. Citing his inspirations as The Weakerthans, The Hold Steady, Johnny Flynn, Frightened Rabbit and Propaghandi he's produced an album that'll appeal to anyone who enjoys honest, acoustic folk/rock music. He said he did Slam Dunk for a free ticket haha. I've said before that one of the things that draws me to stuff is the stripped down and imperfections. Chas is not a great singer or musician but the passion and clever lyrics are there for all to see.

Produced by Lightyear drummer Jim Harrison, this is the video to the song Absolutely Some Regrets.

Brand New - Sic Transit Gloria...Glory Fades

Brand New was an American rock band from Long Island, New York. Formed in 2000, the band consisted of Jesse Lacey (vocals, guitar), Vincent Accardi (guitar, vocals), Garrett Tierney (bass guitar, vocals), and Brian Lane (drums, percussion); they were joined by Benjamin Homola (percussion) for their live performances. From 2005 to 2013, the band also included Derrick Sherman (guitar, backing vocals, keyboards). The band is recognized as one of the most influential within the 2000s emo scene, celebrated for making artistic statements with their music while their peers aimed for commercial success.

Their second album, Deja Entendu, was released in 2003 and marked a stylistic change for the band, one that garnered an extremely positive critical reception. The album's first two singles, "The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows" and "Sic Transit Gloria... Glory Fades", both received airplay on MTV2 and Fuse TV, entering the top 40 on the United Kingdom Singles Chart. Deja Entendu was eventually certified gold in the United States.

Frontman Jesse Lacey had stated that the band would break up in 2018, along with T-shirt designs and lyric books which suggested that possibility.

In late 2017, Lacey was accused of sexual misconduct occurring during the early and mid-2000s. He issued a public apology on Brand New's Facebook page, prompting leading touring guitarist Kevin Devine and supporting act Martha to pull out of the upcoming European tour dates. The band later announced the postponement of all of their upcoming tour dates, which are yet to be rescheduled and, aside from a few unpublicized meetings at guitarist Accardi's Joshua Tree home and at a Texas studio, they have remained publicly inactive since November 2017, neither confirming nor denying the break-up of the band.

The track I am sharing today is Sic Transit Gloria... Glory Fades. A great bassline, catchy vocal work and a great singalong. It is one the crowd always went crazy for and even remember club nights going mental as well. It is a great example of the early to mid 2000 scene.

The Distillers - City of Angels

The Distillers are an American punk rock band, formed in Los Angeles, California in 1998 by vocalist and guitarist Brody Dalle. They broke up in 2006 with Dalle and Distillers guitarist Tony Bevilacqua went on to form Spinnerette. In January 2018, Dalle shared a teaser video from The Distillers' Instagram and a newly-opened Twitter account to confirm the return of the band.

Their 2002 album Sing Sing Death House is one that holds many memories of me at house parties and sleepovers. For a period it was the album that would be on repeat for those still awake at 5am. Not sure why...

I have gone with City Of Angels today as the song to share. Sometimes described as a "punk Courtney Love" (I fucking hate Courtney Love), Brody Dalle has some great punk raspy, sexy vocals that sound so much better than what Courtney Love can pull off live. One of my favourite songs by them. Catchy American punk rock.

Rotura - Insurrección

Rotura are a 3 piece anarcho punk band from Barcelona featuring members of Simulacro and Estigiä. They recently released a Self Titled 5 track ep which is available "name your price" on Bandcamp.

They remind me a little of one of my favourite Spanish bands, Accidente. Female vocals combine with melodic punk stylings and political lyrics to create a very palatable whole. Topics covered include rebellion in Latin America, euthanasia and repression. It's conveyed in their native tongue but Google will help you understand the lyrics on Bandcamp. All in all, a very promising debut.

This is the opening track, it's titled Insurrección...

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Pkew pkew pkew - Asshole Pandemic

Pkew pkew pkew (stylized as PKEW PKEW PKEW and after gunshot sounds) is a Canadian Punk rock band formed in Toronto, Ontario. Pkew pkew pkew's self-titled debut album was released on June 10, 2016 on Royal Mountain Records. In June 21, 2017 Pkew pkew pkew signed with SideOneDummy Records, and re-issued their debut album. They are slated to release their sophomore effort in March 2019.

They are a band that write some great punk rock singalong tunes and with the current situation this one hits slightly different now. Asshole Pandemic ticks all the stereotypes with plenty of gang vocals and woah's in there to keep everyone happy.

Los Candidatos - Cretina

Another band that sing in their native tongue are Bogotá, Colombia's Los Candidatos. They are an old school punk band who list amongst their influences the likes of Ramones, Riverdales, Social Distortion, Bad Religion etc...

Last November they released an album titled Premoniciones and it's recently been picked up by Outloud! Records and is available on vinyl, cd and digital download.

The tag line for the album is "13 tracks of Occult-Fueled Columbian pop punk!" and whilst, like with yesterday's update, I'm not sure what the hell they're singing about I'm still having fun listening. Cretina translates into English as idiot (though I'd just about worked that out before checking!) and it's a rollicking good tune.

Bandcamp

Faux Depart - Brûlé

Faux Départ are a 3 piece from Lyon and sing in their native tongue. They play tight and angular post punk sung by a vocalist who sounds as though he'd be equally at home in a street punk or oi band.

Their album came out in January on Destructure Records and even if I don't know what the songs are about I am happy enough just nodding my head and tapping my feet to some great tunes. Today I am going with Brûlé.

Bandcamp

Destructure Records

The Globs - Rebel Girl

The Globs are a lo-fi, pop punk band from Sacramento. They recently released an excellent album titled The Weird And Wonderful World Of The Globs, but today I am going with a cover of the Bikini Kill classic Rebel Girl.

It is part of a comp that is available at name your price that includes 22 covers of Rebel Girl. It's available both as a cassette and a name your price digital download and all profits go to Bay Area Girls Rock Camp.

The Globs interpretation of Rebel Girl puts an entirely new spin on things and would seem at home in a bright and breezy musical movie such as West Side Story or Grease. It is a great little track that deserves your attention.

Bandcamp - Riot Girl Comp
Bandcamp - The Weird And Wonderful World Of The Globs

Sex Dream - Lydia vs Daleks

Sex Dream are a Chicago based 4 piece who combine catchy pop tunes with the energy and punk attitude of The Ramones. They recently released a debut album, mixed & mastered by Marky Kobane and featuring 6 pop punk originals plus a beefed up version of Britney Spears' Oops I Did It Again. It's titled Candle On My Skin and it's sure to go down a storm with the bubblegum punk brigade.

The song I'm sharing today is the opening track, it's all silky smooth vocals, great backing harmonies and a rocking beat. And it features a girl in danger of being exterminated!

This is Lydia vs Daleks...

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Distrokid

Killed By Florida - My Vote Counts

Killed By Florida are an energetic thrash punk 5 piece from West Palm Beach who go by the names of Tard Nugent (Guitar), Dave Lee Tard (Vocals), Ricky Retardo (Bass), Leotardo DeCrapo (Drums) and Justard Timberfuck (Guitar). Creative!

They mix speed, power and anger to take aim ot targets such as homophobic Christians... those born with a silver spoon in their mouths... flag waving, gun toting, beer guzzling, God bothering assholes... and those that turn a blind eye to the creeping rise of the far right.

This track is topical given as we're only a few months away from the US elections and the choice for voters seems to be hardly inspiring. They have a choice to vote for the lesser of two evils in the knowledge that not much is likely to change. It's called My Vote Counts...

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CF98 - Dead Inside

CF98 are a Polish skate punk band who have really been making a name for themselves in recent years. Last month they released an EP titled Dead Inside and it is a great introduction to the band if you are not familiar with their work. The title track takes a little time to build but when it does you get the fast drums and some great vocals. The poppier side of the song will ease people into the song but the track has enough edge to please the hardcore punk rockers.

This is Dead Inside

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Yammerer - Life in the New Build

Yammerer are a post punk band based in Liverpool. They released their debut ep, Reality Escape Resort, last year and it earned them plenty of gushing reviews and comparisons with the likes of The Fall, Can, Gang Of Four, Wire, Minutemen...

They also released a record store day cassette which has recently been added to Bandcamp as a name your price download. Titled Donnay Death Housing Cryssis it features a couple of tracks that are both rambling and hypnotic.

Life In The New Build is from that cassette and is a little spiky track with some great guitar meanderings and is dominated by the in your face vocals. A good starting point if post punk is your thing.

Bandcamp - EP
Bandcamp - Record Store Day Cassette

Long Beach Dub Allstars - Owens Brothers

Long Beach Dub Allstars are a dub / ska / rock bannd formed in 97 in, erm, Long Beach. They have heavy links with other similar bands, with original members including Eric and Bud from Sublime.

On Friday they released a new album, their first in 20 years and it is fantastic. This is the kind of summer music I love!

I could have gone with many tracks and suggest sitting in the garden in the sun and just playing the album through. Owens Brothers, Breakfast Toast, Dream and Roof & Floor are early standouts for me. Great vibes, ska and a bit of dub thrown in as well for good measure. Nice album and perfectly timed.

The Sewer Rats - I Don't Wanna Go To The Dentist No More

The Sewer Rats hail from Cologne, sport 50's haircuts, watch 80's movies and play 90's style punk rock. 12 catchy tunes which having been produced by Brown Barcella (Apers, Manges, Peawees) and mastered by Jason Livermore at The Blasting Room (Descendents, Teenage Bottlerocket, NOFX) were always going to sound great but when played by a band this talented are guaranteed to get the pop punk fraternity talking.

The line up is Chris Gin, Schorni Walker, Dom Aqua and Archi Appleyard, their influences include Lillingtons, Face to Face, Stray Cats, Rancid, Social Distortion, The Clash, Hank Williams, Methadones etc and the buzzword is FUN! The album is titled Magic Summer and it features tracks about wanting more than the shitty 9-5 lifestyle, knowing your girl is having fun at the punk festival whilst you're all alone and sad and feeling nostalgic for the blood, sweat and beers of the good old days.

With a title straight out of the Ramones songbook, this is  I Don't Wanna Go To The Dentist No More...

Bandcamp

Monster Zero Records