March, 2019 - The Ginger Quiff

Cockwomble – Conspiracy EP

March 29, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Cockwomble continue to impress with their socially conscious pop punk ideologies on their latest EP Conspiracy.

Taking swipes at deserving targets throughout the four tracks on offer here the band are both eminently entertaining and laden with messages for those that should know better. “It was you” is the message they give to those who are convinced that everything is conspiring against them. “Has reality lost its grip on you” is the message as the antagonist of the song is ridiculed.

One track in and I’m screaming for a Cockwomble album to be released.

Sitting somewhere between The Ramones, The Toy Dolls and The King Blues, Cockwomble are the missing link between seriously solemn punk rock and the much-ridiculed pop punkers.,… Read the rest

PowderKeg – new EP

March 29, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Rock music has very much been pushed to the fore in recent weeks with the release of the Motley Crue biopic The Dirt on Netflix. Regardless of how funny/ridiculous/over the top/shocking/tragic (select your own preference) the movie is, it still doesn’t improve the band in my eyes, after all, Vince Neil cannot sing and apart from 2 or 3 songs (in my opinion) the band are awful (Home Sweet Home is a dreadful song). One final word on the impact the band and their chaotic lifestyle had – Razzle.

So, watch the movie, but then move on and listen to some quality home-grown rock music.… Read the rest

Rats from a Sinking Ship – With Love and Violence EP

March 21, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

“…with loves, and hates, and passions just like mine…”

Rats from a Sinking Ship have unleashed their new 7” EP and the words I have taken “on loan” from The Smiths Cemetry Gates sum it up perfectly. Rats have a passion for a cause that shines through on the somewhat confrontational songs on this EP. “I am a pacifist, don’t take that as a sign of weakness”. Lusty makes his point clear on lead track, he won’t mince his words.

The 4-track EP is titled “With Love and Violence” handing out equal degrees of each to the pro- and antagonists in the songs in question.… Read the rest

Red or Dead: Plugged – EP review

March 20, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Red or Dead have a new 4 track EP “Plugged” out imminently

They have ramped things up a few notches with this release. Robin Murray’s love of The Clash shines through on these 4 tracks of punk influenced rock ‘n’ roll. The Clash aren’t the only punk influence on show here with elements of X-Ray Spex apparent on a couple of tracks.

One of these is Decontrol, the opening track on the EP. The track references several punk songs (and ideologies) along the way. Remote/Complete Control obviously, with lyrics advocating the many taking back the power form the few, with lyrical nods to songs of The Damned and The Stranglers, smashing things up and pleading that something better change.… Read the rest

VoiceX: Live in Glasgow (Mono Café Bar)

March 11, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Waiting

I have been waiting some time to see a live performance from post-punk “supergroup” VoiceX and I’m pleased to report they were worth the wait. It is just a shame that more of Glasgow’s gig going punters couldn’t have witnessed the set. But never say never, there is always next time…

There were several gigs around the city that could have led to indecision and taken away some of the band’s potential audience. The punk crowd having the options of the MeninBlack and the Bard of Salford in town. There was also a potential crossover and carve up of the audience with an all-day gig at the Glad Café celebrating International Women’s Day featuring several bands L-Space and Curdle among them.… Read the rest

Jason How – Seven Mile Lane – Album Review

March 6, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Jason How returns with his fourth album, here he continues to demonstrate and hone his innate skill for writing addictive melodies and hooks, telling stories and painting pictures that draw the listener into his world.

This time around, he has taken inspiration from his home surroundings and his experiences cycling around the Kent countryside. On Seven Mile Lane he manages to turn the everyday into sunshine soaked harmonies, and intriguing tales as well picking up local myths and legends of the deeper darker murkier tales that often go un-noticed or get forgotten over time.

“Say goodbye to sorrow” is one of the lines from opening track She Can Make Me See.… Read the rest