June, 2020 - The Ginger Quiff

Vulpynes – Sister – track review

June 24, 2020 By neilho27@sky.com

I’m way behind on catching up with new music. Work has been full on, but I’ve got a few days off now so a bit of breathing space to share my thoughts on a few recent single drops…

Dublin grunge punks, Vulpynes, recently dropped a new track Sister. Powerful duo Kaz and Molly are a force to be reckoned with, a boisterous duo with a luscious line in scuzzy grunge punk. Sister is as raw and visceral as you would expect. Vocals filled with rage and fury. “I’m your real friend, sister” the lyrics seethe, making you feel fear for that sister.… Read the rest

Shot Balowski – Eton’s Burning EP review

June 24, 2020 By neilho27@sky.com

Shot Balowski, the purveyors of one of the Ginger Quiff top ten album of last year, released a three track EP last week. If you are of the “keep politics out of music” brigade, look away now. Eton’s Burning is the lead lockdown anthem taking a swipe at the old boys’ club.

Kicking off with Debbie’s sonorous bass throb, the dynamic thrusting guitars crunch into life with Simon’s distorted vocal spitting venom backed by Tef’s thundering drums. The track ends on a plea. “Don’t dial 999”, in a squall of Manic Street Preacher style guitars. Class.

England’s (not) Dreaming

As a former Morrissey devotee, you may be forgiven for thinking I may be offended by track two.… Read the rest

The Claudettes: Johnny Iguana Interview

June 13, 2020 By neilho27@sky.com

Chicago’s piano blues based jazzsters with added rockabilly flare and punk attitude The Claudettes recently released their stunning new album High Times in the Dark. Reviewed by yours truly for Louder Than War. Shortly thereafter, their touring plans (along with those of every other band) to promote the record, including a trip over the Atlantic to the UK, fell foul of COVID 19. Leaving 2020 as a barren gigless wasteland.

Johnny Iguana

Lead Claudette and pianist extraordinaire, Johnny Iguana, took some time out to share some thoughts on the lockdown brought about by the pandemic, the new album, and the current world-wide climate.… Read the rest

Bob Vylan – We Live Here – album review

June 8, 2020 By neilho27@sky.com

I have been angry, truly angry. But ultimately, I know my heart is full of love.

In the last week or so my mental health has taken a dip. While I thought I was dealing well with the current situation, it would appear otherwise. I can’t put my finger on one particular trigger, the low point I reached was the culmination of several factors.

Anger (is an energy?)

I was an incredibly angry version of myself last weekend. So much so that I received a very scathing and personal direct message – accusing me of having “a lot of anger” and having “no love in me”.… Read the rest