September, 2022 - The Ginger Quiff

Pizza Crunch – That Serene Age – EP Review

September 28, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

Pizza Crunch are undoubtedly one of my bands of 2022, so it is no surprise that their new EP, That Serene Age, which comes out this Friday, cements my love for a band who I nearly didn’t listen to initially because of their name. A name which I incidentally now love for a variety of reasons.

You may be familiar now with some of the singles that have preceded the EP, Wilting Youth is a particular standout for me and, I’d hazard a guess at it being one of my most listened to songs of the year. The titles of the other singles, Young Excitement and Romanticised Past, may give an indication as to the subject matter tackled on the EP.… Read the rest

Anti Social Worker – Annual Report, Q&A with Paul Wellings

September 26, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

(Courtesy of guest contributor Craig White)

Early Spring saw the release from out of nowhere of ‘Militant Business And Grime Poetry’, an album, as the title would suggest, of street poetry recited to a mix of urban and hip-hop sounds – It’s a very good collection of hard hitting tunes, the words likewise at times, but also autobiographical and tender as well. I produced a very favourable review, amongst others as positive, including one from his old colleague Attila The Stockbroker. It has received useful radio exposure, and he has taken his poetry to a number of festivals, appearances which drew much praise from contemporaries and audiences.… Read the rest

Return to Returned from Sea – Sister John live in the Glad Cafe

September 24, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

glad (adjective) “feeling pleasure or happiness”

I have to say that after a few weeks of feeling little pleasure or happiness, last night, The Glad Cafe was an appropriately named venue for the fifth birthday celebration of Returned from Sea, the gloriously emotional debut album from Sister John. Nights like this should be available on prescription. the power that live music can have over me cannot be emphasised enough.

I think I can be fairly sure I’m not just speaking for myself when I say how special this night was. A quick scan around the venue during Sister John’s set and I observing rapt faces entirely transfixed by the perfect performance from the effortlessly cool quartet of Jonathan (complete with broken finger), Amanda, Sophie and Heather.… Read the rest

Singles Round Up Part 8 – August 2022

September 5, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

Another month passes, and another cracking bunch of singles passes through Ginger Quiff towers… new bands, old bands, new songs, classic cover versions… you name it, it’s here. If you feel so inclined, share this blog and share some love for these songs. There is a link below to a Spotify playlist…(I know… I hate Spotify too). Follow the bands, buy their music.

The Fades – You Follow Me Around

The latest single to be released from forthcoming album, Night Terrors, is this boisterous garage rock romp with Dave writing & singing about what on the face of it seems to be about dealing with a cat that can’t leave him alone from the moment he walks through the door, I think all cat owners can relate to that, especially anyone that had to work from home during COVID.… Read the rest

Junk Pups – Live in Mono, Glasgow

September 4, 2022 By neilho27@sky.com

After being highly impressed by their brace of funky post punk singles, Front Yard Flamingo, opening the set tonight and the magnificent Miss Behave, I finally managed to haul my arse along to a Junk Pups gig. Last night they were sandwiched on a bill in Mono between Pinc Wafer & Lloyds House, and while both of them played strong sets, I’m going to focus all my attention on the extraordinary talents of Junk Pups.

I believe you could still count the number of gigs the band have played on both hands, despite this, they already have the assured confidence of a band that has been playing the circuit for a lot longer.… Read the rest