The Godfathers – This is War! – Live

February 9, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

Live music

Live music. It is all consuming. It is a therapy. A great gig can have so many positive effects on the soul, on mental health, it can take away all the shite of the day and help you escape to another dimension where all that matters is the music.

I have come out of so many gigs in my life and uttered something along the lines of “best gig ever”, every gig can be the best gig ever, just because of living in the moment. The euphoria and endorphins released due to the pure unadulterated enjoyment of experiencing everything that goes along with.… Read the rest

The Lee Harveys – Resistance is Not Terrorism

February 2, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

If it wasn’t for a certain Garry Alexander Borland and Danny Mac’s Testifying Times Radio Show, I might never had heard The Lee Harveys. But, as it is, thanks to a recommendation from Garry, and Danny playing and interviewing them on his show, I am the proud owner of all their albums; Still Angry, Gun City and Bullet for the President.

I can now add to that their latest unmissable release Resistance is Not Terrorism. The 6 track EP comes on CD and on extended edition coloured vinyl. Side one of which is the EP with side two collating fan selected remastered highlights from previous releases.… Read the rest

New Year, New York

January 27, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

New York

The name conjures up so many images in my head. Granted, many are from the movies, but probably more arise from the allure the NY underground music scene holds for me, and the fascinating stories and tragic tales that surround it.

Times Square, New York Dolls, CBGBs, The Ramones, Johnny Thunders, Max’s Kansas City, Blondie, Patti Smith, Suicide, The Chelsea Hotel, Sid ‘n Nancy, Television, The Velvet Underground, Lou Reed…

“New York City is the place where they said: Hey babe, take a walk on the wild side”

Mainstream

In more recent years bands like Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Strokes, The Hold Steady and The National (among many others) rose to mainstream prominence having formed in, played their initial gigs or been associated with New York.… Read the rest

Joe Strummer Night – King Tuts, Glasgow: 22nd Dec 2018

January 4, 2019 By neilho27@sky.com

22nd December

22nd December 2002. A date that resonates with people of a certain age and musical persuasion. The date that saw the untimely death of a musical hero to many, John Graham Mellor. Better known to most as Joe Strummer, lead singer of the Clash, the Mescalero’s, Latino Rockabilly War, the 101ers…

22nd December. Since 2003, a date that is now also synonymous with an annual pilgrimage to King Tuts Wah Wah Hut in Glasgow to pay tribute to the man, the myth, the legend – Joe Strummer.

22nd December 2018. 16 years down the line was no different. Or was it?… Read the rest

The Ginger Quiff – Goodbye 2018

December 29, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

It is that time again…

Yes, it is that time again. Time to reflect on the year gone by as we approach the end of 2018.

In terms of music, I think you could say it was an up and down year.

On the plus side, the year that confirmed to me that while the charts are filled with artists who release/stream “tracks”, and in the last few days, HMV have announced they are in trouble again, the album is still hanging on in there and vinyl continues to make a revival. There have been some tremendous albums released in the past 12 months, several of which I have had the pleasure of reviewing here or for Louder Than War, but probably an equal number that I have loved but for one reason or the other, never got around to reviewing.… Read the rest

Jonzip/Razor Ramon, EX- and PowderKeg singles

December 27, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Over the last few weeks I got my greasy mits on a few new singles/EPs, two from bands/artists I was already familiar with and another from a band who tick all the right boxes in becoming a band I want to hear a lot more of in the future.

Jonzip & Razor Ramon

First up is a new single from the legendary globetrotting Jonzip (of The Zips/Passionate Friends fame). This time feeding my vinyl addiction releasing a new joint 7” release with Portugal’s Razor Ramon (not to be mistaken for the wrestler of the same name).

Three top quality punkobillytastic tracks.… Read the rest

Garry Alexander Borland – Tribute gig – Audio, Glasgow 9/12

December 11, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

High on Emotion

This weekend ended on a pretty bloody special note. A night that will live long in the memory. No, scratch that, a night that I will never forget.

The weekend had kicked off on a high with a brilliant works night out, so it was fitting that it should end on a high too. There were moments of emotion throughout my weekend. My first viewing of It’s A Wonderful Life for the year always ends with my eyes watering slightly, well, quite a lot. And I welled up again during Sunday morning’s Santa Dash. I know, I’m a sap. … Read the rest

The DeRellas – Bellfield Tavern (Kilmarnock) Guest Review

December 3, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

The DeRellas – Bellfield Tavern (Kilmarnock)

Number two in an occasional series of guest reviews. This time its from leader of the Reservoir Droogs himself, Mr Alex “Mainy” Main.

Kilmarnock…

When you ask people if they have heard of the Scottish town of Kilmarnock the response usually starts off on a positive note and then it quickly goes downhill.

A sad but true fact. Those of us who live there are pretty much used to this reaction by now.

It normally starts with “It was home to Johnnie Walkers whisky wasn’t it?” and then we get “Robert Burns had his first book of poems printed there didn’t he?”… Read the rest

The Interrupters – Live in Glasgow

November 27, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Fight the Good Fight

Three albums in and seven years down the line, The Interrupters played their debut Scottish gig to a fervent sold-out crowd in The Garage. It may have been a long time waiting for many of those in attendance last night, judging by the comments on my Facebook feed before the gig. The wait was worth it for them all.

It may have been a long time coming, but the band have spent their time well, and taken heed from their mentors, working with the likes of Rancid’s Tim Armstrong, ensuring that their debut gig in Glasgow would be a night to remember.… Read the rest

Heavy Drapes – Crashing Like Stars

November 23, 2018 By neilho27@sky.com

Crashing Like Stars

The day finally arrived. Crashing Like Stars dropped onto my doormat. I, like many, have been waiting with anticipation for this album for a couple of years having witnessed the songs in a live environment on numerous occasions over that period.

RIP Garry

Tragically, the circumstances around the eventual release are far removed from what anyone would have expected or wished for. Garry’s sudden death earlier this year hit people hard. Heavy Drapes live shows were incendiary affairs and Garry’s alter-ego De-Liberate an incandescent frontman who lit up the stage. For Heavy Drapes fans, the release of the album will give some comfort and it ensures the legacy of Garry and the band will live on.… Read the rest