I read an article recently claiming that heavy rock/metal was on the rise again and is currently one of the most popular music genres in the UK.
One of the key proponents of heavy punk influenced rock/metal in the UK for the last 30 years, The Wildhearts, have just released their first album of new material in ten years in the acclaimed Renaissance Men, featuring their classic line up of Ginger, CJ, Danny McCormack and Rich Battersby. In a tenuous attempt to link the two bands, Psychobabylon, who feature Danny’s bandmate JJ Watt from The Main Grains, also have a new 4 tracks EP out in Is This All There Is?
The four tracks on offer on this EP are an indication of just why this genre is so popular. Let me start by saying, in the late 70’s/early 80’s when I started really getting into music, I dismissed the whole heavy metal genre. Friends at school and people I knew were into bands like Iron Maiden, Saxon and Judas Priest, while I was listening to bands like Echo & the Bunnymen, The Smiths, The Cure, Big Country, Simple Minds and The Alarm.
I always felt that 1970s/80s metal was very cliched and the advent of “hair” metal didn’t help win me over. It was only when I started listening to the likes of Therapy? The Wildhearts, Zodiac Mindwarp & the Love Reaction and their ilk that I started really appreciating the genre (I now even have a couple of Iron Maiden albums in my collection…)
Psychobabylon – Is This All There Is?
To me, Psychobabylon reflect the rock/metal sound that I was more attracted to in the 90s, albeit with roots originally rooted in the dimmer past. Throughout the tracks on their new EP, I can hear shades of Therapy? on the mightily catchy punk-heavy clamour of All There Is with its instant earworm of a chorus and tasty hooks. Also, of Metallica on the thumping driving rhythm of Dead Time with hints of horror-punkabilly along the lines of Misfits et al on Die Alone. The last track, No Means of Escape, is deep down and dirty rock and roll at its finest. Riffing abounds with the track propelling along at a tremendous pace. A welcome release that will have me delving into the bands back catalogue very shortly.
Head over to the band’s bandcamp page and secure yourself a copy.
The Wildhearts – Renaissance Men
Talking of riffing and welcome releases, what of Renaissance Men? Is it any good? Let me look at the evidence. What would I want from a Wildhearts album?
1. Riffing. As you would fully expect, infectious riffs are in evidence in shovelfuls from the off. Dislocated kicks things off in inimitable Wildhearts style. As I listen to the tracks on this new album, I can see the band onstage in their natural environment, striking guitar hero poses and blasting through these vital new songs as if they’d been in their set for years. The album is packed with passionate spirited full-on head-fucking driving guitars. Take Diagnosis, while the tone and message of the song is accusatory, the riffing is on fire and life-affirming. And My Kinda Movie where Rich matches the fervour with some immense beats. That is just the tip of the iceberg.
2. Hooks. What can I say, you can’t have a Wildhearts release without it being laden with hooks that stay with you and repeat in your head over and over (and over). Glad to say they are all present and correct, and an abundance of them too. Every song has its own hooks to relish, pulling you in and not letting go. Oh, and is it just me that thinks of the Bay City Rollers every time Emergency (Fentanyl Babylon) starts.
3. Sing-along-anthems. Oh yes, I can already hear myself singing along to Let ‘Em Go in June, a tune that I see as being as memorable a sing-along in live sets as the likes of ultimate Wildhearts sing-along, Geordie in Wonderland. Renaissance Men itself also offers the opportunity for a call and response interaction with live audiences. The voices singing back to Ginger on the record reminding me of Terrorvision (not at all to do with the mention of tequila…) Speaking of Geordies…
4. Infectious Geordie tinged vocals. You bet; Ginger’s rich warm twang is undeniable throughout. At times spat out with venom and filled with rage at the state of the world, while others are more laid-back. Whatever the song, Ginger brings a passion and fervency to the tunes with his rough-velvet vocal chords that is part of what gives The Wildhearts their unique sound and keeps them one step above the competition.
5. Lyrics that mean something. Coming back again to Let ‘Em Go, a totally relatable lyric – get rid of the bullshit and negativity in your life and don’t let those “wankers” that mean nothing see how they are getting to you – “while your belly burns in anger, no one ever needs to know” As usual Ginger doesn’t mince his words. A top song and cracking guest vocal from the self-confessed Wildhearts superfan, Frank Turner. Elsewhere, there is the urgency and punk tinged ire in Emergency (Fentanyl Babylon) railing against avoidable deaths of celebrities caused by prescription drugs and while we’re on the subject of medical related themes, the supercharged ire of Diagnosis expresses incredulity at the increase in mental health related diagnoses and the lack of support or correct treatment available. Powerful stuff – “You are not your diagnosis”.
This is undeniably a Wildhearts album through and through. 10 years and 10 tracks – and worth every minute of the wait.
All sounding fantastic for the gig at Kelvingrove Bandstand then, a gig with fellow touring buddies from last year’s Britrock Must Be Destroyed tour, Terrorvision and Glasgow rock royalty Gun. Fingers crossed the sun will be shining at the end of June.