The Rope – S/T EP

Dark rock act, The Rope, has released a modern take on post-punk with their self-titled EP. 

Comprised of singer/synth player Jesse Hagon; guitarist Mike Browning; bassist Sam Richardson and drummer Matt Evans, The Rope deliver shadow-cloaked tunes that lie somewhere between Sisters of Mercy, Killing Joke and The Psychedelic Furs.  Evans and Richardson keep the beat consistent and up tempo while Browning’s riffs balance between atmospheric and driving and Hagon’s vocals invoke the spirit of Ian Curtis and Richard Butler at the same time.  The end result is six tracks that would do well to be spun in any goth club.

Since this EP arrived in my hands, it has yet to leave my regular rotation in my truck stereo.  My only gripe with it is the length—I want more!  I look forward to more from The Rope, eagerly.
  Check it out here www.facebook.com/TheRope1

 

 

-Capt. Morgan-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter
 

 

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Abyssal Creatures – Social Awkwardness

I’m not going to lie; I wasn’t looking forward to listening to this album again to write this review.  But, for the sake of you—the faithful readers—I muscled through it.

Abyssal Creatures, the “music” project of Ian Fellerman, has crafted 16 tracks of clumsy, self-deprecating, noise in the form of Social Awkwardness—the band’s latest LP.  Upon my initial listen I found it impossible to escape the inane, nasal vocal; clumsy arrangements; repetitive guitar fuzz and over-arching irritation.  The press kit for Social Awkwardness detailed how hard Fellerman worked on this album and how deep he looked into himself for the lyrical content.  Though I respect his effort, I fail to see the value in it as the final product resembles more of a mess than an album.

Perhaps the artistic, avant-garde music fans out there will salivate all over this album—and good for them.  I, on the other hand, felt as if I was being musically punished while spinning this disc.  Maybe it’s my karmic retribution for hating on hipsters, but I doubt it.

Also, I apologize for my whining at the start of this piece—Fellerman’s insistence in wallowing in self-pity got to me. 

www.abyssalcreatures.net




 

-Capt. Morgan-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter
 

 

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Filthy Cheaters – Wake the Dead

The cantankerous rock outfit, Filthy Creatures’ album, Wake the Dead, is hyped on equal parts trucker-speed, punk rock and denim vests. 

From moment one of the title track, Jamey Coffin, Johnny T, Chris Chunk and Sean O’Really? never let up on the gas pedal.  With tracks rife with violence, crass humor and trite lyrics (49/51 draws its inspiration from a classic bumper sticker, “49% Mother Fucker, 51% Son of a Bitch.”  No, really) don’t expect Filthy Cheaters to provide your listening experience with anything substantial to nosh on.  On the contrary, Filthy Cheaters are more akin to that obnoxious uncle everyone has who shows up late to family functions, clad in stained clothing and the first to get hammered while spouting off incendiary comments to all in attendance; but you accept it because it’s just who he is.  It’s tough to tell if Filthy Cheaters really are that guy or are putting on their best imitation of that guy.

Fans of Clutch, Motorhead, Faster Pussycat, Kill! Kill! and potty humor will glob onto Wake the Dead quickly; with its throaty vocals, churning tempos and vile language



 

-Capt. Morgan-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter
 

 

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Interview with Michael Monroe

Interview by: Louie Bones
Big Wheel Staff Reporter


You have a new record out that is taking the world by storm, your first solo album in quite a few years, Tell us - Who besides You and Sami Yaffa are in the band, and how did this lineup come about?

The album is "Sensory Overdrive" and the other players on the record, besides Sami Yaffa, are Steve Conte on Guitar, Karl Rockfist on drums and Ginger Wildheart on guitar.  The same line up is on tour with me, except just last June Ginger was replaced by Dregen (Backyard Babies, Helicopters) on Guitar.  Me and Sami met in the summer 2009 and started putting the band together.  In early 2010 we had the band together and going for it full blast.

This is also your first North American tour since the album has come out, how much of your live setlist is comprised of songs off "Sensory Overdrive"? How are the fans digging the new songs, is the response as chaotic as you would hope for? What are the live standout tracks that fans are already singing along to?

Live we're playing more than half the "Sensory Overdrive" songs and they're all getting a great response.

Your career is going on it's 30th year, you've fronted rock and roll bands longer than some of your fans have even been alive, what  do you owe your longevity to, and how have you managed to still sing with the same passionate voice?

I think it's due to maintaining my integrity throughout the years and staying in good shape physically.

Can you describe the typical Michael Monroe fan in America? Are you looking out into the crowd and finding more Hanoi fans from the 80's still supporting the music, or are there more new school fans who've discovered your must post Hanoi Rocks?

I'm not sure...I don't like to think of any fan as "typical". I respect and appreciate every single one of my fans individually. However, I do think that American fans are especially cool because they truly appreciate good authentic Rock'n'Roll.  That maybe because Rock'n'Roll really is a serious part of the American culture.  On this latest US tour the audiences just seemed very enthusiastic and impressed by the shows, no matter what song we play.

We caught your concert in Redondo Beach in 2010, you threw in Johnny Thunders / Dead Boys / The Stooges covers in your set, are there any similar classic punk cover surprises for fans who will be catching your 2011 North American Tour?

You never know what's gonna happen with this band live, which is one of the coolest things/qualities of this band.  That keeps things fun and interesting.  We have been varying the set somewhat according to the gig and its surroundings.  For example, in Cleveland we played The Dead Boys' "Ain't Nothin' To Do" in honour of Stiv Bators & The Dead Boys, since Cleveland was the Dead Boys' hometown.

Are there any bands coming out of your native Finland that you think American rock and roll fans should be looking up and checking out?

There are, and has been a lot of cool Finnish bands throughout the years, but only over the past 20 years or so, more of them have gained worldwide recognition and success.  There is one classic Finnish Rock'n'Roll album called "Roadrunner" by a legendary band called Hurriganes back in 1974.  That was the band's 2nd album and it features an exceptionally fantastic guitarist Albert Järvinen. He does some outstanding guitar playing on the record.  That album just has a certain magic about it and is definitely worth checking out.

I've noticed you've played some very large festivals across Europe over the past 2 summers, is there a traveling festival in America or a set of bands you'd hope to do a package tour across the states with? Perhaps with Motorhead or Slash?

Those 2 would be fantastic to tour with.  Or any other cool rock band or artist alike.  I would LOVE to go on a package tour with a bunch of cool bands like that in America. Mind you, we did open up for Motörhead for 3 weeks in the UK in November 2010 and that was a total blast!

You have covered many songs throughout your career in music, you seem to have a lot of musical flavoring from all over the spectrum. Can you name your favorite/influential albums from the following decades.

Oh man...that's too hard to do right off the bat, there's so many of them, especially in the 60's & 70's - I'll just pick one for each deacade, the first one that comes to mind right now, ok?

a. 1960's -  MC 5: "Kick Out The Jams"
b. 1970's - Little Feat: "Sailing Shoes"
c. 1980's - Little Steven:  "Voice OF America"
d. 1990's - Warrior Soul: "Drugs God and the New Republic"
e. 2000's  -  Alice Cooper: "The Eyes Of Alice Cooper"

That's just barely scratching the surface, but the best I can do at this moment, as I'm really pressed for time.  Sorry!

Are there any final notes.. Anything you want to tell your American fans reading this ?

I wanna thank everyone out there for your continuing support and all of you, who came to the shows during our recent American Tour, which we just finished a few days ago.  Don't forget us!  We'll be back soon!

          www.michaelmonroe.com


Big Wheel would like to thank Michael Monroe for taking the time to answer our questions, and remember to pick up his latest album "Sensory Overdrive", in stores now!

 

 

 

 

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The Downtown Struts – Sail the Seas Dry

Chicago has given us many wonderful things, from Tutu and the Pirates to Screeching Weasel, and duck fat fries to deep dish pizza (if you're into that sort of thing...), and now they've given us The Downtown Struts, who have just released an extended version of their first EP, "Sail the Seas Dry" on Pirates Press Records.

The new 10" is seven songs filled with wanderlust, regular lust, and good old-fashioned Punk rock guitars mixed with a tinge of country. Provided, of course, your idea of country is a scruffy guy in Brooklyn in a sideways beat-up trucker hat drinking whiskey, and occasionally getting into fights with the White Stripes just on principle with Johnny Cash on the jukebox in the background.

So maybe "Americana" is a better description than "country", but whatever it is, the album is a strong one, made for long nights on the road, or nights you wish you could be. Every one of the songs comes with a catchy little hook that will lodge its self in your brain and have you drumming your fingers all day. Influences from the Clash and maybe even a little Bob Dylan are evident in the band's melodic and gutsy lyrical style, which paint despair without regret, maintaining punk rock defiance in the face of the misery of the mundane. "Thick as Thieves" is a perfect example, beginning "Packed up a truck/ don't need luck to get me outta here/ we need a record on/ Replacements playing loud/ or a Descendents song." We've all been there at one time or another.

Pirates Press have done an excellent job with the package on this one as well, pressing the album on blue vinyl, and including digital download codes, a free poster, and some of their new "postcard records" along with the album. You can go ahead and buy the album HERE.

 

-Jo Problems-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

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Bouncing Souls Show Preview: 4 nights at The Troubadour in Hollywood, CA – November 9 – 12, 2011

For 24 years, the Bouncing Souls have been one of those bands that you HAVE to see live- no matter what. Most of the time, their set  contains the usual songs ("Kate is Great", "True Believers", "East Coast! Fuck You!", etc), tossed up with a few surprises here and there. This time, the Souls are giving one of the best things a band could give their fans- 4 nights, playing all 8 of their records start to finish, 2 records per night; they'll be giving Los Angeles fans this treat November 9th through the 12th at the Troubadour. I shouldn't have to convince anyone to attend these shows, but for those who need a little push--I'll give a run down on why these shows will be beyond awesome.

          Bouncing Souls

The first night of the spectacle features BYO founders and Punk favorites, Youth Brigade. The Bouncing Souls will be performing their first two studio albums, "The Good, The Bad, and the Argyle" and "Maniacal Laughter" Youth Brigade is a perfect opener for this night for three reasons. One: "Maniacal Laughter" and "The Good, The Bad, and the Argyle" were both distributed through BYO records, although released on Chunksaah. Two: When "Maniacal Laughter" came out in 1996, the Souls went on a large and prominent tour with Youth Brigade, which lead to the attention and record deal with Epitaph Records. Three: the sounds of both Youth Brigade and early Bouncing Souls will provide a combination that simply can't be missed. In both "The Good, The Bad, and the Argyle" and "Maniacal Laughter", the Souls give a sense of being a mischievous teen in New Jersey and explore dealing with daily life, heartbreak, and pop culture of the 80's ("These Are The Quotes From Our Favorite 80's Movies", "Joe Lies When He Cries", "Candy", "Lay 'Em Down and Smack 'Em"). On the other hand, albums like Youth Brigade's classic "Sink with Kalifonija" draw references from literature ("Modest Proposal", "Sound and Fury"), and channel their mischievous behavior and angst into political anthems ("Men in Blue", "What Are You Fighting For?", "What Will the Revolution Change?"). Night one of "For All the Unheard" will surely bring out the most old school Punks out of any night, thanks to the Punk power combo of the Souls and Youth Brigade.

          Youth Brigade

Night two was supposed to feature the prominent Punk group US Bombs, but they were ultimately switched with hardcore band Ceremony. Although it seemed like an unlikely duo, there's no doubt in my mind that the two will put on an insanely crazy show. The Bouncing Souls are set to perform their classic and esteemed self-titled album, along with "Hopeless Romantic". Although the combination seems odd at first, it makes perfect sense. Both vocalist Greg Attonito and bassist Bryan Kienlen have been huge fans of hardcore music and have been involved in the scene since it's conception; the Bouncing Souls have toured with many hardcore bands, including 7 Seconds, and even recorded a cover of Sick of it All's "Good Looking Out". Although the Bouncing Souls are primarily categorized under "pop-Punk", it's undeniable that they have strong ties to the hardcore community, which is especially shown through "Hopeless Romantic" . Ceremony will not only draw the "new" hardcore crowd, but they'll also be a great listen and please the "old-schoolers".

Cobra Skulls are performing on the third night, the night in which the Souls will play "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" and "Anchors Aweigh". Cobra Skulls have a similar style to Against Me! and even incorporate rockabilly and Spanish elements into their sound. They seem to be the most likely to open up for the Bouncing Souls-they've toured full-time with bands like the Lawrence Arms and NOFX, and have recently signed to Fat Wreck Chords. Although their most recent album, "Agitations" has elements of blues and classic rock, their sophomore album "American Rubicon" has more of a pop-Punk vibe that will counterpart the Bouncing Souls. The Bouncing Souls' "How I Spent My Summer Vacation" is full of catchy and upbeat anthems, similar to "American Rubicon". "Anchors Aweigh" was one of the turning points in the Souls' sound, mainly because of the progression of Greg's voice, and overall maturity as a band- "Agitations" very well may be that turning point for Cobra Skulls.

          Bouncing Souls

On the fourth and final night of "For All the Unheard", American Steel will be opening. Hailing from Oakland, American Steel recently played the 2011 Punk Rock Bowling Music Festival in Las Vegas, to the surprise of many, due to the fact that the band has broken up so many times. Their sound derives from bands like the Clash and Stiff Little Fingers, which any Punk can thoroughly enjoy. Along with American Steel, 7 Seconds frontman and Punk legend Kevin Seconds will be opening up the show with his acoustic set. The Bouncing Souls will perform their two most recent albums, "The Gold Record" and "Ghosts on the Boardwalk", which will tie in nicely to Kevin Second's set. Both of the Souls' albums have proven to be more mellow then their previous albums, such as "Maniacal Laughter"; Kevin Second's acoustic set is obviously less aggressive and fast-paced than 7 Seconds. However, just because this night will be tranquil than previous nights, the lyrics between the Souls and Kevin Seconds will still provide listeners with musical and lyrical intensity.

Unfortunately, all for of these shows are completely sold out, but that doesn't mean you should give up. Use your resources- check eBay, Craigslist, Facebook, and more to find tickets. Hang out outside the venue for tickets. Do whatever it takes. Trust me, this is definitely something you won't want to miss out on.

  at The Troubadour    in Hollywood, CA
Wed- Nov 09, 2011  Bouncing Souls w/ Youth Brigade & Chunks
Thu- Nov 10, 2011  Bouncing Souls w/ Ceremony & Wet Witch
Fri- Nov 11, 2011  Bouncing Souls w/ Cobra Skulls & Nothington
Sat- Nov 12, 2011  Bouncing Souls w/ American Steel & Kevin Seconds
 

-Sarah K.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

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