September 2023 – Page 5 – 1st 3 MAGAZINE

Bulletbelt – A New Strength

6th September 2023

“Burn It Up” is the 5th studio album in the 14-year career of New Zealand powerhouse Metal outfit Bulletbelt.

The album was recorded in April 2022 at the Massey Studio in Wellington by the group’s founding member and drummer Steve Francis, long-time bassist Tim Mekalick, guitarist Josh O’Brien and the new member Diego Attinger on vocals.

The eight songs — all live instruments, no triggers, patches or simulations — were co-produced by James Goldsmith (Beastwars, Mermaidens, etc) and the album’s killer artwork was illustrated by Christchurch artist Jake Clark a.k.a. Mr Wolf, accompanied by design and layout by Japanese designer Seiya Ogino of Ogino Design (MONO, Dark Funeral, Vomitory, Naglfar, etc) — and it is a five-piece that will present the album live with the group adding Isaac Johnston-Lundy on guitar to flesh out the live sound.

What hasn’t changed is the intention of this powerhouse act – “Burn It Up” is a soaring metal beast of an album. There is a renewed emphasis on hooks and choruses making it the band’s strongest album yet to date. The introduction of new vocalist Diego Attinger has given Bulletbelt the opportunity to take their songwriting to a different place, with Classic/Power Metal influences introduced and giving the band a much broader appeal.

Bulletbelt has toured Australia, Japan and New Zealand and played numerous support slots with visiting international acts including Sepultura, Carcass, Napalm Death, Midnight, Psycroptic, The Black Dahlia Murder, Impiety, Bölzer, Tragedy, Rotten Sound, Midnight, Municipal Waste, Ringworm, Paul Dianno, Arch Enemy, DragonForce, Sacred Riech and Vio-Lence. A debut European Tour is to come in October 2023, supporting Semblant from Brazil.

The band first announced themselves to New Zealand’s metal-loving audiences in 2009. With music featuring on the soundtrack to the cult-classic movie, “Deathgasm”, international touring and three previous records of brutal, beautiful sonic assault, it’s a solid foundation that “Warlords” sits atop. After a decade of brand-building, blood, sweat and… beers… tears and forever true and strong of heart, the sound of mind and body and committed to the riff, the chorus, the way of the anthem, Bulletbelt’s head is held high, their flag is in the sand.

Upcoming Tour:
Bulletbelt European Tour 2023 (supporting Semblant):
Oct 5 / DE Düsseldorf / Pitcher
Oct 6 / DE Weinheim / Café Central
Oct 7 / BE Bree / Ragnarok
Oct 8 / NL Den Haag / Musicon
Oct 10 / UK Manchester / Rebellion
Oct 11 / UK London / Underworld
Oct 12 / FR Paris / Petit Bain
Oct 14 / FR Toulouse / Connexion Live
Oct 15 / FR Montpellier / Secret Place
Oct 16 / FR Lyon / Rock and Eat
Oct 18 / FR Pratteln / Suisse Z7
Oct 20 / HU Budapest / Analog Music Hall
Tickets: www.bulletbelt-official.com/tour

Website: https://www.bulletbelt-official.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bulletbelt
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bulletbeltnz
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bulletbeltnz
Bandcamp: https://bulletbeltnz.bandcamp.com/

BLACK ROSE BURNING – One Big Battle

6th September 2023

Music News

NYC-based alternative rock outfit BLACK ROSE BURNING presents their invigorating new single ‘Fight!’, a potent taste of their third full-length album ‘Ad Astra’, mastered by Jason Corbett of ACTORS at Jacknife Sound.

Earlier, the band released the singles ‘Night Terrors’ and ‘Sing to Me (E.L.E.)’. Formed in 2018 by instrumentalist, producer and engineer George Grant, Black Rose Burning also involves guitarist Frank Morin (World Inferno Friendship Society) and drummer Luis Infantas (Monster Zero).

“The final single before the release of the full ‘AD Astra’ record, ‘Fight!’ was written from a standpoint of someone who is unhappy with a partner or a relationship and has essentially given up but, for whatever reason, won’t or can’t just end it,” says George Grant.

“It always seems like you’re in the midst of one great big battle. I think there are many reasons why this happens, from loyalty to fear of being alone to sometimes even selfishness. It’s painful to realize that your belief in someone/something that you once felt had so much promise and potential has deteriorated to the point that you have no choice but to let it all go.”

In 2021, Black Rose Burning released their second album ‘The Wheel’, one year after debuting ‘The Year of the Scorpion’ album. George Grant’s soulful vocal delivery, instantly recognizable voice, solid instrumentation crossing several genres are standout features of this music. Roughly 40 years of songwriting across various genres has helped George embellish on clever hooks, drive and the gothic-pop sensibilities of The Cult’s early years.

‘Ad Astra’ was recorded in George’s own studio, PV Recording Company, which has hosted notable artists over the years, including Emelio Zeff China (Peter Murphy), Knox Chandler (Siouxsie And The Banshees), Chibi (The Birthday Party Massacre), Nellie McKay, Julia Marcel, Paul Bakija (Reagan Youth), Ego Likeness and Voltaire (with whom Grant also played bass for 10 years).

Grant says, “This new music marks the debut of the entire band recording together, instead of me playing all the instruments and programming drums. It takes everything to a whole new level in terms of feel and especially in musicianship.”

‘Fight!’ is out now exclusively via Bandcamp. The ‘Ad Astra’ album will be released on September 15 on CD and also available digitally from fine music platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp. That same night, Black Rose Burning will be playing their album release show at NYC’s Mercury Lounge for The Red Party.

TRACK LIST
1. Ad Astra
2. Think Too Much
3. Sing To Me
4. Fight!
5. So Cold
6. Night Terrors
7. Stranger
8. Become The Machine
9. Per Aspera

TOUR DATES
Thu, Oct 5th – Raleigh, NC @ Ruby Deluxe
Fri, Oct 6th – Tampa, FL @Crobar for Absolution Fest
Sat, Oct. 7th – TBC
Sun, Oct 8th – Louisville, KE @ Art Sanctuary
Tue, Oct 10th – Indianapolis, IN @ The Black Circle
Wed, Oct 11th – Chicago, IL @ Be Afraid Of The Dark Fest
Thu, Oct 12th – Pittsburgh, PA @ Cattivo (with Visceral Anatomy)
Fri, Oct 13th – Richmond, VA @Fallout w/ Empathy Test
Sat, Oct 14th – Wilmington, DE @ Bar XIII (TBC)

TOMORROW’S GHOSTS FESTIVAL – Get Back To Black

6th September 2023

Music News

Next month, TOMORROW’S GHOSTS will return for its highly anticipated HALLOWEEN GATHERING.

On Friday 27th and Saturday 28th October, the Whitby weekender is back for a true celebration of all things gothic at its spiritual home, with very final day tickets on sale here.

As a final appetiser, today (5 September), Tomorrow’s Ghosts is delighted to announce a special additional event for its Saturday… ‘The Art of Darkness: A History Of Goth’ with John Robb.

FINAL REMAINING TICKET WARNING!

All Weekend Tickets and Friday Day Tickets for the Tomorrow’s Ghosts Halloween Gathering are now SOLD OUT.

A limited number of Saturday Day tickets are still available, with the evening line-up boasting THE 69 EYES, THE MARCH VIOLETS, SALVATION and AUGER. Remaining tickets are available HERE, but be quick!

Hosted at the Whitby Pavilion between the 27th to 29th October, the Tomorrow’s Ghosts Halloween Gathering is the UK’s ultimate gothic destination festival. Following the runaway success of the SOLD OUT Halloween 2022 edition, the festival will be back at the birthplace of Dracula once more for a weekend celebrating the very finest the dark arts have to offer.

Unveiling its full line-up earlier this year, the 2023 edition will see a Friday night headline slot from UK Goth torchbearers THE MISSION, followed by a Saturday night headline set from Finnish ‘Goth ‘n’ Roll’ supremos THE 69 EYES. There will also be Very Special Guests appearing including Kirk Brandon’s 80s’ scene originals THEATRE OF HATE, Yorkshire’s own post punk mavericks THE MARCH VIOLETS, plus an exclusively curated performance of ‘Singles & EPs 1983-86’ from Leeds legends SALVATION especially for Whitby ‘23. Elsewhere, Blackpool’s leading industrial rock outfit AUGER and Whitby goth scene legends WESTENRA will also be painting the town black.

CLUB NIGHTS, MARKETS AND MORE

Offering a celebration of the gothic subculture on all levels; look out for markets, performances, club nights and more, across Whitby throughout the weekend.

Hosting choice club nights each night at the Whitby Pavilion, alt/rock DJ royalty Carpe Noctum will be taking the reins for a death disco into the early hours.

The Gothic and Alternative markets at the festival are FREE entry and are open between 10AM – 5PM on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

As with the 2022 edition, the Tomorrow’s Ghosts festival will be partnering with the Sophie Lancaster Foundation. A charity committed to stamping out prejudice, hatred and intolerance everywhere, the ideals of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation and Tomorrow’s Ghosts couldn’t be any closer aligned. 16 years on from Sophie’s tragic passing in a vile hate-related crime, Tomorrow’s Ghosts will be supporting the exceptional work of the Sophie Lancaster Foundation throughout the weekend.

TICKETS

Remaining tickets for Tomorrow’s Ghosts Festival Halloween Gathering 2023 are on general sale now.

Tickets are priced as follows:

Weekend Tickets – SOLD OUT

Friday Tickets – SOLD OUT

Saturday Tickets – £42.00 Advance STBF – HERE

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Ages 8+

Under 14s to be accompanied by an adult over the age of 18 at all times.

Over 18s only for after show club night events.

Doors 6.00pm / Curfew 2.00am

TOMORROW’S GHOSTS FESTIVAL – HALLOWEEN GATHERING LINE UP

Friday 27^thOctober 2023

THE MISSION

+ Very Special Guests

THEATRE OF HATE

+ WESTENRA

Saturday 28^th October 2023

THE 69 EYES

+ Very Special Guests

THE MARCH VIOLETS

+ SALVATION – A Whitby Exclusive Performing…‘A Singles & EPs 1983-86’ Set

+ AUGER

+ CLUB NIGHT HOSTS CARPE NOCTUM

plus

+ ‘THE ART OF DARKNESS: A HISTORY OF GOTH’

IN CONVERSATION with JOHN ROBB

+ A Q&A WITH SPECIAL GUESTS

ROSIE GARLAND & TOM ASHTON (THE MARCH VIOLETS)

Tickets on sale HERE

Sons Of The East (Live Review) – All Is Right In The World

5th September 2023

Music Reviews

Sun, sea, surf and we are beautiful.

The O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire was buzzing with anticipatory excitement for this Thursday evening – the return of the exuberant Aussie threesome, Sons of the East, to London Town.

First on stage was the soulful British singer and songwriter, Ash Radford. His richly-toned vocals and percussive guitar playing showcased an impressive range and powerful, often minimal, lyrics. In the track Dance With Me, melodies meandered with an improvised feel. Here, Ash displayed his lovely rich lower register, and the music carried a tentative, fragile quality. The crowd showed warm appreciation for his versatile, layered guitar skills, introspective messages, and folksy, finger-picking style.

Next up were The Dreggs, namely Paddy and Zane; two Aussie guys who, in their own words, “sing and tell stories”. Their long hair and matching outfits, synchronised moustaches, and caps, with braces holding up grey trousers, framed their indie/folksy style perfectly. A significant portion of tonight’s young, wholesome audience seemed familiar with The Dreggs’ repertoire, singing along in sync with the dynamic contrasts – fortissimo choruses and often pianissimo, gentle endings, each song concluding with adoring applause.

the ideal musical accompaniment for a journey."

After the first song, the tempo surged; a country beat and a cheerful, upbeat rhythm, contrasting with sad lyrics, took over as they performed “Let You Go”. At the end of this second song, which features impressive octave leaps and harmonies, Paddy exclaimed jubilantly, “Holy hell – we’re in London!”

“The Forest Song” followed, announced to ecstatic shrieks and screams from the excited crowd. After a slow intro, the call was, “London – are you ready?” Double-speed strumming, a super-tight sound, and a little dance with some joyous kicks showcased The Dreggs at their buoyant best. Zane announced their delight at being in London, marking the first night of their tour and their thrill to be supporting Sons of the East.

“Call Me Home” features a rich tapestry of harmony and a soulful harmonica, while “Madeline” showcases a sadder tone, stark dynamic contrasts, and strong vocals. Both songs highlight The Dreggs’ innate talent for conveying passionate narratives through music. The despairing and pleading lyrics intensify as the music transitions into compound time, and the guitar strumming crescendos to a roaring climax, with vocals laden with emotion.

The Dreggs

The atmosphere transformed for their “most popular song on Spotify” – a foot-stomping, crowd-clapping “Give Myself to You”. Soon after, the guitar was exchanged for a banjo, then reverted to guitars for the grand finale – a poignant song about displacement and the quest for happiness.

The London-born couple at the front had toured Australia in a camper-van during the lockdown, where they chanced upon The Dreggs and became ardent fans. Their discovery resonated, as Paddy and Zane’s music, reminiscent of sea, sand, and surf, seemed like the ideal musical accompaniment for a journey.

The Shepherds Bush Empire is packed to the rafters by now. Sons of the East, the virtuosic trio comprised of Nic Johnston (vocals/keys), Jack Rollins (vocals/guitar), and Dan Wallage (guitar/banjo/vocals), commence their stellar performance. The stage seems to burst into radiant sunlight as they kick off with their first song, “California,” a euphoric and irresistibly upbeat track. The elation builds until the catchy melody unexpectedly transitions into compound time, quickening everything in the most exhilarating way.

Everyone needs Sons of the East's sound in their lives – it's the pinnacle of summertime ecstasy, a burst of elation and happiness..."

Sons Of The East

Jack takes a moment to address the audience, emotionally declaring, “You sound beautiful…you look beautiful!” He shares that tonight’s show is the largest they’ve ever sold out. Jack then thanks everyone effusively before rewarding the audience with a performance of “Miramare.” This gentle and melodic song epitomizes their style, marked by a catchy tune, tight harmonies, and a harmoniously balanced sound.

Sons Of The East

“Can’t Fool Me” is an ideal showcase for Jack’s playful confidence – especially after his heartfelt introduction – and spotlights Nic’s impressive jazz piano skills. The trio’s harmonies are as tantalizing as they are ingenious.

“What I Do” is succeeded by a brand-new track, “Hard to Tell.” In fact, its debut was just two nights prior in Edinburgh. Each song from Sons of the East feels like a gift: they typically begin with a solo guitar riff and a straightforward vocal melody, then layer in their distinctive, folksy instrumentation, culminating in a resonant, artfully constructed piece.

Sons Of The East

Sons of the East envelop us in a musical euphoria, reminiscent of riding a titanic wave. The performance eclipses any conventional sense of time or space, immersing the audience in their effortlessly cool, brilliantly crafted, and profoundly enjoyable tracks. The seamless synergy of everyone on stage is palpable. Highlight tracks from their debut album, “Palomar Parade”, such as “You Might Think” where Jack becomes one with the crowd, and “Millionaire” – characterized by Jack’s rich, sultry vocals that craft their hallmark sun-soaked sound – mesmerize the Shepherds Bush Empire tonight

Sons Of The East

The closing trio of songs – “My Repair,” “Undone,” and “Hold On” – encapsulate the night’s vibrant jubilation. Everyone needs Sons of the East’s sound in their lives – it’s the pinnacle of summertime ecstasy, a burst of elation and happiness, a sense that all is right in the world.

https://www.sonsoftheeast.com

https://www.thedreggsmusic.com

https://ashradfordmusic.com

Sons of the East (Ash Radford, The Dreggs) played Shepherd’s Bush Empire

July 20^th 2023

Words and live photography Copyright of 1st 3 Magazine

Not to be reproduced, cropped or altered without prior permission. Social media use only for persons depicted, event organisers and venue.

ONLAP – The Fire Is Coming

4th September 2023

Music News

Paris-based alternative rock force, ONLAP, has premiered a lyric video for their new single “Fever”!

The track will be part of the band’s upcoming, first full-length album, that is scheduled to be released in the Spring of 2024 via AFM Records.

ONLAP comments: “Unleash the primal power of ‘Fever’! This track is a sonic inferno, a molten fusion of raw lust and searing guitar riffs that’ll ignite your senses and leave you craving more. Get ready to sweat it out, for the fire is coming! We had a lot of pleasure to write that song, as an additional key piece of the upcoming album to be released with AFM in 2024!”

Following previously-released singles, “Nevermind” and “Crawling In The Dark”, their new “Fever” lyric video is now streaming.

ONLAP was formed in 2006, driven by a full DIY-spirit. Since years, each song they self-released has been ruling Social Meida platforms and playlists, with a fan base growing day by day (with 380k monthly Spotify listeners and 115k YouTube subscribers to name just a few numbers) and a cross-platform streaming performance of more than 150 million streams. “The Awakening”, the band’s top hit on Spotify, reckons with 23M streams only to this impressive hoard of facts.

Following their recent signing with AFM Records and as first single releases instantly prove, ONLAP have never felt more vibrant and hungry than they are on their upcoming album. After all those years self-releasing a giant number of tracks, some EP’s, and 1 best-of records in celebration of their 15th band anniversary, ONLAP have been hard at work to finally unleash a full-length album containing 10 colossal, new tracks. Their much-awaited debut will be a collection of their musical history, roots and recent influences, but most important: including a multiple degree of links inside the album, that will be revealed later. Watch out for many more details and news to follow in the weeks ahead, and get ready for the most ambitious offering ONLAP has achieved in their career to date.

https://www.instagram.com/onlap_music

https://www.facebook.com/ONLAP.Official

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5vkIUHgmiNIPn4Beoh2QPc

https://www.afm-records.de

TEENAGE WEREWOLVES – 1st 3 FOCUS

3rd September 2023

FIRST THREE FOCUS

Was the ghost of Lux Interior and the spirit of The Cramps present at the O2 Islington?

In a world where nothing is as it seems, danger lurks at every turn! Witness the terrifying tale of exploding cameras and leaps that defy DEATH itself! From the darkest, pulsing heart of London emerges… ‘Teenage Werewolves‘ in a visual spectacle the likes of which you’ve NEVER seen! Coming soon in a spine-tingling 3D review! But for now, dare to catch a glimpse – presented in full color MONSTERVISION! This is one horror you won’t want to miss – it might just be the death of you!

https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=teenage%20werewolves

TEENAGE WEREWOLVES played O2 Academy Islington – Saturday 26 August 2023

Images copyright 1st 3 Magazine – Not to be reproduced without permission

BILL LASWELL & PETE NAMLOOK – A Testament To Creative Synergy

3rd September 2023

Music News

The ‘Outland’ album series was a collaborative endeavour by the visionary US bassist-producer Bill Laswell and the late German musician Peter Namlook that pushed the boundaries of ambient and electronic music.

Spanning five albums released over a thirteen year period from 1994, this new box set serves as a testament to the creative synergy between the two masterminds.

A lavish matte-finish box opens to the five ‘Outland’ albums in separate matte sleeves with all-new designs, while all the audio has been completely remastered. The box also contains a new addition to the series – an album of dense, bass space drone by Laswell entitled ‘Blackland’. The box also contains an exclusive card with an essay about the project written by Laswell.

At the time the duo joined forces, the New York-based Laswell was already a famous producer with a massive client list that included cutting-edge rock, pop, funk, jazz and electronic artists, but he had also founded the Axiom label in 1989 and been responsible for groundbreaking work in genres that included ambient, dub and world music. Namlook was recognised as a pioneering figure in the ambient techno scene, having founded the label FAX +49-69/450464 in his native Frankfurt in 1992.

’Outland’ became a fusion of their individual musical sensibilities that resulted in a unique set of releases. At the heart of the series is an exploration of sound as a vehicle for emotion and contemplation, with Laswell’s signature basslines and experimental soundscapes interweaving seamlessly with Namlook’s ethereal textures and intricate sonic layering. Each album is characterised by a sense of expansiveness, taking listeners on a voyage through rarely charted sonic dimensions. All have the ability to evoke a wide range of emotions and have their own distinctive sonic palette, ranging from ambient tranquility to cosmic intensity.

OUTLAND
6xCD box set
out 17.11.23
(Cold Spring | CSR327BX)

‘Outland’ has endured as an influential touchstone, its impact felt not only in its captivating soundscapes but also in its invitation to engage in deep introspection and cosmic contemplation. With each album, the duo beckoned listeners to transcend the mundane and embark on a sonic voyage into the extraordinary, where sound becomes a conduit for spiritual and artistic expression.

The collaboration actually began after Namlook discovered that several samples from early Fax releases had been utilised for Laswell’s own projects, prompting an initial forthright exchange that quickly turned into a mutual admiration society. “We started to send music back and forth, Frankfurt to Brooklyn and back again,”explains Laswell. “There were so many recordings and different collaborations that several of them turned into a series. In addition to ‘Outland’, there was ‘Psychonavigation’, ‘The Dark Side Of The Moog’ and more.”

For ‘Outland’, he recalls that “I had done an Asian tour with my friend Akira Sakata where I managed to record a lot of traditional music in Mongolia, which is heavy drone singing and the ultimate ambient. When I was in Europe, I brought these recordings to Pete and we worked on them in Frankfurt. That was the start of ‘Outland’, which then continued for another four releases.”

BILL LASWELL | PETE NAMLOOK

He also reveals that Namlook told him about the very start of his career. “He was playing guitar and working in a bank. Every day, on his way home with his guitar, he would pass a river and stop and play with the river flowing. I think that’s where his ambient obsession began. I recorded a piece with Bernie Worrell entitled ‘By A River (for Peter)’, which is the first track of the box set compilation ‘Die Welt ist Klang: A Tribute to Pete Namlook’, which was released in 2013, a year after his death.”

Cold Spring | Official Site

JACKET THIEF – Fu Man-New

2nd September 2023

Music News

Notable Southern California bred multi-instrumentalist and FU MANCHU drummer Scott Reeder has taken the plunge into solo waters with his new project JACKET THIEF.

The revered musician’s upcoming debut album, “Lights Out On The Shore,” was born out of studio sessions with Grammy Award winning producer/engineer Ryan Mall (Dropkick Murphys, Old Crow Medicine Show, Gaslight Anthem), where Reeder cultivated his vision, bringing together his desert rock roots with melodic, acoustic, psychedelic and heartland rock influences. “Lights Out On The Shore,” will be released on September 29th on his own TripKey Records.

Commenting on the record, Reeder says:

“This is a record that I wanted to do for a long while, and then different circumstances conspired so that it was more like I had to do it, I couldn’t wait any longer.“

JACKET THIEF’s debut is a melodic and soulful rock album with an engaging flow throughout, from the heavy crash of “Some Kind Of Murder” and “ A Stitch In Time,” to the leaden throb of “Daylight Apparitions” and the drop-tuned drone of the title track “Lights Out On The Shore.”

“Lights Out On The Shore” Tracklist:
1. Flying Too Low
2. TLFN
3. A Stitch In Time
4. Lights Out On The Shore
5. Furs And Fires
6. Lord Meade Lane
7. A Wind Gone By
8. Some Kind Of Murder
9. The First Ones From The Skies
10. Everything But Right
11. Daylight Apparitions
12. As She Drifts…

Stream “TLFN” and pre-order “Lights Out On The Shore“:
https://linktr.ee/jacketthiefmusic

Reeder has now released the first taste of JACKET THIEF’s “Lights Out On The Shore,” with the single “TLFN.”

Adding about the song, Reeder states:

“‘TLFN’ is a song co written by friend and singer songwriter Micheal Rosas. It’s been around for a while in different guises. It has a bit of a heavy strut to it and the lyrics remain pretty much to the point…’is this what I think it is..or is it something else?’ In this case, it’s straight forward 4 on the floor rock-n roll with a blistering fuzzed out solo from Bob Balch.“

Instagram / Youtube

TAYLOR MCCLUSKEY – If The Hat Fits

2nd September 2023

Music News

Prolific actor and alternative rock artist TAYLOR MCCLUSKEY is back with a brand new single titled “Reflection.”

The grungy-rock anthem is a taste of his forthcoming 20-track record, produced in collaboration with the legendary Glen Robinson, known for his work with luminaries like Keith Richards, George Martin, Dave Grohl, and David Bowie. Details of the album are to come.

Wearing multiple hats, Taylor stands as a formidable actor, writer, filmmaker, and musician. His illustrious career in cinema encompasses a spectrum of roles, from background performances in box-office giants like Star Trek & Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen to starring in the 2013 comedy The Mirror. As Founder and President of TaylorMade Films, he’s left indelible marks behind the camera, too, with projects like the American Express-endorsed documentary Legends and the award-winning short film “Greenback$,” where he collaborated with comedian Jud Travis.

Stream “Reflection“:
Apple Music – https://bit.ly/3PjrUXK
Spotify – https://bit.ly/3EmYGkq
Soundcloud – https://lnkfi.re/4b0kbxRr

Music, however, remains a profound expression of Taylor’s artistry. He’s graced iconic venues like The Whisky, The Viper, and HOB, headlining with tracks from his EP “Wild Ride.” His melodies have entertained and adorned the cinematic world, with features in Lifetime’s Don’t Look Back and promos for West Hollywood’s Cycle House.

Taylor’s dedication to his craft has been recognized and celebrated. Among the accolades, he won Best Actor for “Greenback$” at the 2017 IFS Film Festival in Los Angeles. He was spotlighted as a Semi-Finalist at the Flicker Rhode Island International Film Festival for his script, “Youngblood.”

Apple Music – https://apple.co/3IekHCt
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TAYLORMCCLUSKEYMUSIC
IMDB – https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2252934/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/taylormccluskeymusic/

Virvon Varvon – Appropriately Desperate

1st September 2023

Music News

Virvon Varvon are UK (London) vets featuring members of Black Time, Wake Up Dead, Candy Highway, and The Jazz June.

After burning through a couple of pressings of their debut mini-LP “Mind Cancer” (Girlsville Records), they gigged around London and played Get Lost Fest in Hamburg, Germany last year. In September they head to Gonerfest in Memphis, TN for their first-ever shows stateside.

To coincide with their appearance at Gonerfest, Virvon Varvon is releasing a new EP called “Voices” on Girlsville Records.

“Voices” was written by Virvon Varvon bassist, Cunha. Pulling more than his fair share of weight as the new member of Virvon Varvon & penning the lead single on the EP, “Voices” doubles as the lead single for the follow-up LP to the debut Virvon Varvon 12″ (Mind Cancer), due in 2024.

Voices is a hooky and raucous shouty punker with Lemmy Caution’s guitar leads functioning as what could be mistaken for a Wavey synth bit, Hanne’s vocals: urgent, venomous, raw, and appropriately desperate. The backing vox on the chorus drives home the message: voices in one’s head that can’t be silenced.

“Useless” was written by Andrew Low and is aggressive punk pop with immediacy and a huge chorus. Virvon Varvon delivering once again on the promise of hard & fucked up pop for punks!

“Holding Pattern” is a composition by Lemmy Caution and is reminiscent of the lo-fi punk of the sorely missed Black Time, with a spoken word bit that to these ears is a clear nod to Huggy Bear, both in delivery and the music, bringing to mind something akin to the outro to Teen Tighterns. SLOW. DEATH. IS. YOURS!

Order Virvon Varvon

Girlsville Records Facebook

Monthly Archives: September 2023

Bulletbelt – A New Strength

“Burn It Up” is the 5th studio album in the 14-year career of New Zealand powerhouse Metal outfit Bulletbelt.

BLACK ROSE BURNING – One Big Battle

NYC-based alternative rock outfit BLACK ROSE BURNING presents their invigorating new single ‘Fight!’, a potent taste of their third full-length album ‘Ad Astra’, mastered by Jason Corbett of ACTORS at Jacknife Sound.

Next month, TOMORROW’S GHOSTS will return for its highly anticipated HALLOWEEN GATHERING.

Sons Of The East (Live Review) – All Is Right In The World

Sun, sea, surf and we are beautiful.

Paris-based alternative rock force, ONLAP, has premiered a lyric video for their new single “Fever”!

TEENAGE WEREWOLVES – 1st 3 FOCUS

Was the ghost of Lux Interior and the spirit of The Cramps present at the O2 Islington?

BILL LASWELL & PETE NAMLOOK – A Testament To Creative Synergy

The ‘Outland’ album series was a collaborative endeavour by the visionary US bassist-producer Bill Laswell and the late German musician Peter Namlook that pushed the boundaries of ambient and electronic music.

JACKET THIEF – Fu Man-New

Notable Southern California bred multi-instrumentalist and FU MANCHU drummer Scott Reeder has taken the plunge into solo waters with his new project JACKET THIEF.

TAYLOR MCCLUSKEY – If The Hat Fits

Prolific actor and alternative rock artist TAYLOR MCCLUSKEY is back with a brand new single titled “Reflection.”

Virvon Varvon – Appropriately Desperate

Virvon Varvon are UK (London) vets featuring members of Black Time, Wake Up Dead, Candy Highway, and The Jazz June.

Newsletter