Column: CPRW Recommendations For Bandcamp Day

Tomorrow (Friday July 3rd) Bandcamp are having another day where they waive all of their fees to help support the artists on their platform. Bandcamp recognises that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority of bands and artists have lost a major revenue stream due to not being able to gig. These special days have been amazingly helpful for the bands and have also brought the music community together. We’re big fans of Bandcamp here at CPRW and Marcus had the idea of each of us picking a band or release to recommend people check out tomorrow.

Self-Indulgent One-Take Woefuls (Acoustic) by Goodbye Blue Monday

If sadder versions of really sad songs is your thing then this is an EP for you! Glasgow’s Goodbye Blue Monday take three old songs and one new one and strip them back to make them so heartbreakingly beautiful you can’t help but get emotional. The songs sound so different to their rowdy, full band accompaniments and it really is a testament to Graham Lough’s incredible song writing ability. The EP is raising funds for Rad Apples and Conroy’s Basement in Dundee, home of the wonderful Make-That-A-Take Records. (This EP also comes with a trigger alert – if you’re struggling in any way, please be aware when listening to this EP).

https://makethatatakerecords.bandcamp.com/album/self-indulgent-one-take-woefuls-ep

Dead Inside by CF98 (Dan #2)

This EP is a fifteen-minute slice of punk-rock heaven. Each song is a chorus-driven hard-hitter complemented by perfect backing riffs. They also touch on great subjects such as gender stereotypes and mental health. As soon as I picked up this record, the title track (Dead Inside) resonated with me and helped me with my personal mental health issues I'm facing during lockdown. It felt like a friendly reminder that I'm not the only one feeling a little dead inside right now. If you like NOFX or Useless I.D. then don't sleep on this little EP – it's the best one I've heard so far this year!

https://cf98.bandcamp.com/album/dead-inside-2020

We Live Here by Bob Vylan

London two piece grime punk act Bob Vylan released We Live Here on June 5th. From what I've heard from it, the album is eerily relevant to the current social climate and that makes it a very important listen. It's a politically hard hitting album that will inspire, enlighten and educate anyone listening to it. If you want to hear the entire album, you have to buy it as Bob Vylan have decided not to release it in full on streaming platforms.

https://bobvylan.bandcamp.com/album/we-live-here

Structure / Average At Best by Sunliner (Emma)

At the beginning of the year, before things all went down the drain, I made a list of ten bands I was excited about in 2020 and one of those bands was Leeds-based foursome Sunliner. Formerly known as Jake & The Jellyfish, Sunliner put out their first new music under their new guise recently. With the help of Lockjaw Records, Structure / Average At Best is the name of said release and both songs are excellent singalongable melodic punk rock with lyrical content that I’m sure many will be able to relate to – think working a minimum wage job you don’t enjoy and wondering where the time goes and/or what you’re doing with your life. As with all bands, Sunliner’s plans for 2020 have been put on hold but I’m glad they were able to get these songs out. I expect 2021 will be a big year for them.

https://sunlinerband.bandcamp.com/album/structure-average-at-best-ep

Lockdown Unplugged by Ripcord Records

Lockdown Unplugged is a forty-five track acoustic compilation from Ripcord Records. It features a whole host of our favourites such as Paper Rifles, Burnt Tapes, Müg, ALLDEEPENDS, Don Blake, Codename Colin, Knife Club, Dead Neck and many more. All the acts featured recorded acoustic versions whilst in lockdown for the compilation. If forty-five acoustic tracks isn’t enough to wet your appetite then know that Lockdown Unplugged is also raising money for the mental health charity Support In Mind. If you buy the compilation on Bandcamp day, the charity will receive even more money. It’s a no-brainer purchase.

https://ripcordrecords.bandcamp.com/album/lockdown-unplugged

Jilted Lover by Quaker Wedding (Marcus)

Since my job went remote, my furthest drive is now is to the “other side of town”, which in my small city is about six minutes away. Coincidentally, it’s just enough time to listen to both songs from Quaker Wedding’s first single, “Jilted Lover”. Both songs are a perfect blend of self-loathing and regret, with a gruff delivery that really hits the spot. If there are any better songs than these that have been released this year, I haven’t heard them. I’m looking forward to their debut full length “In Transit” on Salinas Records in September.

https://quakerwedding.bandcamp.com/album/jilted-lover

Heavy Seas by Misfortune Cookie (Richard)

Let’s face it, this year has been an absolute write off and whilst we should have been basking in a summer of awesome tunes and amazing gigs we’ve been reduced to thinking of what could have been. One band I feel have been affected massively by this is the wonderful Misfortune Cookie... a name that seems ever-so apt given the circumstances. Last year’s Heavy Seas was an album full of bright, big summer songs and over the course of the year would have been taking their brand of Northern punk to the masses with some high profile support slots with the likes of Signals Midwest and Strike Anywhere (I was hoping to catch them at both) as well as a stint at Manchester Punk Festival. Sadly they’ll be unable to make any new friends at any of these now cancelled shows; so if you’ve not already done so pick up a copy of one of the best albums of last year, self-isolate in your garden, grab a craft beer and immerse yourself in its wonderfulness.

https://misfortunecookie.bandcamp.com/album/heavy-seas

Covered-19 by Cherbourg Harps Assembly

Cherbourg Harps Assembly features Jan and Claire from Aberdeen bands Seas, Starry. Claire came up with the idea to cover 19 songs for an album to raise money for an animal sanctuary named Willows, which is based in the North East of Scotland. Willows looks after elderly and abused animals and relies on donations to stay afloat. Obviously, like a lot of charities and organisations, it has been hit hard by COVID-19. Among the artists covered on Covered-19 are Abba, Madonna, The Beatles, Tragical History Tour, Press Club, Stevie Nicks and Sonic Youth.

https://cherbourgharpsassembly.bandcamp.com/

Stay Home. Stay Alive. Organise. by Davey Dynamite

Whenever somebody asks me for an artist they might not have heard of to check out, I will nine times out of ten say Davey Dynamite. Their last album Holy Shit is my favourite ever. In May, Davey released a brand new song titled Stay Home. Stay Alive. Organise. It’s an acoustic track that deals with the current COVID-19 pandemic, as well as how the government and media are using it for their own gain. The title of the track is based off the slogan by the Poor People’sCampaign. All money made from the track will be given to Davey’s neighbourhood’s mutual aid group for services like mask/sanitiser distribution, food delivery, supporting houseless communities and paying rent. If interested, you can download the track for free now and donate here to avoid the cut that Bandcamp takes – or download it on Bandcamp day and everyone wins. 

https://daveydynamite.bandcamp.com/track/stay-home-stay-alive-organize

The Ol’ Reacharound by Monday Morning Justice (Robyn) 

We Did This Records is a DIY punk distro from South Africa, and their Bandcamp is jam-packed with excellent SA punk releases. Most recently, the Johannesburg-based band Monday Morning Justice put out an EP entitled ‘The Ol’ Reacharound’ that’s been keeping me going while we’ve all been under lockdown and unable to have any local shows. MMJ’s sound borrows from a lot of influences, mixing together folk and ska punk with a liberal dash of South African flavour. Their latest EP really shows the band at the top of their game. The people behind We Did This Records are also just lovely humans who would really appreciate your support.

https://we-did-this-records.bandcamp.com/album/the-ol-reacharound

South Somewhere Else by Nana Grizol
Athens, Georgia, indie folk punk band Nana Grizol released their new album South Somewhere Else on June 26th. Lead by former Defiance, Ohio member Theo Hilton, this is the follow up to 2018's Theo Zumm LP. A concept album inspired by growing up in Athens, South Somewhere Else is one of the most beautiful folk punk albums I've ever heard. It's a quieter and slicker sounding style than you might expect but still empowers you in ways that all the best punk albums do.

https://nanagrizol.bandcamp.com/album/south-somewhere-else

Pleasure Vision by Bacchae (Emma)

I’m ashamed to say that I only came across Washington, D.C., four-piece Bacchae when they were listed on Angry Grrrl Music Of The Indie Rock Persuasion’s 100+ Black Artists To Support On Bandcamp Day article last Bandcamp day – but I guess that was the point of the article, to check out bands you may not know! I instantly took a liking to their synth-driven raw indie punk and the album Pleasure Vision has fast become one of my favourites of the year. They’re due to play The Fest this year (if it happens) so I’m definitely going to check them out live if I can.

https://bacchae.bandcamp.com/album/pleasure-vision

New Sun EP by Wrong Life

Wrong Life is the new project from Fraser Murderburger. Due to the current lockdown restrictions delaying the recording of the debut Wrong Life, Fraser started writing the second Wrong Life album which lead to him taking a break from that to create this EP. If you're already familiar with The Murderburgers then there will be familiarity here but Wrong Life present a pop punk with a more mid-tempo and restrained approach that really allows Fraser's brilliant lyrics to shine through. If this is a little taster of what to expect from Wrong  Life then I can't wait to hear the full album.

https://wronglife.bandcamp.com/album/new-sun-ep

The Way To Bombs EP by Smiley & The Underclass

London dub punks Smiley & The Underclass released their new EP, The Way To Bombs, this week. Mixing reggae and punk rock to make empowering protest music, the four piece have been working hard on spreading their message to fans all over the world for years now. The Way To Bombs is the follow up to 2017's brilliantly received debut album Rebels Out There. Smiley & The Underclass are a band that can expertly capture the energy and passion from their live show and recreate it on record.

https://smileyandtheunderclass.bandcamp.com/album/the-way-to-the-bomb-ep

Untenable by Bad Moves (Emma)

Released just last Friday, I saw that a lot of people on Twitter were stoked for Untenable, the latest album by Bad Moves. I soon understood why when I listened to the album myself – it’s really, really good. If infectiously catchy power pop is something you might be into too then this is a must buy for Bandcamp day. It’s certainly been the spirit lifter that I’ve needed this past week and I won’t be stopping listening any time soon.

https://badmoves.bandcamp.com/album/untenable

Of course, we would be remiss not to recommend the CPRW Records catalogue during this post. So far our little label has put out six different releases raising money for five different charities – Mind, Crisis, Macmillan, Music Venue Trust and Refugee Action UK. Have you got them all yet? Bandcamp Day is a great day to complete your collection.

https://cprwrecords.bandcamp.com/

Our good friends in Burnt Tapes are also currently donating any money they make on their Bandcamp page to Black Minds Matter. For my money, they are one of the best bands in the world at the moment and are due to play The Fest in Gainesville later this year. This is a great opportunity to delve into their entire back catalogue (including their brilliant first release Wasted History) as well as two new acoustic covers and support a very worthy cause.

https://burnttapes.bandcamp.com/

If you didn’t pick them up on the last Bandcamp day, it's well worth checking out Decolonise Fest’s Bandcamp page to purchase one – or all – of their compilations. Decolonise Fest is a London-based DIY punk fest created by and for punx of colour. Comps like these are vital to diversifying your listening habits from typical all white male bands and DIY groups such as Decolonise Fest need our support and solidarity now more than ever.

https://decolonisefest.bandcamp.com/  

If you're not on the hunt for new music but do want some new threads then head to Solidarity Not Silience's Bandcamp page. Solidarity Not Silence are a group of women facing a defamation case for speaking up about the disgusting treatment of women by a well known musician. Since 2017, they have been crowd funding the legal costs of this case. If you want to help out this extremely worthy cause and have a fresh new T-shirt to wear then click the link below.

https://solidaritynotsilence.bandcamp.com/

Last but certainly not least, INiiT Records, the new label created by Our Lives In Cinema frontman and unsung hero of the UK DIY punk scene Mark Bartlett, are donating all the money they receive to organisations working for equality for those who have been deprived of it. So far INiiT Records have put out two stellar releases from Ode To Sleep and most recently High Visions. Two great acts you need to check out.

https://iniitrecords.bandcamp.com/

Top Tens: Colin's Top Ten Influences With Explanations

I'm sure we've all by now seen the trend on Facebook of being nominated to share your ten biggest musical influences without saying why. I got nominated and I did this. Problem was though I really enjoy talking about music and the acts that have influenced me. So that's what this top ten is. Me running through my ten biggest influences and explaining them. Talking about music is good.

Lightyear – Call Of The Weasel Clan

On the surface, ska punk legends Lightyear are a fun ska punk band that never take themselves seriously but, when you take the time to listen to the lyrics, they actually touch on a lot of subjects that are super relatable. Call Of The Weasel Clan was released in 2001 and amazingly it still sounds as relevant today as it would have back then. And it's still a lot of fun!

Fletcher – My Revenge

I don't think I really realised how much my musical tastes were influenced by former London punk rockers Fletcher until many years later when I re-found them. My Revenge was originally released in 2003 and is full of melodic and what today would be classed as "gruff punk" bangers. That "gruff punk" sound has become my go to genre when I want to find a new band and the majority of my favourite albums from the past fews years would probably fall under that banner. Fletcher's Lee now lives in Canada and fronts a new band named Lee Resistant & The Lost who are great. Check them out.

The Bouncing Souls – How I Spent My Summer Vacation

I don't think there are many punk bands more universally loved than The Bouncing Souls. They, and How I Spent My Summer Vacation, taught me more than any other album that what punk rock is really about is doing things with your friends, being true to yourself and having a great time whilst doing it.

Great Cynics – Don't Need Much

After initially getting into punk rock through bands such as [Spunge], 4ft Fingers, Lightyear, Uncle Brian and Jesse James, I eventually fell into the trend that many people do and began to exclusively listen to bands from America. Then I somehow heard Don't Need Much by a UK band named Great Cynics and I loved it. Through this album, I went on to discover Apologies, I Have None, Bangers, ONSIND, Muncie Girls and loads more. It sent me down the path of DIY punk rock that I love so much now.

ONSIND – Dissatisfactions

Dissatisfactions is probably the first time I truly took in any political messages from music. I heard bands like Anti-Flag and NOFX sing about politics previously but it never really hit home with me until I heard this album from a duo from Durham named ONSIND. The stripped back acoustic nature of the album really caught my imagination and moved me in a way that no other album had at the time. I learnt a lot from this album.

Wank For Peace – Fail Forward

Wank For Peace were a French melodic hardcore band who recently reformed under the new name Tiny Voices. Wank For Peace were the band that ignited my passion for checking out punk rock from mainland Europe. There's an incredible amount of amazing bands in Europe that not enough people in the UK are checking out when they really should be.

Less Than Jake – Losing Streak/Hello Rockview

Ska is a big love of mine and that mostly stems from Less Than Jake. The first CD of theirs I ever owned was the Losing Streak/Hello Rockview double CD. I played that album to death for years and never ever got bored of it. The band, and very very few other ska bands, have never managed to top these two albums. Less Than Jake are still going strong to this day and it's the songs from these two albums that always get the biggest reactions whenever I see them live.

Against Me! – Reinventing Axl Rose

I was slow to get onboard with Against Me! for ages, they just didn't click with me and then I heard We Laugh At Danger (And Break All The Rules) and I got it. Previously I didn't enjoy the rougher, rawer sound of punk rock at all but Reinventing Axl Rose opened my mind to a whole new world of punk rock. It feels like there's such passion in these songs that I don't feel you get with a slicker, more produced album.

[Spunge] – The Story So Far

[Spunge] were not only my gateway into UK punk rock but my gateway to underground punk rock all over the world. I remember being a bit of an indie kid as a teenage because that's what my best friends enjoyed but never properly connected with it. Then one evening I was listening to Steve Lamaq on Radio One and Roots by [Spunge] came on and that pretty much changed my life forever (hopefully for the better). [Spunge] pretty much played a big part in me being the person who I am today.

Davey Dynamite – Holy Shit

Holy Shit by Davey Dynamite is, in my humble opinion, the greatest album ever made. It's full of such passion and energy. It tackles important subjects in a way that really makes you think. It's full of ear worms and moments where you'll find yourself singing along with all the gusto that you can manage. No other album ever has moved me in the way that Holy Shit has. For me, this album should be the blue print for every punk rock album. More than just being incredible though, it not only shaped a lot of my political beliefs but it made passionate about standing for what I belief in and gave me the confidence to call people out if I believed they are acting in a way that isn't right.

This top ten was written by Colin Clark.

Top Tens: Colin's Top Ten Albums of the Decade (2010–2019)

At the end of every year it's tradition to get reflective and think about your favourite things and, in the case of CPRW, our favourite albums of the year. It's also the end of the decade so it's only natural to look back of your favourite albums of the decade so here are my top ten favorite albums that were released between 2010 and 2019. Enjoy.

10. The Anachronist’s Cookbook by Will Tun & The Wasters (2015)

This was my album of the year in the first CPRW albums of the year list. Will Tun & The Wasters were a collective from Bristol who combined ska, punk, hip hop, gypsy and folk and played social and political music. When I first heard The Anachronist’s Cookbook it was like nothing I had ever heard before and I was all for it. This is an album where you not only learn things but truly have the best time. It's an educational party. I love an album which emits a lot of energy and that can certainly be said about The Anachronist’s Cookbook. It just makes you want to dance and sing. Before writing this list, I hadn't listened to it in ages but hearing it again gave me that nice feeling I had when I first heard it.

9. We Cool? by Jeff Rosenstock (2015)

When Bomb The Music Industry sadly decided to call it a day, it was a pretty sad day. Thankfully, Jeff Rosenstock carried on releasing music under the his own name, but with a backing band. We Cool? was the second release under that name but a release that really seemed to make people, away from just the DIY punk community, worldwide really take notice. We Cool? actually finished below The Anachronist’s Cookbook on my 2015 list but I've placed it above on this list because it has stayed with me much longer. I feel like this album helped shape some of my tastes for the decade, with a more chaotic sound but also with lyrics about growing up and trying to work out what you're doing with your life when you hit 30 years of age.

8. I Was Broken When You Got Here by Call Me Malcolm (2018)

This is the most recent album on my list. For me, it's the album that revitalised the current boom in the UK DIY ska punk scene. Call Me Malcolm blew all expectations out of the water when I Was Broken When You Got Here was released. I can remember being told just how good it is before I had the chance to listen to it and being sceptical. Moral of the story: I shouldn't be so sceptical. Adding a bit more crunch into their sound than was previously found on their debut but also retaining the upbeat and catchy melodies, I Was Broken is an album that looks into mental health with the band being brutally honest with their struggles throughout the lyrics of the songs. Listening through the album now, every time a song begins I just grin with excitement with what is to come.

7. The New International Sound Of Hedonism by Jaya The Cat (2012)

It took me a while to really ‘get’ Jaya The Cat but when I did I knew this was an extremely special band. The New International Sound Of Hedonism was the album that introduced me to Jaya The Cat and eventually started a love affair that continues to this day. Containing fourteen reggae punk songs that all make you want to dance and sing along, every time I listen to it it gets better and better – even seven years after it was released. Despite a lot of the content not being something that I would endorse, you can't help but get swept away with the album. Whether it's a chilled out song or a riotous party banger, Jaya The Cat have this brilliant way of capturing the audience's attention on each track.

6. On The Impossible Past by The Menzingers (2012)

If I hadn't have included On The Impossible Past on this list, I'm sure I would have had some pretty angry reactions. I can't think of another album released in the past decade that has put a band more on the map than On The Impossible Past has for The Menzingers. Featuring Menzingers classics such as Good Things, The Obituaries, Gates and Casey, this is another album that looks at growing up and finding your place in the world. Such a big theme of this decade for me. The Menzingers do an amazing job of painting pictures with their lyrics and generally just making you feel that you can relate to every word they sing. The passion that this album creates in people is truly amazing.

5. Throw Me In The River by The Smith Street Band (2014)

2014 was without a doubt the hardest year of my adult life and the first time I really came to terms with the fact that I suffer from mental health issues. Of course, I found help in music and, in particular, a band from Australia that I had recently became obsessed with – The Smith Street Band. Throw Me In The River is just incredible from start to finish. It's just so powerful and emotional. It takes you on a journey of ups and downs for anyone who suffers with mental health problems and I really held onto it. This was the first time I think I really related to music on a level like this rather just thinking it's got a nice beat and makes me smile. Albums like this made me realise why I love music so much and why it's so important.

4. Fail Forward by Wank For Peace (2014)

French punk rockers Wank For Peace are the perfect band for why you shouldn't ever judge a band by their name. Fail Forward, which sadly turned out to be the band’s final album, was a real grower for me. It's a raspy vocalled melodic punk/hardcore sound that gets me more pumped up than any other album ever. This album is forever my pre-football match soundtrack. It's one of those albums that never fails to get me moving in some way. Musically it's very powerful, not only does it make you want to move around but the messages in the songs are inspiring – with songs about mental health, personal growth, political and social justice and friendship among other things. I heartbreakingly never got to see these songs live but the band have been back playing the odd show in 2019 and I'm hoping they play the odd show somewhere near me in 2020.

3. London by Apologies, I Have None (2012)

I don't think there has been a more definitive album from the UK punk scene in the last decade than London by Apologies, I Have None. The band started off as an acoustic duo before gradually becoming a full band and London was their first full length release as a band. The combined vocal and songwriting talents of Josh and Dan really make this album what it is. Emotional punk rock with catchy pop hooks and life affirming lyrics. Having two different songwriters and singers gives London this wonderful dynamic where you really get the best out of both performers. Seeing these songs played live always elicits such a passionate response from a crowd and I do consider myself very lucky to have been able to seen Dan's songs live before he sadly left the band.

2. Not Like This by Iron Chic (2010)

Think back to pre-2010 and before Not Like This was released, how many bands sounded like Iron Chic? Now think again, in 2019 how many bands sound like Iron Chic? The New Yorkers were probably the first gruff punk band I ever got into and have been a big reason I have become a fan of so many others who have formed since Not Like This was released. Not Like This features ten absolutely perfect tracks. Like a lot albums on this list, the album is packed with songs about growing up and trying to find your place in the world. There are so many tattoo worthy lyrics throughout the album, it’s absolutely staggering. I imagine there is someone, somewhere who has the lyrics to the entire album on their (probably quite large) back. The way in which Lubrano delivers the vocals is brilliant, it's pretty slow paced but packed with intensity. The slower pace really allows the listener to pick the lyrics up very quickly and shout them straight back at the band. Iron Chic are one of those special bands who become one with their crowd.

1. Holy Shit by Davey Dynamite (2016)

Holy Shit by Davey Dynamite is not only my favourite album of the decade but my favourite album ever. I can still remember the first time I ever heard it. I was sitting in my bedroom at my mum’s house looking for new albums to review, I was on dyingscene.com and they were streaming Holy Shit. I clicked play out of curiosity and was blown away. There was this powerful and raw sound that I hadn't heard since the first time I heard Against Me!. I remember having goosebumps as I listened to the album again and again. No other album ever has moved me in such a way as Holy Shit. It's not just about wanting to move around and dance or that kind of business though. It's the messages packed into the album that really hit home. Davey talks about appropriation, homophobia, politics, social injustice and generally standing up and fighting for what you think is right. Davey pulls absolutely no punches with the lyrics on Holy Shit. They're frank and blunt showcasing such an intensity that makes you really believe in everything that they're singing and it's so powerful. I truly believe that you can listen to this album and want to be a better person, to just go out and join the fight to make the world a better place for everyone. It epitomises what I think punk has really become this decade – it’s about coming together, helping one another despite constantly being held down by "the man." Punk’s always been as much about being a movement as it is about the music, Holy Shit displays what is best about both of those things. Thank you Davey, for writing this album.

This top ten was written by Colin Clark.