Column: Introducing Hidden Gems

Today CPRW Records released their latest compilation album, Hidden Gems. We love discovering brand new bands that you haven't heard of yet and telling anyone and everyone about them. That's the whole theme of the compilation. We've put together twenty-seven of our favourite bands, all of whom have around 200 "likes" on Facebook in the hope that people will check them out and give them some support. There's a plethora of fantastic bands all around the world that are so good and deserve your attention. Here at CPRW we are well aware sometimes people need a little bit of convincing to try something new, so we've written a nice introduction for each of the bands on Hidden Gems.

The Jawnstowne Standard
Allentown, Pennsylvania's The Jawnstowne Standard were one of my favourite discoveries of 2019 and their EP Punxsatawney found its way into my top ten of the year. They play raspy voiced pop punk music with loads of great hooks and fists in the air moments. FFO Hot Water Music, Off With Their Heads, Burnt Tapes.

Free Dogs
Based between Leeds and the Netherlands, Free Dogs are one of the most exciting bands I've discovered in recent times. In October they released their debut album, Academy Training Wasted. It features a great mixture of upbeat and slower paced, electronic and acoustic tracks that all do a fantastic job of captivating the listener. FFO Against Me!, Crazy Arm, Onsind.

The Muttnicks
We had the pleasure of first discovering Hamburg's The Muttnicks playing a stunning set on a boat at Booze Cruise Festival last year. We'd never heard of the four piece before but were quickly blown away by how good they were. One of the best surprises of 2019 for sure. The band plays social and politically aware skate punk that will make you think as well as shout along to it. FFO The Bouncing Souls, Strike Anywhere, Pistol Grip.

The Sheldons
There was no way I could release a compilation without some ska punk on it. This French band take more of a traditional ska style, up the tempo and add a whole bunch of punk attitude to their music. In true ska style, this song will have you skanking around full of joy. FFO The Suicide Machines, Common Rider, Operation Ivy.

Foreign Bier
You might recognise the name Foreign Bier from our recent review of their album – I Don't Believe Anything, Anymore. The Norwich based three-piece play melodic orgcore punk rock and deal with topics such as growing up and mental health. Staples of the genre. FFO The Lawrence Arms, Fletcher, Foo Fighters.

Bear Away
Scarborough's Bear Away have been on the CPRW radar for a little while now. The team’s Northern most member Richard messaged Colin a little while after they sent a track for Hidden Gems, suggesting we feature them. Colin was on the ball and Richard has immaculate taste. Bear Away have a great knack of writing a melody that gets stuck in your head immediately. FFO Iron Chic, Latterman, Triple Sundae.

Bashful
Bashful are a new pop punk band from Richmond, Virginia. My buddy Max from Captain Asshole suggested that I check them out and I instantly fell in love. It’s fast paced, lots of energy, great harmonies – everything I want in my pop punk music. Definitely a band to look out for in 2020. Their album Driving is packed full of bangers. FFO The Ergs, The Copyrights, Dear Landlord.

Jumping The Fucking Shark
I know Jumping The Fucking Shark as the band from New Zealand with all the unnecessarily long song titles. The three-piece are a garage rock/power pop band who have this great ability to make the complicated sound oh so simple. This band have harmonies for days. FFO I don't even know but it's really good.

Dog Eared
Dog Eared seem set to be the new shining light in the Scottish pop punk scene. We had the pleasure of seeing this trio play at Book Yer Ane Fest at the end of 2019 and were super impressed with the band. So much so that I messaged a promoter friend of mine and told him that Dog Eared are a band that he needs to keep an eye on. FFO Aerial Salad, The Kimberley Steaks, Fastfade.

Love Hearts
Ramonescore pop punk always has a special place in my heart so I was over the moon when Love Hearts agreed to appear on Hidden Gems. It's a really under-appreciated genre in the UK and fills me with the most amount of joy. Love Hearts feature Mikel of The Lemonaids and CPRW favourites The Hallingtons writing super sweet love songs played along to three chords and a driving drumbeat. FFO The Ramones, The Apers, Masked Intruder.

Boardinghouse Reach
I have no idea how more people don't know Boardinghouse Reach. The four-piece from Chicago formed in 2017 and play the mid-tempo melodic punk with the raspy vocals style that the kids who go to The Fest in Gainesville absolutely adore. FFO Arms Aloft, Nothington, Timeshares.

High Praise
I can't wait for the UK pop punk scene to get wind of High Praise. Lead by Charlie Piper of scene heroes Gnarwolves, High Praise play 90s influenced emo/pop punk. When I first heard High Praise I had no idea of the band’s musical past. I enjoyed how well thought out and structured the songs are and how they were different to what a lot of bands are doing these days. FFO The Flatliners, Drug Church, Gnarwolves.

Nothing Specials
Japanese third-wave ska punks Nothing Specials are sure to get you dancing. Since the 90s, the Japanese ska punk scene has been providing some of the most energetic and exciting bands and the Nothing Specials certainly follow in that tradition. FFO Kemuri, Potshot, Mad Caddies.

Missing The Scene
Reading's Missing The Scene are a four piece alternative pop punk band brought to my attention by Dan#2. When I first listened to them I was blown away by lead singer Rachael's brilliant vocals. The band recently released their stunning debut EP Dinner By Gaslight which is raising money for Berkshire Women's Aid. Not only are they a great band, they're great people. FFO Tsunami Bomb, Airstream Futures, Press Club.

Kick Back
Munich skate punks Kick Back feature Theo from Captain Asshole on bass guitar. When I first heard their debut EP, Glad For A Moment, I was instantly struck by how good they were. Mixing up fast and poppy punk with a harder and more melodic style, Kick Back are a band that aren't afraid to throw all their influences into the pot and see what comes out. FFO Lagwagon, Blink-182, No Fun At All.

Prize Dink Camp
When Folkert of Koala Commission, Chrandesyx and El Topo All Star Band told me he was starting a new band which would be a keyboard led skacore band I was very keen to hear them. That band are Prize Dink Camp and they're one of the most original ska bands I've heard in a long time. Anyone who has ever heard Folkert sing will tell you he has one of the best voices around and it's in top form here. FFO hearing something completely new.

The Draughtsmen
My love of the Canadian punk scene is no secret so I was certain to get at least one band from there on Hidden Gems. The Draughtsmen are a three-piece from Ottawa who play introspective punk rock with raspy vocals. The Draughtsmen are fantastic at painting a picture with their music as well as telling stories. FFO The Gaslight Anthem, The Replacements, The Penske File.

GhostRun
London's GhostRun offer something a bit different to the traditional punk rock sound. Adding elements of electronica to a pop punk sound, GhostRun show how you can take two different genres, mash them together and create something quite striking. FFO Jeff Rosenstock, Paramore.

Talk Wrong
Talk Wrong are a fast pop punk band from Syracuse, New York. This is that breathless and chaotic style that I've really come to enjoy over the past year or so and I discovered Talk Wrong at just the right time. In January of 2019, Talk Wrong released an absolutely superb debut EP named Feral Bearings – definitely one to check out. FFO Face To Face, The Mr T Experience, The Copyrights.

The Sidekick
French punk rockers The Sidekick offer a heavier and more aggressive punk rock style. Taking elements of rock 'n' roll and hardcore, The Sidekick pack loads of fury into their music and it just gets you ready to go and get crazy. FFO The Misfits.

The Electrojets
Canada's Electrojets play throwback Ramonescore pop punk. Currently on Out Loud Records, if they had been around in the 90s they would have found a perfect home on Lookout Records. It's fast, it's simple and it's fun. Everything a band of this genre should be. FFO Screeching Weasel, The Eyeliners, Boris The Sprinkler.

Why Pinto
Why Pinto are a DIY pop punk band from the South of England. They are a three piece with a big love of the early 2000s pop punk scene, offering a fresh take on a played out genre and making it sound exciting again. Why Pinto offer an escape to a simpler time in our lives and I love them for that. FFO Blink-182, New Found Glory, Allister.

New|Old
New|Old are an orgcore band from Prague, Czech Republic. The first time I heard them (via Bandcamp Discovery) I knew this was a band I needed to get more people to hear. Combining noodly, jangly guitar riffs with powerful rhythms and vocals that would give Chuck Ragan a run for his money, New|Old have the potential to be a big name in the European punk scene. FFO Hot Water Music, As Friends Rust, Boysetsfire.

The Gubs
The Gubs are a brash and snotty, three chord punk rock band from Portland, USA. The trio released their debut album (self-titled) in November of 2019 and show a hell of a lot of promise. Much like The Electrojets, The Gubs would be right at home on Lookout Records. FFO Screeching Weasel, The Queers, Riverdales.

El Sancho
Hawaii isn't usually a place that springs to mind when you think of punk rock but they actually have a fantastic little scene. El Sancho are one of the great bands on the island. El Sancho are a bit of a throwback band, channelling the early days of punk from the 70s and 80s but bringing it to the 21st century. FFO The Clash, Buzzcocks, The Damned.

Melodic Disaster
Sunderland three-piece Melodic Disaster play melodic punk rock with hints of pop sprinkled throughout. What I really enjoyed when I first heard Melodic Disaster was the urgency that was spread throughout their songs. They have a great way of making you really care about what they're singing. FFO Direct Hit, The Dopamines, Chinese Telephones.

The Hope Hereafter
I remember the exact moment I first heard The Hope Hereafter. I was sitting down at CPRW HQ (aka. my living room) on a Tuesday evening and Emma was at the gym. I clicked on this album on Bandcamp, listened to Twenty Seven Forever and immediately text Emma to tell her that I've discovered the best new band in the world. Perhaps I was exaggerating a little bit – I do that when I get excited – but The Hope Hereafter are really bloody good. FFO Early Against Me!, Prince Daddy & The Hyena, Hot Mulligan.

You can buy Hidden Gems from CPRW Records here. All money made from Hidden Gems is going to be the cancer support charity Macmillan. Macmillan offer physical, mental and financial support to cancer sufferers, whatever stage they are at.

This column was written by Colin Clark.

Album Review: Watch It Burn by American Television

Wiretap Records are one of those labels that constantly release gold. The latest example of that gold comes in the form of Watch It Burn by American Television. American Television are a four piece band from Washington DC. Since forming in 2013, they've consistently released EPs and singles but Watch It Burn is their first full length. It contains ten songs of infectious pop punk that will quickly embed themselves into your mind.

Watch It Burn begins with the song Awkward Universe. Like all good openers, there's a great build before the song starts properly with a gang vocal shout of the line "for what it's worth" before the lead singer of the song takes control. Musically it has me thinking of cross between The Copyrights and The Loved Ones – fast paced yet melodic with fantastic vocals and catchy lyrics. The track is about making your way through life without ever knowing what's next and how we should all try to and get on with one another as we're all on the same pathway. American Television increase the tempo on the second song, Standing Still. On my first listen, the opening drumbeat really caught my attention before the vocals come in and inject a whole lot of energy into the track. They have plenty of urgency behind them but are also delivered in a way that makes them extremely easy to pick up and sing along to. The track is about trying to move forward in your life and not stagnating. The third song is named Dead And Gone. It's a song about moving on from the people who used to bully you when you were younger and realising that you've outgrown them and they're a thing of the past. It's an uplifting song and that's shown in the melody. There's a feeling of joy that comes from singing along to the song, particularly the chorus.

Drinks begins with a deep bass line and some vocals. This gives the song quite an ominous start and an overall heavier tone throughout. Pop punk can be a tough genre to add any kind of variety to but American Television do a fantastic job of it here. The song is about using alcohol to help you get through difficult times and how, at the time, it makes you feel better but it's just a coping mechanism. The fifth song, Parasite, sees the band jump straight back to the fast paced Copyrights style. Injecting some energy at the halfway mark of the album helps ensure that the listener remains with the band. It's an angrier song about becoming something you hate and trying to come to terms with that. In this case, it's becoming "the man" and feeling like you've sold out from your working class roots. This is a stand out song on Watch It Burn, in my opinion. The band seem at their best when they're fast and angry.

Dad's Song is about following the advice of your father and going your own way in life instead of doing what is considered the normal direction and not having anything to show for it. The band drop the pace slightly to allow you to really listen and get a feel for what they're saying in the song. It's a song that seems to have an equal amount of regret and positivity in it. The regret being with the father for not living his own life and the positivity comes from the encouragement for you to do your own thing. Technology is a song about social media and how we become too caught up in it. This seems to be a bit of an in-vogue topic for bands to sing about and I'm all for it. Ironic really, as this blog relies on shares and clicks from social media sites. American Television do a fantastic job of articulately explaining the issues with social media and should really make even the biggest fan of these sites think twice about how they use them.

Wasteland USA is another stand out track on Watch It Burn. It's about the end of the world, so it's super chipper. Musically it's very upbeat, with some great buzzsaw-like guitars and a fantastic melody. On the track, American Television have a defiant attitude where they've given up and are ready to just "watch it burn." The line that really stood out towards the end of the track was "so what's the fuss? let's just get fucked." The penultimate track is titled Misprint. It's about growing up as a misfit punk and finding a home due to the music that you love. There's some great nods to some of the greats they grew up listening to littered throughout the song. "It's a sound salvation, radio" – Operation Ivy/Rancid. "I found a new religion, Greg Graffin was my priest" – Bad Religion. "I've still got a place to call my own suburban home" – Descendents. "I still write my songs with my trusty chords" – Hot Water Music. I always enjoy when bands put little nods to older acts in songs like this. It makes me feel like I'm in on it. That's basically what every misfit kid wants to feel like, like they're a part of something. The final track is named Great Divide. It's about the big difference in social classes in America and the band's frustration with that. This is a powerful way to finish the album and the band again do a great job of articulating why they're so fed up with this "great divide." I really like how well thought out the song is. I've heard plenty of punk songs that touch this topic that are just really angry (and rightly so) but American Television's argument is more likely to hit home with anyone who doesn't have a problem with these issues. American Television have saved their best for last here.

Watch It Burn is a well thought out pop punk album. On the surface it's a lot of fun and has plenty of moments that you can sing and dance along to but it's also got a lot of depth that will keep you coming back again and again.

Stream and download Watch It Burn on Bandcamp here.

Like American Television on Facebook here.

This review was written by Colin Clark.

Album Review: II by Dead Wells

Dead Wells are a four piece band from Chicago playing contagious gruff pop punk music. In January, they released their second EP simply titled II. Knowing very little about the band, I discovered them via Bandcamp, I hit play and new this was soon my new favourite band.

Something that really made Dead Wells stand out to me on my first listen was the combination of clean and gruff vocals. This is displayed perfectly on the opening song, Whiskey Dick. It starts out with the clean vocals welcoming you into the song with a fantastic sing-along opening. As soon as the tempo comes up a dirtier, gruffer vocal appears for the verse before the pair combine on the chorus. I love any band that uses two different vocalists – I always find it adds such energy to the song. This is a fantastic way to begin the EP, as well as giving new listeners to Dead Wells an idea of what to expect. Up next is Small Victories. Starting slowly before bursting into life with those dual vocals, the track falls into a more poppy style. The guitars chug along at a great pace, giving the song an urgency that is infectious. The chorus is instantly catchy and if Dead Wells don't have you singing along to that then you will surely be providing backing whoa-ohs.

Down And In starts out reminding me of bands such as Teenage Bottlerocket and The Lillingtons. It goes along at a nice pace. It's uptempo but it's not so fast that it leaves you struggling to keep up with the vocals. Combining tempo, melody and hooks – this is how you do pop punk music. The penultimate song is The Places You Have Come To Drink The Most. This is perhaps my favourite track on the EP, which is saying something as I really enjoyed the entire release. The gruffer vocals are more prevalent on the track, giving it an aggression that the other songs lack. It's a bit harder to sing along because, at times, it is tricky to understand all the lyrics but there's so much passion coming out of the song that you just get swept away with it. The track is about realising you're drinking too much and trying to deal with this realisation. The EP finishes with VFW. This is another song about drinking. In this case, it's about drinking to deal with life's problems and shutting them away. The gruff and clean vocals are at their best on the song, whether they're trading lines or together they are just magic. If you want a song to fill you with energy then look no further than this song.

I was very new to Dead Wells before listening to this EP. Now I'm a very big fan of the band. They are everything I want in a pop punk band and I'm now itching for more… and to see them live, I'd very much like that.

Stream and download II on Bandcamp here.

Like Dead Wells on Facebook here.

This review was written by Colin Clark.

Gig Review: Bar Stool Preachers at New Cross Inn, London 8/3/20

The show on Sunday March 8th at the New Cross Inn has to be one of the most wholesome punk rock shows I've ever had the privilege of attending. Be Sharp Promotions, along with the Bar Stool Preachers, put on an all ages show complete with early start and finish times. Complete with a stellar line-up, we were also excited to be home from London before midnight. What a bloody treat! Brighton's Bar Stool Preachers were completing a two week long UK tour and had asked friends Nosebleed, IDestroy and Lucias from Call Me Malcolm to play the show with them.

Lucias was first to take to the stage. Fresh(ish) from playing a full band Call Me Malcolm show at Pick It Up Festival the night before, this afternoon Lucias was being solo acoustic guy. I've seen Lucias play acoustic a couple of times over the last few years and something I always enjoy is how he can show off more of his wit and sense of humour when he's on his own. Before the set, Lucias had told me his throat was struggling a bit from the night before. I helpfully suggested just playing All My Nameless Friends and extending the outro "whoa-ohs" for half an hour. For some reason he didn't do this, but he did treat us to a number of fantastic acoustic versions of all our favourite songs from I Was Broken When You Got Here. This was a great way to ease the crowd into the evening.

Next up were a band I knew absolutely nothing about – IDestroy. I figure that this was a case for most of the room as the crowd seemed to take a couple of songs to warm to the three piece from Bristol. Fronted by guitarist and vocalist Bec Jevons, IDestroy played a set full of confident and empowering punk rock jams. Joined by bass player Nicola Wilton-Baker and drummer Jenn Hills, this was one of the most watchable sets I've seen from a band I didn't previously know that I'd seen in some time. It's great to see a band so in sync with each other, roaming around the New Cross stage and really engaging the crowd. Towards the end of their set, Nicola seemed to decide that the she had had enough of the stage and decided to spend some time in the crowd. I have a feeling this won't be the last time we see IDestroy at the New Cross Inn.

Leeds rock 'n' rollers Nosebleed have earned themselves a bit of a reputation for being one of the best live bands in the UK DIY scene in recent years. This was my first time properly seeing them live, aside from briefly at an MPF where they played an impromptu set at Zombie Shack. Dressed in some fine suits and the shiniest of shoes, it didn't take long for me to see why they are so highly thought of. Anyone who knows anything about Nosebleed probably knows they love to get in the crowd during their set. I wondered if they would do this given the amount of youngsters at the venue. They did though and the young folk really seemed to enjoy it, as did the older folk. I'm not sure I've ever been at a gig with such a wide age range – it was really great to see so many different generations get together to enjoy a great night out. When Ben and Elliot did join us in the crowd, the party meter did seem to rise. Being super up close to the band, you could see how much the band enjoy what they do. They had huge grins on their faces throughout and this seemed to infect the crowd, who all had the best time watching the band. The time flew by but they managed to squeeze in breaking a string and having to borrow one of the Preachers’ more expensive guitars (Elliot was very careful with it), a short cover of Livin' On A Prayer and a couple of new songs. This was a great proper introduction to Nosebleed.

The New Cross Inn was by now close to capacity for the Bar Stool Preachers. Over the past few years the band have gained a huge following all over the world but they've never forgotten their roots. They're a band that seem to really appreciate their fans – young and old. And their fans really seem to appreciate them. Whenever I've seen them live, I've always been really impressed with the energy the band has and how this spills into the crowd. It took mere seconds for the crowd down the front to start dancing with the band whilst always being very mindful of the children in attendance, making sure not to knock into them. BSP frontman TJ is a man that exudes confidence. Acting as MC between songs, often giving the kids life advice about looking out for one another and showing love and not hate. Sound advice that I'm sure many of my generation would have loved to have someone give to them twenty years ago. The songs were of course great, played brilliantly and sung along to with a lot of passion but it was these moments in between the music that really stuck out to me. The young generation are going to have to clean up the absolute mess that most of the previous two or three generations have made of the world and it's important to teach them to learn from our mistakes. The band played so many songs from Blatant Propaganda and Grazie Governo as well as treating the crowd to some brand new songs. They also got Lucias back on stage to lead a staple of a Call Me Malcolm live show – the wall of hugs. After watching a set like this, it's clear why the Preachers are so highly thought of throughout the punk scene worldwide.

This was a really wonderful night full of big smiles and we were home before midnight. Lovely jubbly!

This gig review was written by Colin Clark. Photos by Emma Prew.

Album Review: Chasing The High by Jet8

Jet8 were one of the most exhilarating bands that I had the pleasure of seeing in 2019. They turned up at Level Up Festival at the New Cross Inn last July they blew everyone away with their high octane skacore music. In January this year, the six piece from Prague released their brand new album – Chasing The High. Always being keen to check out new ska releases, it wasn't long before I was all over this.

Chasing The High begins with Caught In The Pliers. As you would expect from a skacore band the track, and therefore the album, start in a blistering fashion. After an extended introduction, Martin's vocals come in and you’re yearning to really lose your mind. The track is a social commentary on life in work and how employers try to take away any individuality you might have. Jet8 have a brilliant ability to portray their anger with some brilliant gang vocals spread throughout the track. Sooner Than You Think sees the band really increase the ferocity. This track definitely displays Jet8's hardcore influences. I really enjoyed the intense, hoarse screaming alongside Martin's skate punk vocal, creating an outstanding sound. This intensity really makes you listen to the song’s message which is about putting an end to all the hatred in the world and how eventually all of the good, honest, kind people will overcome this. This is a powerful song. Up next is the album's title track, Chasing The High. After the intensity that opened the first two songs, Chasing The High actually has a slower start. This allows the band to build the song up so that when it really gets going you're ready to get crazy. The song is a love letter to the underground scene and how it gives you an escape from your normal life. It gives you such a good feeling that you need to do it again and again.

The fourth song, Between The Lines starts suddenly and quickly grabs your attention with some hoarse screaming. As the song progresses, it becomes more melodic and almost like a pop punk track at times. Jumping between styles effortless, this really shows what a good band Jet8 are. The track is about how the government and the media feed us lies to scare us into doing what they think is right. This was one of my favourite songs on the album. Not only is it really interesting musically but it's so powerful lyrically. Be The Best At All The Bad begins in a similar fashion with some more primal, hoarse screams welcoming us into the song. After these screams, the song starts up properly with its chorus. Packed with big gang vocals and delivered in a way which is easier for the listener to pick up and sing-along to, you quickly feel a part of the track. This is a song about self-improvement with the message of being able to be better even if you're someone who has done a lot of bad things.

Die Alone begins the second half of Chasing The High. Feeling like one of the more personal songs on the album, on this track Martin sings about a close friend who gets imprisoned for committing a crime and how he feels like they've let him down. As it's more personal, it definitely feels like there is a lot more emotion in the song. This doesn't mean, however, that it's not another mosh inducing hardcore banger that will have you bumping into everyone around you. The seventh song is titled Helping Hand and will feature on an upcoming CPRW Records comp. It's a song that implores you to be less selfish and try to help more people who really need it. If we work together to help the less fortunate, we can really do a lot. I loved the positive message surrounding this song. It's another powerful track that will hopefully inspire folk to do more to help those in need. If you're a fan of the UK ska punk scene then you should recognise the familiar voice that appears on the eighth track, Minute To Midnight. Faintest Idea's Dani Rascal makes a special guest appearance. It's a political track about how the people in charge are more willing to spend money on things that aren't important, rather than things that could save our planet. Martin and Dani ask throughout the song "how will we survive?" Sadly, it's a very legitimate question.

The penultimate song is Down And Out. One of the more brass heavy songs on Chasing The High, particularly in its opening. I appreciated this, particularly as when I got to see them I found myself to be enamoured with their brass section and the energy they brought to the songs. The band change their style up on the track with, at times, an almost hip hop style to the vocal delivery. This keeps Chasing The High sounding fresh and exciting this deep into its duration. The chorus is a big one, with gang vocals and Martin's lead taking turns on each line. It sounds fantastic. The album is finished with the song Golden Cage. This was a perfect choice to finish the album and I wonder if it was written with that idea in mind. It starts slowly, gradually building up before we get to the most ferocious hardcore song on the entire album. It's the good kind of hardcore that gets you worked up and inspires you to go make a difference in the world. Unlike a lot of hardcore tracks, it's not played at 100mph. If you listen to the music, it's very intricate, with all of the band's members playing a part in layering this great backing for Martin's vocals. A fine way to finish the album.

The biggest concern I had when listening to this album, after first listening to Jet8 in a live setting, was would they be able to match the intensity and energy of that performance on record? I'm sure you can work out from reading the review that I had no need for any concern for this. It takes a very good band to be able to take the energy from their live set and get it down on record. Jet8 are a very good band.

Stream and download Chasing The High on Bandcamp here.

Like Jet8 on Facebook here.

This review was written by Colin Clark.

Gig Review: MPF Presents Bands In A Brewery at Signature Brew, London (by Dan#2)

When I saw the line-up for "MPF Presents: Bands In A Brewery" had two of my current favourite UK bands in Just Say Nay and Drones, it was a no brainer. I had to go to this warm-up event for the fest! When I got there, I quickly learnt that some of the MPF crew had been at the Signature Brewery for the whole day, brewing the exclusive MPF 2020 signature beer. Furthermore, they had tied it in with International Women's Day, by inviting some of the women playing at MPF, along with the female members of the MPF crew, to be the ones to brew this year's signature beer for the festival. This in itself is very cool, but the afternoon's booze-up also kicked off the show with a nice, friendly, warm vibe, despite being in a freezing cold warehouse!

I walked into the main room in the warehouse and was instantly impressed by the massive brewing equipment, which made for an awesome backdrop to the night. As I entered, Chloe Glover was just beginning her set of lovely acoustic songs in a folky punk style. It was really cool to hear Chloe's powerful voice filling the room and bouncing off the walls, making the most of the echo. I found myself closing my eyes and soaking in the complex sound above the noise of people chatting (as pretentious as that sounds). Chloe's songs struck a real emotional chord with me, and I found myself smiling at her lyrics about being a disappointment to your parents – sounds as though we're in the same boat. She has an EP called "Dark Matter" coming out on 20th March which I'm now really looking forward to picking up!

I was stoked to see Follow Your Dreams once again deliver on their brand of ferocious hardcore. The room's aforementioned echo had a really interesting effect during this set, adding to the intensity of the drums in the hard-hitting sections, but also adding to the moments of respite as the echo of the guitars faded. They played some great new songs from their upcoming album which was really cool, but the definite highlight was them treating a little girl (vocalist Kaz’s niece) on her birthday – first, they had her announce them after their first song, then treated her to some crowdsurfing later on in the set. It was magical to see some wholesome hardcore with Follow Your Dreams living up to their name by helping a little girl follow hers!

The next act was Katie MF, and this was actually my second time seeing her perform this week. Despite the band’s drummer, Tobias, playing the entire set one-armed due to an injured shoulder, the whole set still sounded great: Katie's vocals filled the room beautifully, giving the songs a nice extra kick. One of Katie's new songs, "Clusterfuck", really stuck out from the rest. After the set, I caught up with Colin and we discussed Katie's knack for writing great political songs you can get behind – not to mention her kick-ass-Against-Me-rock-and-roll vibes.

I was really worried about how Just Say Nay would sound, being a ska band in such a big room with their staggering 8 members. It really worked for them, though – the room's acoustics really drew out the brass and flute. I love watching these guys perform every time: their chemistry on stage, their songs and the energy they give out is just the best – they're always a pleasure to watch. My personal highlight of their set was getting to hear the new single "You Embarrassed Me in Front of Jamie Lenman" live, it was a lovely addition to the set against some of the old songs like "Pass Me A Cloud".

Drones don't play that frequently, but every time I see them perform I find myself wishing I get to see them more often. Their political, blood-pumping anthems make them one hell-raiser of a headline band. Their new material sent shivers down my spine, and I was super happy to finally get to hear "Graves" (my favourite Drones song!) along with "Shells Fall, Pins Pulled" which sounded absolutely fantastic with Lois singing it. Midway through the set, Lois was handed two crates of beer from Signature Brew to give out to the crowd. The beer was quickly placed into the crowd and was immediately circle-pitted, then danced around like an idol! Drones also sparked a very drunken human pyramid which ended up collapsing in on itself in a cascade of laughs! They closed with "Inferno" which was the perfect end to a great night.

Seeing so many friends from the UK scene in the same place reminded me of last year's MPF’s vibe and got me excited for the fest in April. A lovely, boozy warm up show!

This gig review was written by Dan Kilvert. Photos by Emma Prew.

Gig Review: Popes Of Chillitown at Esquires, Bedford 6/3/20

Where I live, in Bedford, I don't often seen many gigs that have me chomping at the bit to pop along but every now and then a line-up is announced that has me very keen. On March the 6th, Bedford Esquires were hosting London ska punk kings the Popes Of Chillitown with support from Bedfordshire's own Easydread and new local band Flamin' Wet Gurus. It looked like a fun night out so Emma and I hit the town.

Unfortunately, I had to work until 8pm so we missed the majority of Flamin' Wet Gurus’ set by the time we got down to Esquires. They were best described as a world music collective who played a variety of different instruments, including plenty of percussion. On the night, I jokingly described them as being a group of teachers who have access to the school’s instrument room and formed a band. As I said, we didn't get to see a lot of their set but I did enjoy their cover of The Specials classic Ghost Town.

Local favourites Easydread were next to take to the stage. After seeing the band five or so times in 2018, we didn't manage to see them once in 2019 so seeing them again was well WELL overdue. Being a local show for Easydread, it was pretty clear that a decent portion of the crowd had come out especially for them and I'm pretty sure that the band are now at a stage where they could be headlining Esquires and drawing a sizeable crowd themselves. It didn't take the band long to get the crowd dancing along. The first five or so songs were all unrecorded songs but this didn't seem to stop the crowd from singing along. This is the benefit of a loyal local following always coming back to see the band again and again. Since I last saw the band, they have added a new member in the form of guitarist and lead singer Steve's brother, James. James has only been playing saxophone for a year but has picked the instrument up very quickly. The set was finished with Fyah, Cross Hatched Line, The Wake Of You and, of course, Scrotes. These final songs really got the crowd moving and it was the perfect way to finish the set and ensure that Esquires was warmed up properly for the Popes Of Chillitown.

Next it was time for the Popes Of Chillitown’s return to the Esquires stage. The band sadly had all their gear stolen during 2019, so it was great to see them back up and running again and doing what they do best – playing kick ass ska punk music. From the very beginning of their set, the band were an explosion of energy. No member of the band seems to be in one spot for more than the second (excluding drummer Jack, of course) and this feeling quickly spills over into the crowd as the band fly through plenty of songs from To The Moon and Work Hard, Play Hard, See You In The Graveyard. The Popes are an excellent party band. It's good times and good vibes all around as the crowd come together and celebrate one of the leading lights in the UK ska punk scene playing a dynamite set. This was my first time seeing the Popes since the addition of Trosso (also of Brazilian ska legends Abraskadabra). What a great addition to the band he has been. I didn't think it was possible to match the energy of lead singer Matt but Trosso certainly gave him a run for his money. I've been watching these guys for a number of years now and they never cease to amaze and entertain. They're a band that is constantly evolving and picking up more and more fans along the road. 2020 is looking like it's going to be another big year for the band, make sure you catch them when they inevitably roll into your town.

This gig review was written by Colin Clark. Photos by Emma Prew.