Following closely on the back of a blistering pair of sets at Australia’s annual conference-come-festival BIGSOUND comes the debut single from Brisbane powerhouse, WAAX. Wisdom Teeth is as immediate as they come, clocking in at 2:10 and achieving so much – a massive chorus, an infectious call and response that won’t dissipate from your brain for ages and, most importantly, an introduction to an important new band.
Front woman Marie De Vita has already been touted as “a revelation” and the accolades are beginning to stack up. Having only been released via the band’s triple j Unearthed page, Wisdom Teeth has now been released officially.
United by a love of proto-punk trash, rock n roll and noir romanticism, Emily Breeze (vocals, guitar) and Rob Norbury (guitar) met during a licentious four day drinking binge in 2013. Retreating to Bristol with a handful of records, some stolen stilettos and a primitive drum machine, they began writing and performing as a two piece, rigidly insisting that they should only use equipment that could be carried by public transport.
This minimal set up generated interest which led to the band recruiting production/synth maverick Adam Coombs in 2014 to complete the line-up.
Candy Darling’s debut single Money is to be released on 1 September on limited edition pink vinyl and as a digital download. It’s available to pre-order now.
The Hostiles capture the upbeat energy of US west coast ska punk in the scarcely-sunny climes of west coast Scotland. Their take is spirited and infectious, combining distorted guitars riffs, low-slung rhythms, in-your-face vocals and a two-pronged brass backbone of trumpet and trombone. It’s an engaging formula that’s cultivated a sturdy following and national recognition as well as amassing a strong reputation on the live circuit for delivering a set that is laced with high octane energy.
Born in Ayr back in 2001, The Hostiles started with brothers Josh (guitar) and Chris (bass), who grew up in the States listening to the likes of Reel Big Fish, NOFX and No Doubt. After moving to Scotland in their teens, they were introduced to heavier skacore acts like Capdown, Lightyear and King Prawn by local like-minded ska-lovers including Callum Douglas (drums) and Steve Bruce (trombone). (The current line-up was later completed by Ruaridh Crumlish on trumpet). From these foundations, The Hostiles’ sound was formed – a sound they continue to hone with each record release and every ear-ringing, sweat-drenched live performance.
The band’s recording output has always been prolific and after a string of early EPs, The Hostiles released their debut full-length album, Always Looking Forward, in April 2009 with Matt Harvey, produced by Tim G (Sonic Boom Six, Random Hand) and mastered by Peter Miles (The King Blues, Failsafe). The album marked a significant step forward for the band with a release night show in Glasgow supporting Catch 22, followed by an 18 date tour. The tour was a rampant success and it helped Always Looking Forward find a home with Cardiff-based label, Go Steady Records. Warmly received by the underground ska scene, Always Looking Forward established The Hostiles as one of Scotland’s most respected ska bands. Their rise in profile continued and in 2010, The Hostiles’ tracks were featured on several compilations in Japan, USA, UK and Italy, helping them boost their international presence. The following year, the band’s frequent flyer miles soared with a four week European tour which including shows across the continent, and in August 2012, amidst preparations for their second full-length album, the Late Nights and Early Hours EP emerged. Demonstrating a harder-edged sound, it captures the band at their most confident, ready to take on, with a grin, whatever is thrown their way.
During the past eighteen months, the ska punkers have vigorously toured throughout the UK, playing with Reel Big Fish, Less Than Jake, Spunge, Mad Caddies, Zebrahead, Sonic Boom Six, The King Blues, Random Hand, Leftover Crack, The Toasters, The Damned, Strike Anywhere, Streetlight Manifesto and Capdown, to name a few. The Hostiles also hit the studio to continue work on their new album as well as laying down their brand new single For A Good Time Call 07946058526. The video for For A Good Time features Scottish model Amanda Hendrick.
Gold Coast pop-punk four-piece Double Lined Minority have recently released their new single White Flag and have announced a national Australian tour in support.
Forming in high school and inspired by a low-fi pop punk reminiscent of the ’90s, the group have come a long way since their humble beginnings in 2009 and have proven that they’re more than what meets the eye.
Following in the wake of their two previous releases – 2011’s With Finger’s Crossed (LP) and 2013’s Calling All Liars (EP) – White Flag is a hint of what fans can expect of the band’s forthcoming EP due for release in early 2015.
Written about the realisation that there are some struggles in life you just can’t fight, for singer Eddie Salazar, it was about putting himself in to the terrifying situation that millions of people faced of Typhoon Haiyan which devastated the Philippines in 2013. Salazar said: “I imagined being at that place and in that situation whilst it was happening and to have 195 mile-per-hour winds coming right at you – and you have no choice but to accept what’s coming to you.”
White flag is laced with the band’s trademark dynamic melodies but also reflects a maturing sound. It’s a track that will resonate well for fans of New Found Glory, Switchfoot, Man Overboard and Pierce The Veil.
Renown for their high energy shows and unhinged on-stage antics Double Lined Minority have an impressive touring history having graced the Big Day Out stage twice (in 2012 and 2014) and supporting the likes of International heavyweights the likes of Smash Mouth (USA), The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus (USA), Razorback (PHIL) and Grey-houndz (PHIL).
At the ripe ages of 19 and 20 respectively, the boys are quickly emerging as the modern face of Australian DIY pop punk. With high expectations and the music to match, Double Lined Minority is a name you won’t be forgetting any time soon.
UK rock crew Monster Jaw nationally release their debut EP, Get A Tattoo, on Cobra Kitten Records/Code 7 on Monday 30 June.
Spawned in early 2013 by charismatic front-man and chief songwriter Mik Davis along with bassist Neil Short and tubthumper John Bradford, Monster Jaw hail from the gritty northern cities of Leeds and Newcastle. Drawing inspiration from their blue collar surroundings, the trio also pull influence from the song writing wizardry of Neil Young and Kurt Cobain through to the moody garage rock musings of The Jesus and Mary Chain and the post-grunge drive of Stone Sour.
Monster Jaw
Over the past year, the animated upstarts have toured throughout the UK serving up a resonant and atmospheric post-garage punk sound that is coupled with a tight, electrifying stage show. Successful supports with Stiff Little Fingers and New Model Army on their UK tours have only furthered the band, along with lauded acclaim from Big Cheese Magazine, heavy rotation from BBC introducing and widespread underground radio.
Monster Jaw also have a strong DIY ethos and decided to self release their debut EP, Get A Tattoo, on their own record label Cobra Kitten Records. With national distribution set up for this and future releases, the band have the resources to take their music to the next level. The assiduous three-piece drafted in London-based Belgian producer Wes Maebe (The Libertines, Roger Waters and Robert Plant) to work on their debut EP and his expertise really shines on what is a formidable record. The EP’s namesake Get A Tattoo gets things rolling, showcasing the trio’s deft ability to lay down an alluring slab of post-garage rock that packs a highly contagious refrain. The driving punk rock givings of We Don’t Care About Anything is next up, highlighting the band’s raw sincerity and authenticity. Lastly, Summer Girl, with its atmospheric groove and soaring vocals, shifts gears and tips its hat to The Pixies in passing. Now armed with a killer record, Monster Jaw are set to raise the bar with further touring throughout the UK.
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