With Just A Hint Of Mayhem

Music reviews, gig reviews, fun trivia and extra added random stuff!

“Hot Mess” – Johnny Hunter August 20, 2024

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 11:32 am
Tags: , , , , ,

Aussie punks Johnny Hunter smash it with their new single “Hot Mess”, this is hard-rocking 21st-century punk at its best. It draws on classic 70s punk and some of today’s heavier sounds like Frank Carter and Soft Play. It was produced by Jesse F. Keeler (Death From Above 1979, MSTRKRFT). The band has said a lot about the song’s birth throes.

“Hot Mess” was recorded above The Lord Gladstone Hotel in their Sydney hometown. Of the recording process, lead singer Nick Hutt said “Whenever we needed to go to the bathroom or for a smoke we had to push through crowds of people on their night out, from people hooking up to crying with their friends outside, to pairs of people coming out of cubicles so every time we were in the studio on the weekend we’d be flys on the wall for (and sometimes part of) this exhibition of what we could only describe as hot mess behaviour. We literally recorded the vocals whilst a massive DnB party played downstairs, I’m 95% sure that if you solo the raw stems of the vocal you can hear it in the background. This is the essence of the song, the whole feel, the drums, the lyrics, the mood all of it attested to recording music in the pub”.

the song was inspired by what bassist Dakota Fisher described as “a meth loop” which he describes as “clanging metal in a bathroom whilst dragging your teeth on the tiled floor“, the band initially explored an 808-driven beat. However, this direction felt too techno, leading them to pivot towards a more organic, LCD Soundsystem-inspired groove that producer Jesse helped refine. To capture a specific dancefloor energy, the band wrote the verse while Groove Armada’s “Shakin’ That Ass” was on repeat. Though they admit to only knowing one verse of the song, it provided the perfect foundation for their own track’s rhythmic delivery. Whilst the rest of the band then joined the party downstairs at the Lord Gladstone drummer Gerry Thompson (Gez) the band’s resident hardcore enthusiast, channelled his love of harmonics into the song’s wild energy. Instantly ripping the guitar part through a Big Muff pedal, he creates a layer of chaos that perfectly complements Dakota’s initial inspiration. Like me, you might be very pleased to learn that Johhny Hunter has permanently moved to the UK!

If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, EMail. Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

“Wanna Be You” – Shehehe

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 11:00 am
Tags: , ,

Shehehe have a fantastically fun new single out before their upcoming album. The song is called “Wanna Be You” and it has a magnificent late-70s punk vibe with hints of everything from Jilted John to the Ramones. Speaking of the Ramones, Shehehe was recently compared to da Bruddas in a recent review, “Shehehe, from Athens, GA, deliver a powerful sound that’s part rip-roarin’ rock ‘n’ roll, and equal part Ramones.” That wasn’t me saying it, but I agree 100%! Staying with the Ramones once again the band has said this of “Wanna Be You”, “It is a work of fiction about two characters from two great rock and roll songs, ‘Sheena Is A Punk Rocker’ by Ramones and ‘Allison Is Starting To Happen’ by The Lemonheads. If they met and became friends we think it would go a little somethin’ like this…” We need more songs bringing together characters from other songs, this is great! This really is a bouncy, tear-along feel-good hit, I love it!

If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, EMail. Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

“Two Sips” – Revivalry August 19, 2024

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 10:18 pm
Tags: , ,

Revivalry has become the youngest band to play the Main Stage at Kendal Calling and to cement their growing power they released a classy new song, “Two Sips” last week. It is a superpowered riff fest with some great vocals and harmonies and it overflows with sublime alt.rock, pop, and punk hooks. This bunch can go all the way and on the evidence of this single, they are more than ready for the journey. Here is the band explaining how “Two Sips” came to life. “It started with a riff, as it nearly always does. Ben brings that and everything follows from there. Because we are a 3-piece we use sonics around the bass instead of a rhythm guitar so Josh builds around the riff and Lewis sets the beat – the structure of the song tends to just build from here with all 3 of us in a room together. At times it can be painful, Ben is a perfectionist, Josh is keen to keep the flow of writing going and Lewis is pretty laid back – somewhere in the middle of that triangle is the sweet spot.” One of the best singles of the year in my humble opinion.

If you want to catch them live check out the dates below

23rd August, Victorious Festival (Seaside Stage), Portsmouth TICKETS

24th August, Camper Calling Festival, Warwickshire  TICKETS

31st August, The Imperial, Mexborough TICKETS

15th September, Garristonbury, Barnsley (SOLD OUT)

27th September, The Troubadour, London (supporting A.R.T) TICKETS

2nd November, The Leadmill, Sheffield, (supporting The Denabys) TICKETS

6th December, Deaf Institute Lodge, Manchester TICKETS

If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, EMail. Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

“Pick Me Up” – The Search

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 4:41 pm
Tags: , , ,

Swedish band The Search released their new single “Pick Me Up” last week. It is packed full of emotion and has some gorgeous pop hooks. Vocally I am taken to a place where Aha might have taken a post-punk direction while under the influence of later period Roxy Music. “Pick Me Up” is anthemic, rocks along at a fast pace and stays in your head for ages. Apparently, the song is about rekindling the hope of second chances and healing in the aftermath of lost connections, exploring themes of reconciliation and the enduring quest for mutual understanding. It is taken from their forthcoming album, ‘Indulgence’.

If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, EMail. Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

“The Shot” – The Giraffes

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 3:55 pm
Tags: , , , ,

Brooklyn rock band the Giraffes have recently released a new single, “The Shot”, a precursor to their upcoming album (their eighth), ‘Cigarette’, scheduled for September 27th. The band says the album will be “a score for our current age of decay and disappointment, fear and fury, idiocy and hope”. “The Shot” is dark and brooding with some monstrous hooks and a kind of punky jazz feel. It has the sound of a band that really knows their stuff, but they have been around just shy of 30 years. After hearing this single I am really looking forward to the album!

If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, EMail. Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

Ryan Burnett – Fulford Arms, York – Thursday 15th August 2024

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 2:03 pm
Tags: , , ,

This was originally a headline gig for Belle Velvet, but unfortunately, they had to pull out which meant that the new headliner was Ryan Burnett, but more of him later. The first to take the stage was the previously unbilled Michael Collinson. Michael is a singer-songwriter with a fine collection of heartfelt, hook-driven songs. I love how he introduces a great percussive element via his guitar and rather nifty looping talent. He also used some great backing tracks. “Bring It Back Again” showcased his acoustic guitar skills. The highlight for me was “Crying” (an original song, not a cover of the Roy Orbison classic). He reminded me of some of the best 1970s troubadours mixed with some sublime alt.country stylings on this song. Well worth checking out!

It is a while since I have seen Moongate (a.k.a Cat), her songs are still very sad laments, but that does not take away how good these tunes are. “Junction 5” is possibly her saddest song, so she confessed that she doesn’t play it very often. Let us not forget that sad songs can be very good, especially when they are played with an abundance of the grace and talent that Moongate possesses. Apparently, everyone hates Jonathan, Moongate certainly does, given that two songs in this set were about him. The new one featured a backing track that was “not top-notch, but nearly notch”. After those two songs, I think I really don’t like Jonathan much either. Her closing song, “Trigger”, is divinely and deeply sad. Will Moongate ever write a happy song? Maybe she will, but when the sad songs are this good does she really need to?

Finally, it was the turn of Ryan Burnett and this was his first time playing solo at the Fulford Arms. The clarity and depth in his voice is comparable to Jeff Buckley at times. His cover of the Vampire Weekend song “Campus” was perfect, he made it his own rather than just a facsimile. Ryan’s new “dark” song sent shivers down my spine, in a good way, as the ghost of Jeff Buckley showed up again. This guy has a hugely understated talent and I don’t think that he realises how good he is yet. Even a new song which remains a work in progress was good, even getting a little lost in the middle of that one took nothing away from Ryan’s stunning performance. To cap it all he received his A-level results earlier in the day, and I hear that the boy done good! 🙂

If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, EMail. Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

“Peaches In My Halo” – Veronica D’Souza August 16, 2024

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 9:58 pm
Tags: , ,

Veronica D’Souza is a former fashion pioneer and now an independent producer and songwriter. She is of Indian/East African/Danish descent. I believe that cultural melting pot makes her such a musical talent. She is a strong advocate for women and has helped many people on her life journey. With her music, she has the talent and the ability to help all of us through this troubled journey that we call life. “Peaches In My Halo” is a stunning inspirational and inspiring summer anthem that leaves you with a head full of heavenly hooks’ and, ears filled with majestic melodies and a wide smile on your face. The percussive drive to the song sticks with you long after it is over. The song is almost hymnal at times. It is a powerful song about breaking free and becoming you and not what other people’s expectations of you are. Veronica has said this about the track “We all live under a carpet of external expectations and internalized limitations. This song says to defy the confined boundaries and societal norms, dare to dream, and allow yourself to live out all the different versions of you. It’s about rebelliousness, transformation, and social critique. Throw your head back, take space, be it all, live it all. What would happen if you did, just for a minute.” I can see myself becoming a huge fan of Veronica D’Souza! Click here to listen to “Peaches In My Halo” on Spotify.

If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, EMail. Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

“Volatile” – Delilah Bon August 15, 2024

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 6:07 pm
Tags: ,

Everyone’s friendly neighbourhood, evil, hate-filled female Delilah Bon is back with the new single “Volatile”. She is brutally honest about how this world makes her feel but on top of that she ciphers about what is wrong with the state of the world. When her rhymes express anger the Bon bile is directed at misogynists and haters everywhere. (“Cos Mr Industry thinks that every woman’s the same”). Sexist pricks in the music industry and in society should fear the level of venom directed at them, but sadly they will not be, so it is up to all of us who believe in fairness and equality to join the Bon Bon Battalion and fight for it. Delilah is an inspiration to women and oppressed minorities everywhere, despite her own fears. Let us all stick up for those who are oppressed and can’t stick up for themselves. Let us be there for Delilah too. Minorities, those of you who have been abused and put down, we’ve got your back, and we stand up for Delilah’s punky, rebellious clarion call. Men, we know you mean well when you say, “it’s not all men”, but that doesn’t change anything does it? I am an old white male and I support equality for women, LGBTQ+, and all decent humans.

This song is a slow and dark metal rap that only Delilah Bon can do as adeptly as this. It describes many of her negative experiences in the music industry and once again it bodes incredibly well for the sophomore album which will be out next month. (There will be a review on these very pages!) Delilah is following in the footsteps of punk feminist icons from the past, particularly Poly Styrene and Kathleen Hanna! Delilah is a Riot Grrrl for the 21st Century. Poly Styrene once said “Some people think little girls should be seen and not heard. But I think “oh bondage, up yours!” Delilah Bon needs to be heard and more and more people are listening, if you haven’t listened yet, then start now!

If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, EMail. Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

“So To Speak” – Everything After Midnight

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 3:36 pm
Tags: ,

Everything After Midnight recently released a new single “So To Speak”, and what an exquisite example of perfect pop-rock it is. It has a summery feel and starts off with quite a soft sound but it builds into something great featuring some mesmeric hooks and riffs. There are tastes of Fleetwood Mac in their late 70s pomp and even a small measure of All Saints at their prime in Steph’s gorgeous, ethereal vocal. This band continues to get better and better with each new release!

If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, EMail. Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.

 

Sherbert Flies – The Crescent, York – Tuesday 6th, August 2024 August 14, 2024

Filed under: Review — justwilliam1959 @ 9:52 pm
Tags: , , , , , , ,

I always like it when I get to see a band that I have never seen before, so Sherbert Flies attracted me. But so did the mighty Soma Crew and Eugene Gorgeous. Eugene Gorgeous was first to take the floor, as it was a relatively small crowd the bands all played in front of the stage. They play funky post-punk sounds, does that make it post-funk? I don’t know, but in alignment with their name, they do make gorgeous music. I have seen them a couple of times before, back in 2016 I said of them “Imagine, if you will, the Velvet Underground meeting the Jesus and Mary Chain at a dive bar in Twin Peaks”. That description still stands, only they have got so much better too. This was a great set, the new song is damned good and would give the Strokes a run for their money, it also has a nifty Dr. Feelgood vibe. Sometimes their sublime garage rock has a bit of Nick Cave in it. A band for the ages. I promise not to leave it so long before I see them again!

Next, it was the turn of the magnificent Soma Crew. Let me be clear, absolutely no one does dark, dirty, psychy drone like Soma Crew. This is a supremely talented band. Frontman Si has more effects pedals than I have ever seen arrayed in front of one person. I think he must have a PhD in effects pedals mastery! All the songs were ace tonight, but it was “This Illusion” that reached sublime heights for me. If you haven’t already checked out the new album, ‘Confused OK’ you need to do it now!

Finally, it was time for Sherbert Flies who I had never witnessed before. Apparently, they formed in York ten years ago. They are grungy, punky, and highly original. The rhythm is hard and full-on in its delivery. The guitar sounds draw influence, but don’t steal, from fine classic rock. The vocals are laconic. lo-fi and, lush which both contrasts and complements the dynamic, Germanic, motorik rhythms of their awesome canon of songs. I want to give a huge shout-out to the drummer who feels like the engine room of this great band and he dominates his kit like a master sticksman! I need more of Sherbert Flies in my life! Incidentally, the band’s name is one of the best I have heard in ages. Does it relate in any way to the title of Alex Chilton’s first solo album from 1979, ‘Like Flies on Sherbert’? This night featured another great lineup pulled together by Joe at Please Please You.

If you have enjoyed this article, feel free to follow the blog, or follow us on; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, EMail. Are you interested in writing and reviewing for With Just A Hint Of Mayhem? If so then please get in touch.