The Boys were perhaps one of the most underrated bands to ride the crest of the first wave of UK punk. Formed in London in 1976, they stood out from their peers with astute musicianship, melodic hooks, and clever lyrics. While bands like the Sex Pistols were focused on cash for chaos, The Boys embraced strong songwriting, classic rock ’n’ roll influences, and well-crafted songs that truly resonated with their fans. Their albums The Boys (1977) and Alternative Chartbusters capture the energy of the era while showcasing the band’s own unique identity and sound. I had the opportunity to ask Matt Dangerfield and Casino Steel a few questions as they prepare for their Canadian tour in March. Scene Point Blank: I spent some time writing back and forth with Andrew Matheson around the time of his book's release, Sick On You: The Disastrous Story Of The Hollywood Brats. Unfortunately, it became complicated to bring him back to Canada to promote his book. Anyway, his book is one of the best books on a rock 'n' roll band. Did you read the book, and do you have any thoughts on its accuracy? (Out of interest, I was asked to contribute to his obituary for Billboard Canada , which is an interesting read on his time in Toronto.) Cas: Yes, of course, I have read Andrew's book. He is a superb writer, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Andrew's book accurately reflects the times we all went through during the formation and chaos … Read more
The Darts have a busy year ahead. First, they will release the brand new full-length Halloween Love Songs on March … Read more
Noise Real Records recently released Noise Pollution Volume 1, a limited run 7" that features two new versions of "The … Read more
Pure Intentions is a hard hitting punk band first emerging in the Chicago scene in 2020. Since its formation by Joe Asshole and Tommy Volume, they have since added Judson Jones in 2024 to become its current standing trio. During that time, these guys have spread their gritty sound by touring the United States while gaining a strong following along … Read more
There are few bands in extreme metal who understand their own lane as well as Exhumed. For nearly three decades, Matt Harvey and company have made gore feel theatrical, technicality feel fun, and deathgrind feel almost celebratory. Red Asphalt doesn’t rewrite that formula but weaponizes it, straps it into the driver’s seat, and floors the accelerator straight into oncoming traffic. … Read more
Ok full disclosure, I sung backups on (allegedly) three of these songs and one song is a cover (albeit a stretch lol) of a song I co-wrote. What can I say tho? I was a fan of The Dumpies from the get go, before we all became very close friends and constant tour mates! Dub music diehards might be a … Read more
There’s a specific kind of punk record that doesn’t try to inspire you, doesn’t bother offering solutions, and doesn’t pretend things are going to work out in the end. Nobody’s Going To Heaven is firmly planted in that tradition. Elway returns sounding less interested in rallying cries and more invested in documenting collapse as it happens. They cover every collapse … Read more
Heather The Jerk is a project from Madison, WI musician Heather Sawyer -- a scrappy punk band with garage and pop influences running rampant through the peppy, raw sound. This … Read more
If you were lucky enough to catch Toys That Kill live last year, you were maybe treated to a set that included classic F.Y.P bangers like “Come Home Smelly” and … Read more
Split LPs can be a gamble, but Talk Trash With lands squarely like a swift kick to those tender testicles dancing in the steel-toe-boot category — ten tracks of loud, … Read more
Citric Dummies might be the band I saw live the most often in 2025, yet I put off a thorough review of their latest LP until the calendar turned to … Read more
Breakup records usually announce themselves with a band. There is betrayal, shouting, and doors slamming shut. Finis Amoris Est, the new EP from UK post-hardcore outfit Pageant Mum, takes a … Read more
Pat Todd is a roots rock and roll incarnate — a relentless road dog, grinding it out night after night with his hot-as-buckshot band, The Rankoutsiders. His shows are raw, … Read more
There’s a certain kind of band that makes sense immediately once you see them live. Place Position is one of those bands. Before Went Silent ever landed on my speakers, … Read more
Following up 2024’s near-perfect Gay Boredom comes Lub Dub by Oregon’s The Dumpies. Recorded in Austin TX at the BBQ Shack by Jason Morales and Mike Vasquez, this is their second release on Dirt Cult Records. Bassist Tim Janchar, whose long running label Hovercraft Records is co-releasing the LP says … Read more
Cincinnati, OH "twisty turny punk" band Choncy just announced a new record, their third, comign in April. Trademark will release officially on April 17 on Feel It Records, pulling from … Read more
Sleeveens are back, annoucning the second album form the band led by the Dublin-born Stefan Murphy. The new album will be titled National Anthem and comes out on May 1 … Read more
Touché Amoré just announced a deluxe anniversary edition of their Stage Four album, out digially on April 10 with 11 new songs, unreleased demos, and remixes from the likes of … Read more
Formed 7 yeras ago in Portland, OR with a mission to defy genre, Rhododendron has announced a new LP called Ascent Effort, coming May 15 on new label home The … Read more
Omaha's Indie-Rock quartet, CRITERIA, have announced their new album, SEIZE! -- available May 22nd via Spartan Records. The album was produced by Matt Bayles who has worked with bands like … Read more
Oakland, CA duo Cut-Rate Druggist has announced their debut full-length album, Blistering, out on April 7 via DCxPC Live. It is a studio recording -- just the second from the … Read more
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