Formed in the mid 90s as a punk outfit, The Peawees quickly established themselves as a band to look out for on the European scene. Over the next few years, they became musically stronger and eventually injected their sound with some good old rock ‘n’ roll attitude. A firm fan favourite, their third album ‘Dead End City’ was issued on Stardumb Records in 2001. The first pressing sold out in record time; a second pressing sold out very quickly and a vinyl reissue on Stardumb featuring bonus tracks was snapped up by eager fans, always keen for a Peawees fix. Although considered one of the band’s very best albums and a European punk classic, it took until 2019 for the album to gain a CD reissue and a US release…
Upcoming gigs from Dot Dash
Cult power pop heroes Dot Dash have a few shows confirmed for May 2019 and beyond, as part of the promotion for their 2018 album ‘Proto Retro’. Two shows are support slots with The Undertones, something guaranteed to bring their work to a few new ears…
BLACK SHEETS OF RAIN – In The Eye Of The Storm EP
Although this EP is the debut from Black Sheets of Rain, the band’s three members have been part of the rock scene for many years. Drummer David Nuttall had previous links with Toy Dolls; guitarist/vocalist Rich Davenport will be best known by some listeners as a member of Atomkraft and bassist Matt Lambourne had previously recorded with Solomon Groove. While, for some, their choice of band name will instantly call to mind the legendary Bob Mould, no connections with Husker Du should be sought: this Black Sheets of Rain have come to bring you a world of melodic metal with a very traditional feel.
HARDLINE – Life
2018 was a very busy year for Johnny Gioeli. He released two well received discs in both his solo album and a collaboration with Deen Castronovo, but also found time to work on a new Hardline record. At a time where the respected rock singer appeared to be in strong voice, he was perhaps wise to take advantage of this burst of creativity, but has releasing three albums in a little under a year spread those talents a little too thinly?
MICHAEL THOMPSON BAND – Love And Beyond
The Michael Thompson Band’s 1989 album ‘How Long’ is often considered one of the landmark releases of 80s AOR. A near perfect release, its slick pop-rock sound and songs co-written with Mark Spiro captured the ears of a generation of fans. The album became increasingly hard to find on CD until a Frontiers Records reissue made the masterpiece available to all once again in 2007. Such a reissue should have been met with much enthusiasm. However, not only did the reissue sound inferior compared to the master used for the original Geffen release, but it was also sullied by the addition of a few contemporary bonus tracks which only lessened the overall quality. A brand new release the same year – TRW, teaming Thompson with vocalist Mark Williamson and noted session man John Robinson (one time of AOR band Bridge 2 Far) – was enjoyed by some fans, but in terms of sheer quality it just didn’t equal Thompson’s late 80s peak.