Tag: Punk

Pseudo Cool Are The Punk Band We Need Right Now: FEATURE

Pseudo Cool Are The Punk Band We Need Right Now: FEATURE

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Punk rock is infamous for its love of rebellion. Rule-breaking, non-conformity and an unwavering bold stance in both style and substance. It is a genre that regularly depicts a state of turmoil, and hits back at society with a vengeance. As global politics and the state of the world at large, are currently tipping the scales. There is no denying that punk is the musical outlet we need at the moment. 

Eager to shake up society and our music scene, are the fiery Pseudo Cool. Possessing all of the grit and grunge you could desire; this band have a sound that is edgy and untamed. Led by siblings Cathy Bastian (lead vocals, bass) and Lloyd Bastian (backing vocals, guitar), family ties run deep throughout their music. Lead guitarist Dylan Howells, and drummer Shay Bevan complete the lineup.

Bursting out of the South Wales town of Maesteg, Pseudo Cool blazed onto our radar just this year. As 2020 has seen them release not one, but three new singles. All of which have received heavy praise, including backing from BBC Radio Wales and Horizons Cymru, as well as a string of music blogs, publications and podcasts. With tongue-in-cheek lyrical jabs and jangled guitars, Pseudo Cool inject humour into their music. Yet add just enough of that raw punk-bitterness, to sharpen our taste buds. 

Pseudo Cool are an emerging punk band from Maesteg, South Wales

First single ‘Modern Man’ released in July, gave us a first glimpse of what to expect from Pseudo Cool. Debuting their edgy punk sound to the world, the band certainly kicked off in style. With unapologetic lyrics poking fun at modern 21st century masculinity. ‘Modern Man’ is a satirical quip, that delves into the strives and struggles of your everyday relationship. Delivered in a rhythmic blend of riffs, instruments glide along with Cathy Bastian’s muted almost spoken vocals, which interject that brooding tone we adore. Reminiscent of female punk fiends such as Siouxsie and Debbie Harry. 

Progressing only further with sophomore single ‘Wrong’, at the end of September. Pseudo Cool rose the tempo of their music higher, breaking previous vocal and instrument boundaries they had set for themselves. As their muted brooding sound, gave way to a punk-rock charm; Bastian flexed her pitches and flaunted her vocal flair on this track, and it is truly a delectable transformation to behold. Proving her to be a multi-tonal, and very capable vocalist. Seeking influence from the likes of Lily Allen, with the grit of popular Dublin newcomers Fontaines D.C.

Exploring every branch of punk is certainly on this band’s agenda, as they prove their worth yet again on latest track ‘I’d Like To Watch’. Released just this month [October], with a sound so ominous and dark, it sizzles from a sinister twist. Abolishing the punk-rock prowess of the predeceasing ‘Wrong’. Pseudo Cool have built a bass-driven track, that is entirely different to the previous two guitar dominated singles. Raw, grungy and heavy, ‘I’d Like To Watch’ reflects the muted brooding of ‘Modern Man’. Although any satirical comedy that was present, is now long gone. Replaced instead with a sensual, simmering atmosphere. Unnerving, yet so deliriously exciting. 

Artwork: Caitlin Holly Williams (@caitlinhollyart)

Pseudo Cool break the rules, refuse to conform, and stand bold in both their style and substance. Modern rebels of the music scene, their sound embodies the true spirit of punk, and they are a dose of EXACTLY what we need to hear right now. Set to release more singles before the year is out, it appears that the chaos of 2020 has delivered us a band so chaotically brilliant. 

Listen to Pseudo Cool on all platforms now!

All tracks were Produced and Mixed by Cody Reynolds-Shaw of Trenova Sound

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Panic Shack Release Latest Single ‘Jiu Jits You’

Panic Shack Release Latest Single ‘Jiu Jits You’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

I could not love Panic Shack any more if I tried. Their fierce bad girl attitude, tongue in cheek humour and adoration for chaos, all creates an impressively powerful emerging punk band. How close they are means they are more like sisters than friends, and they are quickly becoming the band that everyone wants to know. Causing carnage with raucous live shows, and acquiring a cult following. Panic Shack have already supported infamous punks Amyl and the Sniffers, and are tearing up Cardiff’s live music scene as they go. Once you have seen Panic Shack perform at a gig, you certainly won’t forget them. A band that were born to break the rules. Combine crazily good music with an infectious amount of energy, and they are able to command a crowd and deliver a gig like no other.

Panic Shack’s debut single ‘Who’s Got My Lighter?’ was a roaring success. The band are renowned for playing a number of unreleased songs at their gigs, so fans already knew what to expect from their loud and untamed debut, and its popularity has continued to soar ever since. At Panic Shack’s headline gig in March the track had its first live outing since its release. A boisterous crowd and a night fuelled with frenzy, meant their debut hit went down a storm, and blew the roof off Cardiff’s Clwb Ifor Bach. Since its release, the single has received airplay on a number of radio stations, including BBC Radio 1. YouTube views are racing up by the day, and streams are continuing to spiral. A lockdown is not going to reckon with the force of Panic Shack.

Today the band are releasing their latest single ‘Jiu Jits You‘. An unapologetic anthem that is as bold as its title suggests. The track tells the tale of a night out, and the idiots encountered along the way. Not shy in speaking their mind, Panic Shack do not hold back on this brilliant spoken-word story and express in no uncertain terms what they would like to do to anyone causing them trouble. In true Panic Shack style it’s all delivered in good humour, proving they are as fun as they are fierce, but you’d still be a fool to think you could mess with them.  Especially if they really do know Jiu-Jitsu!

Their ability to blend spoken word stories with rebellious punk music, provides Panic Shack with a unique edge that certainly makes them memorable. Many punk bands can spit out their lyrics with a harshness and throw themselves around a stage, but Panic Shack have a different appeal. Although rebellious and wild, they also bring in a girlish charm and there is a bubble gum pink theme surrounding them. A female-fronted punk rock band with two personalities, that clash gloriously together.

Bringing in an added element of fun with the song’s catchy chorus and shout-out chants, ensures that ‘Jiu Jits You’ really sparks to become a hit that you can sing along to. It is not for the faint hearted, but is fun and fiery, and I love that they make no apologies for that. Guitars blare, and vocals shout out to pack a punch on this screamer of an anthem.

‘Jiu Jits You’ will plant itself firmly in your mind and knock you out by how good it is. It is a very strong follow-up to Panic Shack’s debut single, that shows listeners exactly what they are all about.  

You can follow Panic Shack on their socials below:

Clwb Fuzz Release New Single ‘No Heaven’

Clwb Fuzz Release New Single ‘No Heaven’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

Clwb Fuzz are brooding newcomers to Cardiff’s music scene, and already they are creating a buzz with their fresh, grungy, post-punk sound. The moody tones that surround this band are hot on trend at the moment, and their live performances are preceding them as they are continuing to rise in popularity amongst the live circuit. Channelling the likes of The Breeders for inspiration, Clwb Fuzz provide us with crushing basslines, sniping drums and hushed stirring lyrics from co-vocalist Emily Kocan. Today they are sharing their newly-recorded single ‘No Heaven’ with us, and it is definitely one you will want to listen to.

The track has been a favourite on their live sets already, and it went down a treat during their recent live-streamed gig with Let It Happen via Instagram. The single has been produced by Tom Rees, who has already worked with bands such as Panic Shack, and his own band Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard are taking the music scene by storm. Clwb Fuzz are certainly in good hands here. ‘No Heaven’ has been released through Libertino Records, who already nurture the likes of Adwaith and Los Blancos; they are certainly off to a very promising start.

Clwb Fuzz have nailed getting the balance right between echoing wistful vocals and biting guitars in the verses of ‘No Heaven’, but it is in the build-up that we really feel co-vocalist Emily Kocan’s voice rouse our senses and throttle with its grip.

‘No Heaven’ is a churning, post-punk anthem that will leave you stunned, in the best possible way. Its lyrics are in no way delicate, and remind me of those internal screams that swirl around in our minds when it plays with choking wild thoughts and delusions. These thoughts are captured and bottled by Emily’s initially soft vocal delivery, that could almost trick you into thinking the song is nice on your first listen. When in reality it contains words that snake menacingly around your soul. The moody tension makes it all even more unnerving, but the shudders you experience are glorious. Clwb Fuzz have nailed getting the balance right between echoing wistful vocals and biting guitars in the verses of ‘No Heaven’, but it is in the build-up that we really feel co-vocalist Emily Kocan’s voice rouse our senses and throttle with its grip.

Clwb Fuzz’s menacing moody sound is completely captivating and it is clear to see from this track alone, that they are a wonderfully talented emerging young band. ‘No Heaven’ progresses stunningly well, and I can’t wait to hear more of what they have to offer. I adore how this single, that is at first quiet, wistful and eerie, evolves into a shredding-guitar track with a snarling bite, that will definitely leave a mark.

Clwb Fuzz’s Debut Single ‘No Heaven’ is available NOW on all platforms via Libertino Records

You can Follow Clwb Fuzz on their socials below:

http://www.facebook.com/clwbfuzz

http://www.twitter.com/clwbfuzz

http://www.instagram.com/clwbfuzz

Talk Show Release Debut EP ‘These People’

Talk Show Release Debut EP ‘These People’

by Rebecca Llewellyn ♥ 0 Leave a Comment

If you haven’t listened to Talk Show yet, then you seriously need to. The bands brand new EP ‘These People’ is out today, and is available to stream on all platforms. It contains four singles, that will stir your subconscious and invade your mind. 

On this punchy new release, Talk Show simmer to boiling point with their edgy punk sound and lyrics that snare your senses. I have been eagerly waiting the EP since we were graced with our first taste back in January. The initial single Banshee quickly entranced me, and was a stark reminder of the incredible capabilities this band possess. 

Talk Show relish in a madness that is able to function absurdly well. 

Talk Show are a fascinating enigma to behold, and their onstage presence is unlike anything I have ever witnessed before. Blending edgy punk with something far darker, their latest EP is a glowing example of how they cleverly clash genres and sounds, to create a form of punk that is in many ways a breed of their own. Their songs are eery and distorted in their lyrical approach which knocks you off balance in a woozy bliss, but as quickly as you are lost are you then swept back up again and thrown into the frantic, chaotic frenzy of their fast paced, energetic tempo. Instruments collide and screech in this fuelled riot, with vocals tearing through in a crazed harmony that I can’t imagine any other band fusing together so well. Talk Show relish in a madness that is able to function absurdly well. 

My personal favourite from ‘These People’ is Petrolhead. Talk Show always have a way of building their songs up brilliantly, but Petrolhead is nothing shy of an explosion. It’s charged and gloriously angry, and I cannot wait to hear it live. 

You can catch Talk Show on their headline tour in September. They are also going to be playing across Wales for IVW with Panic Shack, postponed tour dates are yet to be confirmed.

Keep up to date by following Talk Show on their socials:

All images used have been sourced from http://www.facebook.com/thetalkshowband/