Wreck-Tangle 1/6/13

We're at the Redhouse in Sheffield once again for a night of in your face Rock and Roll. So far these gigs have been excellent, great value for money with some great bands and the third Wreck-Tangle this year was no exception.

Thirteen Shots got the evening off to a lively start and although a little raw these young guys are highly energetic and I look forward to hearing more from them in the future.

Next up, The Goddamn Wallbangers. Despite having a few technical problems they delivered a great set and were well appreciated by all.

Straight Razor Angels stepped in at short notice as X-Ray Cat Trio had to cancel. Always a pleasure to see these guys and I was pleased to see one of my favourite local bands play here.

 

Top of the bill were the MojoKings. I have two of their albums but not previously seen them live. Damn I've been missing out here. Seeing them up close in this small venue was like being hit by a Rock 'n' Roll tsunami. Loud, fast and tight, absolutely fantastic!

For whatever reason the night wasn't as well attended as previously, shame on those that didn't make it. Still another great night though and I look forward to the next one.

Free download - It's Better With Fuzz Babe​!

An absolute belter of a compilation of Surf and Garage Punk from Fuzz Overdose Records. Released in January 2013 this fifteen track sampler features some of the best artists recording on this Athens based label. Free download from Bandcamp.

Crank up the volume and get yer dancin' shoes on!

Check out the full catalogue at Fuzz Overdose Records.

Carmen Ghia & the Hotrods @ Greystones

 Anyone remember those old Bakelite radios? Big plastic box, speaker set in the front beside a big backlit tuning dial. Not that I'm that old but I remember my parents having one. So what has this got to do with me going to see a band at the weekend?

Well as hip young 50's teenagers tuning into their radio, the sound produced by Carmen Ghia & the Hotrods is just what they would have been looking for. The thing is, in 2013 at the Greystones in Sheffield, Carmen Ghia & the Hotrods are proof that good music played well never ages.

The set comprised a blend of Rockabilly, Swing and Blues based Rock 'n' Roll with some classic covers and excellent original songs all wrapped up in a flawless performance. Particularly worthy of mention was a Slim Harpo style version of 'I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor', giving a nod to fellow Sheffielders the Arctic Monkeys. 

Carmen herself has a terrific voice, perfectly suited to the genre and a brilliant slightly scatty sense of humour that comes across well in any interaction with the audience. Equally the Hotrods are amazing as a band and seriously talented each in their own right. They opened up with an instrumental that's been buzzing 'round my head all week. I'm pretty sure it was 'Hot Rod', which I last saw done by the Dynamite Band way back. I hope someone can put me straight on that sometime 'cos it's a great tune.

I had to have me a CD and Carmen supplied me with both their first CD 'Tough Lover' and the new 'Flying Saucer Baby' along with a 10" vinyl of 'Blackjack' which although busy wrapping up after the gig Carmen took time out to sign along with the rest of the band. Very much appreciated.

A great night, great atmosphere, fantastic band. Thanks a lot folks.

For more info and gig dates go to http://www.carmenghiahotrods.co.uk/

or visit and give 'em a like on Facebook