Posted on June 30, 2010 - by Editor

EP/7″ Reviews: Swingin Utters/ Cynics/ The Bermondsey Joyriders

Brand New Lungs 7”
Swingin Utters
Fat Wreck Chords

This marks the first new material from the Utters in seven years and includes two tracks from their upcoming full length and one track exclusive to this 7”. The band is renowned for its musical variety, spreading its sound across reggae, punk, rock, country amongst others and vocalist Johnny “Peebucks” Bonnel exhibits snippets on these three tracks as the band comes across as a mixture of Bad Religion and Social Distortion one moment and then distinctly more street punk and gruff the next. The opening title track varies considerably from second track ‘Lepers, Thieves and Whores’ but both are not that aggressive but rely on guitar driven, reasonably melodic delivery. The final track ‘Forward To Run’ is more snarling and signified by the guitars riff and short angsty lyrical structure. It’s a teaser output until the full length drops, but certainly one that fans should be happy with.

Stones I’ve Thown 7”
Cynics
Happy Days Records

This four track EP self released by Giles Bidder AKA Cynics is very much in the solo singer song writer mould vocally taking a massive leaf from the Tom Gabel (Against Me!) book of delivery. Admittedly Giles is a massive fan of Billy Bragg too and the EP is generally an upbeat acoustic selection with opening track ’14 Coleman Street’ setting the tone whilst ‘Your Alright’ is sweetly melancholic. The Bill and Teds inspired title of the third track ‘Be Excellent To Each Other’ returns to the positive vein and the dual clap and guitar introduction set a head bopping mood with the chorus drenched in harmony “We Got all the time…that we need”. The EP ends of with an acoustic cover of Paint It Black’s ‘Memorial Day’ resulting in a gang clap attack and sing along, a great fun partyesque cover barely resembling the hardcore original except in the chorus and intentionally so. Definitely potential but the solo/acoustic pool of talent is sadly brimming at the surface and it will be tough for anyone to carve out a niche.

The Bermondsey Joyriders EP
The Bermondsey Joyriders
Cherry Red Records

Admittedly we have been sitting on this EP and their full length record for quite some time now and with their London 100 Club show looming in July we thought it best to shake the dust off the cover and have a listen! Another touted 70s punk rock mini supergroup (but preceding Batusis) Gary Lammin (CockSparrer 74-78’) leads the trio and the bands intent is to try and capture the spirit of 70s street rock n roll but with a healthy delta blues vibe. Obvious comparisons or tributes are paid to The New York Dolls and Iggy Pop and with Martin Stacey (principal songwriter of Chelsea 1976 to 1977 & Keith Boyce (Heavy Metal Kids) on drums completing the line-up there is a definite working class sleazy rock n roll/punk/blues fusion. The opening tracks (very bassy) ‘Football Home’ (and ‘Away’ versions) on the topic of football, the B-side a far more chilled bluesy version with the lyrics “The Only thing I really love, the only thing I can understand” with Ian Drury razor like vocals ringing ironically in the current times. ‘Genuine’ is a rootsy 70s guitar inspired song with the final bonus track a sarcastic reference about being important but it’s more important to be nice, again bluesy guitars the backdrop to the distinctly British vocals. (Full length album review coming soon)