Songs on Repeat: March 2023
Here's a round up of the songs old and new we've been enjoying at Click Roll Boom HQ this month.
Kempsey:
Paramore - This is Why (2023)
This song is a vibe. Honestly describes how I’m feeling recently, I just don’t want to leave the house or be bothered by other people. Real nice happy groovy sarcastic tune. I sing it everywhere I go.
Sleep Token - Vore (2023)
An addition to last months obsession, I have had Vore on repeat getting ready for the upcoming album due to release in May. I believe that these recent tracks are Sleep Token’s best work yet. So heavy and elegant and addictive.
Milagro - FEAR (2021)
My best friend recommended me this track and I am shook by the talent and cleanliness of this track from a local band. It’s classic mid-2000’s Metalcore with weaving riffs and solos and the breakdowns are quite meaty and gives me chills.
Ømmis - Looking For You (2022)
Another local band had released this not too long ago, I’ve heard it in passing and it’s come up on my recommended Spotify Playlists, I can’t seem to escape it. It’s very addictive and those bass tones are quite grounded, a very solid track and very singable chorus. The middle break is quite a juicy slice of drama followed by some impressive solo work.
Mogwai - I’m Jim Morrison, I’m Dead (2008)
I am in love with Mogwai. Full stop. As long and boring other people may think of this band, I adore every aspect, Every technicality, Every sound, Every effort, Every movement, Every piece of art work this band produces. Their cinematic and progressive sound sits in a very deep place in my mind and soul and seeing them live last month re-opened my obsession with them. What an experience this band is.
Gorillaz - Oil (ft. Stevie Nicks) (2023)
Gorillaz released the album Cracker Island recently and I must say it is the tamest album I’ve heard from them. Oil is my favourite from the album. There’s something soothing about it and Stevie Nicks vocals just sits nicely in the mix.
Amy:
I’ve been a bit fixated on Half Man Half Biscuit lately so by rights my On Repeat should be half their back catalogue but for fear of boring people with their brand of (in my opinion) hilariously funny satire I’ve forced myself to mix things up a bit!
Half Man Half Biscuit - Restless Legs (2005)
Quite simply because every night when I go to bed at the moment I’m tired by my legs could quite happily take “a five mile hike around the Ogwen Lake”, not only is it currently one of the most relevant songs on my heavy rotation is side splitting funny if not maybe a little inappropriate, I mean how many other bands could get away with this lyric “So come the day when I don’t exist, And worms are flying through the graveyard mist, Don’t go bothering the exorcist, It’s just my restless legs”
Declan Welsh and the Decadent West - Aw the Time (2022)
I’m just obsessed with this band! ‘Aw the Time’ is so negative but in an abusing tongue in cheek way and Declan’s heavy Scottish accent only helps add to the humour. It is nonchalant, a little bit pretentious with a nice little dancy interlude as it ploughs through the notion of not being able to sleep when you should and choosing to stay in bed when you should get up.
Half Man Half Biscuit - Paintball’s Coming Home (1997)
In the tune of “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands” ‘Paintball’s Coming Home’ is funny, silly and makes very little sense! The last line of “if I’d have known they were coming I’d have slashed me wrists” perfectly encapsulates how I feel every time I’m forced to have people in my flat! Also worthy of a mention is the lyric "if I were a linesman I would execute defenders who applauded my offsides" - oh, HMHB how you never fail to raise a smile!
Sultans Of Ping FC - Where’s Me Jumper? (1993)
I feel like there's a theme this month. Most of my listening has been songs that amuse me. ‘Where’s Me Jumper?’ is the tragic tale of a lost jumper made of “pure new wool and perfect stitches, not the kind of jumper that makes me itches” Again the lyrics make very little sense spouting the idea of filling you nostrils up with gravy and covering your chin in Yorkshire toffee, I can only imagine the drugs the band must have been on when they wrote this! Also shout out to the fact it's the only popular music song I know to make use of the word lavatory!
Kenickie - Come Out 2 Nite (1997)
Kitchsy, trashy 90’s indie pop goodness. Geordie accents a plenty, shimmering hooks and sparkling riffs and perfect, if not a little cheesy lyrics!
Shit Present - Voice In Your Head (2023)
The only serious song on my list this month ‘Voice In Your Head’ it shares the feeling of battling with your inner thoughts one moment being good to yourself, looking after your health feeling alright then the next pulling yourself apart, going into full self destruct mode. Knowing that every time you feel fine you're only a moment away from the next episode. It channels how your own mind can be so cruel “I could fucking destroy or you or be your best friend but I’m here till you’re dead” sharing how fragile one's mental health can be, and how there's no escaping your own mind. It has such a powerful lyric wrapped in a stunning DIY punk sound.
Belle and Sebastian - Dog on Wheels (1997)
A late comer to my On Repeat list, included simply because I saw a "Dog on Wheels" in an antique shop in Norwich the other day and got the overwhelming urge to listen to the song instantly and multiple times!
Scott:
Gary Moore - Walking by Myself (1990)
Classic blues rock.
Black Stone Cherry - Blame It On the Boom Boom (2011)/Me and Mary Jane (2014)
I've become more obsessed since shooting last month them.
Tom Cochrane - Life Is Highway (1991)
Great feel-good driving song.
Beth Hart - Black Dog (2022)
Beth Hart and Led Zeplin ❤
"Sounding like her vocal chords are marinated in nicotine and whisky, Beth Hart wields her voice like an earth-scorching flame-thrower....Hart shows no trepidation finding the right balance between gusto and good taste! - MOJO
Tyler:
Phil Cordell - Red Lady (1969)
Phil Cordell, who released songs under pseudonyms such as Dan The Banjo Man, was definitely ahead of his time with this 1969 psychedelic rock track. With a beat any hip-hop producer would kill to sample and an infectious sitar riff, I wouldn't blame you if you thought this was an indie track. This short little track is a perfect introduction to the songwriting of the late Phil Cordell, and definitely worth a listen.
"Blue" Gene Tyranny - Next Time Might Be Your Time (1997)
Let's follow a short track up with a long one. Coming in at just over 8 minutes, this New Age art pop song, originally released in '78, is a fairly stripped back track. Clean guitar, quiet drums and that classic 70s synth sound give a laid-back feel that highlights guest vocalist's Patrice Manget's unique vocals. Robert Cheff ( the real name of "Blue" Gene Tyranny) is a composer who's back catalogue is definitely worth sifting through.
The Murlocs - Rolling On (2016)
The Murlocs are a somewhat popular Australian band, featuring members from other Flightless Records bands, such as one of my favourites - King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard.
Rolling on was a major success for the band in 2015, and for good reason.
A heavy beat pairs perfectly with the powerful vocal performance of Ambrose Kenny-Smith, and that punchy guitar tone is going to stick in your head for a while. Check it out!
Prince - Little Red Corvette (1982)
In keeping with the accidental theme of obscure artists, I present for your listening pleasure this little-known track from the obscure artist Prince.
Do I need to say anything here? Little Red Corvette is one of my favourite Prince tracks, and Prince is one of my favourite artists. This song could be on any of my articles, past and future, and now is it's time to shine. Everyone needs this jamming track in their life, Prince fan or not.
Connie Converse - Playboy of The Western World (2009)
Connie Converse has one of the most heartbreaking stories in music history.
One of the first artists in the singer-songwriter genre, Elizabeth should've seen incredible success. Growing up in a deeply strict and religious baptist family, Connie moved to New York in the 50s to bring her incredible songwriting gifts to the wider world, yet despite a television appearance she never saw any viable success. Her father never even heard her music until after her disappearance in 1974.
There's a haunting element to Connie's music that is hard to describe. Her vocal performance isn't perfect, and the melody may not be the most unique sound you've ever heard, but the passion and weight, especially in the lyrical content, can be felt deeply. Playboy of the Western World was my starting point, and I recommend that it be yours too.
Kevin:
Story of the Year - Tear Me to Pieces (2023)
Saint Louis, Missouri is the hometown of the highly anticipated sixth album titled, "Tear Me to Pieces," by “Story of the Year”. The title track serves as an impressive opening for this emo-pop punk album, setting the tone for the rest of the record with powerful and emotive vocals, catchy guitar riffs, and intense drumming.
The lyrics of the title track express a raw sense of desperation and vulnerability, as the singer begs to be torn apart by their lover in order to feel truly alive with emotion and energy. The track depicts a fiery, tumultuous relationship between two lovers struggling to make it through their daily struggles of life.
Overall, the title track serves as a grand slam opener for an album that is sure to captivate album listeners from start to finish. With its emotive lyrics and high-energy sound, "Tear Me to Pieces" promises to be a standout release in the emo-pop punk genre for many years to come.
Hoping to catch them at The Stone Pony Summer Stage in Asbury Park NJ this July along with Yellowcard celebrating their 20th anniversary of Ocean Avenue. No better way to spend a summer night!
Cheer Up Dusty - Everybody Hates Me (2022)
Hailing from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Cheer Up Dusty is a relatively new pop punk band that was formed in 2019. Their latest song, "Everybody Hates Me," is a poignant track that showcases lead singer Justin Humenik's lyrical prowess.
The song's title is somewhat ironic, given the nature of its lyrics coming from the City of Brother Love. In the track, Humenik laments his lack of friends and social standing, questioning why it seems as though everyone dislikes him. Nevertheless, the chorus offers a glimmer of hope to the song's protagonist, "Dusty," encouraging him to persevere in the face of adversity.
"Cheer Up Dusty, Everybody Hates Me" has quickly become one of their most popular songs, thanks in part to its infectious melody, clever lyrics, and relatable themes of loneliness and insecurity. Even on a bad day, the song's catchy chorus - "Woa Oh, Everybody Hates Me!" - invites listeners to sing along and find solace in its relatable lyrics.
I plan on catching up with the band in April at their upcoming show at Tunes in Voorhees NJ.
Saves The Day - Rocks Tonic Juice Magic (1999)
One of the timeless songs that has earned a permanent spot on my emo punk playlists is "Rocks Tonic Juice Magic" by Saves The Day. This punk rock band, hailing from Princeton, New Jersey, has been active since 1997, and their music continues to resonate with listeners even today.
They will be performing this year for the return of “Bamboozle Festival 23”, held on the beaches of Atlantic City, New Jersey. "Rocks Tonic Juice Magic" stands out on my boardwalk playlist, evoking memories of my younger self and reflecting on the red flags that were missed before heartbreak ensued.
The chorus and lyrics of the song have a powerful effect, as they conjure up emotions tied to past relationships and the scars they may have left behind. It is a song that captures these feelings, which remain etched into one's character forever.
Fond memories of when they opened for MXPX at Birch Hill in Old Bridge NJ. It was a great time to experience the height of EMO / Pop Punk bands and my first crowd surfing experience.
Kill Lincoln - Last Ditch Denial (2020)
Kill Lincoln's "Last Ditch Denial" is a powerful and intense song that showcases the band's talent for creating hard-hitting in-your-face ska punk music. With its frenetic guitar riffs, driving rhythm section, and intense vocal delivery, the track is sure to get listeners skanking.
The lyrics of "Last Ditch Denial" are a searing commentary on the state of the world today, addressing the struggle for real personal freedom. The song encourages listeners to take a personal stand and position against the daily oppression of society, and to fight for what they truly believe in, even if it means going against the grain. Making strides in oneself doesn't happen overnight, keep pushing forward…
Overall, "Last Ditch Denial" is a standout track from Kill Lincoln’s Can’t Complain album, and one that is sure to resonate with fans of punk and hardcore ska music. With its incendiary sound of rhythmic ska riffs and brass breakdowns sends a powerful message, the song is a call to action for anyone who feels disillusioned with the current state of the world today.
Catch” Kill Lincoln” at The House of Independents Asbury Park NJ this June with We Are The Union & Catbite. Also in the UK on tour at the end of March 2023.
ANTI-FLAG - NVREVR (2023)
"NVREVR" is a high-energy, politically-charged punk song written by Anti-Flag that embodies the band's signature sound and message. The track features driving punk guitar riffs, double bass pounding drums, and raw, aggressive vocals that are sure to get listeners fired up. This track also features a vocal breakdown from Stacey Dee from Bad Cop / Bad Cop.
Lyrically, "NVREVR" addresses themes of political corruption and the fight for justice in the face of systemic oppression. The song urges listeners to stand up against those in power who seek to maintain the status quo at the expense of marginalized communities.
As with much of Anti-Flag's discography, "NVREVR" serves as a rallying cry for those who refuse to accept the injustices of the world around them. With its blistering sound and powerful message, the song is sure to resonate with fans of punk and hardcore music who are looking for a voice to channel their frustrations and desires for much needed change. NVREVR Solidifies that. ANTI-FLAG will never ever back down from modern world fascism.
They are currently touring with Flogging Molly & Skinny Lister in the US. I was fortunate enough to see AntiFlag & Flogging Molly for the 4th time at the Wellmont Theater in Bloomfield NJ earlier in March. The tour will be headed back to the UK late May starting in Glasgow.
