Life In A Bungalo

Hellbound Glory
“Scumbag Country”
Gearhead Records

Hellbound Glory gets props right off the bat for one of the greatest band names in years. Couple that with an amazing record of country-fried hellbilly rock ‘n’ roll, and you have one of the best package deals of 2008.

“Scumbag Country” is a balls-to-the-wall road ripper with tunes that just chug and chug, and lyrics that are as crack up funny as they are catchy as all hell. The record kicks off with the band’s phenomenal eponymous track “Hellbound Glory,” which secures the band in the annals of kickass rock bands. The song rises like a prayer, ramping up to a twangy rompfest of goodness, featuring some amazing fingerpicking and a chorus that just won’t quit. “Here now I’m riding on a hellbound train/Hellbound Glory, yeah that’s his name,” singer Leroy Virgil cries out throughout the song.

“Chico’s Train” follows suit as a traditional country ditty, bashed in the head with a good helping of honky tonk and rockabilly fun. But the band’s call-to-arms is “The Ballad of Scumbag Country,” a laugh out loud tribute to hard living, coke snorting, rebel rousing scumbags. A true tounge in cheek (I think) anthem to white trash living.

Hellbound Glory are just getting started, but judging by “Scumbag Country” this trio of punkabilly rockers already have the world by the balls. It’s just a matter of time before they take it over and spit it back out like used up chewing tabaco.

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Thee Merry Widows
“The Devil’s Outlaws”

The brides or rock & roll Frankenstein have returned with a record of mid-tempo psycho anthems that provide the perfect soundtrack to the latest zombie invasion.

While not as viciously heavy as some of their contemporaries, the gals that make up the Merry Widows approach their music with a laid back swagger that recalls goth lounge with a bit of swing. Singer Eva Von Slut eschews the sickly sweet vocals of most of today’s rockabilly female vocalist in exchange for a croon that would make Danzig proud.

In fact, “Devil’s Outlaws” could best be compared to The Misfits “Static Age”–a record of slower, punk classics, that are highlighted by trippy lyrics that you can actually understand and a solid groove that you can get behind. That said, this record also begs for a bit more rock. Songs like “My High Heels” and “The Bride” have that catchy feeling, but most of the tunes on here might be a little off-putting to fans of more traditional psycho fares.

Pick up “The Devil’s Outlaw” and you’re guaranteed to be enticed, go see these gals live to be blown away.

H2O
“Nothing To Prove”
Bridge 9 Records

H2O have returned after a very long hiatus and their fans couldn’t be luckier. Clocking in at just under 30 minutes, “Nothing to Prove” is a potent melding of power punk and mid-90s hardcore, lacking any macho posturing and soaked with infectiously catchy tunes. H2O have never been known as a traditional hardcore act, eschewing the cookie monster vocals favored by their friends and contemporaries. Singer Toby Morse instead enunciates every word of the bands’ insightful lyrics, most of which eulogize about time gone by and expounds on positive attitudes. Read more »

Brine + Bastards
“Set Sail For Sodomy”
Refugee Records

New Jersey punk veterans Brine + Bastards are set to plunder the world of rock with the release of their much anticipated debut record “Set Sail For Sodomy,” featuring 13-tracks teeming with blarney, swagger, and a heaping spoonful of awesome.

Yeah, B+B dress like pirates, and they’re best known for their drunken sea chanteys, but this record manages to eschew the corniness completely. Instead we are treated to track after track of meticulously produced rock classics. “Songs of the Siren” might be—hands down—the best punk song of 2008. Screaming, singalongs, and one catchy as all hell chorus—what more could you ask for? “Down, down, down,down/Into the water,” beckons singer Shawn Dillon. Read more »

Pat Todd and the Rankoutsiders
Holdin’ Onto Trouble’s Hand
Rankoutsider Records

Pat Todd is a man that just won’t quit! Barely over a year ago, the ex-Lazy Cowgirls’ front man assembled a new rock and roll troupe and put out a 28-song double-CD (The Outskirts of Your Heart, Rankoutsider Records) of his trademark mix of rock and roll/punk/country.

In an interview at the time he claimed to have 30 more songs written and ready to go! Now here he comes again with a 20-song release (and threatens to have 60 or so more songs ready!), a full-time label home to a dozen or so bands and plans to tour. Read more »

Young Werewolves
“Cheat the Devil”
www.theyoungwerewolves.com

Out of the grindhouse and onto the radio, the Young Werewolves fire on all cylinders with silver bullets blazing and fangs bared. This band of punky surf rockers pummel the listener to oblivion with 14 infectiously catchy numbers about horror movies and Hollywood babylon.

Every song on “Cheat the Devil” is a keeper. The production sound is pure Nuggets era garage rock with simple yet savage drum beats that just groove. The bass is fast and tight and the guitars are sloppy and noisy–music to my ears. Guitarist/singer Neil Falcon’s voice sounds a bit like Rob Zombie, but the music is pure Cramp’s style rock & roll.
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B-Movie Rats
“Radio Suicide”
Rankoutsider Records

I have this B-Movie Rats t-shirt that I’ve worn the hell out of for years. I don’t know where it is now, probably lost it in my cross-country move. I got their newest CD in the mail and was surprised. I haven’t heard anything from them in years and thought they were long broken up. Apparently this album was recorded back in 2002 and the band did break-up. They’re slated to play at this year’s South by Southwest but since the members live on different coasts, I don’t know if they’re back full time.

Naturally, I went to grab some of their old records and was surprised that I had none! Not even the 7″ where they cover the Raunch Hands’ “Your Fat Friend” or their split LP with the Hellbenders (turns out I do have one Hellbenders LP though). Strange…
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The King Khan and BBQ Show
“S/T”
In the Red Records

This record can be summed up in five words: “Motherfuck! This is so good!”

My own laziness astounds me sometimes. I’ve had this record for like three months and am only writing this review now. I don’t know why I waited so long, I love it and can’t say enough good things about the King Khan and BBQ Show (nee’ Mark Sultan) and their assorted side projects (well, I’m not so fond of the Shrines). Read more »