Flash Album Review: The Punk Rock Socks

Well, maybe it's something of the old punk in me, but you really have to check out this awesome band The Punk Rock Socks. They really are as Eddie Cochran might say 'something else'. Their debut album, Punk Rock Socks, features seventeen original songs, delivered with the type of raw energy that made the likes of the Clash famous. The album held my attention from start to finish, with its raw power and fabulous melodic content. 

The opening track in true Napalm Death fashion lasts only eight seconds, and really grabs the listener by the throat. It also provides an opportunity for the band to introduce themselves, and succinctly announce their lyrical intent, that they 'love to learn'.

They also love to teach, and the album features a number of educational tracks including "Counting Song", "ABC Song", and even a song to help you with your "2 Times Table". The lyrics throughout the album guide and instruct growing minds in a number of important areas, whether this involves "Crossing the Street", using "Sunscreen" or simply the importance of using your "Manners".

Other standout tracks include the compelling "Eat Your Greens", the catchy "Brush Your Teeth", and the anthemic "Buckle Up". The band deliver their message with relentless energy, and have a sharpness of focus second to none. Even "Back to School" is sung with no shortage of optimism, because 'school is cool', and I get to 'see my friends'.

As you can imagine with a name like The Punk Rock Socks there is no shortage of humour here, after all how often do you get to see three socks puppets jumping around, electric guitar in hand, highlighting the importance of using your "Imagination". This song sounds like it has been inspired by the Pistols' "God Save the Queen", with its Steve Jones inspired guitar rhythm, and its pulsating rhythm section.

Fortunately the band have also filmed a video for "Imagination" on YouTube, where our very own hero the sock puppet pontificates on the numerous things you can do with a cardboard box. There is no doubt some wisdom in this, after all how many times, have you purchased a present for a toddler only to discover them ultimately discarding the present and playing with the box? 

My absolute favourite track on the album is "Friends", which features a brief acoustic intro before reverting to type, and unleashing their own particular brand of musical mayhem. With perhaps a slight Ian Dury influence on the vocal delivery, the lyrics focus on the importance of loyalty and unconditional love. The song also boasts a great tune, which stands out despite the layers of guitars blasting out of the speakers. 

All in all, an intriguing selection of songs, where distorted guitars, infectious lyrics and dancing puppets are the order of the day.  This is a band who know how to present music that will have everyone smiling. Their songs are both educational and easy to dance to, and perhaps most importantly remind us all to not to take life too seriously. Well done guys, I take my hat off to you.

The Punk Rock Socks - anarchy in the wardrobe.

Album Review: Minor Third - The Relative Minors

 

For all you music lovers out there, if you haven't come across The Relative Minors from Canada then you really have been missing out. Not only do they have one of the best band names around, they've also created an intoxicating, original and vibrant new sound 'guaranteed to blow your mind'. This is a band who write big songs for small ears, incorporating themes from Aardvark Prime Ministers to Robot Tea Parties and everything in between. Their music is sure to keep you entertained from breakfast till bedtime, and their latest album Minor Third is an absolute gem. 

The album boasts some truly wonderful songs, and none better than the highly melodic "Today's My Day", which features live instrumentation and a vocal which captivates the listener throughout. The song reminded me a little of the Bee Gees "Spicks and Specks", but this time speeded up and delivered with additional impact because 'today's my day'. A great song to play first thing in the morning, because it's great to be alive, and the inclusion of the exuberant kids' voices towards the end of the song further emphasises the point. Other stand out songs include the intriguing "Pencil Sharpener", the delightful "Contrary Mary" and the guitar driven "Broken Dictionary". 

My absolute favourite song however, is the wonderful "Butterfly / Papillon" a real tear-jerker, sung with the kind of heartfelt sincerity that would fit perfectly on a Kate & Anna McGarrigle album. A truly captivating adventure in the life of a butterfly, harnessing a slightly European feel with its seductive vocal, simplistic charm, and highly melodic accordion bringing up the rear. The production really is quite superb, and the song could easily qualify as a movie soundtrack if Hollywood would sit up and take notice.

"Third Time's a Charm" offers something a bit different. Here a somewhat complex rhythm pattern creates the necessary tension for the chorus to really explode. The vocal melody is sublime, and the hypnotic intensity of the music keeps the listener intrigued throughout. The brass section provides additional texture to the track, which glistens and shines throughout. I really have no idea what the song is about or what is going on at the end, but I don't really care. 'It's only rock 'n' roll', and I like it!"

"Dance Those Clouds Away" features an optimistic lyric, sitting nicely alongside an intricate rhythm pattern where the bass and drums really let rip. The song further benefits from the inclusion of an electric piano adding additional ambience to the track. Clearly all is well here,  because 'we're going to dance those clouds away'. The reciprocal vocal is equally effective, and reminded me a little of the B52s at their best. The song finishes in fine style with a mesmerising lead guitar which hits all the right notes. I'm sure even the late Mick Ronson would have been impressed.

"Extraordinary Adventure Crew" screams out of the speakers with breathtaking intent, a marvellous melodic journey filled 'with logic and laughter', including a highly effective trumpet punctuating the song with noticeable zest. The bass and drums power away like they are accompanying Joe Strummer, and are having heaps of fun in the process. The chorus ascends in a rapture of joy as the band celebrate being 'together in one big adventure'. A delightful piece of music, emphasising the importance of friendship and brimming with pop sensibility. 

I love this band, they look great, sound great, and without wishing to repeat myself have the best band name around. The musicianship is outstanding, as are the vocals, which carry the somewhat whimsical lyrics in fine style. They sound like they have had heaps of fun making the album, as do their kids who also contribute their own unique brand of vocal histrionics on a couple of the songs. I hope they visit Australia one day because I would love to see them live, because they are without doubt one of the best bands around. Incidentally, I have heard through the grapevine that they are currently working on a new album due out later this year. Well, I for one can't wait to hear it. Watch this space!

The Relative Minors - brilliant music.

Artist Spotlight: Young Folkies

Young Folkies is the artist name for singer-songwriter Marisa Levenson who hails from Boston, USA but currently resides in London, UK. She conducts regular early childhood music sessions where she performs folky, acoustic versions of classic nursery rhymes alongside her own unique brand of original songs. Her musical style is gentle, highly melodic and performed with considerable dexterity on the acoustic guitar.

Her debut album Be You features thirteen tracks containing both familiar classics and a few original numbers of her own. The title track “Be You” emphasises the importance of being yourself, and doing what you want to do. A song essentially about courage; emphasising how embracing who you really are 'can set yourself free', and enable you to have fun in the process.

Since then she has released numerous singles including a charming collaboration with NZ-based kindie artist Claudia Robin Gunn entitled “Kindness”. A song essentially about karma, and the way in which good deeds ultimately 'come back to you'. The song features a delightful string arrangement which adds considerable emotional depth to the song. The vocal blend is superb throughout, and is delivered with both subtlety and intent.

Her recent single "Hooray (It’s a Very Good Day)" features Marcus Ramtohul on bass, who also appears on the video for the song, where the artist presents the music in true singer-songwriter style surrounded by a beautiful backdrop of nature. A message of gratitude, that takes the listener on a journey throughout the day, where the simple things in life we often take for granted are truly celebrated.

Be sure to check out Young Folkies and if you’re fortunate enough to live in London, take a trip out to a Young Folkies music session, and give your kids the opportunity to hear real music, sung and played by a real live musician. These sessions are crammed with music, singalongs and puppets giving young children an opportunity to experience sweet and gentle folk music guaranteed to hit the spot.

Young Folkies - innocence and charm.

Artist Spotlight: Allioopsy

Allioopsy is a musical act from the Gold Coast, Australia. The lineup consists of friends Carl Hitchmough and Jacinta Kealley. They are relative newcomers to the children's music scene launching in late 2022. Despite the band's brief existence they've already released an entire album of original tunes plus a YouTube channel featuring a number of entertaining music videos. To find out more about them I highly recommend this introduction video for the song "Allioopsy".

The band's debut album It's All About Fun consists of thirteen fabulous songs guaranteed to have you up and moving. From the uplifting opening track "Allioopsy" right through to the jaunty "In My Backyard" the band rarely pause for breath. Other stand out tracks include the lively "Good Morning Sun" and the intriguing "Melody Lane".

The album has something for everyone, if you are a music teacher looking to further engage young children then "Robot Dancing" should be right up your street, and "Happy" really does what it suggests with a variety of reasons to be cheerful. Whether that involves jumping on your bed, or eating jellybeans on a fork there are plenty of examples of how 'to be happy'.

The album essentially is "All About Fun", and the band have achieved this, with music that literally explodes in an exclamation of joy, which is both infectious and easy to dance to. 'Fun, fun, fun is the order of the day, and who am I to argue.

All in all, an outstanding debut album, from a band who have tremendous potential. Their songs include a variety of themes, which would appeal to teachers, parents, and all the children out there who just want to have fun. Certainly music for both the young, and the young at heart. Hopefully, I can catch up with them at one of their gigs in the near future. Watch this space!

Allioopsy - fun and games for all the family.