Awkward Silences new album
How many albums get compared to Leonard Cohen, PiL and The Village People? The new eponymous album by The Awkward Silences is the answer (see first review below). The long-awaited follow-up to Outsider Pop develops the post-punk leanings of that album into sparser territory; the drums, bass and two guitars building interlocking angular riffs with economy and space to provide a taut canvas for the pointed musings of disability campaigner Paul Hawkins. In record shops now and from our shop here.
"a damn fine record; an indictment on the state of dysfunctional Britain. It’s good to have them back and on form; as unique and rebellious as ever." MONOLITH COCKTAIL
"mischievous melodies...daring lyrics... this album has found a special place in my heart. 5/5" ALTREVIEW
Blang show on Soho Radio
Blang takes over Soho Radio from 8 to 10 pm on Thursday October 15th as guests on the stations Label Lodge series where independent labels are invited to host a show. We'll be playing and chatting about records from our fifteen year history. The show is broadcast on the eve of the release of Scratchcard our new compilation CD of tracks from our 2016-20 archives. Soho Radio is an online station which you can find here.
Soho normally broadcasts from Great Windmill Street in the heart of London's Soho, close to where Blang began at the 12 Bar Club. Which we all still miss terribly. But it's closed at the moment for Covid reasons so we're going to record our show in Forest Hill in South London.
Faux Fibbers album & video
Monster Raving Loony Party cabinet member Nigel Knapp used to be the party's Minister For Lies and Big Fibs. Now he's deputy leader (okay, one of five deputy leaders). He got together with guitarist Jerry Wigens in 2015 to play his offbeat songs on a mini-tour of Wales. Nigel's boisterous performances and Jerry's stylish guitar licks have since charmed audiences around the UK.
They are joined on first album 'Learn To Lie' by drummer Ian Button (Death In Vegas/Wreckless Eric) with Jerry overdubbing himself on bass and occasional clarinet.
And that’s all true.
‘Some people have said they’re a bit like me – it was probably them.’ JOHN OTWAY
‘The spirit of the Bonzos lives on!’ J.J. CRASH
Get the CD album from the Blang shop here.
Click to see video for John T.