Gino and the Goons let it rip, King Salami and the Cumberland Three are looking for a kiss, Menzingers go into exile and more this week. I didn’t have time to write about these albums, but I gave them a quick scan and liked what I heard. Check them out below, along with quotes from their press releases. I’ve included Bandcamp links where possible so you can buy the music straight from the source — assuming you like what you hear too.
Gino and the Goons
Rip It Up
THE PRESS RELEASE: “It only took us over a year, but in true Goon fashion we think we’ve finally figured out how to get a proper version of the super limited, custom made and long sold out third LP from Gino and the Goons into the filthy mitts of the general public. Originally manufactured in China and released in an edition of 300 copies on the band’s own SunWray Records label with photocopied artwork pasted onto garbage thrift store LP covers, the Rip It Up album is now available to the masses on MADE IN THE USA vinyl, with digital mastering handled by Tim Warren at Crypt Records.”
King Salami and the Cumberland Three
Kiss My Ring
THE PRESS RELEASE: “Kiss My Ring is the fourth full-length studio album from London-based rhythm ‘n’ blues garage rockers, the follow-up to 2017’s Goin’ Back To Wurstville. It features fourteen tracks, a mix of brand new original compositions and the band’s eclectic choice of covers. The album was recorded at London’s legendary Gizzard Studios by Ed Deegan (Holly Golightly). The band truly represents the best of multi-cultural London, the members having a mix of Caribbean, French, Japanese and Spanish heritage. With a repertoire influenced by many of the great songs of the ’50s and ’60s made to sound fresh and new to modern ears, you won’t be able to help but move your feet when the Cumberland Three are blasting out of your speakers. The King howls like Screaming Jay Hawkins with Bo Diddley chasing his coat-tail whilst Andre Williams tries to offer up some of his bacon fat, and the Trashmen do the Surfin’ Bird behind him. This is a man that never stops shakin’ and twistin’ and groovin’. The Cumberland Three (former members of punk rock bands, including The Parkinsons) rock up a storm with their own branded mix of vintage rockabilly, desperate rock ’n’ roll and stomping soul, with fire, energy, gusto and, above all, fun!”
Menzingers
Hello Exile
THE PRESS RELEASE: “Philadelphia-based punk band The Menzingers’ sixth studio record Hello Exile arrives as the follow-up to the band’s 2017 critically acclaimed release After The Party. On Hello Exile, The Menzingers take their lyrical narrative to a whole new level and share their reflections on moments from the past and present: high-school hellraising, troubled relationships, aging and alcohol and political ennui. With the band achieving that soul-baring intimacy all throughout the album, Hello Exile emerges as The Menzingers’ most emotionally daring work to date.”
No Sugar
Rock’n’Roll Isn’t Boring, It’s You
THE PRESS RELEASE: “With both a sonic and visual presence hearkening many of punk rock’s most sexually and politically-charged eras – from the ’90s Grrrls of the Pacific Northwest to the Bromley Contingent of the ’70s UK, the ’80s Queercore movement to the Motor City ballrooms of 60s and right on down to the Sunset Strip’s forever-reigning Queens of Noise – Kiel/Leipzig, Germany’s No Sugar is a bittersweet amalgam of fun, strutty, high-energy garage rock ’n’ roll and scathing sociopolitical criticism.”
Crossed Keys
Saviors
THE PRESS RELEASE: “Philadelphia’s own Crossed Keys release their Hellminded Records debut Saviors. The melodic punk quintet features former members of Kid Dynamite, Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer, and The Curse. Saviors is comprised of seven songs that offer a fresh take on the melodic punk-hardcore played in the tri-state underground scene of the late 90’s and early aughts. This release will certainly resonate with fans of Samiam, The Bomb, and The Loved Ones.”
Lagwagon
Railer
THE PRESS RELEASE: “Railer was written in an incredibly condensed period of time, in an attempt to capture the spirit of the band’s early days. And it worked. The album bristles with raw, ragged and pure energy.”
Down By Law
Quick Hits Live In Studio
THE PRESS RELEASE: “Hugely influential LA punk band Down By Law revisit key tracks from their 30 year career with all the skill and ferocity they’ve acquired over the last 3 decades! Founder Dave Smalley leads his band, including longtime members Sam Williams and John Di Mambro, through new versions of fan favorites from DBL’s early Epitaph albums and beyond! Highlights include The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles, No Equalizer, Bright Green Globe, Gruesome Gary, Boredom and more!”
