Propaganda 625 by Phluid Skudakoi Reviewed By Steve Rudd

Following on from this Leed's quintet's previous album releases, Cynical Smile and Release, this EP is really more of a mini-album in that it's exhilaratingly comprised of three new studio tracks, three live tracks, one specially-recorded acoustic track, plus a secret bonus track that might surprise a lot of ardent fans - even if it's not a Phluid track, but does feature frontman Polly on vocals. Phluid have for so long teetered on the edge of breaking into the big-time with their storming brand of poppy Glam-Punk-Rock music.

For too long they have teetered, and so now it's more than high time that a release such as this one really does work the band wonders. Their debut album in Cynical Smile was a masterpiece, but due to the disappointing way in which the band's record company at the time promoted the album, it tragically didn't set the music industry alight as planned - and as it deserved to do. Thankfully, these five Leeds-based lads haven't lost heart, with the new tunes here being stronger than ever.

Indeed, the EP-opening track in Rock 'n' Roll Is Dead (Long Live Rock 'n' Roll) - that also features on the second Screaming Tarts compilation album - might just be Phluid's greatest anthem yet, as band frontman Polly compares rock stars of old to reality TV-tuned popstars of today with his perfectly cutting lyrics, From Elvis' King to Freddie's Queen... From the Pistols and Ramones to TV gameshow unknowns. Anthems rarely come huger than this, with the heavy trademark riffage from guitarists Scottish and Oz dominating the sound, with Jef D weaving a wicked bass-line beneath proceedings, whilst the perpetually grinning drummer Ginna thumps out a glorious beat.

Bang Bang begins with an atmospheric guitar intro, before Polly launches into a chant-a-long 'I love my country, but I fear my government' refrain, with the chorus that ensues being mighty. Their Digital TV tune, meanwhile, is another instant classic. It's loud, proud and rocking in all the right places, with yet more cynical references to reality TV shows via a nod and a wink in George Orwell's Big Brother-obsessed direction: Don't forget to vote for your housemate... Ministry of Thought have taken your soul.'

Thus, it's great to see - as always - that the Phluid machine is kicking out quality lyrics alongside their amazing music. The raw nature of the three live tracks provides any virgin listeners a chance to hear how the band (kind of) sounds in an in-your-face situation.

Obviously being there to witness such a spectacle in person is far, far more exciting, but these three tunes (all recorded in Wakefield's Snooty Fox) give a rough idea, as the high-octane I Need It shoulder-barges into Oh Ziggy, with its wicked bass-line and lyrics that bemoan the lack of real rock stars in this day and age: Come on kid, your stylist is here... Ziggy, where are you now?

Breakdown In Communication, however, explodes with Sex Pistols-esque swagger. Still, the acoustic version of their old melody-rich Tasty tune has just as much impact given the atmospherics in which this version is broodingly drowned, having been recorded in lead singer Polly's flat to stunning effect, capturing his fabulously soulful singing voice and prowess on guitar.

As for the aforementioned bonus track that might surprise some people, this is actually a track by a techno/ guitar band called Turbulent Soundscape and comes on like a banging Shamen choon, as though the Rave scene is still in vogue, crossed with a Faithless-styled This is what it sounds like; this is what it feel like chant that frames the track. The reason this track features is because Polly is a guest-vocalist on the track, and as cool as it is, it's still not a patch on the rock theatrics that Phluid wield.

I've said it many times before, and I'll say it again: Phluid are one of the most exciting live bands in the country, and to ignore them and their music is churlish. So give them the time that they deserve, and you'll be suitably rewarded - I promise. www.turbulentsoundscape.com www.phluid.co.uk

Album Reviews - Chapter XIII - Dream Salvation (Level Sound) Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	The debut single from this here Bristol quintet in the undeniably cool cut The Last Time understandably caught the attention of both aficionados of great music and A&R men in high places. Well, in theory such a single should have done, as should this full-length release that stunningly bears testament to just what this band is trying to achieve. Fronted by Gareth Marshall Read more...

Album Reviews - Lights By Brigade (Mighty Atom) Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	Right from the swirling, tension-mounting intro of single-release Magneto, that proceeds to explode into a euphoric Emo-edged rock tune, through to the mighty closing track of this 11-song-strong album, there is one anthem after another after another after another - and not one of them is dull. Meet Me At My Funeral stampedes, Assemble/ Dissemble is a huge, Read more...

Album Reviews - The Voltaires - Anti-Love EP (This Is Art) Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	Leeds lads The Voltaires sure know how to turn heads with their inspirational brand of indie-fuelled rock 'n' roll, with the three tunes that comprise this EP all being quirky, catchy and supremely cool in due course, right from the title track itself, Anti-Love, anchored by a rollicking riff, stand-out vocals and a classy chorus. Fronted by Gareth Williams Read more...

Album Reviews - The Leano - Steps To Leanoland (Colarj Records) Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	The Leano is a one-man rapping machine with a social conscience and a hugely original approach to music-making. He might hail from London, but he wrote and produced this stunning thirteen-track debut album up in Hull of all places. The city is even immortalised in the acoustic guitar-accompanied Ganjaholic, a tongue-in-cheek ditty which wryly Read more...

Single Reviews - D'Ya Feel Lucky? by The Fondas (Levelsound Records) Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	Swiped from their Dirty Kicks album, this storming anthem is one of the finest cuts from such a long-player, brimming with explosive energy, and locked and loaded with guitars naturally cranked to the max, resulting in a battering wall of sound off which the singer's voice-to-die-for valiantly bounces. D'ya Feel Lucky? is both inescapable Read more...

Single Reviews - Sunday International - So Calm (Future Butterfly) Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	Should you be bored with the latest wave of rock 'n' roll bands that are currently dominating the airwaves, make a beeline for this hugely exciting band before the masses catch wind of them - for Sunday International sure can write some storming tunes. Their So Calm rock anthem, for starters, is a gloriously energetic tune that is fearlessly fuzzy, explosive and Read more...

Album Reviews - Waiting For Tomorrow by Soular Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	Hailing from New Mexico, this top US band has been strutting its highly original stealth since 2002, with this release building on the reputation that their 2004 Time And Space record nurtured. Having opened gigs for the likes of Liz Phair and Longwave, they are already a pretty well known and hugely respected outfit, and now it's time for the good people of the UK to Read more...

Album Reviews - Under Attack by The Alarm (EMI) Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	As with every song on every past Alarm album, every single one is a trail-blazing anthem. Welshman Mike Peters is, always has been, and always will be the voice of The Alarm. And what a soul-powered voice he has got, as opening tune Superchannel takes up where the previous Alarm long-player - In The Poppyfields - left off. Here we Read more...

Album Reviews - CD Reviews - Lorca (10-track demo) Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	Every last one of these ten tracks is special in its own right, with opening tune Nothing Stays The Same paving the way for some grand emotions delivered courtesy of some beautiful music and extraordinarily touching vocals. Indeed, the opening track progresses from its lush acoustic guitar-based foundations into a majestic rock masterpiece, Read more...

Album Reviews - Dirty Days by Jaed on Instant Karma Records Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	The Jaed entity is basically Vanessa Eve on vocals and guitar, backed by a bassist and drummer. It's primarily Vanessa's 'gig' as such, and she's clearly the driving force behind all of these eleven songs. Vanessa grew up in Melbourne, but her childhood wasn't a particularly rosy experience for her, especially when she found herself living Read more...

Music Band News - iLiKETRAiNS Terra Nova Single (Fierce Panda Records) Release Date: 29th May 06
	Sandman described their last single nothing short of phenomenal and A Rook House For Bobby sold out in two days. Room Thirteen.com proclaimed the song, released through the KiDS label, an unequivocal masterpiece. thisisUll.com described the band as epic and malevolent after the Leeds five piece stole the show at Scarborough's Read more...

Single Reviews - Gregory Darling - That'll Be The Day (F.O.D) Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	This exceptionally talented singer-songwriter has certainly had an extraordinary career in the music business to date, having worked with the infamous likes of Julian Lennon and ace producer Tony Visconti, and having recorded with the likes of Faster Pussycat in the past. Now, he's showing off his songwriting talents on his own terms, and in doing so now delivers his Read more...

Single Reviews - Mogwai - Friend Of The Night (PIAS Recordings) Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	Mogwai have undoubtedly been one of the most exciting art-rock bands of the past decade, and so it's with open arms that we welcome these five lads back with this new single that's taken from their new album, Mr Beast. Their tear-jerking and spine-chilling Friend Of The Night single is melodramatically enchanting, as a subtly rousing patchwork of sublime Read more...

Music Band News - Ernest Double A Side Puppies /Preggie Single Released through Sonic Vista Recordings Release Date: June 19th 2006
	They have been called the most under rated band in Hull. They find new life long fans whenever, wherever they play. They do spectacular things with lights, sounds and bubbles. They play jaw droppingly good music. They are Ernest, the one, the only Ernest. They have signed to Sonic Vista Recordings and are preparing to release a very special Double Aside Read more...

Music Band News - The Blackouts Split By Bassist Ian Waller
	The Blackouts www.myspace.com/theblackouts01 would like to announce the split of the band, as of 18th may 2006. It was decided that it would be impossible for all band members to continue playing and creating music and remain happy both in social lives and work/college. While the split wasn't amicable, the remaining 3 band members are still in touch. Read more...

Album Reviews - Revolution EP (4-track demo) by Little Fish Reviewed By Steve Rudd
	Julia Sophie might regard herself as being something of a Little Fish, but she's certainly got a grand talent and huge potential as she swims into the big, bad world of the music industry. Julia is a self-taught British singer-songwriter who has had a hard time of it in her personal life, having had to endure the torment of drug addiction, depression and a debilitating throat Read more...