Eight Rounds Rapid Release Their Third Album "Love Your Work" (Tapete Records) a Blistering, Visceral Attack on The Senses

Eight Rounds Rapid have just released their third album "Love Your Work" on the excellent German label Tapete (Robert Forster, Monochrome Set etc) and it shows the band taking a big leap forward, broadening their sound and horizons quite impressively. They've seemingly taken the feel of "Johnnie Ray" and "Reverse" from previous album "Objet D'Art" as the template for this new set of songs and while there's undoubtedly less of the full-on cranked-up R&B of their previous releases, it doesn't mean the band have smoothed out any of their edges. Not a chance. If anything "Love Your Work" is more challenging and spiky than ever before. But don't worry, while the album will no doubt appeal to a much wider audience, there's still plenty of those classic trademark ERR sounds to keep all you existing fans more than satisfied. "Love Your Work" is visceral and hypnotic and is packed full of David Alexander's wry observations on the state of our nation. He has the knack of elevating the mundane minutiae of life in Brexit Britain superbly and it's difficult to say where lyrics stop and poetry starts. Opening track "You Wait" sets a scene that's full of simmering aggression and tension and it's this theme that runs throughout the entire album. The song's protagonist seems to be trapped in one of those endless call centre scenarios, waiting impatiently, trying to get through, stuck on hold probably listening to awful piped music "he's in a meeting, can I take a message?" You can feel him gradually unravelling as the "you just wait" mantra twists into the ominous threat of "you just wait!". The threat of violence permeates "Love Your Work" and nowhere is this more apparent than in "Passive Agressive". This is what I would call a classic Eight Rounds Rapid song in that it distils all that is great about the band into a two and a half minute adrenaline-fuelled blast. It places you squarely in the heart of a low-life low-rent criminal fraternity and you can visualize small time drug deals with fidgety thugs in pub toilets - "don't look at me funny, I gave you the money". It's driven along on a blistering guitar riff before the song breaks down into a frantic argument - "there's no negotiation, there's no fucking money you slimy little prick". It's one of the best songs the band have written. Luckily the tension lifts a bit with the next song "Love Don't" which is pretty much a Bluesy swing number with Simon Johnson's guitar whizzing all over the place, floating above Jools Cooper's fluid basslines and Lee Watkins superb jazzy drumming. It proves my theory that they are among the best rhythm sections around at the moment.

Eight Rounds Rapid - Photo by Paul Hughes

The switch of styles throughout the album is really what sets it apart - quite a few of the songs are almost like atmospheric mini-movie soundtracks, initially based around the foundation of the drums and bass with Simon's inventive playing setting the scene for David Alexander's evocative lyrics/poetry. Then you get something like "Retro Band" with it's clicking drum machine and unsettling background noises that is as unusual as it is addictive. David Quantick compared the band to Sleaford Mods in a recent review for Classic Rock magazine and after listening to this track I can kind of see his point. It's not just the backing track they use in "Retro Band" but the way both acts are using their local vernacular to shine a spotlight on the current state of our nation, warts and all. Another example of this shift in sound would be the hilarious "Onesie" which near as damn it, nails today's popular so-called culture succintly with it's simple mantra of "I took a selfie in my onesie". It's a jittery avant-garde Jazz blast with some wicked sax from George Cleghorn that reminds me of the late 70's New York No-Wave scene. "Letter" is one of my favourites on the album, a slow burning song with some great choppy ryhthm guitar. Is it a love song for the Coronavirus times? At first I thought so - "when this is over, when this is through, I'm gonna write a letter to you, I'm gonna make it better for you". However, this is Eight Rounds after all and the sampled atmospheric strings and creepy voice in the background makes you wonder if it's actually something slightly more sinister. "Future Estates" is an absolute classic where David Alexander's idiosyncratic half-spoken vocal delivery of his stunning street poetry clicks perfectly with the musical soundtrack. It's so evocative. You're immediately transported to kicking-out time on a Friday night in provincial Brexit-Britain, waiting in a taxi rank in the pissing rain trying to avoid the seething aggression from the "ragamuffin street urchin toerags" all around you. It conjures up images of dodgy tattoo parlours, botox and nail bars and raucous hen and stag parties - "ticket tout lash out lip pout fell out..." Not only does the song boast what I think are David's best lines yet, it also features some unbelievable guitar from Simon - he mangles the strings just like Pixies' Joey Santiago, cranking up the tension almost to breaking point. What a song. "Tricks" is a return to the old-school ERR sound of rough and ready Canvey Island R&B that you've come to expect from the band. It's topped off with a superb harmonica solo and is probably the closest the album gets to what you might call a traditional Rock & Roll song. However, "Mirror" changes the feel again with its lovely shimmering guitar textures reminiscent of Wire's Bruce Gilbert around the "A Bell Is a Cup Until It Is Struck" period.

There aren't really any other contemporary bands I can think of like Eight Rounds Rapid, they're impossible to pin down or categorize. I mean, their uniform of black suits, white shirts and skinny black ties harks back to classic late 70's/early 80's Power Pop, that most innocuous and feelgood of musical genres. But there's certainly nothing innocuous about Eight Rounds Rapid and not a lot of feelgood (excuse the pun) if truth be told. After all, the band look more like a bunch of bouncers outside a local neon-lit boozer than some frothy New Wave band. It's not easy-listening that's for sure. Their music is challenging and thought-provoking and sometimes it can drive you to distraction just like the best Krautrock and Post-Punk bands have the tendency to do. Sure, there are bits of The Fall, early Talking Heads, Can and Public Image Ltd, maybe not musically, but in the way they push the listener to the edge of their comfort zone. However, when you get it you really get it and it's ultimately rewarding. I sometimes wonder if there's a grand plan behind Eight Rounds Rapid. Some of their press releases and statements are challenging, sarcastic almost, are they taking the piss or what? Are they a parody, some kind of Anti-Rock art statement or are they just four Essex blokes who like to get together and kick up a goddamn almighty racket? A bit of all I suspect. But in the end you can do all the theorizing and pontificiating you like, the bottom line is it's music that hits you in the guts, smacks you in the nose but then makes you wonder just what the hell is coming next from Eight Rounds Rapid. I have no idea but I'm certainly looking forward to finding out.

You can hear "Passive Agressive" from "Love Your Work" in Episode 39 of Retrosonic Podcast.

Retrosonic Podcast · Episode 39 "Be Seeing You!"

Useful Links: For more information on Eight Rounds Rapid check out their web-site here or their Facebook page here. "Love Your Work" is available to buy here from Tapete Records. Thanks to David Alexander. Thanks to Sidewinder DJ David Edwards for being the first to tip me off about the band at the very start. Thanks to Mondo & Piley at Radio Podrophenia. They released the band's debut single "Writeabout" on their own label. Hello to all at The Railway Hotel, Southend-on-Sea. One of the U.K.'s best independent Pub Venues where Eight Rounds Rapid played as part of one of our joint Retro Man Blog/Podrophenia Nights. Band photo by Paul Hughes.

Soft Cell "To Show You I've Been There" - Details on The New Book & Report From The Launch Party by Ian Pile

Renegade Music will release a limited edition photobook on Soft Cell. It's another impressive addition to Ritchie Franklin's catalogue, as he has previously been involved with books on Felt, which featured some rare early photos of the band by my Blog colleague Paul Slattery, Ramones and Sheila Rock's Punk photography. "To Show You I've Been There" has been officially endorsed by Dave Ball and Marc Almond and features over 150 images from the archives of some of the best-known music photographers, many previously unseen, all fully restored from original negatives. This book will be the ultimate photographic record spanning the whole of Soft Cell's electric career, here's a few more details.

• Limited edition of 1300 copies only
• Commentary from new interviews by acclaimed music journalist Mark Paytress
• Each copy comes with an exclusive free bonus 4-track vinyl 'Magick Mutants' EP with artwork by Dave Ball
• Free bonus MP3 downloads of the 4 tracks plus edits (see email sent separately including zip file of the 8 tracks)
• Hardback, quarter-bound glossy and linen cover - 21 x 28 x 3 cm
• 176 pages - over 200 rare and previously unpublished images
• Full UK discography

Ian Pile from Podrophenia was at the launch party and kindly submitted the following report.

Photo by Ian Pile

With the start time set at a ludicrously early 6.30, we thought it was a pretty safe bet to nip round the corner for a couple in the Groucho before heading to the event. However on arriving at the Phoenix Arts Club around 7.45, we find it’s in full swing. Marc Almond and Dave Ball were both already in attendance and the dancefloor was heaving. Classic Soft Cell neon lighting throughout the venue ensures a seedy vibe to the evening. The pints are served in Soft Cell glasses, there’s Pink Flamingo cocktails on the menu and even Soft Cell beermats on the tables! There’s no getting away from what we are here for! Tonight was all about the release of the deluxe Soft Cell coffee table book ‘To Show You I’ve Been There’. Tantalisingly, the book is on sale right there in front of me but unfortunately, as a committed fan, I pre-ordered months ago and was still awaiting delivery on the day of the launch. Whereas an impulse buy on the night meant you got it on release day (without P&P fees!) and the chance to get it signed too.  

Photo by Ian Pile

The book is a glorious journey through 40 years of the band's history and how these two working class northern lads were suddenly swept up and deposited in the 1980’s mainstream. They kept the ‘Pop’ hits coming yet were subversive throughout – living a double life of clean cut and perverse. As an ardent fan, I was delighted to find the book wasn’t full of the usual shots I’ve seen thousands of times before. Some real gems have been unearthed, and it’s a book I will come back to time and time again. The cherry on top of the cake must be the exclusive 4 track EP ‘Magick Mutants’. A genius moment that completes the full 40 year cycle – as it’s clearly an accompaniment (and nod) to their very first release ‘Mutant Moments’ (which I have with me tonight and manage to get signed!). Three songs from the early set re-recorded plus a Fad Gadget cover and we are transported back to where we began. If this really is it for Soft Cell then it’s the perfect way to bow out. Marc slips away from the event not much after 8pm, but it’s not anything to do with sour grapes as the night is very much Dave’s, as tonight is also his 60th birthday. He’s still there enjoying himself at 10pm when we make our way out. He’s had people coming up to him all evening and he’s been happy to chat to everyone. We leave to the sounds of 70’s New York punk, electronica and camp HiNRG. How very Soft Cell! - Ian Pile, Podrophenia May 2019 

With thanks to Ian for the report and photographs. Podrophenia will be broadcasting a special 10th anniversary episode on July 4th so be sure to check out more details at their site here. Podrophenia was one of the influences on our very own Retrosonic Podcast and Ian and his colleague Dave Collins, or Mondo & Piley as they are more commonly known, have DJ'd at some of our Retro Man Blog Nights for The Len Price 3 and TV Smith at the superb Railway Hotel in Southend-on-Sea. 

Photo by Ian Pile

Thanks also to Ritche Franklin and Stuart Kirkham. For more details on the book and where to order your copy, please check out the official Soft Cell web-site here. 

The Len Price 3 + Bif Bam Pow! & DJ's Piley & Mondo at the Retro Man Blog/Podrophenia Night at The Railway Hotel Southend-on-Sea April 26th

The Len Price 3 at The Railway Southend - Photo by Paul Slattery

Our first Retro Man Blog/Podrophenia night of 2014 was another great night of music, dancing and rather a lot of drinking! Headliners The Len Price 3 were back at The Railway in Southend-on-Sea to promote their fourth album "Nobody Knows". The band played a blinder, almost literally, as a flying drum stick nearly hit a promoter in the eye! Luckily there was no need to stop the gig for medical treatment and The Len Price 3 didn't miss a beat as they powered on to deliver a superb set packed full of tracks from the new album and those much loved classics such as "Rentacrowd", "Pictures" and "If I Ain't Got You". One of the highlights of the band's recent gigs has been "Nobody Knows" closing track "The London Institute", it's developing into a real crowd favourite and probably points the way to the future for the band - stretching their songwriting to a different dimension while not losing any of their trademark power and energy. With their recent spate of gigs, the band just keep getting better and better and if you haven't seen them play yet then now is the time! 

Bif Bam Pow! by Paul Slattery

Opening up the night were the excellent Canvey Island based Pub Rockin' band Bif Bam Pow! who were the perfect act to get everyone warmed up with their take on some great raw Blues, Soul and R'n'B tracks. To round off a great evening everyone reconvened down in the Railway's bar to dance along to Piley & Mondo's eclectic mix of music which never fails to keep the atmosphere going.

The Len Price 3 by Paul Slattery

With many thanks to Fi, Dave and all the staff and gang at The Railway, Duncan, Bif Bam Pow! and of course my lovely co-hosts and top DJ's Piley & Mondo from Podrophenia. Many thanks indeed go to Paul Slattery and Paul Hughes for the excellent photos, you can see more great pics of the goings on throughout the evening at Paul Hughes Flickr page here.

The effect the new LP3 album can have on you...! Photo by Paul Hughes

You can read a nice review of The Len Price 3's recent show at The 12 Bar Club with The Fallen Leaves by none other than Leigh Heggarty, guitarist with Ruts DC, TV Smith and Back To Zero. You can check out his excellent Blog "Leigh's Mad World of Guitars" here. 

The Len Price 3 at The Railway Southend by Paul Slattery

Eight Rounds Rapid new album "Loss Leader" plus Live at The Alley Cat London May 02nd

Eight Rounds Rapid at The Alley Cat - Photo by Paul Hughes

Eight Rounds Rapid have just released their debut album "Loss Leader" on Cadiz Music and it's already received a glowing 4 star review by Pat Gilbert in the new issue of Mojo Magazine, glowing yes, but why not the 5 stars the album deserves, eh Pat?  "Loss Leader" is a blistering debut album from the Southend-on-Sea four piece who I first heard about via my Southend based pals, the Podrophenia DJ's Mondo & Piley, who tipped me off about a local band that was blowing them away. In fact they were so blown away that they decided to put out a limited edition 7" vinyl single for the band entitled "Writeabout" on their own Podrophenia label. Blog contributor Mark Lancaster also saw Eight Rounds Rapid as support to Thee Faction at The Railway in Southend and filed his report here so I was intrigued to find out more about this band who were causing such a stir. 

(L/R) David Alexander, Simon Johnson & Jules Cooper by Paul Hughes

We featured the band's first single "Channel Swimmer" in Episode 7 of Retrosonic Podcast and the song got some great feedback so we decided to go one step further and ask them to play support to TV Smith at the Retro Man Blog and Podrophenia night at The Railway back in December. It was the first time I had seen the band play live and I wasn't to be disappointed, in fact it was seeing their gig that night when my lingering resistance to fully embracing the Eight Rounds Rapid sound finally broke. Why resistance? Well, I think they grated a bit when I first heard some of their tracks - probably down to vocalist David Alexander's half-spoken delivery I guess - the distinct lack of vocal harmonies or backing vocals meant it wasn't an immediate love at first listen. However, there was no doubting their hugely powerful sonic intensity and slowly the songs that I was unsure about started to stick in my head as though they had the catchiest choruses ever written. So, seeing them live for the first time that night at The Railway was when it all made sense and I was totally hooked.

Lee Watkins of Eight Rounds Rapid - Photo by Paul Hughes

Tonight down at the front of the stage at the packed-out Alley Cat Club on Denmark Street, once home to Regent Sound Studios, I was really looking forward to seeing the band play live again. Even more so since picking up a copy of "Loss Leader" from them last week and playing it on repeat pretty much every day since. They take the stage all decked out in black suits and they look pretty damn cool, Drummer Lee Watkins, Bassist Jules Cooper, Vocalist David Alexander and on guitar Simon Johnson. Yes, that's right, it is Wilko Johnson's son and it's difficult to write about the band without mentioning the family connection especially as opening number "My Mate" is steeped in that Canvey Island/Southend raw blues sound. Simon's stuttering rhythm and stretched string guitar work certainly remind me of his Dad, however "My Mate" is probably the only track on "Loss Leader" that does conjure up images of the Oil City and it would be an injustice to dwell on the connection too long. The witty lyrics about a less than generous friend have a few people exchanging knowing glances and others quickly offering to get a round in. "My mate is a bit tight, but he's alright....". 

Eight Rounds Rapid - Photo by Paul Hughes

Next track "Channel Swimmer" is a storming song and I love the way the drums and bass kick in over the great guitar intro, again it's packed full of clever word play from David Alexander and it makes me wonder if Eight Rounds Rapid are as much a vehicle for his poetry as they are a Rock 'n' Roll band. "Channel Swimmer" seems on the surface to be tackling the subject of suicide with it's "Bungee jumping hero who forgot his band" and the "gun smoke poke in the feather pillow", but were they pushed or did they jump I wonder? There is something nicely unsettling about Eight Rounds Rapid, not just lyrically but something else that challenges preconceptions. I've already mentioned David Alexander's vocal delivery, part Mark Perry Thames Estuary sneer and part Gerard Langley beatnik poetry reading, and on stage he doesn't play by any Rock "rules" either. He stands stock still when delivering his words, eyes focused at the monitor in front of him. Sometimes he has a quick minimalist blast on a harmonica and then occasionally he'll move aside during an instrumental break to grab a beer and let his three band-mates take the limelight. There's no engagement with the crowd, not a word, certainly no banter and that means thankfully no cliches. 

David Alexander of Eight Rounds Rapid - Photo by Paul Hughes

You don't get the feeling that David will ever implore a crowd to raise their hands and clap along or ask if we can hear at the back. He's certainly charismatic and despite the lack of theatrics it's all hugely compelling and effective and there's a great on-stage chemistry between the band members - Simon glances at David, Jules smiles and grimaces sheepishly at one slightly off note - David steps aside to swig a beer and to allow the band to play. "Dostoyevsky" is a slow Bluesy number and I don't think I have ever been amongst a crowd drunkenly chanting "Dostoyevsky is dead and he never saw it coming", a somewhat obscure singalong to say the least. "Writeabout" starts off with a howling Ron Asheton Stooges style riff before Lee Watkins' thunderous drums and then quick-fire spat out vocals that are almost a take on the old Pepsi "Lip-smacking, thirst-quenching, ace-tasting..." slogan. It's a withering put down of today's apathetic celebrity obsessed culture, "channel flicking TV dinners sniffing thinners". Next song "Steve" is a slow burner built around a fluid bass line from Jules Cooper, it's a tale of mundane local gossip and Chinese whispers "To be honest I don't what to believe so I'm going round to talk to Steve...", there's an air of menace about it and you want to know what really did happen. "Kicks" is a Punky thrash detailing a night out "At 10:38 we started to relate" and later on as the date progresses "at 4:33 the best things in life are free..." 

Simon Johnson & David Alexander - Photo by Paul Hughes

Next up is the excellent "Talent" which features some superbly funky Gang of Four rhythm work from Lee and Jules and nice stabbing guitar riffs from Simon. "Britain's got talent but most of us haven't" David intones and the crowd join in boisterously. It seems to be another attack on celebrity culture, people desperate for a quick fix of fame while the qualified and truly talented people can't find work, "Curators stack shelves in the local Poundshop" or those failing to get recognition for their art, "Musicians hit tins and play the bins". It reminds me of that feeling I get every time I watch "Later with Jools Holland", what the hell is that rubbish on for while there are many more exciting and vital acts out there! The band then play a few tracks that are not on the "Loss Leader" album, new unrecorded numbers "Bully Boy" and "Mystery" promise even more good things from Eight Rounds Rapid in the future. The set draws to a close with a raucous version of Mick Farren's "I Want a Drink"...and after such a great gig I certainly felt like I did too!

You can order "Loss Leader" now from all the usual outlets or check out the official Eight Rounds Rapid web-site or Facebook page for further details on how to buy a copy and for news on future tour dates. You can hear a track from the album in Episode 7 of Retrosonic Podcast which is available to listen to below or at our Retrosonic Podcast archive on Soundcloud.

With thanks to Paul Hughes for contributing his excellent photographs, all photos are copyright of Paul Hughes 2014. You can see more of Paul's pics at his Flickr page which include some superb sets from our Retro Man Blog and Podrophenia Nights at The Railway in Southend-on-Sea.

The Len Price 3 Return to The Railway Hotel Southend-on-Sea April 26th with Bif Bam Pow! & DJs Piley & Mondo

Retro Man Blog and Podrophenia join forces once again for another top night of entertainment at The Railway Hotel, Southend-on-Sea on Saturday April 26th. The Len Price 3 make their long-awaited return to promote their brand new album "Nobody Knows". Support comes from the lively Canvey Island based RnB Pub Rockin' Bif Bam Pow! and after the live music, DJ's Piley & Mondo will be spinning an eclectic selection of top tunes to keep everyone dancing until the early hours...

The Len Price 3 at The Railway Hotel, Southend-on-Sea by Paul Slattery

For a report on our previous gig with The Len Price 3 at The Railway Hotel, which went down a storm, please check out the Blog archive feature here. The gig also got a great review in The Word Magazine which we featured here. Check out the Podrophenia Podcast archive here. Anyway, it's always a great night at The Railway, so hope to see you there. Live music will start from around 8pm until 11pm with kicking out time at 1am. Tickets are just a bargain £3.00 on the door.

Podrophenia DJ's Piley & Mondo entertain the crowd at The Railway

The Railway Hotel is at Clifftown Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 1AJ just opposite Southend Central.

TV Smith and Eight Rounds Rapid at The Railway Hotel Southend-on-Sea December 07th

TV Smith and admirer - Photo by Paul Hughes

It’s no wonder that TV Smith has gone on record as saying Southend-on-Sea’s Railway Hotel is one of his favourite venues in the U.K. to play. They are a great match, both without huge (if any) financial backing but both tirelessly fighting their respective creative corners as true individuals in a sea of soulless branded chain venues and an equally soulless music industry. The Railway’s managers, Fi and Dave, put on a bewildering array of eclectic musical acts of all genres, along with film screenings and parties, often free or with a minimal cover-the-costs entrance fee such as this gig’s bargain ticket price of just £3.00. Tonight is a perfect example of what they offer, downstairs in the bar, Steve Hooker is entertaining the drinkers with his raw Rockabilly songs, augmented by a snare drummer, double bass and harmonica, it creates a lively buzz and is a perfect warm up for the night’s main event. This event is actually another joint get together with Retro Man Blog, Podrophenia DJ’s Piley & Mondo and Steve Pegrum’s excellent Southend Punk web-site for a night of great live music, DJ sets and of course a severe bout of boozing and socialising. 

Eight Rounds Rapid by Paul Hughes

I was really pleased that we could get local band Eight Rounds Rapid to open the show, I have been really impressed with what I have heard from them, and we received quite a few glowing comments after we played their last single “Channel Swimmer” in Retrosonic Podcast Episode 7. They have also started to get much wider recognition from respected BBC DJ’s Gideon Coe, Steve Lamacq and also David Quantick amongst others as well as some high profile shows supporting Wilko Johnson at London’s Koko. Now, here’s the thing. It’s very difficult to talk about Eight Rounds Rapid without mentioning Wilko Johnson, not just because they are both based in Southend but mainly due to the fact that guitarist Simon is Wilko’ s son. It might not be so apparent when listening to their recorded work, but live, Simon’s hugely impressive staccato guitar playing and his onstage mannerisms, although not quite as wired as Wilko’s, are cut from the same black-suited cloth. 

Eight Rounds Rapid by Paul Hughes

It’s also nice to see Wilko in the crowd tonight and he catches up with TV Smith and Steve Hooker, who he has recorded with in the past, as well as politely and patiently chatting to lots of awestruck punters. But despite that, Eight Rounds Rapid have forged their own idiosyncratic sound and are refreshingly very difficult to pin down – it’s a style that I guess could be said to almost divide opinion. With front man David’s deadpan delivery and half-spoken vocals, which are firmly rooted in A-House, Art Brut, Blue Aeroplanes territory, they challenge the expected norms of what a “Rock” band should be. They also occasionally remind me of Wire’s art project approach to being in a band, where they push the boundaries and limits between melody and noise, of what’s pleasantly catchy and what can grate and challenge the listener. It’s not to be filed under easy listening that’s for sure. But live they truly excel tonight, and Eight Rounds Rapid conjure up a powerfully hypnotic force on their slightly sinister little gems such as “Dostoevsky”, “Steve” and “Channel Swimmer”. 

Wilko Johnson and son Simon from Eight Rounds Rapid by Paul Hughes

The superb rhythm section of drummer Lee and bassist Jules lock in together perfectly and it’s nice to see a real onstage chemistry. It’s only on the swaggering bluesy beast of "My Mate" and a new song “I Want a Drink”, where that legendary rough Thames Estuary R’n’B sound comes to the fore and bassist Jules’ fluid runs bring to mind Norman Watt-Roy. They are called back for a well deserved encore and power through the new single “Writeabout” which was very generously part funded by tonight’s Radio Podrophenia DJ team of Dave Collins and Ian Pile, long-time staunch supporters of the band and evidently men of great taste! 

TV Smith by Paul Hughes

And then it’s time for TV Smith to take the stage to a warm reception from his loyal Southend fans. Armed only with his acoustic guitar he has emerged as a kind of Punk Rock folk troubadour in the grand tradition. He is a globe-trotting story-teller with topical protest songs full of a barbed yet humorous satire on modern life. It’s a life fraught with the issues of Globalisation, Surveillance, Corruption, Capitalism and well…the perils of Xmas…! For TV Smith’s sometime cynical and world-weary tales are not just aimless diatribes against “the Man” but often moving and perfectly drawn personal observations that many people can easily relate to. It’s politics of the individual, he’s not bashing you around the head with a “down with this sort of thing” placard, but he is opening eyes and ears to various issues that mean a lot to him. 

There are various dimensions to his approach too, he can use humour in different guises to make his point, whether it’s the less-than-subtle laugh out loud attack on festive consumerism in “Xmas Bloody Xmas” or on the clever wordplay of “It’s Expensive Being Poor”. On songs like “The Day We Caught the Big Fish” and “Generation Y” subjects such as nuclear submarines accidently sinking fishing vessels and the recent trend for youthful apathy towards politics, are  wrapped up in sublime melancholic songs that force you to think as you sing along. There’s Punky aggression on “Coming Into Land” and of course a rich back catalogue of songs to be plundered such as “We Who Wait”, “New Church” and “No Time To Be 21”. Promising new songs from the next album are also aired, and these include tonight’s set opener “The First One To Sign Up", "Replay" and a song that turns out to be one of my highlights of the set and a sure-fire future classic called “I Delete”. 

TV Smith at The Railway by Paul Hughes

We get the hilarious “Complaints Department”, the moving “The Lion and The Lamb” and a superb version of one of my favourite songs “You Saved My Life Then Ruined It” and it just goes to show the depth of TV Smith's song-writing. At one point he snaps a string on his guitar and then launches into an off-the-cuff performance of Cheap's “My String Will Snap" which goes down really well. For the encore we are treated to three classic Adverts songs “Gary Gilmore’s Eyes”, “Bored Teenagers” and a raucous “One Chord Wonders” – where TV invites The Railway’s soundman Duncan up on stage to join him on vocals. Duncan sings in local band Swindle and although he looks a bit bashful for, oh all of 10 seconds, he soon throws himself into the task with a huge grin while the now traditional Railway stage invasion takes place around him. It’s all over and time for TV to relax and chat to fans by his merchandise stall, a time that he always seems to relish. Then we retire back down to the bar to enjoy DJ’s Piley and Mondo’s excellent music and soak up the atmosphere of another great night at The Railway. I’d like to thank Tim, Eight Rounds Rapid, Fi, Dave, Heather, Duncan and the staff at The Railway, Steve Pegrum from Southend Punk, Dave and Ian from Podrophenia and to Paul Hughes for the excellent photos. Of course a huge “thank you” to all who came along and for all the encouragement and support. Cheers! 

Soundman Duncan with TV Smith by Paul Hughes

TV Smith has a brand new album “The Acoustic Sessions Volume 1” out now along with volume four of his highly entertaining Tour Diaries  entitled “To Heligoland and Beyond”. Eight Rounds Rapid new single “Writeabout” is available on Podrophenia Records as a limited edition 7” vinyl. Check out Podrophenia for their regular radio shows and Podcasts. Southend Punk is an excellent archive and resource and forthcoming events at The Railway Hotel can be found here. 

TV Smith and Wilko Johnson by Paul Hughes

Podrophenia DJ Mondo entertains the packed Railway bar by Paul Hughes

Eight Rounds Rapid by Paul Hughes

Piley in the pulpit - DJ Ian Pile by Steve Worrall

The customary Railway stage invasion - Photp by Paul Hughes

More of Paul Hughes’ excellent photos can be found at his Flickr site. More videos of Eight Rounds Rapid and TV Smith from the night are up on the Retro Man Blog You Tube channel now. 

Finally, don't forget our Retrosonic Podcast special edition with TV Smith which includes an in-depth interview and exclusive acoustic session featuring four classic songs.

Eight Rounds Rapid "Writeabout": New Single Launch Party at The Railway Hotel, Southend on August 09th

Southend-On-Sea's Eight Rounds Rapid launch their new single 'Writeabout' with a free gig at The Railway Hotel in their hometown on Friday 09th of August, and it will be the very first chance to get your hands on a copy. The title track has never been available in any format prior to this single, which is the first release on Podrophenia Records and it's strictly limited to 500 hand-numbered copies. Support comes from the always excellent Tuppenny Bunters, and then join Podrophenia DJs Piley and Mondo downstairs in the bar for the aftershow party!
 
Piley and Mondo may be better known for their DJing and Podrophenia Radio show and Podcast, not to mention their joint gig promotions with me at The Railway Hotel for The Len Price 3 and TV Smith. Here, Podrophenia give us the low down on the new single 8RR single "Writeabout".

Photo by Paul Hughes

Who are Eight Rounds Rapid?
Southend's rising stars and estuary bred Rock ‘n’ Rollers, filtering Dr Feelgood Thames-Delta grooves through post-punk punch and new wave clout. 

Describe 8RR.

"Window-licking, channel-flicking, TV dinners, sniffing thinners, lotto-playing, fare-evading, shoplifting, jumble-sifting"

Where might I have seen 8RR?
Supporting Wilko Johnson on his Farewell Tour.

Supporting Thee Faction.
At Podrophenia live event nights.

Where might I have heard 8RR?
Previous single (Channel Swimmer) was played by...
Mark Radcliffe (6Music and Radio 2)
Gary Crowley (BBC Radio London)
Radio Podrophenia

Retrosonic Podcast

What do I need to know about the new single?
It's a limited edition 7" vinyl release - and the only format that "Writeabout" will ever be available on. The flip-side "Steve" is long-haul live crowd pleaser and fan favourite.

Check out The Eight Rounds Rapid Facebook page for up to date info and news. 

Photo by Paul Slattery

Photo shows Piley & Mondo in action at The Railway Hotel, Southend-on-Sea at the very first (and packed-out) Retro Man Blog/Podrophenia night with The Len Price 3 back in March 2012. 

TV Smith at The Railway Hotel Southend-on-Sea Nov 23rd a Retro Man Blog/Podrophenia/Southend Punk night

TV Smith - Photo by Paul Slattery

TV Smith's return to The Railway in Southend-on-Sea turned out to be another wonderful experience at what is fast becoming one of my all time favourite venues. As TV Smith said after our last gig there together back in June, "The Railway is a music venue run by music lovers for music lovers and that's a rare thing in the U.K.". He enjoyed it so much that the very next day he asked to do it all again. And so, here we were back again, and thanks to my joint promoters Dave Collins and Ian Pile from Podrophenia and Steve Pegrum from the Southend Punk web-site, we were greeted by another capacity crowd packed out with what must be the friendliest bunch of locals a venue could wish for. Fi and Dave Dulake have done wonders at The Railway and are transforming the upstairs venue, installing a new P.A. system and extending the stage since I was last there.

The Tuppenny Bunters - Photo by Steve Worrall

As well as doing a fantastic job running the place, and serving some amazing vegetarian food too, they also have time to perform in their own drum and organ duo, The Tuppenny Bunters, who opened tonight's show. Swapping instruments and vocals as they went along, they played a mind spinning set of crashing jazz punk featuring unusual cover versions and cheesy theme tunes ramped up to 100 miles per hour.
 

Dick York - Photo by Paul Slattery

Next up was Cryssis front man and singer-songwriter Dick York, who played an acoustic run through of some catchy numbers from his repertoire. Dick used to play in local Mod Revival band Sta-Prest so the set was interspersed by local references and heavy on the audience participation. He has written a true classic in "Could It Be", and I'm sure I could hear people humming the tune the next day all over Southend. Dick's wife Christine joined him on stage at the end to run through some poems including the amusing "Punk Rock Gran".

TV Smith - Photo by TheDimLocator

Then TV Smith took to the stage to rapturous applause, the Railway crowd seem to have really embraced him and the reaction was really heart-warming. TV ran through a perfectly balanced set of songs from throughout his career such as "It's Expensive Being Poor", "Lord's Prayer", the song he wrote for The Lords of The New Church and my personal favourite, "You Saved My Life Then Ruined It". There are calls for "Tomahawk Cruise" the classic single he released with his first post-Adverts band TV Smith's Explorers, and he duly obliges to everyone's delight. "The Lion and The Lamb", "The Day I Caught The Big Fish", are also played with utter conviction. He then kindly complied to my shout for "Complaints Department" from his latest album "Coming Into Land", although ironically not until after a little complaint. "I'm not a Punk Rock Jukebox you know...", he tells me... "but TV, it wasn't as if I requested "Bored Teenagers", just a track from your new record...!". You can hear a hilarious version of "Complaints Department" in our exclusive Retrosonic Podcast live session. Throughout the show he talks about his views on the corporate world and mass consumer obsessions that are blighting our society, he's inspiring and honest, but also humorous with it.

 

TV Smith - Photo by Paul Slattery

He even throws in his amusing but cynical take on the ubiquitous seasonal Christmas song, "Xmas Bloody Xmas". What is evident every time you see TV Smith perform is that he cares, he wants to do right, to play his music on his terms to anyone that will listen. And if that means lugging his guitar, suitcase and emergency sandwich to sub-zero temperatures in Norway or Finland, or playing a festival in the middle of a forest in Eastern Europe with no guarantee of a place to sleep, then he will do it. It's inspirational, and his between song monologues get a great reaction. We are treated to the moving "Generation Y" and "In The Arms Of My Enemy" and then the raucous sing-along of "Only One Flavour".

TV Smith - Photo by Paul Slattery

Of course the set builds towards some of the classics from The Adverts days, but the good thing is you don't get a feeling of nostalgia, his solo material is as well received as the old numbers, but there's no doubting the place does go wild to "One Chord Wonders" and "Gary Gilmore's Eyes". As the set draws to a close the atmosphere builds and as he plays "Good Times Are Back", there is a stage invasion. TV is swamped by people all trying to shake his hand, slap his back and join in on backing vocals, it's chaotic but good natured. Unfortunately due to things over-running, the set had to finish there and we did not get to enjoy Piley and Mondo's superb DJ'ing, but the crowd were thoroughly exhausted and seemed very satisfied, so it was probably a fitting time to call it a night. Well, that was Retro Man Blog's third joint promotion gig at The Railway and I sincerely hope there will be more to come!

Here are some more photographs from the night, and you can also see a full set of superb photos by the extremely talented photographer Paul Hughes on his Flickr site.

Fi from The Tuppenny Bunters - Photo by Jim McManus

Fi from The Tuppenny Bunters - by Paul Hughes

Dave from The Tuppenny Bunters by TheDimLocator

TV Smith by Paul Slattery

TV Smith by TheDimLocator

TV Smith by Jim McManus

TV Smith by Paul Hughes

"Coppo" by Paul Slattery

Stage Invasion! by Jim McManus

Dick York, Dave Collins and TV Smith by Paul Hughes

TV Smith by Paul Slattery

There is another review of the gig up on the excellent Planet Mondo Blog and you can see more photos and a great selection of videos at the Southend Punk web-site Gallery too. Then you can still listen or download for free, our fantastic Retrosonic Podcast TV Smith Special Edition, in which TV talks us through his fascinating and inspiring history and plays an exclusive acoustic live session.

I'd like to thank TV Smith, Fi and Dave at The Railway, Dave Collins and Ian Pile from Podrophenia, Steve Pegrum from Southend Punk, Dick York & Christine York. Many thanks also to photographers Paul Slattery, Paul Hughes, Jim McManus and TheDimLocator for contributing the excellent pics, not forgetting the great Railway crowd that turned up to make this another memorable night!