The Fallen Leaves at The Hope & Anchor - Exclusive Paul Slattery Photos From the Recording of their New Live LP

The Fallen Leaves photographed by Paul Slattery

The Fallen Leaves latest night in their residency at the legendary Hope & Anchor in Islington was a free gig arranged for the recording of a new live album. The band played two sets including some brand new songs and of course encouraged a healthy dose of audience participation, which might well give them headaches during the editing! The set was recorded on the night by ex-Vibrator turned Producer, Pat Collier, who as the founder of Alaska Studios has worked with Robyn Hitchcock, The Sound, Screaming Blue Messiahs, Makin' Time, The Seers and many more great acts over the years. At the moment no title or release date of the album has been announced but of course as soon as we have more details we will let you know.

All colour photos above copyright Paul Slattery

All black & white photos above copyright Retro Man Blog

Thanks to Paul Slattery for the excellent colour photographs. The Fallen Leaves next show at the Hope & Anchor will be on Saturday 26th May. For more photos of the gig please check out the Retro Man Blog Facebook page here.

The Fallen Leaves: Paul Slattery Photos from the New Album Launch Party at The Hope & Anchor with The Killer B's & The Nu Vandals

The Fallen Leaves at The Hope & Anchor photographed by Paul Slattery

Hot on the desert-booted heels of their "Best of" compilation "Punk Rock For Gentlemen", The Fallen Leaves have just released an album of all new material entitled "What We've All Been Waiting For" on their own Parliament Records. The band put on an excellent launch party as part of their residency at the legendary Hope & Anchor venue in Islington where copies of the album were on sale for the first time. It's on CD only for now and if we get any news of a vinyl release of course we will let you know. Some of the new songs have featured in the band's set over the past couple of years now and have become firm favourites alongside all those much-loved classics. New titles including "Motorcycle Girl", "All That Glitters", "Lavender Girl" and "Prodigal Son" are particularly impressive. We've played exclusive pre-release versions of a couple of the new songs in various episodes of Retrosonic Podcast and you can hear the brilliant "Funny World" in our latest Episode 26 here. The band had just got back from a mini-tour of the UK, taking in Manchester and another Marc Riley session and gigs in Glasgow and Middlesbrough and tonight they were on top form. Vocalist Rob Green pulls out all the stops and props - the cool shades, the flask of tea, the maracas, the blowing of smoke rings and even gunning down the crowd with a walking stick! Bassist Matthew Karas looks cool with his cravat and velvet smoking jacket, a bemused Cheshire Cat grin playing on his lips. Rob Symmons' assault on his guitar is still one of the most exciting visual treats you will see at any gig and Buddy Ascott's mightily impressive drumming once again proving that there's much more to these "Simple songs for complex people". Here's some great photographs from Paul Slattery...

The Fallen Leaves at The Hope & Anchor photographed by Paul Slattery

Rob Green of The Fallen Leaves at The Hope & Anchor photographed by Paul Slattery

Rob Symmons of The Fallen Leaves at The Hope & Anchor photographed by Paul Slattery

Buddy Ascott of The Fallen Leaves at The Hope & Anchor photographed by Paul Slattery

Matthew Karas of The Fallen Leaves at The Hope & Anchor photographed by Paul Slattery

The night started off with some down and dirty good time Rock 'n' Roll from The Nu Vandals which certainly put a smile on everyone's faces. A Punky cover of "The Harder They Come" was ambitious but they pulled it off thanks to some great drumming from Richard Grealish and impressive sax work from Natalie Lane. Vocals are shared between guitarist Alan Blizzard, who oozes Keith Richards style and imposing bassist Dale Senior who looks like he's stepped out of a Martin Scorsese movie. In fact the band do bring a touch of that New York Johnny Thunders Lower East Side Manhattan to Islington. One of my favourite songs was the short, sharp Ramones tribute "Ask Me No Questions" but "Feeling Good About Feeling Bad", "Have You Seen My Mama" & "My City" are all great tracks and I would thoroughly recommend catching The Nu Vandals play as soon as you can.

The Nu Vandals photographed by Paul Slattery

The Nu Vandals photographed by Paul Slattery

Next up it was the welcome return of The Killer B's who's raw, hypnotic R'n'B really went down well on the night. There's a slightly off-kilter twist to their take on the Blues to keep things interesting particularly on "You Don't Bug Me". It was when Chris Thompson started off that stuttering, scratchy Wilko Johnson style guitar on the superb "Unforgiven" that it reminded me of his old band The Screaming Blue Messiahs. I knew bassist Ricky McGuire had been in The Men They Couldn't Hang and I just found out he had also been in the early 80's Punk band The Fits, if I'd have known that I would have taken along my old "Last Laugh E.P." for him to sign...! He's a great bass player and both him and his rhythm section colleague, the dapper and laid back drummer David Morgan Mathias, keep things effortlessly in check. They don't play any songs at all from their only album "Love Is a Cadillac Death Is a Ford" so I'm hoping they will get round to recording some of this excellent new material very soon and not forgetting getting out there and playing some more gigs too.

The Killer B's photographed by Paul Slattery

The Killer B's photographed by Paul Slattery

The Killer B's photographed by Paul Slattery

The Killer B's photographed by Paul Slattery

Thanks to Paul Slattery for the excellent photos (copyright Paul Slattery 2017). Paul started off taking early photos of his heroes Dr. Feelgood and Link Wray and was inspired by Lemmy of Motorhead to dive head first into the music world. Over the years he's produced iconic shots of The Flamin' Groovies, Ramones, The Clash, The Fall, Joy Division, Manic Street Preachers, The Stone Roses and many more besides. Paul has had two books published "The Smiths: The Early Years" and "Oasis: A Year On The Road" which are available from Amazon. For more photos of the album launch party please head on over to the Retro Man Blog Facebook page and hit "Like" to sign-up and check out the exclusive photo albums. You can see some videos of all three bands filmed on the night too at our Retro Man Blog YouTube channel here. You can order copies of The Fallen Leaves new album  "What We've All Been Waiting For" from band's web-site here and don't forget our very special Fallen Leaves Podcasts where the two Robs talk us through their fascinating history and play a pick of some of their influences and favourite Fallen Leaves songs along the way. Episode 1 is here...

The Fallen Leaves - New 7" Vinyl Single "Out In a Forest" Out Now on Market Square Recordings

The Fallen Leaves - Out In A Forest b/w The Inside Of A Chair.

Out In A Forest b/w The Inside Of A Chair, released on Paul Messis' Market Square Recordings, is the group's second 7" vinyl single and features two sides of vitriolic power based indie-pop from London's greatest celebrators of underachievement, The Fallen Leaves. Side A 'Out In A Forest' is rooted in a four-chord, power-pop tradition with trembling guitars, weaving bass and a consistent drum beat holding it all together, whilst Rob Green's lead vocal melodically croons on top. It resembles early Indie shambolic pop of the early 80s, think of those early Creation/Living Room bands like The Jasmine Minks, The June Brides and The McTells vis-a-vis The Who's power-pop influence, there is also a bit of a "Postcard Records" feel with this single too. The Flip side, 'The Inside Of A Chair' is a short but bittersweet instrumental highlighting Rob Symmons fantastic and shambolic guitar work. This track ties very closely to his work in the pioneering punk band Subway Sect and from this song alone, you can hear his influence upon that group.

The Fallen Leaves photographed at the 12 Bar Club, Denmark Street by Paul Slattery

The 45 is limited to 300 copies and comes housed in a Market Square company sleeve and features a hand-numbered postcard. If you order from the Market Square Bandcamp page your purchase includes unlimited streaming of The Fallen Leaves - Out In A Forest b/w The Inside Of A Chair via the free Bandcamp app, plus a high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more. The single is also being distributed by the fantastic State Records or you can order the single directly from Market Square Recordings here and for more news on future releases then please check out the Market Square Blog here. Here's a taster...

The Suburban Homes are having another E.P released in November, the aptly titled "Second E.P." will be released on In The Red and will be limited to 500 copies. The band are also working on a 12" single/mini album which will be out on Total Punk sometime in 2016. The Higher State have just completed their fifth full-length LP 'VOLUME 27', this is going to be out on 13 O'Clock Records in March/April 2016. NEXT YEAR, there are already plans afoot to release some great 45s on Market Square including 45s hopefully for Creation Factory, Sarah Bethe Nelson, Real Numbers, Higher State & Paul Messis.

The Fallen Leaves photographed at the 12 Bar Club, Denmark Street by Paul Slattery

For more news on The Fallen Leaves upcoming live dates please check out their web-site here. Also, don't forget our Retrosonic Podcast special editions with The Fallen Leaves where Rob Symmons and Rob Green take us on their journey from the very early stirrings of the London Punk Rock scene with Vic Godard & Subway Sect. The two episodes are generously sound-tracked with lots of Fallen Leaves songs, and we also discuss and play some of the band's favourite tracks and influences from Ramones, Trini Lopez, Buff Medways, The Who, Roxy Music, Dr. Feelgood, John's Children. Along the way we will meet some of the characters the band have rubbed shoulders with over the years including Vic Godard, Billy Childish, Bernie Rhodes, Joe Strummer, Malcolm McLaren, Paul Cook, Pete Townshend and more...So slip on your smoking jacket, pour yourself a cup of tea, get yourself comfortable on your chaise longue and listen to some fine Punk Rock for Gentlemen!

Vic Godard & Subway Sect at Green Door Store & ABC Art Exhibition with Gaye Black, Billy Chainsaw & David Apps

Vic Godard & Subway Sect - Photo by Retro Man Blog

I haven’t been to Brighton for years but always fancied a return visit, so when I saw that the closing party for the ABC Art Exhibition at Gallery 40 was being held on a day that coincided with Oh! Gunquit playing at Stay Sick, I didn’t need any convincing to get the train tickets booked, grab my bucket and spade and head on down to the seaside. The exhibition featured a selection of artwork from three Punk inspired artists, Billy Chainsaw, David Apps and Gaye Black, or Gaye Advert as she might be remembered from the legendary early Punk band The Adverts. There was a really good turn-out and a last chance to see an impressive cross section of all three Artist’s work. Billy Chainsaw’s bold red and white ceramics and prints featuring Mexican wrestlers and superheroes really caught my eye. Regular Blog readers will know we are already big fans of David Apps and Gaye’s artwork and have reported on Gaye’s excellent Beyond Punk Art exhibitions and have even released a Retrosonic Podcast where we talk to David about his art and photography. 

Gaye Black, Billy Chainsaw & David Apps - Photo by Retro Man Blog

As Stay Sick is more of a nightclub with a live band it wasn’t due to open until 11pm which meant we had time to go along to see Vic Godard & Subway Sect who were playing at The Green Door Store by the station. We walked past the Prince Albert with its impressive and colourful mural of various music, movie and sports icons from John Peel, Jimi Hendrix and Ian Dury to George Best, Keith Moon and Oliver Reed. We got into the venue as Vic was just starting the set and bumped into ATV’s guitarist Lee McFadden. He told us that we had missed both support acts, Asbo Derek and then his own performance with The Unreliable Witnesses. Subway Sect have had a change of line-up since I last saw them, bassist Paul Myers and drummer Paul Cook have departed, rumour has it that this was due to a possible re-forming of The Professionals with Steve Jones. Ian Holford has taken over on drums and from the last line-up I recognized Kevin Younger on keyboards and guitar and Mark Braby, who has switched from guitar to bass. There’s a slightly chaotic feel to proceedings, some songs have to be re-started in a different key and there’s quite a bit of re-tuning.

Vic Godard & Subway Sect - Photo by Retro Man Blog

Vic Godard & Subway Sect - Photo by Retro Man Blog

At one point I was reminded of the classic Eric Morecambe line “I’m playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order…” but to be honest it doesn’t really matter, it’s all part of the charm. Vic is an engaging and self-deprecating front-man who chats away to the good natured crowd between songs. Anyway, when they do get going there’s something irresistible about their unique brand of fractured angular guitar allied to the Northern Soul beats of songs such as “You Bring Out The Demon In Me” and “Holiday Hymn”. We get treated to a cross section of tracks from all throughout his long and varied career with songs such as “Best Album” from my favourite album “We Come As Aliens” and the superb “Caught In Midstream” from their latest release, the rather excellent “1979 Now!” Of course there are also the frantic, and much underrated, early Subway Sect Punk classics “Nobody’s Scared” and “Ambition” which go down a storm. Unfortunately, it’s a rather short set which was a shame, but that gave us plenty of time to walk down to the Stay Sick Club to see Oh! Gunquit which you can read all about in the previous Blog feature here.

Vic Godard & Subway Sect - Photo by Retro Man Blog

Vic Godard & Subway Sect - Photo by Retro Man Blog

For more photographs of the ABC exhibition, Vic Godard & Subway Sect at the Green Door and Oh! Gunquit at Stay Sick then please head on over to the Retro Man Blog Facebook page and, if you are not already following, hit “Like” for access to the photo album. There are also videos of Subway Sect and Oh! Gunquit filmed up on the Retro Man Blog YouTube channel now. Also, please do check out the excellent official Vic Godard web-site which features a stunningly comprehensive archive.

Retro Man Blog's Pick of 2014 - The Year's Best Albums, Gigs & Singles/E.P.s

2014 was another great year for gigs and new releases, and whilst we didn't quite top our average of one gig per week as we did in 2013, there were still loads of excellent live acts out there to get excited about. So, here's what floated our boat this past year. If you'd like to investigate further, please click on the highlighted link to take you to each band's web-site or to the relevant Retro Man Blog feature, review and photographs. Happy New Year and thanks for your support!

BEST ALBUMS OF 2014

01. THE LEN PRICE 3 - “Nobody Knows”
A little bit sneaky as we actually put on the exclusive album launch gig and already named it album of 2013 although it wasn't actually officially released until February of 2014. However, it's so good that it deserves top spot again and although The Galileo 7's "False Memory Lane" pushed it all the way, nothing this year could quite come close to beating "Nobody Knows". The album showed The Len Price 3 developing their already considerable songwriting skills, breaking out of their Garage Rock roots without losing their trademark aggression. "Nobody Knows" is a set of perfectly constructed, timeless songs which culminates in the band's undoubted masterpiece "The London Institute" which promises much for the future of the Medway based trio.

The Len Price 3 - Photo by Paul Slattery

02. GALILEO 7 - “False Memory Lane”
Allan Crockford is a busy man, at various points in time he has been a trusty sidekick and member of some superb bands such as The Prisoners, The Prime Movers, Graham Day & The Forefathers, James Taylor Quartet, The Solarflares, Phaze and The Stabilisers amongst others. With The Galileo 7 he stepped into the limelight as the main songwriter, lead vocalist and guitarist and on this, the band's third album, he has produced a quite superb collection of top quality Psych Pop songs that are crammed full of scorching guitar riffs, catchy keyboard lines and melodic vocal harmonies. Think the Beatles, Syd Barrett, Julian Cope and The Left Banke and you might get the idea.

03. GRAHAM DAY & THE FOREFATHERS - “Good Things”
A refreshingly different take on a covers album as Graham Day has decided to cover his own songs! But this is not a collection of acoustic, orchestral or radically different versions of old classics, far from it, these are supercharged live-in-the-studio assaults on his back catalogue. Pretty much reforming The Solarflares to assist, Graham, Allan Crockford and Wolf Howard positively attack a choice set of songs from The Prisoners, The Solarflares, The Gaolers and The Prime Movers. Bursting with energy and vitality, the originals take a hell of a powerful beating! Oh, great cover photography by my Retro Man Blog colleague Paul Slattery too...!

04. BILLY CHILDISH & CTMF - “Acorn Man”
A resurgent Medway scene sees a clean Kentish sweep of the top four albums completed by a brand new release by Billy Childish under the guise of Wild Billy Childish & CTMF. Harking back to the more accessible sound of The Musicians of The British Empire, "Acorn Man" is full of that trademark guitar and has Nurse Julie taking on more of the lead vocal duties and backing vocal harmonies. For me this is definitely one of his best albums and he sure has a lot to choose from!

05. EBBOT LUNDBERG - “Be Careful What You Wish For!”
Low-key limited edition release of demos by The Soundtrack of Our Lives ex-front man Ebbot Lundberg that would go on to form the basis of his superb "Homo Futurus" E.P with The Indigo Children. This release went some way to filling that huge TSOOL shaped hole in my life, it's great to have the big Swede back on this form.

06. THE FLESHTONES - “Wheel Of Talent”
America's hardest working band have still got it and are sounding as fresh and vital as they did when they first formed nearly 40 years ago. The only thing to beat the energy in this record is the energy that they still have when they play live! In "Remember The Ramones" and "What You're Talking About" they have produced songs that can match anything in their impressive back catalogue.

07. VIC GODARD & SUBWAY SECT - “1979 Now!”
Northern Soul meets angular Post-Punk in this upbeat collection of short sharp dance songs. If you're good at multi-tasking and can sing along and dance at the same time then this album is for you.

08. EIGHT ROUNDS RAPID - “Loss Leader”
"Loss Leader" is the superb debut album of totally original and idiosyncratic music from the enigmatic Southend-on-Sea based four-piece. David Alexander's quick-fire half spoken vocals spit out some quite brilliantly observed lyrics and the band, featuring Wilko Johnson's son Simon on guitar, kick up a blistering racket behind him.

09. BUZZCOCKS - “The Way”
The Buzzcocks have been steadily releasing really strong albums since they reformed with 1993's superb "Trade Test Transmissions" and "The Way" certainly keeps the impressive track record going. Packed full of trademark Buzzcocks songs with Pete Shelley's melodic lovelorn songs battling with Steve Diggle's more traditional Mod influenced numbers.

10. OF ARROWE HILL - “A Conspiracy of Clocks"
Although this was only released a few weeks ago, this album still crashes into the Top 10 as it is so refreshingly different and the vinyl is beautifully packaged. Some songs are presented as mere sketches with the studio chat left in and it's that spontaneous feel that reminds me of Robert Pollard and Guided By Voices. Other times Of Arrowe Hill are pure English pastoral pop like XTC or Michael Head's album as The Strands. Whatever they are, these are nothing short of literary, intelligent little gems of songs crammed full of many melodic twists and turns.

11. THE DUSTAPHONICS - “Big Smoke London Town”
A huge joyful celebration of an eclectic mix of 1950s Rock 'n' Roll, Garage Rock, Soul, Blues and instrumental Surf music. The swinging rhythm section and Yvan Serrano-Fontova’s equally rhythmic scratchy Lo-Fi guitar lay down a hip-shaking groove that allows the stunning Hayley Red’s soulful vocals to shine throughout the album. 

12. WILKO JOHNSON & ROGER DALTREY - “Going Back Home”
Similar to the Graham Day & The Forefathers album, this is another legend looking back on his career and reviving some old classics. Wilko Johnson has finally found a vocalist in The Who's Roger Daltrey that can equal Lee Brilleaux's raw R'n'B growl. A stunning success made when Wilko wasn't even sure if he would live to see the album released. His subsequent against-the-odds recovery from cancer was definitely one of the most moving and inspiring stories of 2014.

13. VIV ALBERTINE - “Vermillion Border”
Excellent solo album from the former Slits guitarist that is both challenging and rewarding and features a cast of famous names including Mick Jones, Dylan Howe from The Blockheads and a different bassist on every track from Norman Watt-Roy and Jack Bruce to Tina Weymouth and Dennis Bovell. A perfect soundtrack to her recent searingly honest autobiography.

14. TV SMITH - “I Delete”
The legendary voice of The Adverts follows up the brilliant album "Coming Into Land" with another collection of his beautifully observed tales of modern life. A truly inspirational songwriter, this time TV has chosen to move away from the acoustic based sound of his live shows to release a shiny, polished and upbeat album that doesn't detract from the message within the songs. 

15. MUCK & THE MIRES - “Dial "M" For Muck”
Despite the name putting me off for some time I couldn't ignore the rave reviews this band were getting and this Dirty Water Records release certainly showed me what I've been missing. Power Pop sensibilities and good time Rock & Roll that evokes The Fleshtones and The Woggles at their best.

16. NINA PERSSON - “Animal Heart”
Nina's vocals just keep on getting stronger and stronger and this album of perfectly crafted pop songs highlights this in the best way possible. "Food For The Beast" and "Animal Heart" are what pop music should be all about.

17. THE TEAMSTERS - “The Teamsters”
Some great songwriting lifts this album head and shoulders above most of the samey Garage Rock music that gets sent into the Retro Man Blog. Thee Milkshakes, early Kinks and Hamburg-era Beatles are channelled into some excellent crunching pop songs such as "I'll Take What I Want" and "I Would Cry". Definitely a band to watch out for in 2015.

18. THE pUKES - “Too Drunk To Pluck”
Although it's impossible to capture on record the sheer exuberance of seeing a 20-piece Ukulele orchestra performing covers of Punk Rock classics, this debut album comes close. With some originals nestling between tracks by Ramones, Cock Sparrer, Wire and The Dead Kennedys, The pUKES prove they are far from a one-joke act.

19. THE YOUTH - “Nothing But The Youth”
Like The Teamsters, this Danish outfit are working in a quite traditional genre but have the songs to make them stand out amongst a sea of forgettable Garage Rock bands and this impressive debut promises much more great music to come.

20. STUPIDITY - “Fore!”
Raw and Rockin' R'n'B from the Stockholm based four-piece, they are pals of The Fleshtones and it shows as some of their boundless energy has certainly rubbed off on the songs on "Fore!" The double hit of "King Midas" and "On Fire" has to be one of the best opening salvos of many an album.

BEST GIGS OF 2014

01. GRAHAM DAY & THE FOREFATHERS + THE LEN PRICE 3 + GALILEO 7 - Half Moon Putney June 06th. For review and photos please click here.

Graham Day & The Forefathers - Photo by Paul Slattery

02. THE FLESHTONES + THE WITCHDOKTORS - Camden Underworld June 03rd. For review and photos please click here.

03. THE LEN PRICE 3 + LES KITSCHENETTE'S + THE PAST TENSE - Half Moon Putney September 26th. For review and photos please click here.

04. KING SALAMI & THE CUMBERLAND 3 + LES KITSCHENETTE'S + REVOX - Weirdsville September 27th.

05. THE MONOCHROME SET + THE FALLEN LEAVES - Half Moon Putney May 24th. For review and photos please click here.

06. THE DAMNED + RUTS DC + TV SMITH - The Forum April 24th. For review and photos please click here.

07. GRAHAM DAY & THE FOREFATHERS - The 100 Club February 08th. For review and photos please click here.

08. LES BOF + OH!GUNQUIT - Weirdsville October 25th. For review and photos please click here.

09. THE FALLEN LEAVES+ THE MYND SET + THE BEATPACK - The 12 Bar December 03rd

10. SPIDERS - Borderline May 06th. For review and photos please click here.

BEST E.P./MINI-ALBUM/7" VINYL OF 2014

01. EBBOT LUNDBERG & THE INDIGO CHILDREN - “The Homo Futurus E.P.”

Ebbot Lundberg at Heaven, London, September 2012 - Photo by Paul Slattery

02. LES KITSCHENETTE'S - “2e Etage: Lingerie Pour Hommes E.P.”

03. MICHAEL HEAD & THE RED ELASTIC BAND - “Artorius Revisited”

04. GRAHAM DAY & THE FOREFATHERS - “Love Me Lies”

05. BILLY CHILDISH & CTMF - “Punk Rock Enough For Me”

06. OH!GUNQUIT - “She Wolf At Work" 7" Single

07. FRENCH BOUTIK - “Mieux Comme Ca E.P.”

08. GROOVY UNCLE & SUZI CHUNK - “Barefoot In The Car Park”

09. THE MYND SET - “The Mynd Set E.P.”

10. THE PAST TENSE/THE LOOP - “Split 7” Vinyl E.P.

For a reminder of our pick of 2013 please check out the Blog Archive feature here.

Thanks to all the bands who played at our Retro Man Blog gigs in 2014 - and of course all those of you who have come along to the gigs, helped and supported us throughout the year. Retro Man Blog and Retrosonic Podcast are both non-profit making D.I.Y. ventures set-up purely to promote great underground music so your continued support is very much appreciated.

Retro Man Blog Presents: The Monochrome Set with The Fallen Leaves at The Half Moon Putney May 24th

We are very proud to announce that our first Retro Man Blog Night of the year at The Half Moon Putney will feature The Monochrome Set with special guests The Fallen Leaves. This will be on Saturday May 24th from 8pm with advance tickets at only £12.50 and tickets on the door at £14.50.  The Monochrome Set are one of the most enduring bands to have emerged from the early Punk days, here is a bit of background of how it all started. Primordial soup: Andy Warren and Bid went to school together, Lester Square and Adam Ant both attended Hornsey School of Art. The latter two formed a band called "The B-Sides", which Andy joined sometime in 1976. Bid also joined a couple of months later, and Adam left shortly after. Lester, Andy and Bid occasionally continued to write and rehearse together (it was around this time that some of the songs later to be used by The Monochrome Set were written, e.g., Goodbye Joe, He's Frank, Puerto-Rican Fence Climber, Lester Leaps In), until Adam formed The Ants with Lester and Andy. 

The Monochrome Set at Bush Hall 2013 - Photo by Retro Man Blog

Whilst Andy continued on with Adam to record the first Ants album, Lester left The Ants in 1977, to form, firstly The Zarbies & The Ectomorphs with Bid and Jeremy Harrington, and then The Monochrome Set with Bid (Jeremy joined later). To quote the Asahi Evening News, 1993: "When B-Sides singer Adam Ant quit the band for an ill-fated solo career, The Monochrome Set was born." The Monochrome Set are probably one of the most quintessentially "Independent" bands, totally unique, they have endured all kinds of fads and fashions along the way and, as proven with their latest album "Super Plastic City, are currently producing some of their best ever work. Along the way they have inspired countless Indie guitar bands and acts as diverse as Franz Ferdinand and Fatboy Slim and been covered by Iggy Pop. Expect to hear tracks from the new album along with a selection of classics from their hugely impressive back catalogue.

The Monochrome Set Dingwalls 2012 - Photo by Retro Man Blog

The Fallen Leaves have a similar pedigree, guitarist Rob Symmons was in the Subway Sect along with Vic Godard and was responsible for those scathing guitar riffs on early Punk classics such as "Nobody's Scared" and "Ambition". One of the very first bands on the scene, they shared rehearsal space and a manager with The Clash. Fallen Leaves vocalist Rob Green also appeared in a latter incarnation of Subway Sect, bassist Matthew Karas can also be found is Glassglue and drummer William Lewington in The Band of Holy Joy. The band have a regular club night "Minimum R'n'B" at the 12 Bar Club in London on the first Wednesday of every month. You can listen to the Fallen Leaves' fascinating history, which takes in those very early Punk days with characters and bands such as Bernie Rhodes, Sex Pistols, Joe Strummer, Malcolm McLaren, Billy Childish and The Downliners Sect. The two episodes are generously sound-tracked with many Fallen Leaves songs and a pick of the band's favourite tracks. Here's episode 1 "Punk Rock for Gentlemen".

The Half Moon is at 93 Lower Richmond Road, London SW15 1EU and you can pre-order tickets here or call the venue directly on 0208 780 9383. Doors open at 8pm.

The Fallen Leaves in Berlin

The Fallen Leaves in Berlin - Photo by Paul Slattery

A trip to Berlin to see The Fallen Leaves seemed like a mighty fine idea, I'd never been to the city before and something about the thought of the band and Berlin just seemed to click. So, I joined a healthy contingent of "away fans", including Rock Photographer Paul Slattery and The Transients and Onlookers bassist Mark Leech, and after a thoroughly enjoyable couple of hours at the stunning Ramones Museum, we met up with various band friends and family at the excellent White Trash Bar and Restaurant. The White Trash is located on Schönhauser Allee in the Mitte district, the heart of the old East Berlin. The place itself is a slightly strange but atmospheric blend of Chinese restaurant, and Rock 'n' Roll Tiki Hut, complete with large tropical fish tanks and skeletons and T-Shirts dangling from the ceiling. The venue promises a free tattoo to anyone daring to have their skin etched with a design incorporating the restaurant logo, however despite polishing off a fair number of delicious Berliner Pilsners, I didn't go in for their generous offer.

The Fallen Leaves at White Trash - Photo by Paul Slattery

The band played two sets and so had the opportunity to dust down some old numbers that they don't usually play live such as "All That You Choose" and they also treated us to three new numbers - the excellent "Prodigal Son" and "All That Glitters" which fit seamlessly into the running order. They also play another new one "I'm A Man", which is probably the weaker of the three, although drummer William Lewington does put in a mighty fine stint to keep it from going off the rails. Cheered on, somewhat rowdily by their travelling support and picking up more enthusiastic locals along the way, the band put in a great performance with Rob Symmon's guitar bashing on "Shining" causing a spontaneous outbreak of air guitar posing amongst the crowd.

Bass, Matthew Karas - Photo by Paul Slattery

Drums, William Lewington - Photo by Paul Slattery

I really believe that Rob Symmons must be one of the most underrated guitarists to have emerged from the early British Punk scene, he was after all there at the very beginning with Vic Godard & Subway Sect, who were true originals. Now, the way he contorts and bashes his guitar around is one of the greatest sights and sounds in contemporary Rock 'n' Roll. You can see people in the crowd who are seeing the band for the first time, standing there with mouths agape at what they are witnessing. Keith Levene, Wilko Johnson, Mick Green - all naturally talented maverick guitar players and Rob Symmons should be up there amongst their esteemed company too.

Guitar, Rob Symmons - Photo by Paul Slattery

Vocals, Rob Green - Photo by Paul Slattery

Charismatic front-man Rob Green pulls up a chair to deliver a song in true Cabaret style as a tribute to Berlin and then delights the locals by having a very English tea-break in the middle of "Shining", it is pure cabaret in itself. Whether it's blowing smoke circles from his e-cigarette, or checking the pocket watch hanging from his checked Tweed jacket, his idiosyncratic performance is a masterclass in how to entertain and enthral an audience. The band are that perfect blend of individual characters that together have a real chemistry - the superb rhythm section of rough diamond drummer William Lewington and the suave, enigmatic bassist Matthew Karas are the solid foundation for the two Robs to do their thing. They make a glorious Garage Rock racket on classics such as "Trouble" and "Revenge" but also understand the importance of dynamics, especially on the slower bass driven tracks "I Made a Mistake" and "Seven Years". We also get treated to "Charity Girl", "My Phantoms", "Sylvie Says", "Is She Somewhere?", "Passing By" and "Against The Grain" along with two performances of "Happy Times" from their debut album "It's Too Late Now". So, all in all a great Leaves show and there were lots of happy smiling faces in the White Trash.

The Fallen Leaves - Photo by Paul Slattery

Here's a video of "Shining" from the White Trash gig, for more videos of this show and many more Fallen Leaves gigs then please check out the Retro Man Blog YouTube channel. You can also subscribe to the channel to keep up to date as we are adding new original videos all the time.

 

Don't forget our two very special episodes of Retrosonic Podcast, The Fallen Leaves Story Part 1: "Punk Rock For Gentlemen" and Part 2: "Simple Songs For Complex People", these can be downloaded for free from our Retrosonic Soundcloud site. They are packed full of music from The Fallen Leaves and their influences, and feature fascinating tales from Rob Symmon's time with Subway Sect to meeting up with Rob Green and right up to the present day.

The Fallen Leaves will be appearing as very special guests at The Len Price 3's new album launch party at The Half Moon Putney on October 25th. This promises to be a great night as we also have The Past Tense and an acoustic guest spot from The Travellers. Tickets are only £7 in advance from The Half Moon and can be purchased here.

The Fallen Leaves - Photo by Paul Slattery

Rob Green - Photo by Steve Worrall

With thanks to Paul Slattery. All photos copyright 2013 as credited. For more photos of The Fallen Leaves in Berlin, please head over to the Retro Man Blog Facebook page and hit "Like" for access to the exclusive photo album.

Sheila Rock PUNK+ Book Signing and Talk, Rough Trade East May 29th

Sheila Rock takes the applause - Photo by Dave Patten

Last night, Rough Trade East hosted a talk and book signing with renowned photographer Sheila Rock as part of a series of events to promote her excellent new book PUNK+. Sheila was accompanied by legendary DJ and Big Audio Dynamite member, Don Letts, who joined her to talk through a great slideshow of her classic images, many of which were previously unseen. Don talked about his experiences working at seminal Punk stores such as ACME Attractions, which he admitted were probably amongst the best days of his life, and of course his DJing at The Roxy. After the talk, Don played some great reggae tracks as Sheila chatted and signed copies of the book. Also in attendance were Viv Albertine, Harry Pye the ex-colleague of Steve Strange and Chrissie Hynde in the short-lived Moors Murderers, ex-Subway Sect guitarist Rob Symmons, now of The Fallen Leaves (who you can see in action at our next Retro Man Blog gig on June 29th),  The Roxy owner Andy Czezowski, designer Pam Hogg, author and Joe Strummer biographer Chris Salewicz, Martin and Paul Kelly from Heavenly and there was a surprise appearance by the ex-manager of Iggy & The Stooges, The Doors and Ramones and full on rock music legend, Danny Fields.

Danny Fields - Photo by Rhiannon Ifans

Chris Salewicz and Pam Hogg - Photo by Rhiannon Ifans

PUNK+ chronicles both designer and street styles between 1976-9 that had such an effect on fashion, society and politics, including Vivienne Westwood’s shop SEX as well as BOY, Robot and Acme Attractions. It is a fascinating insight into one of the most influential transformations of music and celebrates the scenesters who were the punk audience, and the designers that clothed the movement. As Paul Simonon (The Clash) comments: "This book is a great photographic record of a major shift in British street fashion". Sheila’s conversations with Chrissie Hynde, Tony James, Don Letts, Jeanette Lee, Glen Matlock, Chris Salewicz, Jon Savage, Steven Severin, Paul Simonon, Jah Wobble and more, provide an illuminating commentary on the punk phenomenon. As she observes "Punk was all about changing and surviving". All books are numbered and signed and feature 199 full colour and black and white photos from Sheila Rock's personal archive.

Rob Symmons with Viv Albertine - Photo by Rhiannon Ifans

Don Letts - Photo by Dave Patten

Photo by Steve Worrall

Sheila Rock and Don Letts talk us through some photos - Steve Worrall

PUNK+ is published by FirstThird Books, an independent publishing company specialising in high quality music photobooks. PUNK+ is Limited to 2000 numbered and signed books, including 300 deluxe versions exclusively available through the FirstThird Books website. PUNK+ is the second in a series of limited edition titles, following the soon to be sold-out book on the legendary Indie icons Felt. This book features some excellent early Felt photographs by Retro Man Blog's regular contributor Paul Slattery. Here are some more photos from the signing.

Rob Symmons with DJ Jeff Munday - Photo by Dave Patten

Don Letts - Photo by Rhiannon Ifans

Sheila Rock signing copies of PUNK+ - Photo by Dave Patten

You can read more about the book and see some examples of Sheila's fantastic photographs in our previous Blog feature here. We have also previously published a feature on  the excellent Heavenly Films documentary "Lawrence of Belgravia" and FirstThird's Felt book here.

With many thanks indeed to Rhiannon Ifans and Dave Patten for contributing the excellent photographs of the Punk+ Party. You can view a full set of Dave's photos at his Flickr site.