Riot Act

It’s another eclectic (egg-leg-tic?) week on Riot Act with modern heavy metal, alt-country Americana, shoegaze-y alt-rock and a post-rock-pop album all getting a look in but Remfry’s most excited to talk about the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical for some unfathomable reason, which leads Steve to recall a (slightly in-accurate) fact about Lord Webber and Timmy Mallet (it was Webber’s wife who challenged him, not Simon Cowell). Still … Steve has never let the truth get in the way of him bringing up Bombalurina’s classic Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny Yellow Polka Dot Bikini before and he’s not about to start now (Patreons, expect a Classic Album on Bombalurina’s seminal masterpiece Huggin’ An’a Kissin’ imminently). We also discuss the brief internet shitstorm that’s surrounded Jacob Bannon’s iconic Jane Doe artwork for the utterly sublime Converge album of the same name but rather than simply pretend we’re experts in the field of copyright and trademark like seemingly every other twazzock on the internet, we’ve consult

Inspired by Shakira’s wild boar bag robber, Remfry and Steve put forward their audition for The Really Wild Show, CBBC’s flagship wildlife television show … unfortunately, no one told them that the show ended over 15 years ago, but the deviation into the natural world does lead Remfry to confess to a spate of cow tippings in the South Gloucestershire area around 25 years ago whilst Steve confesses the equally heinous crime of never having seen The Lion King. In more musically related matters, a study released by the UK Intellectual Property Office which analysed streaming services data between 2014-2020 has concluded that approximately 720 British musicians make a living solely from streaming royalties. We won’t spoil how many musicians are registered in the UK, but let’s put it this way … it’s a lot more than 720! Reviews this week are of Illusory Walls by The World is a Beautiful Place and I am no Longer Afraid to Die (25:13) Oxidized by Frontierer (57:42) Flux by Poppy (1:29:35) and Garden of Burning Appa

Trigger Warning: this week's episode contains dangerous baked potatoes.  It’s been a busy week for news for Steve and Remfry to digest this week, some of it is quite serious, like the implications of UMG being made public on the stock exchange and destroying the myth that there’s no money in the music industry, some of it is quite exciting, such as the very unexpected reformation of The Fugees and news of Rancid returning to the UK, some of it is very tiring, Slipknot and Machine Gun Kelly bellyaching at each other on Twitter for example, and some stories are just bizarre, like Liam Gallagher claiming rock and roll is alive and well because he fell out of a helicopter… fine, but he’s no Brian Harvey! Once all that is out of the way we turn our attention to reviewing a very varied selection of new music from hotly tipped pop-tech-metal sensations Sleep Token (46:23) electro post-rock instrumental conceptualists Public Service Broadcasting (76:33) a very unique collaboration between underground, forward thi

Remfry sat down for a very rambly conversation with Conor Murphy from Foxing to discuss their latest full-length album Draw Down the Moon. Foxing and their unique brand of indie emo post-rock pop have been a favourite of Remfrys for quite some time and many of you will remember that their 2018 third album Nearer My God was his favourite album of that year. In August 2021, they returned with Draw Down the Moon, an album that once again completely re-invented the band’s sound whilst still retaining the essence of what makes them Foxing. Together, Conor and Remfry discuss the themes of magik, mysticism, neo-paganism and witchcraft that ended up influencing the album and how Foxing integrated those themes with a love of D&D, tabletop gaming and text adventures to create an album that sounds quite unlike anything else. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Originally posted August 25th 2020 on https://www.patreon.com/riotactpodcast Steve and Remfry are kicking themselves after never having previously heard this excellent suggestion from David S Grop to discuss Locust, the second full-length album by Swedish alt metal quintet Mary Beats Jane. Maybe they're being too harsh on themselves though ... as the boys discuss, if you weren't from the US or the UK in 1997, it was a tough ole' time getting coverage in music magazines (bar a few notable exceptions).  And it's a bloody shame that because, based on this record, Mary Beats Jane, featuring OG The Haunted vocalist Peter Dolving, were an absolutely cracking band. Could it be argued perhaps, that Mary Beats Jane were even better than The Haunted? This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

BEEEEARD OOOOIL! Stephen ‘Metalcore Fan Aggressor’ Hill and Remfry ‘Post-Rock Cowardly Lion’ Dedman review the latest new releases in the world of alternative music in the form of Horizons / East by Thrice (59:20) Conquering by Employed To Serve (76:14) Pilgrimage of the Soul by Mono (107:07) and Torn Arteries by Carcass (119:14). Steve talks about his excitement at the announcement that Rick Astley and Blossoms teaming up to play the songs of The Smiths in possibly the most beguiling partnership since Sting and Shaggy released an album. We also peruse Rolling Stone’s hot-off-the-press updated version of their Top 500 Songs of all Time list, a list that was last updated in 2003. On top of all that, Remfry has live reports of Mother Vulture and highlights from Portals Festival, including Bossk, Human Pyramids, CLT DRP, itoldyouiwouldeatyou and Nervus. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

We’re joined by a special guest this week as Ash from Sugar Horse steps up to cast his critical eye over the week’s new releases which are The Ultra Vivid Lament by Manic Street Preachers (36:20) Sometimes I Might Be Introvert by Little Simz (59:22) Hey What by Low (84:31) and God is Partying by Andrew W.K. (107:17) There are also brief reviews of Bad Pond Festival as well as Arab Strap’s much anticipated debut show in London since the release of their critically lauded come-back album As Days Get Dark. Oh and there's a nonsense story about how Classical music leaves us hooked on chocolate biscuits. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

It’s a heck of a week for looooong releases with a fair dollop of controversy thrown in there for good measure as we take a look at the long-awaited double album Donda by Kanye West (10:32) before also casting a critical eye over Iron Maiden’s latest double opus Senjistsu (53:33) as well as 21st Century Love Songs by The Wildhearts (80:54) and Molotov Rocktail by Bokassa (94:03) We also take a brief look at the state of ALT LDN festival, as well as live shows from Voices and Idles. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

This episode of Riot Act is dedicated to Mathew Davies (RIP) On this week’s show, we pay our respects to Charlie Watt, the ‘engine’ behind the drum kit for The Rolling Stones who passed away on 24th August at the age of 80. In other news, Spencer Elden, the baby on the cover of Nirvana’s seminal 1991 album Nevermind, is suing surviving  band members Dave Grohl and Krist Noveselic, Courtney Love, photographer Kirk Weddle, the managers of Kurt Cobain’s estate, his Grandma, his second cousin, his dog, the first girl he ever kissed and probably Steve if he ever hears this podcast, after alleging that his parents never signed a release authorising the use of the image for the artwork. The lawsuit also cites the image as ‘child pornography’ … right you are Spence mate… Albums reviewed on this week’s show are Glow On by Turnstile (39:04) Wallflowers by Jinjer (59:20) The Live Long After by Sugar Horse (74:49) and Push by Sons of Alpha Centauri (96:30) This podcast uses the following third-party services for analy

Originally posted August 18th 2020 on https://www.patreon.com/riotactpodcast Scott Baird is a ruddy bloody legend because he's only gone and given us Deftones' eighth studio album Gore as the next entry on Rioteers Review, an album that both Remfry and Steve feel is very much maligned, not so much by critics, but more by Deftones fans. So why is that eh? Cause it's proper bangin' it is ... no honest it is. Go on, listen to it, it's well good, what's your beef eh? EH!? Anyways, Steve and Remfry make their respective cases and make raspberry noises apropos of nothing (sorry about that).  This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Steve and Remfry left the comforted cocoon of their homes to venture to the midlands and sequestered themselves in a small town that one of our hosts (who will remain un-named) referred to as ‘horrid’. Thankfully, we weren’t there to review the local urban metropolises … instead, they gallivanted off to Bloodstock to watch some heavy metal. Whilst they were away, someone filed a lawsuit against Bob Dylan for sexual misconduct against a minor dating back to 1965, a claim that has caused controversy amongst internet sleuths the world over. We discuss, without drawing any solid conclusions, cause that would be premature without all the facts ... unfortunately, someone forgot to tell the internet. Albums reviewed this week are Infinite Granite by Deafheaven (82:05) Colors II by Between the Buried and Me (103:15) VI by The Bronx (123:01) and Transmute by Press to Meco (130:37) This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

There’s a slightly disagreeable air to this week’s show as Steve and Remfry assess the ‘new’ single from Guns N’ Roses, the first song the band have officially released since 2008’s ill-fated Chinese Democracy. An unexpected, punk-inflicted left-turn from the band or a crass, silly Axl rant set to a plodding, uninspired riff? Whilst we’re on GN’R hot takes, Steve never wants to hear Sweet Child O’ Mine EVER again, but lots of other people clearly do, as it reached over 1 billion streams on Spotify this week, making it part of a very exclusive club of songs that have earned the artist over 1 penny … don’t go spending it all at once chaps! Albums reviewed this week include Distant Populations by Quicksand, Primordial Arcana by Wolves in the Throne Room, King’s Disease II by Nas and Into the Blue by The Joy Formidable. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Remfry’s feeling very hoarse after making an extravagant re-entrance back into non-socially distanced gig-going, as he hurtled himself down to his old stomping ground of Bristol to see 80Trees, the mini-indoor festival hastily put together by the 2000Trees and ArcTanGent team. He huskily reports back on the weekend’s events and shenanigans whilst trying to sound as little like Kathleen Turner as possible. For those of a more mainstream persuasion, we also celebrate Dave’s #1 UK album success and break down a veritable feast of fascinating facts of its success. Releases reviewed this week include Sinner Get Ready by Lingua Ignota (43:34) Draw Down the Moon by Foxing (72:19) Darwin Falls by Fawn Limbs (92:45) and American Noir by Creeper (110:26) This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

In the first part of our two part Classic Album Special, we look at the 8th album from Athens, Georgia alternative rock megastars R.E.M., 1992’s Automatic for the People. After a decade in the US indie underground R.E.M. had achieved a significant mainstream breakthrough after signing to Warners and releasing 1988’s Green and 1991’s Out of Time albums. The latter turned the band into near household names with the success of Losing My Religion, so when they came to record a new album they did so with the pressure of following up a legitimate smash hit. As if that wasn’t enough the musical landscape had been changed hugely with the success of Nirvana’s Nevermind, which made the alternative rock of a band like R.E.M. now the hottest sound in music. But, rather than copy the previous album or try and incorporate the sounds of bands that they themselves influenced, R.E.M. stood staunchly to the belief that their own artistic vision was all that mattered. That vision was to lean on their own sense of mortality as f

It’s been a very difficult week in the world of metal with three high profile deaths including Mike Howe of Metal Church and Dusty Hill from ZZ Top. But the news is dominated by the tragic death of Slipknot founder Joey Jordison (28:25). An absolute beast on drums, Joey changed the face of metal percussion forever, breaking through with his phenomenal chops and song writing intellect on Slipknot’s self-titled album in 1999. He went on to drum on three more Slipknot albums before his dismissal in 2013. In 2016, Jordison revealed that his exit from the band coincided with his getting sick with a disease called transverse myelitis and claimed that his bandmates confused his medical issues with a substance abuse problem. Many hoped that one day Joey would return to Slipknot and drum with them again, but sadly it wasn’t to be. He passed away in his sleep at the age of 46. We’re also incredibly saddened to see the news that Black Peaks have split up (10:10). A band beloved by Remfry, Steve and many Riot Act listene

Originally posted July 30th 2020 on https://www.patreon.com/riotactpodcast In the second part of our mini-series of self-indulgent Rioteers Reviews (in aid of our 2nd Birthday celebrations) Steve casts a beady critical eye over I Tell My Guitar The Things I Used To Tell You, the debut 2010 EP from a certain Mr. Remfry Dedman.  Littered with Easter Eggs and references to some of the biggest artists in Remfry's music collection (Soundgarden, Glassjaw errr ..... Chopin), ITMGTTIUTTY is an inebriated emotionally scarring journey into one man's failed attempts to get intimate with a lady (sort of).  Dedman's languid gaze into the abyss stoked an unquenchable fire in the horny 20-something and he bears his soul in a po-faced, ever-so-slightly pretentious fashion.  The highly experimental artiste would often test the patience of audiences with pithy, 3-minute folk tunes stretched out to 13-minute, densely layered 20-part vocal harmony monoliths ... sort of like James Blunt meets Neurosis.  You can listen

It’s our third birthday, so here we present to you a very special surprise podcast with some very special guests. We are joined by Krister Geer and Dave Fensome from the Pop, Collaborate and Listen Podcast to discuss and dissect the fine art of the one hit wonder, specifically during the very best decade to be a one hit wonder artist... obviously we’re talking about the 1990’s.  Krister, Dave, Steve and Remfry have all picked our five favourite one hit wonders, and we also spend some time (a little too long if we’re honest) on trying to work out just exactly what it is that makes a one hit wonder. Does a second single count? Do they need to achieve a certain chart placing? Is it just as simple as being the one song that we all remember? We posit all those questions before getting into our choices. Some are legit bangers, some are hugely underrated and long forgotten gems, some are established and beloved anthems… and some are Remfry’s choices. Still, bit of a laugh innit!  This podcast uses the following th

It’s our third birthday, so here we present to you a very special surprise podcast with some very special guests. We are joined by Krister Geer and Dave Fensome from the Pop, Collaborate and Listen Podcast to discuss and dissect the fine art of the one hit wonder, specifically during the very best decade to be a one hit wonder artist... obviously we’re talking about the 1990’s.  Krister, Dave, Steve and Remfry have all picked our five favourite one hit wonders, and we also spend some time (a little too long if we’re honest) on trying to work out just exactly what it is that makes a one hit wonder. Does a second single count? Do they need to achieve a certain chart placing? Is it just as simple as being the one song that we all remember? We posit all those questions before getting into our choices. Some are legit bangers, some are hugely underrated and long forgotten gems, some are established and beloved anthems… and some are Remfry’s choices. Still, bit of a laugh innit!  Part 2 out on Wednesday... This po

The heatwave continues but it won’t deter Steve or Remfry from reviewing the latest releases from the world of alternative music. In the news, we discover that Steve won’t have to get a tattoo of Corey Taylor on his face (boooo) all thanks to the Mercury Music Prize nominations, as good a reason to dislike awards shows as you could imagine. And there's some good news in the UK as MPs finally acknowledge that musicians may not be getting paid their fair share of streaming royalties. Albums reviewed this week include House of Lull, House of When by Alexis Marshall (24:16) Savigaila by Erdve (43:52) 9th & Walnut by Descendents (53:54) and the self-titled full length album from Lower Automation (64:54). Oh and Remfry just about sneaks in a review of the Mastodon Live at the Georgia Aquarium livestream as well (73:21). This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

It’s pretty thin on the ground for albums this week and it’s been a solid 18 months since we’ve done a Q&A so … whether you want it or not, here’s Q&A#2! Find out the shocking truth about Steve’s secret Shikari addiction, the revelation that Remfry might not think Kanye is total balls and the question that’s been on the lips of the entire music industry … do the Riot Act lads fake their orgasms? This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy