The Decrees

It's always nice to be able to feature a band from my paternal home in The Kingdom Of Fife; even if they do come from Dunfermline. On this occasion it's an introduction to a young band of scalawags called The Decrees.

The Decrees have announced they will release their new single Sons of Rage, comprised of two tracks, the other one being West Sierra The band are no-holds barred Rock 'n' Rollers possessing high-octane energy from the old school Fife punk realm; reminiscent of The Skids, The Rezillos or The Valves; all of whom are enjoying a renaissance.

Sons of Rage was recorded by Michael Brennan of The Substation (Mogwai, Snow Patrol, Super Furry Animals, Loop, Primal Scream) and mastered by Pete Maher (U2, The Pixies, Jack White, The Rolling Stones, Lana Del Rey) and Ralph is giving it a spin on the Radio KC Indie Show a week this Sunday (12.11.17).

The Decrees formed in early 2016and the line-up comprises; vocalist Lewis Akers, bassist Caitlin Petrie, guitarist Callum Bell and drummer Kieran Bell. 

In April of this year, The Decrees released their debut four-track EP Screams From Suburbia, offering a musical account of the everyday experiences of the monotony of modernity. This release blends full-throttle rock music with catchy choruses and beats.

Sons of Rage was one of the first songs the band wrote after forming, retaining their trademark sound while weaving in an infectious Celtic rock melody. This beckons to the forgotten past, to the band's Scottish roots, affectionately nestled in the band's collective psyche. This follows in the same vein of such Celtic-folk tunes as The Gael, steadily imparting strong and re-occurring themes and melodies, and coupled with the strong, driving and near-primal beats throughout. 

It's a significant release for The Decrees as it shows a more emotive side of their music, transmitting a massive dose of positive energy while also resonating with deeper musical inspirations. 

Callum said - "Lyrically and musically, this song is a serenade to that something better found over the horizon, way past those neon lights. It's about directing all your energies into chasing something you desire. Something that you are waiting for and hoping it won't pass you by."  

"It is about those intrepid few in the past who achieved the impossible." 

The band's influences range from The Doors, Hawkwind and The Sex Pistols to The Who, AC/DC and Issues.  

Guitarist Callum Bell's love for Stuart Adamson of Big Country and The Skids (he's channeling a bit of Stuarts unique guitar work on Sons Of Rage) as well as Gaelic-folk music are felt particularly in West Sierra. 

The Sons of Rage single was released on October 27 and made available on all the regular online stores and streaming sites, as well as being available via their Bandcamp. 

Modern Faces

Ralph's inbox has been buzzing this week with new releases and none more welcome than the new single (official release date 30th September) and accompanying video (out now) of 'Lufthansa' by Scottish 'modsters' Modern Faces.  It's already on the Jim Gellatly Podcast and Ralph'll have to give it a spin too on Radio KC!

Jimmy Burke who was said to have
organised the Lufthansa Heist

The gutsy track is inspired by the audacious Lufthansa Heist of 1978. It was the largest cash robbery ever committed on American soil and led to infighting, paranoia and the downfall of key members of the criminal underworld, previously considered untouchable.

The atmospheric video suits the mean and moody track - thrashing guitar, brooding vocal and brash horns met by thumping bass and drums.  

The single launch night is in PJ Molloys in Dunfermline on Saturday 28th September and tickets are available by clicking on this link. 

The Mod Army should be out in force this one and if it mirrors their stellar performance at the Mancunia Promotions day in Barca Live it'll be a night to remember.  


Modern Faces are an 'in your face' rock 'n' roll band composed of - Lee on lead vocals and Rhythm Guitar, Gaz on Drums and backing vocals, Mike on lead guitar, Shields on Keyboards, Organs andSynths with Cal on Bass Guitar.

The Skids

                   
There's not a lot I can say about the mighty Skids that hasn't been said already, just that it's thanks to 'The Old Dear' and the Skids that I discovered my love of unsigned indie bands.  Now I know you're saying to yourself "but the Skids weren't unsigned"- but at the time 'The Old Dear' was not an old dear (like in the Cretaceous era) he was at Beath High School a year above Stuart Adamson and knew him when he played in Tattoo who were basically a covers band previous to Stuart forming the Skids.

He entertains all who will listen (generally himself) with stories of the early days of going to see them at some mystical place called The Kinema Ballroom.  But just to prove they're still all things to all bands, here's a cracking re-mix of Masquerade from last year by Paul Hammond.

So here's the message to all you unsigned bands out there, never loose sight of the final prize even if it does mean that once you're signed I can't blog you anymore (just ask Slydigs who featured in the blog's early days and who are now signed with Flicknife Records!).  In the meantime.....go listen to The Begbies.....They're mental!