Let’s not labour the point – we know 2020 was a shitty year and we know 2021 isn’t exactly bright blue skies either. With the gaping hole the loss of live music has left in our chests, we’ve made attempts at stopping the gap with regular reviews of new music and Spotify playlists, hunting out new tracks with which we can fall in love ahead of the explosive return of our beloved scene.
Punktastic have always been supportive of upcoming bands, local scenes and the industry as a whole and after your loving support over the last 20 years, it’s time for us to repay the favour. We created the Punktastic Self Care Club, a Patreon that allows our Patrons to meet fellow music fans, share music recommendations, and (when it’s safe to do so) find gig buddies, as well as help contribute to community features and create a platform to raise funds for The Music Venue Trust. Over the next year, we’re looking to create regular community features via our Discord server – features that’ll be written by the fans, for the fans. No spit or polish, it’s your words, your feelings, your love.
With that in mind, this inaugural community feature is the first in what we hope is a regular playlist feature. You can listen to the playlist below, as well as check out the highlights, as described by our Patrons. So what are you waiting for? Join the Self Care Club and get involved.
Melt Yourself Down – ‘Every Single Day’
Every Single Day is the stand out track from what is potentially my favourite album of 2020. It’s funky, it’s chunky, and absolutely bonkers. The experimental jazz fusion vibes almost reach a delightful SKA sound.
SAM LOVELY
KennyHoopla – ‘how will i rest in peace if i’m buried by the highway?//’
This hits like 2000s indie pop-rock had a baby with 80s new-wave to create a vicious combination of the two, but with more angst and political nous. The chorus is catchy, the riffs are great and Kenny’s voice is rich with empathetic resonance. If this isn’t in your head for the rest of the day, you didn’t listen to it properly.
ELLIE JOICE
All Them Witches – ‘When God Comes Back’
Do you want to feel like you’ve been transported to the Louisiana Bayou lost and alone at midnight with the eerie feeling your being watched? Well, for one that’s a weird feeling to want to have, so seek help. But this song gives off definite airs of occult mystery and is filled with trippy head banging juiciness.
EDD THOMAS
The Xcerts – ‘I Wanna Be Sedated’
Everyone’s favourite Brighton via Aberdeen heartland rock trio performing a stripped back cover of the best punk band that ever lived (yeah I said it, fight me)… Oooh go on then! Appreciate covers might not be for everyone, but it’s a beautiful take on the song.
BRAD STRATTON
The Lawrence Arms – ‘Hey, What Time Is “Pensacola: Wings of Gold” On Anyway?’
It’s the perfect introduction to The Lawrence Arms. Asinine and snarky, full of thick and frantic rhythms. Recorded in 2001 but released on their 2005 B-sides album ‘Cocktails And Dreams’, it’s a golden oldie (sort of) that still hits as relevant as it did then. Strong recommend for anyone looking for a meaty punk sound laced with punch basslines and lyrics that make you doubt your own existence.
ANDY JOICE
Angelus Apatrida – ‘Indoctrinate’
Thrash metal from Spain that sounds like the bastard lovechild of Pantera and Slayer in all the right ways. RIFFS. FOR. DAYS
BRAD STRATTON
Enola Gay – ‘The Birth of a Nation’
Imagine hayday Beastie Boys raw lyricism being supported by a beefy bass line, but they are from northern Ireland.
EDD THOMAS
Sleaford Mods – ‘Mork n Mindy’
Mork n Mindy is Sleaford Mods back to their obscure best. I think I have Radio 6 to blame for this one as they have been blasting it constantly. I’ve greatly appreciated it.