Cougar Microbes

Hot Water Music were one of the worlds most underrated bands in my eyes. Despite holding legendary status within the punk community and earning constant kudos from the rock press they, perhaps by choice,  remained underground heroes. After a series of accomplished releases the band went on hiatus in 2006 with members Jason Black, George Rebelo and Chris Wollard forming the similar in spirit The Draft and eventually signing to Epitaph Records.

In line with his aspirations to live a quieter family life, co-frontman Chuck Ragan opted for a stripped down day job playing heartfelt folk music. Though his voice is instantly recognizable and these songs retain the same drive as his previous material it has also begun to show a more vulnerable side to the singer-songwriter. Through it all this material is able to withstand scrutiny simply due to the level of emotion invested in it.

His new album ‘Gold Country’‘ is due out on Side One Dummy at the beginning of September so expect harmonicas, steel guitars and violins as Chuck Ragan continues to work on his message. Rotterdam is the first taste of the direction he is moving in.

TRACK:

Chuck Ragan – Rotterdam

A few years back I caught melodic hardcore band Million Dead play an intimate show at The Camden Underworld to a young crowd gathered to see what all the fuss was about. The band were making an impression on the British music press and receiving rave reviews for their live performances along the way. The show lived up to the hype as the band seemed to peak for this performance and this audience. I still remember that what impressed me most was the bands passionate frontman Frank Turner who was already developing a knack for heartfelt socially conscious vocals.

Following this show I felt strongly enough about one of his lyrics to drop the band an email explaining my frustration. To be honest, I was just getting some stuff of my chest but sure enough Frank wrote back within hours going into detail whilst being very cordial. Though I didn’t agree with his interpretation I respected the fact he took time out of his schedule to write back to a fan. Though Million Dead would disband in 2005 this episode has kept him on my radar ever since.

I was not entirely surprised by his next foray into acoustic singer-songwriter territory. Just like my heroes Jonah Matranga with his Onelinedrawing recordings and The Ghost‘s Brian Moss with his Hanlei project it seemed the “one man and his guitar” route was the preferred medium for former angry post-hardcore kids. When these guys were done shouting and kicking for some  attention they discovered similar results could be achieved through strong words and a willingness to play anywhere and any time.  The lyrics still sliced like a knife but like a top surgeon his wit was sharp enough to get inside the listener while leaving minimal scar tissue.

2006 saw the release of his Campfire Punkrock EP rapidly followed up with the full length ‘Sleep Is For The Week‘ a year later. Both Mix elements of folk, punk rock and country creating the perfect back drop for his expanding ideas. On the back of these two releases Frank took his songs on the road playing seemingly every bar, club house, or venue that would have him. This quick learning curve put the singer-songwriter in a good position when releasing his brilliant Love Ire and Song album in 2008. My personal culmination was an incredible show at Shepherds Bush Empire supporting The Gaslight Anthem. Instead of kicking the door down the singer discovered that with the right words he would be given the key.

I was naturally delighted to find out legendary punk indie label Epitaph were signing Frank to a worldwide deal and re-releasing Love Ire and Song in the US. Apparently Epitaph head honcho Brett Gurewitz took quite a shine to Frank describing his music as a “revelation“. This being 2009 it is not surprising that the news was first broken on Twitter and MySpace with Frank stating:

“It’s official: though I’m happily staying with Xtra Mile in the UK, l signed with Epitaph for the world. Fuck yes!!”

The benefits from this deal are already showing as Frank will be heading on the road with veterans and legends The Offspring in July. Plans are under way to release his third studio album, ‘Poetry of the Deed‘, in September. Do yourself a favour and get out to one of his live shows and buy his music. Frank Turner deserves your attention.

MP3:

Frank Turner – Thatcher Fucked The Kids