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News And Suchlike... First Post Of A Few Tonight!

2011-08-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

First up, apologies for not posting for a while. We've been hard getting the first issue of Golf Sale ready for print - and ready it is!

It should be available from Tuesday (16th August) - details about how and where to buy it from will be available very soon so keep checking the GOLF SALE page as well, of course, as the ICM page on Facebook.

Just to get you all sweaty about reading issue 1 here's a little idea of what to expect: Dissociates, Carter USM, The Ladykillers, Panic Dance, Mug, The Black Atlantic, Julie Christmas, The Dauntless Elite, 14 Car Pile-Up and artist profiles on the lovely Hannah [SPAN] and Matt Harrower. It's a massive 50 pages and only 3 quid.

So, for anyone that doesn't know, there's some awesome stuff heading your way. First up is the Punk 4 the Homeless 'Cheap as Chips' festival in Anderby Creek, Skegness. A stunning line-up of nearly 50 bands over 3 days and all for 20 quid. Tis a bleedin' bargain and, as with all Punk 4 the Homeless events, all proceeds will be going to Casa Alianza to help them with their work with street kids in South America.

Full details can be found HERE

The 27th finds the ICM (alongside our regular co-hosts Choke On This) back at Archway for an all-dayer for Punk 4 the Homeless. Featuring a fantastic line-up including Wonk Unit, Panic Dance, Ren Spits at Magpies, Perkie, Brocker and more it's set to be a rad day in North London for an awesome cause.

Usual Players - Volume 1: Street Ska

2011-07-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

If you don't believe we called this one months ago then you're a mug, simple as that. We told you back last June to keep an eye on Watford's own Usual Players... and now, a year later, we're telling you that their debut album 'Volume 1: Street Ska' is probably one of the most important albums to come out of the scene for longer than anyone probably cares to admit.

Taking this album at face value, it's 10 tracks of brass laden, North London Ska. A little punchier than original ska - maybe even more so than 2nd generation ska too but it's roots show through like a 'blondes' the week before payday.

The cover, and disc itself, are designed to look like a record. To say it's been done well is doing it no justice whatsoever - it looks the business. And as the album starts there's the crackle of a needle on vinyl and straight into track one 'Soul of Rock and Roll (is Dead)'...

The songs on Street Ska are honest, catchy and cover just about any aspect of modern life you'd care to think about - drugs, women, the state of the music scene and Facebook all get the Usual Players treatment. The playing is second to none, the lyrics are sharp and the production is top quality.

Highlights for me would have to be the insanely catchy 'Fancy a Facebook' - boasting one of those choruses that just makes you want to sing along and dance until you're sweating the beer out, 'Bad Pills', 'Lie, Cheat & Steal' and the track that, were there any justice would be played through loudspeakers outside every bar in town on a Friday night, 'So Whatford' - but there's something on here for everyone. You can't help but be swept up in the vibe when this album's playing. You want to get suited, booted and grab a can of lager. This is music to dance to, to listen to in the motor on the way to the pub and for those messy nights with the lads. This is 'Volume 1: Street Ska' and it's about as good as it gets.

The Usual Players on FACEBOOK

To get a copy of the album itself, get your fucking shoes on and get down the shops!

Usual Players - Fancy a Facebook - One Thirty Four Records by Usual Players

Silent Smiles - Quarter To Twelve EP

2011-06-23T10:08:00.000-07:00

Taste is subjective, and taste in music doubly so. One of my favourite things about hearing something new is playing it to my friends to gauge their reaction or to find out if they can hear the same things in a song that I can. The same influences, the same emotions.

The list of bands I got back after playing people the new Silent Smiles EP was a mixed bag. Some were miles away from those I'd come up with on my own but, after a few more listens I could see where these people were coming from.

Some of the bands listed included: The Cure, Editors, Undertones, Arctic Monkeys, Dirty Pretty Things and The Enemy... Which is a pretty impressive list of bands to be compared to in just 5 tracks. But don't get me wrong, this EP is no homage to those listed above - It's a well written, well played and well recorded EP that's far more of it's time than a lot of things I've heard recently.

The opening track 'Quarter to Twelve' has that distinctive guitar sound that XFM cream themselves over... And rightly so. It's by no means the most uplifting track on the EP as it evokes images of late night clubs in London backstreets and nights better off forgotten. Like the best nights out it leaves you feeling slightly dirty but craving more.

Track two 'Roulette' has a much more classic feel to it. The riff could sit as well in the Undertones back catalogue as it would any of the current Indie darlings doing the circuit. The backing vocals add to the timelessness of this track and the chorus has that fantastic quality of getting stuck in your head long after the songs over.

The third track, 'Witches Coven', was the only track that didn't grab me immediately. Whilst musically the track is very clever, the change in vocal style didn't sit well with me on first listen. It was a grower though and whilst I wouldn't skip to this track, I wouldn't skip past it.

'Peach Creek (As I Fall)', the fourth track on this EP is quite American sounding. Much bigger sounding than the earlier tracks in terms of production it's one of those songs you hear and are immediately transported to the last night of a festival. It's road trip music - the soundtrack to something vast and open... And a great counter to the claustrophobic grimy feeling of the first track.

The final track is one I've heard many times before and, I have to admit, I love it. Kicking off with the drums, bass and vocals only it takes you straight to a time where you were more likely to be hanging out with your mates in a park than the pub - a feeling that's mirrored perfectly by the lyrics themselves. As the guitar comes in you're left with the taste of cheap fags, cheaper lager and a longing for another 5 tracks from these lads.

Silent Smiles new EP 'Quarter to Twelve' is available HERE

Guest Review - Eagle Spits talks about 'Nowhere Fast' - The Punk 4 the Homeless Compilation

2011-06-02T21:00:00.000-07:00

Punk 4 The Homeless compilation/ Nowhere Fast-on Stoneage Records. Free Download album.

This comp has many bands from different countries. It has some beautiful artwork and pictures and info on each band. It has taken over a year to put together which is why some bands who are great supporters of Punk 4 The Homeless aren’t on the compilation, probably the most obvious being Born To Destruct whos Sick Scum and Apathy would have been one of this writers first choices to request for the album. However apart from the naff throw away notes written by Eagle Spits at the start of punk 4 the homeless, This album is brilliant and is a brilliant example of how people can work together to help others, even if they have differing world views. IT IS ALSO FREE.

Wolfgang Lotz (Indonesia)- Digital Colinization

From Jakarta comes this scorching d’beat with rage against the machine collision. Brilliant almost talky vocals with shouty bits. Speedy political punk-sorted

Break The Cycle (USA)- Nobody

Punky “house of the rising sun” type thingygoing on, which turns into a touch of Grave Robber/Misfits horror punk, shouts a bit, changes again, remains splendid. All to get the listener to maintain aPositive Mental Attitude-good therapy.

The Duel (UK)- Camden Town

Beautifully sung/shouted female vocals with a solid mid paced punk rock band. Song about homeless folk and rich kids. Excellent chice for a punk 4 the homeless comp

Sharkbite (Indonesia)- Build Our Strength

Classic,nasty, shouty punk/hardcore, I think its political but then whats not, so safe bet. Full in your face, you better back down because its not

OIZ II MEN (UK)- I’m Fattest

How can a band which is so together sound so untogether. A band so tight sound so loose? That’s the oxymoronic brilliance of Oiz ii Men. I am biased, I love this band, but then I love em cuz they are damn good. Expected Oi? Tut tut, judging a book by its cover-shame on you.

The Culprits (UK)- Another Pretender

Full on punk 4 the punks punk rock, yeeesss-boy, girl vocal duel, raging hard, don’t look away it will smack you in the head.

About The Drunker (Indonesia) - Shit Song

This is a bloody racket.I love it. Its punk rock.Sounds like a hyperactive octopus in my pan cupboard.

Maximum Thrash (Indonesia)- That’s the way I choose and I’m gonna stay

Powerviolence, in your face, take no prisoners, Indonesian bands are masters of this style and Maximum Thrash are the daddy.

Tapa Nada (Indonesia)- Senyum Untuk Senyum

Very long some combining fast indonesian bits, talky bits,bad religion type bits, weird enough not to be considered punk if folk like myself and fungalpunk weren’t around, I reckon its great. Love the traditional Indonesian music bits. Beware it is a tad bizarre.

Wages Of Fear (USA)- Strings and Webs

Bizarre edgy vocals and music, think DRI on ketamine. Sometimes you have to adjust to anothers angles. Love it.

White Trash Debutantes (USA) - Hey Nick

One of the finest, more unusual bands I have come across since p4th began. In this song they share a lament for a deceased friend by celebrating his life. Wonderful, sensitive few minutes.

Lowlife Uk (UK) - Down In The City

Top notch slab of old skool punk/oi-get in the pit

SPOG (UK) - Tosser

A couple of minutes of sarcasm played quiuety and intellectually. Bizare to think that these guys got the tag, anarcho punk-crass it aint

100 Philistine Foreskins (UK) - Zekes Old Bones

Broad Scottish vocals with oddball tribal drumming and angular guitars, chuck in a few bits of spoken word nicked from a minor prophet and you get an amazing extremely non generic punk rock anthem, I think.

Struggle Victim (Indonesia) - I Try

Forceful, driving punk rock with almost lad back vocals-this unusual cocktail works, I will have another

Femau (Indonesia)- Politic Is Shit

Punk/hardcore with death metal vocals. Who would have thought…? Agree with the sentiments, the music agrees with me. One of my favourites on this comp.

Freedom Faction (UK) - Scream And Shout

Snotty, pissed off female vocals fronting an extremely tight mid paced punk rock band. Few do this type of thing better than Freedom Faction. This is a great song.

Step On The Rise (Indonesia)- Meraih Mimpi

This is a good song of its genre. Thnk Bad Religion and you wont go far wrong

Realitas (INDONESIA)- Injak

Twangy guitar bit at the beginning,then thrashy bit, returning to twangy bit. Take as prescribed by your doctor. It will make you feel better. Punk rock as we know and love it.

Peter 118 (UK) - Hebrews/Perfect King

No he hasn’t got his leather rock star trousers too tight, the intro is sampled. Sweet bubble gum pop punk. Extremely catchy, feel good factor 118. Splendid, I am dancing at this very moment.

Nowhere Fast is available for free HERE

Mug - Self-Titled EP

2011-05-18T05:29:00.000-07:00

Whilst we're downloading stuff... How's about 4 tracks of Punky goodness (yeah I wasn't sure either but run with it) for gratis courtesy of those fella's in Mug?

Track 1 'Deadbeat' starts off with some talking. I've no idea what about, a rapper or something. It's slightly off-kilter to say the least. Once that's over with the guitar comes in and we're off. This track has that amazing 90's Skate Punk feel to it. The 90's really were the glory days for American Punk and Mug here seem to embrace that so fully it's like being back at Reading in 1997 watching the Warped Tour. Good times indeed. Love this track, it's catchy and one listen gives you that feeling that whilst you've heard it before, you want to hear it again.

Track 2 'Can't Keep Control' and that drum sound makes me think of The Dead Kennedys. It's short lived though as once it gets going this song is much more reminiscent of Bad Religion. I actually prefer this to the first one. It's the sort of tune I'd have played loud enough to kill passers-by when I was younger and more prone to that sort of behaviour. It also has one of those 'easy to shout along to' lines that happens to also be the name of the song and everyone likes those.

Track 3 'Amnesia' - and with a name like that the temptation to do a not being able to remember it joke is almost too much. I won't though... This song has a really sleazy rock and roll feel to it whilst still very much keeping one foot (or maybe even an entire leg) in it's 90's influences.

The closer (or track 4 for those of you that enjoy continuity) is a live cover of Youth Brigade's 'We're In!' - and hats off to whoever recorded this, it sounds great. The guitars are nice and crisp, the drums aren't too heavy and the vocals sit just right and aren't lost the way a live track can often do. It's a blinding cover as well in case you wondered.

It'd be all too easy to dismiss Mug as simply a sum of the bands that have clearly inspired them but to do so would be doing them, and yourself, a huge injustice. There's much more here than a few cobbled together homages to NOFX or 'Smash' era Offspring (You remember... before they were shit?) these songs are polished, well-rounded and instantly likable. The way Punk songs used to be. They ooze fun and sunshine and a beer in the afternoon whilst watching people fall off skateboards. And that's never a bad way to spend a day.

Go grab a copy of this EP from the bands own bandcamp page and experience something you thought you'd lost all over again - maybe even better this around.

Bangers - Small Pleasures

2011-05-18T04:15:00.000-07:00

There's a brand spanking new album from Cornish Punk royalty, Bangers. They've rather kindly stuck the thing up for download on their bandcamp page either for free or a donation should you feel like giving them something for producing yet another corker of an album.

If you get the chance to see Bangers live then I thoroughly recommend you do. I was lucky enough to catch them playing at the Cavern in Exeter and they tore the roof off the place - lovely guys too.

This new release really is throwing the gauntlet down to any would be pretenders to their throne at the top of the Punk circuit. Although it's not quite as in your face as Dude Trips was it's a great album that certainly owes more than a nod to those Punks the other side of the pond.

Oh and 'Geeks and Paedophiles' is quite possibly the best song title I've heard for a long time...

Guest Review: Alex Oiz talks about UNDERDOG MORSELS - VOL 1 - RANDOM CHAOS REFRESHES ROUTINE

2011-05-18T04:11:00.000-07:00

It's hard for me to be totally unbiased about a compilation that I was not only really looking forward to receiving and listening to, but also featuring 4 bands that I really dig. Well here goes, Underdog Morsels vol.1: Random Chaos Refreshes Routine: AFS warm up the speakers with their 'Protest Song', a true Underdog punk rock chant that brings a warm smile to your heart. Very much reminiscent of one of my favourite of their songs, and not poppy like some (which for me is a big fat plus). Basically a nice solid dirty UK punk anthem that you can pocket and bring with you wherever life takes you. Check these guys out where ever you can, they won't disappoint.

Next up are the Desponsdents, getting you out of your chair for 'Got Nothing To Lose'. Again, not their best song, but not bad by a long shot. Reminds me of old rock'n'roll trash-garage that used to knock about something like 10-15 years ago, so not exactly my cup of tea, but I would by no means throw it out of the cd-player in disgust. A nice punchy song with a lot of thought and good ol' rock'n'roll in it that I appreciate with my ears.

What can I say about Citizen Keyne that hasn't been said? Probably very little. In my eyes they are one of UK's great modern punk bands, taking you back to simpler days without a lot of the pretentious shite that sometimes follows. 'Punk Not Fashion' is a message that I can't repeat enough, and a song I can listen to plenty - if there was any doubt, this song really seals the deal of this being an Underdog compilation. I'm no Shakespeare, so if you don't know Citizen Keyne then you're probably reading these words by accident or you were stuck in suspended animation for the last 7 years. Go, find, see and listen to them!

xHarold Shitmanx have been on my top play list for over a year. I own a t-shirt. For a band that I've never seen live (because they're based up in Scotland) this means that I like them, quite a bit. The previous recording of this song 'False Hardcore Creates Rapist's was better, but there's little difference, it's still a blinding song. This is everything that I look for in grind (or power violence as the yanks call it). It's incredibly fast, slightly daft, and satisfies all 5 senses at once, leaving you needing to unload your bowels shortly after. The split with Wheelchair x4 (another of my favourites and who they're touring with in summer '11) is a must for anyone that vaguely enjoys this track.

Basically, as you might have guessed, this short comp not only lives up to it's name, but delivers 110% of the goods in a mere 4 songs, allowing you to escape from your shells to go out into the world and figure out the rest... 4 solid bands, 4 solid tracks, 1 solid comp and one happy me.

- This review is courtesy of Alex (of Oiz II Men fame) and Underdog Morsels Volume one is available HERE

News and Upcoming Gigs

2011-05-05T17:37:00.000-07:00

Firstly, we're still waiting for the review of the ICM/Choke On This: Punk 4 the Homeless all-dayer to come in - for a change it's not me writing it. In the meantime here's a look at some other stuff...

First up, the NME (groan) are actually doing something worthwhile and are currently on the hunt for Britain's best small venue - 'small' being less than 500 capacity. Venues such as The Horns (St Albans) and Esquires (Bedford) are amongst the contenders. Go vote for your favourite small venue HERE

Here's a round-up of what the ICM has in store for you over the next couple of months you lucky, lucky people!

May see's the ICM doing something a little different... A night of pure, unadulterated ROCK! Oh yes, we'll be sporting tight jeans and growing our hair long for this one. May 21st at the Flag. Details HERE

June is set to be a sweet month with the mighty Tyrannosaurus Alan coming to play the ICM for the first time. And they're bringing Claypigeon with them! Oh yes, for all those of you that didn't brave the cold last time they visited Watford now is your chance to see what you missed... And, if that wasn't quite enough for you, they'll be joined by My Third Leg and Panic Dance!

Details for that show are HERE

Next up, the ICM are finally getting into Hitchin to put a night on at Club 85. We've been looking for a good opportunity to take our show onto that particular road and now we have one: The ICM/Rubix Tube Productions at Club 85 for Great Ormond Street Hospital. And are we taking a sick line-up with us? Of course we are...

A Major Motion Picture, Attention Thieves, Saving Sebastian, Relentless In Love, Shadow Factory, Skycolouredperfect and Echo Rain will be playing in what is destined to be an awesome night - and all for a great cause.

July 30th we are back at the Flag with more great bands! This time we are proud to present The Casket Hecklers, Public Disgrace and Death Radio! We're waiting for confirmation from our 4th band at the moment but we promise this is going to be a messy night. Details for that show are HERE

In other news, look out for releases from Revenge of the Psychotronic Man and Mike Scott (Phinius Gage) over the next few days.

We've got a shit load more news for you but this post is epic so I'll wrap it up here and get back to you with the rest soon.

Descendents At Shepherds Bush

2011-04-26T15:57:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since a Punk Rock show caused this much controversy or split the opinion of quite so many people... It's been longer since I actually walked out of a gig before the end.

The Descendents are pioneers of Pop Punk - nobody is disputing that. Nobody is saying they aren't a great band with an incredible back catalog and nobody wanted to leave Shepherds Bush last night with anything but a smile on their faces. Unfortunately though, smiling was the very last thing most wanted to do as the first of 2 dates in the UK for around 15 years turned into what can only fairly be described as a farce.

The support bands first. Teenage Bottlerocket were enjoyable enough. I actually enjoyed their set - it was the first time I'd really taken the time to listen to them. The crowd were into them and they played well.

Afterwards came Dead To Me and with them a set of horribly bland Pop Punk tunes that seemed to melt into one long dirge. It was a shame, I'd heard good things.

So, the lights go out and out come The Descendents. The band start playing and already something is not right. It sounds terrible. The support acts had far better sound - this was unusual to say the least. Then Milo starts to sing...

Anyone who was there knows what happened next. The story of the smashed microphone almost blinding his bandmate will go down in history as one of the most surreal moments at any gig ever. For those of you that weren't there let me just fill you in.

The Descendents had just played 2 other dates - Groezrock in Belgium and Monster Bash in Berlin. Apparently these days lead singer Milo's voice can only take a couple of shows in a short space of time as he suffered a complete vocal blow-out leaving him hoarse and barely audible. Realising he wasn't going to be able to sing at the London gig he threw his mic down in a temper and it pretty much exploded on impact - shards of which hit guitarist Stephen Egerton in the face which started to bleed. The band rushed off-stage and stayed there for a while leaving the crowd bewildered.

When the band returned things went from bad to worse. Milo's attempts at singing sounded more like Death Metal than Pop Punk and they bumbled their way through a few more songs before he gave up entirely. This then led to a series of other people singing including the front man from the support band, a roadie and, in one of the strangest sights of the night, Eric Melivin from NOFX.

I'd love to be able to give a proper review of the rest of the night, I really would. But the truth is, I can't... I wasn't in the room. I was so disappointed by the state of this gig that I went outside to lament with others who felt the same way. And there were a lot of others that felt the same way... As I stood there swarms of people either came outside to smoke and complain (justifiably so) or to simply go home.

So, today is the day after and I've spent a considerable amount of time both expressing my own and reading other people's opinions on this gig and I have seen both positive and negative comments towards the band. My own feelings are that Milo couldn't possibly have been surprised to find he couldn't sing. He must know his own voice and if he didn't feel he could perform then he just shouldn't have. (To all of those people that argued about the cost of cancelling or rescheduling - all I have to say to them is they cancelled the second date so bear that in mind) Everyone I have spoken to has expressed that they would rather have had the gig rescheduled until such a time as Milo could handle it than to witness the shambles that was last night.

I've read people saying that it was unfair of the crowd to boo the band - to those people I just want to say that the 20 quid bit of paper everyone had to get into that show was what gave them the right to make any sound they wanted to. People paid to see The Descendents, not glorified Descendent karaoke.

The thing that really upset everyone though was that at no point during the show did anyone apologise. Everybody at that gig had paid to see a show and they deserved to see one. I spoke to people who had travelled from all over the country and beyond all to see a band that hardly ever comes over here - why not take the time to explain the situation and simply apologise? We get that these things happen, we get that occasionally things go wrong... But there has to come a time where bodging together a gig out of the bits and pieces of a band you have left is just not good enough for the first visit in 15 odd years.

Do I still love The Descendents? Of course I do. They wrote some of the finest Pop Punk tunes ever written! But the fact remains that for many this was a piss-poor excuse of a gig and I hope the band go some way to restore the faith of all of those people that made a huge effort and paid a lot of money to see them.

I'd just like to quickly add that I nicked this photo off a mate who was there. Cheers Paul! And thanks to everyone else I got chatting to outside - you made a shit gig a lot more fun to be at.

ICM/Choke On This Presents: A Major Motion Picture plus support for Punk 4 the Homeless

2011-04-12T13:30:00.001-07:00

So, April the 9th found us back at the LHT Urban Bar in Whitechapel for another Punk 4 the Homeless show. We do like the Urban Bar, for one it's a nice, intimate little venue and relatively easy to get to... Oh and it's painted up with tiger stripes - if there's anything in the world cooler than a venue painted to look like a giant tiger with windows then I don't know (or care) what it is.

First up were ICM regulars Saving Sebastian. A good set. They played well and it's always nice to see them. I won't say too much about them as we get them playing ICM a lot so let's move on to a band that broke their ICM cherry...

Public Disgrace are a 3 piece punk band from Cheshunt, I think, (if I was paying attention) and are well worth checking out live. Fast, fun and entertaining - every song was well crafted and punchy. I'd heard a track from them already (as they were kind enough to donate one to Punk 4 Japan) but it really did them no justice as they pulled out all the stops to keep everyone's attention. It may not have been a big crowd but all eyes (and ears) were on them as they flit between Ska, Punk and Thrash effortlessly. Great set and definitely one to watch. Expect to see them on an ICM bill again soon.

Last band of the night was a band I've loved for a while, A Major Motion Picture. This charity show was a stop on AMMP's tour and unfortunately lead singer Adam was showing signs of being on the road as he was a little hoarse at times but they still played an absolute blinder. Old tracks, brand new tracks and, most importantly, my favourite AMMP tune, 'You Ain't Got Nothing On Magic Fingers, Yo', left everyone chipper and wanting more. Am I biased? Probably, I love them. Does it matter? Nope, tis me writing it.

It may not have boasted the biggest crowd at a London show that night but the bands were great and everyone had a good time. I was lucky enough to meet some lovely people and had a good time - all for a great cause... Oh, and did I mention the venue is painted up like a tiger?

Punk 4 Japan Vol 3 and Fuck The NME

2011-04-08T20:31:00.000-07:00

First up, for those of you that missed the announcement, the 3rd volume of Punk 4 Japan is up and available to download.

Featuring another 40 bands this volume completes the trilogy in a way that's really only rivaled by Star Wars or something else that was good and there happened to be three of them (yes, I know there were 6 Star Wars flicks but I have chosen to ignore parts 1 through 3 because they were toilet) and featuring such bands as: Shag Nasty, Billy No Mates, Wonk Unit, Oiz II Men, Viki Vortex and the Cumshots, The Milksnatchers, UK Vomit, Ducking Punches, Richie Blitz and Truebeat this is a gem of a compilation.

3 quid, same as the others and available HERE

You can read what our pal Woodstock over at Studs and Punks had to say about all 3 parts of Punk 4 Japan HERE HERE and HERE

Before the next bit - here's a disclaimer: The ICM blog contains the opinions of Dan and he started The ICM, runs The ICM and books all the bands that appear on The ICM's gigs so it's fairly safe to say that when he say's 'fuck the NME' - he's speaking on behalf of The ICM and not copping out behind a pathetic disclaimer. With that said...

In other news, the NME recently made a few enemies thanks to a guy named Rick Martin posting a blog about why he doesn't think Record Store Day is important. More than that, he goes on to insult everybody that works in independent record stores and claims buying singles is a waste of money.

You can read the article and join the debate HERE

In case you were unclear on my position on this matter - the writer of this article is a tool. He's a journalist for the NME that has publicly dismissed the need for physical copies of music - the same music the magazine he is employed by is supposed to be endorsing however the artist chooses to bring it out. Smart move, eh?

Interestingly the article goes way off topic from berating Record Store Day (or 'a fucking genius way to get hold of limited edition vinyl by acknowledging and celebrating independent record stores day' - as I like to think of it) to a meandering dirge about the death of CD's and records in favour of MP3's. As far as articles go, it's a piece of shit.

Where it gets worse is that the 'writer' of this meandering toss then insults the very staff of these awesome establishments - quite clearly basing his opinions on High Fidelity and using a Yellow Pages advert to back up his claim - the bellend.

He also tells the readers that he threw out his CD's - presumably in some act of defiance against a dying medium... But kept the ones he actually paid for. So, here's a little heads up, if you're thinking of sending a single to the NME for review - don't. It will most likely fall into the evil clutches of an ignorant little prick who will then simply toss it into the bin because even free stuff isn't appreciated by these soulless wankers anymore. No wonder really that nobody reads the NME anymore to be honest. Bring back Melody Maker now!

In fact, my proposal is simple: If you buy the NME - stop. Save the money you spend on that rag and go to your nearest independent record shop and buy a single. Instant win. That is all.

Ska Wars!

2011-03-28T17:00:00.000-07:00

A long, long time ago (well, it was Friday night) in a Galaxy far, far away (that looked suspiciously like the Flag, Watford) a group of rebels thwarted an empire's worth of shit music by playing some amazing Ska Punk.

We were gutted to lose My Third Leg at the last minute due to work commitments although we will be seeing them in June with Tyrannosaurus Alan though (details HERE) so there's some good news. However, the line-up we ended up with was a corker!

First up we had Chaz and Tom (of Royal Flush fame) doing an acoustic set. Well, the kind of acoustic that needs plugging in but it was sort of acoustic. The kids were digging it, the beer was flowing and it was a good start to the night.

Next up was Truebeat and what a set! Playing Punk and Ska with a dash of Reggae thrown in for good measure these guys came and took the roof off.

Up next were The Milksnatchers, they've been on the scene for a fair old time now and we were privileged enough to have them come and play for us. Great guys, great tunes and a Hammond organ too! Top stuff.

And we were also lucky enough to have Sal in the audience filming a bit too. Here's some footage she shot of the lads (and lady) in action.

We thoroughly recommend you check out Sal's channel on Facebook HERE
Last band of the night, Watford's own Usual Players and it's hard to talk about them without being more biased than normal, for one thing they're a home town band and for another, me and Lewis (the front man) go way back. So, in order to keep this snappy and not too full of platitudes I'll just say that the lads did what they do best, they did it bloody well and we appreciate them doing it for us for a second time. Can't wait for the album!

And here's a video Sal did. Gawd love her.

So, that was Ska Wars! A great night, fantastic atmosphere and a good turn out for 4 acts that deserved it. Here's to the next one!

All the photos courtesy of Joho Photos - Find her HERE - Cheers Jo!

Road Trip to Whitmore Reunion.

2011-03-27T14:15:00.000-07:00

4pm and my phone rang. I didn't answer it, I was asleep. When I finally realised I should be answering it there's a message from Chaz. His dad had wandered off with the satnav.

A while later, panic over and we were off (with the satnav) on a near 200 mile round-trip to Salisbury to see a band that last played back in 2005 - Whitmore.

The car journey was fairly uninspiring and I won't bore you with details about what we talked about (women and music to be fair) but I will tell you that driving music was supplied by the awesome Truebeat album that Chaz picked up from them at Ska Wars! (There will be a post about that soon, too) the night before.

We arrived in Salisbury a little earlier than expected despite the haggard weather and found the venue with relative ease. The venue looked suspiciously like a church so we did what anyone would do in the circumstances and went to find a suitable pub to mull this turn of events over until doors at 7.30.

Our watering hole selected based on it being the only one with more than one person in, we got drinks in. A quick note here to anyone complaining often about London prices - those are not 'London prices' they are simply 'prices' as the cost of our beverages was as much, if not more, than they are in town.

Pints drunk, ciggies smoked and more conversation about women and music (it's generally all we talk about) and it was off to the venue for the gig. Once we arrived we found out that we were correct in our original assumption and that it was, in actual fact, a converted church. A very strange venue indeed. Not unpleasant but certainly weird, Salisbury Arts Centre is by far the least Punk Rock venue I've ever been to a Punk Rock show at - for starters there's the big, illuminated stone cross outside. And then there were the electric doors, a foyer and a selection of rather lovely looking snacks slightly taking away from the Punk Rock vibe. Amazing place though and an amazing set-up. Great sound system, theatre lights and a projector screen with the bands logo's on made this a very special gig indeed.

So, first up was Salisbury's own Dirty Skankin' Love Hornets - pretty straightforward Ska Punk stuff. We missed a bit of their set thanks to having to get more ciggies but it seemed solid enough and a good start to the proceedings.

Next band up was a real treat for me as I've been after seeing them for a while. The Junk are balls out Ska-Core. The crowd were a little bit unsure of what to make of them and the casuals amongst the crowd seemed a little put off by the harder songs. I loved it though and made a point of buying their CD and having a chat with front man Jake afterwards. Expect them at an ICM show soon!

After the carnage that was The Junk came the chilled out reggae and trad. Ska sounds of Captain Accident and the Disasters. As the tempo dropped, so did our mood and so a trip to the bar and outside for a ciggie became the next on our agenda. It sounded alright but I'd have opened with them to be honest. The buzz created by The Junk was lost during their set - don't get me wrong though, the band were blinding and you couldn't fault their laid back tunes or how they played them... Just when they were playing them in relation to everything else.

Finally, and the room went bezerk for the headliners. After a lengthy absence the guys launched straight into their uniquely flavoured Ska-tinged Pop-Punk as if they'd never been away. Energetic, although clearly a little older, and full of gratitude to those that were singing along with every word - the set was filled with every tune the hardcore Whitmore fans at the front were calling out for.

Admittedly, I wasn't a huge fan of Whitmore first time around. Back in the days when they were getting played on P-Rock the Punk wasn't Punk enough for me and the Ska seemed a half-hearted effort but I was into it the second the started playing. Was every song a winner? No. Some songs left me not only dry but completely baffled. The tempo changed in the set so many times it was sometimes hard to stay completely with the band and not zone out for a look around the room at the crowd to gauge their reaction.

The only real down point for me was the lead singer, Robb Blake's insistence at berating all the people that weren't at the show - despite it being sold out. I couldn't help but think he was maybe talking about someone specific and it seemed to put a slight downer on what was clearly an amazing re-union.

Overall though, a top night. Well worth the drive (because Chaz drove) and we met some good people. It was nice to see a band sell out a 500 capacity show after so long away and even better to see they still had what made them popular in the first place.

Punk 4 the Homeless & Eagle

2011-03-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

In an age where a bands popularity is based on the quality of their haircuts and where writing more than one song with any sort of meaning puts a release into the stigma-heavy catagory of 'concept album', it's reassuring to know that somewhere, deep in Lincolnshire, there is a man with a plan to change the world through words and music.

Eagle is the man behind the charity Punk 4 the Homeless, a charity that we have worked with on a number of occasions to help raise both money and awareness for Casa Alianza, an organisation that helps street kids in South America. Punk 4 the Homeless, as the name suggests, uses Punk music to promote a positive message for change. It's unsuprising to learn that Eagle himself is in a number of acts that capture both the sound and the sentiment of his charity's namesake.

Check out Punk 4 the Homeless HERE and find out about the ICM/Choke On This Presents: Punk 4 the Homeless All-dayer HERE

'Punk poetry' – to many may be an oxymoron. With Punk's image being that of the uneducated and the uncaring it's not difficult to understand why but the truth is far different. For whilst the abrasive nature of the music itself may not appeal to all, there is still a profound beauty in truth and amidst the hectic guitars by Eagle's band SPOG (Starting Point of Genocide), there is more truth about society than you're likely to find in a lifetime of listening to commercial radio.

The same lyrical values can be found in Eagles less frantic, and altogether more mature sounding band, Creepy Cool And The Poor Geezers. With their country and blues influences this band have an altogether more relaxed approach to expressing their feelings towards the state of things but never once becoming twee, as many country sounding acts are prone to doing.

It's the words of Eagle himself that run through the veins of these bands, his delivery forcing the listener to pay attention and rethink the way they see the world. And that's what 'Punk Poetry' is all about, expressing an emotive state through rythmic language so as to fully allow those listening to understand it. There are no metaphors here, no flowery language to confuse or to allow for interpretation – this is the truth as expressed by a man that knows it, has seen it and, most of all wants to change it.

To see Eagle Spits, the name he performs his poetry under, is to do more than simply see a poet reciting his latest work - it's a chance to learn about those things people avoid for comforts sake. It's a chance to relive the spirited times of Punk Rock and to experience them for the first time should you not be old enough to recall them. Most of all though, it's a chance to hear how one man is trying, and with good cause and better intentions, to change the word through words and music.

New Noise... And Skating With A Social Conscience

2011-03-23T08:13:00.000-07:00

Couple of things for you today - first up, a quick break from the noise to mention the guys over at Iron Column Skateboards who have a very different take on running a skate company - these guys are politically and socially aware, they know their shit and they make awesome stuff... available HERE

In their own words: 'From a love of British Skateboarding, Art, Hardcore, and the DIY ethics that come with all of these, four guys have come together to create and run a non profit skateboard company, that gives something back to it's origins.' - What's not to like about these guys? They're like the ICM on wheels.

Check out the guys site and buy yourself one of their awesome Black Flag inspired T's.

Next up, for those of you looking to take a break from Punk for a while, let me recommend Brighton based, Pink Narcissus. Crossing genres like there weren't any to start with and sounding like the bastard offspring of a three-way between Janes Addiction, The Velvet Underground and Gogol Bordello - but with some definite punk and cabaret elements thrown in for good measure, these guys ooze class in every track. This is the music they play in those clubs you've never quite been brave enough to venture inside.

Check out the video for Disinfectant below:

We Had A Birthday!

2011-03-22T10:10:00.000-07:00

So, March 19th saw the ICM passing the year mark - it's true, we've been putting on gigs and making CD's and generally poking around in the world of unsigned music for a year. And what a year it's been.

From our very first gig where we thought nobody would turn up to our 2nd appearance at the recently shut down Gaff, where next to nobody did, from the 2 stages of the first charity show to the Christmas Eve busk-off for the Peace Hospice, we've had a very busy twelve months.

There are more people to thank for the last 12 months than I could remember and that you would want to take the time reading about but to everyone that's ever helped us out at a show, donated a track for a compilation, come and danced, played or got drunk at a gig or simply said something nice about us and helped the love for what we do - we are grateful.

The ICM has always been one of those 'labour of love' type projects. We've never made a fortune but we'd like to think we've helped people know about some amazing bands they may never have heard before and that's really why we do this. We've met a lot of fantastic people, made some great friends and had some good times. Not bad for a years work, I think you'll agree.

Come celebrate with us if you will on Friday night at The Flag, where it all began. We have 4 amazing Ska/Ska Punk bands on for your enjoyment and Two-Tone playing all night!

News and stuff...

Our mate Adem (of Panic Dance fame) has only gone and made himself a music video - and a very good one at that. Check out the video... erm, here actually as it's posted just under this writing.

And finally...

The ICM are proud to make their second appearance on Studs and Punks - once again in the review section and, once more for a charity compilation. This time the legend that is Woodstock has reviewed the first volume of the Punk 4 Japan 'donate to download' compilation. You can read the kind words about this volume HERE.

Thanks to everyone that's been downloading the compilation - Volume 3 is on it's way and we've raised £400 already to help those affected by the tsunami.

So, thank you all again. And here's to the next 12 months!

Punk 4 Japan

2011-03-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

On Friday the 11th of March 2011, the 7th largest recorded earthquake in history, measuring 9 on the richter scale, hit the coast of Japan causing a tidal wave up to 7 metres high.

This tragedy cost over 2000 people their lives, injured 2000 more and could result in the deaths of up to 10,000 people. It has caused half a million people to be without homes and the potential dangers caused by the damage made to nuclear reactors could well be catastrophic.

The death toll and the full extent of the damage caused by this natural disaster are yet to be fully realised. By downloading the ICM Punk 4 Japan compilation you will be helping the Red Cross in their efforts to provide first aid and shelter for those affected.

The ICM Presents: Punk 4 Japan volume 1:

Disc One:
01 Surgery Without Research - We Pay The Price
02 The Jelly Fiends - (Don't) Let It Go
03 The Irrelevants - Braindead
04 The Warriors - SNAFU
05 Rash Decision - Economic Slaughter
06 The Masts - Anti-Terror Missions
07 Freedom Faction - Inside Outside
08 Crise Total - Patria Amada
09 Seamen - String Genie Seamen Liquor Face
10 Three Summers Strong - Lock And Key Acoustic
11 The Blowouts - C.O.L.D (Church of the Living Dead)
12 The Blissetts - Nothing To Lose (But Our Chains)
13 Camus and the Cat - To The Sea
14 Dirty Protest - Lives and Freedoms
15 Room 4 1 More - Prove Them Wrong
16 Saigon Kiss - Dregs
17 Bob Killed A Dinosaur - If You Want To
18 The Detuners - Suburban Stud (Live)
19 Flat Back Four - Hearts And Minds
20 SPOG - Poodle Boy

Disc Two:
21 Grace and Favour - Mute
22 The Bionic Krugerrands - Suicide Rock 'n' Roll
23 Panic Dance - Party In Parliament
24 Viva la Revolution - Ambition
25 The Guzzards - Die Motherfucker!
26 Adam Rebelius - Girl's Night Out Oi! Boy Howdy
27 Dissociates - Left Of Centre
28 The Notalauts - Time To Rest
29 Born To Destruct - 24 Hours
30 My Third Leg - Going For A Drive
31 Down To A Science - Echoes
32 Peter 118 - Victory
33 Saving Sebastian - I Hate Bands That...
34 Rebel City Radio - Rise Above
35 Embrace The City - Still Here
36 Stu McDonald - Secrets and Regrets
37 Times Like These - Tomorrows Fate
38 Tumbleweed - Hell Right Now
39 Public Disgrace – Stalling (Live)
40 Carsten May - Annoying
41 Subverse - Light Breaks Through

The ICM Presents: Punk 4 Japan – Volume 2.

Disc One:
01 Usual Players - Bad Pills
02 Grindhouse - Smokers Cough
03 Mouth - Sticks And Stones
04 The Bad Channels - Bride Of the Atom
05 Steve White & the Protest Family ft Rukas - People Are Cunts (Live)
06 The Randy Jerkoffs - Saturday Night Heaver
07 The Few That Remain - We'll Sleep When We're Dead
08 The Septic Psycho's - Armchair Activist
09 King Tuts Revenge - Not Content
10 Screaming For Scarlet - Five Lights
11 American House Party - Goldfish Bowl
12 Gallows Hill - She's Always Home
13 2 Sick Monkeys – Why
14 The Jack Brews - Whiskey on the Wounds
15 Last One Standing - Our Neck of The Woods
16 Prognosis Negative – Monroe
17 Reptilehause – Breakdown
18 Darko - Chewbacca Defence
19 Me Three - Digging A Hole
20 Darwin and the Dinosaur – Lightbulb

Disc 2.
21 Caught In A Crossfire - Carpe Diem
22 Loudmouth Eddi – Underclass
23 Leather Zoo - Fluer Du Lys
24 Crossfire – Moonlight
25 Mispelt - Foxtrot Oscar
26 Profilaxia – Eles
27 Dear Acetate - No Easy Target
28 W.O.R.M - Little Man
29 Dead Sails - Backstreet Cats
30 Ciminal X – 1984
31 Hooverhead - Barry Likes Big Girls
32 Senseless - Yours sincerely
33 Dress To Kill - The Power
34 Skurvi – Minesweeping
35 The Casket Hecklers - Fires Within
36 Stainless Steel Ride - Lie To Me Again
37 Crimewave - Selling Lies
38 The Violetcrazies – Psychotic
39 IC1s - Not Perfect
40 Wages Of Fear - Information Overload
41 Charred Hearts - Always Beside Me
42 The Kings Kids - The Lighthouse
43 Gripper - Lies

Go HERE to buy it!

Free Stuff and Funny Stuff

2011-03-13T13:05:00.000-07:00

A few bits for you this evening in case you were all bored and that.

First up, the good people at Dirtnap Records are giving away a free sampler to mark the occasion of their SXSW Showcase.

The sampler can be downloaded HERE and the track listing looks suspiciously like this:

1. High Tension Wires – Get Weird
2. Mean Jeans – Steve Don’t Party No More
3. White Wires – Be True To Your School (Til You Get Kicked Out)
4. Mind Spiders – Don’t Let Her Go
5. Bad Sports – Teenage Girls
6. Something Fierce – Afghani Sands
7. River City Tanlines – Black Knight
8. The Steve Adamyk Band – I’ll Take You Anywhere

Non-music related goodness for your faces this post include the satirical doodlings of one Mr. Simon J Sky.

Some of you may know him from Rash Decision. Some of you may know him from living down his road or stalking him or something. Some of you may know him as the writer/artist of 'Hipster Apocalypse' - a subtle blend of pictures of twats and those same twats meeting their demise in a series of comedic ways.

You can see every installment of 'Hipster Apocalypse' HERE

Wonk Unit -Trolleys Thank You / Wonk Unit Saved My Life

2011-03-11T14:09:00.000-08:00

We had Wonk Unit come play an ICM/Choke On This show last year. It was a quiet gig and the first time I'd ever seen them live.

About two songs in and suddenly they stopped playing in order for frontman Alex to read a poem. It was a strange poem about sticking a frozen fish up your arse for money.

About two songs in I fell in love with Wonk Unit.

'Flying the Japanese Flag' quickly became the most played album in the history of my gaff. I was playing it two, three, twelve times a day but this entry isn't about that album - it's about the new one. The new one that arrived in the post a few days ago and is playing right now...

'Trolleys Thank You' or 'Wonk Unit Saved My Life' or indeed both is 16 tracks of a very familiar Wonk Unit and a brand new one too. Whilst this album isn't as instantly satisfying as the last one it does still deliver in the way that only a Wonk Unit album can.

As far as being a 'punk' band, Wonk Unit are very capable of sounding both classic and very new - with some songs even bordering on having a more indie sound at times. Overall there's far less aggression on this album than there was on the last, although, as a minor contradiction, there's a newly worked version of 'Los Angeles' that's far punchier than the original.

This album doesn't have the immediate impact of the last one but the songs feel far more crafted. Like a band that's less angry with what took them to the point of writing and more focussed on the future... And if the future brings us more Wonk Unit then there's one big reason to be less angry already.

Video-A-Rama!

2011-03-05T18:13:00.000-08:00

There's a lot of amazing videos about at the moment. We thought we'd share some with you because, well, we're nice like that.

First up, the amazing video for The Guzzards tune 'Greed'

Here's our very good friends Room 4 1 More with 'It's About To End'

Next is Aylesbury's answer to Guttermouth... It's UK Vomit with 'Zipper'

And if that wasn't enough UK Vomit for you, here's the video for 'Get Your Rat Out'

And finally, here's our mates The Guzzards with 'Die Motherfucker' with a special guest appearance from.. Me!

New Noise 2.

2011-03-05T17:36:00.000-08:00

We like Stick It Out. We like Stick It Out so much that we stuck it out (groan) on the ICM compilation.

We like Stick It Out. So much so that when we found out that the man behind one of our favourite acoustic tracks of last year (Dear Wife, Dear Kids - available on the ICM compilation volume 1) was in a new band we thought to ourselves 'we'd better have a listen'...

And listen we did.

Ego's At The Door are a long way from the acoustic calm of say, Stick It Out, but we like them too. Messy post-hardcore tinged punk with more musical changes per song than an entire episode of Glee (see, we can do pop-culture references too) combined with some of the best song titles we've seen for a long time ('WHY HECK... IF I GOT A FREE HOUSE AND A NICE CAR I'D TELL STORIES FOR A LIVING TOO' to name one for you) and you have yourself a band to keep an eye on.

You too can hear Ego's At The Door by going HERE.

New Noise.

2011-03-05T09:33:00.000-08:00

Oh yes, it's that time of erm... the month again. Wait, that sounds a little bit like I'm on my period. Let me start over.

Actually, do we really need an introduction? Not especially so let's crack on with the bands you might not have heard yet but bally well should have done.

First up: American House Party.

I wasn't entirely sure what to expect from a band with a name like this one but they asked to be stuck on the bill for the all-dayer (more of that to come) and on the bill they were stuck.

When I listened to the tunes they have up on Myspace I ended up with the sort of smile on my face that I know I couldn't shift if I wanted to. Sounding a little like early Blink 182 and a lot like early Captain Everything this lot are fast, fun and exactly the sort of music you'd want to hear were you at an American house party so I guess that works. Which is annoying.

Come catch them live at the ICM/Choke On This all-dayer for our favourite charity Punk 4 the Homeless on April 30th. For details (because we all like details) click THIS

Tweet This!

Oh yes, you may have noticed the little Twitter box on the side of here. That's because the ICM are now on Twitter. As well as letting you know about all the ICM gigs and suchlike, we'll also be letting you know about the latest news from all the bands we know and love. Follow us - it might save your life*

*It won't. But follow us anyways.

Catching Up... Part One.

2011-03-05T08:42:00.000-08:00

So, we've been pretty busy here at the ICM and, as usual, I have fallen well behind with this blog.

So, here's me fixing that.

First up - we had an amazing show back on the 19th Feb (yes, I know, it really has been that long since I posted) In Remission, Shadow Factory, So Last Season and Mouth absolutely killed it and we were back on track with a good crowd.

Here's a couple of snaps as taken by the ICM's new resident photographer, Jo.

Shadow Factory - hailing from Bedfordshire I met this lot by chance at a gig in Leyton Buzzard. Friendly guys and a fantastic band. Check out their song 'With Eyes Open' HERE It's an epic tune.

In Remission, back with the ICM for the first time since the awesomeness that was the Halloween ZomBash. And were they on form? Oh yes.

Mouth are an angry band. Well, on stage they are at least. In real life these cats couldn't be sweeter if they tried. Musically they fit somewhere between the 80's and mid 90's but not in a way that dates them. They were the surprise of the night and I can't wait until the next time they make the journey all the way from Cornwall to play an ICM show again.

Sadly, our photographer, as lovely as she is, managed to arrive after the first band had played and, as such, we're lacking in photos of So Last Season. Needless to say, the lads were awesome. Pop-punk at it's very finest and made such an impression that they got offered a slot on our own label Side Effect Records as a result.

So, there's the first part of the catch up...

The ICM Compilation Vol 1 - Studs and Punks Review.

2011-02-16T17:18:00.000-08:00

We are extremely proud to have had our compilation reviewed on Studs and Punks site. It's an amazing review and we're made up to be featured on such a great site.

You can check out the review by clicking the site logo... And whilst you're there, be sure to check out the rest of the site.

Punk Under The Amber Rooms - Feb 11th.

2011-02-13T19:29:00.000-08:00

The ICM broke new ground on Friday night... by getting a gig shut down! Yes, it's true, Punk Under the Amber Rooms had the plug pulled on it by the venue owners before it was done due to noise complaints. This is a first for us - it's always nice to do something new but having your last band of the night chucked off stage before they're done is shit.

Here's a few words about the night regardless.

The venue was small and the crowd few but the atmosphere was amazing and it felt more like a party than a gig.

Saving Sebastian played a blinder, tight as I've ever seen them and they seemed to be enjoying their time on stage far more than they have in recent outings. Everything about their set just worked.

Room 4 1 More had recently experienced a minor set-back in the drumming department that looked a great deal like their drummer had done one. There was something funny about the Room 4 1 More banner over the empty drum kit - as if it was a situation vacant ad. Still, troopers that they are they played an entire set without one. And whilst it may not have made for particularly comfortable listening at times it was still a great performance from the other 3.

Royal Flush were next, and with them came the debut of their new lead guitarist. Thickening their ska meets pop-punk sound up gave some familiar songs a new mature feel and at times the lead guitar played the role of brass section perfectly.

Finally, The Guzzards, and the travesty that was them only getting to play 4 songs before the venue pulled the plug on us... But the 4 songs were frantic and if the night had been allowed to continue then I'm not sure everyone would have survived... What with the low ceiling, human pyramid and circle pit... Who'd have thunk so few people could cause so much chaos?

So, yeah... Great night. Shame about the shit ending.

(All the photos were by Jo - cheers for that darlin'!)

First Show of 2011 - ClayPigeon

2011-01-24T08:33:00.000-08:00

OK, so January is known as the deadest month of the year for live music for a reason but that didn't stop a brave few coming out in the cold to check out the return of the ICM.

The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, Panic Dance, The Working Dead and ClayPigeon played a blinder. Yeah we could have done with more people in but, to be honest, the people that didn't catch this show missed out on one of the best sets the ICM have ever seen from ClayPigeon.

And huge surprise of the night was definitely Panic Dance - after some technical difficulties setting up he stole the show with his one man act. Part punk, part hip-hop and part one guy talking over the top of songs you know and somehow making them better - it was a great set.

Get yourself over HERE to buy a copy of the ClayPigeon album. If you're not sure if you'll like it, these guys literally couldn't have a broader appeal. Equal parts punk, ska, dub and even funk in places - they've definitely stolen the top spot from the much missed King Prawn.

And whilst we're talking about ways to check out the bands who played the first show back this year, there's a free download available from The Dirty Rotten Scoundrels - just go HERE

These guys play the sort of punk their name suggests and we recommend them - although, rumour has it one of them decided to burn his pubes off after the gig. Why he did this we're not entirely sure but I guess everyone has different ways to chill out after playing!

So, that's the first gig down. Remember to check out PANIC DANCE and THE WORKING DEAD too. We're back on the 11th Feb for our first show in a cellar at the Amber Rooms, Watford.

So Long Gaff!

2011-01-21T14:22:00.001-08:00

The Gaff on Holloway Road was a great venue. Intimate, friendly, quirky and very well run. We were lucky enough to do a couple of shows there last year. The staff were always amazing too from the management to the door staff too - a rarity in a good venue to be honest. And the sound was awesome as well. And they had an in-house back line...

I could sing the Gaff's praises all night.

Sadly though, today came the announcement that The Gaff is due to close this weekend. Apparently the lease has been bought up by Costa Coffee and that's it. Over. Finished.

All the scheduled gigs (bar a few casualties) are being moved to The Dome in Tufnell Park. Not quite the same really. The Dome was my least favourite venue for Ska Punk club night 'Sublime' back in the day.

I'm sorry to see another fantastic venue go. We were honoured to have put a couple of nights on there and we sincerely wish the guys and gals of the Gaff the best of luck.

Confirmed and Booked ICM Dates.

2011-01-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

Jan 22nd. ICM Presents: ClayPigeon with The Working Dead, Panic Dance and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.
The Flag, Watford. 8pm doors. 4 quid.

Feb 11th. ICM Presents: 'Punk Under the Amber (Rooms) featuring The Guzzards, Room 4 1 More, Saving Sebastian and Royal Flush.
Downstairs at the Amber Rooms, Watford. 8pm doors. 4 quid.

Feb 19th: ICM Presents: 'And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of The Deaf' featuring Shadow Factory, [inrem.], Mouth and So Last Season.
The Flag, Watford. 8pm doors. 4 quid.

Mar 25: ICM Presents: 'Ska Wars!' featuring The Milksnatchers, Usual Players, My Third Leg and Royal Flush.
The Flag, Watford. 8pm doors. 4 quid.

Apr 30th: ICM/Choke On This Presents: 'Punk 4 the Homeless Watford All-Dayer' featuring Freedom Faction, Born To Destruct, The Blissetts, Public Disgrace, Mispelt,
Steve White and the Protest Family.
The Flag, Watford. All Day! Suggested Donation 5 quid.

June 18th: ICM Presents: Tyrannosaurus Alan, ClayPigeon, Panic Dance and Royal Flush.
The Flag, Watford. Doors 8pm. 4 quid.

2010 - A year in ICM

2011-01-21T11:32:00.000-08:00

So, last year was a riot. We had 15 live shows and nearly 50 bands come play for us. Don't believe us? Check this list out:

Freedom Faction, Dissociates, Wilson Fisk, Small Team of Experts, Eastend Promises, The Jack Brews, Dead Sails, The Guzzards, Oiz II Men, Room 4 1 More, Tom Craven, Saving Sebastian, Royal Flush, A Major Motion Picture, Fallow Fields, The Liabilities, London, The Blissetts, Loudmouth Eddi, Skurvi, Three Summers Strong, As We Sink!, The Human Targets, Dodobones, Clinton Tavares, Rash Decision, The Sterilizers, Jelly Fiends, In Remission, Grace And Favour, Tranquil Fury, The Few That Remain, The Dilenquents, Embrace The City, The Ten O Sevens, UK Vomit, Usual Players, The Rom Rats, Wonk Unit, Steve White and the Protest Family, Ren Spits at Magpies... See?

We did gigs at The Flag in Watford, The Urban Bar in Whitechapel, The Gaff (RIP) on Holloway Road and From Dusk 'til Dawn over at Archway.

We worked with promoters such as Choke On This and Monkeyboy Promotions.

We brought out the ICM CD and did charity gigs for Action Aid and Punk 4 the Homeless as well as host the sickest Halloween show in town!

We've got some big things lined-up for this year so stay posted!

Reachback - Butterflies

2010-11-10T10:11:00.000-08:00

If you like your punk with a spoonful of sugar then Reachback could well be the band for you. Like a female fronted New Found Glory they write the sort of music that plays during an American college flick and from the look of their Myspace (featuring a list of the equipment they use, video blogs and Twitter updates from each band member) they take this very seriously indeed.

Don't let that put you off though, there's some good stuff here under the saccharine coating and formulaic guitars. Like 'Punk goes Disney' it's inoffensive and summery so If you're not scared of audio induced diabetes get yourself over to itunes and download the single HERE.

News! A Long Overdue Post...

2010-11-10T09:23:00.000-08:00

So, it's been far too long since I updated this. We've been extremely busy what with gigs and getting the ICM compilation out but here's a round up of all that we could find for you this week.

The Ten O Sevens have a new 7" split out with The Hateful. Tracks are:

The Ten O Sevens side: TV.13, Kamikaze
The Hateful side: Inside My Head, City Sound

Available HERE for the great price of just 4 quid.

I can't tell you I've heard this yet because I haven't - I can tell you though that we had The Ten O Sevens play an ICM show a couple of months back and they were incredible. Loud, brash, snotty punk rock played fast and full of attitude.

Next up, the most highly anticipated release of the last decade is finally here! Oh yes, UK Vomit have finally brought an album out!

These lads are to poetry as Viz is to literature. You can expect songs featuring a seemingly never ending barrage of smut and you'll enjoy it, too.

The album is called 'Hooplass' and you can get it using Paypal to ukvomit@hotmail.com
for the very reasonable price of £6.50

NEWS!

2010-09-27T02:39:00.000-07:00

The Cd is finally available (see to the left of the screen) and it's looking AMAZING!

The ICM Compilation full track listing.

Disc 1:

01 Dissociates - Welcome To London
02 Bombskare - Crime Of The Century
03 UK Vomit - A-Line Disaster
04 The Blissetts - Dumped On The Scrapheap
05 Wilson Fisk - Waist Down
06 Three Summers Strong - Clarendon
07 Mash Attack - Man Down
08 Stick It Out - Dear Wife, Dear Kids
09 The Jack Brews - Brewligans
10 Dear Acetate - Perfect Soldier
11 A Major Motion Picture - You Ain't Got Nothing On Magic Fingers, Yo
12 The Liabilities - Wendy
13 Murder She Wrote - Ignite
14 Rash Decision - Veins

Disc 2:

15 PJ & Gaby - Time Well Spent
16 Dodobones - Annie
17 Tom Craven - Chances
18 Polymers - Firehead
19 Freedom Faction - Scream And Shout
20 Oiz II Men - Rodeo And Rockets
21 The Sterilizers - You Don't Know
22 The Guzzards - Greed
23 Shotgun Riot - Black Widowed
24 Room 4 1 More - Place I Want To Be
25 As We Sink! - All's Not Lost
26 Flippant Malarkism - Better Way
27 The Ten O Sevens - Gash
28 Loudmouth Eddi - Abandon Ship

ALSO! As if that wasn't enough!

The ICM are teaming up with Choke On This and Punk 4 The Homeless to bring you the best punk line-up East London has seen for a while! November 6th at the Urban Bar, Whitechapel. It's set to be an awesome night and for an incredible cause.

Overthrow - 'A Ghost In The Machine'

2010-07-10T20:16:00.000-07:00

Overthrow have one of those Myspace pages that make feel uneasy. It was obviously painfully crafted to look exactly the way a Myspace page for a band on the up and up should look.

This EP has exactly the same effect on me. Don't get me wrong, this is musically very proficient - It's great sounding and well written... And it sounds exactly the way you'd expect it to. There's nothing to surprise you with here as the songs come at you in such a familiar way it's hard not to switch off.

Let me put it another way - if you fought the same man every day of your life then, regardless of how hard he is, you're going to win one day.

Did that help at all?

Probably not.

I'm all for a well polished, well thought out EP of great tunes. But not the same great tunes I've heard over and over again from other bands. I'm going to keep an eye on this lot though - because they could go one of two ways from here...

You can download the EP HERE

Ducking Punches - Ducking Punches

2010-07-10T20:04:00.000-07:00

If only you knew how many times I have tried to write about this album. You'd be amazed, you really would.

It's not that it's an impossible subject to cover either - a genuinely great album of mostly acoustic folk punk chock full of social commentary and more heart than a butchers bin... It's just that I could never do it justice.

You can download it from HERE

And when you do, do me a favour and go straight to track 5. Give it a listen and tell me that's not the best song you've heard for a while - you won't be able to. It's under a minute long and absolute genius.

Oh, and please, give the guy some cash for this. It's well worth it.

Slack Much?

2010-06-27T17:50:00.000-07:00

So, it's been too long since I posted on here - and in that time we've lost a gig and gained 3 including one at the Gaff on Holloway Road!

Oh yes - the ICM is at the Gaff my friends. June 30th for a bit of Jack Brews, Dead Sails, Delinquents and Loudmouth Eddi flavoured fun.

This is the flyer:

It's going to be a good night.

Next up, more gig news - July 23rd and 31st we'll be back at the Flag for more punk rock shenanigans. 23rd will see the return of ICM favourites Freedom Faction - oh yes! Whilst the 31st is the ICM/Monkeyboy split Charity Extravaganza!

If you think the name's a bit over the top then you obviously haven't seen quite how many acts we're sticking on in one night!

Observe:

9 acts! I kid you not!

Get involved - it's for a bloody good cause.

Rash Decision - Temporary Worker (clause 4.1)

2010-06-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

The Gallows may well be forever more the face of thrash punk thanks to timing, charisma and a hefty shove from Warner... But for me there is only one UK thrash punk band worth checking out right now and that is Rash Decision.

Their first release - available HERE - is a blistering collection of pure punk madness that will leave you sweating after just a couple of tracks. But, importantly, it never gets too much. Whereas some thrash - whether it be punk or metal - can begin to grind on you in an uncomfortable way (think an over-eager lap-dance with a stripper clad in a sandpaper thong) every track on this CD feels fresh, urgent and most of all fucking harsh. And what's more, it simply doesn't let up. There is no running out of steam for these guys - every song feels like all or nothing at all... And nothing at all is quite literally never an option.

Punk fans will love Rash Decision and I'll go out on a limb here and say metal fans will too. This isn't music to fall in love to - this is music is music to fall in love with... whilst repeatedly kicking something and gobbing on the floor. And we fucking love it.

Ones to Watch...

2010-06-07T14:44:00.000-07:00

Of course, when I say ones to watch, I mean as well as everyone else I've mentioned on this here blog. I'm sure you have the mental capacity to keep tabs on many bands at once - I believe in you.

There's an abundance of people grabbing an acoustic guitar right now and churning out folk punk like it's a brand new thing... Blame Frank Turner if you like or, if you're a little older you can blame Billy Bragg. The sad fact is though, not all of these acts are appealing in the slightest... Thank god for these two then:

Ducking Punches & Stick It Out - 2 talented lads that know how to craft a decent song. They keep the bells and whistles to an absolute bare minimum - never falling into that over produced self-indulgent territory that follows solo acts around these days like a spurned ex-girlfriend who simply won't take the hint. You can hear the passion in every line these guys sing and I'd take that over an abundance of samples any day.

Usual Players - Local bias aside, these lads have brought a musical honesty to a scene that for far too long was more proud of it's haircuts than it's tune writing. They play the sort of Ska that would have fit as well back in the heyday of Prince Buster and Desmond Dekker as it does now and fit it does - like the trilby you bought and never wore... Well, now's the time to dust it off - they've written the songs for you, might as well look the part.

Murder She Wrote are equally cursed and blessed - on the one hand they named themselves after the afternoon televisual sedative featuring some nosey old girl and her crime solving prowess - on the other though, they are mustard keen and show endless potential.

Hardcore has never sat well with me. Back in the day hardcore meant hardcore punk - bands like Reagan Youth or Bad Brains. Nowadays hardcore is all about beatdowns and attitude problems... At least in many cases this is true. Murder She Wrote however grabbed my attention by the throat and didn't let up until the song was through.

It's probably easy to dismiss these guys as 'yet another hardcore' band but if the tracks they have are any indicator, this lot are going to change a lot of peoples views on the genre - and that's a good thing.

News at erm... 1.43am which is less than catchy.

2010-05-31T17:43:00.000-07:00

CD news first, we have some amazing additions to the charity CD and the full tracklisting will be posted very soon...

The raffle prizes keep coming in and we'll have pics of them up for you next week! Tickets will be available from the Flag and from any of the ICM guys. You'll know them when you see them - they'll be menacingly waving raffle tickets at you.

Usual Players have been added to the charity gig line-up! Oh yes, the finest ska band this side of something over there have been confirmed! Good times!

New venues on the way too! You lucky people!

For Eyes - iiii

2010-05-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

Tonight I was all set to go to bed early. I wasn't going to post on here at all if I'm honest. I was all worded out and needed some sleep. And then, as if by some evil magic, I happened to notice For Eyes had released their EP 'iiii'

'iiii' - as well as having one of the strangest names for an EP I've ever seen - is an odd affair. On first listen it takes you straight back to the mid to late nineties. And it sort of leaves you there wondering which band sounded like this first. Pretty soon though you realise it wasn't one band - it was about seventeen of them all fighting in your memory for your attention. A full-blown fist fight between every band you listened to for at least one Summer taking place in your brain. And that's not a bad thing - at all.

Of course there are some modern elements to this EP - and they too are thrown into the sack and shaken about a bit and the result is quite spectacular. My only complaint was that 3 songs wasn't enough.

You can download it yourself, for free HERE

Non-Free Goodness.

2010-05-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

Some stuff you might already know - Some stuff you might not.

The Blissetts take a swipe at those people in power with their new single 'Liars, Cheats, Thieves And Politicians'. If you haven't heard the Blissetts before then go and do so now. I'll wait here. Finished? Good. Their old school approach to punk is ballsy, basic and bloody good fun. And they are top fellows too so go and download the single from HERE

The King Blues have got a new single out as well. It's called 'Headbutt' And I'm far less excited about it than I should be. I used to have mixed feelings about them - now my feelings are becoming clearer... I'm going to need some serious prompting to part with £2.49 for 4 songs - Especially when one of them is the same song that has been remixed 3 times - does anyone still dig remixes? You can get the title track for 50p though if you really want it HERE

Apparently It's Almost Summer.

2010-05-15T10:30:00.000-07:00

Summer, the hottest season of the year - and with the warmer weather comes the social occasions, the fleeting romances and those songs that you carry with you all the way through to when the days get shorter once more.

The soundtrack to your summer is so much more than just a collection of songs that you hear more than once. It's those songs that you remember long after the event. The music that's playing as you kiss her for the first time, the band that surprised you at a festival or the tune that stuck in your head and, because of your new addiction, will also stick in the head of those closest to you.

Apparently, it's almost Summer. So, here's what has done it for me so far. These are the bands that not only could be responsible for the best season of music ever but, given a listen, probably will be.

So, let's have some kind of list thing were I write some bands down, tell you a bit about them and you can play follow the links and indulge in some sun drenched musical goodness.

First up - P.J and Gaby, and the 7 slices of sublime folk-punk that make up their EP 'Alarm Clocks Kill Dreams' (available from their Myspace for the rather generous price of 2.99)

This EP sits somewhere between Bright Eyes and Against Me! (if you have half an idea in your head of what it sounds like from that description then you're wrong - apologies) it's acoustic, charming and yet resonates with the same passionate tones that you'd get from the brashest of punk albums. And they have a girl singing in a way that makes you instantly fall in love. Give the tracks on their Myspace a go and I promise your heart strings will be pulled in a way that's both comfortably familiar and brand new, too.

PJ and Gaby - April 2009 from danbondissafe on Vimeo.

Next, Brighton based discordant art-punk from CAUTIONHORSES - They have 2 EP's available to purchase and a whopping 7 tracks to feed to your hungry ears on on their Myspace. You lucky people, you!

If you like your punk straightforward then you're missing out on what it can be - angular, punchy and clever. And that's the first 3 words I thought of - there are far more words to describe this band but if I were to write them all then you'd still be here reading them in November. This lot write the sort of music that musicians talk about at great length but once you get drawn into them - you're hooked for life. It's crack for your auditory canal - and who doesn't like crack? That's right, nobody.

Mayday Madness! - Redux

2010-05-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit slack in posting on here of late - but I'm here now so stop moaning.

So, Mayday came and went. And beer was drunk, a gig was played and a bunch of strangers were stranded in a bus stop for slightly longer than was comfortable. Luckily, everyone survived the ordeal and bits of it were ball-achingly funny so I'm not upset by it all.

So, the gig? Well, Dead Sails blistered through their set at a gazillion miles an hour leaving everyone slightly bewildered and craving more. Gawd love them - lovely chaps and when they sort out the singer (or lack thereof) you can expect good things from this lot.

Then came the Sterilizers - and I've heard nothing but praise for these guys ever since. Literally, people are still talking about them. And it was days ago now! Will they ever stop? Seriously though, fucking great band. That's about all I can say about them. Friendly, slightly off-kilter and great at what they do.

After that we had local leg-ends the Jelly Fiends and their own unique brand of noise. Good guys and good tunes and everyone dug their set. Can we ask for more? Yes, we can demand free stuff - but we won't.

And what could possibly top the evening off better than a dose of fast, shouty punk from the Jack Brews? These lads are destined for great things. Again, a friendly bunch in their own unique way - these guys play great tunes and they play hard as you like. We salute them!

We have some pics too - well, I say 'we' but the lovely Tina took them and was nice enough to let us steal them to show you. We really should invest in a photographer...

Marwood - Welcome To Marwood

2010-05-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

There must be something in the water down south... Whilst Marwood's EP may be slightly lacking on the production front, you cannot deny that it's good. Perhaps a little slower than I was expecting - this is perhaps more rock than punk rock - but the tunes are there for those moments when you just want to listen to some tunes and not get all too carried away by them.

Vocally Marwood are solid enough - lots of 'woahing' backing vocals make the songs are little more textured and one of the tunes ('Two Polar Bears and Four Seals') did a good job of immediately making me think of something else ('Dawn of the Dead' by the Murderdolls if I'm honest - I don't know why) but this is a keeper and Marwood are certainly one to watch. A little more polish and this EP could have been great - but don't let that put you off. Like I said, these guys should be in your 'keep an eye on these guys' category - Good things are coming methinks.

The EP, 'Welcome to Marwood' is available HERE

Bad Religion - 30 Years

2010-05-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

Literally cannot say anything about this album as it's not actually done yet but I can gush about Bad Religion for a line or two before sticking the link in.

So, Bad Religion have hit the big 3-0. And as they reach this landmark I'm tempted to go back and listen to their entire back catalogue. We used to have this ongoing joke about the backing vocals in a Bad Religion track sounding like some Gregorian chanting - because they do. Admittedly an unusual touch in a punk album... But they have been responsible for some amazing songs over the years.

Political, thought-provoking lyrics and good solid tunes - Bad Religion have been around for a long time for good reason.

You can obtain a free copy of the live album for free HERE just by joining the mailing list.

Three Summers Strong - If You Change The Way You Look At Things, The Things You Look At Change

2010-05-03T17:22:00.000-07:00

There was a time, a few short years ago, where music became elitist and musicians doubly so. The tunes were replaced with brand names - the quality of writing and performing took a nose-dive and it became about the haircuts. And for a while I feared that was the future of 'the scene'.

And then one day it stopped. Like so many trends before it - sure, some of these traits remain but not here and certainly not with these guys - Three Summers Strong.

To say these guys were among the friendliest bands we've ever met is something of an understatement - but all that aside, they are a talented bunch and deserve as many props for their music as they do their personalities.

'If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change' is a damn fine effort. It's a spot on mix of catchy riffs and instantly likeable punk tunes that can change your day from bad to amazing in one short burst - and that's a rarity in itself.

You too can have the pleasure HERE

We don't do marks out of 5 here because every now and then a 6 would make us look like we'd forgotten how to count.

Loudog - Waste Your Time

2010-05-02T18:57:00.000-07:00

When a band names themselves after something as recognisable to Ska Punk fans as Sublime mascot Lou Dog then they had better be able to back it up. So, do they?

Well, for starters these guys are German - and whilst Germany have been responsible for some amazing stuff, Ska is not one that immediately springs to mind... sausage is. And sadly, after listening to this album, sausage still is.

It's not a bad album - it's actually quite nice. Quite polished and not a million miles away from Sublime in places although the occasional delve into slightly political material feels clumsy and half-hearted, There's still an undeniably summery feel to this album and, if nothing else, serves as great background music.

The album is available from this site HERE

Concrete Sox - Your Turn Next & Whoops Sorry Vicar!

2010-05-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

Punk has never been so crusty! These 2 albums from British crust punks Concrete Sox are exactly what you need to annoy your neighbours. There's nothing pretty here, there's nothing complicated. To coin an old ad phrase - it does exactly what it says on the tin.

The 2 albums HERE are free and, for some, will be a nostalgic trip to simpler times when spitting and cider were the most punk things anyone could think of. For those of us that aren't old enough to have had to pierce our own noses with safety-pins to look cool - this slice of pure, thrash crossover punk is more interesting than ground-breaking.

These are thrash-fuelled crusty punk albums - probably more for purists than your average listener but it's free.

Hugh Cornwell - Hooverdam

2010-05-02T15:27:00.000-07:00

Hugh Cornwell is one of punk's elder statesmen - he was, afterall, the lead singer of the Stranglers - the avant garde punk group that spanned more genres in one album than most bands manage in an entire career.

The Stranglers and Hugh parted company in 1990.

Hooverdam is available for free HERE

Don't be expecting the brashness of some of the Stranglers earlier stuff - this is a much more straightforward rock n' roll sort of album. Give it a listen - you'll hear the natural progression of a man that's been at the forefront of punk and out of the other side - older, wiser and a little less angry at the world.

Wilson Fisk - The Bear Cub EP

2010-05-02T10:44:00.000-07:00

In a world where the word 'emo' comes with the stigma of bands like 'My Chemical Romance' attached, it's no wonder that bands avoid that particular pigeon hole like their lives depended on it.

One band that neatly sidesteps this label is 'Post Punk / Powerpop / Indie' outfit - Wilson Fisk. At first listen you'd be forgiven for thinking these guys are American with their particular brand of jauntily angled riffs and breezy vocals but they come from not one, but three English towns.

The EP is a very solid and instantly likeable affair. And if the guys want to call it anything but 'emo' then who are we to argue?

It's available for free HERE

The Dissociates - Waiting For The Backlash

2010-05-02T09:18:00.000-07:00

It's unusual for a release from an unsigned band to be one of those 'changed my life' moments. We've all had them - the first time you heard the Pixies for instance, for some it was the Clash and for an entire generation it was Nirvana. And at 27 you'd have thought I'd have had so many of those moments that they are forever dulled - and you'd have thought wrong.

I know this because of just 6 songs by North London lads - the Dissociates on their first EP - 'Waiting For The Backlash'.

To call the Dissociates a punk band is an injustice although it's easy to see why they get labelled as one. But people are too quick to dismiss punk as a genre thinking (wrongly) that it started and ended with the Sex Pistols. The truth is, punk is as varied a genre as any you'd like to choose (often times more so) and the Dissociates are a testament to this.

The EP is free and available HERE

This is the soundtrack for a generation of disenchanted Londoners - this is Punk for the 21st Century. Watch this lot because if there's any justice in the world they are going to be huge.

Updates and shizzle!

2010-04-25T13:39:00.000-07:00

The CD is coming along nicely - I know that's what you wanted to know, right? And we have just enlisted the help of our friend Hannah to do the cover. You can see her stuff here: [SPAN]

She's an amazing artist and we're very lucky she's doing this for us. She's also donating the original version of the album art for the charity raffle!

On that note, we've also been able to get hold of an original piece from our friend Jason at True Till Death for the raffle. You can see his stuff here: True Till Death

What else? Well, we're on our way to getting the fanzine together. We have the gig coming up in a week... this gig here... So we've been busy!

ICM Charity Compilation CD!

2010-04-20T09:04:00.000-07:00

Us here at ICM have been very busy of late. As well as pestering arty types for prizes for our raffle (and they're looking awesome!) we're now pestering bands to take part in our newest idea - the ICM charity compilation CD!

Oh yes... There will be a CD!

We've had some amazing responses from some of the bands eager to help out with this including: the Dissociates, the Blissetts, the Liabilities, Room 4 1 More, the Guzzards, Freedom Faction, Three Summers Strong, Wilson Fisk, the Sterilizers, Mash Attack, Dead Sails, the Jack Brews...

And we're expecting more!

It's going to an amazing compilation. You'll be able to buy it from any of our shows or from the ICM Myspace or off the bands who have copies of their own to sell.

We'll have a definite track listing for you all by mid-May :)

Live Music vs Live Art @ the Flag, Watford April 16th - Redux

2010-04-17T11:53:00.000-07:00

So, we had a blast last night. The curse of the last minute band drop-out struck once more as Alt Track were forced to pull after their van broke down and we were sorry to lose them. But we soldiered on regardless and still had a great time with the other bands.

And what a lovely bunch of guys!

Three Summers Strong, As We Sink! and Wilson Fisk, we salute you! Amazing sets (despite the strange plague like symptoms of some of the lads) and amazing attitudes in a night riddled with odd occurrences (a PA that would not behave itself and having to fill the time with a band down) these guys showed their class and good humour all night and we're honoured to have brought them to Watford.

Thanks guys!

The Live Art went amazingly and the end result is something quite special. The picture will be one of the unique prizes in our raffle. And it's been signed by the artists as well as the lads from the three bands - We promised a prize that money can't buy and we've delivered!

Huge thanks to Kate (Clumsy) and Lydia (Lady Rinth) for donating this work of genius to our charity raffle.

The ICM says Bollocks to Poverty in June!

2010-04-15T10:20:00.000-07:00

Us here at ICM are a charitable bunch and we are putting on a charity show on June 26th. As well as 4 amazing bands (Mash Attack and We Fight Tigers have already confirmed!) we'll be holding a unique raffle too where every prize is a one-off, money can't buy item! Oh yes.

Ever wanted to own something that nobody else can? No matter how much they plead, they will never ever own another of the prizes we're giving away - because there's only one of them and only ever will be!

We've been in touch with some our favourite arty people and they have very kindly agreed to create something exclusively for us to give away - to you!

Check back here for or our Myspace page for details on the prizes and how you can buy a ticket and raise some money for Bollocks to Poverty.

Mayday Madness!

2010-04-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Our next show is set to be a scorcher! We have some proper shouty Punk Rock madness winging it's way to Watford in the shape of the Jack Brews, The Sterilizers, Dead Sails and Watfords own, Jelly Fiends!

Photo's Of The March Show!

2010-04-15T08:43:00.003-07:00

Punk Night @ the Flag - March 19th 2010... The first ever ICM live event!

With a big thank you to Rachel for taking these pics for us.

Getting April Sorted... And Beyond!

2010-03-29T19:17:00.000-07:00

So, now we're looking forward to the April show: Live Music vs Live Art @ the Flag.

And why wouldn't we be? We have an amazing line-up booked and this looks set to be an amazing night... Want to know who we've got in store? Of course you do!

In the red corner, on behalf of Live Music we have: As We Sink!, Three Summers Strong, Alt Track and Wilson Fisk... And on behlaf of live art we have some of the very best street artists in the UK!

You can see some of the art here: http://katehawkridge.com/ We're exceptionally lucky to have Kate agree to come and do some doodling for us. She was responsible for our skull logo too :)

This is the April flyer:

We're looking forward to this one!

The First Posting!

2010-03-29T16:48:00.000-07:00

So, this is the new, shiny ICM blog page. My name is Dan Impossible and this is where you can find out what we're up to.

Recently we had our first gig at the Flag in Watford. We had 3 amazing bands there and it was a top night! We should have some photo's soon but we're waiting for them - ever the pro's that we are, eh?

The bands we had down for the first show came from all over the place and we were bloody lucky to have them. Sadly we were a band down from the off as the Extinguishers had some kind of double-booking thing and couldn't make it. But, we soldiered on and it was a good time!

First up was the Dissociates, lovely bunch of guys playing some amazing post-punk. They come from North London and if you get the chance, go see them. Their song writing ability is just incredible and they are a great band to watch as well. You can hear them on their Myspace, here: www.myspace.com/thedissociates

Next was Freedom Faction - www.myspace.com/freedomfactionuk - And a nicer bunch we couldn't have hoped for. Fronted by the spectacularly lovely Rhianna, these guys are amazing. They came all the way from Cambridge, were the friendliest, most helpful guys we could have hoped for and played an incredible set. Special thank you here to Nick :)

I cannot recommend their 2 CD's highly enough either. And they are a bargain! They're available from their Myspace page.

Last band of the night - the Liabilities. And just when you were thinking Cambridge was a long way to come, these lads came from Bognor! And a man down too! These guys played fast and loud... So loud in fact they blew one of our speakers 2 songs in and nobody even noticed! Check them out here: www.myspace.com/theliabilitiesmusic

So, yeah, that was our first gig night. I'd like to thank Simon for sorting the PA and the sound, Violet and Scott for sitting on the door all night and Nicola for doing the flyer. Cheers guys!