This was the first Dracula’s Garage gig for a while and it would appear there will be more weekend shows to come at this excellent venue. Watch this space.
The Dregs
First up is us, The Dregs. We played most tracks from the first side of the new double album, ‘Inner City Kids’ which has only been 45 years in the making. The crowd reaction was great and for old times’ sake we ended with ‘Mass Despondency’ which was recorded as a demo in 1982 and was last played live when we started performing live as a band again ten years ago to the day.
Great that people got there early. Thanks
You can get the album by contacting us via the fb page.
https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Dregs/100063678662763
The promo video for the album gives a brief taster of side 1 of the album. Links to the promo on the Dregs Facebook page and on tiktok are below.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/WUGpp8VJ2LNrfqsT/?mibextid=WC7FNe
https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGddJRvdQ
The DeRellas
The last time I saw The DeRellas was a rammed sweaty Friday night Rockaway Beach gig at the legendary Hope and Anchor in London. Since that time the new album ‘Trust Me This Is Going to Hurt’ has been released and tonight is one of a series of shows around the country to promote the album.
The DeRellas come flying out of the blocks with the rock and roll swagger of ‘This Is Going to Hurt’ the title track from their new album and it sets the tone for the set with Johny Thunders like guitar licks delivered with a trashy rock and roll feel. Ultra catchy ‘Fake it Til You Make It’ follows with ace grooves and guitar riffs a plenty before they deliver ‘Freak Show’ from 2009 album ‘Hollywood Monsters’ with real conviction.
The DeRellas have many years’ experience playing as a band, and real pedigree with members having played and/or playing in top level punk and post punk outfits and this really shows. As Ramblin Erikk would say – ‘if you know you know’.
‘Pressure Gonna Get Ya’ from 2021 album ‘Something’s Got To Give’ keeps the momentum going and the packed room are now fully on board with Timmy and the band leading the charge. The riffing and drum licks intensifying with every song.
The wonderfully titled ‘Just Because I Smile, It Doesn’t Mean I Like You’ is as catchy as they come with a delivery akin to the New York Dolls and Hanoi Rocks with a bit of The Dictators thrown is for good measure. The guitar lines and tune of ‘Loveless Landslide of Love’ are killer and the stomping beat of the verses is reminiscent of early Wayne County but with an updated feel. ‘If Your World Falls Apart’ from the new album continues the sonic onslaught – great stuff. The backing vocals of Jez and Luca add to every song and Steve Grainger keeps it tight at all times.
‘High Rise Supersize’ is a real tune, and you can see how early punk bands such as The Saints, Chelsea, Generation X and the like have also influenced their sound. They have also kept moving forward with their music as this new album shows as well as having an impressive history and back catalogue.
‘Our World Tomorrow’ from album ‘Something’s Got To Give’ slows the tempo down, emphasising even more the clever lyrics and the musicianship shines with choppy rhythms and wicked leads. ‘Who’s Side Are You On’ ringing out around the room. They continue with ‘Empire Vultures’ a classy mid paced rocker with riffs akin to Slaughter and the Dogs with some guitar lines even bordering on Mott the Hoople. Catchy stuff.
They dedicate an early track, the glam ridden ‘Stick It To The Man’ to The Dregs. The glam beat is cool and the song ultra catchy with the audience in full voice as Timmy encourages the crowd participation. This is how to do a glam track – others take note. If anyone was concerned how they would follow that, in total contrast they go into ‘Shot of Feelings’ from the new album – a fast-paced ripper of a tune bordering on heavy rock.
As the eerie guitar and Tom rhythm of ‘Night Time’ kick in we know we are nearing the end of the set. This is a cool cover of this classic track. Interweaving it with I’m Bored by Iggy Pop gives an added dimension as both guitars create an amazing wall of noise.
This was a cool end to a great night and the DeRellas really put on a show. If the Dolls, Stooges, Heartbreakers, Dead Boys, MC5 and Radio Birdman is your thing you should definitely get to one of their shows and obtain a copy of their new album. The songs, vocals and musicianship are first class. Their back catalogue is worth checking out too.
https://thederellas.bandcamp.com/album/trust-me-this-is-going-to-hurt
https://www.facebook.com/TheDeRellas
The first Dracula’s Garage gig for a while was a great success and the crowd reaction was testament to that. Dave Checkley, Lyse (playing some of the coolest tunes), Rob Bruce and Rob the sound guy at the Tower of Song played a blinder as always. Long may it continue.
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HK29kG1E2/?mibextid=wwXIfr
