REVIEWS

FANZINE REVIEWS

Bands included are:- Gimp Fist, Stuntface, Koncept, The Red Eyes

Review 1

Instead of the usual split between 2 bands, this is 4 bands…and 4 countries. England’s Gimp Fist, Stuntface from Wales, Belgians Koncept and my fellow Scots the Red Eyes.

Gimp Fist have the two opening tracks. They are one of the best current UK bands and these two tracks show their full potential – ’Brotherhood’ has more of an Oi sound (think Cock Sparrer and the Business) and ’More War Stories’ with it’s reggae vibe wouldn’t sound out of place on a Clash album.

Stuntface are next, the only band on here I hadn’t heard and they are great too. Love the harmonies on ’Every Dog Has It’s Day’ and fantastic hate song ’Go To Hell Blues’. Nothing fancy here, just catchy as fuck punk the way it should be.

And it leads nicely into Koncept, who sing in both English and Flemish. There is one of each on here and both are great, fast but melodic punk. ’World Today’ is over in a flash. I think ’Belspelltjes’ is the better of the two and not just because the phone noises confused my boyfriend who didn’t realise it was on the CD.

Last, and totally different from all the others on here, are The Red Eyes who play classic 77 style punk. I don’t know how anyone can not like them. These two are among their finest – ’Norah Louise Kuzma’ is the one everyone knows but I prefer the final track ’Wake Up Call’.

This split is a great idea – a way to hear some new bands without shelling out for all their albums. I hope Volume 2 isn’t far off.

For more info go to www.slit.me

Reviewed by Jean Marie - January 08 (Scotland)

Review 2

This various artists complitation is a collaboration between Fungal Punk and the newly formed Slit Records. It features two tracks each from four bands, each representing a different country. First band up are England’s Gimpfist a band who are right at the top of my list of bands to see live. ’Brotherhood’ their first track is a good old school singalong with some nice guitar riffs but their second track ’More War Stories’ has distinct similarites with reggae tracks by The Clash such as The Guns Of Brixton. I must say that I thought this song actually surpassed The Clashes reggae offerings for quality and this band also have The Clashes ability to diversify which is always the hallmark of any good band. One of the best songs I have heard in the last year.
Next up are Welsh trio Stuntface. I wasn’t sure about this lot when they first went from a foursome to a trio but now it seems like they have managed to retain their great sound. ’Every Dog Has Its Day’ and ’Go To Hell Blues’ are both fast, furious and catchy songs that bridge the gap between punk and hardcore. Two great songs from one of the best bands to come out of Wales.
Belgium’s Koncept are the next band to display their talents. I’d not heard much by Koncept but after hearing ’World Today’ and ’Belspelletjes’ two fast paced, aggressively sung songs i’ll be on the hunt for more by them.
Finally come ’Norah Louise Kuzmah’ and ’Wake Up Call’ two tracks by Scotland’s The Red Eyes. I’d put both these songs in the pop punk bracket, they’re more melodic and tuneful than raw and aggressive but as with most pop punk tunes they’re very catchy. At only £2 for this well produced CD this is a snip from two guys who are motivated by music and not money.

Reviewed by Tim ’Punk4Life’ Davies - January 08 (UK)

The first Slit and Sawdust CD and its a cracker - four great bands with different styles from 4 countries all playing great punk rock. Tracks 1 and 2 are by Gimpfist from England and these lads go from strength to strength. Track 1 is ’Brotherhood’, a blistering Oi anthem and a call for unity whereas track 2 ’More War Stories’ slows things down a little with more of a reggae beat and inciteful anti-war lyrics. This band play with a smile on their faces and are great live if there is any justice they will get the success they deserve.

Tracks 3 and 4 by Stuntface from Wales have a real hardcore influence to the sound. ’Every Dog Has Its Day’ storms in at 100mph and ’Go To Hell Blues’ is another high octane song from a very good band.

Tracks 5 and 6 take us to Belgium and Koncept who describe their music as Bulldozerpunk! ’World Today’ kicks in slowly and is a good punk song. ’Belspelletjes’ is maybe where the Bulldozer comes in as it is a storming 100mph from the word go - don’t ask me what they are singing because as a typical Englishman I have’nt a clue about other languages but it doesn’t matter- its loud, fast brilliant punk neither songs last long but who cares when they are this good.

To Scotland for tracks 7 and 8 from The Red Eyes. ’Norah Louise Kuzmah’ deals with the story of Traci Lords the American porn star and the fall out when she was found to be under age. A very good song and these lads are at the more tuneful end of the punk spectrum and remind me of 999 or the Lurkers. The final track ’Wake Up Call’ has all the urgency of the early Undertones and they may take some influence from all these bands and then put their own stamp on it. Very good both musically and lyrically.

This CD has something for anybody who likes punk. 4 bands all with their own style from Oi to Hardcore and the more poppy sound of The Red Eyes. OMD and Slit Records who compiled it have set themselves a hard act to follow, the standard on here is so good I can’t fault any of the bands. Roll on volume 2.

Review 4

A four way split CD, three bands from the U.K. mainland (Wales, England and Scotland) and one from Belgium. First up is from England, GIMP FIST. The song ’Brotherhood’ is a sing-along anthem for all the punks not dead. "More War Stories" is a well crafted reggae styled song about the futility of war.

The next band from Wales is STUNTFACE and their first song called ’Every Dog Has Its Day’. A hardcore burst with positive and never gives up type lyrics. ’Go To Hell Blues’. This song is in the title, a song telling someone to go to hell with music full of energy and some decent guitar riffs.

Off to Belgium we go with KONCEPT. ’World Today’ is a hardcore song touching on the American style, about being confused about the world. ’Belspelletjes’, no idea what the song is about (possibly a phone call) but what a great hardcore song. One of the best I’ve heard in ages, loads of aggression and a delivery of a boot to the face!

Back to the mainland and up north to Scotland and THE RED EYES. An ode to ’Norah Louise Kuzmah’. A very melodic song and what seems to be a childhood crush on this woman back in the 60’s. The next and final song on the CD is ’Wake Up Call’. An upbeat, and a bit surf-like song about a revelation in a relationship.

Overall it’s a fine CD with a fine selection from each country, lots of good tunes and for only £2 it’s a steal!

Reviewed by Hugh, February 2008 (Ireland)

Review 5

As soon as I received this CD from Fungalpunk my anticipation that it would be good music rocketed as here is a guy who is one of the greats, a true believer and one of the few that love the music and the scene. So to the CD - first up is Gimpfist from Darlington and having seen these ’live’ I got exactly what I expected - quality Oi Punk Gimp style! The first track ’Brotherhood’ blasts through with a catchy chorus sticking to your head like Superglue and the second track is the Rancid/Clash feeling ’More War Stories’ another quality track with a great pumping ska feel and haunting lyrics showing the diversity that is Gimpfist.

Next up is Stuntface from Wrexham - Welsh Punkers who I have not heard before. First up is ’Every Dog Has Its Day’ cracking in from the start with no prisoners taken as the song builds to the chorus and what a chorus - complete with harmonised backing vocals - this I have got to hear live! Next up from them is ’Go To Hell Blues’ a kind of street metal song fat fast guitar riff backed by solid pounding rhythm - it Rocks is all I can say!

Third band up is Koncept from Belguim - Blistering Bulldozer punk and the first track is ’World Today’ and it steams through at a great pace and really gives you something to think about. The second track ’Belspelletjes’ sang in their native tongue adds an extra edge and although I don’t understand what they are singing about I prefer the way it is sung and this track is even quicker but loses none of the quality.

Final band on this CD are The Red Eyes from Glasgow! ’Norah Louise Kuzmah’ reminds me of early Business in sound mixed with late 70s Punk - more melody then fury and its quality - so much so I wanna know who she is! Great sing along track and then to their second track and the final track of this CD ’Wake Up Call’ another great sing along song that rocks along nicely and again, another band I must see live.

So to sum up as I expected time and effort has gone into picking 4 top bands and Fungalpunk shows again his passion for quality bands he obviously loves. Everyone should get this CD and support all four bands as they are out there doing it for the love of it and we should fucking well acknowledge that by supporting them. Long live the Gutter Cult and Long live FungalPunk for helping these bands get to a wider audience roll on Volume 2!

Reviewed by Woodstock, February 2008 (England)

FUNGALPUNK - CD REVIEWS

THE RED EYES - NORAH LOUISE KUZMAH EP

A very classy offering here from a band who certainly know how to compose a good song. Rather than follow the quick, bang boom approach of quite a few punk outfits this is of a more methodical approach with clear emphasis on melody and complimentary structure.

’Norah Louise Kuzmah’ opens this choice quartet with a tale about porn actress Traci Lords and a view on her life thus far. It’s a choice song and sets a high standard that The Red Eyes consistently live up to. The next offering is a risky cover in the form of ’H-Eyes’ a Ruts classic no less and one of my favourite songs from this accomplished band. The Red Eyes do their own thing with this number and give it a whole new essence without straying too far from the original. Does it work? You bet your ass it works and it reflects the quality of this band in general.

.Next ’All Dressed Up’ and yet again the nail is hit right on the head with a great flowing song reinforced by good lyrical matter. The CD closes with ’Rottenrow Baby’ a more simplistic tune but again a winner.

The Red Eyes are becoming a bit of a fave of mine and the approach and content of their productions so far is quite impressive. I am surprised they are not more well known but the sometimes insular nature of the punk beast can be responsible for holding back many a talent. Case in point here!

"FUNGAL NATURE"
UP TO OUR EYES IN IT CD ALBUM

FUNGALPUNK - CD REVIEWS Page 1

THE RED EYES - UP TO OUR EYES IN IT

And yet another CD from The Red Eyes which I recieved with a pre-warning from lead vocalist and rhythm guitar maestro Alan Bishop that 'the production isn't as good as the other two'. Fuckin' hell talk about high standards! This album would put most CD's I recieve to shame and these are ones I still deem enjoyable. This is a real adequate job and I personally enjoy this album and rate it very highly. It is instantaneously recognisable and offers a good variety of tempo and style.

Opening up is the beer swilling ditty called 'Alco-Fuelled'. A real good starter and from here the standard never dips. The CD is an unwavering piece of work throughout and one upbeat song after another is majestically played by 4 artistes on top form. This is an established band in terms of musical outpourings and the songs break away from the sub 2-minute punk rock formula (in fact there is only one below the 2 minute period) and show a more learned and thoughtful approach.

Many a fine tune here with a different one coming to the fore with every listen. Personal faves of mine are the signature tune 'Red Eyes' - a great chorus, 'Tabloid Sleaze' which is punky in lyric and again just a stonking tune and the real classy 'It's Criminal' which brings in combinations of ska and reggae and mixes them oh so subtly to produce a somewhat 'Ruts-esque' sound that exudes a different dimension to a great band.

3 out of 3 for The Red Eyes and I find it hard to determine where on earth I am going to find fault with this lot. That's how good it is and if I was going to find any fault at all then maybe they may be a bit too cultured for some punk crowds. Clutching at straws there but if you check out any songs by this lot I would be interested in what complaints you would have - coz I ain't got none.

"FUNGAL NATURE"
THE RED EYES – ON PRESCRIPTION

A bloody good effort here with a sound bordering on punk, psychobilly, rockabilly etc. but never quite categorising itself thus remaining upbeat and refreshing. The vocals are exceedingly good indeed with a clear gruffness and steadiness of tone that really does the job. ‘Wake Up Call’, and ‘Something In The Way’ are a triumphant duo of melody and spring along with toe-tapping brilliance whilst ‘The Black Box’ is more deliberate and forceful in rhythm. At this point in proceedings I am finding the whole sound similar in effect to a Turbo AC’s presentation in the fact that it real does feel like highway driving music and destined to be played by cowboy booted truckers or open top cruisers along some winding freeway into the sunset. ‘Forever’ springs hope eternal and is a joyously emotional montage of optimism whereas ‘I Can’t Get’ comes across as more downbeat and defeatist. Each one is a superb track and highlights The Red Eyes ability to approach songs and subjects from various angles and views. The further one gets into the CD the more it becomes apparent that this is an accomplished unit making music for the sheer fuckin’ pleasure of it. The main theme seems to be relationship problems and the opposing opinions of genders that quite often results in misunderstandings on all fronts. Hardly political and punk but what the fuck is punk about anyway? If it’s honest, spirited and very passionate then that’s punk and for me this embraces all.

‘Bad Girl’ is a sing-a-long beauty, ‘(Its Not) The End Of The World’ continues the upbeat and defiant theme with ‘Who’s Sorry Now’ a sobering gem dealing with one of life’s unfortunate realities and the finale of ‘Split Personality’ being the best of the lot.

A superior offering from an accomplished set of performers who certainly know how to thrash out a darn fine tune. Get your seatbelt fastened, switch on the engine, get this excellent offering turning, hit those roads and enjoy!

"STREET VOICE"
ON PRESCRIPTION CD ALBUM & NORAH LOUISE KUZMA CD E.P

THE RED EYES - ON PRESCRIPTION:
I first heard of the Red Eyes back in the 90's when a friend lent me a CD he had picked up off the band while supporting Stiff Little Fingers. From then on I don't think I ever heard this band again until I came across them on My Space. They sent me this twelve track album which has been out for a while now and it's not a bad listen either. My only real grumble is the weak production - Personally I would've captured more of the guitars in the mix. Still there's some good Punk/New Wave tunes on here such as 'Forever', 'Bad Girl', 'The End Of The World' and 'Who's Sorry Now?' I have to say overall there isn't a bad track on here - Just a couple that needed a proper mix. This album comes reasonably packaged with a lyric booklet so you can sing along to some of the finer tunes on here. 7/10

The Red Eyes On My Space

_______________________

THE RED EYES - NORAH LOUISE KUZMA EP:

I really like this EP. There's some good tunes on and the production comes across much better than the above album. This opens up with the title track 'Norah Louise Kuzma' which is the best track on here. From then on there's some great moments on this EP. Second track up is a cover of 'H-Eyes' by 'The Ruts'. This cover is spot on and the band should be praised for giving this Punk Rock classic the justice it deserves. 'All Dressed Up(Nowhere To Go) is the weakest number on here but it deserves a place on this EP. The final track 'Rottenrow Baby' is a good closing number and wasn't too far behind the opening track quality wise. A great introduction to this Scottish Punk/New Wave band 8/10

"PUNK SHOCKER. NO.11"
THE RED EYES - "ON PRESCRIPTION" CD ALBUM

This is real old school '77 Punk ala SLF/SLAUGHTER & THE DOGS/LURKERS, with a dash of Rock'n'Roll thrown in for good measure. The production is pretty hot & there are some fine trax here, like the opening 3 songs & "Who's Sorry Now"-which is certainly their best effort lyrically. The rest is rather mediocre, a little too Poppy in places & the personal lyrics get tedious after a while. 3/5

"CODEYE. NO.14 - FANZINE"
THE RED EYES – “NORAH LOUISE KUZMA” E.P.

4 tracks of 1977 style Punk featuring the two tracks from the C.D. single “All Dressed Up (Nowhere To Go )”, a cover of The Ruts “H-Eyes” and the title track which sounds like a cross between The Jam and The Vapours. Interviewed these guys in Codeye. 13, that’s how good they are. They also have two albums for sale “Up To Our Eyes In It” and “On Prescription”.

"WWW.RIPPINGTHRASH.COM"
THE RED EYES. “ON PRESCRIPTION” CD.

I think it’s been said in other zines that this Band/Album is rather bland and I’d go along with that. I suppose they’re good at what they do ie. Mainstream kinda Rock/Punk ala late 70’s but not for me.

"NIHILISM ON THE PROWL / WORLD POWER OR RUIN"
THE RED EYES. “NORAH LOUISE KUZMA” E.P.

4 tracks here from Glasgow’s slickest bunch of melodic Punk Rockers. The Red Eyes lineage is a former SLF cover band HANX! which seems to have been a good springboard to conduct business via their measured but intelligent song structures that reflect an uncanny knack for a tune. The Red Eyes have been together since 1997 and may be lacking an immediate Punk presence or Hardcore grit in the 21st century but what they do give us is a competent, audible Punk sound that’s wrapped in a strictly late 70’s sound. Of course this may be old hat to some spiky ears these days, but I know I would rather listen to this than some intense Jack Russell growling above a million mile’s an hour backbeat.

Title track and cover star theme, the alluring “Norah Louise Kuzma” is definitely the best track of the bunch. But who the fuck is Norah? After consulting singer/songwriter Alan, and doing some rather intensive research (ahem!), it turns out to be none other than porn star Traci Lords! You live ‘n’ learn don’tcha! The Red Eyes seem to know Traci very well as they tell her sanitised life story on top of a good tune. And with Alan’s uncanny Paul Weller delivery you can’t help but notice a distinct Jam vibe, circa “All Mod Cons” resonating around these Scots. They even have the clean cut Rickenbacker guitar sound down to a tee. They follow it up with a leisurely romp through “H-Eyes” by The Ruts, which was lacking the burning intensity of the original, but delivered well enough to get a slot on the next Ruts cover album. 3rd track “All Dressed Up ( Nowhere to Go )” continues the relaxed pace, which by now should’ve had the momentum upped a gear or two. It did come with neat lead break though. Final track “Rottenrow Baby” continues the high quality delivery but lyrically this didn’t really captivate me. The Red Eyes need more pace to send their intricate tunes home coz that’s where they would hit the bulls eye everytime if they captured a more intense sound of urgency. WORTH A LISTEN!

"4 MINUTE WARNING” ISSUE 8 2005"
"NORAH LOUISE KUZMA" E.P

It’s been a while since I’ve heard anything from Scotland’s Red Eyes, but now they’re back with a brand new four track EP which consists of three new numbers “Norah Louise Kuzma”, “All Dressed Up (Nowhere To Go)”, “Rottenrow Baby” plus a good cover version of The Ruta anti-smack song “H-Eyes”. Possibly Scotlands answer to Chelsea (Not the wealthy footie team!) England’s very own Gene October.

"PUNK & OI IN THE UK WEBSITE"
THE RED EYES - ON PRESCRIPTION (FALLING DOWN RECORDS)

Now I've heard of this band but never heard anything by them. I now know they are from Glasgow and were formed in 1997. They play '77-style melodic Punk / New Wave a la The Boys, Leighton Buzzards, etc.
This is a cracking album! It's been quite a while since I've heard an album that I like on first play but this had me hooked from the first track. I'll be definitely checking out this band again.
PAUL

"THE ORIGINAL SIN - NO 29"
THE RED EYES - UP TO OUR EYES IN IT

Mighty lord!!! If you hear this album you can only come to one conclusion- "They must be in love with Stiff Little Fingers" and reading their biog, you know they are.they've even supported them. If Stiff Little Fingers sound like Arabic for you then I can say it like this: "80's punk that became immortal 'cos it was more about melodies rather than attitude". Not that attitude wasn't important or so but it's not because you're wearing a "No Future" badge that you can claim you're a great musician! The Red Eyes understand this and they might look like ordinary people but the punk-factor is in their music. Some songs ("What The Censor Saw" for instance) would fit fine on those albums "Classic Punk from the 80's" you play now and then - and that is a victory. Great Punk Rock album, boys!!!

"RIPPING THRASH - ISSUE 20"
THE RED EYES - UP TO OUR EYES IN IT

A self released CD album from this Scottish band. Tuneful punk rock is the order of the day here. Some good and catchy tracks, but other tracks are a bit too "light", more anger and aggression wouldn't go amiss. Some tracks seem to have more of a rocky feel to them. I dunno' if anyone remembers 'em, but they remind me of Welsh band Blind Justice from a few years back, they also had a kind of soft sound while still sounding punk rock. Lyrics on this are OK, stuff about TV and the wastefulness of society around us. Not bad, but won't be everyone's cup of tea.

"BALD CACTUS - # 17"
THE RED EYES - UP TO OUR EYES IN IT

The Red Eyes play music similar to bands like the Guitar Gangsters, ie; sort of mid-paced tuneful punk totally influenced by post "Inflammable Material" S.L.F and post "Teenage Warning" Upstarts ( The song "Red Eyes" is in fact a total rip-off of the Upstarts "I Wanna' Knighthood"). A few guitar leads here and there among what to me is just foot tapping, head nodding background music. Well produced but it doesn't do much for me. 4/10

"AGAINST ALL ODDS - ISSUE 4"
THE RED EYES - UP TO OUR EYES IN IT

A new band to me but they've supported the likes of Stiff Little Fingers. I was lent the C.D. and on most part it was great. You can tell they're well into S.L.F. but some tunes are a tad more rockier. Tracks that stood out for me were "The Grass Is Always Greener", "Red Eyes", and "Good Riddance". Check them out!!! 8/10

"GET A LIFE - ISSUE 8"
THE RED EYES - UP TO OUR EYES IN IT

The Red Eyes have started to establish a following amongst SLF fans following their live performances supporting SLF last March, where their energetic & catchy set grabbed the attention of the crowd. In particular their hometown show at Glasgow Barrowlands stands out, never before have I seen a band supporting ( not including festivals) get such a great reaction both when playing and at the merchandise stall afterwards. This year The Red Eyes will again be supporting SLF at the Barrowlands so make sure you get there early and don't miss them. Last September The Red Eyes went into the studio to record their debut album entitled "Up To Our Eyes In It."

When I reviewed the band's demo tape, I gave it 5/5 but that was just a demo tape and that is the perspective I reviewed it from. This is the real thing - a professionally produced CD featuring the band's live favourites alongside some newer material. The album kicks off with the sound of a noisy pub to give it that atmosphere and some people might mistake it for a live album but it soon kicks in to their drinking anthem "Alco-fuelled" which sounds so much better than the demo version. Two more songs from the original demo tape follow, the great two chord "Posted Missing" and my personal favourite from the original demo "Last Days Of Your Life" with its
excellent catchy riff, clever rhyming and good solo. Track 4 is the band ode to the tabloids such as the Daily Sport or News of the World. Next is my personal favourite from the album "The Grass Is Always Greener" which I think is a potential hit (any record company execs out there, check this out). By this stage it has become apparent that Alan's voice has improved since the demo. Next up is the self-titled Upstarts-esque "Red Eyes" followed by the catchy "The Daydreamer". "Good Riddance" is another one of my faves off the album, pop-punk at its best. The band then show their reggae influences with the superb "It's Criminal" with a great brass section. I love the way the song speeds up going into the chorus. The album really kicks back into pop-punk territory with "Take A Good Look" which has a great drum intro and a superb chorus with stop-start guitars. "Yesterday's Hero" has undergone some surgery since the original demo version and is very SLF-y. The album finishes off with what was essentially an experimental song"What The Censor Saw" which features some really good bass work. I've been told this song sounds even better live.

All in all this is a great pop-punk album and really deserves to have a record company behind it giving it that extra push. All really catchy songs and showing quite a diversity of styles. If you can't catch this band at the Barrowlands in March, watch out for them playing live and DEFINITELY buy this album.

"SAVAGE AMUSEMENT - ISSUE 12"
THE RED EYES - UP TO OUR EYES IN IT

This kicks off in melodic 77 punk style with "Alco-Fuelled" before going downhill very fast with two awful indie rock numbers. And then (last song aside) it's back to tuneful 77 punk, lifting tunes from bands as diverse as The Crack and Department S on the way. These have the potential, all they need is to crank things up a notch and get rid of the pop/rock vocals (not only do they gig with SLF, it sounds like they've been listening to their recent albums, thus spoiling what could have been a really good CD).

"RUNNIN' FEART -ISSUE 8"
THE RED EYES - ON PRESCRIPTION

This is The Red Eyes 2nd D.I.Y. CD and it's just as good as the last one, some great melodic tunes on this CD, my favourites are "I Can't Get" and"Split Personality".

"RIOT ON YOUR OWN - (10)""
THE RED EYES - ON PRESCRIPTION

Straight outta'1979, good old fashioned punky new wave with hooklines all over the show. The first two tracks "Wake-Up Call" and "Something In The Way" are belters with sing-along chorus's and everything. There after it tends to drop off the pace every so often. Still pretty good though and typical of what punk WAS all about, independently released, street music without a hint of anarchogrind to cover up musical ineptitude and crap lyrics.

"A RIOT DOWN THE LANE" - COMP CD"
THE RED EYES - "WAKE-UP CALL" ( TAKEN FROM THE CD ALBUM-ON PRESCRIPTION )

Got their CD "On Prescription" thru' the post and was well impressed. Good old-fashioned new-wave style punk rock, laden with hook lines all over the bloody place. They incidently were the first band to agree to donate a track to this CD.
Ta lads.

"CODEYE - 9"
THE RED EYES - ON PRESCRIPTION

Fucking ace. This is what we want more of in the pages of CODEYE. If more bands were as good as THE RED EYES it would make my life easy. 1977 style Punk with a modern touch to it.12 sing-along classics and not a bad one in sight.

"SAVAGE AMUSEMENT -NO 15"
THE RED EYES - ON PRESCRIPTION

Music for the "SLF gig" generation. Melodic punk with a rock edge. Lyrics in the vein of The Guitar Gangsters. The Red Eyes can play, write good tunes, and - as far as "personal" lyrics go, are pretty good at it. But they put me in mind of a pub covers band ( the type who mix The Pistols, The Stones and Sabbath in the same set) that finally got round to writing their own stuff.

This gets off to a good start with the songs "Wake-Up Call" and "Something In The Way", but gradually loses it's way. There's an instrumental. Some songs cross the thin punk/rock line, and some of the backing vocals had me cringing as if it were Keith Harris & Orville doing a Xmas song. To sum it up, it needs a bit of controversy. A bit of an edge. A bit of DANGER. 3/5

"4 MINUTE WARNING - ISSUE 4"
THE RED EYES - ON PRESCRIPTION

Yes the front cover of this CD includes a photo of this Scottish band, wearing white coats. Thankfully they're not mad scientists or trainee shrinks, but a punk band that have dug deep into their punk rock past. The Red Eyes play their brand of punk rock in the style of Chelsea, think "Urban Kids" and "The Loner", and it's not a bad thing either as most street punk bands these days seem to only copy one style, so it's good to hear The Red Eyes take a slightly different path. They've already supported The Vibrators, SLF and U.K. Subs. Tracks on this CD. Include "Wake-Up Call",
"The Black Box", "Bad Girl", and "Bullshit Detector" ( no we're not talking Crass here ).

Check out this album and the rest of The Red Eyes back catalogue.

"RANT - NO 3"
THE RED EYES - ON PRESCRIPTION

12 Tracks of 80's style new wave crashing into the camps of a very melodic version of The Members, springs to mind. Certain melodies on offer come close to treading the boards of the softer Mod that was about back then. The production is very good, but a little too sanitized in my opinion. Despite this you get solid bass lines and well structured vocals and guitar, the cream of the crop being "Bullshit Detector", "I Cant Get" and the opening track "Wake-Up Call". Those seeking out melodic pop-punk will like this.

"BARBIES DEAD - ISSUE NO 4"
THE RED EYES - ON PRESCRIPTION

12 Trax. Dropped thru' the letter box in time to meet the deadline. This is one of the examples of what doing a fanzine is all about-----freebies and the introduction to NEW bands. Makes you feel like the minor league John Peel. It's always a thrill to know that the communication network of zines is alive and well and obviously working. Many thanks to the band for sending this to me. It does work both ways as the immense amount of publicity it will now receive almost ensures superstar status for The Red Eyes now. So stop jabbering and review it then. Firstly, this to me is a refreshing
change, in fact a bit of a throwback. To give reference points I would say Chelsea ( partic the vocals ) and Dr Feelgood. Also maybe think early Chiswick stuff ( all you fellow OAP punx ), Little Bob Story / Gorillas even. Solid sounding CD. The band are all kitted out in their Doctors gear on the front cover and you also get a lyric sheet. All fine numbers except"Bad Girl" which is a reminder of awful poodle-permed HM bands from the 80' s, one of the worst being Plymouth smarms Karralon. Otherwise a good album.
Ta again.

"JELLYBRAIN - NO 10"
THE RED EYES - ON PRESCRIPTION

Did this band have something to do with an SLF tribute band? I'm not sure, but there's a bit of an influence in there anyway. I'm sure I'm safe to say that this would probably be more up the alley of lovers of early UK punk.
But that's not to say it doesn't sound fresh, cos' it does, and they certainly know their way around a good song or twelve. "The Black Box" has a Slaughter & The Dogs feel to it, showing where they're coming from, and this gets a resounding thumbs up from the Jellybrain board of censors.

"HERE BE MONSTERS - NO 24"
THE RED EYES - ON PRESCRIPTION

Nice to see these chaps back again and still churning out their own take on chirpy 80's styled street punk - here made all the better coz they're captured really well ( like even on CD there's a slightly distorted edge ! ). 12 Tracks.

"WORLD POWER OR RUIN - 2001"
THE RED EYES. “ON PRESCRIPTION” CD.

The Red Eyes are heavily influenced by late 70's "British New Wave" and formed in Glasgow, Scotland May 1997. Glad to say they've come on a load since their disappointing debut "Up To Our Eyes In It" released back in 1998. They were then just a squeaky clean bland outfit who were about as exciting as contracting a dose of the pox in the Clydebank tenements. But over 2 years later they've cleaned up their act or should I say polished it with "On Prescription". They've returned to produce a slick album with some good touches. These 12 snappy tunes can even give an uncultured swine like me a much needed dose of medication. So there's hope boys even though the
sickly smell of pop is still lingering in a lot of the tracks. It's camouflaged cleverly by addictive tunes coated with an easy on the ear style. Main man ( Phil Mitchell look-alike ) and key singer/songwriter Alan Bishop, still gives us that semi-gruff Welleresque vocal style. But he's still missing a ??????????? get excited about. He more than makes up for this setback in his confident song writing credits. And another noticeable improvement is the inclusion of new lead guitarist, the roly poly James 'H' Hirshall. He's definitely made his mark on the band. And those sometimes hilarious hi-pitched, but memorable backing vocals give some of the better tracks a new dimension. Take "Bad Girl" probably their best track on here. Which is in typical throwaway pop punk territory but done with suss and worthy of a bigger audience. The Red Eyes sing about everyday life mainly involving dysfunctional girls ( they wish !). So no deep meaningful preaching here just escapist fun. And you know What? You sometimes need that dimension in punk. They're accomplished musicians no doubt, but they still ain't managed to capture or combine the power of songs like "I Can't Get" or the addictive "Bullshit Detector" into more of their set. Pity because it would give them way more scope. They've got a slight feel of The Jam's "This Is The Modern World" album on some numbers like "Forever" or R'n'B "(It's Not) The End Of The World" which sounds good. However they're most accomplished track musically is the epic slow burner "Who's Sorry Now". All about a hit 'n' run which has depth without getting too self-indulgent. You might need to play this a few times before you get the feel, but it's worth it. One tip boys, leave yerself off the front cover next time as I doubt even the most delinquent bird would entertain Red Eyes on prescription. Comes with lyrics and is released on the band's own label so fair play for determination.