EP review by; Rock Queen 13
The new self-titled City Kids EP features four covers of classic Motorhead tracks from the grimy punk rock n’ roll supergroup themselves along with a good handful of very special guests thrown in to add extra flavour. Formed originally during the endless days of lockdown the EP marks the band’s second anniversary and pays tribute to the late, great Lemmy Kilmister by starting the pre order on what would have been his birthday. The single ‘Motorhead’ (B side to this being ‘City Kids’ where the band’s name comes from) has its 45th anniversary also, what more reason for a celebratory new release do you need than that?
The City Kids don’t play safe when it comes to their particular brand of rock n’ roll, which is why they’ve always been a firm favourite with all of us who like their music a little riskier and more unafraid. As Lemmy himself once said – ‘Everyone wants to be safe’ and ‘you can be as careful as you want but you’re gonna die anyway so why not have fun?’ Precisely. So, The City Kids decided to have their fun with four Motorhead anthems in their typical, decidedly unsafe but enormously entertaining style. They play dirty and they take risks, and that’s what everyone loves about them.
This EP is Motorhead through and through, the band have grabbed the very lifeblood of these songs and wrung their necks a little further. In addition to The City Kids line up of JJ Watt (vocals and guitar, The Main Grains) Berty Burton (bass, Tigertailz) Dennis Post (guitar, Warrior Soul) and Dave Sanders (drums, Falling Red) a whole host of uber talented mates have come along to collaborate and add their skills to honour the phenomenal machine that was Motorhead. Even the EP cover is Motorhead-esque, there is no mistaking what’s being vociferated here.
The opening track is in fact none other than ‘City Kids’ itself, featuring Frank Meyer from The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs on additional vocals. It kicks off in true City Kids style – sleazy, devilish and gritty. JJ’s gravelly vocals suit the track perfectly, and their version runs slightly slower than the original which gives you the chance to hear more of what goes on in it. Dennis Post’s extended guitar solo rides high, the bass is heavy and the drums hammer away to drive it all over the finish line with a substantial amount of flourish.
We then get ‘Bomber’, fast paced, starting up with a killer riff that straight away lights up that proverbial fire, Post giving it some boisterous vocals full of attitude, this song is pure punk done the way it’s supposed to be. ‘Bomber’ is of course a Motorhead classic, and this is a fine tribute, it’s noisy, chaotic, and I would dispute anyone that claims to be able to sit still when its on. This is a track I can’t wait to hear played live, its guaranteed to blow up an audience. It features Jay Pepper (Tigertailz) on guitar and drums are covered by Ivan Tambec of Warrior Soul, and their influence adds an extra layer of essential rock n’ roll mania you can’t ignore.
With barely enough time to draw breath we are launched into a savage version of ‘Please Don’t Touch’ featuring Ruyter Suys of Nashville Pussy sharing the vocals with JJ. Ruyter captures the spirit of this song expertly, punking it up to another level of misrule, matching JJ step for step in attitude and mayhem. Guitar solos this time are shared with Dave Kerr (Silverjet) and Andy Barrott (Dukes of Bordello) and it really does sound like everyone’s descended into one big riotous party. Immensely enjoyable.
Finally, thundering drums burst open into ‘Born To Raise Hell’, and this is a marvellous free-for-all, full of rowdy joy. We have Dennis post, Frank Meyer and Eddie Spaghetti from The Supersuckers all on vocals, Meyer again on lead guitar, and JJ, Berty Burton and Dave Sanders smashing their way through, doing that unique City Kids thing of stripping dirty rock n’ roll right back to its very knucklebones.
All in all, this EP is rough and ready, full of rock n’ roll swagger, vibrant, brutal without being hostile, and tremendous fun to listen to. Everyone is on top form, they all sound just the wrong side of perfect which is exactly where we want them to be. Its available to order on CD or download from Very Fried Artists via the band’s website here - https://thecitykids.net/store
Tracklisting;
1 - City Kids (JJ lead vocals)
Guests- Frank Meyer (The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs)- additional vocals
2 - Bomber (Dennis lead vocals)
Guests - Ivan Tambac (Warrior Soul) – Drums, Jay Pepper (Tigertailz) - Lead Guitars
3 - Please Don't Touch (JJ lead vocals)
Guests - Ruyter Suys (Nashville Pussy) - Lead Vocals, Frank Meyer (The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs) - Vocals, Piano, Andy Barrott (The Dukes Of Bordello/Chrome Molly) - Lead Guitars, Dave Kerr (Silverjet) - Lead Guitars
4 - Born To Raise Hell (Dennis lead vocals)
Guests - Eddie Spaghetti (Supersuckers) - Lead Vocals, Frank Meyer (The Streetwalkin' Cheetahs) - Lead Vocals, Lead Guitars
Catch The City Kids live on their upcoming tour at Crazy Cowboy Festival 7 – Tickets available here https://www.wegottickets.com/event/513400
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