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the strains

  • Strains 45“Running the Lines” b/w “Checkin’ Out” – The Strains (I-94 Recordings)

     It sounds cliched in these transnational times, but you can still get a sense of where a band lives from the sound of their records. The Strains are undeniably denizens of  the Motor City, with that gritty and uncompromising, blue collar guitar sound that’s rooted in the blues and late ‘60s heavy rock.

    A side “Running Time” rides a wave of searing guitars, courtesy of Gretta Smak and Jamy Halliday, a tearaway tempo and the take-no-prisoners vocal of Paul Grace Smith (ex-Dumbell). It skids to a halt all too soon, running a touch over a coupla minutes. So play it again, Sam! Flip it and you’ll hear a spiffing cover of The Torpedos’ “Checkin’ Out” from 1979 (RIP Johnny Angelos) with a rolled gold minor chord melody that sticks like dogshit on your sneaker.

    When you read a one-sheet describing The Strains as "a Detroit version of the Patridge Family", c’mon, you can’t help but get happy, because a semblance of irony still exists in a very confused Amerika. It's not on our own I-94 Bar label but the much more active I-94 Recordings imprint from Detroit. Get it here. The Strains are currently touring the Midwest with Handsome Dick Manitoba and be warned their full-length self-titled album that you’ll find here is a killer.

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  • mc5 blind pig
    It will be a gathering of the faithful when some of Michigan’s most respected and enduring rock and roll acts take to the stage at the Blind Pig in Ann Arbor for “A Tribute to The MC5” on June 9.

    A fundraiser for the late Wayne Kramer’s Jail Guitar Doors Foundation that uses music to rehabilitate jail inmates, it was instigated by former Scott Morgan’s Powertrane bassist and current Mazingamember, Chris “Box” Taylor after the recent passing of the Five’s last man standing, drummer Dennis Thompson.

  • the strains cvrThe Strains – The Strains (No Solution Records)

    Rock and roll is usually at its best when kept simple and played hard. Detroit’s Euro-American outThe Strains know this well and deliver in spades.fit 

    With a bloodline that includes membership of Dark Carnival, Euro punks Dumbelland The Nitwitz, Cult Heroesand backing bands for Andre Williamsand Cub Koda, you should have more than an inkling that it’s going to be good. I’m happily here to tell you it’s much better than simply good.

    Recorded live in the studio with minimal overdubs, ”The Strains” is a no-nonsense instant classic. This band’s powered by a twin cab, heavy-duty engine room and armed with sawtooth twin guitars and attitude. Paul Grace-Smith spits out a dozen songs full with an anthemic, street savvy edge. These are stories about the streets and their populace. No bullshit. 

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I-94 Bar Records & Promotions presents
Pete Ross & The Sapphire
(single launch)
+  Looch Lewis & The Press Gangsters
Django Bar, Marrickville
- Apr 3
Tickets

 The Mick Medew & Ursula 4
+ Boondall Boys
+ Steve Towson
The Cave Inn, Woolloongabba  
- Mar 15
+ The Glycereens
+ Kathleen Turner Overdrive
Banshees. Ipswich
- Apr 5
w/ Painters & Dockers
+ Sunny Coast Rude Boys
The Triffid, Brisbane
- May 24

Kim Salmon’s Smoked Salmon
Australian Tour 
MAR
14 - Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine, Vic - Tix
20 - Smiths Alternative, Canberra - Tix
21 - La La La's, Wollongong - Tix
22 - Petersham Bowling Club, Sydney - Tix 
30 - Barwon Club, Geelong - Tix
APR
4 - Bearded Lady, Brisbane - Tix
5 - Vinnie's Dive Bar, Gold Coast - Tix
6 - Bangalow Bowlo, Bangalow, NSW - Tix
11 - The Grace Emily, Adelaide - Tix
12 - Northcote Social Club, Melbourne - Tix

“Little Green Festival”
Los Dominados + The Tommys
+ Pop Off! + New Rock Syndicate (JP)
+ Velvet Parade + Nihl + Tolson
+ Waco Social Club
St Kilda Sports Club
- Mar 29 (3pm)

Guitar Wolf
Australian Tour
MAR
21 - The Curtin, Melbourne
(w/ The Prize + The States)
22 - Bambra Music Festival (afternoon)
22 - Jerkiest 10, Barwon Club Hotel, Geelong
23 - Singing Bird Studios, Frankston VIC
(w/ Gnome + more! All Ages show, 4-9pm)
24 - Thornbury Picture House, Melba
(W/ "Wild Zero: screening)
25 - Trash Cult, Bendigo
(w/ Poppin' Mommas)
27 - The Bridge Hotel, Castlemaine, VIC
(w/Leon)
28 - Brisbane Crowbar
(w/ The Onyas + Eyes Ninety)
29 - Factory Floor, Sydney
(w/ Antenna + The Crankees)
APR
3 - Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
4 - Seasonal Brewing, Perth
(w/ Zerodent & The Murderbirds)
5 - Prince of Wales, Bunbury, WA
(w/ Turd!)
6 - Buffalo Club, Fremantle, WA
(5.30pm doors)
Tickets

The 5.6.7.8s
Australian Tour
MAR
20 – Sydney Crowbar
+ Psychotic Turnbuckles + Cheetah Beat
SOLD OUT!
21 – Powerhouse, Brisbane
Tickets
22 – High Country Hop Festival,
Beechworth, VIC
Tickets
23 – After Bar, Hobart
Tickets
25 – The Tote, Melbourne
SOLD OUT
26 – The Last Chance, Melbourne
Tickets

The Stranglers
50 Years In Black  
2025 Australasian Tour
MAR
13 - Powerstation, Auckland. NZ
15 - Meow Nui, Wellington, NZ
16 - Christchurch Town Hall, Christchurch, NZ 
19 - Enmore Theatre, Sydney
20 - The Tivoli, Brisbane
22- Forum, Melbourne
23 - The Gov, Adelaide
25 - Astor Theatre, Perth
Tickets

Ups & Downs
+ The Crystal Set
Marrickville Bowling Club
- Apr 10
SOLD OUT

Nursery Crimes
+ The Herbal Lunatics
+ fun again!
+ The Darrans
+ Bugg Music
Marrickville Bowling Club
- Apr 26
Tickets

The Stems
East Coast Australian Tour 2025
APR
23 - Northcote Social Club
24 - Sydney Crowbar
25 - Gum Ball Festival, Hunter Valley, NSW
26 - Old Museum, Brisbane
Tickets

Cherie Currie
Australian Tour
with Hot Machine
SEP
5 -  Rosemount, Perth
6 - Crown and Anchor, Adelaide
11 - The Corner Hotel, Melbourne
12 – Sydney Crowbar
13 – Brisbane Crowbar
Tickets

 

 

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