New album: Thee Headcoats || Irregularis (The Great Hiatus)

I don’t think artificial intelligence will take over the hobby of attic bloggers, but as an experiment I’d like to try it for once, and who better to be a guinea pig than the genius who puts out almost more music than we can listen to. This is how ChatGPT describes what a new album by Thee Headcoats would probably sound like: “Billy Childish is known for his raw and energetic style of garage rock, and his band Thee Headcoats is no exception. The band’s sound is characterized by fuzzy guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and Childish’s distinctive sneering vocals. Their music is often compared to 60s garage bands like The Sonics and The Kinks, with a punk rock attitude and a DIY ethos. Given the band’s history and musical style, it’s likely that a new album by Thee Headcoats will feature a collection of high-energy, gritty rock songs with a raw and unpolished sound. Fans can expect to hear Childish’s signature songwriting style and his band’s unique blend of garage, punk, and rock ‘n’ roll.” There’s not much to argue with that (right?), but I’d like to add that Irregularis (The Great Hiatus) is released 22 years after the last Headcoats LP, and that Billy Childish (vocals, guitar, bass), Johnny ‘Tub’ Johnson (bass, guitar) and Bruce Brand (drums, tambourine, maracas) play still as rough and rowdy as they did back then. You’ll hear 12 excting rhythm and beat songs, including a cover by Bo Diddley (Cops And Robbers) and a tribute to Downliners Sect’s Mick O’Donnell aka Don Craine (Oh Leader We Do Dig Thee), which more than live up to expectations above.

Irregularis (The Great Hiatus) is out now on CD and vinyl LP through Damaged Goods.

Add to wantlist: Damaged Goods || Discogs