Shake The Tree records 2012
Originally formed as Shane McGowan’s post Pogues backing band, current line-up are fronted by guitarist/vocalist Paul MadDog McGuiness and, alongside the twin guitar, feature a mandolin and fiddle.
The immediate feel of the opening track “Storming Heaven” is a full on dirty and rough hard rock with an Irish tinge. The title track has a more gothic darkness and an alternative jangle too.
Vocals and guitars alike have a growl, holding a melody within the clutter, adding to the fullness of sound.
“Throw Down Your Aces” (featuring Howard Marks) has a broody narrated intro, while “Alice”, full of vocal harmonies, is more uplifting.
The lighter moments see the mandolin and fiddle come through, adding more of an Irish touch, while keeping the roughness. There’s a sleazy attitude to “Queen Of Manhattan” and some decent picking too.
Much of the album, mixing metal and pop, has alternative, Celtic and gothic influences in equal measure, an interesting and often quite enjoyable mix.
***
Joe Geesin
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
Josh now hosts “Taerk’s Tracks” as part of the Singer Songwriter Sunday sequence on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio.
This is the second show broadcast on 25 October Josh presents some of his inspirational artists and tracks.
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast 18 October 2026.
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Power Plays w/c 26 October 2026
BLACK RIVER DELTA Shame On You (Despotz Records)
DAYTONA Listen To The Silence (Escape Music)
SUCKERTRAP Sacred Lies (indie)
WOOD BURNT RED Count My Blessings (indie)
BLACKLIST UNION Heavy Is The Crown (indie)
Featured Albums w/c 26 October 2026
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2025 (Singer Songwriter)
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