London - Reboot.
Studs & Punks review by Woodstock Punkrock. Original here.
London’s manager Mark dropped this into my grubby mitt at a recent Daggers Punk Gig, and I listened to it for the first time on the way home that night, my apologises for this review taking longer than normal but with work, the band, other commitments and fighting off some weird lurgy it has taken longer than I hoped, But here it is so have a read…

Firstly the cover: a Union Flag pair of Docs. Quality that, the bio inside (reminding us that this band was originally around in 1977) and the photos completing the package nicely. Although personally a lyric sheet would have completed it haha but that’s just me.

So to the music. Now having seen London and played with them recently I have an idea what this is going to be like. Rock, Punk and Roll I am expecting and to a degree that’s what I get but with so much more.

When the Night Falls – First to don the boots and kick its way out of the speakers. A steady head nodding paced piece of rock n roll, clean and crisp with Marshall styled distorted guitar, pounding drums and rolling and rocking steady bass lines keeping it all on track for Riff’s pleasant and clear vocal singing, passion and power in equal measures with a cheeky edge. The mix is spot on for the band’s style and it drags you in from the off, good start

Pop – haha goes the weasel…

Minute Man – More upbeat with more of a banging riff, rocks along nicely. Very British style rock punk and roll, like the Beatles meeting the Stones and all being fucked by the Monkees haha. Simple and straight forward this one boots you swiftly in the stomach and then makes you dance in a jerking ridiculous manner, it pulses in and out through the verse into the short simple chorus, some nice little guitar work throughout and you have another winner including the fake ending before the end - good rock and roll here people.

Every Dog – I knew a man what can I say? Well I will tell you what I can say is this. This is a summer Hit. Beautiful hazy sunny summer fun, window down, cruising the roads with this blasting out. Even has a fucking tambourine. The sing-a-line answer with the title is great and easy to get hooked into and before you know it you’re joining in every dog has its day, and that’s when you know you got a winner, every dog has its day, as you can see it’s very catchy as every dog has its day, right enough of that!!! I love the note played guitar work dropped in and out throughout the song, it may sound corny and cheesy but it’s just a beautiful little song and my second favourite on the CD.

Rebecca – Neat little guitar riff leads us into this song. The verse is a pulsing affair, chugging along nicely to the chorus, which is where this one loses me. I am not sure what it is, maybe the laces are undone or the spelled out word Rebecca, or the sung word Rebecca but either way this one just doesn’t work for me. I have listened over and over but it just is not for me. Sorry Rebecca, nothing against you personally, just not a gleaming boot.

Animal Attraction – 70s Punk this is as it walks like a model and kisses like a slut, strutting along with its head held high on platform 8 hole Docs. Perfectly formed, simple and straight forward, but likable and enjoyable. For me a good comeback after the last one, bopping along to the fade.

Like it Never Happened – And here is another class piece of work from the boys. A plethora of cult words, sorted into a great little walk through the history of cool and funny things. As the drums hammer along accompanied by the rattling bass line, the vocals sing out as the song twists back and forth but always returning to the verse riff. I especially like it when the guitar drops out leaving the bass and drums punching along. Again this is another song you can’t help but smile at and enjoy, so get this CD and do so!!

Celebrity Crash – Another pop rock song here with added psychedelic zing. Snappy drums lead this song with the guitars and melody stabbing in and out. Love the prolonged drum only section that has you thinking it’s the end of the song before bouncing back into the song with an army of march boots at its head, good stuff.

Standing Alone – This is one of those Missing Beatles’ tracks everyone talks about, complete with brass and an organ (no not one of those). Soft and relaxed this also reminds me a little of the Damned with the Gothic edge replaced by the Monkees. A very different feel to the other tracks but works and fits well and I enjoy listening to it and its position is perfect before the best song on the CD.

Get Out Of London – Back to the banging rock ‘n’ roll. Catchy and cool, it smashes along like a double decker careering around Trafalgar Square, and the chorus is so catchy it’s like trying not to lick the sugar from your lips while eating a doughnut not joining in haha. This is my favourite track on the CD and even the drawn-out fuzzy guitar solo is just perfect. Every band wants a song like this and this is London’s. Get ya boots moving to this one…

77 Dreams – So the last track of a very varied but enjoyable collection of songs this one and they end on a punchy power pop package with the now expected London harmonies, pounding rhythm section, great fuzztone guitars, tambourine and Riff’s unique and very enjoyable vocal style. A head nodding, boot tapping package and a sizzling sensation, pop punch, punk power, slithering psychedelic edges and lots and lots of rock ‘n’ roll.

So there you go. Hardcore metal in ya face, deeply political riot-rallying venom it is not and a big YES for that. It’s an upbeat feel-good record from a group of seasoned and talented musicians who are obviously enjoying making their music and that’s always a good thing. I have to say I was a fan of the band and then when I was reintroduced to them recently I became even more of a fan but now I have this CD I am a Huge Fan. What a great band, doing it their way. I for one like smiling and this record makes me smile.

Well done but I am sure you don’t need me to tell you that, so next time you are thinking what to do get out and see London, they’re worth being around and this is yet another CD you need to own.

London - Reboot.
3rd Generation Nation review by Ralf Real Shock. Original here.
When old bands decide to reform, it often leads back into the studio to record new material for a single or a bravely attempted album. In most cases I get a little queasy feeling in the stomach. How many times do you feel let down when you hear the finished product?

With LONDON, however, it’s completely different. They've been back in the studio and emerged with a great album. I would not have expected this as back in 1977 they were similar to bands like the Drones and the Suburban Studs. They had some good songs but some not so good. But let’s leave those days discreetly to one side, I definitely much prefer the music of today’s London.

Dizzy Detour had already warned me that this album was really good. Now, for two weeks I have had the CD continuously set on repeat. To my amazement it has got stuck inside my brain. That’s what happens when you find a good record in this day and age.

London have actually accomplished that rare thing of following up their first album Animal Games (released 34 years ago) with a more successful record. Nothing has been left to chance. The songs have been put together with real care and attention and are well mixed.

From the original 77 line-up, only singer Riff Regan and bassist Steve Voice remain. Riff’s voice is instantly recognisable again. Only the best bands have unique singers that leave lasting impressions. Andy Blade of Eater sounds quite different from Wayne Barrett of Slaughter and the Dogs. Riff Regan has, very much, his own voice.

Among my personal favourites are the quieter songs Every Dog and Standing Alone. The music sounds so happy but at the same time completely withdrawn. It is harmonious and beautifully relaxed. For a moment everything is hunky dory again. Thanks very much, London! I’m sure I’ll hear these two songs again in ten years time and will still appreciate them.

I award the album *****+

London - Reboot.
Step 1 Music review. Original here.
Second full-length album (with 34 years delay!) by the UK punk vets LONDON.Ten brand new punk cuts with interesting The Who-hints. Includes The Eyes’ cover When the Night Falls. Great, meaningful comeback! They're not too old for kickin' Punk Rock!