We love Times New Viking. And on Thursday they were bloody great at Jamboree, a random little studio-turned-venue in the depths of the old East End. With support from Teen Sheikhs and Mazes, the whole evening just made us wish that there had been this many accessible Sebadoh-a-like bands around when we were young scamps. Still, can’t complain, they’re here now and we like it.

Just as ROTR were starting to pine for some Scandi-sleaze-rock action (we frankly do not get enough of it), Norway’s The Cumshots arrive on our shores for a week of havoc-wreaking live shows that would make even the most seasoned Turbonegro fan blush. We caught them at the legendary Crobar where we were treated to balls out (literally), sweaty, guitar-splintering, self-destruct rock and roll of the highest order.

“Whoever retreives this ring from my scrotum, be it man, woman or beast, I will marry and take back to Norway,” announced towering, tattooed frontman Max Cargo as he teased one testicle from his flies and placed a silver ring upon it. He didn’t seem too offended that no one took the bait.

Check out the pictures, and stay tuned for a Cumshots interview in the next issue of Riot on the Rocks…

Sian B Rockin’ x

Sarah Myring Gets Wet.

So, Andrew W.K. is in town – and you should all know the drill by now. Tall guy, white t-shirt, keyboard, backing track, songs about partying, having parties, partying till you puke, being ready to party…well, you get the idea. Tonight the few that managed to get tickets (and make it through the baffling support acts – which can simply be described as an oversized man with a giant balloon for a head and a Ted Danson lookalike starring in a budget vampire movie) and withstand the sweat-pit that is upstairs at The Old Blue Last were rewarded with a ‘Don’t Look Back’ style performance of the 2001 album I Get Wet and a particularly large dose of reckless abandon.

Andrew W.K. hadn’t even finished the first line of opening track ‘It’s Time To Party’ before the stage was invaded and the phrase audience participation was taken to new heights. The entire set was sung with his arms around fans, passing the microphone amongst the crowd, even leaving it with one guy so his hands were free to crowd surf across the room and back again. Despite being mobbed and pulled about the stage from start to finish, the grin never disappeared from his face. This is how he likes it – being able to spread his message of peace, love and happiness through rock and roll, stage diving and, not to forget, partying. An unforgettable night for those lucky enough to witness it.

Keep your eyes peeled for a rather special Andrew W.K. interview coming soon to ROTR.

xox