This is a band with a very "Madness" beat, something we can certainly appreciate. We feel they would be most at home set up in the corner of a local pub, where we're sure the locals would love them - and people may even come from miles around and go away to spread the word of this great new band. We're not so sure whether they would succeed at a bigger venue, mainly because the modern youth have very distinct ideas about what they want to pay top dollar to watch, but this is by no means a critisism. This is the sort of sound I was brought up on, and for me it will always have a place.

Boot50 have a very punky, early 80s feel about them. Very underground, confident music, not backward in coming forward. The track "This Is Me" reminded us initially of "Spirit in the Sky", but then seemed to come into it's own and go off in different directions with a further listening.

The only down point: The lead singer could probably do with a slightly stronger voice. Overall, Boot50 don't look out of place when compared to similar music of the era - If you like this type of sound (as we do) then it's definitely your thing. If not, stick to the charts...

The Motives Project
http://www.themotives.com

The Motives Project provide us with an interesting take on Reggae, certainly not anything remotely resembling traditional! In fact, they are obviously trying to take the genre into realms previously unexplored, and we think it's going to be a matter for debate as to whether it takes off or not. We liked it, but then we're open minded about music - just what will the traditionalists make of it?

The addition of electric guitars produces funky grooves which are wholly unexpected in Reggae but not unpleasent. We found it particularly cool and refreshing to have a female vocalist in the mix, and we found she really added something to an otherwise male dominated genre. We should point out that, despite the additional influences, this is still distinctly reggae-based - if you don't like reggae then run for the hills, but if you do and you don't mind something a little different, we think you might just lap this up...

The Needle Pimps
http://www.needlepimps.com

Hmmm. When we get a CD with a parental advisory warning on the cover, we always perk up. Perhaps we're just sick like that!

The Needle Pimps are definitely in-your-face punk, so much so that quoting vertially any of the lyrics would probably get us in deep trouble. Suffice to say that if you're the sort of person who would rush out and buy this, then you probably pretty much know what to expect! Whatever your preferences music wise, this makes you want to get up and move - either by smashing your head repeatedly against the nearest inanimate object (which is a good thing) or by running a mile screaming for dear life. This is not something your granny would like, and certainly not for your younger brother - it really is extreme hardcore punk by the traditional definition. We're fed up to the back teeth with all the modern bands who seem to think that anything loud is punk - The Needle Pimps hark back to the 70s meaning of the word, and it's refreshing. If, indeed, Punk can be described as refreshing!

Of course, this is something to turn up the volume and freak to - not something for which there is too much call to appreciate the musicianship, but that's really the point isn't it? If you could hear the lyrics, you'd probably be insulted - but you can't, so it doesn't matter. Great stuff - Punk fans should love it! But be warned, there is plenty here to offend - if you are easily offended, stay away!