Author: Info Funtastic

2023 marked the twentieth anniversary of the release of the LP “Guitar Romantic” on Dirtnap Records. That year, Exploding Hearts co-founder Terry Six, the only original member and survivor of the terrible accident that claimed the lives of the rest of the group while returning from a concert in San Francisco to Portland, their hometown, decided to give another chance to that excellent work that was cut short by the tragic event, and return to the stage to perform the wonderful songs contained in the LP, a fresh combination of punk and power pop with clear influences from bands like The Clash, The Undertones, Elvis Costello or The Only Ones with a lo-fi sound.
It’s not easy to continue the legacy of Exploding Hearts under the terrible circumstances that led to the band’s demise, but Terry Six has surrounded himself with friends who are also great musicians. The new lineup includes himself on lead vocals and guitar, drummer John Tyree (Derv Gordon, Terry & Louie), bassist Chad Savage (The Huntingtons, Terry & Louie), and guitarist Murat Artürk (Daddy Long Legs).
Their concerts to date have been a resounding success, and they’ll be with us on the funtastic anniversary, where the Exploding Hearts flame will shine once again as it deserves.

*Love to Matt, Adam, Jeremy, and King Louie, you will always be Guitar Romantics.

Tramhaus is the live wire postpunk sensation from Rotterdam, heralded for their energetic
shows filled with fiery songs. The band is known for their broad and ever electrifying sound
that reaches from shoegaze to punkrock. This amalgam is clearly a product of the diverse
and rich musical tastes of the different band members. Nonetheless, in a live setting the
band forms a strong union. It makes sure to grab the audience from the first to the last note
in a maelstrom of emotions
In its relatively short existence, the symbiotic five piece have toured endlessly, gaining
popularity along the way. In 2023 the band did a successful tour in Japan. Their first album
titled ‘The First Exit’ came out September 2024. Major Dutch newspapers De Volkskrant,
NRC and Trouw all gave them five out of five stars in their reviews, a situation which is
unique in itself. Also their sold-out show at the big hall in Paradiso was greeted with a perfect
score by reviewers. Internationally the band is gaining massive traction just the same – in
the fall of 2024 the band did a month-long tour throughout Europe, playing for many sold-out
venues. Plans are big, as a new Asia tour is in the making and the band is playing
extensively throughout the EU and UK this year.

The Loved Ones formed in 1990 in Oakland, California, where they became one of the most renowned bands of the 60s scene. Their energetic live performances, with a strong aesthetic and musical influence from the Yardbirds, are a true statement of purpose, and little by little, the band added different styles to their wide range of musical tastes: a bit of Chicago Blues, Memphis Soul, hints of New Orleans R&B, small doses of Garage… this whole mix makes The Loved Ones’ sound one of the most recognizable of its era, unique and inimitable.
In 1992, The Loved Ones signed with Hightone Records and released two LPs and a 7″ that became part of R&B history. They toured across the country and supported idols such as John Lee Hooker, Junior Wells, and Ann Peebles. Their reputation as an explosive live band reached Europe, and they embarked on a tour of the Old Continent. Despite their success, the band officially disbanded in 1995 with a sold-out farewell concert at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall, although they occasionally play shows.
Nine years after their last reunion, and to the delight of all fans, The Loved Ones are back with a new album in the offing, produced by Nick Waterhouse.

Having spent the better part of 8 years crafting a solid reputation as one of the country’s most explosive, unpredictable and essential live bands, Private Function are an outfit whose on and off-stage reputation precedes them at every turn.
PF are a band of extremes.
Not many artists get the pleasure of having a string of top ten records, consistent international tours and a nomination for an ARIA award whilst at the same time having an album temporarily banned in South Australia and receiving cease and desist letters from theme Parks.
They simultaneously combine their distinct brand of bratty humour and punk-rock irreverence with high concept experimentation and bizarre innovation of the form, all while continually poking holes in the genre.
Private Function’s feverish following should come as no surprise to even a casual observer, with their devotees constantly riding the PF tsunami alongside them. They’re a band who leaves a mark wherever they go and leaves you with a story to tell.

Reis is best known for fronting Rocket From the Crypt, the dynamic, high-octane, horn-infused punk band that left an impact on the music landscape of the 1990s. He has also been in post-hardcore groups Pitchfork and Drive Like Jehu; rock bands The Night Marchers, Sultans and Plosives; and low-key instrumentalist Back Off Cupids, as well as teaming with The Blind Shake to put out a magnificent surf album. And, of course, Hot Snakes, once described as a hardcore garage punk band.
He is the owner of Swami Records, a label he founded in 1999. He frequently works with bands in a studio capacity and releases albums by many southern California groups through his label. He also hosts the “Swami Sound System” program (previously on San Diego radio station 94.9 (KBZT),and now available on Slacker Radio). Reis remains an influential figure in the San Diego underground music community who is always performing with different bands, and he will be flying to Spain for an exclusive show that will be full of junk shoppe punk that kicks you in the ding ding full of fist pumpers, head bumpers, stinky dumpers, meaty thumpers and toe stumpers.

The Undertones emerged from Derry in 1976, the result of five friends (John O’Neill, Damian O’Neill, Feargal Sharkey, Billy Doherty and Michael Bradley) learning how to play basic rock and roll.
Even by the standards of that decade Derry was not the rock and roll capital of anywhere. With no live bands worth watching, they learned by listening to mail order records, reading one of the few copies of NME that made it to Derry but most of all from listening to John Peel’s wonderful show on BBC Radio One. Practicing in their bedrooms eventually led to the band recording John O’Neill’s ‘Teenage Kicks’ in 1978 on Terri Hooley’s Good Vibrations label in Belfast. The legendary DJ John Peel received a copy and liked it so much he played it twice in a row on his radio show.
The Undertones signed with Sire Records and ‘Teenage Kicks’ was re-released, resulting in the band’s first appearance on Top Of The Pops. Over the next five years, John O Neill, crafted further pop gems such as `Here Comes The Summer`, ‘Jimmy Jimmy`, `You’ve Got My Number (Why Don’t You Use It)’ and ‘Wednesday Week’ whilst Damian O’Neill and Michael Bradley contributed ‘My Perfect Cousin. They also recorded four highly acclaimed LPs. Indeed, they almost enjoyed the life of professional musicians. In 1983 Feargal Sharkey left the band to pursue a solo career and the remaining members decided to call it a day. The Undertones were to remain silent for the next sixteen years.
In 1999 The Undertones reconvened, without Feargal Sharkey, to once again perform their two-minute, three and a half chord songs to a new generation of fans in Derry and around the World…Fellow Derryman Paul McLoone replaced Sharkey on vocals and his vocal prowess and electric onstage presence soon convinced any doubters that he was more than capable of doing the job.
After much consideration the band released an LP of new songs called `Get What You Need’, which was critically acclaimed by Q magazine, Uncut, Rolling Stone and Hot Press. Songs like ‘Thrill Me’, ‘I Need Your Love The Way It Used To Be’ and ‘Everything But You’ showed that the art of writing short, sharp songs had not been lost over the previous two decades.
In 2003 ‘Thrill Me’ was released as a limited edition 7” vinyl single and found its way to John Peel’s turntable. He introduced it on his show commenting, “And these are words I thought I would never be saying on radio again, a new single from The Undertones”. He liked it so much he played it twice, just as he did with ‘Teenage Kicks’ in 1978.
In 2016 the Band released vinyl remasters of ther first two LPs; ‘The Undertones – The Undertones’ and ‘The Undertones – Hypnotised’ along with a 7” vinyl remix of the 1979 single ‘Get Over You’. Remixed by Kevin Shields (My Bloody Valentine/Primal Scream). Michael Bradley also published his book Teenage Kicks: My Life As An Undertone’.
2018 marked the 40th Anniversary of the release of their most influental and famous song, ’Teenage Kicks’. On 21st April for Record Store Day 2018 the band released a Vinyl Singles Box Set containing the 13 x 7” original Undertones singles from the classic early period: 1978-1983.
Of this release Damian O’Neill says:
“The collective attitude of The Undertones to the magical power and influence of the humble 45rpm 7” single was always one of total reverence and respect. It really did matter. Back then in our Undertones world, a great single was even more important than the L.P it helped promote and getting on Top Of The Pops was the ultimate accolade that we were doing it right. And if you didn’t make it on TOTP’s, then there was always the next single.Listening again to these 13 A and B sides, I hear a great pop group who
tried their best to be true to themselves and ultimately didn’t disappoint.”
In 2025 The Undertones come roaring back with an extensive UK and European tour to promote the release of their very first LIVE ALBUM….hard to believe that the band never released a live recording.
The new live album includes selected old and new songs performed by the post 1999 line up with Paul McLoone on vocals and is currently only available on vinyl and only at the live shows.