The 5.6.7.8's & The Masonics 7" EP (Vinyl)

The 5.6.7.8's & The Masonics 7" EP (Vinyl)

Two garage-rock favourites join forces on The 5.6.7.8's and The Masonics, a limited-edition four-track 7-inch EP released on 27 October 2023 to accompany the bands' joint ten-night tour of Japan. Tokyo's celebrated rock 'n' roll trio bring their surf, beat and garage influences to the A-side, while the Medway rhythm 'n' beat veterans deliver their own rough-edged take on garage punk and rock 'n' roll on the flip.

The 5.6.7.8's open with the original “Daddy Goes Out Jail”, followed by their punchy interpretation of “Help”. The Masonics answer with The Damned's punk classic “New Rose” and the Mickey Hampshire original “You've Been Warned”, featuring Ludella Black, who also provides backing vocals on both Masonics tracks. The Japanese recordings feature Yoshiko on guitar and vocals, Sachiko on drums and vocals, and Omo on bass, while the Masonics line-up features Mickey Hampshire, Bruce Brand and John Gibbs. The record comes a picture sleeve and was pressed in a limited run of 1,000 copies.

A cracking collectible for fans of garage punk, rhythm 'n' blues and primitive rock 'n' roll, this release captures two kindred bands celebrating their shared musical passions on a joint Japanese tour. With one original and one cover from each group, plus Ludella Black's contribution to the Masonics tracks, it packs a lot of character into seven inches. A fine addition to collections devoted to either band, the Medway scene or the international garage-rock underground.