The Breakdowns

Viva Los Breakdowns!

These ‘kids’ have every reason to bop, as they celebrate a tour with classic rock legends Terrorvision and the release of their highly anticipated second studio album.


The Breakdowns, made up of Joe (lead singer/ guitarist), Matt (lead guitarist), Adam (bassist) and Owen (Drummer), formed in 2007 with a vision of bringing back classic rock and roll.

The bubble-gum rockers released their self-titled debut album in 2008 on the Spanish record label ‘ROCK INDIANA’. Although the album held some great tracks the band were not happy with the overall vibe of the record, feeling that it did not reflect them in the way they had imagined their first album would. Despite this, it gave them the amazing opportunity to tour in Spain where they have collected an expansive ever-growing fan base.

In 2009 the band were asked to play the Summer Sundae festival in Leicester, excited by the break they, being the classic rock stars at heart, released a double sided 7’’ vinyl ‘Hey Veronica/ Some Kind Of Wonderful’ to mark the occasion. Leader Singer, Joe, said: ‘It was a dream of ours to release a piece of vinyl, kinda ace!’

The band are currently touring the UK with English rock band Terrorvision, who reformed in recent years after a long hiatus, a band The Breakdowns have admired since a young age.  Supporting their idols the band stepped up their game, physically blasting everything they have to give to the audience; receiving an excellent reception at each gig they play.

The Breakdowns recently released their second album, ‘The Kids Don’t Wanna Bop Anymore’, all thirteen tracks on the album bring together a fresh rock and roll perspective with classic Ramones inspired sounds, creating a unique genre missing from today’s music scene. Joe said: ‘We wanted to make a record that blew our debut album out of the water.’ The Breakdowns were lucky enough to work with ‘Spiritualized/ Julian Cope’ guitarist Doggen, who allowed the band to use his studio and gave guidance that helped shape the epic rock and roll album they have just released.

The Breakdowns’ future looks bright with more dates supporting Terrorvision, a Spanish tour and talk of a track of theirs maybe appearing on an American movie soundtrack.  They are also already in discussion about their next album, the lead singer said: ‘A new album will hopefully be out next summer, and the next one is going to be even better; there are no bands around today writing heartbreak pop like we do.’

The Breakdowns’ new album is now available from iTunes and www.rockindiana.com

Young Guns at Birmingham HMV institute 15th September

Some of the crowd, at the Library at the HMV institute in Birmingham on the 15^th September, were left needing ‘Stitches’ after Young Guns shook the room of the first sold out show of their headline tour.


It was clear to anyone that attended the signing earlier that evening that Gustav, as tweeted, was still not 100% better after being ill; however this did not stop the British rock giants coming out to say hello to the large fan base they have built up over the last couple of years, for which the fans were appreciative.

The first of the three support bands of the evening were Aussie rockers ‘Dangerous’, unheard of to most if not all of the crowd they gave more than they got. Pulsating high energy tunes throughout the venue they soon inspired high energy feedback from the crowd. The lead singer immersed himself into the crowd several times, breaking down the literal and metaphorical barrier between band and audience. The crowd were seriously warmed up for the next support after these guys left the stage.

Next on were ‘The Xcerts’  who failed to stand up to the raw energy put out by ‘Dangerous’, their tunes more mellow compared and stage presence to match. It seemed from an audience perspective that the people who organised the support line up wanted to  ‘chill’ everyone out, which, although is better for security, puts a damper on the gig experience. Perhaps in a different line-up they would have shone to their full potential, but the self-advertised distorted pop band did not manage to keep up with the rock displayed in this particular gig.

The last support and last chance to get the audience going was American pop rock band ‘Every Avenue’, who were clearly the most renowned support on this tour, judging by the noisy reception they received from a previously restless crowd. The band, although they haven’t really broken out of supporting yet, managed to get their lyrics sung back to them by most of the audience, people danced, ‘Every Avenue’ absorbing every ounce of energy the crowd were exerting, only increasing their enthusiasm, bettering their performance.  Perhaps this gig proved that they do have the capability to make it on their own as opposed to supporting.

After much anticipation the main attraction graced the stage, from the first beat of the snare ‘Young Guns’ killed it;  smashing songs from their album ‘All our Kings are dead’ such as ‘Stitches’ and ‘Sons of Apathy’ all getting a great response from their fans.

Gustav Wood, lead singer, confessed to suffering from slight delirium brought on by cough syrup, this did not affect his vocals; however the multiple technical problems did put a damper on the what would be a flawless epic performance from this amazing band. Most did not let this stop them moshing out and singing along.

The highlight of the gig was hearing them blast out nearly the whole of the ‘Mirrors’ E.P their best work as some may argue. The ‘Mirrors’ E.P contains so powerful lyrics, fist pumping beats and outstanding riffs, if these tunes ever vanished from the ‘Young Guns’ set list it would be a tragedy, as each track is pure musical genius.

Sweat was definitely brewing; every part of this band makes you want to jump and scream, their songs infectious, their audience interaction inspiring and their stage presence immense.

‘Young Guns’ went from the support band nobody knew to one of the best British rock bands on the scene, and taking their Birmingham performance into account, they are going to be sticking around for a long time.





Words By Gemma Harling