My time here at Rock the Joint Magazine is sadly coming to a close. September was just over the hill and, for me, that means starting a university course in journalism (Now I am finishing this piece off, September is here, and I head off to Uni at the week-end, wish me luck- big scary adventure lol). I might do the occasional piece for Benny and Mark in the future, but I’ve certainly enjoyed the chance to spread my wings a bit and be creative here!
Today I am reviewing the new EP, Live at NFest by R.J. Archer and the Painful Memories, a band that we featured in the magazine a few months ago.
Richard Archer, Guitar, Vocals
Ben Kingsbury, Guitar, Backing Vocals
Roger James, Bass, Backing Vocals
Marc Ritchie, The Drums
The press release tells me:
“Live at NFest 2025” is a live EP from RJ Archer & the Painful Memories. Since the release of their highly praised third album ‘The Cost of Loving Crisis’ in January 2025, the band has planned to capture an entirely live and raw recording of their energetic live set for a release.
Using a recording straight from the sound desk, what we have here is 5 powerful live performances from the Needingworth Music Festival in July 2025. 3 of 5 the songs – “I Can’t Abide,” “Circle of Wolves” and “The Death of a Dream” – are all brand new songs.
Drummer Marc says of the release: We thought an EP would be better than a full live LP as a little taster of our show to a wider audience and maybe increase our live presence even further. We already have rep as a killer live act and we hope this will take things to the next level.
My review:
This Live EP is out on September 19.
I’m not sure, but there seems to have been a reawakening of interest in live albums. That is notable because with the advent of YouTube before a live show is cold there are whole recordings of it on the internet. I can honestly say I am not one of those people who stands with my phone in a concert, I still love the energy of the moment and being there in a little close up venue (The Cluny in Newcastle being my local), there are few better live experiences. However, with big bands like “The Warning” putting out live albums again, the market has again moved to listening and enjoying the moment again and again.
“Live at NFest”
“I Can’t Abide” opens with an energetic blast on the drums and a real sense that this is live! It’s busy kicking it, with a big rock sound heading into my headphones! You have a guitar sound that took me toward an early Ace Frehley feel (Parasite era) and this is a hard rocking intro to the EP, live and kicking!
“Barbara” rolls the drums again to bring us into the track which is a hard melodic rocker. It comes from the recent album, “The Cost of Loving Crisis” and when Anna-Louise reviewed the album she identified this track as having a late sixties psychedelic groove that is retained live. Live, the track is heavier and the guitar sound
“Circle of Wolves” introduces a punky rawness to the sound, a touch of discord and a feeling that you are standing there rocking out on the front row. They actually have a feeling of one of those indie bands that I would check out and have a blast with, raw and unfiltered.
“The Death of a Dream” has a touch of those Rolling Stones in the groove, it is one that you could strut your way across the stage to! A strong drum sound on this one too.
“Now you’re in the cold/A ghost at the feast/Trying to chase the scraps…”
“Burning Up” is a crowd pleaser, something to sing along to and cheer with, guitars having a blast and the energy of the live show comes complete with the cheers from a connected crowd at the NFest.
So there we have it, five tracks that capture the rawness, sweat, and heart of R.J. and the Painful Memories onstage. If this is just a “taster,” then it’s the kind that leaves you hungry for the full meal. And with that, I sign off—for now—with a grin, a packed bag for uni, and the volume still turned all the way up.
A brief closing word of self promotion (lol) and a thank you to Mark and Benny for giving me a chance to write for you. If you enjoyed the review, please check out the other pages of the magazine; we have many great features, merchandise pages, shops, editorials and even a poetry page. Content is free here, but we work hard for you, and to support the magazine, please show your appreciation on the support button below and buy me a coffee (or a drink for freshers week!).
Stream music by RJ Archer and the Painful Memories here
They are also on Bandcamp here
By Tracy Nash