Little Rocket (2025)
There are few bands in this world that mean more to me than Leatherface does. I've been a fan and have been collecting their records for nearly 30 years, since the moment I bought the Do The Right Thing CD single. The fact that there is a new release available to write about is cause for celebration as Little Rocket records has compiled the band's three BBC Peel Sessions onto a vinyl release for the first time.
I chose the white vinyl version for my collection as I've just always been a sucker for white vinyl. But there are six different versions in total that are out there. Four colors at 250 copies each (white, red, clear and yellow), 1000 copies on marble colored vinyl and 1000 copies on black vinyl. I have gotten tot he point in my life where I'm trying not to collect every single variant for every single record in my collection anymore. Though I'd love to have all six, and even though the collector inside me is chastising me for not having them all, it was just more prudent to get one copy from a US based distro. But there's more out there if you need more. Believe me, I get it.
On to the music. Leatherface did three Peel Sessions in total. One recorded in 1991, one in 1992 and their final in 1993. The 12 tracks recorded in total is a nice cross section of their flawless discography with representation from each of their first five full lengths and a few songs from singles as well. They're performed with the sort of energy and passion you'd expect from the band, and while everything sounds great, there's enough difference from the album versions that make the listen worthwhile.
The tracks that are the most interesting to me are the four that were recorded in 1993. These were performed as a three piece instead of their usual four piece line-up. Hearing these songs without Dickie Hammond's guitar complimenting Frankie Stubbs' is as jarring as it is compelling. The songs take on a very different feel that's a little sparser, but somehow a bit more urgent sounding.
The one that really hits for me is my favorite Leatherface song, "Do The Right Thing." Hearing it without the phenomenal lead guitar work makes the song feel a little more approachable and less intimidating. I'm not saying it's better, but it's definitely not worse either. It feels like new song, but still retains the characteristics that made me fall in love with it from the moment I first heard it.
It's a little insane how long ago these songs were all recorded, but it's equally as insane how fresh, dynamic and important they still sound all of these years later. This LP is a document of one of the greatest punk bands to have existed, and is a welcome, welcome addition to my shelves.
Leatherface - The Peel Sessions:
https://leatherface.bandcamp.com/album/the-peel-sessions
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