JSNTGM 45 Magic of the Marketplace – Jealous Moon

This four song EP from Magic of the Marketplace is still as punk as ever but these new tracks are packed with great riffs and a melodic energy that’ll have you reaching for the replay button over and over.

Featuring current and ex-members of Erase Today, Sonic Boom Six, Litterbug, Sick56 and One Way System this powerful collaboration will be out on 24th January 2025 in CD format and across all digital channels through JSNTGM and Engineer Records.

Latest Reviews Below …

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Track listing:
Jealous Moon (2:47)
Smile and Wave (2:00)
Walls (3:03)
False Relationships (2:02)

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Credits :
Guitars, bass and vocals : Andy Higgins (Erase Today, Litterbug, Sick56, In Dire Fucking Straits, Higgins ++)
Drums : Luke Hesketh (Sonic Boom Six)
Occasional bass : James Routh (Sonic Boom Six)
Vocals and additional guitars : UK Nige (Sick 56, One Way System)
Recorded and mixed by James Routh at Rock Hard Studios in Blackpool

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REVIEWS – REVIEWS – REVIEWS – REVIEWS  

Gadgie (August 2025) 

First off the review pile this time out then, is a four tracker from Blackpool Punk Rock  veteran Andy Higgins and his latest outfit MAGIC OF THE MARKETPLACE with this “Jealous Moon” CD EP (JSNTGM and Engineer Records). A follow up to the “Radicalised by Radio” EP that arrived at Gadgie Towers in the deepest, darkest depths of the winter months a few years ago. In contrast, “Jealous Moon” arrived in the middle of a heatwave and I have to say that summer days in the garden supping a cider are far more suited to these rough and tumble tracks than the bleak defrosting the windscreen days of January! A collection of four tunes that are heavy on the Gruff Punk. Grittily melodic, ringing guitars, gravel gargling vocals … you know the drill. A recent MRR review rather cynically mentioned Leatherface repeatedly and yeah, that’s the obvious one whenever anything from this branch of Punk Rock appears and as you can imagine, you could also add Reno Divorce, The Magnificent, Stay Clean Jolene and the likes to the “sounds like …” references whilst I’d also add a hint of Social Distortion in there too. “Walls” is the standout tune for me with a bit of Stiff Little Fingers hanging around a pub in Blackpool feel to it. On the whole though, it’s an impressive set of songs that deliver highly tuneful Punk melodies through a big spacious sound but at the same time sharply focused production job. It’s good stuff that you Gruff Punks will be lapping up. To compare these mellifluous moments to a 70s sitcom that I have been watching this summer though?  This would have to be the cheeky window cleaner who gets in to all manner of scrapes on his round with bored housewives and the likes but when he is washing the bathroom window all he glimpses is Terry Scott sat on the bog who goes “oooh!” All indignantly and that!  (Marv Jolly)

https://www.facebook.com/Nowthengadgie/posts/pfbid0mGc1bYeDSQUqZqcBWybqanQMrwbAYy1XRZndGSnuPg3Ltd7myXUFPPtFRvm7X6iBl

OX-Fanzine – Issue 179 : MAGIC OF THE MARKETPLACE – Jealous Moon – CD – Engineer/Just Say No To Government Music • May 2025  

From Blackpool, UK, MAGIC OF THE MARKETPLACE deliver their 4-song EP “Jealous Moon.” The band members’ experience is immediately apparent from the first chord, having previously played in ERASE TODAY, SONIC BOOM SIX, LITTERBUG, and SICK56. They offer raw, melodic mid-tempo punk rock that should appeal to fans of LEATHERFACE, ROACH SQUAD, or FLATLINERS. The added alternative edge suits the band well and makes the EP a thoroughly enjoyable listen. We’ll see how they translate this sound to a full-length album soon. Until then, we’ll definitely be keeping an eye on them.

https://www.ox-fanzine.de/review/magic-of-the-marketplace-jealous-moon-136047

Fear and Loathing Fanzine Jan-June 2025 MAGIC OF THE MARKET PLACE. Jealous Moon CD/EP (Engineer) 

The name may be a bit of a mouthful but then again, the main man behind this combo is Andy Higgins, long-time stalwart of the Blackpool DIY punk scene, who named his record label ‘Just Say No To Government Music’, so he clearly isn’t interest in brevity! Featuring former members of Erase Today, Litterbug and even One Way System, it has to be noted (and it has been in every review I’ve seen) that there is more than a nod due to Leatherface, although I also picked out moments that recalled Dillinger Four and even Bob Moulds’ early solo albums (post Husker, pre-Sugar.) The songs have got a raw, visceral sound but this is tempered by melodic hooks that keep the emotions in check, so this isn’t a bad place to start. I’m sure that there will be plenty more to come from this band, but in the meantime, this is a great place to begin your listening. (Andy Pearson)

http://www.fearandloathingfanzine.com/record-reviews-january-june-2025.html

Maximum Rock n Roll – Magic of the Marketplace  :  Jealous Moon CD Reviewed by Tony Party

Four great songs that are fine in both execution and melody. I think this band would be okay with me drawing a LEATHERFACE comparison, and if you’re good with a LEATHERFACE similarity, and a likeness to LEATHERFACE inasmuch as that songs contain emotive personal songs as do LEATHERFACE, and wherein personal journey through LEATHERFACE-styled songs are those in which you find your soul being pulled, then this is a near-perfect four-song EP that is akin to the better mid-tempo LEATHERFACE songs. You could grab it right now if you’d like to. (I guess Tony thinks MotM sound a bit like LEATHERFACE 🙂

MRR #504 • May 2025 

Razorcake : (#145 March 27th 2025) MAGIC OF THE MARKETPLACE: Jealous Moon:  CDEP   It’s been a little while since MOTM—now having dropped ‘Higgins and The’—graced the world with new tunes, and these four tracks provide a reminder of what a solid outfit this is. There are riffs aplenty and buckets full of melodicism running across the eight minutes here, as the band offers up an upbeat, tidy collection of songs. There’s plenty of experience within this band, with current and ex-members of Erase Today, Sonic Boom Six and Litterbug, so it’s no surprise to hear well written and performed tracks. Top of the pops for me would be ‘Walls’, the longest track here, clocking in at just over three minutes, as I love the guitar on it. Overall, this has got a clean sound which maintains a slight gritty edge, so all in all, I am happy to have this in my grubby mitts.  –Rich Cocksedge (JSNTGM, andy@jsntgm.com, jsntgm.com/Engineer, label@engineerrecords.com, engineerrecords.com)

https://razorcake.org/magic-of-the-marketplace-jealous-moon-cdep/ ….

Plus-One . UK : (April 29th 2025) MAGIC OF THE MARKETPLACE: Jealous Moon:  CDEP – limited 200 copies CDR  

There’s something compellingly democratic about this four-track offering from The Magic of the Marketplace — a name that feels half-satirical, half-sincere in its intent, which is entirely fitting given the contents. As with many JSNTGM releases, there’s a raw honesty to the production and a clear intent not to outpace the music’s function: to provoke, to energise, and to connect. Yet, unlike many standard-issue punk blasts, this one sticks around long enough to leave shape and form behind in its wake.

Comprised of a revolving cast pulled from the likes of Erase Today, Sonic Boom Six, Litterbug, Sick56 and One Way System, it would be tempting to expect an all-out, thrash-and-burn affair — but what we get instead is something that’s surprisingly measured in its chaos. The sound is tight, sharp, and self-aware, taking cues from the classic three-chord punk template but adding unexpected flourishes in vocal arrangement and structure that speak to experience, not just energy.

Higgins takes the mic throughout, sounding characteristically impassioned but with a touch more restraint — or perhaps it’s just the clarity of the production. Either way, it works. The standout here might be Smile and Wave, which features some rather sublime backing vocals that lift the song beyond the usual shout-along into something almost anthemic. There’s a strange joy here, a flicker of something tongue-in-cheek and hopeful amidst the abrasion.

Walls is another highlight — a track that might be best remembered for the duet between Higgins and Diggle. Their voices intersect in that ragged, authentic way that recalls the shared mic aesthetic of early Clash bootlegs or Hüsker Dü live tapes. But where those bands often let momentum blur the edges, here there’s an attention to arrangement and tone that feels almost Albini-esque: clean, crunchy, and deceptively spacious.

Throughout, the guitars hit that sweet spot — crisp, distorted, but never muddy. It’s like someone took Rocket to Russia and ran it through a Bleach-era tape deck before handing the results to a Steve Albini who just wanted to have fun. Punk as form, not just noise — and maybe that’s the real triumph here.

As with much of what JSNTGM touches, The Magic of the Marketplace captures a kind of regional DIY spirit that’s refreshingly free of posturing. It’s music made for community, not commerce — the kind of thing that makes you want to start a band, a label, or at the very least, start shouting along in your bedroom. (Review by Ken Foster)

https://plus-one.uk/magic-of-the-marketplace-jealous-moon-cd-ep-review/

Magic Of The Marketplace – Jealous Moon (CD EP Review)

 

Fungal punk : MAGIC OF THE MARKETPLACE – JEALOUS MOON  (April 2025) : 

The main man behind this release is a veritable doofer who gets his arse in gear and does with focus and good intent.  Having looked on the Bandcamp page I snaffled this info about the set up here – ‘Featuring current and ex-members of Erase Today, Sonic Boom Six, Litterbug, Sick56 and One Way System. Always searching for great punk riffs and melodic energy’.  This may help some and get them intrigued, personally it means fuck all and the music shall be judged on what it is.  No sway, honesty all the way, DIY effort and with an approach to sum up what transpires and hopefully keep the band enthused and moving on to better things (if at all possible). So the Blackpool based blighters go under the Fungalised spotlight, and here are my valuable or useless thoughts.

‘Jealous Moon’ twinges, growls and sets a stage.  A tommy-gun roll, the song is underway with great guts exposed and taut sinews put to the test.  The lyrics are simple but have depth, the whole gist is of muscular tune striving to maintain good punching prowess, balance and of course, melody.  This is no easy task, the band are coming in from a spectrum outside of the blatantly obvious which can be a hindrance in this rather divided, pernickety and quite insulated realm of rhythmic labelling.  I find this a refreshing blast of ball-hoofing defiance with influences multifarious and animated.  The fact that matters are not overly complex but contain some neat touches and turns all makes for a concrete opener not to be taken too lightly.  This initial snippet is immediately slapped into place by the far more effective follow-up, namely ‘Smile And Wave’.  This one has a great wealth of emotive content and contrast that leaves the listener wondering what the actual aim of the lyrical spilling is.  There is a cross-over of sensations, the whispers and the hollers combine to make a short and very effective cloudburst of ill-temper and disgruntlement with many fresh guitar outbursts adding that extra life sparkle – nice.

‘Walls’ begin with cultured tonality, pulses with care and progresses with a very post-punk (and beyond) ring-craft that eventually turns into a work-out laden with acoustic punches thrown from a variety of angles whilst not allowing the defences to fall and any gaps to appear.  Watertight, tuneful and with the added extra of not being overly obvious and routine.  The creative juices have been tossed around, these are not 5 minute wonders jacked off with haste and thrown forth for the Hell of it.  Time and effort has been invested, your initial patience may be tested, do not let your insight be bested, this is a grower with a firm grip.

We close with the self-questioning sub-sing-a-long shiner known as ‘False Relationships’ – a strong move and groove muscle flexer with the most catchiest arrangement of the lot.  Strength aplenty, a consistent clarity, a snagging strain and with a certain transparency that always aides the external levels of appreciation, this is a magnificent thoroughbred galloping over verdant pastures with a sublime control and focused direction.  Yes, by far the best song, it brings more to the table and opens up further thoroughfares – nice.

A quartet of songs that gives one something to think about, examine, enjoy and, particularly in the last instance, sing along to.   I think there may be something of an acquired taste needed for the more Cro-Magnon punker, then again, there is enough clubbing weight here to perhaps rattle their cages too.  (Review by  Dave HT aka Fungalpunk)

https://www.fungalpunknature.co.uk/FUNGALPUNK/CD%20reviews%202/Page%201.html

GAMES, BRRRAAAINS & A HEAD-BANGING LIFE : (Jan 2025)

Featuring current and ex-members of Erase Today, Sonic Boom Six, Litterbug and Sick56, Magic of the Marketplace is a powerful collaboration due to release their new four-track EP, ‘Jealous Moon’, on January 24th, 2025, via JSNTGM and Engineer Records. Do you fancy a bit of ‘in your face’ punk? Albeit one with a bit more pop-rock melody and anthemic value? Sure, you do, because like me, you want to bounce and this EP guarantees that, and more.God damn, the opening title track is so catchy. Don’t be surprised if this one gets multiple plays before you’ve even considered hearing what comes next. A hot tempo, groovy riffing, punky vocals that are stated, rather than sung, and a chorus that you’ll be singing for days afterwards. Smile and Wave comes next, and their characteristic catchiness is ever present, especially as this one has an old-school punk rock feel. Then there’s a bit more of a brazen focus on melody with the lovable Walls. A ‘chilled’ approach doesn’t mean the track lacks bite, the punk infusion is still there after all, it’s just not a hurried listen. Finally, and to cap of a very enjoyable listen (albeit short), it’s False Relationships and, arguably, the most fired up track of all. It’s a proper ‘body shaker’ and one that feels more authentically punk, thanks to this, than any other. It’s a great track, featuring fab vocals and infectious riffs. I want more, and so will you. (8/10)

https://www.gbhbl.com/ep-review-magic-of-the-marketplace-jealous-moon-jsntgm-engineer-records/

Devolution Magazine : Magic of the Marketplace : Jealous Moon : JSNTGM & Engineer Records (Gary Trueman Feb 6th 2025) 

The Blackpool supergroup Magic Of The Marketplace consists of current and ex-members of Erase Today, Sonic Boom Six, Litterbug and Sick56. ‘Jealous Moon’ is their debut four track EP that has poetic lyricism, catchy hooks and upbeat Punky beats. Short and sweet but not lacking in flavour. The title track features some spectacular riffs, frankly, they knock it out of the park from the start. The vocals are melodic with some gruff, the lyrics are as catchy as they come and the beat has some bite and attitude. ‘Smile and Wave’ has an old school, upbeat  punk vibe which opens with those groovy guitars. We have slightly whispered vocals layered with their distinctive singing style. ‘Walls’ really stands out as it is ever so slightly slower in pace The words are quite poetic and beautifully written in which they tell their story. In typical punk fashion they aren’t long winding songs, it’s all short and sweet but sets the tone perfectly. ‘False Relationships’ wraps up the EP, with a vibe that is more ‘on the nose’ which sees it pack real punch. Every aspect of ‘Jealous Moon’ flows well and was expertly delivered. The quality of this EP as a whole is well crafted. The vocals tie it all together and give the band a recognisable and distinct sound.

https://devolutionmagazine.co.uk/2025/02/06/review-magic-of-the-marketplace-jealous-moon/

Punk Rock Philosophy : Magic Of The Marketplace – Jealous Moon  (February 2025) Review by Aggy Gillon 

First of our EP sneak-ins this week is the 4 track mini release from Blackpool’s Magic of the Marketplace. Their new EP out now via Just Say No To Government Music Records (or JSNTGM for short, fits much better on a t-shirt) is ten minutes well spent on some gruff punk tunes with a classic punk vibe. Featuring current and ex-members of Erase Today, Sonic Boom Six, Litterbug and Sick56, there’s riffs and thundering drums galore! It’s got that quintessential UK punk sound and authenticity – the punk spirit lives on via ‘Jealous Moon‘. Order/stream your copy HERE. https://punkrockphilosophy.com/new-music/picks-of-the-week-21st-february-2025/

Picks of the Week! 21st February 2025