The Acyd Test
Greensboro’s resident punk band World Class Defects made the Eastern Shore proud on Saturday, July 5th, when front man Danny Automatic and crew rocked Independence Fest in Milford DE.
Held at the Moose Lodge and put on by Mike Calloway of Dover hardcore band Dr Professional, the first annual Independence Fest was a mash of stifling humidity, cheap beer, great bands, some not-so-great bands, and the most social misfits I’ve seen gathered in one place since…well, probably Think Forward on June 29th.
Nevertheless, bands and fans sweated out the day until it began to grow dark. Pressure was on the bands to move quickly and bring the show to a close, and WCD played next to last to a crowd that had been rocking out for about eight hours straight, coming on after several extremely good bands in a row. As the guys came on, I thought to myself 'They’ll really have to put on a show to keep the crowd.'
And, of course, they delivered, opening with “Past Due Since 1732” and thrashing through several other favorites, all of which are on their new CD “Past Due”. With scarcely a pause between songs, the energy of the show reached a new high as fans moshed and drummer Jesse managed to hurt his hand, but didn’t relent. The set ended abruptly with the crowd wanting more, and no doubt many left that night as brand new WCD converts.
While you won’t find the new CD alongside less tasteful albums in Wal-Mart and FYE, it’s only five bucks and is readily available at one of the band’s frequent shows. Whether in Easton, Cambridge, or across the bridge, the World Class Defects are rocking whether you like it or not.
~ Chris Acyd
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Show of the Month…Less Than Jake / Goldfinger/ Westbound Train
By: C. Beaz
Less Than Jake / Goldfinger/ Westbound Train
6/23/08 @ Ram’s Head Live, Baltimore, MD
It’s kinda hard to believe it’s been a decade since the whole “third-wave/ska-punk/ska-core” thing was happening! Time just flies I guess. The point is that those bands that were part of that “third-wave” of ska all seem to have picked this year (or last year) to either put out a new record, go on tour, or both (see: Fishbone, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, etc.) Two of those bands happened to be touring together this summer, and I happened to go see them at Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore.
First off, this show was a MUST, simply because of the two headliners. Ten years ago this would have been two separate shows and cost you twice as much. Nowadays ska bands are priced to sell and guys like me are reaping the benefits. If this had been two shows, I might’ve gone to see one…if that.
When we arrived the first band had already started. They called themselves the Suburban Legends and they were from Orange County, California. I know this because they said so after EVERY SONG. Their sound was generic and their songs were predictable. Imagine a band like Save Ferris but actually harder to take seriously.
These guys DID bring something new to the table. Sadly, it wasn’t something good. Instead, it was detailed choreography. These guys had entire dance routines for each song! I don’t mean dance routines like The Temptations…I mean dance routines like NSYNC. That’s o.k. if you are NSYNC but it just didn’t seem right at this show. The nail in the coffin was a ridiculous cover song. EVERY ska band in history has at least one and theirs was “Under The Sea” from the Disney movie “The Little Mermaid”. UGH!
Next up was Westbound Train. Truth be told, this band was the reason I wanted to go to this show. Their latest CD “Transitions” has seen a lot of play time at my house and I was anxious to see them live! I wouldn’t want to say I was disappointed, but they didn’t live up to my expectations. It just wasn’t their crowd. They were a 60’s style soul/ska band playing at a pop/ska/punk show. It wasn’t happening for them. Aside from that they were excellent. I’d like to see them again, playing for their fans not Less Than Jake’s. On to GOLDFINGER…
Goldfinger’s first two records were spectacular examples of poppy California ska/punk. After the second record, everything that did seemed….not good enough. Lucky for me they might have realized that because their set seemed to avoid anything from the later four records. They did a couple off their new record, but mostly older “standards” like “Here In Your Bedroom” (of course) and “Mable”. Their set was definitely the most fun of the night. For “mable” they filled the stage with fans to sing along while they literally disappeared behind them. You could tell that Goldfinger was thrilled that someone still gave a shit!
The highlight of their set though, had to be when they turned the mic over to their drummer Darrin Pfeiffer. He’s always had his little schtick in the middle of everything and it’s always interesting. First he parted the crowd down the middle. Then he had them rush together like a battle scene from “Braveheart”. Then he got a kid to eat a Twinkie out of his ass. Nope, never seen THAT before. Finally, came Less Than Jake. Although I have to say…too little too late.
After watching three bands, the audience was losing steam. LTJ couldn’t seem to keep the energy going. They were good, but I think the crowd had done all the dancing they were going to do. Unfortunately, LTJ let it affect them and it started to seem like everyone, including the band, was waiting for the show to end. Plus, their front man was a douche.
Overall, I give it a “3 out of 5”…or a C- ….whatever the system is.
Less Than Jake / Goldfinger/ Westbound Train
6/23/08 @ Ram’s Head Live, Baltimore, MD
It’s kinda hard to believe it’s been a decade since the whole “third-wave/ska-punk/ska-core” thing was happening! Time just flies I guess. The point is that those bands that were part of that “third-wave” of ska all seem to have picked this year (or last year) to either put out a new record, go on tour, or both (see: Fishbone, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, etc.) Two of those bands happened to be touring together this summer, and I happened to go see them at Ram’s Head Live in Baltimore.
First off, this show was a MUST, simply because of the two headliners. Ten years ago this would have been two separate shows and cost you twice as much. Nowadays ska bands are priced to sell and guys like me are reaping the benefits. If this had been two shows, I might’ve gone to see one…if that.
When we arrived the first band had already started. They called themselves the Suburban Legends and they were from Orange County, California. I know this because they said so after EVERY SONG. Their sound was generic and their songs were predictable. Imagine a band like Save Ferris but actually harder to take seriously.
These guys DID bring something new to the table. Sadly, it wasn’t something good. Instead, it was detailed choreography. These guys had entire dance routines for each song! I don’t mean dance routines like The Temptations…I mean dance routines like NSYNC. That’s o.k. if you are NSYNC but it just didn’t seem right at this show. The nail in the coffin was a ridiculous cover song. EVERY ska band in history has at least one and theirs was “Under The Sea” from the Disney movie “The Little Mermaid”. UGH!
Next up was Westbound Train. Truth be told, this band was the reason I wanted to go to this show. Their latest CD “Transitions” has seen a lot of play time at my house and I was anxious to see them live! I wouldn’t want to say I was disappointed, but they didn’t live up to my expectations. It just wasn’t their crowd. They were a 60’s style soul/ska band playing at a pop/ska/punk show. It wasn’t happening for them. Aside from that they were excellent. I’d like to see them again, playing for their fans not Less Than Jake’s. On to GOLDFINGER…
Goldfinger’s first two records were spectacular examples of poppy California ska/punk. After the second record, everything that did seemed….not good enough. Lucky for me they might have realized that because their set seemed to avoid anything from the later four records. They did a couple off their new record, but mostly older “standards” like “Here In Your Bedroom” (of course) and “Mable”. Their set was definitely the most fun of the night. For “mable” they filled the stage with fans to sing along while they literally disappeared behind them. You could tell that Goldfinger was thrilled that someone still gave a shit!
The highlight of their set though, had to be when they turned the mic over to their drummer Darrin Pfeiffer. He’s always had his little schtick in the middle of everything and it’s always interesting. First he parted the crowd down the middle. Then he had them rush together like a battle scene from “Braveheart”. Then he got a kid to eat a Twinkie out of his ass. Nope, never seen THAT before. Finally, came Less Than Jake. Although I have to say…too little too late.
After watching three bands, the audience was losing steam. LTJ couldn’t seem to keep the energy going. They were good, but I think the crowd had done all the dancing they were going to do. Unfortunately, LTJ let it affect them and it started to seem like everyone, including the band, was waiting for the show to end. Plus, their front man was a douche.
Overall, I give it a “3 out of 5”…or a C- ….whatever the system is.
Ummm…show review?
(from one of my all-time favorite ranters…)
Radiohead - May 11 2008
5 hours in the car on an inward spiraling detour into the surprisingly cold pits of suburban Virginian suck. Park car. Swim up to the stage. 8 minutes of pure spectacular insight into the art of rip-off. Return to car, 3 hours of blinding rage, red bull, 1 hour lost in DC, idiot, 40 seconds of joy in escaping DC, route 50 closed, fuck. 2 hours home.
Suck my balls Radiohead, suck ‘em long and good.
Patrick Moffett
Radiohead - May 11 2008
5 hours in the car on an inward spiraling detour into the surprisingly cold pits of suburban Virginian suck. Park car. Swim up to the stage. 8 minutes of pure spectacular insight into the art of rip-off. Return to car, 3 hours of blinding rage, red bull, 1 hour lost in DC, idiot, 40 seconds of joy in escaping DC, route 50 closed, fuck. 2 hours home.
Suck my balls Radiohead, suck ‘em long and good.
Patrick Moffett
Goldfinger - “Hello Destiny” & Less Than Jake – “GNV FLA”
By J. Beasley
Since Goldfinger and Less Than Jake are currently touring together and have followed virtually the same paths to this point AND each have brand new records out, I figured why not write a review for both records at the same time? Should be easy…
I love both bands. They are hold-over’s from my youth. BOTH started as indie in the mid 90’s, BOTH moved on to main stream success during the ska-everything boom of ’97 and BOTH subsequently “jumped the shark” in the early 00’s and changed their sound to accommodate the times. Goldfinger aligned themselves with the dreaded Good Charlotte and LTJ all but dropped their horn section in favor of layered guitars and pop sensibilities…bummer.
I remained optimistic (bad record after bad record) that they would turn things around, and I kept buying their stuff (bad record after bad record) despite the deficiencies. Well, I’ve finally gotten what I’ve been waiting for!
“Hello Destiny” could be “Goldfinger” part 2. It’s really good, and they return to their old formula of writing good pop-punk/ska songs. There are a few throw away tracks, but by in large it is the first cover to cover TOLERABLE Goldfinger record since 2000’s “Stomping Ground”. They even got lead guitarist Charlie Paulson back! Check out the song: “Get Up”. Good record.
Now, “GNV FLA” is a GREAT record. If you like early LTJ you will love this! They have returned from the crap that was 2006’s “In With The Out Crowd”, re-inserted the horns (I’m biased.) and stopped writing ridiculously sappy emo-esque pap. The songs are catchy without being over-the-top and the band sounds full and loud. The way nature intended. The whole record runs about 30 minutes, and sports 14 tracks! They have truly come full circle. If you spent as much time listening to “Losing Streak” as I did, you’ll be ecstatic with this release. Check out: “Does The Lion Still Roar?” Great record.
Since Goldfinger and Less Than Jake are currently touring together and have followed virtually the same paths to this point AND each have brand new records out, I figured why not write a review for both records at the same time? Should be easy…
I love both bands. They are hold-over’s from my youth. BOTH started as indie in the mid 90’s, BOTH moved on to main stream success during the ska-everything boom of ’97 and BOTH subsequently “jumped the shark” in the early 00’s and changed their sound to accommodate the times. Goldfinger aligned themselves with the dreaded Good Charlotte and LTJ all but dropped their horn section in favor of layered guitars and pop sensibilities…bummer.
I remained optimistic (bad record after bad record) that they would turn things around, and I kept buying their stuff (bad record after bad record) despite the deficiencies. Well, I’ve finally gotten what I’ve been waiting for!
“Hello Destiny” could be “Goldfinger” part 2. It’s really good, and they return to their old formula of writing good pop-punk/ska songs. There are a few throw away tracks, but by in large it is the first cover to cover TOLERABLE Goldfinger record since 2000’s “Stomping Ground”. They even got lead guitarist Charlie Paulson back! Check out the song: “Get Up”. Good record.
Now, “GNV FLA” is a GREAT record. If you like early LTJ you will love this! They have returned from the crap that was 2006’s “In With The Out Crowd”, re-inserted the horns (I’m biased.) and stopped writing ridiculously sappy emo-esque pap. The songs are catchy without being over-the-top and the band sounds full and loud. The way nature intended. The whole record runs about 30 minutes, and sports 14 tracks! They have truly come full circle. If you spent as much time listening to “Losing Streak” as I did, you’ll be ecstatic with this release. Check out: “Does The Lion Still Roar?” Great record.
"Hard Hitting Heavy Baltimore Crust Punks: Betty Sue Aside"
(Interview by: Cody)
1. Where the hell did you find Manny, that dude is one of the fastest drummers I’ve ever seen...
BSA – ha-hah fuckin’ Manny... I met Manny in 9th grade (2001). He happened to be in my gym class and he had disgusting nappy greasy hair so I went up and talked to him. he later found out I played guitar and one day he was walkin’ through a neighborhood (while he was on 16 corticedin pills) that I was also walkin’ through he stopped me and asked if I wanted to jam sometime. Now 7 years later we’re still sidekicks.
2. Running the risk of being generic, what are a few of your main influences...
BSA – I’d say our common influences as a band are Black Flag, Aus Rotten, Slayer, EARLY Metallica, ya know everything with good ol' Cliff...
3. Is there anything that you listen to that people might not expect when they hear Betty Sue Aside?
BSA – I’d say if you listen to Betty Sue Aside, expect nothing less. Expect a little bit of everything, from metal to punk, and expect it to be loud and pissed.
4. Favorite Venue?
BSA - WITHOUT A DOUBT, The Barclay House.
5. What has your touring experience been like and do you have any advice for bands attempting to hit the road?
BSA - HA. Tour... tour was good and bad. But life is good and bad and there’s no way around it. It was fun being with my best friends and going to different cities throughout the nation and spreading our fucking plague. The best high in the world is going outta state and seeing kids go crazy to the music that you wrote. Advice? Ease yer way into it. Don’t go out for a month yer first time on tour. And make sure you can all get along before hand ha-ha...
6. Wu-Tang or NWA?
Don’t do this to me.....
7. The lyrics are pretty heavy in your songs...I mean you guys aren't really singing about girls and cars and shit, what are the main points you try to get across in your songs?
BSA - The topics of our lyrics vary. I write pretty much all of them until every once in a while someone else comes up with something. I try to cover a little bit of everything, from politics to skateboarding. From thoughts inside a killers head to being paranoid because of world surveillance... so I guess there’s not really just one certain point.
8. Is Matty Boh a man, a myth, or a legend?
BSA - Matty Boh is THE man, THE myth, and THE legend.
9. Who are the best bands going in Baltimore right now?
BSA - I really can’t answer that cuz I think all the bands in Baltimore are great in there own ways. But I would say keep yer eyes on two bands that are up and coming, Sacri Fidelis and Marrow.
10. Are these the most boring interview questions you've ever heard?
BSA - nah dude people ask me much more stupid shit. ha-ha thanks man.
1. Where the hell did you find Manny, that dude is one of the fastest drummers I’ve ever seen...
BSA – ha-hah fuckin’ Manny... I met Manny in 9th grade (2001). He happened to be in my gym class and he had disgusting nappy greasy hair so I went up and talked to him. he later found out I played guitar and one day he was walkin’ through a neighborhood (while he was on 16 corticedin pills) that I was also walkin’ through he stopped me and asked if I wanted to jam sometime. Now 7 years later we’re still sidekicks.
2. Running the risk of being generic, what are a few of your main influences...
BSA – I’d say our common influences as a band are Black Flag, Aus Rotten, Slayer, EARLY Metallica, ya know everything with good ol' Cliff...
3. Is there anything that you listen to that people might not expect when they hear Betty Sue Aside?
BSA – I’d say if you listen to Betty Sue Aside, expect nothing less. Expect a little bit of everything, from metal to punk, and expect it to be loud and pissed.
4. Favorite Venue?
BSA - WITHOUT A DOUBT, The Barclay House.
5. What has your touring experience been like and do you have any advice for bands attempting to hit the road?
BSA - HA. Tour... tour was good and bad. But life is good and bad and there’s no way around it. It was fun being with my best friends and going to different cities throughout the nation and spreading our fucking plague. The best high in the world is going outta state and seeing kids go crazy to the music that you wrote. Advice? Ease yer way into it. Don’t go out for a month yer first time on tour. And make sure you can all get along before hand ha-ha...
6. Wu-Tang or NWA?
Don’t do this to me.....
7. The lyrics are pretty heavy in your songs...I mean you guys aren't really singing about girls and cars and shit, what are the main points you try to get across in your songs?
BSA - The topics of our lyrics vary. I write pretty much all of them until every once in a while someone else comes up with something. I try to cover a little bit of everything, from politics to skateboarding. From thoughts inside a killers head to being paranoid because of world surveillance... so I guess there’s not really just one certain point.
8. Is Matty Boh a man, a myth, or a legend?
BSA - Matty Boh is THE man, THE myth, and THE legend.
9. Who are the best bands going in Baltimore right now?
BSA - I really can’t answer that cuz I think all the bands in Baltimore are great in there own ways. But I would say keep yer eyes on two bands that are up and coming, Sacri Fidelis and Marrow.
10. Are these the most boring interview questions you've ever heard?
BSA - nah dude people ask me much more stupid shit. ha-ha thanks man.
DAY BY DAY
Well here we are, we actually got another one put together! We enlisted the help of a few more people this month, so it’s nice to have the family grow!
The show, “Think Forward Part 1" was a great success! Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the local music and arts.
With your help we rose over $300.00 for Dance Harrison Street and donated 109 meals to the Maryland Food Bank (Salisbury chapter)!!!
Both organizations were very grateful and thanked you for your help!
This came in via mail from our new friends at the MD Food Bank:
“On behalf of the Maryland Food Bank, we would like to extend our thanks to everyone for their donation of 136 lbs. of sorted food that we received in July 2008. We greatly appreciate your support. Hunger on the Eastern Shore of Maryland affects a more diverse group of people than ever. We strive to make the best of your donation. 1.24 lbs. of food will provide one meal. Your donation will provide 109 meals….
Today, you have touched many lives with your generosity.”
Think Forward is considering organizing some charitable efforts for The MD Food Bank as well as bay clean-up. So if you are at all interested in joining us in volunteering please contact us at:
jonsbeasley@hotmail.com
~Us here at think forward~
The show, “Think Forward Part 1" was a great success! Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the local music and arts.
With your help we rose over $300.00 for Dance Harrison Street and donated 109 meals to the Maryland Food Bank (Salisbury chapter)!!!
Both organizations were very grateful and thanked you for your help!
This came in via mail from our new friends at the MD Food Bank:
“On behalf of the Maryland Food Bank, we would like to extend our thanks to everyone for their donation of 136 lbs. of sorted food that we received in July 2008. We greatly appreciate your support. Hunger on the Eastern Shore of Maryland affects a more diverse group of people than ever. We strive to make the best of your donation. 1.24 lbs. of food will provide one meal. Your donation will provide 109 meals….
Today, you have touched many lives with your generosity.”
Think Forward is considering organizing some charitable efforts for The MD Food Bank as well as bay clean-up. So if you are at all interested in joining us in volunteering please contact us at:
jonsbeasley@hotmail.com
~Us here at think forward~
Sometimes History DOES suck…
“the Everett Massacre”
In 1916, Everett, Washington was facing severe economic difficulties. There was ongoing confrontation between business and commercial interests and labor and labor organizers. There had been a number of labor organized rallies and speeches in the street. These were opposed by local law enforcement, which was firmly on the side of business. IWW organizers (labor organizers otherwise known as “Wobblies”) had gone into Everett to support a five-month long strike by shingle workers. Once there, vigilantes organized by business had beaten them up with axe handles and run them out of town. The Seattle IWW decided to go to Everett in numbers to hold a rally to show their support for the striking shingle workers.
As a result, over 200 vigilantes or "citizen deputies", under the ostensible authority of Snohomish County Sheriff McRae, met in order to repel the "anarchists". As their ship drew into the dock, and someone on board threw a line over a bollard, McRae stepped forward and called out "Boys, who's your leader here?" The unarmed IWW men shouted back,
"We are all leaders here!"
McRae drew his pistol, told them he was the sheriff, he was enforcing the law, and they couldn't land here. There was a silence, then a Wobbly came up to the front and yelled out "the hell we can't." Just then a single shot rang out, followed by about ten minutes of intense gunfire. Passengers aboard the vessel rushed to the opposite side of the ship, nearly capsizing. The ship's rail broke as a result and a number of passengers were ejected into the water.
At the end of the mayhem, 2 citizen deputies lay dead. The IWW stated that as many as 12 IWW members were killed. There was a good likelihood that the citizen deputies casualties on the dock were caused not by IWW firing from the steamer, but from vigilante rounds from the cross-fire of bullets. The IWW workers that survived were tracked down and charged with murder….
LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL
In 1916, Everett, Washington was facing severe economic difficulties. There was ongoing confrontation between business and commercial interests and labor and labor organizers. There had been a number of labor organized rallies and speeches in the street. These were opposed by local law enforcement, which was firmly on the side of business. IWW organizers (labor organizers otherwise known as “Wobblies”) had gone into Everett to support a five-month long strike by shingle workers. Once there, vigilantes organized by business had beaten them up with axe handles and run them out of town. The Seattle IWW decided to go to Everett in numbers to hold a rally to show their support for the striking shingle workers.
As a result, over 200 vigilantes or "citizen deputies", under the ostensible authority of Snohomish County Sheriff McRae, met in order to repel the "anarchists". As their ship drew into the dock, and someone on board threw a line over a bollard, McRae stepped forward and called out "Boys, who's your leader here?" The unarmed IWW men shouted back,
"We are all leaders here!"
McRae drew his pistol, told them he was the sheriff, he was enforcing the law, and they couldn't land here. There was a silence, then a Wobbly came up to the front and yelled out "the hell we can't." Just then a single shot rang out, followed by about ten minutes of intense gunfire. Passengers aboard the vessel rushed to the opposite side of the ship, nearly capsizing. The ship's rail broke as a result and a number of passengers were ejected into the water.
At the end of the mayhem, 2 citizen deputies lay dead. The IWW stated that as many as 12 IWW members were killed. There was a good likelihood that the citizen deputies casualties on the dock were caused not by IWW firing from the steamer, but from vigilante rounds from the cross-fire of bullets. The IWW workers that survived were tracked down and charged with murder….
LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL
"Think Forward" Show Recap
The big day finally came, and began with most fans getting lost. Dance Harrison Street is a rather difficult place to find, somehow located behind every surrounding building without actually having a front, and a sketchy entrance that makes one sure that it's the rear. But punks came from near and far, between the buildings, over the broken parking lot, past the dumpsters and weeds, up three flights up metal stairs to rock out with some of the region's best.
Perfekt Khaos opened a one man act of recorded laptop sounds, vocals, and keys. Though a bit different from the rest of the bill, the guy had a decent voice and though I didn't catch his name, I'll look forward to hearing from him in the future.
The Abolitionists came on at about 3:45 and sang Happy Birthday to me, then blazed through some originals and covers, by bands like Operation Ivy, the Ramones, and Sublime. Still in high school, this is a band to watch develop as they mature in their sound and gain experience playing shows even at a young age.
The Traumas came next with a style that I really dug, thoroughly punk but with a little extra. I didn't see the entire set, but the originals were catchy and their cover of a Beatles song was well-received by the crowd. Definitely a band I'd like to see again.
The Reticents took things in more of the hardcore/oi direction, rocking us out like a modern Black Flag as the singer dominated the mic and the axemen wheeled around and thrashed. Another band that I'd like to see again, even if I have to go to Baltimore/DC to do it.
The International Jet Set was, of course, amazing. Just for the amount of talent onstage, both in quantity and quality. As the only ska band playing, they calmed down all the visitors who were beginning to think it was a screamo show and took us through their originals. I'm not familiar with enough ska bands to fairly compare their sound, so come out the next time you get a chance and see the guys (and girl) for yourself!
The World Class Defects didn't pay me to wear their shirt to the show, though I encourage you to buy one. They're very comfortable and don't shrink (much). But at any rate the punks from Greensboro thrashed through their set, with sick bass riffs from Chris and a sicker sense of humor from frontman Danny, who walked off during the last song after a series of decidedly phallic thrusting motions with the mic. WCD was also selling copies of their new CD, which I'm listening to right now. It's excellent. More on that later…
Somediva--ooh boy. These drunk fuckers blundered their way through an earsplitting set of hardcore/metal, informing the crowd that they didn't give a fuck what we thought of them, and knocking over equipment from time to time. Most attendees chose this as a good time to go outside for a smoke, while those left alternately moshed and watched with trepidation. They made it through without hurting anyone, except my ears.
Press Black closed out the day, playing to a tired but appreciative crowd, and one beach ball that made it all over the room. I'd like to thank Caroline from Cambridge for (literally) giving me a shoulder to lean on at this time...let's just say grain alcohol can sneak up on you. She and a friend came to the show after seeing me post a flyer in Cambridge, which made all two hundred that I put up worth it!...If you don't have Press Black's recently released CD, get it. It's very well-recorded, has great energy, and I listen to it all the time.
Some notes:
- It looked like there were about seventy people at a time at the show, though some left early and others came late...
- To the guy playing guitar with the skaters, and singing Rancid tunes: You're the man. I'm gonna post that video, and hope I come across you again. A parking lot of kids on a Sunday afternoon, skating and hanging out as two play guitars and sing...that's the essence of punk.
- The "Think Forward" zine is a great read, I ate it up and will have eight copies at "Independence Fest" on Saturday for those that are interested...the interviews are interesting, the columns alternately funny and thought provoking, and the production entirely DIY. I'm planning on posting some tips, with input from the Think Forward guys, so that some like-minded individuals can start something similar for their own scenes.
- Chris Acyd
Perfekt Khaos opened a one man act of recorded laptop sounds, vocals, and keys. Though a bit different from the rest of the bill, the guy had a decent voice and though I didn't catch his name, I'll look forward to hearing from him in the future.
The Abolitionists came on at about 3:45 and sang Happy Birthday to me, then blazed through some originals and covers, by bands like Operation Ivy, the Ramones, and Sublime. Still in high school, this is a band to watch develop as they mature in their sound and gain experience playing shows even at a young age.
The Traumas came next with a style that I really dug, thoroughly punk but with a little extra. I didn't see the entire set, but the originals were catchy and their cover of a Beatles song was well-received by the crowd. Definitely a band I'd like to see again.
The Reticents took things in more of the hardcore/oi direction, rocking us out like a modern Black Flag as the singer dominated the mic and the axemen wheeled around and thrashed. Another band that I'd like to see again, even if I have to go to Baltimore/DC to do it.
The International Jet Set was, of course, amazing. Just for the amount of talent onstage, both in quantity and quality. As the only ska band playing, they calmed down all the visitors who were beginning to think it was a screamo show and took us through their originals. I'm not familiar with enough ska bands to fairly compare their sound, so come out the next time you get a chance and see the guys (and girl) for yourself!
The World Class Defects didn't pay me to wear their shirt to the show, though I encourage you to buy one. They're very comfortable and don't shrink (much). But at any rate the punks from Greensboro thrashed through their set, with sick bass riffs from Chris and a sicker sense of humor from frontman Danny, who walked off during the last song after a series of decidedly phallic thrusting motions with the mic. WCD was also selling copies of their new CD, which I'm listening to right now. It's excellent. More on that later…
Somediva--ooh boy. These drunk fuckers blundered their way through an earsplitting set of hardcore/metal, informing the crowd that they didn't give a fuck what we thought of them, and knocking over equipment from time to time. Most attendees chose this as a good time to go outside for a smoke, while those left alternately moshed and watched with trepidation. They made it through without hurting anyone, except my ears.
Press Black closed out the day, playing to a tired but appreciative crowd, and one beach ball that made it all over the room. I'd like to thank Caroline from Cambridge for (literally) giving me a shoulder to lean on at this time...let's just say grain alcohol can sneak up on you. She and a friend came to the show after seeing me post a flyer in Cambridge, which made all two hundred that I put up worth it!...If you don't have Press Black's recently released CD, get it. It's very well-recorded, has great energy, and I listen to it all the time.
Some notes:
- It looked like there were about seventy people at a time at the show, though some left early and others came late...
- To the guy playing guitar with the skaters, and singing Rancid tunes: You're the man. I'm gonna post that video, and hope I come across you again. A parking lot of kids on a Sunday afternoon, skating and hanging out as two play guitars and sing...that's the essence of punk.
- The "Think Forward" zine is a great read, I ate it up and will have eight copies at "Independence Fest" on Saturday for those that are interested...the interviews are interesting, the columns alternately funny and thought provoking, and the production entirely DIY. I'm planning on posting some tips, with input from the Think Forward guys, so that some like-minded individuals can start something similar for their own scenes.
- Chris Acyd
Infamy is Bliss… Shane Wreck Interviewed by: Cody
Flop-Top international New Wave superstar lead singer of the Living Wrecks and guitar player for The Cheap Shots, Shane Wreck...or Shane Scum...I dunno it's hard to keep up, Anyway he's got two cool punk rock names where as most people don't even have one...here we go...
Think Forward: Give us a brief run-down of what to expect out of the new Living Wrecks album "Cheap Heat" for those cheap-skate high strung jerks who haven't picked it up yet...
Shane Wreck: its a pretty straight forward punk rock n roll record. We’ve been told that it reminds people of D Generation meets the Dead Boys so I take that as a good thing. A lot of sing alongs and great hooks in it.
TF: What are the chances that, in the future, you could be referred to as "Shane the Gravy Train"?
SW: As the shame spiral continues chances are good. I’ll keep you posted on that one.
TF: You play in two bands and book a healthy amount of shows in Baltimore, don't you ever wear thin? What is your blood pressure on average?
SW: Not sure about the blood pressure but I’m sure it isn’t worth a damn, but yeah it can be a bit trying at times but hell, your only alive once, so go fuck shit up while you can.
TF: Who are some of your favorite bands in or around the Baltimore area?
SW: The Reticents; Betty Sue Aside and Press Black. But there are a lot of good bands playing out man; the Cheapshots, Ratsize, National Razor, Nervous Habits, Ripovs; this list could go on forever. Just get off the computer or couch and go to some shows.
TF: What music do you listen to that people wouldn't expect based on the type of music your bands play?
SW: …huge Replacements fan, everything they ever did is great!. Let’s see what else...Billy Bragg, Rolling Stones, Johnny cash I like bits and pieces of everything
TF: Best live band you've ever seen...
SW: This a tough one....Anti Nowhere League in London two years ago. That was great show the Damned and Sham 69 played that night also. In the states, it’s tie between The Meatmen and GBH.
TF: How much of your biological make-up is Natty Boh (Percentage please...)?
SW: I’m pretty sure I’m at 25%natty boh, 60% whiskey and 15% bullshit and misc.
TF: Favorite Venue to play at?
SW: Gotta be sidebar its the cheers of Baltimore. The nerve center is great as well.
TF: I see you've got a couple out of state shows booked; does this mean the Wrecks are going to hit the road soon?
SW: We're just doing some road trips here and there. Hopefully we'll tour in the near future. Our label was talking about doing a label tour but we'll have to wait and see.
TF: Tiggle Bitties or Crumb Cakes?
SW: I guess crumb cakes..?..
TF: Are these the worst interview questions you've ever read?
SW: …question 10.
Think Forward: Give us a brief run-down of what to expect out of the new Living Wrecks album "Cheap Heat" for those cheap-skate high strung jerks who haven't picked it up yet...
Shane Wreck: its a pretty straight forward punk rock n roll record. We’ve been told that it reminds people of D Generation meets the Dead Boys so I take that as a good thing. A lot of sing alongs and great hooks in it.
TF: What are the chances that, in the future, you could be referred to as "Shane the Gravy Train"?
SW: As the shame spiral continues chances are good. I’ll keep you posted on that one.
TF: You play in two bands and book a healthy amount of shows in Baltimore, don't you ever wear thin? What is your blood pressure on average?
SW: Not sure about the blood pressure but I’m sure it isn’t worth a damn, but yeah it can be a bit trying at times but hell, your only alive once, so go fuck shit up while you can.
TF: Who are some of your favorite bands in or around the Baltimore area?
SW: The Reticents; Betty Sue Aside and Press Black. But there are a lot of good bands playing out man; the Cheapshots, Ratsize, National Razor, Nervous Habits, Ripovs; this list could go on forever. Just get off the computer or couch and go to some shows.
TF: What music do you listen to that people wouldn't expect based on the type of music your bands play?
SW: …huge Replacements fan, everything they ever did is great!. Let’s see what else...Billy Bragg, Rolling Stones, Johnny cash I like bits and pieces of everything
TF: Best live band you've ever seen...
SW: This a tough one....Anti Nowhere League in London two years ago. That was great show the Damned and Sham 69 played that night also. In the states, it’s tie between The Meatmen and GBH.
TF: How much of your biological make-up is Natty Boh (Percentage please...)?
SW: I’m pretty sure I’m at 25%natty boh, 60% whiskey and 15% bullshit and misc.
TF: Favorite Venue to play at?
SW: Gotta be sidebar its the cheers of Baltimore. The nerve center is great as well.
TF: I see you've got a couple out of state shows booked; does this mean the Wrecks are going to hit the road soon?
SW: We're just doing some road trips here and there. Hopefully we'll tour in the near future. Our label was talking about doing a label tour but we'll have to wait and see.
TF: Tiggle Bitties or Crumb Cakes?
SW: I guess crumb cakes..?..
TF: Are these the worst interview questions you've ever read?
SW: …question 10.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Thank You!
"Think Forward Part 1" was a great success! Thank you to everyone who came out and supported the local music and arts.
With your help we raised over $300.00 for Dance Harrison Street and donated 108 meals to the Maryland Food Bank (Salisbury chapter)!!!
Both organizations were very grateful and thanked you for your help!
So thanks again! Keep an eye out for info forthcoming about "Think Foward part 2" and other goodies to come!
THINK FOWARD Issue #2 will be released 7/22/08 at all local stores that will take 'em!"
~JON
With your help we raised over $300.00 for Dance Harrison Street and donated 108 meals to the Maryland Food Bank (Salisbury chapter)!!!
Both organizations were very grateful and thanked you for your help!
So thanks again! Keep an eye out for info forthcoming about "Think Foward part 2" and other goodies to come!
THINK FOWARD Issue #2 will be released 7/22/08 at all local stores that will take 'em!"
~JON
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