All or Nothing H.C. – California Bleeding

Although "California Bleeding" was released in March of this year, I got the opportunity to listen to the stellar album this month (September) and I wish I would have discovered All or Nothing H.C. sooner. Even before I listened to All or Nothing H.C., I knew I would fall in love with them, just from their album artwork displaying a movie poster with California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, mocking and criticizing him. The album, released through On the Rag Records, showcases the raw aggression and passion for justice and equality that vocalist Renae Bryant, bassist/vocalist Jared Nothing, guitarist/vocalist Ryan Doria, and drummer Eli Deluna all possess.

All or Nothing H.C. is not shy about putting their opinion out there through their intense, hardcore music, another reason I love them. Through songs like, Countdown to Extinction" (which is actually based off the title of a children's book, because Renae Bryant anaylzed the book as much more than a simple kid's story), "A Lot of Work to Do", inspired from Bryant's explosion at a Human Rights Day event, and her venting about Christianity and hypocrites), "They Are We", a song about how the United States should reach out and embrace other cultures and help if necessary, and was also inspired from the book *Reflections on the Art of Living: A Joseph Campbell Companion * by Diane K. Osbon. The title track, "California Bleeding", attacks the Governator for his less-than-outstanding job performance. All or Nothing H.C is similar to Naked Aggression, with a hint of Minor Threat thrown in, due to the personal, heartfelt and fiery lyrics, while remaining in your face and fierce. With each song having its own issue presented, "California Bleeding" is perfect for anyone looking for an excellent hardcore Punk sound, with intelligent and political lyrics that will leave you thinking and wanting to help All or Nothing H.C.'s goal in changing the horrors facing our society and our world.

Band MySpace: www.myspace.com/allornothinghc

 

 

-Sarah K.-
Music scene reporter
Big Wheel Online Magazine

 

 

 

 

 

 

Music play list for the week ending September 20, 2009

Top 25  - In no particular order -

Misfits - Children In Heat
Operation Ivy - Knowledge
NOFX - Bob
Varukers - You're Dead
Minor Threat - Think Again
Big Boys - We've Got Your Money
Bad Brains - Big Takeover
Queers - Hi Mom, It's Me!
Gaslight Anthem - Drive
Offspring - Dirty Magic
Lou Reed - Satellite of Love
Pennywise - Faith and Hope
Cro Mags - World Peace
Acid Bath - Tranquilizer
SNFU - Great Mind Eraser
Joe Jackson - I'm the Man
Half Off - Rain on the Parade
Anthrax - Got the Time
Koffin Kats - Demon Demon
The Clash - Clampdown
The Pogues - Dirty Old Town
Jimmy Eat World - The Middle
Bombshell Rocks - Blood Brothers
Gorilla Biscuits - New Direction
Thin Lizzy - The Boys are Back in Town

The above list are some of the top played songs amongst our staff this week.

Message of the week:
If you want to ask how to get something done, go ask a busy person
....never ask a person with time on their hands.

 

This weeks playlist brought to you by: TKO Records

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Shows and events calendar for Los Angeles, Orange County, Ventura, San Diego, San Bernardino, California and states all over the United States and the world. Complete and extended listing covering Punk, Indie, Rock, Psychobilly and more.

Psychedelic Furs – Happy Mondays – Amusement Parks on Fire – at The House Of Blues – Anaheim, CA

It's often said that legends have the ability to bring different groups of people together. The saying rang true Saturday night at the House of Blues in Anaheim, where 80's sensation the Psychedelic Furs performed with the Happy Mondays and Amusement Parks on Fire. Men and women, ranging from pre-teens to seniors, dressed up casual and modern, gothic, or 80's style all gathered to hear an amazing performance from one of the greatest goth-rock bands of the 1980's.

The doors opened at 7:10 PM, ten minutes later than the advertised time. The anxious fans settled in, ordered their drinks, and shared their memories of "back-in-the-day", or just chatted about the music they would soon hear. I even talked to one married couple who was on a romantic outing, because they both met at a Psychedelic Furs show and later fell in love, and felt they needed to pay homage to the band. Soon after, the curtain opened to reveal Amusement Parks on Fire. Lead singer, Michael Feerick shined wearing a black hoodie covered in silver sequins, skinny jeans, and a messy blonde hairstyle. The band played their music with raw energy and a drowsy, Nirvana-esque style. The group showcased their deep, brooding sound similar to the Furs, while getting the audience more and more excited to see the Psychedelic Furs play.

The Happy Mondays, who are another popular British band from the 1980/1990's, took the stage around 9:15PM. My friend was incredibly happy to see this band, and when they started playing, I knew why. The Happy Mondays, consisting of Shaun Ryder, Mark Berry and Gary Whelan played with a funky energy and passion, which was shown by a curvy African-American woman danced her heart out on a stool on the stage. The group sang old hit such as, "Step On", "Kinky Afro", and "Stinkin Thinkin". Although the Happy Mondays could fall under the category with such bands like Joy Division, the Happy Mondays stick out because of their dubby, skanky style that made them a hit in their prime. The Happy Mondays excellent performance paved the way for the long awaited Psychedelic Furs to appear.

Finally, after dealing with moments of taunting, the curtain opened up around 10:30PM to reveal the Furs, playing the quirky-toned hit, "Love My Way", which I was surprised, yet ecstatic, to hear them perform the song this early in the set. The crowd roared with applause, with many singing along and dancing. The British-native new wave group also performed popular tunes such as, "Ghost in You", "All that Money Wants", and one of my personal favorites, "Heartbreak Beat". As the night carried on, the crowd became noticeably looser, by dancing with strangers and fawning over lead singer Richard Butler, who talked little throughout the set, yet was very gracious to the adorning fans. In the middle of their set, they surprised me once again by playing the infamous hit that inspired the John Hughes film, "Pretty in Pink", which had everyone, including the bartenders, singing along to every single word. At this point, women were trying to dance on the bar and men were swaying arm-in-arm. Soon after "Pretty in Pink" and a few other songs were performed, Butler blew kisses to the crowd and the Furs exited the stage. The still-dimmed lights and lack of house music was a hint to us that our Furs would soon emerge again from backstage. Alas, they pleased and came out to perform two more songs, as well as Richard Butler signing autographs and touching fans hands, while expressing his gratitude to the whole crowd. When the Psychedelic Furs left the stage, and the curtain closed, we knew that the show was unfortunately over.

As fans exited the venue, sober or drunk, they were all satisfied and excessively chatty about how great the Psychedelic Furs and Happy Mondays were, and how "they sounded just like they did 20 years ago". Whether the audience was there to hear and see Amusement Parks on Fire, Happy Mondays, or the Psychedelic Furs, they no doubt got an amazing post-punk and new wave show. Hopefully, the next time that the Psychedelic Furs play again, fans won't have to wait 20 years, but even if we did, its damn well worth the wait.
 

-Sarah K.-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter
 

Photos of the Psychedelic Furs show the night before at Nokia Theater can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

 

 

Goldblade Interview

  Interview by: Dod M.
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondent

One of the best bands out there at the moment is Goldblade, their energetic shows and audience participation are legendary. They are one of the 1st bands I put on my list to see when I go to Rebellion or wherever I can go and see them play. Lead singer and author, John Robb took time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions.

Goldblade- What’s the origin of that name?
John Robb – I wanted something flash and sharp! and I didn’t want a band name with a ‘the’ in front of it! something different something that made you think of sharp and angular dudes playing fierce rock n roll…hope it worked!

Who are your major influences?
J R - Well Punk rock is a key influence. its the music that really changed my life, I grew up with first wave punk and 1977 was an amazing year…growing up in small town Blackpool in England, it gave us a hope that there was another way of life and that we could make our own music on our own terms….DIY was the single greatest thing that came from punk- the idea that you could create your own culture- that’s revolutionary and I think that still holds true. Even if punk had become very corporate it doesn’t mean that a lot of the original ideals have been lost, anyone reading this can create their own stuff- whether it music or a fanzine or a website…do it now!

How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
J R - We met in various stages…keef the bass player was in my old band the membranes, rob the drummer I knew from around Manchester and Pete the guitar player I’ve known for 25 years! Johnny was knocking around town…there was a plan and it had to be executed, the plan was to create the perfect rock n roll band!

When did you form your band? What inspired you to make music together?
J R – The band was formed in the mid nineties at the time there was no punk rock getting made by new bands in the UK and we wanted to go against the grain and create some and try and prove that punk rock could still be made by a new band in the UK on its own terms….

Who writes your songs?
J R - Like medieval alchemists we sweat over strange compounds trying to find the perfect blend to make perfect rock n roll we then rehearse the fuck out of it and crank it up so that we can cause a riot when we play live…

Are you still fans and of who?
J R – I’m a massive music head and I like all types of music- I get bored of listening to one style all the time and all the best music is created by cross pollination…

Who has the best side project(s)?
J R – I guess everyone thinks their side projects are the best and maybe for some people Goldblade is their side project! I got so much going I never sleep! I write books, loads of articles, do radio, write songs then when I rest I do weights! Ha ha what a life!

What I love though is Goldblade…serious band

What has been your biggest challenge as a band?
J R –  Never losing the edge…it’s easy to get lazy and coast along but i,m always looking for the edge and always looking at ways to crank up the energy level…

Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?
J R – Of course, i’m full . I don’t fuck about.

What’s your ultimate direction for your band?
J R –  Forward

Where have you performed? What are your favourite and least favourite venues?
J R – Toured most of the world,,,the challenge is to always create the vibe in whatever venue you are presented with whether it is a stadium or a back room of  a pub…I deal with them all as they come up…bring them on one after the other  with crap PA’s, shit monitors? fuck it….Goldblade will still deliver, Punk rock is tough and that what makes it special…

What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
J R - Never give up, it’s not about ‘making it’ that’s a myth. it’s about getting smart and learning how to survive, it’s about community and above all it’s about the music…everything else is a sideshow…

What’s your coolest band story?
J R – I got loads but none of them are what you would call ‘rock n roll’…I hate those tales of I was so drunk I fell asleep on the floor’ road stories but that’s because I don’t drink…I’m there for the music and the hanging out and talking to the people who turn up at the show…i’ve seen and done some crazy stuff though I got on he front page of the Russian newspaper Pravda which used to be a serious communist paper but is now the Russian equivalent of the sun…I was onstage and stripped down to my underpants and the picture appeared on the front of the paper…

What do you think about downloading music online?
J R – On one level its great that everyone can hear your music and I like the anarchistic idea of it…on the other its fucking it up for all the small labels and bands…people now think music has got  free but you have to pay to make it…its alright for the Ferrari rock star like Radiohead to say downloading music is cool but they are multi millionaires there has to be a way to make this work,. I don’t give a fuck about being rich but I like to survive!…but that’s how it works now and we have already adapted to it…and people who like our music buy merchandise to keep us on the road…

What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
J R – Its changing fast…the coked up endless cocktail party days are over….but its gone very grass roots and there are more bands than ever before…you don’t have to grovel to the radio to get heard now- which is cool because they are still scared of punk rock…! people can hear you on your Myspace etc…

I have been to Rebellion and Durham punk festivals this year, both are brilliant, what are your thoughts on them.
J R - Both brilliant and the mutiny festival in Bridlington was great as well…they hold the scene together and give a chance for everyone to meet everyone else,and also a chance to see some great bands through proper PA’s and also to have a big long party…great weekends…

What makes a good crowd?
J R - A wild mosh pit and some great interaction with the band…

Any last words and Do you believe in the power of rock n roll?
J R - Of course brother of course!

Band MySpace: www.myspace.com/goldblade

Sin 34 – Media Blitz – Joe’s Garage – CCD – PSA – at Etnies Skate Park – Lake Forest, CA

Recently here in Orange County one of our fellow young punks tragically passed away at the age of fourteen. Hayden Michael Meier was a dedicated member of our scene and was known as a kid with a big heart and a strong loyalty to the people he loved. With this in mind friends and family members came together to celebrate his life at a Punk rock show held at Etnie's Skate Park in Lake Forest, California. For someone who loved music and the scene as much as Hayden did this seemed like a very appropriate way to celebrate his life.

While bands were playing there was a projector next to the stage displaying pictures of Hayden throughout his life. Media Blitz/CCD drummer, Jeff Salisbury made special patches with a picture of Hayden on them and passed them out for free. Similarly a few people were wearing T-shirts with Hayden's picture on them and members of the Meier's family collected money for Hayden's memorial fund. People of all ages were at the event- skating, slam dancing, hanging out, and having a good time.

The first band that played were called Raunch N' Pillz and they mostly seemed like a wind- up act, goofing around and playing less than serious songs. There use of the "N" word in there songs was unfortunate and while their intentions were no doubt probably fairly innocent it was considered by many of us to be in bad taste. They were followed by S.M. who are a cool up and coming thrash punk band. They played Agent Orange and Rudimentary Peni covers along with original songs like "Rats Inside" and "Change Your Ways."

The Viktims pulled a gag on the audience by opening their set with a cover of Media Blitz's "Drop Dead" and then continued their set with original material. Their sound has gotten faster and tighter since they first started about a year ago and Crawford's drumming sounded especially great. Member's of C.C.D. took stage wearing yellow and black, keeping with lyrical themes that use bees to talk about society in an abstract and satirical way. Their sound borrows from DRI, Gwar, and Slayer, and it's always cool to see a band that mixes up things musically and lyrically at the same time. Some members of the audience were also wearing yellow and black to show their support, including one kid who wore yellow and black bondage pants and a yellow shirt with black stripes spray painted on it.

P.S.A. played songs that mixed fast hardcore punk with fast ska parts a la Leftover Crack/Choking Victim. Many members of the audience seemed to enjoy their music, particularly their song called "Nazis Can't Skank."

Recently Joe's Garage have become one of the most well known bands in Orange County with their dedication to playing as many shows as possible. This constant schedule of playing shows has paid off well as they are clearly mastering the art of playing their songs. This may have been the best set that they have ever played with their songs being sped up and the band showing an increased confidence in their playing and stage presence. Generally they play a few cover songs, but tonight they played all originals. "The Eye," which is a song about government surveillance, sounded particularly great.

Playing the role of punk rock scene veterans at a show that was otherwise made up of young bands, Sin 34 played a lengthy set of angry punk rock with female vocals. Some of the more memorable songs included "Do You Feel Safe?," "War at Home," "Forgive and Forget," and "Two Words." "Children Shall Not Be Heard" was dedicated to the memory of Hayden and throughout the set a few comments were made about how hard it is whenever we a member of the punk scene passes given the communal aspect of the music and culture. Sin 34 were generous enough to play this show for free before heading to play a bar show in Santa Ana at Malone's later that night.

Before Media Blitz's set drummer Jeff Salisbury took the microphone to say a few words about Hayden's passing which echoed some of the sentiments from Sin 34 about how it's important to stick together whenever a fellow punk is lost. Media Blitz had the most rowdy response of the night with members of the audience diving off stage, singing along , and thrashing throughout their whole set. They balanced out original material with Black Flag, Gorilla Biscuits, and Beastie Boys covers.

This show was a great celebration of the music and culture that Hayden loved and a way for people to come together in tribute to Hayden's life. Overall the show had a positive vibe that showed how precious life can be.
 

-Ditch-
Big Wheel Asst. Editor

 

Editors Note:
All of us here at Big Wheel send our condolences to Hayden's family and friends.

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

 

 

 

Psychedelic Furs – Happy Mondays – Amusement Parks on Fire – at Club Nokia – Los Angeles, CA

Kicking off a string of shows in So Cal, The Psychedelic Furs are back. Friday night's show took place at the Nokia Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The voice of Furs vocalist Richard Butler still holds the same cadence as fans hear on their many records. This band reached a total zenith when their songs became the backdrop music for The 80's era of john Hughes films, most notable, "Pretty In Pink".

 

Set List
--------
Love My Way
Heartbreakbeat
Like A Stranger
President Gas
Ghost In You
All Of This and Nothing
Believe
Pretty In Pink
Easy Street
Friends
Sister Europe
It Goes On
I Don't Wanna Be Shadow
Heavan

Encore- Dumb Waiters and closing out the set with Forever Now




 

Big Wheel Online Magazine
 

Photos of the Psychedelic Furs show the night at the Nokia Theater can be seen HERE

 
                                          Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
 

 

 

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