Phenomenauts and ArnoCorps at The Ashkenaz Cafe – Berkeley, CA
March 19, 2011
Although the heavy wind and rain that poured down over Berkeley proved to be pretty intense, it was no match for the powerful forces of the two of the Bay Area's most highly respected bands: ArnoCorps and the Phenomenauts. It was the first time that both bands have played a show together in seven years, so they respectively titled the show "When Heroes Unite".Though both bands stem from two completely different genres, they both have an army of loyal followers that came together to commemorate and go on a mission with two heroic bands at the Ashkenaz dance and music community center.
From the get go, the Ashkenaz possessed a laid-back and fun atmosphere to it, with friendly staff and vintage political signs plastered on the walls. While observing the crowd, you either saw people donning helmets, face paint, and war gear for Arnocorps or sharply dressed individuals wearing red and black or intergalactic attire for the Phenomenauts. Although two bands commenced the show, Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits and Sharp Objects, I made it just in time to catch the ballsiness of ArnoCorps. ArnoCorps is arguably the most unique band out there due to the fact that they truly do not fit a genre- they are "action adventure, hardcore rock n' roll"; although "the motivation behind the band is far too complex to be defined by such superficial characteristics", they are devoted to singing about ancient Austrian folktales and myths, and though it appears that they worship Arnold Schwarzenegger, they believe that the actor/governor ruined and bastardized these tales with his films . Like the fans, the band came on stage in full combat and camoflague paint on their faces and addressed the pumped up crowd in Austrian accents. The liveliness that the band is infamous for immediately appeared, with people raising their fists and chanting along to the ballsy and heroic lyrics. The goddamn heroes performed songs such as, "Predator", "Red Heat", "Terminator", and "Commando" to the enthusiastic crowd. One of the highlights of ArnoCorps performance was the high amount of audience participation, namely the muscle flexing contest and studs/studettes who were called on stage to sing along with the band. The heroes ended their set with the anthems "I'm Ballsy" and "Last Action Hero", causing chaos on stage and in the crowd and proving that their lyrics ring true by not taking shit from anyone.
Hailing from what they claim as Earth's capital (Oakland), The Phenomenauts were up next, and as the camouflage started to disappear from the front of the stage, a surge of red and black quickly snagged the spots. The set started out like any other, with the "clouds of CO2" being sprayed into the audience and fans screaming for the galactic pioneers. They performed the usual hits, including "Man Alone", "I Am Not a Robot", "Neptune City" and the fan favorite off the album "Rockets and Robots", "Tiny Robots" while ArnoCorps is unique because they simply create their own genre, the Phenomenauts are different because of their blend of surf rock, Punk, psychobilly, New Wave, and of course, science and honor. The Steamerator 2000, the tool that shoots rolls of toilet paper into the crowd, made it's usual appearance via Professor Greg Arius which never fails to fans, whether it be their first Phenomenauts show or their hundredth. Once the galactic heros exited the stage, fans immediately began to sing the chant: "PHEN-OMEN-AUTS, PHENOMENAUTS!". Vocalist/guitarist the sensuous Commander Angel Nova emerged wearing a Hugh Hefner-esque robe and serenaded the crowd with "Cyborg" along with the talented AR-7 on the keyboard, causing everyone in the audience to sway arm-in-arm. The rest of the band came out to conclude the set with the hit "Particle Accelerator".
Rather than encouraging everyone to leave, the staff at Ashkenaz invited people to stay and dance to the house music, which consisted of Ska tunes such as the Aggrolites and the Slackers. Thanks to the fantastic studs that make up ArnoCorps and the stylish galactic pioneers known as the Phenomenauts, fans left the building to fearlessly conquer that harsh weather that the Bay Area experienced. Mind-blowing things happen "When Heroes Unite", and us norms can only hope that these two amazing forces can combine once again for another mission to bring us musical greatness and a stellar live performance.
-Sarah K.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
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Northeast Records Night with Revolutions Pride – Majorelle – The Lysolgang – at Old Towne Pub – Pasadena, CA
March 18, 2011
Northeast night at the Old Town Pub was a blast as always! Starting off with The Lysolgang, a rad three piece formed by past members of the Ignorant. Their fast paced catchy tunes were the perfect way to start the night. Majorelle played second with a set full of energy. To surprise the crowd they covered The Ignorant song, The Epitome, and the former singer of the Ignorant, Diego jumped up on stage and sang with the band. Revolutions Pride brought a 60s rocks sound to the pub that night. This new band was created by former singer of The Ignorant. The night was full of Ignorance and drunken bliss.
The Lysolgang
The Lysolgang
Majorelle
Revolutions Pride
Revolutions Pride
Revolutions Pride
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Stenchradio.com Presents The Gears, Hitchhikers, Symbol Six, Standard and Poor and Sylvia Juncosa – at Character’s Bar – Pomona CA
March 18, 2011
The So-Cal Stench-Nation supporting punkers got together March 18th at Character’s Bar in Pomona to celebrate www.stenchradio.com host, Stig Stench’s Birthday! A percentage of the door went to keep “BRINGING PUNK ROCK RADIO BACK FROM THE DEAD,” and spreading it to all the Punk rock lovers of the world! Sponsored by stenchradio.com and presented by Fig. 8 Slo-Mo and Two Play Entertainment, this power packed bill featured The Gears, The Hitchhikers, Symbol Six, Standard and Poor, and Sylvia Juncosa & The Picassos.
Nestled within the Arts District of Old Town Pomona Ca., Character’s Bar is known as a watering hole to the locals, but on special nights, Punk rock and rocking rolling shows are happening in the patio with the train tracks set as the backdrop.
The night begins after going thru the elongated bar inside, towards the back door that leads to the patio for live music! A small sign with a 9pm start time indicates what’s to come. It is now 9:30 and people are strolling in while Sylvia Juncosa and The Picassos, with Steve Reed on Bass, electrify the cold air playing radical psychedelic melodies, doing everyone’s favorite, “Lick my Pussy Eddie Van Halen,” last. Guitarist, Sylvia Juncosa aka Sly J on www.stenchradio.com is the web master for the site and also hosts her own stench radio show. The party has ignited for Stig here in the west coast while he hosts live from his radio headquarters in Austin, Texas!
Riverside band Standard and Poor fronted by Mr. Deville comes up next and play Stench Radio favorites “Sex Doll Baby,” “Liar,” and then dedicate “Born Bad” to Stig Stench as well as playing some new rocking music.
Symbol Six, with front-man Eric Leach follows with a heavy hard rocking set with songs like “Napalm Love” and “Dog Days,” filled with leads that growl louder than the freight train! Eric Leach aka Eazy E on Stench Radio wishes Stig the best on his birthday and reminds us all to donate during the upcoming Stench-A-Thon. Fresh off a 3 week tour, Symbol Six is nice and tight, playing song after song seamlessly.
The crowd is now on their feet and waiting for The Hitchhikers to “Rawk and filthy Roll!” This Punk band is made up of members from The Humpers, The Bleeders, and Disguster and is self-described as a “glued together tumbleweed of spit, beer, sweat and grease”. Hitchhiker fans got a sneak preview of brand new songs from their upcoming release as well as songs from their previous Zodiac Killer Records catalogue, a treat indeed.
Headlining the www.stenchradio.com sponsored event is 1978 classic Punk rockabilly band The Gears, with Axxel G. Reese on vocals, Kidd Spike of The Controllers on guitar, Mike Manifold on bass, and Sean Antillion on drums. It is 1 in the morning forcing The Gears to rush thru their set. They hit the stage with high energy and manage to squeeze in a 10 song set with songs like “The Last Chord,” “Baby Runaround,” and end the night with “Don’t be Afraid to Pogo,” as they are abruptly told all music ends at 1:30am, cutting The Gears set short, leaving yearning fans wanting more!
Everyone had a good Punk rocking time in honor of Stig, who would have been proud of his Stench Nation, who clearly showed admiration and respect for their treasured radio host leader on his birthday.
Stig of www.stenchradio.com will be hosting a 24hour stench-a-thon on March 25th thru March 26th in an effort to raise funds and keep internet radio free for all listeners
-Cinx-
Big Wheel Guest Reporter
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Me First And The Gimme Gimmes – Go Down Under EP
March 16, 2011
For the most part, cover songs go either way- people either love them or hate them. Thus, the same goes for the Punk super group who only record and perform their version of classic songs, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. Consisting of members from NOFX, Lagwagon, Foo Fighters, and Swingin' Utters, The Gimme Gimmes have always maintained a specific theme on their albums and EPs, ranging from showtunes or country, but the latest album proves to be somewhat different. Although the theme is still present, rather than sticking to a genre, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes decided to take the continent of Australia on the "Go Down Under!" EP.
The 5 song EP starts off with an upbeat version of the INXS hit, "Never Tear Us Apart". The second track, "All Out of Love" (originally done by Air Supply) proves to embody what the Me First and the Gimme Gimmes are all about- adding a Punk rock twist to songs, in this case, they use the intro from Black Flag's "Rise Above. Personally, I would have chosen "All Out of Love" as the first song because of the noticeable intro but this doesn't take away from the EP's overall quality. "Friday On My Mind", originally done by the Easybeats, carries on the Gimme Gimme fashion of fun and poppy music, along with the Olivia Newton-John song "Have You Never Been Mellow". The last track, Rick Springfield's "I've Done Everything for You", is easily my personal favorite because proves. One of the things I enjoy most about this EP is the fact that the Gimme Gimmes didn't pick the most popular or typical songs to cover the artists, namely "Jessie's Girl" by Rick Springfield or "Physical" by Olivia Newton-John.
Even if you absolutely despise cover bands and songs, you can't deny the fun nature that Me First and the Gimme Gimmes personify through their music. Whether you're at a Punk rock party or at the karaoke bar, play this EP and let the Gimme Gimmes provide everyone with a good time.
Tracklist:
1. Never Tear Us Apart (2:04)
2. All Out Of Love (2:55)
3. Friday On My Mind (2:28)
4. Have You Never Been Mellow (2:31)
5. I've Done Everything For You (2:04)
Get it here: www.fatwreck.com
-Sarah K.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
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Bob Wayne – Outlaw Carnie
March 15, 2011
In the past, if you had a Bob Wayne CD, it was a novelty of sorts. It meant that you had definitely seen him live. His merch table included burned bootleg demos with original artwork, hand drawn, for the cover. No longer do you have to wait patiently til' Bob Wayne makes an appearance in your town to enjoy his music.
Bob Wayne recently released his first full length solo album on Century Media Records. It features many classic tunes and a few new songs. While the raw sound of his bootleg Cds are amazing. The production in his new album will blow you away. The sound is clean, and the back up fiddle and banjo coupled with Bob's vocals and guitar make for a masterpiece. Bob Wayne is Outlaw Country at it's finest. Johnny Cash's bastard evil twin! Whether it be taking LSD and running from the law, in "Driven by Demons" or being saved from a bar full demons by the ghost of Johnny Cash in the song "Ghost Town". Bob Wayne's story telling is sure to draw you in and captivate you throughout the entirety of each song. Bob Wayne's new album "Outlaw Carnie" is now available at your local record store for everyone to enjoy. So get to truckin' and check it out! Or better yet, get off your ass and catch a live performance and get your copy there. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
Bob Wayne MySpace: www.myspace.com/bobwayne
-J. Moncrief-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
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Peter Murphy at the Mayan Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
March 14, 2011
Last nights Peter Murphy concert proved to be a most exquisite night of old favorites and new musical flavors mixed into a one of kind Goth rock cocktail. The man, myth and legend known as the Godfather of Goth has never been one to disappoint live, it was true in 1981 and remains evident in 2011AD.
Taking the stage just after 10 pm to a theatre filled with haunting sounds blaring from his intro tape, Peter and his LA based backing band were welcomed by his legions of fans by deafening applause and more screams than Charles Manson and his followers could invoke on unsuspecting victims. The 1992 hit “Low Room” served as a perfect opener as its eerie Middle Eastern channeled acoustic guitars balanced themselves between the pounding drums and Peter shrieking vocal performance like only he can.
Peter has often paid live homage to other artists he’s collaborated with and last nights performance saw the inclusion of The Stooges “Raw Power” which brought the crowds energy to a fevering high. Being the master that he is, The Godfather dedicated his next number to his long time friend Trent Reznor of NIN acclaim and broke into a soulful rendition of “Hurt” that successfully sent shivers up and down the spines of all.
If the crowd thought that the night had peaked, Peter was there to prove everyone wrong, and being a solo artist who at one time fronted a band with a large cult following, he knew exactly what to do next. As the lights dimmed down to almost pitch black darkness, Mark Thwaite and Peter made their way center stage as a duo and broke into the eerie Bauhaus hit “Silent Hedges” from 1982’s “The Sky’s Gone Out“ lp. Seeing many Bela Lugosi shirts, ghostly faces, dark eyes and teased up hair through out the night made for an undeniably Gothy Punk crowd hungry for a dose of Bauhaus hits, and Peter made sure to deliver. The bass heavy trance like “Stigmata Martyr” had the crowd moving in a pogo like jester fashion mimicking Peters batty dance moves that he performed onstage; the most frightening being Peters verses spoken in Latin just like a scene out of the Exorcist.
The remainder of the concert saw the band firing on all cylinders giving the crowd 3 encores that consisted of fan favorites that have been live staples since their inception. The nights biggest surprise came about when the beautiful “A Strange Kind Of Love” ballad saw Peter pose center stage and start rehearsing the chorus to Bauhaus’ “Bela Lugosi’s Dead” over and over with a most sinister look on his face well lit with white light just like the accompanying music video made famous nearly 30 years ago. The following Bauhaus hit “She’s in Parties” found its way into the set and was a perfect companion to “Cuts You Up” which made for Peters highest peak of the night.
As the crowd exited the beautiful Mayan theatre it was clear that all expectations had been succeeded and Peter’s performance had won the hearts of all. The crowd of mostly 20-50 year olds knew that their trek to downtown LA on a Monday night was not in vain and that their hero delivered a special concert for the ever faithful Los Angeles crowd.
Peter comfortably owns the stage with such prestige and attitude that it’s hard to believe he isn’t headlining larger venues like the Hollywood Bowl or Universal Amphitheatre alongside contemporaries Morrissey or Nick Cave. His all black attire and natural vampiric stage presence is timeless and one of the many factors that make his concerts an unforgettable experience.
-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
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