Anti-Flag – Complete Control Sessions

Joe Sib and Bill Armstrong's brilliant SideOne Dummy Records has another installment of Complete Control sessions due for release this Fall, this time starring Pittsburgh’s own Anti-Flag. We at Big Wheel were given a sneak peak listen and from what we can tell, fans of Anti-Flag are in for quite a treat, especially if they also dig The Clash.The sessions recorded back in December capture Anti-Flag recording 3 new-school tracks very intensely right to tape as a live band in the studio. As a bonus there are a few Clash covers thrown in the mix showcasing the playful side of Anti-Flag. Rawer sped up versions of The Economy is Suffering, This is the End and Turncoat sound beefier at times than their proper versions recorded only a few years back; these replicate more like a straight from the soundboard live bootleg album.

The bands choice of Clash covers is as good as it gets, in fact they’re songs Anti-Flag has covered live on recent tours. Should I Stay Or Should I Go is featured twice on the record, one version nearly identical to the Clash’s and another done with the Anti-Flag touch including a sample of a Joe Strummer speech. Further more White Riot and a medley of The Guns of Brixton and I Fought the Law are included making this session as fun of a listen as one could hope for. Much like Joe Strummer and Mick Jones, both Justin Sane and Chris #2’s vocal attacks mesh well on the timeless classics presented here on Complete Control sessions.



 

 

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

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Rebellion Punk Festival – at Winter Gardens – Blackpool, UK – 4th – 7th August 2011

Its Rebellion time yet again and thousand of Punks descend on Blackpool for their annual pilgrimage for four days of sheer fun, excitement, bands and stalls where many CDs and t-shirts are sold. It is a friendly atmosphere even though the winter gardens are under renovation and have scaffolding here and there. The amusement arcade has gone to make way for a plush restaurant but it is still Punk heaven.


Apart from the four main stages there is the Bizarre Bazaar where you can go to hear easy listening type of music, the Abba Sensation blasts out Abba songs to many Punks singing along, a Dolly Parton tribute has many people dancing along, but it was Toyah who had a full house and a very nice Egyptian like headpiece who stole the show over the four days.

John Robb’s literature afternoon where he interviews bands went down well, this year he interviewed Cock Sparrer and Glen Matlock along with others.

The Punk Art Exhibition, which is now in its sixth year, had artistes displaying canvasses, jewellery, art, and some photographers (me included) displayed some photos. I caught a few highlights which I managed to see as I was running about like mad man trying to photograph as many bands as I could. I have put a few words together the best I can remember.

Thursday

The Old Firm Casuals put in a good performance and were joined by Roi from the Last Resort to sing Violence in our Minds.

Off with Keith Morris put on another fast show with him jumping all over the stage even when the security moved in to speak to a guy who had been constantly hurling abuse at Keith , he said to leave him alone, I’ve had worse and just carried on with the show.


Friday

Infa Riot put on their first show in a very long time (possibly 25 years) and got a great response from the crowd. Exploited followed who, as Wattie arrived on stage, were confronted by a sea of beers being thrown at them and they set off on their frantic paced set with Watties eyes looking like they could pierce the soul of the devil.
 

Saturday

The surprise band of the weekend was the Dickies, who were tight as always and played at a blinding pace, with many props used by lead singer Leonard, making it a spectacle to watch and enjoy.

Pennywise put on fast paced show and warmed the crowd up nicely for Sparrer.

I was on the balcony to watch the start of Cock Sparrer to get the feel of the entire ball room and watch 3000 + people cheer and wave their arms. As the police sirens wailed Daryl Smith appeared and the rest of the band followed and we were off into Riot Sqaud and the place was rocking from floor to ceiling.

These guys can sell out almost any where they play. There were people at this gig who had been waiting at the front of the stage through all the bands before so they can get up close and personal to Cock Sparrer.

We got Working and I fit Central Heating (working part 2) a treat indeed, the crowd loved it. The band were enjoying it too, the chemistry there for all to see - guys who have been friends for 40+ years, laughing, smiling and enjoying it as much as the crowd who are screaming at the top of their voice for songs.

Before they played Argy Bargy, Colin asked Daryl if he can sing as he had a late night/early morning and one shandy too many, they laugh and play it wonderfully.

Take ‘em all raises the roof, personally mine and many others favourite song, it had all  the crowd singing along in unison.

Where Are They Now closed the set before we had an encore of Suicide Girl and We’re Coming Back closed the evening with everybody hoping that they are.
Afterwards Daryl asked me if I have sore throat and I ask why, he replies cause you were singing more than me! I realize I probably was and I’m not just here to do photos, I love these guys and enjoy myself too.


Sunday

With Jello (of Dead Kennedy fame) being on at the same time as the Adicts I had to go and see him as having seen the Adicts 21 times already this year I could afford to miss one! But I did go and see a couple of their songs as they were playing as a 4 piece for the first time since the very early 80’s, as Shahen had been refused entry at the airport due to passport issues. Scruff to took over playing the bass and did a good job from what I heard.

Jello came, he saw and he conquered. From the minute I saw him running about back stage in a frenzied state, psyching himself up for the show, I knew we were in for something special.

I was right, he appeared on stage with a white medical jacket, surgical gloves all covered in blood. Straight from the off he was flailing his arms about, pulling maniacal faces and running all over the stage, his distinct vocals making it a must see show.

Terror Town got a good response, New Feudalism had him telling us about he state of the American economy but it was the DK classics that got the best response. He mentioned the riots in Tottenham and then went straight into Police Truck, followed by Californian Uber Alles which had most of the original lyrics with some updated to bring the song into the current climate. It had the Olympia rocking. They even played a Lard song, but can’t remember which one.

The Cells That Will Not Die from the newest album was played before we got Holiday in Cambodia. Now the venue had an electricity around it that I’d not felt in a long time. When we reached the “Pol Pot” part of the song everybody was singing it and Jello even jumped into the crowd and did some surfing before getting back to the stage and finished the gig and the festival with the best show of the entire weekend.


Special mention goes to the security who, on the whole, got into the spirit of things, putting on fake mohicans, singing along, and when people came over the barrier they were never too tough on them and escorted them quickly back into the crowd, apart from when the League were playing we had some wankers spitting at us and the security, but you always get one idiot.

-Dod Morrison-
Big Wheel Overseas Reporter

 

 

 

                   More photos of the show can be seen HERE

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Stench Radio music play list for the week of August 14, 2011

Top 25  - In no particular order -

Fang – Fun With Acid

Verbal Abuse – Saturday’s Alright For Fighting

UK Subs – Riot

ATWAR (English Dogs) – Left For Dead (You Left, Not I)

Fang – They Sent Me To Hell C.O.D

China White – Daddy S Little Queen [Live]

Venom – Countess Bathory

Flipper – Flipper Twist

Subculture – Loud & Clear

Amebix – Arise! (Re-Recorded)

Sick Terror – Balada Niilista De Segunda-Feira

Nomeansno – Predators

Mad Sin – Human Animal

Hickoids – The Best Liquor Store

Chapterhouse – Ecstasy II

No Comment – Scum Human

Black Jax – Hanging Out

The Hitchhikers – Astral Plane

Carnage Asada – Mexican Tar

Soul Coughing – Super Bon Bon

Hellbillys – Dragstrip Girl

Brian Eno – Taking Tiger Mountain

Zoogz Rift – The Mo-Fo`S Are After Me

Terveet Kadet – City And The Stars

Proletariat – Decorations

The above list are some of the top played songs on Stench Radio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

Northeast Records Night with: Dirty Santas – Hands Like Bricks – DeadHand – at Old Towne Pub – Pasadena, CA

Northeast Records have "Dunn" it again! Actually, Mike and Garry Dunn, founders of Northeast Records do it every month, and their August showcase at The Old Towne Pub in Pasadena was quite the event! Formally titled "An Hawaiian Christmas in August," we couldn't help but question what the brothers had up their sleeves, or as we soon learned; Robe. It's the first show I've ever been to where everyone got laid!...I'm talking of course about the Hawaiian Leis given to all the show goers. What a fun night, from a "Dirty Santa" shot for $2 at the bar to the sea of Hawaiian shirts and great bands, the Northeast crew as delivered once again!!

The night started with my new favorite band; Las Vegas's own DeadHand. An amazing power trio with a wall of sound that a small army would have trouble re-creating. Front-man Brendan Scholz, recently voted best guitarist in Las Vegas, delivers with leads that would make even Scott Gorham (Thin Lizzy) & Brian May (Queen) question their job security circa 1978.

No joke, these guys ROCK!!! The band's sound, although hard to define, reminds me of what radio rock SHOULD be. DeadHand delivers the perfect combination of catchy songs, first-rate musicianship, and a seasoned live show. Look out for these guys!!!!
www.facebook.com/Deadhandrocks


Second up was Hand Like Bricks, playing an rambunctious set as always! It was there supposed last show in Los Angeles area before leaving on there month long tour in early October.  They had spent the whole day in the studio recording for there first C.D.! A very exciting step for these rad musicians.
www.facebook.com/handslikebricks


For those of you haven't seen or heard of "Dirty Santas" yet, shame on you! The only way I can describe them is Spinal Tab meets Egg Nog meets AC/DC meets Aquabats meets PURE SEX APPEAL!!...Don't worry, "Yule" like them... Dirty Santas took to the stage, fronted by Mr. and Miss's Clause; Scott Gawlik and Allison Mitchell, this band is a laugh a minute with original songs like "When Santa Goes to Bangkok" & "Milk and Cookies Just Ain't Right (I Want a Slice of Your Poontang Pie)." This band reminds me of an early Metal Skool minus the hair spray. And guess what?! They can play their instruments too!

Scott Gawlik even played an electric mandolin for some crowd favorites such as "Reindeer Meat." After showering the audience with condoms and candies from Santa's bag, Allison belted out a serious version of "Hell's Bells"!! Watch out Brian Johnson! I must preface, I have see Dirty Santas before, and was a little disappointed by the "lack of flesh" that I have seen them deliver in past shows...but fortunately, Christmas comes more than once this year, as they have one more show left on their "Back in Red Summer Tour." This is a MUST see show!!!
www.facebook.com/dirtysantas


To make sure you always get the word on the fun nights that Northeast Records throws, hook up with them on their Facebook at: www.facebook.com/northeastrecords

-Jessica W.-
Big Wheel Reporter


   More photos from the show can be seen HERE




 

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The Turbo AC’s – Kill Everyone

The Turbo AC’s newest effort has arrived and like I thought it would, there are more hooks here than a fisherman attempting to bait a shark. There are pop like melodies, but don’t let it fool ya, this disc is tough. Oh and speaking of sharks, the first song on this record (after the midnight swim intro) is entitled “Feed You to the Sharks”, and that’s what you’d think was really going on with all the ferocity captured to sound.Much of the songs here could almost be classified as Punk murder ballads, and for good reason too, there are blood stains all over these tracks! Front man Kevin Cole’s vocals flow almost perfect-like with the atmosphere created by the band themselves. There are many instances of vox effects used here on this record, it aids in the creepiness factor, the lyrics compliment such.

Unfortunately the vocals are mixed very poorly at times and almost impossible to hear through out certain songs, which is very surprising for a band that has been around as long as the Turbo AC’s have When mixed right it works out well and the songs are great! With all the added reverb, distortion and sampling here, you get quite a diverse and rough sounding album, a bit of soft piano helps too. The track Sonora throws listeners for a loop as it could have been lifted from a 1940’s spaghetti Western soundtrack, it’s golden! The album maturely closes off with an acoustic version of Live fast Die slow, the latter having characteristics of a Johnny Cash anthem.

All in all, there are 17 tracks here boasting a blistering punk rock sound that will suit your summer listening needs. Go get this record and turn it up, it was made just for that.



 

 

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

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No Regime – As the World Implodes

So Cal quartet, No Regime’s debut EP, ‘As the World Implodes,’ is five tracks of socio-political jams full of spitfire and fury. The band cites alternative, Punk, reggae and ska as their influences and the resulting puree is a bit confusing. There’s moments of Punk riffing, ska/reggae strumming and balls out rock -often times in the same song.  The assembly of these parts never seems to jive as well together as (I’m sure) the band hoped. It would seem the band really could use a helping hand to guide them to one sonic channel to focus on.

It’s not to say there’s no hope for these cats. Singer Jason Rea has a gnarly scream that can be quite effective, specifically when lamenting about the downtrodden vagrants of LA on album opener “Stand Up for the Weak.”  The Punk/posi-core riffage of “Mr. Frilles” and “Anguish” has the right kind of fire for the EP’s themes. Perhaps with some narrowing of musical styles the band could truly ignite, but until then their efforts lack in a proper punch to be successful. Here’s to holding out hope for a stronger second effort.



 

 

-Capt Morgan-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter
 

 

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