Fat Mike Eric Melvin of NOFX with John Carey at Occupy LA – at City Hall – Los Angeles, CA

For the past two months, news coverage has largely been concerned with the Occupy movement, which consists of groups around the nation protesting the power elite and the claim that 1% of Americans essentially control the government via finances and wealth. These separate groups all maintain that the rest of us compose the 99%, or, the percentage of peoplewho are neglected and taken advantage of by our government. This modern day class war has sparked heavy debate around the country and world, with the most prominent issue being whether or not the movement maintains any validity. Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa announced that by 12:01 a.m. Monday Nov 28, members of Occupy LA must be cleared out of the city hall area. What the mayor caused through these words instead, was an immense surge of people migrating to the area, among them, Eric Melvin and Fat Mike of NOFX.

Last week on November 20, Fat Mike and Eric Melvin played a set of NOFX songs for Occupy San Francisco, and earlier this week via Twitter, Fat Mike wrote that he planned on repeating the event in Los Angeles. Fat Mike gave a date and time, and suddenly, the tweets and Facebook updates began. Word was getting around that "NOFX" was going to be playing Occupy LA, though really, only half the band was going to be there.

In the Sunday afternoon of what was supposedly going to be the last day of Occupy LA, the area outside city hall was full of tents, booths, posters, and people. It was easy to distinguish those who were with the Occupy movement and those just there for the show, yet despite this, everyone seemed to be having positive interactions. Before Eric Melvin and Fat Mike played, The Hashishans, a Reggae/Ska influenced band, played their melodic songs for the group, causing some of the protesters to move to the center of the floor and dance. The band provided groovy beats for 20-25 minutes, then cleared the way for the anticipated arrival of Fat Mike and Melvin.

When Fat Mike and Melvin began moving into the area where all the equipment was set up, the crowds of people began moving in unbelievably fast on them, prompting the people setting up the equipment to do some crowd control. When Fat Mike and Eric Melvin situated themselves and had their instruments ready, they introduced John Carey from Old Man Markley and stated he would be joining the performance. The first song performed was "Perfect Government," causing the crowd to sing along loudly and with enthusiasm.

Fat Mike then made the comment, "Wouldn't it be nice if every movement had a theme song?" This prompted the next song to be performed, which Fat Mike specifically wrote for the movement. While playing the song, he encouraged everyone to sing the chorus out loud, consisting of only the word, "Occupy!"

The set being short, NOFX songs "Leaving Jesusland," "We Called it America," "Franco Un-American," "Murder The Government," and the last 2 minutes of "The Decline" were performed. When the excerpt from "The Decline" was over, a few people in the crowd yelled variances of "One more song!" Fat Mike wondered out loud what song should be played, and then he decided to play the "Occupy" song again. The song was performed a little sloppier than the first time, but fans and protesters both cheered on and sang along. When the song was over, Fat Mike thanked everyone, and began to take pictures with fans and sign autographs. Eric Melvin did the same, and soon both individuals faded out and disappeared.

The area outside city hall became noticeably smaller in crowd size, but nevertheless, a DJ continued to play music and protesters danced around the encampment. Closer to 8pm, the crowd became larger again, ultimately demonstrating the anticipation towards the midnight clearing. According to the Los Angeles Times however, Occupy is still encamped, with police unsure of what action to take next.

Pushing aside politics, Fat Mike and Eric Melvin's performance(with John Carey) brought a lot of spirit into the Occupy movement. All the songs performed at the encampment were full of satire and political criticism. Overall, the songs were compatible with the agenda of the movement. In truth, being surrounded by both NOFX fans and protesters brought a sense of unity over all of us, and made the conflict between the proletariat and bourgeoisie come to life, rather than remain a conflict further depicted on television. The performance was moving, enlightening, and an overall treat to both fans and protesters; Occupy The Decline!


-Stephanie M.-
Big Wheel Senior Staff Reporter

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

Up To Us – Self Titled 7″

If you've been feeling sad lately that Naked Aggression hasn't put out any new records in the last few years, or that Comeback Kid isn't on tour, we've got good news for you. Cleveland, OH has brought us a new female-fronted positive hardcore band.

Meet "Up To Us", consisting of former members of Committed, Right Idea, Cheap Tragedies, and Little Sister, the band has released their debut 7" on 7-Ply Records.

The album is a limited edition pressing on colored vinyl, and features 6 tracks of hard-hitting positive hardcore. Don't make a mistake, positive doesn't mean nice. There's aggression in these lyrics, as their singer screams words like "I won't be a victim. They tried, but I won't let them take my strength and security it's time to take a stand." This is an album full of fire, and well worth a listen.


Check it out and get your copy here: http://uptous.limitedpressing.com/products/6504



 

-Jo Problems-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

                                           Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews

 

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

The Insurgence – Self Titled

After more than 20 years, does hardcore really have anything left to say? Seattle Washington's The Insurgence think so, and their new self-titled album seems to suggest they're able to back that up.

At first listen, the immediate impression is of good musicians playing loud, aggressive hardcore. A second listen shows what sets this band apart. The Insurgence have a refreshing lyrical depth, tackling not only standard hardcore fare of corrupt politicians, and life on the streets, but also looking further afield to international issues like oft-ignored conflict in Darfur. The band doesn't shy away from religion either, confronting honor killings in their range of subjects.

The album is a tight 14 tracks, and any fan of hardcore will probably be happier with this in their collection. It's worth buying the physical CD from Digital Warfare Records, rather than going the new media Mp3 route, because the CD comes with digital liner notes, including full lyrics sheets, and a bonus music video for an extra song, "K Street Killers".

Check out the band's website (with streaming tracks) here: http://theinsurgence.com/Default.aspx

or visit Digital Warfare here: http://www.digitalwarfarerecords.com/


 

-Jo Problems-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

                                           Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews

 

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

Westcoaster 2012 Tour Preview: Featuring NOFX – Old Man Markley – Lagwagon – No Use for a Name – Pour Habit – Pulley – Ellwood and Many More – January 12 Through 18 – at The House of Blues – Anaheim and Los Angeles, CA

For almost a year, NOFX has taken a break from playing in California, with their last Los Angeles appearance being on New Years Eve 2011 at The Wiltern in Los Angeles. With the exception of Fat Mike playing with Me First and the Gimmie Gimmies at Punk Rock Bowling 2011, and both Fat Mike and Eric Melvin playing recently at Occupy San Francisco, collectively, the band has been laying low from the stage.

Starting New Years Eve however, NOFX will be embarking on a west coast tour titled Westcoaster 2012, with their first performance being kicked off on New Years Eve at the House of Blues in Las Vegas.

Westcoaster 2012 features a few Fat Wreck Chords bands, with Old Man Markley playing the entire tour with NOFX. Other rotating Fat Wreck Chords bands on the tour include Lagwagon, No Use for a Name, Pour Habit, and Ellwood. New Years Heave(as they call it), the first night of the tour, will feature Lagwagon, Old Man Markley, and Holding Onto Sound.

Old Man Markley, a band that has established their presence by playing "punk bluegrass," is fittingly playing all of the Westcoaster 2012 events and providing music that one wouldn't expect to hear at a punk show. The San Fernando Valley based band provides performances with instruments such as a washboard, mandolin, autoharp, and a fiddle. The band, which only recently formed in 2007, is already renowned for playing festivals such as Punk Rock Bowling, and playing with bands such as Youth Brigade and Screeching Weasel.

Long Beach natives Pour Habit have also established their presence in the scene within the last five years. The band maintains fast paced hardcore with the melodic nature typical of most Fat Wreck Chords bands. The band signed onto Fat Wreck in 2009, and so far has two releases out. Their most recent album "Got Your Back," was released earlier this year in April.

Punk rock band Pulley, which is also joining the tour, most recently released an EP titled "The Long and the Short of It." Pulley formed in the 90's and is known for upholding melodic punk substances. The band's history is interesting in that former members of Strung Out and Face to Face have been involved with the band. The band also features Scott Radinsky, who formerly played with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

San Jose natives No Use for a Name first formed in 1987, consisting of a mostly hardcore punk style that garnered them attention in Maximum RocknRoll's "Turn It Around" compilation. The band is recently better known for their melodic music and the vocal styles of Tony Sly. No Use for a Name joined Fat Wreck Chords in 1993 and has been with the label since.

Next to NOFX, Lagwagon is considered to be the most prominent band that fans are anticipating from the tour. Lagwagon features RKL drummer Dave Raun, however, the band righteously holds their own place in the punk rock scene through their music alone. Lagwagon has garnered immense attention since the 90's, joining the ranks of bands such as Green Day and Rancid. However, unlike many of the pop punk bands of the 90's that rose to mainstream success, Lagwagon has remained true to their ideals by refusing to major label deals and mainstream connotations. Joey Cape, the band's vocalist, is renowned for his solo music career, further augmenting recognition to himself and Lagwagon.

 

Out of the 16 performances that make up Westcoaster 2012, five will be taking place in the greater Los Angeles area, with two taking place in Anaheim and three in West Hollywood. Both Anaheim performances land on Jan 12 and 13 respectively, with the first performance involving Old Man Markley, Pour Habit, The Bombpops, and the second night featuring Lagwagon, Old Man Markley, and Ellwood. On Jan 14, the first of the three Hollywood shows takes place, with Lagwagon, Old Man Markley, and Ellwood opening up the show. The last two shows in the LA area take place the following week on a Tuesday and Wednesday. On Jan 17, Pulley, Old Man Markley, and The Bombpops join the stage. On Jan 18, which is the last LA appearance, No Use for a Name, Old Man Markley, and Pour Habit will all be performing.

 

 

 

Other California stops that the band will be making during Westcoaster 2012 consist of The Catalyst in Santa Cruz, The Ventura Theater, House of Blues San Diego, and The Fillmore in San Francisco. Tickets are available via Livenation for $35, however, it is recommended that tickets be purchased immediately because these shows will sell out. Currently, the Jan 13 show at Anaheim's House of Blues is already sold out. Don't miss Westcoaster 2012, maybe NOFX will finally play The Decline for fans, but the only guaranteed way to hear it live is to witness it yourself at one of these upcoming shows.

 

-Stephanie M.-
Senior staff reporter

 

Check out more show previews HERE

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

 

Morrissey and Kristeen Young – at The Music Box – Los Angeles, CA

The pope of mope stopped by Hollywood Wednesday night for a special intimate performance at the Henry Fonda Theatre brought to you by the fine folks at Goldenvoice. Morrissey was originally scheduled to be making an appearance on the Jimmy Kimmel show that night, but due to the episodes cancellation Moz and co. took the liberty of booking a last minute gig in the same vicinity of Jimmy Kimmel Live; a mere 300 feet away from where Robert Smith and The Cure were also playing that night at the Pantages Theatre.

Two of the biggest icons of 80’s alternative rock were a football field’s length away (this could only occur in LA!); though it clearly was Morrissey mania as his fans lined the block in sleeping bags queuing for prime spots. Morrissey fans had actually been occupying the blvd since Monday morning; could there be a more dedicated army outside Moz Angeles? I think not!

After her sets conclusion and a brief intermission film it was time for Morrissey and his band to reign supreme on stage, and that’s exactly what they did. Diving into his past, the band opened up with “I want the one I can’t have” to all of the crowds liking, it was a deafening sound wave of both guys and girls screaming their hearts out, something you know to expect at any Morrissey gathering. Soon after came more recent tracks like “When I last Spoke to Carol” and “Black Cloud” of 09’s Years of Refusal album which showcased the many talents of his band who all happened to be wearing matching shirts that read “Fuck Fur”. It was a night of surprises as the rarely played “Ouija Board” and “Maladjusted” were featured before new track “People Are the Same Everywhere” made its Los Angeles debut, the crowd loved it!

The band made their way back onstage to bow as they began their encore. The classic Smiths track “Still Ill” sent the place into frenzy and made for a perfect closing tune. It seemed like hundreds on the general admission floor began to crowd surf and make their way towards Morrissey as he leaned down to shake hands and sing upfront with his proud die-hard fans. His charismatic performance Wednesday night appeared to be a display of love and adoration for the fanatics who hold him on the highest pedestal possible; it seems as this show was put on just for them.
 

Setlist:  I Want the One I Can’t Have (Smiths) - You Have Killed Me - When I Last Spoke to Carol - Black Cloud - Your the One for Me, Fatty - Ouija Board, Ouija Board - Maladjusted - One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell - Action Is My Middle ( Name (new song) - I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris - People Are the Same Everywhere (new song) - Meat Is Murder (Smiths)- Satellite of Love (Lou Reed) - All the Lazy Dykes - Scandinavia (new song) - Speedway

Encore:  Encore: Still Ill (Smiths)


-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

The Cure – Reflections show – at The Pantages Theatre – Los Angeles, CA

What can be said about The Cure’s 3 night stand in Hollywood over the last week is nothing short of what the band have really been about for the last 30 plus years; truly Fan-fuckin-tastic! Robert Smith and Co. have toured through LA many times over the decades bringing their unique productions and fan pleasing arsenal of set lists, though what occurred over their 3 night staywas truly an unforgettable “Once in a lifetime” kind of deal. The shows were also very special as they welcomed back founding member Lol Tolhurst and keyboardist Roger O’Donnell; whose roles on stage hugely impacted the atmosphere over the course of their stay.

Opening the night as a 3 piece with their first album “Three Imaginary Boys”, The Cure kicked off the show with their earliest number of post-punk favorites. 10:15 Saturday Night has been an end of the set song in recent years, though now as a set opener it works perfectly at getting the crowd ready for the onslaught of songs to come. Tracks like “Grinding Halt” showcase the trios ability to rock joyful songs effectively in a playful manner while the title track takes on a more serious and somber tone. The band closed out the first set of the night with the instrumental track “Weedy Burton” which soon signaled the first intermission of the night. For many it was a mad dash to purchase Cure merch and for others; very overpriced beer, I might add the concession stands candy was double the amount of what a movie theatre charges!

The next set of the night saw the band performing their very atmospheric album “Seventeen Seconds” as a 4 piece band. With Roger O’Donnell on keys the band now sounded fuller (The Cure has played without keys since 05’ to many fans disliking) and like “The Cure” that people have come to know and love for years. The 40 minute set contained a much darker set of tracks, all of which were played to the enjoyment of everyone. Though without a doubt the highlight of the “Seventeen Seconds” set was the fan favorite “A Forest” - the infamous track of a mans search of a girl who’s never there. The intricate lighting design worked with the theme of the songs and as you guessed it, for that track in particular the stage was lit forest green. The few remaining songs of set 2 were a morose batch as “M”, “At Night” and “Seventeen Seconds” closed out on the darkest vibe possible. It was during this set that I noticed Robert and Simon Gallup (bass) playing their old Fender guitars, the same kinds they used in their early years to get that unmistakable “Cure tone“, something that has been absent in recent years until the Reflections show. (We can only hope the band will catch note of how amazing they sound again)

Set 3 saw founding member Lol Tolhurst on stage and the band existing as a 5 piece unit. Tolhurst held down duties on a set of electronic roto drums equipped with cymbals and of course his trusty synthesizer. The set known as "Faith" contained perhaps the bands most obscure gems and easily their most underrated hits. “All Cats Are Grey” and “Funeral Party” were by far the best received and by the tail end of “Faith” fans knew to expect another slew of live rarities and early hits.

The Cure’s first encore was made up of rare b-side tracks from early singles that were making their live debut. Even though most fans weren’t as familiar with the songs, the sheer excitement of witnessing these rarities was powerful and very pleasing. “Boys Don’t Cry” turned the tide as it’s one of the most popular tracks to come out of the 1980’s. The obscure favorite “Charlotte Sometimes” managed to send the crowd into a fury as well with its dream like synth leads. They were even more beautiful sounding in a live setting than on record. As the set continued on The Cure managed to bust out the drum heavy fan favorite “Hanging Garden” from 1982’s Goth rock masterpiece “Pornography”. It’s easy to imagine that there couldn’t be a gloomier place on earth for the time being.

The final encore of the night included some of the bands more well known early hits and thus created dance frenzy thru out the entire venue. The synth heavy “Lets Go to Bed” and “The Walk” were met with every fan roaring, though it was the shows closer “The Love cats” that owned the night and sent the band off on a fun note.

This particular review is a reflection (how ironic!) of my experiences at both Monday and Tuesday night’s shows. Although very similar, I could continue to see the same set played night after night and never grow tired of the sheer awesomeness of it all. As a lifelong fan of The Cure I can’t even begin to express how amazing it was to see the band as a full unit again playing songs no one would have ever expected to see live until now (and of course their 3 very important early releases). I want to add how cool it was to see fans in bands like Daniel Ash of Bauhaus, Trent Reznor of NIN, Chino Moreno of Deftones, Shane of STG, Andy of Peeling Grey and Adrian of No Doubt all at the shows rocking out with all the “black swarm” in attendance. The Reflections show is going down as a very important era in Cure history, and I sure am glad to have witnessed it two nights in a row. Let us all hope The Cure play LA again (With keyboards please!) in the not to distant future.

Setlist: Three Imaginary Boys set - 10:15 Saturday Night - Accuracy - Grinding Halt - Another Day - Object - Subway Song - Foxy Lady - Meathook - So What - Fire In Cairo - It's Not You - Three Imaginary Boy - The Weedy Burton - Intermission - Seventeen Seconds set - A Reflection - Play For Today - Secrets - In Your House - Three - The Final Sound - A Forrest - M - At Night - Seventeen Seconds - Intermission - Faith set - The Holy Hour - Primary - Other Voices - All Cats Are Grey - The Funeral Party - Doubt - The Drowning Man - Faith

Encore: World War - I'm Cold - Plastic Passion - Boy's Don't Cry - Killing An Arab - Jumping Someone Else's Train - Another Journey By Train - Descent - Splintered In Her Head - Charlotte Sometimes - The Hanging Garden - Let's Go To Bed - The Walk - The Lovecats.



-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 
More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

Next Page »