Darkside Party – Featuring DJ Josex – Maverick Cadaverick – The Dark Electro – Bunny Pistol – and CORE Suspension Crew – at Sacred Gyspy Tattoo – Bakersfield, CA
March 31, 2012
"Be decked to wreck, and make this party your runway, or get left at the door!" Those were the instructions for Saturday's Darkside party at Sacred Gypsy Tattoo in Bakersfield, CA. All the freaks were in full effect, as the Darkside crew hosted some of coolest alternative acts in Cali. DJ Josex was spinning throughout the night as he celebrated his 30th birthday along with DJ Maverick Cadaverick of Fresno Goth.
Honestly when Josex is spinning, you don't need any supporting acts to enjoy your night. He is known for keeping the party moving with a great mixture of electronica, 80's alternative, gothic, metal and everywhere in between. However tonight party goers were in for a special treat. Special guest DJ Maverick Cadaverick rocked the night also with a sic collection of the baddest darkest vinyl available.
DJ Josex and Maverick Cadaverick wouldn't be the only ones to keep the energy flowing. New wave, electronica band, Dark Electro, featuring D Nezzy Idy and Mary G, would play an amazing set as well.
During intermissions, the lovely Bunny Pistol entertained the crowd with a Burlesque show. in her first performance, she appeared in a Darth Vadar costume. If you thought Darth Vadar couldn't be sexy, think again! She gave a whole new meaning to "The Force" as she stripped down to little more than a mask and tassels.
At about mid-night the music faded and a drum session started along with tribal humming and chanting. The attention was drawn to the back of the room and a man and woman walked through the crowd in costume holding a skull. The alter was ready as they quickly became the main attraction. A young lady with hooks in her calves, thighs, and back, sat indian style as her hooks were secured to the ropes that had been prepared for her earlier in the evening. Followed by six quills that pierced her skin. She looked into the the crowd with an entranced stare.
As the hooks pierced her flesh, she showed no signs of pain and seemed to fall deeper into a meditative state as the drums grew louder. The cloaked man lit her quills on fire leaving a essence of sage. She was lifted from the ground and the crowd stared in amazement as she hung suspended in the air in an indian style position for over 7 minutes! The look of euphoria hid the intense pain that must be associated with this type of act. As she was lowered, the whole room cheered for this unbelievable spectacle.
The rest of the night was filled with dancing, 3 dollar Mojitos, raffled artwork from Lysa Luna, Noelia Citialin,and various other artist and piercers in town. Not to mention another performance from Bunny Pistol and a few people even left the building with fresh tats from some of the best tattoo artists in town. The Darkside Crew and Sacred Gypsy threw down another kick ass, phantasmagoric party. Can't wait for the next!
www.facebook.com/Josexmusic
-J.Moncrief-
Big Wheel Reporter
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
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Show Preview: Gorilla Biscuits and Youth of Today – June 8, 9 & 10, 2012 – at The Glasshouse – Pomona, CA
March 28, 2012
On February 15, tickets to see Gorilla Biscuits and Youth of Today quickly became a hot purchase that ultimately sold out rapidly. When it was initially announced that both bands would be playing in the summer, the punk community voiced a yearn to see these bands perform together. As part of Revelation Records' 25th anniversary show, Gorilla Biscuits and Youth of Today will be playing Fri June 8 to Sun June 10 at The Glasshouse in Pomona.
Supporting bands scheduled to join the two mentioned heavyweights include Sick of it All, Bold, Shai Hulud, No For An Answer, Underdog, Supertouch, and Statue. The last day of the weekend celebration will be featuring a surprise guest.
Originally from the east coast, though now based in Huntington Beach, CA, Revelation Records has delivered bands that uphold a distinct hardcore sound that became crucial to the overall Punk scene. Over the last 25 years, Revelation Records has released music from diverse bands that have proven to be significant and influential. Some of the label's music has consisted of names such as Warzone, Slipknot, Ignite, and Rage Against the Machine, among many others. With the upcoming 25th anniversary show, the independent record label has provided the best from its catalog to perform, this being reiterated by how fast both general admission and VIP tickets sold out. While pricey, the VIP package to the 25th anniversary show consists of a limited 25th anniversary show vinyl, a limited 25th anniversary show poster, Revelation Records items, and other miscellaneous merchandise. The $100 VIP package ultimately goes toward reasonable expenses, with the money covering flight and band accommodations to the performing bands.
Gorilla Biscuits is undoubtedly the most anticipated performance of the entire event, and with good reason; the New York based hardcore band has been highly influential in the punk scene. Gorilla Biscuits' initial introduction has largely been credited to a song called "Better Than You," which was featured in Revelation Records' "New York City Hardcore: Together" 7" EP in 1987. Shortly after, the band released their self-titled 7" EP and in 1989, they released their first and last full-length album, "Start Today," via Revelation Records. "Start Today" continues to augment renown for the band, and it continues to keep Gorilla Biscuits in the forefront of hardcore music.
Like Gorilla Biscuits, Youth of Today is considered to be an influential band in the hardcore punk scene, though Youth of Today's music focuses more on the philosophies of straight edge and vegetarianism. Formed in Connecticut in 1985, the band is seen as a major force in the "Youth Crew" movement and music that was influenced by bands like Minor Threat and Cro-Mags. Youth of Today will be headlining the Fri June 8th show, and supporting Gorilla Biscuits the following night.
With all three nights being sold out, Revelation Records' 25th Anniversary show is an event that guarantees a memorable show. For those with tickets, prepare to experience some of the best names in hardcore music, with Gorilla Biscuits and Youth of Today leading the way.
-Stephanie M.-
Senior Staff Reporter
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Rancid and Cock Sparrer – at The Warfield – San Francisco, CA
March 24, 2012
When I first heard about the birthday show for Rancid and Cock Sparrer on March 23rd, my Facebook instantly transformed into a countdown and a blog about both bands, it was all I talked about and my employers were told I would be not be in that day, no matter what. I knew tickets would sell fast so the morning they went on sale I banged my digits in straight away getting myself a spot in general admission, lucky I did too because the show sold out in a dayas far as i know and standing tickets were gone within a staggering 15 minutes. Shortly after selling out so quickly another date was added for the 24th, I did the same again and I was even more delighted as it was now a weekend thing!
For me and many others these shows were not only concerts or music events they were a celebration, a celebration of music, a celebration of friendship, a celebration of fun and good times and probably some hard ones too. 40 years for Cock Sparrer and 20 years for Rancid, together making 60 years of Punk rock and you could tell by the posts on the bands websites that they were just as excited to be playing as the fans were to be there. Punk Rock Party Weekend!
I barely slept the night before these shows, my wife will tell you I was pretty much like a kid on Christmas eve, reading posts from others going and texting friends back and forth, I was charging my video camera repeatedly and making sure I had all my silver markers in tact just in case! Rancid have been my favorite band for as long as I can remember, I grew up listening to these guys and they have influenced me in so many ways I don't even know where to begin. I've been lucky enough to have seen them a few times and they always put on an amazing show, so seeing them on their 20th anniversary was special to me and many others and when I seen Cock Sparrer's name on the bill I was doubly excited because they are a one of a kind band that I really thought I'd never get the chance to see. I first heard Shock Troops when I was about 18 and I've been hooked ever since.
For Rancid San Francisco is home and for Cock Sparrer this place is a second home as they have family here and are on the known and loved Pirate Press. So placement was important for both bands too and made it even more special. I got to the venue really really early because as you can probably tell I'm sort of a nutcase about these bands. By 2 pm or so Market Street and the tenderloin area started to become infested with Punks and Skins and it was cool to see, sort of felt like “Tonight this city is Ours” or something and I quite liked that. It was amazing to see Rancid and Cock Sparrer in huge letters outside the Warfield.
I checked the venue every half hour or so because I wanted to be the first in line but nothing really formed till about an hour before doors opened and two girls and a guy beat me too it. I didn't mind though as long as got my place on the front bar id be in heaven. The line got bigger and bigger and once the staff at the Warfield starting letting people in I ran frantically in the door, gave my wife a kiss and my back pack and told her I'd see her in three hours! Ha. I got my spot upfront and held it with all my power as the crowd started piling in, I also got to meet Gordy Carbone from the great bands The Forgotten and Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards and also Paul Rivas from The Old Firm Casuals which was pretty cool, both great guys. Some people said they saw Jello Biafra too but I didn't get a chance to see him. The place was covered with fans, friends and family of the bands and it really was like one big birthday party.
Then it happened, lights go off, music goes off, Noi!se are about to start. They explode onto the stage with some great songs and good energy. These guys are from Seattle are totally worth checking out. They play great catchy street Punk with really cool vocals, I enjoyed them alot. I didn't know much of their songs but there was lots of great oohs and agghhs to sing along too. My favorite song of theirs so far is called “Living for Today” for anyone that's new to them, They really were the perfect band to start of the night and get everyone pumped. Once Noi!se finished we all knew what was coming and we all couldn't wait, the background music came on and lights were out as the stage was being set up for the mighty Cock Sparrer.
My body was building energy and my hands were shaking with excitement as the minutes between sets ticked by. The mosh pit grew and grew and everyone there could feel the energy. Then bang, introduction music starts and the lads come out on stage, the whole place cheered for them as they picked up their guitars and were waving and smiling. You could just tell how proud they were of their band making it this far and this long and it was great too see.
As the blokes got their guitars and drums ready Colin the lead singer paced back and forth across the stage banging his fist into his hand getting everyone even more pumped up then they already were shouting things like “Come on San Francisco” and so on flexing his arms with a great big smile on his face looking like he couldn't wait to get things started.
I stood there shouting and cheering and thinking “I hope im even half this cool when im his age, what an amazing guy” and just as all this was happening the iconic intro to riot squad kicks off and the place goes crazy! Mickey, Steve and Daryl start swinging from side to side and everyones going wild! I was right up front singing along to every word and It was just brilliant. They played songs from there newer album “Here We Stand” right back to the “Runnin Riot” days. They played for an hour I would say and the energy never let down. They even left and came back to do three more.
Cock Sparrer video from the 40th Anniversary Show
Between songs Colin and the gang were talking about how happy they were to be in San Francisco celebrating their 40th ,it was not only an amazing show but a touch emotional in a good way and by the end of their set the entire place was covered in sweat and beer. Cock Sparrer highlights I think were “Riot Squad” “Get a Rope” Take em All” and “England belongs to Me” everyone went the most nuts for those ones but every song was quality.
With two bands down and only one to go, it was time for Rancid to tear the roof off the joint. Again as before the lights went black and a moment later a small silhouette shined over Tim Armstrong and his guitar that hung well past his waist. He leaned into the microphone as Lars and the boys took there places and in his distinctive and all around amazing voice sang the intro to “Radio” then bang! the rest of the rancid pack joins in and the lights come back! It's on.
Lars is running back and forward and in and out of the crowd! Matt is playing his heart out and Brandon is giving his new custom build 20th anniversary drum kit an awful hammering. I have seen these guys a few times and their side projects and every time they blow me away. They played so many great songs from all of their albums and just like Cock Sparrer the energy was intense.
One of the things I love most about Rancid is they have really mastered every genre of Punk over the years, there set is a perfect mix of Punk, street Punk, Ska, Oi, everything, if you don't like a song as crazy as that sounds just wait 2 minutes for the next one. There wasn't a dull moment during the entire show, between songs Frederiksen took the mic for the most part and thanked everyone for coming and other bands for playing. Tim Armstrong also said Happy Birthday to his mother who was at the show!
The 2nd thing I love about this band is the different voices that run through the songs, Lars, Tim and Matt all have different and unique voices, that mixed with great guitar riffs and one of the best bass players ever calls for an amazing life performance, and that they delivered. After there set the band all posed for a photo and it was a special moment! 20 years of playing their hearts out in a band they love. It was special, everyone cheered. Another thing I forgot to mention that was really cool was the unexpected appearance of Skin head Rob from The Transplants for his part in the song “Red Hot Moon”. I can remember everyone going crazy for that, it was awesome.
My highlights of the set were “Radio”, “Black and Blue”, “Red Hot Moon”, ”Roots, Radicals” “Tenderloin” and “Journey to the End” oh, and when Lars came to the end of the stage and said “hey Brian, how you doing” to me! as I filmed, that was definitely pretty cool.
Rancid video from the 20th Anniversary Show
The 2nd night was the more of same, some changes in song orders but sets were just as brilliant as the first night, the opening act was different though this time around we got to see a great band from the San Francisco bay area, Factory Minds. They were great, the play catchy Punk with a UK post Punk kind of sound. The songs were really good and unique and there was lots of great gang vocals, I'm for sure seeing these guys next time they play my area.
As the night ended it was kind of sad to know it was all over but I made sure to make a merch stop before I went home, they had lots of scarfs, t-shirts etc with both Rancid and Cock Sparrer on them and many with anniversary stuff included if your ever at a Rancid show make sure you say hi to Jesse, she's sometimes at the merch area for Rancid and she's cool as hell.
Also on the 2nd night Rancid wished Matt Freeman's wife happy birthday and Lars congratulated her for putting up with Matt. ha. Other memorable moments were during Rancid's set when they stopped a song so some guy could find his house keys in the pit. Lars and Tim thought someone was hurt, “bring your keys in the pit and we stop this shit” Lars said proud of himself for rhyming.
The night and whole event, weekend, birthday party , whatever you like to call it all ended beautifully when Rancid got Cock Sparrer to come out on stage at the end and they all posed for a photo. It was a perfect ending to an absolutely brilliant weekend. Everyone was cheering and it was great. It's been a few days since and my ears are still ringing and my body still isn't right after the pit but it's still all I'm talking about and probably will be for a while.
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-Brian McCann Jr.-
Big Wheel Special Correspondent
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Peter and The Test Tube Babies – The Generators – Guitar Gangsters – Informal Society – at The Airliner – Los Angeles, CA
March 24, 2012
A show that was anticipated for months once it was announced, tickets began to get snapped up because no one wanted to miss the return of Peter and The Test Tube Babies back to Los Angeles. Even though they played the night before at Alex's Bar in Long Beach to capacity crowd, tonight's show got event more packed since it was an 18+ show.
Opening up the show at 9:15pm were locals Informal Society. This is a band many all over Los Angeles know and they always get booked on some of the best shows. Tonight's appearance saw them without their usual drummer due to changes in the band and the guy behind the kit was laterally recruited 30 minutes before the show. Being a band that never fails to show up at a gig no matter what, they still threw down a set that was just a little off their normally fully charge sets. We have a lot of respect for a band that still goes on with the show even if everything is less that perfect.
Guitar Gangsters played second and the top floor was already relatively full. Its always nice when people are interested in hearing the opening bands, and I'm pretty sure it makes the band members happy as well. The three piece band from London played a handful of sweet sounding '77 melodic Punk songs, throwing in a couple of angrier melodic songs. With constant movement going on, dancing, and singing along, it was surely obvious that the crowd liked what they were hearing. Their set was certainly too short for may people's liking and this show still had two more bands to go before the night ran out.
It is known to many and has been said by the US News that The Generators are "The most underrated Punk band in America". I didn't believe it until I saw them. Never had I known that this band had so many dedicated fans! Now was time for the real fun to start. A bunch more people fled to the dance floor, opening up a sweaty and packed pit. There's always a few bands that don't mind the close up interaction with the crowd, and The Generators are one of them.
Vocalist Doug "Dagger" Kane was letting people hop on stage with them, putting arms around shoulders, and allowing fans to sing into the microphone. Towards the end of their set, The Generators threw in a little treat. That same day Cock Sparrer was playing a show in San Francisco that many people just couldn't make it to. To our surprise, they did a cover of Cock Sparrer's "Runnin' Riot", causing the people to get crazier than they already were. Their aggressive Punk Rock n Roll successfully got everyone rowdy and having fun, leaving their adrenaline pumping for Peter and the Test Tube Babies.
Enjoy this video overview of this gig - something no other outlet can bring you
It was finally time. Just as I thought that place couldn't get any more packed, it did. As Peter and the Test Tube Babies began playing "Moped Lads", people were all trying to run back in at the same time, making it hard to maneuver through the crowded venue. Although it was attempted, it was nearly impossible to start a pit. Fans were climbing on top of speakers to enjoy the show from up high, others jumping off speakers, and climbing on top of each other. Fists were raised up high and voices were slowly being lost as the crowd sang to songs like "The Jinx", "Up Yer Bum", "Keep Britain Untidy", and "Maniac". It was hot, sweaty, and at times hard to breath but none of that mattered. Not even the pain from an accidental punch to the face or kick in the shin. It was too much fun. There was even an incident where a female skanker put a dude in a full nelson, our photographer wishes they were faster on the draw to have a photo of that.
Peter and the Test Tube Babies stopped playing for a brief moment giving the crowd some rest, but still expecting more. Within seconds, the drummer began playing the ever so famous "Punk beat", and slowly the guitar came in. Once that drum roll hit, the crowd went crazy knowing they were playing "Banned From the Pubs". A violent but fun pit erupted, probably the best one of the night. After wards they played "Blown Out Again", making people think that was their last song. Like most of us know, there is always an encore. PTTB played three more songs which were "Elvis is Dead", "Vicars Wank Too", and ended with the mostly instrumental song "September".
This was honestly one of the best shows that took place in a long time. Even if you don't listen to them, it would have been nearly impossible not to have a good time with a bill this good. Before this show, I'm sure many people felt they would never have that chance to see Peter and the Test Tube Babies, especially the younger generation. The Airliner hosted a Punk show that many of us will never forget. An intense, up close and personal show from the UK's "coolest uncool band in the world". Now that's Punk rock!
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-Corrina P.-
Big Wheel Reporter
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Darstar – Tiny Darkness
March 23, 2012
Texas rockers, Darstar, have uncorked a bottle of rock that was harvested in 1994 in the form of their debut, Tiny Darkness.
Part riot grrrl, part grunge, part art rock and all repetitive, Darstar is bringing back the old days when the Smashing Pumpkins weren’t a joke, when Sonic Youth was still relevant and Courtney Love had just started her self-destructive path. Tiny Darkness could likely be taken as a, “I liked this record better when it was called (insert pompous hipster loving record title here)” act, but if the band is comfortable with that mantle then more power to them.
The riffs of Lisa and Ben are gnarly and Josh’s drum work is interesting, but every track on Tiny Darkness starts to blur together with the tedious start/stop/start songwriting pattern. Perhaps the band will allow for more breathing room and experimentation on future releases, which would suit them given the band features a synth player, but this album is a one trick pony. And that one trick isn’t much.
https://www.facebook.com/darstarsounds
-Captain Morgan-
Big Wheel Contributor
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Warner Drive – K-go!
March 23, 2012
So Cal quintet, Warner Drive, has dropped a rock ‘n’ roll party in the form of their sophomore record, K-go!.
Jonny Law, Candice Levinson, Ryan Harris, Jonny Udell and Elvis James churn out hook-laden tunes the likes of which The Offspring, Everclear, Buckcherry and Green Day are fond of. The concept behind K-go! is the band’s album being played on pirate radio station, KGO. While this is clever, and the acting done on the Warner Drive interview on K-GO! is entertaining and rather accurate to a real band interview, I think the album could have done without the skits. Perhaps if the band had gone the route of the Queens of the Stone Age album, Songs for the Deaf, with its interspersed, fake radio ads, it would have had a better effect.
Fans of pop-rock melodies, charged up guitars and any of the above bands would do well to latch onto this hi-energy group. Currently the band is touring in support of the record and from what I understand their shows are not to be missed.
https://www.facebook.com/warnerdriveofficial
-Captain Morgan-
Big Wheel Contributor
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