Low Life Music – Paychecks & Pocket Change
March 23, 2012
Punk-hoppers (or hip-rockers?) Low Life Music has delivered a new EP for frat boys in No Fear tank tops and flat-billed Metal Mulisha hats to jam out to while they pound down a 30-pack of Bud Light called, Paychecks & Pocket Change.
J King, Kenny Dena, Dan King, Joe Brodii and DJ Souless have crafted a batch of songs fans of Unwritten Law, Long Beach Dub Allstars, Dirty Heads, Slightly Stoopid, Sublime and Kottonmouth Kings will appreciate. These cats have a natural knack for pop-rock writing, as featured in “Coming Home to You” and “Keep it Going.”
The only drawback to the record is its subpar mix. The guitars would do well to be turned up significantly, the vocals brought down a touch and—for a hip hop oriented sound—there’s little low end. For a debut release, this is easy to overlook, but one would hope that on their subsequent releases this is adjusted as the band would benefit greatly.
There’s ultimately no new ground covered with Paychecks & Pocket Change, but the band also has a preexisting fan base in So Cal as acts like this one are a staple on rock radio and college campuses. For the band’s sake, I hope they’re not seen as a novelty act and are taken on their songwriting alone.
https://www.facebook.com/lowlifemusic
-Captain Morgan-
Big Wheel Contributor
Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews
Send your comments to the editor HERE
Arctic Flowers – with Viscous Pleasures – Old City – and Mania – at Mass Media Records – Santa Ana, CA – March 29, 2012
March 23, 2012
Portland, Oregon has a handful of bands that we love, but one in particular that we can start paying more attention to is female fronted band Arctic Flowers. Named after a Rubella Ballet record, Arctic Flowers go for a similar sound, pulling off the whole "Melodic Anarcho-Punk" "New Wave" sound so well, but just a little more "Punk". I cant forget to mention how beautiful Alex's (vocalist) voice is.
They have only a few releases under their belts, but Arctic Flowers small discography is completely worth checking out. Their first 2 releases, a 4 song demo cassette, and the other a 3 song EP, were both self released. In 2010 they did a split with Canadian band, Spectres, which was released on Charged/Distort. Sometime in July 2011, they released an LP titled "Reveries", on Inimical Records (Seattle, WA). "Reveries" sold out so quickly that they had to do a repress of the album.
Starting March 22, 2012, Arctic Flowers will be embarking on a 9 day tour in California, each show costing no more than 6 bucks! For those in the Orange County area, on March 29, Arctic Flowers will be playing an all ages in store show at Mass Media Records in Santa Ana with Viscous Pleasures, Old City, and Mania starting at 7pm. Whats better than a cheap show with good bands where you can get some record hunting done too? NOTHING. So don't hesitate and make sure to go.
For more tour dates and to check out music from Arctic Flowers click HERE
-Corrina P.-
Big Wheel Contributor
Check out more show previews HERE
Send your comments to the editor HERE
Show Preview: OFF! at the Whisky a Go-Go – Hollywood, CA – May 8, 2012
March 20, 2012
The age-old saying "there's a silver lining to every cloud" is applicable in almost every situation in the book- including the Punk scene. Fans moaned and groaned when the Circle Jerks announced a hiatus, and it was at that time that Keith Morris and Dimitri Coats decided to form a new, Punk-super groupalong with Steven Shane McDonald from Redd Kross and Mario Rubalcaba from Rocket from the Crypt -they called themselves OFF!
One of my favorite things about OFF! is the fact that they have the raw energy that's vital to a hardcore Punk group. Not only do they possess raw energy, but they perfect it to the point where it shocks and excites you; it almost makes you feel as if you've stepped into a time machine and traveled to a Black Flag show in the 1980's. Not only can the energy be felt from the band, but the excitement from the fans and the crowd contributes to buzz surrounding OFF!
To paraphrase someone I overheard at FYF Fest, "OFF! is what this generation needs. They're what the Punk scene needs" -And it's true. They were not only one of the best bands to perform at FYF, but they had the most combative pit and a dynamic audience. OFF! is here to help revitalize the Punk scene. They're controversial, they're honest, they're unapologetic, they're intense, and they're here to bring hardcore Punk back to its roots.
 |
 |
 |
OFF! made their live debut at the infamous South By Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas in 2010 and the band's success immediately took off. Los Angeles had their own chance to experience OFF! a few months later at the 6th Street Warehouse - the show was reportedly WAY over capacity, illustrating how desperately our generation needs a band like OFF!. For the band, it was much more than just another show. The songs that Coats and Morris recorded in 2009 and then some, they released a 7" appropriately titled "First EP" in Fall 2010; this EP, along with three other EPs, was released as a box set called "First Four EPs" in which the songs are short, fast and to the point songs that leave you feeling like you got your ass kicked for 17 plus minutes without a break.. Along with extensive touring, including performing as far as Australia, they've managed to find time to write and record more material for eager fans.
OFF! will be hosting a record release show at the Whiskey a Go-Go on May 8th. It's your chance to go out and see what the hype is all about- trust me, it's definitely worth it. Providing support for the show are Spider Fever and Fidlar, these are two bands that will equally blow you away, so make sure you show up when the doors open so you won't miss a thing! This show will sell out, so go get your tickets NOW.
OFF! - Official website to stay up to date on the band: offofficial.com
-Sarah K.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
Check out more show previews HERE
Send your comments to the editor HERE
2012 Punk Rock Bowling Preview – in Downtown Las Vegas – May 25-28, 2012
March 18, 2012
Punk Rock Bowling should be well on everyone's minds and for very good reason! Not only is the yearly festival the best Punk rock party in the history of the world, but it also champions the best new and old school bands we love. If you thought last years lineup was one for the ages, stand back as this years lineup is slated to be the hugest of them all.
This year the multi-day festival (May 25-28) will be headlined by a grip of your favorite bands and many first time appearances in years!
Aside from having the largest headlining bands ever in the history of PRB, the bowling tournament will now take over two bowling venues within the city making it the largest bowling tournament any Punk has ever witnessed. There will be more teams then ever before with a tournament that is bound to get intense as the weekend comes to an end.
Not only are the headlining bands worth the price of admission, but this years main support bands are of equal stature; especially with UK heroes The Adicts, 7 Seconds, Hepcat, The English Beat, G.B.H. and a reunited Sham 69 on the 2012 bill. It will also feature NYC hardcore legends Youth of Today, Hot Water Music and new school heroes the Street Dogs.
Video Preview
A bit on the headliners:
Rancid who have just celebrated their 20th year as a band a few months back will play their first show in the Las Vegas area of the year. The band who have become quite synonymous with LA Punk over the years are currently in the studio recording their as of yet untitled 8th full length album. Chances are fans will get a taste of new material played live at Punk Rock Bowling 2012.
Rancid, fronted by Tim Armstrong and Lars Frederiksen are without a doubt a top band to see as their back catalog of 90’s singles helped put modern Punk rock back on the map. One should expect to hear mid 90s anthems; Salvation, Nihilism, Maxwell Murder, Roots Radicals, Ruby Soho, Time bomb and a number of other new tracks that have made this band legend.
NOFX are of equal importance to the Punk scene as their brand of Punk rock has kept them a mainstay for well over 20 years. Fronted by Punk fixture Fat Mike, NOFX have become a very well known and controversial band. They’ve have had their share of success as their albums have gone on to sell upwards of 6 million copies since 1991. Having headlined festivals like The Vans Warped Tour many times over, NOFX are no strangers to playing outdoor music festivals to the Punk rock masses.
Their set at Punk Rock Bowling will feature plenty of fan favorite cuts where one can expect to hear; Don’t Call me White, Stickin In My Eye, Liza and Louise, Franco Un American, Linoleum and The Brews. NOFX are the perfect party band for Punk Rock Bowling and we too can’t wait to catch their highly energetic set.
South bay legends Pennywise will also headline the fest with their first appearance at Punk Rock Bowling with new lead vocalist Zoli Teglas. This will be the bands first show after the release of their upcoming 10th studio album titled All or Nothing which is due out in a few short months. Fans of Pennywise know what to expect from the band; and that is what they will get, a set full of energy that’s second to none. The 90s skate punk legend grows into the new decade with a set that is guaranteed to deliver the goods. Fans should expect to hear a ton of classic cuts like; Fuck Authority, Perfect People, Society, Alien, Straight Ahead, Pennywise and of course Bro Hymn (which will likely bring the weekends largest circle pit).
If that’s not enough, The Adicts will also be playing making this years Punk rock bowling a more colorful and festive time than ever before. We all know The Adicts put on a show like no one else and with that we couldn’t be more excited to see our favorite jokers in the pack’ playing before a huge Las Vegas audience. We’ll be there singing along to our favorite cuts; Steamroller, Viva La Revolution, Numbers, Sensitive, Easy Way Out, and of course Smart Alex. So put on your best Clockwork Orange gear and get things moving for The Adicts.
Cockney Rejects were added last minute to replace Sham 69 due to a family emergency that came up with the singer, Jimmy Pursey's family.
The Street Dogs will also be featured on this year’s already very spectacular bill. Lead by ex Dropkick Murphy’s front man Mike McColgan, The Street Dogs are one of Americas top new school Punk bands carrying the flag well into the next generation. Their 2010 self titled record is perhaps the bands biggest release to date out on Hellcat records. Fans should expect a full set of new school anthems belted out one after another in the same tradition as Sham 69. The Street Dogs will play the proper stage this year as their appearance last year was at a small intimate club show.
New York City Straight Edge hardcore legends Youth Of Today will also be on the bill. Sin City will get a taste of one of the scenes pioneering youth crew bands who’ve put out classics albums dating back to the mid 80’s. Their breakneck speed performance is sure to get the pit going. We caught them last year on their reunion tour in Pomona at The Glasshouse, it was a blast! We expect to see more of the same greatness from Youth of Today come late May at Punk Rock Bowling.
To top things off, a final surprise guest was announced earlier this week, here’s a hint, the band hail from England and came to prominence with the UK 82 crowd. If you’ve guessed G.B.H. you’re fucking correct! Fans will get charged up with one of the genres finest who plan to give the crowd an onslaught of Punk classics. The tracks Timebomb, Sick Boy, Wardogs, plus others will drive fans wild. Put on your favorite leather jacket and charge up your hair for this one, it’ll be a gnarly show that can only come from such a legendary band.
This annual event is one that you will not forget, so make your plans now to attend!
If you need proof of how bitchen this event is, go here and check out all the coverage from last year's
2011 Punk Rock Bowling event coverage or the 2010 coverage HERE as a couple examples.
* * * Thank you for your support, the Big Wheel crew will be there to fully document this event with the most photos of the bowling teams, bowling action, the bands, the club shows as well as daily reports, video, etc. Our sole mission in being there to fully document every aspect of the event, sure the Big Wheel folks that are there want to have a good time, yet that is only 15% of the equation, our group is there to work the majority of the time and the proof is in the volume of content we create.
For more info on getting tickets visit: www.punkrockbowling.com
Saturday May 26
NOFX - The Adicts - The English Beat - The Briefs - Real Mckenzies - Far From Finished - Holding Onto Sound - The Dips
Sunday May 27
Rancid - Cockney Rejects - Hepcat - Street Dogs - Old Man Markley - The Beltones - American Heist - American Werewolves
Monday May 28
Pennywise - GBH - Hot Water Music - 7 Seconds - Youth Of Today - Dead Ending - Toys That Kill - Union Hearts - The Bots
* * * PLUS * * * Nightly club shows
 |
-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
Check out more show previews HERE
Send your comments to the editor HERE
Stiff Little Fingers with Spear of Destiny – at The Barrowland Ballroom – Glasgow, UK
March 17, 2012
This was the 35th anniversary tour for Stiff Little Fingers, and the 21st time in a row they’ve played in the Barrowland on St Patrick’s day. As usual the gig was a complete sell out and the crowds poured in the doors at opening time.
Coming on as support were Spear of Destiny, who appeared to a chorus of orchestral music. It seemed a bit out of place but they kicked their set off with “Land of Shame” and soon got the well oiled crowd jiggling along.
Spear of Destiny
Much of the set was quite mellow but there were plenty of lively or well known songs to keep the crowd interested. There was a fantastic moment during “World Service” where the band stopped playing and Kirk conducted the crowd’s sing along! They finished with the well loved “Liberator”, leaving a happy crowd ready for the main act.
SLF started as they meant to go on by coming on with “Wasted Life”, which of course sent the crowd into a frenzy. The band seemed genuinely happy to be there and gave it their all. That was until the beer got thrown directly at Jake Burns - it caused a brief but annoying pause and a stern word from him. It took a little while to get back to things but they soon settled back into the swing of the set and we were treated to a fantastic show
They belted out their familiar riffs and lively songs, still with the same energy from decades ago. The first few songs were full on including “At The Edge” and topped off with “Nobody’s Heroes”, after which then they mellowed it down a little with some newer material. Jake told some good anecdotes in between songs. Despite the hall being filled with many drunk people (it being a Saturday and St Patrick’s Day) the crowd were a happy bunch with little aggro. During the set everyone was grinning, jumping up and down and cheering their heads off to the band. Great fun!! “Strummerville” went down well as well as the classics “Suspect Device” and “Tin Soldiers”. There was another (barely) tolerated pint thrown at the stage which was a shame, this time everyone boo’d whoever it was very loudly.
For the first encore Steve Grantley came back onto stage and started up the marching beat of “Johnny Was”. This alone got a big cheer and the band proceeded to play the best version of the song I’ve ever heard. They built it up and up to a fantastic climax where the crowd went berserk. Fantastic!
For the second encore Jake told us about how they owe much of their success to the fact they supported Tom Robinson at the start of their career. As a tribute to this they started up an SLF version of “2468 Motorway”. It promised to be great but unfortunately some knob decided that they’d chuck their beer at Jake despite the earlier warnings. The song was stopped immediately and you could tell Jake was highly un-amused. The encore continued with “Alternative Ulster” and “Gotta Get Away” but lacked the enthusiasm from the rest of the set. It was such a shame as the evening had been so good but for the last few songs you could tell Jake was just singing to get the set done and head off.
All in all it was another amazing gig by a superb band. I’d been told that the best place to see SLF is at the Barrowland and they weren’t wrong. Great crowd, great venue, great atmosphere and of course a great band. It’s just a shame it was tainted by beer, and not in a good way.
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-Sally Morrison-
Big Wheel Overseas Correspondent
Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
Send your comments to the editor HERE
Video interview with Colin McFaull of Cock Sparrer
March 17, 2012
Cock Sparrer is one of those iconic Street Punk bands that have remained relevant to multiple generations and have been cited by many bands as a major source of influence. The harmonizing to the music to the lyrics, Cock Sparrer is that band that you want to say that you saw live. After seeing them live it is no wonder that no matter where they perform around the world, they shows are always sold out. Last year at Punk Rock Bowling in Las Vegas we caught up with lead vocalist, Colin McFaull right after he got off stage to reflect on the festival, the band and the future. Enjoy the interview and make sure you see them live in your part of the world.
Video interview
Check out more show previews HERE
Send your comments to the editor HERE
Loading ...
