Show Preview: Peligro Social at Oakland Metro Operahouse – Oakland, CA – October 20, 2012

Back from the dead, Peligro Social will be hitting the Oakland Metro Operahouse to play 1 of 2 shows for their last time. What used to be known as the Tankcrimes Brainsqueeze Fest, a small 2 day label showcase, continues this year as "Been Called Worse: 10 Years of Perseverance and Loud Noises". Both Kicker and Born/Dead will be sharing the stage with them on October 20.

With members of Cropknox and LA's Moral Decay, Peligro Social formed in 2006 out of San Francisco, California. Shortly after, they released a split with former label mates and Bay Area locals, Born/Dead. They derived their sound from late 70's/early 80's Spain bands and added an American twist to it. The lyrics and vocal characteristics are repulsive in the vein of Eskorbuto. Later on in 2006, they also released their "No Religion" LP, which defined them as pioneers in the Spanish punk revival that has spread throughout the nation.

They played their last show in May of 2009 at Chaos in Tejas in Austin, but 3 months later still released their last 7', a split with T.V Evangelists.  With such praise, they had to come back to give the people what they want. Come check them out and find out what all the fuss is about before they hit the nails on the coffin.

-Corrina P.-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

 

 

 

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Ken Boothe – The Amalgamated – The Delirians – Arise Roots – Ottly Mercer – at Los Globos – Silver Lake, CA

Live and direct from the Los Globos stage, Rudeboys, Skinheads and everyone in between converged on the dance floor for a night that has been circled on the calendar months in advance.  September 22nd, Junor Francis and SKA MANIA brought us the iconic Mr. Rocksteady himself, Ken Boothe.

Long before doors opened at Los Globos, fans were scattered all over the streets and bars around the Silver Lake area streaming out of liquor stores with black plastic bags in hand the usual pre game ritual was the only thing usual on this night. Since the announcement of legendary Ken Boothe’s soon to be performance Rudeboys and Skinheads have been giddy with anticipation on par with the likes of Pat Kelly’s recent performance at Los Globos and next months massive smash up Stranger Cole vs Eric ”Monty” Morris.

Performing the night before in San Diego, it appears as Ken Boothe brought some of that San Diego flavor with him to the Silver Lake club. Opening up the night was San Diego’s Ottly Mercer a seven-piece Ska upbeat Reggae act with a clean and heavy sound. With the night off in the right direction Dj Mila Ruiz kept couples dancing between bands with choice vintage tunes right off the wax, representing a staple of any talented LA Dj’s arsenal that keeps the sound alive and the shoes stomping. The nights Host and Mc Junor Francis took the time between acts to help build on the growing anticipation for the nights performance, teasing the crowed with little announcements as to the whereabouts of Mr. Ken Boothe.

With the LA crowed eager to get moving they welcomed some familiar faces to the stage next, Arise Roots a deep soulful roots Reggae Los Angeles band wasted no time tearing up the Los Globos stage. Heads swung and hips swayed as Karim’s rich vocals and Roberto’s Sotelo’s crashing guitar played big tune after big tune, songs like “Compromise”, “People are you ready” and “United we stand” were definite fan favorites.

After a short break and some quality vinyl, East Los very own and Los Globos main stays The Delirians took to the stage. With one of the largest and growing fan bases around. These young cats have performed with and alongside some of the genres most notable artists. When these guys aren’t backing up legends they are creating a legend of their own performing a mastering a musical style and sound far beyond their years, regulars in the Los Angeles scene. The Delirians are a must see performing next on Oct 12th with Stranger Cole and Monty Morris. San Diego’s The Amalgamated took to it next, a ten-piece Ska Jazz band with rhythmic up beat tempo and light Reggae grooves provided a fantastic precursor to the night’s main event. After a solid set it was time for The Amalgamated to take a step back and join the rest of the crowed in welcoming one of Ska and Reggae’s pioneers the, renowned Ken Boothe.

A giant roar swept the bottom floor of the club as Mr. Rocksteady took the stage looking as great as ever. Wasting no time Skins and Rudies danced it up in their finest suits with their finest gals. Each song sung with such rich vocal harmony melted the crowed as they sung along for certain tunes like “Artibella” even drowning out Mr. Boothe himself.

Into his 60’s now, Ken Boothe provided the energy and enthusiasm unmatched by artists half his age dancing and singing to his voices limit. There was a definite sense of appreciation and respect from the crowd for what most certainly a performance to remember.

                             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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Bone Crusher – Harrington Saints – Kicker – Sad Boy Sinister – Blank Spots – at Oakland Metro – Oakland, CA

I couldn't wait for this show, I've heard nothing but good things about Bone Crusher and two of my favorite bay area bands Harrington Saints and Blank Spots were also playing. I finished work that day and got to The Oakland Metro asap for what I knew was going to be amazing night.

I got their early and immediately noticed all the very beautiful woman walking around. They were all part of Rabid Magazine, up too that point I thought Rabid was the name of a band on the flyer but I soon learned its a totally rad mag. I flipped through the zines and talked to the very cool girls there, the magazine is classy and very professional. Rabid is filled with cool pin up girls stuff, cool photos of old cars and lots of inked cats. If you haven't heard of Rabid Magazine yet make sure you check it out. I think I'm their new biggest fan.

First band on the bill was Blank Spots, I've been hooked on these guys ever since I seen them at The Hemlock in San Francisco a few months ago. They have a great old school Punk rock sound and sing songs that are real. Talon, Andrew and Cat went on stage at about 9ish and got the show started in style with a classic 1,2,3,4 Ramones style count in. At the start of their set there was still a lot of people outside, either getting that last smoke in or paying for their tickets but a song or two into it a nice gathering was made around the stage and it was a great and fun show to watch.

Talon who is the guitarist and lead singer of the group has a really good stage presence, I really enjoy watching him jumping around and throwing his snotty Punk vocals into the microphone. You can tell he lives and breaths this stuff and in every song he is telling a story. Andrew the bass player also has vocal duties and the mix of their vocals calls for some great tunes. They're style is stripped down and honest d.i.y. Punk. Cat the drummer is totally rad too, she is one heavy hitter. My favorite songs from their set were of course “Spare Change” a music video I filmed and edited for them a few months ago and “S.P.D” a song Talon wrote about his obvious love and passion for his friends and brothers in Skunx, but honestly every song was really good and they were really tight. Nearly everything from their set is available on their s/t CD, you can pick up at a show or on their Facebook page. This band is really good and really real. They are playing Gilman Street very soon and I can't wait to be there.

Then it was time for Sad Boy Sinister, these guys were great, there was a few more in the venue at this point and a nice little mosh area at the front. The Sinisters have been doing this for a long time and their set was fast, fun and very tight. The singer vocals were powerful and the music was fun with lots of chants and the people there were really getting into it. My favorite song from their set was sure “Drinkin” if you don't know it, go on Youtube, it's totally rad. They play Punk with good hardcore influences and I can't wait to get some of their CDs and see them again.

 

Next Kicker came on. I was excited to see them because I've seen their Lead singer Roadie at various different shows in the area and not got the chance to see his band. They were awesome. I don't know what it but an English accent goes really well with Punk rock and these guys have a great thing going. They were fast and snotty and really good. There's no gimmicks with these dudes, what ya see is what ya get, good old fashion stripped down Punk rock. Everyone there seemed really into it too and at this point and the Rabid girls were making rounds, everyone was having a great time.

 

Then it was time for The Harrington Saints to take stage and I was totally stoked because I absolutely love these guys. Darrel, Mike C, Deuce, Jay and Forry all took stage full of energy and ready to go. After a quick tune up the booted boys started their explosive set with a “O.C.D.”, one of my favorite songs from the amazing new record “Pride and Tradition” that is available on Pirate Press Records.

Literally two seconds into the song the crowd were cheering, pushing and shoving and shouting along to every word. The Saints are not only an awesome band but those guys are like brothers and believe in the music they play, they are a True American Working Class Oi! band and one of the best acts around.

Darrel the singer is so rad too, he's one of the most passionate singers ever and always comes out to the crowd, I think I got to shout revolution! in his microphone at least once during the set, and crowd interaction like that always calls for a fun set and adds a lot of buzz to the show atmosphere.

As the next 40 minutes or so went on classics songs like “Boot Straps” and “Jerry was a Skin” rang out and everyone was totally into it, there was sweat and beer everywhere and everyone there was singing and chanting along. so much fun. Anyone who hasn't picked up their albums is really missing out, these dudes are gonna be around for a long long time. Their the real deal and I can't wait to see them again soon.

Last but not least it was time for Bone Crusher, I couldn't wait to see them, before the show I checked them out on Youtube, Facebook etc and thought they were excellent. There fast past hardcore tinged Punk rock was great, as soon as they hit the stage the place lit up. I really liked the singer Raybo, he has a really cool singing voice thats quite unique. Like, the Saints these guys have a brothers feel, you can tell they've been doing this along time and love what they do.

Bonecrusher played a bunch of songs, all of them good, not a dull moment through the entire set. Everyone was singing along and again lots of moshing, a perfect end to a perfect night.

I'm sure the Rabid girls were back on stage after Bonecrusher because throughout the night they were selling raffle tickets for a subscription to their magazine or another prize, not quite sure because I had to leave early. But all in all, a sick night, full of great bands, pretty ladies, a great venue and a fun crowd, perfect ingredients.

                             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Brian McCann Jr-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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Going Underground Record Store 11th Anniversary Party – Featuring: Running Scared – and Carcinogenz – at Going Underground Records – Bakersfield, CA

September 22nd proved to be quite an eventful evening for Bakersfield. Along with the KSVG 89.7 Savage Radio benefit show and a kick ass Skinhead Reggae show with local band The Tarfons, Going Underground Records were celebrating their 11th year in business. Starting at 4pm and going til 8pm, there were live bands, DJ's and plenty of great deals on new and used records.

Ronald Ramirez opened Going Underground's doors when he was only 21 years old. In a world where records stores don't last for too long, it's obvious that owning a record store may not be the easiest way to make a living. Bakersfield has seen many come and go over the years. However Going Underground has stood the test of time.

The small shop is filled wall to wall with a huge selection of vinyl, patches, T-shirts, magazine's, pins, and lots of other goodies. 11 years in the business is a great reason to celebrate. Local bands Running Scared and Carcinogenz performed in front of the store and various DJs spun some great Punk mixes as people of all ages thumbed through records and talked music politics. 

People like Ronald are unsung heroes of the music scene and music lovers. If you ever are rolling through Bakersfield, I would suggest you put "1822 G St Bakersfield, Ca" into your map app and swing by to find some treasures at amazingly affordable prices. Support your local record stores so more shops like Going Underground can keep serving the music community.

You can Like Going Underground on Facebook HERE

  More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-J.Moncrief-
Big Wheel Journalist

 

 

 

 

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Heresy Presents: DEAD AIR – KSVG 89.7 Savage Radio Benefit – with Peeling Grey – Mordacious – One Last Caress – and DJ Thad – at Riley’s Tavern – Bakersfield, CA

For those Bakersfield natives who are feeling as starved for good alternative music as the next small town, have we got some good news for you! Thanks to Jake Chavez and Greg Looney's tireless efforts over the last few years,  KSVG 89.7, aka Savage Radio, Bakersfield’s newest non-profit public radio station, promoting arts, educational programs, and yes, true alternative music, will be invading the airwaves very soon (November 4th, 2012 to be exact).

To help get the fluids bubbling, Savage Radio joined dark forces with Heresy, Bakersfield’s only gothic/industrial night club, to raise money for the station.  “Dead Air” was not a night to be missed and an all out party full of punks, deathrockers, rivetheads, goths, and weekend warriors. 

Hosted in Riley’s Tavern’s back bar, the dance floor and the dimly lit room are no strangers to the “alternative” crowd.  Every month, Heresy takes over the club and hosts a dark night of pounding industrial, gothic, deathrock, synth-pop, and dark wave music.  The brain child of DJ/promoter Mike Fowler, aka “The Good Reverend” and promoter Shila Fowler, Heresy has become a prominent cog in the machine that keeps the underground scene in Bakersfield rolling.

“Dead Air” was no exception.  With walls oozing ornate, gothic decor and lasers blazing through the fog, it was easy to lose yourself in the atmosphere of the night and wonder “Wow! Am I in Bakersfield?”  The crowd poured through like a murder of crows and kept the scene cool as Heresy DJs thad and The Good Reverend kept us all warming up the dance floor with underground music that you will not hear in any other club in Bakersfield.  The out of town live acts contributed largely to the awesome atmosphere of Dead Air and brought a good variety of alternative sounds to the fundraiser.

First up was One Last Caress, hailing as Fresno’s gothic horror band of face-painted freaks.  They offer a dark, high energy deathrock sound, with enough punk attitudes to get a pit going throughout their set.  What a way to get the party started!

Next, Mordacious and Vektor from Lancaster, in their true rivethead fashion, had the whole club moving.  Heresy club goers had been waiting for this act to come and perform, and it was definitely well worth the wait.  They brought presentation and hard industrial dance beats that had party-goers dancing non-stop and wanting more.  I mean they brought it!

Los Angeles’ Peeling Grey, ended the live music beautifully with their true post punk rock, a sound you seldom have the opportunity to hear live anymore.  Front man Andy Smith, staying true to his old school death rock look, connected with the audience, while performing some songs from within the crowd. 

DJ Thad ended the night, keeping the dance floor moving with his years of DJ skills, throwing down some more stomping industrial beats.   

Most of the Heresy regulars were in attendance, along with many new faces to the club.  This event created a sense of unity among the alternative crowd, locals and out of towners alike.  And let me say that looks can be deceiving with this dark and spooky bunch, as they are very fun and friendly people.  

To sum it up, Bakersfield’s alternative music scene is coming back up, largely in part to Heresy and KSVG 89.7’s arrival on Novemeber 4th, 2012.  Pretty soon, listeners will be lucky enough to enjoy a different kind of program including Princess Darkness’ dark alternative show streaming bands like The Cure or Siouxsie and the Banshees (perhaps even some exciting local guests) and a gothic/industrial music program on Savage Radio, hosted regularly by Heresy’s own resident DJ, The Good Reverend to include music by Bakersfield’s own Burning Image and LA’s Gentlemen Junkie.  Also, whether you are a local or lucky enough to be traveling near Bakersfield on a night of Heresy, do yourself a favor and stop in for a dance. You will be very welcomed by the coolest freaks.

Stay tuned in with KSVG 89.7 Savage Radio HERE

Check out what our friends at Heresy have going on HERE

                             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Noelia and Josex Citialin-
Big Wheel Contributors

 

 

 

 

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Show Preview: The Mob – Sickoids – Rank Xerox – Crimson Scarlet – and The New Flesh – at The Oakland Metro Opera House – Oakland, CA – October 21, 2012

One of the UK's oldest and most innovative Anarcho Punk bands is back to tour the West Coast for the first time. Following the Peligro Social show, The Mob will hit the Oakland Metro Operahouse with a killer line up consisting of Sickoids(ex Government Warning, Witch Hunt), Rank/Xerox, Crimson Scarlet, and The New Flesh. 

Out of the streets of England, The Mob rose in 1978 to deliver the grim sound of brutal truth to the world. They would play slower than most punk bands that were around, but nonetheless showed their disappointment with common life. They called it quits in 83 and are returning with an all original line up. Sickoids will be playing right before them. . Mixing raw hardcore with dark melodies, they will definitely be sure to wreck the place.

Having the opportunity to see both Peligro Social and The Mob back to back in the same weekend is proof the the DIY scene in the Bay Area is thriving. Come watch doves fly on October 21st.

-Kevin L.-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

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