Marilyn Manson with Butcher Babies – at Club Nokia – Los Angeles, CA
February 21, 2013
The most controversial show on the road, otherwise known as the Hey Cruel World’ tour rolled into town the other night at LA’s own Club Nokia. The sold out show featured noisy new comers; Butcher Babies and the prince of shock rock Marilyn Manson who was performing his 131st of 132 shows in the last year and a half.
The Butcher Babies hit the stage first at around 9 pm to an eager crowd who seemed to dig what the new band had to offer. Thrashy riffs, cat screech vocals and heavy pounding drums shook the venue quite hard for an opening band. Their mix was just right as there wasn’t a way to not pay attention to their performance, many people were made into fans of the Butcher Babies that night and we can only suspect it’s been that way the whole tour as well. They are most definitely a band to keep your eyes on in the new year. They finished their set just before 10 pm to a now filled to max capacity club.
Not one to just walk on stage before a crowd, Manson and co. had an elaborate pieced stage show and dark themed Suspiria introduction that had the crowd cheering the band on. Fog filled the stage and like a bat out of hell Manson appeared with a skull shaped gas mask adorned to his face and brass knuckle accessorized microphone to his mouth where he sang and screamed lyrics to “Hey Cruel World”, a new track that worked up the crowd into a frenzied hysteria. Instead of following up with another new track like most artists would, the band kicked into the fan favorite “Disposable Teens” and really got into gear as both the energy from stage and the venue floor matched each other at a level not yet seen that night.
The title track “Born Villain” found itself in the set early and was also soon followed by more hits ala “mOBSCENE” and “The Dope Show“, which had the drug friendly crowd singing along to every word and dancing away in the general admission pit. Much like his performance at SSMF last summer, the 80’s covers “Personal Jesus” and “Sweet Dreams” (Are Made Of This) served as crowd pleasers that had even more people dancing throughout the venue than had previously been seen. Set to a heavier tone, the dramatic anthem that is “Antichrist Superstar” saw Manson atop a podium that could have easily been 10ft tall. Despite its height the vocalist hung off the sides and climbed over every inch of it while shouting Repent at the top of his lungs. It was quite the spectacle and one that has been a part of his live show for years now, something we hope never changes.
The night was filled with plenty of wardrobe changes and set designs that would have the show almost seem cinematic at times, quite suitable for his music as the majority of his show was sang thru his kniferophone. The show closers could not have been played any more intensely as “The Beautiful People” and “Irresponsible Hate Anthem” shook the house to its foundation while confetti canons littered the venue to a coma white landscape. As there was no way to top the night off with an encore, the band slowly left the stage to a crowd who got their moneys worth and an hour and a half’s worth of hits mixed in with some new tracks that absolutely ruled.
The performance at Club Nokia more than made up for the sluggish performance months back at the SSMF, and we were glad to catch both as we are reminded of why Manson is still a household name in the metal world after a bumpy 20 year long career that has seen its share of controversies.
-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
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Arise Roots – The Expanders – and Quinto Sol – at The Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA
February 20, 2013
On February 20th at the Echoplex, Los Angeles and the Dub Club once again flexed its muscles for all to see: a terrific line up, consisting of some of the cities finest roots reggae and socially conscious bands to ever call Los Angeles home. The chilly half-lit moon watched over the City Of Angels as the reggae stars lit up the Echoplex stage.
Reggae lovers were in high spirits as the nights celebration got under way, with the first group up to get the people moving were East L.A.’s very own Quinto Sol. Now, to any long time L.A. reggae fan this could have been enough for one night’s excitement, but it was just the tip of the iceberg! Performing and raising awareness through thought provoking and culturally rich music, fused with roots reggae and Chicano art and passion for nearly twenty years, Quinto Sol’s track record speaks for itself. On this night that passion and pride was seen and felt in spades; Dub Club regulars and newcomers alike sang along and raised their fists in unison as the band seamlessly made its way through their set. Deep Latin rhythms and roots reggae soul was matched by their immeasurable energy and powerful stage presence. Remembering that this was only the first performance of the night it was only fitting that the Dub Club faithful demanded one more song to which the influential east L.A. collective happily obliged and in some ways set the tone for the night’s merriment.
After a few choice tunes from resident icon and DJ, Tom Chasteen, and a little rub-a-dub styling it was now time for The Expanders to hit the legendary Dub Club stage. Coming off one of the more mesmerizing nights in recent ska and reggae memory, we saw The Expanders perform alongside L.A. legends Hepcat just one week prior at the House of Blues on Sunset in a show that could only be described as magical. Tonight, The Expanders had plenty more magic up their sleeves for the legions of Dub Club faithful in attendance. Wasting no time delving into their brand of soulful and captivating roots reggae music, The Expanders hit the fans in attendance with one big tune after another, touching on songs that display the bands range and influence (and even a song or two for the ganja connoisseur). After recently releasing an album of their own entitled “Old Time Something Come Back Again” on Christmas Day (which could be had for FREE via the bands Facebook), The Expanders had the crowed abuzz and the mood was set for the nights final act—Arise Roots.
Celebrating the release of their new album “Moving Forward”, which is now available on iTunes and Cdbaby.com, fans were treated to some new gems with the same ol’ energy and flare one would expect from the L.A. roots masters. Showcasing some of the newest tunes, fans showed an instant connection to the songs. The bands unquestionable passion, front man Karim Israel’s gritty and captivating voice and energy reached every corner of the Dub Club enthralling everyone within earshot. Mixed in with the soothing, yet hypnotizing, organ melodies of Todd Johnson and the soul-bending, knee-shaking sounds of Robert Sotelo’s rhythmic guitar, Arise Roots have clearly done it again to the reggae community. Songs like “Hit the Ground Running”, “Mellow Mood”, and “Moving Forward” kept the ground shaking and the people dancing.
This album must be bought and appreciated for everything Arise Roots does, not only with pure musicianship, but also for what the band has to say and the message they convey. Moving Forward is roots reggae and hope at its finest. A definite mark was left on the Dub Club patrons after Wednesday’s performance; to say this album and all the songs performed are amazing would be a gross understatement. Fans couldn’t help but call the band back for an encore and in true Dub Club Rub-A-Dub stylie, Arise Roots ended the night with free flowing lyricism and heavy reggae rhythms inviting Dub Club M.C.’s and mic scorchers to help send of the night. With Reggae Pop’s dancing away with the band, our night had its cherry on top.
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
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Tomahawk with Retox – at The Mayan Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
February 19, 2013
Mike Patton is God. Now that that’s out of the way let’s talk about Retox. Retox is a fast paced, Post Punk, almost early Hardcore throwback who opened the show for Tomahawk. One to two minute songs that move and take you with them.
The music is intense and captivating, coming in bursts that leave you waiting for the next one. To put it simply, Retox is good.
They’re playing an all ages show on March 4th with Stab City, Mothers of Gut and Bachsung at Pehrspace in Echo Park.
Enjoy a little video Retox and Tomahawk from their set
And then there was Tomahawk. Mike Patton, Duane Denison, John Stanier and Trevor Dunn take the stage and deliver an incredible set.
It’s clear from seeing them on stage that they’re enjoying themselves and the music couldn’t have sounded better. The set opened with God Hates a Coward and became essentially a best of set featuring handfuls of songs from each of their four albums. Patton’s performance ranged from crooner to uncaged beast, mesmerizing all who laid eyes and ears on him.
It may be another decade before they come around to play live again, but if they do, whether rain, sleet, snow, pregnancy, jail or drug addiction...do not miss it.
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-Tyson Zoltan-
Big Wheel Contributor
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Cockney Rejects – Youth Brigade – Union 13 – and Warlords – at El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, CA
February 18, 2013
It's been awhile since I've been to the El Rey but seeing the Cockney Rejects is worth the trip. First up was San Gabriel Valley's own "Warlords" These guys are American Oi!
If they would have been around in 1981, they would have been huge. These guys do great Oi! anthems. Classic early Oi and very good musicianship.
After, Union 13 took the stage. I remember when these guys were more of a melodic trip band. They play 90's style punk in English and Spanish. They did one song about "Ronald Mc Donald" that stood out the most. Another good tight opener.
Third on the bill was Youth Brigade. These guys have been around for 30+ years and kept reminding the crowd about it. They played all there popular songs and were tight as always.
Enjoy a 15 minute video overview of Youth Brigade's set
Next up was the band everyone came to see: Cockney Rejects. I've been a fan of the Rejects since 81' and was looking forward to seeing them. They looked and sounded great. Played a lot from the 1st LP (which I grew up on) and songs from later LP's such as "Power & Glory".
Enjoy this 15 minute video overview the Cockney Reject set
They played well and didn't miss a beat. Everyone in the crowd knew the lyrics and sang along with the Rejects. They even dedicated a song for Joe Strummer. Classic !!!
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-Mike Vallejo-
Big Wheel Contributor
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The Mo Odds EP Release Party with Straight Dimes and The Antiques – at R Bar – Los Angeles, CA
February 16, 2013
Saturday night many gathered at the R Bar in Korea Town for The Mo Odds EP release party. Upon entry you were asked for a password and 5 bux. Once you made it in, you received a free download card for their 4 song EP Titled "Soto".
The placed was packed early as opening acts The Antiques and Straight Dimes provided entertaining sets for the pumped crowd of Mo Odds fans.
The Antiques started the evening with a jammy Indie Rock style set. Next was Straight Dimes, a very talented group of musicians. They picked up the pace with their Bluesy/Garage Rock style.
By the time The Mo Odds took the stage, the floor was packed and people had taken their positions to get the best view.
The boys wasted no time getting into the action. As always at a Mo Odds show, crowd interaction was encouraged.
The whole band was on fire. Aside from a short delay from technical difficulties, show show went off without a hitch. The crowd danced, laughed and stayed engaged in the performance throughout the entire set.
They played old fan favorites such as "Olivia" and "Not The Whiskey", as well as new songs like "Lights Go Out" and "Pill Pocket". These guys aren't your average LA band. They bring a unique sound and stage performance that provides the change of pace you may need from the norm. If you didn't make it to this show, check them out soon if you get a chance. They don't disappoint!
Congrats to The Mo Odds on a successful release party. Check out the new EP "Soto" HERE
You can "like" The Mo Odds on Facebook HERE
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-J.Moncrief-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
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Lethal Amounts Grand Opening Party: Featuring Angelyne – Youth Quake and DJ Howie Pyro – at Lethal Amounts – Los Angeles, CA
February 16, 2013
The good people over at Lethal Amounts opened their retail shop and gallery space this past Saturday at their new location just west of Downtown in Los Angeles. Not ones to do things quietly, the crew at “LA” kicked things off with an art show celebrating the life, career and cult mystique that is Angelyne in all her greatness.
Music and entertainment was provided by Goddess Bunny, DJ Howie Pyro and New York Punks Youth Quake, who did an absolutely amazing cover of “Goodbye Horses”.
A number of Angelyne’s personal memorabilia and billboard collection found itself hung on the galleries walls or behind glass on display for casual and die hard fans to admire, many of which at one point were billboards that advertised her presence in Hollywood during the 1980’s. Some items were as rare as they get while a few were pieces more commonly seen. A number of original Lethal Amounts designs were for sale to the public as well. Everything from the Jesus inspired GG Allin toilet seat to the suicidal Mickey Mouse and soon to be classic “LA safety pin” design flew off the racks and is hopefully how things will continue to be over there.
What would an Angelyne art show be with out an appearance from the cult figure herself? Not one that Lethal Amounts would endorse! In true fabulous style Angelyne pulled up to the event in her little pink Corvette where fans surrounded and awaited the opportunity to take photos with perhaps Hollywood’s most notorious blonde bombshell. Corvettes are mostly known for their sleek looks and racing abilities, however Angelyne uses hers as a mobile merchandise booth as she sells droves of shirts out of her pink trunk, and boy did she sell a ton that night. If you missed out, don’t fret as the Angelyne show runs till February 27th, a limited edition t shirt is also available for purchase.
Best of all the grand opening attracted a wide variety of subculture enthusiasts celebrating a true DIY ran company and gallery space. Punk rockers, metal heads, transvestites, stoners and street artists converged for a truly unique shops birth and we were glad to be there as it was the place to be that weekend.
Good luck to our friends over at Lethal Amounts, we’re happy to see your shop up and running and we wish you all a ton of success.
Fore more info please visit Lethal Amounts in person at 1226 W. 7th St, Los Angeles, CA. or on the web HERE
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews
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