Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark – Diamond Rings – at The Fonda Theatre – Hollywood, CA

Most people dread Monday, it’s the beginning of the long work week and that first night of the week where most people opt to stay home and rest for the upcoming weekend. This past Monday was the exception though as Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark brought their exciting synth show to the magnificent Fonda Theatre in Hollywood where they drew a large audience who wasted no time in dancing and singing the night away.

How large you ask? So large that by the time the support band hit the stage the venue had more people in it than most headliners draw on their own at the Fonda.

Diamond Rings had the pleasure of opening up the show for O.M.D. and it’s clear that they are a band (solo project) who are making quite a splash on the indie electro dance music scene.

It’s a rare sight to witness a crowd sing along to an opening bands first song of the night, but that can now be checked off Diamond Rings list of accomplishments as they had the crowd in their grip right from the first note. That grip never let loose throughout their 45 minute set and with that they probably will find themselves with a larger fan base of their own next time they play LA.

 

By the time O.M.D. hit the stage the crowd had already began to let loose and move around quite a bit, especially for a Monday audience, there was no holding back. Andy McCluskey busted out a few dance moves of his own as he introduced the audience to tracks off the new O.M.D. release “English Electric” which went over so well you’d think everyone had owned the new album much longer than the two weeks its been in stores. It was the classic hits that drove the audience into a frenzy nonetheless, especially the uber 80’s high school prom appropriate “If You Leave” which Andy acknowledged as a song you likely danced to at high school.

The night would endure on as a memorable dance party as the hits kept a coming intertwining with the few new tracks that deliver the same catchy hooks and vivacious rhythmic beats that make O.M.D. such a fun band to see in a live setting. Keyboardist Paul Humphreys even took over lead vocals on a few tracks which saw Andy switch from handling mic duties to either playing lead keys or bass guitar which rounds out the full band sound they’ve evolved into over the last couple of years.

Not ones to shy from an epic finale, O.M.D. would close out their set with Electricity, the bands first single dating back to 1979. Choosing to close with their first classic was quite the nod at the bands own legacy and how they’ve grown into synth pop legends who refuse to shy away from their teenage chart topping roots.

If you missed O.M.D. at the Fonda you can still catch them this weekend at the Coachella Festival in nearby Indio, CA, although it will be with thousands of fans at your side opposed to the intimacy of the Fonda Theatre.

Set list - Decimal

P.R.S. - Metro land - Messages - Tesla Girls - Dresden - HoMI - Forever Live and Die - If you Leave - Souvenir - Night Café - Joan of Arc - Maid of Orleans - Our System - Kissing T. Machine - So in Love - Sister Marie - Locomotion - S.O.T.S.S. - Enola Gay -W.O.T.M.W. - Secret - Electricity.

 

            More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

Biv and the Mnemonics – The Pace

Once in a great while a band comes along that encourages thought and inspiration through their art. For a band to accomplish such a feat said band would need to bring the listener into a specific frame of mind; a frame of mind that does not overpower the listener’s senses while delicately keeping them aware of their surrounding yet keeping the listener focus on what comes next in the listeners life.

Biv and the Mnemonics album The Pace succeeds in doing just that. By integrating a melodic balance of rhythmic Folk-Rock musical style along with solid lyrical content Biv and the Mnemonics are able to improve any listeners’ mood over all.

 

At first glance the lyrics throughout the album speak of good times gone by and a life that has become a distant memory. However, it is the essence of reflective thought present in the album’s subtle undertone that somehow aids in communicating a deeper message; a message that proudly speaks of moving on through life without allowing the past to be a burden.

The end result is clear; The Pace by Biv and the Mnemonics is definitely an album worth picking up for anyone into Folk-Rock or someone who wants to take part in a poetic lyrical experience.

Biv and the Mnemonics can be found via www.bivband.com, www.facebook.com/bivband, and www.soundcloud.com/bivandthemnemonics.

-Ryan Redondo-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

 

 

                                           Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews

 

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Insurgence – Elimination

If this is the first time you are hearing about Seattle Washington’s own The Insurgence then hold onto your seats. I can say that it certainly won’t be the last time you hear about them, this band is rad at what they do and If you are particularly interested in Hardcore Punk mixed in with balls to the wall Thrash Metal then this band should be on your radar and this record should be on your player.

One can’t listen to this record without feeling the urge to get up and slam as it seems this record was tailored for just that.  It has plenty of screaming over loud and fast guitars and drums that seemed picked right out of the 80’s. There are many instances where you may be reminded of Poison Idea or The Dwarves which I think The Insurgence would take as compliment, I mean how could they not? This album is full of pissed off songs that represent what this band is best at, angry social and political infused Punk Rock mosh anthems.

There are a number of stand out tracks that you should sample soon before you go out and buy this album and those are; “We Can’t Be Stopped”, “Elimi-Nation” and “Cocaine Wasteland”. After listening to those do yourself the ultimate favor and go get this record, it’s gonna be one of the best choices you make in Punk purchases this year.

 

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

 

 

                                           Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews

 

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dead Ending – DE II

The new 5 song EP I just played on my turntable is one of the raddest new records to be released on the bay areas own Alternative Tentacles label. That EP in particular would be by Dead Ending, a modern day Punk super group featuring members of Rise Against, Alkaline Trio, Articles of Faith and The Bomb.
 

This record is hard, much harder than the bands full time bands and a good indication that these guys are not fucking around when they get together to jam. Well maybe they are and this is the kind of material they come up with when they just let loose and go for it, there probably isn’t a concern with sales or marketing to radio stations or a hot topic based audience so why not go full throttle right?

 

I think that’s what these guys decided to do here and with that came a 5 song ep that rips your heart out and feeds it to a pack of rabid dogs. Lets hope these guys continue to spend time on this project, its perfectly suited for a club show, a show that you would definitely want to be at.

 

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
 

 

 

 

                                           Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews

 

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Show Preview: Suicidal Tendencies – Sick Of It All – and Wake The Dead – at Fox Theatre – Pomona, CA – May 11, 2013

Fans of hardcore Punk have a lot to be excited about this spring as the news of the 2013 Slam City Tour surfaced this week. Venice Beach’s own Suicidal Tendencies are gearing up to release their highly anticipated album “13” this March and are set to tour North America in support of it with a stop in Pomona at the Fox Theatre; the only LA county show of the tour.

The tour will feature main support from New York City hardcore legends Sick Of It All and Wake The Dead. 

Suicidal Tendencies have a long history of playing epic concerts in Los Angeles with the likes of legendary acts. Having shared the stage with bands like Discharge, Minor Threat, Black Flag, Circle Jerks and The Misfits over the last 30 years, S.T. are known for putting on  shows that stand with the best. Lead by vocalist Mike Muir, Suicidal are a powerful force in the scene and have remained so by releasing numerous albums that push the boundaries of Punk, hardcore, crossover and funk metal. Their creative use of music videos set them apart from many contemporary Punk bands in the 1980’s as ST found mainstream acceptance with help from MTV and radio airplay. 

Blending Punk attitude with a thrash metal style, they inadvertently lead the way for crossover and found themselves touring arenas and stadiums with bands like Metallica, Slayer, and Megadeth. The inclusion of their singles in hit video games throughout the last decade helped them reach a new generation of fans as well. 

Hits likely to be played such as “Institutionalized” “Possessed to Skate”, “Join The Army”, “Trip At The Brain”, “Pledge Your Allegiance” “Cyco Vision” and “Two Sided Politics” will set fans off like a tidal wave that is sure to wreak havoc in the pit area. If you are fragile we recommend buying a balcony seat for this show, it has potential to be brutal.

With the inclusion of Sick Of It All who are touring in support of their 9th studio album “Based On A True Story”, this show is a clash of the titans of sorts that will be a must attend show for anyone who’s ever felt at home at a Hardcore Punk show. Anyone who goes to this show will be talking about it long after the fact, so don’t miss out at this one will sell out in advance! We’ll see you in the pit!

 

For more info and tickets please click HERE

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

Check out more show previews HERE

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

 

Barred For Life: How Black Flag’s Iconic Logo Became Punk Rocks Secret Handshake

Fans of Black Flag have a lot to be excited about this year and with the addition of Barred For Life: How Black Flags Iconic Logo Became Punk Rocks Secret Handshake, fans have another awesome Black Flag related book to add to their collection of Black Flag reading material.

Although not a release endorsed by Greg Ginn, this book is a must have and an insightful look at Black Flags loyal fan base. More specifically it’s about that percentage of loyal fans with Black Flag tattoo’s, fans who are Barred For Life.

The books author is a long time Black Flag fan who set out to meet, photograph and interview like minded fans around the globe and that’s exactly what he’s accomplished. Over his lengthy excursions he was able to photograph hundreds of fans from all different walks of life who share a common love for Black Flags music and message.

Some fans prefer Keith Morris, others prefer Ron Reyes and some even express their distaste for Henry Rollins but all agree on one thing and that is that getting into Black Flag is a life changing moment and others with the “bars” are like extended family members.

The black and white photos that adorn the 322 pages of Barred For Life create this honest appeal that sets this book apart from many tattoo focused publications around today. The interviews with ex Black Flag members and colleagues add another dimension to it as well, one that adds a personal touch and truth.

Ron Reyes, Edward Colver, Glen E. Friedman, Kira Roessler, Chuck Dukowski, Dez Cadena, Keith Morris and Tattoo Artist Rick Spellman shed light on what it was like around Black Flag during the bands original incarnation both on and off stage. Their inclusion make this a must have for fans of Black Flag's music and art while the hundreds of photos make this a must have for both fans of Black Flag and tattoo culture.

If you love Black Flag, tattoos and Black Flag tattoos then you will need this book!
   We highly recommend getting this book!
 

-Louie Bones.-
Big Wheel Magazine
 

 

                                           Go HERE to see all the latest record reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

« Previous Page — Next Page »