Chaos In Tejas Music Festival 2013 – Day 2 – Austin, TX

Day two of Chaos. After sleeping into the day my compadre and I had a Tejano feast of Guisada. Too late to catch the day shows, we decided to part for the day until the Tragedy and Bolt Thrower show that night at 11E5. 

I had ripped my pants beyond repair and went to the task of getting new ones. My friend went swimming with our aquaintances. Later that night we met up at Cheer Up Charlies up the street from the venue, a gay friendly bar that had hosted some day shows. At this point the Kale 'ritas had caught up with me and I did not in fact see the opening bands Mammoth Grinder (Austin's local terrorizers), Magic Circle, Imprecation, Iron Lung, and Curciamentum. 

I came to from my distractions of fighting a grown man and realized Tragedy, who at this point are Chaos in Tejas veterans, would be starting soon. As I ran down the street I realized my foot was severely injured in my fight. But nothing would stop me from seeing Tragedy. I made it through the gate and shoved my way through a sweaty sea of dark bodies to an already insane crowd going wild for the Crust Gods , and joined the fight to the pounding drums. Tragedy has been one band everyone can agree on for 13 years now. With members from His Hero Is Gone, From Ashes Rise, Warcry, and Severed Head of State, we knew they would be a melodic massacre worthy of such a following. Then came Bolt Thrower. A band that was formed in 1980s England, but still packed as much punch as ever for Chaos in Tejas. This year brought a non stop U.S. tour of Death Metal to the states for Bolt Thrower. Hitting every major stop, they were the band to see this year. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo courtesy of Hardcore Hell

We made it through day two with two more days to go. On our way back to our sleeping spot we stopped at Kirby Lane Cafe on South Lamar, an Austin landmark open 24 hours a day in a 24 hour city. Where it was obvious my foot may not last another show.

 

 

 

 

 

            More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Natalie Leeann.-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

Punk Rock Bowling 2013 – Event recap with photos videos and commentary

Welcome to coverage of Punk Rock Bowling 2013


Punk Rock Bowling 2013 took place in Las Vegas
on May 24, May 25, May 26 and May 27, 2013

Scroll below to see the re-cap of all the fun

We have also created for your ease to get all the photos of Punk Rock Bowling 2013,
just go to www.punkrockbowlingphotos.com

Bands performing are:
DEVO - FLAG (with Keith Morris) - Bad Religion - The Damned - Turbonegro - DRI - The Weirdos - Subhumans - Lagwagon - Bouncing Souls - The Casualties - Swingin' Utters - U.S. BOMBS - Lower Class Brats - The Briggs - Funeral Dress - Channel 3 - Pour Habit - Sean and Zander - Retox - The Revilers - Tartar Control - Piss and Blood - Molotov Compromise - The Dirty Panties - Surrounded By Thieves - Catholic Spit.




For coverage from Punk Rock Bowling 2012 …. Go HERE

For coverage from Punk Rock Bowling 2011 …. Go HERE

For coverage from Punk Rock Bowling 2010 …. Go HERE
 

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

Chaos In Tejas Music Festival 2013 – Day 1 – Austin, TX

Velvet Coffin is the perfect description for Austin. A city of acceptance pertaining to all things weird, no other city could provide such a perfect background to the Punk fest that is Chaos In Tejas.

 

Now in it's 9th year and going stronger than ever, Chaos In Tejas is the work of promoter Timmy Hefner who dedicates blood sweat and tears to the now world known gathering. What started as a weekend for Crust Punk almost 10 years ago in the unassuming capital of Texas, has grown into a four day beast with bands from all over the world coming in. A certain kind of Mecca bringing different genres of Punk together for a good cause. An epic party. 

Chaos In Tejas in prior years was held at Emo's. A long time Punk venue on legendary 6th st and Red River district. Small enough to stay DIY, but large enough to hold an immense crowd. Now Chaos has grown to several venues across Austin. Providing something for everyone.

I lived in Austin several years which gives me the home advantage of being able to attend every Chaos in all 9 years. Now living in California, I made the trek like so many of the unwashed masses. And boarded a Greyhound from Vegas with my new traveling partner who luckily was on the same road to perdition as I was. 2013 brought us 11E5 (1150 E. 5th st). A venue in East Austin that echoed back to the Emo's days of a dank warehouse feel but luckily providing a central space for the event including a grassy knoll and room for merch booths. A drawback may have been the beer and water tent that some complained boosted the cost of these items. But luckily free water was provided as the heat index was well over 100 degrees in the Texas Hill Country summer.

Day one of Chaos. I found myself in Austin feeling nostalgic and breathing the humid summer air. Seeing a higher than normal amount of Punks in a city caused an influx of excitement in the air. Seeing old friends from across the country. Knowing we were in store for a four day bacchanalia of filth, sweat and blacking out. This year Chaos was set up with a central area for everyone to congregate and turn the holy 4 day pass into a wristband.

That first night was a tribute to the past With The Casualties and The Damned headlining at 11E5. Opening was The Impalers, Bloodkrow Butcher, Iceage and The Marked Men. The Casualties, who formed in 1990s New York never fail to deliver. The passion and surprisingly authentic street punk spewing from the stage was enough to soften this crusties opinion of them. You cannot deny their love of what they do and their love of Punk. Say what you want. They're more Punk than you ever were. The Damned have been around longer than most of us have been alive and still kicked out all their classics. The warehouse was packed with young and old fans alike singing every song and dancing into the night. Notable were Bloodkrow Butcher and Iceage's sets. Both relatively new bands, guiding our ears to the future of raw Punk and post Punk.

We attempted to catch Terveet Kadet. A long standing Finnish Hardcore band who have no doubt influenced thousands of bands across the planet since 1980. Unfortunately the venue Holy Mountain was not equipped for a large audience, my Road Dog Tall Anthony and I were forced to cut in line, only to catch the last moments of the last song. As disappointed as I was, the hour was drawing to 2am at this point. It was time to make the exodus to the Lamar Pedestrian Bridge to see Kromosom, No Statik, and Long Knife.

We began weaving our way on foot through downtown Austin dodging tourists and drunkards highlighting the nightlife. Avoiding police and attention from the masses. The Bridge isn't exactly somewhere that needs more attention as it is quite out in the open already, for the world to see. The walk through the night took us to an ivy wall we climbed, busy streets to run across, and a late night sky lit up by towering monolithic condo towers colored in every shade of the rainbow. We made it. In the darkness over Lady Bird Lake we congregated. We could hear the bands checking their equipment. This is the time to let go of inhibitions.

Kromosom, a hardcore Punk band from Australia was who every Punk wanted to see. There's much talk and hype around them. And it is deserved. With ex members of Pisschrist in the band, we knew we were in for a brutal attack on our senses. Kromosom began, and everyone crowded around them, and lost their minds. Sweaty masses of bodies entangled and the tribe was as one. The distorted noises echoing into the ethers.

It was time to rest for the next day.

            More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Natalie Leeann-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

TSOL and Dj Gonzo and Low Life Sound System Pool Party – at Gold Spike Hotel – Las Vegas, NV

With the weekend winding down money and beer may have been running out, but excitement was in abundance. The Gold Spike Casino hosted what could have easily been one of the highest anticipated shows of Punk Rock Bowling.  For one it was free and second it was T.S.O.L. what more could be desired?

Early arrival was suggested, and those waking up from hangovers found out they were not the only ones in town trying to get in. With a line down the street and around the corner nearly an hour before the show began, Punks were being turned away as the pool had reached capacity early on.

Those of us fortunate enough to make it in were treated to a Punk rock paradise complete with bikini clad tattooed goddesses and mohawks. DJ Gonzo and Low Life Sound System once again set the tone as the annual belly flop contest was underway and ice cold Pabst Blue Ribbon flowed like the beads of water on the backs and foreheads of those splashing away in the once clear blue pool.

Friends reunited and shared war stories of the night before all the while dancing and drinking as Dj Gonzo spun everything from Manic Hispanic to Sister Nancy and Roger Rivas. With the sun beating down, scattered drunken chants for T.S.O.L. dotted the poolside and adjacent Balcony as the anticipation continued to rise. Now fully liquored up and the pool a foggy light greenish color the time for chaos was upon us. Appearing to a hero’s ovation T.S.O.L. started in with their usual fucking hilarious selves and made note as to the line around the corner but no line for the bathroom to which Punks frolicking in the pool sarcastically cheered.

Launching into their set the pool was a whirlpool as folks uncontrollably dove in and splashed and slammed away to the bands many hit songs dating back decades. Maybe it was the pool or the sun but the band performed with a overpowering sense of joy and excitement to which the crowd gave back in spades, plus the announcement of Jack Grisham’s recent engagement made for celebration all around.

As the show progressed beautifully the sun was going to make its presence known for more than tan lines and sunburns. As the band continued towards the latter part of their set the power strip began to overheat and cut off power mid way through several songs. Dj Gonzo came to the rescue on several occasions but even the circumstances were out of his hands and as a small drunken contingent began to hiss and boo Jack Grisham quickly reminded them “What the fuck do you want? It’s a free show” squashing any remote sense of disappointment in its place.

As T.S.O.L. launched into their final song “Code Blue” the energy was unbearable so much so that as the power once again cut out. However, the band continued on as everyone raised their fists and sang at the top of their lungs with Jack. “I wanna fuck I wanna fuck the dead!” echoed the enclosed poolside paradise and nearby streets as onlookers peered on in jealousy. This party was truly worth the wait and sunburns for all to see later that evening as the final night of the festival was up next for the dedicated many..

             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

Punk Rock Bowling 2013 Music Festival – Las Vegas, NV – May 27, 2013

By Monday, we were worn out from the festivities of the weekend, but our second wind was coming. Opening up the festival on the final day was Ventura band, Catholic Spit, and they gave us that extra "oomph!" we needed. 

 

As a recovering Catholic, I was interested just because of their name. Opening up with "Sick, Sick, Sex", the death-Punk band definitely held my interest with their 45 Grave feel, combined with their awesome tongue-in-cheek song titles. The opening bands this year, all of them, were just fantastic.

However, this next band was the one that I really want to keep my eye on. Hailing from Houston, TX, Molotov Compromise brought a ska-hardcore feel (more emphasis on the hardcore). Their song, "It Doesn't Matter", has an Authority Zero vibe, with darker edges. They are currently working on a new album, but until that comes to fruition, you can hear their LP "Chestpains" here:

Southern California's Retox was next up. From the very start, it was nothing but aggressive vocals, and frenetic energy. Typically, I'm not a huge fan of the more "screamo" hardcore music, but Retox put on a great show, and the crowd seemed to really like them, as evidenced by the dust cloud covering the pit area.

Funeral Dress has been a big deal in the underground Punk scene for some time. Leading up to their performance at Monday's festival there was much talk overheard in elevators and casino bars about them and the anticipation for their set. Being my first time seeing them live, they actually surprised me.

They lived up to the hype and were really fucking great! The anthemic, bouncy choruses reminded me a bit of The Adicts (without the props), and I found myself nodding along to each and every song they played. This European Oi! band is one I'm keeping on my radar for upcoming shows, for sure.

Crowd surfing was the happening for the Lower Class Brats set. They brought their Austin sound, and then some. With songs like "Safety Pinned and Sick", "New Seditionaries", and "Who Controls the Media?, how could you not scream your throat raw?

If by chance you still had some semblance of a voice you sure as hell were going to need it for The Casualties. The antithesis of screaming your throat raw Jorge and Company launched into their famous brand of New York Street Punk to the delight of myself and all the drunk Punx in attendance.

Whatever your opinion of The Casualties you could not deny the bands fuck shit up energy and aggression. Giant colored Mohawks and studded leather vests popped up from everywhere as they performed “For the Punx” “Punk Rock Love” and one of my personal favorites “Riot”.

Jorge organized fans to climb on one another’s shoulders for a Chicken Fight to end the set bringing the energy for the day to a new level.

Up next was a band people were talking about all weekend long myself included the Subhumans. I can’t rave enough about the Subhumans and their crater size dent on the landscape of Punk history. The UK legends Punk catalog is that of myth with one of the best Anarcho Punk albums ever created period. I saved my voice for the Subhumans knowing I would need it to get all that waiting out of my system.

How could you not sing and slam away to “Religious Wars” “Drugs of Youth” “Subvert City” Reason For Existence” “Mickey Mouse Is Dead” “Big City” and “Minority”. Even as the band played the rare track “Susan” the singing drowned out the beautiful piano score. With my mind someplace else and my fists balled I grabbed and swung my arms around a near by Punk as we joined Dick Lucas in what could only be described as Punk rock gospel “No” their message of oppression and big brother government rings more true today then ever and whose message and lyrics still serve as the silver lining through uniform clad, gun and badged storm troopers, “No I Don’t Believe In The Police Force, Police Brutality Isn’t A Dream, No I Don’t Believe In The System Cos’ Nothing it Does Makes Sense To Me”. 

After a few beers and bottles of water I felt re invigorated for the Hardcore Thrash sounds of D.R.I. fusing the worlds of metal and Punk perfectly together like whiskey and cola it’s a combination proven true decades later.

Texas natives D.R.I. didn’t let up one bit for the Vegas Crowed maintaining the tone set by the bands before them and then turning it up a notch themselves, “I Don’t Need Society” and “Beneath The Wheel” definetly turned the dust flare ups into mini tornados of slam dancers resembling the bands infamous logo.

We come to the conclusion of our booze fueled Punk rock damage of a weekend with the events Headliner, Flag. With the collection of original Black Flag members Keith Morris, Chuck Dukowski, Bill Stevenson and Dez Cadena the name was not important in the slightest but the performance was more than important it was necessary.

Only Flag could perfectly sum up this year’s Punk Rock Bowling, legends in their own right from the bands auspicious logo to timeless classics “Police Story” “Depression” “I’ve Had It” and “No Values” the pit was intense and unrelenting from beginning to encore. The boys sounded tight and showed no signs of age as they ripped the Punk Rock Bowling Stage a new A-hole.

Fans couldn’t believe what they were being treated to and in typical PRB fashion showed unlimited support and appreciation throughout and whose deafening roars and cheers shook all of downtown Vegas to the core. The thought of our wonderful weekend coming to an end was a sobering notion but easily remedied with more booze. For some it was an early check out time for others the last chance for more damage, either way it was a weekend to remember.

             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

7 Seconds – TSOL – Angry Samoans – and Stabbed In Back – at The Las Vegas Country Saloon – Las Vegas, NV

For many, Sunday night proved to be a tough call, because several amazing shows happened that night.  MDC, Wanda Jackson, Manic Hispanic, and Me First and The Gimme Gimmes all headlined club shows; However, the Las Vegas Country Saloon hosted a show where three out of four bands are normally headliners. 

As much as I dig the before mentioned bands, there was no way I would miss this line up, 7 Seconds, TSOL and The Angry Samoans. To have these powerhouse Punk heavy hitters all under one roof ensured a kick ass night of music and fun.

Getting to the club shows in time to catch the opener is always a feat at Punk Rock Bowling, because the festival ends so late. Unfortunately, I was not able to catch opener Stabbed In Back, but I did make it just in time for the Angry Samoans. The Angry Samoans are the quintessential Punk Rock band. They can fit at least 30 one minute or less songs into a set, and you can sing along to all of them.

Their songs grab and pull you in with their catchy lyrics, melodic beats, and riffs. Metal Mike and Bill were joined by some younger musicians on stage adding a great energy, as well as sex appeal to their stage performance. They played many fan favorites including "My Old Mans A Fatso", "Steak Knife", "Todd Killings", and "Inside my Brain". Toward the end of the set they threw in covers of Black Flag's "Wasted" and "Nervous Breakdown". As great of original songs that the Angry Samoans have, it seemed silly for them to cover any other Punk band. I, personally, would have rather heard more of their own material during the time they spent playing those two covers(not that my opinion really counts). However they did an amazing job covering them and the crowd seemed to love it!

TSOL came out and nearly everywhere in attendance, cheered and prepared themselves for their set. They opened with the favorite, “World War III”, followed by other hits like “Sounds of Laughter”, “Superficial Love”, and “Dance With Me”. Jack Grisham stated that they only had 45 minutes to play, so they were going to try and play as much as possible, rather than talking throughout most of it. However, Grisham did tell a few little stories during the set, but the crowd seemed to enjoy them rather than become annoyed.

Towards the conclusion of their set, Jack forgot the words to one of the songs, but tried to carry on anyway; he claimed that he suffered so many “blows to the head” in the 80’s, it damaged his memory. Naturally, the ended their set with “Code Blue”.

The crowd definitely thinned out after Angry Samoans and TSOL, but the most dedicated fans stayed for the entire show. 7 Seconds came onto the stage, and luckily, everyone else matched my excitement. They played most of the songs off their influential record, “The Crew”, including “Not Just Boy’s Fun”, “You Lose”, “Aim to Please”, “Red and Black”, and the love song, “Trust”. Kevin Seconds proudly announced their recent signing with Rise Records, and stated that they began to record songs for their upcoming record.

7 Seconds then began to perform a few “never-before-heard” songs that would appear on the record; although the crowd obviously didn’t know the words, they appeared enthusiastic. To appease the “older crowd” and devout fans, they played “Skins, Brains, Guts” off the 1982 EP of the same name.

Once they played, “Young ‘Til I Die” and “Walk Together, Rock Together”, the crowd knew their dynamic set was drawing to an end. However, during “Walk Together, Rock Together”, a man in the front suffered from a head injury from someone who stage dove, and passed out. Kevin Seconds saw this play out, stopped the song, and made sure the man was revived and properly escorted out by security and medical professionals. Although they never finished the song, they ended their set strongly with their hit cover, “99 Red Balloons”.

The show ended around 2:30 in the morning, which was somewhat early for many Punk Rock Bowling attendees. Many continued having fun throughout the night, whether it be at the casino, the bar, or late-night diners, satisfied that they had easily seen one of the best performances at Punk Rock Bowling thus far.

            More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Sarah Kreager-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

Next Page »