Me First and the Gimme Gimmes – Pulley – and The Bombpops – at Fremont Country Club – Las Vegas, NV

Day 2 of the festival was in the bag, which means it was time for the Bowlers Party, with Me First and the Gimme Gimmes headlining! 

 

 

Bad Religion is one of my favourite bands, and I've seen them close to a dozen times, so I left their set early in order to head to the Fremont Country Club. And I'm glad I did--the line stretched around the block! It had already been a long couple of days, with one more to go, but the excitement from the crowd was palpable. 

Hailing from Oceanside, CA, openers The Bombpops brought their own version of pop-punk to the stage. I saw these ladies (and gentlemen) last year at PRB, and even then I was impressed. This year, however, I was wowed. Over the past year, their sound/maturity as musicians has grown in leaps and bounds.

The crowd wasn't small, but it wasn't huge, but when the band took the stage, all of the audience were nodding their heads and dancing along to "Outta Hand" and "Grocery Store". When they broke out "(Back to) The Medicine Cabinet", I couldn't help myself--I had to start bouncing around and acting like a fool.

Their music is just infectious and forces you to move. If you like 90's-feeling music with a touch of The Runaways, and see this North County band on a bill, please go check them out. You really won't be disappointed. 

Partial set-list: Outta Hand, If I'm Pretending, Paranoid, Open Ended, Crazy, (Back to) The Medicine Cabinet, Losing Touch, Grocery Store, Can of Worms

After a semi-long wait, Simi Valley's Pulley took the stage. Except for the odd song of theirs, here and there, I had never really listened to them. (That is a mistake I have been remedying since PRB.) One word to describe their set? Awesome.

I can't describe them other than with a generic "melodic speed-Punk", but their set at the Fremont Country Club was nothing short of fantastic. Scott Radinsky asked of the crowd who had been here all weekend, which he followed shortly with his own answer of: "I don't think I could do it". "Bad Reputation" about halfway through the set energized the crowd into a fun pit, and they closed with "Cashed In", which got the fans riled and ready for Me First.

Set-list: Darkside, Second Best, Hooray for Me, One Shot, Stomach Aches, Rattling Rust, Ocean Song, Bad Reputation, Mandarin, Huber Breeze, Insects Destroy, Working Class, Gone, Cashed In

It was nearing 2:30 AM when Me First finally took the stage. Before the curtain opened, tensions were running high, and I saw a couple of fights *almost* break out. The crowd started booing the closed curtains during the final sound-check. As soon as they opened and the band took the stage, Fat Mike offered the apology of, “Sorry we took so long, but it takes forever for drugs to be delivered here.”

That diffused the tension, and as the band started up with their cover of "Danny's Song", the crowd was back to smiles and fun times. Spike, the lead singer, sounded freakin' awesome, and the band appeared to have a blast. Wearing horrible pink Hawaiian shirts coupled with white pants, the band went through the gamut of awesome covers of dated songs.  Though at times it feels as though we (the crowd) are just a viewer to a hang-out with friends, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes always puts on a highly entertaining show, and tonight was no exception. About halfway through the set, Fat Mike disappeared and had Melvin fill in for a handful of songs (maybe he went to meet the late fabled drug delivery person?) 

For those of us who are older, it's nice to hear the songs we grew up with (not necessarily the songs we chose to listen to), given a new and punk-y twist. When you have people like Spike Slaweson, Joey Cape, Fat Mike, Chris Shiflett, and Dave Raun re-creating songs from the 60's to 90's R&B, it is a breath of fresh (and beer saturated) air. If you have someone in your life who you want to introduce to punk, have them take a listen to Me First. They are the gateway band, for sure. 

Set-list: Danny's Song, Country Roads, All My Lovin', Me and Julio, These are a few of my Favorite Things, Summertime, Ghost Riders in the Sky, Science Fiction/Double Feature, Isn't She Lovely, End of the World, Different Drum, Leavin' on a Jet Plane, Nobody Does It Better, Don't Cry for me Argentina, Seasons in the Sun, Sloop John B, I Will Survive, Somewhere Over the Rainbow, Rocket Man, Needles and Pins, I Believe I Can Fly, End of the Road

             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Anni Thyme-
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 26, 2013

Still sore from the Friday and Saturday events, we make it to the Sunday festival just in time for locals, Surrounded by Thieves, to take the stage. Since the festival was just opened, there weren't many people around to enjoy these fast-paced and melodic guys.

From the start of their set to the very end, Brandon Buck, lead singer, was a non-stop screaming ball of energy.

Piss N' Blood were up next. Were you looking for some good ol' pissed off rock 'n roll? If you were, then Piss N' Blood was there to give it to you. Their blend of socially aware lyrics mixed with 4 talented musicians and hard-hitting music made the slowly increasing crowd jump around.

Folksy duo, Sean & Zander, were up next. Honestly, I wasn't sure how well they were going to go over with the now amped-up crowd, but I was surprised. 

Sean Wheeler was charismatic as fuck, and combined with Zander Schloss' musical talent there was no way the crowd wouldn't be held in thrall. I overheard someone in the crowd, about halfway through the set, yell, "Holy shit, these guys are fucking great!"

Pour Habit was next and shit-howdy, the crowd never stopped during their set!

Singing to the crowd from the barricade, the lead singer held you by the proverbial throat and never let go. U.S. Bombs ( and Duane Peters, with a never-ending lit cigarette in his hand) kept the energy high. "U.S. of Hate", "Youth Goes", and "Skater Dater" were just a handful of songs the OC band played while Duane did his own style of dancing across the stage. The crowd wasn't as crazy as they normally are during a Bombs set, but I think they were reserving their energy for the next few bands up.

With the sun now setting and the crowed now shouldr to shoulder we found ourselves itching for the remainder of the line up. Jersey boys, Bouncing Souls graced the Punk Rock Bowling stage next, with two decades of consistent quality material Bouncing Souls never disappoint. Cutting through the whirling dust and night sky fans were treated to the bands unique style humor and precise musical acuteness.

With Lagwagon up next west coast Punk fans and lovers of Fat Wreck Chords, made their presence felt. Singing along and slamming away fans enjoyed as the band touched on decades of material and couldn’t help but go ape shit when Lagwagon performed anything off of the classic Trashed album.

Now with noses full of dirt and sweat clinging to our brows, a sea of denim began to wash over the already jam packed audience.

Turbonegro’s music is as un mistakable as the adoring fans that love them. As sailor hats and tattooed fists dotted the Vegas crowed, we all gathered and sang along to the Musical Equivalent To “Tits & Ass”. With nine albums to pull from Turbonegro was the ideal band to co-headline Sundays line up as it was nothing short of a drunken ol’ fashion hardcore sexually uncomfortable maritime sing along, and oh how we wanted more.

As the Duke of Nothing, Tony Sylvester thrust his hips and gently mind fucked all into wonderful submission and am proud to say have earned a new fan, denim vest coming shortly.

Up next Bad Religion. Now if your ass was in Vegas for Punk Rock Bowling you surely have no illusions as to Bad Religions musical supremacy spanning 30 years and counting. Generations of punk loyalists converged to pay respect and catch a glimpse of the California Punk juggernaut.

Echoing the distain and angst of the 80’s Punk movement Bad Religions politically conscious and in your face style has yet to relent. There are few bands that can perfectly articulate a timeless message of struggle and resolve like Bad Religion can. With a plethora of phenomenal punk anthems fans struggle to support the weight of the dozens upon dozens of crowed surfing Punks as shit got crazy for “ Latch Key Kids” “Generator” and “Infected” with barricade security on their heels for “Sorrow”.

This truly was a fantastic well-rounded Sunday line up leaving little with enough energy for the club shows to follow. But rest assured alcohol got us through.

             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

 

Mad Dogs and Englishmen Pool Party – at The Plaza Hotel – Las Vegas, NV

With Friday night now a cloudy and seemingly continued memory, the sun arose once again to shine down for the second day of the 2013 Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival. Sunglasses and sunblock was the order of the morning or afternoon depending on the time you arrived back to your hotel if at all, as well as more beers and blaring music.

The newly renovated Plaza Hotel was our host for Saturday mornings free pool party showcasing a who’s who of Punk icons. Nestled on the 5th floor of the South tower overlooking the thoroughfare of Freemont Street, pool goer’s sun bathed and watched on in anticipation as the afternoon’s splendor began.

Drenched in the shadow of the south tower a cool wafting breeze brought on a refreshing respite from the dessert sun as Punks gathered around the stage. With the acoustic sets up first we were treated to a beautiful calm before the storm featuring Charlie Overbey’s solo acoustic dominance and a pair of Aggrolites providing numerous musical scorchers. With Jesse Wagner and Jeff Rofredo drawing in folks from the pool and street sides it was shoulder to shoulder from get go. Performing classic Aggrolites tunes sprinkled in with cult favorites like “Shame And Scandal” the performance was mired in laughs and non-stop drinking. For select songs the two gentleman pulled double and triple duty doing their best to mouth a little Roger Rivas keyboard solo admit tingly announcing “Its not the same without Rog” refreshing and lighthearted the two men dazzled and provided a special selection for two young fans of the group with the E.K Bunch and Yo Gabba Gabba favorite “Banana”. Ending the set with “Run around Sue” the Pair of Aggrolites received a booming ovation and trotted off triumphant.

With the pool in a tizzy water drenched punks emerged to partake in the all-star mash up featuring some of the pillars of the Punk movement. On drums DH Peligro of the Dead Kennedys James Williamson Of The Stooges Charlie Paulson of Black President & Goldfinger and Tony Adolescent of The Adolescents. Wasting no time the pool side stage erupted as the all star collection of “Pool Boys” launched into their set “Rain Forever” I Wanna Be Your Dog” “No fun” and “Search & Destroy”. The energy of the crowd was overwhelming and consistent not once hinting as to the prior 24 hours of non-stop Punk debauchery to slow them down. They would need all of their energy; from then on out it was fucking nuts. Kevin Seconds of 7 Seconds took the stage like a bat out of hell for the Punk anthem “Walk Together, Rock Together” as the force of the whipping crowd pushed him back on his heels it was that raucous. And just like that Tony quickly emerged once again this time with a special treat “Amoeba” began to start up and fists flew to the air like a last call for alcohol.

One after another it was a barrage of Punk flashbacks and slamming Zander Schloss and Cpt. Sensible helped bring the afternoon to a climax with “New Rose” “Love Song” and the fittingly “I Feel Alright” which after this weekend one could only hope to be singing the same tune.

 

            

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

 

Subhumans – Total Chaos – Naked Agression – and Mundo Muerto – at The Vex – Los Angeles, CA

Another really big show at the Vex with some really good old and new bands. This show was put together by "Poor Kids Radio" who put out alot of really good shows in the LA and OC area. We got there early because I knew this was gonna be a very packed crowd.

When we arrived, we got to see the Subhumans sound check. They did a song titled "Susan" which featured a keyboard player. Started out mellow and then quickly turned into a subhuman classic. Couldn't wait to see them when they started their set. But first up was "Mundo Muerto" out of the OC (and some members from Portland). High energy Discharge type Punk. Gus, the singer/frontman, is so intense, you can see the rage and energy when he performs. The other band members played a well tight set. A nice variety (not your usual Hardcore band) of style and a band well worth checking out.

Next up was "Naked Aggression". These guys and gals have been around awhile and have improved with age. Two solid guitar players in this line-up. Every time I see Naked Aggression half the crowd seems to know the lyric's as they sing along with Kirsten. This band always seems to get the crowd going and in the mood. A very positive/pro human being Punk band. Kirsten is one of the most outspoken/important figures in the LA punk scene today. The band played all their hits and seemed to be having a great time doing so. An outstanding performance as usual.

"Total Chaos" played next for this very packed Vex crowd. Angry UK sounding early 80's blitz-Punk music with a touch of 80's glam thrown in. They really got the crowd going and played a nice tight set. The crowd seemed to be getting more and more anxious as Total Chaos performed their set.

After a bit of a wait and EVERYONE trying to go up front of the stage, the Subhumans finally took the stage to a loud roar of screaming kids. Its been a very long time since I heard that loud of a response for a band about to play their set (last time I remember it was at a Ramones show in the late 70's).

They opened with "All Gone Dead" and the crowd went ape shit. They looked and sounded really good...even better than when I seen them at the Olympic in the 80's. I was told this was the original line-up. It must have been as they went through their set perfectly without a mistake.

The power and the energy was still in the music. Pretty hard to do for a band almost 35 years old. The crowd went wild and did not let up as the band played songs like: Rats/Big City/Peroxide/Mickey Mouse is Dead/Subvert City/and No. They left the stage and came back to play "Susan" which they very rarely play.

Hadn't seen this type of crowd in a very very long time. Reminded me alot of the early 80's shows. Most likely the best show of the year...so far.

             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Mike Vallejo-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

The Crowd – The Gears – Shattered Faith – and Love Canal – at The Bunkhouse – Las Vegas, NV

After Devo, I schlepped down to the Bunkhouse for the next round of insanity, and I wasn't disappointed. After some amp difficulties, Love Canal starts off the night, opening with "We Got Yer Number".

There weren't many people at the venue yet, but the small group there didn't lack in energy! Towards the end of their too-short set, they broke into a cover of M.I.A.'s "Tell Me Why", which got the increasing crowd going. If you've never seen this Orange County band, you're missing out!   

Set-list: We Got Yer Number, No Friends, Civilization, Leave Me Alone, Rotten Ones, Sniper, This is America, Don't Talk, Tell Me Why, Afterever

 

Next up was Shattered Faith, with original drummer, Chris Moon. By this point, the Bunkhouse was starting to get full. Opening with "The Verdict", the band went pretty much non-stop for their approximate 45 minute set. Not only was the crowd having fun, the band members were having a blast (or so it seemed). I really enjoyed their set and wished they could've played longer. 

Set-list: The Verdict, Victims of Society, Final Conflict, I Love America, Suburban Boredom, Mirrors Reflection, Discontent, USA, Right is Right, Reagan, Trilogy, Born to You, Power to the Kids

The third band of the night were Los Angeles Punkers The Gears. Having never seen them before, I had no clue what to expect. What I got was high-energy insanity! They opened with "Baby Runaround" and the crowd went apeshit. For well over an hour, they played song after song, riling up the fans. At one point, Axxel crowd surfed while continuing to sing. (There were even some beach balls that made their way through the crowd.) Their surf punk sound, with a slight taste of rockabilly, is one I really enjoy. Though I felt their set went on just a touch too long, because I was exhausted from the earlier pool party and festival, I still had a shit load of fun. 

Partial set-list: Baby Runaround, Teenage Brain, My Confession, Trudie Trudie, Elks Lodge Blues, Lets Go To the Beach, The Last Chord, Hard Rock, High School Girls, Everything's Alright, I Smoke Dope, Don't Be Afraid to Pogo, Darlin' Baby, Keep Movin', Hang On

Finally, around 2:00 AM, The Crowd hit the stage. Though they didn't have the same antics as The Gears, they put on a solid and awesome set. From the opening song, "I'm Not Happy Here", to the closing, "Suzy is a Surf Rocker", it was non-stop movement in the crowd. The beach balls from earlier even came back out to be bounced around the crowd. Knowing I had to be up early the next day, I had to regretfully leave before they finished. Their surf punk sound is one I wanted to stay for the entirety of the set, but my eyelids had other ideas. The next time they play in OC or LA, I will definitely check them out. So should you. 

Set-list: I'm Not Happy Here, Politics, Masquerade, Mr. Broken Soul, Right Time, Hear it on the Radio, No Other, Can Pipe, And Her Curse, Enemy, Run for the Money, Headless, Max Got Hit by a Car, Living in Madrid, Modern Machine, Trix are for Kids, Letter Bomb (extended), New Crew, Suzy is a Surf Rocker

             More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Anni Thyme-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

Send your comments to the editor HERE

 

The Untouchables – Los Bullets – The Debonaires – and Dj Gonzo – at The Backstage Bar – Las Vegas, NV

With the first night of the Punk rock Bowling Festival now in the books, Punks found themselves reeling from a rousing and stellar performance from DEVO to cap off the festival. Now the journey in some circles was only to begin, with five venues hosting twenty bands the night was still young and decisions to be made.

For the roots enthusiast like myself the decision was tough but proved, in the end to be no decision at all. So I took flight drunken stumblebum and all off to see what I felt was the sleeper show of the evening The Debonaires, Los Bullets and The Untouchables with Dj Gonzo and Low Life Sound System at the Backstage Bar & Billiards.

Upon arriving I was blown away at the line of Punks enclosing the main entrance of the bar only to realize the line was not for the show I had come to see, but for the Agnostic Front, The Business, Unseen and Krum Bums. With several Punks in line asking who was playing, I quickly replied with the bill and was pleasantly surprised to see a good dozen or so follow suit and enter the bar. And what a bar! The Backstage Bar & Billiards had easily the best ambiance of any club on Freemont St. without question. Which made for the best possible environment the evening could have asked for.

With Dj Gonzo & Low Life Sound System throwing down the heaviest of heavy in Reggae Ska and Rocksteady scorchers the anticipation mounted. The line up starting with Riverside's very own, The Debonaires was off to a strong start. A personal favorite of mine, The Debonaires hypnotic and mesmerizing take on Classic Jamaican music was on full display once again and this time under the equally hypnotic glow and hum of the many fluorescent black lights. Veterans of the west coast traditional movement The Debs set is a tight precise well oiled musical outfit suitable for the most intellectual music connoisseur or casual music lover’s pallet. With Kip Wirtzfeld soothing and suddenly explosive vocal range, it only adds more depth to the seemingly limitless abilities of the group. The fans in attendance and en route knew no human barricade of Punk rockers were to stymied them from entering and dancing along as the venue had reached near capacity only two songs into their set.

Up next were the deadliest of the deadly sounds, East Los Angeles’ Los Bullets. Encompassing core members of The Aggrolites, Los Bullets' heavier then thou sound was in your face and unrelenting, featuring the knee buckling crashes and thuds of Alex McKenzie, the hair raising scratches and grooves of guitarist Ricky Chacon and the spine aligning ivory dancing of organist Reggae Roger Rivas. Fans inched closer and closer as the thought of any open space on the dance floor became a comical notion. Sweat beaded off the foreheads of many as couples paired of to dance to Los Bullets captivating sound. The crowd especially went ape shit for their rendition of “Aint No Sunshine” featuring Jesse Wagner of Rhythm Doctors and Aggrolites. Mystique appearing triumphantly from the more than awesome book case entrance towering over the stage. Los Bullets gun down Reggae sound is a marvel to behold. When watching the ferocity and controlled chaos as Reggae Rog got down, it conjured visions of defeat on any street fighter arcade to be found across the street at the insert Quarter Bar and Arcade.

Rounding off the bill were The Untouchables. They  brought decades of LA history to the front. Mods and rude boys alike made their presence known as The Untouchables delivered the last fierce blow to the eardrums and feet of the sardine packed venue. With a catalog dating back to the early 80’s, fans from the young to the experienced made it a point to drench their Fred Perry’s in sweat to timeless classics like “The General” and “Lebanon”. Well respected everywhere, they tread the fans returned the enthusiasm ten fold to the timeless Mods with cheers of “Mods Are Go!” raining from every corner of the cozy Vegas bar.

             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

 

« Previous Page — Next Page »