Show Preview: Gogol Bordello – at The Fonda Theatre – Hollywood, CA – October 7, 8, 9, 2013

Gypsy Punk fans rejoice; Gogol Bordello, the world famous Gypsy-Punk Rockers will grace The Fonda Theatre stage along with the progressively Psychedelic Rock styling’s of Crystal Antlers. Fans of these bands will no doubt do their best to attend their 3 day residency at The Fonda Theatre.

The Fonda Theatre has been around since the 1920s, and has gone through a series of transformations or rather evolutions since its inception to become The Fonda we know today. The Fonda Theatre has played host to musical talent from all over the world. On October 7th-9th Gogol Bordello along with Crystal Antlers will no doubt do this illustrious venue proud with their upcoming residency.

Crystal Antlers: a band from Long Beach began playing together in 2006 and gained a notable following in 2008 with the release of their debut album. Since the bands inception Crystal Antlers have honing their signature Psychedelic Rock musical style to what it is today: energetic yet calming. All of the praise in the world cannot begin to describe the real reason to witness this band live.... that is to say Crystal Antlers bring a level of passion to their live show that seems to bleed a desire to be heard.



From New York, Gogol Bordello has been playing together since 1999 and is collectively known for their Gypsy Punk style of music.

Those who are fans of the band know that Eugene Hütz (leader/lead vocals) is a troubadour in his own category. He hails from Western Ukraine, and was evacuated from the infamous area in 1986 during the Chernobyl Catastrophe. Hütz moved to the United States in 1993, and has since become the textbook example of American garnered success in becoming the international Rock-Star he is today.

Gogol Bordello released their newest album “Pura Vida Conspiracy” earlier this year, so look for the band to play an inspired mixture of their older hits along with introspective sound of “Pura Vida Conspiracy.”

Alone Gogol Bordello’s live performance is one never to be missed, and with the inclusion of Crystal Antlers this upcoming 3 day residency will be nothing short of epic to all those lucky enough to attend.

-Ryan R.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

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Ruts Dc – at The Moorings Bar – Aberdeen, UK

This was my third night with the Ruts Dc on there tour of Scotland; I told them this was the going to be the best, IT WAS, but the other two nights were bloody brilliant too...

 

“One step” from the new album goes down a storm a mellow reggae track everyone is skanking along,  Ruffy and Segs are the Sly & Robbie of Punk, they work perfectly together and with Leigh Heggarty on guitar , Shamus on keyboards , Molara on vocals they  all blend together to make it one Punk reggae party.

We have had songs about death and drugs so lets mellow out says Segs, we have one about a riot now he says with a cheeky grin “JAH war” is up next and Molara sings it beautifully.

“Backbiter” is the 1st punky tune of the night everyone starts jumping around, singing along. "Something that I said" another old one goes down a treat, with everyone singing along.

“Love in vain” is another mellow reggae tune but is a very serious song about the effects of heroin , if you need to get high get along to a Ruts dc gig ( or any band you like) and dance around and get high on life and music, it cant be beat it’s a natural high..

“Staring at the rude boys” has the crowd going wild jumping about, people falling down getting helped back to carry on dancing, Molara is dancing around the stage too but speaks to the girls in the crowd and tell them don’t let the boys push you about with a grin on her face… no time for rest it is quickly followed by “ Babylon’s  burning” and the moorings is still being rocked to the core Segs and Leigh play this one with a vengeance and put there all in to it, the band all look knackered after an amazing show…

That’s it we are done but since there is no point going off the stage and coming back, you all turn around and turn back and clap like we have been off the stage and came back jokes the band..

 

For the final 2 songs I got on stage, stood beside Ruffy to take some pics, “Dope for guns” is played and a couple of fans get up on stage and sing along, and are still there for “In a rut” which has “give youth a chance” incorporated in to it and I am thinking to myself put your camera down and join in too, but I stay professional and take pics all the time looking at the crowd from the bands point of view, seeing all the happy smiling faces jumping about..

 More More the crowd shouted and we are treated to an extra song “H Eyes” which had not been played on the previous nights Gigs

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Dod Morrison-
Big Wheel Overseas Reporter

 

 

 

 

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Duane Peters – Middle Class Rejects – Slime Kings – Tyranis – False Prophet- at House of Blues – Anaheim, CA

False Prophet was the first band up on the House of Blues stage. The crowd was a bit thin, but that was probably because it was early on in the evening and a great majority of folks hadn't yet arrived. If thrash is to your liking, you would probably enjoy these guys.

Next band up was Tyranis. By the time they rolled the curtains back, the lower level of the venue was starting to get full. And with the first few notes, the floor up front was packed with bodies anxious to slam into one another. These guys had a clean, polished sound, and even though they were a bit too metal for me, the guitar and drum work especially made me want to helicopter swing my hair all over the HoB (if I had hair that is). There were a few songs that evoked a Zeppelin-like blues/funk/rock buzz that I quite liked. Tryanis put on a solid set, and even though their style isn’t my thing, I enjoyed them.  

Third up was Middle Class Rejects (MCR). From the pull of the curtain everyone in the joint knew, without any doubt, that these folks had some real Orange County pride.  That theme continued through their set as the singer made mention that this was his "backyard" as he asked everyone to "respect the House of Blues". Being born and raised in Orange County, I get the sentiment. However, now residing on the east side for the last 5 years (Philly represent!) I just had to laugh at the eagerness to "claim" for good 'ol OC to all the younger punks in the crowd.

Throughout their set I was having flashbacks of the pop-punk that played on Southern California radio stations in the mid-to-late 90s. This show was their CD release party, so the energy on stage was high octane, and they opened up with one of their new tracks, “Civil War”. I caught myself digging their cover of Dramarama's "Anything, Anything", and "Rat Race", which closed out their set. 

A bit late to arrive (they were originally slated to go on third), but well greeted nonetheless, were Slime Kings.  They are young, but have a sound so tuned that I have no doubt we'll all be hearing of and from them in years to come. They had great diversity in their set, with songs that were a bit pop, some that were ska'rific, and a couple that actually had a bit of an 80s vibe (in a good way). The vocals were clean and the singer's voice was great. I really liked the energy they brought with them and it was obvious the crowd did as well. 

What can be said about a Duane Peters performance that hasn't been said already? Not a single goddamn word. Again, I was born and raised in Orange County and spent my late teen/early 20's in the disgusting haze of the Nirvana-fueled musical shit-swamp known as the 1990s. Thankfully, there was no shortage of dive bars around where I could go see the U.S. Bombs play alongside the likes of the Stitches and other local Punk bands. If you want to know anything about punk rock music being the voice of Punk rock life, sit yourself down and listen to anything Duane Peters has recorded.

When the Gunfight took the stage in Anacrime, the crowd had thinned down to those of us who appreciate a real living legend. Duane and company brought the raw, pulsing, spinning, dancing energy to the stage that he has for decades. Sometimes assisting on drums, before singing a verse, then doing some sort of radical punk rock jig (something resembling the Meposian dance of joy), the crowd that remained were treated to a brilliant performance.

The whole band was ready to put on a show and they sure as hell did. At one point, Duane passed the mic to a fan in the crowd and he belted the shit out of the song (I think it was during "Opium"?) Seeing the Gunfight close out the evening made the entire show more than worthwhile. In fact, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Duane Peters and his band mates for that.

 

   More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Chris D.-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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Peter Hook and The Light – Slaves of Venus – at Fonda Theatre – Hollywood, CA

For fans of Joy Division and New Order Saturday evening at the Fonda couldn’t have been a better time. Peter Hook was in town and set to perform New Orders first two albums in their entirety back to back, which would serve as his first solo outing playing New Order songs live in the city of angels. Both “Movement” and “Power, Corruption, and Lies” are hugely influential post-Punk records, so many fans were dying to see many of these songs played live for the first time in decades.

His previous tours saw him perform Joy Division songs in LA in both 2010 and 2011, and they were considered huge successes. After a long 2 year wait Angelenos finally got to see and hear New Order songs played right with his backing band, The Light. Thankfully it all took place at one of our cities best venues, The Fonda.

The night got off to a surprising start when opening band “Slaves of Venus” took the stage. Much to everyone’s surprise that band was indeed Peter Hook & The Light, and much to everyone's liking they kicked the night off with an all Joy Division set. People from the lobby and bar areas quickly darted to get to the main floor to catch this musical surprise as it unfolded before their very eyes.

No one knew how long Hooky & The Light would be on stage so no one took them for granted, all eyes were fixed front and center and all ears were listening, it was musical heaven. The seven song set included Joy Division gems like “Atrocity Exhibition”, “These Days”, “New Dawn Fades” and set closer “Shadow Play” which most certainly got the crowd warmed up and ready for the upcoming New Order set which was soon followed.

The New Order set featured a number of melancholic singles and obscurities that every synth loving new waver in the audience danced to and fed off of. The emotional outpour from Peter to the crowd and vice versa was enough to energize Hollywood Blvd, many were certainly phased by what they were witnessing. This wasn’t a greatest hits festival set, this was one for the fans, every last song was played and played right. Hooky often would switch from bass to baritone guitar and then to melodica for the parts that required it, they could have faked it with backing track, but they didn’t, this was the real deal.

After completing the first two albums in their entirety, Hooky and co. returned for an encore that would see them playing some of New Orders biggest numbers. Temptation drove the crowd absolutely wild, but it was Blue Monday that hit a chord in everyone and served as the perfect closer to the night. The success of Hooky & The Light performing early New Order albums would leave us to believe that perhaps this time next year we can see him and his band performing the next two New Order records which would surely be amazing and something we certainly hope happens.

Make sure and catch Peter Hook & The Light as his band rips through your town this fall!

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

-Louie Bones-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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Show Preview: Slut River – at The Redwood Bar – Los Angeles, CA – September 26, 2013

Imagine old school Punk Rock getting into a sloppy bar fight with Post Punk. Grunge jumps in to break it up, but just gets smacked over the head by a bottle of Jameson. Hardcore comes diving in thinking it's some wild party, and soon an all out musical brawl is taking place. Fists are flying as broken glass and an odd mixture of blood, sweat and booze coat the gritty bar floor. Slut River (SR) is the musical equivalent of this beautiful disaster.

 

SR was founded by the Midwest's notably hard hitting and ferocious drummer Joe Ross and his alluring lover Anna McDermott. Front woman Anna mesmerizes audiences with her disorderly, angst filled stage presence and abrasive, bewitching vocals. Teaming up with Max Bauerly on guitar and Ana Baez on bass, this Iowa City based band is criss-crossing the country on a 7 week tour, bringing their magnetic and attention grabbing energy to festivals, clubs, record stores, and house shows across the nation.

SR have been going strong for 3 ½ years, releasing 2 demos, a cassette, and a 7 inch, as well as embarking on numerous tours. This current tour adventure is their longest to date, exposing them to new audiences and launching them into unfamiliar territory, such as the East Coast. 

Joe explains "The shows have been going great for being our first time in some of these cities. You usually have to hit a city 2-3 times before you really see a following form." 

New audiences have been largely receptive to SR. During their New York set, SR's roaring stage presence and rapid fire Punk Rock inspired "Skunk," the lead singer of the Punk outfit Spewing Cum, to carve a big SR on his shoulder. Immediately after they finished their set, he came running over to show them the bloody, oozing wound. 

Guitarist Max is new to SR, and is thrilled with how the shows are going.  "I've never been in a band that people like so much," he said. Night after night audiences are really getting into the groove and enjoying the Slut River experience. 

Touring DIY style has ups and downs, trials and tribulations. I recently spoke with SR as the grueling midwest humidity was bearing down on them, and they were dealing with some serious van issues. A new fuel pump and filter drained the band account dry, and they were contemplating ending the tour. Luckily, their van problems came in the most convenient of places. They have an already established following through out the Midwest thanks to their extensive touring, catchy music, and spine tingling live performance. People have fun at their shows, and come back for more. With the help of some friends in Wichita, KS, they were able to raise enough money to cover the repair costs with one epic show. Still on a tight to non-existent budget, they were able to forge on to the next show, PB and J's in hand.

Touring DIY style is also what great memories are made of. Anna is pretty stoked to have gotten her first tattoo on the road, as well as trying her hand at the gun while inking up the tattoo artist with a sloppy rendition of the S//R logo. “After the show she offered us free tattoos. There was a bar next to her shop with cheap beer specials, and then we got a bottle of Jameson and went for it.”  Anna said. Anna and Joe got the S//R forever stamp, and then Anna was asked if she would do the honors of marking up the artist.   Anna’s thoughts; “I could barely open my eyes, but it’s just a few letters, how bad could it be?"  Well…turns out none of the lines are straight and a few are bleeding into each other, but the artist fucking loves it! Punk as fuck, just like SR.

Slut River will be reaching Los Angeles on September 26th, playing The Redwood in downtown LA. They will be sharing the bill with Local Punk rockers Dangerously Sleazy, The Thingz, and Terminal A. Also be on the look out for SR in San Diego on the 25th with Secret Fun Club.

They have Tee shirts, 7 inches and demos available at the shows. Or familiarize yourself with the tunes ahead of time and check out the SR bandcamp page HERE. Their limited edition 7 inch is available for only 5 bucks. Also, you can name your price for the digital downloads of all their releases. Throw a few dollars in their gas tank and help them reach their final destination.

-Mindiana Jones-

Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

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The Slackers – The Debonaires – and Angel City Records Showcase – at El Rey Theatre – Hollywood, CA

Friday September 20th marked the first stop of three on the Slackers west coast tour, the beautiful El Rey Theatre in Hollywood. And what more fitting of a venue could one have asked for than The El Rey on a night celebrating everything from traditional Ska, Rocksteady and Soul. The historic theatre with its elegant lighting and chandeliers made for the ideal backdrop for this timeless music. 

 

Up first was Angel City Records ‘Angel City Revue’ showcasing three of their youngest and highly touted singers. Backed by Thee Hurricanes who jammed out a solid forty-five minute set, each artist came out to a thundering applause from the now settled-in audience. 

Rotating to the next performer after about 5 songs the triple barrel attack lead off with Jackie Mendez, known for a strong voice and smooth harmony Jackie’s voice glimmered as brightly as the lights, accompanied by Angel and Joe of The Delirian’s Jackie Mendez’s brief set left many friends and family longing for more. 

With no break needed Thee Hurricanes continued their heavy sound as Xavier was up next. The Most recent of the three to sign under Angel City Records, Xavier wasted no time launching into his portion of the showcase leading it off with a very boss reggae inspired tune. His energy and exuberance was unrivaled as he paced and dance across the El Rey stage, pointing to the heavens his bluesy performance nearly blew the roof off. 

Lastly, fans were treated to the vocal dominance of Xiantoni Ari, First to sign under ACR, Friday proved once again why she is the budding face and voice of L.A. soul. Her dominant voice reached all crevices of The El Rey Theatre, matched perfectly with Thee Hurricanes folks packed the dance floor for her set as songs like “Just Say You’re Wanted And Needed” buckled more than a few knee’s. Angel City Records have built themselves a strong stable of young musicians we’re sure to hear more from very soon. 

After a brief booze intermission is was now time for Riverside hero’s The Debonaires. Since 1995 The Debonaires have shook the west coast with their unmistakable brand of Ska/Rocksteady scorchers. Now with the recent release of their fourth studio album ‘Movin’ long time fans and the newly converted were treated to some Riverside classics along with new tracks off of the album, including a sound system favorite ‘Oil In My Lamp’ by the iconic Eric Monty Morris.

As usual The Debonaires were sharp and on point. The rhythm and cohesiveness of The Debonaires is as marvelous and professional as it gets, lead by the one-of-a-kind voice of Kip Wirtzfeld songs like ‘Still Waiting’ ‘Criminals’ ‘No Dice’ ‘Hard To Say Goodbye’ and ‘Music In My Soul’ resonate from your ears to your feet. Truly another masterful performance from The Debonaires, and if you haven’t gotten a copy of ‘Movin’ be sure to do so right away. 

We now braced ourselves for the night’s headliner, from New York The Slackers. Anticipation was at a fever pitch and the dancing mood had been set. The dance floor was now shoulder to shoulder as The Slackers began mesmerizing the audience.

Touching on classics from various albums and highlighting some tracks off of their newest release ‘My Bed Is A Boat’ (Available at Bigtunes.es & Theslackers.com) the men from NY were in top form. From “The Man In The Ivory Suit” Marcus Geard to “Agent J” Jay Nugent The Slackers are an unstoppable force, sprinkle in the Black Out inducing saxophone supremacy of “Disco” Dave Hillyard and vocal tandem of Glen and Vic every song sounded as if it were ripped off of the album. Their set included ‘ Please Decide’ ‘Bo Weevil’ Peculiar’ ‘Keep It Simple’ ‘What Went Wrong?’ ‘Keep Him Away’ ‘The Fool’ ‘Run Away’ and of course ‘Crazy’ and a fist raising version of ‘the Guns Of Brixton’. 

The music was so overpowering one young fan rushed on stage not once but twice only to evade security as he fled across stage. The Slackers will do that some people. To say The Slackers were amazing would be an understatement, as folks in Santa Ana and San Diego found out that weekend. And our readers in japan will be happy to know the slackers will be taking their talents your way, stay updated on tour dates and go buy their recent album “My Bed Is A Boat”.

-Gio Van Dam-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

 

 

 

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