Show Preview: Dr.Know – Grim – Dont No – Hari Kari – Stop Breathing – Hungry Ass Youth – and The Blabber Mouths – at The American Legion Hall – Baldwin Park, CA – January 28, 2012

Though Dr. Know has announced various "break-ups", with the most recent being in late 2011 (they claimed their last show was November 26th, 2011 in Oakland), this eminent Nardcore band has pleasantly surprised fans with the announcement  of their upcoming (all ages) show at the American Legion Hall in Baldwin Park on January 28th. The show will also feature The Grim, along with Dont No, Hari Kari, Stop Breathing, Hungry Ass Youth & The Blabber Mouths.

Although they've been around since 1983, the group disbanded in the 90's, and briefly reunited for a couple of shows in 2001. In 2010, the Grim decided revive themselves as a band, but with a changed lineup. 2011 seemed to be a great year for the Grim, as they released a "best of" album on their old label, Mystic Records; they also played the Punk Rock Bowling Festival in May and the last night of the Santa Monica GV30 shows. The Grim has played with many well-known bands, including the Minutemen, NOFX, Social Distortion, Circle Jerks, and many others. They've also shared the stage with many Nardcore groups like RKL, Agression, Ill Repute, and of course, Dr. Know.

One of the special treats this show will be offering is that Kyle Toucher will be providing vocals. Although Brandon Cruz is the original lead singer, when he left the group in 1983, Toucher agreed to take over his position. Toucher sang for the majority of Dr. Know's albums, including the classic "Plug in Jesus". Although the band has naturally had a background in Punk, they've also tampered with the thrash genre, most prominently seen in the album "This Island Earth"; they also toured with many thrash bands such as Forbidden and D.R.I. Although Toucher left in 1991 and Dr. Know temporarily disbanded, Cruz and bassist Ismael Hernandez reunited 7 years later and began touring worldwide. In 2010, Cruz posted on the Dr. Know Facebook page that the band was breaking up due to "not getting their shit together". Luckily for us, they eventually got their shit together, and have continued to play a few gigs here and there.

Be sure to catch their show on the 28th of January, as the future of Dr. Know is a mystery. Whether you're representing the Los Angeles Punk scene, or you want to experience some of the Nardcore movement, this show will guarantee a great night of fast and aggressive Punk rock.

 

-Sarah K-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

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