Anti Nowhere League – Duane Peters Gunfight – The Cobra Skulls – The Ashers – Broke ‘Til Thursday – Jakked Rabbits – at The Roxy – Hollywood, CA

What better way to celebrate American independence than by spending a night with the single greatest British pub rock band in history? I couldn’t think of anything, and neither could the rest of the crowd that turned out for the Anti Nowhere League show this July 4 at the Roxy.

The night’s packed lineup started with San Diego’s own Jakked Rabbits (www.myspace.com/jakkedrabbits). A young, promising band of skate Punks who started releasing albums on Happy Bash Records in the summer of 2007. The Roxy started the show soon after doors opened, as opposed to Los Angeles’ standard hour delay, so the room was still filling up as these kids took the stage. Their energy was high, and they captivated those just coming into the venue right away. By the end of their set they had the crowd as enthusiastic about hating rollerbladers as anyone could imagine. If you’re looking for the new generation of SoCal skate Punks, expect to see these guys in the lead.

Next up were Los Angeles mainstay Broke ‘Til Thursday (www.myspace.com/broketilthursday). These guys have shared the stage with the likes of the Dwarves, Street Dogs, and Naked Raygun, and play a fun poppy street Punk. Citing Jameson as their main influence, Broke ‘Til Thursday kept the energy high and got the crowd dancing.

Following quickly on their heels The Ashers (www.myspace.com/asherstheband), Boston’s contribution to the show, and Mark Unseen’s new project came on, unleashing their sonic onslaught on the crowd. Late arrivals were still filtering into the room, and the dance floor kept a respectable circle pit, especially during the Asher’s closing number, a rousing cover of the Misfits’ "Astrozombies".

The Cobra Skulls (www.cobraskulls.com) based out of Reno came next. This show marks the beginning of a massive tour for The Cobra Skulls which will take them across America and Europe in support of their new album "American Rubicon" officially out next week. the band treated the crowd to a couple songs off the new album, as well as a good dose of the old favorites. The Cobra Skulls have something unclassifiable about their sound, but it’s undeniably addictive, and the crowd agreed, enthusiastically dancing through their entire (far too short) set. This is definitely not a band you want to miss, nor a record you want to be without.

The last of the support acts was Duane Peters Gunfight (www.myspace.com/duanepetersgunfight), the linchpin of the Old Skars and Upstarts tour (which will be back in Los Angeles in early August with 999, another must see). The charismatic Duane Peters did what he does best, and left the crowd well primed for headliners Anti Nowhere League.

At long last, they are the league, and they are mad. Their music may be bad, but the crowd surged forward to press around the stage. When lead singer Animal hit the stage, the crowd erupted. The band mostly played older hits, with "Skull and Bones" (currently available on their official MySpace page) and "My God’s Bigger than Your God" from the Road to Rampton album being the only newer ones. Despite the dampening presence of house security on the floor, there was a strong pit, and even a few stage divers and crowd surfers. When the band reached the end of their set, the crowd was deafening and they were called back for an encore. When they were finally allowed to retire for the night they had played for nearly two hours, and the crowd, sweaty and exhausted headed home, for sleep after the best possible 4th of July.
 

-Jo Problems-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter
 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 
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