Backyard party with Suburban Youth – Hermosa Beach, CA

In today's modern Punk music scene, its somewhat rare to come across a band like Suburban Youth. Formed in Hermosa Beach, the group is based off of ideals similar to Minor Threat's, with the humorous style of The Dead Milkmen and NOFX. The chemistry between is tight-knit group, whose members include vocalist/guitarist Tyler Allen, drummer Cody Balaschak, guitarist Chris Brown and bassist/vocalist Daniel DeJesus, is apparent through their music, and on Friday night, people from all music scenes came out to support them.
 
Although the group did not begin playing until 7:30pm, friends and fans came out as early as 5pm to enjoy the free pizza and drinks provided. As Suburban Youth's announced set time approached, more and more people piled in the backyard to hear some good, fast Punk rock tunes. They started out by graciously thanking everyone for coming out, then went on to perform with energy and vigor. A small, but intense, pit broke out in the middle of the backyard, when they began to play some of their popular songs, such as "Butt Sex", "Right Choice", and their most-played/first song ever-written, "Live for Change". Their hardcore, compelling sound mixed in with their thoughtful lyrics makes Suburban Youth worthy of comparison to Punk legends like Time Again, Street Dogs, and even Black Flag. In the middle of the set, the band got the crowd even more fired up with an accelerated version of the Rise Against hit, "Swing Life Away", and a cover of the Bouncing Souls' "Hopeless Romantic", which created one of the most fanatical pits of the night. As their hour-long set was rapidly coming to an end, they also did a cover of Bad Religion's "Fuck Armageddon...This is Hell" and a classic Punk rock closing song, Pennywise's "Bro Hymn". The band thanked everyone for coming out and supporting them, and ended their impressive set.
 
The night proved to be a great night, full of cool people, free food, and best of all, excellent music. Suburban Youth is one of the most revolutionary bands in the South Bay Punk music scene, and every show they put on, big or small, is a clear indication of why they hold such a title.

Band MySpace: www.myspace.com/suburbanyouth0

 

-Sarah K.-
Big Wheel Music Scene Reporter

 

 
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