Mad Caddies with illScarlett – at El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, CA

The Mad Caddies turned The El Rey into a giant Punk Rock pirate party February 4th. Their Tuesday night tour kick off  was filled with sing-alongs, circle pits, and crazy crowd surfers. 

Fans were stoked to get a taste of two new songs from their upcoming album, and be treated to hits from albums past. The Caddies even took some special requests from their enthusiastic fans. The show was a non stop Punk Rock fun time for both the bands and the audience.       

The night started out with Toronto Reggae rockers illscarlet. The four piece have a sound that melds Reggae grooving bass lines with bass drum heavy rhythms, throws in some driving Punk riffs and catchy intermingling vocal styles.  illscarlet is one of those bands where each song is a little different, a little unique. Some tunes had a laid back chill groove, some a taste of Punk angst. Sometimes the vocals were smooth and harmonizing, sometimes there was a touch of gnarl reminiscent of Bradley Nowell. The crowd really warmed up to illscarlet, and were continuously drawn in towards the stage throughout the set. illscarlet had a great intensity as a band and was a strong fit for the opening slot.

       

The Mad Caddies hit the stage at 10pm and immediately lived up to their reputation as being a good time, fun and carefree live act. Trumpet player Keith's excitement on stage makes the trumpet seem like the most Punk instrument you could ever pick up. Vocalist Chuck looked sincerely overjoyed with the crowd reaction, and humbled by all the positive energy the audience was giving back to the band. His dynamic vocals filled the room and invited the whole audience to sing along. 

       

The Caddies have their set down. The whole band is solid and on point, and they preform with a lively and passionate zeal. The current rhythm section features original drummer Todd Rosenberg on drums and newest member Graham Palmer on bass. These two held it down and were a rhythmic brick wall. We also saw Dustin Lanker on the keyboard, assuring that "Weird Beard" had that signature accordion, and adding an amusing layer to the Caddies live sound.

All Caddies fans know the most recognizable horn section in Punk Rock today consists of Keith on Trumpet and Eddy blaring his trombone. These brass bad asses give spit valves and toilet plungers an unexpected sex appeal and get the young ladies swooning. They are casual and cool with their fills, careful not to over shine when the song is more guitar or vocal driven, but showing off all their skills on horn heavy songs such as "Monkeys." This show was extra special for Eddy, who is a Los Angeles area native and received extra love and attention from the fanatical audience.

The backbone of the Caddies' sound is the signature guitar styling of Sascha. His subtle yet driving Reggae influenced style lays a great foundation for the vocals to play with, and he is an ace at writing catchy solos that seem to never escape your head once heard. It was also great to see Chuck picking up his guitar for some new tunes and hits from their 07' release "Keep it Going."

The audience was thrilled when Chuck offered a time for requests, and "The Gentlemen" and "Macho Nachos" were played for a very receptive, flowing and cheerful crowd. The atmosphere of the night was friendly and upbeat, with a wide variety of people, young and old. After a killer rendition of "Distress," the Caddies tried to leave the stage but it wasn't that easy. Clapping and chanting drew them out for a couple more, ending on the party time drinking hit "American Badass."

The Mad Caddies are about to drop a new full length record this spring on Fat Wreck Chords. Los Angeles got a first hand preview of good things to come. The Caddies played "Brand New Scar" and "Shot in the Dark," both set to be released at the end of April. The crowd was moving and grooving through both new tunes, and each one got a hearty round of applause. Keep an eye on the Caddies this spring and be ready to snatch up a copy of the new album.

    More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

-Mindiana Jones-
Big Wheel Contributor

 

 

 

 

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