Replica – Permanent Ruin – Mobius Dick – and Wallflower – at Munoz Gym – Bakersfield, CA
January 1, 2013
Munoz Gym is a DIY boxing gym that has been giving the youth on the east side of Bakersfield a place to let their aggression out for more than 30 years. 14 years ago Munoz gym opened their doors as a venue for Punk shows as well, the rest has been history.
The first show ever held at there was with Locust (who never showed up) and Godstomper, back in 1998. Since then Munoz Gym has hosted countless amazing underground shows.
On New Years day four great bands teamed up for a sick Grind-Core show. Three out of four bands had badass female singers with serious lungs. Check out some photographs from the gig to get an idea of how much fun everyone had.
Wallflower a new band out of Fresno was first up. Towards the end of their set, they invited everyone to get in the ring with them, to which they were much obliged.
Bakersfield locals, Mobius Dick were up next. With former members of The Vaggie Scabs, you always know your in for a great stage performance. They played a tight set and singer Ryan Sikola didn't disappoint with his 'In Your Face" tactics as he climbed onto the ropes and pulled all of his friends into his performance.
By the time Permanent Ruin came on the audience participation was in full swing as people were climbing to the top ropes and jumping into the pit.
Closing out the show was Replica. These Oakland natives killed it! Toward the end of their set they insisted everyone join them in the ring for the last two songs. Show goers piled in pitting for the rest of the set.
You could tell this spot is respected by the people who attend shows here. Leaving the gym, not one beer bottle or piece of trash was left behind. Places like Munoz Gym and The Killer Clam are a big part of the underground Punk culture. There's a strong sense of unity with this crowd, it's pretty fuckin rad!
What a great way to start out 2013!
Check out the bands from this article in the links below-
http://r-e-p-l-i-c-a.bandcamp.com
https://soundcloud.com/permanent-ruin
http://wallflowerpunx.bandcamp.com
http://www.myspace.com/bakersfieldspeed
More photos of the show can be seen HERE
-J.Moncrief-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter
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