Scream and The Holloys – at The Echo – Silverlake, CA

Historically speaking Scream have always been well loved, but not necessarily well known. While other Dischord Records bands from the 1980's such as Minor Threat and Government Issue have remained staples in the average Hardcore kid's record collection, Scream are just a bit more obscure, but that is certainly not because they were not a great band. The band's first two records- "Still Screaming" and "This Side Up" are absolute classics that utilize heavy influences from Bad Brains along with strong melodies that would set the tone for later bands like Dag Nasty and Verbal Assault.

Perhaps with the reformation of the band's original lineup, Scream will be able to rise above their relative obscurity. Anyone who has seen any of their recent reunion shows could attest that they still possess a spark- there's something special still going on with Scream. At last night's show in Los Angeles they came out on stage ready to rock. Opening with, "Who Knows? Who Cares?," Stahl's voice sounded great despite the fact that he was singing out of a P.A. with a bit of a flat sound. The guitars also came together perfectly. There were some minor complaints about Kent Stax lagging behind slightly on the drums, but the overall sound was powerful.

Scream's set list mixed in songs from their upcoming recordings (a full length and a split 7" with Reggae legend, Lee "Scratch" Perry) with tracks from the band's first two albums. The new songs ranged from slower Reggae jams to heavy hitting Hardcore Punk. Some set list high lights included "Solidarity," "Influenced," "This Side Up," "New Song," "Fight/American Justice" "Total Mash," "Bet You Never Thought," "Hygeine," and "Came Without Warning." In between songs former Scream drummer Dave Grohl (who also at one point enlisted Scream guitarist Franz Stahl to play in the Foo Fighters) was in the audience heckling the band and yelling out requests.

After a short intermission the guys came back out for an encore, starting wit "Bedlam" and then raging through a hand full of others including "Cry Wolf" which set the audience into a storm. Throughout the set Scream maintained their energy and good spirits, respecting their audience and putting on a memorable performance. It would be great to see them play with other Hardcore bands- the openers, the Holloys put on a fine performance for what they were doing, but their sound has more in common with "This Is What You Want" era Public Image.

 

-Ditch.-
Big Wheel Asst. Editor

 

More photos of the event can be seen HERE

 
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