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Reagan Youth – DFL – Decry – STALAG 13 – SideKick – Skaal – Tartar Control – and Rockous – at The Observatory – Santa Ana, CA

October 4, 2014

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014 This was a $5 matinee show at the Observatory in Santa Ana. They've had several of them and I've heard that these shows go off. Judging by the line up for this show, I could see why this could be true.

 

The first band was "Raukous", they were a pretty new and upcoming 3 piece band with Ryan Hadley on drums, Max Camp on Bass, and Fern Etcher on Guitar and Vox. Kinda Weirdos with a little SKA thrown in.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

Up next was was Tarter Control. A 2 piece band with what looked like a robot as their 3rd member.The robot was their drum machine with the other guys on guitar and vocals. This band had a lot of humor in their music. Great stage performance and good musicianship made Tarter Control a band worthwhile. I don't know how many times the singer jumped off stage or looked like he was throwing a fit on the stage as they played their fast "Dickies" like set. Very entertaining.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

Skaal is a very tight mid 80's sounding Punk. Kinda reminded me of Red Beret or Condemned to death but a bit faster.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

Sidekick played next and had Scott from Social Task sing their 1st tune which was a Ramone cover of Blitzrig Bop, and the crowd went wild. Scott is a really good front man and he proved it today. Sidekick played a really good hardcore set. Nice tempo changes in their songs and they didn't sound like just another Punk band.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014
 
Oxnard legends Stalag 13 played next. This was the "In Control" line up minus Ron. They played all of their classic songs and  got the crowd really going. Their singer fits them well and I'm sure Ron would be proud. The two guitar sounds of Blake Cruz and Dave Casillas are one of the best duo guitar players in Punk rock. They play very well together as they did 30 years ago. Larry White is one of the BEST hardcore drummers around and John still looks the same after all these years and rocked it on bass. This band is still powerful and energetic as it was some 30 odd years ago.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014


Another early 80's punk legend band "Decry" played next. Farrell, the original singer who started it all back in 1981/82 reminds me of Rik L Rik meets Charlie Harper when he's on stage. Decry is very original sounding and have a great debut LP they put out back in the early 80's. I wish they would put out another one, as this band shows a lot of originality and musicianship. Justino and Keith add a lot more to the band than previous members and this is by far their best line up. The new guy Steve Porter adds so much to their presence and it shows when all four are on stage playing together. They still do all of their classics and a few covers (Sonic Reducer by the Dead Boys).

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

DFL played next and did a very short set. This early 90's punk band played so quick that by the time I got up front...they were done.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

Reagan Youth played last and I've never seen them before so I was really looking forward to their set. With only one original member (Paul on guitar), I didn't know what to expect.When they started playing I was really surprised. It didn't sound like your typical Punk band from the early 80's. It was hard but different.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

Good musicianship and a unique sound and look made it interesting. Really dense guitar sound and good vocals. Like I said...not your typical Punk sound.

Reagan Youth - DFL - Decry - STALAG 13 - SideKick - Skaal - Tartar Control - and Rockous - at The Observatory - Santa Ana, CA -  October 4, 2014

They played a really great set and left the crowd wanting more.

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE



-Michael Vellejo-
Big Wheel Contributor



 

 

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7 Seconds – Rotting Out – and Magazine Dirty – at SLO Brew – San Luis Obispo, CA

September 21, 2014

SLO Brew hosted 7 Seconds, the immortal Hardcore Punk band, on September 21, 2014. The night was extraordinary to say the least, but before 7 Seconds played, the San Luis crowd had a few kick ass opening acts that set the stage for this epic night.

First to go on was Magazine Dirty, a local, traditional style Punk band that frequents the Punk shows in town opening up for various acts and showing their amazing talent and interesting style to all that come to witness. Fresh of the release of their new album, Action Reaction, the band seemed to be in very high spirits and awakened what seemed to be a sleeping audience. They are fronted by both a male and female singers and create great harmonies using this aesthetic. Magazine Dirty put on a great show while their lead singer danced around stage and even picked up a guitar at one point to give the spotlight over to the female vocalist in the band exclaiming, “I’m gonna pretend to play guitar now!” This high energy Punk band had me grinning ear to ear, but I was definitely ready for more.


   
Rotting Out was up next and I was a bit hesitant to hear them due to the fact that I’m not a huge fan of new school Hardcore bands. This worry was put to rest as soon as their burly lead singer walked on stage in tiny gym shorts and an angry look on his face. There was no question, these guys came here to show SLO what hardcore really is. Their sound was reminiscent of Gorilla Biscuits with their hard hitting style and well integrated breakdowns. Rotting Out was wonderfully synchronized coming in and out of these breakdowns to create a fast, unique, and all out brutal sound. Just what the punk rockers in the crowd were looking for, and a very pleasant surprise. The crowd fed off the lead singers every word as he slowly built up to almost every song with a powerful message, and as soon as the band started playing the venue fell into a beautiful chaos. After their performance I can absolutely say that I’m a fan, and hope to see them in SLO again very soon.


   
As 7 Seconds made their way onstage everyone in the room couldn’t contain their screams for the band. Kevin Seconds was ready for this, walking on stage in a Wu-Tang Clan shirt and baseball cap, he got right into some of their newest music from their latest album (Leave A Light On) like “I Have Faith In You”. 7 Seconds played 20+ songs during their set as well as sending a positive message out to the crowd in between songs and promoting their new album.

Their classic hardcore hits were performed with an amazing amount of energy for having been played for over 30 years, and I was happy they played one of my personal favorites, “The Crew”. As the band played these classic crowd pleasing tracks, the audience engulfed the stage. 7 Seconds was constantly encouraging their fans to “Keep singing and keep pitting” in between their songs and then Kevin got the crowd warmed up for their next song by saying he was a “53 year old kid”. When the band started singing “Young Till I Die”, everyone in the audience joined in singing with them. There was an older lady in the corner of the room with what looked like tears of joy in her eyes shouting “I’m gonna stay young until I die!!!!!!”, proving once and for all you are only as old as you feel. It was a beautiful sight to say the least.

These hardcore legends finished their set with their ever popular version of “99 Red Balloons” which is a great note to end on. I was thoroughly impressed with 7 Seconds performance and unwavering energy, as I’m sure the rest of San Luis Obispo was as well. Punk’s not dead, in fact it’s not even old, and this exciting and unforgettable night has proven that. Let’s hope San Luis Obispo hasn’t seen the last of 7 Seconds, we expect another show as soon as possible and we’d like to thank the band for such and awesome night!

 

 More photos of the show can be seen HERE



-T. Wallace-
Big Wheel Contributor



 

 

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David J with Mark Miller – at Casa Citialin – Bakersfield, CA

September 19, 2014

David J with Mark Miller - at Casa Citialin - Bakersfield, CA - September 19, 2014A small, invite-only audience in East Bakersfield was witness to a unique entry in their local music history last Friday, September 19: they were treated to a special private performance by David J, the  bassist for the legendary bands Bauhaus and Love and Rockets.

The entire show was the brainchild of Noelia and Jose Citialin who opened their house (and a seemingly perpetually stocked bar) to an intimate group of friends, who were never unaware of their great luck to part of the event. Along with the "invite only" status, there was but one request on the RSVP: Wear. Black.

Mark Miller, who would later share the stage with David J, opened the show with a short solo set of his own, which included an amazing cover of Tom Waits', "Chocolate Jesus". 

Eschewing his usual instrument, J played his set on acoustic guitar while charming his listeners in -between songs with a few anecdotes about his life that he wrote about in his upcoming memoir  “Who Killed Mr. Moonlight?" (Bauhaus, Black Magick and Benediction). One of the highlight of the evening was a story that occurred during the last Bauhaus reunion (who are, arguably, basically the Goth world’s Beatles) in 2006 involving singer Peter Murphy and porn legend Ron Jeremy. The story, also told in detail in his memoir, brought attention to the fact that he has not only had a prolific career as a musician, but he has contributed to projects with legendary comic book writer Alan Moore as well as in songwriting and performances with Amanda Palmer, Porno For Pyros and Jane’s Addiction amongst many others.  And now, a bourgeoning author.

Along with the release of his book, he has started a kickstarter campaign to help with his upcoming book tour (it’s his second one after a very successful one that helped with the creation of his last CD “An Eclipse Of Ships”). If you would like to contribute to his campaign, click HERE

David J with Mark Miller - at Casa Citialin - Bakersfield, CA - September 19, 2014

J and his backing guitarist Mark Miller ran through a gamut of styles: country, blues, contemplative Dylanesque ballads and eerie sonic soundscapes carried out effectively with a ping-pong delayed guitar—the epitome of acoustic Bat-cave music.

David J with Mark Miller - at Casa Citialin - Bakersfield, CA - September 19, 2014

Starting his set with a Bauhaus song (“Who Killed Mr. Moonlight”) and culminating with two Love and Rockets songs (their perennial anthem “No New Tale To Tell” and  “Waiting For The Flood”—much to the euphoric delight of Mrs. Citialin), J performed like a man half his age (he turned 57 this year) and had a confident relaxed stage presence that made him appear like a dark cabaret David Bowie and, believe it or not, a bit of a British-goth Hank Williams Sr. as well.

David J with Mark Miller - at Casa Citialin - Bakersfield, CA - September 19, 2014

Sticking mainly to new material, a big surprise came with his cover of “Wrecking Ball”, the song made famous by Miley Cyrus. It was an illumination in the realization of how good a song it can be in the right hands and context) the songs were tight, and played expertly.

David J with Mark Miller - at Casa Citialin - Bakersfield, CA - September 19, 2014

The mood of the songs were highlighted by his poolside stage set-up; perched in front of a fake hacienda with fans sitting on patios, deck chairs, and even the diving board, enraptured by his light vocal timbre and the green lit deck and reflections on the water. The backyard setting was a perfect compliment to the dark night sky and casual intimacy that would have been difficult to replicate in a traditional stage setting.

David J with Mark Miller - at Casa Citialin - Bakersfield, CA - September 19, 2014

I am a huge believer that it’s not how well the performance was, but how the audience reacts after it, that determines the show’s success. In every sense, this one-of-a-kind show was exactly that —a success—on every level. It was also a wonderful reunion for local and out-of-town friends that made the long drives to catch the show.

Along with Peter Murphy’s performance at Narducci’s Cafe in 2012, this makes the second member of Bauhaus to grace the Central Valley with their presence and talent. Maybe, in the future, guitarist Daniel Ash and (David J’s brother) drummer Kevin Haskings will play Bakersfield and make it a Bauhaus reunion by proxy.

Stranger, and darker, things have happened.

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE



-Cesareo Garasa-
Big Wheel Contributor



 

 

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The Real McKenzies and A Tom Collins – at SLO Brew – San Luis Obispo, CA

September 18, 2014

The Real McKenzies and A Tom Collins - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA - September 18, 2014Before seeing The Real McKenzies I decided to go to the venue (SLO Brew) about an hour early. I was pleasantly surprised to find Paul and the band enjoying some good food upstairs.

I ended up getting a chance to meet them before the show, it was hard to keep my composure due to the fact that the whole band was dressed in kilts and I am such a big fan, but Paul was super nice and friendly so it took the edge off a little. As I made my way down stairs I decided to grab a pint of Guinness and a shot of whiskey to prepare myself for the show.

The Real McKenzies and A Tom Collins - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA - September 18, 2014
   
On stage before The Real McKenzies was an interesting band called A. Tom Collins. The main reason that brought me closer to the stage was the fact that the band was composed of a trumpet player, a saxophone player, a piano player/vocalist, and a drummer; and I can’t seem to help myself when it comes to brass instruments, I had to be front and center! The band had a definite jazz influence that gave their sound a unique style. The piano player’s vocals melded very well with the horns and pulled some people from around the room closer to the stage, even though there was not too many inside the venue at this point. Besides being great musicians the band’s cleverly constructed lyrics had me laughing when they sang, “I love Jesus and Jesus loves me even when I’m high on drugs.” All in all A. Tom Collins played a fun and entertaining show even though the band seemed a little disappointed with the turnout of people there. San Luis Obispo would love to have you guys back, so please come back soon.

The Real McKenzies and A Tom Collins - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA - September 18, 2014
   
When The Real McKenzies walked on stage dressed in full Scottish garb, everyone in the crowd cheered and started stomping their feet right along with their catchy tunes. Paul didn’t waste any time getting the crowd pumped up by playing “Chip”, demonstrating his extraordinary and unforgettable stage presence. Half way through their set Paul had everyone screaming when he decided to bend over and show the whole crowd his ass. The band played many of their greatest songs, told stories, and interacted with the audience in between each song. During their more popular songs like “Droppin’ Like Flies” the fans was chanting along with the band. Gord Taylor put on a great performance as well while showing off his skills on the pipes!

The Real McKenzies and A Tom Collins - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obispo, CA - September 18, 2014

Paul belted out each song with a smile, and worked up the crowd with two middle fingers raised and some red shades on. The McKenzies finished their set with “Bugger OFF”, one of my favorites, but came back on stage for an awesome encore including “McPherson’s Rant” and “Nessie”, to the audience’s delight. The crowd clapped along with the beat during the band’s roaring finish. The Real McKenzies are crowd pleasers but are still unforgettably badass. After the show the band was nice enough to talk with me and a few friends after the show, can’t wait to see these guys again. The Real McKenzies created a warm and unified atmosphere when they played causing you to feel camaraderie with everyone else in the audience. I have to admit that it was nothing short of greatness, there is a reason why these guys have been playing for so long. I’m going to go buy a kilt and get ready for the next time they come to town!

 

 More photos of the show can be seen HERE



-T. Wallace-
Big Wheel Contributor



 

 

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GBH – Adolescents – and 5th Wave – at The Fonda Theatre – Los Angeles, CA

September 13, 2014

GBH - Adolescents - and 5th Wave - at The Fonda Theatre - Los Angeles, CA - September 13, 2014Punk is still transcending all age groups and genders. And the proof was at the Fonda Theatre on Saturday night for GBH, The Adolescents opened by the San Fernando Local Skacore band, 5th Wave.

It was a full venue for all 3 sets. 5th Wave opened to a large group of core fans. Their set was surprisingly good and actually a little short. I could have listened to a few more songs from this group that was exceptionally tight. Although they seemed somewhat shy on stage at first, they loosened up but then the set was over. And it did leave me wanting just a little bit more. There’s a pretty good scene in San Fernando right now and this band is one of the examples why. I will make it a point to see them again if I have the opportunity. And you should too.

GBH - Adolescents - and 5th Wave - at The Fonda Theatre - Los Angeles, CA - September 13, 2014


By the time the Adolescents set started, the fans heated up the theatre and the pit did not stop throughout the entire set. Whether you were moving to the music or not, sweat was the gift of the bands that night and we all received it. Sweaty, and intense as the Adolescents did not let anyone down with it’s set list. From "No Way" to "Kids of The Black Hole", founding members Tony Cadena and Steve Soto absolutely killed it like kids half their way only wish they could.

They sounded really great and made me remember why I make it a point to see them live every time I can. It felt like a Sauna in the theatre by the time they were midway through the set and I’m sure their fans (and every one else in the theatre) left about 10 lbs lighter than when they showed up. But that was okay - the bar was available to ensure I was hydrated during the sets. And the Fonda has a great view of the stage from the bar. So win-win-win. I didn't want them to end the set.

GBH - Adolescents - and 5th Wave - at The Fonda Theatre - Los Angeles, CA - September 13, 2014


What can be said about GBH that hasn'’t been said before. They always put on a great show and by the time their set started, the crowd was ripe and ready. Colin Abrahall and the boys looked and sounded as though they’d sold their souls to the devil to be this damn good 32 years later.

GBH - Adolescents - and 5th Wave - at The Fonda Theatre - Los Angeles, CA - September 13, 2014

It was cool to see young Punks in the crowd singing along to songs like "Give Me Fire" and "Big Women", proving that Punk really does transcend those age barriers like no other genre of music. As furious as GBH ever ever has been, the crowd was just as furious.

GBH - Adolescents - and 5th Wave - at The Fonda Theatre - Los Angeles, CA - September 13, 2014

As far as Punk shows go, the stars were aligned. It was a Saturday night. At one of the best venues in Los Angeles. The bands were pretty incredible. The crowd wanted it bad and got it. And we all left tired and sore and happy wondering if we’d ever get to see a line up this great on a Saturday night again. I pondered it myself. The answer is, fuck yes! How do I know this, you ask? Because it’s Punk. And in 2014 Punk is still not dead, and will continue to to transcend age, groups, genders, and time for years and decades to come.

 

More photos of the show can be seen HERE



-Heideather O.-
Big Wheel Contributor



 

 

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Against Me! – Creepiod – Venus de Mars – at SLO Brew – San Luis Obispo, CA

August 17, 2014

Against Me - Creepiod - Venus de Mar - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obisbo, CA - August 17, 2014 Sunday the 17th of August Against Me! played an all ages show in San Luis Obispo at SLO brew, located in the heart of downtown. After attending their performance at Punk Rock Bowling this year, and loving it, I was stoked to see them play at a smaller and much more intimate venue like SLO brew.

The show opened with Venus De Mars and All the Pretty Horses, a Punk/Glam band out of Minnesota. Venus De Mars and her band all the pretty horses came dressed to kill, walking on stage in sequins, leather, glitter, fishnets, pasties. It was very clear they came to rock, quickly drawing in all the stragglers from the bar and outside. Venus, on the guitar, provided the melodic entrancing vocal sound with wild riffs that stirred up the crowd for a really fun opening act. Their grand finale gained a huge reaction with the crowd and at one point it even looked like Venus’ guitar shot out sparks! Even though their set was a short one it was very memorable.

Against Me - Creepiod - Venus de Mar - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obisbo, CA - August 17, 2014


Creepoid, an indie rock quartet out of Philadelphia, landed here on the central coast on their tour with Against Me!, and they DID NOT fail to live up to their name. Their creepy, ambient, yet fun sound was made much more enjoyable because of the bands intense energy. Creepoid is fronted by both male and female vocalists creating a unique and exciting melody for their music. The bass player's angelic vocal styling seduced the crowd and focused all eyes in the room on her while the band danced around an illuminated pot leaf on the bass drum, rocking out all the while. They finished their set by throwing their drum set and guitar on the ground and walking off stage. This bands eerie indie rock sound was well received by this San Luis crowd.

Against Me - Creepiod - Venus de Mar - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obisbo, CA - August 17, 2014


At about 10:30 Against Me walked onstage to an instrumental version of “banned from the Roxy”by crass and created a frenzy from the first note of the first song! The punk/folk quartet out of Gainesville Florida packed SLO brew full of excited and delighted fans. At one point the bass player put his guitar between his legs and preceded to hump the amp, revving up the crowd for the next song.

Against Me - Creepiod - Venus de Mar - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obisbo, CA - August 17, 2014

During their more popular songs like "I was a Teenage Anarchist" the small venue of SLO brew exploded into a sea of crowd surfing, pitting, rambunctious individuals that were loving every minute. They didn't just play their hits, the band also included a number of songs from their latest album (Transgender Dysphoria Blues) and I'll be damned if their fans in the audience didn't know every word of every song, beginning to end. They even played my favorite track off the album "Black Me Out", and I couldn’t help myself yelling "I WANNA PISS ON THE WALLS OF YOUR HOUSE!”. Against Me's beautiful lyrics and intense harmonies charmed all that came to view! Laura had a great energy while smiling and conversing with the crowd in between songs.

Against Me - Creepiod - Venus de Mar - at SLO Brew - San Luis Obisbo, CA - August 17, 2014

After they walked off stage, all of the fans started cheering for Laura and the rest of the band to return and give them one last song! To the crowds delight their set ended with screaming fans and a badass encore including “We Laugh at Danger”. Can you really ask for more than that? I think that I’m speaking for all of San Luis Obispo when I say, “Wow, now that was an awesome show! I hope they play here again soon.”


 More photos of the show can be seen HERE



-T. Wallace-
Big Wheel Contributor



 

 

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