Show Review: Save Ferris is Back!

It only took 15 years but here is the new Save Ferris band and EP. I can’t deny that I was super curious to see what the hype was about. I first saw Save Ferris at my first Warped Tour in 1999. I can definitely say this was one of first times I experienced ska, especially since it was in a revival. Nevertheless, it has been a love of mine ever since. The album It Means Everything was the essence of my youth and was something I related to immensely.

The story goes as follows; Monique Powell wanted to continue with Save Ferris and here is what the finished product is. There is a new 5 songs EP called Checkered Past and a tour. There are new members in Save Ferris which every one knows by now since the infamous lawsuit. But when changing band members and using the same name, it can be a tricky manoeuver to pull off successfully.

I honestly didn’t care for the opening bands in the stop in Austin. First Year Fight is still a very young and new band, also not ska. Vista Kicks were entertaining but also not ska. Believe it or not but Austin does have ska bands. This tour might have been a test run for the future to come, I will forgive it this time. Word to the wise, email or message the Austin Ska Collective next time since they might have the answers.

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Regardless, Save Ferris met and exceeded my expectations. They played the hits of course but also threw in some songs from the new EP. Monique could at least joke about being in a movie in the 90s and doing covers. Life is too short to be embarassed by things you did in the 90s. The band members are seasoned ska players, which made the set even more enjoyable. I like their bass player a lot. Regardless, check out the photos and videos below and let me know what you think.

Show Review: Guttermouth/The Queers/Agent Orange

I just want to start out with stating I think Guttermouth and The Queers are underrated when I comes to being popular in punk rock. Will they ever be a band like Rancid? No. When I want to see quintessential and offensive punk rock; this is where I go. These bands are not politically correct and not here to impress, they are here to be fun punk rock like it is supposed to be.

That being said, this was a show I was super excited for. After all these years of missing them come through town, I got to see The Queers and Agent Orange. I don’t know what I was doing with life that I kept missing these shows but I finally got my act together.

I am thrilled that a local production company Come and Take it Productions, has decided to bring these tours into town and give them a place to play. Needless to say, I got to the show late which usually isn’t my style. I actually like to check out opening bands. I regret not seeing the One Shot Down and the Atom Age. One Shot Down is a local Austin band and I love their hardcore style. The Atom Age I have heard so much about and I love what I have heard from them.

But my heart truly lies with The Queers. I love their sweet pop punk songs but then they turn around and offend me (in a good way). Everyone was going crazy and enjoying songs such as “Murder at The Brady House” and “Love Love Love” which were some of my favorites. They also did two covers; The Ramones “Sheena is a Punk Rocker” and Screeching Weasel’s “Cindy’s on Methadone”.

Guttermouth is one of my favorite bands to see. The first time I saw Guttermouth was the best. In Emo’s heyday in Austin, Guttermouth played there quite a few times. I once saw them throw a kid out for looking like he shopped at Hot Topic (and for being an asshole). From then on, I was a fan for life. They don’t care what they look like or how they sound for that matter. Some of their songs are ridiculously good and well written. Even though the subject lines of their songs are over the top but they are still weirdly relatable.

Lastly, I got to see Agent Orange. I have been a fan for a long time now. Living in Darkness is one of my favorite nihilist punk albums. It is dark surf punk opus. I was happy to see that they still tour and I love hearing their songs. My only real bone to pick is that I wanted their set to have that dark edgy sound rather than how they performed their songs live. I can get over member changes but arrangement changes might be where I draw the line. Regardless, I think all the bands on this tour are underrated in the punk’s vast culture and there should be more line ups like all these bands currently on tour.

 

Show Review: Lemuria/Cayetana/Mikey Erg

This show lineup is where music fans that love punk and indie rock live and coincide. From the Against Me! and The Menzingers t-shirts to the fashion clad hipsters; there is something for everyone. This was my first show of the year and I have to say it was a good pick. Nothing to crazy or heavy but a true quintessential classic.

All of my friends were excited to see Mikey Erg. Personally, I missed this part of the punk history. Like most of the great pop punk we have heard out the New Jersey area, Mikey Erg is definitely is keeping those great songs alive. He does a solo set that is similar to an acoustic solo set. But he is not exactly an “acoustic” guy (sorry Chuck Ragan) so he plays with a guitar and an amp. This is unorthodox but the songs are well written and catchy, exactly what you can expect from 1/3 of The Ergs! His band had a short-lived reunion but I think that might be it for now. His solo stuff is worth checking out if you are getting over a breakup, driving through the east coast, or riding your bicycle in Converse on a Wednesday.

What really sold me on this show was the band Cayetana. I have been annoying my partner by playing this band over and over in the apartment for the past year. I highly believe that “Hot Dad Calendar” is a perfectly written pop song. The lyrics are catchy, the guitar and bass are in synch, and vocals are silly and intense all at the same time. I was glad I was able to see this band live and it definitely made me more of a fan. They have a new album coming out this year which I can’t wait to check out, especially if it is as great as Nervous Like Me. Check out more below:

Speaking of classic albums, Lemuria has mastered this art. Get Better is having its 10th anniversary and it is an album I like to revisit time to time. The best things about Lemuria is there layered vocals and harmonies, riffy guitars, and their self-doubt lyrics with splashes of optimism. Living in a place between pop music and with a dash of punk is a

hard stunt to pull off as a band but Lemuria really makes it work. They probably over think everything as a band but that is something that always pays off for them. From their song structure to the merch they sell, every piece is given care and thought. I think more bands need to over care and get to be this professional. This is why a lot of their fan base (and indie labels) care about what this band does next. I was really glad to see all these artists finally in my hometown and in one of my favorite local venues. 2017 is going to be a great year in music if artists like these keep making pop music in these dark times.

 

Festivals: Riot Fest Denver 2016 Day 3

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This is what dreams are made of. Before I die and my life flashes before my eyes, I will see the Misfits in that sequence. Before I get any further, let’s discuss the bands up till this historic moment in music history.

I got there a bit late on this Sunday. It’s day three. Festin’ in the sun and drinking Denver beer is hard. Regardless, I got to catch the last bit of Converge. They are pretty damn awesome. They come to Austin quite a bit and I see them usually on the Fun Fun Fun (RIP) lineup. Shout out to the guy in the crowd doing the best air drumming I have ever seen at the Converge set. Nailed it.img_7004

I finally got to see Murder by Death. They come to Austin a lot too. I also seem to miss them because there is a lot of musical competition in the live music capital as far as shows every night. They were better live then I expected in my head. I love their energy and musicanship. It even started to rain a bit but they kept firing away songs. I really want to see them in Denver again. They usually play at the Stanley Hotel every year. I totally get why this band would do such a crazy thing. I too enjoy the Shining. I hope that is something I can cross off my music bucket list.

The next block of bands was an interesting booking choice for Riot Fest. I don’t think I will ever see this at a festival again. They literally booked two cover bands back to back. I think they did that on purpose to see how people would react. It was pretty funny in my opinion. Chevy Metal is fun project by Taylor Hawkins while he is not doing the Foo Fighters thing. They are said to be the “ultimate cover band” but I think I have to beg to differ. While Chevy Metal soothes my classic rock soul, they are just not Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. Me First is just so good about taking a song they love and making it their own. They have matching outfits. Their stage banter is worth the price of the ticket alone. Chevy Metal did have Spike Slawson come out and sing a song with them. It was kind of a nice musical break from the regular lineup but I am sure people that were attending Riot Fest will have plenty to say about this booking choice.img_6860

I took a meal break before Bad Religion. I needed all my nutrients for this band. It was the worst wrap I have ever eaten. The food there was mediocre at best. Seriously.

Bad Religion is everything. I don’t think they have casual fans. You are either all in or out. It was a bit rough during their set since it the sun was setting. The fans and band were sweating it out but their set was worth every ounce. They started with my personal favorite “Generator” which got me super hype for the rest of the set. The song “Stranger Than Fiction” has been speaking to me lately since I saw it live. It was also fun to see Fat Mike ambush ” 21st Century (Digital Boy)”. I get that excited when I hear a bad religion song and it is really cool to see other bands have the same reaction. Personally I think they should have opened for the Misfits. img_6876

The next band was Gogol Bordello. I think they are one of the best live bands out there. When I go to a Gogol Bordello show, I don’t expect to be quiet or my have my feet to touch the floor the entire show. I kind of bummed that there were no country flags flying around. I think that is what makes this band very unique. They can have this all these people from all over the world, come and dance together. Plus they look like traveling gypsies and have drums. They are such a touring beast of a band. I would also like a new record from them.

At the end of festival, I was tired. I flew several hours, had no sleep, and lived in the sun. I saw Samhain at Riot Fest a few years ago and that was pretty rad. I was starting to wonder if after all this time and energy, would I go home disappointed? Is this reunion an attempt to recapture a lost moment in time?img_7022

It literally one of the best shows of my life.

Let’s start with the stage. It was spooky. I expect no less. Skulls, pumpkins, devilocks, B-Movies, and Marilyn. All the things we love about the Misfits. The sound was awesome. I heard the Chicago date might have had issues, which was a fear for me. When I saw the Cure the last time I went to Riot Fest, the sound was really awful. I am sure things would have to up to this bands high standards into order to make this reunion even happen.

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I loved how they did their set list. They did a little bit from each album. I think this was the best strategy for this reunion. When you have a long history and solid albums, this set must be carefully crafted. Here’s the whole list:

  1. Death Comes Ripping
  2. 20 Eyes
  3. I Turned into a Martian
  4. Where Eagles Dare
  5. Mommy, Can I go out and Kill Tonight?
  6. Vampira
  7. All Hell Breaks Loose
  8. Hybrid Moments
  9. Teenagers from Mars
  10. London Dungeon
  11. Earth A.D.
  12. Green Hell
  13. Devilock
  14. Horror Business
  15. We are 138
  16. Hollywood Bablyon
  17. Halloween
  18. Die, Die my Darling
  19. Astro Zombies
  20. Skulls
  21. Last Caress
  22. Bullet
  23. She
  24. Night of the Living Dead

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I was going to highlight what songs I lost my shit over but there was way to many. I know I have sang “Skulls” a thousand times over. Usually at a local punk show. This time was so gratifying. The stage changed with every song and album. I loved how they still looked like the ideal of the Misfits. I mean it is hard to take a B movie sci-fi look serious. I honestly loved it. I feel Jerry Only, Doyle, and Dave Lombardo played the part. I felt like nothing had changed since 1977. Danzig did his class leather. I was curious to what angle he was gonna go. He is known for taking himself and his craft too seriously. I was also curious to how his voice would adapt back to the Misfits’ sound. I have seen him sing in Samhain and Danzig. They are different then the smooth 50’s style voices of the Misfits. Not far off but different none the less. His voice was flawless and didn’t miss a beat. The guitars were buzzy and full of that classic Misfits’ tone. I actually saw Danzig smile and he just layed everything he had out on the table.img_7018

I usually come back from a show and I could at least name one thing that could have been better. I was absolutely speechless. I have talked to several fans and have read countless articles about this reunion. Most people can agree this was an amazing reunion. We thought it would never happen and might have been over due. People were joking that The Smiths and Fugazi/Minor Threat are the only ones left to reunite. All I can really say about this reunion and festival in particular is that I am a super lucky girl that got to be part of an important moment in punk music history.

Here’s hoping for more music from the Misifts and a tour. If you believe the rumors.

*Apologies for the tall video, I am 5’3. The struggle is real at shows*

Festivals: Riot Fest Denver 2016 Day 2

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Day Two of Riot Fest Denver was full of new and classic bands. I got out of the rodeo arena finally and out into the mountain air. I forget that Denver is actually closer to the sun and I was dying. So take note when traveling to this festival that the altitude is higher, the sun is closer, and there is not too much shade outside the arena.

imageBack to bands though. Tigers Jaw was my first band of the day. I was super psyched to see this band. They have been a favorite of mine for the past few years but they have not quite made out on tour to Texas (at least that I was aware of). I wasn’t disappointed. They have a really good live presence and they play with precision. Their fans weren’t annoying which is something I worry about with younger bands. A lot of people knew the lyrics and loved their set. I wish they had a bit longer to play but that comes with paying your dues. I also loved their aesthetic and staging. Hope to see them again in the near future.

imageI have seen the band name Meat Puppets for years. I have read countless articles about how they influence Kurt Cobain and many other bands from the 90s. I honestly couldn’t name a song by them. I am super glad I could catch them at Riot Fest. They played during the day in a middle slot. In my opinion, an established band could have been on at a later time but you never know if that is something the band requested. Regardless, they are still pretty damn amazing. I haven’t seen that kind of guitar skill in a very long time and I can tell why people worship this band. Their lyrics are poignant and creative. Their fans love them, so all in all they are a great damn band.

imageThe one band I REALLY wanted to see live was Violent Soho. I have been listening to Hungry Ghost for almost two years now. It is seriously one of my favorite discoveries. I was in a real music slump and this band revived my senses. I love how they shred, play the loudest, and have a 90s kind of throwback sound. I had no clue they were from Australia which explains their lack of touring since its obviously far. Their live show was epic and worth the trip. Violent Soho doesn’t sound like a carbon copy of their recordings. Seriously they are one of best bands in the festival lineup. They have a new release called Waco and I can’t wait for this band to blow up.

Against me! is one of my favorite bands. This band is fascinating due to the fact they are changing like a chameleon to adapt to ever-changing culture landscapeimage. I like that they don’t do the same thing every album and their classic songs are solid. My favorite album by them is the Crime EP. I love its rawness and I felt it was recorded right as they grew exponentially. They have changed band members and even have survived a transgender announcement. What is great about this band is that nothing has phased the music and the band continues to grow as just as strong. I have seen Against Me! in tiny venues and now I have seen them on major festivals. I am glad that their fans have grown with them and hold them up when they need it the most. I am super excited to listen to the new album Shape Shift With Me that came out the past week. Their set was stellar and there is much more to see when it comes to this band. I also got a sweet Against Me! shirt.

I have seen Leftover Crack more in these past few years than when I was first listening to them many years ago. I remember being a teen and seeing the album cover for Fuck World imageTrade and thinking how shocking it was. I was compelled to buy that album and it was like nothing I had ever heard before. Stza voice is erratic but once you realize what messages and stories these songs tell you get it immediately. They are still relevent and important to the punk community since a lot of the issues this band brings to the forefront haven’t gone away. I love their mix of dance, metal, and ska. You wouldn’t think these genres go together so well but that is what gives them their unique sound. It was by far the best pit to be in at Riot Fest.

Sleater Kinney is the soundtrack of my life. I used to paint their lyrics on my walls and scribble their band name on my notebooks. I seriously cried when they called it quits. Luckilyimage they reconsidered their retirement and gave us the album No Cities to Love this past year. I honestly thought I would never see them live but this is the second time seeing them live at Riot Fest. I loved their set. I think every single member has an amazing musical skill. They played a mix of their hits and a few new songs. I had a hard time loving their set because I knew it was going to be short. I just wanted them to play a whole concert, let’s be real. I was also sad because I hope they continue to play as Sleater Kinney and make music in the future. It was a bittersweet end of the day for me in Denver.

I caught a bit of Ween. I do like them but I had to save my energy for the Misfits. But I will say that Ween has the most unique fan base I have ever seen in my entire life and will be forever fascinated with that.

 

Festivals: Riot Fest Denver 2016 Day 1

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It is said that “Riot Fest Sucks” (at least that’s what they want you think). I think setting the bar really low on expectations takes the edge off when it comes to impressing your audience. When it comes to Riot Fest, this festival has done such great lineups the past few years I am officially a repeat customer. I went to Chicago two years ago and this time I went to Denver. The Denver Riot Fest is almost a literal rodeo. Being from Texas, I understand this setting. It is almost too familiar. The festival set up was part rodeo, part Warped Tour parking lot.

Since I got there a bit late, I went straight to see my favorite fest band: Fucked Up. I think I love this band even more as they progress into their albums. I also enjoy Damian’s podcast.They played a short set but did not disappoint. They played classics like “Crooked Head” and  “Black Albino Bones”. I learned that “Black Albino Bones” is about record collecting and I am going to revisit that song. I think Fucked Up is really well thought out music but doesn’t take itself that serious either. The highlight of their live show was when Damian carried out armfuls of water for the audience and was still screaming into the mic.

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Damian Abraham of Fucked Up

I spent the rest of the fest in the literal rodeo ring. I got to see the Aquabats! I love that they are live action super heroes of sorts. I  have enjoyed their shows and have been a fan for years. Their fan base is literally little kids and way too old adults. But we are all on the same page here. We love to party and fight villains. Their stage show was the best in the sense that 1.) their songs are catchy 2.) they had dancing sharks like Katy Perry super bowl style 3.) they had inflatable pizza slices to crowd surf on: Surf’s UP!

My favorite highlight of the Aquabats set was when MC Bat Commander taught children to circle pit, literally. Yes they literally just ran in a circle but this will be an important concept they will learn later down the line. The children are our future after all. They also had some funny musical jokes where they would play parts of other people’s song you wouldn’t think the Aquabats would know. They are a lot more hip than you think for guys dressed in costumes.

The rest of the festival was a perfect trifecta of Fat Wreck Chords bands: Lagwagon, NOFX, and Descendents.Lagwagon is still one of favorites. They play each song with such precision and heart. I love their last album Hang a lot and was stoked to hear “Cog in the Machine” again live. They played their classics such as “Violins” and “Making Friends”. The only thing about big festivals is that you only get mostly classics from a band like Lagwagon but each one of theirs is a gem.

I was anticipating the NOFX set. The band has had a crazy year. They wrote a book. They did a tour. Fat Mike did a detox. I feel like this show would be a bit of a regroup for this band. Once NOFX took stage that rodeo arena was packed to brim with punk fans. I had to watch from the seats since the arena was getting too full. That’s great for NOFX though. I feel they did a great set and played newish songs such as “72 Hookers” and “I Believe in Goddess”. They debuted “Six Years on Dope” from their new album First Ditch Effort coming out in October. I am digging their new release so it was cool to get a preview. Their set was mediocre but I kind of want that from a NOFX. I only come to this conclusion from other NOFX fans at Riot Fest. I eavesdropped on a lot of conversations that either loved the set or thought it wasn’t their best. NOFX is not about perfection but they still know how to entertain.

The Descendents are one of my top ten favorite bands. I don’t think I could give them a bad review since I am super bias on the subject. I will say that I loved seeing them at Riot Fest Chicago two-year ago because they did Milo Goes to College front to back and that was a real musical moment. I was also excited to hear their new release Hypercaffium Spazzinate live for the first time. I believe their new album holds up live. They played a very good mix of all their albums and I can’t wait to see them in my hometown for Sound on Sound festival in November.

I also got to check out the half of the Deftones set. I still sweat that band a lot and I am not ashamed. By the end of the night I was all rodeo-ed out.

I’m Getting Too Caffienated Waiting on New Descendents Album!

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The Descendents are a major influence on my life philosophy. I follow the All-o-Gistics. Milo Goes to College has never left my car stereo. I drink coffee like a fucking champ. I saw Filmage in an actual movie theater. I see them perform live every opportunity I get. After all these years the day has finally come:

JULY 29, 2016 Hypercaffium Spazzinate will FINALLY be released.

It is on Epitaph Records and can be ordered here. The last release they had on Epitaph was Everything Sucks in 1996. Descendents’ fans have been patient and loyal thus far.We also have been teased the past month with the release of these songs online:

“Without Love”:

“Victim of Me”:

I love both these tracks. “Without Love” is a quintessential Descendents love song and demonstrates what is appealing about their music. Their love songs have so much honesty and truth. I like that they have moved forward from their earlier teenage angst but still have kept their musical and writing style in tact. I can’t wait to hear the rest. The songs are also available on Spotify.

What’s even better than a new album? Seeing that new album live! Luckily with this new release they have also announced tour dates. They will be on major festivals like Riot Fest and Sound on Sound. I will be at both dates and will bring more news from the Descendents’ tour.

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