Summer 2018: Jawbreaker Reunion Austin

As you can tell from this blog, I love a good reunion show. Jawbreaker is no exception. Austin was lucky enough to get a date added to the reunion tour on July 13, 2018 at the Skyline Theater. Jawbreaker wasn’t always my favorite band. I had to give it several listens. After I started seeing the pattern of the bands that I liked have an affection for Jawbreaker, I started to see the bigger picture.

What also caught my attention was the release of the documentary Don’t Break Down: A Film about Jawbreaker. Seeing all the collective bands and fans of Jawbreaker talk about this moment in time and telling their story of making it brought real light about how life is in a band. Success is defined and showed in different ways. By industry standards, Jawbreaker wasn’t as successful as they wanted. Fans saw something completely different and were hoping for a longer run than they had as a band. Just like any tragic music story, the fallout is the hardest. In the end, the band came to terms and turned it around this year.

In true punk fashion, Riot Fest got a jump on their reunion plans in 2017. Riot Fest has been responsible for hosting a few reunions under their belt and this was no exception. Luckily, this reunion wasn’t short lived and this tour actually happened. At the Austin date, we had local openers Lemuria and A Giant Dog. I definitely believe Lemuria was influenced by a band like Jawbreaker with their introspective lyrics and riffs.

A Giant Dog might be the crown jewel of the current Austin music scene. I am not surprised they opened for sure a high profile show. I am not sure they are completely underneath the umbrella of the punk genre but at the very least you will be entertained by their garage influence.

This was the first show I have seen at this made-up venue. The Long Center is a theatre but doesn’t normally do concerts of this kind. Margin Walker events put on this tour date and built the stage for the Jawbreaker show specifically due to the Mohawk being a smaller more intimate venue in town. It was a cool venue and you could see the whole stage from the hillside. I would like to see this venue set up again for another artist. I would also love to see Jawbreaker again.

Here is the setlist from this date and some videos from this show:

Boxcar
West Bay Invitational
Sea Foam Green
Save Your Generation
Do You Still Hate Me?
Condition Oakland
Chemistry
The Boat Dreams From the Hill
Jet Black
Parabola
Accident Prone
Ache
Sluttering (May 4th)
Housesitter
Kiss the Bottle
Shield Your Eyes

No encore for some weird reason. It was rumored they were going to play Chesterfield King but honestly, it was stupid hot outside so who knows what really happened at the end of the night.

Festivals: Riot Fest Denver 2016 Day 3

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.

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 musicianship. 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 a 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.

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.

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 have my feet 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 the 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?

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 band’s high standards in order to make this reunion even happen.

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:

Death Comes Ripping
20 Eyes
I Turned into a Martian
Where Eagles Dare
Mommy, Can I go out and Kill Tonight?
Vampira
All Hell Breaks Loose
Hybrid Moments
Teenagers from Mars
London Dungeon
Earth A.D.
Green Hell
Devilock
Horror Business
We are 138
Hollywood Babylon
Halloween
Die, Die my Darling
Astro Zombies
Skulls
Last Caress
Bullet
She
Night of the Living Dead

I was going to highlight what songs I lost my shit over but there was way too many. I know I have sung “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 as to how his voice would adapt back to the Misfits’ sound. I have seen him sing in Samhain and Danzig. They are different than 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 laid everything he had out on the table.

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 overdue. 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 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 Misfits 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

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.

Back 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.

I 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 and they are a great damn band.

The 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 the 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 the ever-changing cultural landscape. 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 Trade 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 to get it immediately. They are still relevant 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. Luckily 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

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.

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!

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 intact. 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 at major festivals like Riot Fest and Sound on Sound. I will be at both dates and will bring more news from the Descendents’ tour.

Punk Rock Festivals 2016: Lineups, Reunions, and Hang Overs

052613_mainstage_crowd4_by_tyson_heder_web — Photo by Tyson Heder

This time of year, in my opinion, is the beginning of the punk festival season. I think between Punk Rock Bowling and Fest is the prime picking for festivals in the United States. With these amazing lineups and the Misfits reunion, we can all see the money flying out of our bank accounts. Just remember there is no price on memories even if we might black out and forget….

Here is the break down for every major punk lineup in the U.S. and a few international mentions:

Punk Rock Bowling: Las Vegas, NV( May 26-30), Denver, CO (June 2-4), and Ashbury, NJ (June 10-12)

I am VERY biased when I say this is my favorite festival. I have been several times now and it is the quintessential punk rock festival. All the punk kids having fun against the glitzy Las Vegas lights is a sight to be seen. This festival also brings cool and unique club after shows. Did I mention there is a bowling tournament too? With the gambling, pool parties, and karaoke, the fun never stops in this 24-hour festival. This year they are attempting to branch out by having dates in Ashbury and Denver. Here are the lineups for each date:

Riot Fest: Chicago, IL (Sept. 16-18) and Denver, CO (Sept. 2-4)

Riot Fest REALLY brought the surprise of the year by only announcing the Misfits reunion in their initial band. They didn’t mention any of their other stellar artists and let us just freak out for a moment because hell froze over for a second. Of course, in our heart of hearts, we could see this happening but no one was holding their breath. But it’s happening! I will be there this September to give all the details of this reunion for you guys. This might be my favorite lineup of all the festivals this year. It has such punk gems as Bad Religion, Lagwagon, NOFX, The Aquabats, Against Me!, and Leftover Crack to name just a few. Both lineups are very similar but it depends on how much you want to see certain headliners and old school favorites. They are still announcing more to each lineup so stay tuned:

Fest 15: Gainesville, FL (Oct. 28-30)

Fest is on my bucket list of punk festivals to go to before I die. I think it should be on yours as well. Anyone that I have discussed Fest with says that it is a place where new punk bands are made and found. This year is very special since it is an anniversary of the festival. They have a heavy lineup of alumni playing, which makes it harder to decide who you want to see. This is a great problem to have. So cancel all your Halloween plans now and make it out to Fest 15 this year, check out the official lineup below:

Remember the Punks Fest: San Antonio, TX (October 1, 2016)

A super surprise for the state of Texas. As a punker growing up in Texas, we tend to miss out on bands from the other coasts that can’t afford to tour here often. So when this festival popped up, the internet lit up! I feel the lineup is equal parts street punk, pop punk, and ska. It will be amazing to see Bigwig, Slapshot, The Exploited again since it has been a hot minute. I think this festival will do well since the venues will cater to every kind of punk. I will also be covering this festival since it is in my backyard, which in Texas means a 2-hour drive.

Fun Fun Fun Fest: Austin, TX (Nov 6-8)

This has been my favorite local festival for many years now. This 10-year festival is uniquely Austin. These festival people love bands such as the Descendents, GWAR, and Fat Wreck bands, and reunions. And don’t forget tacos. I hope this is not the end of the road for this festival since the company has changed owners this past month. It is a great festival that is equal parts electronic, hip-hop, comedy, punk, metal, hardcore, and indie rock. Every year they do a recap video and I think it gives a good depiction of what good times to expect. Fingers crossed for another great year and lineup to come!

Other Honorable Mentions:

Since some of these festivals are overseas or have already happened, here is a quick list of festivals to hit up outside the U.S. Get those passports ready!

Punk Rock Holiday Tolmin, Slovenia (Aug.9-13th 2016)
Amnesia Rock Fest Montebello, Canada (June 23-26, 2016)
Rebellion Festival Blackpool, UK (Aug 4-7, 2016)
Groezrock Meerhout, Belgium (April 29-30 2016)
POUZZAFEST Montreal, Canada (May 20-22, 2016)

Get FESTING in 2016 and feel free to share local festivals within the comments. See you out there!