Philadelphia-area ska festival This Is Not Croydon Fest has announced the lineup for its 2023 installment, taking place on April 22nd at Broken Goblet Brewing in Bensalem, PA. The festival headlined by the legendary Fishbone will also feature newly reunited Florida ska-core veterans Against All Authority, The Slackers, and Catch 22, among others. Head over […]
Philadelphia-area ska festival This Is Not Croydon Fest has announced the lineup for its 2023 installment, taking place on April 22nd at Broken Goblet Brewing in Bensalem, PA. The festival headlined by the legendary Fishbone will also feature newly reunited Florida ska-core veterans Against All Authority, The Slackers, and Catch 22, among others.
Head over to This Is Not Croydon Fest’s website for additional details and tickets.
This is the second festival performance Against All Authority has announced since ending their 15 year hiatus. Last weekend the band made their return to the stage at The Fest in Gainesville, FL (check out some video from that show below).
British ska-punks Faintest Idea have announced their new album The Road to Sedition will be released on March 31st through TNS Records and Jump Start Records. Check out the first single “Nose Dive” below and pre-order the record here (US) or here (UK). The Road to Sedition will be the band’s first new album in […]
British ska-punks Faintest Idea have announced their new album The Road to Sedition will be released on March 31st through TNS Records and Jump Start Records. Check out the first single “Nose Dive” below and pre-order the record here (US) or here (UK).
The Road to Sedition will be the band’s first new album in 7 years, following 2016’s Increasing the Minimum Rage. The LP promises to deliver more of the “rage-fueled stomping infused with a good measure of bouncy ska” these guys are known for.
Faintest Idea will be touring the US for the first time ever this April with ska legends like The Slackers, The Pietasters and Fishbone. Peep the dates below while you’re listening that new track.
Tracklist:
The Machine Stops
Kill em Dead
False Prophets
Nose Dive
Mutually Assured Confusion
Hoods Up Heads Down
Not Coming Back
War to the Palaces
Scream Into the Void
Shell Shock
The End of “The End of History”
US Tour Dates:
Mon, Apr 17th – Atlanta, GA at The Masquerade Tue, Apr 18th – Charleston, SC at Tin Roof Alley Wed, Apr 19th – Charlotte, NC at Neighborhood Theatre Thu, Apr 20th – Blacksburg, VA at The Lyric w/The Pietasters Fri, Apr 21st – Baltimore, MD at Soundstage w/Fishbone Sat, Apr 22nd – Bensalem, PA at Broken Goblet Brewing/This Is Not Croydon Fest 4 Sun, Apr 23rd – Pittsburgh, PA at The Crafthouse
Ska legends Fishbone have signed to Fat Wreck imprint Bottles To The Ground, with plans to release a new EP later this year. It was produced by Fat Mike and features most of the band’s original lineup. The lead single “All We Have Is Now” is streaming now and is also included on the label’s […]
Ska legends Fishbone have signed to Fat Wreck imprint Bottles To The Ground, with plans to release a new EP later this year. It was produced by Fat Mike and features most of the band’s original lineup. The lead single “All We Have Is Now” is streaming now and is also included on the label’s brand new sampler compilation Bottle Music for Broken People, which you can get on vinyl here.
Check out the music video for “All We Have Is Now” below, alongside Fishbone’s upcoming tour dates. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more about their new EP. The band last released Intrinsically Intertwined in 2014.
Tour Dates:
3/17 – SXSW – Austin, TX 3/31 – Ramas Fest – Rincón, Puerto Rico * 4/21 – Baltimore Soundstage – Baltimore, MD (w/ The Slackers) * 4/22 – This is Not Croydon Ska Festival – Croydon, PA * 4/23 – Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY * 4/25 – Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA * 4/29 – Speaking Rock Casino – El Paso, TX * 5/6 – Levitt Pavilion – Denver, CO * 5/16 – South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe – Stateline, NV + 5/17 – South Shore Room at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe – Stateline, NV + 5/18 – Bluenote Summer Sessions – Napa, CA + 5/20 – Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium – Santa Cruz, CA + 5/21 – The Observatory North Park – San Diego, CA + 5/23 – Red Butte Garden Amphitheatre – Salt Lake City, UT + 5/24 – The Mission Ballroom – Denver, CO + 5/27 – Punk Rock Bowling Music Festival – Las Vegas, NV 5/28 – Punk Rock Bowling Music Festival – Las Vegas, NV 6/14 – Lillie Zenith – Lille, FR (with Sum 41) 6/15 – Hellfest – Clisson, FR 6/17 – Copenhell – Copenhagen, DK
* = headline show + = support for Les Claypool’s Flying Frog Brigade
Rejoice, fellow punkers…the opening of the Punk Rock Museum is nigh…almost! Since Dying Scene was still in hibernation when news of the Punk Rock Museum first really broke, let’s catch you up real quick. Located at 1422 Western Avenue in Las Vegas, the Punk Rock Museum will be a 12,000-square-foot ode to all things punk […]
Rejoice, fellow punkers…the opening of the Punk Rock Museum is nigh…almost!
Since Dying Scene was still in hibernation when news of the Punk Rock Museum first really broke, let’s catch you up real quick. Located at 1422 Western Avenue in Las Vegas, the Punk Rock Museum will be a 12,000-square-foot ode to all things punk rock. It was an idea initially concocted by Fat Mike and friends, and will eventually be home to nearly fifty years worth of memorabilia, a bar, a tattoo shop, a wedding chapel, a jam spot, and more.
The official opening date will be March 10, 2023. Starting a couple weeks later – April 1, to be exact – the Museum will be open for guided tours, as given by a who’s who of scene vets. The current list includes:
Sad news to kick off Christmas week. Terry Hall, the iconic vocalist of legendary, genre-defining 2-Tone ska band The Specials, has passed away after a brief illness. Hall was 63. If you’re only aware of Hall through his music, he had a pretty incredible life story, particularly his early years. Check out the bio the […]
Sad news to kick off Christmas week. Terry Hall, the iconic vocalist of legendary, genre-defining 2-Tone ska band The Specials, has passed away after a brief illness. Hall was 63. If you’re only aware of Hall through his music, he had a pretty incredible life story, particularly his early years. Check out the bio the BBC did here.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing, following a brief illness, of Terry, our beautiful friend, brother and one of the most brilliant singers, songwriters and lyricists this country has ever produced. (1/4) pic.twitter.com/qJHsI1oTwp
As you might imagine, love and respects have been pouring in from all corners of the music world.
We have to acknowledge one of the greats. One of the pioneers. One of the real ones. Fishbone sends @thespecials , their family, their fans (which we are part of) our love. Makes you appreciate and love every day we have together. Enjoy Yourself. It’s later than you think. pic.twitter.com/yZ8rX4Y373
Sad to receive the news of Terry Hall’s passing last night from Lynval Golding. Terry’s voice was the perfect instrument for the true and necessary songs on “The Specials”. That honesty is heard in so many of his songs in joy and sorrow. My condolences to his family and friends.
God damnit. Just heard the news about Terry Hall. What an absolute sadness. The Specials were one of the most important bands for me as a kid. Taught me many things I needed to know. Gutted. RIP.
The Specials were a celebration of how British culture was envigorated by Caribbean immigration but the onstage demenour of their lead singer was a reminder that they were in the serious business of challenging our perception of who we were in the late 1970s. RIP Terry Hall pic.twitter.com/PVwbXyXubq
“Ghost Town” might have been The Specials’ biggest commercial hit, but “A Message To You Rudy” was the first Specials’ song I ever heard, so let’s all check it out together and reminisce.
Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is the weekly* column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. Kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold […]
Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is the weekly* column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. Kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and break out those wallets, because it’s go time. Let’s get into it!
Check out the video edition of this week’s Record Radar, presented by our friends at Punk Rock Radar:
Epitaph Records is stealing the show this week, unleashing snazzy new color variants for like a dozen different records: Bad Religion being the primary beneficiary. Up first is this eye popping EU exclusive multicolor splatter pressing of No Control (limited to 500 copies). As I’m writing this, I’ve realized it’s already sold out… but just look at that shit, it’s beautiful! There’s a new yellow EU Indie variant as well; here’s one of the places you can get that.
Next up in this week’s BR represses is Against the Grain. This is another EU-only pressing, with 500 copies on clear w/ yellow and purple splatter colored vinyl available on Epitaph’s European merch store. There’s also a EU Indie variant for this one, on orange / black marble colored wax – get that here.
And finally we have All Ages, which has also been repressed on two new color variants. Europe gets 500 copies on “bone w/ red & black splatter” colored wax (get it here), while ‘Merica gets 1,000 copies on “buttercream” colored vinyl (get that one here).
More Epitaph stuff! I promise we’ll get to some other labels’ releases at some point on this week’s column. Two NOFX records with European exclusive pressings, the first of which is S&M Airlines. 500 copies of this one on “orange smoke” colored vinyl – get it here.
The other NOFX record getting a new color variant is (the very underrated in my opinion) Pump Up the Valuum. And, once again, this black & white split colored LP is limited to 500 copies, and is only available on Epitaph’s Kings Road EU store.
Alright, it’s almost over! Our last Epitaph release this week is Osker’s Idle Will Kill, back in print for the first time in a long time. There are three color variants – pink w/ black splatter (buy here), Smartpunk Exclusive(!) “hot pink & black smash” (buy here), and Banquet Records exclusive neon pink / black (buy here). And if you wanna save a few bucks, grab the plain ‘ol black LP on Amazon.
Let’s talk about some other things now, shall we? One of my favorite albums of 2023 is NOT’s Stop the World. If you missed out on the sold out first pressing of this record on purple vinyl, good news! It’s getting a second pressing on “ocean blue” colored vinyl (limited to 300 copies). Don’t sleep on this one, get it here (US), here (UK), or here (Japan). Must-have record for Descendents / ALL fans, and enjoyers of great pop-punk in general.
Six years after its initial release, third wave ska-punk veterans Spring Heeled Jack‘s latest album Sound Salvation gets its first-ever vinyl pressing. Asbestos Records doesn’t specify a color variant, but if Discogs is to be believed, this is limited to 500 copies on translucent record colored wax. Get it here. And on a related note, Spring Heeled Jack just released a new single! It’s great a cover of fellow New England ska vets Bim Skala Bim’s “Diggin’ a Hole”. Check it out:
Pridebowl‘s 1997 Where You Put Your Trust LP is back in print for the first time in 25 years! Spain’s La Agonía de Vivir is reissuing the record, with 100 copies on cyan blue colored vinyl and 200 copies on black wax. Our European readers can get both variants here / inhabitants of North America can save some money and get the black wax here.
Captain, We’re Sinking‘s debut album The Future Is Cancelled turns 10 this year so, naturally, a commemorative reissue is in order. 500 copies available on red / blue / yellow tri-color vinyl here. Two bonus tracks! The band will also be playing some full-album shows to celebrate the anniversary.
Look, it’s something other than a reissue! Ska legends Fishbone have announced their new self-titled EP, due out May 26th on Fat Wreck imprint Bottles To The Ground. It was produced by Fat Mike and features most of the band’s original lineup. Pre-order the 12″ EP here.
Well, that’s all, folks. Another Record Radar in the books. As always, thank you for tuning in. If there’s anything we missed (highly likely), or if you want to let everyone know about a new/upcoming vinyl release you’re excited about, leave us a comment below, or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll look into it. Enjoy your weekend, and don’t blow too much money on spinny discs (or do, I’m not your father). See ya next week!
Wanna catch up on all of our Record Radar posts? Click here and you’ll be taken to a page with all the past entries in the column. Magic!
Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is a weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. Kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold […]
Greetings, and welcome to the Dying Scene Record Radar. If it’s your first time here, thank you for joining us! This is a weekly column where we cover all things punk rock vinyl; new releases, reissues… you name it, we’ve probably got it. Kick off your shoes, pull up a chair, crack open a cold one, and break out those wallets, because it’s go time. Let’s get into it!
Earlier this week, your friends at Dying Scene hosted the exclusive premiere of a new song by North Carolina’s Wolves & Wolves & Wolves & Wolves. “Oh Catalonia” comes from the band’s upcoming album cursecursecurse, due out April 7th on A-F Records and Gunner Records. Check out the single below and pre-order the record here.
Belgian punks The Priceduifkes‘ new self-titled LP compiles 21 tracks from a bunch of previously released EPs and it actually flows pretty well as a full-length album. If you’ve never heard of these guys, this record is a perfect introduction to their high octane brand of pop-punk. Listen below and grab it on vinyl here (US) or here (EU).
Bottles To The Ground’s other release comes from The Meffs. The Essex, UK two piece’s new 10″ EP Broken Britain Pt. 2 was produced by Frank Turner. Check out the music video for one of the tracks below and grab the wax here (US) or here (UK exclusive variant).
Our friends at Dead Broke Rekerds have issued a second pressing of their Fifteen – The Choice of a New Generation reissue. There are 257 copies on black vinyl, and 100 of each color variant. Head over to their webstore to grab your copy of this East Bay punk classic.
Listen up, true believers! The Bouncing Souls‘ Anchors Aweigh turns 20 this year and to mark the occasion, it’s back in print on colored wax! 500 copies on “toxic green” colored wax, to be specific. Get it here.
The Vandals‘ Hollywood Potato Chip is getting a new pressing on blue/white haze colored vinyl. I’ve seen this available to pre-order pretty much everywhere, but Amazon‘s probably the cheapest option with free Prime shipping. Or if you’re really frugal and don’t give a shit about color variants, the black LP is also on sale for $16 on Amazon.
RECORD OF THE WEEK
It’s been a while since we featured a Record of the Week(!) on the Record Radar, but what better way to end the streak than with a killer new record from a Canadian pop-punk band? Hellaphant‘s debut LP Crumble and Rise caught me by surprise in the best way possible. Listen below and grab it on vinyl here (shipping to the US is very reasonably priced!). And don’t forget to tell ’em your pals at Dying Scene sent ya!
That’s all, folks. Another Record Radar in the books. As always, thank you for tuning in. If there’s anything we missed (highly likely), or if you want to let everyone know about a new/upcoming vinyl release you’re excited about, leave us a comment below, or send us a message on Facebook or Instagram, and we’ll look into it. Enjoy your weekend, and don’t blow too much money on spinny discs (or do, I’m not your father). See ya next week!
Wanna catch up on all of our Record Radar posts? Click here and you’ll be taken to a page with all the past entries in the column. Magic!
Chicago, IL saw the debut of another multi-genre music festival. The one-stage Cultivate Music Festival was at the same time, a celebration of Cannabis Culture. For festival organizers, vendors, musicians, and attendees, it was a good time. It was also a celebration of the fact that in the year 2023, citizens are able to use […]
Chicago, IL saw the debut of another multi-genre music festival. The one-stage Cultivate Music Festival was at the same time, a celebration of Cannabis Culture. For festival organizers, vendors, musicians, and attendees, it was a good time. It was also a celebration of the fact that in the year 2023, citizens are able to use cannabis not only medicinally but recreationally and in the open sans fear of prosecution. Of course, there was also some really good music and performances, including one of the more famous marijuana anthems in decades. Punk was just one of the genres, but those representative bands presented rollicking sets in an otherwise, yes, mellow weekend, including for those who don’t partake in cannabis themselves but agree its use should be legal.
Rewinding the festival from Sunday, August 27 to back to Friday, August 25:
Day 3
Fishbone had the crowd in hand. Angelo Moore led his bandmates through a non-stop set with his legendary facial expressions and dance moves. Strutting across the stage, kicking out his legs at times, other times playing the sax, Moore was electric.
As hyper as Moore was, John Norwood Fisher on bass and vocals was just as powerful in his stoicism while Walter Kibby aka Dirty Walt blasted away on his trumpet.
The trio, along with the rest of the band members, kept Fishbone sounding as fresh and as powerful as ever.
Afroman is not considered to be in the punk genre. However, watch the video to “Lemon Pound Cake,” the first song he performed at this fest, then look up the events that inspired Afroman to write the song. The man is punk AF.
Afroman, whose real name is Joseph Edgar Foreman, announced in December 2022, that he was running for President in 2024. I am not sure of the present status of his campaign but his judging from his abundantly fun set at this fest, I wouldn’t bet against him getting more than a few votes. Backed by DJ on The 1, Afroman led the crowd in a rousing rendition of his most famous tune. Many members of the crowd, those who partake holding up their various cannabis delivery implements, and those who don’t holding up their empty hands, sang loudly, when the title lyric came up.
Oh, and the set was especially a treat for Vee Sonnets of The Crombies, as Afroman borrowed his guitar to play during his set. Afroman shows you don’t have to be “Punk” to be punk.
The Crombies, one of the Chicago punk scene’s favorite hometown two-tone ska outfit, put on an exuberant performance. Lead singer Mike Park (note his Instagram and yes that is me in his most recent image, with long-time friends, including those in the band, and familiar-looking new acquaintances. Photo by Corinne Lydon) in his signature chilled out mode. Despite a recent very serious clavicle break earlier this year, guitar player Dave Simon spun around the stage, as bass player Kevin Lustrup pogoed in place.
Guitar player Vee Sonnets, drummer Matt Meuzelaar, and keyboardist Karl Gustafson provided powerful, if not flashy, work. They put the steady in rock steady. Gustafson sported a t-shirt emblazoned with words that perfectly sum up the spirit of the festival: “Everything Dope About America Comes From Chicago.” As a born and raised on Long Island transplant to the Windy City, I have slightly conflicted feelings about it. But I dig it and think much is true about it, sans pizza. (NY Slices for life!) Prodigious trombone player, Andrew Zelm added a dash of classic 2-tone ska flair at the far side of the stage. Though Zelm is not always on stage with the band, he has played trombone on every The Crombies recording.
Speaking of horns, Park, who started playing trumpet in the 4th grade, showed off his considerable skills on the instrument.
I never get tired of watching a Crombies set. I am not alone in that, by far.
Milwaukee’s Highball Holiday returned to Chicago and gave an energetic and affable performance. Paraphrasing the band’s lead singer, Shahanna McKinney Baldon, after spotting my cap with this site’s name emblazoned across it, she loudly alerted the crowd that “Dying Scene is in the house!” And we were, though the house was actually a parking lot on a steamy day. She also held up her phone throughout much of the set as she live-streamed the band’s performance.
Highball Holiday also dedicated its performance to Matt Norberg, a member of the band who died on July 18, 2023. David Wake of De La Buena joined the band on stage to make sure they could still perform in the absence of Norberg.
McKinney Baldon spoke of the struggles of mental illness, and had the crowd recite back to her, various crisis hotlines numbers. The national crisis hotline number is 988.
But the band members also celebrated all of their loved ones, and life in general with a delightful set.
Finally, McKinney Baldon made sure to point out sports teams in Milwaukee are better than those in Chicago, while simultaneously bemoaning that Wisconsin has not yet decriminalized cannabis use.
These highballers sure know how make every single day a holiday.
Day 2
Day 2 was an easy one for DS, as there was just one band on our “to cover” list. The Goddamn Gallows, with Mikey Classic, at the helm, put on a rambunctious set. Baby Genius, was a spark plug on both on drums and when he took the mic and the headed to the front of the stage. The hard-hitting ensemble, which also included Jayke Orvis and Bafunfa, tore through its performance. The Goddamn Gallows are currently on tour so check them out when they hit your town. It’ll be a favor you grant yourself.
Day 1
Lucky Boys Confusion, another Chicago group, gave a forceful performance as the day moved into evening. It was an enjoyable set and the popular band fit well on the bill.
Andy Frasco & the U.N. put on a set easily described as dynamic. Frasco, at the keys, gave a magnetic performance. This was even more so when he moved to the hot pavement of the crowd area sans shoes. Dancing joyfully, Frasco requested those in attendance to hold hands as they sang a rendition of the Jewish Folk song Hava Nagila. Naturally, the crowd enthusiastically complied. Hava Nagila is traditionally played at various celebrations, perhaps most notably weddings. Andy Frasco and the U.N. left little doubt it found this Friday a time for celebrating.
Mac Sabbath, the fast food-themed Black Sabbath parody band, may seem silly at first and indeed they elicited many a laugh. But underlying the goofiness of musicians dressed as demented and eerie versions of the mascots for a certain fast food behemoth, there is actually a more serious message. Vocalist Ronald Osbourne, guitar player Slayer MacCheeze; bass player Grimalice on bass, the Catburglar on drums, are sending a warning. The warning being how fun, corporate-created characters are actually devices used to manipulate children into unhealthy eating habits which may last a lifetime. Neither the fun nor the message lost on a certain heavy metal legend and loving “Papa” to a young girl name Pearl in 2018.
OTNES, out of Nashville, TN, kicked off the music at this fest in a solid way. Self-describedas gender-bending pop, OTNES aka Emily Blue, might not be considered punk. However, the pleasant performance was a great way to kick off the festival.
Please see more photos from Cultivate Music Festival. Thanks, and Cheers!
Hello, darlings! It’s the end of the year, and what a year it’s been in music. Some would say it’s been a bit overwhelming with all the releases, and we’ve only got so many hours in a day to listen, review, and bring you reading material. But as 2023 ends, I’ve put together a playlist […]
Hello, darlings! It’s the end of the year, and what a year it’s been in music. Some would say it’s been a bit overwhelming with all the releases, and we’ve only got so many hours in a day to listen, review, and bring you reading material. But as 2023 ends, I’ve put together a playlist with all the songs that sparked joy in my life in 2023 and a top five of everything from albums, EPs, and concerts. This list was supposed to be very straightforward this year, but I hadn’t looked at any album or EP release calendar because it went in another direction. I’ve always listened to pop-punk and indie. I had made a bet with myself last year that the only music I would listen to was from 2023, and yes, that was hard. Yes, I broke it a few times for good causes, like preparation for festivals or things like EMONITE.
But with that being said, I did find some albums that automatically hyped me up during 2023. Albums that I knew were gems and albums that helped shape my second half of 2023. So, here we go, my top five albums, EPs, and singles. Trust me, we aren’t sticking to one genre this time.
Our favorite Scranton band, The Menzingers, dropped their seventh album, Some Of It Was True, on the 13th of October, 2023. But unlike After The Party, we aren’t questioning where we go after our 20s; we are more concerned about what is happening in our 30s! I’ll admit, I’m only 31, and my 30s have just begun, but much like on the title track ‘Some of It Was True,’ I do reminisce about my youth and how I thought I knew everything back then, only to be surprised about how little I know. But Some Of It Was True is good because they keep their standards high and experiment with new sounds but add a bit more heartbreaking lyrics, as we can hear on ‘Come On Heartache’, ‘I Didn’t Miss You (Until You Were Gone)’, and ‘There’s No Place In The World For Me’, which I’ll be honest and say, I feel that our 30’s will be more about, in different ways. So, here’s to The Menzingers and their ability to write catchy songs.
Knuckle Puck has, since the beginning, been a band I’ve been fascinated by, but I forgot about them because they sometimes seemed stuck in their early sound and didn’t grow. But Losing What We Love was released and proved me wrong. From the first listen, this album became an instant favorite. The catchy lyrics to the potent and pop-punk riffs, Losing What We Love, show a different side to Knuckle Puck from their earlier material. And for 37 minutes, you’re highly entertained with the album.
I’ll admit that I’ve slept on Movements, and I’ve slept on Ruckus! It wasn’t until after a concert that my friend sheepishly suggested I dive into the album, and since that day, I haven’t been able to stop listening to RUCKUS! Movements decided to experiment with different sounds. It’s a fun listen.
Hardcore had a shining moment this year; hopefully, it won’t change next year. But this year, we saw Militarie Gun release their debut LP, and after three EPs, I was very excited about Life Under The Gun. It didn’t disappoint me, from the gruff vocals supplied by Ian Shelton to the punk guitars and rapid drumming on the songs. Even more remarkable, their concerts are brilliant, and the transition from album to live is something they’ve mastered, but again, Militarie Gun is a side project. Everyone in the band had a name prior, so it’s no surprise that Militarie Gun succeeds at everything they do.
Why Would I Watch is a rather obvious choice for my number 1 album of the year. And I was right. While my Spotify Wrapped would state that Taylor Swift is my most-heard artist, my YouTube music would beg to differ.
Why Would I Watch showcases the ability to take challenging topics and place Hot Mulligan at their most vulnerable point during the album. As we witness in “It’s A Family Movie She Hates Her Dad,” touching on the subject of a dysfunctional family dynamic, the loss of a much-beloved grandma, one that I related a lot to on “Smahccked My Head Awf.” A few months ago, I went on the radio in Denmark, and we had to bring along three songs with two friends, and we had to bring along three songs that inspired us to become music reviewers, or at least were a part of our journey. For my last piece, I picked “John “The Rock” Cena, Can You Smell What the Undertaker” because this song has been such a driving force throughout my battle with an eating disorder, body dysmorphia, and the loss of faith that I experienced when I lost my grandma at 14. But enough about why Hot Mulligan stole my heart. Why Would I Watch felt like this was the way ahead, and the album has zero songs you end up skipping because they are so well-produced.
NOTICEABLE RELEASES IN 2023
Lana Del Rey – Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean BlvdSincere Engineer- Cheap GrillsFree Throw – Lessons That We Swear To KeepEYES – CongratulationsFall Out Boy – So Much (For) StardustThe National – Laugh TrackFabled Mind – Project ParadiseBlondshell – BlondshellSufjan Stevens – JavelinBlink-182 – ONE MORE TIMETaking Back Sunday – 152Gumm – Slogan MachineKoyo – Would You Miss ItSpanish Love Songs – No JoyParamore – This Is Why
So, we covered the top albums. And that got a bit long, but let’s move on to EPs.
Let’s sit down for a minute and look into SAYP. They popped up on the scene in 2021, and in January of 2023, they probably made one of the best EPs and haven’t slowed down since.
“But Karina, this EP came out on the 22nd of December, and it’s taking the first place on the list?” YES. The different sounds throughout the EP mark an exciting return for the band, staying true to their pop-rock roots, with some indie mixed in. It makes for a great end-of-the-year EP. They spoiled us.
Let’s move on because this is already a long one. And if you’ve read all the through, I admire it and thank you. Next up is the top five singles from 2023.
I know, I’m cheating. It’s two singles, and gosh, how PUP spoiled us. Or maybe it’s just me. But as we all know, I like PUP, and I think the band is incredible. So, of course, when I saw that they released two songs, I did a little happy dance and listened. How To Live With Yourself is more potent, but Smoke Screen certainly has moments where we get transported back to PUP’s earlier days. So yes, PUP’s two singles get fifth place.
If you, dear reader, are like me and enjoyed the sound on ‘how will i rest in peace if i’m buried by a highway?//’ Then don’t worry because KennyHoopla released a single back in August that shares somewhat of the same sound. It’s terrific.
This song is a bloody banger and has excellent lyrics. For a breakup song, I hate myself for getting excited when I hear it. But it’s so upbeat and catchy. I’m so sorry to be BOP’ing in your pain, Neck Deep.
Okay, it was released a week ago. But if you’ve heard it, you would agree it’s one hell of a banger. Honestly, Pile of Love is an excellent band with a unique sound. EP was released a week after this was written.
It feels like we’ve highlighted all of the best of 2023. Or what I consider some of the best music of 2023! But what about concerts and festivals? We can’t pretend I sat at home knitting gloves all year. So, let’s move on to festivals and concerts of 2023.
Top five concerts/festivals
5.Militarie Gun, Loppen, DK. The 26th of November, 2023.
Let’s discuss this. If you’ve made it this far, we can all agree that I like Militarie Gun. There is no denying that Ian Shelton has a distinctive voice, but hearing it live, I can’t believe how much better it sounds and how well they play overall. Plus, the energy is impressive.
4. Copenhell, Copenhagen, DK. June 14th-17th, 2023.
Ah, one of my favorite festivals in Denmark. Copenhell has always been good at pleasing its audience, and this year was no different. From Brutus, Parkway Drive, Sleep Token, Fever 333 (who did the most epic stunt, I think it’s on Youtube), Fishbone(!!!!), to BlackGold, there was a good selection. Hands down, Brutus gave the best performance of any band there. I love Brutus.
3.Slam Dunk, Hatfield, UK. The 27th of May 2023.
One day, and a lineup that could make any festival a bit jealous. Slam Dunk was gracious enough to put The Menzingers, Spanish Love Songs, Bowling For Soup, Sincere Engineer, The Academy Is…, Boston Manor, well, basically the whole lineup at the same place, different times, but I got to see some of my favorite bands with some of my favorite people. It was a rather emotional experience, if I have to say anything.
2. blink-182, Royal Arena, DK. The 12th of September, 2023.
FINALLY, fucking finally. After two cancellations of shows in Denmark, it happened. The OG blink-182 came, conquered, and left me with post-concert blues (it’s a thing, okay?!). It was a wild ride, and sure, a generic setlist, BUT it was bangers only. My poor voice. 10/10 I will do it again. And still not review it.
1. Nasty Cut Fest, Copenhagen, DK. May 17th – 20th.
It’s not cheating if you had a festival that you’re personally involved in with a record label you’re personally involved with. This year, Nasty Cut Records put on their first three-day festival in Valby, which was very emotional. Andrew and I were both crying because there’s something about people coming from all over the world to support it. But seeing our friends, our biggest cheerleaders, and bands from Denmark, Croatia, Greece, the UK, and Germany come and knock it out of the park each day, I honestly don’t think I have words to describe it. And yes, it’s returning for another round in 2024.
Top five things I look forward to in 2024
Hmm, I think there are many different things for 2024 that I’m excited for. One of them is leaving in 2023 and just opening a new chapter – festivals and concerts to see if 2024 is as musically packed, but below, I’ve done anything top five.
5. Sleep.
I don’t even think we need to go into a long talk about how important it is to get seven hours of sleep instead of four hours of sleep.
4. COPENHELL
Motherfucking Limp Bizkit is playing. The Offspring are playing. Our favorite band from Boston, Dropkick Murphys, is playing. The lineup next year is 10/10. It’s so beautiful, and it’s at the end of June. Come and have fun with us.
3. Slam Dunk
Hi Slam Dunk, we are planning to return for another round. So, keep doing whatever you’re doing. I’ll be seeing you in May.
2. More time with the family
That’s it – no need to explain.
1. Nasty Cut Festival
We’re back for round two, and I don’t care if this is a shameless promotion. Pkew Pkew Pkew and Phantom Bay are playing!!!!
Well, if you have read it all, we have come to the end of the list. Here is a playlist of songs that have impressed me this year.
Co-written by Raymond Burton Estes On 17 July 2024, punk rock supergroup OFF! screened the world premiere of their psychedelic, punk rock sci-fi film Free LSD at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre. Unlike their sold-out show at Lincoln Hall on 18 July 2024, there were only about 85 attendees in the cinema’s largest room which seats […]
On 17 July 2024, punk rock supergroup OFF! screened the world premiere of their psychedelic, punk rock sci-fi film Free LSD at Chicago’s Music Box Theatre. Unlike their sold-out show at Lincoln Hall on 18 July 2024, there were only about 85 attendees in the cinema’s largest room which seats 750. It’s unclear why so few showed up for the movie’s opening night, but they clearly missed out! Much like the band’s existence, the film developed into a trippy, chaotic explosive climax!
David B Anthony, Fulbright, Debo, Coats, and Morris at the premiere of OFF!’s FREE LSD.
The film’s website explains that Keith Morris takes an experimental drug to remedy his erectile dysfunction to satisfy a younger woman, which opened the gate to a parallel universe in which he’s the singer for Off! and the target of an AI species dead set on preventing the band from recording a new album. Oh, and in addition to breaking boundaries with a new record, Off! are responsible for awakening human consciousness and saving the world!
“We had so many roadblocks and hurdles it was like there were points in time where we can’t do this.”
-Morris talks about making the film.
The film is a cinematic reimagining of the band’s formation and importance to the music community but it’s also a coming-of-age tale of four grown men – Keith Morris (vocals), Dimitri Coats (guitar), Autry Fulbright II (bass), and DH Peligro (drums) – escaping the doldrums and disappointments of their lives to achieve their full potential and save the world through the help of the Boner Doctor (David Yow of The Jesus Lizard) and his “antidote” (aka LSD). Like Clerks (1994) meets Altered States(1980) meets Repo Man(1984), this film is sure to become a “midnight movie” cult classic.
“It turned into a real deal midnight movie” – Coats
After the film, there was a short question and answer session led by local freelance writer David B. Anthony in which Morris, Coats, Fulbright, and actor Chelsea Debo (who plays Keith’s love interest, Cici) shared insights and anecdotes about the making of the film.
“Can you give the background of the film? When the did the idea spark and what of the initial premise is what we just saw on the screen tonight?”
-David B Anthony leading the Q&A.
Coats explained that the film was born out of the dissolution of Off!’s original lineup and previous film-making effort and that they made it because they were determined to do it and Morris declared that “we have to make the movie.”
“When I read a special script, I was like I have to do this movie and how can I make this happen, it’s just not my kind of music but I remember pulling every string to make it happen.”
-Debo expressing her interest in the role of Cici.
Morris explained that they overcame roadblocks and hurdles, including band lineup changes and financial woes, to make this film because they were “reaching for something…and each time we recorded an album, we set a bar for ourselves… and finally we set a bar we that probably won’t ever get to again but…we had to reach even higher to make the movie. And, for me, it’s like my proudest moment.” Fulbright added, “my only prerequisite was that I would get shot in the movie.”
Off! drummer at the time, Justin Brown, was unable to appear in the film due to other commitments, so longtime friend Peligro stepped in to complete their mission. The film is dedicated to their longtime friend and cast member, Peligro, who endured chemotherapy for lung cancer during the shooting of the film and later died in 2022 due to head trauma.
“My only prerequisite was that I would get shot in the movie.”
-Fulbright
Coats, the director, credits the team of veteran filmmakers, actors, and musicians with making it possible. And, “in all honesty, Christopher Raymond‘s beautiful cinematography coupled with Paul Buhl‘s and Jonathan P. Shaw‘s editing, makes the film actually worth viewing and spending time with” Coats states. It’s also worth noting that Coats’ directing shows he has a promising future in film, should he decide to continue down this path. The movie has a slow start but picks up and mixes scripted narrative and music performance to showcase the band and their potential to save all of us.
“I promise we will make the movie even if we have to shoot it on an iPhone”.
