Located in the Chicago ‘burb of Villa Park. Punk Rock Tacos provides a place for music. They expand themselves to friend venues at the core of the Chicago punk scene. After 2 years of putting on shows it became a record label. A website featuring all of the bands will be launching soon. On the […]
Mulva with Max the punk rock dog
Located in the Chicago ‘burb of Villa Park. Punk Rock Tacos provides a place for music. They expand themselves to friend venues at the core of the Chicago punk scene. After 2 years of putting on shows it became a record label. A website featuring all of the bands will be launching soon. On the site, each band has its own Big Cartel store where the band handles their own orders and money. “In these times, we need to fall somewhere between LABEL-DIY. It’s still nice to group up and have organization, but we are not a label that owns everyone’s music.” They continue to book top local and touring talent. Overall, a memorable experience was had with the bands and crowd. A great old-school punk show vibe. Very pleasant, courteous, and friendly staff, great food. Very accommodating and I highly suggest seeing shows at this venue.
The day at Punk Rock Tacos 33 kicked off with Surf Candy from the Chicago sub-burbs. Surf Candy is a three-piece Noisy Hard Rock band bringing a taste of Grunge and noise rock. Ian Young (guitar/vocals), Seb Schlau (bass) and Andy Hartmanowski (drums) brought a great sense of energy and played most of the songs off their debut E.P. Surf Candy. Check out more photos below!
Next up was the band Mulva from Milwaukee/Chicago. The band consists of Mike Muse (vocals/guitar), Justin Schenck (bass/vocals) and Jeff Coyl (drums). All veterans of the Midwest scene with punk pedigrees. They bring a strong sense of catchy hook-laden energy and humor to their live show. Their set consisted of songs off their E.P.s I Cant Wake Up/ The Prequel Trilogy. Check out more photos below!”
The tempo changed for the day whenOf Wolves hit the stage with their blend of crusty punk, sludge, post-hardcore & gritty stoner doom. Steve Wolves (guitar/vocals), Ivan Wolves (bass/backing vocals) and Tom Wolves (drums/backing vocals) brought some thunder that day. Songs from their album Balance and a few others turned the volume to 11 and let it rip. Check out more photos below!
x.Oracles.x with their blend of Chicago-style Punk Rock/Blues brought a great vibe to the day. Members Ms. Lynch (vocals), Bonezz (drums), The Sausage King of Chicago (bass) and Rev. Dracula (guitar/vocals) played a great set with a definite nod towards First Wave New York punk/New Wave stripped down to the blues. Fresh off their new release on Punk Rock Tacos RecordsGitcha, Gitcha and an incredible cover of “Psycho Killer” they made more than a few new fans that day. Check out more photos below!
From the Western Burbs, Radar Waves‘ Charlie Thornton (guitar/vocals), Rob Wash (bass/vocals), and Mikey Cervenka (drums) had a fun and upbeat set of Trash Rock with a wide variety of influences on display coming together to create a unique energy filled set filled with songs from their various releases including the latest “Everybody’s Bitchin'”.
Chicago Punk Rock veterans Squared Off brought a solid lineup of classic punk rock with an old-school working man’s vibe. Tony (guitars/vocals), Hoser (guitar/vocals), Nomi (bass/vocals) and Fabian (drums) ran through a set of new and familiar songs from their deep catalog. Their cover of “Safety Dance” was on point with a lot of crowd participation. Always a fun band to see.
Downhill Runner took the stage just as the sun was setting for the day and it was perfect timing for the Three-piece Punk/Alternative band on Punk Rock Tacos Records. Brian Matejk (drums), Jim Burchinal (guitar) and Daniel Fredrick played a great set of songs from their album Rebel Radio.
Next up was The Turdles from Elgin, Il. Josh Holbrook (vocals), Dave Cherek (bass), Dan Cuchiara (guitar), Brian Stream (drums) came on and rocked the stage with songs from their releases Just Another Turd In The Toilet (2023) and Party Pooper (2022). With their infectious dirty Punk/Boogie they brought they got the crowd moving. I look forward to seeing them again.
Closing out the night was Nahuales Underground a five-piece band that brought it with their brand of rock, punk, metal with their songs that are about social revolution, love and political ideas. Loco Dub (vocals/guitar), Ish Echeverria (bass), Chente Echeverria (lead guitar/vocals), Javi Pantoja (percussionist) and Memo Hernandez (drums) played an excellent infused set that had the crowd dancing along.
Head below to check out slideshows from each of the bands on the fun and eclectic lineup!
A week ago Friday, beloved Boston punks Rebuilder finally held the very-long-awaited record release show at Cambridge, MA’s Sinclair for their latest full-length, Local Support. If you read our recent chat with Rebuilder co-frontman (and Local Support‘s primary architect) Sal Ellington, you’re no doubt aware of the trials and tribulations that went into the drawn-out […]
A week ago Friday, beloved Boston punks Rebuilder finally held the very-long-awaited record release show at Cambridge, MA’s Sinclair for their latest full-length, Local Support. If you read our recent chat with Rebuilder co-frontman (and Local Support‘s primary architect) Sal Ellington, you’re no doubt aware of the trials and tribulations that went into the drawn-out making of the album. All of that added up to not just the successful release of a wonderful album, but an extraordinary evening of revelry and celebration that truly exemplified the idea of “local support” in the best ways possible.
The evening was kicked off by a tremendous four-piece known as Trash Rabbit. If you’re not familiar with Trash Rabbit…well, you’re like I was until a couple of days before the show when I decided to familiarize myself with them. The results were tremendous. The original Trash Rabbit trio (Mena Lemos on vocals and guitar, Nick Adams on bass and Gibran Mobarak on drums) have been playing together since their formative years and took their talents to the vaunted Berklee College of Music, adding Gia Flores on guitar to fill out the sound. The sound is up-tempo garage rock, a sort of post-emo cacophony of hooks upon hooks upon hooks. The crowd were infinitely more familiar with Trash Rabbit than I was and were at the ready with their dancing shoes afoot. Adams and Mobarak switched places for set closer “Scuba Queen,” a delightfully weird and interactive singalong.
Speaking of bands who have been together since their formative years, I feel like beloved Boston punk quartet Choke Up have been playing together since they were diapers. They don’t play in Boston – or many other places – much nowadays because life happens; Sam put out pretty great solo record and Harley moved to NYC and plays in a fun band called Sadlands and James plays in like 87 other bands including the super rad Cape Crush for example. And so it’s always a celebration when they do get together and especially when they play on the big stage at Sinclair. Songs like “Blue Moon” will never not turn into glorious, drunken, sweaty-arm-in-sweaty-arm singalongs.
Thanks to the high-energy table-setters on the bill, the mostly-full crowd at the 525-capacity Sinclair was sufficiently warmed up by the time Rebuilder graced the stage. In keeping with the album-release theme, the band took the stage in matching lemon-print Hawaiian-style shirts and in a formation that I don’t think I’d previously seen despite this being my 19th Rebuilder show to date. Choke Up’s Harley Cox did double duty, manning the drum kit for the set’s first couple of songs while normal Rebuilder drummer Brandon Phillips joined co-frontmen Ellington and Craig Stanton in a three-guitar attack, alongside stalwart Daniel Carswell on bass and frequent Rebuilderer Pat Hanlin on keys.
After a few songs as a six-piece, Cox departed and Phillips assumed his throw behind the kit as the band tore through a set that, as you might imagine, leaned heavily on the new material. Because the album was released on time a few weeks prior to the show (thanks Iodine Recordings!) a solid number of showgoers were already singing along to tracks like “Hold On” and “Wedding Day” and “Another Round.” For album closer – and set closer – “Disco Loadout,” Ellington left his guitar to the side and assumed full-on frontman role as the band were joined by a pedal steel player and not-one-but-two horn players to fill out the sound (and/or turn them into the world’s first ska/Americana (would that be Ameriskana or skamericana?) pop-punk band.
And thus it was time for the evening’s headliners, although No Trigger frontman Tom Rheault joked that since the evening was Rebuilder’s record release show, there was essentially no pressure on the antifascist sextet from straight outta the Worcester Hills. Everyone’s favorite discount Strike Anywhere blazed through a super fun set that included crowd-favorites old and new like “No Tattoos” and “Too High To Die” and “Dogs On Acid” and, of course, “Anti Fantasy.” Rheault programmed the digital backdrop to include a mix of No Trigger artwork and logos and scenes from all your favorite sociopolitical documentaries, like “Dumb and Dumber” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret Of The Ooze”.
Head below to check out slideshows from each of the evening’s bands! And Jeff Bridges pooping!
The Burlington Bar welcomed Nox Novacula and two Chicago bands, Black Cross Hotel and The Feral Ghosts, for a night of death rock, industrial, and darkwave bliss. Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Nox Novacula brought their death rock style to the Windy City. This Pacific Northwestern gothic rock-n-roll band consists of vocalist Charlotte Blythe, bassist and […]
The Burlington Bar welcomed Nox Novacula and two Chicago bands, Black Cross Hotel and The Feral Ghosts, for a night of death rock, industrial, and darkwave bliss.
Hailing from Seattle, Washington, Nox Novacula brought their death rock style to the Windy City. This Pacific Northwestern gothic rock-n-roll band consists of vocalist Charlotte Blythe, bassist and keyboardist Dav Tafoya, guitarist Zu Leika, and drummer Ezra Bolotin. Check them out here.
Black Cross Hotel is a Chicago-based 80’s horror inspired post-punk industrial band featuring vocalist Dee DeEmme, guitarist Marcus Eliopulos, bassist Sanford Parker, drummer Mike Miczek, and keyboardist Andrew Ragin. Check them out here.
Also from Chicago, The Feral Ghosts is a dark post-punk psychedelic band. This dynamic trio consists of guitarist Alex, vocalist/bassist Annu, and drummer Lucy Boots. Check them out here.
All-American Rejects and New Found Glory brought the ‘Wet Hot All-American Summer’ Tour through Boston on a Friday night. The Get Up Kids and The Starting Line helped to start the party. Having the legendary band The Get Up Kids rounded out this show so perfectly. What an experience to hear the room sing along […]
All-American Rejects and New Found Glory brought the ‘Wet Hot All-American Summer’ Tour through Boston on a Friday night. The Get Up Kids and The Starting Line helped to start the party.
Having the legendary band The Get Up Kids rounded out this show so perfectly. What an experience to hear the room sing along to ‘Mass Pike’ in Massachusetts.
The Starting Line brought the energy up next on this bill. Kicking out fast pop-punk songs that had the crowd singing so loud that lead singer and bassist, Kenny, found himself asking the crowd “Where have you guys been the entire tour?”
It’s scientifically impossible for New Found Glory to play a bad show. These guys are always a blast and sound tight. This set was no exception.
Finally, the All-American Rejects came out Swing, Swing, Swing-in’ playing hit after hit with the crowd at full attention. Frontman Tyson Ritter even hopped off the stage to come hang with the front row and serenade fans hand in hand.
Check out our full gallery of this stacked 4-band bill below:
Punk and Folk Legend Jon Langford Calls Bingo at the Hideout in Chicago. On August 9, 2023, punk and folk music legend Jon Langford (Mekons, The Three Johns, Waco Brothers) demonstrated his unique stage banter calling out Veggie Bingo at the Hideout in Chicago. Jon was joined by fellow bingo caller, Martin Billheimer (The Devil Bell Hippies), who often joins Jon […]
Punk and Folk Legend Jon Langford Calls Bingo at the Hideout in Chicago.
On August 9, 2023, punk and folk music legend Jon Langford (Mekons, The Three Johns, Waco Brothers) demonstrated his unique stage banter calling out Veggie Bingo at the Hideout in Chicago. Jon was joined by fellow bingo caller, Martin Billheimer (The Devil Bell Hippies), who often joins Jon on stage as fellow musician. Jon and Martin led the large crowd through politically charged and equally humorous rounds of bingo. Known for their working-class songs and support for community, Jon and Martin led the event to raise proceeds in support of Chicago Community Gardens. Bingo winners received prizes ranging from a head of greens to a bouquet of flowers, a pepper to jar of salsa, a huge jar of pickles, coffee, and books. It was great mid-week fun at the Hideout!
After more than 20 years, The Kilowatt in San Francisco’s Mission District has started hosting shows again, and even better, many of them are free. This August night (which was cold and foggy like most summer days in the city) we got a full line-up of local punk bands and a solid crowd. The Bay […]
After more than 20 years, The Kilowatt in San Francisco’s Mission District has started hosting shows again, and even better, many of them are free. This August night (which was cold and foggy like most summer days in the city) we got a full line-up of local punk bands and a solid crowd.
The Bay Area has a long tradition of parody bands, and just plain silly punk bands. Blobby, KaBoom & The Least Friends follows this tradition with lead singer Nettie Kaboom appearing here with a spectacular wig that went flying halfway through their set, Fun, fast pop-punk.
Class of ’77 are a fairly new group of Bay Area punk veterans. Formed as a tribute to the sound of 1977 they plan to have original music available on their web site.
The Creepy Crawlies formed in 2020 but recently went through some lineup changes, adding Flexx Bronco’s drummer Thor Dsr and new bass player Zoran. They’ve also been getting attention in the Bay Area scene, drawing bigger crowds and playing bigger venues. They plan to record in the fall.
Closing out one great show were Oakland’s The Rinds who have been putting out solid garage punk for 12 years. Their 4th LP Everything Dimed! is soon come out on Sacramento’s Outloud Records
Check out our moody black & white photos of the whole show below:
Blobby, Kaboom and the Least Friends at The Kilowatt, 8/11/23
Blobby, Kaboom and the Least Friends at The Kilowatt, 8/11/23
Blobby, Kaboom and the Least Friends at The Kilowatt, 8/11/23
Blobby, Kaboom and the Least Friends at The Kilowatt, 8/11/23
Blobby, Kaboom and the Least Friends at The Kilowatt, 8/11/23
Blobby, Kaboom and the Least Friends at The Kilowatt, 8/11/23
Blobby, Kaboom and the Least Friends at The Kilowatt, 8/11/23
Blobby, Kaboom and the Least Friends at The Kilowatt, 8/11/23
Blobby, Kaboom and the Least Friends at The Kilowatt, 8/11/23
Blobby, Kaboom and the Least Friends at The Kilowatt, 8/11/23
Blobby, Kaboom and the Least Friends at The Kilowatt, 8/11/23
Blobby, Kaboom and the Least Friends at The Kilowatt, 8/11/23
And we are still working on our Brakrock coverage! Today we will focus on day 2 and wrap it up nicely. A person requested that I added the timetable. And I am here to please the masses. So here, dear readers. Compared to the day before, the weather wasn’t on our side, but it didn’t […]
And we are still working on our Brakrock coverage! Today we will focus on day 2 and wrap it up nicely. A person requested that I added the timetable. And I am here to please the masses. So here, dear readers.
Compared to the day before, the weather wasn’t on our side, but it didn’t hold us back from living our best lives. It’s rise and shine, honey – because if you thought Friday had me running around like crazy. Saturday, I hit my cardio goal for the week. Let’s get this ball rolling because it’s going to be a long one. And if you read everything, I’ll send you a virtual cookie.
From Germany with love. Straightline took Woodstage to give us a taste of some fine skatepunk. For a rainy day – Straightline certainly did brighten up a rather gloomy day. It should go without saying that, once again, the sound technicians didn’t drop the ball, and the sound was terrific. “This next song is about fucking racists, fucking sexists, fucking homophobe dickheads. You are the true virus. This song is called “Virus”, let’s go.” Bart yelled in the microphone before he started throwing himself around stage. The band certainly does have the energy for festivals and the crowd was dancing along in the rain. I’m impressed that Bart could run on the spot through the duration of the set. Big band energy and we love it.
The Venomous Pinks are a well-rehearsed, three-piece from Arizona. And why am I introducing them? Well, sometimes awesome bands deserve to be reintroduced. And that’s my honest opinion on The Venomous Pinks. They are passionate; they are sincere, and firecrackers with some good messages in their music. That was certainly how I felt when Drea Doll mid-song told us to stand up for our beliefs and hold on to what our hearts want. After countless of tour dates, the fact that Drea’s hoarse scream hasn’t had her drinking nothing but tea, leaves me even more impressed. And Gaby rocking out on stage was amazing to see and vibe too. Did we mention that Linh Le from Bad Cop/ Bad Cop joined on stage? She’s the best hype person ever. I’m calling her if I ever need to be hyped up for anything.
Do you like ska? No? Okay, you should skip this part. Some people say that ska is silly music. And it’s not; it’s gold. After The Venomous Pinks, we were off to see Voodoo Glow Skulls – because why not? They are a brilliant band, fun, and there are masks. I’m in. But joking aside. Voodoo Glow Skulls bringing fast-paced ska to Woodstage, and, shit, can we talk about the performance? They are a highly energetic ska band, not only Efrem Schulz. No, the rest of the band can dish out as well. And honestly, I was picking up what they were putting down.
And the crowd was not standing still one bit either. Screw the rain; let’s get down and dirty to some ska. Ah, that concert is forever printed in my head. They did excellent and played all the bangers. I want to go back.
Authority Zero has gone from strength to strength over the past many years, they have evolved for the better, and they showed that very well on Saturday at Brakrock. And the crowd agrees with me on that. Chris Dalley, a rapid drumming machine, Jason DeVore’s vocal strength and connection to the crowd is remarkable. Mike and Brandon continue to show that performing live looks like the most straightforward job in the world. As it was actually my first time watching Authority Zero live and in action, I decided to stop taking pictures after a few songs and go dance with my friends. And from the crowd and from the stage, I was blown away and couldn’t stop dancing. Sometimes I might have forgotten I was carrying my camera, but I was feeling it. And there was a badass guitar solo. I’m done here.
Are you ready for it? Because I wasn’t. I’ll get my fangirling over Bad Cop / Bad Cop out of the way right here. But I hope to speak for many when I say that they are an inspiration, and as a woman, I look up to them for obvious and personal reasons. So I was happy to see them on the poster for this year’s edition of Brakrock.
So, that was that moment. Let’s continue to the fact of why you’re reading this.
They have a new member! Let’s welcome Alex! And she’s full of talent, and her spark is fantastic. Linh Le is still very hype as she was a few hours ago, and her vibe gets the crowd going. Stacey sounds fantastic, and Myra knows how to work the drums without overthinking. Her flow is insane.
They played their newest single, “Shattered”, and I loved it. They highlighted those old white farts wanting to take away women’s reproduction rights. And as I usually say, No uterus, shut the fuck up. Maybe that’s why I love Bad Cop / Bad Cop as much as I do.
Ups forgot to take photos – but it was pissing down at this point, and something something played a few rounds of snaps. Let’s move on to Frank. Upfront, I am not the biggest Frank Turner fan. Actually, he is what I would say… If he is being played around me, I don’t care. And for that, I must say I am in the wrong.
But holy shit, I think I became a Frank Turner fan that night. He is fantastic and really put on an incredible show. I forgot it was wet and muddy. The company, Frank Turner, and beers were everything that night. And why are his songs so catchy? I really want to know. Oh well, Frank, until October, I’m certainly coming and dancing along again. Here’s a short review of how you gained another fan.
Before we wrap up, I want to thank Brakrock for the fantastic festival, the volunteers, the sound technicians, the light technicians, the bands, and the people serving me food and alcohol for a great first time at Brakrock. We will return next year to do the same and praise your hard work and dedication to the scene. To my friends, thanks for your patience. And Dying Scene and Public Serpents, thanks.
In the meantime, dear friends – please enjoy some behind-the-scenes pictures!
Hi babes! I’m finally over my festival blues and ready to bring you my second highlight of the year. Or third? It could be fourth or fifth. I’ve lost track, and who cares anymore. As many of you have noticed from my Instagram and our Dying Scene’s Instagram, I’ve been in Belgium to visit the […]
Hi babes! I’m finally over my festival blues and ready to bring you my second highlight of the year. Or third? It could be fourth or fifth. I’ve lost track, and who cares anymore. As many of you have noticed from my Instagram and our Dying Scene’s Instagram, I’ve been in Belgium to visit the highly recommended festival, Brakrock. The festival took place on August 4th and ended the following day. Yes, a totally sad face from my side. But you know, sometimes we must go home and regroup for next year’s festival season.
Anywho, let’s get on with it. Because Day 1 is already going to be longer than… Something. My brain didn’t survive Brakrock. So how was it? What happened? Did it blow my mind? All these questions will be answered. But first, here’s a sweet picture of our wine and water—something you’ll need to get through this post.
So, Brakrock! That happened, and we started with me getting a few bracelets. Fine, fine. I entered a different entrance and hit right when Public Serpents did soundcheck. I had to race to my friends because I had our locker combo, and I had to return for Public Serpents to go on stage. But FIRST, let’s do a Brakrock 101.
At Brakrock, you don’t pay with a card – Actually, that’s a lie – you can pay with a card or cash for merch. But if you want wine or beer or food. That’s tokens, my friends. 10 tokens cost you about 30 euros. Yup. But it’s whatever. It works? I was actually not convinced until I tried it myself. If you want a locker – please, reserve it prior to the festival. It sucks waiting 20 minutes in line to scan a bloody QR-code. Or actually, Brakrock, make sure there’s maybe three screens for the lockers? Idea. Beer or Wine? Wine. Always wine. Belgium beer is amazing, but it does fill you up fast. Switch things up. But honestly Brakrock, I actually missed my cider.
But everything else worked. Clean toilets, barely any queue for drinks and food. Nice people. There were three stages; Riverstage, Ruinstage and Woodstage. They weren’t more than three minutes apart, so you can tell it was actually a nice and intimate compared to many of the other festivals I’ve covered this summer. I loved it. I could find my friends, easily. I could find merch and there were bars at every stage. What more could a girl ask for?!
So let’s get to my job. Which is reviewing bands and hopefully not pissing anyone off with this review. Oh and due to miscommunication, we actually didn’t know we were press until we were there and therefore all pictures and videos from day 1, are from my telephone.
I will be honest; I love ska. I do. And I like Public Serpents; they are the fine mix between ska, and there’s some screaming, some hardcore in there. You know what? I suggest you get your asses out to a show if they are around you. They started us off with ‘Hated by a Nation’ – probably one of the most popular songs that helped put them on the map. People were getting ready to mosh, and the crowd gathered fine around my friends and meme. It’s important to state here; Public Serpents are far from unknown here in Europe. And the name that they’ve worked incredibly hard for has only benefited them. I saw young people bring beach floats to the show to throw around and start a wild mosh pit where I needed to excuse myself. I wasn’t prepared for that at all. But damn, that show was one of the best I’ve seen that day. They would have had me going immediately if I hadn’t been in the mood to dance before their set. Another thing, their set went by in a flash of the eye. I was surprised how well everyone in the band was to interact with the audience and keep the mood high. I’m excited to see them again.
After a show like Public Serpents that has the adrenaline rushing, it’s time for some nice, slow third-wave ska and chill. That’s right; it’s time for me to experience The Slackers for the first time. I fell in love with their album, and I had heard their previous material in passing, but not where I could tell you the name of many of the golden oldies they played. I will say they played the songs that I know and hold dear. “Shameboy”, “Wasted Days”, and “Married Girl,” and they did a cover of Misfits’ “Attitude,” and that was even better than Misfits’ own version. Yeah, I said it; it was awesome! Words can’t describe how much I’ve fallen in love with The Slackers after this. They were even the best-dressed band the entire weekend. I could have spent another hour listening to them. They sounded outstanding and respect to the audience for feeling the music as much as the rest of us.
Ah, yes. I forgot about this clash, and honestly, that was my first annoyance (we will get to the rest). I had never seen either band live. I have been a fan of The Dickies since childhood, so this felt obvious. But I wanted to check out the hype about Wonk Unit to see if they were all talk or the fact that they deliver. So, fair is fair sometimes; you decide to leave halfway through a set to see the end of the other band’s set. I’ll start with Wonk Unit because they were the first of the two bands we decided to see.
Wonk Unit
Wonk Unit is punk. It’s unique and super underrated. It reminds me… Of some 90s punk but updated, the whole band is just firecrackers. I had a considerable part, and so did my friends. I lost Annette; she entered the crowd while Bjarke (from The 20 Belows) hung out on the side and took it in. They don’t care if you know the songs or if you do know each lyric in the music. They want you to dance, and dance was something we did! Shit, everyone should book them.
The Dickies
The Dickies! Dream comes true to the smallest ones of us. Okay, I’m pretty tall, but still! I fangirled throughout the last fifteen minutes of their show. And when we arrived, who would happen to come and join The Dickies on stage? None other than one of my favorite bassists, Randy Bradbury from Pennywise. I was full after that show. I felt I had seen everything, yet I wanted more of The Dickies. Call me greedy. It was fun, and the sound was good. I was standing nicely on the grandstand. The view was good, and probably one of my new favorite spots for Riverstage. It worked out well. Let’s get The Dickies back for next year?
They might have a tough name, but Satanic Surfers are still to date some of the sweetest guys I’ve met on my journey as a music reviewer. This is my second time seeing them, which blew me away. Now, the setlist was full of the bangers “The Usurper”, “… And the Cheese Fell Down”, “Don’t Skate on My Ramp”, and my all-time favorite song, which they aced and closed their concert off with “Head Under Water”. Rico still goes hard on the drums, and Andy steals the show as usual with his outgoing personality on bass. Max and Magnus throwing themselves around on stage. But the sound, compared to the last time I saw them was much more rehearsed, much more intact, and they delivered. I had my own party on the side.
Are we going to pretend for a minute that I would skip Good Riddance? Not today, Satan. Apart from the annoying smoke machine, I have little to contribute to their show. Russ was feeling the crowd, and the crowd was feeling the energy that Russ was delivering and the rest of the band. Mosh pits found their way to the front, and I witnessed a few crowd surfers. Honestly, Good Riddance has been around longer than I’ve been on this planet. And last year, when I saw them in Copenhagen, they had an off day. But on Riverstage, it was the complete opposite. They had room to move; they had room to perform. This has to go down as one of the best concerts from Brakrock’s day 1.
… I got stuck in the mosh pit and experienced my first human sandwich in the worst possible way ever. One from the back and one from the front at the same time. But it was AWESOME. It’s not exactly how I imagined my first Cigar concert but damn. Can we talk about how fantastic Cigar is? It’s flawless. They started with an oldie from the album they released back in 1999. And I set the playlist up in perfect order. In between the old stuff, they played “We Used To”, “Classic You” (one that I’ve always said is a stand-out on the album), “Legacy of the 7 Piles”, and “Gone Wrong” from the new album. Rami has terrific vocals, and they are equally impressive live. Jon Sortland made me tired watching his powerful drumming; I’m terrified of him.
It’s been eight months since I last saw Pennywise. It’s been eight months since the venue in Copenhagen killed my first time seeing Pennywise. I still haven’t forgiven the venue. BUT how can you stay mad at a band that helped shape you? Or, in fact, a band that has such a massive impact on your own kid’s life? You can’t.
As it is Pennywise, and everyone was there, you couldn’t not expect some minor appearances from different bands. We got some NOFX covers from Pennywise and Russ from Good Riddance to sing a Minor Threat cover; we had Steve Caballero from Urethane on guitar during “Bro Hymn”. And Brakrock also had a pleasant taste of Dying Scene’s very own favorite ginger, ME, on stage for Bro Hymn. We had kids singing and showing us why Pennywise are where they are. Randy Bradbury, on bass, was on fire once again. I have yet to witness a better bass game from anyone but Randy, which is why he is my favorite bassist. Fletcher and his unforgiving humor got the already rowdy crowd going.
I didn’t care about anything else. I was taken aback because I had been waiting for this in January. I got to experience it and became an even bigger Pennywise fan. #sorrynotsorryfriends
They delivered an incredible show and continue to amaze after decades on the scene. People commented that this may have been the best Pennywise show they’ve seen post-covid. So, I am not alone. Pennywise, we love ya.
Hey Diesel Boy, I know I’ve reviewed your new album, interviewed you, and now I’m reviewing half your gig for the first time. I’m counting my lucky stars. Okay, so it’s been years since Diesel Boy has been on stage, and it’s their first time at Brakrock – What a catch for Brakrock. What a catch for me. After Pennywise, I need a drink, and I want to see what Diesel Boy can deliver since the hype around them has been so huge. I come in time for “Lime Green” from their ’96 album Cock Rock, Diesel Dave, the vocalist, does know how to sing. I’ll give him that much. So, sipping my beer, I noticed how the band seemed energized even though they were closing the festival with The Meffs playing on Riverstage.
They played well together; my beer was excellent, and they continued to play their golden oldies. To be nice here, that is why most of us were there. Listen to the old stuff and hold out hope for some new stuff. But either way, after five songs, it’s time to go home because there’s a new day, Saturday, and it’s as heavy as Friday.
I actually might need to see Diesel Boy once again to give a proper, and decent review.
The evening at The Radius kicked off with Portland Oregon’s Red Fang who started the night with an upbeat career-spanning set that had the entire crowd on their feet and headbanging along. The band brought it and the set was solid with very little in-between song banter except when Aaron proclaimed the band as “The […]
The crowd ready for the evening starting with Red Fang
The evening at The Radius kicked off with Portland Oregon’s Red Fang who started the night with an upbeat career-spanning set that had the entire crowd on their feet and headbanging along. The band brought it and the set was solid with very little in-between song banter except when Aaron proclaimed the band as “The Worlds Ugliest Band.”
Bryan Giles (Guitar), Aaron Beam (Bass/Vocals), David Sullivan (Guitar) and John Sherman (Drums) Red Fang Live
Next up was Dinosaur Jr from Amherst Mass. It’s always great to see the band live. They started things off with a throwback to their 1987 album You’re Living All Over Me with the song “The Lung” and then proceeded to play from their deep catalog to include “Feel The Pain”, “Start Choppin”, and the standard Cure cover (“Just Like Heaven”). The band was in fine form and switched multiple gears during the show. Hearing J.Mascis wall of sound guitars sound along with a solid backend made the night.
J.Mascis (Guitar/Vocals) Lou Barlow (Bass/Vocals) and Murph (Drums). Dinosaur Jr Live
Then it was time for Clutch. They took the stage and cranked the room up to 11, starting the night with 1998s “The Dragonfly” and letting it rip from there. They covered all the bases with both old and new songs, run through with that usual Clutch energy and extremely tight musicianship. Neil Fallon (vocals) fronts the band like a Sunday morning sideshow barker while J.P. Gaster (drums), Tim Sult (guitar) and Dan Maines (bass) hold down a solid back-end playing in and out of pocket with each other while creating nothing short of Pure Rock Fury. Always great to see them live.
Clutch. Neil Fallon (Vocals) J.P. Gaster (Drums) Tim Sult (Guitar) and Dan Maines (Bass)
Overall a memorable experience had with the bands as well as at The Radius. Very pleasant, courteous, and friendly staff. Very accommodating and I highly suggest seeing shows at this venue. Check out our slideshows below!
The Murder City Devils make a rare one-off appearance at the venerable San Francisco venue. The Great American Music Hall was built in 1907. It’s been a burlesque theater, jazz club, Moose Lodge, and in its current incarnation as one of San Francisco’s best music venues since 1973. When Seattle’s Murder City Devils booked a […]
The Murder City Devils make a rare one-off appearance at the venerable San Francisco venue. The Great American Music Hall was built in 1907. It’s been a burlesque theater, jazz club, Moose Lodge, and in its current incarnation as one of San Francisco’s best music venues since 1973. When Seattle’s Murder City Devils booked a one-off show with Southern California’s Soft Palms as opener, we had to be there with our camera.
Soft Palms are guitarist/singer Julia Kugel (The Coathangers) and her husband drummer Scott Montoya (formerly of The Growlers). Their sound is more indy pop and gentle rock, though we found them engaging and likable.
The Murder City Devils were formed in 1996 in Seattle during the Pacific Northwest’s garage rock revival. Breaking up in 2001, reforming in 2006, recently they’ve been appearing on rare occasions, with this one-off show to a sell-out crowd being their first since April.
Tanya Queen
These photos are magical! The All American Rejects are one of my favorite pop punk bands!