Less Than Jake bassist Roger Lima’s side project Rehasher has released a new single titled “Open Roads”, and it fuckin’ rips! Check it out below. This is Rehasher’s first new, original music since releasing a series of singles from late 2019 through early 2020. Their latest full-length album Tasty Slices, Vol. 1 features covers of […]
Less Than Jake bassist Roger Lima’s side project Rehasher has released a new single titled “Open Roads”, and it fuckin’ rips! Check it out below.
This is Rehasher’s first new, original music since releasing a series of singles from late 2019 through early 2020. Their latest full-length album Tasty Slices, Vol. 1 features covers of songs by Screeching Weasel, Green Day, and the Beatles, among others.
Roger is on tour with LTJ right now. The Florida ska-punk veterans will be hitting most of the east coast over the next few weeks. Tour dates can be found here.
Today marks the release of NOFX‘s new record Double Album on Fat Wreck Chords. Check it out below, and head over here to buy the album. Like 2021’s Single Album, this LP mostly features reworked versions of songs originally recorded for band’s most recent 7″ of the Month Club. According to Fat Mike, this will not be […]
Like 2021’s Single Album, this LP mostly features reworked versions of songs originally recorded for band’s most recent 7″ of the Month Club. According to Fat Mike, this will not be NOFX’s final album. He says they “have three more records in the can already”. This includes a five-song EP called Half Album, a studio album titled Everybody Else is Insane, and something Fatty refers to as NOFX: A-Z, which will feature “different versions” of old songs with titles that start with each of the 26 letters of the alphabet.
Earlier this year, NOFX revealed their intentions to throw in the towel following a to-be-announced world tour in 2023. Fat Mike claims the legendary punk band will “play every song we’ve written, off of every album” at their last shows. Surely they’ll make good on that promise.
Smoking Popes and Off With Their Heads drew a sizable and enthusiastic hometown area crowd at The Bottom Lounge for the Midwest Simmerfest on November 12, 2022. It was a weekend jam-packed with shows and mini-fests at nearly every, if not every, punk rock venue in the city of Chicago and probably quite a few […]
Smoking Popes and Off With Their Heads drew a sizable and enthusiastic hometown area crowd at The Bottom Lounge for the Midwest Simmerfest on November 12, 2022. It was a weekend jam-packed with shows and mini-fests at nearly every, if not every, punk rock venue in the city of Chicago and probably quite a few in the suburbs.
Smoking Popes, comprised of the brothers Caterer: Josh, Matt and Eli, along with Mike Felumlee, headlined the show with a reliably robust performance. The band jammed through a set list that included, “Simmer Down,” “Midnight Moon,” “No More Smiles,” “Rubella,” “Megan,” “Need You Around,” and “I Know You Love Me.” Picking a show for this Saturday night entertainment might have understandably been hard for more than a few in the local punk community. However, it appeared those at the Bottom Lounge were quite satisfied with their choice.
Off With Their Heads, made up of Ryan Young, Kevin Rotter, and Kyle Manning, played with intensity during the night’s penultimate set. The trio tore through an angsty set list leaving some in the crowd looking emotionally exhausted, in the very best way.
Limbeck is a group out of Laguna Niguel, CA. The band – Robb MacLean, Patrick Carrie, Justin Entsminger, and Jon Phillip – gave a boisterous performance as it ran through a set list including, “Honk + Wave,” “Home (Is Where the Van Is),” “Kooks,” “Everyone’s in the Parking Lot,” and “In Ohio on Some Steps.” This crowd gave the guys from the Golden State a very warm welcome.
The Color Fred, made up of Fred Mascherino, Stephen Angello, Keith Gibbons, and Monte Holt kicked off the festivities. The West Chester, PA, group elicited smiles from the crowd as its members marveled with delight at the fog machine. I don’t know if fog machines have been a regular part of their shows or not but I would hazard a guess they might be in the future. And though the band members were, at times, obscured by the fog, the music easily cut through to the attendees’ ears during a very fun set.
Nebraska pop-punks The Young Hasselhoffs have signed to Mom’s Basement Records to release their first new album in over a decade. The 13-song LP titled Life Got in the Way follows 2011’s The Obsolete Man. Give it a listen below, and pre-order the record here. Rum Bar Records is also releasing the album on CD. […]
Few names loom larger in punk rock lore than Fat Wreck Chords. Started in 1990 by NOFX frontman “Fat” Mike Burkett, the label has stood tall as a bastion of independent punk music for over 30 years. Fat has been home to countless great bands; No Use For A Name, Lagwagon, Strung Out, Good Riddance… […]
Few names loom larger in punk rock lore than Fat Wreck Chords. Started in 1990 by NOFXfrontman “Fat” Mike Burkett, the label has stood tall as a bastion of independent punk music for over 30 years. Fat has been home to countless great bands; No Use For A Name, Lagwagon, Strung Out, Good Riddance… the list goes on. If you’re like me, a good chunk of your record collection is stamped with their iconic logo, like a punk rock Nintendo Seal of Quality. Today, we’ll be discussing some of the less heralded entries in the label’s extensive catalog. Come along for a magical journey as we dive into Fat Wreck’s most overlooked releases.
Zero Down – With a Lifetime to Pay
The name Jim Cherry is synonymous with Fat Wreck Chords for me. In addition to being a bass virtuoso, the man was one hell of a songwriter. He played an integral role in Strung Out’s success, with writing credits on classics like “Bring Out Your Dead”, “Firecracker”, and “Mind of My Own”, just to name a few. Then, of course, there’s his contributions to Pulley. Prior to his untimely passing, Cherry started a new band called Zero Down. Their lone album With a Lifetime to Pay is criminally underrated. This is essential listening for all skate punk fans. Zero skippable tracks on this one.
The Loved Ones – Build and Burn
Alright, this one might be a somewhat controversial pick; not because this is a bad album or anything, but I think Keep Your Heart is generally considered The Loved Ones‘ “best” record. But you know what? I don’t give a fuck, I think Build and Burn is better. I couldn’t get enough of this album when it came out. Many regard the mid to late 2000’s as Fat’s “lean years”, but they put out a lot of good shit that didn’t have the typical “Fat sound” during this period. There isn’t a bad song to be found on Build and Burn. The first three tracks alone are worth the price of admission. Everything else is icing on this Philly pop-punk cake.
Limp – Guitarded
Limpwas a pretty short lived pop-punk band that released three records through Fat Wreck imprint Honest Don’s Records. Music critic types lazily painted these guys into a corner as a Green Day or Blink-182 imitation. I personally don’t think Limp sounds anything like either of those bands. Their sophomore effort Guitarded is a mostly midtempo pop-punk record with a little ska sprinkled on top. More than anything else, this album is melodic to a fault. “Decision”, “Ten Minutes”, and “Entertainer” are my favorite songs.
Cobra Skulls – Bringing the War Home
Now, I already know what you’re thinking: “Really dude, you’re including a fuckin’ EP in this list?”. Yes, yes I am. Cobra Skulls released two killer albums on Red Scare and were quickly snatched up by Fat Wreck. They made their Fat debut with 2011’s Bringing the War Home and immediately went out on tour with NOFX and the Bouncing Souls (yours truly saw them in Orlando). For many (myself included), this was their introduction to Cobra Skulls, and the band capitalized on that opportunity in a big way. Bringing the War Home provides the perfect bite sized snapshot of a band that was firing on all cylinders. The Bad Religion cover is pretty good, too.
Only Crime – Virulence
Fat Mike and Floyd used to host a podcast where they played songs off the label’s new releases at the time. I was introduced to Only Crime for the first time when they played “Eyes of the World” off their record Virulence. I was blown away, and instantly ordered the CD. Only Crime is one of the greatest punk “super groups” ever as far as I’m concerned. You’ve got Russ Rankin on vocals and Bill Stevenson absolutely killing it on drums, that’s all you need to know. This whole record kicks ass.
American Steel – Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts
A cornerstone of the Lookout! Records roster in the late 90’s, American Steel made a strong impression with the chaotic energy of their 1999 LP Rouge’s March. Over time, the East Bay punk band’s sound mellowed out quite a bit, culminating in 2009’s Dear Friends and Gentle Hearts. This record is full of great midtempo punk-ish rock songs with big choruses that invite you to sing along – the album opener “Emergency House Party” being a prime example. Other highlights include “Your Ass Ain’t Laughing Now”, “Bergamot”, and “Meals and Entertainment”. This isn’t the best American Steel’s discography has to offer, but it’s a fun listen nonetheless.
Big in Japan – Destroy the New Rock
Hailing from Reno, Nevada and featuring members of Zoinks! and The Gain, Big in Japan made their debut in 2001 with Destroy the New Rock. This power-pop punk gem is buried deep in the Honest Don’s catalog, which sucks because it is fantastic! The songs are catchy and the production is stellar, but that’s no surprise considering this was recorded with Mass Giorgini at Sonic Iguana. This record sounds like a mix of Squirtgunand Green Day. Highly recommended listening.
Swingin’ Utters – Here, Under Protest
Call it a comeback! After going eight years without releasing a new record, Fat mainstays Swingin’ Utters made their triumphant return in 2011 with Here, Under Protest. They had a new guitarist in Jack Dalrymple (One Man Army, Dead to Me), and a slightly more polished, melodic approach. Singer Johnny Peebucks’ voice lent itself nicely to the band’s renewed sound. Standout tracks include “Brand New Lungs”, “Kick it Over”, “Heavy Head”, and the album closer “Effortless Amnesiac”, on which Dalrymple takes the lead on vocals.
Love Equals Death – Nightmerica
If you’re a fan of anything AFI did before Sing the Sorrow, you will probably like Love Equals Death‘s Nightmerica. I won’t say frontman Chon Travis sounds exactly like Davey Havok, but at certain points on this album the resemblance is almost uncanny. “Bombs over Brooklyn”, “When We Fall”, “Voice of Change”, and “Numb” offer up a high energy blend of AFI and Pennywise. “Pray for Me” is a kinda corny, on-the-nose love song but in a charming way. “The Broadcast” is complete with all the George Dubya soundbites you’d expect from a mid 2000’s punk song. This whole album holds a special place in my heart, but “Sonora” is by far my favorite track on Nightmerica.
Teen Idols – Full Leather Jacket
The undisputed champions of Ramonescore, Teen Idols mastered their formula and stuck to it. Of their three albums on Honest Don’s, Full Leather Jacket is the one I find myself returning to most often. This is a quintessential pop-punk record. Absolutely zero duds to be found here, every song is great. And with Mass Giorgini at the controls you know the production is top notch. Big shoutout to whoever sequenced this album; “The Team” is a perfect closing track.
Thank you for coming to my TED Talk! I’m certain I pissed at least a few of you off for one reason or another. But hey, that’s to be expected when treading on sacred ground. If I introduced you to an album you’ve never listened to, or just gave you the little nudge you needed to check out something you passed on when it first came out, then I’d say my mission has been accomplished. Fat Wreck Chords has been a big part of my life for a long time now. They’ve introduced me to some of my favorite bands and records, and I’m sure a lot of you can say the same. Here’s to another 30 years of awesome music!
If you think we’re fucking idiots because your favorite record isn’t on this list, feel free to let us know in the comments. Maybe we’ll include it in Part 2! 😘
Diesel Boy’s Cock Rock. they used to play “Titty Twister” sporadically on an old college Station. Great Album all the way through with “Saving the World” as the other stand out single.
It seems like Philadelphia ska band, Catbite is everywhere these days. This past year has seen them on tour with the likes of Streetlight Manifesto, Jeff Rosenstock, Mustard Plug, Anti-Flag, and Screaming Females to name a few. And topping it all off with a cherry on top, they embarked on their first ever mini headlining […]
It seems like Philadelphia ska band, Catbite is everywhere these days. This past year has seen them on tour with the likes of Streetlight Manifesto, Jeff Rosenstock, Mustard Plug, Anti-Flag, and Screaming Females to name a few. And topping it all off with a cherry on top, they embarked on their first ever mini headlining tour a week or so ago which has had them playing in hometown Philadelphia, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and the show which I was able to catch in Brooklyn at Saint Vitus. (Oh yeah, remember last month when Brittany Luna guest appeared at Gaslight Anthem?)
Saint Vitus was the first time they’d played NYC as a headliner and Brit, Tim Hildebrand, Ben Parry, Esteban Flores, and Chris Pires were beyond stoked as they opened up the set with fan favorite, “Creepin” from last year’s spectacular LP, Nice One. This fast-paced “on the upbeat” ripper is one of that classic kind of ska songs that wouldn’t at all be out of place if it were slipped into a mix with songs off the first The Specials album. Its frenetic pace had the packed room at Saint Vitus in full-blown skankin’ mode right off the bat. From here the band rolled right into their cover version of Neon Trees’ “Everyone Talks” which the band released earlier this year as part of a 4 song split with Mike Park of Asian Man Records (to name just one of his countless accomplishments). Obviously where the Trees start off their original with a sort of late 50’s R&B crooner style before they kick into its indie rock sing-along chorus, tonight Catbite started off with a slow rock steady beat before literally kicking into the chorus which they re-imagined into a total ska romp.
With barely any time between songs to catch their breath, the band stomped from one song to the next, culling a set list comprising the most upbeat and raucous of their material from their two full-length LPs (Nice One as well as their eponymous debut). Needless to say, the crowd at Saint Vitus which had come to skank, pogo and mosh like their lives depended on it were handed the perfect soundtrack to do just that. Things would get seriously crazed throughout the hot and sweaty room for all-out R-O-C-K-E-R-S like “Asinine Aesthetic” and “Amphetamine Delight”.
But who would have guessed that things could get even hotter as the crew kicked off the encore with “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and “Excuse Me Miss” from Nice One. By this time the band had the crowd full-blown out of control dancing and singing maniacally. All in all, it was truly something to behold. Fortunately, Catbite has no intentions of slowing down in the near future and I know that I’ll be skanking along to them in a couple of weeks when they’re scheduled to open for Bouncing Souls in both Brooklyn at Brooklyn Made as well as everyone’s favorite New Jersey joint, Crossroads in Garwood, NJ. (Both shows at Crossroads are sold out but there are still tickets available for the Brooklyn Made gig).
I would be remiss if I didn’t at least mention the night’s two opening bands. Starting off the evening was a band out of Philadelphia that I was not at all familiar with prior to this evening called Riverby. I’m not sure what they’re putting in the water down in the City of Brotherly Love but damn, Philly keeps spitting out really interesting new bands almost as fast as they produce ill-behaved sports fans (sorry, I just couldn’t resist). Lead singer, August Greenberg, possesses quite an engaging stage presence as they led the band through a breakneck-paced set which at times reminded me of the band Heart on amphetamines. All in all, I did enjoy their rough and ragged set and do think that they could be a band to keep your eyes on in the future.
Next up was the band Bacchae out of Washington DC. I’d seen Bacchae a couple of months ago opening for The Linda Lindas and to be honest wasn’t all that impressed. Friday night at Saint Vitus however, changed my mind. The growth shown by the band in a few short months was truly inspiring. With a sound that brings to mind early B-52s crossed with the No Wave sound of downtown NYC circa early 80’s with bands like Bush Tetras, Liquid Liquid and quite noticeably early Sonic Youth was quite invigorating. Both Katie McD (lead vocals and keyboard) as well as Rena Hagins (bass and backup vocals) have grown tremendously in their stage presence and ultimately put on a fantastic set.
Check out full photo galleries from each of the bands below!
Hey! There are only people with they/them pronouns and he/him pronouns in Riverby. I’m glad you liked them because I do too, just please make it more of a practice to find out people’s pronouns like you do their names. Often it’s as easy as checking their bios, like in their case. Thanks!
Happy Hump Day! And we are here with updates for last week’s announcement. Today Nasty Cut Records announced the first bands who will be joining the three-day festival and the first venues. First let us tell the venues, as these are important: The festival will be hosted in Underwerket and Valby Kulturhus, two venues that […]
Happy Hump Day! And we are here with updates for last week’s announcement. Today Nasty Cut Records announced the first bands who will be joining the three-day festival and the first venues. First let us tell the venues, as these are important:
The festival will be hosted in Underwerket and Valby Kulturhus, two venues that are conveniently placed next to each other on Copenhagen’s Toftegårds Plads. Nasty Cut Records’ hardworking employee, Andrew, provided the following statement in relation to the choice of venues: “Underwerket has been an important part of Nasty Cut’s history in Copenhagen since 2018. All of our shows have been housed there and it’s an important venue for the Copenhagen scene, if you ask me. The people behind the venue and its booking collective have always had our backs and supported us. Having the first edition of our festival take place in Underwerket, is our way to pay an homage to it, and of course involving its bigger brother, Valby Kulturhus, was the obvious way of extending the festival experience.”
The Line-up:
The first round of bands is now announced, and it contains nonother than the following:
Hippie Trim (DE):
Back in 2019, right before the release of their debut album “Cult”, Hippie Trim sold out their first-ever show, toured with Drug Church, and scored various playlist placements with only having released one single! Impressive right? The band has recently released their second album “What Consumes Me” which further proves that heaviness and melody are not mutually exclusive.
Copenhagen’s own local punk heroes, once describe as “Denmark’s cutest band”. Having toured extensively around the world and with multiple notable releases in their discography, it only made sense they would play in the first ever festival their label organizes. Woof!
London’s regret punk pioneers are no strangers to any DIY scene, especially the one in Copenhagen. Known for their unique style and for being potentially the only band in the world who has released an EP bundled with an actual Beech tree instead of vinyl or cd, the Burnt Tapes are a band you don’t want to miss. Ask anyone who has seen them
Fresh post-hardcore trio hailing from Aalborg, DK. With only their recently released debut album “Moments, Movements” in their discography, Omsorg has already established their brand of hardcore. Their sound is hard, raw, honest, and evocative and it is a band everyone should have on their radar!
There we have it, the first bands to the line-up and if you want to check out the bands. Nasty Cut Records made a playlist where they will be updating as the line-up grows. Which you can check out below and give the bands a listen.
The Slackers returned to Reggie’s to headline a bill which included their local friends in The Crombies, plus The Operator, and Highball Holiday. The Slackers, Chicago favorites from New York City, once again treated their fans to a rousing performance. Vic Ruggiero, Glen Pine, Jay Nugent, Dave Hillyard, Ara Babajian, and Marcus Geard tore through […]
The Slackers returned to Reggie’s to headline a bill which included their local friends in The Crombies, plus The Operator, and Highball Holiday.
The Slackers, Chicago favorites from New York City, once again treated their fans to a rousing performance. Vic Ruggiero, Glen Pine, Jay Nugent, Dave Hillyard, Ara Babajian, and Marcus Geard tore through a setlist including “Fried Chicken/Mary, Mary,” “And I Wonder,” “Don’t Let The Sunlight Fool Ya,” “I Still Love You,” and “Wasted Days.” Per usual, The Slackers brought to the Windy City a lively and fun experience.
When The Slackers hit Chicago, many fans may guess correctly that The Crombies will be on the same bill. The two groups have a tight bond in more than one way. Three members of The Crombies (Mike Park, Dave Simon, and Karl Gustafson) are also past or present members of Deal’s Gone Bad. Some of their DGB bandmates and some of The Slackers members have formed Deal’s Gone Slack. It’s an indirect secondary connection but still should not be dismissed outright.
As for the Chicago’s very popular rocksteady outfit, the above mentioned members, along with bandmates Karl Gustafson, Matt Meuzelaar, and Kevin Lustrup blasted through their set which included “Hooligans,” “Staring At Rude Boys,” “Plastic Gangsters,” and “Levi Stubbs’ Tears.” The Crombies also performed its great cover of a song from my favorite band, The Clash: “English Civil War.” Each member has a very distinct onstage presence but it all adds to a cohesive unit. When you go to a show with The Crombies on the bill you are pretty much guaranteed a good time.
The Operators, a ska unit out Indianapolis, Indiana, came big, loud and rowdy. I loved it and so did the crowd. The group kicked the crowd into bouts of frenzied skanking. The Operators members – Brandon Sanders, Gregg Manfredi, Drew Darby, Heath Schlatter, Brittany Brummfield, Cristian Requilme, Sarah Harwood, Dave Grove, jammed through “Better Off Alone,” “Convicted Man,” “Catfished,” “Ease Your Mind,” and “Cards On The Table.” The latter two are Mr. Kingpin songs.
They were also joined on stage by Jon E. Bravo aka Mr. Kingpin, for “Lightening In A Bottle.” The Operators hit the bullseye with this set.
Highball Holiday switched on the show with a boisterous set. Shahanna McKinney Baldon led the bad through a solid set including “Siblings,” “Speedway,” “Why?,” “Skinhead Girls,” and “Welfare.”
Highball Holiday ended the set with a booming rendition of “Ignorance,” The band showed why they’re Milwaukee ska legends. It is wonderful to see a band enjoying themselves onstage as appeared to be the case here.
See below for more photos. Thanks!
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Mike Park performing with the Crombies on November 11, 2022. His bandmate, Dave Simon, is also a gan of the sport, and and ardent Arsenal FC fan. Photo by Meredith Goldberg
Houston punk veterans 30footFall have joined forces with People of Punk Rock Records. The label has already announced first-ever vinyl releases of the band’s 2002 album The Doppler Effect and their live record 10yearsandstillFALLING. They’ve also teased plans for new music! 30footFall formed in 1993, and have released four full-length albums, including 1997’s Acme-143 on […]
Houston punk veterans 30footFall have joined forces with People of Punk Rock Records. The label has already announced first-ever vinyl releases of the band’s 2002 album The Doppler Effect and their live record 10yearsandstillFALLING. They’ve also teased plans for new music!
30footFall formed in 1993, and have released four full-length albums, including 1997’s Acme-143 on Fearless Records and 1999’s Ever Revolving, Never Evolving on Nitro Records. Will 2023 end their 20+ year LP drought? Stay tuned to find out!
European pop-punk powerhouses DeeCracks and The Manges have each premiered a song off their upcoming Split EP. Check ’em out below, and pre-order the 7″ here (US) or here (EU). The full split will be released on December 2nd through Striped Music and Mom’s Basement Records.
European pop-punk powerhouses DeeCracks and The Manges have each premiered a song off their upcoming Split EP. Check ’em out below, and pre-order the 7″ here (US) or here (EU).
Brian
I could see ending creating new material but why not play shows occasionally.