Yesterday, this post believed it was a sad day because one of a lot of our favorite bands had broken up suddenly, seemingly without warning. After 34 years, Anti-Flag disbanded. Totally vanished off the face of social media, their website, etc. Today is a sad day for different reasons. Here’s an update, and we take […]
Yesterday, this post believed it was a sad day because one of a lot of our favorite bands had broken up suddenly, seemingly without warning. After 34 years, Anti-Flag disbanded. Totally vanished off the face of social media, their website, etc.
Today is a sad day for different reasons. Here’s an update, and we take this very seriously.
We fully support HER and any others that have been affected by his actions.
Dying Scene was at one of the final stops of the 2023 Bad Time Records Tour in Chicago at the Bottom Lounge, and boy was it a ska party for the ages! This show featured We Are The Union, Kill Lincoln, Catbite and J. Navarro & The Traitors…plus an epic ska-riffic on stage dance party […]
Dying Scene was at one of the final stops of the 2023 Bad Time Records Tour in Chicago at the Bottom Lounge, and boy was it a ska party for the ages! This show featured We Are The Union, Kill Lincoln, Catbite and J. Navarro & The Traitors…plus an epic ska-riffic on stage dance party to conclude the night.
Another sweet treat on this tour is the forthcoming documentary This Is New Tone that followed the entire Bad Time Records Tour. Here is the synopsis of the film:
“’THIS IS NEW TONE’ will be a concert film and documentary centered around the 2023 Bad Time Records Tour, featuring We Are The Union, Catbite, Kill Lincoln, BAD OPERATION, Omnigone, J. Navarro & The Traitors, and more. Much in the spirit of the film “Dance Craze”, the film will primarily center on multi-camera live performances from throughout the tour, but will also document the the bands and crew as they embark on this full-US venture. Featuring interviews from current band members, scene veterans, new fans, and ska legends, the film will also attempt to examine the current state of the modern ska punk scene, how it fits into the broader arc of ska’s history, and try to discover if the perceived “resurgence” is accurate or inflated. With many of the Bad Time Records bands rapidly growing, now is the perfect time to document the trajectory of the bands and the impact of the community.
The modern ska scene has never been captured in this way, and one of the main goals of the film is to make the live show experience accessible to those who are not able to attend the tour or shows in general. We will attempt to make the film as immersive as possible, to show the full scope of the high energy live experience and community aspect that one can find at one of these shows, while also giving a better picture of what the bands are like as people on and off stage. Bad Time Records is a completely DIY effort, and we aim to show that anyone can build up their own scene or collective and accomplish something significant without the support of major labels or corporations.
In the process of making the film, we will have a camera and sound crew documenting all 22 dates of the 2023 Bad Time Records tour. Hours of interview footage has already been captured, and the majority of the remaining filming will take place during the tour in March, June, and July of 2023. We are currently aiming for a December 2023 release of the film.”
A Kickstarter for the film has been launched and features tons of cool rewards. Make note to see this film when it releases!
Opening for the night was J. Navarro & The Traitors, featuring J. Navarro from the Suicide Machines and Ken Haas of Reverend Guitars. They recently released a new album All of Us or None and will be playing at The Supernova International Ska Festival in Fort Monroe, VA on September 16th, 2023 (the entire festival runs from September 15-17th).
Kill Lincoln brought their infectious energy next, including their own hype-man that danced the entire night.
We Are The Union released Ordinary Life on June 4th, 2021. Their song “Boys Will Be Girls” is incredibly catchy.
Closing out the night was the infamous Catbite. They recently released a cover with Brian Fallon from The Gaslight Anthem of “Yes It’s True” by The Slackers. You can listen here! Also consider buying the vinyl from Bad Time Records; all proceeds support Play On Philly, an organization the helps underserved youth in Philadelphia get music education.
Did you miss out on the Bad Time Records Tour? Not to worry- you can catch these artists back on the road soon (including Catbite touring with Anti-Flag and Bouncing Souls!!). Check out the rest of the photos below!
From Parts Unknown, out of the Lone Star State, did a Liar’s Club stop, providing the band members a fun chance to hang out with their good friends in Voice of Addiction. VOA and Death and Memphis have played in front of DS photographers repeatedly recently and we dig being there for the rollicking good […]
From Parts Unknown, out of the Lone Star State, did a Liar’s Club stop, providing the band members a fun chance to hang out with their good friends in Voice of Addiction. VOA and Death and Memphis have played in front of DS photographers repeatedly recently and we dig being there for the rollicking good times both of those bands serve up. It was a good evening onstage, as well as on the stoop outside 1665 West Fullerton Ave, well-known for being the place of some pretty great conversations and hangs.
From Parts Unknown is actually from a well-known part of the United States, Dallas, TX. The band brought its own flavor of Texas punk to Chicago. But the group is unlikely to include Greg Abbott, Rick Perry [current and former Governors of Texas respectively] or Ted Cruz [United States Senator from Texas) amongst its fan base. Flying a rainbow flag attached to his bass guitar, Derrick Soto caught some big air himself numerous times, as said flag rippled out to full display.
Soto told me:
“I do have one [“Defend Trans Kids” t-shirt]. Wasn’t wearing it that night. I usually just sport the flag on my bass in solidarity.“
Lead singer and guitar player Ben McCracken pulled no punches when he confirmed to me,
“Yeah Teddy and Ricky are not fans of us. Or especially Greg fucking Abbott. We are proudly Woke Texans even if that sounds oxymoronic.”
McCracken continues,
“We very much believe in and support trans rights. Our new song, “Take It Out” is about taking bigoted jokes out of the norm and letting people identify however they want to. To stop being ignorant with gender and doxing certain groups.”
From Parts Unknown relays its message through driving music perfectly complementing its powerful lyrics.
In addition to the aforementioned “Take It Out,” the included, “Barrymore,” “13 Years Ago,” “Lebowski,” “Blood and Teeth,” Bill Braski Is Not One Of Us, and “Teddy Ruxpin,” among others.
There’s a well-known saying that everything is bigger in Texas. That can surely be said of From Parts Unknown. The trio – McCracken, Soto, and drummer Jimmy Sefcik – blasted over the crowd, with sound, high jumps and hair…a lot of hair. Makes sense since Texas is also known for big hair, right? Seriously though, From Parts Unknown is on a steady road to being well-known. Or even more well-known. Per McCracken,
“As far as news goes, our album is being remastered by Scott Halquist [Ten Foot Pole] and should be available on green vinyl around November this year. We have two music videos in the works to make when we get home over the next month/two.“
So make sure you catch these Texas tornadoes at your earliest chance. Unless you are a fan of Teddy, Ricky, or Greg that is.
Death and Memphis has been on a tear this year. I covered one of its shows in April, and this present post is one of two shot by a DS staffer in the last few weeks. Considering how good the music is and the energetic and appealing stage presence of all four band members, it’s hard to resist covering Death and Memphis shows. This spirited performance, by four genuinely decent humans and talented veteran musicians, was no exception.
The next opportunity to check out Death and Memphis will be on July 29 at guitar player Steev Custer’s Birthday Bash. It takes place at Custer’s Fine Tunes Center For The Arts. Come hang out and wish Steev a happy one!
Another one of our regulars of late is Chicago’s Voice of Addiction. Once again giving a solid and tight performance, the trio did not disappoint. VOA was not originally on the bill but grabbed the opportunity to hang with, and help out, good friends VOA members donated their takes to their good friends in From Parts Unknown, to help them on the road. This was not a show about money for Ian Tomele, Tyler Miller, and Kevin Amaro.
McCracken explained how he and Tomele became friends,
“So, Ian and I became friends prob about 7ish years ago when VOA was in town and needed a crash spot, and myself being someone who puts bands up, got asked by I can’t remember but am sure was a credible friend to help them. Years later we stayed in touch and he let my now wife and me stay during Riot Fest, maybe 2017? “
This night was about friendship and having a good time. VOA nailed it, and one of the reasons we love covering the trio.
The three terrific bands made it totally worth going out on so early in the week. McCracken summed up the evening,
“As far as our show at Liars, it was fun like always. Gary [Kessler, the beloved bar manager, shoe connoisseur, and winner of the Chicago Reader “Best of Chicago” category, “Best Music Venue Bartender” these past two years] is a trip and amazing. It’s always a stop that makes me want to party. The show was solid lineup wise, and for a Tuesday not too bad a turnout.“
Please check out more photos from the show. Thanks and cheers!
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. For the second week in a row, we’ve got an absolutely massive […]
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. For the second week in a row, we’ve got an absolutely massive column, featuring nearly 20 records that got announced this week! So 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:
One of my favorite records of 2023, Italian skate punks Wasei‘s new album Vulgar Misplay of Burkett, is now available in the US! Head over to Punk Rock Radar’s webstore to grab this ripper on pink vinyl, along with other awesome releases from Clayface, Baxter, Weekend Cigarettes & more.
This project was announced months ago, but now it’s available on vinyl! Fat Mike Gets Strung Out is a collection of songs Mr. Burkett has written (for NOFX and otherwise), which have been reimagined as orchestral pieces. If that’s something you feel like you need in your life, get the record here. Standalone colored vinyl sold out, but you can still get it on black wax (or fork over for one of the bundles with a colored LP and shirt).
Australian punks Clowns have a new album on the way! It’s called Endless, and it’s due out October 20th on Fat Wreck Chords. On the vinyl side of things, there are a ton of color variants for this thing – at least 9 that I’m aware of. Pre-order the record here (US), here (EU, pink), here (EU, green w/ white & silver splater), or here (AUS). There will be a ton of indie variants as well, so check with your local record store on those.
New Jersey’s Joker’s Republic released one of my favorite ska-punk albums last year, but until now it was only available on CD. The band has joined forces with Ska Punk International to give Necessary Evil the vinyl release it deserves. This album was recorded and produced by Less Than Jake’s Roger Lima at The Moathouse. Read my review here, check out one of the tracks below, and get it on “mystery colored vinyl” here.
Long running German street punk band Stomper 98 have announced their new self-titled album, due out September 1st. It’s the band’s seventh LP in their 25 year career, and the second to feature Rancid‘s Lars Frederiksen on guitar. Check out the music video for lead single “Alex – Schatten der Nacht” below and pre-order the record here.
Cleveland pop-punks Normy follow up their 2022 EP What on God’s Green Earth? with a new 6-song 12″ titled What the Fuck Planet Are These Guys From?. It’s due out September 8th on Smartpunk Records – check out the first single “Idiot” below. Pre-order the record here, there are three color variants, each with a screen printed B-Side.
Another awesome upcoming release from Smartpunk Records: Keep Flying‘s debut LP Daylight is coming August 15th. Check out the new single “Transparency” below and pre-order the record here.
Seattle pop-punk band The Subjunctives (fronted by Ean Hernandez of Sicko) will release their sophomore album Let’s Try This Again on September 16th. Check out the first single below and pre-order the record here. Also go back and check out their last album Sunshine and Rainbows if you haven’t already heard that.
Mom’s Basement and Monster Zero Records rarely miss, and they hit a fucking grand slam with their latest release from The Haermorrhoids. I’m calling it now, At the Earth’s Core is the Ramonescore record of the year. Absolutely essential listening for fans of Screeching Weasel, The Lillingtons, etc. Check out my favorite track “Timewarp Incest” below and get the record here (US) or here (EU).
Connecticut melodic hardcore band With Honor have a new record coming soon. Boundless is due out September 9th on Pure Noise Records. Check out their killer new single “My Anchor” below and pre-order the record here.
Camp Punksylvania is a three-day punk rock festival happening September 1st-3rd in Scranton, PA. A few names on the absolutely bitchin’ lineup include the Suicide Machines, A Wilhelm Scream, Belvedere & Tsunami Bomb. They’ve teamed up with the friendly people at Sell the Heart Records to release a compilation LP. Get it here.
Devon Kay & The Solutions‘ new EP Fine: A Ska EP is out now on Bad Time Records! Check it out below, buy it here, and catch the band on tour with Less Than Jake.
Our last new release of the week comes from Pirates Press Records, back at it again with another split 7″. It’s The Drowns and Wonk Unit, contributing one new song each. Check out The Drowns’ track below and get the 7″ here!
Now, to wrap things up with some reissues / represses. Up first: Jawbreaker – Bivouac! A new exclusive variant from Oakland’s own 1-2-3-4 Go! Records. Limited to 550 copies on Metallic Gold colored vinyl. First new pressing in 6 years. Get it here.
Also from 1-2-3-4 Go! Records: Kid Dynamite‘s self-titled debut LP on an exclusive “Dragonfruit” color variant, limited to 350 copies. Get dat here.
Los Angeles hardcore veterans DFL‘s 1993 debut My Crazy Life is getting its first-ever vinyl release, thanks to Trust Records. Two color variants: blue wax is limited to 250 copies, green is limited to 500. The record has been remastered and comes with a sweet looking fanzine. Get it here.
Pirates Press released a Subhumans box set earlier this year. It sold out instantly and is now selling for over $400 on Discogs. Good news for those who missed out: it’s getting a second pressing! Pre-orders go live here on Tuesday, July 25th. I know that’s still a ways away, just wanted to give ya a heads up.
Last piece of housekeeping this week: the friendly Canadians at Thousand Islands Records are having a sale in their webstore! Get 35% off through July 31st with Code SUMMER35. This does not apply to distro items, only Thousand Islands releases. But there’s no shortage of awesome records in their catalog, so you should have no problem filling your cart up.
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!
Hot Mulligan is well known for their buoyant pop-punk sound with an emo seriousness behind their lyrics. These guys have been a huge favorite of mine for so many years. Getting into the local scene, a lot of bands here seemed to pull inspiration for their sound from these guys (or bands similar to them). […]
Hot Mulligan is well known for their buoyant pop-punk sound with an emo seriousness behind their lyrics. These guys have been a huge favorite of mine for so many years. Getting into the local scene, a lot of bands here seemed to pull inspiration for their sound from these guys (or bands similar to them). They never fail to bring such a fun and upbeat tempo in their songs, despite having a song or two that start soft and then pick back up into the pop-punk sound we are familiar with from them. Why Would I Watch is an incredible album as far as lyrics go, throwing in a song about a lost pet that had me bawling in my car on my way to work one morning. Absolutely worth it.
This album kicks off with a decently long song title (as are many of their song titles, but whatever) called “Shouldn’t Have a Leg Hole But I Do”. It’s a very happy-go-lucky-sounding song that will throw you way back to the original pop-punk sounds that we all grew up with. I found myself finding this song almost familiar and comforting. They did a phenomenal job in capturing the “old sound” of pop-punk and going back to the roots of the genre (which will also be a recurring theme throughout the album). Lyrics for this song speak volumes on trying to escape a situation or leave something behind that you know you should and need to live your life for yourself, but something will always bring you right back until you face whatever it is that needs to be addressed.
Powering into the next track is a beautiful transition that tells the realities of life not going as you expect. “It’s a Family Movie She Hates Her Dad” is largely about breaking cycles and being aware of the toxicity that is to be able to change and grow from it. My biggest indicator of that is the more than relatable line in the song that jumped out at me where he sang, “Sit down and give me the confessional // Stay together for the kid // Isn’t that original?” Having been faced with that situation, this song hit home and had me hooked on the rest of the album to follow. The instrumentals of this track scream the classic and familiar sound of Hot Mulligan’s original tracks from when they formed in 2014. I love how consistent they’ve always seemed to be while making their music. Always staying somewhat in line with what they’ve always done, yet making it just different enough to keep us on our toes!
Moving into the next song, it almost has a sense of urgency in the tone of the entire thing. It really brings together the lyrics’ theme of just trying to survive in a world that’s so different from where you were. “And I Smoke” might be relatable for more of us than we may realize, just pay attention to the lyrics and see if you may find a sense of familiarity in the feelings this track has to offer. My personal favorite being almost the start of the song, 00:22 in he sings, “Move out, a new place that I don’t know // Its smallest details are unfamiliar // Sit in the shower until I feeI alone”. I moved to a new city I wasn’t super familiar with not too long ago and so this song really resonated with me on that. The unfamiliar and the fear of the unknown is a real thing to battle with when moving out and on your own, especially if you have children in tow.
The song that has everyone’s brains trying to process the way the band will have to announce it while on tour. “This Song is Called it’s Called What it’s Called” is one of my favorite tracks. It beings with soft instrumentals and vocals that bring the most comforting sounds I’ve heard from a punk band. Reminiscing on a few spotty memories, seemingly with a fond tone. Then 60 seconds in the realization hits that it’s all gone by in a blink of an eye and the time lost is nearly crippling. The regret of not doing things just slightly different and leaving things unsaid that could have changed the entire trajectory of your life. “Oh, there’s so much I would change // Take more pictures // Oh, I left so much to say // All the missed connections.” I think everyone can relate to this in one way or another and this band has got a serious knack for finding the perfect instrumentals to not only match the mood of the song, but also keep the listener engaged with their tempo changes and execution of the lyrical melody! Easily one of my favorite tracks on the album.
“No Shoes In The Coffee Shop (Or Socks)” is an upbeat song that kicks the vibe back up to a more fun and lighthearted feel, telling the story of looking back on what is expected to be an epic journey that ends up being filled with regrets. This title track has a deep undertone to it if you’re willing to listen close enough, and maybe you’ll catch the placement of the album’s title and appreciate its weight when you do! It’s followed by a slightly higher energy, good-vibed track named “Christ Alive My Toe Damnit Hurts”. It’s honestly about the back and forth of addiction and how hard it can truly be to ignore the intrusive thoughts that come across the mental when you’re trying to fight the urge of needing just one more. The admiration I have for artists like Hot Mulligan that have off-the-wall track names to go with songs that have a 50/50 shot of being deep and meaningful, or just a good chuckle with the randomness of the analogies chosen with no serious direction to be left open to interpretation.
Then we get to “Betty.” If you’re ready to bawl your eyes out to a beautifully soft and wholesome ballad to a best friend…this is it. I was completely blindsided by a single line around the 1:11 timestamp that had the waterworks start almost immediately. If you’ve ever had a pet, and had them cross that rainbow bridge without you, this song is going to have you severely deep in your feelings and reminiscing those best friends that you cherished once upon a time.
This song’s title is a bit deceiving. Maybe you’d read “Cock Party 2 (Better Than The First)” and think it’s going to be a heavy and upbeat track, like myself. Much to my pleasant surprise, this song starts out pretty low-key and mellow. Then I went back the second time through and really listened to and read the lyrics along with the track, finding the meaning behind it. Beautifully written, and something ALL of us pop punk babies who have grown up can easily relate to this. The first verse screaming the song’s meaning of growing up and wondering where the hell all the time went and how we wish we could just not be adults and see our missed childhood loved one(s) as if we didn’t have responsibilities to worry about now. “When did we stop laughing? // Feel sorry for us now // Paying rent, calling home again // Routine and tedium now.” Its ending having a very Panic At The Disco!-esque ending of emphasizing the last two lines almost word for word. It’s a beautiful punctual ending to the overall feel of the track.
“Shhhh! Golf Is On” is an immediate classic vibe of instrumentals for throwing us back into the nostalgic sound pool. Then it brings in the instrument that will spice up ANY band’s sound, the cowbell. The love I have for bands that find some clever way to incorporate the cowbell, let alone subtly and in an extremely tasteful manner, will have me applauding the artists every time. It only makes an appearance a few times throughout the track, so it isn’t an incessant sound they try to force to work throughout it, just enough to give it a unique and fun spin.
“Gans Media Retro Games” is a title I didn’t fully understand, which in turn made me immediately go check out the lyrics to maybe get a better understanding on how this song was going to maybe sound like. When I read them and found it was about blacking out and wondering if you’re the problem when things go wrong nights you don’t remember. The next morning regret being strong and trying to come to terms with figuring out the story to find the root of the problem. It’s definitely relatable for some people (I’d be lying if I said I didn’t have a few nights like that myself) and the vibe of the song is upbeat, but with enough of the urgent and somber feel of realizing you just may be the problem due to how you choose to cope, was a strong play for them to throw so bluntly into a song. It’s absolutely admirable to see a song about trying to take accountability and get to the root of their issues.
This is one of those tracks that has an opening line that had me replaying it a time or three to make sure I heard it right. To say I was not expecting to hear “Sucking blood out of a canker sore” come out of Nathan’s mouth, had me double taking, then laughing a little bit. Then getting into the rest of the lyrics, they seem like they may just be gibberish with random meaning, but if you really listen, there are a few lines in there that hint at what the true meaning of the song is about. Watching a loved one deteriorate to a memory-stealing disease is never easy. I have loved ones who suffer from conditions and diseases that are similar and it’s taxing to your mind, your body, and even your soul.
“John “The Rock” Cena, Can You Smell What the Undertaker.” To be entirely honest I had no words when I saw this track title, just straight confusion. I assume that’s the entire point, but, as I mentioned before, these off-the-wall names are just leaving no room to even try to guess what it could bring to the table instrumentally or lyrically and I love the mystery. I’m not 100% positive about this interpretation that I’ve gathered from the song’s meaning, but it seems to be the toxic expectations of the organized religions in the world. It doesn’t name any specifically, but it touches on key points and the lyrics, to me, screamed the struggle to fit the mold of what the religion had for its followers and the intrusive thoughts that followed when you’ve been taught toxic “rules” to life based on how they think you’re supposed to live.
Overall this album is incredible. Nathan and the guys did a great job bringing us back to the original roots of punk and giving us that nostalgic feeling of being in middle and high school again blasting the artists who started it all. Three years was well worth the wait for this band to drop another solid vibed album that came with some deep and heavy topics that I wholeheartedly believe the world needed songs for. Beautifully done, Hot Mulligan, and we can’t wait to see what else you’ve got in store for us!
Why Would I Watch? was released everywhere on May 12th, 2023!
Punk and Sports once again intersect here at Dying Scene, as Dropkick Murphys capped off the Major League Rugby National Championship at Bridgeview, Illinois’ Seatgeek Stadium. Known formerly as the home stadium of Major League Soccer club the Chicago Fire FC, it now serves as the home pitch for Chicago Hounds Rugby Club. Dawgtown, as the stadium has since been dubbed, hosted an […]
Punk and Sports once again intersect here at Dying Scene, as Dropkick Murphys capped off the Major League Rugby National Championship at Bridgeview, Illinois’ Seatgeek Stadium. Known formerly as the home stadium of Major League Soccer club the Chicago Fire FC, it now serves as the home pitch for Chicago Hounds Rugby Club. Dawgtown, as the stadium has since been dubbed, hosted an absolute kicker of a day, with the New England Free Jacks taking the title with their win over the San Diego Legion 25-24. Even Shaquille “DJ Diesel” O’Neal showed up to add a bit of literal fire to the festivities.
In my decades-long photojournalism career, I have shot a lot of sports. NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB, the Indy 500 and Nascar, Division I and below college sports of all kinds. Same goes for high school athletics and various other sports on differing levels as well. Most was done in the past during my days as a graduate student at the University of Missouri School of Journalism, at several daily newspaper photojournalism internships and various daily newspaper and other companies’ staff photographer positions.
So, whenever I have a chance to shoot sports I grab it. Most often these days from seat high up in the Chicago Major League Baseball parks, Wrigley Field, home field of the Northsiders Chicago Cubs, and Guaranteed Rate Field, home field to the Southsiders Chicago White Sox.
And when I can combine punk rock and sports I get excited. Whether it was surveying Punk Rock Soccer/Futbol fans for our World Cup exclusive, or actually taking photos of a rugby match with a punk band playing the after-match concert. The latter was the case here. It was absolutely an utter blast. I’m not sure there is quite the connection between punk and rugby yet as there is with punk and soccer/futbol, but there should be and hopefully, more will discover it.
It must have kismet. Ken Casey of the Dropkick Murphys informed the crowd that they signed up for this gig before knowing the rugby club from Quincy, MA, near Boston, the New England Free Jacks would make it to the Major League Rugby Championship. But he could barely contain his excitement for what the team achieved. As Free Jacks players celebrated at the back and side of the stage behind the DKM banner, it was evident that while winning the Championship was the highlight of their day, they were excited to be on stage with favorites from their home area in Massachusetts. Several players were spotted singing DKM songs perfectly, nailing every lyric. Punk and Sports came together when the players, standing behind Casey on stage sang along with the band on “Shipping Up To Boston.” Arguably their most famous Dropkick Murphys’ song (although it’s really a Woody Guthrie song), it has often been used in commercials, tv and movies. But what happened here, with the crowd also joining in, added up to the most joyous rendition of the song that I have ever witnessed.
By the time a crowd member threw a rugby ball up to the stage for the players to sign, Casey was sporting a Free Jacks national championship hat. The match was an exciting one. I still do not understand all the rules of professional rugby in the United States, with players from all over the world, but it was evident this match could be described as thrilling. A record crowd for an MLR Championship, the stands were filled with diehard fans who traveled far to support their Rugby Club.
More kismet is that there is a 5-part docuseries following the New England Free Jacks. You can watch it on Youtube.
Shaquille “DJ Diesel” O’Neal presented a very enjoyable set with a lot of familiar rock and pop songs from the 1980’s on. The highlight was one song with samples from Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teenage Spirit.” Another highlight was when the retired NBA legend jokingly called out a crowd member for claiming he did not know a song. O’Neal reminded said crowd member they are the same age. It was fun and yeah more than a dash of punk attitude, along with pyrotechnics.
And finally on to the Dropkick Murphys set. On a stage set up at one end of the rugby pitch, there was no lack of enthusiasm from the band or from the crowd. The band ran through the major hits, including, “The Boys are Back,” “The State Of Massachusets,” “Rose Tattoo, ” and the aforementioned “Shipping Up To Boston.”
They also played a version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.” That song serves as the anthem for the Liverpool Football Club in the English Premier League, but even I, as a longtime Arsenal FC supporter, can admit it was a lovely moment.
In addition, there was a message sent from the band as the pipes and tin whistle player sported a t-shirt with Rugby Union Now. It was the same statement printed on the bright pink uniforms of the match referees.
A final note, another Celtic-tinged punk band, Flatfoot 56, has performed at some of the Chicago Hounds matches. I hope the band does this next season. I’d love to document FF6 guys and other bands at rugby matches. Get in the scrum!
Please check out more photos from the day. Thanks and Cheers!
Hi babes! Don’t worry; I’ve missed you too. But how are you enjoying those summer flings you’ve picked up over the spring? Yeah, they are nice, huh? Well – for many, good things don’t last, and here’s what this post is about; break-up season. It appears twice a year for those who haven’t heard of […]
Hi babes! Don’t worry; I’ve missed you too. But how are you enjoying those summer flings you’ve picked up over the spring? Yeah, they are nice, huh? Well – for many, good things don’t last, and here’s what this post is about; break-up season.
It appears twice a year for those who haven’t heard of the so-called break-up season. The first season is during May/June – in time for those lovely festivals, and now winter is over, so many don’t feel like sitting on the couch doing nothing. And again in September/October because now summer has hit its final note, and many want the person they can snuggle up on the couch with.
And if you’re like me, wondering why it can’t be the same person? Apparently, for some, it’s with the mentality that a) the person you clung to in the cold winter and drank red wine with possibly can’t be a party animal as well. Wouldn’t that person not rather sit at home and watch the trilogy of Lord of The Rings than go feral during some bands they mentioned they liked but couldn’t like as much as me and my friends? b) they didn’t want to commit, and that sucks to hear. But sometimes it’s so simple.
“Karina, you only mentioned those poor winter/autumn partners. Why don’t we stay with the partners we found during our summer?” – This is actually going to feel like a slap in your face. But here it goes; you know how you acted during the festivals, pool parties, beach BBQs, or whatever? Those dummies don’t want to take that home to their parents and likely found someone new on Tinder (or so I was told back in 2011 by the guy I was seeing). Fuck them either way. They suck. You don’t.
So what did I do to help the fallen ones get through this? I’ve made you a playlist of what I call the best songs to help you get through a breakup, and sorry, babes, I didn’t add any Taylor Swift! But I have a playlist with her on it if you want it. But first, let’s go through the top five of the playlist and talk about why it’s on.
KARINA’S TOP FIVE CHOICES TO MEND A BROKEN HEART
Fleeting love of what could have been? Don’t you ever wonder where a past crush ended up?
So did Hot Mulligan! And therefore, they are number 1 on my list.
What’s a heartbreaking list without The Wonder Years? Last year they released an album that had parents in tears. But now they released a b-side of some album, which sums up everything I can relate to — broken trust and still longing for someone.
It’s Fall Out Boy. They made a career out of having their hearts broken and breaking teens’ hearts back in the ’00s. Hell, Patrick Stump broke mine. But this is mature, and it’s actually one of those that you catch yourself jamming to with friends at a BBQ — total sing-along.
Spanish Love Songs… They stole my heart and broke it when they canceled their concert in Copenhagen due to Covid. But this song, and I might add seeing them at Slam Dunk in May, i’s what takes the cake for me. They are my go-to.
These guys aren’t new but are finally gaining their deserved attention. If Graham from Sad Park sang this during a concert, I might actually be the one sobbing in the back. The whole album is great, but I love this song.
For more, I’ve added the full playlist below, and please, let’s add to it together and send it to our friends. Even Forever Unclean and Goodbye Blue Monday once again makes a deserved appearance.
It seems like we’ve been hearing about Fat Mike’s upcoming Fat Mike Gets Strung Out project for quite a while now, but we’re finally getting another chance to hear some of what the Fat One has been up to! The latest single from FMGSO is “Fuck Day Six.” As you know, it appears in its […]
It seems like we’ve been hearing about Fat Mike’s upcoming Fat Mike Gets Strung Out project for quite a while now, but we’re finally getting another chance to hear some of what the Fat One has been up to!
The latest single from FMGSO is “Fuck Day Six.” As you know, it appears in its original form on last year’s NOFX record, Double Album. On this version, Fatty and his long-time collaborator Baz The Frenchman have turned it into a sparse – though not quite haunting – string instrumental. Check it out below or wherever you get your digital music.
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE!
Pre-order info has finally been launched for Fat Mike Gets Strung Out. You can get one of the limited edition bundles if you are quick enough with your Buy button finger. If you prefer more traditional order options, those are also available. The album is due out September 15th on Fat Wreck Chords, naturally. If you missed the video for the first single, “I’m A Rat,” keep on scrolling!
Mexican skaterock/fuzzpunkers Cardiel are on tour with Atlanta-based Puerto Rican garage punkers Ladrones. At their Bay Area stop in Albany, Oakland duo Cut-rate Druggist opened. We were there. Oakland, CA’s Cut-rate Druggist are a two-piece, bass and drums, with bassist/singer Squeaky playing her Fender like a distorted lead guitar and wailing. They have an upcoming […]
Mexican skaterock/fuzzpunkers Cardiel are on tour with Atlanta-based Puerto Rican garage punkers Ladrones. At their Bay Area stop in Albany, Oakland duo Cut-rate Druggist opened. We were there.
Oakland, CA’s Cut-rate Druggist are a two-piece, bass and drums, with bassist/singer Squeaky playing her Fender like a distorted lead guitar and wailing. They have an upcoming single in August on Australian label Fantastic Mess Records and kicking off a 9-date Pacific Northwest tour on July 20th.
Ladrones hail from Puerto Rico, though are now based in Atlanta, GA. This was a high-energy set of garage-y punk and possible the best thing we’ve seen this year.
Drummer Samantha Ambrosio and guitarist Miguel Fraíno of Cardiel are originally from Valencia, Venezuela but formed the band in Mexico City in 2010. This is a fun mix of skate rock, punk and dub.
Check out more pictures below!
To say that I’ve been following this band for a while would be an understatement. Once upon a time, I was a drummer for an awful pop-punk band from Anchorage, Alaska fronted by Noise Brigade’s own vocalist/guitarist Nathan Nelson. I had a breakdown in a random Qdoba and broke up the band, but luckily Nathan […]
To say that I’ve been following this band for a while would be an understatement. Once upon a time, I was a drummer for an awful pop-punk band from Anchorage, Alaska fronted by Noise Brigade’s own vocalist/guitarist Nathan Nelson. I had a breakdown in a random Qdoba and broke up the band, but luckily Nathan found Noise Brigade. More than a decade later, rehoming from Anchorage to Portland, several lineup changes, and departing from their label, this band has put themselves back out there independently with The Mess Inside Of Me and emotional expression is at the forefront.
The EP opens with the single “Fiberglass” which showcases everything I love about this band. The guitar riffs and chugs into the verse, Doug’s lyrics providing a landscape for Nathan’s chorus, everything coming together to form the conceptual fiberglass that chokes the song’s narrator with emotion. Lines like “I still turn my head at the scent of your perfume” and “I’m mortified and suffering, if I see you there I back away” cover a wide swath of feelings that come with unrequited love. The song fades down to a simple repeated concept, “I wanna be with you, I wanna be with you, there’s nothing I can do.”
“Jackie” showcases a dynamic build to a chorus that reveals the EP’s name, “Figure out all our wants and needs cause you clean the mess inside of me”. The song plays out like a lullaby with earworm guitar/synth riffs that fades out into my favorite track “Panic Bloom” which kicks in aggressively. The song is quickly tempered by the soft lilt of Doug’s vocals over twinkly guitars but by the chorus we’re “getting the message loud and clear” as the lyrics suggest. The bridge goes hard, starting as a whisper we hear, “I’ll fuck up my own life, I’ll fuck up” as it builds to a shredding scream before giving way to the chorus one last time.
As the sound of a calm indie-emo intro washes over you as if from a distant radio we get “Asteroid Blues” which blows in like a cold breeze. The chorus laments, softly and almost child-like, about a wound that we’re not sure ever heals, “I scrape my knees, pulling rocks out of my hands and let it bleed, cover up the wound and set me free.” This song makes me feel like a kid again, whether it’s from the lyrics making me feel like I’m hiding something from my parents or the reverby noodling something about this song is doing it for me.
What do you really expect from someone when you ask, “How’s it goin’?” We get “Cope”, a track of the two singers comforting one another over their shared feelings of isolation, failure, and former glory. This song verbalizes the intense imposter syndrome that can grow in your mind, “How did we get here, how do we get out, does anybody want me around?” and these thoughts can grow if you’re a mess inside, very thematically relevant. Anyone who has been in a band long enough will feel the lines “I wanna be on top of the world again, I wanna feel like I’m worth it to all my friends”.
The closing track “Same Pain” echoes the emotional sentiments of the entire EP. Despite the mental anguish of where you’ve been, it’s nicer to have people around you that share the same pain. “Don’t tell me it’s not over, don’t take away my hope, I wanna feel the sunshine, I wanna know, I wanna know I’m not alone.” The song closes instrumentally after an anthemic swell and I wish there was more, but that’s probably a good thing. This collection of songs doesn’t overstay its welcome: it’s emotionally poignant and showcases everything I love about this band. If you’re absolutely hurting for more Noise Brigade, don’t worry, not only do they have a decent catalog, but the two singers have started up a podcast detailing their musical history and all the growing pains of a working band called “Mustard In A Ketchup Packet: Stories From A Band That Tried”.
Emily
http://open.spotify.com/episode/0SXTnzALzINYczg1i7yKGt?si=0KwGvDcwQT20gGxDkWmKzQ
TheTruth
Allegations aren’t a conviction. Innocent until proven guilty.
jaystone
I feel like it’s pretty telling that the band broke up and didn’t just go on hiatus, or worse, carry on like nothing happened.
Seriously?
LOL there’s always one of you, isn’t there? No one said allegations were a conviction. But this isn’t a court of law. We’re allowed to form our opinions without being held to the same standard as a jury, especially when our opinions are informed based on a history of similar behavior and multiple allegations around the same person. I believe her, and I stand with survivors.
jake h.
Yo this is why. Dying Scene might wanna get ahead of this story. Justin Sane has been doing this for years, ask around.
http://open.spotify.com/episode/0SXTnzALzINYczg1i7yKGt?si=0KwGvDcwQT20gGxDkWmKzQ
A
I had a similar, but thankfully not as bad, experience with Justin when I was 19 and he was 30 and I thought we were friends after chatting after a show in Aus one night. Tried super hard to get me to send him nudes, told me he would fly back to my city so we could go to a nude beach together, invited me to his hotel room loads of times, answered the door in his jocks when i came to pick him up from the hotel to go have breakfast. Tried to get me and my very young looking friend to have a threesome with him. All denied of course. He also told me that the singer from Paramore was cheating on her husband at the time. Chad? And trying to fuck him on the side while they were in Australia, in order to gain my trust by sharing something that he “didn’t want me to tell anyone”.
That’s my input. I believe her.
jaystone
Good grief. I’m sorry you went through that. Thank you for sharing your story.