Frenzal Rhomb play even more shows

It seems Frenzal has been a constant touring since they dropped their last album, Smoko at the Pet Food Factory. Being the hard working Australian punk band they are, they don't just hit up the major venues in major cities. In fact, they're coming up for some shows in Queensland and aren't even going anywhere near Brisbane.

While I'm on my nostalgia kick, there's a Recovery video of them. Including an interview conducted by Dave McCormack of Custard fame.

June 8, Kings Beach Tavern Sunshine Coast

June 9, Parkwood Tavern Gold Coast

Secret Show: Dead to Me

Last night I dragged my hungover self underground for Schooner or Later at Basement 243. It was a great night of punk, headed by American Fat Wreck artists Dead to Me and Cobra Skulls. A great time was had. I'll have the photos posted on AltMusicHub at some point today (and then I'll link them back here).

But what you should know is that Dead to Me take their punk rock seriously. They even bleed for it.

They were great. So great, that they're doing a secret show today. It's at Brews Brothers, it's $10 and it starts at 2pm.

If you don't know Brews Brothers, it's a little home brewery store in Woolloongabba. They make excellent beers and sell them at ridiculously cheap prices too. Cheap beers, great music (supported by Quiet Steps) and cheap entry. All during the daylight hours.

Show details are here: https://www.facebook.com/events/184099015043016/?ref=notif&notif_t=plan_user_invited

Get there. I will be if my family easter celebrations end early.

Punk Show of the Year: 2012 edition

The Flatliners.
Strike Anywhere.
Anti-Flag.

That's all I'm really going to write about this tour.

You like punk music yeah? WELL GET YOUR ASS TO THIS.

Seriously, I've already written a draft review of the new Anti-Flag album and it's shortlist on being my album of the year already, seriously catchy political punk. If that's not enough reason, Strike Anywhere are one of the best live punk bands I've ever seen, also with their political hardcore-punk. And the Flatliners, I've missed them on their earlier tours, but dammit, this is finally my time to see them!

The Zoo

May 30

18+

Bomb the Music Industry

I've harped on and on about this band before and not just because of this awesome fan-made music video:

Or because every release they've ever done is available for free download on their website.

Or because they follow the Fugazi DIY method, cheap all-ages shows.

That all adds up, but I love them because of their goddamn fun punk and ska. Just listening to them makes you think a show would be ridiculous amounts of fun.

But that DIY methodology meant that there was probably no chance of them coming over. And then today I heard some news that made me go straight out and change my underpants twice over, because I was just that goddamn excited. Heck, as I type this now I'm smiling like a fool. 

Yes, they are coming down under. And playing with the Smith St Band. In what basically amounts to a small room. Between the Walls. On the 1st of March. I'm so goddamn excited about this. I've got goosebumps right now. I went to buy tickets the second this got announced, but they're not out yet. But never fear, I've been checking every 30 minutes or so.

I can't wait. I'll be there, probably camera in hand and still skanking like an idiot.

The Exploited

Not long after I first moved in with Clus, he had me listening to all sorts of punk music I didn't know much of. One of the bands he showed me, which I've become slightly obsessed with, is the Exploited.

Formed by a former Scottish soldier in the early 80s, they've spent 30+ years playing hardcore punk  like the 80's never disappeared. Mohawks, stage diving, blood, fighting, riots, police and loud angry music is what epitomises their style. I bloody love it. Think of all of the punk show scenes in SLC Punk. That's what the Exploited is about.

Expect me to have a mohawk come April 26 at the HiFi.

Free Music Friday 35!

Today's free music friday is inspired by Adam Collins, the rad dude who drums, amongst other things, for a band named Japan For. He asked me the other day for some new ska recommendations. I must admit, I was stuck for a while.

Ska is my favourite genre. Well it was, but it's taken a back seat lately for no apparent reason. Sure I still listen to it, but I don't go and actively search for it like I used to. Luckily he rekindled my yearning for it, in conjunction with the radio station 4ZZZ.

You see, just the other day I was blaring 4ZZZ while driving around doing chores and they had a visting Sydney band do an acoustic set. And that set was awesome acoustic ska.

Further investigation, and hastily written notes on my hand while driving, lead me to find out this band was called Steppin' Razor, a punk-ska-reggae band from down south. And although they aren't as active these days, they have released every song they've ever done for free on their website. You can get it all by clicking right here.

If you're a fan of Rancid, Operation Ivy, Star Fucking Hipsters or anything of that vein, I don't see any reason why you wouldn't love this as well.

Sublime (with Rome)

To me, Sublime was the soundtrack of my mid-teens, spent lounging around with my birthday buddy Tom, taking our guitars everywhere just playing music and wasting time. To this day, their reggae-ska-punk sound is my perfect summer album.

Of course, the whole Bradley Nowell death thing (RIP) happened before my time, so I never got to see them live. Over the last few years the rest of the band (who are extremely musically-gifted) have formed with a new lead singer (named Rome) to live out the Sublime legend, as well as record a new album, under the name of Sublime With Rome.

I understand what they are doing and it's still pretty good. But it will just never be the same as the original Sublime. Bradley Nowell is just one of those enigmatic people whose struggles and outlook on live is what made the music.

That being said, the new reincarnation of Sublime will be coming to Australia (for the first time in any form of the band) and it will be the only opportunity I will ever get to see these songs live.

April 5, HiFi, 18+

Guttermouth

It's been a little over a year since the crude and rude skate punks Guttermouth did a regional tour of Australia, but apparently we're a great market, because they're coming back to do it all over again, with even more dates!

And proving both their love of Australia and their old school punk-ness, here's them on Recovery in the 90s:

If you want to revisit your punk past, there's a handful of Queensland shows to see them: (all 18+):

January 27, Woodland (Brisbane)

January 28, Billy's Beach House (Gold Coast)

January 29, King's Beach Tavern (Caloundra)

February 2, Magnums (Airlie Beach)

February 3, The Venue (Townsville)

Review: After the Fall (USA)/Anchors/Army of Champions/Friends with the Enemy/Milestones, Jubilee Hotel, November 17 2011

Last night was a great night of Australian (and mainly Queensland) punk rock, topped off by the first Australian show by After the Fall (the New York band, not the Triple M rock Australian band). It was my first time at the upstairs bar at the Jubilee and although the crowds were small, they still had a great night.

First up was Milestones. I cam in late and didn't catch much of their set or get a chance to photograph it. One of these days I'll catch a full set of theirs I hope, as their sound was tight.

Next up were the female-fronted Friends With the Enemy. Imagine if you crossed A Wilhelm Scream with a cute punk-girl for a lead singer. That's what you get with this band.

They were great fun and it was good to finally catch a full set of theirs, even if I did accidentally knock the power cord out while trying to take a photo, causing the bass and guitar to go off for a minute. Sorry guys.

Army of Champions were a band I knew nothing about, except their drummer is the guy from Headaches. But after half a song I was head over heels for them. They're basically Queensland's version of Against Me. Their three singer combination though makes it even better. I found myself grinning like an idiot within about 3 songs, just enjoying it immensely.

You can get one of their tracks for free at their Triple J Unearthed website. Do it, if you like any of that folk-styled-punk in the vein of Against Me.

I'd seen Melbourne's Anchors once before, over a year ago, and were not that impressed with them. But at this gig they were a well-polished band and had a great mini-mosh going with the small crowd, much to the hatred of the bouncer.

They've also got a new track out that you can check for free. They played it last night and there were lots of fists pumping the air in time to it.

Finally, closing in on 1130 pm, After the Fall played for the first time in Australia. Looking a little bit jet-lagged, having only arrived at 6am that morning, they rushed through their set to try and fit as much in as possible before midnight. Live they sounded like a mix of NOFX and A Wilhelm Scream which got the crowd up and moving even more, despite the slippery floor.

If you get a chance, see them while they are on their short tour of Australia. These guys are rad and you will have a great punk night.

After the Fall

Being Australian, this tour announcement today made me go meh. After the Fall? Washed up Australian radio rock I first heard when I was like 12?

But no, I just had to read a bit further. After the Fall... from the USA. Melodic-hardcore-punk of awesome.

Seriously, would the Australian After the Fall wear a Black Flag shirt? I doubt it. I gave these guys album from 2010 a 4.5/5. It was damn good punk.

I wasn't expecting this at all, but they're coming out to Australia! Touring with Melbourne's punk rockers Anchors. It's going to be a great show. The Jubilee, November 17, 18+. You've probably never heard of them, so head to their MySpace to hear many songs, including one featuring Make Do And Mend.

Free Music Friday 29!

I love pop-punk. But not in the style that most people think pop-punk is these days. None of that scene crap with breakdowns and whiny singing. I just like punk that's a bit upbeat and fun. Because that's the way pop-punk should be.

Tim Blood and the Gutpanthers are the kind of pop-punk I like.

I can't find many pictures of them, but their promo picture is fun. Like they are.

Their style of pop-punk is just playing fast and hard, with a bit of distortion and yelling to give it a lo-fi edge. I don't know why, but to me it makes me thing of punk bands in the style of Defiance Ohio, but with 80% more punk.

Of course, their album is free. So check it out.

Frenzal Rhomb/Teenage Bottlerocket

I woke up this morning to a very lovely picture message:

Thanks for sending it Ellis. Despite it being blurry as all hell, it's bloody exciting. If you can't read the poster, I'll explain why it's good on two fronts.

1. It continues Frenzal Rhomb's long standing tradition of bringing great overseas bands with them. If it wasn't for Frenzal, I would never have seen the Lawrence Arms. And now, thanks to them, I get a chance to see Teenage Bottlerocket, a great USA punk band. I've been blaring their new EP, Mutilate Me, for the last few weeks, and I love their style of old school pop-punk (pre-2000's, the way it should be).
2. It's bringing back the Arena. THE GODDAMN MOTHERFUCKING ARENA. A place where I have spent most of my life. In fact, I was at the last Arena show, which happened to be Frenzal Rhomb as well. I can't wait to get reacquainted with the sticky dance floor, the upstairs bars and hidden couches, the dancing cage, the giant poles in the middle of the mosh pit and the urinal with no head clearance so I have to lean backwards. I love dive bars. I love places that play good music. And the Arena was just my dream combination of it all.

Frenzal Rhomb/Teenage Bottlerocket
September 9, the Arena.
SQUEE!

Teenage Bottlerocket MySpace, for listening pleasure.

The Casualties

Do you remember the good old days of punk rock? Bright coloured mohawks, plaid pants tucked into docs, chains everywhere and rough sounding raw music played as fast and violently as possible? I won't say I miss it, but goddamn it was good. It's the way punk started and the way punk should be.

And that ladies and gentlemen, is what the Casualties are still about, 20+ years after they started their punk rock, probably with their middle fingers raised in a giant fuck off salute to the world.

Sure they're older now, and playing to venues more civilised and not smelling of piss and blood, but that doesn't mean the music's changed. No, it's the same angry punk. And I'm going to be reliving it all come September 8th, when they play the HiFi. 18+.

It's going to be weird watching them in a very nice and shiny and clean HiFi venue.

Free Music Friday 22!

I'm posting today's free music friday massively early this week, as I will probably be in absentia for the next few days. But that's not important. What is important is that this one is for fans of Hot Water Music. Well for fans of orgcore, or melodic hardcore punk in general, or anything that just sounds that bloody awesome.

They're called Campaign.


And they have a free EP called Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! Beetlejuice! It's 4 songs of just great orgcore. If you like any punk that sounds like what I mentioned above, get this now. You won't regret it.

DOWNLOAD

No Use for a Name

This picture is a blurry one of me, Scott and Nick with Tony Sly. Aka the lead singer/creative genius of legendary punk band No Use For a Name.

He came out last year to regale us with acoustic versions of his songs. As good as it was, it had nothing on what I imagine seeing the full classic punk band would be like.

Luckily, I don't have to wait long, as Tony's bringing the new version of the band out, which now includes guys from the Mad Caddies and Lagwagon.

July 23, the Zoo
July 24, the Cooly

For more ass-kicking punk, check the youtube playlist.

Free Music Friday 19!

I like punk. I really do. This week I'm seeing/have seen Off With Their Heads, Against Me! and Frenzal Rhomb. There's something about punk, in it's simplicity and speed that just gets in me and makes me move and yell and pump my fist in the air. So this week's free music Friday is punk. Just fun punk.


Their name is Man the Change and I have done zero research on them, because it's early Saturday morning now. But apparently they are from Brooklyn. And they play punk, but in a slightly melodic-hardcore style. Slightly. While listening to it I can't help but think of Good Clean Fun. And that's what this style of punk is, it's fun!

Their album is free on their record label's site, so go check it out if you like any punk. http://www.deathtofalsehoperecords.com/downloads/dtfh099.html

Slow news month

The blog, she's been a bit quiet of late. After the glut of concert announcements of February (and the glut of concerts) things have slowed down as we await the April/May insanity of touring. This weekend alone I've got at least 3 gigs to attend, and more that I just can't. To say I'm a little excited is on understatement.

So in my normal fashion, here's a listing of news and things I should've blogged about but just never got around to doing.

AC4/Star Fucking Hipsters
I've been ranting about this for a while, but on Thursday I finally get to see Dennis Lyxzen perform (in non-techno format). He's back in hardcore mode with AC4 and he's pretty much invented most dance moves singers perform these days.

The local bands for this gig at the Zoo are the Mercy Beat and the Quickening, two of the better heavy bands around. I'm especially in love with the Mercy Beat since seeing them at the Bronx and getting my hands on their album. Get there early for a great night of punk. An amazing night of punk.

Phantoms/Friends With the Enemy
More Australian bands that I love. Phantoms are awesome hardcore punk from Sydney that I've been following since a small basement show last year and Friends with Enemy are like A Wilhelm Scream with a female singer.

They're coming together for an awesome punk night at Girls and Boys (X & Y). April 14th, with special 2 for 1 entry if you're a student. And of course cheaper if you know the password.

The Beards
They are a band that sing songs about beards. While having massive beards. With a folk/humour angle. Basically, they're awesome. And the Beards are playing Rics on April 10th.

You can get some of their stuff from Triple J Unearthed. And after listening, you know you want to see this with a few beers. And beards.

Segression
When I was younger, and just moved to the USA, I got all nostalgic for Australian music. And at the same time I was obsessed with metal. All that together lead to me being obsessed with Segression. 15 years on and I had forgotten about them. They still sit their on my CD case though and once a year I pop it back in.

Turns out they are still going strong, and are about to hit the road again. Playing Rosies on May 20th.

MySpace

All these gigs mentioned are 18+.

Fuck that, I need a drink

Almost 2 years ago now, I went to an awesome gig at the Riverstage featuring the punk legends Bad Religion and NOFX. But it was the opening band that stole my heart: Pour Habit.

These American punk rockers, little known of, showed how live punk shows should be: insane. Even on the enormity of the stage that is Riverstage, they managed to tear it up. I'm going to guess the lead singer was fairly drunk too, as he spent a lot of time throwing up in the crowd. Since then I've loved their skate punk album Sulticide.

Now apparently they've got a new album coming out, and they've let us have a song off it for free. It's called Dead Soldier's Bay, and you can get it from here. It's still sounding as good as their earlier stuff, albeit a little political, and I can't wait to hear the full album.

Review: Streetlight Manifesto/The Gun Runners/Chris Duke & the Royals, The Zoo, April 1 2011

Ska fans in Brisbane don't often get a chance to see their favourite music genre, so when a night like last night comes around, all the chequered and brightly coloured clothing you can hope for gets together. When it happens in the Zoo and it's an acclaimed international ska band, you know it's going to be hot, sweaty and full of skanking.

It was.

When I climbed the stairs, Sydney band Chris Duke & The Royals were taking the stage. The best way to describe them would be to call them "Australia's Less Than Jake. With a cute girl on trumpet."

They had a very fun and upbeat skapunk sound that was just like the mighty Less Than Jake. They even did silly covers, much like Less Than Jake have been doing lately, with an awesome version of the Lion King's I Just Can't Wait To Be King. And the crowd loved it. Even though it was early in the night and no one really knew the band well, there was a large crowd of people skanking it up in front of the stage.

And let's not forget, they had a very cute band member. Who could blow a mean trumpet.

As the next band started setting up, I was a little confused. They looked like a bunch of hardcore dudes. They were wearing hardcore bands' merch. They were soundchecking metal riffs. But when they started, it was just good punk (with some hardcore tendencies). And within seconds they were really getting into it.


Punk jumps were most definitely the flavour of the evening for the Gun Runners.


And karate.


There were a lot of shouted and gang vocals.





One of the guitarists also looked like Jason "Dizzy" Gillespie.


All in all though, they were a great punk band. The crowd, despite being there for ska, really enjoyed this fast punk as well. There was a lot of moshing and even a circle pit to their self-proclaimed "circle pit" song. The Gun Runners' first Brisbane show ever showed how good this punk band is. Definitely one of my favourite Australian bands now just after one night.

An absolute buttload of microphones were then set up on stage, at all different heights. This obviously meant that Streetlight Manifesto, with their massive brass section, were hitting the stage. If you've never seen Streetlight before, you're missing out. The band consists of 4 brass musicians, an excellent guitarist/vocalist, an absolutely talented bass player and a crazy drummer. All up, they are amazing musicians putting together long and epical ska songs.

The band opened up with Mephisto's Cafe and then played over an hour of songs mainly from two albums: Everything Goes Numb and Somewhere in the Between. The highlight for me was their mix of Point/Counterpoint and Keasbey Nights.


The beauty of Streetlight Manifesto is the layering of the songs. All but the drummer sing, generally at different points in the songs providing depth to the vocals, as well as multiple vocal tracks. All of the brass section very rarely play together, rather they play separate melodies that add up to the sum total of awesome.

And they have as much fun playing as the crowd has singing along. And when it comes to sing alongs, not many bands do it better than Streetlight Manifesto. Every few minutes the crowd would get together, punch their hands in their air and yell out a lyric.







After wrapping it up, to the boos of the very full Zoo crowd, they came back for a two-song encore. The first song was their only song from their new album, 99 Songs of the Revolution Volume 1. The album is a cover album, and they played NOFX's Linoleum. I'm starting to lose count of the number of bands I've seen cover this song live now, but at least they made it their own, making it a very ska number. After this, they wrapped up their 80 minute set with the song Somewhere in the Between. The band then stuck around at the end shaking hands and just being friendly.

Also, the crazy saxophonist posed for every camera that was pointed at him.


Streetlight Manifesto are one of those must-see live bands. They put on an incredible show and it's impossible not to have fun. Their last tour a few years ago saw them play to a fairly empty Tempo Bar (Bar 388 was it's name then). It's good to see them pull a much larger crowd now, without losing any of that musical magic.

Propagandhi

When it comes to my activist punk, I find it hard to go past Canada's finest, Propaghandi.

They take their strong beliefs (and disbelief at others) and mash it with skate-punk and metal influences. Making just some absolutely kick-ass music.

I missed their last tour due to work commitments/being stuck at a shitty mine in the Andes in Peru, where I was subjected to Scott picture messaging me the awesomeness of it. And I, for one, am still pissed off at it. Luckily, I now have the chance to make up for it, twice over.

May 28, Coolangatta Hotel
May 29, HiFi

You can grab a few of their MP3s for free here.