yesterdaystrashla-blog

[yesterdaystrashla-blog]

Punk Is Weird Again

[Words and Pics by FuzzTrash] 

For the past few years or so I have been hearing a lot of great newer punk coming out of the Midwest area. It’s crazy, it’s fast, it’s on a whole other level. Think Devo on Speed. Bands like Coneheads, Uranium Club, Liquids (I could go on, but you should really check em out. You'll thank me later.) So when I heard another awesome punk band from Minneapolis called Royal Brat was playing at The Griffin with some excellent local LA punk bands I haven’t seen live yet, I was on board!

First up was LA 3 piece synth punk band C57Black6 (aka C57BL/6) Named after the most common lab mouse, they were anything but common. 

They had a drum machine, which I thought ruled, cuz it left the guitar, bass, and synth players to do their thing, and do it well! I finally found what I had been hoping existed here, too, but hadn’t found until now. (I’ve only lived here a year! Gimme a break.) 

 Next was Dirty & His Fists, a badass LA 5 piece. I realized I heard their demo a few months ago from one of my favorite youtube music channels but had no idea they were from around here! 

From start to finish, they produced a wall of sound with so many layers, stacked high! 

It was as if the crowd were pummeled with a tsunami of fists with their fuzzed out, driving riffage and melodic vocals. Imagine what it would sound like if The Spits took up boxing.

Royal Brat from Minneapolis did not disappoint. Self described as queer punk femme truth lizards, this 4 piece writes and talks about things that aren’t as openly talked about such as toxic relationships and putting up with abuse. 

The vocalist, Alex, (who had once lived in LA) also brought up how sometimes DIY spaces are not for everyone, and the increasing need for safe spaces that don’t tolerate inappropriate, abusive, violent, or hateful people. A good reminder that it’s important to look out for and take care of each other. 

Their songs are catchy and full of passion, truth and talent. My favorite is “Shadethrower.” Check em out! 

Last, but not least, was local 5 piece LA punk band P22 having their “Beat Sessions Vol. 3.” album release. They’re a very talented group that recently recorded the 11 songs live that a newer LA record label Shout! Recordings put out. They also put out the Dirty & His Fists demo and earlier Beat Sessions by Uranium Club and Urochromes last year.

P22 had fast, punchy, purposeful songs. They had these awesome lyric sheets that said on one side “COPS ARE COPS, PIGS ARE NOT.” Their powerful and poetic lyrics are sing screamed with passion about various political and societal topics. 

They also cover the Chumbawumba song “Adversity.” Get this album while it’s hot! It won’t last for long! 

[yesterdaystrashla-blog]

The line grew quickly as fans gathered outside the Echoplex. The show was only 45 minutes away by the time I showed up to the sidewalk. Among a descending temperature, slight breeze, and eager fans I found myself falling into conversation about the 80’s No Wave scene that since then hasn’t surfaced in Los Angeles in the same way. I think maybe that was the lure of it all. James Chance & the Contortions have given LA the cold shoulder since 1982. The reason for such a lapse hasn’t been pinned to any one thing but this special show had permeated the air outside the Echoplex. Deep in the night we the spectators would soon get a glimpse of jazz infused rock with punk notes to burst some flavor into our legs that would make it near impossible not to move. The 45 minute wait didn’t seem to last too long or overstay it’s welcome as we the fans broke into conversation about everything from Weezer losing their touch to Metallica stepping on thin ice with Lulu.

The rest of the night fell into place just right as it grew closer to James Chance taking the stage. Before the lights went on to fill the stage I caught a glimpse of James readying himself on the side stage taking a sip of something from a styrofoam cup. It was apparent that he too was ready to show LA just what 35 years away does to a man. He set his cup down, and slowly made his way out to the center. My first impression was that he was older than I thought. Not to imply that it was disappointing, but rather I was impressed with his obvious charisma and ability only a pioneer of age could hold. As song as the band began to swell into a funky rhythm of guitar, bass, drum, and trumpet James broke out into a wild dance, suit and bow tie adorning his classic demeanor.

It wasn’t long before the mixed ages of the crowd took after James and began to dance a sort of wild all their own. You had slam dancers, swingers, and even patrons shaking maracas. At this point standing still would have been a crime punishable by a robbed experience. James owned this LA night. He had people moving. People staring, and people in sheer joy. He didn’t shy away from exchanging words with the crowd and threw many great jokes out into the mob. Each song was introduced with either a title or a small story that was always given an insiders context. I felt the show was truly something for me to behold as a special night.

Words by: Mycul Davis

[yesterdaystrashla-blog]

GØGGS live at The Echo 3/17

B&W Photos by Mycul Davis - Words and Color Photos by FuzzTrash

I was excited to see GØGGS at The Echo because it was sure to be magic being the same stage I first saw them on. Their live debut was at the In The Red Records 25th Anniversary festival, and it was so mind-blowing the whole crowd seemed stunned. When I saw this show announcement, I immediately jumped on it. I knew it was gonna be a doozy. 

The first band, Naked Lights, hailed from Oakland. A 5 piece band that is more than a generic label like no wave punk, they drew me in right away. Listen to em for yourself, but I liked em so much I bought their cassette tape “Brow Beat” released by Sanity Muffin. 

Next up was Warm Drag an LA based sound duo. Paul Quattrone makes cool noisy beats using a drum machine, sampler, and various effects pedals while Vashti Windish sings with her haunting vocals. It definitely is unique and intriguing! At this time I was not able to locate any recordings of their music, so try to catch them live or keep an eye out for any future releases!

Then Flat Worms LA rock super trio took the stage with a huge burst of energy and sound, and all while making it look effortless. I have seen them play before, but this was by far my favorite performance. 

Will Ivy (Dream Boys, Wet Illustrated, Bridez) shreds like fine parmesan and sings catchy yet, too true lyrics like: “Alarm bells toll for the human race as we're crushed by our own self hatred.” 

Justin Sullivan (Kevin Morby, the Babies) drums like a calculated machine with the coolest head bobs making it look easy. 

Tim Hellman (Thee Oh Sees, Ty Segall, Sic Alps) plays sweeping bass lines that help make the driving rhythm so intricate. 

I hope they release a full length album soon cuz I can’t get enough! Until then, get their debut 7 inch “Red Hot Sand” released on Volar Records. 

Finally, GØGGS a supergroup of sorts with Chris Shaw (Ex-Cult) and Charles Mootheart (Fuzz, CFM, etc.) Ty Segall and other various rotating members setup. They left the stage while letting guitar and bass feedback in their signature style, causing a lot of anticipation in the crowd. Just when you thought maybe they escaped through the green room and weren’t playing after all, they came on stage. 

Chris Shaw passed out the set list to the members while they played the intro and then instantly got into punk mode on the mic. The crowd went fuckin’ nuts and kids were pushing everyone forward and everyone was trying to get a piece of the action. I tried to hold my ground, but helplessly drifted in a sea of a domino mosh pit along with everyone else. Just like a good punk show should, crowd chaos ensued. 

The heavy bass and guitar riffs and punching drums Ty Segall and Charles Mootheart switched back and forth between sent everyone into maniac mode. These two can do it all! 

Chris Shaw continued to entertain and has a way with mic stands and stances that is just so badass and anything but boring. He jumped in the pit and did some crowd surfing, keeping everyone going with high intense energy. 

The set ended and the band once again disappeared into the greenroom. At this point we were all addicted and started to have withdrawals and stood around, in hopes of an encore. 

Just when you were starting to accept that it might truly be over, they jumped back on stage and played a few songs I hadn’t heard before. Presumably, from the upcoming new album they’re to release sometime this year. Who knows? GØGGS keeps you guessing. I’m hooked. 

Get their debut self titled LP from In The Red Records.