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Artist Exposed: Speed of Light

They Move Fast, Play Hard, and they're Coming after You!

This family of superheros aren't The Incredibles, but, they sure are incredible. Two older brothers to the younger sister, Speed of Light band is a phenomenon of energy keeping Garage Rock alive. They were born 21 months apart, and they were born to rock. Riley, Tyler, and Cameron Christensen are becoming local fixtures by performing live at least once a week around the Los Angeles music scene. As we listen to some Queens of the Stone Age, I asked them about their style. Tyler plays drums and likes to bring a little bit of punk to the band. Cameron brings that 70's rock and roll swagger. With hair up and boots thundering, Riley brings a style all her own.

All three bring vocals to the band. Cameron, 16, began playing guitar at age 7. Tyler, 14, picked up drums no too long after. Riley Claire, 12, picked up bass and everything else. They began by playing covers of The Stooges, The White Stripes, and the aforementioned Queens of the Stone Age. That led to them finding their own voice and music. Where this band is really pressing on the gas, and accelerating, is their stage presence. They are regulars at Bands in a Barbershop presented by the 6660s. Speed of Light is catching their stride at jumping, smashing, and crashing to get into the crowd and pump up the energy. This band doesn't stand around and play music, the music comes flying at you, and suddenly you're surrounded.

This ain't no Jackson 5 and ain't no disco, this band is all Rock n' Roll. For more check out fuqt.com and follow Speed of Light on instagram @speedoflightband. Our instagram is @fuqt_

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Artist Exposed: Speed of Light

They Move Fast, Play Hard, and they're Coming after You!

This family of superheros aren't The Incredibles, but, they sure are incredible. Two older brothers to the younger sister, Speed of Light band is a phenomenon of energy keeping Garage Rock alive. They were born 21 months apart, and they were born to rock. Riley, Tyler, and Cameron Christensen are becoming local fixtures by performing live at least once a week around the Los Angeles music scene. As we listen to some Queens of the Stone Age, I asked them about their style. Tyler plays drums and likes to bring a little bit of punk to the band. Cameron brings that 70's rock and roll swagger. With hair up and boots thundering, Riley brings a style all her own.

All three bring vocals to the band. Cameron, 16, began playing guitar at age 7. Tyler, 14, picked up drums no too long after. Riley Claire, 12, picked up bass and everything else. They began by playing covers of The Stooges, The White Stripes, and the aforementioned Queens of the Stone Age. That led to them finding their own voice and music. Where this band is really pressing on the gas, and accelerating, is their stage presence. They are regulars at Bands in a Barbershop presented by the 6660s. Speed of Light is catching their stride at jumping, smashing, and crashing to get into the crowd and pump up the energy. This band doesn't stand around and play music, the music comes flying at you, and suddenly you're surrounded.

This ain't no Jackson 5 and ain't no disco, this band is all Rock n' Roll. For more check out fuqt.com and follow Speed of Light on instagram @speedoflightband. Our instagram is @fuqt_

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Performance: Soulfly at 1720.la

With Nyctophile (not pictured), Zombie Eating Horse, Sangre, Skin Flint, Incite and Unearth

And a lesson in metal etiquette So.. This show was filled with so many fucking bands I almost thought I was at The Whisky. Hahaha. People that go to shows know what the fuck I'm talking about. The night was also filled with a brutal amount of fans losing their shit in the pit, endless liquid filled bottles and cups being thrown into the crowd, and even an attempted choking of a fan by a photographer over a fucking spot up front. My dude, you can't do that shit. This is violent music, and we get that you gotta get not only your photos but also your video, but, take a fucking chill pill... hell, take 2 or 3... Fuck it... overdose on that shit. Fans can be fuckheads: from thinking they shouldn't be touched while gripping the guard rail, to recording the entire show on their phones. But, trying to choke someone out for moving in front of you?! Don't be a P.O.S. Especially at a Soulfly show. "My Tribe, Your Tribe," ever heard that Moto? Of course you have. Live by that shit!

The tripod strangle-hold. Homie behind him broke it up. Good looking out. Photo by Anthony Mehlhaff

Don't be a fuckhead! It's not cool. Photo by Anthony Mehlhaff If it's sounds like I'm shaming this mysterious, male photographer, you'd be correct. Our local music scene doesn't need shit like this. So, whoever the fuck you are, Chill. The guy was in the wrong, but you went with the nuclear option immediately. I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt and I of course didn't see everything that happened between you guys, but, I saw a lot. Be kind, my guy. Moving on. Soulfly has always been one of my favorite bands since high school some 20 years ago! Yeah! It's been that long. Every band I saw was playing hard as fuck and even though there was way too many bands it was awesome to see each band try and out-do the last. It was also great to see and photograph Zombie Eating Horse again (who I hadn't see since Ozzfest 2017.)

Jon Parker, lovingly referred to as, "The Toadmaster" via instagram. Photo by Anthony Mehlhaff Check out the photos and if ya see yourself, hit me up on instagram @betahal9000 and on @fuqt_ and we'll tag ya and post them in the stories. And remember: Don't be a fuckhead. Throwing drinks, moshing, crowd surfing, and all that shit, is good. Pick your brothers and sister up when they fall down, and keep this music alive for my kid. For when, and if, she wants to thrash around a dark, loud room with metal-head strangers. Bonus content! SiruisXM's Metal Ambassador and all around good guy, Jose Mangin hit the stage with Max Cavalera to sing Motorheads anthem, "Ace of Spades."

Always come back to fuqt.com for more content, videos and local shows. Read the full article

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Thumpasaurus at The Teragram Ballroom

Have you ever found out about a band and 2 days later you were at their show and everything you wanted a band to be was performing right there in front of your lil' mystified peepers? Oh, you have? Well me too, man. Me... Fucking... Too. I found out about The Thumpasaurus through an email just days before and it was love at first sight. The funk that permeated from this album, "The Book of Thump," was like an aged Camembert cheese left out on the counter, so, once you cut into that layer of stanky, funky, goodness, the cheesy goo just oozed right on out. I'm never impressed with music that is simply good. I'm always preaching the importance of the show. The pageantry of it all. Thumpasaurus doesn't just show up to the dance, they win the tiara, get a bucket of pigs blood dumped on them, and then proceed to kill everyone at the dance with their Telekinesis rage! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M137mZI3rLE "Mental Karate" Directed by Jocelyn Cooper Yes! They are very deserving of a "Carrie" reference and comparison. Now, there wasn't any animals blood, and maybe that should be incorporated next time. I lean towards yes, but honestly there is little if anything I would change about this bands music or live show. The show was like what I imagine it's like to be a 7 year old at a birthday party with a huge bouncy castle, filled with Aliens, Mark Zuckerberg faced saxophone players, and hopped up on cake and youth. It was a wild trip packed with dancing, moshing, and a couple of fans doing their Rhythmic gymnastics floor routines. Seriously, the routines were a bit formulaic, but still, not bad. (Please google "Rhythmic gymnastics - The Worst Mistakes"). Plus these guys have real top notch taste. You have to print a huge backdrop that immortalizes J-Law's disembodied smiling head as she wears disembodied Brady Cooper heads as earrings. While were on this subject. J-Law. Wake up, the guys are offering you the gig of a life time. Be their queen and never have to worry about this silly acting job ever again. Go with the sure thing, girl. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjc_xnjZiy8 Queen JLAW in "You Are So Pretty" Directed by Thumpasaurus I guess If all the above sounds like fun, then, Thumpasaurus is for you. I did find it very funny that the bands lead singer, Lucas, had to warn the audience to not be a bunch of lil' bitches (I'm paraphrasing) ahead of their anthem, "Evil." They seriously had to tell an audience that a previous group of people walked out because of the pure demonic quality of their most savage track. People have to enjoy the trip and understand that the trip could also get scary. Go with the flow and expect the unexpected. That's why I've been playing the shit out of this album. Shit that sonically bounces in several different themed bouncy houses, but, somehow all fits in at the same birthday party in the same backyard. What can I say, I go to a lot of birthday parties. My kid is 7.

In talking back and fourth a little with the instagrams' page, (which I think might be Mr. Was) I'm told that new music might be near. I hope he, or they, are not fucking with me. It might contain even harder music than we are used to. This would be awesome. Whatever these guys make, I'll be happy to check it out. As a matter of fact, the Thumpalicous Thumpasaurus dudes just released a Rock Opera and the accompanying video has a shit ton of the young Scientology heart throb, (and I wanna emphasize, "THROB") Johnny Travolta slathered all over it. (Side not: Johnny T-Volt is going be starring in a new Fred Durst directed horror movie entitled "Moose," due out this year.). (And as a side, side, note: Limp Bizkit has a 3 dollar show this Tuesday March 5th. Let's riot with chainsaws.)

Anyways, I recommend this band, Thumpasaurus, to every man, women and child. I have successfully got the P.E. teacher to play the track "Alien" during the school morning exercise warm-up. "VICTORY!" Google these interesting boys and go buy their album, "The Book of Thump" and whatever else their future cult is selling. P.S. L.A. bands unite! Play a show with my homies, "The Manx." I'll set it up when you guys get back from tour. Oh yeah! P.S.S. Thumpasaurus is currently on their 1st North American tour and they wanna see your asses at their ever-evolving show! For more pictures, reviews, behind the scenes weirdness, follow @fuqt_ and @betahal9000 on instagram and check out fuqt.com

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Performance: Kalikazoo Band at The Prospector Long Beach

Seafoam. That's the color behind these words in this article and a color that Kali Kazoo, (name not given at birth) of Kalikazoo Band is deeply connected to. Why? Who the fuck knows, but, it's everything to her. Tonight she is draped in it from head to toe. Now Seafoam can be green or blue, and seems to be a feeling more than an exact color. If you stare at it long enough, it will hurt your mind.

Seafoam shades. Photo by Anthony Mehlhaff In talking to Kalikazoo for too long, the same effect is bound to happen (I mean that in the best of ways). This animator, musician, and all-around weirdo, became my digital friend on Instagram after I witnessed how hard she harassed all the members of one of my favorite local bands, The Manx. However, she didn't stop there. Speaking of the Manx, The Manx's up-right bass player, Adam had a gig with one of his many other bands 2 blocks away and stopped by for Kali's show. As I watched her Instagram stories, I became addicted to these on going drawings she would make that involved a co-animator that, I assume, always seemed to be highly inappropriate for any work environment. I wish I had one to share. Kali, put one in the comments, ya son of a bitch!

Adam of the Manx temped to pluck a tasty cord. Photo: Anthony Mehlhaff So, between those amazing drawings, and Kalikazoo begging me to see one of her shows, I finally caved. Hahaha, J/K. I finally had the pleasure to see her and her band. The show was at one place, and got changed to another place, and after going to 2 other Long Beach bars and paying 2 separate covers, I finally arrived at the correct one, and payed a 3rd cover. Fuck! This venue was a family steak restaurant and bar called "The Prospector." I didn't try the steak, but, I hear good things. I like this place because it's small and I could basically do whatever the hell I wanted, photographically speaking.

Example of Photographic Freedom. Photo by Anthony Mehlhaff Before Kalikazooband played, a band called... (ah shit I forgot), but they played a Rage Against the Machine cover of "Testify" which I went fucking nuts for! (Like brazilnuts, nuts.) After them was the Kalikazooband, and although they didn't have a RAGE cover, (which in my eyes could never hurt) their live show was still exciting. But, maybe they should think about adding a RATM cover to the next show. Kalikazooband played old and new tracks, and had just enough edge for me to jump around, scream, and even mosh a bit. The band has a great chemistry together. In between guitar tuning, the band played the intro to Santana's "Smooth" (featuring Rob Thomas) about 6 times. By the 2 time, they had the crowd chanting for another smooth intro. Personally, I've always hated that song, but, because these guys made me laugh at it, they have changed the way I look at that song. From now on I'm gonna have to laugh whenever I hear it. I'm glad it was only the into to that song... Jesus Christ. I might have to blow my brains out if they played just a few more seconds into that fuck-sauce track. It was great to meet the band, meet Kali, and especially to meet Kali's Dad, who was also celebrating his birthday that night. Man, I think his name was Steve, but one thing's for sure, he told me all sorts of interesting things about his daughter. Funny, embracing, and odd stories of her. Hahaha. Good times. Kali sang happy birthday and I ran back and snapped a couple pics of my dude partying the night away.

Dad party.

I think it's Steve. The band's music previous to their new album was a bit soft for my taste. A few tracks on the new album have solved that issue for me and their live performance is fun, engaging, and has a good amount of showmanship... and flare, I love flare... I need that shit. I need a show, not just the music. Kalikazooband has a show March 4th at The Silver Lake Lounge and hopefully they will have some merchandise, or I'm not going. Also, they need to be working on a Rage cover. I'm telling you, it will kill! Also look for their new album coming out on cassette some time in the near future and my guess is it just might be some shade of Seafoam. Also, where's my fucking shirt drawing?

Shades of Sea foam Photo By Anthony Mehlhaff

Seafoam paradise. Photos by Anthony Mehlhaff For more show reviews, artist profiles, and pictures, go to fuqt.com and follow @betahal9000 and @fuqt_ on the Instagram. Read the full article

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Showcase: You Need Rocking Valentines... Print these and slay someone's soul!

It's that time year when hearts bleed and we're here to make sure your blood pours out completely. Enjoy these Valentine's Cards created by us for you to let your heart's desire know how you feel about them. Just print these out and let your loved ones know that you love them so much, you'd like to drink their blood.

See more on our Instagram @fuqt_ and at fuqt.com Read the full article

[fuqt]

Showcase: You Need Rocking Valentines... Print these and slay someone's soul!

It's that time year when hearts bleed and we're here to make sure your blood pours out completely. Enjoy these Valentine's Cards created by us for you to let your heart's desire know how you feel about them. Just print these out and let your loved ones know that you love them so much, you'd like to drink their blood.

See more on our Instagram @fuqt_ and at fuqt.com Read the full article

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Performance: Cradle Of Filth at The Belasco

Uncured, Jinjer, and Cradle of Filth

After paying my 20 bucks so that I would only have to take the fewest amount of steps possible, I took my 3 steps to be greeted by a sea of black t-shirts that read, “Jesus is a cunt!”  I’ve come home, and I am amongst my people, I thought.  A shirt this great and righteous could only mean one thing, besides, of course, offended Christians across the street, that Cradle of Filth was back in Los Angeles.

JIAC from Blackest of The Black.Photo: Anthony Mehlhaff Cradle of Filth is now on it’s North American leg of it’s Cryptoriana world tour which stopped off at The Belasco last night.  The band has been supporting it’s September release of it’s 12th album “Cryptoriana - The Seductiveness Of Decay”  via Nucleur Blast, since March. Thanks to the security guards not being hard-asses, I was able to secure my credentials early and was shuttled off to a meet and greet session with Dani Filth and the band.  We of course posed like high school seniors outside the lunch line, snapped this photo, and in a flash the band slipped away in the fog (they really just used a different door than I did, I was trying to make it seem more dramatic.)

The homie, Maurice Nunez with "Cradle of Filth". Photo: Anthony Mehlhaff Back on the main level, merchandise was being sold, fog juice was being poured, and the first band was taking the stage.  I High-Fived a Jesus is a Cunt shirted man and took my place on the other side of the guard rail to hear “Uncured.” This instantly made me want a ham sandwich.  As the progressive metal band shredded, I kept thinking I was fucking losing my mind as I snapped away on my Sony.  “Are these fucking guys twins or do all white progressive metal guitar players look the same?"  Turns out yes, yes they do, but, these two guy were also brothers.  “You sneaky mind fuckers.” Anyways, I suggest you check out their music video for the song “Opium Den.” It’s a family oriented gem about a Mom who takes her little girl to a trap house to exchange a blow job for some of that good “H.”  It’s heart warming.  All jokes aside, the dudes can shred like Mini-Wheats and they are worth a listen.

"Uncured" smoking the crowd. Photos: Anthony Mehlhaff

Next up was “Jinjer” and yes, it’s a band comprised entirely of Gingers.  Think the O’Doyle’s from Billy Madison, but, instead of smacking your lunch out of your hands they are smacking your phones out of your hands with their harsh sounds.  I’m obviously kidding about both because you know when both of those things happen simultaneously at the same venue, is the same day the earth will no longer adhere to gravitational pull. This Ukrainian metal band fronted by Tatiana Shmailyuk is no joke. With her front and center, sporting pot leaf stretchy pants (which seems kind of like a joke), she demanded your attention. The bands progressive sound, melodic breakdowns, and Tatiana’s incredible range, make it hard not to wanna smash around the Theatre that smells like a wrestling mat, with complete strangers.  (Also, the woman is simply fun to watch and seems to really dig performing.)

Lead singer Tatiana Shmailyuk of "Jinjer" Photos: Anthony Mehlhaff

Cradle Of Filth, as expected, brought at least 10 more photographers to the photo pit (where the fuck were they earlier?  J/K... kind of) and after we finally got into the tiny bullpen, we all looked up and waited for these black metal visionaries, like Peeping Tom’s and Tonya’s in the night.  The fog spewed out of hidden machines and across the cell phone glowing squares. Chants and screams bellowed from all corners of the darkened room.  Each band member walked out, one by one, to cheers. Finally, Dani Filth, cloaked in a black hood, took his place at the back of the stage.  The music began to play and Dani revealed his face and white eyes and pierced the audience’s ears with his shrieking, glorious, voice.  ‘Gilded Cunt,” what a way to start a show. Cradle of Filth continues it’s North American leg of it’s world tour with it’s last stop in San Francisco April 22nd before heading off to Asia.

Mr. Filth himself, Dani Filth of "Cradle of Filth." Filth. Filth. Filth. Photos: Anthony Mehlhaff

SIDE NOTE:  The first time I ever heard Cradle of Filth was when my wife made me a Mix CD (yeah old people shit) 12 years ago which contained 3 CoF songs: “Her Ghost In The Fog,”  “Hallowed Be Thy Name,” and a Misfits cover, which at the time I thought was a CoF song, “Death Comes Ripping.”  I even edited a silly HI-8mm video to the song which consisted of me fucking around in Lodi, Ca.  Anyways, great cover! Read more at www.fuqt.com and follow us on Instagram @fuqt_ Read the full article

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Performance: LCD Soundsystem at The Hollywood Palladium

The West Coast Comeback from Bands-End

On the first night of a 5 day, sold-out residency at The historic Hollywood Palladium,  LCD Soundsystem packed them in.  All the furniture was in the garage and their was a freak out brewing in the house. After the bands very famous and well publicized break-up/bands-end tour in 2011, that was even made into a documentary “Shut Up and Play The Hits,” LCD was back on the opposite coast of where it all ended to play all the hits and a brand new record, “American Dream.”

Tracking Time. Photo: Anthony Mehlhaff LCD opened to their first song off that new album, “Oh Baby” which eased the fans into dance mode and also connected on an emotional level with new and old fans alike.  James Murphy barely emoted at all through the song until the songs climax and the magical disco ball lights beamed out from the mirrored globe and into everyone's eyes and hearts.

James Murphy on night 1 of 5. Photo: Anthony Mehlhaff All phones shot into the air, trying to grab an image of one the most recognizable symbols linked to the band, and for the next song waited for the disco lasers to return in a quest to seize the likes on social media.  Half the crowd watched through their phones and the other half (the half I love), danced as if they were all alone in the dark. As a fan from way back seeing the band back together was a great, great moment.  The band dismantled at the height of their success and it was truly a shame to have missed out on experiencing them live until tonight.  I will try and catch these guys again on Monday or Tuesday because these songs stick to your ribs like a hearty stew on a cold, New York, winter night. If I can’t, I’ll always be able to watch all the Instagram videos of the band.  Fuck that.

Photos: Anthony Mehlhaff Read the full article