Blog — Page 13 of 282

Suicidal Tendencies
Metro Theatre
Sydney, Australia
16 November 2023

Suicidal Tendencies' "Still Cyco Punk After All These Years" Australian Tour marked a seismic celebration of their 40th Anniversary, leaving a sonic storm in its wake. The explosive performance centered around their legendary 1983 self-titled debut album, transporting the audience through time with an unbridled onslaught of raw energy.

In the sonic melting pot where Black Flag's intensity collides with Minor Threat's unyielding attitude, Suicidal Tendencies emerged, seasoned with the flavors of Bad Brains and nuances of Thrash Metal. Their debut album defies easy categorization, transcending noisy angst with a distinctive essence. Dark humor, thrash influence, and ever-shifting tempos create a subjective sonic experience. Grant Estes' Anthrax-evoking guitar solos add depth, while Suicidal Tendencies' mastery of comedic darkness elevates this album beyond mere hardcore. Political undertones, rebellion in "I Shot the Devil," and anti-fascism in "Fascist Pig" showcase its hardcore roots. A timeless crossover classic, this album is a must for enthusiasts, promising more auditory brilliance to discover.

Emerging from the vibrant streets of Venice, California, Suicidal Tendencies, birthed by the unstoppable force of Mike Muir, embodied a fusion of skating, surfing, and the Dogtown scene. As the visionary younger brother of Dogtown Skateboard founder Jim Muir, Mike injected a new hardcore style into the punk and metal landscape, forever reshaping the musical narrative.

Picture this: the early '80s, Suicidal Tendencies crashing onto the stage with a distinctive blend of punk, metal, and hardcore, inciting a frenzy among crowds. Their flipped-up hats, hand-drawn shirts, and bandanas became iconic symbols of rebellion, instantly recognizable and defiant. The band's notoriety even resulted in a ban from performing in their hometown of L.A., a testament to the chaos they unleashed.

Yet, Suicidal Tendencies thrived on adversity, propelling themselves onto the global stage. Crafting a genre-defying sound, merging punk, metal, and hardcore into Skate-Punk-Thrash, they became the anthem for skateboarders, surfers, and thrill-seekers worldwide.

Fast forward four decades, multiple Gold records, Grammy nominations, and a revered spot in the Skateboard Hall of Fame, Suicidal Tendencies remains an unyielding force in heavy music. The lineup, featuring luminaries like Robert Trujillo, Thundercat, Josh Freese, and Brooks Wackerman, reflects the exceptional talent woven into the Suicidal family.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of their groundbreaking debut album, Suicidal Tendencies stormed back to Australia. Frontman Mike Muir, flanked by the powerhouse lineup of Ben Weinman, Dean Pleasants, Tye Trujillo, and Greyson Nekrutman, delivered a performance echoing the explosive energy and unrelenting aggression that defined them in '83.

As the audience braced themselves, Suicidal Tendencies unleashed a sonic storm, proving their legacy is far from a nostalgic relic. With the same rebellious spirit and unyielding intensity, they affirmed that Suicidal Tendencies isn't just a band; it's a force of nature. For those fortunate enough to witness this anniversary tour, it was an unforgettable journey.

It's that time of the year again. The rodeo was back in town and fringe-clad crooner, Orville Peck is hosting his biggest yet. Despite having a rough year that resulted in Orville Peck canceling a run of shows over the summer to focus on his mental health, the country singer still put on the 5th of his yearly "rodeo."

This year, the event took place in the middle of the California desert at Pappy & Harriets in Pioneertown. His once, one-day rodeo, was now 3 days, filled with skateboarding, tattoo pop-ups, drag brunches, and a gay rodeo club. Joining him for the event over the weekend were a number of artists like Margo Price, Noah Cyrus, Teddy & the Rough Riders, Dale Hollow, and "the second most famous drag queen," Trixie Mattel, with Orville Peck playing different sets each night.

I made the trek out for his Saturday showing, which would be the country singer's headlining performance for the weekend. I explored the tiny town that sits off the side of the road and checked out some of the attractions that had been set up for the rodeo, like the Zero X Liquid Death skate ramp.

Walked into Pappy and Harriets as Peck's own bassist, Kyle Connolly opened the show with his own solo performance. Following was "Hack of the Year," Dale Hollow, whose brand of country is a blend of comedy and honesty. Throughout the set, the artist would throw out jokes and quips and even served up a countrified version of Robyn's "Dancing on My Own."

Next up was classic country singer, Emily Nenni, who was backed by Teddy's band, the Rough Riders, and Amythyst Kiah. Amythyst Kiah was previously unknown to me, but following her set, I'm now a fan. Her brand of Country was equal parts Soul, Psychedelia, and Rock backed with an incredibly powerful voice. 

Last support for the night came from drag queen, Trixie Mattel. She came out with a hilarious lip sync about giant "anaconda" dicks. Followed up with some wisecracks about the audience and stories about Orville Peck, while performing some acoustic tracks, some of her own and covers like Avril Lavigne's "Sk8er Boi" and Stevie Nicks' "Landslide." Even a "Landslide" version of "Sk8er Boi" and vice-versa.

Closing out the night was the rodeo's own Orville Peck. He walked out emblazoned in a striking custom Levis outfit and jumped right into Bronco's "Daytona Sand" before taking it back to his debut album with "Turn to Hate." He continued to bounce back and forth between his two LPs and EP with tracks like the marabi-driven "Lafayette," the rarely played "Buffalo Run," and the moody "No Glory in the West." Between songs, he held his "rose ceremony" where he distributed roses to fans in the crowd that caught his attention. Whether it be by their outfit or their dedication. He brought back out Trixie Mattel to do their cover of Johnny Cash and June Carter's "Jackson" and Noah Cyrus for a tear-filled performance of "Hexie Mountains." 

With time running out and the town's curfew creeping up, he had to cut a couple of songs. He finished off the set with "Dead of Night" and a sped-up version of the already fast-paced, "Take You Back." The crowd danced their last dance while blow-up ponies and dolls bounced from one side of the audience to the other. 

This was my 2nd rodeo, and I can't wait to see what Orville Peck has in store for the next one. With new music on the horizon, 2024 is hopefully shaping up to be a very Peck-filled year. 

Featuring Mostly Current Releases and Re-releases with a few favourites chucked in. Think of it like a lager washing down some well-loved beer nuts.  Follow if you feel compelled at Empty Generation. Hope to keep this flowing......

1. Johnny Moped-Lockdown Boy Single- Damaged Goods- 2023

2. Social Distortion- Telling Them-re-release of their debut LP- Craft Recordings-2023

3. The Undertones- My Perfect Cousin- West Bank Songs-1978- 1983- Best of-BMG-2023

4. The Circles- Hope You're Ready- Detour Records-2023

5. The Nomads- Lowdown Shakin' Chills-Where The Wolfbane Blooms- 40th Anniversary Edition- 2023- Amigo

6. Superchunk- Horror Business- Misfits and Mistakes- Singles, B-SIdes and Strays-2007-2023- Merge Records 2023

7. Devo- Gut Feeling(Slap Your Mammy)- 50 Years Of De-Evolution-1973-2023- Rhino Records-2023

8. Youth Brigade- Modest Proposal- Sound and Fury(Trust Edition)- Trust Records-2023

9. SS Decontrol- Boiling Point- Single-Trust Records-2023

10. Reagan Youth- New Aryans- 171A-Demo-1981-The Poss Tapes-1981 to 1984-Cleopatra Records-2023

11. The Rockats- Go Cat Wild-Make That Move (Remastered)- The Rockats-2023

12. The Feelies- White Light/ White Heat- Performing The Music of the Velvet Underground- Bar None Records-2023

13. Dwarves-with Madd Lucas- Roxette single- Greedy Media-2023

14. Bob Vylan- He's A Man- Single- Ghost Theatre-2023

15. Motorhead- Dancing On Your Grave- Another Perfect Day (40th Anniversary)- Sanctuary Records-2023

16. Fear- Nice Boys (Don't Play Rock and Roll) - For Right and Order- Atom Age Industries-2023

17. New Model Army- First Summer After-Single- Attack Attack Records-2023

18. The Godfathers-OCD- Alpha Beta Delpha Plus- Godfathers Recordings2-2023

19. Red Rockers- Guns of Revolution- Condition Red-Liberty Spike Recordings-2023

20. Beex-Green Monkeys-Beex/L'Amour- Thomas Applegate-2022

21. Hanoi Rocks-Oriental Beat (Remix)-Oriental Beat- The 40th Anniversary-Re(al)mix(Remix)-Hanoi Rocks-2023

22. Patt Todd and the Rankoutsiders-Stateline-Sons Of The City Ditch-Dog Meat Records-2023

23. Cherry Cheeks-Pure Power-LP2-Total Punk-2023

24. Stepmothers- If I Were You- You Were Never My Age ...and More- The Complete Recordings- Posh Boy Music-1981

25. The Exploding Hearts- Modern Kicks-Guitar Romantic-Third Man Records-2023

26. The Senders- Don't Fuck With Me-Back To Sender Revisited-Skydog- 1998

27. Ween-Piss Up A Rope_20 Golden Country Greats-Elektra-1996

28. Josie Cotton- Day Of The Gun- Day Of The Gun- Kitten Robot Records-2023

29. Alex Chilton-Jumpin' Jack Flash-Free Again-:The 1970's Sessions-Omnivore Recordings-2012

30. Trans -Canada Highwaymen- Rock Me Gently-Trans -Canada Highwaymen-2023

31. Donn Letts- Holly Cook- Something Coming Off-Outta Sync-Cigale Entertainment Limited-2023

32. Turpentine Brothers- People Are Talkin'- We Don't Care About Your Good Times-Alive Records-2005

33. Cosmic Psychos- Nice Day To Go to The Pub-Glorious Barsteds-Cosmic Psychos-2011

34. Bubbles & The Shit Rockers/Alex Lifeson- Liquor and Whores-Bubbles and the Shit Rockers-2017

34. Pinch Points- Copper- Process-Exploding In Sound Records- 2022

35. Neighborhood Brats- The Pharmacy Is Closer Than The Liquor Store- Recovery -2014

36. Dream Wife- Leech-Social Lubrication-Lucky Number Music-2023

37. The Devil Dogs-North Shore Bitch- 30 Sizzling Slabs! -1991

38. Ivan Julian - The Naked Flame-The Naked Flame-2011

39. Pantherman- Pantherman- The Definitive Pantherman EP-2017

40. Violent Femmes-Dance, Motherfucker Dance!-Add It Up-(1981-1993)-Craft Recordings-2021

Baroness are in the middle of touring North America in support of their new album, Stone. I couldn't miss their stop on the Sweet Oblivion Tour when it rolled through Santa Ana. They showcase Stone by kicking off the show with the album opener combo of "Embers/The Last Word." Baroness were bursting with energy and passion. Frontman, John Baizley's voice was boisterous, Nick Jost grooved across the stage, and Sebastian Thomson was packing a punch from the back. Gina Gleason stood upon the rim of the stage as she tore through her solo while the rest of the band took a step back. For fans of old, excitement swelled as the lights shifted down to a blue hue and the band jumped into "A Horse Called Golgatha." Baroness continued to coincide the lights with the accompanying album they were covering. When the band went into "March to the Sea" the band was painted in yellow and green and when the time came for a sing-a-long, the lights turned a deep shade of purple for their performance of "Chlorine and Wine."

Baroness continued to promote their new album Stone, playing tracks like "Under the Wheel" and "Shine," but they never stopped catering to the fans that have been with them from their beginnings. They bounced between more tracks from the Purple record and Gold & Grey's "Seasons." Towards the end of the set, Baizley took the time to acknowledge Baroness' original drummer, Allen Blickle. He was amongst the crowd and John dedicated the following tracks, that Allen had helped write, to him as they ramped up Blue's "The Sweetest Curse" before finishing off with Red's "Isak."

Baroness will continue to put beauty into metal as they push on with the Sweet Oblivion tour across North America. Any fan of the band would be a fool to miss it. They'll be on tour through to December. Find the dates below and be sure to check out their new album, Stone, if you haven't yet!

It’s been said before, probably by me, that ROME is one of the hardest working musical projects out there. In the last year alone Jerome Reuter (the main driving force of the band) has released two full lengths, a live album and gone on at least two European tours. How does he find the time? It’s a question for the ages, that’s for sure and one that is not easily answered judging by how much this one person takes on.

This current tour (dates can be found here), takes in several stops within the mainland and is a genuine delight to behold. Upon entering the venue, it becomes clear that this is not an ordinary ROME performance. Having seen the band both as a solo endeavour and a full band set-up, it is curious to see that two percussion stands and a centred microphone is all that adorns the stage. Having not seen the band live for a number of years it is not obvious to me how long this constellation has been in use, however, it soon becomes a wondrous thing to witness as Reuter and his fellow musician, Jan, bring us completely into the fold with a musical relationship that plays off the other and allows the band to open up songs to new interpretations. 

Billed with only ROME playing, there is the expectation that this will be quite a long set which for the few gathered here tonight, is hardly a negative. Any show by this band is something to be taken aback by as Reuter’s voice and acoustic guitar takes us on a voyage through the past, present and future and speaks of protest and uplifting of the people who are wronged. There is much in the show tonight that can be seen as timely with many songs referring to the war in Ukraine and dictators trying to take back what they think is rightfully theirs, and the crowd is taking in every word and action. Our recent interview with the man behind the band can be read here and gives more insight as to why he is invested in the people and the war happening in Ukraine.

The set tonight takes in many "newer" tracks with the occasional older favourite thrown in. For many who have been fans for a long time, there's always an unusual contradiction at play whereby you're just so happy to be watching this band live and hearing so many excellent songs but you are constantly waiting for your most loved ones to make an appearance. With such an extensive back catalogue it is not possible to do this and so the setlist tonight leans towards the latter albums. 

There is plenty to enjoy no matter how long you've been a fan with some truly bombastic moments coming courtesy of the percussion and when Reuter joins on the second set (ahhh, so that's what it's there for), for "Sons of Aeeth" there is hardly a body standing still in the room. It's not particularly full tonight which could be seen as a disappointment, yet there is room to move around in your own personal space without bashing into your neighbour and for several active attendees this is the perfect scenario. "No Second Troy" gives more opportunity for dancing within the crowd and "The Brightest Sun" the first big moment of reflection for those who hang on every world. There is an emotion in the song that is palpable and felt by every person watching as Jerome Reuter speaks of Ukraine and its beauty and willingness of its people to stand up to oppression. It's an impactful choice and one that resonates deeply throughout the audience. 

"Der Wolfsmantel" is then the perfect followup and one of the older tracks on the setlist tonight, its martial beat adding a dynamic thread that connects it to its predecessor and the sonorous "Hearts Mend." One of the highlights of a ROME performance, or indeed their records, is the voice behind the songs. Jerome Reuter's vocal is rich and deep and soars where needed. It is understated in its beauty and hearing it live is a joy to experience. The chrous on "Hearts Mend" ascends to the heavens, "Going Back to Kyiv" is a glorious ballad that steps back the instrumentation to showcase the voice and "One Lion's  Roar" gives the audience the chance to expend their own energy into the air through accompanying the band with words.

As the song comes to an end it seems that ROME are finished for the evening. We all know this cannot possibly be the case because only an hour has passed and yet the thought of it being over is almost too hard to bear. Luckily, our calls for more are heard and Jerome comes back for a short solo performance before Jan joins again for the finale of "One Fire" and ROME classic "Swords to Rust - Hearts to Dust." The former is radiant with an advancing drumbeat that calls to the martial, neo-folk industrial past of the band while the latter is likely one of the first songs I ever heard from the band and one which drew me in immediately. Hearing it tonight is one of the many highlights and the song itself speaks of protest and the overthrowing of those who take power through underhanded means. ROME use these motifs in many of their songs and it seems as though that will always be the case. Struggle is something that we can all experience, some more than others, and ROME uses their music to work through both historical and modern power imbalances, and the people's place within them. It is a potent topic and one that those who are here tonight will go away thinking about more deeply.