The infrequently-updated site blog, featuring a range of content including show reviews, musical musings and off-color ramblings on other varied topics.
The second iteration of Caterwaul festival took place in Minneapolis, MN over Memorial Day weekend, spanning two venues and three days/nights. The lineup is too big too list thoroughly but you can read about it here.
Headliners included Flipper (with Shannon Selberg), Chat Pile, Child Bite, VAZ, and Tongue Party. While Scene Point Blank was unable to personally attend, we did the next best thing -- we got a guest contributor to supply us with some original photos from the festival.
A thousand thank yous to the talented John Oakes for taking these shots.
For the past month, Greg Puciato of Killer Be Killed, Black Queen, Dillinger Escape Plan, and now Better Lovers, has been touring North America for his first solo tour after finishing a stint with Alice in Chains' Jerry Cantrell. With the release of Mirrorcell in 2022, Puciato had 2 full-lengths under his belt to fill his set but still managed to throw in a few surprises.
Deaf Club - Photo Credit AMH
Opening the show was solo Industrial act, Trace Amount-- a pseudonym for producer/vocalist, Brandon Gallagher. Despite people still filing in, Trace Amount still delivered a lively set to warm up the crowd. Following Trace Amount was Justin Pearson's (The Locust) latest project, Deaf Club. The band blasted into the room before the curtain covering the stage was done opening. After all these years, Pearson is as wild as ever. He never took a second to slow down between constantly jumping to the barricade to rile up the audience to even running to the back of the dance floor to shout from the sound booth. Deaf Club played a tight set which even included a cover of Nirvana's "Tourette's."
Escuela Grind - Photo Credit AMH
Rounding out Greg Puciato's support for the tour was power violence group, Escuela Grind. Katerina Economou's impeccable growl never wavered as they bounced around the stage to drummer, Jesse Fuente's blast beats. The band ended up running through an entire new EP they plan to record later this year as well ended the set with a cover of Hatebreed's, "Filth."
Photo Credit AMH
Greg took to the stage for his last show of the tour, opening with the combo of "In This Hell You Find Yourself" and "Reality Spiral." Throughout the night, he continued to play through tracks from his newest album,Mirrorcell, and tracks like "Deep Set Eyes" and "Roach Hiss" from Child Soldier -- the latter of which had Converge'sBen Koller on drums. Throughout the set, he would jump up to the crowd to sing along. When he came out for his encore, he proclaimed that they'd be doing a bunch of extra songs and some more special guests would be joining him. The first of the surprises were a couple of Black Queen songs, including "Secret Scream" and "The End Where We Start" with special guest, Billy Howerdel of A Perfect Circle. Next up were Gil Sharone and Tyler Bates to join in on their song "Now You've Really Done It" from the Dark Knights: Death Metal soundtrack. Greg ended the night with Dillinger Escape Plan's 'One of Us is the Killer." He'd been teasing the song throughout the tour, but tonight was the first night he and the band performed the entire song. Greg threw his face into the crowd for support on the vocals, spending much of the track at the barricade. The song ended and so does Greg's first solo tour. He delivered a strong performance and continues to be one of the greatest frontmen in the business. Not for one moment was he not giving his all.
I wasn't the only one to catch Greg on this tour. Be sure to check out Kevin's blog too!
Sleaford Mods
Opera House
Sydney, Australia
02 June 2023
photo courtesy of @k.a.vv
When I first encountered Sleaford Mods many moons ago, their abrasive, electronically charged minimalist punk-hop that framed their rants about the austerity of a deeply divided, modern day England and the trials of working class life felt like an indulgent lecture about the futility of modern day life.
In other words, it was irresistibly appealing.
photo courtesy of @k.a.vv
With Sleaford Mods’ idiosyncratic post-everything melange comprised in equal parts of social commentary, rapid-fire stream of consciousness vocal delivery, rowdy Northern piss-taking and all out advocacy for letting yourself go, there is something to be found for anyone who harbours a modicum of interest in punk or hip hop.
Carried by pulsating, repetitive productions of bass and drums as the main instrumental elements and set in scene by a bank of bright, flickering lights serving as an entrancing torrent of visual stimuli intensifying every angle, the rawness, intensity and immediacy of the duo incarnating within the confines of Sydney’s Opera House still feels as intact as it was when I first encountered them in an art café in London.
Much more popular but still retaining purpose by remaining politically engaged and visceral, the woefully vitriolic emissions and ostrich-esque demeanour of inimitable vocalist Jason Williamson, who manages to embody a different personality with each barked lyric as he paces the stage tweaking and contorting, flanked by beatmaker Andrew Fearn, who after pushing play on his laptop indulges in frantically flailing his arms and legs for the duration of the show, result in a seamless, endlessly energetic and engaging show that musically sits comfortably between Anarcho-punk, Britpop, Grime and dancehall, which translates effortlessly and resonates with the definingly middle-aged crowd.
photo courtesy of @k.a.vvphoto courtesy of @k.a.vvphoto courtesy of @k.a.vv
Mamma Mia! – The Musical
Lyric Theatre
Sydney, Australia
27 May 2023
photo courtesy of Sam Bisso
Memory tends to work either through the reverberation of strong emotions or through repetition, which is something that the Swedish supergroup ABBA had perfectioned ever since the quartet first incarnated more than five decades ago in Stockholm.
The fact that ABBA split up in 1982 has not changed their status as one of pop’s most triumphant acts with a sheer endless catalogue of ridiculously catchy wall-to-wall hits, proving that music is just as good a medium for all the significant feelings as written, metrical composition.
With no shortage of ABBA tributes, ABBAtars and the omnipresence of their tunes, the global musical phenomenon MAMMA MIA! has established itself as one of their more successful franchises centred around twenty-two of the most iconic and uplifting songs of the pop juggernaut.
Tonight’s Australian production features Donna Sheridan, known from her role as Miss Honey in the Australian production of Matilda The Musical, and the emerging Australian actor Sarah Krndija, who supported by an illustrious cast of talent are set in scene by Director Gary Young, sharp acrobatic choreography acts courtesy of Tom Hodgson and Michael Waters’ excellent bright sound design.
The result is an immensely contagious fun night of danceable rhythms with the storyline and symmetrical narrative being mere vessels for the music with the atmosphere that ensues being not a welcome side-effect but an integral component of the equation that provides a light-hearted forum for audiences to let their hair down.
Post-Punk pioneers, Gang of Four recently had a short run of shows leading up to their performance at Cruel World Fest in Pasadena, CA. I managed to catch the show as they rolled through The Glass House where they ran through a powerful set primarily focused on their 1979 debut, Entertainment!, with a smattering of tracks from their subsequent records through the 80s. Filling in for the late Andy Gill was David Pajo of Slint, while Sara Lee returned to take up bass duties. The chemistry between the band was great and was one of the best shows I've seen this year so far. You can check out the gallery below:
Running May 24-27 in Minneapolis, this year's lineup at Caterwaul features a ton of heavy hitters. We've posted about the event previously and you can find those links on the site easily enough. Or simply visit the Caterwaul website and buy some tickets.
But first, check out this 10-track sampler …
Read more
Sacramento sister duo, Dog Party, have released the video for their second single "Last Nite". The single is from their upcoming seventh studio album, Dangerous, which is due for release on May 17th via Sneak Dog Records.
The rock n roll outfit have dubbed their upcoming album a "love letter to Joey Ramone" …
Read more
For the first time, Cave In will tour both Australia and New Zealand this June, the first visit from the long-running band. The tour includes headlining dates, plus more stops in support of The Ocean.
The band last released Heavy Pendulum in 2022 (Relapse).
Read more
CAVE IN
IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW …
Read more
Merge Records will soon reissue The Mountain Goats' The Coroner's Gambit on LP, cd, and cassette. First released in 2000 the album is long out of print, now returning with new liner noted and limited release in the varied formats.
John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats states:
There are few records in …
Read more
Doom metal band Amarok is back with Resilience, the group's second LP. Watch a teaser about the new record below, which releases on June 28 via their own Vulture Print (US) and Vendetta Records (EU).
It also includes guest appearances from members of Neurosis, Mizmor, and more, mixing funeral doom …
Read more
High octane noise rock band Melt Banana has announced upcoming tours of the US and UK this year, followed by the release of the band's eighth studio album, 3 + 5, out on August 23.
Get the specific dates below.
Read more
U.S. tour
May 21 - Goldfield Trading …
Read more
Gregg Turner, known for his work with punk band Angry Samoans, will be touring the Pacific Northwest in late May/Early June. Some dates feature Turner solo while others showcase his current project, The Gregg Turner Group.
The Gregg Turner Group has Turner on guitar/vocals), plus Sarah Meadows (bass/harmony vocals), David …
Read more
Post-rock brotherly duo Oh Hiroshima, featuring Jakob Hemström (guitar/vocals) and Oskar Hemström (drums), has shared "Secret Youth," which will feature on the band's upcoming fifth full-length, All Things Shining. The album comes out on June 28 on Pelagic Records.
"With a more traditional song structure and a more vocal-centric approach than most of …
Read more
Superchunk has set a run of tour dates to mark the 30th anniversary of the band's Foolish. On the tour, the band's set list will feature deep cuts from the 1994 LP.
Via press release, Mac McCaughan says:
We’re excited to play a bunch of songs from Foolish (and as …
Read more
Boris has scheduled a North American tour, kicking off in San Diego, CA on Sept. 25 and running into early November. The tour will showcase the band's first album, Amplifier Worship, played in full with two drummers, plus Starcrawler in support.
Read more
Boris, Amplifier Worship Service tour dates:
September 25 …
Read more
Last year Skating Polly released the double LP Chaos County Line (El Camino Media), which SPB discussed with the group here.
Fast forwarding back to the present, the band is ready to hit the road on a North American tour, continuing their support of the record. Check out the dates …
Read more
German Punk/hardcore gang AXIDS drop video for new high energy, punk rock meets the wizarding world, play on words track "Axidpelliarmus". Shot in their familiar DIY style in a basement/studio space. It's not overly complicated but playful, much like the band themselves. Comments from the band regarding "Axidpelliarmus" say "this is …
Read more
Bad Moves recently shared the new song "Let the Rats Inherit the Earth," a new not so uplifting song from the Washington, DC, based band that last released Untenable in 2020. A new full-length is expected later this year on Don Giovanni Records, including the new track.
Read more
Let The …
Read more
Currently on tour with Oso (we just saw them in Minneapolis), Spanish Love Songs has shared an acoustic version "Haunted," off the band's 2023 album No Joy.
"Every time we decide to rework a song for an “acoustic” version, it inevitably starts with stripping everything back to how the song …
Read more
Longtime member of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones Joe Gittleman has announced a new solo record on its way, sharing the single "Plastered in the Rafters" this past week.
Since the end of the Bosstones, Gittleman has released songs on a split with Bad Operation, released an EP with a group …
Read more
Meet The Familyhood Nextperience, a group of veteran musicians formed by Fishbone founding member Norwood Fisher, playing a soulful blend of reggae, rock, ska, and more with contributions from members/ex members of The Skeletones, Social Distortion, The English Beat, Suicidal Tendencies, and Trulio Disgracias. The band shares "To The Hilt" now, …
Read more
Melodic Punk band, Back Teeth, have just released their debut self-titled EP. You can stream it NOW! Vinyl is available through Sell The Heart Records and Little Rocket Records.
Read more
GEL will release their new EP, Persona, via Blue Grape Music on August 16th. You can check out their new track, "Mirage" below:
Read more
GEL has a Summer full of shows and fest appearances lined around the world. Check the dates below:
Gel Tour Dates:
4/27 – Las Vegas, …
Read more
Perennial will release their new album, Art History, on June 7th via Ernest Jennings Record Co. and Safe Suburban Home. Check out the new single, "Action Painting" below:
Read more
Perennial Tour Dates:
5/3 - Brooklyn NY, The Unruly Collective with Late Slip, Audrey Heartburn
5/4 - Wilmington DE, Arden …
Read more
Bad Breeding continues with the bangers, announcing their upcoming fifth album, Contempt, coming out in June on One Little Independent Records (UK) and Iron Lung Records (USA). The new album's packaging will zines discussion journalist Aidan Frere-Smith and the homelessness crisis.
Here's the first single, "Liberty," below. The album comes out on …
Read more
