Skank it Up for Ska Prom 2017

Courtesy of Tianna Ayala

It’s that time of year again when everyone dresses up, reminiscing about skankin’ it up at the high school dance. That’s right: Skabrona Entertainment presents the next installment of Ska Prom! Take a stroll down nostalgia lane by suiting up to tear it up the dancefloor, witness who wins Ska King and Queen and pose for your (digital) prom pictures while knocking back some Ska brews. This year, local punks and rudies will be lacing up their Docs for some of California’s finest.

Courtesy of The Steady 45s

The Steady 45s, out of Los Angeles, offer up their brand of traditional ska and rocksteady jams for Ska Prom 2017. These hooligans have been goin’ strong for around five years and have already mastered a sound that’s been around for about fifty years. Don’t mistake them for being (completely) old-fashioned, though, as they splice elements of bands like Hepcat and The Slackers as much as acts like The Skatalites and Desmond Dekker. Get ready for a grand time while The Steady 45s leave us groovin’ on the dancefloor.

Courtesy of Matamoska

Montebello, California bilingual ska punkers Matamoska also support Ska Prom this year. For the past fifteen years, this motley mob of rudies and punks have been busting out their fresh sound while throwing back to bands across the ska (and punk) spectrum, like The Skatalites, The Specials, Operation Ivy and Voodoo Glow Skulls. One thing is for sure: Matamoska will make you dance your ass off.

Courtesy of the Chris Murray Combo

Headlining Ska Prom 2017 is the Chris Murray Combo out of Los Angeles, who’ve been kicking out acoustic and electric ska, rocksteady and reggae for about fifteen years. Frontman Chris Murray, however, made his initial splash on the Toronto ska scene in the late eighties by way of King Apparatus before bouncing out to California to perform as Venice Shoreline Chris in the mid-nineties and becoming one of the key producers for some of the top acts in nineties ska. Be sure to stick around for one helluva treat in the Chris Murray Combo while stompin’ up the dancefloor.

The Chris Murray Combo, Matamoska and The Steady 45s play Ska Prom 2017 on Saturday, March 25th at Yucca Tap Room, located at 29 W. Southern in Tempe, with locals soul skankers Bowcat, eighties reggae ska band The Effects, Mesa ska punkers Jack The Cat and DJs Selecta Scream and Mama Melody.

~ Garyn Klasek

Choking Victim Vaporizes the Valley

Photo by Joe Maier

It can be hard to come across a punk band that dishes out the same level of energy that they brought when they first started roughly 25 years back. But this is exactly what Choking Victim brought to the table as the original line-up reunited to offer up not one or two but three albums worth of material to the dark lord. This offering was presented to the possessed party gods as they embarked on a tour of the west after their hometown bash in NYC. Luckily, Choking Victim stopped off in the valley of the sun to let loose for the masses of desert rats with their homies Rats in the Wall, supported by some killer local bands.

Photo by Joe Maier

Unfortunately, many missed the opening set of Gilbert ska punkers The Linecutters due to a confusion in set times but also the fact that there was still a huge line of punx waiting to get into the show as their set winded down. While it was disappointing to miss them, Phoenix party punks Sad Kid turned the show into one helluva shindig, pool noodles and all, playing with the same level of passion that they always bring, making for a particularly pleasing performance. Even the recent addition of Travis James on guitar could hardly be noticed as new with what he was throwing down. It really is a wonder as to what these kids would have to be sad about as they continue to thrive, lately it seems by way of being signed to fresh local punk label Slope Records, while still being one helluva fun punk band.

Photo by Joe Maier

Setting the mood for Choking Victim was Rats in the Wall out of Huntington Beach. It was great to finally catch this nihilistic post-hardcore band after missing their first show out here. They kicked their set off with Dirt’s “Plastic Bullets”, taking some in the crowd by surprise. The band also played  favorites like “Take 2” and “Sinking”. Both guitarist/vocalist Brad Logan of Leftover Crack and F-Minus fame, while thrashin’ hard on guitar, as well as vocalist Eva Hall from Gather have an excellent stage presence and great chemistry vocally. Donny Morris, also from LoC, rages strenuously on drums. Even bassist Farrah Ferguson crushes it so mercilessly that few would realize that she’s a replacement. In all, seeing Rats in the Wall is an amazing experience.

Photo by Joe Maier

Bringing down the house was ska-core sensations Choking Victim. One hears stories of the insanity of a Leftover Crack show but, after seeing them, Choking Victim threw down so hard that their fans never eased up on their hysteria.There was so much stage diving going on that, at one point, a repeat offender was stopped mid-song after running into guitarist/vocalist Stza and clearly upset bassist Alec Baillie so much. It was hard to tell if the fan left the show on his own or by way of security after flipping them off. If that wasn’t enough, word has it that there was a 15 person brawl in the parking lot during the show. Don’t let it ever be said that chaos doesn’t swarm where the crack rock steady flows. The band certainly brought the discord with terrific tunes like “Born to Die”, “Fuck America”, “Living the Laws” and “Crack Rock Steady”. Stza’s formidable fury was a force to be reckoned with. Baillie unleashed his wrath upon the horde rigorously. Drummer John Dolan laid down the beat with brash brutality and veracity as well. On top of that, All Torn Up’s Joey Steel also joined in on the festivities. Overall, Choking Victim trounced 200% upon the throng, putting on one premium performance.

~ Garyn Klasek

Godawfulnoise Beguiles on The Epitome of Suffering

Photo by Ben Levy

It’s pretty damn impressive for a band that bounds through punk and metal to maintain a lasting impact. However, this is exactly what local crusty grindcore aficionados Godawfulnoise (GAN) have been doing out here for over five years. Over this time, they’ve casually released records every couple of years. However, 2016 seems to be a landmark year for them as they released a new full length, The Epitome of Suffering, over the summer and are currently working on a new seven inch as they prepare to embark on a mini-tour out to Southern California. While we wait for the next GAN album to drop, here’s a glimpse into their latest endeavor.

Courtesy of Godawfulnoise

The Epitome of Suffering kicks off with a brutal boot to the ass with a metal opening that ruptures into grind on “Completely Fucking Disgusted” and “Keep Them Sick.” Guitarist Danny Ruiz rips it up while Jesse Johnson goes nuts on drums. The band explodes on “We the Parasites” while bassist Billy Ruiz keeps it dismal and dangerous as vocalist Jesse Schoof maniacally deviates between growling and screeching. “King of the Bastards” has a more doomy metal grind feel. Godawfulnoise thrashes it right back up on “Contempt.” They surge back into grind metal on “Dying is a Way of Life” and “Blood Offering” as guitarist Ruiz serpentinely shreds the hell out while Johnson persists to obliterate on drums.

Photo by Tiffany Childs

Even more fury is unleashed on “Blue Lives Murder” before dipping right back into their meticulous blend of grind and metal with “Self-Induced Destruction Pattern.” “Incarcerated Nation” opens with a doom metal vibe before grinding the fuck out, which continues on “Wallow in the Stench.” GAN slams back into grind metal on “Victims” and “No Escape,” leading into a grand finale with a doom metal dawning on “Perpetuation of Delusional Disorder” before lashing out into death metal with a twist of grind. The Epitome of Suffering is one helluva monumental album throughout. Godawfulnoise leaves listeners lusting for more, whether it’s future recordings or their next performance.

~ Garyn Klasek

Good Things Come in Pears at the Nile Underground in Mesa

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Bringing something fresh and unique to punk can be a real challenge. Yet, NOLA hardcore punk band Pears not only excel at this, they also exceed expectations and the imagination with what they’re bringing to the table. Only two years old, these guys have taken the world by storm, playing festivals and touring extensively with some impressive names in punk. This time around, Pears set off headlining their own tour, stopping at Mesa’s Nile Underground, with Milwaukee pop-punk rockers Direct Hit!

Photo by Joe Maier

Tempe pop punkers Adult Arcade kicked the show off in fantastic fashion. While they are indeed on the poppier side of punk, they have a powerful edge to what they throw down. The band was reminiscent of much of the East Bay punk from the nineties, particularly bands like Pinhead Gunpowder, between their fierce energy and vocals that evoke Billie Joe Armstrong by way of Austin Ray. Look out for Adult Arcade as they continue to rock out around the valley.

Photo by Joe Maier

Local DIY punks Spoiled were up next to jolt the crowd. It was great to finally catch this band’s slammin’ performance. Guitarist Dylan Thomas of Landmine Marathon fame held true to his heavy sound, thrashin’ out for the crowd. Chad Curry from The Prosthetics raged the fuck out on drums as everyone reciprocated the feeling. Bassist Stephen Chevalier had the audience headbangin’ along. Even Jesse Upshaw had people eating out of the palm of his hand as he exuberantly shouted. If the prerequisite projects of Spoiled doesn’t make them stand out, the fact that they have the potential to get anyone rockin’ as they play alongside heavier bands should.

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Direct Hit followed, keeping the spark lit. These cats sound like a roid ragin’ soul heavy pop-punk band and they do it quite well. Between the hard-hitting guitars of Nick Woods and Devon Kay to the skillfully varying vocals of Woods, this band has some rather intriguing talent. Drummer Chris Gaylor from The All-American Rejects, who pulled through to jump on tour, displayed incredible technical abilities while still being able to rock the hell out. Steve Maury leaves the crowd soaring in ecstasy on bass. Direct Hit is one helluva surprising treat.

Photo by Joe Maier

Pears never fails to shock everyone they encounter. This band passionately bleeds indignation, inflaming throngs of punks everywhere. Standing out front almost stealing the show was Zach Quinn, screaming his brains out and flailing all over. Guitarist Brian Pretus shredded it up, shouting onward. Erich Goodyear aggressively pounded along on bass while also keeping it dire. Drummer Jarret Nathan as well masterfully belted out a breathtaking performance. As surprising as Pears is, it’s far from shocking that this band fills a void in punk that is spellbinding.

~ Garyn Klasek

Oh My Snare! and Freya Wilcox & The Howl Exhilarate on Split EP

Courtesy of Oh My Snare!

Not many bands complement each other well, especially when what they play sounds uniquely different from the other. While both do play punk rock, Montreal’s Oh My Snare! lean a bit harder into it where Brooklyn’s Freya Wilcox & The Howl incorporate a heavy dose of blues. Despite residing on opposite sides of the border, they all seem to have a strong family vibe, even working together on some pretty killer music. Their latest project, released today, is a split EP that does both projects justice.

The album sets off with Oh My Snare’s dancy yet driven melodic punk rock song “L’arbre Blanc.” Not only is it fun, poppy punk rock but it’s insanely feisty, urging listeners to thrash along. “Quantum Entanglement” is a mellower but surprisingly sweet collaboration between Oh My Snare! and Freya Wilcox & The Howl, with Australia’s Wilcox at the forefront with her raw, irresistible voice. While it’s slower in tempo, it loses none of the passionate momentum that these bands offer. Freya Wilcox and The Howl crank up the intensity on “I Beg,” bordering on country and punk rock. This tune is so refreshing, which comes as no surprise with how well this project elevates Wilcox's already outstanding material. Wilcox and co. close out the record with their darkly bluesy rockin’ take on Fleetwood Mac’s “Rhiannon.” They really make this song their own in a morbidly delightful and twisted way. The remarkable partnership fused together through each track glides together optimally into a superb split EP, leaving the listener thirsting for more.

Luckily for us, Oh my Snare! and Freya Wilcox & The Howl will be swinging through the valley for a pit stop on their West Coast tour on August 25th to play an all ages show at Yucca Tap Room in Tempe with pop-punk rockers Genre and post-punk rock duo Hobo Bastard.

~ Garyn Klasek

Slim Cessna's Auto Club Slithers into the Heart of the Valley

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Some bands are capable of making listeners do a double-take. And with nearly 25 years under their belt, Denver’s country gothabilly band Slim Cessna’s Auto Club is just that kind of act. This band’s dark take on country and roots music pulls out a very unique crowd of everyone from Americana fans to metalheads. This should come as no surprise, as time can provide many of those when it comes to how a band evolves.

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Kickin' it off old-school was Americana blues country duo Mr. Mudd & Mr. Gold. This project never fails to deliver a boot-stompin’ good time. Frontman and acoustic guitarist Tyler Matlock delivers his discourse diligently as the crowd claps along. Jesse Gray accompanies on banjo, electric guitar and suitcase drum, astonishing the audience in amazement. Mr. Mudd & Mr. Gold continue to captivate all along their course.

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Up next was punkgrass phenomenon The Haymarket Squares back from sauntering the southwest twice this summer. Anyone acquainted with this act is always astonished by their accomplishments. Minister of ceremonies and stand-up bassist Marc Oxborrow addressed the assembly ardently while pounding on his bass powerfully. Mark Sunman singed showgoers, shouting sacrilege as he astounds on mandolin, banjo and accordion. Guitarist John Luther rocked the room, especially on his harmonious hymn “Jump the Border,” which he leads lyrically. Mark Allred as well amazed the audience with his skillfully strummed slide guitar and vocal boom, especially noticeable as they pay creedence with “Fortunate Son.” If The Haymarket Squares don’t earn enough exaltation as it is, they managed to pull the plug and polish off the parish from the pews with percussive patronage.

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Slim Cessna’s Auto Club completed the concert commandingly, cascading their own contradiction between Canaan and chaos. Despite not having seen them in about a decade, they are absolutely awe-inspiring now. Whether they mosey us on down a dusty country trail or kick it into high gear, tearin’ it up on the highway to hell, these cats rouse listeners near and far. Ringleader Slim Cessna seized the pulpit, riling spectators into a frenzy. His right hand Munly Munly shredded away on guitar, howling along. Lord Dwight Pentacost raged out on the double neck guitar. Rebecca Vera brought her delightfully elegant touch, tickling the keys. Double bassist Ian O’Dougherty rocked out like it’s goin’ out of style. Andrew Warner beat the skins with excellence as well. In the end, Slim Cessna’s Auto Club has progressed into one sensational marvel, playing a fantastic show.

~ Garyn Klasek

Gallows Bound Leaves No One Hanging in the Valley of the Sun

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Bridging the gap between bluegrass and punk is no easy task. Virginia Appalachian punkgrass band Gallows Bound make it seem that way. Having only discovered them about six months ago, this ensemble is an incredible act to enjoy. This time around, courtesy of the hardworking  Fifthwheel Presents, Gallows Bound came out to play with a packed bill of amazing locals.

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Kicking things off was Arizona to Oklahoma transplant acoustic country punker D.S. Yancey from local punk band Yancey. It was a very pleasant surprise to finally catch him, having never seen him before. Everything about his stage persona and music, from his voice and words to his guitar playing, bleeds his heart and soul. One thing’s for sure: keep your eyes out for D.S. Yancey in the near future.

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Up next was honky-tonk country local legends Brea Burns & Jacob Woodside of The Boleros. Frontwoman and rhythm guitarist Burns dropped some old-school styled country gems that both stay true to country but also really rock. It also helps to have one hell of an impressive lead guitarist like Jacob Woodside. Despite having never seen these cats before, they have a name that is heard synonymously with country music in the Valley. After having finally caught them, it could clearly be seen why that is, as they leave you wanting more.

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Setting the mood for Gallows Bound was local punkgrass band Black Mountain Moonshine. It had been a while as they took a little hiatus but they seem to get even better over time. These guys drive out a fierce punk edge to their folky bluegrass tunes. Now, they seem to roll even harder and darker for an even more brutal experience. Per usual, they got the crowd dancing. That’s no surprise for this fantastic band. We are fortunate to once again have Black Mountain Moonshine gracing us with their presence, leaving us all looking forward to the next opportunity.

Photo by Garyn Klasek

Gallows Bound closed out the show with yet another marvelous performance. This band is always a treat to see but it was nice to see them playing more of a punk show out here. They add a dark and fun twist to their bluegrass tunes. Fronted by dual guitarists/vocalists Jordan Jyes and Jesse Markle, their onstage chemistry works well, teetering on the edge of chaos. Driving the band is drummer Rob Schultz with his mind-boggling and speedy delivery. Backing him up is upright bassist Aaron Blow, going nuts as he rocks the fuck out. Forrest Veach as well thrashes the hell out on mandolin. Banjo player Justin Carver intricately rages out like nobody’s business. Overall, this was one great show that leaves us hankering for more of the likes of Gallows Bound, who are returning on October 18th to play Yucca Tap Room in Tempe, touring with legendary Detroit punkgrass metal band The Goddamn Gallows, supported by locals Andy Warpigs and Outlaw Inlaws.

~ Garyn Klasek