Strangelight 8/18: Nazi Dust, Population, Leather, Poison Planet, Culo

In my opinion, it was too much to pass up not witnessing Nazi Dust live, taking a chance to witness 5 other shows going on yesterday night on bands I could have cared less for (I'm referring to Bane and Trapped Under Ice, course I'm speaking out of spite). So determined to rid my conscience off, I decided to pay the strangelight a little visit to see Nazi Dust. Boy what an adventure...

I had heard quite great things about the strangelight, mainly since the media here in the city hypes the venue and volunteers every now and then for producing DIY shows and being able to hold up an event like the DIY fair held a couple months back. I'm sure this was no different than any other show space in the city, such as Ronny's and hell, it might be a little bit fun being a basement with rambunctious kids. Located conveniently beside Congress theater, I hoped the Blue line towards California stuck hearing odd conversations about a penguin named goose and almost got lost off Milwaukee. Never the less I made it in peace, and payed the door man $6 in time.

The show didn't start later on till 8, despite the numerous flyers handed out and different sites stating it would start at 7, sharp. It didn't make the show worse at all for me, as I was overhearing Nazi Dust's conversation on Juggaloos and Pirate punk. Quite humorous guys once they get out of their shell. One of the guys leading the shows seemed pretty timid and controlled, but disappointed kids were seeing Bane rather than Dust. Oh well, shame on them.

Culo started up the show quite nicely and encourage a couple of kids to get a little pumped. A band from Elgin, a little county in Illinois, Culo received some national coverage due to an interview with Maximum Rock N Roll a while back, not to mention their 7 inches that will most likely gain them status for years to come. Any who, these guys were great, unleashing a band off fury for an opening band. no mishaps, no worries, despite the crowd not being so much active. In fact, we were quiet, oddly. I blame myself but hey, it didn't slow these dudes one bit and I give them credit for it.

After a brief intermission, Poison Planet were up next to give off some of their energy from their performance. At first I was unexcited by their music, since it was really dreary, slow, the synth was pretty annoying, and I couldn't hear the vocalist from the point where I was standing. However, after time passed, their set wasn't really too bad. The group played off in the manner of Joy Division, giving off that 80's vibe. It didn't hurt them either, but like I said, I gotten bored pretty quickly. No worries though, Poison Planet did pretty decent, at least I wouldn't call their performance or music terrible. I wouldn't hurt if I had listened to them earlier.

After some weird misunderstanding from the lineup, Leather was up right after Poison Planet. Straight outta Philly, Leather put on a very outstanding set. The band was furious, straight to the point, and turned many heads that night. The crowd energy came back during their set, as a couple of kids were starting little pits here and there. Leather even played a Cro-Mags cover for the audience, getting a little more people into their set and joining along for the pit, chanting "DON'T TREAD ON ME!". Although I'm really dismissive of the current hardcore scene aside a couple of bands, Leather really impressed me a whole lot. Kudos Fellas, Kudos.

Population was the second headliner that evening, hailing from the city of Chicago. Population features members from No Slogan, Ultratumbados, Raw Nerve, and Razorfade, playing the same vein as those bands as well; pure unadulterated hardcore punk. the vocalist overall thanked the crowd, the bands, and the caters that evening before engaging into their set list. The band still gave out that same energy Leather unleashed earlier, but the lack of crowd movement probably hurt their set list a little bit. None the less, The band was pretty impressive, dishing out great hardcore songs with all the bullshit needed. It's pretty hard to find bands like that around these days.

Nazi Dust finally graced the stage, at least 3/4 the members did anyway. I still have no clue on the whereabouts of bassist Dan Rossiter, due to many rumors surrounding him via absence. That probably hurt the group for a big portion of their set, although I give them credit for still going on a limb to tour the east coast. Despite Dan's absence, the band went on with the show, playing songs from their well recognized 7 inch and revered Demo tapes. The vocalist was all over the place with no doubt and the guitarist and drummer made no mistakes, and kept on trekking never missing a beat. Much like Population, no crowd movement took place, despite displaying a ferocious, hard-hitting set. I guess it would have worked better had Rossiter taken part of the gig.

All in all, the show itself was not horrible. Sure the lack of crowd energy hurt a good portion of the band's set, but despite the faults, the show was still a success. A bit disappointed Nazi Dust didn't have any of 12 rumored to be released this summer, but none the less, I give them luck on the rest of the tour. Was the hype surrounding the band necessary to see them live? that's up to the scene to decide. As for me, I don't think they were all that terrible to miss out on, considering the options I had for shows yesterday evening. It beats seeing Bane, that's for sure.

Civilization gone Deaf-Mute: Ceremony Rohnert Park

Ceremony
Rohnert Park
Bridge Nine
2010

1. Into the Wayside/Sick
2. M.C.D.F
3. Moving Principle
4. The Doldrums (Friendly City)
5. Open Head
6. Into the Wayside II
7. Terminal Addiction
8. Don't Touch Me
9. Back In '84
10. All the Time
11. The Pathos
12. Nigh To Life
13. Into the Wayside III

If the name Ceremony doesn't pop off in your head and you claim to be a pretty big fan of today's hardcore scene, then quite frankly you have no idea on what you're missing out on. Course, it might be a little impossible to not have heard about Ceremony at one point, considering they're one of the more popular hardcore bands today. Out of the bands gaining mainstream exposure these days, Ceremony are about (probably already even there with this LP) close to be joining the ranks of Trash Talk and Fucked Up as the most critically acclaimed acts. Hardly a surprise but quite a feat for this group.

This Californian monster made their presence known with Thrash/power-violence like influences found on their earlier releases, such as Violence Violence and Still Nothing Moves You. Ceremony has been described as being the most chaotic, wild, and at times violent during their performances, leaving kids astonished and their peers in the dust.

Despite the accolades, their most recent LP, titled Rohnert Park, is quite a vast change and improvement for Ceremony. Long gone are the Negative FX influences in their sound, long gone are the less than a minute tracks that are hard to follow. Instead, Ceremony went on a different route that most of their peers surprisingly avoid, despite the claims of influence and inspiration. the group decided to take a leap in the Black Flag, SST-esqe sound that ultimately created hardcore in general. A big leap indeed.

The entire LP in general is different. From "Into the Wayside/Sick," the band lures you into their hate-filled world, being sick of the GOPs, Liberals, Obama, and ironically Black Flag and Cro-Mags. Lyrics aside, The instrumental portion on the first track mirrors the sound of the Minutemen, echoing a rockabilly-esqe vibe before the madness occurs. Other than the sound, Ceremony decided to include instrumental portions throughout their album, three to be more exact, all titled Into The Wayside, each showcasing that Minutemen vibe in each portion; never a bad thing if you ask me.

If there was a more straight up comparison to Ceremony to any album of Black Flag's discography (I should probably stop name dropping Black Flag too much), My War would probably be the better choice to compare side to side. Though Ceremony doesn't take that doomish-sludge sound, much off every other track found on Rohnert Park brings up that same My War feel; fast, angry, youthful, '84 type of production. It probably would explain why one of tracks is tentatively titled, "Back in '84".

Much like what occurs when a band changes their sound drastically, fans are found to be divided and maybe lost on what would categorized as being their best work. It happened to Black Flag, and more recently Cult Ritual, both bands embracing different directions that left people in the hardcore scene complaining on how terrible or great those routes were. It's really to be expected when happening but let's face it, an artist eventually has to branch out into different areas in order to be considered great.

As for Rohnert Park as a whole, I found to be quite enjoyable at least for my standards.It's no Violence Violence, but hey, it still works for me. Somewhat aghast to the drastic change but great none the less, considering how most bands never fully take that chance and plus, let's face it, Ceremony never seem to disappoint and always deliver that their fans want; pure rebellious music. I hope this group fully gets what they deserve.

By this time, Ceremony are finishing up their touring through the US and to my knowledge are heading up to Europe very soon. My advice would be catch their set in person. I guarantee you'll be left in the dust.


Bridge 9

"Huffing for Gas means braking for Assholes": The Dopamines Expect the Worst

It might be a little risky to fully declare this LP one of the best pop punk releases of this year, considering we're only in August. But honestly, It's going to be quite tough to really top this album.

Hailing from the Midwest(Ohio to be more specific), The Dopamines have been going non-stop in trying to get their name across the mainstream, playing and set to be appearing at various fests; Insubordination Fest, Riot Fest, The Fest just to name a few. Their tour dates have been pretty hectic of late, but are receiving success and much anticipation in this hear release. Is this record worth listening too? Yes, in fact.

Compared to their self titled album, their music hasn't change so much, at least indicating any other genre of music. It's Pop punk, what can you expect really? Their lyrics are somewhat referring to same subjects found in their previous album, such as heartbreak, booze, faults in people, boozes, drugs, booze. Nothing too vaguely different, but what gives this album the punch it deserves is really how the songs are displayed. The Melodic vocals, the driven bass lines, engaging guitar chords, and the just hilarious, catchy, lyrics ever written. Probably a little bonus for TV lovers would be the Futurama sample found on "Waking up In The Monroe House with cat hair in my mouth".

Some of my personal favorites are "You'd make a good Horsecop", the first track off this record. This is one of the tracks that displays great duo vocals from the group, not to mention inspired the title of said review. Another catchy track stuck on replay in my head is "Thank You Very Much", mainly the chorus is repeated in my mind, but try naming a song with a chorus that's pretty irresistible to sing with your thoughts. The track's great if you're ever stuck in a nostalgia moment with friends, recounting old memories found in the back of the closet, good or bad I suppose.

I hope this group gets the attention they deserve when the years comes to a close. Just this year alone, I've encountered this group three times and each of those times they've never failed to disappoint live when they come down to the windy city and the surrounding suburbs of my little town. Truly this band is great, even if you don't like pop punk music what so ever.

Some say pop never truly recovered since the hiatus of the Descendants and with the break ups of soon to be legends in underground music, namely The Ergs! and The Steinways but if there was a stable of bands that were continuing to prove otherwise, The Dopamines would no doubt be included. It's like the saying goes about the Midwest, "We're Strong-You're Weak".

If they're in your town, do the best thing and support these fellas, whether by buying their merch or a case of beer. Nuff said!

Invest and Sacrifice

August 18th, 2010
Nazi Dust
Leather
Population
Poison Planet
Culo

2123 North Milwaukee Avenue
7 PM, $8

I'm anticipating seeing Nazi Dust, mainly due to the over resounding hype on their new LP being dropped this month by self release I presume (too many rumors surrounding Youth Attack and Dan Rossiter, what a surprise). Anywho, support the group and head out.