Raw Nerve/ SQRM/ Vile Gash/ Manipulation/ Culo- the Mousetrap

The past weekend as I stated previously with the flyers had Raw Nerve playing their last sets, ever. In two nights, Raw Nerve capped off their entire history playing with the likes of Ceremony and The Ropes, as well as future legends in the making such as Vile Gash, Culo, and Divine Right. I managed to catch their actual last set held at the Mousetrap on Saturday, being unable to see the previous night. Though I didn't get to see The Ropes, I still managed to catch Manipulation, Vile Gash, and my utter most favorites, Culo and at one of favorite places so I wasn't that disappointed.

I got there in time, considering the person capacity at the venue was 200 max; I was number 139, damn. After about 15-20 minutes waiting for the show to start, Culo was able to grace the stage and provide the soundtrack for teenage rebellion. The group cranked and yanked out hit after hit, not even stopping to provide their usual stage banter on whatever floated vocalist John's mind. Wearing this all black beret and leather-jacket, John really seemed focused and serious whilst the band kept on delivering the goods. The crowd , of course, ate it up, stagediving, moshing, and chanting to "Wasted on Wine", "I Don't Wanna Listen", and "Toxic Vision". For the most part, the band was really serious which was first to really see in my case, being the last couple times the band either took longer to play or usually engaging in other antics. Whether they were serious or not, Culo managed bring a damn good set.

Once the break was all over with and everyone was able to cool down from being all packed in, Manipulation was next. If you ever slept upon this band or just never stumbled upon the name, I would recommend to do so. Manipulation play a barrage of hardcore that would be expected to fall in the likes of Articles of Faith, Chronic Seizure, among others. The band got started with their set and impressed many throughout the venue. Though the craziness had calmed down compared from earlier, many people still were digging the show, either bobbing their heads down or engaging in a little mosh. I really dug this band and am glad I managed one of their sets, seeing as I enjoyed their 2nd EP released by Sorry State a while back. Hopefully it's not the last once I get my shit straightened out.

Vile Gash took over the show, literally. It seemed like this band never ran out of gas during their entire set, going straight forth into their set-list a top speed. Though I seem to have trouble getting into this band, there were some cool positives from Vile Gash. For one, they manged to pull off a Negative Approach cover quite successfully. Most might be able to grasp how irritating it can be to hear a bunch of knock off, pseudo-jockcore bands try their "hardest" to tackle a band from what many consider to be the staple of real hardcore. Second, Vile Gash did bring a hard-hitting set that I would have expected them to hit, without putting the crowd to sleep. It'll probably be a lot easier if I give them a couple more listens; I'll probably be persuaded otherwise.

SQRM was surprise favorite during the show, really bringing the house to it's knees. I hadn't listen to SQRM in a long while, so I really didn't know what to really expect out of their set. Consisting of a guitarist, drummer, and vocalist, SQRM played outstanding. For being a non-listener to the group, they really nailed it on the head. The singer was all over the place; giving off menacing looks and getting really physical along with the crowd. At one point during the set, he was actually doing some push-ups while the band had finished one of their songs with the crowd cheering them heavily. Much like Vile Gash, I'm gonna give SQRM another couple of listens to fully appreciate their music. Otherwise, Impressive fellas!

Last but not least, Raw Nerve was up next and put the final nails in the coffin to cap off the night. In all the times I've seen Raw Nerve, I was never disappointed at all by their approach to hardcore. This night was no particular, if not probably their best set I can recall, fittingly so being it was their last one. Ralph Rivera, the vocalist, started to give out some props to the crowd and the people responsible for putting Raw Nerve out to the nation before the band started playing "Victim In Pain". From there, it was survival of the fittest. Bodies were either flying all over the place or just mushed together the entire time. Even during the little breaks the band took, it didn't change. Pulling out songs from their catalog such as "Origin of Species", "New Neighbors", "Crosses", and "Rest" to name a few, Raw Nerve definitely brought the energy that was expected and even needed. I don't even think the band had any idea that it was gonna be this chaotic, despite the bill and it being their last set.

Overall, the show was pretty fucking awesome. If there was any other way to go out on a final note, Raw Nerve did it perfectly. No bullshit, just strictly hardcore. Despite drawing controversy from all over the place, whether it was their approach to their artwork, how they played hardcore, or just the little stupid things that would otherwise be useless in defining a band, Raw Nerve are one of the most important bands to come out the Midwest during this current renaissance of hardcore. If anything, the band deserves the recognition and fame that comes along for every great band, ignoring the negativity that also occurs. If one thing, they managed to introduce me to a scene that I felt was extinct in Illinois. For bringing life to the hardcore/punk scene, thank you.

Raw Nerve has one last EP to released by Youth Attack, which is forth-coming and will obviously knock your heads in. Keep an eye out for a future documentary on Raw Nerve and their final tour coming soon. Till then, see you guys later and enjoy this piece of gem.

The Last Round

This weekend accumulates Raw Nerve's final shows ever, which is not to be missed by any means.

4/13/2012
SubT
Raw Nerve
Ceremony
The Ropes
Divine Right


4/14/2012
The Mousetrap
Raw Nerve (Last Show)
SQRM
Vile Gash
Manipulation
Culo