Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Four Maritime Seven Inches

Dyscontrol  - Lies b/w Calling Back  7" (Sewercide)
 Cool Halifax trio (featuring Dave Brown of Career Suicide) belting out heavily distorted 80's post-hardcore sounds. Nice guitar work and raw emotional vocals keep this record interesting enough for repeated plays on the turntable. For fans of early Husker Du.  (RA)



Feral Trash - Dead Eyes 7" EP (Dirt Cult) 
 Dark themes and minor chords are the order of the day here as Feral Trash deliver this stunning debut. Consisting of members of Fear of Lipstick and the Thalidomy Kids, this new Moncton trio immediately remind the listener of stellar Swedish acts like Masshysteri and The Vicious but with some remnant pop-punk influences which gives this record a slightly broader appeal. Vocals are strong, guitar is solid and the cover photo is hilarious. Pick this up. (RA)  



Sloan - Hardcore 7" (Murder)
 It's certainly no secret that Sloan, Canada's most beloved pop band were influenced by the 1980's hardcore punk scene. They often drop names in interviews but none of their previously recorded output (except for some rare cover versions) have ever alluded to this fact. This two song platter aims to rectify this problem and succeeds in its mission. The A-side Jenny is a pumped up Chris Murphy tune that channels the Bad Brains musically but has the trademark Sloan harmonies. The flip side It's In You, It's In Me is a catchy Patrick Pentland number that recalls the glorious sound of latter day Minor Threat. Fun stuff. (RA)



Hard Charger - Chrome Lord 7" EP  (Waste of Time/Primeval Sound) 
 Fredericton's Hard Charger have been laying waste to countless stages across North America and Europe for a few years now and it's good to finally see another record by these chaps. These six songs are relentless blasting thrash/hardcore with a good dose of metal influence especially in the lyrical department. Raw vocals, great solos and thundering drums make this a great release. Along with Napalm Raid (Halifax), these guys prove that Eastern Canada has a top notch hardcore scene as good as anywhere else.  (RA)    


 

Thursday, December 26, 2013

And now... Post Christmas Punk Gig

What: Post Christmas Punk Show
Who:
HOPE (first show in quite a while), Feral Trash (Eric Neurotic's hot new trio)
Where: Esquire Tavern (Reade Street Moncton)
When: Friday December 27th, 2013 10PM
Cost: Not sure???
Why: Loud, Fast Music. Cheap Beer.
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/325472440928618/

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Punk Rock Christmas Party

What: Punk Rock Christmas Party
Who: Savage Young, The Virals, Fat Stupids (Halifax), The Swipers (Wipers cover band), Outtacontroller  (Halifax)

Where: Le Caveau (700 Main Street)
When: Tonight December 21, 2013
Cost: $4 before 10:30, $7 afterwards  
Why: Because it's the Saturday night before Christmas
Link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152064038729810&set=oa.669073669793905&type=1&theater



Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Punk Rock Show on Friday The 13th of December

Who: Blotto (primitive sludge punk!), Tasty Wangs (Saint-John vulgar punk rawk), Dirty Druids  (Colt 45 Punk), nerve button (punk/glam/sleeze/stomp/swagger)
When: Friday Dec 13th, 2013  10PM
Where: The Caveau (700 Main Street downstairs)
Cost: perhaps $5

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Book Review: I Dreamed I Was a Very Clean Tramp

I Dreamed I Was a Very Clean Tramp by Richard Hell (Ecco Books)
 For a guy who played no small part in the birth of punk rock as we know it, you would think Richard Hell would be better known for his efforts. Unfortunately, history has not been so kind to Hell (born Richard Meyers). Despite being a founding member of three of NYC's most legendary bands (Television, Heartbreakers and the Voidoids), a lack physical drive, serious addictions and a penchant for boredom curtailed whatever career promise there was during those important years of the late seventies. This autobiography is a fascinating look at his life from his early suburban upbringing, shit-disturbing school years (where he discovered poetry) and ultimately the realization that rock and roll could be a perfect conduit for his creativity. The decade before the AIDS epidemic was one of freedom, experimentation and debauchery so there is more than enough sex and drugs to titillate the senses. It is indeed a small miracle that he survived when so many of his friends did not. Extremely well-written and recommended even to those with a limited knowledge of underground culture. (RA)

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Those Who Served: Lou Reed (1942-2013)

It was with great sadness that I learned that Lou Reed died. I certainly was not ready for it because we all thought he was doing quite well after undergoing a recent liver transplant. How quickly things can change.

 I first came upon his music because of his inclusion on the Times Square soundtrack. I purchased it some time in the early eighties from a discount bin at my local Canadian Tire store. I bought it mainly because it had a song by the Ramones. After listening to it all the way through, my second favourite track on it became Walk On The Wild Side even though I could only begin to know what he was singing about. I guess it was his cool spoken street vibe that attracted me. That same vibe permeates Sweet Jane, Vicious and Dirty Boulevard and so many more.

 In high school I discovered the Velvet Underground through an older friend and was completely enthralled by their sound, a mix of experimental noise, soft melody and pop hooks. Lyrically, it was pretty dark stuff for a pre-punk generation. A couple years after Beatlemania and before flower power, these dressed-in-black gaunt New Yorkers were singing about drug addiction, sadomasochism and street life. They did not sell a lot of records at the time but their influence on future generations cannot be overstated. 

After the Velvets, Reed embarked on an amazing solo career that was peppered with some great albums such as Transformer (1972), Berlin (1973), Rock 'n' Roll Animal (1974), Metal Machine Music (1975) and New York (1989). His body of work has directly impacted countless punk, alternative and indie rock bands from the past four and half decades and his songs have been recorded by a multitude of artists including David Bowie, REM, the Vibrators, Big Star, U2, Mott The Hoople, the Runaways and the Cowboy Junkies.

He was sometimes a curmudgeon and usually a crank. He was one of the best songwriters of his era.

Those Who Served: Gypie Mayo 1951-2013

Gypie Mayo (born John Phillip Cawthra) was a hot shot guitarist best known for his work with British band Dr. Feelgood with whom he played from 1977 until 1981. This band cranked out high energy pub rock and even scored some hit singles back in the day including the catchy rocker Milk and Alcohol. From 1996 until 2004, Gypie served time with the reformed Yardbirds playing numerous shows and even doing a bit of recording. It was reported that he had been ill for some time before his passing but as of now, no official cause of death has been announced. Rest in peace.      

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Record Review: Thalidomy Kids - Spirochaete 12" EP

Thalidomy Kids - Spirochaete 12" EP (Fucking Scam)
These kids are a scrappy guitar-based post punk sounding trio from Moncton NB. At the forefront is Ilisha handling both guitar and vocals. If you can imagine a sound similar to Greg Sage and Billy Zoom and vocals not unlike a more controlled Kim Shattuk, you'd be real close. The rhythm section, comprised of Jesse and Brian, is solid and not too busy which is very endearing. This five song teaser certainly impresses and is hopefully a sign of more things to come from this self-described dark dynamic punk band. (RA)   


Book Review: LORD OF GARBAGE


LORD OF GARBAGE by Kim Fowley (Kicks Books)
 Con-man, Hollywood hustler, Svengali figure, bullshitter. These are all more or less accurate descriptions that have been used to describe Kim Fowley, a man who has been involved with more cool records than any suburban hipster will ever own. Whether he was working as a producer, songwriter, singer or manager, this depraved streetwalker had a knack for uncovering greatness and for staying very much au courant. This first volume, in what will no doubt be a shockingly revelatory triptych, begins with his earliest memories of a severely dysfunctional childhood, through his teenage delinquency, to his unusual stint in the army and finally, his start in show biz. Along the way, he chronicles his run-ins and liaisons by dropping names, airing dirty laundry and courting scandal.
 It's a fun and quick read and the aesthetic of the small paperback pulp novel format only enhances the pleasure. It's a shame that Fowley did not put pen to paper earlier as this is good fodder for rock and roll junkies. (RA)          

GIG ALERT FOR WEDNESDAY OCT 23rd, 2013

Who: Pink Wine (Toronto), Sam Coffey & The Iron Lungs (Toronto) and The Virals (Moncton)

Where: Esquire Tavern
When: Wednesdy Oct 23rd, 2013 10PM
Cost: ????
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/540059246066626/


Friday, October 11, 2013

Those Who Served: Phil Chevron R.I.P.

Phil Chevron (real name Philip Ryan) was guitarist/songwriter for the Radiators From Space, one of the earliest Irish punk bands. They put out some great singles and two albums before disbanding in the early eighties. He next appeared as a member of the London band the Pogues a few years later and played on the bulk of their albums including Rum, Sodomy & The Lash and If I Should Fall From Grace With God. He was a gifted and energetic performer but also a superb songwriter having penned the Radiators' Dearly Departed and the Pogues' Thousands Are Sailing. I had the pleasure of meeting Phil and seeing him perform with Terry Woods (also of the Pogues) here in Moncton back in November 2003.
 Phil had been battling cancer for a few years and finally succumbed on October 8, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland at the age of 56. Rest in peace Phil. We'll miss you.

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Magneta Lane @ Plan B (tomorrow) Sunday Sept 15th, 2013

Yup, that's right. This trio haven't played Moncton since 2005. They are good so check them out!
Sunday nights are supposed early shows at Plan B so you should get home around midnight hopefully.


Thursday, August 1, 2013

A Few New Releases By Ugly Pop!

Ugly Pop is a fantastic Canadian boutique label specializing in obscure (and not so obscure) 7" reissues. Whether it is 60's garage, punk, oi, or proto-punk, they seem bent on giving us the goods.
I recently acquired several new releases by the label and thought I'd share my thoughts. If you're in my local area, the following records can be purchased at Spin-It Records (http://blog.spin-itrecords.ca/).



Blitz - All Out Attack 7" EP (Ugly Pop)
 Oh my goodness! I cannot believe that this small Canadian label has managed to reissue one of the most influential British punk records of the eighties. Blitz hailed from New Mills and were comprised of two punks and two skins. They were as hard as nails and their sound razor sharp. By fusing the rousing catchiness of oi with the energy of British hardcore, they managed to release this fantastic debut release in 1981 which eventually went on to sell over 20,000 copies. The tough vocals, terrace style choruses and buzzsaw guitars still excite over three decades later. Essential.  (RA)


Hackamore Brick - Oh! Those Sweet Bananas b/w Someone You Know  7" (Ugly Pop)
 Close your eyes and you'll swear that you are listening to Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground circa 1970. This NYC band released one album on the Kama Sutra in 1970 (from which both these songs were culled) and pretty much dissolved after that. The A-side should be part of the East Coast proto/pre-punk lexicon alongside Sweet Jane or Roadrunner. The flip side is a softer acoustic number with an interesting bass that is perhaps out of tune making it all the more endearing to these ears. (RA)    





















The Partisans - Police Story b/w Killing Machine 7" (Ugly Pop) 
 Another 1981 Brit-punk classic from the No Future catalog. These teenaged Welsh punks made quite a splash back in the day and still remain popular today with the spikes and studs crowd. Fast paced punk with lyrics dealing with police brutality and anti-military sentiment. Sadly, these themes remain current and still resonate today. (RA)    



Pointed Sticks - What Do You Want Me To Do? b/w Somebody's Mom  7" (Ugly Pop)
 This is perhaps the quintessential Canadian power pop-punk song and a personal favourite of mine for many years. Originally released in 1978, it's got great teenage bubblegum appeal with lyrics dealing with a flawed romance. The music is instantly catchy and punchy at once. The b-side is a short sharp ditty (with a Kinks-like guitar riff) about a suburban housewife and her addictions. Both these songs were re-recorded later but these original rawer versions are the ones to seek out.  (RA)     

Friday, July 26, 2013

Happy Birthday Mick!

Our boy Mick Jagger was born on this day 70 years ago on July 26, 1943 in Dartford UK.
Happy Birthday Mick!

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Record Store Day 2013: The Seven Inch Singles.

This year Record Store Day saw the release of many many records. Amongst the piles of unwarranted overpriced limited edition reissues, there were a few gems. Given my limited amount of disposable income and my geographic location, I had to limit myself to these interesting curiosities:



ROLLING STONES - 5 X 5 EP (Abcko)
 For the average rock fan, it is easy to forget that the Rolling Stones were once a formidable white rhythm and blues group. This extended play, originally released in 1964 just after their debut LP landed, proves without a doubt that they were proficient at their craft. This was recorded when the boys stopped by Chicago's legendary Chess Studios while on tour in America. They laid down 5 tracks of blues, R&B and rock n' roll. Like so many of the British groups of the early Sixties, the majority of the material are cover versions of black American artists with only two original compositions making the cut. The standout track is their take on Chuck Berry's Around And Around which I daresay prefer to the original. What a treat it must have been to see them perform in 1964.
(RA)     



JD McPHERSON - Fire Bug b/w A Gentle Awakening (Rounder)
 Rock and roll! Chicago based roots rocker JD McPherson belts out a furious tune that would make Gene Vincent and Eddie Cochrane proud. Great vocals, excellent guitar work and a solid back beat make this a contender for party song of the year. The b-side is a slow foreboding number showcasing McPherson's singing talent. You can't go wrong.  Pick this up now while it's still available. (RA)

 
DAVID BOWIE - The Stars (Are Out Tonight) b/w Where Are We Now?  (ISO/Sony)
 Two tracks taken from the recluse's new album packaged together on this nice little 45rpm record makes this writer a happy camper. The Stars (Are Out Tonight) is a flowing mid-paced rocker that sounds like vintage solo Iggy circa 1977-1982. The b-side is a strange slowish number that brings to mind his time in Berlin during the 1970's. Overall, there is a retro feel without sounding dated. This will most certainly appeal to fans of his classic era and hopefully new listeners as well.   (RA)


DAVID BOWIE - Drive-In Saturday b/w Drive-In Saturday (live)  7" picture disc (EMI)
Has it really been 40 years since this (UK #3) was unleashed?  Like most of Bowie's 70's era hits, it sounds contemporary enough to be on modern radio. This is one of the best tracks off the Aladin Sane album and a prime example of the man's vocal abilities. Lyrics deal with futuristic people who have somehow forgotten how to have sex and have to reference the previous decade's pop culture (Jagger and Twiggy) for instruction. An enduring classic! (RA)
  

PUBLIC IMAGE LTD - Public Image b/w The Cowboy Song (Light In The Attic) 
 Less than a year after being sacked by the Sex Pistols, vocalist Johnny Rotten assembled two of his mates (Keith Levene and Jah Wobble) plus Canadian drummer Jim Walker and set about  changing popular music and punk preconceptions. This anthem for the post-punk generation features a deep bass line influenced by dub reggae, dissonant atmospheric guitar and a pounding beat. The lyrics are an attack on the press, punk and perhaps even his former band mates. Catchy as hell and instantly danceable, this is one track that merits its cult status. The Cowboy Song sounds like a bunch of guys messing about in the studio.  (RA)    



The HANDSOME NEDS- In Spite of The Danger b/w Ain't No Room For Cheatin' (Cameron House)
A band named after its frontman Handsome Ned. This guy was a legend in Toronto during the early eighties as he almost singlehandedly re-introduced country and rockabilly music to downtown hipsters and punks. Make no mistake, this was no parody or piss-take on the genre. He meant it man! A true talent and great voice who, like his heroes Gram Parsons and Hank Williams, died much too young. Both songs are available elsewhere on compilation albums but it's great to spin this on 45rpm.
(RA)


HAWKWIND - Urban Guerilla b/w Brainbox Pollution (40th Anniversary Edition) (EMI)
 This gem from 1973 was banned by the BBC because it coincided with IRA bombings in London around that time. Management also thought it wise to pull it from the shelves although it hit #39 on the charts. Lyrics deal with street violence, bomb making, class war and anarchism. The flip side is a more conventional drug-fueled rock and roll jam that Hawkwind were so good at. Nice. (RA)


THE FALL - Sir William Wray 7" (Cherry Red) 
 Admittedly I haven't followed this band in quite some time, but upon first listen it sure sounds like vintage Fall to me. Sir William Wray and Jetplane are both driven by melodious keyboards with Mark E, Smith ranting about who knows what. The flip side has Hittite Man which is more of a garage rocker with a great guitar riff. Not your average literary post-punk drunken session. (RA)    


THE UNDERTONES - Much Too Late b/w When It Hurts I Count To Ten 7" (Flaming June)
  This is the first release of new material by this band since 2007. Both sides show strong sixties influences with good energy and nice guitar work, but diehard fans of their old material will no doubt miss the trademark Ramones-influenced pop-punk that made these guys famous. I was hoping for more. Good but not essential.  (RA)  


PINK FLOYD - See Emily Play b/w Scarecrow  (EMI)
 This fantastic single originally saw the light of day in June 1967. The fact that such a whimsical piece of English psychedelia would crack the top ten charts is indeed a testament to the times. This is Syd Barrett's Pink Floyd at their best. This song has it all: deranged organ, interesting slide guitar, great bass line and Syd's signature vocals. The b-side Scarecrow sounds like a children's song from a few centuries ago driven again by Richard Wright's incredibly cool organ and Syd's musings on the life of a scarecrow. This special edition comes with a fold out reproduction poster advertising the release of this single. Classic! (RA)


HUSKER DU - Amusement b/w Statues + bonus 7" (Numero)
 An excellent reissue of this band's first vinyl release with a bonus 7" containing two studio tracks. This goes way back in time before the major label, before their classic SST albums and even before their early blistering hardcore madness.  This shows a band creating and doing their own thing while being influenced by post-punk and the oncoming hardcore assault that would soon find its way into every American suburban neighbourhood. Even if you're just a casual fan of this Minneapolis trio, this is highly recommended. (RA)
   

MICHAEL FEUERSTACK - Shadow b/w Wolves 7" (Forward Music) 
 I hadn't heard any new material by this guy (former Moncton resident) in years but this is not what I had expected. The quiet vocals and soft finger-picking guitar that I remember from yesteryear have been traded in (at least on this record) for some serious catchy-as-hell pop hooks and phrasing that brings to mind Joel Plaskett and Elvis Costello. Good job. (RA)



SMALL FACES - Green Circles (mono) b/w Green Circles (stereo) (Charly)
 An often overlooked gem by this great band. It is a mid-paced soft psych number that sounds like a calm Syd Barrett fronting The Who. This has great melody and with an organ that sounds a bit like a harpsichord, it is a fine example of sixties mod pop art rock.  Excellent. (RA)    


SMALL FACES - Here Come The Nice b/w Talk To You  7" (Charly) 
 A brilliant piece of British psychedelic pop from 1967 by this seminal mod band. The obvious drug reference and brilliant pop art mish-mash made this an instant classic. This was their first release on Andrew Loog Oldham's Immediate label and it made it up to number 12 in the UK charts. The flip is a tough R&B number that harkens back to their earlier sound. Nice picture sleeve. (RA)

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Those Who Served: Alan Myers R.I.P.

It was with shock and then ultimately with great sadness that I heard of Alan Myers' passing today. He was best known as the human metronome behind the drum kit for celebrated New Wave band DEVO. Myers joined the band in 1976 and stayed for ten years and recorded seven albums with the group. He left the band in 1986 due to his objections over the increased use of electronic drums. His drumming was both inventive (Jocko Homo) as well as highly energetic (Whip It). Aged 58, Alan died on Monday June 24th of brain cancer. So long chum. Thanks for the music.  (RA)

Monday, June 17, 2013

Gig Notice: Purple Knight, Earth AD, Mars Creation 06/22/2013

Who: Purple Knight, Earth AD, Mars Creation
When: Friday June 21st, 2013
Where: Esquire Tavern
Cost: $6
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/157598984419135/

Saturday, June 8, 2013

Book Review: Wired Up! Glam, Proto Punk, And Bubblegum - European Picture Sleeves 1970-1976

Wired Up! Glam, Proto Punk, And Bubblegum - European Picture Sleeves 1970-1976
by Jeremy Thompson and Mary Blout (Wired Up Media Inc.)

Holy smokes. A book after my own heart. If I had the money, I would have commissioned someone to write this years ago. Something amazing happened when two graphic designers who also happen to be record collectors got down to serious work. Wired Up! is part coffee table book and part reference book. The hundreds of fantastic reproductions of 45rpm sleeves make this perfect eye candy for blokes like me. Represented here are the popular (The Sweet, Slade, Geordie, Sparks), the cool (Milk N' Cookies, New York Dolls) and the hilarious (Zappo, Ramma Damma) plus many more artists with varying degrees of success. For folks who are new to the genre, the preface by Robin Wills (Barracudas) and the great informative interviews with Brett Smiley, The Jook, Iron Virgin, Hector and others will help put a bit of context to the what's being laid out in front of your eyes. Highly recommended! (RA)

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Those Who Served: Trevor Bolder and Ray Manzarek

Ouch! As times passes it is inevitable that we are losing important and pioneering rock and rollers at an alarming rate. In the past few days we have lost not one, but two musicians who have a secure place in my record collection.

Ray Mazarek (b. 1939 - d. 2013) keyboardist for L.A. legends The Doors passed away on Monday May 20th at the age of 74 after suffering from bile duct cancer. His signature playing was key to the Doors sound as he played great melody as well as filling in for a non-existent bassist. After singer Jim Morrison's untimely death and the eventual break-up of the band, Manzarek went on to produce two fantastic albums by L.A. punk band X. The Doors were a huge influence on many punk and post-punk bands but none more so than the Stranglers whose keyboardist Dave Greenfield was an obvious student of the Manzarek sound. Here's just a sample of the cool cats who have covered the Doors: The Ramones, Echo & The Bunnymen, UK Subs, Billy Idol, DOA, The Damned, Joan Jett, The Cure and Half Japanese. Rest in peace Ray.

 Trevor Bolder (b. 1950 - d. 2013) bassist extraordinaire for David Bowie's Spiders From Mars. This guy played on what could arguably be some of the best pre-punk seventies rock albums ever. Check out Hunky Dory (1971), The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars (1972) and Aladdin Sane (1973). These are monumental albums in the history of rock music. What a recorded legacy he leaves! After his tenure with Bowie, Bolder joined Uriah Heep and later Wishbone Ash. He died of pancreatic cancer on May 21, 2013 aged 62. 




 

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

GIG CALENDAR UPDATE 05/22/2013

Who: Fear of Lipstick, Weekend Dads, The Savage Young
When: Saturday May 25th, 2013
Where: Le Caveau
Cost: $5
Link:https://www.facebook.com/events/497957370251513/?

Who: Riot Porn (Montreal)
When: Tuesday May 28th, 20139PM
Where: Plan B
Cost:
Link:

Who: TV Freaks (Hamilton, ON), Mouthbreathers (Sackville),
Beaten Hearts
When: Friday May 31, 2013  10PM
Where: Royal Canadian Legion  (15 Lorne Street, Sackville NB)
Cost: $6
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/459099750841027/

Who: TV Freaks (Hamilton, ON), Rabid Reaction, Impulse Items
When: Tuesday June 4, 2013
Where: Plan B Lounge  9PM
Cost:  $6
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/339556492834202/


Who: Ketamines (Toronto), Beaten Hearts, Zebrassieres (Toronto), Weekend Dads
When:  Wednesday June 5, 2013
Where: Esquire Tavern
Cost: ???
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/192011064284832/

Who: Thalidomy Kids, Big Dick (Ottawa), Feral Trash  (Dual Record Release Party)
When: Friday June 14, 2013  10PM
Where: Le Caveau
Cost:
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/155179774660342/


Who: Mesrine (Montreal), Hardcharger (Fredericton), Rabid Reaction
When: Sunday July 28, 2013
Where:  Plan B Lounge  9PM
Cost: $7
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/531278390262552/

Saturday, May 11, 2013

Gig Review: DOOM in Halifax 04/09/2013

Pre-history
 I first heard Doom in the late 1980's at my friend Denis Marquette's house on a Sunday afternoon.  He used to sell records from his home and had ordered a copy of the War Crimes LP by an English band named Doom. We were both (and still are) massive Discharge fans and this new band were being billed as the next logical successor to that aggressive politically-aware British hardcore dynasty. I recall being quite impressed by the music but admittedly, I was not quite ready for the guttural vocals that I automatically equated with death metal. I passed on purchasing the record mostly because it was an expensive import and it had a slight warp. Despite this first encounter with Doom, I managed to keep their name stored in my memory bank.
 Fast forward to the early 1990's and I pick up a very reasonably priced 7" by Doom entitled Police Bastard. This time, I was ready. I dug the tunes, the lyrics and the aesthetics. Over the years, I casually followed the band's career and picked some more records along the way. As their legend grew, they managed to maintain their sound throughout the years without straying into grindcore or metal. They have also spawned many imitators who usually fall short of the mark.

Exciting News
 This winter I heard through the grapevine that the band would embark on their very first Canadian tour and would be making a stop in Halifax, NS. I immediately set upon making arrangements and contacting potential traveling partners (Daryl and Billy). On the day of the gig, we did the usual: check in to the hotel, grab a bite to eat as well as some pints, then head to the record stores. I was surprised to learn that Taz Records had moved locations yet again. How many times is that? Six?

The Show
 Gus' Pub is, for lack of a better description, a hipster dive-bar. It's not fancy but functions well with a small stage for live music, cold beer, food counter at the back and video lottery machines. On this day, all the tables and chairs were packed away in order to accommodate the throngs of people. Lots of familiar faces from the 1990's punk scene were in attendance. From the Halifax crew there was D-Rock, Colleen Britton, Cara MacDonald and Ian Hart. Saint John was represented by Daryl Buote and Gavin MacNeil. Scott Douthwright seemed to be the only geezer from the antiquated Moncton squad other than myself and the only guy from Fredericton was Big Dan. Drinks were flowing and 
laughter was plentiful. Lots of Motorhead and Napalm Death t-shirts were seen.    

 

 Opening acts were cut from the same cloth; fast and unrelenting. Sleigth were local young guys belting out grind/hardcore beats over guttural vocals during their very short set. Life Chain were fast  hardcore and were sounding slightly European in their approach. I would like to hear some recordings soon. Vancouver's Systematik were on next. Comprised of members of Unlearn and Vacant State, their experience was immediately apparent as the energy level was high and their set was tight and concise. They no doubt benefited from weeks of touring. Local heroes Napalm Raid stepped on next and were a real treat. Since their bassist resides in Montreal, they rarely appear locally or regionally preferring to tour all over this continent. This hometown show was special indeed as they got to play with one of their greatest influences. Their set, as always, was amazing and the hometown crowd responded in kind. They are truly of international caliber. Fantastic!  


 Doom were everything I expected and more. Unassuming and ferocious at the same time. Four polite Brits making such a glorious noise. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd went absolute ballistic. I was up front attempting to take photographs but after three or four songs I realized it was futile to get something in focus so I retired on the perimeter of the chaos dance. Despite a lack of sleep after traveling many hours from Western Canada, the lads really gave it up. The audience were thrilled beyond belief and went absolutely crazy when the band played such classics as Police Bastard and Exploitation. After the gig, we got to chat with Bri (guitar) and Denis (vocals) and they were as expected, very nice, down to earth and polite. Extra points to bassist Scoot for sporting a Voivod t-shirt. Long live Doom!
             


          

Thursday, April 25, 2013

GIG CALENDAR UPDATE
















Who: The Robins, Rabid Reaction, Blotto
When: Friday April 26th, 2013  10PM
Where: The Esquire Tavern
Cost: $4
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/150691078436544/


 







Who: 3 Inches of Blood, Goatwhore, Orchid's Curse, Konjurer
When: Friday April 26th, 2013 10PM
Where: The OC Club
Cost: $17 advance, $22 at door
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/477966758927358/permalink/507986559258711/
















Who: Outtacontroller (Halifax), Beaten Hearts, Which Witch Is Which
When: Saturday April 27, 2013  10PM
Where: The Caveau (downstairs at the OC Club)
Cost: ??
Links:https://www.facebook.com/events/589994051029785/
















Who: Impulse Items, The Human Comedy, The Savage Young
When: Sunday April 28th, 2013
Where: Wize Guyz Pub (Robinson Street)
Cost: no cover
Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/234397170036791