Moncton Gig Alert: New Year's Eve 2015

Who: The Human Comedy, Salvador Deli-Meats, Lester Slade and Complete Dicks
What: Complete DIY New Years' Eve Party
When: Thursday Dec 31, 2015  8PM
Where: Claude's House
Why: better than staying home watching the tube
Cost: $5
Link: NEW YEARS EVE with THE HUMAN COMEDY| SALVADOR DELI-MEATS| LESTER SLADE| COMPLETE DICKS

Moncton Gig Alert: Hope, The Hockey Fight and Deamons @ Esquire Tavern Wednesday December 23, 2015

Who: Hope, The Hockey Fight (Calgary) and Deamons
What: pre-Christmas punk rock show
When: Wednesday December 3, 2015 10PM
Where: Esquire Tavern
Why: If you feel like partying just a little early
Cost: $8
Link: XMAS SHOW

Moncton Gig Alert: Punk Rock Chili Cook-Off w/ Hard Charger, Chainsaw Boogie, Warsick + Travis Riot @ Esquire Saturday December 19, 2015

Who: Hard Charger (Fredericton), Chainsaw Boogie (Sussex), Warsick, Travis Riot (Amherst)
What: All kindza fast, noisy, punk/hardcore
When: Saturday December 19, 2015  9:30PM
Where: Esquire Tavern
Why: chili and punk rock on a Saturday night
Cost: $7 at door / $3 per cup of chili
Link: Punk Rock Chili Cook-off! @ The Esquire Dec.19th

Moncton Gig Alert: Neck (Ottawa), Outtacontroller (Halifax) @ Claude's House Thursday December 3, 2015

Who: Neck (Ottawa), Outtacontroller (Halifax) and Riet Soda
What: melodic high energy punk rock
When: Thursday December 3, 2015  8PM
Where: Claude's House
Why: Ottawa touring band
Cost: $5
Link: NECK // OUTTACONTROLLER // RIET SODA

AKG Moncton Rock n' Roll News: Pre-Christmas 2015 Edition

The Impulse Items are going through some personnel changes it seems. Firstly, drummer Emily Ratface Boutillier has left the band after four years due to work schedule conflicts. She does however remain drummer for her other band the Phone Jerks. Secondly, it is rumoured that PJ Dunphy may be joining the group as a second guitarist or a drummer.

Speaking of PJ, his dormant band Which Witch Is Which is dormant no longer and are flying out to Newfoundland for a couple of shows and should be playing locally very soon.

Local record store counter guru Jesse LeBlanc has been picked to be the touring drummer for Halifax's Outtacontroller. Main stick man Chris usually stays close to home for the time being since he has a young family to care for.

Nerve Button have finally posted some songs on a bandcamp page for all to enjoy. Sounding mighty fine.

And finally, we are sad to announce the sudden passing of Eric Bourque aka Jedi Eric. Eric served as drummer for locals acts such the Dead Fucks, Knife Party and Rabid Reaction before moving to Ontario and playing for Careers In Science. Rest in peace friend.

Jedi Eric (1985-2015)

Moncton Gig Alert: Outtacontroller @ Esquire - La Querelle @ Claude's House Friday November 27, 2015

Who: Outtacontroller (Halifax), Disasterbaters, Phone Jerks, Last Museum
What: Outtacontroller's release show for their new album!
When: Friday November 27, 2015  10PM
Where: Esquire Tavern
Why: It's Friday night punk rock and roll!
Cost: $5
Link: OUTTACONTROLLER Television Zombie LP Release Show

Who: La Querelle (Montreal), Blotto, Leather Jackal
What: all-ages Friday night punk rock bill
When: Friday November 27, 2015  8PM
Where: Claude's House
Why: support DIY
Cost: $5
Link: LA QUERELLE (MTL) // BLOTTO // LEATHER JACKAL

Moncton Gig Alert: Brian Baker and The Memphis Knights / The Shakedown Combo

Who: Brian Baker and The Memphis Knights (Saint-John), The Shakedown Combo (Amherst, NS)
What: Rockabilly, rock and roll, surf, country
When: Friday November 20, 2015  10PM
Where: Plan B Lounge
Why: it's friday night rock n' roll baby!
Cost: ??
Link: Memphis Knights Moncton NB Album Release with the Shakedown Combo.

Moncton Gig Alert: Surveillance, Soaring Sirens, Manholes @ Claude's House November 12, 2015

Who: Surveillance (Halifax), Soaring Sirens, Manholes
What: grunge/punk/pop/noise
When: Thursday November 12, 2015  8PM
Where: Claude's House
Why: it's almost the weekend
Cost: $5
Link: SURVEILLANCE/ SOARING SIRENS/ MANHOLES

Moncton Gig Alert: Pressgang Mutiny @ Plan B November 9, 2015

Who: Pressgang Mutiny (Toronto)
What: rollicking sea shanties by the way of Upper Canada
When: Monday November 9, 2015  9:30PM
Where: Plan B Lounge
Why: if you ever needed a soundtrack for a Monday night drinking session
Cost: $5 ??
Link: Pressgang Mutiny

Sackville Gig Alert: Watermelon Slim, Big Dave McLean and Joe Murphy Saturday November 7, 2015

Who: Watermelon Slim (Oklahoma), Big Dave McLean (Winnipeg), Joe Murphy (Halifax)
What: Blues
When: Saturday November 7, 2015  9PM
Where: George's Roadhouse,  Sackville NB
Why: Three great blues players onstage at the same time
Cost: $15
Link: TBS Presents Watermelon Slim, Joe Murphy and Big Dave McClain

Moncton/Sackville Gig Alert: Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On... Oct 21 - 26, 2015

Who: Negura Bunget (Romania), Grimegod (Romania), Dynfari (Iceland)
What: Transylvanian progressive folk black metal, Romanian emotional metal, Icelandic atmospheric black metal
When: Wednesday Oct 21, 2015  9PM
Where: Esquire Tavern
Why: when's the last time you had three European metal bands in town?
Cost: $15 at door
Link: NEGURA BUNGET ☨ GRIMEGOD ☨ DYNFARI ☨☨☨ ESQUIRE TAVERN

Who: Alvvays (Toronto), Mardeen (Cape Breton, NS), Partner (Sackville)
What: Loud jangle c-86 pop, indie rock, experimental Canadiana
When: Thursday Oct 22, 2015  9PM
Where: Tide and Boar Ballroom
Why: Alvvays may get too busy in the near future to visit us
Cost: $18 plus fees
Link: http://alvvays.com/

Who: Alice Cooper (USA)
What: classic shock rock originator
When: Thursday October 22, 2015  8PM
Where: Casino NB
Why: legendary rocker who has influenced countless bands over the years
Cost: $89.99 - $129.99
Link: http://www.casinonb.ca/alice-cooper

Who: The Lord Almightys (Toronto), The Pale Lips (Montreal), The Disasterbaters
What: power pop, punk, garage, lo-fi rock
When: Thursday October 22, 2015  8PM
Where: Claude's House
Why: Myles Deck's best band in our opinion
Cost: $5
Link: THE LORD ALMIGHTYS//PALE LIPS//DISASTERBATERS

Who: Nick Ferrio (Peterborough, Ont), Sean Conway (Peterborough, Ont)
What: indie country folk, punk country doo-wop
When: Thursday October 22, 2015  10PM
Where: Thunder and Lightning (Sackville)
Cost: $6
Link: SappyFest Presents: Nick Ferrio + Sean Conway

Who: Alvvays (Toronto), Mardeen (Cape Breton, NS), Partner (Sackville)
What: Loud jangle c-86 pop, indie rock, experimental Canadiana in a college town setting
When: Friday October 23, 2015  10PM
Where: George's Fabulous Roadhouse (Sackville)
Why: They are Sappy Fest favourites
Cost: $15
Link: SappyFest Presents: Alvvays w/ Mardeen + Partner - October 23rd

Who: July Talk (Toronto), Dear Rouge (Vancouver)
What: energetic indie rock, electronic pop-rock
When: Saturday October 24, 2015  doors at 8PM
Where: Tide and Boar Ballroom
Cost: $23 plus fees
Link: July Talk at Tide and Boar

Who: Cancer Bats (Toronto), A Sight For Sewn Eyes (Halifax), Warsick
What: modern hardcore, metalcore and crusty d-beat
When: Monday October 26, 2015 10PM
Where: Tide and Boar Ballroom
Why: Get to see Warsick on a bigger stage
Cost: $15 advance / $20 at the door
Link: Cancer Bats in Moncton

Moncton Gig Alert: Soaring Sirens / Fuzz Fiction / Fuck The Facts this weekend October 17 and 18, 2015

Who: Soaring Sirens, Motherhood, Little You Little Me
What: Indie rock from Southern New Brunswick
When: Saturday October 17, 2015  6PM
Where: Spin-It Records
Why: free all-ages in-store show
Cost: free!!!
Link: SOARING SIRENS // MOTHERHOOD // LITTLE YOU LITTLE ME // SPIN-IT RECORDS OCT17

Who: Fuzz Fiction, Les Travleux
What: indie rock and Acadian prog rock
When: Saturday October 17, 2015  10PM
Where: Tide and Boar Gastro Pub
Cost: ??
Link: fuzz fiction

Who: Fuck The Facts (Ottawa), Fear Agent, Vomitself
What: grindcore, thrash, sludgecore
When: Sunday October 18, 2015  9PM
Why: in case you don't work early on Monday morning
Where: Esquire Tavern
Cost: $10
Link: FUCK THE FACTS Return to Moncton!!!! /w Fear Agent + Vomitself

Ack! A little tardy but not too late edition of Moncton Gig Alert: Wednesday October 14, 2015

Who: Vampires (Winnipeg), Loud Buttface Grunge, Deamons
What: indie rock noise garage punk etc.
When: Tuesday October 14, 2015  8PM
Where: Claude's House
Cost: $5
Link: VAMPIRES (Winnipeg) // LOUD BUTTFACE GRUNGE // DEAMONS @ Claude's House

Who: Whitehorse (Hamilton, Ont), Terra Lightfoot (Hamilton, Ont)
What: great singer-songwriting duo
When: Tuesday Oct 14, 2015  8PM
Where: Capitol Theater
Cost: ??
Link: WHITEHORSE

Moncton Gig Alert: Rock and Roll Long Weekend with Fuzz Fiction, Neighbourhood Watch and the Monoxides !

Who: Fuzz Fiction, Soaring Sirens, The Almighty Rhombus (Sudbury, Ontario)
What: all manner of indie pop garage rock
When: Friday October 9, 2015  10PM
Where: Esquire Tavern
Why: it's start of a long weekend
Cost: ???
Link: Fuzz Fiction ± Soaring Sirens ± The Almighty Rhombus @ Esquire Tavern!

Who: Neighbourhood Watch (Fredericton), Warsick, Nerve Button
What: 1980's Fredericton hardcore reunion plus some noisey d-beat and mock rock
When: Saturday October 10, 2015  10PM
Where: Plan B Lounge
Why: Legendary Maritime punk band reunites with original line-up
Cost: $5 (very affordable)
Link: Neighbourhood Watch @ Plan B Moncton NB

Who: The Monoxides, Outtacontroller (Halifax)
What: Energetic 1990's hard rock and stellar Halifax punk pop
When: Saturday October 10, 2015  10PM
Where: Tide and Boar Ballroom
Why: These boys don't play very often
Cost: $13
Link: The Monoxides // Outtacontroller // Presented by Mud City Meltdown // Tide & Boar Ballroom // October 10th

Moncton Gig Alert: Fred Eaglesmith on Wednesday Sept 30 / Frankie and Jimmy on Thursday Oct 1

Who: Fred Eaglesmith
What: rock n' roll, country, bluegrass, folk
When: Wednesday September 30, 2015
Where: Tide and Boar Ballroom
Why: one of the best living songwriters in Canada
Cost: $23
Link: Fred Eaglesmith September 30th at the Tide & Boar Ballroom

Who: Frankie and Jimmy, Richie Bourbon
What: dirty, raw, lo-fi blues trash from Hamilton
When: Thursday October 1st, 2015
Where: Plan B Lounge
Why: music from the Hammer is usually quite good
Cost: $5
Link: Frankie & Jimmy (Hamilton, Ontario) with Richie Bourbon (The Disasterbaters

Moncton Gig Alert: Friday Sept 25 Deamons cassette release, Saturday Sept 26 Mustangs farewell show

Who: Deamons, Boucane, Blotto, Last Museum
What: Deamons cassette release party with punk, atmospheric black metal, art damage noise, new ambient drone
When: Friday September 25, 2015  10PM
Where: Esquire Tavern
Why: lots of newer bands
Cost: $5
Link: Deamons ✞ Boucane ✞ Blotto ✞ Last Museum @ Esquire Tavern

Who: The Mustangs
What: Sixties and Seventies Rock and Roll
When: Saturday September 26, 2015
Where: The Moncton Lions Club
Why: Last show for this iconic local sixties band
Cost: $20
Link: The Mustangs Farewell Show

AKG Moncton Rock n' Roll News Summer's End 2015 Edition

Holy smokes! The Summer of 2015 was definitely busy, hot, humid and rockin'! One of the most memorable in recent history. Here's a rundown as seen through the eyes of the AKG.

With so many shows around town, many local bands got to perform multiple times. Among the busiest were The Disasterbaters, Fear Agent, Warsick and the Phone Jerks. It seems like we didn't go one week without one of these fine acts gracing a local stage. So now it's trivia time, which of the aforementioned bands has played the most this Summer?

Speaking of frequent performances, how many times have Halifax's Outtacontroller rocked this town in 2015? I believe they have at least two more shows scheduled before year's end.

Dark punkers Feral Trash reconvened after a long dormancy to play the much-celebrated Ottawa Explosion and managed to kick butt. Eric and Ilisha still live in Ottawa while Jesse remains in Moncton. Will this be a long-distance affair or the inevitable end of this fab threesome?

Missing In Action: After three consecutive fun years, the Maritime Rockabilly Shakedown weekender festival in nearby Amherst, NS may have unfortunately run its course. The festival featured original rockabilly pioneers, 80's revivalists, new up and comers as well as local rock and roll acts. It may have been an ambitious endeavour, but let's tip our hats to Davey, Gill and Kim of the Shakedown Combo for putting the blood, sweat and tears. Past performers included Bloodshot Bill (Montreal), The Royal Crowns (Toronto), Lee Rocker (USA), Johnny Power (USA) and Tim Polecat (UK). We sincerely hope the MARS Fest returns again someday.

Danny's trousers are still on for now.

They say it's his birthday: Impulse Items vocalist Danny Bourque celebrated his birthday by donning his birthday suit during much of his performance at a recent gig by his band. Five bucks goes a long way these days.

Controversy: NYC's The Casualties had their August 22 Moncton date cancelled amid much controversy due to allegations of sexual assault against vocalist Jorge Herrera. Although there is no proof or criminal charges forthcoming, boycotts and cancellations have dogged the band for the past few years and do not seem to be going away. Many of their scheduled shows in Canadian cities were also cancelled which pretty much scrapped the whole tour.

Sappy Fest: This year was the 10th anniversary of the internationally beloved indie pop festival held in the beautiful town of Sackville, NB. It seemed pretty low key this year according to attendees with no big names or headliners to draw the casual listener. Cool names that we wish we could have seen include Speedy Ortiz, Pup, Strange Attractor as well as old friends Moonsocket and Michael Feuerstack.

Deadfucks reunion show

Love Reissues: Someone at Sub Pop Records had the foresight and brains to reissue Love Tara, the much-loved 1993 debut album by Eric's Trip. Since an original pressing will set you back some serious coin, the reissues have been selling briskly at Spin-It Records.

The Disasterbaters, Moncton's shaggy, unruly garage punk trio are reportedly releasing a seven inch record via Shake Records from Victoria, BC. We hope that it captures all the crunch and all the dirt.

No Funswick Fest was a great weekend punk rock shin-ding brought to us by the fine folks in the Dirty Kills back in early July. We had bands visiting from Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, PEI and even Texas. Lots of fun and no doubt lots of work and stress. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.

Local glam punk bubblegum garage agitators Nerve Button recently laid down some tracks with Kyle McDonald (Zaum) at the board. We hope to hear the results soon.

Moncton loud rockers the Motorleague have been busy readying up a new album entitled Holding Patterns (October 16th release date) and also supporting the likes of Godsmack and Sevendust at large venues. Yes, the new long player will appear on the vinyl format.

It was also a Summer of the visiting veteran Canadian bands (of the loud and fast variety). We had Grimskunk, Voivod, Ripcordz and Dayglo Abortions come around to blast our ears and each and every one of them were showing no signs of slowing down.

Cretin from the Dayglo Abortions

Moncton shock and humour punks the Deadfucks held a one-time reunion gig at the Esquire in August that was very well attended. The band played great like no time had passed. No nudity or Strawberry Quik this time, but there was a bit of entertainment when an enraged/drunk boyfriend tried to attack the singer for Nerve Button after their opening set. Seems like his girlfriend was offended somehow. Ah, it's only rock and roll but I like it.

Former Spin-It Records staffer and Feral Trash frontman Eric Neurotic came down for a week from Ottawa to visit friends and family. He even managed to perform an impressive cover set with the Shats, that mysterious band that pops up every couple of years.

Local thrashers Fear Agent are breaking in a new vocalist in the form of Julian Merlin formerly of Sackville's Greasebeast.

We hadn't seen the Adhesives in a long long time, but were very impressed with their opening set at the Dayglo Abortions show in August. New members taking up the guitar and drum duties are Mitchie and Rob from Warsick. And speaking of Warsick, the lads just got a positive review in a recent issue of the much-respected MaximumRocknroll. Congrats boys.

Some rad bands worth mentioning include The Famines, Hag Face, FLQ, Pow Wows, Towanda, Hard Charger, Blotto, Zaum, Kappa Chow, Purple Knight, Steve Earle, The Robins, Phoebe Legere, Deamons, Sintax Error, Hassler, Sexface, Petunia, Minimalist Jug Band, AC/DC, Superlove, Thee Requiems, Don't Surrender and Crossed Wires.

Eric Neurotic channeling his inner Westerberg

Moncton Gig Alerts: Ripcordz @ Esquire, The Shats @ Claude's House, Hag Face @ Claude's / September 11, 12, and 14, 2015

Who: The Ripcordz (Montreal), The Robins, Warsick
What: vintage Canadian punk meets new brickwall crust punk
When: Friday September 11, 2015  10PM
Where: Esquire Tavern
Why: It's been over a decade since The Ripcordz have been here
Cost: $10
Link: THE RIPCORDZ return to Moncton!!!! /w The Robins + Warsick

Who: The Shats, Crossed Wires (Halifax), FLQ (Toronto)
What: all-ages gig with mysterious costumed punk, indie rock, pissed off punk rawk
When: Saturday September 12, 2015  7:30PM
Where: Claude's House
Why: Eric Neurotic is visiting from Upper Canada
Cost: PWYC

Who: Hag Face (Calgary), Babysitter (Montreal), Diffident Dance Party
What: all-ages gig with witch punk, lo-fi garage freak out and minimalist weirdo dance tracks
When: Monday September 14, 2015  7:30PM
Where: Claude's House
Why: Two traveling D.I.Y. bands coming through our neck of the woods
Cost: PWYC
Link: HAG FACE//BABYSITTER//DIFFIDENT DANCE PARTY

Gig Alerts: Summer Madness with Casper Skulls, The Cathartics, Sintax Error, Petunia and more...

Who: Thee Requiems, Casper Skulls (Toronto), Richie Bourbon
What: a Wednesday night post-punk indie rock affair
When: Wednesday August 19, 2015  9PM
Where: Plan B Lounge
Cost: $5
Link: Casper Skulls//Thee Requiems//Richie Bourbon

Who: Loud Buttface Grunge, The Cathartics (Halifax), The Red Boy (Toronto), Richie Bourbon
What: punk rock we presume
When: Thursday August 20, 2015  7PM
Where: Claude's House
Why: all-ages show during the summer
Cost: $5 / pwyc
Link: The cathartics//loud buttface grunge//the red boy//richie bourbon

Who: Sintax Error, Les Travleux, Papa ya, DJ Bones
What: Acadie Rock: franco alternative rock/punk/reggae
When: Thursday August 20, 2015  8PM
Where: Aberdeen Cultural Centre
Why: why not?
Cost: $10
Link: http://www.acadierock.ca/

Who: Dumpster Mummy (Halifax), Malixiria, Predecessor (Halifax), Mindless Viscosity
What: Saturday afternoon all-ages metal show
When: Saturday August 22, 2015  5:30PM
Where: Spin-It Records
Cost: free
Link: Dumpster Mummy, Malixiria, Predecessor, Mindless Viscosity @ Spin-it

Who: Crystal Eyes (Calgary), Impulse Items, Ape Monologue
What: Danny's Birthday Extravaganza
When: Saturday August 22, 2015  10PM
Where: Esquire Tavern
Cost: ???
Link: Danny's Birthday Exxxtravangaza w/Impulse Items, Crystal Eyes and Ape Monologue

Who: Hassler (Toronto), Sexface (Montreal), Warsick
What: Hardcore
When: Sunday August 23, 2015  9PM
Where: Esquire Tavern
Why: Three great traveling punk bands playing one show
Cost:  ???
Link: HASSLER // SEXFACE // WARSICK

Who: Petunia, Minimalist Jug Band + special guest
What: Traveling busking pre-rock and roll
When: Tuesday August 25, 2015  9PM
Where: Plan B Lounge
Why: always a good time
Cost: ???
Link: http://planbmoncton.com/

Who: Dead Fucks, Nerve Button, Phone Jerks
What: Dead Fucks reunion show!
When: Saturday August 29, 2015  10PM
Where: Esquire Tavern
Why: Last punk bash of the Summer
Cost: $6
Link: THE DEADFUCKS REUNION?! w/NERVE BUTTON and PHONE JERKS!

Gig Alert: Dirty Kills, Empty Heads, Deamons Tuesday Aug 11, 2015 @ Claude's House

Who: Dirty Kills, Empty Heads (Calgary), Deamons
What: d.i.y. canadian punk
When: Tuesday August 11, 2015  8PM
Where: Claude's House
Why: support a traveling band far from home
Cost: $5
Link: EMPTY HEADS (Calgary, AB) // DIRTY KILLS // DEAMONS

Gig Alerts: Another Week During Rock And Roll Summer!!

Who: Lonely Parade (Peterborough, Ont), Beef Boys (Peterborough, Ont), Salvador Deli Meats
What: jangle indie rock, indie garage rock, indie weirdness
When: Wednesday August 5, 2015  8PM
Where: Claude's House
Why: early show, great bands
Cost: PWYC
Link: Lonely Parade//BEEF BOYS//Salvadore Deli-Meats

Who: Purple Knight, Kappa Chow (Sackville)
What: primitive beat, primal madness, art garage
When: Thursday August 6, 2016  10PM
Where: Esquire Tavern
Why: show over by 1AM apparently
Cost:$6
Link: KAPPA CHOW + PURPLE KNIGHT @ ESQUIRE


Who: Dayglo Abortions (Victoria, BC), Tailgunner (Montreal), The Adhesives
What: Politically incorrect humour hardcore, street punk, soaps and spikes punk
When: Friday August 7, 2015  10PM
Where: Esquire Tavern
Why: see the Dayglos before they drop dead
Cost: $10
Link: DAYGLO ABORTIONS in MONCTON /w Tailgunner + Adhesives!

Who: The Famines (Montreal), Blotto, Matthew William Charles (Philadelphia)
What: noisy proto-art blues punk, art damaged noise, acoustic pop punk folk
When: Saturday August 8, 2015  8PM
Where: Claude's House
Why: starts early, ends early
Cost: PWYC
Link: The FAMINES//BLOTTO//MATTHEW WILLIAM CHARLES


Who: Phoebe Legere (New York)
What: composer,artist, film maker, arranger, songwriter, singer and performer on piano, accordion, guitar, cello, Native American flute, and synthesizer. She works across genres and art forms. She combines science and classical music, painting and poetry, sculpture and engineering, acting and art.
Where: Plan B Lounge
Why: when else will you get to see a transmedia virtuoso such as this hitting town?
Cost: ??
Link: Phoebe Legere