Oct. 3rd 2009
STATE
CULO
RELIGIOUS SS DISORDER
DESPOT
410 Webster Street Grand Rapids Mi
The first hardcore show at the space that used to be know as the mall. This show was a ripper for sure. The turnout was not what I expected but nonetheless all the bands killed it for sure. Starting the show was a new band called DESPOT who has Taylor from past bands like JESUS CRISIS and SHATTERED BADGE so you knew you were getting great intense vocals. They played a killer short set with some really cool songs. They kinda had a POSION IDEA thing going on for a little bit. The guitar was more rock n roll but the drums and vocals were total hardcore. Then the bass had some killer leads and fills. This band could really be great if they keep it going. Next was RSSD who had a rough start but still played a solid set once it all got started. CULO was up next and they were in town recording a ripping 7” for PUNKS BEFORE PROFITS RECORDS and man they played an over the top set of hardcore. It was like an explosion of anger when they started glass bottles being broken and shit just getting fucked up all over the place it was fucking nuts. This band got me so pumped to be at a hardcore show it was great. Really this band is hardcore and is what hardcore should be about angry pissed and over the top. STATE took the (kind of) stage area next. I am not sure what is wrong with people but it seems a band like the STATE should be bringing in huge crowds to there shows. I mean this band has been going at it for 30 years and they keep getting better. This time was the tightest I have seen them yet it was crazy. The best part of the set was it was filled with new tunes that nobody ever heard, but still they killed it with every tune. Bands like this is what makes all this worth it. Some bands get back together and just roll with the punches and run through the motions, but with the STATE they feel it they live it this is the real deal. This band will go down in my world as one the greatest bands I have ever seen or dealt with. I think this is the forth time I have booked then in GR and each time is better then the last. Not only the musical side of things but also its about the kinda people they are. You don’t meet many bands at this point checking out new bands and hanging out with kids at the shows talking about hardcore. These days you get a lot of “I’m older I’m better” bullshit attitude. THE STATE is an American hardcore band we can all be proud of and for those that live in Michigan you got one of the best hardcore bands in the history of the music so show your respect. This entire show was recorded by Matt Poole so check that out in the news section of this site.